My New Eco

When we move into our new place 3 weeks ago, we were given a 2nd hand top loader washing machine. In fact the previous owner told us that it makes some loud noise when you wash the low and heavy load. A medium load will be okay. Oh well, we didn't mind anyhow... (even though it is not a water efficient machine since it is a top loader machine). We figure that we can use it first and then buy a new one if and when it crashes on us.

And so, after 3 washes since I moved in, the washing machine died on us. The machine could not drain the water out at the "spin dry" mode. The machine just stopped working at that stage. 2 days before the wedding and the machine died on us. We didn't have time to go research and scout for one, until the afternoon that we checked out of our honeymoon hotel. It was like "ok, the honeymoon is over. Its back to reality and we better do something about our washing machine". So last weekend, we spent the entire weekend looking and researching on our 'big' purchase (since we were given a 2nd hand fridge, the washing machine will be our one biggest spending item).

The search ended. Between the "AEG" brand by Electrolux (the top notch model) and the normal Electrolux, we decided to get the normal one. The price we got from Union Shopper wasn't too bad. Managed to buy an extended 3 years warranty with Electrolux (apparently they are a very big and reliable company) and got it delivered and dispose the old machine for the price that we paid. On top of that, we can go to the government to claim $200 rebate because it is an water-efficient machine (see picture below). So there it is, the washing machine arrived yesterday, but it arrived badly dented. The new perfect conditon washing machine arrived today. And yes I am pleased with the wash :)

Electrolux Eco 7kg



Energy consumption of 121kWh per year (cold wash). My old machine was 300+kWh.
It consumes 68 litres of water per wash.


My debut load (view from my bathroom)


This grey water came out from the wash. The old machine had more that this sink can contain. This water would be recycled to flush my toilets. It looks smelly but its not :p

I will update more about what's been happening for the past few weeks soon... when I have the time :p

Joining A New Club

Many of my peers have joined the club - the 30s club. I joined later... My membership begins today.

R asked me how does it feel to turn 30. I replied that I feel old. When I was in my teenage years, I kept hoping to reach 20 because I think that between 20-30, is the prime time of a woman and I want to be there. Now at the end of it, it felt that the past decade flew by so quickly.

Then again, life's getting exciting. This is my first birthday spent overseas, away from my own family and my long-time friends. Instead its my first birthday spent with W and in addition, I had his family to spend it with. And this is my last birthday spent as a "single" status. In 16 more days, my marital status will be changed. It is also because of that that clouded my mind about today. I do remember my birthday but it feels different. My mind is more concerned of the events that will be changing my life over the next 2 weeks.

I was doing a little shopping today and I was thinking if I could have a little treat for myself. As in previous years, I would kinda give myself a treat by getting a gift for myself (good excuse). As I walked around, thinking what to get, I realised there's nothing I really wanted or even bear to part my money with to give myself that treat. I didn't want to spend too much (especially now that I'm trying to be extra prudent) and didn't feel like buying/spending it on clothes, didn't want to spend money on food, didn't also want to spend the money on beauty care, handbags, shoes. I ended up not buying anything. And I came to realise that no gifts beat having loved ones around me to spend my birthday with. And it makes me thankful that even though my own family and close friends are not with me, I have a new additional family here to love me and my old friends still remembering my birthday!

For the curious, W was with me and the first to wish me happy birthday at the turn of midnight and prayed with and for me. He also gave me a bouquet of flowers in the theme of my favourite pink after his work (which was a surprise because he is not a gift person and don't usually buy flowers for me) and he coordinated a surprise dinner and dessert (Singaporean fare) gathering for me with his family. He splurged a bit on me when we are supposed to be saving money... I know its because he wanted me to have a good time on my birthday which is spent away from my home.

(Dinner at "Shiok" - a restaurant that served rather authentic Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine)

At the dinner table with char kuey teow, hor fun, hainanese chicken rice, etc...

The smiling faces - proof of happy people and yummy food

At Just Soy Cafe - Frappe (ice kacang copycat but you choose what ingredients you want)

Thank God for the years that He has watched over me. I pray that I will continue to honour and please him with the life that He has given me.