First entry for 2011

Another year have passed and with it came 2011 a brand new year. Hopefully this new year will bring all things good.... :)
Audrey left end of last year to start her new blissful life in Germany too. We wouldnt be able to go out as often as we like now since we are so so far away. But thanks to advanced telecommunication. We are still texting and talking like the good old days.
Wishing my buddy a happy and stress less life where she is now!!! Will go visit as soon as i can ;)


Have been very busy as Mr Mao is back too. Busy fighting, trying to make up, getting the renovation for the new house going, buying stuffs to coordinate with the reno, going to physiotherapy for my back, cooking for the king, doing the never ending laundry and trying to keep the house clean. Now that am listing it and penning it down, it sounds so dull. What a way to start the year... lol

I sat for the Final theory for driving on the 8Jan as the old one have expired last year. Mr Mao went to the Center with me and he waited for me outside while i went in to try my hands with the guess game. (Cos no studying as too busy, lazy or tired... whatever you term it) After 15mins i came out grinning at my king. He thought i flanked it but no i passed 48/50 i scored. Hee hee
As for the practical lesson, simply no time lah. Really too tired and no mind to go driving. Will get to it soonest after all these hassle buzzle calm down.


For the past week i have this crazy obsession. Am on this hunt for the Morris Wonder Cooker. Before Drey went off, we bought these two wonder cooker from Mustafa. Just before she left, Aunty Daisy broke hers. She got Drey to ask if i could let her have mine. Since i seldom cook and i have not use the cooker. I gave her mine. Little did i know that after giving it away, this crazy obsession hit me. Therefore i went everywhere looking for it and surfing for it on the net. With Gods grace i found it!!! So happy :) It pays to be kind and good. LOL

My godsend Wonder Cooker will have its opening ceremony over the weekend

For Hamesha

I've been waiting for you
For such a long time
You're always on my mind

And I'm lying awake
Most of the night
Waiting to hold you tight

Now that I do
And look at you
My heart is breaking
This can't be true

Chorus
Lost you before I found you
Gone before you came
But I love you just the same
Missed you before I met you
On earth we never can
But in heaven we'll meet again

Close to my soul
Close to my heart
Right from the start

Lost in time, lost in space
Can't wait to see your face

Now that I do
And look at you
My heart is breaking
I know it's true

Chorus

Sometimes I find myself wondering what to do
With this pain that I'm going through
But I know one day, God will take me away
And I'm coming home to you

And when I do
And look at you
My heart is healing
I know it's true

Chorus

Shore Leave

First shore leave for this trip. Thought that Mao wouldn’t be able to come with me… but luck was on our side. Cargo stopped and Mao managed to squeeze the time to go for shore leave with Chinki. Nowhere fantastic thou… just the usual trip to Bestbuy and Walmart. Super Walmart here we come!
Quite a lot of us went out this trip… a total of 12 including us. Packed like sardines in the vehicle as theres some big guys. You know BIG guys… Mao looks tiny as compared and I of cos become weenie. Therefore tiny and weenie got the worst seating… hahaha. But who cares… we are going out!


First we went to Bestbuy to pick up the mobile internet connection which I am enjoying right now. Then it’s the usual walk again to the next destination as the transport only drop you at one place and pick you up later. We stopped at Wendy for a bite… here the fast food joints are not really fast. Most of the time only one counter is in service and they normally take order, do the cashiering, serves the food before proceeding to the next one in the queue. Therefore its kind of very slow.

The Super Walmart that we visited was not so super this time. Not as big as the one I previously went too. So kind of boring too. We picked up the necessities and lots of chocolates and chips as well. Later on I discovered that am not the only one into the tidbits. Everyone bought bags and bags of chips. The back of the vehicle was packed to the brim with all our shopping.



