Books & Buildings

Look at this lovely new book cover! I just went Woah! when I saw it. Clearly, it's Artane with that lovely strand of beach. Sigh.

Maybe, just maybe I may buy it for fun? Because this is not a new book at all, it contains 2 stories in one which I have already read before.

Yesterday, I made a trip down to Orchard with my brother to try my luck on getting my hands on One Enchanted Evening.

I knew Borders would not have it but I went to check it anyway. We bought drinks from Coffee Club and walked down to Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City.

I was to make a reservation for the book. I didn't know know exactly what the person told me. She said that because it was the first time in print and just came out in the States, they don't know if their suppliers are getting the book or not. And they will contact me about it. But, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks for it to arrive.

What I am worried about is that I won't know it if they contact me on my phone. Last time, they called me twice and I didn't pick up because I was working. It was by sheer luck that I went down to check and found that my books had arrived.

I suppose I can recognise the number though. In my estimation, it won't take more than 2 weeks for the new book to arrive in Singapore. However, that goes my hope for ever getting it in time for my birthday.

See? That's why I lament living in a place far away from the happenings of the world, particularly USA. When there are good things going on, we're the "last" to receive it. If we ever want to learn more, we have to fly halfway across the world to get it with the air ticket being freaking expensive.

Yes, I know, there are advantages and disadvantages living in different countries.

Don't get me wrong. I do love Singapore. It's just that we are so backward in certain aspects, like entertainment. We may be ahead and con-current with world news but when it comes to entertainment matters, no way.

We can see it but we can't touch it. And it hurts.

After that, we took the Circle Line for the first time since its recent opening to Marina Bay. Boy, did we walk a long way from Promenade Station to Marina Square.

Met up with the rest of family at Dian Xiao Er for an early celebration of Mothers' Day.

Then, we walked down to The Helix. It's rather beautiful. Steel beams interweaving each other to form an overhead. As usual, there were lots of people all wanting to get a first look at the newly erected Marina Bay Sands.

It's just too bad that we didn't manage to get into the building since the narrow walkway was chock full of people and we ended up getting stuck. We did a U-turn and went back.

Ahh well, when everything officially open at June, we will go back.

We were all sweaty and tired. Actually, we wanted to have a drink at Coffee Club but there were no seats for us. We then went to Starbucks at Suntec City.

Went home afterwards and watched a few snippets of Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King. Even though I have watch it many times, I still can't get enough of the movie.

In Which We Talk of Books

If there is one thing I can't live without, it would be books. And chocolates and Internet and laptop and ice-cream...

Anyway, back to the main topic, which the title already displayed clearly.

Hooray for the industry! Not so much for my pocket. There are a couple of new novels coming out and I'm getting them! What else is new?


First of, surprise, surprise from Stephenie Meyer!

She is releasing a new novella titled "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner". After a year or more hiatus, it's awesome she is releasing this. Although, this novella was written before Twilight was published. It is originally meant for the Twilight Guide but it's too long to be included, so, now it's a stand-alone.

I love the cover! Its matching cover with the rest of the Twilight saga books means that it is meant to be a collectible. I can't wait to read the darker side of the Twilight vampire universe. All we ever read was the good side and sometimes, the other side. This story does not have a happy ending, that I can say as much.

Some fans are not too happy about this piece of news. They wanted Midnight Sun. Me? I'm thrilled with whatever Stephenie gives. Of course, who doesn't want Midnight Sun? However, she is in no obligation to owe fans anything. I think some mistook that fact.


This is also Twilight-related. It's a graphic novel. There is two volumes to it and what I'm most thrill about is that I can finally see how the characters look like. Really. Non of that movie-'nonsense'. No Robert Pattinson look-a-like here.

It's here in Singapore but unfortunately, it's so expensive! I don't understand why. Amazon and Borders USA are selling it at US$11+, in Singapore, a freaking S$36+. Do the conversion and you will see that the bookstore is extorting us. Urgh. I now wonder if I should ask my friend to help me get it instead.

Last but the the least, the novel on my book watchlist, One Enchanted Evening by Lynn Kurland.

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Yay! I've been waiting for this for a long time. At first, it was to be Isabella's story. Now, apparently, it's Montgomery's. It's great though. He is one of my favourite characters in the De Piaget family.

