Maybe I only blog in Singapore...

Flying off to AD again! Changi Airport website says flight leaves at 1405 but my ticket says 1305, and so does the SQ website. I suppose SQ forgot to update its own flt schedules when they started daily flights to AD, whereby flights to Jeddah via AD would depart at 1305, and flights to Kuwait City via AD would depart at 1405. Argh. Lucky thing I decided to check the airport website for check in counter.

And I have no idea whether I've exceeded by luggage limit. It feels kind of heavy but I can still lift it, which means it's probably not TOO heavy. Took out the btls of sauces to make it lighter already... Will pack them the next time I come back to Singapore. Hopefully won't exceed luggage limit then either.

4 h left...

before I have to drop off "-bound" from the blog name.

I'm finally going. Moving out of sorts (of sorts cos the bulk of the efforts of my years of hoarding are still here). Too bad I forgot that my sis was going on holiday this weekend. Oh well.

It's really not the prolonged goodbye yet... I'm pretty certain I'll be back in 3 weeks time on my way to KL.

I was frantically trying to pack the personal belongings in my office yesterday... Thank goodness for the sister's ever trusty BF - who drove down to the office to pick me up. Of all days, I forgot to bring a thumbdrive to transfer all my docs from the desktop to thumbdrive. Thank goodness for Simon (formerly in Paris, and I met for the first time last night) who had one to lend me.

Thank goodness for all of you who are reading my blog... cos I don't really publicise it, so if you're reading it, you must be one of my close friends. Hope to see you guys again soon!

5...

more days before I fly. Started packing the remainder of my clothes. Will pack the rest on Sat night, together with the shoes. Not sure how much more stuff I'll need to pack. Must remember to bring the relevant documents home from office one of these days.

Panicking a little inside cos I really don't think I can finish filing. Maybe I shld stay over in the office to try and finish... But after what the Boss said about our building being haunted... hmmm...

In other news, got my new camera! It's wonderful!

Stung?

by something so my right eyelid is swelling? Not sure... Hope it quells soon.

Went to the Nike warehouse sale yesterday! Madness! All these women stacking themselves against the table and grabbing everything in sight, then staying there to wait for the staff to replenish stock. For the first time, I felt dizzy and faint from going to a warehouse sale. Managed to walk away with two dry-fit tees, a pair of shorts, a pair of capris and two pairs of socks. Everything was just $20 each except the socks which were $5 each.

Got my pre-trip vaccinations yesterday. Didn't manage to get what I thought would be the most important one - the Rabies jab, because there wasn't enough time before I fly to finish the course. You camels better stay away from me!

They came, they saw, they packed...

In less than an hour, the movers packed about $15k worth of stuff into 16 boxes, or approx 80 cubic feet in volume. My allowance is 90 so I was quite surprised that I came so close. Didn't realise I had that much stuff.

Felt a bit sad as they stuffed my kitties into the boxes. I'm not going to see them for a month or more. Wished I hugged them a bit more before they left.

Apart from the kitties, some of the stuff that are being shipped are:

1. my San Guo Yan Yi - compulsory reading in Sec 3. we would get tested on the content to see if we really read it. I think I might re-read it when I get there, although I think I'll need the dictionary (which I didn't ship because I think Mum needs to refer to it every now and then).
   
2. DD's snooker cue - it's got a name, which evades me. DD named it after his favourite snooker player.
3. Indonesian dinnerware - worth $400, DD won it at the first D&D we went to.
4. Wedding picture - It's been in a box since the wedding and I can't remember what colour the frame is. I think it's brown.
   
5. PC & speakers - sponged them off my brother. hehe... SIMS 3 is going to be out later this month!!!!!!!!!
   
6. Badminton racket - ditto. He used to be on the school team but he doesn't play now anyway, so I asked him for it. hehe...
7. Clothes hangers - just a few. Don't think I took enough, but Qi's wardrobe is ever expanding so she probably needs them here anyway.
8. 3/4 of my scrapbooking supplies - Initially, I thought of checking in the whole lot when I fly, but it really is quite heavy.

Cya in a month, my 16 boxes of stuff... Hope all of you make it there in one piece. *wave*

Pack, Pack, Pack...

Today was vouchers consumption day. Since the movers are coming tomorrow, I went out to buy whatever else I needed to ship over to AD.

Dragged my sister and her bf w me to IKEA and bought bowls, a picture frame and a laundry basket amounting to $84. Then used up my Best Denki vouchers with a hair dryer and food processor. Spent 2 hrs at Best Denki (in addition to an hour/week for the last two weeks) wondering what to buy.

Packed for the last two hours. Packed half my scrapbook stuff in. Must remember to pack my photos in too. Those that I developed before the PC crashed. Haven't had time to put them into albums, or buy albums for that matter. I think I developed them more than a year ago... =P

So hard to fill up the packing list. Had drawn up an excel spreadsheet to help me calculate the worth of my stuff. By my estimate, my books (comprising mostly DD's Neil Gaiman/Stephen King books and art books we bought on our honeymoon) cost $1200. Quite surprised that they cost so much. Means my clothes will probably cost more (forgot to count them by type before I packed them into my suitcase).