Left one more hour till the time the transportation picked us up. We walked across the street again to have dinner and for Mao to have a drink. Went to this place called O’Henry. They served peanuts and one can throw the shells on the floor… It wrote ‘Go ahead.. Throw them on the ground’. In our rush to eat and finish up I forgot to take the picture. But you know the concept… just throw everywhere you please. Suit my King very much.. Hahaha

Season 2 of sea voyage

This is a relatively new ship that we board now. The moment I stepped on the gangway, am impressed. No dirty thick oil stain on the ropes, the deck shiny. Pretty! We spent the first few nights in

the ordinary cabin for crew as the other Master and family were still on board. Bed was very small… therefore Mao and I have to

be squeezing each other in that. After the Master handed over and left. We shifted into the Captain cabin. Wow…. I like this so much

better! Have 2-3 chairs removed from the sitting area and immediately its so much spacious. Theres even carpets in both the

bedroom and sitting room which is so good as the linoleum flooring can be very cold with the aircon going 24/7. Like I told Mao… weather outside is perfectly normal and warm but in the cabins is suddenly winter. Next time we sail again.. All I have to pack will be winter clothes… Am practically freezing everyday in here.

Saw lots of these creatures that look like crickets/grasshoppers while we were in Venezuela. Looks kinda scary… yucks! Got a snapshot of these huge one outside our window enjoying the sunshine. Theres also these big birds that looked like kingfishers everywhere. They can soar in the skies for so long without flapping their wings. Okie… I know, by now I sounded like a country bumpkin. LOL But when you are on the ship… what can you do. One need to find little entertainment to keep oneself amuses.
Call me country bumpkin but I have to tell you this one. While on our 5days voyage from Venezuela back to States… Mao spotted this bird standing upfront on our vessel. Bird!!! Yeah I know by now you must be thinking am loony right… whats so special about a bird. Ahem… let me explain. Firstly my Captain said that we are in the middle of nowhere… land is very far away so there aren’t many birds around. And this special birdie on board has been standing there for hours. In fact it stayed with us for more than 36hours. Yeah I kept my eye on this special guest… even going to the extent of going up the bridge and observing it on the binoculars. And also kept pestering Mao to going on a walk with me upfront so that we can interviewed it… hahaha. You will find below the picture I have taken of this smart special birdie guest who hitched a ride with us.

Journey to Venezuela

We departed Singapore on Friday to Venezuela. First leg of the journey will be 12 hours flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Having prebooked our seating arrangement for bulkhead seats, I took comfort in the idea of being able to stretchJo my legs and enjoy the in-flight entertainment. The moment we stepped into the aircraft, all my wishes vanished. The air plane doesn’t have individual screen and the so called bulkhead seats the smart travel agent had booked was the row behind the emergency exit seats. Think he needs to go for serious refresher course! The next best thing that happened was we are seated with the other chief officer who happened to be on the same flight. All thanks to the TA once again as he must be the one who prebooked his seating too. Mao gave me the window seat which as compared was slightly more spacious and as result he got sandwiched between me and the CO. Poor CO doesn’t know that the guy who he played snatching the armrest with is gonna be his worst nightmare for the next four months. Therefore in his best interest we didn’t reveal our identity… or the poor guy would be rigid for the 12hours flight.
Arriving Frankfurt airport in the wee hours of the morning, we had a six hour transit ahead of us. My mission here at the airport was to go shower! With people all around us wearing warm clothing and carrying woolen. Mao and I set out for the mission of locating the shower rooms. As expected its empty, we paid Usd8 per entry and its bath time!!! Feeling nice and fresh after shower, we went to grab something to eat. After food we started our private tour of two of the airport grounds. Saw Hanutas selling at the store and for the first time I bought my own Hanutas (Previously Hanutas were courtesy from Michael and Drey) J
Finally arriving Caracas, Venezuela after another 12hours flight. We made our way to the immigration clearance for seamen. Most of the time while clearing customs, we are always standing at the counter. But over here for once we are seated. While the officer went through our papers, am sitting there sipping my coke. Hee hee
After collecting our baggage we spotted the local agent at the gate. While we were hoping that we could check into the hotel for a night rest before boarding the vessel. The agent broke the ‘wonderful news’ to us that indeed we don’t have to go to the vessel now cos we have another flight sector awaiting us. Jesus Christ, another plane ride and familiarization of the airport! This domestic flight from Caracas to Barcelona will take an hour and we have 4hours to kill again. Little did we know that the flight was delayed in the end and our gate was the only one left in the whole domestic airport still waiting to board after all stores and gates have closed. If the CO and the 3rd Engineer are not travelling with us, I would have lay on the floor and catch a shuteye. Totally tired and not able to stretch out and rest… torturous.
Getting into Barcelona Airport marked the end of our plane journey (phew… sigh of relief). Our wishes came through as well for the hotel stay which I regretted wishing so hard for later. Cos the hotel sucks… we have a room at the so called penth house (7th floor). However our suite was like those rooms that you saw in those old Shanghai movies. Miserable old bed, antique hot water flask with two kopi tiam glasses… Cool right?
At 7am in the morning when we woke, we realized that there’s no electricity and water running! Praise the lord! We tried our best to wash up using our rationed mineral water bottle. My darling Mao even managed to shave! Then we proceeded down for breakie. People often have candle light dinner, Mao and I have our candle light breakfast… Hahaha
After breakie we hung around as long as we could as both dread the climb of the stairs back to our penthouse suite. If the water and electricity don’t resume… we would not be able to bathe and we gonna have a hard time dragging our heavy luggages down. Only after going for a walk outside we realized that the whole town have no electricity and water. Cant tell you how much I miss my country and how proud of my country I am now.

