Ooo baby.... Satin Pumps!

Oooo nice... Addison Satin Ballet Pumps

I'm really having a hard time lately with clothes. Nothing from Mango and Zara or what not shops inspires anymore! Until I popped by at Banana Republic last weekend. It was the classy look I seek for work (have been layering sweaters and lacy blouses lately. Pity we only had 10 minutes before we had to run off for our movie.

I fell for these. Addison satin ballet pumps. Something about those cupcake pleats in duchesse satin won me over and had me dreaming about them since! And to slip into them was light and practically molded into these soles as if it were second skin.

And that look... the one with a three quarts sweater, turtle neck over a long sleeved shirt? I just saw a version in a magazine that was with a sheer long sleeved blouse. It was lovely and even better! *sigh.

I think I might just go splurging next weekend!

Forwards and Backwards

More Indications of a Forwards-backwards Society

Firstly, it was the great housing plans, known as the HDB. Today, prices for rental can take up to a third of your salary. So much for attracting foreigners to this work-rental trap-crap.

Paying for rent is as much as paying for housing loans. It was something we considered (buying a place and paying it off like paying rent) but that would mean *LH and I would have to marry just for a roof over our heads because the govt only sells HDBs to married PRs if you are non-citizens.

Society was all about sex education and prevention. But heck, I can't even buy my birth control pills without checking with a doctor. I'm having to justify my menstrual regulating problem to the GP, who gave me really suspicious questions that poke right into my sexual activities -- only upon his satisfaction, 'granted' me a meeting with a NUS medical policy approved O&G. I can't imagine what a (legal) teen would have to go through to get pills for *non-medical reasons!

Today, I lost my last packet of pills. Due to the lack of O&G practitioners, I have to wait patiently till next Monday for a consultation. I challenged the protocol bound receptionist: "what about side effects", and without any hesitation or clarification, she asked me to abstain from any sex!

Birth control pills, should be available at pharmacy shelves, like condoms.

That, btw, says another thing about gender equality.

Art of Yawn

Art of Yawn

In her new job, *Matahari claimed to have mastered yawning with a closed mouth. I, on the other hand, have perfected the soundless yawn.

Coffee and croissants

Un croissant, s'il vous plait

Not a bad morning so far. Strolled into office in good time with a double shot macchiato and a fresh baked butter croissant. If I miss being in Europe so much, at least I will make do with a French breakfast.

Dad has been accidentally calling me, very often, from Malaysia yesterday. He's proudly informed his girl that he has her now on his speed dial. Really, my dad does not call me enough!

So, what spoils a great day? Well, the landlord has decided to up the rent by almost double because of the property market. And the darn Singapore Law has little regard for the protection and rights of the tenant -- so reflected in the contract that has me inconveniently homeless soon lest I agree to pay the exorbitant hike. I guess I will have to move, but I really feel bad for *Jules who has to also move just after half a year of staying in AMK.

School of Athens

I'm working on boss' presentation slides to be shown at Beijing University, and offers a comparison of Western and Eastern universities and their arts, sciences and cultures.

I was looking through images and was reacquainted with pictures of Raphael's frescoes (especially the School of Athens), the mighty statues, imposing architecture and beautiful tapestries. Pictures do no justice to the real images seen in Europe. Can't wait for the chance to go again. Fongky, lucky you!

24, not 25,,,

D'oh

So at the end, I managed 25 sweets, 25 toy soldiers, $25 worth of phone card credit (so he can speak to his family, on me) and 25 utility hooks (because our stuff -- eg, clothes, towels and keys all get thrown randomly around at his place).

Only problem was, he is 24 this year, not 25. Boy, did he have a good laugh.

And at the cake shop, I had somehow, unwittingly requested for 21 candles.

How Old, Again?

Dear *Gallant,

Happy Birthday! Enclosed with love are 25 paper clips for your notes, 25 toffees for a candy jar on your desk, 25 instant mix beverages to quench late hour thirsts and 25 multi coloured pens for your stationary needs.

Btw, how old did you say you are today?

Love,

*Damsel

I'm splurging on dinner at Lawry's (two, hundred dollar steaks, plus taxes!) and tickets for Bangkok, canceled with no refunds because he couldn't get a visa (Singapore PR application reasons). With no time to spare for shopping, I might just have to raid the co-op near my office.