We celebrated Aunty Margaret's birthday at Allson hotel on Sunday. She was all dolled up and looking very beautiful and elegant. We felt a little pai seh cos we were the only non-relatives guests...... we even sat at the main table with her........and Tom had the honour of sitting beside the birthday girl! We felt awkward at first but they were really nice and fun to be with so after a while , we started to be more relaxed! In fact, tommy was so at ease that he called Aunty Margaret "mother" accidentally...... boy was he embarrassed......... the thought of it makes me chuckle as I typed.......keke!

Abelle the "Chio Bu" flew in all the way from England to Singapore with her handsome son and Loving Hb to celebrate her mommy's birthday. So sweet ya? I could tell that Aunty Margaret was equally glad and excited to see them. She really dotes on little Maxime. Maxime was the star of the night cos he's so adorable and cheery! Everyone wanted to carry him but he only allowed his parents to come near him.......clever boy! We couldn't resist cam-whoring.......so took lots of pics........ it's like the gathering of the DNN........ don't we look hot....hey, we are all mamas ok! (not telling you what DNN means......only we know, ya ladies??).

I was so happy to see my BF Ale. She looks the same, sexy and sweet! She got me a pink pen as a birthday gift (see below for pic!). And I love it......... she reckoned that I would need a pen since I started work........ I told her the kind of pen I used are those found in Popular...the one she gave me....... is for signing cheque! She is such a dear.

Joash ate a lot that night....almost every dish except the spicy fish.......... his fave was the chicken wing......and he nearly choked on a bone....... gave us such a fright! We liked the food too....see below for pics of our scrumptious dinner!

FU LIN MEN RESTAURANT (ALLSON HOTEL)

Ambience and Service: The restaurant was simple and cosy. I like their service but some of the waiters seems a little "tiko" cos they were like flirting and teasing us (the 3 of us!)....... siao....... can't they see we're with our hubbies and sons?? Maybe we're too noisy...hee........ caught their attention la!

THE FOOD

1) Lobster Cold Dish : The lobster flesh were soft and nice with the salad cream. I like the crispy yam roll most. There were also escargots which Aunty Margaret thot was venison! She nearly puked when Kenny the handsome (Abelle thinks he's hot!) Manager told her it's snails....haha! 7/10

2) Pumpkin, Sharkfins & Seafood Soup: This was the bestest sharkfins soup I had ever drank! The broth was sweet and creamy. There were lots of seafood (crabs and scallops) and the sharkfins were visible ( many don't!). I want more ...... please? 10/10

3) Cornflakes Prawns and Stir fried Prawns in Superior Stock: I love prawns and these were yummy! They were big, fresh and juicy........ hmmm....yummy! 9/10

4) Nyonya Style fried Garoupa: The fish was fresh, sweet and spicy. Very appetising. 8/10

5) Fish Maw, Mushroom & Spinach in Oyster Sauce: This was Tommy's fave. He liked the chewy fish maw. I was quite surprised that my dear Joash likes the vegetables....he ate lots of it! I thot it was ok. 7/10

6) Fried Chicken with Garlic and Salt: Joash's fave dish of the night. He loves to chew and suck on the wing that Aunty Margaret gave him...... so much so that he even swallowed part of the bone! I like the deep fried garlic ...... it went well with the chicken. 8/10

7) Fried Longevity Noodles with Shredded Chicken and Eggs: The noodles were "Q" and there were lots of shredded chicken in it. 7/10

8) Yam Paste: We were so full but once we took a bite into the soft and creamy yam paste, we couldn't resist finishing it! It tasted different from the usual ones. This has more cream and coconut and the pandan smell was stronger. Ale liked this yam paste a lot. 9/10

We also had a delicious cake from the Patissier. It has a really long name: White Chocolate Fudge and Dark Chocolate Sponge with Rum-filled Raisins......... haha! Tommy loved the rum!

Overall, we had an enjoyable time at the restaurant....good food and great company....what more can we ask for!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTY MARGARET! AND YES....... YOU DON'T LOOK YOUR AGE....... YOU LOOK YOUNGER! THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL DINNER.

Below are pics of Ale's Gift to me and Balloons that Ken had made:

THANKS ALE FOR THIS LOVELY PINK PEN!

WARNING: Don't watch this video with an empty or full tummy........... you may puke or faint from hunger! Enjoy.........

We had dinner at Vines (one of my favourite place for western food!). Usually, I would choose a Japanese restaurant cos I just adore Jap food! But thot this place would make a better place for a small celebration like this. Btw, Kenneth made a bouquet of flowers for me........ in pastel colours.........my fave! Took lots of pics. Dear friends, thanks for spending my birthday with me!

