KEEP CALM AND READ ON

June 20, 2013June 20, 2013

Summer camp for the first time!

This week, I have been busy volunteering at a 5 day summer camp. This is a 3 hour day camp for children 3-5 years old! The camp is called Art Explorers! Children will explore with paint, shapes, texture and create new art pieces. It’s amazing that the children know so much!

The campers are so adorable! They are just so young, sweet and innocent. My favorite part is when they hold my hand or want to sit next to me 🙂 My heart just melts. Being a volunteer is just so different from being the teacher. I actually enjoy helping out, cleaning/washing and preparing. I must have said this a million times but I’ll say it again… the smiles on the child’s face…. priceless….

Anyway, I have been so out of touch with helping children !! I used to be able to last 1 full day at school…. NOW.. I feel 1/2 dead after the camp ends. Gosh.. so glad I am only just volunteering for 1 camp.

My first fan art – It may not mean anything but it just felt good 🙂

June 10, 2013

How’s it going?!

I guess.. it’s only right to blog about this small ‘milestone’ in my life 🙂 no wild thoughts please!

Getting my WA driving license, did open up some opportunities in my life. I can drive anywhere I like (provided that I have the guts and car to). Out of nowhere, I have also decided that.. I want to volunteer ( also known as community service) ! I began to look for non-profit organizations that I am interested in and send in my applications. Not many places get back to me ( maybe the volunteer market here is very hot?) .. BUT there’s this Childrens’ museum who got back! Finally!!! I was so happy and excited!

Many asked.. why volunteer? I really want to give back to the community – I just want to be someone useful. Since I have the time and ability to do so, why not?! Volunteer mean no pay – That’s what I like about it! No expectations.. no stress! I can do what I really love doing wholeheartedly

I went for orientation and started my first weekly shift last week. Most of the time, I was cleaning and ensuring that everything is well-maintained. I also get to interact with children. Their smiles… priceless! How they laugh at your jokes (which adults will think I’m crazy) makes me feel young again! No…. playing with children and having your own or being a teacher is very different! I can be myself – I don’t have to be stern, firm or fierce!

Then I wonder… If it makes me sooo happy, why didn’t I do this earlier? On the other hand, I’m glad I did what i did – at least, it’s not too late to start!

[Maybe it’s a good sign… because… on the very day i volunteered at the museum, the tortoise in the aquarium (a fish tank!) laid eggs!! wow! It doesn’t happen often!!! ]

May 24, 2013

about blogging

We had dinner with some friends today. Suddenly, they started talking about blogging. Well.. these people don’t know that I still blog (but i have a small suspicion that some do know *grinz*) So, this friend jokingly said “People who blog must be living horrible lives” At that instant, I looked at BH and smiled

Then again.. I do lead a horrible life – I used to really adore my life before I moved here. Now? Not anymore

okok… this is a FML post

May 21, 2013May 21, 2013

Red Hook Beer tasting weekend

last weekend, we went beer tasting at Red Hook Brewery at Woodinville. It was a great experience. BH and I went to Red Hook previously and wanted to take the tour, but missed the last timing. [By the way, last timing on Saturday is 5pm ] We were really glad that we managed to do so this time round with our friends

We paid $1 each for the tour and had about 6 small glasses (2 oz) of beer. It was worth it for the tasting. The guide was a good looking ‘Justin Timberlake’ kind of guy ;D I think we didn’t really learn much about the beer making process. Maybe it was the alcohol – the tour was filled with jokes of sexual connotations?! haha.. i mean.. it’s all for the name of fun!

Just for records, my favorite beer is Audible Ale. It tasted better than Heineken. I find it light and easy to drink, no bad after taste – lower alcohol content too 🙂

By the way… we get to keep the glass (retails for $2 each)!!! How cool!

