Counting down... 3 more days before the 7th Lunar month.
We are working on tight schedule so move, move, move!
2 and half more days to do works.... Wednesday afternoon till evening will be when appliances n furny come in.
*fingers & toes crossed*
Please be on time.... *drifting into lala land*
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Phone Wacko
My phone's acting strange in the past 2 days. Still trying to find out what's wrong with it.
Keeps hanging on me, turns off messaging mode when I'm in the middle of typing an sms.
Turns on & off randomly. Seems the software may be corrupted....
So to everyone of u out there wondering y i didn't reply ur sms, it's probably coz i didn't receive it. Best to call me, my phone is still able to receive calls.
You have been told.
Keeps hanging on me, turns off messaging mode when I'm in the middle of typing an sms.
Turns on & off randomly. Seems the software may be corrupted....
So to everyone of u out there wondering y i didn't reply ur sms, it's probably coz i didn't receive it. Best to call me, my phone is still able to receive calls.
You have been told.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Maybe Delay, Maybe Not?
My ID is doing up carpentry work for our house, there are some touch-ups & some major overhauls.
Will this delay our moving in?
I hope not.
Here is how my kitchen looks like, minus the solid surface top. Looks patriotic? Just in time for our National Day too!
No, I'm not *that* patriotic, just that I happen to like red, a lot.
Will this delay our moving in?
I hope not.
Here is how my kitchen looks like, minus the solid surface top. Looks patriotic? Just in time for our National Day too!
No, I'm not *that* patriotic, just that I happen to like red, a lot.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Carpentry
I'll be posting many pics of reno works these days as there is quite a lot going on.
Kitchen half done
Other side of kitchen.
All the cabinets not yet put up. My toilet bowl had to migrate to the living room coz bathroom doing touchups. Big business in the Living room with panaromic view, anyone? :P
This is my mirror frame... just waiting for lightbulbs to be fitted.
This is my bedroom wardrobe. Don't worry, the protective plastic is still on the door :)
Kitchen half done
Other side of kitchen.
All the cabinets not yet put up. My toilet bowl had to migrate to the living room coz bathroom doing touchups. Big business in the Living room with panaromic view, anyone? :P
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Banquet
Like wedding gown package, everyone should read the fine print on banquet package brochures.
Many hidden costs could be left out from the main list of items they provide.
N & I ploughed through like 10 hotels' banquet package, before shortlisting 5 to view the venue.
One of which being Grand C*pthorne Waterfr*nt. Grand ballroom, high ceiling, very nice hosting area for guests. But N was not impressed by the humble bridal suite. *fail*
Another was swiss*tel, but service & follow-up was rather poor. We had to "show" ourselves to the ballroom to take a look.... *fail*
Ballroom of Meridi*n hotel looked quite nice, big with high ceiling, lifts from carpark looked like they needed a lot of sprucing up. *fail*
Tr*der's Hotel's ballroom was rather small, only could accommodate 22 tables. That is the number of tables N & I need for all of our relatives. so strictly NO FRIENDS! *fail*
M Hotel was a good balance. Ballroom had high ceiling, overall the hotel looked relatively new. It could accommodate enough tables for our close friends & family. N liked the bridal suite.
We placed our booking fee at the Grand C*pthorne Hotel Group Show, to take advantage of the perks available during the show.
To all my jie meis: you gals can see how nice the bridal suite is on the actual day :P
Many hidden costs could be left out from the main list of items they provide.
N & I ploughed through like 10 hotels' banquet package, before shortlisting 5 to view the venue.
One of which being Grand C*pthorne Waterfr*nt. Grand ballroom, high ceiling, very nice hosting area for guests. But N was not impressed by the humble bridal suite. *fail*
Another was swiss*tel, but service & follow-up was rather poor. We had to "show" ourselves to the ballroom to take a look.... *fail*
Ballroom of Meridi*n hotel looked quite nice, big with high ceiling, lifts from carpark looked like they needed a lot of sprucing up. *fail*
Tr*der's Hotel's ballroom was rather small, only could accommodate 22 tables. That is the number of tables N & I need for all of our relatives. so strictly NO FRIENDS! *fail*
M Hotel was a good balance. Ballroom had high ceiling, overall the hotel looked relatively new. It could accommodate enough tables for our close friends & family. N liked the bridal suite.
We placed our booking fee at the Grand C*pthorne Hotel Group Show, to take advantage of the perks available during the show.
To all my jie meis: you gals can see how nice the bridal suite is on the actual day :P
Gown Hunting
Where shall I begin?
Before I went gown hunting, I dug all the pictures of bridal gowns I have collected on my computer. So that it'd be easier for the bridal studios to help me find something that I like.
