Buffy's Injury.

Per my earlier post, Buffy got a very deep cut from her grooming last Friday. After a week, the wound has became worse and basically I could see the muscle tissues in the hole. With this, I decided to bring her to Dr Thiru (AMK Vet) as he's been the vet for Buffy since she was a puppy. Thing is, I felt that this cost should be beared by the groomer as it was their incompetence that resulted in the wound. I agree that Buffy is an active dog and she has suffered cuts with previous grooming but this time, the wound is so deep that it can't heal on its own. So, I asked Ami to tell the groomer/pet shop that I will be bringing Buffy to the vet and that I will be claiming the expenses against them.

This erupted into a heated discussion which made me realised that the groomer was not only incompetent in his line of work but also unprofessional.

Without listening to my reasoning, he was rude, loud and pushing the blame on the phone. He mentioned that my dog is an animal and that she moved while he was grooming her, dogs tend to be more tame and that Buffy was really active, when people walk into the shop dogs tend to be interested in finding out who they are and they move around etc - all these obviously pinning the blame of the wound onto Buffy. My thoughts - yes, she is a dog and yes she moves about but I am questioning the professionalism of handling the shaver. Knowing that this is an animal you are dealing with, shouldn't a groomer bear extra caution when handling a sharp object?

This was not all. I wanted Buffy to go to Dr Thiru as he's been treating Buffy for her tumor and skin problems early this year so I insisted on this. Without even bothering to listen to my explanation - they kept insisting for us to see their vet, saying that they've heard of experiences of other groomer's customers bringing the dog to see their vets and charging them the exorbitant prices since it was the groomers' fault and that their vet will give them preferential rates as they know them well or because they were from pet shop. They also mentioned that they charge only S$38 for grooming my dog and that they can't afford to pay my vet fees etc. My thoughts - firstly they were adamant that I was probably out to cheat their money and that my vet or I am probably unethical and the vet bills will come up to 5-600sgd. Or basically they have no trust in people or customers. Also, how will they know their vet is not 'cheating' their money if they assume that all vets are out to 'cheat' money? Will I go tell my vet ' hey, my groomer did this to my dog and since they are paying for it - you can charge them higher rates...'? Am I stupid or are you saying that I can't afford it?

My most peeved part is that they say they are taking responsibility for this as most other groomers will probably deny or keep quiet about it. I thank them for being honest but this is not taking responsibility. If a groomer really has the heart in his/her job and such a thing happen, I think followup with the cut after 3-4 days or giving me the medication to put on the wound or bringing her to the vet immediately would be something the person have done. Imagine this to be your own dog, would you leave it as it is?

Yong fetched Buffy today to let Dr Thiru take a look at it and examine her. I realised that the vet last night never examine Buffy's physical condition such as her heart beat before anesthetizing her and sewing her up. I am not doubting the competency of the vet but I am questioning parts of what I saw. Yes, Buffy had to go through this pain again. She had quite a lot of stitches and even their vet said that the cut will not heal on its own if left alone. This was a deep wound and at a part of her leg that is prone to stretching which will aggravate the wound. So, bringing her to the vet was definitely necessary. Dr Thiru took a look at Buffy this afternoon and Yong told me he shake his head when he saw the number of stitches on the wound (mind you it was not 1-2 stitches, it was way more than that). She's a strong dog but I couldn't help control my tears last night seeing her come out after the stitching. I just feel that she's really been through so much this year and this kind of stupid mistake is really dumb!

Again, the owner of the pet shop wrote a piece of 'documentation' stating that it was our choice to bring Buffy to Dr Thiru and any complications arising from this move will be beared by us and they asked Yong to sign it on the spot at the vet today. Which part of taking responsibility was this???

In the end, I just feel that these people are not fit to be pet shop owners or groomers. Reasons? Firstly, they do not understand that the dog is not JUST AN ANIMAL! To us owners, they are more than that to us, they are our companions, they have feelings too! Second, no part of the whole experience proved to me they were sincerely out to 'take responsibility' for what has happened. Blame my dog or any other dogs for moving while you are grooming them - like Yong says - post a note on your door stating that you don't groom dogs that move - this will not create such problems. Saying 'sorry' doesn't just wipe clean your responsibility - the wound is still there and its my dog that has to suffer not you.

