The whirlwind year

Reminisce :

• January - Sprained ankle
• February - Housewarming parties at KF's new home (ours now)
• March - Got a Robomop (greatest invention ever!); signed up at True Fitness Jaya33; pierced my ears!
• April - Went to Hong Kong & Macau; started on wedding preparations
• May - Bought my wedding shoes (didn't know it at that time)
• June - Sammi Cheng concert in Genting; Great Singapore Sale
• July (the most happening month!) - My first box of cupcakes; HP5 movie; Chiangmai company trip; Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows; my first treasure hunt and trip up to Cameron Highlands; pre-wedding photoshoot at Love Vision SS2 and The Saujana hotel
• August - Tendered my resignation in Colliers
• September - Last day in Colliers; went to Shanghai with mummy
• October - First day at new job; got legally hitched on 6th October at Thean Hou
• November - Our wedding day 17th November 2007; honeymoon in Bali
• December - Settling into my role as wife and housekeeper

I spent more than half of 2007 engrossed in wedding preparations. Spending the latter part of 2007 and early 2008 attending weddings. Seems like we're at that age.

Reflections of 2007 :
1) Complete my TPC tasks submission - procrastinated yet another year.
2) Start studying seriously for Board interview - I'll do it this year, promise.
3) Travel at least once overseas and once locally - well, Singapore, Chiangmai, Cameron Highlands, Shanghai and Bali should count.
4) Be a good weekend-housekeeper and a weekend cook - I'm starting on this, so far so good.
5) Keep my weight below 50 kilos - now this is one achievement I am very happy about, and I'm glad that I am now more conscious about what I put into me.
6) Revamp my wardrobe - urm, well, I found out that this is one expensive resolution. But I did spend slightly less than 2K this year on clothes (excluding wedding items). I like having new clothes, and looking slightly better, but I feel bit silly when I become destitute at the end of the year and kick myself for spending on frivolous items like clothes :P

Oh well, that was easy. Looks like it's easier to reflect when you have fewer resolutions. So, this year, shall be the same.

In 2008, I resolve to :

• Seriously work towards obtaining my Registered Valuer's license (most of my coursemates have already gotten theirs, there's really no reason for me not to)
• Be a supportive wife, good housekeeper, and a try-my-very-best cook
• Be more thrifty and save enough to get a new car
• Take better care of my health and use my gym membership diligently
• Travel! - Krabi and Bangkok already on the list
• Be a good friend and a better person

Have a good new year, everyone! :)

Usually, at this time of the year, like all other people, I reminisce and reflect and dream and look forward.

This year I shall do the same :)

Psst ... Kevin Han uploaded our wedding photos on his website already. So if you're not a Multiply fan, you can click here.

Let it snow

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've got no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

It doesn't show signs of stopping
And I brought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

When we finally say goodnight
How I'll hate going out in the snow
But if you really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And my dear, we're still, good-bye-ing
But as long as you love me so
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ...

- Now, if only it would snow some money down to me ...

Wedding photos!

Finally! The photos are all up here. [I think I took more photos in this 6-months span than I ever did in my entire life].

Took me 6 days to upload all 5 albums : Pre-wedding photos, ROM, wedding dinner, tea ceremony and Bali honeymoon.

You see nothing at the link?

Haha.

Sign in with your multiply account, then you can see lor.

Or, ask very nicely to be my multiply contact, and I just might oblige :P

Must protect the privacy of the best wedding team in the world :)

Pre-wedding, ROM and Bali photos are up in my multiply.com site. In the midst of uploading the wedding day and dinner photos. Photos only available to those in my network. Please add me as a contact in multiply if you don't see the photo albums from the link provided.

My most favourite shot of all :

I'm too lazy to post up pictures. Also because my photographer is too bogged down with work to actually deliver the pictures to me *sob sob*

Anyway, today, I spent a few thousand RM (actually, more like KF's RM cos I have a pathetic credit limit) booking trips for 10 of us to Krabi in April and a Raya trip with the in-laws to Bangkok - yiiippeee! :) Good to have something to countdown to ... it feels evil to plan next year's holidays so early, but well - what else do you live for if not for holidays??! :P

More stuffs to look fwd to :
A wedding a month until February.
Christmas!!!
New Year resolutions ...

Meanwhile, back to work - need to earn back some money for the incredibly empty bank account :P

*deep breath*

And we're back! :)

Blissfully setting up house and doing post-wedding stuffs (collecting photos and calculating this and that and following up that and that) ... and going back to work tomorrow!

Soon

I now know what is the meaning of wedding stress. Seating plans are driving me nuts! The amount of work in the office and the deadlines are impossible. My super long fingernails which I'm keeping on the instructions of my manicurist are getting in the way of my typing - I just hope they don't break before my appointment. A million things seem to be getting to me. And amidst all this, I still have to try to be a beautifully relaxed bride on Friday. Gosh, howww???!!!

My saving thought that will last me through the week before next week's bliss : "The wedding lasts for 2 days, but the marriage is for ever."

Feeding spree 2

The House of Sundanese, KLCC
Monday lunch - Apparently, they serve Indonesian food (I never figured out what is the root word for Sundanese). Had lunch here on Monday. Quite yummy. Unfortunately, I had to break my no-rice diet. But, in order to sin less, I didn't finish the rice - but some people would say that's sinful. The fish was quite yummy. Aih, food always tastes yummy when the hole it burns is not in your pocket.

The Gardens, Mid Valley
Monday dinner - Attended the launching of The Gardens Office Towers. Grand event. Cocktail at Boulevard Hotel poolside. Adjourned to some function room for presentation and 5-course western set dinner. Angelhair pasta with chicken slices (I think it's chicken), prawn bisque soup (basically cream of prawn), grilled cod fish (this was rather yummy, generous portion too), huge slice of tiramisu, coffee or tea. Free flow of red wine and cordial. Every single property launching should be this fun to go to. But, only after the wedding, of course. I didn't finish half the tiramisu nor the soup, conscience kept bugging me.

Chynna, KL Hilton
Tuesday dinner - Oooh, this place has ambience and chic! Very nice plates. Dim lighting. Cool welcome-tea-pouring man who does this kungfu act thing. Amazing that this place has a full crowd on a weekday night. Food was so-so, but maybe it was because I had to watch what I was eating. Dessert, which was almond tea something with ginkgo, was quite nice - great mixture of tastes. This place is great fine dining.

Tony Roma's, Pavilion KL
Wednesday lunch - Of so many other restaurants in the Gourmet Emporium, they picked this. Thankfully, we were sharing food Italiannies-style, so I didn't have to worry myself about which dish had the smallest serving. The salad is yummy, their BBQ chicken was quite tender, the onion salad is over-rated, the bowtie pasta with shrimps was excellent! They were decorating for Halloween tonight, so lotsa cotton cobwebs were all over. Between Tony Roma's, Chillies, TGIF, Italiannies - gimme Chillies anytime.

J Co Donuts, Pavilion KL
At 11.55am in the morning on a workday, there is actually a queue! We had to see what the big fuss was about. And, honestly, I don't see what the fuss is about! The doughnuts look nice, are expensive and all, but hey, they're just dough-nuts. And aiyoh, doughnuts on a diet?

