Musical #2 and #3

Musicals back in Broadway!!!! Oh I really miss the times I would watch one. Now, 21 years and more later I’m back watching in Broadway. I don’t think I brought them to watch musicals in 2005. 

Then back in donkey years before, the half price ticket booth was just a single newspaper vendor like booth. It’s since been enlarged and more appealing. Oh! Did I even mention that prices soar x4 more? I remember I used to be able to get cheap tickets with really good seating at less than $50 or £40 for same day purchase. Has to be same day coz last time where got online booking? Wah…..that time people still using facsimile machine lor! But this time round I dare not take the risk and want our itinery to be more confirmed so that our 5-6 days in NYC is fully occupied as goodness knows when I’ll be back. Maybe no chance to go back also. 

Booking of tickets

I taichi-ed everything to her, the itinery planning, the booking of places etc…the only job for me is to book hotels. Must admit planning a holiday has never been that relaxing for me 😜. 

On 20th Apt (Sat) - 11.31am (SIN time) when it’s Friday night for her.

 “Where to sit?”

Wah…… so ex! Ok one mistake I made was not checking that Broadway.com is a third party, we could have saved $20 each if we went to the individual theatres to check their prices. Che-che went thru the choices and sent these screenshots for Wicked

Told her to target these seats here, “mummy have no money” Actually with the conversion, these seats also bor-hua. Come up to S$150? Last time long long time ago, if I were to pay this price for my Broadway and West-end show I would be on stage dancing with them.

No choice lor… coz don’t even know when Wicked will come to Singapore  

Our seats based on seating plan. Smacked right at rear mezzanine 🤣. 

** edited on 5th Aug when I knew that Wicked is coming. 算了吧. I don’t particularly like it to the extent that I’ll find the scores (wait! We actually do have the scores coz Che-che at least 2years ago was singing to the songs) and start playing on the electone or must die-die see again. So not going.  

When I checked the ticket price to do my comparison in mid August after the early bird tickets are launched. I randomly chose a Friday which usually fills up faster. I’d usually get Stalls Centre seats so yah..all in the $200++ price range. 

If I were to compare my “I never sit so high before” seats price and maybe this C Reserve Grand Circle or the D Reserve Grand Circle, it’s still cheaper to get it in Singapore. I’ve never sat on these seats to see if the actual distance is the same so I’m not sure if this a fair comparison.  PLUS! Our seats are definitely more comfortable than Gershwin’s.  

Screenshots for Chicago’s seats and prices

“Chicago select the ground floor orchestra. Coz I see the “view from seat”the rest like cmi view.” was the message I sent her. 

Some interesting information 

She bought these 2 seats

which are these 2 seats. However this seating map is so misleading. The stage doesn’t spread out across this way, so we were in a corner. We are in a better seating than the last 2 people on my right. 

纽约我来了! Lights camera action!

23rd May - was a busy day from late arrival into LGA, a quick trip to Vanderbilt and then to musical. We really chiong today, with me trying to keep up with her fast walking pace with right leg pai-kah. The only thing I looked forward to when we found our seats was to slump my tired and perspiry body down. Haven’t had a shower since the morning we left her apartment bound for LGA. Was so hot that I had to use the booklet to fan myself.

Not my pic, taken from internet

I gotta zoom zoom zoom my camera 

26th May (Sunday) - an afternoon matinee. Now you see it, our seats is just at the corner. Good for a short-sighted me, where I can see the men’s 6 packs as well as busty and slim ladies so clearly. I probably won’t be watching Chicago anymore but just incase other musicals are staged in Ambassador Theatre, this seating area can be striked off the list. 

Love the singing and dancing. The thing about musical is you need to listen to what they sing (esp so for ppl like me who nvr read synopsis before going for a musical). So for first timers to a certain musical production you really do not know where to look, it’s like people dancing on all sides of the stage and then maybe someone is behind doing some other action. I used my hearing senses more this musical tho this is a small stage, and with the band on the stage it makes the dancing and flipping around the stage space even smaller. 