Another Movie - The Karate Kid

We went to catch another movie today. A show starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith (son of Will Smith). It is about Jaden Smith known as Dre Parker, who went to China with his mom. Due to language and cultural differences he encounter many problems with the local China boys. Most of the content in the show is only about fighting... and worse yet kids fighting. Watchable show for the adults... but i dont encourage kids viewing. Lots and lots of PG required if children going to be watching this.

Yes, kungfu is healthy. But if not with the right guidance/attitude it will only be destructive.

Heres a trailer

Bollywood movie

Travelling the distance to go downtown to watch a movie is pretty normal for me. However travelling the distance to go watch a Bollywood film is my first! My King is very keen in watching the Bollywood film, Kites. He said that it had very good reviews. Therefore did a little surfing in the net and found that its still screening at Jade cinema in Shaw Towers. So here we go... travelling all the way downtown to watch a Bollywood show!

Jade cinema is one of those cinemas that didnt have any upgrading done. It still have those old worn out chairs that flip upwards when you are not sitting on it. Theres no leg room between yourself and the row in front of you too. As the show has been screening for some time and this is the only cinema thats left screening it... no other choice. I found out that Jade is only screening Bollywood films these days cos all the posters are all Bollywood movies and nothing else. Ticket booth is manned by an Indian lady and snack bar is also manned by an Indian guy. I insisted on a big pack of chips even thou we have just finished dinner (my fav wanton mee.. the one with the fried wanton). After little disorientation at the snack bar... i got my chips and green tea. We headed up to the movie hall. Show was just starting as we entered. I doved into my pack of chips while busy reading subtitles. It is basically a love show about a guy, Jai (Hrithik Roshan) who is looking for his love Natasha (Barbara Mori). Wait a minute... it is not the typical Indian love movie with all the dancing behind the coconut tree that you are visualizing. It is actually pretty interesting with a nice twist. So as i was just getting engross in the show... suddenly i saw this words 'INTERMIMSSION' flashed across the screen and the lights came on. Intermission????

What the hell is that? Never have i watched any shows in my life that have an intermission. But here we are, with a 10minutes intermission/toilet break/smoking break whatever you want to term it. The lights came on and people start getting up to go to the loo, chatting with each other, talking on their mobiles.... wow.

Overall the show is interesting and i would think that for those who likes Bollywood show. This is one show which is worth watching.

Love

Life is moving at a slow pace for me these few days as Mao isnt around. Been doing lots of casual reading to kill some time. I came across these few lines in a book, believed that its phrases from the Bible under Corinthians. Very meaningful lines.....

