Blessed 2014!!!!

As 2013 comes to a close, it's the usual thing to reflect on the past year.

Looking back at 2013, it was a year of quality time spent with my family, relatives and close friends esp before my departure. Travel-wise, the furthest I went this year was to Korea...I travelled mostly in Malaysia. 2013 but I enjoyed all of them and the company! Life-wise, I did ice skating for the 1st time in my life with my dear kakis and went cycling after a long time. Also, went to Gardens by the Bay finally in 2013 and returned to Sentosa after some time (not counting when we watched Voyage de la Vie)! Family-wise, mum went for her knee op and recovering well (Praise the Lord!) and I had fun watching my niece growing up and bathe..hehe! Dad also had his surgery and recovered well while I was away.

Workwise, it was my first time hosting overseas delegates and I enjoyed it. Of course, had the support from my 2nd boss and it wasn't quite a formal appointment. The research study I was involved in also came to a close in 2013 after 2 years...so had quite a bit of exposure tagging along for formal presentations to the management of stat boards! Also did my 1st external talk to a bank! Then had quite a bit of work assessments referred by Occ Health dept. And finally, of course, here I am in UK for my postgrad!!

I am also thankful for being in such a lovely place in B'ham and the opportunity to travel and learn while I'm here. In all these, I thank Him!

*Added: Skyped my parents this morning and also video called with Emma. She's such a smart girl!!! Glad she could recognise me..hahaha! Anyway she's grown a lot..now can furniture walk!! Kids really grow up v fast. I guess when I see her, she'll know how to call 姑姑 and probably run around and yak a lot! Anyway, was supposed to go Warwick with L this afternoon cos she was gg to meet her friend there for lunch but her friend was repairing the car so couldn't meet. So means I stayed home..then L asked if I wanted to go along to pick C up from work and then to B&Q (hardware warehouse) to get a door handle (the main door is stuck cos of the weather..the wood has swollen up so this morning, we both couldn't pull it open and L had to ask our next door neighbour to bang it open from outside for us! Then dinner...L bought lots of marked down items from Tesco earlier on and we had quite a feast, which I wasn't expecting! Had some wine too..though I kept declining my 2nd glass! Doubt there's any countdown show on TV tonight so shall just snooze into the new year.

strong winds

Nothing much to update again today since I didn't go out. Strong winds and rains today..actually since last night. Could hear the winds blowing against the windows..sounded quite scary! Read about the weather forecast.

Anyway last night started reading this book I borrowed from the library..and what struck me was that men need to feel needed and women need to feel they are supported. The author cited why men and women are different since cavemen days..hah..I do recommend this book - I've yet to read the first one of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" though.

Anyway, today vacuumed room and living room then did a bit of the framework for lit review then watched The Voyage..finished quite a few episodes. Checked out places to go under the National Trust but most are suitable for spring or summer =X 

Watched Mary Poppins on tv just now..I like such musical shows..like Sound of Music too! Not sure what I'll be doing tmr..prob stay home again cos weather forecast is showers. I thought of cooking bibimbap though but no cucumber or egg..unless just use carrots. Have been quite lazy to cook..haha! 

icy road

Apologies for yesterday's post. The woods/park I went to is Warley Woods, not Lightwoods..haha! Oops.

Anyway, started quite icy today on top of cars and the roads..maybe it'll snow soon!

Went to the nearby church this morning..and was asked of a few of my fave songs..they wanna sing some that are familiar to me next Sunday. But I also not sure if I'll be in Uni Chaplaincy.

Anyway after church went to West Bromwich..wanted to have a look at M&S if they have nice cards and to buy shower cream bath. V few cards left..so anyway went to Primark, thinking of getting myself an early birthday gift - the owl wallet I saw at Primark. Unfortunately, that branch didn't have. H&M is open there already! Oh, today wore the new touchscreen gloves Pastor's family gave and realised it's H&M and has a bit of angora wool..but my fingers were still quite cold..maybe cos of the winds! Anyway, went Tesco to buy handwash to standby when I finish using my current one. Was on my way to the bus interchange when I saw the pretty sky..and I snapped a pic of it when I was in the bus.

