It does take a while for me to recognise that Tex is no longer playing an active role in my life in Singapore right now. For the past two and a half years, I could call him up and he could appear at my doorstep in fifteen minutes. Now, it takes a phone call and shit loads of communication to update each other about our daily lives.
We used to go café-hunting together to have quality time all by ourselves. And then we realised that brunches and cafes were really expensive dates that we could hardly upkeep, coupled with the fact that we enjoyed hawker food so so so much more and they were cheaper. In spite of all these, be it café-dating, hawker-binging, sun-walking, every single little thing reminds me of Tex and his life here. Even taking a lift ride up to my place reminds me of the little last-minute chats we have before we say our goodbyes to each other.
There are still many cafes and hawker centres in Singapore that I would very much like to visit with him, so many experiences I would like to share, so many moments I need him to be beside me. BUT, it's about time I recognise that these are stuffs that I need to do on my own and we are trying our best to start our couple life somewhere else. No complaints, no whys, just start doing it. Six years ago, I've done it before, I can do it again.
A phrase he always, always tells me, "I know I'm not there, I just want you to know that you're on my mind."
With that, I will soldier on.
Our peculiar love and dreams keeps me fighting.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Day Before Our Solemnisation
Finally here to blog a bit about our solemnisation!
We were solemnising on 25th January 2013 and we both took a day's leave before that to run some errands!
First stop: Registry of Marriages, Singapore
So we had decided to hold our solemnisation outside of ROM. Somehow, this decision wasn't by choice LOL. You could only book a slot no earlier than three months before the date you wanted. That is, if we wanted to solemnise on 25th January 2013, we could only enter the system on 25th October 2012 0000 hours (24th midnight) to book the slot. We wanted a morning slot at the ROM so everyone could proceed over to our desired cafe for brunch but alas, things did not go as planned because we forgot about 'camping' for our desired morning slots. So much for being an online shopper, hai. When we went into the ROM booking system on 26th October 2012, there weren't any morning slots left for 25th January 2013. We were only left with afternoon slots hence we made a very quick decision to hold our solemnisation OUT of ROM just so we could have brunch hahahaha.
Prior to this, Tex and I did discuss about the likely options of venues to hold it. Surprisingly we both were quite alright about the idea of holding it in his office. Yes, his office. Then he was working in RI and the Guidance Centre seemed like a really cosy and casual place to hang out. Moreover, it was furnished to be like a nice living room and there was AIR-CON! It fitted the number of people we intended to invite and was what we had in mind. Tex ran a quick call to his boss, who was also our solemniser (haha, more on that later) and he gave his permission to hold it in the office! Woohoo! Plus plus plus point - free venue! Where to find! I bet void deck also need to pay right?! Very kindly, the school estate had also given their blessings and even arranged us to have signages and standees on that day to direct our guests to the Guidance Centre. Couldn't be more thankful. :)
So we booked an out-of-ROM slot that day and started our preparations. :)
By the way, how 25th January 2013 came about - we became our own geomancers and used these websites:
Auspicious Dates for 2013
Auspicious Dates for 2013 (another source, must counter-compare mah)
Auspicious Animal Hours
Basically, we only avoided dates that were relevant to our own animal zodiacs, including our parents' and siblings'. After you have selected a date, you look up the hours that you should avoid. Other than that, we didn't do any other form of 算日子. Avoidance is easier than selecting a best date. So long it's not the worst, hahaha! Agar agar can la. Don't say don't have. And it's free. *beams*
Our appointment was early in the morning. For couples who have chosen to hold their solemnisation out of the ROM itself, this errand is necessary. You will collect your original marriage certification during this appointment and have a small over-the-counter sompah session (like literally hold your right palm up and speak that kind). You will also collect a black and white copy of your marriage certificate and an A4 sized brown envelope. This black and white copy is the one that you, your spouse, your witnesses and JOP (your selected solemniser) will sign on, on your solemnisation day. No one is supposed to touch the original certificate. Nothing is supposed to be signed on the original certificate. It's just for your keeping.
