A Quarter of a Century (Super long, wordy entry cos the older I get, the more long-winded I become!)

Last year, I was furiously scheduling friends, family and boyfriend into a super-duper deluxe birthday week that saw me partying and eating from one end to the other.

Theme: fabulosity.

This year... recent upheavals in my life taught me how to appreciate quiet moments. So the birthday week was all about spending time with loved ones, with simply dinners and enjoying each other's company.

So it was penciling in and moving around friends, family and (new) boyfriend (hur hur, ok bad joke) to fit my schedule.

In fact, I think many outings weren't even celebrations, more like, it just happened around my birthday. -_-'''

Anyway, I'd take it. Good company, good food, good times.

Flew back from Hong Kong on the 19th. Enjoyed the birthday getaway with the mum, and the gluttony started early.

Attended the MediaCorp News Awards on Friday, got nominated for Young Journo of the Year but alas, lost to the print reporter (wasn't expecting to win anyway).

At least the buffet after the awards was good; had a little too much to drink and gulped down two glasses on an empty stomach (in my defense, I was thirsty), and a third just to get things on the way.

Headed off to Que Pasa with colleagues Gerrie and Jiamei for a night of good food (pizza and chicken wings that can cause an orgasm!!) and more wine (wheee.. another half a bottle!)

I blame the alcohol overload on sheer nervousness. Cos G & JM wanted to meet Zhao Wei. I practically badgered the poor boy to come meet us even though he had worked a really, really long day.

Let's just attribute the anxiety to the fact that JM was decidedly hostile; she never really approved of my actions. She was all set to grill him, and boy, she sure didn't hold back.

I'm proud to say that ZW held his ground and wasn't intimidated. At the end of the night, I'd even say JM thawed out a little. And I know G gave him the thumb's up.

Met half the KB gang on Saturday for dinner. Headed over the Gyu-Kaku at Chijmes and drowned ourselves in bbq meat. As Pei Wen put it, could feel our arteries clogging up.

And we washed it down with peanut butter chocolate shakes at Max Brenner. Seriously, right?

Sunday was a major outing. Cos ZW had planned a whole day of festivities. And he met the parents for the first time (boy, was that awkward).

I knew he had some major game up his sleeves, but boy, I sure wasn't expecting him to pull the rug out from under my feet.

He came bright and early to my door at 10.30am.. Carrying a major plastic bag with two items. I had asked for a framed photograph (cos he's a photog) to hang above my bed, so that was expected.

But he pulled out the other item first... a red breakfast table.

ZW explained that since I didn't have a proper table to work at, and was oftened hunched over my laptop while sitting on the bed, the table would be more comfy as I can lean back. And it's true, I'm using it to type this right now, while leaning back against my pillows.

Well, very thoughtful... but I was having a hard time expressing the appropriate feeling cos well.. it's a breakfast table (sorry baby!).

I wanted my real present! He then pulled out this framed photo of hearts. It's difficult to describe, and I wish I could post photos, but they're all in my handphone and I lost the transfer cable!

Anyway, it's a collage of 25 hearts to represent my age.. and it's so incredibly difficult to describe.. think pictures of... a heart made of nutella on a piece of bread.. or a chalk drawn heart on a black background..

Man, I'm doing a terrible job of describing the photos, and if you guys think it's incredibly cheesy.. screw you! The photos are damn nice!

We then headed out for lunch at Oriole at 313@ Somerset.. On the way there, ZW casually took my hand and commented that I didn't wear rings.

Cue flippant comment from me like "Oh, I have a whole collection of chunky rings, but I don't really like them anymore." He then pulled out a mid-sized ring from his bag.. of this incredibly cute red camera. But I'm sad to report that Mr Lin subsequent broke the ring while holding my hand. @_@

Lunch was good, followed by a movie.. Heard of Snow Prince? Neither had I. But the show was surprisingly good, the cinematography so sweeping that it nearly made me weep, and a tragic story line that really made me cry.

And then things took a little funny twist. We stepped out of the cinema, and spotted those UFO catcher machines. My eyes fell on this incredibly adorable Doraemon doll and I casually challenged ZW to win it for me. (Inside joke)

And he actually did. I was like, you mean people actually win? I even asked him if he rigged the whole thing.. HAHA

We then walked around a little.. which was apparently a diversion tactic cos I had early guessed our dinner location. He brought me to Morton's for steak.

I know. How extravagant, right? I had once mentioned that my fave food in the world was steak, and no one did steak like Morton's. And ZW remembered. Cue jaw dropping.

And Morton's is fabulous. They printed special menus with my name on it, and I was greeted by name by all the servers... Service was impeccable.

The man started ordering like no tomorrow.. think Alaskan King Crab legs, steak, asparagus, salad, chocolate cake...

Mid-way through, he turned to me and pulled out a little powder blue bag. Yes, a Tiffany bag.

At this point, I think I was just overwhelmed by all the gestures and effort that he put in and blurted out that I could not accept his gift.

He reassured me that it was definitely not a ring.. But still!!! I've known the dude for like what.. a month?? I'm not sure if I can articulate the feeling, but it just felt too much, too extravagant, and too soon.

