A Thousand Year | Christina Perri

I'm in love with this song after listening to it on the MEME proposal that was going viral on Facebook and the rest of the social sites.

If you're living in a cave or have other better things to do with life, here's the video:





I paid more attention to the lyrics and find it so beautiful. Very romantic, indeed.

I wish all love can be so beautiful and true.
I wish love can be undivided.
I wish all would love our families like our parents love us.
I wish all would love our friends like families do.
I wish love can be just love and nothing else.
I wish every one of us peace and happiness.

Enjoy the official video:




XOXO,
theRascal

Leaping into the New Year 2012

Strike at midnight on Christmas Day, I placed this bag on our bed waiting for him to come back from the toilet.



He saw and had a smile on his face. He said he knew I was going to get him a present. But how?!


He said he's not going to open the present until Boxing Day. =.=

I bought him a bluetooth handsfree from Bose, his favourite Audio brand, where he got his headphone as well.


This year, we had Christmas dinner together with our families. Everyone was present except my mom as she has to be back in Kelantan for school duty the next day. I wish she could be there.

Of course, we ordered turkey.



Look how golden it was! That's cranberry sauce too :)


It was stuffed turkey. Yum yum!



And look at my dad =.=
He's definitely catching up with us, using Blackberry and BBM'ing all the time.

I'm feeling a little lack of appetite. Feel like vomiting. I think I'm falling sick.


As we prepare to embrace the coming new year 2012, I pray for good health and peace. That's all that matters.


XOXO,
theRascal

The Midnight Visitor

We were all asleep by midnight when we heard endless honking from a car just outside the house. Having read so many horrible stories/news about robberies, both Darling and I didn't bother.

After a while, the ringing of the door bell came. This time, it was at a very urgent tone.
So, Darling jumped up from bed and looked out the window to see four Chinese men in their early 20s at our gate.

"There's a snake in your house!!!" one of them said in Cantonese.

I couldn't believe my ears and before I knew it, I walked out from the bedroom to see my in-laws awake too.

We opened the little windows at the living room to so we could look out to the car porch.

The man repeated " you have to call the firemen!"

"Yes, or you'll be bitten by the snake when you walk out of your house tomorrow morning," the other man continued.

At this point, all of us were fully awake and tried looking for the snake. We couldn't see it!

And then one of the man came closer towards our gate, pointing it out to us.

Lo and behold, a huge python was curling around one of the flower pots just beside my father-in-law's car!

Ewwwwwwwwwww I had goosebumps all over. I can't stand cold-blooded animals and reptiles.

And so Darling asked me to call the emergency. I dialed 999 -____-!!!

Just so you know, the number works. They knew my name a few seconds after picking up my call and was at our house in 20 minutes max.


They caught the snake. It was effortless.
And they were supposed to measure the snake so they could file a report.
But oh well, they forgot to bring the measuring tape. -___-


Look how long it was!!!!! *scream*goosbumps*



k thanks bye.


p/s: I forgot to bring my purse today. Left it in Darling's car. God bless me.



XOXO,
theRascal

Christmas: Season to be Jolly!

Time flies. Christmas is this weekend!

This year, Darling was put in charged of getting Christmas decorations for his new workplace. So, we went to Parkson and got a few things.

It was our first time doing this too :)

I told him that there should be a theme colour or your tree would look messy. So we went with Gold and Red with white lights.

So, tadaa!



At College, we recorded a Christmas CD for charity. Staff and students volunteered and came together for this. Even the music producer.

I am now very sure that I can't sing. I used to think that perhaps I missed out on some singing classes in school and that's why I always sing out of tune. But after the recording session, I am so convinced that singing is just not my thing.

Lucky for me that the producer smoothen and beautify my voice using some tools on his console and walah! me has beautiful voice!

Otherwise, I pity the kids at the orphanage and people who would be listening to the songs :/


We all dressed up for a cover shoot.

This is what the CD cover would look like. See the white patch thing in the middle looking lost? That me. :S

Of all pictures, why must choose this one!


Here are some behind the scene shot:-

That was the Vice-Chancellor's office lobby that we were hogging during the photoshoot :)


And here are some of my happy colleagues




At the studio:


And here's me trying to look like I can really sing :/



The other day, my colleague and I almost dressed the same! :)



Have a good week, peeps!


XOXO,
theRascal

It's going to be a quiet week at work starting next week. Almost the whole office is on leave. The only people left would be myself and ... my boss -___-!!

