Netbook

Finally had enough of the jurassic sized (and aged) notebook my company gave me and decided to get myself a netbook to make my travels easier. Besides, our home notebook was already 5 years old so it was time for a change. Ended up getting an Acer Aspire One Happy netbook. What I love most about the netbook is how light it is --- at only 1.25kg, I can easily slip it into my handbag and carry it around with me. Plus it comes with a built-in camera so I can easily video call to Ed and Patch when I'm away from home.  :)

2nd Property

Ed and I have been diligently saving towards getting a second property in Singapore. Property investment in Singapore is highly attractive as it offers lower risks (compared to other countries and investment options) due to the limited land coupled with the increasing population. In the short term, we see a second property as a supplementary source of income. In the longer term, we see it as a means to upgrade to a bigger property --- if need be, we will sell both properties in order to purchase a larger property.

Yesterday however the Singapore government once again introduced further measures to cool the overheating property market. Where previously we needed to pay 30 percent downpayment (up from 20 percent the preceding year), we now have to fork out 40 percent downpayment e.g. a property with a value of SGD1m will entail a downpayment of SGD400,000! PLUS owners who sell their property within the first 4 years (up from 3 years previously) will be subject to pay stamp duty (usually borne by the buyer).

We had hoped to purchase a second property at the end of this year but now, in light of the most recent measures, we will need to delay our plans. Naturally, we are both very disappointed and frustrated. It almost seems as though we were pursuing a moving goalpost. Still, I'm not giving up. I still believe that property investment is the way to go in the long run. We just need to continue saving and be patient.

Blood Test

We went to the doctor's today to do a blood test. The doctor took like 1 whole minute just to withdraw sufficient blood from me but only 5 seconds for Ed. Once it was over, I was immensely relieved. I then went to the ATM to withdraw money for the payment. When I got back to the clinic, the doctor had bad news: he had mixed up the tubes so, to be safe, he suggested we do a second withdrawal!?! At that moment, I felt like this was someone's joke on me --- I've always had a deeply rooted fear for blood withdrawals. But there was no other way around it, it had to be done. My only consolation was the doctor gave us a discount on the final bill; 10 percent for Ed and 20 percent for me because I was more terrified.  ;p

Singapore Citizenship

Today is a momentous day: Ed converted his citizenship. You know what that means? I am now the wife of a Singaporean.  ;)

iMac vs. 3D LED TV

Ed and I are in a dilemma: we can't decide whether to get the iMac or a 3D LED television first. Initially, the plan had been to get a smaller (and cheaper) LCD TV for our master bedroom and a Macbook to replace our current notebook (which is almost 5 years old). But then we saw the iMac and thought it would look great in the study area so that moved up the priority list. And then today, we went to Harvey Norman and realised that prices of 3D LED televisions have dropped! So for the same price (almost), we can either get the iMac OR a 3D LED television. Talk about having to make tough decisions.  ;p

Reed Diffusers

Been hunting high and low for a reed diffuser to make our home smell nice(r). Bought one from BHG that cost SGD39.90 and thought it was a pretty good price. Following day, found another one at King & King Wong that cost only SGD12! Ended up buying 2 bottles so now we have 3 bottles of reed diffusers at home. Place smells heavenly.  :)

Patch's New Collar

Bought Patch a new collar with sparkling stones and dangling bones. Ed thinks it's too girly. I think it's cute. Patch looks pretty pleased with his new collar.  :)