Wrapping the year nicely

I promised myself to write something before new years.

It has been a wonderful year 2010.

I started working in a new institution in January.

I organised student activities, and my dear students surprised me with a wonderful birthday surprise party (also my first).

My group of students took this picture before surprising me in class with this HUGE card!

My girlfriends and I on my birthday (23.04.10)

Also my first year when Darling was away for work, so I spent a wonderful birthday with my girlfriends. But Darling, being Darling as always, surprised me at work with a very beautiful bouquet of Lilies. :)

I love Lilies

As a birthday present, Darling brought me to Shanghai to visit the Shanghai World Expo. It was an eye opener as it was my first trip to China (Hong Kong is definitely not typical China).

In front of the Malaysia Exhibit

At Hangzhou

Both of us went to Maldives, somewhere we always long to go, where we got engaged.

When I said "yes!"

And my sister told Darling, "Thank God she said YES". Because she kept the secret for months!

Then we went to Hong Kong where we both visited the prestigious TVB office for the first time (and maybe the only time we could get in), saw many Hong Kong artists and watched a show live at the TVB studio.

watched a show live in TVB studios

At TVB studio

Hired a wonderful wedding planner to help us along the way.


And then I got promoted after only working for 10 months in the organisation. I have so many people to thank for recognising my work and contributions. I felt so honoured to now be able to be part of the Murdoch University family.

My boss gave me this, also motivating me to push myself further. Yes, boss!

I also had lobster for the first time in my life. Darling brought my parents and his parents, when they met for the first time for dinner at this wonderful seafood restaurant at Kayu Ara.

Yummu!

Started renovation of the family home for the wedding, when Darling's sister asked the contractor to do a special parking place for my car. Awww.... :)

My future home sweet home

Saw sooooo many teddies in Midvalley! Did you?


And the other day, we were so hungry after gym that we bought donuts! A bit wrong, I know ... but so delicious!



For the first time in our lives (and also the last), Darling signed off our wedding band while my sister and I sipped orange juice on the sofa.


And my sister and I tried on this ridiculously expensive dress in Miu Miu. We were so excited that the dress was so cute until we saw the price tag: SGD1800.

Crazy.

Then, for the first time in my life, I literally shouted at the store assistant at Apple Store for giving me the wrong information. I guess I wanted to buy the gift for Darling so much that I couldn't take the news of being cheated. But anyway, the Apple store assistant also gave me more wrong information, being that the product was indeed available. He didn't know that it was available. -_____-

I felt a bit guilty for shouting at someone, thinking that I would give the person a bad day, so I apologised to him for being so loud earlier on. He smiled at me and also apologised for giving wrong information. :/



THEN, I went home, was so excited to show Darling his New Year gift. THEN, he told me he already bought a wireless one with separate docking. -________-!!!!!!


So there you go, that's how 2010 has been for me.


This year has been wonderful. I guess some things happened that sucked but I forgot. It's ok, I would only want to remember the beautiful ones. :)

How was 2010 to you? :)

Happy New Year 2011, peeps!

XOXO,
theRascal

Blogging on the iPad!!!

... Yes, a little excited to be able to update a post using Darling's iPad. Ok I tell you an inside joke that you might not laugh but I still feel like giving it a try. Darling said the iPad is his pad because women has sanitary pads...geddit? Geddit? -___-

I am typing from my sister's place in Singapore. I spend most of my Christmas away from home ... because it doesn't feel like Christmas in KL as much as in Singapore. Again, their decorationsat Orchard blew me away. I love the broad walkways and also clean from people irresponsibly littering, spitting, pick-pocketing.

Complains a side, we bought our wedding band! :D These atas stores really treat you well, especially when you really are purchasing something. For the first time, I was sipping away fresh orange juice, chatting to my sister on the sofa while trying on the different designs. Never thought I could do these all at once in a jewelry store. The combination of situations just didn't... Ok I just never thought I could have the chance to do that today. :)

I had a really superb steamboat (yes, again and I love it!) at Bugis/opposite Capital Mall followed by dessert with my bestie Kai Pei and DY. Will be meeting them again tomorrow for another dose of shopping before heading to the airport. See, i told you my trip to Singapore this round is for some really serious dose of shopping. Although it seems that the fiancé is buying more amount of apparels than me! How is that possible? I just never thought i should spend more than RM100 for a dress that I would find boring after a year. Besides, the little boutiques back home in Telawi has better/unique designs which comes at a cheaper price.