I felt for Amos when he sang Mr Cellophane and understood what he meant - coz he’s always transparent and neglected in people’s eyes. 

Chicago gave that jazzy showgirls vibe, thus the music is the ‘can tap on your legs and shake your body to the beat’ kind.

The band played 

With that, I concluded that we only managed to watch 2 musicals in NY. We did check out the half price booth and either nothing interests us or the timing doesn’t fit with what’s planned for the day..

New immigration clearance

Everyone who’s been to US as a foreigner is probably aware of the long immigration clearance in US stations. Like everyone else, I had to join the long queue in JFK. JFK is ranked the first busiest busiest airport (Yah…. I did consider landing in EWR which is less busy and making connection to BUF but oh well… SQ didn’t give me that option so unless I do two separate bookings that requires 5-6hrs in between to be on the safe side for me.) followed by LAX, IAD, SFO and lastly SEA. I’m just using the airports I’ve landed in so far and the observations made. I may not be that accurate with it coz there’s like 24hrs in a day, what I’ve observed doesn’t really represent the whole day situation. 

How long can the queue be? In JFK, it can be as long as 4hrs! Tho I think the times we landed in JFK, it never went beyond 1.5hrs. Maybe more counters were opened then? 

Anyway, for the surprise record. Che-che landed in LAX this Jan with no long queue in airport, coz of the way the queue moved. The staff re-directed people infront of her to wait in other lines and there were only a few people ahead of her. 

I-94W and CBP 6059B 

On board and I was surprised that crew didn’t come with the forms to be filled up as I’ve read conflicting posts on the requirements. Just to be sure I checked with the crew onboard, maybe I could have missed it when they were distributing [me in Zzz-land] the forms? According to Chris, there’s nothing written on the crew circular so probably no need to fill up anything now. 

The last time I arrived on US soil was in Dec 2021, so anything can change after that. Out of concerned he asked me “you applied for visa right?” Of course lah! If not I get deported back home today.  It’s really a small matter, in any case if I need to fill up I have a pen with me so can do so while queuing up. Not that the immigration officers will clear us fast anyway 😆.   

Timeline of events that followed on 14th May 2024

Landed at 6.04pm. Message che-che. I’m not sure the happiness from me was the idea that I’m finally back in US land after 3 years OR I’m happy that I can finally ease my butt numbness for the next hour or so. 

6.12pm - Not related to immigration but I couldn’t sign in into Lyft coz they need to send code to me to my registered number - SIN number. Haha! Ok, I gotta re-register that later but Uber seems to work fine for me. So messaged che-che in the case if I cannot get any cab, she needs to send one to me. 

In the queue

Although I have a few hours to my next flight, lots of time to spare but to stand in the queue for that long with such slow service can be a dread. I messaged che-che to which she told me that I can download an app her friend’s mother was telling her about. They just arrived in US few days ago but they can’t apply coz the last time they went to US was 30years ago. 

I looked for the app name, checked. Looked around and only then I saw one staff was pushing the banner out. What the?! She dumb or what?! Shouldn’t they either leave it there or have it flipped over when a flight arrives?  The banner was hidden that’s why I didn’t see it. 

The mobile app, is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA.

I applied for it on the spot. They needed a photo but I couldn’t do a photo with the background filled with people. So I 📸 with me looking down and a light glare at the back. Asked the passenger behind me if he could let me come back to the line incase I can’t clear the other side. 

I showed that staff the app and asked if I can proceed to another lane, she removed the belt for me to pass through. When I went to the counter, the crew were queueing up next to me. There were 2 other people infront of me and I only waited less than 5mins before it came to my turn. Immigration officer asked me the usual questions why, how long, how much. And I’m out! I’m out even faster than majority of the crew. And the picture is passable. Haha!

I’m just so glad che-che messaged me at the right time, if not I’d still be waiting in line for the next 2hrs. 

Done! Packed!

12th May (Sunday)

Finally felt the urgency to get down into action.  

