It's going to be my first trip overseas with my in-laws. We'll be in Bangkok for 5 full days.
Shopping is definitely on our itinerary!
Platinum Mall
Chatuchak Market
Pratunam Night Market
MBK
Central World
Food ... real Thai food this time.
And yes, the Safari World to impress the little one for a bit :)
Selamat Hari Raya and Happy Merdeka, fellow Malaysians!
XOXO,
theRascal
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Parents
A big thank you to Jojo for this beautifully-well written article. It means so much to me and spoke just the right words I find hard to express.
God bless.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No matter how old you are, they will never stop fussing over you.
I WAS speaking to a mother who said her toddler used to grip on to her leg when she was trying to leave the house. Going to work was emotionally challenging because she really wanted to be with her son. She did not want to miss out on those growing-up years but the couple had no choice.
They were both working hard to save up money for their child’s education.
Her son is now 15 and she hardly sees him. He uses the house like a hotel, eats the dinners she cooks every night and disappears into his room, far more interested in his computer games than speaking to his mother.
One afternoon while she was at work, she heard he got injured while playing football so she took immediate leave from the office and rushed to the school but this only embarrassed him.
“Mum, it’s no big deal. Why are you here? My friends are going to think I called you.”
So, just when she thought changing diapers, her failed breast-feeding attempts and sleepless nights with a baby screaming his lungs out was the toughest part of motherhood, he became a teenager.
His rebelliousness raised her blood pressure levels and turned her world upside down. There’s a reason why so many books are sold to parents round the globe on how to survive the teenage years.
Becoming a teenager is a challenging time where we try to find our footing in this world. It’s a transition between letting go of childhood and preparing to become an adult. As we fumble or glide through our teenage years, our parents have to adjust to all our changes, some more smoothly than others.
You can probably bet how many parents miss how small and cute their children were, not to mention how much they were needed as brand new parents.
As a kid, I naturally always wanted my parents to be around. This was not always possible. My father traveled a lot for work but he always brought back a small doll for me so that I would know he was thinking of me.
Moreover, as a CEO of a public listed company, it was common for my father’s secretary to take messages on his behalf when he was busy but I always managed to get through. I never realised this was no accident.
He gave specific instructions to his secretary that he would personally tend to my calls, no matter the reason. When you’re five, it’s never anything important but he would take the time to hear me out, even mediating arguments between my sisters from his work desk.
My mother was always, unfailingly there for me. My schedule became her schedule. She would pick me up from school, ferry me to my tap dance classes and was always the first person I would speak to about anything happening in my inner world, until I became a teenager.
By the age of 15, I was already excited to turn 18 so that I could be of legal age, drive a car and become more of an adult. I used to argue with my mother constantly when I couldn’t get my way because I wanted what all teenagers want, and can never have enough of – freedom.
When I turned 18, I remember trying to negotiate a curfew with my mother, “1am is just too early, Mum. I’m not 16 anymore, you know!” as if two years made such a critical difference. When I complained to my father about it, he said: “Even when you’re 60, your mother isn’t going to stop fussing over you. You’ll always be her kid. Might as well get used to it.”
By the time I was 24, I was living on my own and working overseas. I had all the freedom in the world and no more curfews but here’s the irony.
I would spend ages talking to my mother on the phone, looking forward to the sound of her voice, “Jojo, are you eating enough vegetables? And please don’t overdo the gym. Mum saw you in a magazine the other day and you looked so skinny.
“Make sure you have enough carbohydrates and be careful of those high heel shoes you wear. It’s not good for the back!”
And there I was nodding away on the phone, feeling profoundly grateful I had a mother who wasn’t going to stop caring about me. What made me realise how hard it was to be a mother was by watching someone else’s mother being turned away.
When a girlfriend of mine broke up with her boyfriend and was bawling her eyes out, her mother tried to come into her bedroom to ask her what was wrong and she said: “Go away. Just leave me alone!”
I saw how hurt her mother was as she started quietly backing out of her daughter’s room.
I realised toward the end of my teenage years how important it was to always leave my “door” open because I did not want to be the type of daughter who shut her parents out.
I took the initiative of sharing what was going on in my life from the guy I was dating to what passions I wanted to fulfill in my life and that wall separating teenagers from their parents came down. Trust automatically grew because I kept it real.
I even warned them that they might not always like what they hear. In fact, I bought a magnet on one of my travels, which I stuck on the fridge for my mother. It said: “Mum, I know you’ve always been there for me. You’re forever a step behind me, probably tearing your hair out!”
Even when we take breaks, our parents never do.
The person I am today has everything to do with my parents. The older they get (my father is past 70), the more aware I am of all the sacrifices they have made and how precious they are to me.
God bless.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No matter how old you are, they will never stop fussing over you.
