Felix and Geraldine

Yeah!

2009-04-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Each time I receive a letter from H0B, I was hoping for good news. But nope, all these letters would say the same ol' things "Your application have been cancelled". That's the first thing I would really want to hear after a long day at work. *tsk tsk*

After waiting for almost 2 months, we have finally received the H0B's invitation to select an unit. But the sharing of this good news wasn't quite the same as what I would have expected. There was no jumping around, any 'WooHOO!', no fireworks. All I had was unanswered calls to Gerrie. Lol.

Don't get me wrong, we are both excited about the coming date with H0B. After all, this is going to be our very first home. =)

Wedding Band

2009-04-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

We have been shopping for our wedding bands for quite sometime already. From Tiffany, SooKee, Goldheart, Lee Hwa to Love & Co. Finally decided which band we would like.

But decided to wait till we pay for the option fee for our unit.

Gerrie has been asking if H0B has sent us the letter.

Patience!

Ring Part 2

2009-03-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, Gerrie wanted to meet me at Vivo City. We happened to pass by S00 Kee and went to chat with Adrian, who had been a really good salesperson when I had purchase the Brilliant Rose last year.

He showed us the Brilliant Rose wedding bands, which we had not been thinking of getting them yet.

But we decided maybe some early shopping wouldn't hurt abit.

Shopping for wedding bands is not an easy task. For us, at least.

I was thinking that Gerrie could get a half-eternity ring, so that she could pair it up with the solitaire.

Goldheart has a decent one, going for less than $600.

Then we walked into T&Co. And we instantly knew why they could charge a premium price.

Their rings are set in platinum, which would cost twice of a white gold.

Isn't this ring nice?

Their classic rings for men look really simple, but the weight is heavier than those found in the other jewellery stores.

This would cost approx. $2500.

Abit too costly eh.

Rings I Like

2009-03-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

'Save the Children' rings from Bvlgari

Tiffany

Georg Jensen

Mont Blanc

Gucci

Still Waiting

2009-03-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

We were on our way to church this Sunday morning when we decided to check out the building site for our flat.

Still waiting for the letter and flat selection date.

So Kiasu...

2009-03-03T07:46:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I also buay tahan myself.

Still in a shock that we are selected to purchase an unit.

Kept checking the website and re-read the contents. Ok, so now we know they would contact us in April/ May for the selection of units.

Then I called up the hotline to ask what would the procedures going to be.

Pay $2000 option fee.

Then make a 10% downpayment and 1-3% for stamp and legal fees.

These are information we already know. But it's good to confirm we are indeed the 70th people in the Q.

Buay tahan myself.

Our First Home? Really?

2009-03-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

On a relaxing Sunday, when you're bored, you would surf HD8 website. Then you would notice this particular icon:

Ok, maybe it's just me.

One good thing is that it allows you to view your profile by using your 5ingpa55.

And that's what I did.

Then I saw the following:

You have been shortlisted to select a x-Room flat in xxx. Your queue number is 000XX. We will mail the detailed information on the flats available for booking to you nearer the selection date.

I immediately woke Gerrie from her sleep. Imagine the excitement! She can't stop saying, "WoohOO!"

I then sat down and began to do my math. On how much downpayment we would put, the loan size and tenor.

Here's some pictures of the place.

Finally!

One More Hope

2009-02-26T05:03:00.000-08:00

After my course at 0CBC Centre today, I received a sms from HD8, on the exercise of BT0 flats at W00dlands. I was like, "Of all places, why W00dlands?"

W00dlands is super ulu and inaccessible... blah blah blah. I could come up with many reaons why W00dlands can be such a bad choice, but I can't deny it's a good chance to grab hold one unit and need not take a big loan.

So after lunch at Tea Party, I went back to br@nch and went to HD8 website and saw the following pic:

Okay... not too shabby.

Price wise is very affordable. A 5-room flat cost less than $300k.

But what I like most is the layout of the flat.

Then I did my own artist's impression. =)

What Has Been Happening?

2009-02-10T08:38:00.001-08:00

Since the last update, we haven't had any news on the selection of Oct '08 half-yearly sale. Think that might be a goner.