So to people that read this blog and to those who have pets - read this experience of mine and if you think you don't want to let some groomers with mindset like this grooming your dog - please stay away from

Pet Nursery at Bishan.

Late Night + Full day.

Well, my day sucked. Work issues so I shan't write it out. Yesterday, I only managed to go to bed after 1am so I am all pooped out today when I woke up at 8am.

Around 10am, Yong's dad and me went over to the new house as the carpenters were putting in the kitchen cupboards, the bedroom wardrobe and the shoe cabinet. When we arrive, the electrical men were already fixing up the power points, SCV points and phone points.

Good news is - we will be getting the house by next week.

Bad news - I had to reschedule the delivery for all the household stuff we bought and furniture.

Spent close to half a day there looking at the men fix stuff and then went back to settle work stuff. Due to the lack of sleep, it was a real tiring day for me.

Ok. I've got a long day at work tomorrow so I am going to bed now. Toodles!

Photos!

Time to load some photos from the past day events..

First up, the bowling event that we had...

I hoped everyone had a blast that day.

Next, Buffy went for her haircut on Friday and she was cut! It was a deep wound and it was really scary but knowing Buffy, it has got to be her that was moving around.

Her wound..

Told her to sit..its like the wound was nothing to her...haiz..

Lastly, yesterday, Henry invited us to his Birthday Party. So here's some photos that Kok Loong took..his photos looks damn pro lor..Can't wait to get my own pro-camera..hahaha...

Happy Birthday Henry!

Bowling!

Finally, the event I was planning for my colleagues is over. For cohesion purposes, I was tasked to plan an event. After votes were tallied, we went bowling.

Didn't manage to win the best female bowler but I certainly did have tonnes of fun with my colleagues! Oh, we won the best team name! Charlie's Angels! We had 1 guy and 4 ladies but the guy's name wasn't Charlie though.

Really hope they had tonnes of fun too!

Do you grade your 'friends'?

This post was written after several days of pondering. In my earlier posts, probably couple months back, I had an 'event' with some or rather a 'friend' of mine. These few days, I got the feeling that I am being 'graded' or 'ranked' as a friend. So, the usual me, went to think about this..Do I rank/grade my friends? I came up with a pyramid (you know, like the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs with the most basic needs on the bottom if you don't go google it) with the most basic type of friend on the bottom to the most important ones on top...

Acquaintances - people that you meet, say hi and bye and are basically not that important in your life...

Friends - well, this is difficult to define for me because I don't know how to put people in this category after being back-stabbed.

Buddy - this..shopping buddy, drinking buddy, clubbing buddy and I learnt a new kind of buddy that I shouldn't mention here.

Companion - obviously people whom you seek out to accompany you and talk to when you are happy or upset or just need a listening ear.

Lastly, Soul mate - crappy as it may sound but sometimes in life, some people may never find some one that can take on the term 'Soul mate'.

Thing is, do people in your circle move up or down on this hierarchy? How do you justify their move? For me, I've yet to really differentiate between an 'acquaintance' and a 'friend' before. But now, I know that its not how you differentiate them but how they categorise you in their life. Some times to them, you are just not worth the effort or even better - they'll just give you the 'face-work' of being your friend. Shall I call them 'fakes'? But probably, this is how they make their life work. I remember learning in ESAP that making friends is equal to 'making use'. You always 'make use' or exchange needs with your friends. Seriously, I find this very true. Companionship, listening ears, BFFs - on the underside of it..you are just exchanging needs with each other.

I do know that I am lucky to find a couple of soul mate and some companions in my life.

Was telling Siti yesterday that my greatest regret would probably be losing contacts with many friends whom I've spent some of my happiest time with. I believe it really takes a lot of effort from both parties to keep any relationship going and this effort has to be relentless.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Heard on the Ellen DeGeneres show today this phrase:

' What's common between Coffee, Chocolate and Men?'

The answer?

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

' They are all better 'rich'.'

So so true?!!

hahaha..

Went to the bridal studio to choose the photos for our album..guess what? We chose 32 photos on the dot. Not one more and not one less!

All I can say - I can't wait to see Amos' creations...

Sending Ma off...