We're not going to go anywhere this year anyway. And the main point is: I have used up all my annual leave. *heh*

I have so many photos on my iPhone. I wish I can blog like that, uploading pictures and put up links just using apps on my phone. Does this exist?! Can someone tell me?! *desperate*

I saw a long line of people waiting to buy the newly launched iPhone 4S on TV. If it wasn't for the meeting early Friday morning, I might be in the line :P

Yes, I'm crazy like that!

A lot of beautiful lightings and Christmas songs decorating the malls. It's the time of the year to shop! But I'm also cutting down on that. Our over-flowing wardrobe reminds me of the pain looking for clothes every morning :/

I'll update on Monday with loads of pictures!

Cheers and XOXO

theRascal

Should I?

Two days ago, my boss popped in next to my cubicle (as my neighbour hasn't arrive) and sat down.

He told me of this new position we have when the top management streamline many things for year 2012.

As he explained more abut the position, he told me he was going to recommend me for the position. I'm happy but also have been thinking very hard. I went to my mom, best friend and husband for advise and they all asked me to try.

Taking up the position would meed extra workload as how it works when you go up the corporate ladder. Also means that I would have less flexible time for my family.

It's a managerial position. Should I?


theRascal

Our Home 132

We finally found 132. :)

Both Darling and I just put our signatures on a S&P Agreement and some other legal documents to our new place. Yes, finally!

We were searching for the right one since a year ago as Darling would still want to stay in Taman Midah, Cheras. I have also adjusted to this housing area and it would be good to stay very close to my parents-in-law. After all, my parents would only be 20 minutes away (with no traffic jam).

Being born and bred in Cheras itself, it would mean a lot for our children (in future) to also be born and bred here. Well, that's just a plan :)

I believe we found this house by luck and perhaps, it was really meant for us. The house agent told us that someone already place a deposit for the house but he had to let it go because there was an issue with the bank loan. It was when I saw the ad on the newspaper.

I called and made an appointment to view during the weekend. We liked the place and was so comfortable with the area right when we stepped into the house. Many people told us that this is very important.

So, I guessed nothing would be wrong. BUT, the agent told us that a few other people would also be viewing the house. :O

So, we waited for calls and gave the final price we would pay for the house. And we won the bid. =.=!!

The next step was to look for a lawyer to assist with the many legal processes and documents. We are lucky as my tuition student's father is a lawyer and his main business is dealing with legal house/building contracts. He's so good in what he does, shortening the process from the estimated 5 months to only 3 and even gave us a special rate :)

I tell you, now I know how much lawyers and architects earn! A LOT!

But anyway, so yes, we hope to start renovation soon.

It's still a long process to go with the renovation, purchasing of materials, choosing furnitures ... and yet still want to be with the budget. Let's hope everything turns out fine!

XOXO,

theRascal

Chocolates and Coffee

I believe in indulging ourselves once in a while. Pretty little trinkets, a tan on the beach, or beautiful things to put a smile on my face.

I'm in love with these chocolates. Aren't they beautiful?



And nothing beats a cup of coffee topped with marshmellows.



Everything is so beautiful in Agnes B Cafe. If I would own a small little cafe like that in a little town, I'd be the happiest girl in the world :)


Things have been good lately. Nothing to complain about. It's the end of the semester at the end of the year. Everyone's packing up for a long holiday and preparing gifts for Christmas.

I have had an amazing year.


Married to the man who is always there for me and accepted me for who I am.



Had both my grandmothers on this very important day of my life. Better than striking gold/jackpot.


Had the most amazing honeymoon.


Visited a few of the world's most beautiful places :)

Oia, Santorinni, Greece

The Louvre, Paris, France

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

And my sister got married :)

As the world embrace for the worst economy crisis next year, I believe the more we have to appreciate the little things in life. After all, that's what that matters.

Just to keep things more positive nowadays.


XOXO,
theRascal

HK Oct 2011

After 3 nights in Taipei, we flew via Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, which was 1.5 hours away. How I wish HK is only 1.5 hours away from KL!

It felt so good to be back in HK. I love the city, but my uncle convin

ced me that it is only good for a short holiday. More than that and you'll feel the stress and congestion. It always feels like that wherever you are.

We met my uncle Bryan at IFC's infamous Apple Store, which was in the presentation when they introduced the iPhone 4S. It was indeed a very beautiful store. Signature-ly Apple. :)

We walked briefly towards Lan Kwai Fong for our 7pm dinner reservation at Yung Kee - famous for its roasted goose.

Hong Kong island is a very walkable city. As the 2 men catch up about watches (again), we also talked about food and wine ... Uncle Bryan's favorite topic!