Armed with pictures & brimming with excitment, N & I went to the where most singaporeans begin their gown hunting - Tanjong Pagar.
To date, N & I have been back to Tanjong Pagar at least 5 times. We browsed the various stores there, along the many streets. Entered the doors of many well-known names in the industry, tried on various designs.
The process was tiring, many tried to get us to sign the package. (Sales talk) We were insistent on finding *THE* wedding dress before we commit to any shop.
We went to Orchard Delfi too and so many other places that I have already lost count of the number of wedding gowns I actually tried on.
Eventually, N & I did agree on 2 dresses that were more outstanding in a particular shop in tanjong pagar.
Anxiously, N brought his mum & I brought my sis to see these dresses to get a second/third opinion.
Upon N's mother's scrutiny, we found many tears & loose sequins on the dress. N & I had not noticed on the first visit. Thinking back it could be that the lighting was rather dim at the fitting area, as N is quite sharp to spot problems.
The design had puffy sleeve, very princess-like. But apparently it does not look great in pictures as I have had poor reviews from my jie meis when I showed them the gown on my phone.
The bridal studio was unable to fully repair the gown, and offered to make a brand new one if we top up $500 on top of the package. N refused, so we have not returned to that shop since.
Before I went gown hunting, I dug all the pictures of bridal gowns I have collected on my computer. So that it'd be easier for the bridal studios to help me find something that I like.
Armed with pictures & brimming with excitment, N & I went to the where most singaporeans begin their gown hunting - Tanjong Pagar.
To date, N & I have been back to Tanjong Pagar at least 5 times. We browsed the various stores there, along the many streets. Entered the doors of many well-known names in the industry, tried on various designs.
The process was tiring, many tried to get us to sign the package. (Sales talk) We were insistent on finding *THE* wedding dress before we commit to any shop.
We went to Orchard Delfi too and so many other places that I have already lost count of the number of wedding gowns I actually tried on.
Eventually, N & I did agree on 2 dresses that were more outstanding in a particular shop in tanjong pagar.
Anxiously, N brought his mum & I brought my sis to see these dresses to get a second/third opinion.
Upon N's mother's scrutiny, we found many tears & loose sequins on the dress. N & I had not noticed on the first visit. Thinking back it could be that the lighting was rather dim at the fitting area, as N is quite sharp to spot problems.
The design had puffy sleeve, very princess-like. But apparently it does not look great in pictures as I have had poor reviews from my jie meis when I showed them the gown on my phone.
The bridal studio was unable to fully repair the gown, and offered to make a brand new one if we top up $500 on top of the package. N refused, so we have not returned to that shop since.
Neighbours!
Yesterday was a rather exciting day~ We met our next door neighbours who were also at their new flats to check their progress of renovation. One couple was actually moving electronic appliances into their done-up house!
Next door to us are "C" & Meredith, diagonally opposite our unit is "L" & Rosalyn.
Both couples are looking to move in around September, after the 7th Lunar month.
As for us? Well, it's all up to Derek!
Next door to us are "C" & Meredith, diagonally opposite our unit is "L" & Rosalyn.
Both couples are looking to move in around September, after the 7th Lunar month.
As for us? Well, it's all up to Derek!
Lights UP!
I tell my electrician that he creates magic by installing lights into houses...
It just adds the icing on the cake, I personally feel.
It just adds the icing on the cake, I personally feel.
Away with Cement Floor~
Finally~ our laminate floorboards are put in our bedrooms!!!
So exciting, no more cemented floors in any part of our house.
The house looks much more inhabit-able with all flooring done up.
Take a look...
So exciting, no more cemented floors in any part of our house.
The house looks much more inhabit-able with all flooring done up.
Take a look...
Friday, July 18, 2008
Customs & Beliefs
Finally, after coercing from my friends and me coercing N, we went to a "shifu" to get auspicious dates.
Firstly, bad news, its not good for N, born in the year of goat to get married in the year of the cow, which is after January 2009.
Me: What?! We have to get married sooner????
N: Hmm... shifu says not good for me
Me: Oh no, i thought we'd have enough time to get things ready?
N: Just book venue n choose gown, no need a lot of time right?
Me: Errr.....
So we asked "shifu" for dates from December 2008 - January 2009. As CNY comes early in 2009, we only had option of up till 11th January for the year of 2009. Shifu said weddings cannot be held within the fifteen days before Lunar New Year.
With these limited dates in hand, we sought out hotels which we have shortlisted.
