How Am I Coping?

It's been slightly more than a month. Today, I was looking for something which I thought might be in my mama's drawers. Chanced upon the photos that she kept. She's always a happy and easy going person to all who knew her. Can't help but to think how life would be much better with her. Saw the photo that we took during my brother's BMT. It would be a perfect photo if my younger brother was in there too.

Whenever people ask me how am I, I would always say that I'm fine. Yes, it's a fact, I'm really fine. Nothing much has changed with regards to my daily routine. I don't spend half a day crying on bed because I've lost my mama. People say we're strong, relatives worry that we haven't expressed out our emotions. But the fact is, we know what mama wants of us. To live life normally, stay together and be happy. Also, we want her to leave peacefully, knowing that we can take care of ourselves.

But some people just don't understand and kept doing those stupid things to disrupt my mama's peace. Seriously, the only thing that change is that I'm disliking my father even more. If he wants to follow the custom of folding and burning paper on the 49th day, go ahead with the preparation yourself. We don't want to be implicated. We don't want mama to come back to 'bless' us cos that won't be her anymore. I seriously feel like telling him off in the face,"If you're dead, do you want people to make you stay as a wandering ghost and worship you as a deity, but when the fact is that you're a ghost and cannot do anything?!" Shit him man. Other than being more irritating, he haven't contribute anything yet. And guess what, he's watching porn! How faithful a husband he is, isn't he? Hypocrite. Wondering how long can we endure his nonsense... Hmmm...

During this period, I'm very glad that people around showed lots of concern to us. I feel fortunate that I had a elder brother to depend on and a younger brother who is so matured. Also not forgetting, Ben was exceptionally attentive, always by my side whenever he has the time. Have to admit, I'm super pampered and feel so loved by everyone!

Though I did blame the Lord for the incident, I start to realise that not everything that looks bad are bad actually. It's the most unfortunate thing that my mama passed away, but she can finally be freed of all burdens and torture. I'm sad that she's gone, I miss her. I pray that she's at peace, no longer worrying whereever or nowhere she is.

Now, to my daily routine. Studies is still the same. Sian. Haha! Every week looking forward to weekend. Lol! Now, I'm back to being MOM interviewer. Kena balestier the ulu area again. Sigh. But the flexi working hour and good pay is too lucrative. Haha! I'm given 170 cases! *faint* But there's 88 left after one whole day of frantic calling. Hohoho! But house visit will still be a headache. Novena, bishan and tpy. Sigh. Anyway, weekends I'm flea-ing like mad as usual. If you guys think that I'm trying to numb myself or what, then you all are really wrong. The enjoyment of running fleas is so overwhelming that I'm doing 2 on the same day. Passion is the only word that I can think of to explain the tremendous drive in me to be so crazy over fleas. And I'm pulling my younger brother in too. He did his virgin flea with her gf last week and he kept sms-ing me, updating me on the crowd at his side and his sales. Never thought he would so excited. Like sister, like brother. And he's looking forward to the next flea! Lol! =D

The most unfortunate happened to us, but we're most fortunate to be able to tell who's genuine and who's not. We're blessed with caring relative and friends and the maturity to stay positive. Happy or not, we still have to go on with life so why not stay positive and be happy. =D

Ripping My Heart Apart to Let You All Know the Story

My relatives and close friends had known what had happened in my family. To repeat the story over and over again, it's like what this entry title says, it's like tearing my heart apart again and again. I'm not like my father and other insensitive relatives who's able to repeat this story umteen times like it's something to be proud of. Sickening.

My mother left us, on 5th Nov morning around 11am. My younger brother was still asleep, my elder brother went out to buy something, my maid was in the kitchen, my father went out to (supposedly) work and I was on my way home from Ben's place. My phone was running out of battery, so I switched it to super silent mode (w/o sound and vibration). When I alight at Khatib, checked my phone, realised there's 3 missed calls just a min or 2 ago. They're from my brothers and godfather. Called back home, nobody answer. Called my elder brother. I couldn't believe what I heard. My younger brother called back, it was confirmed. I called my godfather, he knew it then too. My mum jumped off the building. I was too taken aback to react. Called Ben to tell him but he could only hear me saying that my mum committed suicide and he was on his way down. Being an optimist, I was still hoping that she survived. Tears streamed down slowly while I gapsed for breath. I can hardly breathe. Walked at my fastest pace and managed to only run a few distance as I was running out of breath. In my heart, I prayed that my mum would be fine.

Somehow, the walk from the train station to my house seems to be longer than usual. On my way, another cousin called and asked me where I was and if I know what had happened. My hope was diminishing as I got nearer to my block. Saw the blue police tentage and a stretcher. I was eyeing on the stretcher hoping that my mother was on it, but no. My hope diminished. Heart sunk. Looking at the tentage, I screamed my hearts out, pulling my hair in distress. Devastated. Couldn't believe. Walked towards the tentage, wanting to see my mum's body, but was stopped by the police. They want me to calm down first. Sat on the stairs, feeling depressed and frustrated. I shouted in madarin scolding her for being a medium end up jumping to her death. My heart was filled with hatred, not towards her but to those who brought this upon her. Scolded the relatives for bringing her to some many temples that caused her to become so crazy. I know I was wrong to blame, but that was a clear fact.

Managed to calmed myself down after venting out my anger. Witness the police searching my mum's body and I took a last look at her. Her last expression, filled with pain and agony. What could I do, walked away in tears. Sat on the stairs again, in daze. Looking opposite my block, saw people gathering there looking at the tentage. I was super angry, but I help my composure. Asked the police to chase them away as I was not comfortable with them staring at the tentage, felt that it was very disrespectful to my mother. They were helpful and helped to chase them away. Why can't people be more considerate and sensitive towards others feeling. It's obvious that it's a suicide case and the daughter was right there feeling devasted upon seeing her dead body, is it really that entertaining to see such a scene? Wait till one day, you get involve in such a scene yourself, won't it be even more entertaining then?

I sat there for don't know how long and decided to go upstairs to show my concern to my brothers and maid. My father was still uncontactable then. He's phone is practically of no use, always uncontactable. Saw my didi, he was very traumatised too. I hugged him tightly and told him that no mama is not around anymore, we have to stay strong together. Looked for the maid and saw her crying. Consoled her and told her that it's nobody's fault and not to be too sad. Sat beside my elder brother, held his hand and apologised for not being home when the incident happened.

I was equally traumatised. Could really remembered what happened in between except that I walked out of my room to ask my relatives to stop discussing about the incident, to be more sensitive to us. Of course, being super gossipers, they soon started gossiping again but lowering down their volume. Then suddenly, they left my house and I thought they really left until the next day then I knew why they left. Ben came shortly after they left. He was to shocked to know what to do. But I felt better with him by my side.

For the funeral, I thought a Buddhist ceremony would be more appropriate for my mum cos she always wanted to become one, but due to my father's roots, she had to get involve in the toaist practices. Till the day she dies, my father still wants her to stay in this belief that caused her death and have no clues that she actually dislike the practise. Why? Because he's such a bossy and sucky husband who only cares about his own needs and wants and nothing else.

I asked my cousin to help me relay the message to my father and guess what? They say until like I forcefully want them to do a Buddhist funeral. Kao eh! Really very imaginative man. I really where their brains are man. Btw, "they" refer to those big mouthed uncles, aunties and my father. Fine, I swallow this accusation, just grumble and didn't make any scene. Peace.

After my mum's body was taken away and the police left, some relatives stayed on for awhile and left. My father's sister arrived at don't know when and start spouting insensitive words saying that we're all doom, no mother, we're going to be doom, blah blah blah. I stayed in the room, blood boiling with Ben calming me down. My elder brother slammed the door. Good job. I walked out of the room, forgotten for what reason le, and she started saying what why never look after my mum la.. blah blah blah... I could stop the volcano inside me, and erupted, telling her that she only know how to talk and she is in no position to comment. My father stood up for her sister scolding me for being disrespectful. Hello, who's being disrespectful. My mother has just died, not yours so keep you mouth shut. My elder brother exploded too. Shouted at them to shut their mouth up and now mama was gone, talk so much for what. If you all are wondering, this auntie is not really that close to my mama. In actual fact, all my father's side relative only know that my mama is a good wife but not in very close terms with her. They only take advantage of her kindness. So it's not insensible that we ask them to shut their bloody mouth up. They only know how to curse, no good words. No wonder all are so screwed up people, luckily we're more bonded to my mother's side.