By the end of this month, we would be receiving news on the Sunshine Court @ CCK. Seriously, I am starting to be immune from feeling disappointed even if they reject our application this time round.

What we have decided to do is to look at resale flats. I have looked at my neighbour's place but thought the loan might burden us. Thus, we are shifting our focus at places that are very near the train station, smaller in size and something that might be more affordable for us now.

After all, the economy is set to get worse. Read: job insecurity.

But at least working for bridal studios look set to be recsesion-proof. My colleague has just gotten her package, my best friend's gf has taken the initiative to look around already. My MT mate has just proposed, so did my other colleague. My army mate has also proposed with a Brilliant Rose. Gerrie's cousin is set to get married this year as well...

Looking at such strong demands, I might consider becoming a wedding planner. Lol.

Oh well...

Pray.

One More Try

2008-12-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

The application for Dew Springs @ Yishun has just been opened. Prices are cheap, but it would really be inconvenient for travelling. Many times I have travelled there for reservist, appointments or even Subaru meetups, yet I have always thought it is so damn far. Not even Chong Pang nasi lemak can sway my thoughts of leaving there.

Then I saw the application for Oct half-yearly sale. Despite being prompted that there are over 10,200 applicants for its 683 flats, I decided to try again. Yes, it's December already.

Application form filled.

$10 processing fee charged.

Let's just hope for the best.

Another Big Disappointment

2008-11-25T07:55:00.001-08:00

Estate : Jurong West
Flat-Type : 5-Room
No. of Flats : 30
Your balloted queue position : 239

As your queue number far exceeds the number of flats on offer, you are unlikely to be invited to select a flat. We will let you know the outcome as the selection exercise progresses.

The Proposal

2008-10-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

Lebua

To date, Lebua has left a very deep impression. And why not? The unparalleled level of service and the amiable disposition of the staff were evocative of the highest level of service excellence.

Upon arrival, we were ushered into the hotel lobby and were offered assistance immediately. We were asked to wait at the couch, while the staff would prepare the paperwork. Unlike most hotels, we didn't even have to stand at the Check-in counter.

The hotel lobby has an imposing look. But a little too small for a hotel of its size.

Having prepared the paperwork, one of its staff brought us up to our room. On our way, she explained briefly what the hotel has to offer us. The hotel's corridors were 'painted' in orange and purple. Somehow, it does look nice.

The RiverView Balcony Suite

The hotel room was a view to behold. Yes, I expect its 'Riverview Balcony Suite' to be big, but not as big.

Entering the room, you have a corner, seemingly to have coffee with someone.

Then you have your living room.

So that you could watch TV.

Walking deeper, you have your kitchen, where you could make a cupaa. Next to the kitchen is the warobe.

The bathroom itself is beautiful.

Bathe in Bvlgari.

The bedroom.

The documents the staff has to go through with us before handing over the room to us. Yes, we need to sign a letter of declaration so that she could unlock the balcony.

The big mirror acts as a divider between the bedroom and the living room.

And of course, we could not missed out the balcony.

Mezzaluna

There's this side table next to the sofa in the living room. I was looking through the magazines, till I found a book that gave an introduction on Lebua.

I was reading the article on Mezzaluna with great interest. I was told by everyone who knew this hotel that the things here are very expensive. But I thought to myself, "How much can a plate of pasta cost?"

It turned out to be a costly lesson for me.

I shall skip most of the details, but briefly here how it went.

While Gerrie was in the showers, I brought out the Ted Baker dress and laid it on the bed. With it was a birthday card, which invited her to Mezzaluna. And a gold-coloured clutch to match a pair of gold-coloured heels.

I myself went to the Business Center to use the Internet facility.

After sometime, I went straight to Mezzaluna. The Floor Manager, which I'm going to name FM in this post, ushered me to one of the best seats in Mezzaluna. Or so he said. And the rest of the waitresses. They told me there were two tables in the restaurants that held the best views. And I'm seating at one of the two tables.

The FM then showed me two menus: The wine list and the food list. I was looking through its list and the wine cost an average of $300+. *yikes*

Food list: No pasta could be found. What kind of Italian restaurant is this?!?

A very fine one.

