Ely1

Ha! I'm having mine done at a steel factory, complete with workers doing welding works and containers and I'm trying to negotiate being on a forklift ! The designer is simultaneously aghast at the prospect of oil stains and the novelty of the idea! It's not just to be different - the factory has personal meaning for us, and I bet it would delight and surprise many of the guests at the dinner I also plan another shoot at luxury boutiques at Sands or Orchard (hellooooooo Chanel!) - I think this captures Singapore more accurately than standing on break-waters at man-made beaches Still a long way to go yet so I anticipate more changes to be made - Ely

I agree, sleek. Adi, I was going to get some pictures done by Eric Er (quite a veteran in the photography business) when I first hit 30 (Saturn Returns and all that~) but in the end was too shy to do so. Having photography in lovely white gowns has nothing to do with the wedding. The dinner is more for the family and parents; the pictures are for us Sometimes I wish I married younger so at least I'd be captured in "my prime"~ We're having an old-skool photographer as the 3rd photographer on the actual day - completely black and white photo-journalistic style in FILM and developed by himself. He's a personal friend so we're grateful for his offer. Adi, I don't think it's sick at all! How is it perverse for us to secretly yearn to look perfectly airbrushed in a gorgeous Vera Wang gown, looking whimsical and thoughtful at a gorgeous handheld bouquet of peonies? My only brief to the chief photographer (also part of that secret photographer list) is nothing cutesy or gimmicky or happy and cheery. Yes, he did give me a strange look when I said that, and insisted there should be *some* shots of me smiling at least~ I then tried to negotiate how many full-frontal face shots I should have (read: none) ! I really pity my photographer, I'm going to be extremely difficult to work with since I go spastic every time a camera is pointed in my direction. We're hoping some wine prior to each shoot would help, and perhaps, I'll be Vogue-ing my way through the clicking. We had a simple sit-down lunch for ROM - nothing too fancy, only for immediate family, held at garden-themed Halia in my eBay buys: white satin BCBG dress, Vivienne Westwood chunky pearl bracelet, green satin heels Don't have to feel guilty Adi - just do it as simple as you wish, and have your photographs too! I never understood the saying "having your cake and eating it too" - if I have cake, I'm definitely eating it, wth? - Ely P.S. Poor csingeu

HAHA! Nice one, RB. Yeah, I'm going through the switches now, and can bet it was the plumber who hit something while they were drilling through my kitchen wall into the bathroom - the tripping started after that, but was resolved for a while, and now it's back again - it's the same switch in the DB box that causes the trip though. Hmmm. Not too handy with electrical stuff, but thankfully, a phone call to my super-awesome electrician had him here in 15 minutes. He's working on it now. I should really find a way to express my gratitude. <3 my electrician! Btw, I'm loving the sub with Band of Brothers - was watching it last night and it was awesome! - Ely

You're absolutely correct - should have used "disappointment" instead, or "disgruntlement" would be closer That should really the official uniform of the Obedient Wives Club~ - Ely

DAY 112 After finally resolving our plumbing issue (The Husband was ingenious enough to figure out what was wrong - we removed the closing valve in the other steel trap to allow the one in the shower area to drain through, after pouring down bottles and bottles of those pipe cleaner stuff), we now have an electrical tripping problem. Not sure what triggered it. It started when I was putting the shepherd's pie in the oven last night, and now everything seems to be tripping even when the mains to the oven isn't on. Most odd. Now, nothing is turned on except for the fan in the balcony and that keeps tripping too. The electrician should be coming in soon for the final T5 lights for the bathroom's cabinet, and I'll ask him to check it then. I'm just wondering when this would ever, ever end. It seems there is always something to fix or do for the place. Last week, we ordered a brand new Samsung digital lock and installed it professionally because we couldn't figure out what went wrong with our self-installation. It would only work for 1 day, before eating all the batteries up. We ended up using the key for the digital lock for a month before deciding to engage a professional. We'll probably install the spare on the backdoor (security overkill omgah) since we've now learnt the problem was our installation of the casement, which didn't allow direct connection to the wires, or something. Or whatever. My Asus laptop is dying. Again. Sigh. More reformatting ahead. Bondi, who was never a scratcher, is now scratching our furniture! *gasp* Whatever happened to TWBC?? (The World's Best Cat tm) ON A GOOD NOTE We're finally getting the hang of our HTS, though fumblingly so. Managed to get the movies I left on an external HDD transferred to the NAS, set up e-printing, got some vintage Bally pictures done for the vanity (stuck with masking tape for a raw Hollywood look haha!). Ideally, they should be inserted into the sides of the lights against the mirror, but I need something to disguise the ugly walls! - Ely

There's an assortment at buyfrenchmaidcostumes.com ~ They even come complete with feather dusters~ Unfortunately, my current outfit at home (much to The Husband's demise) is shorts and singlet with a hairband and hair pulled back for the ultimate housewife look~ Not sure if you can get any cleaning done donning that Maid outfit though... - Ely

