The 21st

I haven't received my birthday party photos from Jason yet, but I thought I should actually pen an entry down to revive my quiet blog.. so maybe i'll post the photos when i get back from Bali.

Seriously, I never thought I'll have like a blast on my 21st birthday. Its totally beyond my expectationsI just thought it'll be just another one of those birthdays that slip away in a second.

But its amazing how wonderful and overwhelming my 21st has been. Truly made beautiful by Marco and all of my lovely friends and family! I feel so so loved !!! I think birthdays are so ego-boosting (haha)

After a long decision, I finally made the decision to have a birthday party (possibly inspired by Alvin's party).. And then i was thrown into the decision of churning out the invites list and then sending out sms invites. Its seriously not easy to be a host- i possibly discussed the invites list and who should come to talk to who, who would be left out and everything, and i'm really sorry if some of ya did not receive my sms (either due to my overlook or the screwed up sms service). But I really do love all my friends.=)

Then it was down to the location of the party. I can't emphasize how long i spent goggling and yahoo-ing every night on sites like yum.sg or hungrygowhere.com. I think I can easily name 100 restaurants and their reviews and what they're recommended for.. thanks to my research. I don't think I've even worked so hard for termpapers. heh.

Ask Marco and you'll know how many options i had, and how i eliminated them cos I wanted something special. The party was almost held at the MINT toy museum but due to the bad service and delay in sending me the proposal, I moved the party over to The Central. It was by a stroke of luck that I saw this restaurant, while surfing facebook and clicking at people's photos. I was attacted by the simple vintage deco! And it was also by a stroke of luck that I managed to recognise the background in the photo as Clarke Quay and ta dah, the venue was set.

Then came the task of coordinating the food, budget, drinks, games, decorations.And of course, I must look pretty too, so as expected, loads of brain cells died because of that. a few hours before the party, i went for this free makeup thing by sasa and i almost died cos the "professional" "painted" my face in so many shades I thought i looked like i was some mountain tribe in war paint. So there was a mad rush to buy makeup remover wipes. I loved how my hair looked that day, I totally need to re-perm my hair before i head for Canada!

And mavis being mavis, then spent hours everyday to create the little mini people, the letters and everything I've given to ya all, as well as the decorations on the wall. I added in the "21 facts I bet you didn't know about Mavis" at the last minute cos I think the wall was too bare, and I'm glad you guys enjoyed reading how weird I am..

I hope everyone that came enjoyed the party cos loads of effort and planning went into it. I must apologise for the lack of walking space or anything I've overlooked.. *hugs* I totally love the presents you guys gave me!!!!!!

(ps: cheeks and xuefen: the jumping rabbit made me laugh for super long, and the purple crocodile is now permanently in my bag so that i can show other pple! haha)

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I must really thank my parents, my lovely brother and all my relatives too.


Especially Dad!! who gave me a Visa card and treated all of us to Carnivore (sinful like anything!). awwwwwww... Its really difficult to describe this sense of bliss I have around me, even though my birthday its not here. but it does feel like I've been celebrating for ages cos I'm filled to the brim with loads of love and happiness.

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To Marco:

Last but not least, I'll like to thank my special someone (I wonder if you'll be reading this). i think I've probably nagged at you for spending so much money on my birthday presents more than I've thanked you for making this 21st so memorable, but everything really wouldn't have been possible without you. The scale of your project was really beyond anything I imagined- you actually manage to contact friends that I haven't even said hello to in almost 8 years... and i still made you go through the torture of having to tell me one clue a day (and most of the time asking for more)..



And everyone has been telling me how sweet you are, so I'm glad all my friends love you too, because I can't be more glad that they do..




Thank you sweetheart! saya cinta pada mu =)




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Do visit http://www.happybirthdaymavis.sg/ if you haven't, to see the work of the crazily romantic boyfriend. And thanks for all your well-wishes my friends!!! Mavis Long can't be more happy to have friends like you all!!



ps: lala! i'm so happy to see your well-wishes!!! i miss you like crazy!



As part of my birthday surprise that the boyfriend has been hiding, I'm off to Bali for sweet escapade with him tomorrow! tata~

As promised...

You know how people say babies are only cute when they're not yours
I had this sudden insight last night while doing research on my development psychology essay:
Babies are ONLY CUTE when you don't study and write essays about their development all day long.
For now, babies are killing me..

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V-DAY


Anyways, here's a belated entry about my Valentine's Day =)
Its long overdue, but its still something i wanna blog about..
We went to Sentosa this year for our celebrations...