Flying solo

This trip, for the first time ever since 2002, I'm flying solo and I'm a little excited. Quite silly right? When the girls were younger I had to take care of them onboard, change diapers, comb their hair, clean up the ketchup stain on their clothes etc.. BUT I must admit they were really good travellers. As they grew older and in recent years I don't have to take care of them onboard, they started fiddling on their own the IFE at a young age. And although the IFE has improved over the years, kids are really fast learners so I don't have to worry about them.  

I cannot say it's a solo holiday coz technically I'll be with che-che. I've said for the longest time I need a solo trip to rejuvenate; to go back to my younger carefree days where I can walk fast or slow; stop to take a break whenever I want; stop to take pictures of ants crawling birds flying; eat on the go and not worried if my companion is hungry. 

Things I had to pack in

Cannot go empty handed to her graduation. This bouquet which I hope will still be in good condition and her card. 

My drawing is so ugly. Now you know who the girls with their "untalented drawing" took after. The balloons were rescued drawing in an odd place. I wanted to do a calligraphy of her name but the brush was spoilt, which obviously I didn't check, and the "A" turned out horrible. I decided to draw balloons instead. Whatever she wants to interpret why the balloons on the floor I'll leave it to her. Haha!     

Hmm.... Cannot forget this passport. So funny leh... we are helping lil' one to collect the stamps. 

Bought 2 huge packs of Irvins salted egg chips for Sujin. Che-che said she likes it 

Luggage in luggage. First time doing this kind of packing as never believed in overpacking. But I have no choice this time as che-che needs to spread out the weight of the items. Worst come to worst, then get one more luggage in the last station. The 3 of them have their own luggage and I'm always tompang-ing theirs.  

Che-che has AIRTAG 1 with her and for the weirdest reason on 21st March I tried syncing my AIRTAG 2 but couldn't. This time round I learnt that by removing and putting the battery at least 4 times will help to reset it. I did 5 times! It worked!   

Cannot forget Airtags. Because of the additional bag, I had to bring out another 1 as shown in this picture (and then later another 1 more without pulling out the battery tag - for standby purposes).

Orange colour is AIRTAG 3

Never ever leave home without Airtags 

Final packing items

1. One dress for graduation

2. THilfiger dress for sightseeing and days when I need to do laundry. Cannot wear jeans mah... so will have to wear  a dress for that purpose

3. 5 tops 

4. Flat shoe to match the dress for graduation. I'm not packing high heels for sure, ah-nia canot walk far with heels now. And this shoe can be used when it's raining there. Yup! After checking the weather forecast, have to say that I'm so super suay that the rain follows me wherever I go. Duh! It's the first time I pack additional shoes for my holiday, not so hiao to do a fashion show usually but after last July's Japan trip... I kindda learnt my lesson.   

5. Her heels coz after constant nagging in Jan to bring over, she didn't. 

6. Dove bodywash in a small container for self. I hate to use hotels' supplies except for Japan's hotel supplies. 

7. Brought more vacumn bags just incase she needs them. 

8. Disposable slippers.   

Other than that, I don't have much things to bring over as she has them with her. No need for washing clothes scrub or powder or laundry pods as she still has them. No need to pack First Aid Kit. No need to pack any facial wash, we'll finish up the last bit of Kiehls Calendula facial wash there and then throw. Argh! One container / one stamp less to recycle / collect in Kiehls. I think since the time she was there, she probably threw another 2 more Kiehls containers?   

I feel this packing is much much easier. Usually I feel that I'm bringing things from various spots in the house into the luggage bag when I pack and then put them back after I return. Unlike flying days where my toiletry bag, the empty organization packing cubes, FAKit, misc bag is always inside the luggage bag. All I needed to do was to pack clothes and remove them once back.      

What I wanted to bring and did I bring?

I used to bring cabin bag onboard or a duffel bag with the winter topcoats, thermal and sweater kept inside. And then start wearing the coat before disembarking. At the luggage collection area while the man collects the luggages, I bring the girls to the toilet and we make a change to the winter wear. Once we're done, he goes in and we take care of the bags before clearing customs. But for the last 6 years I stopped this practice, I only go onboard with my messenger bag and put my toothbrush, sample size facial wash inside. It's a huge risk to take, by right we should have at least one set of clothes on hand with us incase our luggages get lost in transit.    