The Husband and I will be delighted to attend, without the fur-kids - Ely

LOL yes it still makes me laugh, like some geek youtube videos like Leeroy Jeeeeeennnnkins etc. Makes me miss my old gaming days Sorry Sleek, unless I'm provided with a French Maid outfit, I'm already contracted to do DAILY cleaning at this place which boasts shiny, shiny surfaces and a cat that sheds enough fur daily to make an entire hamster~ - Ely

I'm not that creative to be honest, but I try I enjoy working with my hands and love the satisfaction of creating something myself so that makes up for all the imperfections. I'm too impatient to wait for a later stage Phase 2 so am trying to cram everything within this month haha! Already ordered some knick-knacks online so am very excited to see them in person:- Some kitschy rugs: Kitty tuffed rug: Phase 2 pics will include the new rugs and accents, like art and when I finally get around to it, framed pictures - Ely

Doubt I'll ever stop cleaning - I now have designated cleaning boxes for each area, complete with sponges, scourers, cleaners and toothbrush and I clean the shower area everytime I take a shower. Totally crazy!! Will look for that once I finally get my as* to Daiso I think I need to make it mandatory for The Husband to spray the walls and shower screen with water after each bath - it would definitely lessen the cleaning. Or how about a cheaper alternative for Bondi? Melon or something? My mom tried it with a huge pomelo but none of the pets were very keen models~ - Ely

I've been eyeing a lace parasol for ages! When the CC bills clear, I'm definitely going for it! muahaha! - Ely

LOL! Last time I carried an umbrella, I was accused of being from China... Not sure if the illumination will help with that - perhaps the cab drivers will definitely find me more visible in the rain whilst frantically trying to flag down a cab. - Ely

Ugh. I hate that. It's sometimes also "ugly" when the bride's parents insist on keeping the money, and having two separate red packet boxes. I'm glad my parents are more than happy to have only one ang pow box and not negotiate "terms" like dowry. They, in fact, insisted on none (omgah their daughter worth nothing!! ). Some people even give newspaper or magazine pages in red packets >< Or grossly underestimate the financial strain of a banquet (family of 5 giving $50 etc). I'm totally understanding and empathetic if they simply don't have the means, and I'd appreciate ANY gesture they give, but these are the well-to-do ones Some suggested doing it the "Hong Kong" style by opening each red packet as it is given and recording the amount of money into the guest register to prevent such inconsiderate acts, but I'm not sure if it's tactless. Seems awfully mean to me. However, it's been said that MOST weddings do "earn" or at least break even to cover the banquet cost. I'm pretty certain mine won't be one of them as FIL has insisted on exquisite menu. He's, however, picking up the tab, and I want them to be happy (despite shark's fin on the menu) as The Husband is their only son. Btw, how did csingeu's t-blog become a discussion on wedding banquets and preparations?! Sorry csingeu! - Ely

I cannot agree more, Marshy. That's why most of the bridal packages allow 6 outfits or more for the photoshoot so that you'd be more inclined to pick more photos. I've heard of one girl who paid 30k for ALL the pictures because she was unable to choose and thought all of them were gorgeous. That's ridiculously stupid I think, because no one ever flips through the silly album, except perhaps for the first year when guests come over. And I bet no one flips through it in the midst of an argument so you can relive those sweet moments~ What I can't stand is the "once in a lifetime" sales pitch. In the end, picked a bridal studio without any of the packages - just the dresses (only 3, and a Tux for him), and I hire the rest of what I need (makeup artist, flowers, photographer etc) myself. Still pretty hefty on the wallet but it's worth it, I think - everything is customised to your needs instead of following a pre-determined list. I chose NOT having an album AT ALL, or videography, or studio shots. Only ONE canvas print to grace the bathroom (haha!) or WIW. We do get a DVD of some 60 or more edited pics but that's enough for me. Our bulk of the money for the photoshoot goes to the "extras" they give us, like 30 canvases on easels for the reception, 2 photographers (actually now 3) on the Actual Day, a photographer manning the photobooth with instant printing for 3hrs during the banquet, and very flexible timing for the pre-wedding shoot (abt 10-12hrs) with 2 fashion stylists at hand, a photo montage of the pre-wedding shoot and a box of edited prints. I'm using that 3k for the album for a 4-piece band instead. Will definitely update RT with wedding prep too (since I'm not active on the Singaporebrides forum ) - Ely

Oh gawd, tech woes - the worst kind of frustration. I feel for you, I really do. Even reading your post made my head hurt. Maybe I'll set up the wireless capability of the AC Ryan tomorrow, or something. I'll stick to the old and tested cleaning in between stupid bathroom tiles with a toothbrush, for suddenly, that seems like a more enjoyable task - Ely

