I am Positive

It has been 3 months since I last blogged. But I have never wanted to have so much at hand such that I have to blog about it.

I fell terribly ill last Thursday, finding myself at 39.2 degC at one point in time. The clinic at AMK Ave 4 did not help me much.On Friday, I cant get out of bed, due to a bad low back sprain. I had to half limped half walked to NUH where I received two painful painkiller jabs and was placed on 3 packets of drip. I had both my chest and lower back x rayed and blood tested. I have not had so many things happened to me in just one day for a long time.

On Sunday, my fever did not subside.Visiting my GP at Margaret Drive led me to do a throat swap for H1N1. I was given more cough, phlegm and fever medicine and was given another 4 days of MC.

Today, the GP called me to confirm that I am H1N1 positive and I need to quarantine myself until 11th Aug. Already been locked up in my small room for the past 5 days, this news is really cruel. I have not finished my lectures, tutorials and revision. I had missed my gown fitting at Sophia's. I missed the JC gathering with Joyce who just returned from Dubai.

I am going crazy soon.

The worse thing is I have to ensure I keep the virus within me and my small room. My parents belong to the H1N1 high risk group and I cannot afford to let them fall ill.

I need to learn to live like a lone ranger. Learning to have my own personal cup, bowl, plate and cutlery. Having my face mask on at all times. My own tissue box and rubbish bin. My own thermometer. My own toilet. No TV for another 7 days.

This is terrible. Glad that I still have facebook and youtube to keep me alive.

Story-Telling

Yesterday I was reading to Paige when I was babysitting her and Matthew.

I read three stories, "The Ugly Duckling", "Rapunzel" and "The Enormous Turnip". It could have been more if not because I was too tired to read more. Story-reading, contrary to common beliefs, IS tiring.

Maybe it is because my command of English has dropped. It has been more and more difficult for me to summarise the story lines from 3 paragraphs to one. To think that it is only a children's book.

Maybe it is because I was fascinated by the stories which I have lost touch with for a really long time. As I read, it seemed the story differs quite a bit from the version I read more than 20 years ago.

Maybe I was trying too hard to think of the morale of the story. I feel that a story is never complete without telling the child what is the story really trying to teach us. Especially for "The Ugly Duckling", I felt accomplished after educating Paige to love everyone beyond their looks.

It was tiring babysitting them. But it was also very enriching to story-tell.

Securing the Date

The Carlton saga ends it all.

While Carlton Hotel remains as the best choice in terms number of tables, location, food, pillarless ballroom with high ceiling and reasonable rates, their service irked us to such an extend that we decided to give up with them. All their perks which was thrown in were all not reflected in the contract. Furthermore, their verbal promises twisted and turned at the time of contract signing. One word. Ridiculous.

Marina Mandarin Hotel became our immediate backup plan. This was despite the fact that it was not even in our original hotel list of considerations, primarily due to the minimum number of tables to meet. Nevertheless, besides the "not-so-high" ceiling and a minimum of 35 tables to fulfil, everything seemed perfect about them. They can even provide us with a solemnisation venue despite that the solemnisation date is a day before the banquet. The forum also raved off their food, service and excellent efficiency. I guess this is really a blessing in disguise.

Have not signed the contract yet, but if nothing goes wrong, we should be announcing the date of the big day in 2 weeks time =)

The Real Meaning of a Race

Desmond has always encouraged me to watch The Amazing Race on CBS. But since the telecast every Monday clashed with Campus Superstar, I never did watch a full episode of the program which features teams racing around the world.

This afternoon, while waiting for Desmond's 3 hour long car wash, I watched all the 6 episodes which I missed, on Youtube. And I derived much learnings besides watching them compete for a million bucks.

1. Jaipur, India - Never consider yourself unfortunate

As teams raced for monetary victory, deaf-mute Luke (and Margie) broke down after he saw Indian children running around shackles naked, feeding themselves with garbage. Think he realised he is definitely not alone in his struggle for leading a normal life.

Luke broke down in Jaipur

2. Siberia, Russia - Wear "proper" undergarments

Poor gal from one of the teams had to stripped to her lingerie and run 2 miles in the -4degC Russian city. Worst thing is that she is wearing nothing but a sports bra and a black thong (Yes thongs!)

Shots of her running from behind were censored of course!