After creating so much scene, my impression in those relatives were tarnish and I'm the rebellious one. Since I'm the bad guy, then I shall be that all the way. During the Buddhist Chanting ceremony, I left after the 7th page of the sutra. I was seriously pissed off with that guy who kept pointing at the book I was holding and forcing me to chant. I just kept my mouth shut and wanted to kept my cool. After the 2nd page, I told myself, if he do it again on the next page, I would leave. He did it again. On the 3rd, 4th and 5th page, I told myself to endure. On the 6th page, I was super pissed cos he started circling the words he point on the book. I passed him back the sutra and walked away. I'm not a Buddhist and the fact that I sat there to hear the chants, I'd given enough face and respect. You chose to be an irritant so I just had to embarass you. My brother and other cousins were pissed with him too. But I was the only one to walk away cos I only believe in the Lord. Whatever that I do at the funeral, it's just to follow the flow.

But maybe due to the fact that I had told my mother that I'd jump down with her if she jumped (during the period when she had serious depression), no relatives dares to test my patience. And for that auntie, she just siam whenever she sees me. No one dares to comment. Even if they comment, I'll just shoot them back.

I believe most know that I'm stepping into Christianity, thus those practices during the funeral I was very reluctant to follow. But nevermind, only for that few days, I endure with it. While holding the joss sticks and buring the papers overnight, I prayed. And I know that the Lord will understand the situation that I was in and forgive me. Everyday, I chose to take the overnight shift so that I can avoid the crowd that come and pay my mama their last visits. I don't like the noise they create and the things they talk about during the funeral. I just want my mama to have peace. During the night, it was most peaceful, my mama (if she could hear) don't have to feel guilty while hearing those insensible adults spouting nonesense. While buring the joss paper in the night, my cousins would stay up with me and we would have a light and cheerful conversation. That's what my mama wants to see.

Throughout the furneral, 3 of us were very strong. Not much tears shed, except for me crying when I first see my mama lying in the coffin. My father, I didn't really care. Crocodile tears, that's all I can say. If he really loved my mother, she wouldn't have suffered so much. What's the use of continuously crying over my mama's dead body. I hated those who cried non-stop. I repeated this unteem times too, I want my mama to leave in peace, to know that we're strong without her. I don't want to keep her. What's the point? She can't do anything now. If she were to stay, she'll only be guilty and feel irresponsible for leaving us behind. What's the point? Please let her leave peacefully for paradise, where she needs to suffer no more.

Till the day she was cremated, we held back our tears, 3 of us. Except for me again la. I was consoling those who cried telling them that we should be happy that mama is in paradise now, don't cry and let mama go peacefully. Until the last cousin I consoled, I was affected and tears streamed down, but I held back the rest. You may think it's bad, but I feel that it's good for my mother. 3 of us, stood strong in front of my mother, without tears, to send this one united message to her. Leave peacefully, without guilt nor regrets, as 3 of us will always stand strong and support each other. I believe she received the message and left peacefully. Today it's the 7th day. I'm praying very hard that her soul/spirit won't be back. For in the Bible it's stated the the body returns to the Earth, spirit returns to the Lord while the Soul will be casted to hell. These 3 parts together is my mother, but when separated, they are nothing but my mama's carcass. My mama has gone, so nothing should come back. Whatever that returns will be the evil spirit that caused her death. My father don't want to face this fact, still continue to worship. Till death will he see what is he really worshipping. Nothing else but the devil.

Perhaps after reading till here, you may think that my mother is very irresponsible and whatever, but nobody has the rights to criticise her. She's the best mother and will always be loved in our hearts. She didn't choose to take her own life. It wasn't her doing. If she really wanted to die, why would she leave the safe lock when everything important is inside, why would she continue to buy life insurrance for herself when it's not claimable, why would she leave so many things undone to be handled by her 3 children, why did she changed her appointment with her psychiatrist........ She's not an irresponsible mother. It's the evil spirit that claimed her life. Her craziness started after she got herself to become a medium just because other mediums claimed that she should be one. To those who believe in this kind of spirits, please give a second thought. Are they really worth worshipping? Is it out of faith or FEAR. If they're really that holy, why do they need those joss sticks, papers and other offerings in return to the "favour" they do for you. What exactly are you worshipping? Wake up, before it's too late.

I was already thinking of introducing the Lord to my mama a few more years later when I can really understand this religion. But it was too late. To those who had spoken to my mama before her death, nobody will expect her to have jumped cos she looked well. Nothing seems wrong with her. During her craziest state, almost every day, every hour, she would say she want to die, tried to bite her tongue, said she want to jump down the building, but she didn't. Perhaps it was because I help her hand while she was asleep then and prayed for her. To me, the Lord did helped my mama. He prolonged her life, made her had the will to continue living. But the battle between my mama and the evil spirit needs to come to an end. My mother lost. But we're proud of her. We know that she fought hard. She may be concious when she jumped as she called my nephew to tell him to split her assest into 4, but the evil was in control of her actions. I admit I blamed her at first, but later I came to realise it wasn't her. Through prayers, I see the truth. Through prayers, it gave me the courage to be myself. Through prayers, I'm able to stand strong. Through prayers, I understand that she jumped at that time cos none of us will realise. Furthermore, would she want to leave with the regret of not seeing her dearest daughter for one last time? Of course not, she's afraid that if I see her jump, I would follow. She loves us very much and couldn't bear to leave us, but she just wasn't in control of herself.

To those who had read the news articles and choose to believe those bullshit, I can only say that you are stupid. To the stupid ones who entertain those reporters, HYPOCRITES.

Thank you friends for trying to be by my side. Thank you cousins for standing by us. Thank you, my beloved Gong Gong for constantly praying for us. Thank you Lord for holding my hand when I reached out for you. Thank you mama for loving us, for we're able to stay so strong cos we drew strength from your love for us. I believe you've left in peace.

FInally updated! =D

It's been 3 months since I last posted! Needless to say, I've been busy flea-ing around. Lol! To think about it, I had never expected myself to be in this business. Sales isn't the kind of job that I like. As people who knows me well, I'm not that kind who like to approach people. That's also why I only have a few friends, but also the most wonderful people I like to be with. Somehow, this business has changed me. My groups of friends are expending gradually. Through fleas, I've made friends with great people. Due to Iris' (The one who I ran fleas with most of the time in the beginning stage) openness in sharing with me her flea experience, I did the same too. She taught me alot and thanks to her, I'm able to survive in this trade.

Some may think that this is a very unstrategic move as you'll end up with more competitors, instead I should keep everything to myself and let those struggling vendors give up flea-ing. To prevent competition, yes, I should do that. But if you're confident of your business, why would you be afraid of competition? Plus, competition is a source of motivation for one to come out with better products to attract customers. I'm glad to have shared my experience with other vendors and hopefully in some way helped them. I'm not the best in this trade, but I do my best to spread the warmth in this flea culture. Flea market is a shopping paradise with not only great bargains but great people.

I've opened up a lot. Able to interact with people I don't know. No longer the super shy type I was long ago. I'm loving the way I am now. Still feel quite exhausted if I have to interact for long though, but my stamina is improving. Lol!

In the beginning stage, I kept asking myself why I engaged myself in such a not profitable business. During one of the flea at Sentosa on my way back, I cried, asking myself why did I have to do this. I'm glad I didn't allow myself to continue to be depressed. I'm glad that I fought on and is able to support myself now, though the earnings can only barely make my ends meet. It's been only less than a year, but I've been through so much and survived. Haha! It's not easy to flea around, but my passion drives me on. Perhaps this is the only job that will bring me 99.9% satisfaction. I'm not one who likes things to be too systematic, I don't like to blindly follow instructions and I like my voice to be heard. Only through flea can I find the satisfaction of being able to have things done in my own messy way. Haha! =D

Feeling quite sad that there's no good fleas these few weeks, won't be able to satisfy my carving for fleas. Sigh. And this means that I have to survive on bread and water this month! Lol! It's my loss, but it's someone else's gain. Ben must be really happy that he need not help me out at fleas on saturdays and that we can finally spend some quality time together on a weekend. =D

But it's not a norm for me to be so free, isn't it? Yes, I got myself involved in the MOM surveyor job again. Lol! I chose AMK and Novena area. And I'm stupid to not know that Novena area includes Balestier. Don't like going there especially in the night. But nvm, it's only for this month.

