More of Korea

There are many pictures taken in Korea and all the pictures are messed up and I do not have the time to sort it out.. Haha.. too busy planning other stuffs and also watching series (when I can). But at least I get to share the places I went in Korea.

Muju Resort. Part of the resort

Landscape in the town where the use-to-be government officials stayed during the reign of the emperor period


Temple on the top of the Herb Hill

Lake at Herb Hill

Temple. The lanterns are the well wishers of the observers

Teddy Bear Museum

In Cultural Village

Flowers taken in Cultural Village

Emperor's Meal

Red Leaf in Changdugong Palace. Pictures below are all Changdugong palace.

The entrance of Changdugong palace

Changdugong palace is big. We took at least an hour to walk all over the place, and yet we did not cover every single part of the palace. There are beautiful landscapes all over the palace. The palace is well preserved. No wonder it is one of a tourist attraction. We took many posings in the palace... Hihi..

Honestly, I just love Korea. If you ask me if I want to work and stay there... Haha.. I would love to. It is a very nice place. Seoul itself is nice.. and what more, I love the food. I can never get bored of it. I love the weather too.

Korea Part 2 : Jeju Island + Nami Island + Daegu

We travelled the whole Korea... covering as much as possible.. The photos might not be in sequence but at least I can share what I experienced in Korea. We travelled from Seoul to Jeju, then to Boosan, Daegu, Muju then back to Seoul. I love the itinerary cause it covers every important aspects of Korea.

Plot of flowers in the cultural village

Heart Shape landscape in cultural village

The cultural village is a nice place. It tells you the culture of Koreans and how they evolve. Actually, this village is also the place where a drama series was shot but I cannot remember the title... (I think I will post the pic in the next post)... This village is very informative. Reminds me of the cultural village in Kuching, Sarawak. However, this village is beautifully displayed with many gardens of flowers... You will realise that there are many pictures of us posing with flower background. Haha..

Jeju Island

Jeju Island. The famous dragon landscape

Jeju Island

Jeju Island

Nami Island. This island is where Winter Sonata was shot

I cannot remember exactly where this is but this is where the officials and servants of the palace lived. This place also house the shrines for all the emperors.

The dinner place where we had after the visit to Nami Island

Lantern in the kimchi making place

Us.. wearing the Korea traditional attire

The Korea trip we had was quite fun as the tour guides were quite informative. It is a mandarin tour. This trip really tested my mandarin level, and I have to say that I can only understand one quarter of the entire trip. Haha.. KY had to explain to me and I actually became frustrated as KY only told me in a sentence, wrapping up many sentences of the guides explanation.

Overall, the trip is worth it. I get to taste many Korean food and also taste all sorts of quality. Haha... I know, they say that if you are in a tour, you don't get to taste the real Korean food but I have to say, the arrangement is good. Anyone who wants to know more about my trip and also which tour agency I go to, do drop me a message.

Korea : Day 1 (Everland & Jeju Island)

I have taken about 3 weeks after the holiday to update my blog. Ok.. ok.. I was kinda lazy to update the blog and also busy with other stuffs which practically took my weekends/free time. Haha.. but most of that work was done by my darling.

Anyways, here are the updates of Korea trip...

On the first day, we went to Everland and Jeju Island. Everland is a theme park which houses 2 roller coasters. One of it is the famous wooden roller coaster. It is pretty scary. I did not dare to ride it, and more over the queue was very long. To take any rides in Everland, it will be at least an hour queue. We were told that it was a public holiday for Korea that celebrates family day, and its a 2-day public holidays. How lucky they are.. Unlike Singapore, we do not hear such holiday at all.

White tulips are displayed in a section of Everland. Aren't they beautiful? It's white tulips.

Red tulips

The flowers in Korea are all very color rich. I guess it is the weather that makes the flower so colored. When I saw the flowers, I just fell in love with them. Even the simplest flower you see, the color can make you fall in love with it.