The restrictions we may have to adhere to, just to follow beliefs, not sure if we should be obedient and listen to elder folks, but nevertheless we did, just to avoid causing any unhappiness.
Firstly, bad news, its not good for N, born in the year of goat to get married in the year of the cow, which is after January 2009.
Me: What?! We have to get married sooner????
N: Hmm... shifu says not good for me
Me: Oh no, i thought we'd have enough time to get things ready?
N: Just book venue n choose gown, no need a lot of time right?
Me: Errr.....
So we asked "shifu" for dates from December 2008 - January 2009. As CNY comes early in 2009, we only had option of up till 11th January for the year of 2009. Shifu said weddings cannot be held within the fifteen days before Lunar New Year.
With these limited dates in hand, we sought out hotels which we have shortlisted.
The restrictions we may have to adhere to, just to follow beliefs, not sure if we should be obedient and listen to elder folks, but nevertheless we did, just to avoid causing any unhappiness.
Wedding Venues
We looked around at wedding packages once we knew the day to collect keys was nearing. This was some time in February 2008.
Banquet packages are so expensive. We sourced around for nice venues with less pricey menus.
Grand Plaza Park Hotel was sourced by N, package was within budget.
I always loved Oriental, but package is a tad steep, just KIV.
Grand Copthorne Waterfront ballroom looks good, plus their Sunday dinners were priced as weekday charges.
M Hotel looks classy, package also within budget.
Meridien's ballroom was big, with high ceiling, just that it looks like it needs a little refurbishment.
All coordinators asked the same question, "So when is your big day?"
N & I: We've not picked out a date.
Some coordinators: We're fully booked for weekends up till October /November 2008, better get a date soon. Else, you may not get your desired venue on your big day.
We have been warned...
Banquet packages are so expensive. We sourced around for nice venues with less pricey menus.
Grand Plaza Park Hotel was sourced by N, package was within budget.
I always loved Oriental, but package is a tad steep, just KIV.
Grand Copthorne Waterfront ballroom looks good, plus their Sunday dinners were priced as weekday charges.
M Hotel looks classy, package also within budget.
Meridien's ballroom was big, with high ceiling, just that it looks like it needs a little refurbishment.
All coordinators asked the same question, "So when is your big day?"
N & I: We've not picked out a date.
Some coordinators: We're fully booked for weekends up till October /November 2008, better get a date soon. Else, you may not get your desired venue on your big day.
We have been warned...
How the ball started rolling~
In January this year, N & I had news that keys were ready for collection sometime after February.
Since our neighbours in other blocks have already moved in end of last year.
So that means we would have to tie the knot within 3 months of key collection, according to HDB ruling. Pay the initial payment for flat too.
Seems many Singaporean couples' wedding plans somehow begin with HDB :P. Mine's no exception.
Anyhow, we thought that we'd like to schedule our wedding to be in 2009, somewhere between March - June. I secretly was hoping for the big day to coincide with our anniversary date.
Many friends tell me that we should pick an auspicious date soon, as it would be difficult to book a hotel venue for banquet, less than 1 year in advance.
Since our neighbours in other blocks have already moved in end of last year.
So that means we would have to tie the knot within 3 months of key collection, according to HDB ruling. Pay the initial payment for flat too.
Seems many Singaporean couples' wedding plans somehow begin with HDB :P. Mine's no exception.
Anyhow, we thought that we'd like to schedule our wedding to be in 2009, somewhere between March - June. I secretly was hoping for the big day to coincide with our anniversary date.
Many friends tell me that we should pick an auspicious date soon, as it would be difficult to book a hotel venue for banquet, less than 1 year in advance.
Big Step... *excited and anxious*
The day has come~ I took leave from work to go down to HDB office with my N.
Took our queue number and anxiously waited our turn.
Me: So this is it.... our own house (wow, so surreal)
N: Ready? Are you able to get along with me?
Me: ... (if i can't i wouldn't have "survived" all these years right? i thought to myself)
N: Really... this means commitment
Me: ... (i don't think i spent the last 7 years of my life with you for NON-commitment... ^^;)
Our queue number flashed on the board... deep breath and in we went.
The lady at the computer told us the units left for BLK 79C (the one with 2 units facing City/CBD/Suntec view) were 12th floor and below. What bad news! We already agreed beforehand that we do not want any units below 15th storey for that block as it is facing Toa Payoh library, potentially happening place for GeTai and pasar malams and all sorts of noise-related activities.
Me: How about BLK 79A?
HDB Lady: All units available.
N: Wow!
Me: Ok, let's take #27-XX! (27th of a particular month is our anniversary date :P)
N: Erm, the flat behind this block is 25 stories high, so at 27th floor, we'll be staring at their water tank.