After which, this black and white copy will be handed over to your solemniser, as he will need to mail this piece of paper back to ROM using the brown envelope that you would have passed it to him by then. :)
Second stop: Tiong Bahru Market
We were early for our next appointment so we went to Tiong Bahru Market to our favourite biscuit stall to buy snacks for the next day! Took the chance to have my favourite chwee kueh in Singapore. :)
Third Stop: Plaza Singapura
Dropped by PS after that to get my buibui! Thanks Tex! It's now my travel buddy! While waiting for Craftholic to open, we went to Daiso and as usual, bought a whole lot of things that we didn't need. Hahaha, initially only wanted to buy paper cups, then we also came out with trays, serviettes, organisers, liquid chalk markers and many other items. :P
I like how Cindy was very soft-spoken. We discussed very intimate and personal issues like family backgrounds and dynamics and she in turn, used the personality test results to relate the underlying reasons behind our behaviours. She also pointed out some observations that were very accurate but we were not aware of.
I felt that this session was rather intense for me as you dig up history of your past and try to answer your doubts. I find it very alarming to note that I am actually quite repressed as a person and I seem to be indifferent as opposed to Tex, who is very expressive or responsive. I guess it's always helpful to have a qualified person to assist you in discovering yourself!
I also suggest to have the session wayyyyy before your solemnisation, so you guys can have more time, not to consider to break up okay, but to iron out or at least accept differences, if there is any. It's nice to have time to ponder over what the facilitator said and work something out. :)
Fifth stop: Raffles Guidance Centre
Started our decoration for the venue!
I was in-charge of drawing up our family tree! It was a coincidence that both our parents got married in the same year!
I have a fetish with tandem bicycles. I think they hold a lot of meaning to it! More on that in the later posts!
I had to leave for my manicure appointment in the evening and when I came back later at around 10pm, this was what I was greeted with!
We all went home around 1am plus that night! I had to wake up in three hours' time omg. Literally crashed into bed!
The next post will be photos on the day itself! Stay tuned! :)
We were solemnising on 25th January 2013 and we both took a day's leave before that to run some errands!
First stop: Registry of Marriages, Singapore
So we had decided to hold our solemnisation outside of ROM. Somehow, this decision wasn't by choice LOL. You could only book a slot no earlier than three months before the date you wanted. That is, if we wanted to solemnise on 25th January 2013, we could only enter the system on 25th October 2012 0000 hours (24th midnight) to book the slot. We wanted a morning slot at the ROM so everyone could proceed over to our desired cafe for brunch but alas, things did not go as planned because we forgot about 'camping' for our desired morning slots. So much for being an online shopper, hai. When we went into the ROM booking system on 26th October 2012, there weren't any morning slots left for 25th January 2013. We were only left with afternoon slots hence we made a very quick decision to hold our solemnisation OUT of ROM just so we could have brunch hahahaha.
Prior to this, Tex and I did discuss about the likely options of venues to hold it. Surprisingly we both were quite alright about the idea of holding it in his office. Yes, his office. Then he was working in RI and the Guidance Centre seemed like a really cosy and casual place to hang out. Moreover, it was furnished to be like a nice living room and there was AIR-CON! It fitted the number of people we intended to invite and was what we had in mind. Tex ran a quick call to his boss, who was also our solemniser (haha, more on that later) and he gave his permission to hold it in the office! Woohoo! Plus plus plus point - free venue! Where to find! I bet void deck also need to pay right?! Very kindly, the school estate had also given their blessings and even arranged us to have signages and standees on that day to direct our guests to the Guidance Centre. Couldn't be more thankful. :)
So we booked an out-of-ROM slot that day and started our preparations. :)
By the way, how 25th January 2013 came about - we became our own geomancers and used these websites:
Auspicious Dates for 2013
Auspicious Dates for 2013 (another source, must counter-compare mah)
Auspicious Animal Hours
Basically, we only avoided dates that were relevant to our own animal zodiacs, including our parents' and siblings'. After you have selected a date, you look up the hours that you should avoid. Other than that, we didn't do any other form of 算日子. Avoidance is easier than selecting a best date. So long it's not the worst, hahaha! Agar agar can la. Don't say don't have. And it's free. *beams*
Our appointment was early in the morning. For couples who have chosen to hold their solemnisation out of the ROM itself, this errand is necessary. You will collect your original marriage certification during this appointment and have a small over-the-counter sompah session (like literally hold your right palm up and speak that kind). You will also collect a black and white copy of your marriage certificate and an A4 sized brown envelope. This black and white copy is the one that you, your spouse, your witnesses and JOP (your selected solemniser) will sign on, on your solemnisation day. No one is supposed to touch the original certificate. Nothing is supposed to be signed on the original certificate. It's just for your keeping.