This diet thing will only last another 2 weeks plus. Bear with me please.

Searching high and low for wedding favours ...

Being constantly disappointed by the bridal studio which keeps screwing up the photos ...

Taking ages to go through childhood photos, laughing and reminiscing incessantly over them before deciding which ones deserve to be scanned ...

Going through lists and lists and lists of soppy love songs - I still haven't found the perfect march-in song! ...

Cutting stacks and stacks of papers to make 500 seating cards for the dinner reception (oh these ones look quite lovely, I'm quite proud of them) ...

Procrastinating for weeks about packing my room into something reasonably acceptable - aiyo, I hate packing la ...

Sourcing for various vendors for varying needs ...

Discussing with boss on leave application ...

Starting to learn how to spell the panic word ... luckily I was born with a natural suppression of emotions ...

And now, back to work, should it be Jim Brickman or Pachelbel?

Feeding spree

After 2 whole weeks going without rice (seriously) and watching every single thing I put in my mouth, finally, I let myself go :)

The day after the ROM, the 2 of us decided on a whim to go to Shogun, 1 Utama. The food quality seems to have dropped. The variety is still there. But - one fine day (not within this month) I shall find the courage to step into Jogoya Starhill.

We started off the long Raya weekend with food-tasting at Oriental Pavilion. Yummy-ness! Of course, the place is posh and the price, even more so, but seriously, this is the kind of Chinese cuisine food you'd pay for if you could afford it. (What am I talking about? *roll eyes*)

Then, the next day, we went to Tony Roma's at Cineleisure. My first visit to a local Tony Roma's. Because they didn't have pork ribs, I had to settle for cod fish. The mashed potato tasted real good - yummy with skin. The ice lemon tea was bottomless. The price was similar to Chillie's or TGIF. However, a peek at KF's beef ribs showed that the servings are nothing close to that in Singapore. Disappointing, to say the least. And gee, the onion loaf was a real disappointment - the size of a full loaf was really less than the half loaf I got in Singapore. Hmm.

And today, for work purpose, we went to Precious Old China in Central Market. This was really yummy Nyonya (or Thai) food! Their menu is served in one-size portions (suitable for 3-5 pax) with one price, so our table of 10 ordered 9 dishes (total bill came up to RM300 inclusive of drinks). Their tomyam looked tame but tasted fiery. In fact, all the dishes tasted reasonable, if not better than average. I wouldn't mind going there again, just for fun.

And now, I really must start going on that diet ... so tough, but it's only for a month more.

Oh no! Only a month away!

New beginnings

Today I found the time to post a little about the recent happenings in my life - a new job and a husband! Ok, I know I shouldn't brag (about the husband, not the job) - I'm happy, I really am. Busy too. That wedding checklist is getting longer by the minute. We've got the invitation cards - they'll be going out soon, so watch out! :)

Here's to new beginnings and happy days :)

New workspace

It's been one heck of a hectic period since the year started. And, the pace hasn't stopped. But what am I complaining about? Everyone works their asses off anyway.

So anyway, last Monday, I started at PA. And was immediately thrown into a deadline. Today, more than a week later, I finally found time to unpack my things and make the room presentable enough for a picture. Now all I need is a radio :P (See, Nat, told you we got the same furniture!)

3-days old

Saturday - the 6th of October 2007 - went by like a dream. And I'm super grateful to the photographers, JC and Christina, and the unexpected videoman Dennis, for capturing the ROM ceremony. It was nice to be able to go thru the pics and the video and just laugh and revel in the memory. I'm beginning to appreciate that photography and videography are really important.

So, the mundane details. Woke up at 6.30am to shower and have a sandwich. Make-up artist, May from WEdding Isle, arrived at 7.30am to help me with my make-up and hair (of which I am also super grateful because she gave me lashes, nicely braided and well-behaved hair, and an amazingly radiant complexion). Make-up done at 9am. [See the pic on the right? I went thru the pain of ear-piercing months ago just so I could get a pic like that, muahahahaha!] Dress - Daniel Yam Singapore; jewelry - natural pearls from Taihu Lake, Wuxi, China; shoes - Sembonia.

Went downstairs to light some joss-sticks with KF. Then we left for Thean Hou at 9.30am. We were number 21 on the list scheduled for 10.30am. We were called punctually, the counter lady verified our ICs and BCs, we waited a while, and then we went into the room where we did the "soh-lom-nigh-say-shen". Video courtesy of Dennis.

Officially declared as Mr & Mrs Lim, we then took some group pics around Thean Hou, went to the temple to light some joss-sticks, and took more pics. The people who made the whole day merrier : my parents, sister the handbag holder, another sister the cameraperson, KF's sis, Dennis the bestman, JC the bridesmaid and cameraperson, Nat & CM, SLan, HSan, Justin, Joe, David, MP & Kit, Jason & Stacy. KP joined us for lunch later (a small home-cooked lunch at my parents' place thanks to my wonderful housekeeper Nik). And ML joined us for dinner at Damansara Village steamboat. (Thanks for calling all the way from wherever you are, Yewl; and we know you're longing to be hanging out with us although you're slogging in MBA class, PL). We then went back to my parents' place for drinks - KF brought out the champagne, and we caught up with each other, like always.

A group of us later went to SkyBar on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel KLCC. Nice place :) What makes this place cool :

- It's the covered pool area in the day.

- First class view of the Twin Towers and the flock of white birds circling the towers non-stop (cheesy though it is, but it was rather meaningful to gaze at the brightly lit M'sian icons on such a landmark day for me)

- No cover charge!

Finally flopped into bed at almost 3am. Memorable because:

• So many friends sacrificed their Saturday just to celebrate with us - thank you to all of you!
• Realized that so many people need to willingly help to make a day happen
• SkyBar & KLCC was fun
• I am now legally bound to someone! And happily so :)

(All photos courtesy of Christina and JC)

I can't believe this. I didn't post anything in September! :P

I resigned from my previous company, last day was officially on the 13th of September. Was busy being a superwoman lugging heavy files and boxes to and fro the old and new workplaces (both being a 3-minute walk away).

Then I went on to an 8-day trip to Shanghai with mummy. Came back not any less stressed - because that city has worse jams than KL, and I've never slept in so many different beds in as many days in my life. But, more about that later.

And then, I came back to realize the countdown is ticking! 47 days to go ... only 6 more weekends before THE day. *panic panic* I haven't even come up with a list of to-do's!

And I have to minus one weekend from the 6, because this weekend is the weekend we legalize it :) You know, typing out that "legal" word suddenly makes everything seem so real. I'm beginning to realize what they mean by being too caught up with preparations and not really experiencing the event. Keep reminding myself that it all boils down to being happy, celebrating it with friends and family, and making happy lifetime memories :)

Today is my first day back at work - new company, new room, new computer (got 17" LCD screen!), new everything ... but same old boss. Slapped me with a Thursday deadline for something that usually takes 2 weeks to do. Argh!

Indeed, so many things happening at once. This is how life should be - eventful :)

I haven't seen the latest Petronas ad. Is there one?

