Live passionately; Laugh heartily; Love unconditionally

The Water Dragon

2012-01-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

I really believe that this year's Chinese New Year will be a little different.

My mom decided to spend reunion dinner with my grandmother who isn't feeling very well.
LeeMei flew to Jakarta yesterday afternoon for a 1 week workshop sponsored by the government.
I'll be spending time with my in-laws until the 2nd day of Chinese New Year.
My youngest sister is still in France feeding her pet goose =.= (OK, it was a joke. She's spending her exchange year there until September)
And Leeli was so upset that nobody will be in KL for reunion dinner, she canceled her plans and bought a ticket to Hawaii =.=
My dad, of course, is so upset that my mom would not be here in KL with him for all that.

AND, on a lighter note, Darling and I bought a huge pot of orchids for my mom-in-law!
I hope she loves it :)
More photos when it is delivered home!

I wish for good health and peace this Dragon Year.

Toodles!

XOXO,
theRascal

Cultural Exchange

2012-01-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

It was an eventful week so far.

On a sad note, my Japanese host sister completed her 1 year stay with us (most of the time with my mom back in KB) and went back to Japan last Wednesday. I'll miss her :(

Isn't that boy cute?
My host-sister loves him to bits!

Secondly, I got a parcel! Darling went, "who sent something to you?"

Oh well, a surprise gift from my host-family in Spain.

I knew it was from them right away when I spotted the Spanish post :)

They made an album using photos from our honeymoon in Europe mid last year. What a sweet thought :)

My family have been involved with this student exchange body called AFS (American Field Service) for so many years now. I was the first to go on the programme and spent 3 months in Spain. I learned so much you wouldn't even believe it.

Seeing the positive changes in me when I came back, my mom made it a point to send all my younger sisters after they completed high school. They all went for the year long programme as I find that it is more effective. You have more friends, learn the culture and language better.

These are just the basics. As a student exchange, we learn so much more about being more independent, patience (as you're staying with an entire new family), tolerance, understanding, etc. We learn so much more and we think differently when we return. In a positive manner. I saw how all my sisters mature and grew up when they return from the Programme.

Just last year in September, we sent my youngest sister to France. She's having a blast now, living in South of France together with a host-family of 4 in a countryside. Oh and also not forgetting that the family owns many geese (like 20 of them?! wtf) and dogs and cats and ... a bird.

Year 2011 marked the 10th year since I came back from the exchange programme. Even though I've lost touch with some of my Spanish friends but I still have friends who went on the Programme to Spain together with me. It's amazing.

Oh on another note, my neighbour at work returned from England and brought me something that got me so excited!

Chocolate Cornflakes Mini Bites from Marks & Spencers.

It's the best. You just have to try.

Have a good week ahead!

XOXO,
theRascal

Happy 2012!

2012-01-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

Happy twenty twelve!

Every year, my group of ex-housemates would always gather during any of our birthdays to celebrate our love for each other and never fail to have plans for Christmas or New Year. This year though, is different. We all spent the festive season with our families.

And we found that a little boring and started questioning ourselves.

Is age catching up?!?!?!?

A discussion then started on our Line group chat on our phones and we concluded that yes, when age is catching up, we party less and tend to appreciate our families more. Which is a good thing.

This year, I spent Christmas by having a warm family dinner with both my family and Darling's family combined. It was very meaningful.

On New Year's day, we attended Darling's boss' house warming (gorgeous house by the way) and went home to spend time with our families. And then, I spent the long weekend baking away with my mom-in-law. *man, age is really catching up*

Before I shower you with some pictures, here's the latest picture of our niece.

My mom-in-law dressed her up in so many outfits and she just refused to obliged. Ended up with choosing her own blouse to fit with a pair of jeans. She's not even 2 years old yet!

Kids nowadays. Amazing.

So, we went for a pre-New Year dinner in The Gardens Midvalley. Bumped into Lee Chong Wei there. He's really skinny for real.

Darling ordered a dinner set:

The longer chopstick for the yee sang

Yee Sang
Less than 1 month to CNY - Lunar New Year!

also contributed to shark killing :(

It wasn't my first time baking with my mom-in-law. She's really good at it and make the best pineapple tart!

She bought a new recipe book and wanted to try something more cartoon-ish this year.