3. Phuket, Thailand - Mummy is the greatest

Bionic woman Margie wins the day again by running on Luke's behalf when she realised how difficult it is to give her deaf son directions while sitting on a rickshaw. In the end, she suffered a heat stroke after running 2 miles under extreme hot and humid weather, nearly fainted and had to be sent to hospital.

Just before Mummy Margie fainted in Phuket

4. Beijing, China - Never give up, even if it is your greatest fear
College athletes Kisha and Jen fear for nothing but water. Unfortunately one of the detour for the China leg is to choose a task from "Swim" or "Sync". Jen broke down as she could not overcome her fear for the waters and was unable to finish neither tasks. Imagine performing a task which is your greatest phobia..Kudos to Jen.

They tried but was unable to overcome their phobia

5. Translyvania, Romania - Pick yourself up, where you fall

Good looking lawyer Victor led her sister Tammy on a wild goose chase in the woods looking for coffins, only to realise that they have been following the wrong arrow directions (white red arrows instead of the official yellow red arrows of The Amazing Race). This should be the first and last time viewers see Victor broke down and cried, before regaining composure to end up at second last place, after skydiving down from the first position.

This is clearly not the race's official direction sign

I had always loved geography back in school, even though I seldom travel. But the amount of knowldege you learn when travelling in a trip, is limitless and invaluable. In fact, I don't think any of the team will regreat this journey even if they did not finally win the race.

Seriously, I cannot wait for Episode 11 to be screened tomorrow at 830pm.

Little Mr and Ms Bump

Last week was definitely NOT our lucky week.

On Thursday, Desmond's car got bumped at the back by a series of cars, after their failures to brake in time in slippery weather. This cost Desmond not only a sprained neck, but also three days without his Rio.

On Friday, I had a freak fall while stopping after my hour long ran around the neighbourhood. Although I only hit my knee, it left my knee brazed with at least 10 strokes of broken skin.

On Saturday, I slipped when I stepped on "freshly" sprayed insecticide in Desmond's room. Fortunately I landed on my bum which caused no more than a false alarm.

I hope we will shed off the title of Mr and Ms Bump next week.

Keep On Improving

The first lecture in my life. I must do it good and right.

That was why I arrived at 730am on 20th April, a far cry from the usual 845am. Lecture is suppose to start at 8am, and a considerable amount of preparation is needed, even though I had physically went through the syllabus the week before.

I arrived at LTQ2 20min before the official class starts at 8am. Pleasantly surprised, there are already many students waiting outside the LT. I saw one of my mentees sitting quietly in a corner bench. She did not attend orientation but I recognise her from my photo class list. I said hi to her and made my way to LTQ2.

Taking in a deep breath, and looking at the 90 empty seats in front of me, I felt strangely excited. This is what I have been waiting for the last 9 months in NYP.

My first lecture session.

As the students streamed in, the excitement grew. Soon after excitement turned to anxiety as the projector screen failed on me! Can you imagine... First lesson on first day of school of Semester 1.

Nevertheless I maintained talking by introducing myself and the module Materials Science.... miraculously the projector screen came back at 830am. I lost 30min but managed to gain back my composure.

The rest of the lecture went well. I found out that it is not easy to deliver a good lecture. From voice control to creating humour, to clear explanations, these skills will only sharpen with time. Fortunately, this batch of Year 1 students seem much more diligent and attentive, compared to the previous batch, which makes the job of new lecturers like me easier to handle.

Like what I told my students " I hope you will continue to improve", I truly hope I will also keep on improving.

Peak-A-Boo!

I have never done as much research and homework on HDB housing regulations until a week before. All thanks to the 5 "Peaks" below.

The newly launched DBSS project "The Peak" at Toa Payoh Lor 1 is not those type which will appear to be immediately attractive. Compared to its counterparts at AMK and Bishan, it is an elderly town. There is also less vibe considering there is no major shopping malls nearby. Nevertheless, due to curiousity, we went to view the showflat last sunday and we were pleasantly surprised and delighted by the stylish design of the flats.

After viewing the second time, the two flats we eyed on are the 21st storey high ceiling 4-room flat at $500k, and the 18th storey 5-room flat at $580k. And yes, both are at atrouciously high prices. After some research, older flats with similar floor area are costing as much in the TPY and AMK area, and so I stop feeling short-changed =)

With flats priced at $730k at the 42nd floor, I really wonder if flats in Singapore will ever break the 1M barrier?