I haven't seen any fireworks in Putrajaya. Nor will I be watching the one in Ikano.

Driver cum bodyguard luxuriating somewhere.

Meanwhile, I am drooling over Raymond Lam Fung. He can so cry in The Drive of Life. It's been awhile since I've chased TVB dramas.

Another 2 weeks till 2 non-work weeks.

Mary mary quite contrary

So we traipsed in the scorching sun to the fertile land of Sungai Buloh. Cheapness!

RM2.50 for each plant - the "kacukan" ixora and the cute little daisies. Apparently the ixora will last forever, but the daisies will only last about half a year.

The pots cost between RM3 - RM5. How cheap is that?

Below is our little fledgling garden (Kuan Yin bamboo from Ipoh). We're not planting anything on our nicely-laid grassy lawn, so the flowers will just have to sit in controllable pots below the window sill.

Switch

I'm finally getting a 2-week break of doing whatever I want! It has been 5 years, half a decade, since I have had such a luxury. (Yes, next time I'll be one of those who chant that schooling days are better than being working adults.) Granted, it's unpaid, because I'll be "in-between" jobs. But I'll be spending money nevertheless, and planning how to spend more by the end of the year! Hah hah. This is fun. 2 weeks will be too short.

The Sitiawan heartbreakers

Had the chance to visit One World Hotel because Amy and Kit were staying there for the weekend. And of course, the inaugural chance to meet their little babies - first time meeting the whole family since the wedding er, 4 years ago? The older boy Kay is the smartest and handsomest soon-to-be 3-year-old that I know, and he has this huge fascination with trains. And Kin is the epitome of the Michelin baby :) Both Kay and Kin are so cute, it'd take a heart of real stone to not want to squeeze those cheeks :P

Cameron Highlands July 21-22

Cameron Highlands has that truly English feel about it. First time up there, and I love it! We stayed at the Equatorial, which is actually a bit run-down and has this untasteful indoor coldwater swimming pool (a definite oxymoron). Breakfast, however, was a pretty good spread - maybe because I'm just amazed at having fresh strawberries and home-made strawberry jam. Loved the Boh tea plantation - so treacherous driving on the windy roads into the estate, but that was part of the fun. The tea house has this YTL-feel about it, lots of metal and wood ID. We did the mandatory "auntie" thing at the market, and lugged home vegetables and flowers - the car was absolutely filled! Next time I go up, I'll eat more fried mushrooms, pick some strawberries, spend more time wasting time at the beautiful plantation, have steamboat, roam the whole pasar malam, and buy the entire market home! Maybe if I have a lotta cash, I'll try out the Spa Village at the charge-in-USD YTL resort up there too eh? :)

The treasure hunt (the reason why we went up in the first place) was great too! Our team "nasi-lemak-on-the-go" (namesake because of Joon's helper Yati who packed lunch for us to eat while hunting) got 3rd prize! What with Sherman's driving, Lingesh's endless calls to his brainy mum, and Joon and my observant eyes, I'd say we did pretty well for first-timers :)

Cameron Highlands has officially become my favourite highlands getaway.

Busy

Pre-wedding photoshoot last Saturday. Took a whole hour to wash my hair and clear off the mascara after that. I hate eye make-up and hairspray, although they do wonders. Make-up is amazing, but I'm never going to be a fan.

We invited the Goddess Kuan Yin into the house last night, on the eve of her birthday. Now the house looks like a home, no longer a bachelor's abode.

Yes, busy. Still no time to go to Ikea's sale - that busy. It is always during the Megasale months that I am busy. Yet to do my shopping. If only I could say : so little things to do, so much time :P Nah, sounds too unproductive.

You-know-what

Finished in 8 hours over a span of 2.5 days. Would have finished in one sitting, but remembered that I can't afford panda eyes which take agesssss to get rid of. Like I promised, no review, only "I absolutely love the book!"

Even more reason to love it : Popular called me up yesterday to inform me that they're giving 25% discount for HP7, which makes it RM82.43. They will refund me the additional RM16.48 I paid earlier if I show them the receipt. That's absolutely great! That means I only paid an additional RM12.53 from what the hypermarkets are selling at. I wonder if MPH and Times are offering the same discounts to its members. Not like it really matters since in the first place I was already prepared to buy the book at RM109.90 - but discounts are, of course, always a pleasant surprise :)

Finally, I got my white shoes at Metrojaya. Not my preferred pair, because most of my preferred choices were not available in my size. I scoured the entire, and I really mean entire, 1 Utama and Mid Valley to finally find this pair.

And oh, the treasure hunt up to Cameron Highlands was great! Our team "Nasi-lemak-on-the-go" (only thing off the top of our heads) got 3rd prize! We're natural treasure hunters, being first-timers, haha. I loved the treasure hunt, although it really squeezed my brain juice dry, and made my eyes get really fed up with the huge masses of signboards stuck everywhere. And I absolutely loved Cameron Highlands! First time up there, see. The long winding road uphill from Simpang Pulai seems quite easy to drive, not steep at all. Weather was fantastic. Breakfast at Equatorial was actually quite filling. The market was a thoroughly apt place to become an "auntie". The Boh tea plantation was superbly English. So many places I didn't get to go, because my colleagues have all been there so many times. The next time I go up, I want to pick strawberries, buy more flowers, eat more fried mushrooms, stay a little longer, drink a little more tea :)

The end of Harry

This shall be the reason I am going to be holed up from Sunday onwards.

Reminiscently, I can remember that when the 6th book came out, I was whisked away to PD Avillion to enjoy the book - free from spoilers divulged via the papers, the radio, the tv, or the Internet. KF patiently waited for me to finish the book, to be completely antisocial, and then when I was done (after being completely devastated and reduced to sniffles), I wanted to read the book all over again, but of course, it was then his turn to retreat from the world.

Unfortunately, I can't do the same thing this time.

I hope, I really truly hope, I do not hear any spoilers from the radio on the way down from Cameron Highlands, or glance upon intruding headlines on the Sunday papers. Please let me make it home safe in the knowledge that I'll have a few days of pure joy (or horror) when I eventually get my hands on this book. And, I will not be blogging any review of the book at all. But I'll shout out when I'm done, so you can call me and we can rant about the ending together.

On an unrelated note, I cannot believe that Tesco and Carrefour are selling the book at RM69.90 when I pre-ordered mine for RM109.90 from Popular! Don't like the idea of being ripped off by the major bookstores. Glad to know that all bookstores and hypermarkets open at 7.01am tomorrow for everyone to get their final Harry fix. I'll be flagging off at that time, hopefully completely absorbed with tulips and anagrams and signboards to be able to withstand Hogwarts' power until the next day.

Have a very harry weekend! :)

My 27th birthday

A million thanks for the many well wishes! Really, on your birthday, there's nothing happier than knowing people gave a few seconds of their time to think of you, and that friends are wishing you well :)

I left right on time from the office (something I haven't done in a long time, but the lady boss was smiling indulgently when I left) and waited at home for KF to come pick me up. He came with this really cute box of cupcakes for me :) It's from Cupcakechic and boy does it taste super yummy! I was so excited when I saw the cake that I only remembered much later (after 25% of the cake was gone) that I didn't take a photo! I did eventually, much later at night ...