This is a cosmo-ride.. which turns and yanks the seat forward-backward. When I saw it, it is kinda giddy to even watch it spin, what more about seating on it.

Jeju Island restaurant in the park

The famous scene of Winter Sonata. No snow, so it does not really reflect the scene, but it is the avenue. Friends say that when you walk this place, you can feel the feeling from the scene. When I was there, I felt nothing. Haha.. I guess I kinda forgotten the scene already (watched it last year). But it is a beautiful view. The symetrical part makes it very perspective. Good spot for picture taking but with tons of visitors around, sure spoil the picture.

Beautiful purple flower trees

Famous red-leaf tree

Haha... As you can see, we really pose for the camera. Yup, we love taking pictures together. I will update the next blog for second day.

Back to Reality

Hi all,

I guess some of you might have wondered what happened to me... Well.. I have been busy. Busy making preparation for a big event and also I just got back from our yearly holiday. This time round we went to Korea. Though we intended early this year because of the economy down turn we held on but finally decided to go mid-year. And yes.. we enjoyed ourselves alot.. I will update you all soon...

Cheers..

Playing Tag : 666

Go to your sixth picture folder and post the sixth picture in the folder, then tag 6 people!

This is the 6th picture in the 6th folder in my pictures folder in my notebook. This picture was taken during our Bangkok trip last year, on a pedestrian bridge over a buzzling street of Bangkok just outside Asia Hotel, where we stayed.

Now, I am tagging 6 people.
Christina
Mummygwen
Faith
Calvin Sim
Uncle Lee

P/S: 666 - very devilish eh.......... but think of it as a positive number.. hehe..

Good Things Are Coming

Hi all,
I guess all of you who are reading this must be wondering what I have been up to that I have less stuffs to update in my blog.

Well, I have been very busy with work. Reaching home as late as 10-11pm from office. Also, I had to work during weekends. All those got paid off by my loving partner... whom he pampered me with his love. I am very fortunate. Hehe... I am so in cloud-9...

Anyways, all those late hours working are gone and now I am busy planning for other stuffs....
Good things are coming... I will be meeting a dearie friend of mine for a couple of days, who is back to Malaysia from NZ. Then I will be off to my long break with my darling. Then we will continue with planning.

Gosh... many events are coming... and of course, work is needed to be completed by then. Hehe.. so.. I am pretty packed, but I promise to my readers that I will update more fun things...

Cheerio all.. Luv ya.. Stay cool..

Initials - Playing Tagging

Rules:-
It's harder than it looks!

Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag twenty people including the person who tagged you. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.
They have to be real...nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers.

You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.


1. What is your name : Fiona
2. A four Letter Word : Fond, F**k (haha), etc
3. A boy's Name : Franklin, Flinch, etc
4. A girl's Name : Felicity, Felicia, Fanny, etc
5. An occupation : Fisherman, Financial Advisor, Fashion Designer, Flight Attendant, etc
6. A color : Fuchsia, Floral pastels, etc
7. Something you'll wear : Frills - Anything with Frills (not sure if this answer is valid), Flip-flops, etc
8. A type of food : Fish-head Curry, French-fries, Fettuccine, French Toast, etc
9. Something found in the bathroom : Facetowel, Floortile, Facesoap, Flushing handle, etc
10. A place : Finland, France, etc
11. A reason for being late : F*cking stuck in the jam!
12. Something you'd shout : Freakingly toot
13. A movie title : Face Off
14. Something you drink : Fanta drinks... old-skewl
15. A musical group : Foo Fighters
16. An animal : Fox, Frog, Fish, etc
17. A street name : Fort Canningham Street (Does this count if I have never passed the road before?)
18. A type of car : Ford
19. The title of a song : Feeling Good (by Michael Buble)

Anyways... I wanna tag....
Christina
Mummygwen

YES or NO

You can ONLY answer Yes or No!
You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and Asks!
Now, here's what you're supposed to do... And please do not spoil the Fun.
Copy and paste this into your notes , delete my answers and type in your answers.
Then see what happens.