Love is always patient and kind.
It is never jealous.
Love is never boastful or conceited.
It is never rude or selfish.
It does not take offense and is not resentful.
Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins, but delights in the truth.
It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.

Hope everyones' love is as per describe and God's blessing be with all.

Footage of my king

Cant resist uploading this here... My king enjoying his moments :)

Home Sweet Home

I am finally back! Theres no place better than home. Been back for about a week now. But its busy busy busy till now. Believed that it will still be busy for another month. Lots of things and people to catch up on as well as errands to be completed before the next trip. What a change it is.... after 3 months of doing nothing and minimum walking. It is suddenly back to hectic schedule and plenty of walking around. My legs actually sent disstress signals for the first few days. Must be getting old (haha)

Let me just explain the lapse in the updating the blog. Its all because that theres no internet connection after leaving US. Was out there try to inch back to Singapore, which took about one and a half months. When we got back to SIN it was already the third day of Lunar New Year. And the most torturous thing was am back in Singapore waters but cant step on land for 2 days as struck at anchorage. So i did the next comforting thing... getting everyone to call me on my mobile. Hearing it came alive with voices of close ones was heavenly!!! Mao managed to get me off during the first crew sign off and i spent a good fulfilling 4-5days at home before getting back onboard. Delayed for another week in SIN water before heading to Kaohsiung, Taiwan on our popo ship. From there we would bid farewell to popo ship for four months. On the last day, i got up excitedly to finished the last minute packing. Waited patiently for half a day before Mao came back at close to 8pm after tying up his loose ends. We sent all our heavy luggages down for loading into the boat. Got our backpacks on our back, took the ancient lift and headed down. Mao said we have to go to the CCR (Cargo Control Room) to say our goodbyes.......... so back we went and struck we were again! Cargo not moving... and so we cant move as well. Popo ship not willing to let us go! Jesus Christ.... we have to get the boys to upload our luggages and spent another reluctance night on board.

We spent a night in Splendor Hotel, Kaohsiung. Went to the night market and have a feast the very moment. Too much 5-star food on popo ship, so we cant controlled ourselves when we sighted the delicious street food. Yummy yummy :p That night we slept on a real king sized bed :)

Took the high speed train to Taipei the next day. It took about 90mins. We spent two nights in Howard Green Garden Hotel. It was more eating and walking around. Went to Ximengdi, Shilin night market and Taipei 101. At Ximengdi, we went to the Modern Toilet Restaurant where they used toilet bowls as chairs and bathtubs as tables. Even the utensils are shaped like toilets. Mao found it all very fascinating. Too bad we forgotten our camera at the hotel.

Took the four hours flight back to SIN and we busied ourselves opening up the house. But its finally Home Sweet Home! :)

Delay

Slight delay in the voyage.... two more ports to go here before we are ready to go. The company wanna load us up fully. Therefore it might be another more 4-5days here. Bad news is these two ports cant go out. Anyway to go out here actually cost quite abit and also abit troublesome due to the security. Firstly have to notify the security officer at the gate to send transport to meet us at the gangway. Then we walked down the gangway, hop on to the transport... about 3-5mins ride to the security gate. Show all ids... upon completing, call for a cab... wait again for the cab (wait in the cold ok... no vip lounge) to take us to the mall. Cab ride takes about 15-20mins and return journey cost about 30-60usd. Expensive and troublesome right?

Most of the malls here are single storey and they covered a large area due to abundant land. Usually all the different kinds of stores (Like walmart, target, some eateries... etc) are all cluster around the same area. The area space is something like our two MRT station eg: Orchard and Sommerset. Therefore the other day when Mao and I went out... we did our fair share of walk in the cold too. I would said 99.9% of the families here have their own vehicles and they commute these distance by driving. So while Mao and I strolled along to the malls, some nice drivers tends to slow down their vehicles for us to cross to the other side of the road. Jokingly i told Mao.... these drivers must be thinking. See the poor man bringing his wife out to do Christmas shopping on foot in the cold, dont horn or bang them... let them pass :p

Believed that we will be here in Mississippi for Christmas.... onboard with all of them busy working. The SRC (Ship Recreation Club) bought food, presents and all thinking that a small party will take place since during the voyage, all will have a little free time. Seems like they forgot to write to Santa to wish for it.... So party, turkey please stay hot while the boys work... they will come to you in time.