3 of us at Yung Kee

Notice that we're all left-handed? :D

After dinner, we decided to get some famous biscuits in Hong Kong. I remembered Uncle Bryan brought back these really yummy biscuits from Hong Kong during Chinese New Year. So, we walked to Cookies Quartet in Cannon Street.

Bought 2 boxes of Butterfly Cookies

Yummeh!

After cookie shopping, we wanted to grab a cup of coffee to catch up for the rest of the night. So, we ended up in Agnes B Cafe. I can't get enough of this! :)

Don't you love the design?

If it wasn't because of the price, I would have bought 1 box :/

Hot chocolate with marshmallows

The next morning, we decided to go back to ol' Australian Dairy for breakfast, as usual. No matter how rude the waiters are, we would still go back, just for the food.

Oh, hello! We're back!

I would always come back here just for these!

Uncle Bryan suggested that we buy the whole goose leg to eat ... just for the heck of it. And we did.

Yummy!

*cholesterol chart blinking*

Darling clearly enjoyed every bit of it

On our 2nd night (and also the last for the short trip), we had dinner with Karen and Adam. We decided to go for steamboat!

We always see how Hong Kee spend their winter having steamboat for dinner and my-my, the broth was so different. It was definitely worth the trip all the way deep into Kowloon - Thai restaurant street.

Satay steamboat soup, but nothing like our satay broth

Only a lot better than that!

Both of us :)

After dinner, we were walking to a dessert shop and spot this fruit store selling all kinds of fruits.

Check out the huge pumpkin for Halloween!

Pumpking was 2 size bigger than my head :O

It was also the season for hairy crabs. Many seafood restaurants and markets were selling them. But we didn't get to try. Maybe next time.

We took Singapore Airlines back to KL and got lucky as Darling get to book us into the double-decker A380.

I didn't feel the vibration when it took off or landing. Also very spacious inside!

Our default picture when we travel :)

Travel is bliss when they serve good food.

Like Haagen-Dazs for dessert? :)

Got Darling to buy something from KrisShop for me too!

The beautiful weather ... look at the clouds!

We would take a break from traveling for a while to rest our bank accounts. Both of us just signed the S&P Agreement to our new place, also in the same housing area where Darling grew up in. Not a bad choice after all as my parents would only be 20 minutes away.

Have a blissful long weekend!

XOXO,

theRascal

Mengada-ngada

A colleague was telling me about this lecturer from another department who is the University's youngest PhD holder.

And then he commented:

You know sometimes when you're too young at something, it is so difficult for people to accept that you're qualified for it. You know, like not look credible for that?

What do you mean by "not looking credible"? You're judging people and that's rude. Even though I didn't like what he just said, but I kept quiet because I believe everyone has the right to give an opinion.

Oh and on the other hand, I do also believe that sometimes, just don't comment so much. Because if you believe it or not, things will come back and slap you in your face.


XOXO,
theRascal

Back from Taipei-HK.

Looking forward to living a good, balanced and healthy lifestyle. We had our wake up call. I prayed for us to meet the right person that would guide us. I guess God answered my prayers.

I have to learn how to let go of things. That is very difficult to do, but also one of the most important things in life.

Healthy healthy healthy

XOXO,

theRascal

Multiple Realities

I was in the middle of everything. Back and forth between hospitals and at work.

No worries, we're all fine. My family is fine and things are under control now. Nothing really major yet (*knock knock - touch wood).

I told my husband that sometimes at certain points of our lives, we'll face challenges. Some huge and unbearable. But as we go through that, we'll grow stronger. I always believe it is a test from God. My mom reminded me that all these will pass. It is just a phase. I believe it is just a point in life that God tries to teach us something. There is always something to learn in every challenge faced. The truth is we have to know how to face it and learn our lesson.

My husband and I went through this with a few tears but what I adored him was him reminding me that there is still the rest of our lives to focus on many other things like family, beautiful photos, holidays to look forward to, etc. It is these things that will push us forward and help us to be positive.

I find this mantra very useful. The more positive and happier you are, you'll find that you won't feel pain. It is difficult to keep positive when you're thrown into the deepest point in your life. But all you need is a reminder and to take the first step. In order to do that, you need family and good friends to help you.

So as I'm typing this from Taipei, we're flying off to Hong Kong tomorrow for 2 nights to visit some friends and family. We shopped in the craziest sale and strolled along JiuFen - one of the towns in Taipei. This is another reality to life that we would always want to look forward to.

Of course, when we party, a reminder is to always not to party too hard. Wishing everyone to be in the pink of health.