It was a lot more work as everything is handmade and designed carefully.

I was the Creative Designer while my mom-in-law was the Quality Control Director. She's really good to the fact that she rejected many of my biscuits when it turns out a little smaller or not the exact same design to the rest of the biscuits. For example, all the eyes have to be at the exact same spot. All the biscuits have to look the same and at the same size.

Tadaa!

We're going to continue doing this every weekend until CNY. Hopefully the kids will love it :)

Happy new year 2012 everyone!

This year, I wish for a health and peace. Enough with the floods and war. We have to face this economic crisis for real and embrace our family moments more.

p/s: and also hope that 2012 is not our last year on Earth.

XOXO
theRascal

A Thousand Year | Christina Perri

2011-12-27T20:02:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-17T06:41:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-26T01:11:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-17T00:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

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,

2011-10-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

Baby Sister to Paris

2011-10-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dear baby,

Take care and enjoy your days in France. It is such a joy to see you grow up into a beautiful brave young woman. I couldn't believe it when you told me that you would be just fine flying alone to Paris for this Program. Your assurance was a surprise, but it kept me happy.

Mommy and Daddy (especially Daddy) miss you so much. They will frequently talk about you. Asking what you're up to. I told them that the gist of the Program is to let you go explore and not be too in touch with us. It is so difficult for us to do so. But I guess we will let you go slowly.

Your brother-in-law didn't mention this, but he is also worried. I was feeling just fine until you were about to board. Many questions popped into my head.

What if you loose your passport?
Do you know that it is a boarding pass?
Will you be lost in transit?

So, then we realised that it was so lucky of us to be able to send you off right outside the boarding gate.

This whole year without you (physically) with us will be different. But I assure you that time will just fly pass and you will miss this moment.

Make good friends in France. Take in every single detail. Absorb the culture. Because this will be the time of your life and it will be so different. Sometimes when you miss us, it'll be so difficult. But it is alright to cry a little. Don't cry too long. Suck it up, and you'll find that tomorrow is a better day and you're growing up much faster, seeing and experiencing many different things when you're abroad alone.

You will find that your family in France will last a lifetime. Just like mine, leeli's and leemei's.
You will find that you have friends from all over the world and suddenly the world is so small to you.
You will find that it is not easy to live with somebody "not family"
You will then appreciate us more
You will discover that when people put a fist, and you'll stay calm because you have experienced and seen so much throughout this 1 year.
You will mature and grow in a different way and learn so many things that text book or even your family could not teach you.

These ... I assure you.

We will look forward to the day in September 2012 when you return. I promise to buy you a pretty helium balloon. And I can imagine you growing up so fast in a year, all mature and not blur. In the meantime, enjoy your days in France. It will be once in a lifetime that no husband can buy.

p/s: remember my Louise Vuitton. Bye.

XOXO,
theRascal

Hello! loves us :)

2011-09-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

If you have me on your Facebook, you would have known by now that Hello! Magazine Malaysia published one photo from our wedding :)

It was certainly a beautiful moment just by looking at the pictures. Just close friends and us.

Thank you, Natasha for submitting this.

XOXO,

theRascal

Something quick

2011-09-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Just came back from a friend gathering at Alexis (!!!), Midvalley. One of my favorite place to have dinner/tea and catch up with friends.

Of course, not forgetting the amazing cakes that the sell! It makes my heart glee and my pants would drop. *pun intended*

Darling told me that the cakes at Alexis is also available in Serai at Empire Gallery. Yay to cake lovers :)

OK that's all. I did tell you that it's quick right? haha

Anyway, it'll be quite a day tomorrow. With support from the School, I booked the whole cinema hall at Premier Class at Signature GSC The Gardens for the students. Lawrence Wong will be there too! I hope everything goes as planned *amitabha*

Good night!

XOXO,

theRascal

The Many Yes's

2011-09-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Many times in our lives, we say "yes" to many different things.

On this day, exactly a year ago, I said "yes" to one of the most important things in life.

Thank you, Darling. You always make things very beautiful and easy for me. I look forward to living our lives, as husband and wife ... may we still hold hands like lovers do even after we celebrate many wedding anniversaries together; go through the many challenges in life ... and thank you for accepting me for who I am.

I love you. :)

XOXO,
theRascal

Don't go to University for the sake of it!

