Retrolicious 2012.

This is gonna be a long post. You've been warned.

I've been wanting to go for this since I've heard it being advertised on Class95... but here's what I found out: I have little/no friends to go with and I'm too stingy to pay $125 (let alone $225 for VIP tix). And then the best thing happened (or so I thought... but let's leave that to the climatic end) - the cousin texted and said the event organizer was looking for volunteers to help at the event, and in return, all volunteers get a VIP tix in return! You cannot imagine my excitement; I was totally looking forward to it, and then came the boo-boo that my name wasn't on the volunteer list a week leading up to the concert. You see, all volunteers received an SMS with details on time/place for the briefing, but no, not I. And so I started bugging the cousin every other hour (ok, I'm exaggerating) until she must have so regretted telling me about the call for volunteers (I know you still love me, Y.)

4 days to the concert. The phone beeped. FINALLY. (And with any story worth reading, there's always a "but"...) The cousin texted and said she wasn't feeling well - my first dampener. But she was kinda sure she'll get better by the weekend. So there was hope.

1 day before the concert. The cousin's little girl was down with fever - my second dampener. But she said she'll monitor her. If the fever subsides, she'll still go for the concert. The husband was cool about her going by the way. It was more like she felt bad about leaving the baby at home while she was out partying. My POV? Little O wasn't gonna feel any better with one more person by her side. I literally told her that and assured her I wasn't saying it to be mean (yes, she has verified that she still loves me! yes, I am shameless like that). At this point, I was pretty sure the cousin would not be attending the concert afterall. I was half-prepared to go solo.

6 October 2012:
"Oi. bad news." The phone rang. Little O's to be admitted to hospital. Apparently down with some viral infection. "Just great," I thought to myself. I wasn't gonna let that ruin it for me though. So as much as I was pissed (with the world), I decided to go anyway. Afterall, it wasn't a nice thing to volunteer and then pull out last minute.

I arrived at Fort Canning Park 3:30PM for the briefing. Everyone's a strawberry. I was given an oversized t-shirt and a crew pass. ̶N̶i̶c̶e̶.̶  10min later. I've made a new friend. She was also alone! The friend played her out. We were kinda glad we ended up in the same group; she was to play usher while I took on the role of a "wrist-tagger". Sweet. I couldn't wait for "work" to end so I could go all wild and gyrate to the 80s hits. I was so wrong. My new friend had to burst my bubble and tell me volunteers don't actually get to see the concert. WHAAAAAAT! Volunteers had to work, so their friends get the free VIP tix instead! Double whaaaaaaaaaat! I couldn't have been more pissed at this point. This was also where I realised gee, I really didn't have that many friends to invite.

I texted D whom I remembered was touching down that same day, and told her she could bring a friend. I figured W wouldn't be interested since she did say "it wasn't her thing". D didn't manage to get anyone so my pair of VIP tix went totally to waste.

The crowd started pouring in about 6ish, 7. I was one hell of a tagger, I tell you. The strawberries were impressed. I also made sure I didn't litter the ground with the sticker butts (is that what they call it!?)... unlike *ahem* the rest of the kiddos in the other lanes.

I was paired with a strawberried ticket-tripper. That's what the ticket-tearers are called. I like her. She wasn't whiney... although she kinda stressed out when the crowd came storming through. I had to half-yell at them to STOP and get their tickets checked/torn before coming over to me to get their right wrists tagged. And even then, I get people telling me to tag their left wrist instead, because they're left-handers. I was like, "Honey, it's SOP. I only check right wrists for re-entries. You don't get to come back in if you're tagged on the left wrist." The lesson to be learnt here: never argue with the door bitch. I felt empowered. Ha ha ha ha!

I was also expecting to see lots of familiar faces, especially since I was right at the main entrance. I couldn't have been more wrong. I saw more hands/wrists more than faces I swear. Sweaty ones too! The expected turn out rate was 5,000 people. (According to the papers a day after, there were at least 6,500 people!) I would have tagged at least 1/4 of that number. I was totally free labour, did I say?