I WAS speaking to a mother who said her toddler used to grip on to her leg when she was trying to leave the house. Going to work was emotionally challenging because she really wanted to be with her son. She did not want to miss out on those growing-up years but the couple had no choice.
They were both working hard to save up money for their child’s education.
Her son is now 15 and she hardly sees him. He uses the house like a hotel, eats the dinners she cooks every night and disappears into his room, far more interested in his computer games than speaking to his mother.
One afternoon while she was at work, she heard he got injured while playing football so she took immediate leave from the office and rushed to the school but this only embarrassed him.
“Mum, it’s no big deal. Why are you here? My friends are going to think I called you.”
So, just when she thought changing diapers, her failed breast-feeding attempts and sleepless nights with a baby screaming his lungs out was the toughest part of motherhood, he became a teenager.
His rebelliousness raised her blood pressure levels and turned her world upside down. There’s a reason why so many books are sold to parents round the globe on how to survive the teenage years.
Becoming a teenager is a challenging time where we try to find our footing in this world. It’s a transition between letting go of childhood and preparing to become an adult. As we fumble or glide through our teenage years, our parents have to adjust to all our changes, some more smoothly than others.
You can probably bet how many parents miss how small and cute their children were, not to mention how much they were needed as brand new parents.
As a kid, I naturally always wanted my parents to be around. This was not always possible. My father traveled a lot for work but he always brought back a small doll for me so that I would know he was thinking of me.
Moreover, as a CEO of a public listed company, it was common for my father’s secretary to take messages on his behalf when he was busy but I always managed to get through. I never realised this was no accident.
He gave specific instructions to his secretary that he would personally tend to my calls, no matter the reason. When you’re five, it’s never anything important but he would take the time to hear me out, even mediating arguments between my sisters from his work desk.
My mother was always, unfailingly there for me. My schedule became her schedule. She would pick me up from school, ferry me to my tap dance classes and was always the first person I would speak to about anything happening in my inner world, until I became a teenager.
By the age of 15, I was already excited to turn 18 so that I could be of legal age, drive a car and become more of an adult. I used to argue with my mother constantly when I couldn’t get my way because I wanted what all teenagers want, and can never have enough of – freedom.
When I turned 18, I remember trying to negotiate a curfew with my mother, “1am is just too early, Mum. I’m not 16 anymore, you know!” as if two years made such a critical difference. When I complained to my father about it, he said: “Even when you’re 60, your mother isn’t going to stop fussing over you. You’ll always be her kid. Might as well get used to it.”
By the time I was 24, I was living on my own and working overseas. I had all the freedom in the world and no more curfews but here’s the irony.
I would spend ages talking to my mother on the phone, looking forward to the sound of her voice, “Jojo, are you eating enough vegetables? And please don’t overdo the gym. Mum saw you in a magazine the other day and you looked so skinny.
“Make sure you have enough carbohydrates and be careful of those high heel shoes you wear. It’s not good for the back!”
And there I was nodding away on the phone, feeling profoundly grateful I had a mother who wasn’t going to stop caring about me. What made me realise how hard it was to be a mother was by watching someone else’s mother being turned away.
When a girlfriend of mine broke up with her boyfriend and was bawling her eyes out, her mother tried to come into her bedroom to ask her what was wrong and she said: “Go away. Just leave me alone!”
I saw how hurt her mother was as she started quietly backing out of her daughter’s room.
I realised toward the end of my teenage years how important it was to always leave my “door” open because I did not want to be the type of daughter who shut her parents out.
I took the initiative of sharing what was going on in my life from the guy I was dating to what passions I wanted to fulfill in my life and that wall separating teenagers from their parents came down. Trust automatically grew because I kept it real.
I even warned them that they might not always like what they hear. In fact, I bought a magnet on one of my travels, which I stuck on the fridge for my mother. It said: “Mum, I know you’ve always been there for me. You’re forever a step behind me, probably tearing your hair out!”
Even when we take breaks, our parents never do.
The person I am today has everything to do with my parents. The older they get (my father is past 70), the more aware I am of all the sacrifices they have made and how precious they are to me.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Family
Today's a public holiday.
Since Darling is still on his business travels, I decided to spend my day with my sisters and my uncle + aunty + cousin.
It feels so good to be with your own bred and blood. It's just different. It's sad but true. I realize how much I miss them and have not been spending enough time to understand my own family.
I had a really long talk with my aunty. Advised me on health and how to be a good wife and daughter-in-law. My mom will also do the same when she sees me. I guess these are basic expectations of a woman.
When you're younger, you learn how to be a good daughter (am still learning how to be one). Then, how to be a good friend ... that's when I found my best friend :)
I had a long chat with my uncle as well. He's recuperating really well. Bright eyed and healthy complexion. I'm very happy for him and the family. We were worried sick when he wasn't well. I guess this is what family is all about. Especially when my uncle had done so much for me and giving me a lot of advises about the world. He is one very knowledgable person, and a second male figure that I really look up to.