Last Friday, I had a blast with food..I should be starting my diet very soon as I realised yesterday I had put on another kg! Anyways, lunch time - Henry wanted to go to Tangs to get his perfume so I accompanied him there. He introduced me to a small restaurant in FarEast Plaza that sells Ayam Penyet (Malay dish whereby the meat are smashed flat and deep fried). It was really tasty! We ordered Gado-Gado as well.

Henry's drink - some blueberry thingy..look at the color...
Our Food!

In the evening, Ma was flying off on her annual holiday with her kakis to China. So, Yong drove Ma, me and mic to the airport to meet Ami to have dinner with her before her flight. Went to T3 to eat Char Chan Teng coz we were all famished! Some cam-whoring before dinner arrived...

After dinner, it was on to T1 for Ma to meet her friends. In the airport, there's always these acrylic boxes stated what items are dangerous and prohibited..so...
I should be dangerous!

Anyway, Ma's on her trip now and we all hope she'll come back safely.

What is LOVE?

How do you know the next one won't be better?

Can a marriage guarantee faithfulness?

How do you know if he/she is the ONE?

What is love?

These questions are frequently asked by people struggling in love or finding love or stuck in love or moving to the next 'level' in their relationship. I am also guilty of asking these questions some times and I realise there's no answers to them (although some try to give you their answers...)

I've seen so many many divorces that I always say I can write into a script for a movie or a TV drama because to normal people it will seem too absurd for it to happen in real life. Trust me, those that I've seen is real. It's just that some times I lose the faith in a so-called self chosen marriage because more often than not, I've seen it fail. Husbands abandoning their wives at times when they are most fragile, leaving their children to fend for themselves, wives moving on with their own life and leaving their family, relationships ready for marriage suddenly disappear into thin air and many many more of such cases. I've also seen a fairytale get together that also ended up in the lawyers' offices...

I am not saying that an arranged marriage will be the best but I do agree that parents' opinions matter. I once had a boyfriend that my mum 'rejected'. I seriously did not understand why but now, after growing older, I guess its' really just the intuition of my mum.

Also, I've seen people fight their way back and come out stronger than before. Finding love and cherishing it even more. I believe there are always 2-sides to a coin and really, nothing in this world is absolute.

I've told Yong many times about my doubts on signing on that piece of paper that allows us to get a HDB. What can it guarantee in my marriage? Some one told me, 'half your husbands' $$'. This is not a guarantee - it means failure in the marriage already! Seriously, the paper only announces that legally you are bonded but emotionally?

Its scary to some people that I am asking all these questions now but when some one asked me how much do I trust my significant other and I replied 'absolute trust', I was also questioned. But for me to say that I trust Yong probably is due to his upbringing and his personal rules that guides his life. Again, I am not saying that 'accidents' won't happen but if these are genuine accidents that happens on a one-off basis, I can forgive and forget. Than, some one asks what if these accidents occur over and over again (trust me, this was asked by more than 1 person on different occasions). I think - these are not genuine accidents....

To me, relationships are like ice-cream. When you are young, you are more adventurous to try out new flavors but as you grow older you realise that there are always the 2-3 flavors you tend to always pick out. Probably until you grow old, these are the 2-3 flavors that will accompany you till the end.

Is it possible that some people only stick to always eating 1 flavor?

Kudos to Amos.

Yong messaged me a while ago, ' Amos posted more photo! Go check it out...Hee.'

Thanks Amos...

Rested.

Am feeling more refreshed after the 10 hour sleep last night..Saturday morning was for facial, followed by a trip to the ID to choose our kitchen top, kitchen laminate, wardrobe laminate and shoe cabinet laminate. This took close to 3 hours and we are still rather undecided. Next will be to choose the paint colors for the house.

This morning, it was a trip to Ikea and Courts to see our appliances and home furnishings. This also took close to 5 hours.

What I wore today.

Yong saw me taking the photo and he wanted 1 too. Like it when he dresses like that.

First stop - Courts. We bought the bed for our new house - Sealy Posturepedic Medium Firm Mattress that came with a black bed frame. Was actually quite interested in getting a Serta mattress that was close to S$3,200 cause I was bent on getting the lamb/sheep they gave free with every mattress purchase (the one saw in the commercials). After consideration that Yong always complained about back, neck and shoulder aches I think Sealy might be a better choice and its cheaper too. I wanted to get a soft mattress - likes of those in hotels. Found out today that Ritz uses Sealy Soft mattress amongst other well known hotels. But again, for the sake of a better sleep, we chose the medium one.