Oh ya, I probably didn't mention that I bought Clementines, which resemble our mini mandarin oranges! Reminds me of CNY..

Cooked myself some soba with 花椒 chicken breast..and added vege. Simple dinner..hah..and I kept a bit cos I wanted to have ice cream for dessert (and L kept asking me to eat the Christmas pudding - but tooo sweet!!). Have 3 boxes of brownies awaiting also. Might bring them to church if C not eating them.

Warley Woods & Park

Didn't know why my photo of my dinner last night didn't appear on my hp last night but appeared this morning..so here it is! Going to have the leftover for tonight cos I couldn't finish it last night.

Slept earlier than usual last night cos I was having slight headache and aching shoulders (blame me on my posture while watching sg drama on my laptop almost whole of yday!). But could hear C&L talking in the wee hours of the morning. Anyway, it was a beautiful day with a nice sunrise. And I got a Christmas card from my boss and 2nd boss! What a pleasant surprise!

Then saw my colleague's email reply..cos he's doing his PhD in Southampton and I just asked if there's anything nice there...and he suggested an island called Isle of Wight...from website it's beautiful..but mainly for hiking/trekking and it's not advisable to go alone...so have to wait for more company, I guess.

Anyway, I just wanted to get out of the house...so decided to go to Harborne Library. Was all dressed up and ready to go then L popped her head into my room (I had the door stopper there..oops!) and asked where I was going..then she said she's just bringing Poppy to the woods and asked if I wanna go. Then I said yes! So brought my cam along too. Met the pastor who preached on the Sun R attended with me and I remembered her cos she gave us a lift to Bearwood that Sun..haha..and she stays around there too. What a surprise and L said I know more people here..hahaha! Just coincidental la..

That's Poppy going to say hi to the other dog!

Poppy found a friend - labradoodle

Came home and then L was telling me more places to go and said we could go one day too cos it's not v far from here...all look so beautiful! Shall see!

Headed out to Harborne cos I prob will be spending most days at home given the weather forecast. Managed to pick up 3 books then headed to Bearwood (home bargains didn't have muesli AGAIN!)...so bought a pack of granola, 1.5kg of carrots, carton of milk, small cup of yoghurt and a pack of chicken thighs...cos they were rather heavy, changed bus instead of walking home.

Merry Hill

Whole night had strong winds..could hear the winds blow against the windows. Anyway according to forecast, today was supposed to have strong winds..so prepared.

Went to check out Merry Hill today since I've a direct bus from my bus stop. There's a HUGE mall managed by Westfield (like in Aussie)..crowded with most shops having massive sales (post Christmas!) but I controlled myself well...so only bought my necessities like shampoo, conditioner and veg. Maybe tmr will go Aldi to get my groceries..either tmr or Mon..hv to stock up for New Year cos shops will be closed.

Deco at the mall

Oh yes, I bought my coach tix to Manchester for 9 Jan..just for a day trip. R's friend hasn't replied my sms but I'll prob text her again the day before I leave to check if she can meet up..else I won't carry their stuff for her. Have given up the idea to also tumpang the new shoes I bought for mum and nuts for dad.

Took a pic of the gift I got for L..lit up

Oh ya...I shouldn't have baked brownies for Christmas cos end up the neighbours didn't come over nor did they pass any Baileys Cheesecake..but did give me a card. So end up a lot of brownies left. I kept the odds and ends to have with my Haagen Dazs ice cream.

Tonight prob cooking salmon with my Bombay potatoes and Naan. There's still soup made with leftovers that L cooked yesterday. She cooked lamb chops to go with the leftover vege for my dinner last night too.

Boxing stay-home day

Happy Boxing day!