The salad I enquired on has raw beef in it.

And no, I didn't order that.

There was a live band playing in the background. Very soothing indeed.

When Gerrie arrived 30mins later, she was told by the staff they were expecting her. We ordered two glasses of red, an appetizer, an entree and two main courses.

The ambience was really nice. But we overheard the FM telling the next tables that no photography was allowed. What a bummer!

We were given a variety of bread and two shots of sorbet, besides what we have ordered earlier. In fact, I have actually forgotten what we had exactly.

But the food was good. Some bits of it was foreign, but we still ate them. The place was so dark, we couldn't really see what we are having. Lol.

The dinner took 2 hours. When we were finished, the waitress showed us a Desert list. I looked through and then asked her, "Do you serve cakes here?"

She said, "Cakes are complimentary. Her birthday?"

I replied yes.

Soon after, the waitress brought us a slice of cake, accompanied by a violinist playing a birthday song. After he had finished playing, the FM came and poured two glasses of Moet & Chandon champagne. On the house, he said, for coming to Mezzaluna.

After he left, I knelt down and proposed to Gerrie. Then I put the ring on her finger. =)

After the deserts, I signed the bill of S$400 and we proceeded to the Sky Bar.

We were again ushered down the long fleet of steps and we reached Sky Bar. Tables at Sirocco were mostly filled.

The Sky Bar was crowded with party-goers, enjoying the view of the Chao Praya river. We took a couple of photos of the Dome and enjoyed the scenary.

We woke up to a very grand breakfast buffet and took a walk around the hotel, went to Starbucks for coffee...

before we bid Lebua and Bangkok goodbye.

Bangkok

2008-10-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, we're back.

Loads of photos, plenty to tell, too little time to write.

First, I would like to praise Baiyoke Sky for its excellent service. When I booked the room via asiarooms.com, I have ticked the option 'Honeymooners'. The hotel staff had prepared a fruit basket and a slice of cake on its coffee table for us.

In addition, the bed was decorated with petals formed in a heart-shaped. The basin and the bathtub were also filled with petals. Was abit cliche, but still a pleasant surprise.

We were famished then and WALKED through the pasar malam and to Siam Center. Thinking back, we must have gone crazy. It was so far and weather was terribly HOT!

Anyway, my colleague, Justin, had recommended Oishi Grand at Siam Center but by the time we reached the restaurant, it was closing soon.

So we ended up at Greyhound Cafe. Food was good, especially its chicken wings.

Grocery shopping was next at Siam Paragon. We bought a box of mangoes and some other fruits. Durians and pomelos were for supper.

We didn't really spend much time at Paragon. Instead, Gerrie wanted to get some snacks from MBK. After all those walking, it was dinner time. We took a taxi to Chinatown and ended up at Nam Sing.

Justin had recommended me to go to the store opposite Nam Sing. But what he didn't tell me was that they didn't serve sharksfin soup. In any case, the sharksfin soup served at Nam Sing was good, but not too satisfying. It was quite costly, at S$50+ a bowl.

2nd Day

The next morning, we went for Baiyoke's buffet breakfast and were greeted by the long line of food. Approx the length of 4-5 walls.

Breakfast was great, especially with the view Baiyoke offers.

We were so full there wasn't space for lunch. There went my Oishi Grand again.

There were shops readily available in the hotel itself, however I thought the streets would offer better buys. These stalls sell mainly clothes and watches.

This time round, we took a free shuttle bus from the hotel to Siam Center, where I found a Paul Frank boutique.

I was so suaku. I thought I was unable to find any Paul Frank tees for guys in Singap0re, so I grabbed two. Later, I found out these tees are available in Heeren.

Next, we went back to Paragon and a few other shopping centres. Yes, we walked the whole afternoon.

Even to Central!

The first thing that greeted us at Central was this Balloon Fest.

Sculptures, like the one above, are made of balloon, making the whole event so colourful.

There was a performance going on as well. And the characters reminded me of Sim0n and $@lly of Mighty $@vers.

Except that these characters are more photogenic.

The purpose of this trip was not only to celebrate Gerrie's birthday, but also to pop 'The Question'. In addition, to create a memorable trip or to see Bangkok in another perspective.