THE FOOD

Do you need a tissue to wipe off your saliva?....... stop drooling! I love eating here......... no rating cos you just have to taste it for yourself........ I heard that the steak is really good but I don't really like beef, especially the very bloody looking type....gross........ I had my usual Grill chicken and prawn combo.............. this dish never fails me....... yum yum! Will be back for more.........

These balloon flowers are so beautiful..... thanks Ken for making my day with this bouquet....... I love the pastel colours! I received other gifts as well....... a necklace and hand-made cards from my niece and nephew, a GUESS wrist bag from Aunty Leow, some ang pows and clothes! So what did my hb give me.........hmm.............. a dinner treat, clothes, money, books.......... I think he is more like my dad than my hb........haha! You're the best dear!

A BIG THANK YOU to the following people who remembered my birthday:

Tommy Dear, Ale my BF, Kendrick, My family, Tracy, Aunty Annie, Huiling, Andy, Andrew Heng (miss you!), Pam Pam, Jeremy, Andrew Lau, Gillian, Xinying, Jianlong, Jerome, Nicky the sweetie pie, Evam, Eliz, Elin, Michelle, Daryl, Kenneth, Kuen, Kei, Rachel, Von, yueming, Cindy, Amanda, Ben Loo and............ all who wished me and I missed your name here............ but before I go, I want to thank the first person who waited till 12 am to wish me Happy Birthday with a poem..........sorry........not my HB..................... it's....................

DAPHNE MY DEAR FRIEND, here's what she wrote:

We're here today to celebrate:

Your classic sense of style
Has always allow you
In that blink of eyes, you’ve turned thirty!

Behind that face of beauty and smiles
Of years of wisdom, lots of laughs
You have gone through those extra miles
You always laugh it off with your sense of humors grand
Surely you are quick to giggle at yourself when your jokes don't go as planned

Your portrayed your creative side
Your skill in all the arts
You given me loads of memories
Like punking at your place
And how you managed to escape
Is a mystery still today

I cherish all my times with you
Our occasional dates
And our many other chats
But most of all I value YOU
For everything you've taught.
From your kindness to sympathy and love
Your ideals for which you fought.
You have a strong mind and a stronger will
Are traits I hope to share
Your loving, compassionate spirit is one
That's truly beyond compare
Not more about your beautiful figure

For all these reasons, and many more,
Let me remember today!
Thank you and have a wonderfully happy birthday!

She is so thoughtful! Thank you Daphne. A big kiss for you...muacks!

A WORD OF WISDOM FROM A THIRTY YEAR OLD LADY: SLEEP EARLY OR YOU WILL AGE FAST! SEE....... I SLEEP AS EARLY AS 2.30 am........ THAT'S MY SECRET TO LOOKING YOUNG! (ignore me pls......I have past my bedtime........ a little siao alr!)

ATTENTION EVERYONE! I AM FREE FROM ALL EXAMS NOW........ YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! Yup, I had just finished my last paper on Wednesday........ it's a super long paper........... I nearly fell asleep halfway! I actually took 2 1/2 hrs to complete it.......... I have never sit thru' an exam paper for that long. After the exams, some of us went for a drink at Coffee Bean. (Diana, Pamela & Jeremy, thanks for your company........ hope to meet the rest soon!) The balloon flowers very beautiful right? It's our dear Kenneth's masterpiece............ thanks for the hard work!

I am reaching the big 3 this Sunday......... so old already! Must start acting my age.............. btw, how does a thrity year old lady behave???? I read in the magazine that women in their thirties are the sexiest and most confident cos they don't really bother about what people says about them.........hmm........... am I sexy and confident......... gosh!!!!!! Let wait and see if I will slim down after my hip hop class......keke!

I haven't been blogging about food for a long time and this bd gives me a great chance to do it (my BF likes to read my comments and rating for food......ya Ale??). So here's my advance bd lunch at Bei Sheng Thai Restaurant with my family, Aunty Annie & Aunty Leow plus Qiang:

Ambience: What ambience.........it's a cheap thai food place....so don't expect too much la! The food comes super fast............like 10 mins after you order your food. Actually,the place reminded me of food court. 2/10 (2 marks for having aircon and baby chair!)