Oh, this reminds me that I need to clear my wardrobes (yes, I own 2 huge cupboards) for some "garage sale". Something I do almost every year. Only that I don't sell them, I give them away to close friends, relatives and my sisters who dont mind wearing my clothing.

Merry Christmas!!


XOXO,
theRascal

The Girls

I'll be away for the rest of the week until Saturday to do some serious shopping. Yes, serious!



What do you think? When we tried on the ring, it felt so much better than Tiffany. It felt so right. Finger-crossed that it is still in stock and then we're able to get one. :)

My dad's in Guangzhou right now for a business trip, leaving only the girls at home now. The girls had a simple dinner in front of the TV in the living room and watched Friends throughout the night. Awesome :)

It'd been some time since all of us gathered at one place. It's quite an occasion which only happens a few times in a year. It's funny how every time when my family arrives, I feel that I miss them more. Maybe because I knew the next time we gather again, it'll only be in the next few months for Chinese New Year, a school holiday week or maybe, when there's a celebration party. It saddened me when I told my mom that it striked me that this coming Chinese New Year would be the last year I receive red packets from the elder ones and most importantly, not being able to be with them and my lovely cousins ... when it's going to be so chaotic, laughters, endless food at my grandmother's place.

But this is all part and parcel of growing up, isn't it?


Here's to the next chapter! *Happy New Year*


XOXO,
theRascal

In The Making of The Portrait

Sorry for the lack of updates!

Here's another quick one.

I took 3 days of annual leave to do something I see as enjoying, exciting and very important in my life - The Pre-Wedding Photos!

All photo credits to iPhone 3GS *wtf* and of course my beloved fiance, Mr D.



It was a very rainy and gloomy day on our 2nd day of photoshoot. The photographer insisted that we postpone, but I persisted to continue taking the shots and photoshop the clouds later!



I need to get on going with the delayed work piling up on my shoulders and also the handover to the new position :) Wish me luck!


I'll be going over to The Lion City on Wednesday night :) Hopefully I get to update again before I fly.


If not, Merry Christmas, peeps!


XOXO,
the Rascal

Restaurant Stadium Negara

What a typical name for a restaurant in the heart of KL, eh?


Darling (as usual) asked what I would like to have for dinner. People who knows us well know that both of us love to eat balls and stuff in a boiling hot bowl in the middle of a table. Yes lah, the Malaysians call that steamboat.

The one that we always go to is a little far from my place. Thus, I told Darling that we could settle for other food. Being him, he said "since you said you want steamboat, then I'll have to bring you there".

Awww ... puts a smile on my face. Bliss. 感恩.

I'm learning/reminding myself to count my blessings everyday. Not only I have a very supportive and loving family, I'm now looking forward to start another chapter of my life with someone who always accepts me for who I am, try to do the best for me, who effortlessly always put a smile on my face ...

We've never done couple photoshoots before. This one happening next week, would be something we keep for the rest of our lives. :)


XOXO,
theRascal

It's Never Just About You

Sometimes, we just have to understand that everything is not about you, yourself and maybe, oh! You again.

After seeing many of my friends in a relationship, and myself getting married, I've learned (am still learning) more about balancing life, job and handling the family (including the in-laws-to-be). There are so many times when it is not always about you, but about expectations put upon you as a woman, a wife, friend, best friend, mother, colleague, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, sister ... anymore roles should a woman uphold that I've missed out listing here?

Sometimes things can be so crazy that it drives a woman to breakdown for no reason. Some men would understand, the others would just send you to the psychiatric ward (if you're lucky). Worst scenario? They tell you off, saying you've changed into a bizarre weird person you've never used to be.

I talked about expectations of a woman in my Sociology class last semester. Students, finally, agreed that it is far harder to be a perfect woman, because in the end, no one is perfect. We're just working towards sustaining a happy family.