This week I'm have one week break from school, but I'm in no mood to study! Argh!!! How can I diverge the passion I have in flea-ing to my studies? I wonder.... Lol!

Flea, flea and more flea!

My constant flea-ing effort is showing some results. Not many online order from customers who patron my booth during fleas, but my namecards are getting lesser. More and more customers are taking my namecards, that means, they're observing our blogshop. =D What I should do now is to upload all my accessories, but I'm too tired to do it. After every flea, I'd have to sleep at least 2 days. Seriously it's super tiring. Hopefully I'd have the mood and energy to upload them soon. =D

My accessories are depleting. Think it's time for batch 4. =D For these 3 weeks of this mth, I had been running fleas every sat. Hoping to go for a fourth one this sat if possible. =D

The last flea I went was at HomeClub, Clarke Quay area. Extremely impressed with the organiser Flea.Fly.Flo.Fun. It's the best flea I've every been to. We, the booth vendors, were given plenty or space, unlike other fleas which always makes me feel suffocated. Probably due to this, shoppers were more willing to take their time to browse through every booth and not rush to get out of the place asap.

I chose an outdoor booth which most people will pass by, so I had an edge over the others. People will tend to spot my booth cos I've got almost everything shoppers usually look for, apparels and accessories. Plus, recently I'd brought along nail polishes which was quite a hit at the flea too.

My booth set up

For this flea, I have the best sales so far. My profit was 2 times the amount for other good fleas. See how little accessories I'm left with:

Left: Arena on 17th, Right: HomeClub on 24th

Look how strategic a place I'd gotten. Just right next to the river! It was super relaxing, but didn't have much time to enjoy the nice atmosphere. And and and, I got to see fireworks!!! The direction I was facing was just where the fireworks were. Others had to rush out to see, while I just sit down there and enjoy while drinking my glass of coke. Hohoho. =D

Yup, I was alone at the flea again. Packing up is alright for me, but pulling back 2 trolleys is super tiring. So, I asked Ben to fetch me again! Lol! Poor him, always have to be my coolie.

Mt Faber with Cousins! =D

Went to Mt Faber with my cousins. It was quite a last minute meet up, arranged only the day before! Lol! Luckily it rained heavily the previous day, so the weather there was very good. Was afraid it might rain cos the forecast stated that it would be partly cloudy. In fact it was super sunny in the afternoon.

We went there with a rough idea of what we'd like to look out for. Went there with Ben once but didn't realise that there was so much to see there. Passed by some abandoned cable cars so took some pictures.

Our first stop, the Henderson Wave. It's really beautiful. The view there is rather nice too. Definitely a good place for relaxation and enjoy the serenity.

The platform is made by wooden planks. Believe that bridge has been there for qiute some time, but apparently the planks are in extremely good condition. Very clean, so we didn't give a second thought before lying on it.

My cousin suggested to have a "jumping" shot. I started out jumping alone first while my cousin tried to take a good shot. Jumped a few times, got fed up and ask her to join me too. We jumped countless time for this shot! Lol!

Then I helped my cousins to take one. I was more pro than them. Lol! Only a few jumps before this good shot. Haha! =DAfter resting there for quite some time, we headed for the forest walk. There were two paths; the earth trail or the elevated walkway. We chose the latter cos it was the easier path though longer. Haha! That walk is definitely much better than tree top walk. Though it wasn't as high, it was long enough and have more things to see. =D

After that, we went to Hortpark. Saw this chair swing in their mini garden and rested there for awhile. So fun sitting on the swing that cost $600+. Hoho.

There's alot to see inside Hortpark. There's like a demo room decorated with plants. Super cosy, we sat in there and chatted for quite awhile, remiscing our childhood times together and talked about what we want to do in the future.

Other than these, there are several different themed gardens. There's a butterfly garden that houses alot of butterflies, but it's only opened on the last saturday of every month so we can only peep in from outside. But around the vicinity, there were several butterflies flying around too. Beautiful.

We also saw this Glasshouse that has lots of flowers. We couldn't go in again, but admiring them from outside was enjoyable too.

Hortpark was our last destination. There are more to explore but we were too hungry to continue. Haha! Bus-ed back to habour front and had YaKun toast. What an accomplishment to have walk such a long distance. But the walk is easy la. It's a must to go there again! =D

Durian Feast!

We went to Lower Seletar again last night. This time round, we had a mini picnic there. Went to buy Ben's dinner at Chong Pang. We've been craving for durian and finally bought it! 3 for $10. Apparently one wasn't ripe when Ben went home and tried to open it, but the other two were terrific! Ben like sweet ones while I like bitter, so just nice. =D

I chiong the durians first while he slowly eat his chicken cutlet. Thought I could really finish all the durians but only finish half a durian, I was almost bloated le.

Our mini picnic =DBen enjoying his cutlet The first one we opened was rather sweet so kept pestering Ben to open a second one hoping that it was bitter. Yeah! It was really bitter, but only ate a few then taboleh tahan liao. Lol! So Ben finished the leftovers, except the bitter ones. -_-"

What a shiok night we had! Durian, durian, durian! We love durian! Hehe!

Lower Seletar Reservoir =D

We found a new pa-tor place! Lower Seletar Reservoir! Nope, not the one near mrt track, that's "someone else's" favourite dating place. Lol! Anyway, the one near the mrt has been renovated. Rather beautiful now that the new platform stretches more outward into the waters. Nice view. =D

Back to our new pa-tor venue. It's the one near seletar runway. In the past, it was more remote, in the sense that there were not so many people. Now there's lots of people and big trucks. Not as peaceful as before, but still a nice place for relaxation.

We went there in the afternoon and the sun was really hot, but the big wind made the weather cool enough. Very quiet, except for the big vehicles passing by every now and then. We laid in the car and Ben chose to listen to my parent's mandarin songs. He was reminiscing the times when he used to go there with his family, telling me what they used to do there. =D
We went there again in the night, planning to fly our kite there. But the land breeze wasn't consistent and big enough. Mission fail. Lol!
Fail to fly the kite, we start taking some photos instead. =D There were alot of couples there, see the people behind in the pic b
Enjoyed myself very much that day! Will definitely go there often. Will anybody be interested to have a BBQ there? I'm planning to do so! =D

Hectic Saturday

Attended ex-boss wedding lunch with Ying Yan. Yes, it's LUNCH. It was a small event with close friends and relatives. Can see that he was still as excited and happy as he was during ROM.

See how happy he is? Smile so happily that the eye got so small. Lol! =D

Like superstars walking on the red carpet. He look so xin fu. =D

Had a flea at scape youth park on that day too, so drove to the event at Hotel Re! @ Pearl's Hill. Not the first time driving to Town, but first time going by CTE. Unfortunately, I missed the exit on my planned route. Lol! The next exit after the intended one was to Havelock Road, and I happened to know that road as the subordinate court was there. Stopped at the subordinate court and started searching my dearest directory for our location. Luckily, we didn't really get lost, we were just a few hundred metres away from our destination. Hoho! Got there in time for the reception and waited awhile before the lunch. The door gift was a super cute deck of poker cards with love messages on it, love it! =D We didn't stay for the entire lunch as I need to rush for the flea. Gave my boss face, so left only after the photoshoot. It was around 2pm then, and my flea starts at 2pm, suppose to set up at 1pm. So I'm really late.

Dropped YY at Orchard station and continue my search on how to get into Scape Park's carpark cos I missed it the first round! 2nd time I got lost that day. Lol! Kept going in circles around orchard-somerset area cos there was only one route to enter into the carpark. Spent more than half an hour driving in circles. I know orchard road quite well now I guess. Lol!