Oh he knows - he shoos me off his lap because he says my bony *** is hurting his delicate thighs Hmm, sounds like a good idea. We'll do that if we need to add more crap to the console - already housing a SCV setup box, a X-box, the WD media player, the tube amp and bookshelf speakers >< Or when we finally upgrade our living room TV, and that would be several years yet. Thanks for the tip! The Oppo 93 isn't region-free We have several discs unable to play. So it requires a mod kit? Like this one here on eBay. - Ely

You girls just want an excuse to spank - naughty! Yours is not terrible at all! You have that long white kitchen with green cupboards right? A bright cheery kitchen? And a Calypso couch? (It's been so long, I no longer remember how your place looks like! Sorry! From the top of my head, I can only remember your battle with mold and roaches LOL! And how you were searching for some specific flower? - This means updated pics imo! ) I'm now dealing with scrubbing in between ridiculous tiles to get rid of soap scum and such with a friggin toothbrush DAILY! AHHH! The cleaning never ever stops. Perhaps my pictures glorify it a bit, I'll get more "real" pictures, or you can come over and judge for yourself! Well, Bondi is not opposed to wearing matching collars (that would look pretty cute eh?) but if he REALLY wants to be different and steal the bride's thunder, I can always order the Hello Kitty Transformer Kit: - Ely

Well, of that I'm sure, since I have no butt to speak off. My only concern is how the TV swivel console in the bedroom will take a 46" TV since we make it specifically to the specs of the Samsung. Hopefully, it'll tolerate some 6" more without jutting out too much. Must have a look at it again, and the organising of the cables is a b.i.t.c.h since you're literally squeezing cables into the hole and after lots of maneuvering, you HOPE they come out from the bottom hole instead of being stuck in the swivel panel. Idiot design. *grumble* Whee! I've got the files transferred to the internal HDD easy enough, so that's one down. Now I'll just need to set up the wireless component What's wrong with yours? I really hate it when I can't fix IT problems - they bug the **** outta me. Also have to send my Asus in for more servicing since it keeps on shutting off by itself (very annoying when writing long posts, or doing photoshop) which spells a complete reformat, and another batch of restoring all the software I so carefully and delicately c*acked. Hate. But since I'll be at Alephi anyway... Hmm, maybe can pick up the mod kit for the Oppo 93 They sell loads of those on eBay, not sure if I should give that a try? - Ely

That is true - I believe, too, that it's the accents that make it a home, while the furnishings only make it functional, and a place to live in. I'm not yet done with Phase 2, sigh - seems like a while to go before I can tear myself away from the constant cleaning to do run several errands to get what I need (ha! Not *everything* is from online k!). I'm simply doing the cheapskate route by DIY-ing most of it. P.S. I'll accept Tiffany without the box and ribbon, kthx. - Ely

You should see Mae irl - she's a lot classier AND younger-looking in person with a warm emanating personality to boot! I was going to say the same thing about the GM haha! - Ely

From bathroom Lux ad to WIW catwalk... hmm, guess will have to strut my stuff in a bathrobe~ Btw, love your Brandt buys - very sleek and shiny! A dishwasher too - how indulgent! More time for Lux ads, I say! - Ely

Mmm, I love the dark bathrooms keke Don't worry Adi, it will all fall together nicely - very, very nice, especially when you can have wall hung toilets *envious* - Ely

Thanks Kobelala! I definitely did not expect a jaw-dropping response! Will have Phase 2 pics in several weeks, as it's now 90% done - Ely

Oh my Duchess, I doubt your designer home will be less pic-worthy, so here's some from me to you! Perhaps you should take a look at my decals first before entrusting me with such a task! Much better, friends78 Thank you for asking, you're so sweet. Still have rashes so am trying to cover up as much I can because it's so embarrassing when people stare >< Yeah, am trying to console ourselves by saying we'll upgrade in several years and retire the 40" Samsung to the common bedroom and swap the 46" to the bedroom if we get a 55" for the living room, with all the cognitive dissonance of waiting for 3D content and all that Haha! We'll see Still have to be have vigilant with the steroid inhaler as wheezing quite a bit at night, but otherwise, it's all very tolerable. Am sleeping better, finally, so that definitely helps! Will schedule haircut and perm next week so won't feel so terrible about being sloppy with myself for the past weeks! Oh RB, I have to admit I've been slack when it comes to the NAS - perhaps will tackle it in a while and transfer the files to the AC Ryan. I give myself a pat on the back for keeping up with cleaning the house DAILY (omgah you wouldn't believe the cat fur, and Maxey's toilet mistakes UGGGH). The cleaning seems endless, and tackling some drainage problem in the Master Bathroom, already used 4 bottles of those drain cleaner stuff - sigh, so have lots of "reasons" for my procrastination - Ely

Just read Graham Howe, and your comment came to mind. His take on normality: "Normality is the paradise of escapologists, for it is a fixation concept, pure and simple. It is better, if we can, to stand alone and to feel quite normal about our abnormality, doing nothing whatever about it, except what needs to be done in order to be oneself". Something to ponder about on a Friday night - Ely