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I can't wait till he met his 'fairy'! Love the book cover, it's of Sedgewick castle, the place where they met. It will be out on April 27th. I'll give it a few days to reach Singapore's shores and off to Kinokuniya!

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I sincerely hope the novel will be there. I'm going to get so angry and upset if there isn't.

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During the period of obsession with Kurland's novels, what I can find in the library database, I reserved and booked them with a small fee. I spent a not-so-small amount buying the others, even flying them in from overseas (without extra charges).

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All in all, I'm pretty pleased with myself. I managed to read most of her novels, except one or two.

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This is the novel not to be missed. Lynn Kurland is publishing a novel each year, at least that's her plans. I like people who have plans and stick to them.

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Actually, all these new books here are not to be missed. Alas for my funds then. Although, what's a little money in exchange for happiness and fantasies?

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Rockin around the shopping centres

These past weeks had been pretty fun.

On the next day after my last paper, 10th December, my father was going to take us to the newly opened 313 @ Somerset.

My brother and I were to take the MRT and meet my father there.

Was I because I was ill the couple of days before or due to some dire problems I have no idea of or hypoglycemia? Suddenly, in the middle of the ride, I started to break out in cold sweat and then for a while my vision turned black, I could hardly see my brother's face and the other things in the MRT. I was sure that my face must have turned ashen. I was really afraid I'm going to faint in the train, and not only was that embarrassing, but horrible.

In the end, with my brother in tow, I alighted at Orchard MRT station, one station before Somerset and went in search of toilet as I felt like puking. Went to Wheelock Place, a similar place to me and was starting to feel fine. However, I didn't want to risk another encounter like that ever so I wanted to go home. By then, my father still haven't arrive.

Finally, I wanted to get some sugar into me and was thinking of nursing a glass of cold, sugary drink. My better judgement got hold of me so I ordered a cup of hot chocolate instead. I was still feeling weak and mortified.

Walked around Borders for a while because my father said he would be there in half-an-hour. I was already alright and we had lunch at Sakae Sushi. Next, we went to our destination as planned.

313 @ Somerset wasn't officially opened since there are so many shops still under closed doors. But, I still had fun. Tried out the Cold Rock creamery, it is good. I was planning to buy my Christmas present at Esprit but the bag I wanted was out of stock.

We then went to Marina Square to try our luck. The bag I originally wanted didn't look so nice after a second glance. So, I bought another model.

As the car was parked at Suntec City, we walked around Suntec City for a bit. We saw that the Ralph Lauren store was having a up to 70% sales and went in. Wow, it's full of people though no clothes caught my eye.

We were going to come back on Saturday and asked my mother to check it out.

Went back on Saturday and was shocked that almost all the clothes were gone. All that's let was children clothing and some loose pieces.
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The week after, my father and mother took leave and we went for a day's tour in Singapore. Since we are not going anywhere for the holidays. In the end, we hung around VivoCity for the whole day.
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Watched Planet 51 in the afternoon. It is a pretty funny movie, very nicely done with a different plot.
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Ate an early dinner at Earle's Swensens. Still didn't really like it. I prefer the normal Swensens.
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We then went to buy our presents for the other person we had randomly picked.
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By nighttime, we were tired and our original plan to visit Night Safari ended up not being fulfilled.
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It was a good day for me.

Ha, got my hands on it

Woohoo! I finally got my hands on Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles! And it's all due to sheer luck and some perseverance.

Alright, so I haven't tried 13 times but I certainly did make useless trips to Kinokuniya and Borders.

Yesterday morning , I went to see the dermatologist at Novena medical centre with my father and than I left for Orchard while my father went to work.

I went traipsing from Borders at Wheelock Place to Kinokuniya at Takashimaya. My destination to be was actually Kinokuniya because I wanted to order some novels. Yes, I was planning to order in Thirteen Chances.

However, I decided to make a trip to Borders first. I don't know what prompt me to do that but it certainly was right. Searched for it under the new releases section to no avail. I was going to give up when I went further down the aisle to the Romance section and 'lo and behold!', 2 copies of Thirteen Chances are sitting on the shelf!

I was grinning to myself as I check the book for defects. Happily paid for it. Oh well, Borders may mark up the prices but I'm willing to pay a little more if it means I can get my books on the spot. I may be the customer and have every right to choose which bookstore to patronise but what's a girl to do when only one bookstore offers the coveted novel.