Kissed any one of your facebook friends? NO
Been arrested? NO
Kissed someone you didn't like? NO
Slept in until 5 PM? NO
Fallen asleep at work/school? NO
Held a snake? YES
Ran a red light? NO
Been suspended from school? NO
Totaled your car/motorbike in an accident? YES
Been fired from a job? NO
Sang karaoke? YES
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? YES
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? NO
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? NO
Kissed in the rain? NO
Sang in the shower? YES
Sat on a rooftop? NO
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? NO
Broken a bone? NO
Shaved your head? NO
Blacked out from drinking? YES
Played a prank on someone? NO
Felt like killing someone? YES
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? YES
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? NO
Been in a band? NO
Shot a gun? NO
Tripped on mushrooms? NO
Donated Blood? YES
Eaten alligator meat? NO
Eaten cheesecake? YES
Loved someone you shouldn't? NO
Think about the future? YES
Believe in love? YES
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? YES
Smoke? NO
Believe that love can happen many times in one lifetime? YES
Caught having sex? NO

Personally... who in the world is so damn free to create such lists of questions? But I have to say this entertains all..

Anyways... I wanna tag....
Christina
Mummygwen

100 Truths Tag

001. Name → Fiona Franklin Soon.
002. Nickname(s)→ Sugar (Mum), Na (Brothers and Very close friends), Dear/Dear-dear (darling), Fi (Close Friends).
004. Zodiac sign → Sagitarius.
005. Male or female → Female.
006. Elementary → Nil, Never Attended one before in my whole entire life.
007. Middle School → SRK Convent Infant Jesus (1), Malacca.
008. High School → SMK Infant Jesus Convent, Malacca.
009. College School → KDU, PJ.
009b. University → Lincoln University, UK (Twin with KDU).
010. Hair color → Dark Brown.
011. Long or short → Long.
012. Loud or Quiet → Sometimes Loud, Sometimes quiet.. depends on mood.
013. Jumpers or Jeans → Don't really like Jeans, but prefer Jeans to Jumpers.
014. Phone or Camera → Both. Never like integrated gadgets. Prefers standalone.
015. Health freak → Yes.
016. Drink or Smoke? → Neither. But my first wine was from my cousin Berlinda, she taught me how to taste white wine.
017. Do you have a crush on someone? → Now? Nope. Last time? Yes.
018. Eat or Drink → Both.
019. Piercings → Yes, at my ears only (a pair).
020. Tattoos → Never.

FIRSTS:
023. First piercing → 17 yo.
024. First best friend → Rachel Lee and June Ng.. met around the same time cause stay within same garden. Known then since I was 4 or 5. It has been more than 10 years already.
025. First award → Std. 3. Top performers, got a McD coupon treat.
026. First crush → Err.... cannot remember...
027. First pet → A Spitz named Kissmore.
028. First big vacation → Macao/Hong Kong in 2008.
030. First big birthday → None. Rather like it quiet/intimate.

CURRENTLY:
049. Eating → None.
050. Drinking → Water.
052. I'm about to → Sleep soon because it is bloody 4:51am. Need to work later.
053. Listening to → The sound of the table fan spinning.
054. Plans for today → Work my butts off and then relax at home.
055. Waiting for → Coming holiday trip in early May.

YOUR FUTURE:
058. Want kids? → Definitely. I now miss playing with my niece Gwen.
059. Want to get married? → Yes... soon.
060. Careers in mind → Hmm... a family business so that I can be a SAHM and WFHM.