After which, this black and white copy will be handed over to your solemniser, as he will need to mail this piece of paper back to ROM using the brown envelope that you would have passed it to him by then. :)
 |
| Last day as singles! Aww. |
Second stop: Tiong Bahru Market
We were early for our next appointment so we went to Tiong Bahru Market to our favourite biscuit stall to buy snacks for the next day! Took the chance to have my favourite chwee kueh in Singapore. :)
Third Stop: Plaza Singapura
Dropped by PS after that to get my buibui! Thanks Tex! It's now my travel buddy! While waiting for Craftholic to open, we went to Daiso and as usual, bought a whole lot of things that we didn't need. Hahaha, initially only wanted to buy paper cups, then we also came out with trays, serviettes, organisers, liquid chalk markers and many other items. :P
 |
| "I'm gonna fluff you up!" |
Fourth stop: Care Corner @ Toa Payoh
Remember our marriage preparation sessions here and here? The 'package' also included a personality test which involved answering 180 questions (oh my gosh). We did it on a particular Tuesday some weeks back and it was time to receive our 'results'!
 |
| While waiting for our facilitator, Cindy |
I like how Cindy was very soft-spoken. We discussed very intimate and personal issues like family backgrounds and dynamics and she in turn, used the personality test results to relate the underlying reasons behind our behaviours. She also pointed out some observations that were very accurate but we were not aware of.
I felt that this session was rather intense for me as you dig up history of your past and try to answer your doubts. I find it very alarming to note that I am actually quite repressed as a person and I seem to be indifferent as opposed to Tex, who is very expressive or responsive. I guess it's always helpful to have a qualified person to assist you in discovering yourself!
I also suggest to have the session wayyyyy before your solemnisation, so you guys can have more time, not to consider to break up okay, but to iron out or at least accept differences, if there is any. It's nice to have time to ponder over what the facilitator said and work something out. :)
Fifth stop: Raffles Guidance Centre
Started our decoration for the venue!
 |
| Fluffed up my buibui! |
I was in-charge of drawing up our family tree! It was a coincidence that both our parents got married in the same year!
 |
| Tex preparing our little coffee place and snacks beforehand. |
 |
| Our wedding favours |
I have a fetish with tandem bicycles. I think they hold a lot of meaning to it! More on that in the later posts!
 |
| Seeing double. |
I had to leave for my manicure appointment in the evening and when I came back later at around 10pm, this was what I was greeted with!
 |
| Part of the decorations |
 |
| I'd say the boys did a wonderful job |
 |
| Best friend number one |
 |
| Best friend number two |
 |
| :) |
We all went home around 1am plus that night! I had to wake up in three hours' time omg. Literally crashed into bed!
The next post will be photos on the day itself! Stay tuned! :)
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Travelogue - Prague, Czech Republic September 2012 (2)
We took a morning train ride to go back to the Grumpy City! Navigating around the city this time was easier since we already know what buses to take to our hostel as we stayed at the same one a few days ago!
Chose a comfortable cabin to bunk in! The journey was about five hours, if I remembered correctly.
Reached Prague and left our bags in the room before we went on to check out the rest of the city that we left out a few days ago!
Went to the famous Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral!
