CNY Feast 2010

Mellben Seafood 龙海鲜螃蟹王
232 Ang Mo Kio Street 22
Singapore 089671

I'm adding another disappointment to my list.. Mellben Seafood

Had our girl night out last evening for the CNY feast.. this year decision for Mellben was no different from the bad choice last year.  We had yu sheng, chilli crab, crab bee hoon soup, nai bai with mushroom, tofu with broccoli, yam ring with scallop..

Yu sheng - it was so dry (I think canton kitchen served better yu sheng)
Chilli crab- starch... maybe it is cold already
Crab bee hoon soup - good but Uncle Leong had the same crab bee hoon soup & there is no queue.
Cereal Prawn - i had the same thing in Malaysia during 2nd day of CNY and i feel it taste better
Nai bai with mushroom & tofu with broccoli - can't be a wrong dish.. cos it is only veg
Yam ring with scallop - not as good as Jumbo seafoods.. I feel the dip taste a little sour.

Ambiance would have to be in our consideration list next time.. cos it was so noise that we can't talk.  We actually have to pass message and words around :(

Overall you should only go to Mellben if you are craving for crab bee hoon soup.

Fractuous

I'm starting this label.. Word of the Day.. My resolution for 2010 to learn new word :) It was never successful as I've really bad memory..

Fractuous (FRUHK-choo-uhs)

- fruitful; productive

Quotes:

It had by now reached much beyond even that status to appear in our minds as a place sentient, actively helping these once forlorn and homeless sailors, presenting us with fructuous soil to grow our food, bountifully adding its own edible offerings, its waters supplying us with an abundance of fish.

-- William Brinkley, Last Ship

Theory does not provide us worthy Marching orders for a fructuous future, for theory in itself tells us nothing about how and when it is applicable.

-- Sheila McNamee and Kenneth J. Gergen, Relational Responsibility

Lagerfeld is talking about reducing his mighty Chanel shows to more intimate experiences. And this collection proved that such a fructuous collaboration with the couture hands deserves to be played out on a quieter note.

-- Suzy Menkes, "Chanel plays pipes, turning tiny tubes of tulle into couture", New York Times, July 1, 2008

Happy Chinese New Year 2010

Counting down for Chinese New Year 2010.

I'm extremely excited over it this year.. I'm all ready for this holiday :)

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

Reunion Dinner 2010

We had the reunion dinner on 30 Jan 2010 at Canton Kitchen by Chef Kang.  We had yu sheng, poon choi and two dessert (lemon grass jelly with lime sorbet and manago with pamelo).. I like both the dessert.

Thank to Jolene for doing the reservation.. We had a private room.. can make all the noise we want, talk freely and without screaming at each other :)

Performance

Was just complaining about my job lack of challenge... and I had my performance reviewed with my manager yesterday.. the result is a WOW effect.. I'm a "top contributor with exceptional results" *bling, bling*

I've been with my current company for 02 years 04 months.. how time flies and I still recall the day when I'm so excited getting this job offer.. I've been getting really good grade over the past 2 reviews and it had always "above average contributions and outperforms most peers".. I cannot deny that my managers have been showering lots of care and concern to me.. even my managers in USA would send me personal notes every now and then asking me on how I'm coping.. and my manager-manager's boss (haha!!) would drop me thank you note, greeting.. I don't know why I'm so lucky when it come to people relationship..

Hope my luck continue this year :)

Company Memo

This is so damn funny :)

Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 1, 2008
RE: Gala Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols... feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM. Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Patty

Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 2, 2008
RE: Gala Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Patty


Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 3, 2008
RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name... I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

Patty


Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
To: All Employees
DATE: October 4, 2008
RE: Generic Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms. Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each group will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table. To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry. We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food . The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first. There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?

Patty


Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All F*%^ing Employees DATE: October 5, 2008
RE: The F*%^ing Holiday Party

I've had it with you vegetarian pricks!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f*%^ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! The rest of you f*%^ing weirdoes can kiss my *ss. I hope you all have a rotten holiday!

Drive drunk and die,
The B*tch from H*ll!!!


Company Memo
FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: October 6, 2008
RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery from her recent nervous breakdown and I'll continue to forward your cards to her at the asylum. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.

Happy Whatever!
Joan

I Know Why

I finally found the reason why I'm so depressed since the starting of 2010.. I think I'm lack of challenge in my job.. My work load is heavy as I can reply to 200 - 300 emails daily but it is the quantity but quality.. I feel that there is not much for me to learn in my current scope of work.. I need new level of challenge.. My colleague has says that one should be equip with the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn.. so maybe I should do that :)

Something Missing!

I feel something missing in my life.. and I seem to miss the past.. what is wrong with me!! People only move forward but I want to move backward.. strange! Am I mad? Maybe I'm getting old..

Strange Feeling

I felt a sudden lost today.. A very strong feeling.. Feel gulity & let
u down.. I'm sorry ;(

Sent from my iPhone

Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie

Sweet.. Sweet.. Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie

I love the box.. look so sweet :) and I'm tempted to have this hair cut :)

Evelyn Birthday Bash 2010

Pasta Brava
11 Craig Road
Tanjong Pagar Singapore 089671

Time flies... another year passed and all of us are getting a year older *sigh*.. it is Evelyn's birthday "again".. and we girls meet up again for the new year and to celebrate Evelyn's birthday. We are getting more adventure now.. Instead of the usual Coca Steamboat, seafoods.. nowaday we go for Szechuan, teochew and today.. Italian :)

We ordered 1 appetizer, 1 salad, 4 main courses and 4 desserts.. We had a great nights without say... catching up on each other holiday, life, work, etc.. It is alway an enjoying event to be out with the gals.. they made good buddy :)

The total damage is approx. S$235++..