The cruise dinner that I had booked earlier was to act as a decoy. To let her think that I was going to pop the question that night.

After Central, we went back to Baiyoke Sky to prepare ourselves for the dinner.

At 6, we met our driver at the lobby, who later brought us to the pier in a Camry.

Unlike what I had expected, there was a huge turnout and at least 4 ships were arranged to bring us tourists along Chao Praya river.

So what to do while we had to wait for our turn? Accompanied Gerrie to shop lor.

At 745pm, we boarded the ship.

The variety of food was excellent. But throughout the 2hour cruise, it was obvious the food didnt' matter.

The scenary did.

Our ship was the most happening, compared to the others. Right in front of the deck were the other passengers dancing along the tunes of a live band.

The night ended when the Camry brought us back to the hotel.

3rd Day

The plan had been thought about a few months back. And it was time for action.

After breakfast at Baiyoke, we went for more shopping. Because we were still full, we later settled for coffee.

For the past few days, we had been drinking coffee on a daily basis. Which was weird.

Because we only had a bottle of beer throughout the whole trip.

Meanwhile, I was looking at the time. Planning what to say, what to do at the correct moment.

After we had finished our drink, we went back to the room. Upon closing the door, I said to her, "I have another surprise for you. Let's pack up. We're moving to another hotel."

Within half an hour, we were ready to go. We left our bags at the checkout area and went for another round of massage. During that session, someone from Mezzaluna called and confirmed my reservation that evening.

Excellent service.

We hopped onto a cab and all this while, Gerrie still had no idea where we were going. To confuse her, all I had on hand was the hotel's address. In Thai.

Next up... photos of the room at Lebua. AND... the Question.

The Holiday

2008-10-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

After the sales quarterly updates cum party at Dempsey, I picked Gerrie up from Taka and went back to her place. I quietly took the pair of gold-coloured shoes we have bought earlier at Far East and placed into the luggage.

After months of preparation, we are finally going on a holiday.

Let's pray we would be safe in Bangk0k. =)

Happenings

2008-10-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

This post isn't meant to be lovely-dovey. In fact, it's going to be a depressing one. And why shouldn't it be?

With the economic downturn, Singap0re is heading towards recession. People are holding to the belief that 'Cash is king'. Job cuts, sucidal cases, divorces, desperation, and frustration are becoming norms. As I'm typing, D0w J0nes has fell more than 1.4%. Even CitiGr0up is now trading at US$14.47, a far cry from the US$50ish traded last year.

With the p0litical turm0il going on in B@ngk0k, fear has crept into our hearts. Would our safety be compromised when we are there this weekend?

But I also realize there are too many uncertanties in life. Too many what ifs.

Gerrie and I decided to go for our trip and not let that fear cripple the faith we have in God.

Today, we received news of the super duper slim chance of us getting the Senja Green flat. I told Gerrie it's ok. God works in ways we cannot see.

Onwards we shall lead our lives. Gerrie and I would trust ours in His hands.

Amen.

Congratulatory Notes

2008-10-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

Somehow it seems everyone, or rather close friends, remember Gerrie's birthday better than mine.

Or that they are terribly excited about my Bangkok trip.

I have people asking me about it every other day. Over dinner yesterday, Sherri told me she almost wanted to tell Gerrie about my plans over their hair rebonding/colouring session.

I even received 3 congratulatory notes today, from friends and a customer who I bumped into at Suntec.

French Brid@l

2008-09-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Gerrie had wanted to go Chinat0wn for dim sum after her church service this morning. I took the wrong turn and entered Tanj0ng Pagar area. Then we chanced upon the French Brid@l boutique and decided to pull over for awhile to look at its dresses.

She seemed happy with its designs. =)

Pr0perty Part 2

2008-09-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, another balloting exercise for flats was launched and I immediately fell in love with Pinnacle @Duxton, as well as the flats in Queenst0wn. However, after much consideration, Gerrie and I balloted for the one in Jur0ng. Since the flats were cheaper than the ones in t0wn area, we decided on the 5-rooms flat.

Still waiting for the Senja Green results next month.

Tape

2008-09-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is going to be the most embarrassing post. Ever.