Went over to Ikea for lunch. Had all the kids stuff cause we wanted to eat the hotdog and I wanted the curry puff. I think I'm having a mad craving for curry puffs, I just had TipTop Curry puff yesterday!

Our Lunch.

Yong revealed to me today that he liked to go Ikea but I was baffled. Reason? Every time we go Ikea, I get the feeling that he can't wait to get out. Like after walking and browsing, he'll say, 'Let's go already.' Maybe its the hype of getting his own house. This time we spend close to 3 hours in Ikea and I believe there are more trips to come...

Dinner tonight will be Pastamania. I know its Mothers' Day but no one was really hungry and there was housework to be done. Ami and I paid for this meal...

While we were cleaning the house, Ami told me that after seeing me go mad preparing for the wedding, she's afraid to go through it herself. I tried to explain to her - it really is crazy initially but I realised what I was trying to do was wrong. The motive behind my actions were all wrong.

Initially, I had wanted to make this a perfect wedding from the outside. Meaning I wanted people to tell me, 'Oh, the photos were great' or ' the gowns looks great' or 'the banquet was delicious' etc. No doubt some of these are the basics but I realised there's a deeper meaning to all these.

It was about Yong and me.

Right.

This only hit me at our recent indoor photo-shoot. Yong looking into my eyes and telling me how pretty I look that day.

This is the reason why we are doing this.

The look in his eyes were different, very very different. I've never seen it in our 8 years together. It was mesmerizing and it was telling me that he really meant what he said from the bottom of his heart. Though I never told him this after the shoots. I think he feels it too.

People always tell me not to spend so much money on the albums as after the wedding, you'll never flip or open it. I beg to differ. It's not the purpose of opening it to show others but more so to remind yourself what the feeling was like and why you are married to this man or woman. Call me a romantic or a sentimental but there's more meaning to taking photos in costumes or gowns because it's the process and the feeling felt when the shoot was done.

After 5, 10, 20 years into the marriage - there are times when a couple needs to be reminded of why they got together 5, 10, 20 years back. These are probably the reminders that will stand through time. I can't wait to see all the photos that we've taken.

A Very Big Thank You.

We've finally completed my photo-shoots. It's not been an easy day and I'm dead tired. Just showered and waiting for my hair to dry.

I want to say a very big thank you to some people here as they've made today possible for Yong and me...

First on the list - Ami! Thank you for taking a day off and following us around like our nanny. You've really been an ultra huge help to us today!! Muacks!!

Next up - Amos. Thank you for accommodating us on what we want and all the sweat/water weight you've lost today. I believe the pictures will turn out great. I must say that the one on your blog - I really do look fierce or lost or attentive....

Also, Chris..Thanks for helping us with the lights and ideas. Sorry for not giving you the 'feeling' you pictured for some shots..I not pro la...

Cherry, my makeup artist was great! I totally love the hairstyles she did for me today. Also, she was really open to suggestions and really friendly. Congrats again on your pregnancy!!!


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Ok. So this morning started at 6am for me. Was ungodly to wake up at that kinda timing but for the sake of looking pretty! Travelled to Cherry's house and started on my makeup and hair...

Cherry doing my hair.

Completed product....

Side view....

Really side....

Will post my other look when I get the photos from Cherry. She was using her hubby's camera..more atas...

After this, we went to do a shoot at GV, the place Yong and I had our 1st date. Than we went to Marina Barrage. Caught this while the guys were taking their 'break' before the shoot...

The 3 heroes of the day....

Amos looks damn cute here lor.....ah beng!

You know whose the one working hard....

After the shoot here, we took a break. Went back to Yong's house and Qingying was so shocked to see me..too pretty le la..white gown and all the makeup. Managed to catch an hour nap before heading off to Cherry's place for another makeup and hair change. The evening to night shot begun. I saw some of the photos on both Amos and Chris's camera and they looked pretty good. Can't wait to see some of the finished photos...

I stole this from Amos's blog....totally reminded us why we chose Amos for our shoots....