Oh yes, I haven't griped about how I could only hear the muffled sounds of Wang Chung playing "Let's Go!" where I was standing... my feet were a-tapping and my hands were trying so hard not to go up in the air!!! The strawberries could not understand my pain because they had absolutely no effing idea who the artistes were and what songs they were known for. Pffft. I was in pain. Tiffany came on like an hour later and again, I could only wish I was in there... I didn't feel that deeply for Howard Jones.

The conert was supposed to end at 11PM but Alphaville hadn't even come on then. There was a glimpse of hope. I asked if they were gonna dismiss us anyway (because we were told it'll end at 11PM). By this time, I've been moved inside, to bid the party-goers "bye bye", "goodnight" and "see you again next year!". My only consolation being I could actually see the side of the stage from where I stood. I could actually move my feet and danced to the beat! I was half-elated. It was like the icing on a carrot cake (I don't eat carrot cakes. Go figure)

The event ICs decided to dismiss us but hoped for 2 volunteers to stay on. No way was I gonna volunteer. But I told the new girlfriend, let's stay for Alphaville! I was glad she obliged. We also hung out with another guy friend who's brought along his girlfriend (but had to leave her with his friends because he also didn't realise he wouldn't be going for the concert! Such suckers we are!)

I ran to change outta the ill-fitting t-shirt (the temp toilet was so effing wet and dirty!!!!)... grabbed the new-found girlfriend, and scurried back to where the guy friend and his friends were. Alphaville just about started playing when we got into positions. AWESOME. FINALLY.

I could have sworn I moved every bone in my body. I was transported back to my Mambo Jumbo days! (if only my friends were here!) I went wild when "Big In Japan" came on. Even wilder with "Sounds like a Melody" and finally with "Forever Young"!


"Big In Japan"



the lights were giving me a headache but i went wild anyway

 

closing song: "forever young"


I am totally paying for the tickets next year. Then again, You owe me one, Y :)

And just so you know, I'm never volunteering ever.

(According to most of the strawberries I spoke with, they volunteered in the hope of getting called back to help at a K Pop concert that's happening.) The new friend I've made will continue to volunteer I've been told. She reckons she's got nothing (better) to do on weekends anyway. Amazing.

Look Ma, I shredded a cheque!

I have this habit of tearing up empty envelopes because I think dumping a crumpled envelope takes up too much space in the wastebin. Yes, I'm anal like that. I did just that today. Without realising I've forgotten to remove the cheque in it. Clever, huh?


a first in all my 37 years



The One About Legs

Them legs got punished today. They've been feeding on too much junk. If I let them be, they'll no longer be legs, but trunks.

gotta punish them so they can walk me longer distances

Eating for Two.

We'll usually share a set, but looks like I'll be taking the fats on this one cos the boyfriend's in Hong Kong. Boogers.

breakfast @ Toastbox

Thirst Quencher.

Nothing like a cup of soothing, hot honey before bed.

The Perfect 10.

The girls and I were talking about shoes today. Would I pay $500 for a pair of shoes? Say, I like it really, really much. Like, really, really much. I don't think so. Would I fork out half that amount, at $250 for the same pair of shoes? Erm, no. See, the thing with me and shoes is this: I don't drag my feet when I walk, but I almost always wear 'em out really quickly! Either I'll accidentally kick it against something, or I'll 'dent' it by accidentally tripping over a drain groove. You get the idea, I am not exactly the most careful walker. As much as I try to watch where I'm walking. I love patent wedges/flats, etc... but every time the patent leather gets as much as a tiny dent, it goes right into the bottomless pit hole where it will sit forever. Even if it's a day old. Yes, I'm anal like that. Maybe it's not obvious even, to the people who's going to see me in it, but I know it's (the dent) there and it sorta irks me. It's just one of my pet peeves... much as I try to ignore it.

The most I've spent on a pair of shoes would probably be what I'm already paying for my Nine Wests. They average about $170 a pair and I wear them out within 3-6months, depending on how heavy the usage.

So I guess the bottom-line is this: if it's not perfect, I don't want it. And this theory applies to everything - I need to work in a neat and tidy environment. Everything has to be in its "right place". I get irritated when things are misplaced, or when I feel sand under my feet, it has to be swept right away!

