Princess R.I.P. - 01 Aug 2008

I will always remember you, Princess - the love of my life.
From: Daddy

Princess Nam

10 March 2008 - 01 August 2008

Lord has brought her home to heaven

7:35pm: I have just arrived the gym and received a long distance call from DT, who's travelling in HK, telling me that Princess has just fainted, and appeared very weak. Prior to that, she has vomitted profusely. Immediately, I phoned Lynn, who was at home with Princess, to rush her to the Vet's. Likewise, without changing out of my gym attire, I packed my bag and dashed out of the Orchard building.

Location of the vet: Yishun St 71, Blk 716. A place that I have no idea how to reach and flipping through the road directory didn't help.

7:45pm: Talked to DT and Lynn on the phone. Both of them were anxious coz Princess seems to be dying. DT starting crying.

8:00pm: Lynn was reaching the vet's. Princess was almost motionless. Breathing was faint. Eyes staring out of the taxi car window. Lynn noticed Princess was getting into minor fits as she clenched her paws.

8:15pm: I was still on the road, somewhere in Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang and clueless how to get to the destination. Persistently, I drove as fast as I could and tried to figure out by reading the signboards along the way.

8:25pm: Somewhere along Yishun Ring Road. Very close to the clinic. Received DT's call. DT appeared extraordinary calm, and told me to drive slowly and carefully. What came next cut my heart like a knife. PRINCESS HAS DIED. I screamed my lungs out and prayed so hard to God to keep Princess alive. I thought DT was joking. No, this couldn't have happened to my bouncy and hyper-energetic Princess!

8:26pm: Called Lynn. It was the first time I heard her sobbing uncontrollably over the phone. She repeatedly said" Princess is dead, Princess is dead!" The phrase shot through my eardrums and I swore I almost couldn't breathe.

8:35pm: Finally. Reached Blk 716, Yishun ST 71. Banged so hard and the gate opened; Dr. Kenneth greeted me gently, but looked very solemn. I ran into the consultation room and saw Lynn squatting, face flustered, tears pouring as she kept blaming herself for causing her death because she should have taken better care of Princess.

And there Princess was, cold and motionless on the surgeon's table. I felt so dizzy and faint. I could have collapsed, but after seeing Lynn's state, I told myself to be strong. I swallowed my tears, walked towards Princess and gave her a big hug and caressed her motionless body.

Dr Kenneth had a conversation with me thereafter and suspected that Princess's death could have been caused by intoxication. She could have licked or consumed some poisonous substance. But the main reason was due to suffocation - fluids in the lungs. The fluids could have been the vomit that Princess kept swallowing during her bouts earlier.

Soon, I walked back to Princess and gave her a farewell kiss. Her eyes weren't closed. I knew she suffered a lot, even though Dr Kenneth tried to console us by saying that she has passed away peacefully. Tears welled up my already swollen eyes, but I forced myself to be calm and collected. I needed to do that for Lynn.

9:05pm: We drove off from the clinic. Lynn and Princess sat at the rear seat. On the journey back home, the car was filled with sniffing sounds and the occassional sobs from the both of us.

9:45pm: Home. Uncle had dug a grave behind the house and we buried Princess there.

11:15pm: After consoling Lynn and ensuring she was better, I left the house. I had to bid Princess a last goodbye. Drove back to the grave spot and sat down beside Princess. Tears rolled down my cheeks freely. I was alone and I have to release my emotions at that very moment, without hesitating.

"Princess, Daddy is sorry. I should have spent more time with you, to play with you and hug you more. I am very very sorry. Daddy really loves you very much. Do you know there are so many things that I want to do with you together? We can go to the beach, have a walk along the park, gardens and visits to pet farms. There is also so much that I want to tell you, do you know that?"

Sweet love, I know you are very tired at this moment. I understand. Have a long good sleep. Don't worry, God will take care of you for me until the day Daddy joins you. I promise I'll look for you then and be with you one day. Daddy promises. Don't cry, Princess. Don't cry. I know you will miss Daddy. Daddy misses you too. But for now, rest well my baby, rest well. I love you forever, I really do. "

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I'm really sorry I have to stop writing now. I can't continue anymore.