FOOD:

1) Fried Pineapple Rice: This is the signature rice dish. You can see this on every table. The rice is fluffy and soft. It tasted more like normal fried rice but with added pineapples and pork floss. So there is a mix of sweet and sour taste. There isn't any seafood in it except some chinese sausages. It's not my fave though. 6/10

2) Deep Fried Honey Chicken: My dad likes this sweet and crispy dish. I think it's his fave. Good dish to order if you have kids dinning with you cos it's not spicy. I think it's quite good too. 7/10

3) Stir Fried Beef with Kai lan: We always order this dish cos my hb thinks it's the most "worth it" vege on the menu cos it comes with meat......*faint*.....haha! I am not a beef lover but I don't mind having this vege on the table just to please my dear hb. 7/10

4) Cereal Prawns: This is my fave........ cos I love seafood and I love PRAWNS! But this time round, I can't have too much of the cereal cos my sinseh says it's bad for my sickening eczema........grrrrr! 8/10

5) Kang Kong with Balacan: The most disappointing dish on the table cos it's too salty.......... we had this the last time but it's was quite ok then. 3/10

6) Hot Plate Tofu: This is a spicy version of the normal hotplate tofu you see in zhi cha stall. Nothing special, just something that goes well with rice. 6/10

7) Deep Fried Thai Style Squids: Everyone's favourite......... so we ordered 2 plates of these soft and chewy squids.......... You have to eat it with the special thai chilli sauce. YUMMY! 9/10

8) Stir fried Dao Miao: A simple vege dish that won't go wrong. 7/10

9) Fish Maw Soup: It tasted a little like sharkfins. The only soup that is drinkable in the restaurant. But I like mushrooms so I kind of like this soup. Note: Please skip the Tom Yum soup cos I think I can cook a better one.7/10

10) Drinks : You have to order and pay for them separately.....like food court right? Most diners will order the lime juice but I felt that it's a bit too sweet.............I had Ribena........haha......... I've kiddish tastebuds. No rating....just order what you like!

I am looking forward to my birthday treat this Sunday...... will give my 2 cents' worth of comments again.....hahahaha!

We went to my SIL's place in the evening. My niece and nephew were so sweet...... they bought a mini cake and necklace for me. Joash had a great time at her place too...... go check out his blog for the video. You will also find pics of him with his new toys.We brought him for a hair cut too (he cried for 20mins till he got so tired and nearly fell asleep......we're so heartpain!)........ go take a look!

Woo......it's 2.45 am.......... no wonder my eyes feel so heavy........ got to go............ my bed is calling me......... *yawn*...........good morning!

YEAH! The scary practicum is finally over.............phew..............but one more heart pounding week before the Theory Exam. Then I will be free from exams unless I fail this one.......touch wood, touch wood! My results for Phonics and S&D is out.........it reads as follow: PHONICS - DISTINCTION *proud look*, SPEECH & DRAMA - A *surprise look*....... haha.....ya......ya ya papaya again.......... hey come on, I deserve the pat on my back............I study so very hard for my exams......... more than my any of the exams I've ever taken but S&D is really a surprise cos I thot I am a sure goner for this one cos I lost 10 full marks on the Poetry Appreciation part...... cannot blame me......... we weren't taught how to then!

Here's a short description of the people in my CW class:

Andy: Ok...he's not in my class but he works there. This guy is so gentle and friendly. When I first heard his voice on the phone, I was "forced" to speak softly and gently.......... super super sweet guy but sorry ladies, he's getting married end of this year....... so no chance la! Btw, he's Manhunt 2000 1st runner-up............... hunky ya?? I think I will be seeing him again at Hip Hop dance class......... I am not kidding....... I am really going to learn Hip Hop........yo yo man!

Cindy: She's like the wisest in class....always giving us good advices and help. Like I say in the pics above, she's a legal secretary............. a job I will never return to............... wonder which law firm she's working in? Will ask her next week........ "skaly" same law firm.........haha!

Diana: The girl with the sweetest voice. I love to hear her speak. Her voice is just so lively and comforting at the same time......... don't know how to describe....... just one word: LOVELY. But this girl is also ultra tired from work and class. I still think her boss underpaid her!

Maggi: She's the live wire in class. Always hoping around and laughing loudly. Looking at her is like drinking a concoction of Red Bull and 100 plus............. you feel all charged up and refreshed.

Pamela: A gentle and sweet mother of 3 but the slimmest in class......... *envy*. She gets so tense up every time she was asked to stand in front of the class. But she surprised all of us during the practicum........ so unlike her................ she was all zeal and life! I think we are changing her into a drama mama too!

Stephanie: The sweetest, cutest & youngest girl in class who needs to be taught how to say thanks when someone compliment her......haha! She has loads of talents and potential ready to explode right out of her....can draw, can act, can dance, can blog (haha!)...........etc. I just love this girl.

This was what she wrote about me in our forum: "Oh my god, you are probably the best adult female friend I had. Thank you so much for the encouragement and stuff. You blog, I blog. You love pink, I love pink. You took phonics, I took phonics. You took S&D, I took S&D. You took CW, I took CW. You are taking up dance class and I'm taking part too! HAHA, one word- fated! [: ".

