Watch and learn

This weekend has sent the clockwork in my head into overdrive. I simply could not keep up with the pace at which the melange of mind-blowing information was being fed to me involuntarily and ripping me abruptly away from the growing-up phase. Suddenly, the monsters living out in those prime time TV serials have all crawled into my life to live just next door. My perception of the adult world just gained another facet, one that isn't pretty to look at at all. But it will be a lesson learnt from the victims of circumstances that I will cross fingers and toes not to commit.

We all have to grow old, but I'll only do so with you

I had the most amazing birthday week.

The entire nation was rustling to a restless rhythm last week when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came to town as part of their SEA tour. It's one of the many times when I thank this job of mine for giving me the chance to strike off one item on my bucket list.

 The event brought the British community out in full force - as well as the Royal Couple's Singaporean fans - to welcome them at Strathmore. I was just across the media pit and was lucky enough to snap this beautiful shot of an English mother bringing her toddler out to catch a glimpse of the Royal Couple,  together with a zealous fan of the couple posing for a shot for the ST Online camera.

The crowd - and media alike - were thrown into a frenzy. Because the whole community was waiting for this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

I'll have to admit; I'm still starstruck. There was definitely something so magical about the Duke and Duchess which kept everyone so awed. The small gestures they exchanged, the way they glanced at each other, how they always complete each other so well... Everything about them took my breath away. Kate was contented in a Raoul blouse-and-skirt and her L.K. Bennett pumps, of which the latter has been prudently worn over and over again on many occasions. And it wasn't difficult to spot her sapphire wedding ring even from a distance - a reminder of her humble upbringing yet royal marriage. This experience will be the one I will bring with me as a reminder to always stay frugal and thankful no matter how temptations lurk. Thank you, William and Kate.

Of course, my very own prince in shiny armour planned me a lovely birthday.

This is the umpteenth time I've said this - I'm suckers for simplicity. I'm a habitual skeptic, so bombastic shows of affection are nothing but hot air to me. Instead, I crave the bare basics because I need the fundamentals to keep myself grounded in this flamboyant world of change; it is often easier to lose one's footing and fall head first into a freak show than to stay sane and logical.

Since my birthday gift from le Fiance this year is a bowling ball, it made perfect sense to spend some time improving on my mediocre skills. Haha. Nevertheless, I believe it's a blessing in disguise; it gave us another level on which we could bond and interact.

Plus I was treated to an ear feast at Jane Zhang's concert. 

The concert would have been more memorable if it hadn't been for the lazy audience, who remained unmoved and reserved throughout the concert. Having been a performer myself, Jane's disappointment was visible despite her stellar performance. Nevertheless, she executed every song beautifully, pitch-perfect and nothing short of stunning. One guy even took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend. Despite the crusty old-fashioned proposal, we both cried tears of happiness for them, only because it takes one to know another. And she said yes, too. :)

Then le Fiance let me loose at Brewerkz - another item to strike off my bucket list. I haven't seen him allow me to drink in public so willingly before, and I was truly appreciative of that. I'm definitely getting better, judging by how we could hold intelligent conversations past midnight.

I'm well-fed, thankful and geared up for this next leap before our year-end vacation.