After the beer tasting, we had dinner at Red Hook. Food are mostly burgers. I think the beer makes me so full.. I shared a salad with Jo instead. No pics of the food :/ However, I am very glad that they had fries to go with their burgers now! It used to be chips when I came last year

Some random pics taken at Chateau Ste Michelle. Loving my new hi-low skirt .. haha 🙂 ohhh… and there’s a interesting event going on this coming Sunday – will drop by if we have nothing better to do

To end this post – More apartment woes: (1) bedroom door fell off – door detached from hinge!!! so dangerous! (2) dishwasher screws came out – now the dishwasher might topple anytime (3) silverfish issue still around :/ The REAL pest control will be coming in on Thursday to examine the issue. Landlord is also getting a repairman to come in. Both BH and I are upset about our staying conditions and is considering moving out…. we just can’t find another suitable place 🙁 In the mist of all these annoying issues, I am glad that our landlord is proactive in solving them even when he is not in town

A reminder to me…

what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… smile 🙂

May 16, 2013May 16, 2013

The Office

‘The Office’ is an American television series which BH loves a whole lot. I remember that he used to watch every episode when he was in SG. It was pure joy when we relocated to US – BH would not miss any of the episode. For me, I never really understood the humour in this series – it’s not funny to me. I watched it together with him anyway.

I remember the season when Michael Scott left – BH was very sad, he teared :O hahaha… I laughed at him! Then I realised that this series actually accompanied us thru’ adulthood ! It’s been 9 years! I guess the humour grows on you. Not only that, I also felt that we watched the characters developed through the years. Amazing.. how fast time had gone by! 9 years… 9 seasons.. that’s it?! Really?! Both of us would watch ‘The Office’ every Thursday. Even when we can’t watch it, we will record it. I guess.. after tonight, we will be so bored on Thursdays :/

There’s alot of memorable episodes but this episode left the biggest impression on me. If you can watch the video, go to the last 3 mins. If you can’t.. u just got to read on…

Extract below taken from ew.com

As Jim was leaving the office to go back to Philly, he told Pam that he knew it was weird for them to be doing therapy but that he wanted to stick with it. She agreed, half-heartedly, and he exited. As he did, Pam noticed that he’d left his umbrella behind, and, being Pam, she grabbed it and ran after him, catching him just as he was about to take off in a cab. Exchanging a quick thanks, Pam started to walk away, but Jim stopped her…

…For a brief moment, Jim had trouble finding the words for what he wanted to say. “Sorry” clearly wouldn’t suffice, so instead he hugged her. Like, really hugged her. It was as if in that instant he remembered that he was once not Pam’s husband but a guy who had a crush on a girl who had a boyfriend.

It took Pam by surprise. And she didn’t hug back right away. Instead, we cut to a flashback to their wedding, where Jim’s brother (who presided over their wedding) read aloud, “Love suffers long and is kind — it is not proud. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails and now these three remain: Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

I felt that this scene is very heart-warming. Sometimes, couples do have their down times – you can’t imagine how much magic a big hug could do 🙂 Just like Jim and Pam, BH and I teared a little at the end of this episode – it was just really sweet. To top it off, “Love never fails and now these three remain: Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” is the verse we have on our wedding church booklet. BH turned to me excitedly when he heard the line “That’s the verse we used!!!” I know.. it’s such a common verse but still..it brought good memories. Hearing this verse out of the blue reminds us about the essence of our relationship 🙂

On a lighter note, BH and I had also been using some of the silly phrases Jim and Pam learnt in couples’ therapy. Some examples, “We appreciate that you appreciate that….” , call everything we don’t want to do ‘opportunities’

It was a good episode.. and a great season.. and a series which we will remember for a long long time… 59 reasons we’re going to miss the office sums up everything

At least there’s still Parks and Recreation + Modern Family + The Middle..

May 14, 2013May 16, 2013

Qdoba House Party!

It’s amazing that I got selected as a House Party host once again! Thank you Houseparty!

This time round, I am blessed to be selected f0r Qdoba House Party!

Party pack arrived on 26 April via Fedex. Look at the goodies!

Party pack includes

(1) Qdoba certificate good for a 20-person Catering Bar
(1) Bamboo spoon
(1) Bamboo tong
(1) Tote bag
(1) Apron
(12) Plastic margarita glasses for each of your guests for drinks or as a unique serving dish for salsa and guacamole
(4) Molcajetes to make and serve guacamole
(12) Qdoba rewards cards for each of your guests loaded with one free entrée

Much better than my previous party pack 😀 Thank you Qdoba!