Didn't go out today. Was trying to settle my Manchester trip cos I was trying to put in Chester as well, which I heard is vvv nice. And was v frustrated too and it seemed all my fault for speaking too fast. I guess next time I shall just be more careful. I was just trying to be helpful at that point in time. Oh well, anyway after thinking long and hard (I know it's something simple but I do take time), I'll just go Manchester for a day trip and another day to Chester. Not sure what I'll be doing in Manchester itself cos the only place worth visiting within the city is the library. So now just trying to get the right day that R's friend is free to pick up her stuff within the city..else I'll have to drop them off at where she works. Will probably take coach instead cos not much difference in journey time but much cheaper than rail. Thinking on the brighter side, I'll just have more time to explore the town..too bad I'm not quite a football fan so not going to catch a football match there.

Cos of this planning, didn't do much work...but I continued working on it in the late afternoon. Just affected my mood. Anyway, L cooked soup with the leftovers and asked if I wanted. Of course I'm ok with it..she's going to cook lamb chops later too. C cooked his own and packed for lunch tmr.

Not sure if I'll go out tmr...but probably la..get some fresh air. Maybe I should check out the library and museum here.

No white Christmas!

And I had my first (and probably only) Christmas here in UK!! No white Christmas! But at least it's sunny and dry today! But forecast is stormy weather again this weekend!

Morning prep the table before going to church.

Brought biscotti along to church to go with tea after service. Glad they liked it!

 Went back and not long, started our Christmas "dinner"

Prawn cocktail for starters

The mains - Turkey, cauliflower cheese, mashed potatoes, mashed carrots, roast veg, brussels, roast potatoes

M&S Plum pudding which was VERY rich

Poppy in the Indian-y mood! Hehe

And present time!

What I gave them...glad all of them liked their presents

My presents from C (mags) and cosy socks and body butter and scrub from L!

Finally took a pic with L and C but shan't put the pic here..whatsapp me if u wanna have a look! Drank champagne and then port wine...not bad...last night had German Riesiling which was quite nice!

Not sure what I'll do tmr..maybe work on my framework and decide where and how I wanna go Manchester to pass R's stuff to her friend.

Christmas eve!

Came back from my pastor's place not long. I managed to find the place so it was good! There was this lovely Christmas tree along the way too..

Had a wonderful dinner and company. Sang carols and Christmas songs so it was lovely! Other church members went too...and I got a gift!! I'm v happy cos I was deciding if to get more socks and gloves and TA-DA!

Anyway, I didn't take pic of the starters but it had prawn cocktail, tempura prawns, samosas, parcels and antipasti..

The main course - goose, ham, roast potatoes, carrots and brussels sprouts

The dessert - trifle and Christmas pudding

Another part of dessert - my brownies and biscotti and chocolate mousse

Christmas tree..it's real!

Earlier in the day, I baked brownies (mainly for the neighbours cos the other time they came over, I was asked to make..n they will make baileys cheesecake, which I'm vvv looking forward to it) and then realised I didn't have enough flour..so went to Bearwood Aldi to get some and also bought candy canes to top my brownies..also got some truffles and bread for the next few days. Brought some brownies to pastor's house, together with the remaining candy canes and the biscotti.

Blessed Christmas, everyone!!!!!!!!

It's a day of feasting =X May we still remember and focus on the reason behind celebrating Christmas despite all the fuss and publicity!

biscotti!

Nothing much to update today...slept in today cos I was v tired from the trip and weather was stormy and cooling. It was quite frightening when I hear the strong winds and see the rain from my room window. Glad I'm indoors and also Rach arrived London airport safely. Did a bit of uni work (cos tutor emailed to say we have to submit our research timeline and framework of lit review by 10 Jan. So since I have time, better get it done then can enjoy the rest of my hols.

Baked chocolate chunk and hazelnut biscotti today - thought of bringing some for tmr's Christmas dinner at my Pastor's place (can't go empty handed mah!) and also church on Christmas day for the ladies! I think I'll keep the souvenirs to give before I leave instead. Anyway I mixed 2 recipes for this one..and turns out ok...despite no vanilla essence..haha!

Tmr will bake brownies..probably bake 2 lots cos giving one lot to neighbours and another lot maybe can bring tmr too..else just leave for C to eat then he won't "bug" me to bake again later on..haha!

