Chap Goh Meh

Today is the Chinese version of Valentine day, 15th day of 1st moon of the Chinese lunar calender or commonly known as Chap Goh Meh.


Apple Tree used to receive many orders for bouquets on this day. Out of curiosiy I asked a customer why he chose to celebrate Chap Goh Meh instead of Valentine day. Hahaha.... he gave me a very practical reply. He said.... "A bouquet of roses is charged at normal price on Chap Goh Meh but the price tripled on Valentine day! Why pay more for the same bouquet?"


The truth is that a week before the actual date, prices of roses has already risen up to triple and sometimes even higher depending on the harvest. If there is an abundance, then the price hike will be moderate. On the other hand if roses are scarce usually due to bad weather, then prices will shoot up very high. So florists have to choice but to raise the prices accordingly.

I have a tip for you guys. Except for roses, all other flowers are at normal price on Valentine day. So why not break away from tradition and pick Stargazers insteadof roses. They look good, colourful and emit a nice scent.

Happy Valentine

Valentine at Apple Tree 2008!! That was a great day!

I will always remember and appreciate the help, time and effort rendered by BeeLean, Shong Seng, BeeHong, BeeBee and Poh Khiang. Without them Apple Tree would not have such a successful Valentine. Should have snap some photos of you guys in action....... but then everyone was so busy!!

Mydin Hypermarket

Recently, Ann and I went to Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex for KFC and was surprised to see the mall so alive. Usually it is the foreign workers who frequent this mall but that day we saw crowds of local moving down to the basement area. We went to have a peep and realised that Mydin Hypermarket has opened for business in the basement level.

We have no intention of buying anything but went in nevertheless just to survey the prices. The racks are well spaced leaving ample room for customers to move. Goods are well arranged and easy to find. There is even a travelator leading to the garment and stationery sections on the 1st floor where it was once occupied by Reject Shop and Hot Market. However, there is no liquor and non halal sections which is understandable since this is a Muslim company.

On the whole, we find the prices reasonable.

CNY and Christmas

Walk into any shopping mall now and you will be greet with Chinese New Year songs. You also see red colour everywhere.


Personally, every time I hear these songs I feel excited, liken to anticipating lion dance performances. The beating of drums and clashing cymbals in the songs quicken my pulse. At the end of it I feel like I am exhausted.


Christmas on the other hand conjure up a different feeling. The Christmas songs together with the Christmas decorations create a cool and peaceful atmosphere, turning the mall into a fairytale land. Strolling inside the mall makes me feel joyous and most comfortable.

However, there is a mutual feeling in these 2 celebrations. HAPPINESS. During Chinese New Year I feel exhausted and happy and during Christmas I feel peaceful and happy.

Mind to share your experience?

CNY greeting cards

Each time I buy Chinese New Year greeting cards I will ask Ann for assistance. I need her to explain to me the meaning of those Chinese characters printed on the cards and this is when she will grumble at me. "Mummy, people don't send cards now. You're out-of-date!!". Whatever, I still keep sending though I have narrow it down to 2 small group of friends.


I have a group of good friends whom I have been exchanging greeting cards for years. I just do not want to break this tradition.


There is another group of very good and old friends whom I do not call, send sms or even email. They have no free time for such things. But come Chinese New Year we will dutifully send each other a card. I guess we are indirectly telling each other "hey I'm still alive you know"!! Hahaha. These dear friends of mine are very busy these day, their lives evolving around their grandchildren. Wait till I am upgraded to Granny, then I will call them up. We will talk shop!!!

Mobiles

What started off as a convenient and simple means of communication has become so sophisticated these days. Yes, I mean mobiles or hand phones. It has become an important part of our lifestyle. So much so that the make and model of your mobile determines your status.

The other day while I was having a meal with some old friends, my mobile rang. I quickly dug my hand into my handbag to retrieve my mobile. Instantly everybody stopped talking and all eyes were focused on my handbag. I slowly took out my mobile.

I do not possess a Blackberry nor an iPhone which most of my friends are using. I am only using a simple Sony Ericsson W205, a 2009 Christmas present. Prior to that I was using a discoloured Nokia 3120!! If it had been this mobile the other day............. " LECEH BETUL " !!!

Amusing phrases

This year Public Bank gives out a set of beautiful diary and desk calender. I have a set of them too. The theme is Favourite Tropical Delights. Rather odd.... it starts with month September 2010 and ends with month January 2012.

Each month highlights a favourite tropical fruit together with a phrase. I am most amused with the phrases of months April 2011 and September 2010.......

Persistence

# Pressure makes Diamonds #

Banks are pressure pots. Can this be an encouragement to the staff? Or better still, a compliment? Who wouldn't be proud to have a team of "diamond workers" ??!! hahaha

Legacy

# Great minds discuss ideas

Average minds discuss events

Small minds discuss people #

I think I will categorise myself under the 3rd group. I have small mind. What about you? Let me put it this way..........Small minds discuss people because we are concern for them, not for gossips!! Great and Average minds are too busy for such trivial matters and so the caring task goes to Small minds. Agree?