People at home.... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Enjoy yourselves and have fun!!!

All set for voyage

Last port here in this country now. After this stopover... we are all set for the long voyage back. Am also set for the journey... see... all my stuff are here. Mao had ordered everything that we can think of. All sorts of snacks, drinks, rubbish.... etc. By the time i come home, i will be fat and round. Haha

Dont think i eat so much rubbish back home too. Even him... someone who dont take so much sweet stuff. He is also having his fair share of it these days. Havent been hitting the gym for days... we only went there once. After that... hes busy and am lazy. Especially with the cold weather... i just wanna keep warm in the cabin and not move a muscle. I know.... all excuses :p

Hopefully once we start the journey and life gets more routine, we will be able to spend some time at the gym. By then the weather should also get warmer as we come East. Have to put in some effort to stay in shape after all the snacks and rubbish. Dont wish to be fat and round too. On top of that dont wanna give my husband a chance to have roving eyes... Eyes should be on me and heart must be with me only... Hor Mao? You reading this.... roger huh. Hamisha Chinki only!

Coming Home

Guess what.... Miracle had happened! Am coming home! New voyage order received confirmed that we are heading East. Never have we imagine that we are going to head East and best of all is we are heading back to Singapore! As this vessel is always in the waters here or neighbouring countries... suddenly we are going to sail two oceans back home!

After poor me flying for 26hrs to get here. Now have to slowly sail for one and a half month to get back home. What a joke! Like i was telling Mao..... he cant escape from SIN. Come so far oreadi and to have chosen a vessel that remains in the waters here only. End up we still have to go back home! God's wishes......

But huh.... got to go home oreadi??? I havent manage one decent shopping trip yet man!!! What is this! Come so far on the damn flight... struck on the ship due weather... blah blah blah... then tamade... one and a half month sailing back home oreadi??? Cant believe it siaz.

Everyone onboard are busy making sure that the vessel is ready to embark on her long voyage now. Keeping machinery oiled and working... engines running... food ordered... etc. Me am busy dreaming of the food back home by now. As theres one hell of a lousy cook here on board. You wouldnt believe it... but the dishes he cooked... one word to describe only.... SUCK

For your info... he proclaimed himself a 5star cook.... (laugh)

Kind of feel like cell food or food meant for swine only. Not appealing in all sense... Mao called him up to the cabin and have a talk the other day. With immediate effect the food take a turn for the better the next day.... we have roast chicken, jacket potatoes, tomato soup and even chicken rice for lunch. Didnt know he is capable of cooking such stuff as from day one till now that am here. All i had from him was cell food. Keeping my fingers crossed that these heavenly food will remain during the long journey home and his cell food is a thing of the past.

Reveal of the 5Star cook (the one on the left) and 2nd cook (also the steward who come and clean our cabin everyday)

Ancient Elevator

Theres an ancient elevator here that services the seven decks. With dual doors... exterior door looking like any normal door and an interior grille. Seldom see such elevator around anymore... they are phased out long ago. They might belongs to the 60-70s.

The elevator is so said to be able to carry 5 persons. The space in there... i dont think so. 5 persons to be squeezing in there?? The scenerio will be like 5 persons hugging tightly together praying that the ancient thing dont plunge.... haha

So far i only travel in that antique with Mao... just the two of us. The 'Bulldogs' family :p (Both dogs as i always bite Mao... and he is also dog cos everyone avoid him like hes one mad dog that bites. Hahaha) Mao doesnt like to use the elevator as he said its for the lazy. So he uses the stairs mostly. The only times he can be spotted in the elevator is when he is travelling with lazy me.

The seven decks on the ship... i only frequent 4 decks. There are Upp Dk (where the laundry room is), A deck (the mess rm we go for food), D dk (where our cabin is) and Nav Bri Dk (where Mao work on the bridge). The rest of the decks i dont go unless my bulldog is with me.

