no bonfire

Woke up early this morning cos was disturbed by C gg to work and also L told me yday that a surveyor was coming between 8-10am today. True enough, the surveyor came ard 8.15am! Didn't know ppl start work that early here!

Started on my research proposal but cos had to have references, I had to first read literature =( Anyway, not sure when I'll finish it..grrr!! Anyway just got next week's timetable..classes start at 9.15am on Mon..till 5pm. I've to get groceries also on Mon cos shops would've closed on Sun when I reach back B'ham. I'll prob get lunch at Uni on Mon cos I won't be able to pack. As for dinner, of cos I still have some spare food in cupboard and freezer but not enough to last till fri.

Heated up my potato salad (I know potato salad is supposed to be eaten cold but not in this weather la!) and added an egg. Managed to get a hard-and-soft boiled egg..haha!

I baked cheese fingers as planned today. Hmm..I didn't add salt cos thought the cheese would be tasty enough but end up tastes bland. So happen L came back and bought prawn cocktail..so had it with that and it was yummy..hahaa. Hope they taste better tmr..

doesn't it look like our carrot cake strips?

Going to pack some for tmr and leave them the rest. L was telling me to help myself to the brownies but I'm resisting!!! Haha! Oh, and L showed me the shells she n C got for me as souvenir from their trip..haha..

Oh..was watching some tv show and a contestant cooked yam and L said oh..so that's what yam looks like. Then I was explaining to her how it's usually cooked with other stuff, not on its own except orh ni la..

Supposed to go for Bonfire tonight..but C came home late..after 7pm and fireworks was supposed to be at 7.30pm...so no fireworks viewing =( Wonder if will catch one on Sat evening in London cos there's a Lord Mayor Show and fireworks at 5pm.

Just now showered in cold water..well, at least it's not ice cold water! Don't know what's wrong with the hot/cold shower..grrr..wonder if it's cos if people have used hot water, I'll have to wait or what.

May not be updating my blog tmr (Fri) to Sun cos I won't be bringing my laptop and too small to blog from my hp...

City shopping

Was woken up by C going to work this morning..but thankfully managed to sleep back.

Went into city today as planned despite weather of showers. It rained the whole day but not thunderstorm like in SG. I felt it was pretty crowded for a weekday..and there were a few market stalls set up along New St..might be part of the German Christmas Market. Today, I only took 15min bus ride to get to the city and I timed myself to walk from the bus stop to the train station..10min..so pretty good! Anyway, spent some time shopping and managed to get clothes for my niece! And I got myself this cap. The bushy bit on top looked cute but I tried another without it and I look bald..hahaa! I suppose I can fold it over at the back. Anyway there were so many designs in the end chose this..able to cover my ears in it..so it's good!

Went round looking for gift sets..they really have lots of lovely gift sets like sauces and stuff too!! But it'll be too bulky to send back..even if it's via someone. End up, got 2 hand creams from M&S cos I haven't seen this collection in SG. I don't see it on M&S SG website...it's VERY hard to find such beauty products that are NOT made in China!! It'll be strange if I were to buy a gift that's made in China and give ppl! Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised that the cashier asked a promoter to get another one for me cos it's 3 for 2. I thought I saw the sign but didn't take note cos almost everywhere had that..even boots pharmacy. So I was happy! Just nice also...give my 2nd boss, Dr Lee and SK whom I'll be bunking in with in London. Ohh!! And I finally saw Crabtree and Evelyn hand creams on sale..and guess where...in normal pharmacy (like our Guardian or Watsons)...it's not a counter by itself (neither did I see any shopfront here). Btw, it's an American brand, not UK!

Came home and baked brownies as C requested. L came home and helped with the chocolates. This time it was strangely sizzling with oil in the oven..but of course, after letting it sit to cool, the oil went back into the cake..haha..tasted a bit diff from the other time..but they liked it still.

Oh ya, forgot to mention that I made potato salad for lunch today and tmr (used up my potatoes) and dinner cooked the tortellini that L bought with all my remaining vege and ingredients before I left. Actually in that pack there were only about 10 or 12 1/2palm size tortellinis which I thought might not be enough. End up, I managed to keep half portion for dinner tomorrow! It was very filling!

Tmr I better start work on my research proposal cos I looked ahead..it's 1 week of classes next week, assignment due following fri and then it'll be start of 2-week module and that'll be end of Nov and beginning of Dec already! Deciding if to still bake tmr..shall see how. I need to do my laundry too (was contemplating to do today but don't want it to be washed together with Poppy's stuff or dishcloths..haha!).

no motivation!