All these grand gestures, that although were greatly appreciated.. also felt a little inappropriate. I'm a simple girl! And such things are reserved for what.. at least the 6-month mark?

Haha, anyway, let's just say the night took an uncomfortable turn that could have been disastrous because my attitude was obviously not what ZW was expecting.

But he's just amazing lah. His thought process? He just wanted to make me happy. And I was, I am.. just.. unsure of how to respond in such a situation.

After the little hiccup, we didn't know where to go as the weather was too darn hot, we were too darn full, and plonked ourselves on the couch outside Morton's.

ZW had a final surprise for me. At first, he was a little hesitant to pass me my final present, after my last violent reaction. But I had recovered and asked for it.

Knowing what a Glee fanatic I am, he pulled out a final gift - the soundtrack of the Glee Madonna episode.

The icing on the cake? ZW actually brought along a CD player just in case I wanted to listen to the CD on the spot. I actually dropped the CD in pure, unadulated shock.

So yeah.. that was my birthday eve celebration.

Anyway, rounded up the celebrations with an excellent Italian dinner with the family at Etna on actual birthday. Ate too much as usual. And still the mum insisted I drink a bottle of bird's nest. Tsk tsk.

All in all, another great birthday.

Birthday Musings

Man, I'm turning another year older. Like I've been telling everyone, I'm gonna have a mental breakdown next year. You know, a quarter life crisis.

Youth is all I have!!! How can I be ageing so quickly?

Oh it just seemed like yesterday when I was traipsing around the world, one minute in Vietnam, the next in Taiwan. The only worries I had were whether my aching body would make it to volleyball practice, whether my managerial accounting homework made sense, whether I should go watch a movie with the girls or go to the library and study...

Ahhh, 21 was a good age. Yup yup.

So the birthday's this Sunday. Through some fortuitous good fortune, I'm off from Friday to Monday.

Lady luck is shining down on me, thank you thank you.

Ok, some wrangling was involved as well. Had to work 6 days straight, and work my butt off indeed. From parliament, to MOM, to Everest, to AWARE and Sex Ed, think I covered it all this week. I swear I was puking blood yesterday, stuck in the office trying to churn out story after story.

Like my colleague put it, when Joanne starts speaking in rapid mandarin and swears like a hokkien ah lian, she's stressed out.

That's the thing about MC; I'm a freaking one man show, expected to produce the same amount and quality of work as ST, which by the way, sent a phalanx of 4 reporters down for the same event. And I have to do it on the double, cos RADIO is all about speed. What midnight deadline? My deadline was the previous hour's bulletin. Gaah. It's enough to give me hives.

So anywayz, the schedule looks quite packed, which suits me just fine.

Tonight will be celebrating my bday in advance with the family, cos the big sister is running off to Abu Dhabi tomorrow. Ah yes, my globe trotting family. Bless their souls.

Meeting the colleagues for drinks tonight. Hope my liver is up for it.

Meeting Shawn and Sylvia tomorrow for some wholesome good fun.

And Sunday is reserved for Fadz to dazzle and entertain me on the very day I came into being. Yes, I still attach a lot of significance to my birthday. I can't help it. It's THE DAY I entered this world. If that's not cause for celebration, I don't know what it. Hahahahahaha.

Monday... hmmmm, told Jack I was toying with the idea of going to the beach. Dunno if she's still up for it...

Alrightie, off to while away my time in pleasurable, leisurely manner.

You know you love me. XOXO. HAHAHAHAHHA.

PS: I can't believe Kris Allen won AI!!!!! Adam Lambert was totally robbed of his glory! His rendition of Mad World gave me the chills and goosebumps. Ok fine... Kris' Heartless last week made me grin like an idiot too. But seriously middle America, stop being so conservative and pretending that gays don't exist. Being prudish is so not cool.

For your hearing pleasures :)

Post-Birthday Update

I'm typing this in the dark, seeing how my light is attracting creepy crawlies to it. Ewwww... And I know I spent too much time on my laptop when I can type this entire post in the dark. Touch-typing, anyone?

Anyway, it was definitely a freaking fantastic birthday week. Thanks to those who sent well wishes my way!

KL was pretty fun, I mean, how can eating and shopping ever be bad right? And the Fadz was a perfect boyfriend. He never complained as we trawled the many, many shops in the many, many malls around KL. He waited patiently as I tried on clothes, shoes, bags, etc. He carried all my shopping without complaining. He did not roll his eyes when I pranced excitedly into the totally pink Juicy Couture shop at Pavilion Shopping Mall. He did not gag when I bought an incredibly pink, terry cloth juicy couture bag. Yeah, he was pretty great. :)

And yes!!! Highlight definitely has to be my darling Juicy Couture bag. Love, love, love it. It's sooooo adorably pink I can't help but smile when I see it. Yes, yes, all you people can diss me and call me a bimbo, but how can you not smile when greeted with such a happy bag?

Cute right?