So, most of the time, it's not about you. I would like to think that it is never about you. When someone says he/she would like to have Korean food today, don't try to change it to Japanese, just because you like it. Because it is never just about you. Think for the rest of the people around you.

And so when the husband gives you the moment of bliss, you cherish it and think back on the days where you could just lie down on the beach sipping away a cocktail, don't forget to smile. On other days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, it's okay, tell yourself that it's going to get better.

I'm still learning to handle 2 families at a time. I (think) I'm slowly picking up over time. I wonder how I would handle situations when I have little feet running around in future?

I'll just continue learning.


XOXO,
theRascal

Cool Blog

Recently, both Darling and I are addicted with this Cool Blog thing.

No, it's not a blog as in this online thing.

It's this:


Oh they serve really good pearl tea/flavoured juices with the option of adding flavoured jellies!

It's available in Low Yat. So whenever we're there, we'll definitely buy one for each of us!


Knowing the Pei is also addicted to pearl tea, almost immediately, I sms'ed her about it as it is also available in Singapore!

But anyway, what is better than KOI Pearl Milk Tea?


Anyone know if they are up for a franchise? :)


XOXO,
theRascal

Dressing Up

It was really fun playing dress up with mom at the boutique at Sri Hartamas.

Daphne from IVORE was definitely very helpful (and patient) by slowly recommending dresses, materials and different colours to suit my mom.


My mom is one special person. She could handle a full class of children with special disabilities every single day at school, but when it comes to traffic and shopping (especially fashion), she has the least amount of patience. Really!

I wonder how is mommy loving Japan? I hope to visit that part of the world one day. The Japanese people and culture really captivates the heart of many in the world.


XOXO,
theRascal

Mommy's Coming

My mom is arriving tomorrow morning! Something to look forward to this week. But she's only going to be here for 2 days -___-

Well, mom will be flying to Tokyo for an exchange program (shocking to most people when I told them!). It's a full scholarship thing, and I'm very happy for her. Just that I'm a little worried about her asthma when she has to be in the cold winter. You know how nasty can winter be in Japan.

I did a very nice Pork Chop last Sunday. Darling said that he prefers to call it fried pork. OK fine! Because you know what? I did a lot of marinating and everything, I even fried my own wedges from a complete potato. AND THEN, I was too happy that I completed the task, it looked really yummy, I dished out everything and put it on the dining table. Only to remember that I FORGOT TO MAKE ANY SAUCE to be able to call it pork chop. :/ *slaps forehead*

Anyway, Pei and I were chatting the other day and we just realised that it's the time of the year to shop again! Christmas is definitely the best time of the year to shop. Good bargain! Better fashion sense (I dislike all the very typical Chinese costume thingy during CNY period) and definitely more choices! :)

Hmmmm .... so I think it's time for Jalan Telawi, Damansara and Old Blossom Box boutique visits again!

Let me ask the hubby if he reckon' that, alright? *pray for me*


XOXO,
theRascal

A Question

My lovely friend from Brazil asked a very important question on Facebook.

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?

Almost immediately, I have an answer to that question.



It would be like a newly built house, but was never made a home.




It would be a ship always parked at the dock.


It would be like a car never on the road, but always in the garage.


It would be like a baby afraid of the touch of grass.



It would just be a very empty life.


I'm very blessed to have my mom giving me all the experiences a life would need. She is open to letting me learn many different things. Just not the very extreme and life threatening ones like bungy-jumping and maybe ... racing in a car or something like that.

We all need to experience something in order to learn and grow. It's ok that we make mistakes once in a while. The most important thing is learning from the mistakes that we did.

I don't see a reason living a planned life. For we're not living our own life, writing our own stories to tell our grandchildren, dancing our own rhythm and composing our own song. For that would just be following a map. The world is out there waiting for us. All we need to do is to just take a break from reality, get out from our comfort zone and live a life. Do something we always want to do. That is when you come back to reality, feeling so much livelier.

That's when you'll tell yourself "I've lived a life".