So there - I'm anal. I'm a perfectionist. And I'm not apologetic about it.

i. am. tired.

Things I need at the mo:
  1. A new bed
  2. Sleep (lots and lots of it)
  3. A holiday
  4. Some new shoes (this will help cheer me up if I'm not getting 1, 2 and 3)

Now go away and don't speak to me unless spoken to. TYVM.

Am I missing something here?

Do people not say "Dear/Hi/Hello So-And-So" these days? It's always just the name, followed by the message. What's up with that? Kills you to add "Dear" or "Hi"? Or does everyone talk in a commanding tone/manner? That's so rude, especially in a medium where you cannot detect emotions. Even if you are not speaking in that tone, well it sure "sounds" like it over email.

I get cheesed everytime I receive an email that starts with "Jenny, can you do this and this and that and that...". Seriously, people. I would appreciate some good cheer when you write to me. TYVM.

What I've Been Snacking On.

Cheerios and Snickdoodles

Awesome. I feel like a kid again.

Sundays are for walking at a leisurely pace.

This morning, I woke up at 10-ish, without the repetitive beep of my alarm. I took my own sweet time to shower, to blow-dry my hair, and then to curl it. By the time I was done, it was like 12 noon. I took the train to town, had coffee and a donut at Dunkin' Donuts (for only $2.50!), and then started my 'shopping spree'. It was just all I, me and myself.

I had wanted to check out the Muji sale, the Orly Kiely collection at Uniqlo, and some knick knacks at Daiso, so Ion Orchard was the perfect one-stop-shop. First stop at Muji turned out to be a disappointment. There was almost no hint of an on-going sale, although there were random tags for items at a 20% discount. I had intended to buy a laptop bag but left empty-handed. My next stop at Uniqlo seemed more promising... until I spotted the sleeveless top I wanted, but they ran out of my size! Boo! But after much digging around, I finally found the elusive S! OK, for one of the sleeveless T at least. It would have been an easy fix for mum, the one I got in M. Hur hur hur... the beauty of having a mum who can sew!

Orla Kiely for Uniqlo

women Orla Kiely sleeveless graphic T/blue
my lucky find: the very last piece in size S

women Orla Kiely sleeveless graphic T/navy
loved the graphics prints so I bought it, even though it's an M -
I figured mum could fix that :)

women Orla Kiely long sleeve shirt/pink

I walked out of Uniqlo, $99.70 poorer. Spent zilch at Daiso. Then strolled down to Far East Shopping Centre but got stuck there for a bit because it decided to rain. And then I walked back up to Wisma, where I had tea and bread at Toastbox, before heading to Takashimaya. By then, it was almost 5pm, and time to meet the mother for dinner at Ikea, Alexandra.

Took two buses, reached Ikea about 6pm, had dinner. Bought 2 armchairs, 1 rug, 1 weighing scale. 1 happy mum. Came home, fixed up the 2 chairs, 1 even happier mum.

All that in one Sunday. I could do with more of these. But not everyday is a Sunday. I can only make the most of what I have. Hope your Sunday was well-spent too. Happy week ahead!

Oooh... Ahhhh...

the soothing effects of Mopiko. Rediscovered. No thanks to the bites I've been getting on my arms and legs.

无比膏

You. Got. To. Be. Kidding.

You can now buy me on Getty Images. FML. But I do wonder how much I'd cost.

The Myers Briggs' Test

Everybody loves a personality test. I just took one and here's what it thinks I am:

I'm an ISTJ

 I'm sure you'll wanna do the test too. Go on.

Hello, Weekend!

Spent 1/2 of my day watching some period/modern drama <古今大战秦俑情> online. The boyfriend came by for a short while. Then I went out for dinner with mom. I wished I had more days like that. And just so this isn't one of those boring posts without photos, here's what I bought today:

H&M

Hoorah or Blah?

I have lived thirty seven years of my life as of today. I am single. I am financially-independent. I am healthy (or so I think). I have friends. Some good ones, I'm glad. I have a life (as in I'm breathing, I'm living, kinda life. Not so much of a balanced life kinda life, which I totally do not have. Ha!)