I hope I don't forget anything... at least nothing bulky. 3 more weeks to go...

Of kitties and gritties

Princess Di was back for CNY and said she'll post me a Hello Kitty coin bank when I get to Abu Dhabi. Another one to join the collection of Hello Kitty paraphernalia - which really isn't much. There's:

1. fake Hello Kitty plush w squeaky ear - I think this was my first Hello Kitty soft toy, although I think it's an imitation cos it doesn't have a Sanrio sticker on it.
2. pink dress Kitty - first kitty from the hubby, then-bf.
3. macdonalds Kitty on a strap - from my sis.
   
4. Kimono Kitty porcelain doll - bought from my first trip to Japan in 2005.
5. Kitty head - another kitty from the hubby that he brought back from KL.
6. UN Kitty - yes, Kitty had invaded the UN. had, because I was told that it's out of stock now. Must be all the Japanese tourists. LOL
7. Wedding Kitty and DD - wedding gift from my sis.
   
8. Hide and Seek Kitty - limited edition! It's Kitty in a detective costume (comprising a trenchcoat, top, skirt, unmentionables, and shoes, which can all be taken off). Birthday present from the hubby with help from my sis. I used to go see this Kitty every time I go to Wheelock and one day it was gone (someone else had bought it)! My sis had to scour a few shops to find another one. =P
9. Kitty car mat - Christmas gift from the boss. Why would anyone bear to step on Kitty's face?
10. Hello Kitty hp straps & pouch - buys from Japan.
    

I would upload photos, except that for now, all of these items have been chucked into boxes waiting to be packed. I almost forgot Kimono Kitty, cos she was sitting in the corner of my wardrobe. Good thing I decided to run through my wardrobe again to see what clothes to ship, and what to hand-carry.

The movers are coming on Monday morning to pack my stuff. Really should buy my mixer/food processor/blender soon.

Shipping

Decided that I'm not confident enough that I can finish packing by Friday so it'ld be better to incur mummy's wrath and leave the things in boxes during CNY. =P

Was told today that I have too many stuff and they will have to be shipped, and not flown. SIGH. longer wait to get my stuff I guess...

Planning to fly off on 18 Feb now cos gg Laos in early Feb. Hopefully by then, it would mean that it would be a short wait for my shipment to arrive. In the meantime, need to do the following:

1. buy a hair dryer and a mixer/food processor
   
2. pack
   
3. send out wedding photos to family and friends (not a year yet!)
4. apply for international driving permit
5. get a certificate for my dental health
6. go for vaccinations (haven't done by Hep A - or was it B? - booster shot)

Longest I've been away from home is 5 weeks (Geneva/AD in Mar last yr). Hope I don't forget to bring anything.

Just barely...

Passed my driving test!!! I really thought I was gg to fail after I struck the kerb twice. Thankfully, striking the kerb when attempting to vertical park is only 4 pts. I didn't get tested for emergency braking or u-turn. I wonder if I wld have failed then. =P

SO GLAD I PASSED!!! As I got out of the car and followed the tester, I really thought I was going to fail. When he looked at me sternly and said I just made it, I really couldn't believe it.

Took my passport sized photos just before the test. After the test, in a moment of panic (stemming from the jitteriness that hadn't dispelled since the test was over), I thought I misplaced the photos... Quickly went to reprint. Subsequently found the original lot in my wallet's coin compartment. Lucky for me, DD says that my move to the UAE would require 12 passport sized photos at least. PHEW.

After that, went to Robinsons. I bought an Aquasource set two Fridays ago, but because they didn't have stock, the promoter got me to buy something of equivalent value first, then come back and exchange when the stock came in. Used a $5 discount voucher on that purchase. Was quite upset with Robinsons. First, the salesgirl was late for work (I wanted to rush off to my dental appointment). Second, when we went to the cashier counter to exchange, the cashier said that the discount was now INVALID and I had to top up $5. I was furious. If there was going to be such complications, the promoter/cashier should have explained to me when I first bought the product. The cashier subsequently went to look for her supervisor, and grudgingly exchanged my product. I never expected such lousy service from Robinsons. They really are getting worse. Two years ago, one of the salesgirls misled me into thinking that there was a discount on a dress I wanted to buy...

Anyway, overall still a good day cos I got my driving licence! No need to delay my move to AD to retry, no need to spend more money on lessons!

2.5 or 5?

I spent an hour at Carrefour opening thermal cookers and playing around with the pots inside. Couldn't decide on the 2.5l one or 5l one. I think the 2.5l one is JUST NICE for two ppl... but don't think can put much in it. So decided to take DD's advice and go with the 5l one. Think will be using the smaller pot in that mostly. hee...

Driving test tomorrow. Don't know where my old passport sized photos are. Forgot to take new ones. SIGH.