Medical Chest

The cold that i caught seems to like me quite alot. Thou am oreadi sick and tired of it by now. It is still not willing to leave me. Giving me blocked nose every night when i sleep and causing lots of phlegm in the throat as well. Disgusting thick yellow ones... haha

Therefore no choice have to let Mao play witch doctor. Theres a Medical Locker down at the Upper deck. Went there for an excursion with Mao the other day. A whole chest of medicines!

Mao got me a Nasal Spray to reject my present from the Cold. Kind of works wonder... but hate the moment when the medicated solution went down the throat from the nose. Yucky!!! However its worth the 3secs of discomfort as it offer 12hours of relief for blocked nose. Cant use it for more than 3days thou.

Have you people noticed that everywhere on the ship, they label all their surrounding... Like we have all the cabins label. Eg: Ours will be Captain Room... the medical chest is called the Medical LKR.. short form for Locker. Its like going to Nursery school where labels are on everything and everywhere.

Lucky hour for laundry session

Washing clothes onboard is a real challenge. Theres a laundry room downstair with three washers (two for normal wear and one for dirty boiler suits) and a dryer. Three washing machines sounds like alot right? But the fact is the washers are ever so busy. Theres always a load in the washer. One have to be guarding the machine to earn a chance to dump your clothes in there. To complicate matter, one can only do laundry at sea. Laundry room is closed when in port. (One of the country regulation so as not to dirty their water)

Those dirty clothes are not mine ->

Therefore after all these time... i have decided to do my laundry in the early morning (4-6am). During that time most people are still fast asleep. As the room is near all the engine room..etc. Theres always human traffic around. I dont like to hang around or guard the machine for my chance. And of cos i forbid Mao to send a cadet there to guard the machine on my behalf. Imagine if am that cadet.... what guarding the washing machines so that mdm can use it? What crap right? So at the lucky hour i chosen, all i have to do is a quick visit to the washer downstair... dump all (only clothes... socks, panties, bras, handkies all *handwash) in then bring it up to the dryer on our own deck. My exclusive dryer :) Too bad cant have the washer on our deck too.

*Handwashing clothes... something i havent been doing for donkey years. At home the washer is mine and mine alone... i can dump all and what i want in them

Under the weather

No i am not lazy. Just been feeling under the weather for 3days. Must have been standing out in the wind after my shower with my hair still wet that caused the rise in temperature. First time to be running a temperature in cold weather. Suck siaz! Fingers and feet are cold while body is hot...breathe also hot... feeling like a dragon breathing out air.

The internet connection also have been feeling under the weather. As we are further out at sea again.. and fog have set in. So internet connection decided to stop work and hid in the fog for awhile. When the fog cleared after two days... the wind picked up. Once again lazy internet sneaked off with the wind. As a result.. another day passed. Finally when clear weather came... (tamade) we are too far away to have any connection!

Clarification: Internet connection is always like a dying snail pace here (But still one have to be thankful that it is still alive and kicking) All of you at home with internet connection, you have no idea how fortunate you are.

Sugar is a good gal

Sugar, my sugar.... i misses her! My furry kid that follows me everywhere in the house. Who comes to me and rest her paws on my lap whenever i sits at the com. That pair of big round eyes that speaks volume when she looks at you. Goosh... i misses her!

Asked Mao to hold his sleep at 6am this morning. So that we can go up to the bridge and give mama a call (SIN time 8pm). This way am able to catch mama at home and talk to sugar too.

Sugar seems to be having a ball at mama place now. Mom said that sugar kept pestering to play the moment they wake up. She is also happy when mom came home from work. Cos once again that means play time for her! Normally she will be at the door greeting you. Standing on her hind, resting her front paws on your thighs she trys to lick your hands while shaking her bushy tail vigorously. Thereafter she will follows you everywhere in the house till you are ready to play with her.