The haul this year includes 2 Coach bags, a DKNY perfume, an MPH book voucher, the sinfully sweet cupcakes, HP5 movie and a yummy steamboat dinner :)

We then rushed off for HP5. GSC 1U was, as usual, swamped with people (this is why I don't really like to go there, besides the price being super exorbitant and can you believe that Gold Class is always frequently sold out there?).

The opening notes for HP5 sent goose shivers down my arm. Then I settled down to completely engross myself in the movie, features of which were: the young "Snivellus" Snape (and the much older, can't-decide-if-he's-bad-or-good Professor Snape), the sickly laugh of the pink-clad Professor Dolores Umbridge at the end of every sentence, the completely-absorbed-in-her-own-world Luna Lovegood (quite a great performance actually, she was exactly as I imagined her to be), the mad-looking Bellatrix Lestrange, the fun-looking Nymphadora Tonks. Felt that Draco Malfoy didn't have enough screen time to portray his soon-to-be evilness.

But I shouldn't dissect the movie so thoroughly, the movies will never overseat the books. But I do plan to buy the box set when all the movies are finally produced. Something to keep.

This weekend heading up north to Chiangmai on company trip! In holiday mood now, thinking of Thai massages and yummy Thai food .... aiyo, how to lose weight before photoshoot? Nvm nvm, this is the real me right? The photos must depict the REAL me! Better if there's more of me! Muahahahahahahaha ;P

Potty

Yes, the frenzied mania is beginning to build up momentum. Time Magazine has a great feature that shows the lengths that the Harry Potter brain trust (yes, apparently there is such a thing) went through to maintain the secrecy of the Deathly Hallows. Wikipedia also has this really fascinating analysis of the final book.

I so cannot wait for the book (here I'm beginning to sound like a raving maniac but I don't really care, I'm one of scores of many). I have been contemplating for the past few hours whether I should take leave from work and go off somewhere just to read the book in complete seclusion and savour the moments of reading this final book from Rowling. After all, the moment's never going to come again (I can hear people exclaiming "Oh for goodness sake!"). I read the 2nd last book at The Avillion, and cried when Dumbledore died (and cried a 2nd time when I read it again the next time, that's how absorbed I got in Rowling's writing).

So, I am seriously thinking about taking 2 days off (it's been too long since I've stopped eating just to read a book - I used to do that as a kid, not actually stop eating, but bringing the story book and propping it up in front of my plate, until my parents stopped that habit). I almost want to pull out of that treasure hunt on the launching weekend too. But I've already promised, so I shouldn't back out.

I've also been trawling the web for various interviews that the cast gave after the Tokyo premiere yesterday of the 5th Potter movie. Yah, like a Potter-stalker. But well, I'm not the only one. But I do admit, I'm looking forward to the 7th book more than the 5th movie. The movie will merely whet my appetite for more in the book. Ah, but I'm raving now.

I've heard a really huge rumour on the character that will die in this final book - and hearing that rumour, it thoroughly caused me to gape with horror. I hope it is just that, a rumour, nothing more. But not wanting to spoil it for some, I won't say who is rumoured to die. As, apparently, I already spoilt it for KF because I just could not keep my horror to myself. However, the writer of this Time article put it perfectly succinctly:

"People read books for any number of reasons; finding out how the story ends is one among many and not even the most important. If it were otherwise, nobody would ever bother to read a book twice. Reading is about spending time with characters and entering a fictional world and playing with words and living through a story page by page. The idea that someone could ruin a novel by revealing its ending is like saying you could ruin the Mona Lisa by revealing that it's a picture of a woman with a center part. Spoilers are a myth: they don't spoil."

Whoosh

Gwen Stefani is rocking KL on August 21st! Indoor stadium too! Ahhh, how I wish. But no, I am spending a small fortune for the next half a year already (like I don't spend a small fortune any other time of my life, hah), so I shall resist. I resisted King & I, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, various choir concerts at KLPac, (yah, so nice to list the things I sacrificed and indulge in self-pity), I can resist this too. Anyway, we splurged at Sammi Cheng's concert - which was actually quite good, if not for her fan club sitting in front of us waving tall neon lights and big placards. I liked that she put in loads of effort in her dancing - she doesn't dance with all her might, but I like the way she dances in her don't-care attitude, the way she is "sampat" but endearing, and just, basically, her charm. She's put on a bit of weight (rest must have done her good) and looks better now (although maybe her SK-II endorsement was temporarily suspended when she was on holiday). She looked a bit older at the concert, maybe her make-up artist wasn't very good. But, anyway, it was nice to go up to Genting and just feel the cold air. I'm looking forward to treasure-hunting up to Cameron Highlands next month. Also, looking forward to HARRY POTTER! OMG, there is NOTHING else I'm looking forward to more in July, absolutely nothing. The 5th movie, on the 14th I believe, and the final book, on the 22nd - the day which I leave for my very 1st treasure hunt. I can't believe my colleagues managed to persuade me to postpone reading Harry Potter while we go hunt for tea leaves or whatever else it is people do in treasure hunts all the way up to Equatorial Cameron. I can't believe I won't be 1st in line to get my pre-ordered copy (the book, btw, is a bit expensive, but eh, nothing Harry Potter is too expensive, hah). And oh yes, I'm also looking forward to our 3-day company getaway to Chiangmai. We're staying near the famed Night Bazaar, and if it's as famous as it is known for, I hope to bring back loadsa stuffs (I always say that, don't I?). And yes, the end of the month, THE photoshoot. No, I'm not a super slim model yet, not gonna be by then too. But, I heard that bridal studio photographers are magicians ;) So yesterday, I attended my first gym class - Step. Been, what, 2 years since I went for my last Step class? So yesterday, I huffed and puffed my way through one class, thoroughly enjoyed myself, loved the exhausted red-cheeked face sweating profusely looking back from the mirror, and I vow to at least make it once a week to gym, if for nothing else, at least for Step (although today, I feel like I got a permanent cramp behind my right calf and my left thigh feels like splitting from the joints whenever I go to toilet). I also wanna try Bodypump (never did it before because I got intimidated by the weights la), the Bellyjam class (I did feel intimidated watching the ongoing class from outside glass panels, those girls looked so pro leh), the Bodyattack class (I surfed the Les Mills website and gee, this workout sounds like one heckuva workout), the Cardiowave and RPM sessions (just to see if I can). Aiya, I want to try so many things. The pool too! When it opens, supposedly middle of July. And yes, next month's my birthday - heehee. GSC and JCard already sent me my birthday vouchers. 27 years old! You know, I always thought 27'd be the perfect age to marry - I guess seriously, (if you've read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne), the law of attraction and powerful visualisation is for real - whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it will achieve. Now, I just have to start dreaming seriously of free round-the-world travel tickets and fully-paid 5-star hotels. I am prone to drama, my life doesn't have enough of it, and I don't wish it to. At all.