My other fave moments of the week:

Sitting at Acid Bar with my darling Kristin, Sylvia and Fadz on my birthday and having Fadz dedicate Bon Jovi's Always to me! Plus, the bar singer (who's from SMU) sang happy birthday and the other customers joined in!

Went to Dozo with the family on Sunday, and I must say the food and service is par excellence. Truly! I don't see how this is Japanese-styled fusion whatever, but the food is really, really yummy. Plus, the service is so good they asked for my name, gave me a dessert and decorated the plate with a chocolate "happy birthday joanne".

Good times. I feel loved. :)

Happy Birthday To Me!

Fadz brought me to this outdoor pizza joint at 6th avenue for some alfresco dining. As you can see from the truck, alfresco dining is codeword for roadside, non-air con. Haha, at the risk of sounding ungrateful.... Luckily, the food was good.

Unfortunately, that was the last photo I could take, as Mr Muhd Fadzli chose to start acting goofy and in the process, dropped my darling camera.

It won't start up anymore, and the lenses won't retract.

I would have killed him if he wasn't so apologetic.

But it doesn't mean I can't grumble a bit.

One Last Hurrah for My 22nd!

Hmmm, photobucket seems to be down.

Anywayz, that's not the point of this post, just a general comment. I hate it when Internet sites do not work properly.

THIS POST IS BY ORDERS FROM A CERTAIN MISS AW JIALING WHO IS NOT CONTENTED WITH MERELY SEEING MY HUMILIATION ON JACKYLN HUANG'S BLOG BUT WANTS MY SILLY PHOTOS DISPLAYED HERE AS WELL. Since I'm such a nice obliging person (plus since she's my ex-captain and I shudder to think what horrors would befall me if I disobeyed), I shall oblige and make a fool of myself.

Moving on. I was pleasantly surprised when the girls got together to celebrate my birthday (belatedly) and Angie's farewell. Ms Angie Wong is flying off to the land of Mao to increase the already sizable population of SMU-ers in Ching Chong (China lah). Well, best of luck babe. We were supposed to meet early to play beach volleyball at Sentosa followed by a nice dinner at Vivocity. And of course, the outing was typical of any volleyball girls outing.
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Everyone "flew aeroplane" (放飞机, geddit?). I thought I was bad for turning up at 4-ish when the original meeting time was at 12pm. At least I turned up. In the end, it was down to me, Jacklyn, Greg, Jack's SMU friend, and a bunch of ex-ACS boys. Can't remember their name, just remember them getting sunburnt.

It was fun enough I suppose, except that my delicate skin absolutely cannot tolerate the freaking sun or sand. I'm burnt even though I smothered myself in sun block and kept running for the shade cos it became too unbearably hot. Plus, I contracted sand rash. Now my legs look hideous. :(

Ok ok, this was supposed to be a happy post, but I keep getting sidetrack. I'm sleepy can. Work is not fun. I'm so damn busy, I can't even chat properly on MSN. And the work keeps coming and coming and coming.... Ok, i'm drifting again.

Yes, so after coercing Greg to have dinner with us (well, not really, seeing how he preferred to dine with the other guys. Humpf), we met up with the other girls for dinner at Thai Express. I see a pattern here. We went to Thai Express for my birthday last year too. And of course, we had to make as big a ruckus as possible. It's us man.

All these photos are taken from Jack's blog as photobucket is being a total bitch.

The very delectable Angie, Pei Ying, Moi and Soo Teng

Ms Aw, Jack Jack and Jia Yan. I shall use the funnier photo of Jialing as this is my blog. Muahahahahahhaha!

More camwhoring. What do you expect from 7 girls man?

All so chio right? Taking applicants now for... man slaves.


This old commerical suddenly popped into my mind. Remember this commercial that had this woman dressed up like Cleopatra, and she was being attended to by 2 slaves? Then she wanted a nut that was still in a shell and she passed the nut to one of the slaves. The camera pans to the slave's face which contorts in pain.. we hear a snapping sound and he grimaces, before handing the cracked nut back to Cleopatra. He had used his thighs (or knees, I can't remember which) to crack open the nut. I thought it was the funniest thing on tv. Don't remember? You people have no childhoods.


Group shot of my dear girls

Oh yeah, and they made me do stupid things too. I was given the most hastily put together ang pow and it was vaguely embarrassing seeing them collect the money in front of me before passing it to me. I hope I looked suitably surprised. But hey, I had to work for my money ok....

First it was this...

Then it degenerated to this. Thanks ah, people. The other customers thought I had gone nuts. Lost it. Went over to the other side. You get my point.

Sigh, but you know I still love you all right? Thanks for everything!

P.S.: My tagboard very hard to use meh??????? I feel so untagged and unloved... :[ :[ :[

Let The Celebrations Begin!!!

Well, it's that time of the year again. When the special one (moi) turns 2-2 on the 24th. I luurrrvvveee my birthday week... a week long of (food) debauchery and celebrations. Love it love it love it.

And if anyone wants to show me some love, here's my wishlist... Muahahaha....

Sigh, bad thing is, I have an exam on Friday, so no fun for this poor girl on Thursday. :P