My precious is getting a little fussy with the food these days too. She knows that law and order is not around and she could push her luck here and there. According to mama... she isnt feeding well on her pellets of dog food. Told mom to leave the feed schedule and food the same, no changes and definately no special treats permitted. Wouldnt wish her to accquire new eating habits and food liking during these period. Or else by the time she comes home with me... its gonna be tough for her as well as me.

During the call to mama earlier... i got exposed. Mama said that she knew i wouldnt be calling her as much if Sugar isnt with her. Its the dog that i misses and not her :p

I misses my mom too of cos... but sugar is different. As this furry gal is the one that keep me within her sight, following me everywhere and coming to me whenever am feeling down. She is the one whos 24/7 available. No matter what kind of mood you are in... she will be there. How do you not pin for her???

Basket or Bird Cage???

Front of our vessel











The operation that was delayed for 3days due to bad weather is finally going to take place today. When completed we are going to steam for 16hrs and hopefully getting to dock.

Saw how they picked up they mooring master today. In a basket with the crane as what Mao always say. In a basket hmm.... i always visualise the basket is something like those of a hot air balloon. What would you visualise? (Take a look at the picture on the left for the so called basket. See the the man in blue with a white safety helmet, standing in something that look like a big cage) Not as per we think right? Basket??? Look more like a bird cage.


Mr Mao said that at times of joining... we might have a go in the basket. Hmm.... a go in that bird cage supported by that crane? Sounds fun right? Imagine having to balance yourself in that bird cage in the chilling wind with only the ropes to hold onto as they crane you up. Hey dont forget about the luggages which mostly have wheels? As the bird cage is rise... acrobatic me will have to balance, hold tight and squeeze my luggage between my legs??? Haha.. think i can do better to have my luggage flat in that bird cage and i lay on top of it with my full body weight. Got to be joking right? I rather wait for the vessel to come into port and WALK up the gangway.


My only excitement now is to walk down that gangway in 2days (i hope) and go to the supermarket. Just love the supermarket in the states... they are so huge. Unlike our pathetic NTUC at home. 5mins only all grounds covered and completed. I want to buy chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates. Ohh, dont worry about being fat. The weather is so cold... can afford to put on some more fats and slowly burn. :p heehee

Here in Houston

Got in to Houston for 3days by now. Have survived the 26hours flight with an hour stopover in Moscow airport. Managed to get an aisle seat at the emergency exit when i checked in, thus plenty of leg space. Not that i have very long legs but its wonderful to be able to stretch your legs on such long flight.

Got to come directly from the airport to my 'new home' for the next 3-4 months. Didnt get the intended one night hotel stay as 'home' was already in and waiting. Therefore shopping malls please wait for me.

First night here was a blur due to time difference. Adjustment is require for the timing as well as food. My first meal in my new home was dinner and am deeply demoralised when i saw it. First thought was the never achieve diet plan is finally going to take place now. However after 3days, i dont think that i will turn into that super model with this new diet after all. As all 3 meals (food that i have to eat) are regular here, unlike back home i only take one or two meals a day (food that i choose to eat).

Mao kept telling me that our new bed here is a queen bed. Alamak queen bed indeed... for the midgets! I would say that it is slightly bigger than a super single bed. Thank God back in SIN we used to squeeze in my single bed before we got our greatly missed queen bed now. Since the weather is cold here now, its sure is nice to cuddle close to my husband. Sleeping in my new home is like going to sleep in a power operated cradle. Rocking slightly all the while. Kind of soothing for the moment (keeping my fingers cross for bad weather).

Anyway i slept well on the first night due to the cold weather. Its with reluctance that i had to wake up to visit the loo in the early morning. Filled with sleep i got out of bed and make my way to the door in the dark. Fiddling at the door for a full one minute trying to open it, i cant find the door handle! Trying to keep my eyes open and shaking the sleep away, i feel for the door handle again. Suddenly i heard Mao said 'Be careful baby... i switch on the lights for you'. Upon hearing the direction that his voice coming, i knew i must be real groggy with sleep. As all this time am actually standing at the cupboard door feeling for the bedroom door handle. Wonder if Mao dont speak, how long more will i be standing there trying to open that impossible door. Hahaha