Princess, Daddy loves you always.

Just a summary of the 1st half of July

It's been a crazy, hyper-active 2 weeks for me this July. I can possibly sleep like a log now, if not for the downloading of the wonderful tunes from DJ Jack and DJ Louis on facebook at this moment.

I have commenced work, as many friends would have known by now. Although new to this electronics/printer industry, the learning curve has been steep. Taxing from all the reading and trainings, but am very very happy and blessed for a wonderful Boss, great colleagues and a caring Company.

Just last Friday, the Company had an Amazing Race recreational activity and my team was placed first! WOW!! I must have ran close to a good 10km altogether. Luckily I still had the stamina, but my poor soles went sore for the weekend. Ha ha!!! :P

Other noteworthy events included Benjamin's marvelous birthday dinner at PS Cafe and party thereafter at St James last Sunday; Kevin's fabulous trip to London and Paris, now as we speak; a fantastic dinner date with DT on 10 Jul at FunMart, Lim Chu Kang; and the blissful birth of 6 sweet puppies from our Border Collie - Snowy.

Photos of the newborns will be placed in this space soon. SO STAY TUNED! :)

Very Happy Stanley

Gimme more...Dr Brandt Suncreen NOW!!

Oh man, I have been (almost) burnt alive under the scorching sun of this sunny isle - Singapore.

To protect my skin from being damaged and getting blemishes or worse still, freckles, I purchased the Dr Brandt Daily UV Protection - SPF 30 - face colorless.

The sunscreen applies greaselessly onto my skin and as it's colorless, it actually lightens and brightens my face immediately. However, the lotion is rather thick, hence, dabble just half of a 5-cent coin should be sufficient. Don't be greedy. Less is more or risk blocking your pores and aggravating pimples from forming.

Overall, the product delivers relatively well. It's frangrance-free and a bottle like this is enough to last up to 3-4 months. The only setback is the density of the lotion. Dr Brandt Daily UV protector retails for S$70 at a 2nd storey beauty and skincare boutique at Robinsons Shopping Centre, Somerset.

Stanley's rating - 3/5

Sleepy Hollow Stanley

Insomnia, a word that rarely associates with Stanley Nam - someone who perpetually sleeps anywhere, anytime, regardless of whatever situation and scenario. And note, I never had jet lags ever, even during my cabin crew days.

Yet it has been haunting me for the past 2 weeks.

I have been wondering what is going on in me: Is it a decline in my health? No. I can still bench massively in the gym and eats well. Is it emotionally? Yeah, probably true. Guess all the pressure's been piling up onto me ever since my relationship lit the red light. In additional, the anticipation of a new job in July, changes from a busy routine to an unstructured lifestyle and the increasing responsibility towards my family amounted to a greater proportion in the stress level.

Nevertheless, like what Ms Christina A said, "I'm a fighter". Hakuna Matata (I hope I spelled right), meaning 'Be Happy, Don't Worry'. All will turn out well eventutally.

Guess I need to rely on counting sheeps for the time being. Hahaha!!

Black-eyed (Kung Fu) Panda,
Stanley

Stanley's Farewell Lunches

This is a thank you message to my dear friends at the IT company that I have just departed from:

I have enjoyed the 1 1/2 years here with you guys and ladies. Each and everyone of you are special in my heart and I shall never forget the wonderful times and joy that we have shared. I feel blessed having you and it's a pity that I have to move on. All the best and good luck in everything and have a great life.



Love,
Stanley

Prive @ Keppel Island (Must-try entertainment hangout)

Stanley was invited to attend an all-boys gathering at Prive on Sunday; and we were there to support our pal, DJ Shigeku, who was guest spinning at the decks.

The sleek and trendy bar, located at the Marina on Keppel Island (off mainland Singapore and across Sentosa), was a spectacular feast for the eyes as sparkling lights, Caribbean-styled apartments and floating yachts greeted as I stepped into the Prive Gastrobar.