Walked to Kinokuniya and double-checked the shelves. Already I knew the chances of them to update their shelves are minimal, however, I can't help but to check again. No such luck.

Placed an order for two of Lynn Kurland's novels with the staff.

It felt good and at the same time, I felt a little guilty. To add to my defense, the only things in life I indulge in are branded ice-cream, chocolates and books and some other stuff. Besides, I just got my pay and I haven't treat myself for that traumatic experience, nevermind that I'm suppose to save all...

Went home and started reading Thirteen Chances. I'll do a review for it in another entry.

Great day!

Had a great day yesterday! My mother was due for her eye check-up at Raffles Hospital after her surgery and I tagged along with my parents because I wanted to go to Borders and Kinokuniya.

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The check-up was surprisingly fast and we were on our way to Orchard at about 10 plus.
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We parked at Nee Ann City and I had a curry puff before walking to Ion Orchard to cross the underground linkway to Wheelock Place. I was feeling particularly like the tourists on the walk-way. The sun was not shining too brightly and the streets were quite empty for once. What a lovely feeling!
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This was my parents’ first time in Ion since my father hated crowds. The shops are opened and we decided to shop around later as I wanted to go Borders first. Had a hard time finding the linkway to Wheelock Place since this was only my second official time there.
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As usual, Borders fails to satisfy and amuse me. I’m beginning to feel irritate at it. The books I want are not available, even Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles which was just released from USA. I get it that importation takes time but why can’t my wish came true?
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In the end, I bought a novel by Lynn Kurland, the only available title at Borders. I’m wondering if they ever take stock and update their collection. This is not funny at all. I asked about the special orders from overseas and it will cost me $6.90 extra for each book.
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Walked to Ion again, this time to do window-shopping. Love the feeling of spaciousness! Decided to do lunch at the so-called famous Food Mall. It was quite empty except for a few patrons as lunch time was still not here.


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Finally found what I’ve been looking for! Royce Chocolate brings back fond memories of the memorable trip to Hokkaido 2 years ago. I remembered visiting the shop in Hokkaido and my auntie buying and sharing the chocolate squares on the bus.

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Royce is tucked away in a small corner at B4 at Ion. The store is awash in blinding white and gives it a clinical yet pristine feel. The various types of chocolates are displayed prominently in glass squares.
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One of the staff served us and let us tried the Champagne and Bitter Nama Chocolates. It is heavenly. Bought a box of Bitter Nama Chocolates which cost $15 and is stored in this silvery material to keep it cool for 5 hours. I’ll try the other products next time. The Potatochip Chocolates looks delicious...

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S$115 (Not by scale)

S$115 (Not by scale)

(Not by scale)

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Did more window-shopping. Gazed in wonderment at the prices of the Swarovski crystals figurines at Swarovski. The lighting effects and the cuts of the crystals make it shine and dazzle. Of course, it makes my hands itch. I’ve a soft spot for cute things. A couple of the crystal figurines caught my eyes and I went squeal.

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Went to ThreeSixty Marketplace located at F4 of Ion. It was so cold in there. And it will no doubt make you feel colder when you see the prices of some of the fruits. $68 for a watermelon, anyone? How about $100+ bunch of the finest grapes from Japan?

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Walked back to Takashimaya and we went to Kinokuniya. I looked for my books and finally bought another novel from Lynn Kurland. That’s it. I’m reserving the other titles from the library in Singapore. No chance in getting Thirteen Chances.
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I asked the Information counter about it and was told it will be here in about 2 week times. Once again, I asked about the special orders and it will cost me no extra to import a book. Wow, Kinokuniya really went my book-O-metre.
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I’ll probably go back in 2-3 week times to see.
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Went to the food section at Takashimaya and bought drinks. The boxes at the various chocolate stores are so pretty and cute! I’d love to get my hands on them.
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Bought some vegetables from Cold Storage and went home.
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What a morning! It’s been quite some time that the 3 of us went out on a weekday, to Orchard no less. One of favourite places in Singapore. Window-shopping is better than none at all.

I want that novel

Noooo!

Looks like I can't go to Borders or Kino next week. I should wait at least 2 weeks for the shipment to come in before spending money to make a trip to town and ended coming back home empty-handed.

I truly hate the bookstores in Singapore! @#$%*! And the libraries too!

I always envy those who can get books like this *with a snap of the fingers*.