Me: But, but... how often can you get a unit number with your anniversary date?
N: View blocked = bad.
Me: *sulk*
HDB Lady: 40th floor? Top floor, you know?
Me: Hmm... i remember pple saying water pressure at top floor is not as good?
N: Then choose another floor.
Me: #XX-XX then. (since i like that number)
N: Ok, take that.
Me: At least we have quiet scenery, windows will be away from road.
N: Yes.
Paid booking fee of $2,000, and it still has not quite sunken in, that we finally put our names on the dotted line and got ourself our very own flat.
Flat estimated to be ready in 2009~
We'll have to work hard and save up in the meantime!
And watch our flat build up to 40th storey as days go by.
Took our queue number and anxiously waited our turn.
Me: So this is it.... our own house (wow, so surreal)
N: Ready? Are you able to get along with me?
Me: ... (if i can't i wouldn't have "survived" all these years right? i thought to myself)
N: Really... this means commitment
Me: ... (i don't think i spent the last 7 years of my life with you for NON-commitment... ^^;)
Our queue number flashed on the board... deep breath and in we went.
The lady at the computer told us the units left for BLK 79C (the one with 2 units facing City/CBD/Suntec view) were 12th floor and below. What bad news! We already agreed beforehand that we do not want any units below 15th storey for that block as it is facing Toa Payoh library, potentially happening place for GeTai and pasar malams and all sorts of noise-related activities.
Me: How about BLK 79A?
HDB Lady: All units available.
N: Wow!
Me: Ok, let's take #27-XX! (27th of a particular month is our anniversary date :P)
N: Erm, the flat behind this block is 25 stories high, so at 27th floor, we'll be staring at their water tank.
Me: But, but... how often can you get a unit number with your anniversary date?
N: View blocked = bad.
Me: *sulk*
HDB Lady: 40th floor? Top floor, you know?
Me: Hmm... i remember pple saying water pressure at top floor is not as good?
N: Then choose another floor.
Me: #XX-XX then. (since i like that number)
N: Ok, take that.
Me: At least we have quiet scenery, windows will be away from road.
N: Yes.
Paid booking fee of $2,000, and it still has not quite sunken in, that we finally put our names on the dotted line and got ourself our very own flat.
Flat estimated to be ready in 2009~
We'll have to work hard and save up in the meantime!
And watch our flat build up to 40th storey as days go by.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Results of the Lucky Draw!
Congratulations! We received a letter, some time in September 2005, stating our queue number was 105. Yes, some of you may tink this number is fantastic... so why am I complaining?
Well, considering that there are only 117 units of 5-room flats for this project, this queue number means we will get a 5-room unit, BUT there may not be any choice units left when it comes to our turn.
So, we tried marking out units which we would like... *fingers crossed* that one in a million chance that they will not be taken up when it came to our turn.
Well, to explain a little, there are only 3 units of 5-room in all levels of this project. 2 units are in Blk 79C, living windows facing Suntec City area, and the view is gooood. (I know that, coz my parents' house has that view... we get to see fireworks at esplanade & for National Day Parade every year). The 3rd unit is in Blk 79A, living room windows facing north.
Anxiously, we awaited the day of our appointment to pick our house (still didn't sink in that we are getting a home of our own) *fingers & toes crossed*
Well, considering that there are only 117 units of 5-room flats for this project, this queue number means we will get a 5-room unit, BUT there may not be any choice units left when it comes to our turn.
So, we tried marking out units which we would like... *fingers crossed* that one in a million chance that they will not be taken up when it came to our turn.
Well, to explain a little, there are only 3 units of 5-room in all levels of this project. 2 units are in Blk 79C, living windows facing Suntec City area, and the view is gooood. (I know that, coz my parents' house has that view... we get to see fireworks at esplanade & for National Day Parade every year). The 3rd unit is in Blk 79A, living room windows facing north.
Anxiously, we awaited the day of our appointment to pick our house (still didn't sink in that we are getting a home of our own) *fingers & toes crossed*
Delays Delays...
I need to let this out... we are being delayed again! If this goes on, we may end up moving in during the Lunar 7th month... argh
Saturday, July 5, 2008
More Pics More Pics~
More Pics of the dining, kitchen...
Lights, indeed, "make or break" the look of a home
Skipping Ahead~
Ok, I can't wait any longer.I will continue from the ballot saga & how we went through all the pre-reno headaches another day.
For now, to share my excitment with you all!Happiness~ the lights were put up in my home this week :)
Paintworks were carried out last week and the walls are multicoloured.... soooo preeeeeeeeetty
Show u some pics!
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