Stayed home today, wanting to start on my research proposal..haha..end up didn't have much motivation cos the background bit needs to have references!! Grr...

xinmsn site not working well today so didn't get to listen to YES 93.3FM but I did listen to 100.3FM. And there's a self-drive trip to Adelaide organised by Chan Bros and one of the radio deejays is on the trip too. They're going to McLaren Vale and Kangaroo Island..only like 2 days in Adelaide itself.

Ended up watching my korean drama and saw some boots online...but then not sure if I should get them cos I won't get to wear them in SG! Btw, K chatted with me this morning..so nice of her to rem! K is my aussie landlady. And she was a little encouraging me to buy the boots cos I'll get to wear them here anyway! Haha!

Oh yes, R & I finally decided on our Glasgow hotel and a tour so I've booked them! Next up is for  Edinburgh..I'm excited! Anyway hotels not cheap also..abt S$50/night for a not-that-posh hotel! But what the heck..as long as it is comfy and safe!

Had my leftover soy sauce chicken with rice for dinner today. Oh..earlier on, L's friend came over to get some stuff and L wasn't ard..in our hunt for his stuff, knocked my head against the staircase bottom..u know tt little storeroom under the stairs kind..grrr..but all is ok now. No concussion. And I commented to L tt he's quite good looking..hahaah!

Tmr prob will head to the city to find my way to the train station and then for a bit of shopping (may end up being window shopping though!). I guess I'll submit my assignment online tmr..else I might forget!

It's Bonfire night tonight but I guess the pubs are doing it nearer weekend. We'll be going on Thur instead and L says only for the fireworks so will be there for abt an hour or so.

Out shopping ;)

Went to Perry Barr today as planned. Today's temp is max 9°C and min 2°C. Supposedly to be 4.1°C outside now as I'm typing. Anyway, spent an awful lot of time at M&S outlet cos I couldn't decide what gifts I should get or whether to get the jacket for my little niece or the top/dress for myself. End up, I just got the top/dress for myself cos my bro says jacket might be too big for my niece. As for gifts, I thought of getting something for my colleague in London cos I'll be bunking in with her for 2 nights. Then also for Dr Lee and maybe ask her to pass something to my 2nd boss since her bday coming (but by the time she gets back, it'll be a belated gift)...my 2nd boss gave me a "Chocolate Rain" character keychain for my bday this year. Ya lor..so wanted to get maybe a gift set sort of stuff but the M&S one only left Rose range. Shall look out for more maybe when I go to the city one of the days.

Went to have a look at boots at Clarks too. Spotted a few that were less than £30 and was excited!! But on closer look, those were high heels. I mean they look great but I doubt I can walk in them for long. Think will look v fashionable and elegant wearing it though! Anyway, some shoes were marked down further but not many nice ones for my size.

Came home, L said they bought chicken for dinner and I could have some if I want. And added that C bought the ingredients for brownies...want me to make. Haha! So funny lor! Cos tt time L & I made was based on our estimation! Don't know if it'll taste as good. Anyway, L even bought me a packet of tortellini (though it was at reduced price) and a little dessert for tonight. How nice!! Turns out they got chicken from Nandos and C added his own spices to it. I must say, it's a bit too salty for me. Vv full now. Actually I was planning to have my leftover soy sauce chicken..but I guess I can keep it for tomorrow.

C & L are bringing me for Bonfire night on wed..C said it's like a huge fire burning with wood (what we call campfire la!) and people will drink beer and wine..said it'll be fun and I can take some photos to show my "mates" (read: friends) back home. That'll be quite exciting I hope.

When I asked L if winter is going to be colder than today, L nodded and C said u call this cold? It'll get warmer..much warmer...I don't know why ppl here like to say the opposites..then have to try and catch if they mean it..hahaa! In this case, he's saying it'll get much much colder. Oh well, I've a few pairs of tights that should be able to keep my legs warm under the jeans or pants.

Guess I'll go to the city on wed..main purpose is to find my way to the train station from the bus stop I alight. Then probably go to the dept stores to look for some gifts. I'm also unsure what exactly to get. Maybe London has more stuff too! Like Harrods...

Prob will bake some cheese biscuits on Thu to bring to London on Fri.

windy SUNday

Pretty cold today..less than 10degC and being sunny was comfortable but not for the strong and cold winds!

Had sandwich today...called ah ma this morning..she was telling me she, my mum n aunt had durians from my eldest uncle yesterday...enviousssss!!

took this pic from the attic window

Went to church in Uni today. Honestly, I find it more homely at the one near my home..maybe cos the members are all elderly women..haha! But will see how. Didn't stay on for tea cos I wanted to go to Bearwood to get stuff. Managed to get a bowl for Poppy - you will probably be thinking how come Poppy don't use pet bowls..don't ask me. Hers was the porcelain blue fish chinese style one. L called to check if everything is ok and that they're on their way home already.