Cat and I went for a full day course today and it happened to end at 5ish. Hardly ever had we end our day at such an earthly hour and we felt so lost. But since the B@nk HQ is so near Central, I went to pick up a new BR box from Adrian. The ribbon of the existing box was a little crumbled, so thought a new one would be more presentable when I give it to Gerrie next month.

We then decided to roam around City Hall. We were walking aimlessly, until I realised I needed to buy something.

The red dress I had bought for Gerrie is low-cut and I thought I should get her nipple tape, covers or whatever you call that round-shaped plaster-looking thing.

Luckily, Cat was around. I would never imagine myself walking into the bra section to look for such stuff. We walked into R0bins0ns and the salesgirl showed us various types. It came in weird sizes, shapes, and different materials, such as silicon.

In fact, when the salesgirl showed us the first set, it came in a really big size. Cat then said, "This one for ang moh one."

-_-

If this was not embarassing enough, guess what happened next!

Cat asked the salesgirl to recommend the tapes. She finally took one and then turned and looked at me, "So how? You want or not?"

SO HOW?!?

You want or not?!?

Pengz. That casual remark must have made the salesgirl thought I was a freak or something!

I had no choice but to say yes, pay for it and leave. Pronto.

It had been a tramautising experience.

Pr0perty

2008-09-11T08:19:00.001-07:00

April this year, Gerrie and I tried bidding for a flat but were unsuccessful. Then we waited for the launch of Senga Green, which only came out in September.

We remain hopeful, as we would only know the results next month. I pray the answer would be best birthday gift Gerrie would have.

from HD8's website

I could imagine how it would look like. I have went to the extent of mapping it out: converting the bomb shelter into a huge shoe/ bag rack, having my own entertainment room, a center stage for a grand piano...

Today happened to be Mark's last day with the B@nk. We went to HD8 to look at its showflats and we just felt so motivated to get our first pr0perty. We also had a consultation with an interior designer, whose office was in the same building as HD8 Hub.

from Max's Image site

Now, Gerrie's complaining I have planned too much and wants a share in it. She is admandant on having her own way with the design of the master bedroom, wants to limit 2 TVs in the house....

Oh well.

The Wedding Package

2008-09-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

On 24th July, the B@nk organized a quarterly update party at St. James. Cat, HX, Mark and I were roaming around Viv0 as we were there early. There was a bridal event going on at that time and since we had much time to spend, we went to French Bridal and X-Zen to enquire on their packages. Both companies gave their side of presentations and I was confused which is better.

So, I asked Waikit to come along with me that Saturday. We had dinner at Thai Accent before enquiring the package at X-Zen. Two guys walking around the event sure didn't garner much approaches by any of the companies there.

The next day, 27th July, I brought Gerrie to the event and we shopped a few bridal studios. We took down some notes, compared the quality of the photos and the various designs of the dresses. However, at the end of the day, it was French Bridal's offer that we couldn't resist. We put a 50% downpayment and that 'locked' in the price.

The Dress

2008-09-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

Going away on a holiday in Bangk0k usually means wearing tee, bermudas and slippers to shopping centers.

But the restaurants at lebua has strict codes.

Dress Code
Dress code is an important tradition at The DOME at State Tower. We appreciate the appropriate “Smart Casual” attire and footwear in our restaurants and bars area. Please refrain from wearing Slippers, Sandals and Flip Flops (For Gentlemen, shoes should be fully covered), Athletic or Sport uniforms, Ripped clothing, Short for Gentlemen, Sleeveless T-shirts for Gentlemen.

So I thought I would get her a dress as a surprise. And this dress could also act as a decoy, letting her think we are actually celebrating her birthday only.

No dress has caught my eye till 13 August 2008. I had spare time on my hand that Wednesday as Gerrie would only end her church meeting at 9ish. I was walking pass Ted Baker and chanced upon this beautiful piece.

I immediately walked into the store and enquired about the price.

"$219"

They only had a Size 0 in black and a Size 1 in red. I wasn't sure what size Gerrie could fit into and I wasn't about to spend that money on a LBD. Sure, every girl want a LBD but I reckoned I could get one at a fraction of that price from other stores.

