One Manhatten Marmalade,
One Mint Julep,
One Whiskey Sour,
One sleepy guy at home and
One purring cat.
Despite a desperate need to sleep off three strong whiskey cocktails, I felt the urge to get dirty. Rolling and steaming Ngoh Hiang, that is. I just couldn't stomach the possibility of my defrosted pork going bad. Even if it's 2am and I am inebriated.

Some long, some short.

Had a little supper at 4am. Goodnight now.
I hate vegetables with a passion. Growing up, you couldn't get me to eat anything green. Over the years, I've become more sensible. As long as they are cooked with meat or flavourful spices to mask the taste like sambal belacan, I'll eat it.

I decided to make lamb saag for dinner one day and the recipe called for 2 full bowls of spinach to be shredded into ribbons.

To save the extra step of plucking leaves off a bunch of spinach stems, I did the easy thing of buying pre-packaged spinach leaves. Though the box says 'washed and ready to eat', I don't trust industrial cleaners of doing a thorough job. For a very good reason. Look at the number of bugs I found while washing the vegetables!




Still have appetite for lamb saag?
All packaged vegetables states they are 'washed and ready to eat', which would be great if I wanted extra protein! My regular brand was sold out so I bought the store's in-house brand thinking it wouldn't matter. This was the worst cleanup job I've seen. Even with the soiled bunches of spinach from Asian supermarkets, I've never encountered bugs. I'm never buying the in-house brand again.
Since early Feb, the doctor has cleared me of hyperthyroidism. And I wish for those I know who have had it and myself that we will continue to be in remission for the rest of our lives.
I should be happy, instead I'm upset that my body hasn't shrunk to its former self. 50% of my wardrobe remains unwearable including all my jeans and pants save for 2 pairs. In a fit of pique, I tossed a large amount of clothing into the donation bin. Though I kept a few to remind myself that I will fit into them one day. I also scrutinise the hell out of every photograph and only look at the weighing scale after using the bathroom.
How whiny can I get? Stepping back from the scale and taking an objective look in the mirror, I think I look alright. Of course I wish my thighs were smaller, tush perkier and boobs bigger. Thought, why does fat only migrate South? What was I talking about? Yes, I should remind myself "I am just fine." Certainly, shopping for new clothes help. Right, Kelly?
Maybe cos it's end of the year but I've been clearing gunk out of my life. From clothing to magazine clippings, products to blogsites. One just accumulates without fully utilising it all so I'm going to clear out what I don't miss. And take a curated approach to bringing in the new.
I've been less than inspired fashion-wise. For one, 70% of my wardrobe is black, grey or white. Which isn't so bad but my clothes are squashed together, sometimes 3 pieces on the same hanger, to maximise wardrobe space. So I can't visually mix and match.
And worst of all, I can't layer to save my life. So my perpetual uniform has become sweater, jeans and coat. Would you believe, I just bought my first pair of leggings?
I know I know, this is all so frivolous. But I like dressing up and it's hideous to be stuck in a rut.