My Wish

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,

And each road leads you where you want to go,

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,

I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,

If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,

All the ones who love you, in the place you left,

I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,

And you help somebody every chance you get,

Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,

And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

- the beautiful "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts (I don't really know who he / the band is, but I really thought it was sung by Keith Urban until I googled the lyrics).

It's been ages since I did a proper update. So today, I shall just do some Monday morning ramblings.

We watched Pirates of the Caribbean 3 on Saturday at TGV (I always feel a certain sense of achievement whenever I get those RM6 earlybird tickets - I mean, think about it, most movie tickets nowadays cost RM11 per person on a weekend!). Anyway, RM6 was about what the movie was worth. No spoilers because the movie wasn't fantastic enough to garner a long review. Pirates 2 was much better. However, I liked that this one had an ending, a proper one. So if you haven't watched it, stay until the end of the credits for the proper ending.

And this Friday, I shall be bus-ing it down to Singapore for the Great Singapore Sale (they even have a website! and yes, the Sale apparently deserves capital letters). What I hope to buy : bedsheets (I heard they've good quality and designs at a cheap price there), shoes (at least take photos of some designs and maybe bring home to custom-make if the heels are too high), dress (yah, I got nothing to wear! haha), and my normal Singapore-pilgrimage-intake of Tony Roma's delightful pork ribs and the fishball in Tangs marketplace - yum yumm. Believe it or not, in all my years of studying in Skudai, I never made it to the Sale. So, I'm rather looking forward to it (shopping is something I need to mentally prepare myself for, in order to garner maximum satisfaction).

I have also begun my 6-month pre-big day beauty treatments. But, to avoid sounding completely narcissistic, I am not delving into details. Suffice to say I do not hope to look any worse than now 6 months on (no I'm not doing plastic surgery or spending BIG money, so it's merely maintenance procedures, hah!).

Oh, and believe it or not, True Fitness is finally opened at Jaya33. The gleaming new machines are up and running (treadmills have no earphones though), the RPM studio is ready to torture, the changing rooms are big and BIG, and the whole place just reeks of new-ness. Work is still ongoing for the pool and the spa centre, but hopefully it should be ready by the official opening on the 15th. The classes aren't really properly scheduled yet, so I might just wait until the 15th before I go.

While checking out the gym, we dropped by to the Oriental Pavilion (just next to True Fitness). They were cleaning up from a wedding dinner the previous night. We met the manager who showed us the whole place and let us visualize the settings. We got a gripe though - because there are about 3 or 4 big pillars blocking strategic views of the stage. And, the place can only comfortably fit about 50 tables. So, I gotta start attacking the guest list seriously soon. Also, the manager mentioned they have 2 projector screens at the stage - so that's one thing off my venue deco list. However, because Jaya33 "reeks of new-ness", I'm pretty satisfied with the venue. Now, all I have to do is decide if I want it to be simple or elegant - with the former meaning plain, and the latter meaning one florist is getting rich.

You see, I'm prone to writing long boring essays when I feel like rambling, rambling being therapeutic and a better option than settling down to mountain-load of work on the desk. But, I guess I better get started if I wanna move that mountain. Heave-ho!

Everything

You're a falling star,
You're the get away car.
You're the line in the sand when I go too far.
You're the swimming pool, on an August day.
And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute.
Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.
Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.
Cause you can see it when I look at you.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you,
You make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,
And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You're a mystery, you're from outer space,
You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, that I'm your man,
And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,
And you know that's what our love can do.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you,
You make me sing
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It's you, it's you,
You make me sing.
You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.
You're every song, I sing along.
'Cause you're my everything.
Yeah, yeah
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

Serenaded in that oh-so-sexy voice of Michael Buble, this is currently on repeat on my playlist.

Damansara Village

Address : 1067, Jalan Jenjarum, Kg Sg Kayu Ara, Off Jalan SS23/10, 47400 Petaling Jaya (opposite Projet station in Tmn SEA / Damansara Jaya)
Map here

Tel : +603-7803 1832

Menu : Fresh, live seafood steamboat.

Comments : Never tasted steamboat so yummy in my life. Fresh (live, still jumping prawns), authentic (rice wine herbal soup), great ambience. I don't have to type a detailed review, so many others have done it. Seriously, if you're looking for quality steamboat, look no further. The place for any kind of gathering, to bring outstation relatives, to linger and stuff yourselves.

Official website :
http://www.damansaravillage.blogspot.com/
http://lauraadam.blogspot.com/2006/08/looking-for-place-to-eat-with-your.html

Review :
Kuali.com

On nation-building

This is Raja Nazrin's keynote address at some young Malaysians' round table discussion at the Bar Council :

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/4/nation/20070404211402&sec=nation

It's actually sad to see that our royalty are merely just royalty and do not have a say in running the country. Because I do believe that our royalty receive excellent education in how to really run a country ... compared to our elected representatives who are mostly just people like you and me, not actually born and bred to run a country.

My favourite extracts from his speech :

• If the young are to be good leaders and citizens, they must be exposed to more than just abstract concepts ... I believe that good and upright leadership must be demonstrated. It has to be both taught and observed at work. Then, those who are found to be able must be mentored by those who are capable. In this way, success can be learned and replicated. Finally, the young must be given responsibilities they can handle. They should be allowed to make mistakes along the way as part of their overall learning process.
• History has shown us time and again, that it is much easier to break down, rather than build up, nations.
• ... if nation building is to be successful, enforced solutions must be avoided. Nation building is effectively rendered null and void by coercion or the threat of violence. 'Might' cannot and must not be shown to be 'right'. If solutions cannot be found within the political and social structures, there will be a strong temptation to resort to illegitimate ways and means.
• ... but it is a fact that many countries are as likely to punish good behaviour as to reward it. After all, if there are benefits for corruption, then there is a real cost to being honest. The incentives for building up a nation must be greater and more compelling than breaking it down. The price of racial and cultural intolerance must be made prohibitively high.
• It is said that it takes a village to raise a child.
• If you look closely enough at any country, even ones that are regarded today as highly successful such as Japan, you will find there have been episodes in its past where events were very tenuous. I hope we will do our best to guard against cynicism and hopelessness. And I hope we will all stay the course. Failure, may I remind you all, is a costly option.

It's inspiring to read the full text of the speech, heartwarming to know that there is a prince (no less than the beautiful Zara's Prince Charming) who cares for the people and the country. Cynics may say it is all talk. It probably is, seeing that he has no say in how our Cabinet runs the country. I say it must be torturous to be him, being in a position in which he should actually be able to help, but being helpless to do so.

Through it all

Counting up : 6 years today! Imagine that ...

Counting down : 6 months to go :)

As deep as the ocean yah ...

Overheard on TraxxFM last night :

"If we pay toll to use the roads, what do we pay road taxes for?"

Trying to be Cinderella

I zipped till my pointer fingers were red and raw (okay, exaggerating). Tried on so many gowns. Was quite fun to just stroll through the many hanging dresses, pick out the ones I like, throw them in a bundle on the floor, and finally try them on one by one. All these glamourous gowns.

Love Vision SS2 has a huge selection of wedding gowns. When I finally tried on something I really liked, I found out it had already been booked by another bride on the same day. Apparently, LV has 20 brides who are getting married on the same day as I am! I don't know whether to feel reassured or unspecial.