And this was my reply: "Oh my god, you are probably the best 17 years old female friend I had. Thank you so much for the fun & company. I am definitely gonna miss you lots lots! And yup, you blog, I blog. You love pink, I love pink. I took phonics, you're going to take phonics. You took S&D, I took S&D. You took CW, I took CW. You are taking up dance class but I am not sure if I will join the class cos I am deciding between that and gym.! HAHA, one word- FRIENDS! I am going to miss my dinner partner!

Jeremy: He's a plank of testosterone adrift in a sea of estrogen (in his own words!). I must say we were greatly influenced unconsciously by this plank! He made us look into our dictionaries each time we read his post.....*faint*. He first came across as someone shy and reserved until he started to warm up to us.............he is a super corny chap la................ a little thick skin too! I am going to miss all the "cheem cheem " stuff he shares with us on the forum...... here's something that he wrote and I was trying very hard to find the twist in his story.....( gave up in the end......sigh!) ...... see if you can find it:

They were at it again. She winced at every pitched voice, words flailed back and forth in a hail of barbs and thorns: "I'm doing this for your sake" Peter bayed. "Why do I make myself miserable for? It's all for you and the kids." "No, you enjoy the misery. We're just your excuse for your own suffering" Wendy hurled back with the oath of the Furies. The same tired argument rehashed like an out of kilter record. She stayed close to the hearth that blazed with little warmth. The hoary clutches of a London night encroached like a silent trespasser. There was little she could do save wrap her lithe limps tightly together in vain hope, her pixie face crusting over with the hard shell of reality. She squeezed her eyes shut and muzzled her knackered ears. Still, the bitter storm raged and raged around her cocooned heartbreaking. The ledge was inviting, a ramp of intent towards the stars. She could go back, turn back the clock. Never say never; she believed it wholeheartedly once, and that faith granted her wings. The spiteful sounds that usurped erstwhile loving words hastened her decision. She would go back, and turn back the clock. Inhaling deeply - it has been a while since she did that after all - she wend her way to the ledge, tiptoeing to the precipice. She has to go back. Tinkerbell fell and fell; because that's the fate met when gravity and clipped wings collide. Splintering the silence was a faint thud and a swirl of the first specks of winter; floating and falling away on a broken wing and prayer. Inside, the browned hearth soured, while the war of words grew incessant and hard and pointless, like all wars, and living shadows flared like frenzied puppets. Never say never was never meant to be: Not all children's stories end well, not all children's stories resolve happily ever. The fairy's tale has ended. Though the adults' end continues still and rages on in the dead of winter.

He wrote this story cos he was as sick as a puppy and felt pitiful for himself.......funny guy ya! Ladies if you're interested in having someone who can write a romantic poetry, let me know, I think he's still available.......he as young as me.........keke!

My Trainer TINA: This woman is super super super drama but strict and serious at the right time. We enjoyed every lesson with her. I've learnt lots of her. And ya.... Jeremy & her are in the same league and we're only mere mortals......................... sometimes they say something that only both of them understand..............it's like we're on Kids central and they're on Channel News Asia....you get what I mean?

She wrote a poem about me:

The Merry Metamorphosis of Sharon Sum

I remember the first time I met Sharon In an SD class

I was introduced to her person

To a friend she mentioned her reservation

Truly tickled I was by her trepidation

To me she typifies a new student's apprehension

She's completed her SD and Phonics

To complete her Diploma she needs another topic

But joining CW next put her in a panic

As she's seen past students' forays into iambic

And the mere thought of poetry has always left her frantic

Yet now, it may be viewed as ironic

That a new Sharon, far from moronic

Was the first to post a truly heroic

Effort in poetry on the forum in speed supersonic

And her delivery on poetry was simply fantastic

To claim credit for this transformation, Tina simply couldn't

For in truth, there was another student

Here, to name names would be impudent

Whom, when added to talent that lies latent

Acted as a catalyst, causing a magnificent

Merry metamorphosis of Sharon,

What Wonderment!

Lastly....... A big thank you to her for being so patient and forcing us to be hardworking......... See you at Hip Hop Class and please be more lenient with our exams............TIA............haha!

And to my wonderful friends in CW....I'm gonna miss you all so much! All the best for your exam next week.

That's my class for you! Now for the contest.......go tag me and win yourself a tube of Pringle Potato Chips......... I am sure most of you will be able to guess it.

Ok.....that's all I want to say tonight.............feeling sleepy and fat (cos I had KFC for dinner....die la......diet plan down the drain again....sad!) NITE NITE!