Getting Ready

The move consultant came today. I was half expecting an uncle but a young man with a tablet pc showed up instead. =P

I brought him around the house to see the things I'ld be sending over and got briefed on what I needed to do. Undecided if I should get them to pack before CNY (which would please Mummy, who has been rather upset by the amount of stuff gathering) or after (means I need to set aside lesser clothes).

Hope I won't forget anything (bulky at least).

The shopping continued in earnest...

Sales commenced in Zara and Robinsons on Christmas day. Needless to say, I was there. =P Dragged my sister and her boyfriend down too (I'm sure they, or she, wanted to go anyway) and here's what i bought:

• A pair of Zara kids ballet pumps, $39.90- they were $20 cheaper and cute - dull gold coloured with little stars at the side in the front.

• A Zara shirt for the hubby, $59.90 - It looked nice and felt comfy.
  

• A Van Heusen shirt for the hubby, $40 - It was cheap! Regular price is $129! I blame my sis, who sis dug it out of the bin first. =P

• 2 pcs of unmentionables, $80 - Ok... on hindsight, I don't think I should have bought two pcs, but they were really cheap! less than 50%! =P

And the shopping continued on Boxing Day, when I asked Spinky to bring me along if she went to the Isetan private sale with parents. I really just wanted to but that light green cocktail dress ($79.90 after discount) that I've been eyeing for a few months now, but ended up also buying a white cardigan ($19.90).

What can I say? I'm a sucker for sales. I think it's a pre-move thing - gotta make sure I have variety in my wardrobe and be equipped for all occasions.

Now the one thing left that I REALLY want - the Canon SX 1 IS. Don't think I really NEED a camera cos my old camera - the Canon IXUS 40 - is still usable, just cranky - switches between photo and video mode by itself all the time. But the SX 1 IS looks really cool... 10MP, 20x optical zoom, shoots HD video... and not that ex (RP $999) if compared to buying a digicam and camcorder separately, which would easily cost $1.5k.

Oh. And need to buy golf accessories. The hubby thinks I should learn to play golf. EK's giving me her old golf set, but will have to get gloves and shoes and who knows what else.

So happy to have my yr-end bonus. =P

It's alive again!

Decided to revive my blog so as to document my move to the Middle East.

First step: Call the HR department and Business Support Centre to make arrangements to go. Easy enough.

Second step: To decide what to bring over. This is more tricky given that amount of stuff that I've accumulated over the years (even though mummy threw out some of my most precious stuff one year)... And X'mas sales are SOOO good!!! Here's what I bought in the last two days:

1. Pearly pink ballet pumps w stars, $59 (Trois+heel, Wisma Atria) - saw this on Thurs night and couldn't stop thinking about them! I think they are my all-time favourite shoes! bought them on Fri during lunch hr, and redeemed my UOB points for a $20 voucher so I don't feel how ex they cost. =P
   
   
2. Black poncho, $26.40 ( Giordano, Ngee Ann City) - on my way to lunch after buying my beloved shoes, I stumbled Giordano's lunch time sale! 40% storewide! But it didn't apply to accessories i.e. my black poncho. I tried on the white one, but decided that black was probably more practical. I'm such a messy person... will surely dirty it very quickly.
   
   
3. Pedra Branca: The Road to the World Court, $22 (MFA) - New book by DPM and Amb Koh. Thought that should get a copy and that DD would appreciate it. While on a high from buying my beloved shoes, decided to queue at the book launch to get the book autographed. Got the book autographed for my bosses too. Such a groupie I am...
   
   
4. Espirit Mini sweater, $29.90 (Espirit, Liat Towers) - I've been looking around for a new sweater in preparation of the strong cold winds of winter/spring in Abu Dhabi. Zara kids winter stuff were very pretty but ex, then I stumbled on this sweater! It's ivory in colour, and has a silver "E" printed on it.
   
   
5. Brown 3 inch shoes, $16.20 (Schu, Wisma Atria) - My first pair of Schu shoes! SO CHEAP!!! Schu's having up to 70% off and Qi spotted this pair. She bought two other pairs herself and we were very pleased with our buys. I think they are about 3 inches (haven't measured yet) but still feel quite comfy! I think it helps that they are round in the front and not pointy.
   
   
6. Orange knitted long top, $48 (G2000, Wisma) - It should have cost $4 less. My brother maxed out my DBS credit card for his interest churning scheme so we couldn't benefit from the 10% DBS card discount. Quite a downer after our good buy at Schu. Tried on suits at G2000 too but decided not to get yet since not sure what I'll be doing in Abu Dhabi.

I also spent $120 to remove pen marks on my first luxury bag - a Hogan leather bag that I bought on the honeymoon. Pretty sure the kid whom my mum looks after during the weekends was the culprit. Who else would draw on a leather bag like it was a pc of paper??? So sad... I think the repair costs might actually have pushed the cost of my bag to $1k. =(

If not for the repairs that I had to do for my bag, I wld say it was a good week in terms of shopping. =)