beloved bel

After much anticipation, we finally attended the dinner reception to welcome President Tony Tan and wife Mary, on their first official state visit to the UK.  We do consider ourselves really lucky to be given such an honour since most of our friends tell us they don't get such a chance to meet the president back in Singapore. Friday evening we went down to the Royal Garden hotel at High Street Kensington after work.  This hotel is owned by the same owner of Goodwood Park Hotel in Singapore, a fellow Singaporean I believe.  The Tans stayed two nights at Buckingham Palace, followed by the presidential suite at this hotel.  The crowd that night was about 200 people I reckon, and all stood around chatting, with an air of anticipation before it started.  I felt really warm and went outside of the ballroom to deposit my coat and overheard one of the security guys saying into the walkie-talkie "please bring the president down…" People milling about before the event started

… back to Singapore! This has been a very short trip, and is also our first time home as a married couple.  I was rather worried initially because for once we needed to plan "our schedule", as there were many meet ups and gatherings for us, and we also needed to spend time with both our families, not to mention my usual meet ups with my group of close friends.  Planning our combined schedule might sound incredulous but it was certainly very useful as we found out. There were a few reasons why we chose to go back during this time.  We wanted to attend the wedding of our best man Chun Lei and his wife Deborah; we wanted to visit my baby niece (7 weeks old!); I wanted to see my brother after his cycling accident (where I think it's fair to say was a "life and death" event- all glory to Jesus who saved his life so he can be here today to see his baby girl).  I was also glad we had time to meet up with Cynthia and Neo just before they left for Sydney.  (Congratul

Growing up, I never really thought much about being in my 30s.  I still remember celebrating my 30th 2 years ago.  And then I turned 31 last year.  Maybe soon I will stop mentioning how old am I.  Age seems like a secret for women anyway. Like what K said, I have planned my birthday weekend really well.  On hindsight, I think I did! I was supposed to meet my girl friends for afternoon tea somewhere in town.  And then I suddenly had a great idea - to do it at M's place!  We could eat as much as we want, drink as much as we want, and laze around as much as we want!  Plus her place is stunning; I would love so much to have it there.  Shamelessly I asked and she agreed!  I bought the sandwiches and cakes, and the other girls brought other food and drinks. Gabby even bought a small cupcake for me with a little carved candle. They sang Happy Birthday and I was on cloud nine, grinning the whole time. The spread Lazed around… wrapping ourselves in blankets

It's not everyday you get an invitation to meet… the President of Singapore!  Both K and I received email invitations to attend this event.  WOW!  How exciting! K, being the blur K, thought the event's tomorrow.  When I asked him what are our dinner plans for tomorrow night, he said "Aren't we meeting President Tony Tan?" Spoken like he is our dear friend. Like how every girl thinks… what am I gonna wear to the event?! Now give me a minute to compose myself.