2011-09-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

I like what Kenny Sia has written here and I'm in total support for a gap year, which all my sisters are doing. More on his blog: http://kennysia.com/

__________________________________________________________

Wanted to write about this topic for a while, but then I got carried away with work.

Recently I had to interview a round of job applicants for some positions I was hiring.

I was looking for sales consultants and an administrative assistant to join my fitness centre. These are entry-level positions good for fresh graduates, and I was looking forward to resumes from - maybe - business or hospitality grads in my inbox.

Ultimately, I didn't end up hiring any of the fresh graduates, but that's another story altogether. *remind self to blog about the atrocity of fresh grads*

But what surprised me was that in amongst the 20 over resumes that I received, a few who applied were actually Bachelor degree holders.

Not only that, they were degree holders in... Engineering.

An engineering graduate applying to a become a sales consultant at a fitness centre. Are you kidding me?

Is he gonna make a robot greeting customers at the front desk?

It sounds almost as ridiculous as a blogger opening a fitness centre.

Not that I have anything against engineering degree holders. In fact, I am one of them. Lim peh right here holds a Bachelors Degree in Electronic & Communication Engineering, with Honours.

Which is really just a fancy way of saying "Hey look, I am holding a piece of paper that I spent 5 years in university working on, but acherly I donch really know what it was all about!" :D

I got a theory with regards to students, in particular MALAYSIAN students, who study engineering at universities.

Kenny Sia's Theorem On Malaysian Engineering Students: "99% of Malaysian students who do engineering at university do it because their friends/parents/government ask them to, not because they really want to."

I'm serious. If I could have a dollar every time I see an engineering graduate getting a job in something COMPLETELY unrelated to what he studies, I'd be so rich I could buy a fake $5-billion dollar boat made of gold and dinosaur bone.

I know it's true. I am one of them.

My parents spent hundreds and thousands of dollars sending me to an overseas university, and I end up writing a blog and running a gym.

What a waste of time. What a waste of money.

I'm surprised my parents hadn't disowned me after I wasted so much of their money on my university education.

It's quite sad to think that the best thing I did in uni was joining the university gym. If I only knew which career path I'd take, I would never have picked electronic engineering. I would do something more related to what I am doing right now - like a commerce or hospitality degree. Why the hell did I choose to study engineering in the first place?

I blame it all on society pressures.

What to do? I was fresh out of high school when I was forced to make a decision on what course to do at university.

I was 17. How the hell do I know what I want to do for the rest of my life? I never had the chance to see the world nor explore my interests. Yet at 17 I was put in front of a university brochure and forced to make a AUD$100,000 decision.

My parents being parents are more than happy to comply. In Malaysia, there's no such thing as a "gap year" like in Western countries, where kids after high school take a year off to do travel or volunteer work as a means to discover their interests, before continuing on their university education.

In Malaysia, kids must go STRAIGHT to college or university after they finish high school. Never mind the fact that most universities/colleges are privatised money-guzzling business entities now. In Malaysia, if kids don't go STRAIGHT to university, they must be delinquents and therefore failure in life.

So what do I do?

I chose the so-called "safest" career option - engineering.

Why? Because back in the 1990s, Mahathir encouraged everybody to study technology.

Why? Because we got MULTIMEDIA SUPER CORRIDOR. And CYBERJAYA. And MULTIMEDIA SUPER TUALAMPA. And apparently everyone who study engineering will make a lot of money.

Bullshit.

Tell me which one of Malaysia's richest men have an electronic engineering degree?

When you think about it, it is so sad. University is so expensive, so important as a pathway in a person's career development. Yet so many of us rush into deciding on what course to pick when we really have no idea what we want to do straight after we finish high school.

In the end, all we're really doing is going to university for the sake of going to university.

By the time we find out how much we hate the course we're doing, it's too late.

Next time when I have kids, I'm gonna force them to take a gap year travelling or volunteering to find out where their true passion lies before they enrol into University. After all, if they are gonna be spending my money on their university education, they may as well do it right.

Don't want them to end up like me - studying so hard for a piece of paper that I never ended up using.

Parents, please don't rush your kids to go university for the sake of going to university. If they decide wrong course at University, die lah.

Might as well go Uneverstudy.

Bangkok - Shopping with challenges ahead!