Have this strong compulsion to colour my hair red.
Alas, my hair has been falling out in clumps lately due to hormonal changes related to the thyroid. The upside is that hair will grow back once my hormone level regulate itself to normal but it's going to take a long time. And I didn't have a lot of hair to begin with. Meanwhile, the number of strands has thinned considerably. It's like hide and seek with my scalp now.
So I am staying far away from chemicals, cuts and combing. Any recommendations for hair growth supplements?
Contrary to my belief, bears don't hibernate. Instead they go into a state of torpor where the physiological activity slows down characterized by decreasing body temperature and metabolism. I have become a polar bear.
The shorter autumn hours makes the day dull faster. Even the sun doesn't seem as bright. Contributing to the haziness of it is the cosy feeling of K and Hunter being home a lot. It feels like a dream where motion is suspended and each moment stretches into eternity.
And makes me constantly lethargic. Even after recovering from one week of stuffed nose and head that feels like an inflatable castle that kids like to jump in.
This week I have started to spring clean the house. Clearing out clutter to make space for new clutter. Soon I won't have any more excuse to be in a torpor. So excuse me as I slowly make contact with the world.
Received horrifying news at the doctor's today. I am officially at my heaviest in years. Last time I was at this weight, I was all muscular with
Michelle Obama-esque biceps and a big tummy. Weird I know but it's a combination of intense PE in JC and the damn delicious omelettes sold in the canteen.
Before I left Singapore, my wedding gown designer had smilingly warned me not to put on any more weight since she can't let out my dress any further. Though I am aware that the weight gain is a
side effect of treatment, I'm still shocked at the rate of 4.5kg in a month. Good news is that my doctor has said I can start doing light exercises.
Sigh, so easy to pile the pounds and so much harder to lose them. Anyone has a sure fire recipe for losing 9kg in 2 months?
I started
twittering recently.
Adjusting picture quality to post on blogs can be tiresome. That is why I haven't been blogging much about life. For now, twitter might be easier. But did I just add on to my tech garbage?
People wonder what I do with all my time. When the reply is "wedding planning", it's hard to fathom how an entire day can be taken up with that. I am
hyper and OCD. Being sick has its usefulness sometimes. While I could kick back and enjoy the convenience a Singapore wedding package, I choose to scour through thousands of websites looking through hundreds of invitations, hundreds of shoes, hundreds of bridesmaid dresses, hundreds of accessories and more. Everything is done individually and nothing is done in small numbers.
My other job is writing for Examiner.com on my favourite topic,
weddings. Examiner.com is an online news site with professional writers and a variety of interesting topics. Thus my site is more reporting driven with a focus on the Los Angeles wedding scene. But I like to include news, trends and beautiful weddings from all over the world.
Between this and my wedding, I am guilty of neglecting
Love, Love Me Do. To think I can still contemplate setting up my own wedding website. I haven't got a clear focus for that yet so it will have to wait. Not forgetting the cat who is shedding like crazy and housework. I am kept busy. Only those tasks don't pay off monetarily. I need to look for a part time job but it's very irresponsible to quit in 2 months. Right?
Please help me spread the word and share
my Examiner site with brides-to-be and grooms-to-be okay? Thank you!!!
My hands have been trembling for a few months now and a chance remark by my friend made me suspect hyperthyroid. After a blood test at the clinic, my suspicions were confirmed.
Hyperthyroid is easily treatable, though in certain rare situations you have to take medication for the rest of your life. What I'm more worried about is the substantial weight gain during treatment. My mind immediately jumps to my wedding in Oct and images of me bursting my wedding gown. Yes, depression is a symptom too.
Anyway, I'm sharing because it's easy to dismiss the symptoms of hyperthyroid as a one-off situation due to stress or caffeine overload. In fact, I have had some behavioural changes in the past few months and didn't think much of it until I got my diagnosis. If you have a few of these symptoms for a prolonged period, go get checked out alright?
1. Trembling hands
2. Increased Heart Rate/Heart Palpitations
3. Anxiety
4. Depression
5. Heat Intolerance
6. Breathlessness
7. Increased bowel movements
8. Light or absent menstrual periods
9. Fatigue
10. Weight Loss
11. Muscle Weakness
12. Warm Moist Skin
13. Hair Loss
14. Staring Gaze
15. Insomnia
16. Bad Temper
Every 3 hours, I need to put something in my stomach. It's like jet lag except it's not. Everyday brings a new craving. Today is kaya toast. My period is late.
I tease Kelly that I'm pregnant. Many times, I see panic in his eyes. But today he just smiled and said calmly "Then we have a baby." Which means it's not fun anymore.
No, I'm not pregnant and we would know. We aren't trying. I am determined not to have a baby when I'm nowhere near my parents or in-laws. So why am I hungry all the time???
Got this
personality test from Min. Like all personality tests, it's doesn't entirely reflect who I am. I definitely care about people more than myself. So much so I hurt myself but when I decide to be selfish, I start to feel bad. Vicious cycle. :p
Your answers say you are a leader.
Summary of Leaders:
1) Natural managers who strive for efficiency
2) See the big picture and make strategic plans for the future
3) Think of themselves as bright, independent and logical
4) May overlook other people's need for emotional support
More about Leaders:
Leaders are strategic thinkers, planning ahead and anticipating difficulties. They quickly spot inefficiency and organise people to make improvements. Leaders like solving problems at the organisational level, but would rather leave the detailed work to others.
Leaders are most likely to say they enjoy their job, according to a UK survey.
Leaders enjoy discussing complex issues and will challenge people’s views to spark a debate. They admire people who defend their beliefs by arguing persuasively.
In situations where they can’t use their talents or are unappreciated, Leaders may become detached, critical or aggressive. Under extreme stress, Leaders may feel isolated and doubt their abilities.
Leaders are often so ambitious in their careers that they sacrifice their personal life in the process.
Leader Careers:
Leaders are often drawn to jobs in management where logical analysis and strategic planning are required.
***It's important to remember that no survey can predict personality type with 100 percent accuracy. Experts say that we should use personality type to better understand ourselves and others, but shouldn't feel restricted by our results.
I usually hate memes but nowadays I am too busy to write long blog posts. Especially those that need to resize a lot of pics. Hence no San Jose or Vegas writeup. Meanwhile, Memes are very convenient.
01. At which age do you want to get married?I always think 26 is the ideal age. Enjoy 2 years of honeymoon and have kids. I got married at 27. Quite close. Not sure about the kids now.
02. Who is more important to you? Friends or Girl/Boyfriends?Friends.
03. Who is/are the person/people that you trust most?Correction. I thought this was a followup question from No.2 so I said Friends. People I trust most same as Question 15. Parents, husband and friends.
04. In a relationship, does how long you last with him/her matter?Only if both parties can still maintain the same beliefs, values and principles.
05. What would you do if you saw someone abusing an innocent animal?Shout at them to let the animal go. If that doesn't work, call police.
06. Do you believe in seeing rainbow after rain?Yes. But they don't believe in seeing me!
07. Do you believe in eternity love?Only God's.
08. Have you ever broken someone's heart that he/she tries to commit suicide?All talk, no action.
09. What feeling do you love most?Happy, Rich, Beautiful and Slim.
10. What feeling do you hate most?Indecisiveness.
11. If one day your boy/girlfriend and best friend quarrel, who will you side with?Whoever that is right.
12. Does having a lot of best friends, really regard them as the real meaning of best friends?Yes. We all hang out in a group lah!
13. Do you cherish every single friendship of yours?Yups!
14. Do you like to hang out with friends?Yups!
15. What/Who do you think is/are the most important in your life?My parents, my husband, my friends and ME.
16. If you were on a ship, your mother and your boy/girlfriend(been together for 2 years) were knocked out of the ship, you only have one life float, who would you throw it to?My mum. Cos K can thread water.
17. If your boyfriend were to two-time you, what would you do?Say Bye Bye.
18. If time were to rewind, when will you want it to be?Is it like a remote control? Then I rather fast forward to see how my life will pan out and make the changes now to prevent all the mistakes of my future.
19. Have you felt the true meaning of love?Yes.
20. What is the thing you tell you boy/girlfriend everyday?If I am not angry, I love you. If I am angry, Good Night.
You've been tagged! 1. April
2. Cat
3. Evelynn
4. Jaycee
5. Rachel
5. Susanne
7. Everyone who is reading this!