XOXO,
theRascal

The Picture

I can't describe how exciting it is, to finally come to this stage of planning the wedding, where I will be meeting one of the important/key people to make a wedding magical.

Yes. Magical.

The photographer.

I won't be having videographers to help capture the moment. Thus, I was quite happy that Darling said yes to hiring a photographer that would be able to take candid-moment-shots. Beautiful photos to bring out feelings. So that after 20 years, when we're old and weary, and when we are lucky to have time to reminisce the moment of our wedding, we have these beautiful photos to refresh our memory.



I'll be meeting the master of photography, Jon Low.

The Journey from Jon Low on Vimeo.

Let's have our fingers-crossed that he'll be able to work with us on our Big Day, slot us into his very busy schedule.

The fabric for dresses has also been chosen. But in the safe hands of Leong Mama, I have nothing to worry but just think Enough cloth or not? Tired or not? Need some help?


Do you love this cream colour for the bridesmaid? Opinions? :)



XOXO,
theRascal

Something sparked today with a lot of good little thoughts in my head.

I'm going to be a Mrs.!

OMG... don't ask me why this just suddenly kicks in!

And you know what? I'm not complaining, not much anxieties ... just a lot of anticipation and excitement!


Ohh ohhh, I know why I woke up with this thought today. Because last night when we were at my uncle's place for my cousin's 16th Birthday Party (OMG, Jas, can you imagine Siow Ping was celebrating her 16th birthday last night?!), my uncle told his friend when he saw me that ...

"Oh, come, this is my niece. She's getting married next year! Making me feel so old already!"


Hehe :)


Have a good weekend people!


XOXO,
theRascal

Happenings

2 week ago, we attended the beautiful wedding of Adeline and Sim. It was a very grand wedding of more than 70 tables in the grand ballroom of One World Hotel.

I love her look that night. She looked totally elegant, beautiful and so tall.






I love her beautiful princess barbie doll gown too!

It has always been my dream to walk down the aisle in a beautiful dreamy barbie gown. Yet, not too elaborated. Just that much of elegance.

Seriously, my utmost anxiety now it that I won't be able to find that in my bridal studio. I'm just hoping for the best :)


Oh, on a very different note (wtf) ....


The baby has grown into a very beautiful cheeky little human being! OK what am I talking about.


But look at her! Ain't she adorable? :)


And on a hurting note (duh), I burnt my finger when I was trying to deep fry the fishball the other day. My finger was swollen and it hurt so much. Totally ruining my weekend after that because every time I brush my teeth, wash hands ... basically when my finger is in contact with water, it'll hurt so much.


I feel much better now after the doctor gave me some anti-biotics and inflammation pills.


Last Sunday, both of us just went to Pavilion to get something for our photoshoot next month!

We ended up buying a couple-looking shirt from Ralph Lauren.

I know I know, why Ralph Lauren ... just something different. I'm not going to wear a beach maxi dress even though our photoshoot will be at the beach because the rest of my shoots will already be me in dresses. So, I just hope my legs would not grow anymore shorter/fatter/meater/rounder. At least, make me look longer in the photos!


Alright, need to get some sleep for another 2 days worth of work day ... oh God, I just remembered that I have to attend our Sports Carnival on Saturday at 8am. *trying not to whine*


Have a good week ahead, peeps!


XOXO,
theRascal

The Portrait

I was counting down to the day when we have to go to my bridal studio for my gown fitting. This time, it's just choosing gowns for the indoor garden photography.

I called my girlfriends (just trying my luck) if they are interested to be with me. I was so thankful and felt very blessed to have 2 of them, taking half day leaves just to be with me. Sharon, who couldn't join us due to training, came to the bridal studio right after that!

It took us 3 hours to shortlist all the gowns into just 2 for the indoor photoshoot.


I wonder how long would it take to choose 3 more gowns for the outdoor shooting for Photoshoot Day 2?!?!?!!!

Even though my waist hurts so much by the 3rd hour, I had loads of fun. It'd been a long time since I play dress up :)



XOXO,
theRascal

Updates!

It feels like we just had a VERY LONG holiday. But not enough.