Sigh, What to do... the lows of property market in 2001-2003 is long over, and flats at premier locations come at a premier price. Furthermore, TPY flats have always stolen the limelight but topping the list with the highest average COV among HDB estates. What attracted us most, is that The Peak is only mins walk from TPY MRT station and the lifts come with security card accesses just like a condo. The interior renovation is also provided, from full tiling, wall painting to build-in wardrobes, water heaters, stoves and air con. Pretty enticing to me =)

But seriously, I will not be overly disappointed if we did not successfully ballot for the TPY flat, as Bishan is going to be THE place to live, at least in the next 10 years. With the MRT circles line interchange opening this month, lift upgrading, property prices in Bishan is likely to soar to another new level....

So, lets just cross our fingers and leave it to Heaven's will =)

A Night of Glitz & Glamour

After 3 months of planning and preparation, CPT dinner & dance 2009 was finally held at NUSS Suntec City Guild House yesterday!

Graduating student with Lecturers

Happy faces from the graduating students

We received rather encouraging turnout this year, with 86 students and 12 staffs signing up for the event. Although 3 students did not finally come, the whole event can be considered rather "successful"... The highlight of the event, in my opinion was the PEM class awards to their personal mentor where the students thank their lecturers for their hard work and care throughout their 3 years in NYP. It was sincere, warm, and full of emotions.

Hwee Mei, Natalia and Me

All thanks to staff of SCL(C) who contributed a whooping total amount of more than $1000 for all the game prizes, door gifts, lucky draw, and also subsidies for the student tickets. Kudos to organising committee students from SCL club students as well, great job!

SCL Club organising committee

Toasting session

Prom King & Queen

I hope the event will leave an imprint on the graduating students for a long time in their lives.

My Dream Garden

After a month of research and browsing, here are the list of hotel banquets which has been shortlisted. The wedding theme I currently have in mind in a Garden Theme.. It is really difficult to tell which is a better pick until we really recee the place to have a look and feel of the ambiance. Anyway, each of these selection has their own specialty and uniqueness which stood them out from others, besides cost (^o^)

1. Mandarin Oriental

Have heard about friends and relatives raving about this hotel since it was renovated in 2004. A quick step into the hotel last week also gave us a very good impression of the lobby setting. What is most attractive is their 4 new themes. I particularly like the garden theme where the whole ballroom is decorated into a huge fan-shaped garden! Birdcages, twigs and sunflowers.. its like a walk in a park! Natural and surreal feeling, nothing exaggerated!

2. Conrad Centennial

Love their magnificent foyer reception in front of the Grand Ballroom and the long titanic winding stairway at the lobby leading up to the ballroom! The most fairy tale march in we can ever ask for! Although I have only been there once for a wedding in 2006, it still left a deep impression in my mind until now. It was the only shortlisted banquet which has tables for 12 which may pose a problem as we do not have so many guests to fill their minimum 30 table criteria.

3. Carlton Hotel

Not the 6-star Ritz Carlton, but Carlton Hotel at Bras Basah Road. According to my sis, this hotel's Wah Lok Restaurant serves the best Cantonese Cuisine in town. This alone is attractive enough to draw me in as delectable food is my top priority. Too bad we can only have food tasting after confirmation for the banquet.

4. Swissotel Merchant Court

Colonial feel never fails to mesmerise me. Although my top colonial choices: Goodwood Park and Hotel Intercontinental falls out of our budget, Merchant Court will be a good substitute. The reception area is also spacious and wide, and can be conveniently decorated to the graden theme.

5. Restaurants

Imagining converting all the perks that hotels offer to wedding couples, such as bridal suite, favours, vouchers into better food quality... that is what restaurants can offer. For the same amount of money, restaurant food will be of superior quality in the expense of ambiance. That will be a very selfless way to hold weddings as the guests will get a better value for "Ang-Bao".

Most importantly, a wedding banquet must elude genuinity and sincerity regardless of the venue. In 2005, I attended a really warm and lovely wedding at Peony Jade Restaurant (above) at Clarke Quay which has such strong oriental and overwhelming homely feel that I wanted to have mine there!