As well as to take photographs of the pretty flowers at the Garden festival as well as photographs for a STOMP photo competition.


Truckload of photos ahead!





The Garden Festival..


Crowded...



After that, we went to take the Luge ride! and the sky-ride! Super fun.

Anyone wanna go back with me ??









Here's a terrified me at the back of our 2-seater bicycle. haha.




We went to this green field where we took some photos for a V-day photography competition.. and here's one of my personal favourites
And the entry we submitted won!! hoorays.

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Anyway people, one reason why i've been so busy is cos i recently set up a blogshop to sell off all the clothes that I don't like or not suitable for me.
So.. if you guys have any clothes that are like not suitable (old and new also okay) already and you don't want to throw them away, give them to me okay? heh =)

i love nicky

Who is Nicky?
Haha.
He's my hairdresser!
And a really nice and great one at that...
All it took is a trip to the salon that made appreciate the value of good service.
I walked out of the salon, beaming, and telling myself over and over again that I must go back to find him everytime I need a haircut.
And that good feeling has been lasting for days!
so happy.
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On a side note, I've been suffering under my huge workload. I can't remember a time where i watched CSI properly, or had the time to sit down and browse blogs or chill out at cafes instead of mugging in them. So irritated.
For like one day, i was excited that my three mid-terms and countless presentations were over. But But right after that day, i realised to my horror that my research papers were due like SOON.. and it gives me no motivation to know that right after working hard for those research papers, another round of tests were coming, followed immediately by the EXAMS!
goodness!

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Anyway I'm also suffering cos my beloved camera, the one with the pretty floral wrapping finally decide to leave me and died on me!
It showed symptoms like months ago when it vibrated uncontrollably then its life ended when it dropped into a bowl of erm laska from Lerk Thai.
so i'm camera-less and feeling like my life isn't documented during this period.
recommendations for new camera?


I'll blog about my valentine's day and my surprise soon k! after tomorrow. For now, let me drown in citing references for infant development.
argh.

dong dong dong QIANG

I'm not particularly excited about CNY this year maybe because I'm not particularly looking forward to see and greet a houseful of relatives that I don't really know- many of which don't remember who I am, what's my name, whose daughter I am. But to them, I'm probably someone that would appear in their houses once a year to get my ang baos.
But some part of me still loves chinese new year. For one, I finally get a break from school, get a chance to buy new clothes that cost a weeny bit more, new shoes and get together with my cousins for a day out..

So let's begin with the reunion dinner at grandpa's house. I love that house because grandma, like me, adorns her house with bright coloured things and photographs- photographs at document our growth, our parent's childhood, their graduation photos, travel photos and many many ancient memories.

Here's a proud me with my creation before it gets eaten. Ours has an extra packet of crispy biscuits for the kids to enjoy =DAnd here's the grandparents! lovely people. I kinda feel that age's catching up on them bit by bit. more white hairs, they walk more slowly now, they feel tired easily. Its kinda sad really, that its already a fact that they'll be leaving me one day.
Here's the spread! Its a lot more food than those on the table. But the table has no more space for the plates. We normally have enough for lunch and dinner the next day, but they're really great cooks.

Bright and early the next morning , i woke up and started to get ready, wear my nice green dress and make my hair. Please say my didi looks great cos i was his fashion consultant! haha =D
And as usual, we made our way to my grandparents house. And again as usual, we began taking a lot of photos using my camera. And soon, as usual, grandma and jon are going to ask me for the photographs (jon in soft copy and grandma in hardcopy). haha :P

Every year, there would be this period of time after we visit this particular relative's house that we cousins would leave for a day out, leaving the adults to gamble away. We always start brainstorming where to go right after new year has ended because there's always no conclusion and no great ideas. This year, the decision was relatively easier because lunch served at that house was all spicy food, hence where would hungry cousins go? To eat of course! so we ended up at Jurong Point's Fish and Co! Jon kindly asked Marco to join us, so we made a gang of 6.

After we were fed, we headed to the arcade where 6 of us played photohunt and bishi bashi. More hands make bishi bashi easier to win! we were all good at different things! and i was very excited because i seldom get to make it through to the last few stages of the whole game!

Marco treated us to ice-cream later, and yea, we had to head off to another relative's house in the evening.