Party was held on May 10 at Dave and Jo’s place. Thank you DJ for the venue!

3 days before the party, I called my nearest Qdoba (Redmond branch) to place order. At first, the person who answered the phone didn’t know what I was talking about. I had no choice but to email the Qdoba house party contact person. Within 3 hrs, a Qdoba rep contacted me and told me that she spoke to the manger at Redmond branch – ordering should be no problem! Love such great customer service! I called the Qdoba branch again and placed my order smoothly! Great start to a perfect party!

On party day, BH and I collected our food at 6.30pm. Sure enough, the food was prepared and waiting for us!

Setting up the catering bar was easy! Qdoba provided the stands to place the food,matches,heating elements, utensils and paper bowls, tongs, napkins etc.

I ordered the Naked Burrito Bar. The food looked and smell good! However, the amount of food was probably enough for 12-15 people. It’s too little for 20 :/

What’s a party w/o drinks right!?

and.. what’s a party w/o the pretty bebes? fun and furry friends?!

Finally…. most of people arrived!

Fantastic food… great company.. successful party! Thank you! 🙂

Do try out Qdoba catering if u have a party in future.. fuss free and easy to order!

May 13, 2013

Kirkland on a Sunday

Recently, BH and I had been feeling kinda bitter that we didn’t move to Kirkland 🙁 well.. maybe if we moved to Kirkland, we won’t be faced with such a irritating pest problem

For the past week, the weather had been superb. I’m just so glad that we get to spend time together… just chilling out.. I feel so blessed 🙂 I really thank God for such simple pleasures..

It was a relaxing weekend.. BH and I decided to swing by Carillon Point for a walk + happy hour/Dinner

BH brought me here when I just arrived in the US.. hahaha.. here’s a pic of us in 2008.. how do we look?! haha

Anyway, it’s nice to visit this place after so long 🙂

Walked around and decided to enjoy Happy Hour at Bin on the lake

We had a lot of food while chatting and enjoying the view.. so romantic! Love such days!

Guess.. u eat more when u r happy? haha

Last but not least..a reminder to all of us..

May 4, 2013May 5, 2013

Las Vegas 2013

Bing and I will make it a point to go to Vegas yearly ( I didn’t go last year) Well.. we usually go to Vegas because we have a good deal. We started planning for this trip late last year and was looking forward to it. It’s such a bummer that I was ill half the time 🙁 I was also worried about the disgusting silverfish problem we have at home.

It ought be be such an enjoyable trip.. since we managed to get everything ( flight, hotel, food, show) for FREE!!! I just did not have as much fun as I thought I would 🙁

28-30 April

Mirage is a so-so hotel. The rooms are very nice and looks updated. However, the walls are very thin. You can hear people talking/yelling along the corridor.

The weather was really good when we were there. Vegas is beautiful. It’s warm ( not hot) but I was cold most of the time 🙁

Our first complimentary meal worth $150 was at a rather posh restaurant, Steakhouse At Camelot – Excalibur

The food was not bad considering that it’s FREE! Would love some alcohol but I was not feeling well 🙁

Had my best steak ever. This cut, Filet Mignon is indeed the King of steaks.. so tender and flavorful! Totally forgot about taking pics of BH’s steak as it came later .. haha

After dinner.. I felt sooo bad that I went back to the hotel room to sleep. Of course, BH went to the casinos!

The next day.. I felt a little better… we went to Bellagio for brunch buffet! Food was good BUT buffet isn’t good for me because I don’t eat THAT much..

Walked around Vegas.. and spotted this really interesting chapel, Pop Up wedding Chapel at Cosmopolitan – Can consider this in future! Vows renewal maybe?

Walked to Aria and ate the most delightful cakes at Jean Philippe.. omg.. the best so far… I want more!!

Now… the highlight of the trip…..

Before we watched Terry Fator , which is amazing by the way.. we decided to play some slots… and….