2011-09-02T05:08:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time exercising our bargaining skills in Bangkok.

It certainly feels like we found the greatest shopping haven. Or some say, literally heaven for shopaholics like ME.

I think my shopaholic dream came true. :X

The best thing that triggered AND encouraged our shopping was the very strategic location of Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Right at the door step, we had the Pratunam morning market that sells clothing in bulks to all local boutique retailers. And it was a very challenging trip because they only open from 4am - 9am, Mondays - Saturday. =.=

Yes, 4am - 9am. =.=!!!

So at 4am, Leong Big Sis took her baby to our room, we went downstairs to start our shopping adventure. So it was the little baby + Darling sleeping in the room, while us shopping away downstairs. Heaven or not?!?! It is for you to judge.

Anyway, if you don't favor the challenges set ahead for the morning market, you can always opt for the weekend market at Jatujak market.

In my opinion, the challenge would be the humidity and heat you'll feel like you're in a permanent makeshift huge steam room the whole time. wtf.

But, they sell almost everything and anything in the world! As long as you have good bargaining skills, you're up got good quality + best price ever. :)

Well, of course, when we talk about quality, it'll be up to you to judge.

Down the road from our hotel is the famous Platinum Fashion Mall. I spent 3 days going back to the same mall but could only cover 2 floors out of the 6 floors of the Mall. And the worst thing was, I could still find so many beautiful clothing with many different designs!

No picture to illustrate Platinum Mall because we were very good shoppers :/

In conclusion, after spending a week in Bangkok, our (Leong Big Sis, Leong Mama, Lee Baby and Me) have about 150++ clothing in total all not costing more than 250bhat each!

What the heck?

So how was your holiday?

XOXO,

theRascal

Do you speak Thai?

2011-08-25T18:03:00.001-07:00

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

Parents

2011-08-23T07:59:00.001-07:00

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.

Family

2011-08-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

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

The Best Gift

2011-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

Newly-Wed

2011-08-09T05:56:00.001-07:00

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

Darl's Birthday

2011-08-04T07:46:00.001-07:00

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

The Night

2011-07-27T20:31:00.001-07:00

We were lucky to have to chance to spend the night at the Suite on complimentary after our wedding.

It was truly a haven for honeymooners who wouldn't mind spending on hotel rooms.

Take a
look!

Oh those are my wedding shoes. Since I looked high and low for affordable custom-made shoe for my little feet (seriously, so hard to find my size that fits perfectly!), I should post them here. Hehe

We figured we won't have time to sit down and feast on our wedding dinner so we ordered room service!

I was frantically looking for the food when it came. Only to find that the food was kept warm in that little compartment at the side! Awesome :) or call me sua ku. Whatever *roll eyes*

We had a very good view of the city centre from the 28th floor :)

And yes, my blossoms that day consist of all my favourite flowers and colours!

p/s: only blogging them now because I just downloaded an awesome app on my iPhone! Can upload videos too!

XOXO
theRascal

The Big Day

2011-07-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

It is every girl's dream to be on the carousal. I had a wooden one given by my best friend. The carousal tells a lot of stories about my life.

On the horse, I'll listen to the musical playing in the background. It brings me back to my fondest memories. I'll reminisce the times I spent with my grandfathers; my grandmother's dishes and my mother's jokes. The ride goes up and down slightly, like how life is ... somehow or rather, it'll stop and bring you back to a destination you never thought you'll arrive at.

It tells a lot about my life and how life should be.

On the 14th of May, I never thought it'll be the most significant day of my life and was so lucky to be able to share with the people I truly admire and care about. They were all there for me.

It was a very beautiful day. The weather was treating us well. The sun was shining so bright throughout the day.

My day started early with me getting all made up at 5.30am. The artist was recommended by my friend, Karen, whom she uses for most of her shows. I was very lucky.

Darling's sister arrived early at my place, telling us that the bridal car did not turn up. I was shocked but surprised that I didn't panic. I told myself that things would somehow fall into place and that I was blessed enough to have this day come true.

We had lots of fun.
Or at least, my friends and family had the most fun challenging the groom. :)

While I was kept in the room in suspense and under great hands of Derrick Cheong, as my grandmother and sister looked on.

It would always be our wish to have our families around when we graduate, get married or when a newborn arrives.