Cabin bag :   This time initially was thinking if I should use my LV cabin bag (It's been years since 2002 since I used it. Has the leather strap disintergrated?) onboard as I'll be changing my jeans to my sports leggings to be comfortable for the 19hrs flight. I needed to pack quite a few items but not that alot to fill up the cabin bag. Using the lightweight haversack instead. Since it's a super long flight, I need my hydrating facial mask as well. The dry air is going to suck up the water on my face. If only the air can suck up my fats. 

Packed leggings, Columbia jacket and LV scarf into my last compressed packing capsule. I passed all but the smallest one to che-che last year.   

Burberry messenger bag : Is always my to-go travel bag. But this trip I will be in a dress for her graduation and it doesn't match so decided to use this LV bag after removing the sling strap. All just for one day of vanity. It's smaller than my LV bucket bag for sure but at least this is zipped up - pickpocket safe. Anyway, strangely I tried with just my passport, my Totoro thermos flask and an empty space for the small umbrella + lipstick. I've never liked to bring expensive stuffs overseas so this is really an exception. 

Facial mask : Usually on our US long haul flights, I'll bring my toothbrush + sample size facial wash + sample size face cream. But this flight is going to be additional 3+hrs longer, I need my facial mask. There's no way I'm going to put a sheet mask on my face and scare the hell out of passengers around me so I'm going with my trusty Kiehls Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque with 10.5% squalene. I swear by this masque for our winter holidays. Put on face and I shall sleep with it then. It's not that obvious,really! 

What I will not pack 

Although I love my Airpod pro, I will never use it onboard. I have the Airfly pro adapter but was hesistant in using after one time. I sleep alot onboard, I can be watching a movie and suddenly doze off and I'm so afraid of losing my ear piece. True enough, I've heard of many cases where passengers dropped theirs into the deep deep abyss out of reach. No thank you but although I hate the stupid wire dangling and tripping me when I want to move around, I'll endure with the inconvenience. 

New purchases 

Normally I don’t buy new things just for holidays but I made an exception this time round, a little pampering for myself since I hardly spend anything on self.  

Bought these as there’s no towel in che-che’s place where I’ll be staying for 3 nights. I don’t think she has any spare? Wait! Did I even pack towels for her to use and then discard before returning home? Is this an impulse buy? Not sure lor…. I’ve been wanting to get this after our hilarious Munich hostel incident. I’ve also thought that it’ll be good to have this if I have the chance to do a solo travel. A big IF, coz I like the simplicity of staying in hostels and they probably don’t provide towels. 

I came across a long sleeve top from this brand COS, but I couldn’t find it in the shop here. On second thoughts, I think I should have shopped for it during the Autumn/Winter season. 

Found this instead. Parted with a hefty S$175, I’ve never spent so much on a top before 😂. It comes in this colour and black, but I hate to wear everything black tho black is an easy colour to match. Looks like I’m mourning like that - black top, black leggings, black shoes, black hair, black Columbia jacket. The only saving grace is my red lipstick and almost red nail polish. 

好了！All packed and ready to rock n roll 

Weight of the luggage is 13.15kg. Light? Two empty luggages weigh 7.52kg. That makes 5.63kg of items 😳

All ready for Tuesday 

13th May (Monday)

Che-che messaged to ask how many slippers I'm bringing. I brought 2 but she asked me to bring 3. In the end decided to pack another 2 more. They're flat anyway. 

Then she asked if I checked the weather. Uhhh...... her mother also check sunrise, sunset, asteroids for all our holidays, will I not check on weather? Said it might be cold for me, her friend's parents came in 3 layers. I packed my Columbia jacket for this reason, I love this jacket coz it's not thick at all but it does keep me warm. However to be safe, I threw in my red thin merino wool sweater. I think I won't feel as cold as her friend's parents right? I have so much blubber around me, can keep me warm. 