AppetizersCALAMARI FRITTI CON SALSA ALLA DIAVOLAolden fried crispy squid rings, served with spicy tomato sauce
SaladsINSALATA ALLA CESARE
traditional Cesar salad
Pasta DishPAPPARDELLE AL RAGU D’ANITRA CON FUNGHI
large ribbon pasta with ragout of duckling and mushroom

Homemade Pasta
LASAGNA TRADIZIONALE
layers of thin pasta with tomato sauce, minced beef, parmesan and mozzarella cheese

Main DishCASSUELA AI FRUTTI DI MARE

seafood stew with prawns, clams, squid, crayfish, blue crab, in a thick tomato crab

FILETTO AL GORGONZOLA

pan-fried beef tenderloin flavoured with white wine,

green peppercorn and blue cheese sauce

Desserts

TIRAMISU AL MASCARPONE E CAFFE

traditional Italian mascarpone cheesecake

SORBETTO DI LIMONE O MANGO

lemon or mango sorbet

TORTA DI MELE AL MASCARPONE E RICOTTA CON GELATO

apple pie with mascarpone and ricotta, served with vanilla ice cream

TARTUFO AL CIOCCOLATO

an Italian ice cream covered with chocolate powder

Post Holiday Syndrome

Oh gosh! I think I'm suffering from Post Holiday Syndrome.. argh... Help!

I don't want holiday to end..

Happy New Year 2010

Happy New Year..

2010 Resolution?

I don't even want to think about it..

cause I never follow my resolution..

just go with my thought and comfort level..

is the best resolution for me ;)

Closing up 2009

2009 have been a very fruitful, successful, lovely and wonderful year for me.. I've got the most beautiful gift in my life, my career is doing well with good support from management and team mates... one can never be satisfy about what you can have.. but I think 2009 can never be any better for me.. I'm happy with what I've and I'm grateful..

I hope 2010 can be as good and wonderful year :)

I wish all my friends and family a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Make a WISH

Received a year end present today..

&

is a WISH come true..

Le Pliage

Finally, I made up my mind on the colour that I want.. and THANK to my lil sis..

I ordered on 17 Nov and it was shipped out from France on 20Nov.. I simply love it so much! :) Total damage is USD120 + USD50 (shipment).. damn it the shipment fee is so expensive..



My Longchamp custom made Le Pliage ;)

Bali, Indonesia

Tired, tired and needed a rest badly..

Twilight Saga: New Moon

I seem to fall in love with weekday movie.. I took a day off to rest and relax yesterday and managed to watch the Twilight Saga: New Moon for S$6 :)

The new moon focus seem to be on Jacob Black, the werewolf.. Even when the evil vampire Laurent returned for Bella, it was Jacob who protected and save her life. Edward in this movie, is weak and useless.. so different from the Twilight when he first appear as a handsome, cool, smart and super powerful vampire.. but still he is the star.. the dazzling "vegetarian'' vampire.. another character that I like of the Cullen family is Alice (sister of Edward). She is beautiful, sweet, happy and kind.. This episode ended with Edward saying "marry me" to Bella.. so I'm wondering what is going to happen in the next Twilight? Is Bella going to marry Edward? Is she going to turn into a vampire so she can stay at the same age with Edward forever?

My next target movie is Chipmunk part 2 :)



Synopsis:

After Bella recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, she looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward and his family. However, a minor accident during the festivities results in Bella's blood being shed, a sight that proves too intense for the Cullens, who decide to leave the town of Forks, Washington for Bella and Edward's sake. Initially heartbroken, Bella finds a form of comfort in reckless living, as well as an even-closer friendship with Jacob Black. Danger in different forms awaits.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259571/plotsummary

Twilight

The first Twilight was shown in 2008 (I think!) but I only watched it 3 weeks ago on a DVD. I actually thought that it's a horror movie.. but NO.. it is a romance movie.. a love between a human and a vampire.. Edward Cullen is beautiful and cool..



Synopsis:

Bella Swan has always been a little bit different. Never one to run with the crowd, Bella never cared about fitting in with the trendy, plastic girls at her Phoenix, Arizona high school. When her mother remarried and Bella chooses to live with her father in the rainy little town of Forks, Washington, she didn't expect much of anything to change. But things do change when she meets the mysterious and dazzlingly beautiful Edward Cullen. For Edward is nothing like any boy she's ever met. He's intelligent and witty, and he seems to see straight into her soul. In no time at all, they are swept up in a passionate and decidedly unorthodox romance - unorthodox because Edward really isn't like the other boys. He can run faster than a mountain lion. He can stop a moving car with his bare hands. Oh, and he hasn't aged since 1918. Like all vampires, he's immortal. That's right - vampire. But he doesn't have fangs - that's just in the movies. And he doesn't drink human blood, though Edward and his family are unique among vampires in that lifestyle choice. To Edward, Bella is that thing he has waited 90 years for - a soul mate. But the closer they get, the more Edward must struggle to resist the primal pull of her scent, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy. Somehow or other, they will have to manage their unmanageable love. But when unexpected visitors come to town and realize that there is a human among them Edward must fight to save Bella? A modern, visual, and visceral Romeo and Juliet story of the ultimate forbidden love affair - between vampire and mortal.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1099212/plotsummary

Jack's Place

Another favourite place of mine.. Jack's place.. Lobster bisque.. steak.. and baked potato with lots of sour cream and bacon *yummy* :p



Lobster bisque



My fave baked potato with lots of sour cream and bacon..