When I dropped my sister, rushing home together with the bad buka puasa traffic in central KL, I felt how much I miss my sisters. They always never fail to cheer me up. Something funny about us is that we used to quarrel a lot, but at our age now, we (almost) never argue but always laugh.
My bed is cold tonight. I hate sleeping alone.
Please come home soon ...
I would never want to be your pain
XOXO,
theRascal
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Best Gift
This is a bit backdated. Sorry. I'm just having too much in my life right now *talking like a celebrity konon*
Hehe just kidding. I'm just not so consistent anymore with my blog.
SORRY! Please love me more!!! *desperate*
Anyway, a day after my wedding, both Darling and I went back to my apartment to pick up my cousin, who flew all the way from Melbourne, just for my wedding. Imagine the poor girl, who had never taken budget airline before, took a 6 hour flight despite having organizing an event for her University the night before. AND, she bought the air-ticket using her savings *tears*
What did I do to deserve such a good cousin?
Both Darling and I decided to bring her out for a really good dinner before fetching her to the airport. I hugged her good bye and nearly cried for the 2nd time.
First time was when I was reading this little photo book that she created just for us as a wedding present.
Look! Pictures of my favorite people on Earth! :)
I don't think I am who I am without my family. My cousins have never been my extended family. They are my family. They are who I am.
There are always only laughters and us chatting loudly when we're together. I guess it's the bond.
Our parents have raised us so close together. We spend our school days and weekends looking forward to go to our grandmother's shop (named Ang Brothers, run by my grandfather and his brothers). Because all my cousins would be there.
We play all sorts of games together. You name it. Boy games, girly games ... and also a lot of times at the beach half an hour drive away in my grandfather's Buick. He has the coolest car on Earth and I love to see how he drive. That's why I always go to the front seat :)
I wish I would have the opportunity to raise my little ones like how my uncles and aunties raised us. So we won't just be extended families.
I teared as I was turning the pages, filled with messages and pictures of them. Something I would always remember and keep close to my heart. Nobody would understand how I feel except me and my cousins.
Oh here below, is a special present from my dear friend who flew all the way from Dubai just to attend my wedding.
I have very good friends :)
And this one below, is a patchwork blanket hand sewn by my tuition student's grandmother. *tear eyed*
What did I do to deserve such beautiful people in my life?
I promise to cherish people around me more. Laugh more. Smile more. Cheer more.
Because like what my dad always like to say "when you're happy, I am happy" :)
XOXO
theRascal
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Newly-Wed
I guess it is not easy to be a human being.
It's not easy being a colleague, a friend, a random friend, a good friend, friends-with-benefits (yuck!), wife, daughter-in-law, girl, lady, mother... Have I listed them all?
If you ask me "are you coping well?". I'll say "yes", and "hmmm maybe not".
Well, the MIL is a superb mother and person. The whole family treats me like I am their own. I am not going to complain. My husband still dates me on Friday evenings. I always look forward to that.
Just that now you have a family to go back to and the hardest part is not having your husband with you when he has to travel for work frequently. I always miss him and wonder if he misses me and want me around. Or, he can't wait to go on trips to get rid of me?
Well, I suppose he still miss me.
Before he goes for another trip, We took a picture together.
Not my best picture, but the photo tells a lot about our charisma.
It's not easy. But I am learning how to be a wife, best friend, listener, companion and a good everything to my man.
XOXO
theRascal
It's not easy being a colleague, a friend, a random friend, a good friend, friends-with-benefits (yuck!), wife, daughter-in-law, girl, lady, mother... Have I listed them all?
If you ask me "are you coping well?". I'll say "yes", and "hmmm maybe not".
Well, the MIL is a superb mother and person. The whole family treats me like I am their own. I am not going to complain. My husband still dates me on Friday evenings. I always look forward to that.
Just that now you have a family to go back to and the hardest part is not having your husband with you when he has to travel for work frequently. I always miss him and wonder if he misses me and want me around. Or, he can't wait to go on trips to get rid of me?
Well, I suppose he still miss me.
Before he goes for another trip, We took a picture together.
Not my best picture, but the photo tells a lot about our charisma.
It's not easy. But I am learning how to be a wife, best friend, listener, companion and a good everything to my man.
XOXO
theRascal
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Darl's Birthday
It was a quiet dinner for both of us. For the 3rd time, he guessed what I wanted to do as a surprise and burst my bubble :S
Darling wanted a really good dinner, Peking Duck in specific. So we went to Chyna in KL Hilton. It is indeed a memorable place for both of us :)
No surprises, just a good dinner, quiet chat, laughter ... I felt bad not giving you a gift or a surprise. (I'll try better next year)
Whatever it is, our fondest memories would be spent together. We will build our stories together.
Happy birthday, Darling.
XOXO,
theRascal
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)