Birthdays don't hold much meaning for me these days. As with Christmases, new years and valentine's... I wonder if I've outgrown all of these celebrations, or I'm just headed down the pessimistic route of nonchalance. Or maybe I just don't celebrate enough of such occasions to love it (hmm... this explanation sounds kinda logical now that I think/am writing about it). Now if you think you can save all your presents because of what I've just said; hell no. Please keep the presents coming, thank you very much. Not wanting to celebrate the occasion doesn't equate to not welcoming the gifts. It's always nice to be remembered with a little token of something. It doesn't have to be expensive. It's really the thought that counts. Actually, even a written card of sorts will work for me.

The girlfriends bought me a House of Harlow cocktail ring! (Well, truth is, I actually told them to buy it for me!) THANKS MUCH, you and you! I totally dig it. It's gorgeous. Like freaking huge gorgeous.

I also had dinner with the gang and it was nice... it's been quite a while since we needed a table for 6 (+ a baby chair) :)

The boyfriend stayed up to apps me "happy birthday" and then he probably @FellAsleep.

The girlfriends apps me about shopping and cordyceps and welcoming the God of Wealth, and then I had to remind them to wish me "happy birthday" amidst all that excitement - HAHAHA.

I'm happy. But I supposed I could always be happier.

Hello Twenty Twelve!

2011 ended in pain. I ushered in the new year with a headache. I did not stay up to watch the countdown, nor responded to the "Happy New Year" messages that came from friends... although I could hear all the screaming neighbours and their party poppers... and the fireworks in the skies amidst my groggy-ness of trying to fall asleep. Not the best way to end the year but it really didn't matter. Like, really. I think I have work-withdrawal syndrome. Each time I stay at home over a long weekend, I'm sure to waste at least a day nursing a freaking headache. I figured it must either be too much sleep, or watching too many movies on my laptop. Or simply the sum of both.

So on the first day of the new year, I got up at 10am and what did I do? Watched more movies on my laptop. But I also decided to head out for food (although I did still get a headache, it got better through the day).

I think all the countdowns are too close to one another this year. Countdown to Christmas, countdown to 2012, and then the counting down to Chinese New Year. Come to think of it, why do people bother with countdowns? I mean, after all the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1s, it's just another day isn't it? Or isn't it? The next day will arrive like it always does... so what significance is there in a countdown? It's just a matter of one believing it's a "new start", "new beginning"... perhaps the Grinch in me hasn't left since pre-Christmas... or I've arrived at a stage where nothing else matters except the 'now'. You don't have to wait till Chinese New Year to clean out your house or repaint that wall - you pick a day and just do it, no? And having new clothes/shoes/bras/panties for CNY, you can have all of that any other day too, no?

This doesn't sound like a very positive first post for the new year, does it? But I'm not upset or anything though... I'll still welcome anyone who wants to come by this CNY to soak in all the festive cheers... IF I'm in town, that is.

Be well and dream big this year!

Teal is my color (for now)

Purchased the last piece of Teal Blue Snakeskin Charmed Bracelet from Carrie K online and was all excited, anticipating its arrival. But when it did arrive...

my Carrie K package

I have to admit I was disappointed. For the amount I forked out (USD98), I was expecting the bangle to feel a little more erm, heavy. But it totally lacked its weight in silver. Even my USD60 Marc by Marc Jacobs ring felt heavier :/

Teal Blue Snakeskin Charmed Bracelet (USD98)

My first Christmas pressie for 2011.

I need a name for my new toy. Suggestions, anyone?

Sony 4GB USB drive. Thanks, H!

They have arrived.

No thanks to the cousin, who reminded me about Shopbop. I went in for a quick browse and ended up checking out with 2 items! Boo. But I have to say, they arrived in a blink and I love 'em!

bottom left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Pave Katie ring / black diamond
bottom right: Marc by Marc Jacobs logo band ring

(Wo)man vs Machine

New toy in the office and since I wasn't up to anything, I figured I had to give it a try.

waited for the green light...

getting ready to attempt my first cuppa

stupidly assumed coffee was coming out from "that thing" on the right!

finally getting it right.

Update: I think I have since managed to get good at frothing milk for a cappuccino! Now I just need some affirmation from all the "guinea pigs".