Besides, I like that red colour.

I left my name and contact number and had them to call up the stores in London.

I didn't receive any calls that week, but I was determined to get that piece. I went to the store in Taka, but they said the same thing.

I went down to Vivo the following week to have dinner with Jon & Sam. At the same time, I went to enquire news on my reservation. Nothing still. I left Ted Baker disappointed. By that point of time, I had gotten Gerrie a pair of gold-coloured heels to match the red dress.

On 23 August, I went to Malaysia with my colleagues and entered this boutique in City Square. Every piece looks good and it comes in 1 size per piece. From my conversation with the staff there, the clothes are designed locally and are hand-sewn. Aspiring fashion designers, she said.

I managed to pick out 2 tops for Gerrie and another dress.

I made a mistake with my purchase. I realised the dress is too small, and decided to sell it off.

On 29 August, Cathleen and Huixian accompanied me to Ted Baker again. There and then, I made my purchase.

As for myself, a Ted Baker shirt as well. =)

The Preparation of the Proposal

2008-09-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Since young, I had always dreamt of proposing on a yacht. Lying on the deck on a bright sunny day, cruising in the sea, listening to waves...

I had gone to the extent of drafting the plan out, from renting a yacht at Raffles Marina, my guest list, to even when and how I should pop the question.

But, that would cost me $1000 for a 6-hour cruise.

I thought it would be more practical to choose to spend that money on a short getaway.

After much consideration, I chose Bangk0k.

"What? Of all places, why Bangk0k?"

Why not? Lots of places to do her shopping, and I get to eat my sharksfin soup... it's a win-win situation.

Lol... it actually came about when my colleague, Justin, was recommending must-go places in Bangk0k to Huixian in April this year.

from Lebua's site

He recommended me Sirocco, an al fresco restaurant, which overlooks Bangk0k. And there's pretty good feedback in Asiar00ms.com. Huixian, who later came back, told me how nice it was. Even my customer, who works in Bangk0k, told me it's a good place to propose.

That's when I decided Bangk0k would be it.

Despite checking prices online regularly, things did not materialise till 6th July when I booked the air tickets. On August 10. I had emailed them in regards to my reservation at Sirocco. However, Mr Pawarisa, the Reservation Supervisor, replied that he couldn't confirm the reservation and asked if I could change location.

Disappointing maybe, but its Mezzaluna, an Italian restaurant, seemed classy enough.

In fact, Mezzaluna is housed on the 65th floor of the State Tower. I thought to myself, "The view must be breath-taking."

Next question was "How to throw her off-guard?"

Simple. The Bangkok trip was arranged in October to celebrate her birthday. On August 28th, I made reservations at Baiyoke Sky Hotel for the first 2 nights, and the third night would be spent in Lebua's Riverview Suite Balcony. As its name suggests, the balcony offers the view of the Chao Phraya River.

That took care of the accomodation and the dinner on the proposal night. Then I began to work on the activities. I made payment for dinner for the second night. A private car would pick us up from Baiyoke Sky and we would go on a buffet dinner as we cruise the Chao Phraya River.

The rest of the meals need no reservation, thus I just had to write it down on an index card as a reminder. Fine, my memory's failing me.

All the plans have been carefully mapped out and are stored in the folder.

One more month to go.

The Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge Part 2

2008-09-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

So the challenge, at least to me, continues.

I was with my colleagues at IMM on 12th April 2008 and came upon this Jigsaw Puzzle World. Knowing that I would have to complete the puzzles somehow, I convinced myself that I should pick out one.

I ended picking 2.

The first one didn't really count. But I thought it looked unique, using tinted pieces and somehow looked pretty when light beamed through it.

The second, a 1000 piece, jigsaw puzzle proved to be a daunting task for me. It took me 4 days to complete, with Gerrie's MASSIVE help.

Engagement Ring

2008-08-30T23:01:00.001-07:00

Having bought Gerrie many rings before, including 2 diamond ones, I thought the 'Ring Selection' process should be a breeze for me.