Thank you to everyone that has made this day possible for us. This includes the pedestrians...

New Hair style and Roxy....

I went and trimmed my hair on Tuesday during lunch hour. Met yong yesterday and he didn't realise I changed my hairstyle..but..he can remember the URL of my blog. Sometimes, I am just plain amazed by him. The stuff that I thought he will notice he doesn't but stuff I never thought he will remember - he does...

This morning, I walked to kitchen and back to my room..I saw Roxy coming out from Mic's room..so I scolded her..why she didn't come to say good morning to me...I wanted to take a picture of her but she was moving around..so..I scolded her again and she gave me this look...

Ain't she cute??

More shots of her from this morning...

I am seriously going to miss her loads after I shift out of the house....

Gramophone Buffy.

Why this title?

Because Buffy went to visit the vet again last Monday. Her hind leg (where the surgery last year was done) had broken skin. She was biting it - I think it was freaking itchy. That made the area bleed. I didn't know that alcohol was too strong for cleansing and after 3 days I realised that it wasn't getting any better so Yong took time off work and brought Buffy to the vet.

The vet gave her 2 creams and an antiseptic liquid that had to be mixed 1 part to 10 parts water. Yong was so cute - he went to my kitchen to get a plastic bowl to mix the mixture and used cotton to swab the skin when I had a dropper bottle. Anyway, its almost a week not and its almost healed. On Sunday, she made it for the photo shoot - can't wait for the photos to be out.

Today, she pee-d on the balcony floor so I had to clean it up before getting out of the house. To prevent her from licking or biting the scar after medication has been applied, the vet gotten her a cone (similar to after surgery). I asked her to sit on the stool for me to apply her medication and she never came down. It was just so cute - like the Gramophone dog.

My temperature today: 36.7

Tribute to my Mum...

I know its not Mother's Day yet but this post is not meant for Mother's Day.

My mum is on the front line battle with Swine Flu (I don't care if its re-named to Influenza A) as she works at TTSH. She was there during the SARS period as well and she volunteered to work in the unit that time. I believe if there's a need she will do it this time as well. It's freaking scary to see her on her mobile these days as she's always talking to other nurses.

I have to rant - she actually booked a package holiday with her usual travel kakis to go to China this month but due to the Swine Flu outbreak, she was asked to cancel her leave and not travel. Since she's out there fighting for Singapore, I don't understand why the travel agency have to charge her for cancelling the trip. Eh..you all want to serve at TTSH or not!? I think they won't even dare go to Novena! Ami and I told my mum that if the agency want to charge the cancellation even with TTSH director's letter, we will definitely bring this to the papers or such. Come on, these nurses are braving the viruses!

What I wore today - it was really cold since it rained so heavily this morning. I was aching from the photo shoot yesterday (don't ask why, if you really must know - go try it out) and didn't want to get up. But I had to go to HDB and Town Council to activate my electricity, water and to pay the conservancy charges for May. Bloody tired now...

Wedding Indoor Photoshoot...

Its that day! Went for my indoor photoshoot at my bridal studio. Forgot to take some photos of my hair but here are some photos for the day:

While making up - Ivy (my makeup artist) was on the phone...

Cam-whore...

More Cam-whoring...

Close up of my face...
Waiting for my next hair styling. I had a new hairdo with every outfit change. I had 5 outfit change for today and the photo shoot took us close to 6 hours!

Yong trying out poses...


All our nonsense..we came really well prepared with me bringing 6 pairs of shoes..yong bringing 2 shirts and 2 uniforms...hahaha.....

We had some photos taken with Roxy and Buffy. Thanks to Ami and Mic for bathing and fluffing them up this am and also bringing them down to the studio in the pm for the shoot. Love you guys!! Check out Mich's blog for their behind the scenes. Sorry for making you guys wait and wait. Muackz!



After the shoot was over, I had to go to a hair salon to wash my hair and get all the gunk out of my hair! My makeup - I can't remove the bloody liner! Its like a dark eye ring on my lids..hahaha..



Now, although tired, I have one more stop to make - to my outdoor MUA house to show her my gowns and to discuss on the schedules of my outdoor...

All I can say - its really tiring to pose like this, put your hands like that, smile here, look there, look down, sit here....hahaha....