What amazed me most about this Cathedral were the stained glass works all around the Cathedral! Very intricate details, oh my god.
One of my objectives of coming to Europe is to witness for myself the elaborate architecture of the region. Shopping was definitely not on my list. I am so glad to have said that I fulfilled my main aim. Even more glad that Tex shared the same objectives as me. :)
And at the Prague Castle, we had the best hot dog bun that we ever tasted in this entire trip!
Went back to Old Town to continue walking around!
The evening of Prague is indeed a pretty mezmerising one.
That day, we didn't even eat dinner and went straight to bed! Woke up bright and early and went to the hostel's affiliated breakfast place, The Bohemia Bagel.
We continued our sight-seeing and went in search of John Lennon Wall! It's basically a big piece of wall where the first graffiti on this wall were images of John Lennon, hence the name.
The public is welcomed to draw and paint anything on it!
Paid a visit to a contemporary arts museum.
Tex got hungry and we entered an Uzbekistan restaurant!
And this entry marks the end of our Europe travelogues! Hope it's has been fruitful for you! If you are heading to Europe, especially Helsinki, Tallinn, Prague, Salzburg or Vienna, do drop me an email if you need any information regarding budgeted accomodation or transport information! As for branded goods shopping, as it wasn't on this trip's agenda, I'm afraid I would not be able to answer your queries with regards to that!
We do find that Helsinki and Vienna were two very amazing cities that we would love to live in! Haha, our opinions changes as we visit more places. Oh well!
Thanks for reading! =)
Chose a comfortable cabin to bunk in! The journey was about five hours, if I remembered correctly.
Reached Prague and left our bags in the room before we went on to check out the rest of the city that we left out a few days ago!
 |
| Bird's eye view from the Prague Castle |
Went to the famous Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral!
 |
| St Vitus Cathedral - another gothic cathedral |
What amazed me most about this Cathedral were the stained glass works all around the Cathedral! Very intricate details, oh my god.
 |
| Hello us. |
One of my objectives of coming to Europe is to witness for myself the elaborate architecture of the region. Shopping was definitely not on my list. I am so glad to have said that I fulfilled my main aim. Even more glad that Tex shared the same objectives as me. :)
And at the Prague Castle, we had the best hot dog bun that we ever tasted in this entire trip!
 |
| Tex cradling the hot dog like a baby, haha! |
Went back to Old Town to continue walking around!
The evening of Prague is indeed a pretty mezmerising one.
 |
| That's Prague Castle at the far end. |
That day, we didn't even eat dinner and went straight to bed! Woke up bright and early and went to the hostel's affiliated breakfast place, The Bohemia Bagel.
We continued our sight-seeing and went in search of John Lennon Wall! It's basically a big piece of wall where the first graffiti on this wall were images of John Lennon, hence the name.
The public is welcomed to draw and paint anything on it!
 |
| Walked past a 'Hobbit'-like restaurant! |
Paid a visit to a contemporary arts museum.
Tex got hungry and we entered an Uzbekistan restaurant!
 |
| Kinda amazed by the turquoise-coloured toilet paper, haha! |
 |
| Doodling around. |
 |
| Charles Bridge on the other end! |
 |
| Another gothic looking structure. |
 |
| Waiting patiently for our order to come! |
 |
| Watching people watching us. |
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| Beef Goulash! Mad yummy! |
 |
| Street performances! |
 |
| The Old Town Square. |
 |
| Double whammy! |
 |
| Getting ready for our 16 hours journey home! |
And this entry marks the end of our Europe travelogues! Hope it's has been fruitful for you! If you are heading to Europe, especially Helsinki, Tallinn, Prague, Salzburg or Vienna, do drop me an email if you need any information regarding budgeted accomodation or transport information! As for branded goods shopping, as it wasn't on this trip's agenda, I'm afraid I would not be able to answer your queries with regards to that!
We do find that Helsinki and Vienna were two very amazing cities that we would love to live in! Haha, our opinions changes as we visit more places. Oh well!
Thanks for reading! =)
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