Weekends and holidays are never enough. What is it like to still relax and get paid? If you own that kind of job/occupation, please enjoy it to the max.
I was talking to my students about retirement in my Sociology class. Very weird topic to discuss with 18 year olds. But nevertheless, got very interesting inputs from them. My students are really interesting people and I always enjoy my time in class. Just sometimes when they piss me off with some attitude, I'll give them attitude :P
I don't know if age is catching up or what. Whenever I get really angry or sad, my chest hurts and my heart beats are really heavy. Darling said I need to go for a check-up but honestly, I am dragging it because who loves clinics and hospitals except when a baby is born?!

I would like to think that we're on a pre-marriage trial period. Darling has moved in with me as he has to make way for a major house renovation, which by the way, would take 3 months to complete! I can't wait to see the outcome!

I cooked and wash every single day while he'll help me with the dishes and mopping the floor. I already consider myself lucky. I'm not asking for more. But still, I don't know how my mom does it when she still has a million more things compared to what I'm doing now. I do have a supermom.

Plannings for the big day is still on the way. Natasha from The Peak Experience is a fab. She's giving me a lot of beautiful ideas from themes to flowers, candles and down to the chair tie-back. Oh, and what colour should it be for the ties? ;)


1) Fresh Sunny


Or


2) Fresh Pink
Which do you prefer? :)


Have a great week ahead!


XOXO,
theRascal

KDU University College

Yes, it was the launch of a whole new chapter for the KDU family.


We're now known as KDU University College.


A lot of hiccups at the launch, but I thought that we should focus more on the positive things that made a mark in the history of KDU.

For example, the KDU Pre-U students called the Mimers did a spectacular performance!




Yes, all by hand. I don't know how to explain that in words but yeah, it was REALLY spectacular!


You know what? For the first time, I hate that fact that it's a public holiday tomorrow [Oh, Happy Deepavali to my Hindu friends!]. I have so much work to complete that I actually didn't like the fact that tomorrow's a rest day!

I think I've gone crazy.


A lot of things to look forward to. For myself as well as for KDU. :)


Have a good [long] weekend, peeps!


p/s: Now that I see Darling every single day, I'm still loving it. :)


XOXO,
theRascal

Mass-commers

With Benny on board, we have been fully capitalizing on branding the department. Thus, a photoshoot is needed to represent our brand.


Do you like our picture? So guess, what brand am I? :)



XOXO,
theRascal

Questions to Ponder

I had my first appraisal today. It's all good :) I achieved more than what was expected, the boss is happy. Both my new boss, a Singaporean, who just came on board earlier this month and my previous boss were very happy. I'm truly grateful to my previous boss. She has been very accommodating and gave me a lot of opportunities as well.

My new boss talked to me for a bit when it came to the "areas for improvement" section. Yah, I know my weakness. "Delegation" is my weakness. I'm not used to having people doing things for me. It has always been me, doing things for others. And I have always been having this mentality of "not troubling people". The new boss said it's time for me to change upon officially taking on to the new position next year :)

I foresee next year would be a very fulfilling year. hopefully not much troubles.


New position. New title. New status. New challenges.


Life would be so mundane without challenges anyway, do you reckon'? :)




On the other note, WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE TO RIDE THEIR MOTORCYCLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD LIKE THAT??




And on a happier note, as I was driving to BU8 to meet the planner, who is so professional in what she's doing, I saw a beautiful little rainbow.

See!


Oh how beautiful. :) A good way to cheer me up after a full day's work.


Happy Thursday, peeps!



XOXO,
theRascal

❤

We were invited to the Hilton for a wedding open house. Definitely a good experience for us!



I'm looking forward to a lot of flowers at the dinner. Hopefully my vision will come true without pushing too much on the budget. *main point* =/



BUT, look how beautiful when candles and flowers come together!!!


Roses and Hydrangeas will be the key:


Red and Gold will be the key colours for now. I might change my mind, never know.

I love white, but it's a no-no considering we have to be in touch with other traditional elements as well.


The little tulips are so pretty, eh?


My little flower girls will be holding small, cute bunches of Hydrangeas. How about that?

Please give me more suggestions!



XOXO,
theRascal