On the contrary, I once attended a wedding at a 6-star hotel, which was at one glance, an extraordinary expensive affair. Rolls Royce bridal car, all night Mediterranean live band, and 4 changes of bridal gowns! Everything was gold plated and glittery but to me, it was over-commercialised, emotionless and bland. The whole night, I was left feeling with a lack of warmth and love that a wedding banquet should have.

That, in my opinion, loses all its appeal as compared to a simple restaurant wedding =)

Its Too Stiff

This is how my neck bones look like under X ray, after a car collision on Thursday. Stiff as a bamboo, the doctor at Mt Alvernia said.

It was a freak car incident at NYP compound on Thursday, when a car hit my dad's cab shortly after I removed my seat belt. It was less than 50m from my destination and both cars are already travelling at snail speed!

The slight collision actually threw my body in all directions as my instincts told me to hold on to the seat in front of me to prevent further vibrations. Nevertheless, the impact was too big on my neck such that it felt sprained and twisted after I went home the same night. It hurt my left arm as well as it knocked hard on the car door.

As all kinds of injuries / medical conditions post accident are claimable, the agent brought me to Mt Alvernia to get my neck checked on Friday evening. By then, my central neck bone and nerves were so painful that I can hardly turn 90 degrees to my right. My neck was swollen and stiff.

Luckily there were no complications, as the X ray films showed. But a normal neck is C shape, as suggested by the doctor. And mine, is as straight as a bamboo, which seems to imply to me that I need to resume my new massage package at Kenko Wellness Spa. Heh.

Muffin Tops

I need to get rid of my muffin tops!!!

Of course, the picture below is not me, but due to months of sloth, my muffin tops are growing. I can still remember a year ago, I follow a strict regime to ensure my figure is kept in check:

1) Stand and walk for at least 30 min after every meal
2) Never sleep less than an hour after a meal
3) 30-50 upper and lower abdomen crunches every morning
4) Dumbell (2 kg) training twice a week
5) Bedtime stretched to tone side abdomen muscles

But I no longer do that now. Where has the health and exercise freak Lilian gone to? Nevertheless, in order to ensure I get the best figure for my bridal PS at the end of this year, I am giving myself 3 months to resume the above. Moreover, the bridal pictures are going to last me a lifetime.

The stakes are way too high to be lazy.

Hunt for BS - Part II

The search is over.

It was amazing how we did this. It was a long and gruelling 4-hour discussion, which started from 9pm last night. And we finally signed on the dotted line at 1am +.

And I am now an official Sophia BTB!

Sophia Wedding Collection was my sister's BS 6 years ago. And that was also how long I have heard of their gorgeous gowns and excellent customer service. But it was coincidence that we dropped by the shop last night, after being utterly disappointed with the hard selling techniques seen at Suntec Wedding Festival the same evening. We did not plan to sign any plan so early, but I guess their whole service and persuasion from Sophia Wedding moved us to bits =)

Anyways, let start off with their gowns from "Latest Collection". It is heavenly! And it is an understatement as their OTR gowns look so classy and gorgeous that it will make you feel and look like a queen. The enormous amount of embroidery, crystals and french laces are unlike what was seen in other BS. Served by Ms Lynn the designer, she is such as a pro in describing and explaining the cut and design of each gown that we wowed with excitement as she brought pieces after pieces off the racks for our salivation. How I wished I could take photographs of the gowns!

We then asked to see the "Non-Latest Collection" gowns. I would say they look pretty good too. But the package comes with a classic album which does not include any digital design nor hot pressed seams. We were then shown the digital albums by the inhouse photography Mr Shawn and photography styles of at least 5 other couples, before we settled down to discuss further on the details of the package.

As it grows deeper into the night at 11pm, we were served by Ms Ann the consultant, who also happens to be the consultant for Tianyou and Ziyi. She was so friendly and accommodating to our needs and budget. Even though she was having a mild flu, but she was still very patient with our long list of enquires. (Luckily I bought the Bridal checklist together with me and we have the lap top with use to check online!)

After another hour of long discussion with Desmond on what the priorities in the package are, we managed to prepare for the most important task. NEGOTIATIONS! For more freebies, bargains and discounts!! By that time, my eyes were already red and dry and very very tired, so Desmond did a good job on the negotiation part single-handed. Also we are the only couple left in the shop, and the consultants are anxious to go home, so I thought it was the best time to negotiate for the best deals. Here is finally what we will be getting from their OTR package!