Really hope the weather will clear up tmr and the rest of my break then I can go explore places!

Back in B'ham!

Back from Edinburgh last evening but didn't quite have time to blog. Anyway, R left for London already. Spent last night and this morning repacking her stuff...in the end left a bag for me to pass to her friend in Manchester. Yes, it means I will definitely be going there..prob in Jan.

Oh ya, last night was checking my uni email..good and not-so-good news. Good news is my programme transfer is approved so I'm officially in the MSc programme now. Not-so-good news is we have to submit our research timeline by 10 Jan, which is before uni starts again!! I thought we'll be given a real Christmas/New Year break! Oh well..anyway I should be able to do it by then la.

My Scotland trip was amazing!!! I enjoyed the beautiful scenery a LOT! The accent is pretty interesting too..hahah..and I bought a Scottish music CD too cos I quite like it after listening to it on the day trip. I enjoyed the day trip to Oban, Glencoe and Loch Lomond most! Both guides at Edinburgh and Glasgow were v lihai..driver-cum-guide and can crack jokes somemore. The one in Edinburgh was a female..v 'high' but too bad the group wasn't tt responsive..hah! Met a fellow SGrean on the Glasgow day trip and so coincidental that he stayed in same hotel and same level even cos happen to bump into him that morning of the day trip and then in the minibus!

Will send invites to online photo album soon. Really recommend Scotland for those who enjoy taking photos..and well, shopping too. I got 2 dresses and 1 pair of skinny jeans from Primark cos they were marked down! Shopping there is much more than here, definitely. Weather-wise, it was v nice cool weather during our day trips, thankfully...but it was very windy and rainy in the evenings/nights. Heng I brought my thick jacket and also high boots. Seems that the weather in Bham was also similar..but I spent quite a bit on this 6-day trip but still cheaper than travelling from SG!

Came home and saw a card from my Uni Chaplain pastor and family. I don't know if the meal at his place on Christmas eve is still on...no sound..but also cos I didn't go for the candlelight service last Sun. Oh yes, managed to weigh myself finally cos R wanted to borrow weighing scale frm L..so I also weighed myself. I lost 3kg since I last weighed myself in SG! Hope can lose another 2kg and maintain till I finish my programme..haha..think might be possible if I continue to cook my own and have lighter lunch.

Some sneak peeks

Snow capped hills

Christmas market in Glasgow

Inverary Castle snapshot taken from the bus

Kilchurn Castle

People's Palace and Winter Gardens Museum

Edinburgh

St Andrews Cathedral ruin

*Added: the previous tenant, M, came over for tea just now in the evening...wow..her personality is sooo different from me! I was telling L she prob finds that I'm too quiet..but L said I'm lovely. Cos from what I hear about how M was when she came is diff from how she presented herself today! Asked to come to my rm to see too..paiseh lor..cos it was in a mess and I did my laundry. She was saying she used to study in the attic..and have friends over too.

Oh ya, M used their toilet then she probably weighed herself cos she came downstairs and asked if the scale was accurate...then L said she wanted to tell me that it's not..there's a diff of 3lb! Well, R's luggage weight wouldn't have changed weight but my weight has la..alamak..so I didn't lose tt much weight..hahaa! Chey!! So I only lost about 1.5kg..which was my weight the previous year during health screening. Grr..so I still have to watch my diet.

Anyway, pastor John called just now to re-confirm if I'm going to his house on Christmas eve...sounded as if I would change my mind..hahaha! Anyway he said he will email me his add..said 10min walk from Sainsbury at Selly Oak (where I got the fabric conditioner the other day) then reach before 5.30pm cos apparently there's carolling at Bournville (says can walk) then we go back for dinner after tt and have carols ourselves. I was actually just telling R I feel like v mafan to go and dunno if still on...but I decided to go la..see see lor. I'll prob leave earlier if it gets too late. Oh ya, I just ordered a travelcard just for national express west midlands buses..it's much cheaper than the bus and rail one that I got for this term. Only thing is I won't be able to get on ANY bus like before..but nvm la..still cheaper if I get separate ticket if I need to.