When I came back, Poppy jumped up on my thigh a few times..as if she can't wait for me to give her food. Noticed that the dog food I left for her before I left the house was finished!! So opened the fridge and saw only 1 drumstick left. I thought there were 2 left this morning..hmm..maybe T came over to see her. Put biscuits into her bowl but she barked and asked for treat. Grrr..picky!

Saw the nice cloud formation and took a pic of it.

I'm shocked to hear from my mum abt the Kinetic Rain installation incident! For those who haven't read about it, click here. Wonder what went into that woman!

I'm still deciding if to cook green curry or dark soy sauce chicken...I guess will be latter..then I don't have to buy paste again (I didn't buy more cos only 2 packets left tt day).

Anyway, I'll be meeting 3 other SG friends in London for lunch on Sat and we'll likely be having Korean upon my request!! Then likely meet Dr Lee on Sat evening or Sun brunch.

Will head to Perry Barr to look for suitable gifts tmr..then maybe tue have a look at the assignment and submit.

*Added: and so presenting my soy sauce chicken...haha..not as brown but taste ok..what's missing is the cinnamon bark, ginger and perhaps star anise..but whatever! Anyway I had 2 pieces of thighs and kept the rest cos L&C had eaten their dinner on their way back. Watched "Grease" on tv..have heard the songs and the movie many times but didn't watch it before and L was surprised...she loves it..and she watched it tog with me (and Poppy)! Anyway, I was telling L yesterday already had fireworks popping up then she asked if I wanna go for Bonfire some day in the week cos they are going. I asked what they do there..cos I think the pub organises it?? but maybe she didn't hear. At least that was the name in the flyer I saw lying around the other day. Shall see how. L prob didn't hear when R is coming cos she thought coming next week till I told her is Dec..haha!

stay home Saturday

Stayed home today. Had planned to go out to buy Poppy a new bowl and a hair catcher but didn't cos it was rainy and WINDY!

Today planned to do some housework. Spent quite some time removing hair from the shower drainage. Quite proud of myself for being able to clean it up without specific gadgets. At least water flow is much better now. Washed my sheets too...and managed to get the vacuum cleaner out to vacuum my room, attic and toilet.

Fed Poppy this morning with biscuits and then dog food - she gobbled them up! And she kept following me and watch me eat breakfast. I got a bit worried if I misread L's whatsapp msg so asked her again. She finally called back to check..and she said yes, should be enough but she might be missing her so keep wanting food. I shall feed her again later.

Poppy scared the wits out of me this morning!! A deliveryman came with a parcel for L and as usual Poppy barked and barked and even followed him out! Then i kept calling her back in but she didn't budge. In my frantic, I ran out to the porch and she ran away. Cos I wasn't wearing proper footwear and no jacket on, I went upstairs to wear my slippers and wanted to run after her. Then I saw her at the porch again...and called out to her. She sat there for a while and when she heard me asking if she wants dinner and then i turned away, she came back in. PHEW! It's v stressful looking after someone else's dog!! Anyway when L called, I told her too.

Watched my korean drama and Poppy suddenly ran to my room door and I thought she wanted bizzie so opened the kitchen door for her but she just went out a while and came back and DEMANDED for treat (biscuit). Grrr..anyway L's friend, T, came over to pass steak to be put in the freezer. He also fed Poppy with some cheese.

I had my leftover chicken stew from the freezer with noodles tonight..nice and warm. Have been hearing lots of fireworks going out but didn't see many. Went to google to see if there's any event going on..Nov is supposed to be Bonfire Night? Ah ha! Found the info

Weather forecast for tomorrow is sunny - hope it is true cos I'll be heading to the church service in Uni..after tt prob go Bearwood where there's a jak pa lang shop..hopefully can get the bowl and hair catch or netting.

finally over!

Woke up at 2+am today..but thankfully managed to sleep back for another 4 hours and I was up already. Exam at 10am today but went in Uni earlier to return the library book. Someone apparently recalled it so I had to return it sooner. So upon reaching, it was very quiet..everyone was revising! The more I read the more anxious I got so I decided to leave it.