So, I continued trying until eventually I found one I liked. It's not all white as I'd envisioned my wedding gown to be. But then, it's got embroidery the way I like it, and I was already getting tired from all the zipping up and down. This was on a Friday evening after work.

The evening gown selection wasn't very vast. But I managed to pick a number of gowns in the unlikeliest colours, haha :) The final step was shortlisting. Out of the many shortlisted gowns, I had to choose 3 wedding gowns and 4 evening gowns for the photoshoot - with 3 to be booked for my wedding day. Eh, doing this wasn't easy, seeing that I could only pick 3 designer category gowns with the rest being super VIP gowns (out of the many I'd tried on, I dunno why I seem to like the designer ones better, hah) and the rest weren't actually my dream gowns. I know, I'm fussy. But aiya, a bride can afford to be a bit fussy la.

KF was very patient, waiting for me to walk in and out of the fitting room. Told me which ones made me look real fat. Sifted through dresses to help me make choices. Was his usual sarcastic self. Sat through a growling hungry tummy. Unselfishly let me use up the entire RM1200 voucher we had just so I could upgrade to designer gowns. And at the end of it all (3 1/2 hours in total), gallantly whipped out his credit card to pay the bridal studio. My hero :)

On Saturday, we went with Dennis to scout out possible locations in Putrajaya for the photoshoot. Original idea was Shangri-La, but the greenery wasn't very, well, green. Mariott was much greener, but the interior didn't match Shang's. So, it's either classy interior shots in the Shang, or outdoor shots at TTDI or Lake Gardens. Still open to ideas.

Oh, and last week, I made my first bridal purchase - a pair of white strappy sandals with diamante detail from Sembonia. I'm super proud of this purchase because it's one of the cheapest shoes I've ever bought! Okay, I'm a sucker for expensive shoes because I want comfort above it all, and comfy shoes seem to suck money. But, since wedding shoes can't exactly be comfortable, I settled for something with a medium-sized heel, a good rubber grip and a nice height. Hmm, now the shoes don't sound sexy. But then, a bride has every reason to buy a few more pairs, doesn't she? ;)

Countdown : 6 more months away!

*gasp*

Scenario : 8 reports are waiting to be drafted. Another pile sits waiting in the office for Monday morning. Home desk has been cleared (due to nagging), but the drawers and cupboards are still stuffed full. Work has to be completed by Wednesday evening, or else no incentives and probably no enjoying the HK trip this Thursday. HK itinerary hasn't been finalized finalized. Dinner venue for November is still only a glimmer in the horizon. I am still flabby and do not know how to slim everything down by July for the photoshoot. Wondering if I should highlight or leave my hair alone? Is that a wrinkle in the corner of my forehead? Under the piles of files, the professional competency tasks for my valuer's registration is still untouched.

Can this year just slow down a bit and let me breath ah?

Dedicated to the best soap opera EVER!

The O.C. has finally finally ended at its 4th season. To the writers of the OC script, a job very well done indeed. It ended heart-tuggingly-beautifully with a perfect "everything comes full circle" message.

Reasons why I absolutely love The OC :

• The beautiful people in it lead beautifully dramatic lives (and still look beautifully ruffled after an earthquake)
• They got romance in all the right edge-y doses, if you know what I mean
• It's got the best-ever soundtrack to accompany all the right moments
• And it's a happy happy ending! (why else should it be otherwise?)

Sorry the picture above has a bit of a spoiler, not like it matters to most of the world - except to OC adorers like me.

Life will never be the same again without Seth and Summer, Ryan and Taylor, perfect couple Kirsten and Sandy, Julie and Kaitlin. (Ok, the dramatic-ism is rubbing off - I just finished the last episode of the final season of all!) So, the next time I suddenly have a free month with no work to do at all, you know what to get me - I don't mind watching it all over again!!! ;)

Bimbo

Drove to the house, did the laundry, set the Robomop running, then went out for lunch with JC. Saw so many handbags I wanted to get - Liz Clairborne, Coach, Elle (I just love throwing names). But I just couldn't bring myself to fork out RM399 for a mere handbag :P Primavera's also having sale, but the pair I wanted wasn't on sale, would have cleaned me by RM178 if I had bought it. When we got home, my little puppy was already asleep in one corner, having run out of batteries. But my good little puppy had already done its job well before falling asleep - so cute :)

So after that I went home to pick my sister up. And we headed to True Fitness Jaya33 to sign up for a Gold Membership. Yes, GOLD! Which basically just means a 3-year membership - which will last me until June 2010! I had to swipe 2 credit cards to pay, because one alone didn't have enough credit. Anyways, they gave us a 1-month free membership, a cool (but too small for my gym usage) sling bag with 2 nice white towels and a water bottle, a car sunscreen, and 6 personal training sessions. The place is funky. At the reception area, they have these 2 "infinity walls" which have little lights that light into the horizon, as though the walls were 100m deep. But there wasn't anything else left to see. The place is due to be open in May, but nothing's confirmed. My 12-month installment payment, however, starts ticking from today. Hah. But 's alright. I'm looking forward to Bodycombat, Bodystep, and maybe starting on Bodybalance, BumsLegsTums, maybe some Jazzercise or some dance class I won't look so klutzy in - like line dance maybe ;P

We then headed to our regular book rental place in Amcorp, to replenish supply of my nightly bedtime fixes. Restocked up on my contact lenses. Stumbled upon this cute shop that was on sale - so I bought 5 pieces of clothes for less than RM200 - boy am I so proud of that :)

And then, the highlight of my weekend - besides that accidental shopping that I did - I went and poked holes in my ears! Argh! My sister dragged me there. She just told me to quit procrastinating and just get it done. I've been wanting to, cos I want to look pretty and all with danglys. But never got round to it, cos I love my prawns and seafood. I did it at PohKong in Amcorp for RM20. Got cute little gold star studs. It was painful when they tembus-ed the lubang - gosh. I almost wanted to run away from my seat when she prepared to tembus the 2nd hole. An almost traumatic experience. It felt like I had stapled my ears. And I didn't want to look at my ears after that, because I was kinda feeling regret. Felt like that for about half an hour. Now, at almost bed time, my ears don't feel painful anymore, but I can feel those studs there. Okay, I'm complaining when I shouldn't be, because little 5-year-olds don't make such a fuss when they get their ears pierced. Well, I like to be attention-seeking. Hah. The dear cannot wait to come back and see my latest stunt-that-I-pulled-while-he's-gone. But he says he's happy I did it - so, I'm happy too :) And I kinda like how they look - so cheap thrill la me :)

Okay, I got a very heavy-duty week ahead at work. I brought back work but never completed it this weekend, so I do believe that the coming 2 weeks are going to be rough and tough.