WHICH IS BETTER IN THE BOY/GIRL YOU LIKE?
068. Lips or eyes → Eyes.
070. Shorter or taller - Taller.
072. Romantic or spontaneous → Both.
073. Nice stomach or nice arms → Both.
074. Sensitive or loud→ Sensitive.
075. Hook-up or relationship → Relationship.
076. Trouble maker or hesitant → Neither! (My answers here are the same as Rachel Lee's.. haha)

HAVE YOU EVER:
080. Lost glasses/contacts → Neither.
081. Ran away from home → Never.
082. Held a gun/knife for self defense → Never.
083. Killed somebody → Never.
084. Broke someone's heart → Yes.. a couple.
085. Been arrested → Never.
087. Cried when someone died → Yes, when my dad & my paternal grandfather passed.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
089. Yourself → Definitely.
090. Miracles → Definitely.
091. Love at first sight → Definitely.
092. Heaven → Definitely.
093. Santa Claus → Never, ever since I was a kid, I have already knew Santa is a fake/myth.
094. Tooth Fairy → Never.
095. Kiss on the first date → No.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
097. Is there one person you want to be with right now → Yes, he is already with me right now.
098. Are you seriously happy with where you are in life → Yes but who is ever happy at this point of time? We are facing the recession. Pays are getting cut and leave are being forced. I am finding a better place for me and and my future family.
099. Do you believe in God → Definitely.
100. Post as 100 truths and tag 20 people→ Already done in Facebook. Haha... but can try here..

Tagging....
Christina
Mummygwen
Uncle Lee

KL Aaron's House_House-warming

Went back to KL to visit my brother and family and also attended his house warming. I get to play with my niece, whom did not cry when met me. Finally.. phew. Previous visits were scary cause she cried when she saw me. Haha... but now she is nicer to play with. Even much more fun. I became her human slide. Haha...

More pics of my niece Gwen in this link below... It was really hard to make her pose but she was very coorperative too, though she was playing most of the time. She is so adorable..

(PHOTOS ARE FROM KEE YEW).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/keeyew/sets/72157614679355242/

Unfortunately I did not take any pictures of my brother's house warming. Kinda forgotten because I was too busy helping him out getting drinks filled up in the cooler. Guests were practically quenching their thirst with can after can of beer. Lucky one of the guests brought a crate.

OCBC Cycle Singapore 2009

The OCBC Cycle Singapore 2009 was held on 22-February-2009. The event had 4 categories; 50km (The Super Challenge), 40 km (The Challenge), 20km (The Community Ride) and 5 km Mighty Savers Kid's Ride). Well, I did not join the race but I went for some shooting. It was quite an experience. Woke up early so that can arrive SG Flyer around 7am to do some shooting. When we arrived, there was already a challenge going on; 50km. It started at 6am (that was the time I left house). Manage to witness the winner of the event and also manage to catch the 40km challenge. Here are some photos of the cyclists and winners.

Something To Treasure

A professional photographer took our picture and it turned out nice. It was just a trial shooting but I like it. The photographer portfolio is that he was from FHM.

Migraine.. Beat Them or Join Them

What is Migraine? Migraine is defined as recurrent headache with following symtomps:-

• abdominal pain
• nausea or vomiting
• throbbing headache
• specific location of pain
• sensitivity to light and sound
• associated "aura"
• relief with sleep (headaches that awaken children, or early morning
• family history of migraines

I am having migraine now. It is a throbbing pain on my right eye ball. Everytime I hear loud sounds or uncomfortable sounds, I feel the throbbing pain. Even the slightest sound of footsteps make me wanna bang my head to the wall. And light.... the bright light really is not helping, and that is why I need to darkened the room. At least this is what the doctor advised and what I remember when daddy had his migraine when I was young. I guess I got it from dad. I remember mom had to make sure the whole room is pitch dark and we were not allowed to play in the house.

I just hope the migraine go away soon so that I can enjoy life as usual.

Doctor's advise...

• Sleep in dark room with cooling temperature
• Avoid coffee/tea/chocolate with caffeinne
• Fried/Oily food
• Sleep as much as possible
• Over-stress? Destress yourself
  

Google's Fiona Needs... Interesting

My dear SIL#2 gave me this tag and I also find it interesting about this tag. It is quite entertaining. Never knew I can have so much fun doing such things.. kinda silly to me, but it is entertaining.