The waterfront, comfy lounge sofas and dimmed lights brought about a relaxed, romantic and soothing mood for guests present. Sipping the night away with champagne and other wild concoctions of cocktails was a breeze (excuse the pun) as the airy and spacious watering hole has made me forgotten that I was in Singapore but somewhere in Brazil or the beaches along Santa Monica.

I heard the entertainment hub comes with Prive the Restaurant, a cosy 88-seater; and Prive Bakery Cafe, a must-go venue for pastries, breads and deserts lovers.

Wonderful~ Now we have another option for chill-out sessions in the future.

25 Minutes (too late) at Thai Express, Vivocity

Good service is imperative in today's wine and dine dictionary, regardless of whether it is a top notch 5-star restaurant, fast food outlets or even a snack bar along Orchard Road.

I was with my buddy at Vivocity on Sunday and being a self-proclaimed foodie (not yet a gourmet), I was spoilt for choice by the variety of eateries at the mega mall. Finally, we set our decision on Thai Express, as I have missed their beloved Pad Thai dearly.

I was surprised that we didn't have to wait for a table, considering it was dinner time on a busy weekend. Upon entering the restaurant, the hostess signalled our table at the far right corner on the side and we made our way without being ushered.

Just as we sat down on our seats, the server cleaning the table beside ours dropped his tray and spilled a whole glass of ice water on the floor, table and onto my pal's denim jeans. The poor guy looked flustered and immediately went to fetch a cloth to clear up the mess. The manager on duty came running with a stack of tissues and I thought she was offering them to my friend.

Oh boy, was I wrong.

She took the tissues and began wiping the table ONLY. We were totally ignored. Oh Lordy!

Nevermind about that, we ordered my Pad Thai and his Tom Yum Chicken broth glass noodles. While placing the orders, two girls sat down on the table next to ours (yes, that same table).

My bud and I were chatting happily and unknowingly, 25 minutes had passed. The slurping sounds of the girls eating joyfully caught my attention.

They were having Pad Thai and Tom Yum Chicken broth glass noodles. The very same order as ours, only made 10 minutes later than us.

I turned and stared at my friend. I swear the same thoughts were going through our heads - the waiteress who took our orders had given the female patrons our food.

A hungry man is an angry man. But being all poised and collected always, I kept my cool and asked for the waiteress. She strolled to our table and after hearing my enquiry, replied,"You have to wait."

In less than a minute, our dishes were chucked onto the table. Neither an apology nor eye contact were made from the waitress.

Regardless of how big the portion was or how great my Pad Thai tasted, my gastronomic experience was ruined, BIG TIME.

I swear I will never return to the same Thai Express outlet again.

Stanley's verdict (out of 5 bleats) -
(The Pad Thai has saved the restaurant from total shame)

Pietrasanta - Cool Italian Restaurant

Stanley was with his beautiful girlfriends - Josephine and Carina last Friday at Pietrasanta for a nice dinner and chill-out session.

Set in a nostalgic background of colonial old-world black and white house, this one-storey cottage restaurant is named after a small town in northern Tuscany, Italy.

We ordered quite a lot of fanfare, from mouth watering appetizers such as Black Mussels in White Wine and Fresh Tomatoes and Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Grana Padano E Ruccola, or Thinly Sliced Beer Tenderloin with Rocket Salad and Shaved Parmesan with Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing.

Main course were the black squid pasta and stuffed meat penne with tomato sauce. To sweeten the deal, we had the wonderful Semifreddo Cioccolato Bianco e Muscato, or White Chocolate and Muscato Wine Parfait and Tiramisu.

The total bill - Only S$150. Not bad for the great ambience and taste, although the service was a tad slow as they had a shortage of staffs.

Stanley's verdict (out of 5 bleats) -

Here's the address:
5B Portsdown Road, #01-03 Wessex Estate, Singapore

Note: Please book in advance to guarantee a table as all nights are usually full.