The flea was super crowded, not only with customers, but with lots of booths. Super squeezy. There was light drizzle, on and off, was really afraid that it might rain cos my booth wasn't in the sheltered area. Slowly set up the booth. Luckily shared booth with some people, so they helped me to fix the rack and arranged some of my accessories too. Nice people. =D

Business was alright for me, sold quite some nail polishes. But my other two partners weren't that lucky, cos they only sold clothes. Clothes are sellable at fleas, only if they're unique or are price really low, below $10. Cos there were too many stalls around selling 2nd hand apparels for as low as $2.

Nobody was free to help me for the closing so I asked Ming Yun for help. Sold quite a number of nail polishes she brought in so believe she was quite happy to help, plus I drove there so can drive her back. Haha! =D Packing up is always much easier with 2 pair of hands, at least not so sian. Hehe. =D But carrying the stuff up the car will always be a chore, and my arms are still aching.

Afriad to get lost again, I discussed the route that I had planned with Ming so that she can guide me. But once again, I failed! Haha! Turn at the wrong turn and ended up on balestier road. No choice, only can depend on instinct as Ming search for our location. LoL! Luckily didn't always sleep when taking other's car. Saw a familiar building at the end of balestier road which was on thomson road. Managed to find the way back again. Haha! =D

The most unfortunate thing that happened that day wasn't getting lost thrice. I lost my ring. :'( Lost it at the flea. Search high and low, almost everywhere with Ming's help, but couldn't find it. Called Gong and told him the bad news. Believe it made him upset, but he was understanding and sent me a sweet message to console me. Next day, we went to buy the same ring. =D Still hoping that the old ring is still lying somewhere.

I'm a legal Driver! =D

After 4 long months of practice, I finally took my test on 24th June. Wasn't too nervous at first, but as I got into the car for the warm up practice, I felt my hands turning cold. My driving wasn't too good for the warm up. During the vertical parking, I scraped the kerb. Stalled the car for at least 3 times for the approx 20mins practice, and there were other screw ups. Quite demoralised then, but was still hopeful.

Waited for around 20mins for the test. Tested directional change first. It's the easiest of all, so no problem. Next was slope, I took quite some time to master it so was confident enough, completed it nicely. Then was crank course I think. After that was parallel parking. During usual practice seldom screw up but unfortunately I struck the kerb!!! Super disappointed. 10points flew away just like that. I was like thinking: "Die, that's the end of it. Need to come back again." Then I tried to request the tester to let me redo. Lol! But of cos, he didn't allow la. Next, went to do S course and vertical parking. Luckily no screw up.

Continued on the road, my mind was fill with the thought that I might fail. Kept telling myself to focus and that since the tester allow me to continue, there's hope. Some minor mistakes here and there. When we reached back, I had convinced myself that I had failed and asked the tester to let me redo the parallel parking again. Lol! The thought of going back to practise again really puts me off. Again, the tester didn't allow. He said it was only 10pts. Lol!

Waited in the room and was really afraid that he would be sitting down to advise me on the mistakes that I had made, cos that would mean that I had failed. Waited for a few mins only, but it felt like 15mins. Haha! Then he came out, passed me my ic, pdl and test slip, "Go and watch video." I was super duper happy!!!

I was lucky that day to have gotten a very lenient tester. My total demerit point was supposed to be 20, but he took away 2 pts. 18 pts, just passed. So what, at least I passed. Haha! =D

The video was super disgusting and bloody. Will never want to end up like any victims shown in the video. Next, went to apply for the licence. Expensive man, $50! I forgot that the photo background can only be white, so have to retake, $7. Sian. After that, happily went to buy my p plate and street directory. The p plate was more expensive than the street directory, thought it would be the other way round.

The following day, wanted to practise my driving skill and familiarised with my family car, drove my mum to amk to our food stall. Seriously, the feeling of driving with and without licence is really different. Since I'm already legal to drive, I was very confident with drive though my mum kept (somehow) criticising my driving skills. Like, "Keep right now" when I was two junctions away before turning right, "Brake now" when I was already engine braking before the arrows. Maybe cos it's an auto car, the braking distance is longer than the SSDC manual car ba.

Saturday had a flea at mount sophia. Lucky or unlucky, nobody was available to drive me there and thinking of the cab fee that would be incurred, I decided to drive myself there. It was a long journey but I enjoyed it, though I damaged the car a little on my way up the hill. Too narrow le. Hehe. =D Hated the minor traffic jams though. The experience made me realised how reckless motorcyclist can be, I'm so afraid of them man always squeezing in between vehicles. Also, it makes me dislikes taxi drivers. One taxi overtook to the left lane and horned me while I overtook to the right lane. Sucks man.

When I was reaching there, I nearly lost my way. Luckily my street directory was with me. I love my street directory. =D

Side track abit, the flea was not too bad except that the organiser didn't give me the amount of space they were supposed to give me. Though the place was ulu, up on some hill, they were able to attract shoppers by providing shuttle service. Thumbs up. =D No breakthrough for this flea though cos the shoppers were super good at bargaining. Hopefully expo one will be better, praying hard.

Went to the flea myself cos everyone was busy. But Ben came down to help me out during closing, though he just came out from camp that day. Maybe most of you don't know, I always bring 2 trolleys of stuff when running fleas. Handling everything alone makes me feel like a super woman. Really thankful that I've such a supportive boyfriend, though he don't really like going to fleas with me, cos I always neglect him. Lol!

Anyway, when driving back, cos Ben didn't know what I was writing on my notes, I ended up taking the wrong road, or rather, we took up an unplanned road instead. Luckily I chose the correct 'wrong' road which can lead us back. The road that we took didn't allow me to stop by the side so I couldn't check the directory. Finally drove on a familiar road, serangoon road. Always take bus there to buy my equipment so roughly know how to go back from there. For the rest of the road till SLE(I think), I drove mostly on instinct. Haha! =D Then on the expressway, there were several exits. Ben called a friend to ask for directions and we managed to reached back without getting lost again. Haha! =D

Too be honest, I'm "directionless", as in I can't remember well which road leads to where or which expressway to take to go where. So I always plan my route when I drive far and my street directory is my best driving buddy now. =D Drove almost everyday since I passed, and am still enjoying driving. Let's see how long can this hobby last. Haha! =D

Till today, it's still quite unbelieveable that I managed to pass. Without doubt, I'm being blest. =D

Money

Really didn't wish to work at any IT Fair anymore. But really need to earn some money. The driving lessons, money thrown into my bazaars and investment in insurance are making my cash-on-hand running really low. Need to earn and save up for my uni fees. My income is solely based on my bazaars now, but it's not a guaranteed income. But for the last three bazaars, managed to earn quite a bit back. Hopefully after two or three bazaars, I'll be able to recoup my losses and start profitting.

Worked for Acer as promoter for their desktops and notebooks. Attended the training before the show and was really disappointed to see that there was so many promoters. Thought it would be a really stiff competition. Was really stress that week cos I was really afraid that I would not be able to earn much for the show. Only on the first day did I realise that different Acer booths were manned by different resellers. The one that I was working for had only 10-12 promoters and we were located right at the entrance of the hall. The first day, I was really blur, cos I didn't know much about computer stuff. Kept asking the other more experience promoters there. And they were always so willing to answer. =D Thought I won't be able to last there for more than one day cos the previous working experience at SITEX shows was really unbearable, super tired. On top of that, I was working for money, not experience. Working for experience is fun, but not for money.

Anyway, my knowledge about desktops and notebooks improved and of course, it helped me to made more sales. First day-3 sets, Second day-5, Third day-6, Last day-10sets. For the last day, was told that our basic will double if we were able to sold 15 sets provided the the total sales for the day was 200. But sadly, the competition from other booths were really too formidable. Their prices was slashed as much as $100 less than ours. By the last day, I was really exhausted and was thinking of giving up on that day. My first sales only came an hour or two later. Really very demoralising. But luckily, the subsequent sales didn't take too long. Praying helps. I endured the whole PC Show through prayers, praying that I would be able to last through each day. It also helped me to stay focused and work towards my goal, money. Lol! Personally, I feel that my performance for this PC Show is the best as compared to the previous two. Really chiong all the way.