1. Actual Wedding Day
Wedding Gown - 1 set OTR (Latest Collection)
Evening Gown - 1 set OTR (Latest Collection)
Tea Dress (Cheong Sum) or KUA - 1 set OTR
Accessories for the Gown - 1 set
Gent's Suits - 2 sets OTR
Father's jackets - 2 sets OTR
Bridal Makeup & Hairdo (Morning and Evening)
Bridal Hand Bouquet (Fresh Flowers) and 6 Corsages
Bridal Car Decoration with Netting and Artificial Flowers
Decoration for following cars with ribbons (unlimited)

2. ROM package
ROM dress - 1 set OTR
ROM Makeup & Hairdo
Hand Bouquet (Fresh Flowers)
Accessories for dress - 1 set
Gent's Suit - 1 set OTR

3. Photography Session
Bridal Gown - 4 sets (Can be different from the 2 sets above)
Accessories for the Gown - 1 set
Bridal Makeup and Hairdo including fake eyelashes and wig - 4 changes
Artificial flowers for Hairdo
Gent's suit - 2 sets
Gent's makeup and hairstyling
Indoor and Outdoor Photography - Unlimited locations
4. Momentos to Keep
50 poses with Digital Album and Hot pressed seam (15' x 24') - 20 pages
50 poses with CD JPEG format (Duplicate of above)
24' x 30' Canvas Portrait - 1 piece with frame
8R Table top - 1 piece with frame
4R photos - 24pcs OR Thank You :Photo cards - 200 pcs with 2 poses
4R photos in mini album - 20pcs
Wedding Night Signature Book - 1 set
8R Anniversary Photo shot - 1 piece/ year

We wanted to bargained for more poses, but was unable to do so. I believed that 60 poses will be the perfect quantity to fit into the storybook album, but I guess we can still make do with 50. And yes! They are giving us 24 pcs of 4R loose photos, which I can then make them into my beautiful beautiful wedding scrapbooks!

I was especially fascinated at how they were able to throw in the ROM package for me as well. Now I am thinking whether to have the ROM on separate days in other to make use of this special offer. And there will be Cheong Sum for the tea ceremony! Excited!

Since we still have a long way to AD, we decided to make the PS early, likely to be late Sept this year during my 2 month semester break. This will mean that we will be choosing the gowns around June/July during my 2 week term break. And because I am taking my PS a year before AD, they will allow me to choose two fresh AD gowns, instead of the gowns I wore for the PS! Amazing deal! All in all, this means that pre-wedding bridal work will be completed by early 2010, giving us another 6 months to prepare for other stuffs for AD in Sept 2010.

The hunt for BS has ended, but happiness has just begun!

Hunt for Bridal Studio (BS) - Part I

It was 5th day of CNY and we decided to visit LaBelle Couture to take a look at their wedding collection and packages =)

We have shortlisted a number of bridal shops based on friend's recommendations and forum ratings. To date, the shortlisted BS are Sophia Wedding Collection, The Wedding Present, My Bridal Room, Golden Horse Awards, Divine Couture and La Belle Couture. Good reviews from forum and beautiful gown designs featured in magazines were the main reasons why we approached this bridal shop first at Tanjong Pagar. Anyway many of the bridal shops were not opened yet after CNY, and the consultant at the door impressed me with his politeness, well-mannered and non-pushy nature. An recent award winning evening gown displayed at the shop helped too =)

And what can I say! Its great fun and excitement shopping for WG! The experienced image consultant Kath left a strong impression in my mind as she has an eye for details, by just one look at our faces and figures. She was already able to suggest gown types, colours, makeup and types of hairdos which will compliment each other's look =D. Also, we like the simple and classy styles of their photography. Their package price for OTR gowns also fits and meets our humble budget!

What was originally planned to be a 10min enquiry on package prices, turned out to be more than an hour's cosy discussion at the shop. I must admit that I took a strong liking to their WG which are predominantly simple and classy gowns with lots and lots of embroidery and laces. Nevertheless, we had absolutely no pressure to sign up the package. The frank and professional services provided by the staff was really impressive.

All in all... although it is still too early to talk about securing a package, it was a good and fun way to start our BS hunt!

Open Your Heart

After 5 years in the petrochemical industry, I made a shocking (to many) switch to become a teacher, or more precisely a lecturer in NYP. For those we know me since school, they would have known how I used to dislike teaching. Even when my sister and brother-in-law became one in JC, I was unfazed. Giving tuition during my schooling days were purely for monetary gains and never for interest or satisfaction.

