Wow wee! I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since I last blogged. Somehow, time always flies by whenever I’m back at home.
During the few weeks that I was back, I’d accomplished lots. For one, I’d signed the most expensive contract in my life. Yup, we’d found a interior designer, firmed up plans, and committed ourselves. Work is slated to start after Chinese New Year. On top of that, I was busy scouting around for stuff that would be needed for the renovation, since we wouldn’t be around when all the drilling and hacking start. The air-con units (kindly sponsored by Mother Chualie
) have been ordered, lights, toilet bowls, basins and other accessories have also been bought.
Looking back, even I am impressed by how I’d done all these single-handedly. Well, maybe not quite. I was on the receiving end of valuable advice and tips by kind friends. My dear Lau gong and hubby Foo even sacrificed a precious Saturday afternoon by bringing me to Balestier for some initial lights recce-ing. In those few days, IMM, Balestier, Jalan Besar and Geylang became my playground, and varying images of toilet bowls and basins temporarily resided in my brain. When the all-important dotted line was signed on and all the invoices passed to our ID (just the day before I left), I heaved a huge sigh of relief.
It’s been five days since I came back to zuzuland. As usual, it’s a vague impression how the days passed by. Like most other Zurchers, we spent Christmas eve stocking up on groceries, since shops would remained closed for the next few days. Christmas day was spent on the slopes, and Boxing day was football day. On these few days, anyone walking around around our neighbourhood and on the streets would feel like they’ve entered a ghost town.
By the way, I’ve yet to share with you what I’d been enduring since I stepped into the house five days ago.

Giant octopus in the house!

Yes, there are 18 of such holes around the house

Even the toilet is not spared
Apparently, the entire area under our floor has been flooded with water from a leaking pipe. As the pipe is under the sink and kinda concealed behind the enclosed dustbin, we had no idea of what has been happening. In early November, our neighbour downstairs complained and that was when we first became aware of the leak. So, we had the pipe changed and thought everything had been resolved. Subsequently, I went back to Sunnypore and Mr. Tan joined me soon after. It was only after he came back that he was notified of how bad the situation had became. Immediately, big machines were moved into the apartment, 18 holes were drilled in the floor, and the suction to remove the water began. It’s been a few weeks and we’re not done. Even after all the water’s gone, another set of machines would be moved in to pump hot air under the flooring. All these are happening 24/7. If it irritates you just by the look of it, imagine the noise. Even moving to the room at the end of the corridor and closing the door isn’t enough to get a peaceful sleep. Urgh, I’d rather have back the deafening silence, anytime! To make things worse, I can’t leave the house and get away from the constant whirring cos’ my keys have been given to the technician, who came every few days to check on the progress when Mr Tan was out working.
So much for a quiet Christmas.
Oh yes, and merry belated Christmas.