beloved bel

I've just been back from a 6 day whirlwind trip back home to Singapore.  Oh boy what a trip - both happy, fulfilling yet tiring all rolled into one. Seeing how my brother Ed and his newly wedded wife Denise glow with happiness on their big day was simply amazing.  Theirs is the first wedding of our generation and I cannot remember the last time there was such a big celebration as this in our family. The day started at 6am and bearing in mind most of us did not sleep well the night before, some with anxiety and whilst I was not anxious, I was jet lagged.  When I could finally sleep, we all had to rise and shine at 6am.  I knew then, that adrenalin would fuel most of us for the whole day. Sequence of events in brief: Fetching of bride Tea ceremony at our grandma's place Church solemnisation by the hotel poolside 3 course western lunch by the pool Rest for 2h Wedding dinner at hotel ballroom At the end of the day, we were all fuelled by adrenalin indeed. ...

As part of the big 3-0 birthday celebration, that Saturday K brought me to Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, a 30min train ride away.  Thank God, the sun was out and it was a beautiful day.  It's actually my 3rd time here but each time was different and enjoyable in their own way. We didn't want to pay GBP20 to enter the palace and so we spent the day walking the gardens and chatting and took some photos.  Lo and behold I actually bumped into my ex colleague Jamie!  She and her mom were bringing her new born baby for a walk as they live nearby.  Such a coincidence! At the entrance Some gold coloured leaves Guess what he was doing?! In the well manicured gardens The Palace Everything is about shapes in this garden lol - which is funnier, this or the one below? head vs trees Tree hugging... or is it plant hugging? ... can't figure out!

They say one year older, one year wiser.  I seriously hope so! They also say "Thirty is the new Twenty" - woohoo!!  I want to agree with this statement but.. somehow I wonder is it a statement of denial?  Anyhow, it's a fact - I am 30 years old!!  omg I can't even believe it.  I don't feel 30 and I certainly hope I look younger.. haha still in denial! I thought I needed to do something bigger than previous years.  It is the big 3-0, no joke.  So one month before I started planning.  I searched for places to book and thought of who I could invite.  In all, I think I invited about 20 people.  I've not done something like this before since I turned 21 and deep down I was nervous that no one would turn up! After speaking to friends and doing some googling, I settled for The Parlour , a gastropub near office and home.  I've been there for after work drinks but it's always crazy loud and busy, packed full with bankers in sui...