My ex-colleagues got a shock, my ex-boss got a shock. And of course, my parents and my close friends. After all, I am those typical Chemical Engineer, who always advocate technical reasoning, and believed in getting into the money-making oil and gas industries. For prestige, for self-satisfaction and for monetary gains to repay loans and support the family.

During the last 3 days of NYP Open House, I was overwhelmed by the streams of students and parents eagerly looking for a course with career prospects and bright future. They reminded me of how I used to be lost student thinking about my future career. One parent was so candidly telling me how she did not want to see her son engage in some profession which is "dangerous" like in a refinery or oil company. "I only got one son, you know. He is my baby" she jokingly said. "So how dangerous is it working in chemical industry?" I was positively amused and touched by her tone and concerns the whole while.

I appreciate the parents asking me these relevant questions. My parents used to discouraged me from joining the chemical industry as well. As an engineer, male or female, working under the sun is almost guaranteed. You cannot have vertigo, or how else can you conquer the 80m distillation column by monkey ladder? Also, be prepared to sweat, get dirty and work in a male dominant industry where females can be sometimes prejudiced.

I find it rather ironic, when I was encouraging O level leavers to take up a course in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technology when I myself just got out of the industry. After all, there are many females worked in the chemical industry for years and rose to respectable positions, taking up jobs which people once thought only men can. So why can't I do the same? And enjoy the fat bonuses and increments which people from the outside world can only imagine.

Many things had happened in the last 3 years which gave a brand new perspective in life and priorities. Spending more quality time with family and love ones are now my first priority. I can still remember clearly how I used to go home like listless soul, with workload almost burying me alive. I have no time with family, with friends and for myself. My health worsened, I grew haggard and I cared for nothing else but company's profits generation.

In the end at Open House, I encouraged the worried mum to let her son choose something which interests him and not whether or not the course can guarantee him in the future. I conveniently skipped the topic of how dangerous the industry is, as I know I cannot give her satisfactory answer without telling a white lie.

How do you stay sane in this ever changing world? Your decision may not make sense to many, but, life is a path that only you yourself can decide. Only then, you will be happy.

Where Do I Begin?

Recently I saw a wedding video montage by a University friend. It featured the 2000 remix of "Love Story (Where do I begin?)" by Shirley Bassey. I must say it is a really refreshing change from the lovey dovey romantic slings which most couples will use on their wedding day. This is because the version was upbeat, jazzy and showcased the singer's prowess in her vocals. And the singer? A 72 year old British Diva demonstrating a popular drama song (Love Story) from the 70s.It moved me to bits.

Cover versions, something which artistes today edit classic songs from the past to something which adapts better in today's world. And for this song, I found at least 6 versions in imeem alone. Below are the two I liked most. The first one is the one used in the wedding videography and the original version recorded live in 1972. I hope Josh Groban will perform this song one day (like how the second one sounds!)

A real classic indeed. I am so glad I stumbled upon this chance to appreciate it.

Where Do I Begin (Away Team Mix) - Shirley Bassey

(Where Do I Begin) Love Story - Tito Beltran

To Own Our Night (2009)

As we turn the page to a brand new year today, we bid goodbye to an eventful year of turmoil and crisis.

For the first time in 4 years, I was back into the streets to countdown the new year! for the past 3 years, it had been a quiet affair on New Year's eve where a few close friends gather for food and drinks.

After unfruitful attempts to park at Marina Barrage, we were very lucky to find a perfect spot at MakanSutra Esplanande where we sat comfortably for about 2 hrs waiting for the fireworks to start. The place was far less crowded than the swamp of people waiting by the Esplanade Bay, where they sat on grass patches and concrete ground. We also have sufficient hawker food and drinks with us and so was not dehydrated like what happened during National Day. True enough, our territory was not packed with fire-works watchers even until the last min of 2008, and the view of the night sky was fabulous. I could sit 45 degrees inclined on my plastic chair and watch the sky like it belonged to me.

The fireworks was SPECTACULAR. Did not manage to take any photo because I did not want to miss any second of it. Not mentioning it is actually the first time I watch fireworks on a New Years Day too!

Happy New Year... Wish we will have a happy and healthy year ahead =)