After the 3 hr exam, I felt even more worried. I took slightly more than 3hrs (tutor did say we can take more time if we needed to), muttered a prayer and submitted it. Was one of the handful remaining. I came out of the room feeling uneasy! Then the programme director (who is also my personal tutor and my 1st module's tutor) was outside and asked how I was. I said pray for the best...then he asked if I was happy with my PPOH (my 1st module) results and I said yes. Then he said he thinks is the highest in class and added that coming from an Occupational Therapist background, it's very well done. Then I told him I chose to write on Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD), which I'm familiar with...of course, I thanked him for saying v well done. Well, at least I did something v well! Anyway, then he asked if my family was here and if they know how hard I'm working here..haha..then he added that the programme is quite fast paced..study then have assessment. I told him that ya, it's different from my Uni days..and moreover this is a new area for me. Aren't I blessed with such a friendly programme director and tutor???

Anyway after the exam, the ASEAN students planned to have lunch tog but A. and N. had something on and informed last night that have to postponed. So I planned to go Perry Barr to look for some gifts so headed to the city (according to NetNav app on my hp). Ended up getting a bit lost in the city!!! Gosh...anyway, by the time I headed to the right bus stop, it was already 2pm and I didn't want to get home after it gets dark (ie. 5pm)..so I decided to just go to the chinese supermarket in the city to get my thai cooking pastes and venture around the city. Went to check out New St Rail Station too..cos that's where I'll be taking my train to London next Fri and also Scotland in Dec. It looked orderly yet a bit complicated. I shall get there earlier on Fri and figure my way out.

Went to have a look at the indoor market and also the outdoor one just behind Bull Ring. The fruits were quite cheap, selling by the "baskets" but can tell that they are v ripe..no way I can finish them alone. The chicken breasts in the indoor market were sold by the tray for £5 which seemed v worth but once again, I guess can fit about 10 breast fillets on the tray! Too bad I don't have anyone to share with me here.

the outdoor market

Went round looking for bread but all pretty ex (as compared to Aldi) so took a bus down (new bus route) to Bearwood to get bread..also got mushrooms since they're still on offer. I was feeling v tired from the walking already and it was chilly (but I was warm enough..just irritated by the light showers). By the time I got home was ard 4.45pm.

Oh, earlier on, got a missed call and whatsapp from L while I was doing my exam..so msged back to say noted with her instructions (but I only could guess cos there's no punctuation!) So I am supposed to feed Poppy with 2 chicken legs and there's dog food too. And these are enough for today and tomorrow. So came home, filled her bowl with dog food but she didn't want to eat it!! Then I added chicken drumsticks that L left...she still didn't want. And then I heated it up in the microwave oven...and she finally ate only the chicken drumsticks!!! Such a picky eater! Anyway, I had to call her sooo many times to have her dinner before she finally went to eat..I guess to her I'm a stranger..haha..anyway, then I fed her with cheese too (her fave). Asked her if she wants "bizzie" and she didn't want till a while later. "Bizzie" is business, whether big or small, and she does it in the garden.

Cooked salmon today as planned. I was a bit disappointed that the 4 "chunky slices" were not at all chunky to me. I think my photo angle is misleading! Haha! Anyway, I roasted veges to go along and forgot all about my broccoli!!! I somemore thought to myself will be nicer if there's greens. My prep time took about 1+ hour and I finished it within like 1/2hr! While I was cooking, L called and I returned her call but no ans. So whatsapped instead to report that Poppy ate chicken drumsticks but not dog food.

Salmon with roasted potates, veges and mushrooms

In my haste to put back my olive oil, I banged the cupboard door open and it hit the picture frame which fell onto Poppy's bowl and BROKE IT! How unlucky can I get?!?!?!? Oh myyyy!! I haven't broken a bowl in years! Heng Poppy had eaten her dinner. Anyway, so the remaining dog food was splattered on the floor with the broken bowl (the bowl is the chinese kind with the picture of the fish). Cleared it up and reported to L too...so paiseh lah!!! I asked which bowl should I get to replace too.

After dinner, was watching tv and Poppy climbed on me and sat on my lap. That's when I snapped with pic..

After that she grabbed teddy to me. Cos I've seen L playing with her before, I knew I had to shake teddy and she will bite and shake teddy all over. Got her on video and sent to L too. But my hands felt soooo wet with her saliva..omg..hahaa! Could tell she was still waiting for L cos she was distracted and kept running to the window.

Anyway, after my shower, finally got a reply from L. She thanked me for looking after Poppy and said don't worry about the bowl..and said I can try using another small bowl. Phew! I will prob still get her one..just that I'm not sure if it has to be porcelain or ceramic or plastic is fine. She also said looks like we're having fun (from video)..hahaha!

Tomorrow thought of washing my sheets and do some toilet cleaning. If I can find the vacuum cleaner then might also vacuum my room. Saw that their clothes are in the washing machine - they seemed washed. But I'll probably just remove them and wash my sheets first la.

I don't know why but my left eyelid kept twitching today - kind of stopped now. Hope it's nothing.