I brought another 2 more empty containers for her to fill up her remaining Cetaphil to bring home. 

Dunno what's the luggage weight now but it shouldn't be more than 13.5kg.       

Phone matters

Transferred and deleted as many misc. photos in the phone as I can. Too tired to continue, so from 29000++ photos I'm left with 24833 photos. Massive and quick iMovies done (with lots of sacrifices made by cutting down on certain cleaning around the house. Most days just did a vacumn and mop and quick surface cleaning. How clean? I dunno.. just don't care anymore). Cleared almost 5K of photos and then it will be replaced with 6K or maybe more photos after that. Haha! 

Okay. Blog done and it's time to clear whatever I can around the house.      

OCD - word too often being abused wrongly

Too often people like to say “coz I’m OCD”, “the OCD me ……” 

STOP USING THIS unless you are diagnosed with OCD. OCD people go through a lot of compulsive behaviour. I just want to tell my friends off but it will mean I will have more enemies instead. 

On This Day - (12th May) #Reminders from FB#

12th May 2023

So who drinks Bailey's with Milo? 🧐

She asked me how to drink then? "Neat or on the rocks lah!"

And even if we drink soju (ok I don't drink soju or sake) we just drink like that right? She must drink with Yakult. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Is this a generation gap thingy? We either go neat or rocks, kids must add something to it. #nowisoundlikeahabitualdrinkerlikethat#

#ormaybeivelosttouchwithtrend#

Dua gu Pauline Patrick Teo will come counselling che-che soon.😂

It's going to be this little 😂 coz l'm not supposed to drink.

Chill this in the fridge in this bottle. I lost count the number of water we consumed these 3 days. Do the last bit of work, shower, get some laundry done (Ahh...maybe just wash then bring it out to the dryer tomorrow, since we need to wash our bedsheets too!), facial mask, drink n sleep.

Not mine. But I think I will drink a little tonight, I need to drown my sorrows 😮‍💨 ...... Reno will probably finish 2wks later? Coz they can only come 3x a week (they r accommodating to our requests) if not it'll be shorter waiting time. #renohiccups#

Carpenter heard me "aiyoh!" also scared. ID will block my number after 5pm 😂

•. #horribleclient#

As it is, they already fabricated the doors wrongly on one side. It's supposed to be 1 door followed by 2 door, he did the opposite. Then I saw the part with the dishdrying rack, it's supposed to be open kind, he did the base too. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Today I saw they fabricated the wrong colour for common toilet cabinet. I wasn't able to see it ystd as there was a plastic wrapping on the laminate.

Today I also realised the dismantler guys did keep the pull out rack as requested, but they threw away the tracking！！！！！！！！！真是的！

#haventdrankthisforaverylongtime#

#renoisnotforthefainthearted#

12th May 2017

What kind of host to suggests to guest to eat from the pot?

Che-che told her friend "Yah, coz I do that all the time." Her friend looked at her amused.

Haha! Che-che che-che ah.....

12th May 2016

Athena Ting, read this!!

Footnote : children n their handphones is a problem many school-going parents face. So many times I’ve asked the girls to stop using the phone before sleep with this video reasoning. So when I came across this video, I showed it to them. Not that it will help much coz they will always give the “but teacher need to update us in WhatsApp” excuses. In the end, I just use a parental control app on their phone. 

On hindsight, I should have followed what Hwei Lin did. At 9pm, everyone’s (including the adults) handphone are outside at a designated spot. I knew this practice too late, it would be difficult to implement it to them. Worst! Is when I have a super big guy who’s stubborn and won’t support what I do. Then will the kids listen to me? Likely no.

12th May 2014

Haha! Read it one day late...... anyway coz she wrote and then as usual throw it around.

12th May 2013

Listening to some SYF 13 recording. This is a must share.

St Pat's is well-known for its military band

12th May 2011

Paikah! Hit my last 2 toes @ the water feature bricks yesterday. So painful today. Wear flats also pain.

Cannot gym

12th May 2011

Some silly person paid for my petrol, I end up saving $5 as I pay off his/her petrol.