The day ended with blackjack and lots of winnings! =D i got like 10 blackjacks within 2 hours! i'm a happy girl =) HAPPY CNY people!

food for thought

Haven't really been in a blogging mood recently

I've been desperately trying to inject a certain discipline in my life- on when to sleep, when to wake up, when to go swimming, when to jog, when to stand and sit, how to treat life, treat people...

its pretty tiring to get myself to be more disciplined

but oh well, its making me feel better about myself...

watching more of the Tyra Show works too =)

Many situations have been bothering me..things involving to people i know

i got to know a new friend through lunch just recently.. and the conversation with her got me thinking a lot..

She's tall, pretty, thin, rich, model, beauty queen..

And she was telling me she spends almost 1500 per month, with a monthly allowance from her parents of $500, with her earning the rest to support her spendings.

For once, i got nothing in common to talk to her when it comes to shopping

Because i pride myself on cheap and nice finds in bazaars, flea markets and far east plaza, I practically didn't dare to speak while she tells me about her spending habits

she was asking me about my belt and i was smiling and said i bought it for 3 dollars.

and she was telling me how her belts are from zara and each cost more than 80 each.

and she mainly eats at restaurants (tts why we didn't eat at the sch canteen) and goes for monthly facials, clubs frequently..

i had to smile politely when she asked me to go to spa with her.. with me feeling like i was in another league as time went by

we're 2 girls of the same age, but we lead so different lives!

i can't help but be envious (afterall, the grass is always greener on the other side).. and i really wonder how that life would be.

haha. the closest i came to the high life is this! (thanks to the boyfriend)

High tea!!!

even the ice cream has like so many toppings to go with it!! (i'm so excited! anyone wanna come along this time? its 20 + dollars only !)

look at those cakes!awwwww

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another incident, involved a friend breaking up with her boyfriend who she was with for quite some time, for another guy,

a guy she met for the most a month or two perhaps?

i saw them hugging one day at the mrt station, which confirmed that fact and i dunno why i was actually quite disturbed..

the scene remained in my mind for several days

and i dunno why i feel so heartbroken, whenever i think about the ex-boyfriend

sigh.

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anyway, on a happier note, i'm glad new year is here!!! =D

feel so happy seeing new year decorations everywhere!

yays. looking forward to the long weekend!

festive love

As crowds of people chose to welcome 2008 with a bang, mine past by relatively quietly..
A quiet dinner at Essential Brew with the boyfriend.
I'm really glad the dinner allowed me to dress up!
I've been wearing nothing but tees and shorts and flip-flops for the entire time I was in Cambodia..
I miss my wardrobe, my necklaces, i miss having earrings on my ears, i miss my skirts and jeans!



Beautiful ambience, lovely company, good conversation, delicious food, and some cocktail to round it up..

I think i really look forward to 2008. New year, new resolutions, new experiences ahead.
My new year resolutions seem to be the same old ones i had last year
but let's hope I stick to them this year.
2007 has been really challenging, especially for school
Struggled through the hard work but i'm glad everything paid off
Its amazing how I've grown in the past year
but i'm learnt so much from so many experiences, i'm a different person all together
i think i've learnt not to mind a lot of things- not to be so uptight and conscious over social interactions , that i don't have to be the centre of attraction in a crowd everytime to be loved..
i'm still apprehensive about the new semester though.
I still plough through the class lists to see if there's anyone to sit beside me during lectures
it would freak me out to find that i take half of my modules alone in the past
but oh well,
its time to find some new friends...
so let's be optimistic about it.
i'm going to the gym now (shall not break my new yr resolutions barely a week past the 2008 :P)
so..
i'm looking forward to the clique outing on sat!!!
=D loves

some random photos to share

Here's a photo of me at 3am in Changi Airport with my lugguage.
it weighed a surprising 15kg! it must be the food and sweets i brought along for the kids...
But after shopping there..
[erm.. tell me i didn't buy a lot...]
this photo was taken just halfway through the trip...
and filling up my extra bag with new stuff (i bought like 7 pairs of shoes for me and my family)
i was certain i would exceed the lugguage weight limit
so i began to throw away old clothes!
haha. luckily my luggage weighed 20.4kg at the end of the trip- not overweight!
This was a photograph taken of my hand at the end of painting one day.
i took extra long baths there to get rid of all these everyday!Towards the end of the trip, the leaders brought us to this place called Dead Fish!
its an old creaky place, which was really scary because it was kinda dangerous
my friend almost fell down 3 stories cos the place was really sqeezy and one bad step could send you down to...

THIS...Eeks!