But it doesn't matter - cos I went shopping and got my ears pierced! Ah, it's fun to be a bimbo once in a while :)

My new puppy

• Cleans the house when you push it


• Runs around the house unsupervised, but you can bet it won't pass motion anywhere at all


• Can be picked up to go quietly from room to room


• Collects dustballs and hair - stuff you don't get if you merely sweep


• Doesn't get in your way at all


• Works diligently until you tell it to stop


• Does not know how to guard the house at all as it makes absolutely no sound


• Doesn't require feeding, nor bathing, nor any visits to the vet

My newest best friend and playmate :

I snitched the picture from somewhere off Google (I've got no wood floors at home, and my actual unit doesn't have the same words at the side). In fact, mine doesn't have the 2 buttons on the ball. Mine's merely an off-on switch and a charging outlet. But, it suffices to do its job. Cost me RM90 - which I felt was kinda a rip-off when I saw the actual thing. But after putting it to work, I'm satisfied with my new "puppy" :)

True Fitness

The place in Jaya33 is still under construction. So you have to trudge through some mud (dry or wet depending on the weather) in order to reach the gleaming purple reception area. We were met by the general manager. My sis asked to use the bathroom first, but apparently the bathroom's still not ready! So we had to trudge back across the road to McD's and decided to tell the GM to come across to meet us instead.

So, no, we didn't get to tour the facilities. Probably will do that before we sign up, if we sign up.

The fees are exorbitant. Apparently, the fees are about RM159/- or RM199/- per month. Like hello! And they charge 5% service tax on top of that - madness. And RM500/- joining fee, and RM125/- processing fee. Complete nonsense. I was about to tell the GM not to waste his time.

But then, after numerous different packages, he finally gave one that seemed agreeable. The best package offered was apparently the Couples or Family Package. It works out to about RM92.60 per person per month, if I join with my sister. That's for a 3-year membership (with an additional 1-month free), but payable within a year in monthly installments of RM278/-. For everyone else in our family who joins thereafter, their membership fees will be RM67.10 monthly for 3 years, also payable in a year.

They'll have a pool, and they're open every day of the year from 6am - 12 midnight. Parking is RM1.50 per entry. They'll also have a True Spa, of which steam bath, sauna, jacuzzi is free for all members but massage, facials, etc are payable.

My skeptic thoughts:
- What if I change jobs and no longer work nearby? 3 years is a VERY long time.
- How clean will the pool be?
- What kind of money-back guarantee do I get? In terms of satisfaction of facilities offered.

But, in 3 years, I can actually:
- Strive to be one of those instructor's "pets", the kind of person who memorizes every single step and does every action as well as, or even better than, the instructor
- Swim more often than I've ever done
- Finally stretch and lengthen those muscles to look leaner and taller by attending numerous yoga and Pilates classes (their in-house trainers are all from India)

I think I need to go dream in my bed instead :P Lofty idealism of achieving that great body, that healthy glow - haiyor, so superficial! But then, I'd rather like to wear a strapless dress and not look like the dress is wrapping me instead. And I'd like to get control of my hip size before other factors make it out of my control. And most of all, I miss feeling healthy and fit.

I haven't signed up yet. Sleep on it first.

Maybe I'll blog more this week

It's weird having a whole weekend solely to myself. Not that it does belong only to me (the weekend I mean), I share it with stacks of reports waiting to be drafted. (I got one report opened in front of me but aih, you know, when I face the screen at home, I tend to prefer blog-surfing and blogging and surfing to travel sites and daydreaming of places I'd like to be in, compared to hunching over a report).

Just cleaned house and cleared that patch of land supposedly called a garden. Amazing how a house collects dust even when you don't live in it much. I didn't know that the kitchen counter and the stove and the top of the fridge and the TV cabinet could gather that much dust - in a month! Also, the washing machine is an amazing invention - makes life so easy. Tonight, I'm meeting some eBay seller who is selling the Robomop at about 30% off the market rate (not that I've seen the Robomop being actually sold in retail shops yet here). Hopefully, this Robomop becomes another "amazing invention" that I'll love and treasure like the ever-dependable washing machine.

And about that "garden". I intended to get quotes to plant proper grass in the garden. So far, one quote says RM500 - I balked. For that small 8' x 10' plot of land??! But apparently, it takes lotsa effort to dig out the top layer of lallang roots, then put a fresh fertile layer of soil, before planting the grass. Even the grass itself, I dunno what to choose. The no-need-to-be-trimmed kind sounds wonderful, but it doesn't look as nice as the golf grass and apparently has lotsa worms. The golf grass needs to be constantly trimmed and watered and stepped on. Yah, believe it. Apparently the golf grass becomes yellow and dies if no one steps on it. Like, huh? What happened to "dilarang memijak rumput"?

Was reading Men's Health mag (the Singapore one) while waiting for the mopped floor to dry. That magazine has cool savvy articles. So many tips on how to manage anger, how to get that toned body, what nutritions to munch on, how to cinch that girl in 10 minutes, haha. Much more interesting to read than Cleo or Female or other such nonsense. Or maybe, Cleo is also interesting for guys? Maybe the genders should switch mags.

The other half left yesterday to the exotic paradise of Turkey and Greece, which includes the much-famed Santorini Island. Another 11 days before he returns. By then, the bedsheets should be changed, the clothes ironed, the bathrooms cleaned, and the house smelling all clean and nice - it's amazing how little time a guy can find to keep house.

Meanwhile though, I'm throwing myself into work. The office is short of staff and suddenly overloaded with work, which explains my lack of inspiration to blog (excuses, excuses, tsk tsk).

I'm checking out True Fitness in Jaya33 later in the evening. Heard there's going to be a pool there, with a yoga studio and a spa area. I'm enticed. I am. I miss Bodycombat and Step. And it's way boring using the eliptical and running around by myself at home. Although I'm one of those klutzes who throws the group's harmony of actions out of sync, I still liked those classes. I liked that my cheeks become pink although I sweat like a pig and look disgusting with matted hair after a workout. And I sort of like the aches I suffer the next day (I grumble and groan but I press the aching place harder like how you'd do an ingrown nail, haha). But actually, most of all, I'm looking forward to a pool nearby. Hopefully it'll be maintained properly. I'll check out the gym and write a review on it later, with its package rates and all if I can.

Now, back to drafting reports. Let's see how long my attention span lasts.

Long one

- Image taken from somewhere off Google Images

- Saves the hassle of typing a neverending entry

- Read between, around, under, over, everywhere : so yes, occasionally I'm not independent enough to do everything for myself, nor be able to ignore everything going around and pretend it doesn't have a connection with me (it's so fun to be cryptic sometimes)

- It's starting to look like a long work year ahead ... and it's already March, gawd ...

Just stuffs

It's been a week of later-than-normal weeknights, but a fun one, a frantic one where everyone HAS to get everything outta the way before embracing the new year. It's like one should be completely free with nothing to do whatsoever but eat, drink, watch tv and gamble come Sunday onwards.

On Tuesday night, I was coaxed to attend an AIESEC event at UPM. I'm glad I went :) KF, JT, PL, KP and I were there to share our experiences as alumni and "how @ is the platform to greater things". At first, I was a bit skeptical as to what I would find to say. Then I started reminiscing on how, 5 years ago, all of us could talk for 5 whole days straight during national conferences. Gee, how in the world did we find so much to talk about?