Eat healthy. Think positive. Lead a balance life. Love people around you. Appreciate more. Complain less.

Without health, the rest are all superficial.

XOXO,

theRascal

Have you ever really loved a woman?

When I was driving home yesterday, this song was playing on the radio. I paid attention to the lyrics, felt tears running down my cheeks and it melted my heart.

I bet every woman would want to hear this and promised to. This is how you love and appreciate a woman. With true respect. All the love in the world. Because she's worth it. Otherwise, don't bother.

Treat your wife/girlfriend like how you'll treat your mother.




To really love a woman
To understand her - you gotta know her deep inside
Hear every thought - see every dream
N' give her wings - if she wants to fly
Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
You know you really love a woman

When you love a woman then tell her
that she's really wanted
When you love a woman then tell her that she's the one
'cause she needs somebody to tell her
that it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really
- really really ever loved a woman?

To really love a woman
Let her hold you -
till you know how she needs to be touched
You've gotta breathe her - really taste her
Till you can feel her in your blood
N' when you can see your unborn children in her eyes
You know you really love a woman

When you love a woman
then tell her that she's really wanted
When you love a woman then tell her that she's the one
'cause she needs somebody to tell her
that you'll always be together
So tell me have you ever really -
really really ever loved a woman?

You got to give her some faith - hold her tight
A little tenderness - you gotta treat her right
She will be there for you, takin' good care of you
Ya really gotta love your woman...

Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
You know you really love a woman
When you love a woman you tell her
that she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
she needs somebody to tell her
that it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really
- really really ever loved a woman?

Just tell me have you ever really,
really, really, ever loved a woman? You got to tell me
Just tell me have you ever really,
really, really, ever loved a woman?


XOXO,
theRascal

Dear Steve,

You should know by now when you look through the various memoirs and obituary messages people write that you’re an inspiring mentor, figure, friend, hero, family, the list goes on. You’re an amazing human being God has ever created. You’ve fought through every challenges God has thrown in your path. You did it and you did it well. Apple would never be the same without you. Your strength, wisdom and passion would always be the foundation of our lives. I never knew you as a friend but only a mentor and figure from TV screens, Newspaper articles and Youtube Videos watching your speeches and keynotes. But you’ll be deeply missed by many from all walks of life in various parts of the world.

May you rest in peace, Steve.

Bangkok Highlights

OK I know we're so over this. I came back from the Bangkok family trip with my in-laws since the Raya holidays, which was about a month ago.

A lot of things happening around me, like the launch of the iPhone 4S, Steve Jobs passed away ... and yah, my laziness.

Anyway, here's what I love about the Bangkok trip!

1) 2 babies on board who quickly made friends, exchanging their baby food. :)

2) Safari in Bangkok where we get to drive in and have wild animals just outside our car!

3) Of course, Calypso, the Ladies Show. But not the best. I've watched Tiffany's and it is 100x times better.

4) Floating Market of Bangkok. My first experience after returning to visit Bangkok for the 4th time. I have aunts and uncles living in Bangkok. So, mom used to bring us here to visit them since we were very young :) Memories. I wish I speak Thai so I could communicate better with my cousins.

The floating market is one of a kind. Very modernized already with the huts in cements and all. But the beauty of it is still there, nonetheless.

Thats the hubs smiling to the camera and my sister-in-law + her baby + mother-in-law at the back :)

We couldn't resist mangoes in Bangkok. It's just so sweet, a bit sour ... very affordable! :)

and I told Darling that I MUST have this when I am in Bangkok. It's like one of the best Thai dessert ever.

I think Darling and I drank almost half a garden worth of coconut when we were in Bangkok.

5) Last but not least, Elephant Ride! I remember doing this with LeeLi and Mommy when we were in ChiangMai, if I remember correctly. I was so terrified as it felt like I was swaying hard from left to right so high up!

But this time, it was a very pleasant experience. Especially when the little one was laughing away full of excitement!

I asked the our elephant guide how old was our elephant, and it was only 8 years old. Imagine, elephants can live up to 100 years old!

I told Darling that I saw, touched and smelled an elephant's poo when I went for a journalist camp with The Star many years ago. He gave me the :O expression.

Believe me or not, elephants' poo is not as smelly because they're herbivores lah! Btw, the poo felt very grassy, not smooth but a little gooey.

Just to rub it in. :P

Here ends my Bangkok post. Darling said we won't be going back to Bangkok in the next 5 years. He had a bad experience shopping with us. :/

Oh well. There's always many other places to shop. Doesn't matter at all. ;)

XOXO,

theRascal