I was truly happy to have both my grandmothers with me and I could sense the blessings from God, my grandfathers and uncles.

I always asked myself if this is all true and if I was that lucky? I could just thank everyone again and again the whole day.

I also had the chance to sit down and have some portrait shots with my childhood & best friend in the world. I knew her since I was a naive little girl and if there're any hidden secrets, she'll be the first to know :)

I told my fantastic photographer from Jon Low Studios to capture as many candid shots as possible. I love candid moments. It brings out the true laughter and natural expressions that tells a lot of story.

But in honour of our bridal party and best men, we had to take more portrait shots with them in their best suits.

I love all of these shots. Don't you?

These pictures tell a lot.

I could still remember the vow I read and words uttered during our solemnisation.

And how he kissed me that day when we posed for the photographer

And how both of us smiled when we saw all the beautiful people present that night when we walked down the aisle.

Look at my dad. He was smiling all day :)

My mother was enjoying herself and it was her first time getting all made up for an event

p/s: that was our fantastic emcee for the night, who made everyone cracked up with laughter.

And when all my relatives could turn up at the very last minute.

See how things fall into place? Don't worry too much :)

And when I had the honour of my tuition student drawing my wedding logo, I put it up high on the stage and all other stationary that night :)

This day would not fade, but it'll always stay in our souls forever.

I hope I made my family proud.

XOXO,
theRascal

2011-07-20T22:40:00.001-07:00

You know what?

I'm feeling bloated, muscle cramps on the lower abdomen ... grrrrr

WHY WHY WHY

Girlfriends in Melaka

2011-07-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Despite the chaos in central KL (Bersih, remember?), the girlfriends still went ahead with our weekend getaway to Melaka, which is just about an hour's drive away from KL.

A lot of people have warned us about traffic. But you know what? It was so clear that we arrived less than an hour. The traffic was definitely in Melaka an no where else. It's crazy.

Melaka is truly famous for its Portuguese heritage sites, fabulous food like satay celup, chicken rice balls, cendol and not forgetting the endless counting downs of traffic lights!

A few of us were lost in Melaka but both Darling and I had our ever reliable Garmin to help us out. I kept wondering if we would still wind down our windows and ask passer-bys/locals for directions nowadays?

We went for an awesome dinner at the Portuguese Village, went back to our bungalow to celebrate MayJune's birthday and had fun playing the Bus Driver-Banana Tree-Monalisa game! We all laughed until our tummy ached so much!

It is heart-warming to be able to grow up with your friends.

Exactly 9 years ago, we were just college mates and then uni mates.

Now, we're all with our partners. 2 married and one with a kid.

This is like the best crepe in Melaka and some say KL! :D

I tell you, I would go back to Melaka just for this cup of mango juice.

It's like the best of the best in the entire world.

TRUST ME.

We celebrated MayJune's birthday

We were posing, leaving a space for another friend of our

who couldn't be there because she has to hike a mountain

to watch the rainbow over the waterfall. =.=

DONT ASK.

In a few years time, we'll all be married and have to book

bigger individual rooms instead of bunking on to each other's beds.

Last but not least, it was my best friend's birthday too! Happy Buffday Kai Pei (mek!)

I love you forever.

XOXO,
theRascal

2011-07-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

It is depressing and suffering when you can't say things you want to share. And when people always misunderstood you all the time. Oh, maybe the hint given was wrong.

I grew up with the habit of:-

Not comparing myself to others or vice versa
Not judging people; therefore
Accept people for who they are

If someone wants to buy a super huge house, my reaction would be "wow, yay! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!".

Some people will just go "WOW! Is he/she really that rich? What does he/she do?"

C'mon, I know I know ... curiosity brought man to the moon. Whatever.

Can't we just accept the fact that the person is happy therefore we have to be happy for him/her as well?

Why do we always have to react - "Haih, good lah for you ... I will never get there"

WHY

XOXO,

theRascal

Life

2011-07-06T02:07:00.001-07:00

I came back to many things happening at home followed by work and more incidents that made me switched back to reality almost immediately.

My grandfather-in-law (this term correct or not?) passed away a day after we arrived. I was just very glad that we were back in time to be with the family at this crucial moment. We both went to work for half a day to apply for "compassionate leave" and was on our way back to Darling's hometown.