Met quite a handful of sickening customers who wasted a large pool of my saliva but felt very fortunate to have worked with such nice bunch of experienced promoter. Though our commission is individual based, we worked as a team. We only see other booths as competitors, and not see each other as enemies. Seeing how inconsiderate the promoters from other booths were, I feel really fortunate that I've chosen a company that did not resort to such unscrupulous practice. Though we were located at the prime location, promoters from other booth should not cross the line and stand right in front of ours to snatch our customers. Literally, they snatched our customers while we were talking to them. Was really annoyed by their actions. They did it on the second day, we feedback to our supervisors and they talked to the other booth's supervisor. From third day on, they stopped. But they were really good at conning their customers. One of the models was selling at $999 on the third day, last day, it was $1099. Playing with customer's psychology, so when they ask for better price, $999, wow $100 reduction. Lol! So people who frequent IT Fairs, take note of such techniques by resellers!

All in all, was satisfied that I pulled through the four days. Seriously, I don't know how much commission I would be getting. Lazy to ask, have to check one by one. Hopefully the total pay will be around $400. =D

A Good Lesson Learnt In A Hard Way

Now that things have almost come to an end, except that I haven't gotten my money back, I can openly share with you all without fearing that I might be stressed up. This post is super long, but this will help me to remember the foolish mistake I had made.

On 1st March, I met up with a primary school friend cos he said he got a friend doing business and looking for people to help him. He said the working time is rather flexible so I decided to go have a look, cos so many people asking me for job lobangs.

Met him, and he brought me to the company. The building looks impressive. I thought they just own a small office in the building. To my surprise, they own quite a few levels of offices in the building. The company is actually quite an established one, 4 year-old company. I was wondering to myself: I thought it should be a small company. It was supposed to be just a meet up so I was didn't see the point to be defensive. I totally let down my guard as I thought this friend could be trusted.

When we reached the building, one of the 'shareholders'(Name her A) of LFI (the company), came to talk to us and explain what they do there. Oh my goodness, it was MLM. She explained that they're actually not a totally MLM company as they have physical shops and have salespersons to help us with the sales of the products. As in, they have professionals to explain to customers the functions of the products. She continued to bombard me with information of the products, how they work as a team, how reliable LFI is with Fred Ho as a partner for their diamonds business, how reliable the products are as they have famous artiste like Tay Ping Hui and Vincent Ng advertising for them, etc... As I had totally let down my guard, I was gradually being coaxed by them into believing that this business was really worth giving a try.

Later, A left to attend to something else and another 'shareholder'(Name him B) continued to explain to me about the business. He said things like everyone who join the company are shareholders, tell me the details of their products, how good they are... His auntie didn't believe in such product but after she took some to try from his mum, realised how good the pills were and became a regular consumer. Blah blah blah... Then he shared with me how lucrative this business was. If you sell how many bottles, how many points you'll get... If you recruit some downlines how many point you'll be rewarded... At the end of the month, how much can you earn... He went on multiplying the numbers... $1000... $2000... $3000... $4000... Then if your sales is good become don't know what director, company will sponsor you car. No wonder there's so many sports car outside the company. Wow... Seeing such good earnings, how could I resist the temptation especially when I really need money this days. (If I get into SIM, I need to come out with around $27k for the school fees. I thought: "Hmmm... Sounds like easy money leh. Join their membership first then consider whether to join in their business."

I only wanted to pay the $10+ for the membership cos I thought I could help the friend in this way. But they started to persuade me to buy their package to qualify for their business so that I can sell the products and bring in friend to this business. I told them I really don't have that much money. $1k or $2k leh... They thought what, I open bank de arh. Later A came back to take over B. She asked me how much can I come up with at that moment, so I honestly replied her around $800. So she said she would find some solution for me. She and that friend went here and there to discuss about don't know what. And they offered me a special package, $866. It was somehow within my budget. But I wasn't prepared to spend that money at all so I kept numb. Then she started telling me that the package was only for a limited period of time only, it might not be available after a 2-3days. So, stupidly, I agreed to buy the package.

Let me pause for a moment to share my thoughts after this incident, cos there's more to be shared later on. Dear friends, have any friends approached you in the same way? Telling you that they have business to introduce to you? Make them tell you the company's name and make sure that they're able to explain to you clearly the nature of the business before allowing them to approach you further.

I'm not blaming this friend or the A and B 'shareholders' cos I feel that they are victims too. They have been so brainwashed by the company that they only see the good. C'mon, in business how can there only be pros and no cons. How honest are you all doing this business? What role is Fred Ho playing in the company? He's just a small partner or probably the supplier for your diamonds, yet you all kept mentioning about him like he's a big business partner of LFI. Did you all mention about your chairman? Why not?

They shared about how well their mother company in HK have fared. But that's in HK. I did some research after a few days and found out that LFI isn't that reliable afterall. Below is one of their product which had been recalled by HSA in 2008:

(http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/etc/medialib/hsa_library/corporate\/pr20072009.Par.1666.File.tmp/HSAMediaRelease__HSACautionsAgainstConsumingMenergyMEssenceCapsules_121208.pdf)

Either A or B had mentioned to me about the Slim10 incident, do they know their company was in such trouble before too? By the way, A and B are students from a reputable local university. Most people they target are around the age group. I believe it's because, at our age, we're very vulnerable to such temptation as we desire to be financially independent asap. So friends, please don't be as stupid as me, think carefully before investing in anything. The business may seem to have lucrative returns, but is it printed black and white how much you can earn, is it an honest business? If just taking pills regularly can cure illnesses, we won't need any hospitals or clinic, isn't it? If you're not a doctor, how can you give medical advice to people? 100% safe, can you guarantee? I rather not live with guilt. I'm not the only victim, more can be found here: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/archive/index.php/t-2194835.html

Back to my story. After realising how unreliable LFI was, I decided to ask for a refund after finding out from a forum that the products could be refunded within 7 days. I didn't notice that it was printed at the back of the invoices, I just blindly signed them. At the very last minute before their company closes, I rushed down by cab and reached there by 10.15pm. Demanded a refund. Guess what response I got from them? They told me that the refund could only be made before 9pm as the department in charge closes at 9pm. I was extremely pissed off. (And I realised that when I'm pissed off, I could express myself in English perfectly! Lol!) I tried to create a scene there, speaking with a pissed off tone and a slightly louder than normal voice. Giving that super buey song face. Then they say they'll contact someone to talk things out with me, ask me wait by the side. I had a very good reason to behave that way cos I did call them at 9pm plus to ask if I could get a refund through them. The person say yes, I ask them if they close at 10.30pm, then she answered yes. When I confronted her, she said I didn't say I was going to make the refund. Diao~ Isn't it common sense? I asked about the refund of course I was going to make the refund.

Stood at one corner with my black face for around 10mins. The up-up-upline came down to discuss things out with me. Thought he was rather nice cos he kept cool and tried to calm me down. I told him I wanted the full refund, but was told that it was the 8th day, so I was only entitled 50%. I told him it was bullshit and that I should get back 100%. The 7th day was a Sunday so they expect me to stupidly go down to their company to make the refund on that day knowing it was closed. Then he said I should contact my upline, the friend. I told him I don't see the point telling him cos he wouldn't be the one who would refund me the money. I want the money back from the company, not him, of course I come down to the company. He asked B to come down cos he was the one who did most of the explanation to me. So we arranged an appointment with B the next day to see what they could offer me. The up-up-upline said he would try his best to fight for me 100%, and I believed him. Before I left, I stated my stand clearly to them again: I want nothing less than 100%.