So, I typed Fiona needs... and here are what appeared...

1) Fiona needs to eat
--> Haha.. this is a definite. I need to eat to live... If I don't eat, how am I suppose to enjoy life?!

2) According to Fiona: Need a new liver
--> Err... I did not tell anyone that he/she needs a liver...

3) Fiona needs insperation
--> I think the word is inspiration... but somehow the person spelt with letter-e. Yea.. I do needs inspiration. I need it all the time.

4) Fiona needs a home
--> Yes.. I do need one. I want to have a dream home.. seeing my kids running around inquisitively and having a tree-house as a play-pan.

5) Fiona needs loving
--> All the time baby.. all the time.. Who doesn't need love?

6) Fiona needs a foster home
--> No I don't. I have a wonderful family already. I love them very much.

Thank you to mummygwen to tag me.. hugs..

2009 Valentine Surprise

Yea.. It is a surprise to receive a bouquet of flowers in office.. Something I am proud of. I was grinning from east to west. Can say that I was a little bit shy and blushed becauseI was the only one who received a bouquet in my fab... At least this is what the security mentioned.

.

Happy Valentines' Day to all.. Hope you had a nice day...

Another Award.. Yay

Wow... got an award twice in a row.. so nice of my SIL#2 to give me awards.. haha.. So sweet.. Thank you YL... Hugs

SIL#1 Michelle.. pls have these eventho SIL#2 gave it to you too.. hehe... I hope this cheers you up with your sudden water news...

Yay.. I Have Been Awarded

My first blog award from my SIL#1 Mich.. yay.. I am so happy.. haha.. Never knew I would receive an award from anyone.. I am honored.

For those who receives the award, here are the rules:-

Rule#1. Copy Badge “2008 Cute’s Blogger Award” and put it on your blog.

Rule#2. Link or tell a bit about the person who gave you the award...

Rule#3. Each one of you who receive this award must list down 10 facts / hobbies about yourself...

Answer to Question#2:-

Well, Michelle is my SIL. She just joined the family end of 2008. Congrats to her...

Answer to Question#3:-

(OMG.. 10 facts about myself is really worse than seating for my final year exams)

Fact#1:-

I am about 170cm tall or 5'7-8" tall.

Fact#2:-

I am half nyonya, dad is pure baba but mom is hakka lady.

Fact#3:-

I have 3 brothers.

Fact#4:-

My dad passed away when I was almost 9 years old. It was about 20 years ago. I miss my dad very much.

Fact#5:-

I am an engineer, which was never in my mind to become one, but a twist of event ended me up to be a semicon engineer.

Fact#6:-

I am related to MummyGwen and Elle.

Fact#7:-

I love the color black. Most of my clothes are dark colored or basically black.

Fact#8:-

I used to own a spitz dog named Kissmore.

Fact#9:-

I am currently out of Malaysia.

Fact#10:-

I have more than 10 pairs of shoes now. Haha...

Thanks to my SIL Mich to award me.... Thanks Mich.

Tagging my bloggers/friends... This award is for you...

1) Uncle Lee : http://moonlightnightsstarryskies.blogspot.com/

2) Faith : http://faithloveschocolate.blogspot.com/

3) Miki : http://storiesaboutme.wordpress.com/

4) Rachel : http://rachellmc.blogspot.com/

5) Irene : http://zekerene.blogspot.com/

6) SIL YL: http://mummygwen.blogspot.com/

Another Year Had Passed.... What Is Next?

Another year has passed and 2009 is an Ox year which chinese astrologers say it is not a good year... err... I am a Nyonya and a Christian, I do not believe all these lar but then again, best follow the rest.. haha.. It will be another Valentines' in Singapore for us... and I just wonder how will the people celebrate it this year as all are aware that the economy of Singapore is in crisis, especially in the Finance and Manufacturing sector.

