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Sunday, August 31, 2014

All rounded August

Dear Diary,

A hectic month has passed us by, and despite my ongoing laments it seems that time stops or slows down for no one. We are headed for the final quarter of 2014, and I wonder what else it entails.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/tea-break-at-le-chocolat-cafe-club-hotel.html

Let's see... what can I update on this boring blog besides the usual spa, facial, shopping, eating and manicures? Hmmm... ok, there was a coffee workshop that I attended to learn more about coffee (not the one conducted by my company)

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/dinner-at-noodle-place-restaurant.html

Ok, there was food - yes, international cuisines as usual, from European to Asian cuisines. I make the same disclaimer - just because I always seem to be eating, doesn't mean I am very free. You need your 3 meals a day, so do I. Just that I choose to review about mine :)

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/dinner-at-line-restaurant-shangri-la.html

August is also the month where at least 5 of my close friends have their birthdays in! Don't ask me why I got stuck with all the Leos (ok, a couple of them are Virgos), but I did. So there were dinners, drinks and presents all round, to celebrate their special days.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/coffee-workshop-tasting-at-tiong-hoe.html

Sometimes people ask.... how is it that I am celebrating despite the fact that the Dad has just left the world two years ago? Well, in traditional Chinese custom, a family is supposed to mourn for at least three years before participating in any celebratory events. Well, I don't contest that yes, by right, I should abide by that.

Fish tail black deep V-neck black dress with sequined details from Bysi

But to me, as long as the friends we are celebrating for aren't superstitious, I do not see why not. It is not that I am not upset that the Dad is no longer with us in flesh, nor am I disrespecting the custom. I still talk to him everyday, I still go to his alter and give offerings on a daily basis, wishing I had more opportunity to be with him, be a good daughter to him and make him happier.

Sheathed black dress with sequined sides from Wanko

However, he is still with us and I can feel it - and some of the things he has done for us through dreams and reality. I know he wouldn't want us to feel sad for him as well, because he loves us. And I believe that practicality is very important - there is no use crying over spilled milk. If we had been filial to him while he was alive, it would have been enough; if we hadn't been filial to him while he was alive, no matter what we do now to compensate it still wouldn't bridge the shortfall. Hence, life could only go on and teach us to treasure those around us better, and we could give thanks for those who had given us wonderful memories.

Black dress with sword sleeves and sequined belt from Wanko

Anyway, there were many thoughts that has crossed my mind lately, some of them relegating status quo, of course. A couple of friends have been privy to the decisions I am seeking out, but they're all still underway for now. With the driving license and maybe a car in place, there would  be more choices.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/dinner-at-cafebiz-traders-hotel-49th.html

I have agreed to be a columnist for a Hong Kong food site, on a pro bono basis as a favour. There is nothing much to do anyway, except submitting articles (which I could pluck from my Blog). National Day has just passed by too, which sadly I did nothing much for except to eat and chill out. I don't hate my country nor am I ungrateful for some of the privileges that being a Singaporean brought about, but some changes that took place recently have been rather ludicrous. A country is never at fault - it is just a piece of land with infrastructure; it is always the fault of the people who run it, that bears the fault.


I was also part of a voluntary group and we brought some less-privileged families out for a day of bonding and fun. They enjoyed themselves, and so did my friends and I. It was a meaningful way to garner joy sometimes - by bringing joy to others.

So, we conclude August now and continue to glide through the sands of time into September.... See you soon darlings, and thanks for reading this once again. *smooches*