The appointment was at 3pm, but I couldn't make it in time, so I postpone it to 7pm. Guess how they 'entertained' me this time round? They said I was late for the appointment, so the person in charge of the department for the refund left the company already. What? I told them. On black and white, it's stated that I could get my refund within 7days, I did came within 7days excluding Sunday and you all delayed me. So why couldn't I postpone my appointment. And it was totally bullshit that the person left at 7pm when you told me the department closes at 9pm. Of course, I raised my voice and voiced out my displeasure. At that time, that friend and his upline was there and B was there too. I insisted that I want 100% if not, I would get it through CASE. Guess what next. The upline tried to tell me the disadvantage I would be in if I go to CASE. Saying what, they have several cases like that and most cases end up getting less that 50% or nothing. This really made my blood boiled like hell, and I was 90% sure that I was going to CASE. 10% of me was reluctant cos I knew it would drag for quite some time and it was only $770.40. Unhappy with the upline's attitude I told him that he wasn't sincere at all, and I asked to see the up-up-upline. Sadly, this guy was just a sweet-talker, he was in the insurance line before so he know how to coax. Seeing that none of them were sincere, I decided to leave. Of course, I wouldn't leave them with peace. I requested the up-up-upline to write a letter acknowledging that I had been there on the 8th and 9th. Then, I was 100% sure that I would go to CASE.

Next day, I went down to CASE which was situated at ulu pandan cc. (The place is as ulu as what the name suggested) When I reached there, did the registration at the recep desk. The recep lady asked what I wanted to complain about and I wasn't pleased with her response at all. Instead of encouraging me, she said things like "why you go to that place, it's at geylang somemore leh, you don't know what they'll do to you, later they sell you away" I kept my cool cos she's just an auntie and my purpose was to complain LFI.

I waited for 2hours for my turn? Nearly fell asleep. Told could lodge a complain there but I was redirected to Small Claim Tribunal instead. Wa liao. Totally sian diao. Sigh. I told myself that it was alright, at least I know how to make my claim. Next day or the day after next, I went down to SCT subordinate court to lodge my claim against LFI. Believe I'm one of the youngest claimant they had came across. The counter person look at me with doubts in her eyes and told me to bring a guardian for the mediation.

Ok, let me explain the procedures I had to go through to finally go to the Hearing.
1. Lodge claim against the company and fix an appointment for the mediation.
2. Mediation or consultation: The Registrar will try to help the claimant(me) and the respondent(LFI) to reach a common agreement on the claim.
3. Consent Order or further mediation: The Registrar will again try to help us reach a common agreement.
4. Hearing or trial: The Registrar or Judge will pass the order as to how much the claim will be after hearing our stand.

For the mediation, I didn't bring a guardian cos I didn't see the point to. Before that, the up-up-upline called to offered me a 60% refund. Of course I said NO! And told him I didn't want to repeat myself all over again. I want nothing but 100%. Then he tell me that by lodging the claim, I may end up with nothing at all. Again, this totally pissed me off and I told him: "You're not sincere at all in offering me the 60%. By telling me that, just shows that you all are afraid hat his case will spoil your reputation. But it's none of my business cos I rightfully deserves the 100%. That's all. See you at the mediation." But he wasn't the one attending the mediation. It was another guy(C) whom I had never seen before. He said he wrote the Terms and Conditions for the membership. Hmm.. I wonder does he really know what he had written? If so, he should have learn about Consumer Protection Act and that the 7days, also known as the cooling down period, should not include saturday, sunday and public holidays. This case was a sure-win one for me, but I wasn't 100% confident cos it was the first time I'm in such a situation.

During the mediation, I stated my reason for the claim and C tried to defend. Guess how he defended for his company? He said, I should have made the decision 3 or 4 days after buying the package instead of asking for the refund at the very last minute. The Registrar responded that it was stated in the refund policy that refund can be made within 7days, so I'm liable to make the refund on the 7th day. I admit, I was secretly laughing. Lol! The Registrar didn't criticise me too saying why was I controlled by them. But anyway, I felt that I had half won the case that day. The registrar asked if LFI was willing to offer 75%, he agreed, but I said I believe I deserve the full refund and declined the offer. So both of us agreed to go through the trial and let the judge decide the amount.

Next, it was the further mediation after a few weeks. I thought it was the final hearing but was wrong. This time, the percentage was raised. The Registrar asked if I would be satisfied with 90% but I kept numb while he did the calculation, but C said no. Then the Registrar calculated a middle amount 82.5%. C agreed, but I said no and asked to go through the trial instead. The Registrar doing his job, told me that settling the claim then would be a win-win situation as I may not get the percentage I want if the judge wasn't satisfied with my stand. I told him that I understand that fact, but would accept any decision by the judge. The trial was arranged a few days later, which was yesterday, 19th April.

Yesterday was the trial and I was almost late. Luckily, the time for the number machine is 10minutes slower. I didn't have a good rest the previous night as I was rather stressed over this trial. First time ma. Thought the wait will be as long as the previous mediation which was around 2hrs so I mentally prepared myself to stone there for quite long. Lol! Then keep going through what I should say in my mind when I face the judge. Surprisingly, the wait wasn't too long. As the normal chambers were taken up, we were asked to go to a slightly bigger chamber. I was quite nervous, hoping that I won't have to make an appeal and that would be my last trip there. 4th time traveling there, really make me feel exhausted mentally. Entered the chamber, greeted the judge. I appear to not be that nervous, face it like a job interview. We were asked to take an oath. The person asked me if I'm a Christian, I said not really, so I took the non-Christian oath. Promising that whatever that I say will be truth, nothing but the truth only. Not this short la, it was longer, couldn't remember the actual one.

After that, we were told to sit and the judge asked me to what was the claim about. Then it was C's turn to defend. The judge told him something like this claim is quite a clear cut, that I should deserve the full refund cos the 7 days cooling period shouldn't include weekends and public holiday, just give it to me, anyway it's not a big sum of money. Phew! Within 10mins, it was over, I won. They were ordered to issue me my $770.40 cheque within 14 days. (Not $866 cos I opened one bottle)

One month plus of stress, four trips down to the court, don't know how many hours spent, in just 10mins, everything got resolved. Finally, I got what rightfully belongs to me. Was really happy yesterday that I've won. Guy C brought along B and up-up-upline as witnesses, but they don't even have the chance to show face to the judge. I'm glad, though I know this is evil, that I've wasted another 2 people's time. :p I thought they would be driving their sports car, but I saw them waiting at the taxi stand. So I wondered to myself again: "Are the sports car outside the company just for show?"

I would say that I have learnt a very valuable lesson. Shouldn't be lured by easy money, shouldn't be greedy. Only hard earned money is worth earning, cos you won't want to live with guilt. I woke up in time and got my money back. This court experience really made me realised how much I'm responsible for myself now that I'm an adult. And I guess it's time to expand my vocab cos I realise I kept using the same words. Lol! =D

5th-6th March: 'Marathon'

5th March

First day at Clarke Quay bazaar. Dragging my luggage there was a real chore sia. Didn't know the place well, but managed to find my way there. Carrying the luggage down the flight of stairs was really a challenge, but I did it! Lol! =D

The next day was my birthday. My beloved besties came down to Clarke Quay to meet me up for a mini catch up. So happy to see them though it was just for a short while. After the meet up, they came to our booth to see see look look. Siang bought a bracelet from Iris at a special discount price. =D After that, they went home and I stayed at my stall. =D

Ming and I =D

Siang and I =D (She came to my stall before the others reached clarke quay =D)

Ying Yan and Clar browsing through the clothes at our boothGroup picture =D

6th March
The marathon day. Took part in the Women's Day Out at Ngee Ann City which started in the morning. Woke up slightly late. Was really tired as I got home only at around 2am or 3am the previous day. Met up with Hui Yin and was late. Had a terrible stomach ache. Took the train, couldn't tahan and alighted at Yio Chu Kang to go poo poo. Haha! =D So Hui Yin went there first cos we were going to be late.

After poo poo-ing, headed to orchard. Alighted at Orchard, see the signs, couldn't spot the directions to Taka so I went back to take the train to Somerset. Haha! =D Orchard changed too much, too complicated le, I know how to go Taka from Somerset, forgotten how to go from Orchard. Lol!

Was late for the first event but it was alright la cos like warm up only. A bit of aerobics and kickboxing then belly dance. We skipped the belly dance of cos, we were to riggid to shake. Hui Yin and I spotted this rather sexily dresse auntie who shook rather well.