To be honest, I went shopping last night and today and I do not see SG in crisis or recession.. Many people are still shopping.. haha, including myself. I bought a few stuffs.. Hehe.. how can a lady like me resist temptations of shopping? When you have the means, why not spend it. At least, shopping makes me happy but still within my control.

I even manage to get something practical for my darling. I took quite a long time to think what to get for him and even asked close friends what to get for a guy. Many suggested something that he likes to do. Well, basically he has what he needs and what he likes so that is totally out of the choices. As I mentioned, I went shopping yesterday and then I suddenly saw something which I know it will look good on him and also practical for him... I just hope he likes it (not sharing the picture now because he reads this blog... haha).

Last year's Valentines' that he got for me.. haha.. I just wonder what is in-store for me this year...

A Sad Event

Well, today is 4th Feb, after a day of the bad news. I went to work yesterday having many unanswered question in my thoughts about 3-Feb. When I reached office, I saw many employees waiting in the lobby. I guess they were the chosen ones. Suddenly I felt a surge of sadness in me after I get to swipe in. I wonder whom I know will be retrenched. I quickly sms my family and told them that I am safe, for now.

As 3rd Feb went by, I found out that many colleagues that I know and whom I have worked with closely are all chosen to be retrenced. I felt very mood-off to work or do any report but at the same time there was an issue during CNY week that caused 7-wafers to be scrapped under my department. Whole day was just compiling report for my department and also multi tasking for the 7-wafers scrapped report. At the same time, I was being updated by another colleague who was being retrenched. When I saw the names, I felt... "Why them? Don't they have high technical knowledge?"... many questions but all are unanswered as these are the decision of the management. No one knows how the management thinks.

Well, I can see sadness on colleagues from other departments. They are so low moraled by the event. Seeing my colleague's desk all cleaned up really made me feel sad. I had to embrace a smiley face to be positive and not totally affected by the event. I guess we are all affected by the economic crisis, be it direct or indirect. Be positive even if a negative event happen. It happens for a reason. I thank God that I have family and friends are all very concerned about me. I thank them all.

Today is 4th Feb and it seems that there were still others being retrenched. Well, life still goes on. Total 600 people were retrenched from my company to cope with the down-turn of the economic crisis. I do wish them good luck in their coming adventure. Be happy always my friends...

PS:- Sorry, no pictures to post. And I heard those who got retrenched, had good packages (based on years of service). Highest paid was 19.5 years. WOW!!!

Back To Reality After a Long CNY Holidays

I guess when CNY holidays are over, then it is really time to go back to reality.. the world of working adults. I have really enjoyed my CNY holidays where I get to meet my ex-colleagues in Sarawak and some old friends. After all, CNY is about getting together and keep in touch with friends and family. Unfortunately, I did not meet my family this year. Mom came over to SG last year, so this year I took a break from my family. Haha...

As I turned on my mobile once I arrived SG, I received an SMS from my colleague regarding a long awaiting bad news and to be exact it will be announced on 3-Feb (I read my company's email directly from the CEO). Hmm.. I guess 2009 is gonna be a tough year and I need to be strong to embrace the bad times we are facing now through the economic crisis.

Currently, this is the picture that is on my desktop. Everytime when I look at this picture, I will recall the happy times I had with my darling at Jurong Birdpark. The rich colors of the coat reminds me how rich my life is, in good times or bad times. I am happy eventhough I am facing a bad turmoil but hey, everyone has to go on with life. For me, to be happy in life is to take everything positively. Take the worse as a positive gesture then it is easier to make life go on smoothly. Well, it is easier said than done... yea... I know... but honestly, if you start to take things positively of your current situation, it is much easier to live your life even in bad times. All I can say is that just live life to the fullest and be happy. Try not to be sad all the time because it will make things worse. Anyways, I wanna wish all of you out there all the best in everything while facing the economic crisis. Be happy and smile always as smiling helps produces out endorphines and this helps you to see things positively.