I didn’t have a CLUE … don’t even know what I was playing for… I only had $6 left… and I suddenly won the progressive jackpot of $221 for solving the mystery!! wah!!! 😀 BH lost all our winnings at Blackjack later though 🙁

Talking about slot machines, I also saw a Corgi! How cute!

dinner was at Nine Fine Irishmen at NYNY Their Chicken pot pie is super HUGE and delicious!

The next morning… we had more food again… It was Delights @ MGM grand The food was really good! Love such breakfast. The $50 voucher was so worth it. we even had enough for us to takeaway sandwiches for our flight home 🙂

As you can see… this trip…we ate MORE than we should.. I was soooo full…. Wish I was feeling better then :/ Vegas.. till we meet again… Hope it’s soon!!

May 3, 2013May 3, 2013

where do I begin?

I had been feeling very upset for the past few weeks. That’s why I haven’t been blogging.

#1: I regret moving

we moved because of some reasons that can’t be revealed here. At first, we were quite contented that we found a suitable place. However, I recently noticed some disgusting insects in the house. I had been telling BH that I tried cleaning the place over and over but it didn’t feel clean. BH brushed it off and said “You are just being OCD” well.. I thought he was right.. until I took a closer look at what exactly these dirt was… oh my gosh.. they are actually insects!

I don’t like insects. we always try to stay in new apartments and on a higher level. this time round, we didn’t. We decided to try staying in a very old community and on the lowest level. Guess what?! That’s when the insect problem arise.

This is a silverfish. No. They don’t fly or bite but it’s just gross to see them crawling on the floor. I am very disturbed. We found them in the toilet… and now they are going to the kitchen. yes.. we already sprayed pesticide but it does not get to the root of the problem. I really do not know how am I going to stay here for 2 yrs!

Anyhow, I freaked out after I found one on the stove (big fat one some more).. we informed our landlord. He is the nicest person ever. The pest control will be coming on monday to take a look at it. Pray that this issue will be resolved soon 🙁

#2 I caught a cold

This is also related to #1. No, I am not pregnant. We realised that the electricity bills here are very high 🙁 We don’t really have a choice.. old places are not exactly energy efficient 🙁 Decided to turn down the heat… and I caught a cold. This cold lasted for 1.5 weeks.. and I’m still not feeling that well… sucks. I used to really love my life here… now.. what i really want to do is to go home..

#3 There’s no where to go

This also related to #1. I can’t really go anywhere here. I used to be able to walk to the supermarkets, library, go to the gym.. and now… there’s NOTHING. Hope MY car comes soon…

FML

April 16, 2013April 16, 2013

Re-exploring West Seattle

We have been to West Seattle previously BUT it was always raining… Finally managed to visit this place on a beautiful sunny day. Yes.. it was extremely sunny.. so sunny that my headache started in the morning and lasted till late in the evening :/

Anyway, Seattle’s really pretty.. If I ever need to leave this place, it is going to be so hard to do

We had breakfast at the highly raved Bakery Nouveau. This place is Amanda’s paradise! There’s cakes, tarts, macarons, pastries, bread..every sweet thing that I like! Why didn’t I know about this place earlier?! The downside is it’s very crowded :/Seating is limited. BH and I bought coffee, their famous Twice Baked Almond Croissant & Chocolate Croissant. It was sinfully delicious! I personally thought that $4 for a Croissant is quite expensive. However, the pastries were so tasty that it’s worth every single cent. What do I really like about the pastry? I like it that it’s crispy, buttery and not too sweet! I would fall head over heels in LOVE with it IF it’s served warm. On the other hand, I find the powdered sugar on the croissant disturbing. haha.. it’s just me.. I just find it messy to eat with the powdered sugar, so 1/2 the time, I was trying to scrape off the sugar. Would I go back again? Yes, only if i’m around that area 🙂

West Seattle feels like a small town to me. There’s a all-year round farmer’s market… lots of dogs… and small cafe & restaurants. There are also vintage shops which sells cool furniture! I was quite shocked that we actually spent a good amount of time walking around and just enjoying this place. It’s been a while since we did this. ahh… lovely weekend!

Drove down to Alki Beach and took these pictures..

Ended the day with dinner with friends. Happy Sunday!

Last but not least… this is Monday’s dinner… looks good? Still not my mum’s standard yet.. :/