I searched through Borders website in the US and Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles is selling there. So is BarnesandNoble.com and amazon.com. Arghhh! I want that novel!

I can always ordered it through websites but it will take too long and I'm paranoid about people making off with the credit card number.

Singapore can be so stagnant in advancements...

Of holidays & Scotland

Yes, I know I didn't have time to update on the last post about the Volturi pictures. Well, that's going to wait until I reach home on Monday.

Was packing for the TNS 3 day stay in school starting tomorrow. *Sighs* It's like leaving home. What a hassle! I'm the kind of person who have lots of toiletries to take along and must have this and that.

I'm taking a sling-bag of clothes and towel, a backpack for the other stuff and a laptop bag.

Went to Borders first and Kinokuiya at Orchard area with a friend. I cna't find the novel I'm looking for! I'm kind of disappointed in Borders. It let me down, again and again.

In the end, I did buy one of Lynn Kurland's novel. I'm thinking about whether I should just ask them to pre-order it for me. When I have the time in the next few weeks, I'll make a trip down again.

I didn't even have time for myself! I want to rant on it. It's the holidays, why am I having all sort of activities?! Holiday is for me to enjoy and to relax!

My idea of relaxing is to curl up with a nice novel, music wafting by, and maybe some ice-cream to go by. Add Autumn breeze and the smell of lovely country-side to that and I'll have the perfect vacation. Too bad, this is Singapore.

Can't wait to make a trip to the Scotland Highlands. All these books about the wilderness and wonderfulness of the Highlands makes me swoon. The native language too. Scotland has moved up in the place of "a must to visit" countries in my list. Europe remains the top destination to go. But maybe, just maybe, Scotland and England will be my destination to go to first. Afterall, the exchange-rate is better?

Will stop here now.

Fun day & 5th quote

Today was fun.

Went to Borders at 3+ and guessed what, I left almost empty-handed. My father's prediction was right. Zzz... It's not my fault that Borders don't have the books I wanted. I'm so disappointed today. I was looking for Into Thin Air by Cindy Miles and many other books.
I only bought The tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K Rowling because it was on sale. The other books that I suppose I would buy, will be cheaper in Popular, so why waste money?

I saw this beautiful and sleek Twilight collector's collection. It cost $50+, gah I want it, but since I already have the Twilight book, then forget about buying it.

Good things come to those who wait, huh? I don't believe in waiting, unless my interest for that something has decreased. So, I'm pondering over whether I should wait for a longer period of time before acquiring Twilight DVD or just bought straight away when it's release. The longer I wait, the better the deal will become, it seems this way.

There are so many Twilight saga books in Borders. Almost makes me feel nostalgic.

After that, we went to the Singapore Flyer. My father's company had this offer for a 3-in-one family tour. We'll be in the air, in the water and on the land. Many people had signed up with their family.

Had to wait such a long time before sitting the Duck Tour though. One of the "ducks" was damaged and thus, the schedule was pushed back. This was my second time going on a Duck Tour.

Then came the Singapore Flyer part. We were actually supposed to go around evening time but it was 7+ when we were in the Flyer. It was a great experience although the view wasn't very nice. Too much construction going on and the city lights aren't that bright.

We went for the Christmas light-up Tour last. We sat on top of a open-decked bus and travelled through Orchard Road. This was the best! The wind blowing on my face, snapping photos away, and Christmas songs from the bus. We were almost like tourists, seeing Singapore for the first time.

Who say this year Christmas decorations isn't nice? It was really beautiful from our view. You just have to look up or look behind, and the whole road is aglow with the white lights and candies.
We seemed to have attracted attention along the tour. In the past, I was always down there or in a car, looking at these buses went by.

Something made my day today: spotting a giant Twilight poster on Shaw House and taking a photo of it. Actually, I took many shots at it, but the bus was jerking and the photos turned out blurry. Thankfully, I managed to take one decent photo.

I don't know what's wrong with my camera. There always seem to be a problem with it. Sometimes, the photos will turn out blurry even though I already set it to anti-shake mode. Day time photo-taking is mostly alright, it's the night-time that things will go wrong. The view will turn out to be blurry or just plain dark.

I'll probably upload the photos tomorrow. Enjoyed myself today even if my feet were killing me.

Oh yes, 5 more days to Twilight the movie!

5th quote:
"How strongly are you opposed to grand theft auto?" ~New Moon, pg 439, hardcover