The B@nk had organized a quarterly update cum party at M0S in March this year. I was with C@thleen and being early, we went to the nearby Central to take a walk. Seeing that there was a sale, we walked into Goldheart, which we found the salespeople were quite pushy and not too service-oriented. To cut the story short, we later made our way to S00 Kee.

Adrian was the salesperson to serve us that day and was patient with our enquiries. In fact, the two of us were just shopping, without the intention to buy anything. But we did left the store impressed.

A couple of days later, I called Adrian and told him I wanted to view his collections and told him to prepare diam0nds valued about $5-6k. That was all I was prepared to pay.

It was raining heavily that day but I hurried to his store, as I had to meet Gerrie a couple of hours later. I made my selection, a 0.7 carat, and told Adrian that I would be bringing Gerrie in later and he was to pretend he didn't even knew me. He agreed.

That evening, I picked Gerrie up from work and we went back to Central for a walk. After purchasing a top from GG5, we made our way to S00 Kee. H@nquan and Jess later appeared. Adrian showed some pieces to Gerrie and by doing so, had measured her finger size.

Along the way, there was a little ding-dong here and there. Even after I had made my purchase, I continued to look at other pieces from other S00 Kee stores, like Suntec, Marina Square, IMM and Bugis. All these while, Adrian had to request the stones from those stores for me to view.

And I have been changing my decision. From the 0.7 carat, to a 0.46 Brilliant Rose, and finally to a 0.63 Brilliant Rose. Btw, the 0.46 carat came in D colour and has an amazing brilliance. Perfect, but I guess Gerrie would find it too small. So each time I changed my decision, I have to upgrade the rock and the prices kept increasing. Never did I dreamt of paying a five-figure sum for a rock.

But end of the day, I would like to have a ring that would be memorable for us for many, many, many years to come.

The First Challenge

2008-08-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have many flaws.

And that includes my inability to be bothered about nitty gritty details. I aim to do my work right within the shortest time possible.

So when Gerrie told me that she wanted me to do a jigsaw puzzle before I could pop The Question to her, I almost jumped.

"Where got time? I have to work!"

But she insisted. And that I would have to do a 1000 piece puzzle.

*sweat*

It all began when I wanted to tapao Chong Pang nasi lemak back to her home after an appointment with one of my customers. I served my NS liability (and is still doing my ICT) at one of the camps in Yishun a couple of years back and I have always craved for the nasi lemak there.

I was walking towards the kopitiam when I passed by a small-scale pasar malam. One of the stores was selling toys. Smacked right in the middle of that particular store was stacks of jigsaw puzzles.

They were mostly fantasy themes and a couple of Mickey and Pooh's. Then, after much digging, I chanced upon this...

I thought the picture was apt and looked great, and what's more, I got it at a discounted price of $10. =)

The next day, while watching some DVDs, I opened up the puzzle and was pleased to see numbers behind each piece.

Great, I got help!

I spent a couple of days fixing it up before I gave up. I told myself, "I know I can do this. I would do a proper one!"

P.S. Gerrie happened to see this puzzle in the study room on 6th Sep 2008.

Post was edited on 27Sep08. Y0uTube has rem0ved the vide0 I had originally uploaded.

Creation

2008-08-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

This blog was created on 01AUG08, with the intention to document the journey of 2 lives becoming one.

For a start, I would like to write down how the two of us got together, least I forget in the future. I'm getting old, you know.

I knew Gerrie through my secondary school mate, Daniel. That happened over 12 years ago. He was over at my place one day and happened to use my phone to call Gerrie. I interrupted the call by saying 'hi' to her.

Gerrie was Daniel's church mate. One day, I decided to accompany Daniel to his church, which held classes for the youth every Saturday. Behold, I met Gerrie there.

We went out a couple of times, and soon we were a couple. We often chat over the phone, met after school occassionally, or during classes in the church. Blue roses were her favourite.

We had a good 11 months before the break-up. I would not say anything about the unpleasantary, insignificant moment of our lives. Throughout the next 10 years of our lives, we met twice or thrice but nothing came out of it.

Fast forward 10 years, we met up again at Coffee Club and then proceeded to have drinks at Indochine. And since then, we have been together for 2 years already.

Here's a video of us in 2006.

Next up... the requirements before a proposal.