Excuse me, are you a 太太?

Come next year, there will be some changes in my household. Upon hearing my new responsibility, some of my friends exclaim that “You are going to be a tai tai (太太)”. I replied no, no … I have no maid nor money. =) So how is one defined as a 太太? The curious me went to do a google search.  Here’s what I have found, taken from Hello Tai Tai.

Real 太太 meets the following criteria:

1. A tremendous amount of leisure time
2. Lots of money to spend.  A Tai Tai  travels a lot.
3. Concerned about status, social standing, and owning the ‘latest in anything” that is remotely hot (ie: Pashminas. Fendi Baguette Bag,….)  God Forbid a Tai Tai be seen with last year’s style!
4. Keenly interested in beauty upkeep (Pedicures / manicures/ facials/ slimming treatments)  Will stop at nothing to eradicate the tiniest sign of ageing.
5. Often associated with do-good charity works and community.
6. Discerning about the company she keeps.  Must be in the right social circles
7. Well educated  and global in perspective.  Has lived on more than one continents.  Experience and detail  are what distinguishes  a real tai tai from the wanna-be’s.
8. Buy in multiples and only the real thing.  To get a better price and for their other homes in New York, London, Hong Kong, Vancouver and Singapore, they will bargain.

Neh … I don’t think I belong to this category. =P

On exercising

A month ago, I decided to get my act together & start exercising again. Years ago, I used to jog 3 times a week when I was staying in my parent’s home. Family commitment, work commitment, LAZINESS haven taken a toll in my fittness level. I often find myself finding excuses for not exercising – “so tired tonight”, “no time!”, “maybe tomorrow (never comes)” … It then hits me that if I don’t get my lazy arse up & start somewhere I will NEVER EVER do it.

So it began with the first outdoor run at Bedok Reservoir. My goodness, I was out of breath after 2km & my legs felt like heavy metal chains. I had to stop & catch my breath. I walked for the remaining part of the route. 2nd week run was better. I managed to run more than 3km before getting tired. 3rd week – I fell ill, so I decided to give my body a break. 4th week – I completed 4km without stopping & my breathing was consistent throughout. And so this week, I completed 4km with lots of wind resistance (what’s with the wind this week!!!). It was tough but I managed to pull through, and walked for another 1km. Everytime I feel like giving up, I see other joggers/ runners around me pushing themselves. They inspire me to go on.

Besides jogging, I also do other exercises throughout the week. Yoga, ellipitcal machine & walking on trend mill (on gradient).  I try to exercise for about 35-40mins each time. So far, things have been progressing great & I am enjoying myself. Gotto love the sweat!

I have taken my first tiny steps, have you? It is never too late to start exercising!

Counting Down

I am looking forward to the holiday next week (actually Sun) at Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club. It is a family vacation with Alan’s family. We have been there for the past 2 years & still counting. Great place to stay at since the facilities cater to family needs (youngest at 6 month old, oldest above 60). Everyone can find something to do at the beach club. This time round, we intend to explore more local areas outside the beach club, and hopefully can throw in a shopping trip at Central Festival Phuket.

Also SilkAir is organising its’ first “Destination Photography Competition 2009“. I decide to bring my trusty D40 to do the deed. I hope I can capture the essence of Phuket with more local trips around the area. Wish me LUCK!

Since there’s internet connection at the resort, I will also try to do some updates on my blog.

Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Midweek!!!!!

I take peekture

I have just set up a new blog “italianlasagnatakespic” to share with my friends photos that I have taken over the years. It serves mainly as a photolog while this blog continues to be used for personal updates about my life. Hope you guys will enjoy the photos that I post. Anyway, I will be going for a holiday soon … can’t wait for it comes. Yeah!

Can’t decide …

Between getting:

A Marc Jacobs Bag

OR

 

 

 A NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Fota Wildlife Park

One of the highlights of my June holiday in Ireland is spending 3 days at Fota Island. On the last day we went to Fota Wildlife Park. According to my sister-in-law, the wildlife park is very popular among the locals. All school children have been there at least once during their schooling years. Unlike the Singapore Zoo, Foto Wildlife Park is big, spacious & pretty much close to the nature. At one point, we are walking side by side with the ducklings. They are so adorable.

We are welcomed by the good weather & the huge green field ahead.

Zebra having its grassy lunch.

Mara sun tanning.

I love this photos. Ducks walking on the pavement.

Pelican

Lemur keeping warm.

Beautiful back drop of animals against the blue sky.

Friends are forever

I celebrated my 30th birthday last month. To make this year a special one, I suggested to my friends that we should all do a “friends only” photoshoot. I have known the gals for almost half my life time. The longest one dated almost 20 years back. We have seen each other grow, fall in love, fall out of love, graduated, getting married, starting a family …. I’m sure the list will go on. With our busy schedule, sometimes it is difficult to arrange for a gathering. Nevertheless, everyone makes effort to keep in touch whenever we can. And it never fails to amaze me how much we can talk, it seems like we have just left school yesterday. The photos will speak for themselves …. how much fun we had during the photoshoot.

Special thanks to Lee Sin’s brother in law, Adrian who gladly agreed to help us with the photoshoot.

First Time

2 Saturdays ago was the first time I shoot for a wedding, helping out as the 2nd photographer for my friend. It was indeed a learning experience for me. Of course, there are always room for improvement. But I just grateful for the opportunity given.

Here are some of the photos that I like:

MY getting ready

Waiting for the lift

MY & R praying

R’s mother waiting in a corner

MY & R saying their vows

The wedding cake by Pine Garden

Transformer (More than meets the eye)

Last week I bought a new external flash & decided to test it out on Alan’s old transformer toys. Not too bad for the first time.

30 is in

Turning 30 doesn’t feel overwhelming. It is not like the 21st birthday where you want to throw a big party so that all your friends & family can celebrate with you. Turning 21 is like becoming an adult overnight. You feel empower.

Turning 30 is more subtle. You are glad to spend a simple (steamboat) dinner (the night before) with your family, playing scrabble with your siblings & spending the rest of the night with the hubby.

Turning 30 is not about what presents you received from your friends. Turning 30 is spending quality time with the people you care.

Turning 30 symbolizes confidence in oneself & becoming a better person towards your family & friends.

Turning 30 also means being grateful for friends who are there for your 21st birthday and who have been there for you for the past 9 years.

Turning 30 is about having the special soul mate by your side to share the many more years to come.

I love turning 30.