But the greater picture is that I did learn things I would never have learnt otherwise. Like, how to create beautiful documents using Microsoft Office. How there were such things as KPI and measurements (I don't use these things now, but I think some people still do). How we could exert all our energy during the day dancing and talking and brainstorming, and still be able to do post-mortems after midnight. How we managed to find a connection with so many like-minded souls in the sea of people. And that is what makes me remember my AIESEC days with fondness - the people, the ties that we created. Maybe I'm looking back with rose-tinted glasses, but then, I've always been one to do so.

Yesterday KF and I had a wonderfully delicious dinner at Carnaval Churrascaria in Damansara Jaya, in honour of his birthday and V's Day (probably the major reason why the LDP and everywhere else in PJ was horrendously jammed up for several hours after work yesterday, most likely due to boyfriends picking up flowers to give their girlfriends and going out for that obligatory dinner). Anyway, Carnaval Churrascaria is decidedly PJ's best-kept little secret. A meat buffet. Just google the restaurant and you'll find more than enough delightful reviews about it. I particularly liked the sausages and the pineapple. KF loved the bun. The meat - chicken, beef and lamb - was juicy and flavorful, and it didn't feel very sinful to indulge. It cost us RM60++ per person because of the special day, but otherwise it costs RM48++. All in it cost KF RM154/- including 2 drinks (I highly recommend Fiesta). It was nice to see KF enjoying his dinner so much, and I'm glad he could return home to his new LG DVD player.

Tomorrow it's half day at work. KF would have gone back to Ipoh, so I'll pop by our little house to clean up, water the plants, take some DVDs to watch, lock up nicely. I love playing house :)

Looking forward to the fairly long weekend, to the once-in-a-year surreally clear roads and highways, to the yearly food-and-Shandy-pigging session (before I find another reason to diet again), to the "in-between" games. Should be fun ;)

All of us are blessed to have good working ankles. After every ankle sprain, I am reminded of how thankful I am to be whole and in good working condition. The post-swelling wrinkled skin on my left ankle is enough to make me want to slather on moisturiser religiously every night. I'm glad glad glad I can walk fairly properly now, albeit with the help of stair rails, and no jumping or running or even any form of power walking. So last weekend was spent walking leisurely around buying CNY deco stuffs, and I mean real leisurely because I can only stroll :)

We threw 2 small housewarming parties last week, one for good friends, one for KF's colleagues. The good thing about these parties is that you get to use all your new utensils and dishware and stuffs. And then you get to clean the house all over again. It's good to move to a new house before CNY, no major spring-cleaning required ;)

I cannot wait to be up and about to go shopping! I want a new handbag, a new wallet, new shoes (albeit flat ones, no heels this time), new clothes, new lotsa stuffs. Haha. Post-bonus spending. Not that it was much. But enough to buy myself some new things, because I've always been the kind who spends (and gives out) all her bonus.

Back to work *jaded sigh*

The ankle monologues

8 days ago :
"I'll send you to work today la."
"Wah, how did you fall ah?"
"I tapau lunch for you - what you wanna eat?"
"Got see Chinese doctor ornot?"
"Fell during sports is it?"

6 days ago :
"Rest properly during the weekend la yah."
"Next week can do inspections already right?"
"On Monday your turn to tapau for me yah ... hehe ..."

4 days ago :
"This is your 5th visit and you're still not okay? Did you change your diet or not?"
"Painful meh? - craack- No la, where got painful? - craack -"
"You ah, trouble people only la ..."

3 days ago :
"You sure you can drive to work today ah?"
"Try and go out for whatever inspections you can la yah ..."
"Hi! I'm sorry I didn't call earlier, I twisted my ankle. But can I arrange an appointment for tomorrow?"

2 days ago :
"Played badminton and fell ah?"
"Can cross the road or not? Careful ah."

Today :
"You were dancing in high heels is it?"
"Should go see this really famous sifu in Puchong, from China wan, heard he's really good ..."
"What you want to eat today? The nearest restaurant again ah? Ok la, but I'm sien of the food there already la ..."
"Aiyo, I see the way you hobble around the office also I start to feel tired already ..."
"No fractures and your ankle mortise looks fine, no dislocations."

AirAsia's my kind of airline!

Wooohooo! I managed to bag 2 tickets to Macau via AirAsia! Okay, it's not exactly free ... but it's one of those "1 million free seats" that were available. All-in RM373/- per person. Quite a bargain.

Now, to slowly trawl through the bags full of budget accommodation in Hong Kong. Causeway Bay or Tsimshatsui? Save on accommodation for shopping, or stay in somewhere that's not a fire hazard? Decisions decisions ...

But I'm glad - 5 days in Macau / Hong Kong ... we'll see if it's the shopping destination it proclaims to be.

Christmas wedding in Singapore

The bride and bridegroom - Elaine and David

Mummy and 3 daughters :)

Me and Shalynn - the flower girl, my cutest little cousin

The girls in the family - with my 5 aunts and 3 cousins

Clusters of roses

At the 2nd wedding for my generation on my mum's side

My left ankle

I'm stuck home today with a sprained ankle. This happening left ankle of mine is the reason why 4 years ago I became a comfortable-shoes advocate for Clarks, Hush Puppies, Scholl and Primavera. And yesterday, this happening ankle of mine decided to remind me for the 4th (or 5th, I can't keep count) time that I should watch where I'm stepping. Even while wearing perfectly flat Ipanema slippers.

But thank goodness for the flats, and thank goodness for KF's strong hand, and thank goodness it was only a short small step at The Curve, because this time the missed-step didn't cause as much pain as last time. Goodness, I still get shivers when I remember how I missed one step at home, brrr.

Since a couple of months back, this happening ankle has been giving me slight needly pains whenever it's about to rain. Yes, I do believe it's early signs of rheumatism (before I'm 30!) and due to all the sprained episodes on the same ankle. My "lucky" ankle is the reason why I spend hundreds on shoes (comfy shoes don't come cheap) and why I walk quite slowly (needing to watch every step I take).

But I guess there's a reason for everything. I'm grateful that the pain is not as excruciating as previous episodes. And that it gives me reason to sit and do nothing for a day or two. Can you hear that tune? "Al-ways look-on-the brighhhht-side-of-life!"

I resolve

As always, the traditional resolutions for the year. I've achieved every single thing on my to-do list for 2006, except one which, due to circumstances not in my control, I've had to bring forward to this year. And so, for this year (the year that will mark the end of my mid-20's), I resolve to :

• Finish 2 of my practical tasks for TPC submission
• Start studying seriously (yes, again!) for my Board interview
• Travel overseas (at least once, possibly Shanghai) and locally (at least once, possibly to an island) - money is going to be tight, can't do as much travelling as I did in 2006
• Be a tidier person and learn to be a good weekend-housekeeper and weekend cook! (I'm looking forward to knocking up stuff in my own kitchen and keeping the dear's tummy happy and generally fulfilling all my Cancerian tendencies)
• Keep my weight below 50 kilos (yah, I'm not light)
• Revamp my wardrobe (not just keep spending on Hush Puppies and Clarks and Scholls)

2006 was an immensely busy year. I hope 2007 won't be so much of busy, but more of fulfilling.