Before the next event, we went to look around at the booths and collecting the freebies they were distributing. I super auntie, keep looking out for freebies. Haha! =D

The next event we had was the tri-power challenge, some Latin dance exercise, aerobics and kickboxing for 50mins each. For the first two, Hui Yin and I were just going through the motion literally. Lol! When the people move right, we move along, when they move front, we just follow, without much of their actions and steps. Haha! =D It was just too difficult to catch up with their movements.

But things turned excited for us when it was finally time for kickboxing! It only lasted for 50mins but it felt like a 3hour workout we do for our normal 1-hr kickboxing session we have every week. Lol! It was really fun and shiok! Could feel all the muscles on our limbs being exercised. It was the most satisfying workout of the day that really made us sweat our hearts out. =D

Our next event was at 7pm, 4hours break. Went around to look for food, but no vegetarian. Too bad, ate dessert but was still hungry. Went back to my booth at Clarke Quay to do the set up as one of my partners couldn't make it that day. The other partner was caught up with something so I only got to leave at 7pm.

Was late for the last event. It was some Yoga exercise. Forgottent to bring my yoga mat so Jonathan did me the favour of helping me to bring it over to the event. He gave me a bar of chocolate as my birthday present too. He chose the write fillings, almonds, but I don't really like dark chocolate. :p Thank him for being so nice that day. =D

For the last event, there was a part when we were instructed to sit in the meditation position and close our eyes, I nearly dozed off. Lol! The workout was a good cool down for our entire day of workout. After which, we went to look for my sports shoe. Wanted to buy reebok de cos got special discount, but their cutting down suit my leg. Very tight. Only New Balance fits my leg, so decided to buy it instead. Quite satisfied with it, comfortable to wear. =D

My day have not ended, went back to Clarke Quay to mend my booth. See, I said it was like a marathon le, run here and there and back again. Lol! =D It was the last day, the most dreadful day cos it was when we need to pack up all our stuff and bring them back. But the sales was the best that day, probably cos it was Saturday so more pubbers there ba. Cabbed back that night and cost only $20, cheap right? With midnight charge leh. Haha! =D

What have I been doing?

Recently, have been running bazaars with a partner, Iris, from another blogshop, Melly Rissy. She's a very nice lady and very experienced in going to bazaars.Below were some bazaars we had worked together at:

5th-6th March

Le Rendevous - The Marche @ Clarke Quay
Comment: It was a night bazaar. Thanks to Iris' ikea lamps, our booth was well lit. =D Response was not too bad. Shoppers there were willing to take their time to browse through the stalls. My leather bracelets were well received. =D Though there were times when there were not many shoppers but it was never too boring there. It was Clarke Quay, centre of the pubbing area. You can easily spot sexily dressed 'ladies' around. An eyeopener for me, first time seeing such scenes, though I was quite disgusted. Lol!

Collaboration of our three blogshops =D

15th-17th March
NUS Central Forum
Comment: Iris and I ended up tidbiting! Lol! Too sian le. Average shoppers per hour was like only 2-4people. But those who bought were sincere buyers.

Lots of stocks, no shoppers!

26th March
SMU
Comment: Response was Fantastic. This was the first bazaar that I managed to earn some profits. Lots of shoppers at peak hour. Half bargained, others just pay. Buying power was unexpectedly higher than shoppers at Clarke Quay. Definitely a must go for future bazaars at SMU! Credits to Iris for her recommendation! =D

3rd April
Urban Fleastyle beside New *SCAPE Building - Playground
Comment: Response was pathetic. If I was alone without any partner, I would definitely doze off. It was raining, on and off. Believe the tentage is too old le, water dripping here and there, super irritating like attap house la. Super cramp too. Shoppers there were on budget and tend to look for preloved stuffs. Believe those selling second hand stuff have the most sales.

Next up... I don't know. Haha! Cos most of the time, I decide to go for bazaars at the very last minute. For the moment, I have to find new partner to share booth cos Iris will be going to Bangkok soon. For those who like her charm bracelets or anything on her blogshop, must order fast! If not, can also wait till she's back. She's a regular at bazaars, so if you all can view her stocks when she returns for bazaars! =D

Besties Closet is launching our new collection of apparels soon, in a week or two. Hopefully this time round, our stocks will be able to capture our target audience. =D

Didi's Birthday! =D

31st March 2010
Celebrated my didi's birthday with pizza hut's pizza. Wanted to order the pizza's via their website, but was shocked when I see that the approximate waiting time is 1hr. It was around 6.45pm and my didi and I were really hungry. Thought ordering through their hotline might be faster, so I 'intelligently' dialled the number and waited for a respond. Wait till I was sick of hearing their repeating advertisement through the phone and turned on the loudspeaker instead. Started complaining to my didi and gong gong, who was enjoying his McSpicy Double meal. Finally they answered my call, it was a less than 5mins talk but I waited for like 10mins. Wasn't just pissed of by this fact, the approximate waiting time was 1hr too!!! Argh!!! Should have just ordered online. Damn! But our order arrived in around 45mins and it was really hot. Hmmm... Wonder who is lucky enough to win their one year free supply of pizza.

As soon as the pizzas arrived, my did and I couldn't wait to eat. Wait so long, very hungry le leh. My plan was to eat my Shrooms pizza first then leave the Cheese N Chics one as the birthday cake. I ate 3 pieces of the 10" pizza while my didi only ate 1 and went on to eat his Sweet N Spicy Drumlets.

Waited for my mama to come back so that we could start the celebration. When she finally returned, I opened up the box containing the Cheese N Chics pizza and was surprised that there were missing pieces!! My didi ate them when I wasn't noticing!!! Ahhhh!!! What to do? Time to use my creativity! So the partially eaten pizza turned into this...

Very cute artpiece, isn't it? =D

The birthday boy

Practising how he should blow out the candles with just one breath. Lol!

See how happy my didi is!!! =D

Powerful blow that toppled one candle, but not enough to extinguish the other two. Lol!

Yeah! =D

My elder brother was in camp that day, if not we would be able to take a more complete family picture. Anyway, all these pictures were taken by my dearest Gong Gong. =D He's a good photographer, isn't he? Hehe. =D

Every year, our birthday celebration is more or less the same. Just a cake or pizza, candles, wishes... Sounds boring, but the warmth and loving feeling can be simply felt just like that.

My didi was really happy that he is 14 years old now and he's looking forward to being 16. Sounds so familiar. Most of us probably have the same desire when we were his age. But when he comes to my age, believe he won't want to get any older. Lol! I stopped reminding my family about my birthday since I was 16, I think, with the intention of getting bigger angbao from my mama. Haha! =D But when I reached 18 and going to be 19, I was really afraid of celebrating birthday. I don't want to see the number of candles on my cake! Haha! =D

Age is really catching up and I can feel the gap between me and my younger brother. Can no longer understand him as well as before. He's a teenager now, has his own thoughts and desires. To stop him from doing anything he wants will be forcing him to retaliate. What I can do now, is to be his advisor. Though some thing he choose to do I feel may not be good for him in the future, I can only remind him of the possible consequences. I may not be right cos their generation will be different from ours. Things may not turn out as bad as I presumed. My only hope is that he will treasure his education. He may not like Christianity, but I believe the Lord understands and will answer to my prayers; to bless my love ones even though they are of different religion.

27th March 2010: Gong Gong's Commissioning Ball =D

The long awaited day finally arrived. Was so stressed throughout the month about finding the appropriate dress. Gong described the event until like it was a super formal dinner, that no dress above knee level was allowed and to wear a long dress preferably. During the last two weeks, went around shopping for suitable gowns but the prices were super ex la. Nonetheless, I got one super ex long dress at the very last minute. Was rather reluctant to spend the money though Gong wanted to pay for it. But his money will be mine sooner or later ma, so isn't it the same? :p Super big hole in the pocket. But really love the gown. It's the first ex long dress I have and it's from my beloved Gong Gong! =D

The function was held at Sentosa Pavilion. Yes, it's SENTOSA! Had been complaining to Gong why they chose such an inconvenient place. If not for Gong's parents, we would have spent a bomb on the cab fare. The place is a fantastic place with the view of the golf course and nice breeze. But don't think it's suitable for a formal function. The moment I stepped out of the car, the wind messed up my hair and I start grumbling to Gong. Haha! =D

View from the top

Felt super pai seh la. Almost all the ladies there were wearing knee length or shorter dress. But spotted one lady with long dress too, so made me felt less pai seh. Kept blaming Gong for stressing me up over buying a formal gown when everyone else just dress normally. Very bad of me right? Hehe. :p

I had already prepared myself to be more lady-like that night, but honestly, the event was more like social night. So I decided to not be so bothered and be my true self. I was really hungry. The tidbits at the recep area was catered for meat eaters, so bias. Haha! =D But I managed to find some peanuts so I start munching on it, popping it into my mouth like popcorn. Gong couldn't tolerate my unglam-ness, so he pulled me away from the table. Lol! =D

My peanuts

There was also this fire-man performing his fire skills...

Extinguishing the torch with his mouth

Spitting fire

As usual, Gong and I could never step out of our own world. Explored the place a while and started taking pictures. We seriously don't know how to interact with people. Hehe. =D

Dining hall

Outside the dining hall

Smile =D

At the rooftop with strong wind...

Soon, the night was falling, and we were still camwhoring!!! Haha! =D

Goodie bags corner

Reception area with the hunks and babes

This wasn't a nice shot but I feel the need to show this. See the weird face behind? So inappropriate of him to break into our er ren shi jie la. :p

Taken by one of Gong's friend
(I look fat!!! Time to exercise! Lol! =D)

BIG SMILE! =DGong's super wide smile! =D

Finally the dinner started. I must say that the layout of the table was really high class and the menu was really impressive. The name for the dishes were super detailed. But was rather disappointed that they didn't prepare a menu for vegetarian.

High class table.
(See the baskets of breads, it's super nice with the butter!)

Menu for carnivores

My first dish was this tomato and mushroom dish, it's super nice as compared to the other's. Their first dish was this...

Raw and bloody

My first dish. I liked the vegetables and sauces they used.

Next was soup. Gong's soup was not too bad I guess, some laksa soup. Mine was like a big bowl of corn Campbell soup with some butter and milk. Guess what I had for my third dish? Sorbet! Super nice apple veggie sorbet!!! It was the best dish, but was rather shock that I was served a dessert so soon, thought that was my last dish. Gong had chicken breast which tasted not too bad only, I thought it looked rather appetising. No pics though. Well, the forth dish that was a real challenge for Gong was this...

Another exotic food: Medium RARE beef and foie gra

Mine wasn't impressive too; a big plate of oily fried rice.

It tasted nice la, but the serving and the amount of oil was really too much. Don't have to fill a vegetarian stomach like that right? First was a big bowl of soup, then a big plate of rice. It's definitely not the organiser's fault cos he's not a vegetarian neither is he the Chef. I believe that a good Chef respects his diners. He may not be a vegetarian but since he's preparing a vegetarian meal, he should put in the effort to come up with a more impressive menu. Most vegetarian may have the "eat to live" mentality but the price we paid for the meal is definitely worth the price of a "live to eat" meal, isn't it? But to be fair to the Chef, the dishes are really delicious.

The last dish was coconut sorbet for Gong and another sorbet for me. I had a different kind of sorbet, probably cos it was vegan. Tried Gong's sorbet, preferred my extremely sour tasting one. Overall, it was quite a nice meal for me, except for the in between dishes which pissed me off. But I guess Gong's one was barely tolerable for him, believe the nicest dish he had was the bread? Haha! :p No la... Not that bad, probably the soup and the dessert ba. =D

So engrossed about mentioning the food that I also forget to mention something. If I were still in school doing essay with the topic, "My most embarrassing moment" I believe I would score for it. If I had tripped on my long gown, it won't be as embarrassing man. Can't believe that Gong had really made damn GOOD buddies in camp that we were sabo-ed in being nominated for the most well-dressed couple. Wa liao eh! Don't you all know that we like live in our own world, why do this to us. Super reluctant to go up stage la. Should have tripped on my gown than complain leg pain need to rest to escape from it. If it's singing or debating competition I won't mind going upstage, but it's like a beauty contest la, not for us! Our beauty is to be shown to each other only, not to the public. Really didn't enjoy it, and it was really a spoiler.

There were 3 nominees, we were the first to be called up, super suay, stand there super long. Don't dare to face the audience at all, keep burying my face behind Gong's shoulder. Another couple was boy-girl friend too. The last one was husband and wife, don't know if it's true cos Gong didn't know that guy was married. Lol! Our task was to pose left centre right. Diao... Sian diao. The first to go was the husband and wife, the husband carried the wife for the left and centre, then on the right the husband wanted the wife to carry him. Lol! They looked like a loving pair. Sweet. Next up was the boy-girl friend. Their height and looks, really suitable for being models sia. Huggy pose on the left, kissed in the centre, right... I forgot liao. :p Then, it was our turn, I asked Gong if we could give up cos I really didn't want to do it la. Gong told the MC, of course we weren't allowed. What to do? Anyhow pose lor. Huggy left, bear hug centre, kiss right. Wa liao, mc cock-eye never see then still comment that we like haven't know each other long. Show some respect man, you're an entertainer, we're not! So kena sabo again! Invited upstage to kiss again in front of everyone la. Wa liao eh! Super embarrassed.

Next, the voting. By cheers and claps. Of course, we were not popular la cos we're not as on as the other two. But it was really a mega relief to me when we finally could return to our seats. The other two couples had their own supporting team, and the ultimate winner goes to none other than the model-like couple. I liked the long dress that the girlfriend was wearing. Hehe. =D

It may be a dream for most ladies to have a beauty title but not to me. Beauty is but skin deep. I love to be praised for inner beauty while my physical beauty is for my loved ones and I to comment. After this incident, I told Gong that we should not have any wedding dinner when we get married 10-15years later. Lol!!! =D

After all the food and embarrassing moment, the function finally ended. Thought the photographers would be at the rooftop so headed there. No signs of them, so we ended up camwhoring again. Haha! =D

Self-timer shot. Hehe. =D

Cheesy smile =D

More!!!

And the photo of the day
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CRAZY!

No la, it's this pic take by Gong's bunk buddy, Zheng Kai.
Looks like we're going to ROM right? Hehe. :p

We left at 11pm+. We had not ended our day. We went to Ink Club Bar at Fairmont Hotel (The first bar I went with Ming and Siang). The ambience was still as nice, except that to the left of us was a horny couple and the right was a group of 3 army boys talking loudly. Heard them mimicking someone like Yok Yong and Gong said they turned over when I mentioned Yok Yong's name. Hmmm... Same person?

Gong munching on the peanuts

Gong ordered Glenfiddich 18 years old. I wanted the Mango Magarito cos of the mango puree. But the waitress said the machine spoiled so instead of blended, it would be shakened. Later she returned to tell us that there was no more mango and asked if it was alright to replace with lime. Wanted to save the trouble to ask for the menu again so we okay-ed to it.

Our drinks =D

Didn't know that tequila is an alcohol that is normally taken with salt and lime. Was wondering why the edges of the cup has salt on it, nice decoration meh? Lol! =D Don't really like the taste, like medicine sia. Shouldn't have agreed on lime, it always make the alcohol taste like medicine. Drank barely one third of the cup and gave the rest to Gong. Hehe. =D He enjoyed his whisky though, he likes the burning sensation down the throat. Tried an extremely small sip, yucks, tasted so disgusting.

As usual, when I take out my camera, I can't stop myself from taking more pictures.

Gong is drunk before drinking! Lol!

Proper one =D

We were snapping so much that the waitress came over to offer to help us take pictures. Haha! =D

We were seriously taking lots of pictures that an ang moh that walked pass us wanted to help us take pictures too. Haha! =D Anyway, we stayed there for an hour or less after taking some pictures in the toilet. Lol!!! I'm simply too obsessed with taking pictures on that day. Hehe. =D

I look like some ghost haunting Gong. Haha! =D

Last shot =D

It was 12am+ going to 1am so I insisted that we take the night rider. It would cost a bomb to cab back to Yishun la. Reached home at around 3am. What a long night we had. =D