Death ends suffering. But it prolongs suffering among family members when some take a long time to let go. It is indeed never easy.

My uncle (whom I am very close to) was diagnosed with a tumor just outside his pancreas. With a lot of blessings and our prayers heard, a specialist who is also a good friend from the temple, did the surgery. It was a really long surgery. 6 hours instead of the said 4 hours. But the doctor came out saying that he took his time to make sure that 0% of tumor cells are left. After some tests, the doctor broke the good news that the tumor is benign (not cancerous). I offered a prayer that night to thank God for saving his life and lessen his pain.

I took 3 days to reply/follow-up with all my emails and work pending for my action. My boss was kind enough to tell me that I "don't have to get right back into action, take time". But I just can't. I'm quite anal at getting everything done before 5pm at the end of the day so I can go home and help my mom-in-law at home.

XOXO,

theRascal

London

2011-06-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

If you have read my status on Facebook, I didn't really fall in love with London when I arrived.

It was really cold (10 degrees - you call this summer?!), windy, and raining on and off all the time.

So, we met up with our friend living in London (whom we met in Maldives), had lunch and went straight back to the hotel. It was so cold that I didn't have the mood to look and visit anything.

But the next day and the day after was good! Thank you God of the Weather!

Love those British red phone booths, eh?

And below, at the Tower Bridge - or known also as the London Bridge

Since it was a very sad day, we immediately went shopping on the 2nd day when the sun came out!

Yet, it was still so cold and windy that I had to buy another sweater.

We were so lucky because Summer Sales just started in London when we were there!

I bought these La Senza PJs, 2 for the price of 1 for only 22 pounds!!! *sense the excitement*

And when we went to Harrods, they are also having their Summer Sales. The perfume section was the craziest! They were selling all their perfume sets and these Burberry Brit set was at 26 pounds.

I bought another new Tommy Hilfiger perfume, which was just introduced for Christmas in 2010 for only 9 pounds - the small bottle lah.

OK I better stop talking about my buys before somebody kills me.

We're enjoying the sun in Barcelona.

We miss Malaysia so much; I miss the great hospitality and people in Alicante already.

So much to do and even more to look forward to when we're back in Malaysia.

For now, we already have something on for each and every weekend. AGAIN. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

But one weekend we're on our facial appointment (ok someone's rolling eyes), the other we have a birthday weekend in Melaka; then followed by a cousin-in-law's wedding and a the last weekend of July would be a very good friend's wedding in Ipoh.

I need a weekend for me-time at home. Probably only in August. But yes, we both look forward to seeing our families and friends at home. :)

k thx bye

XOXO,

theRascal

Gloomy London

2011-06-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Met our holiday friend we knew from our trip to Maldives last year!

At the Big Ben overlooking the London Eye

It was drizzling like crap the whole day. Very cold too!

So, we bought KFC and ate in the hotel room. Stayed in all evening til night.

We went shopping whole day today though :P

Can't wait til we get more sun in Spain!

XOXO,

theRascal

Italy in short

2011-06-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Firstly, the internet connection here is crazily fast! Or have we been using the internet at its speed in the 1980s all these while?! :/

I love Italy. We traveled from Athens to Italy, making Rome our first stop. Very beautiful historical city. I've heard so much about Florence, so we traveled to Florence and then Venice - our last Italian city.

Florence - is very romantic. And we had very good shopping there :)

From Florence, we took a one and a half hour train to Pisa. Didn't spend a lot of time there, because we were looking forward to shop at the Factory Outlet :P

Here's Rome:-

The beautiful Trevi Fountain. Yes, I threw a coin and wished our family well :)

We also went to the Vatican City. Walked up 332 steps up to the dome.

Vatican City is indeed very beautiful.

And then, Venice:-

Piasa San Marco. Picture can't do any justice. At all.

Also paid 100 euro for a gondola trip. Worth it.

We're in Disneyland Paris now. Will be checking-out and then traveling to Paris City for 3 nights. The weather is a bit chilly and wet. Wish us well.

I'll update more whenever I can. One thing for sure, we both miss Malaysian food and everything at home. Pros and cons of going off for a holiday.

XOXO,

theRascal

From Greece with Love

2011-06-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

We're on our long-awaited 3.5 weeks European adventure for our honeymoon.

We chose Santorini Island as a start for its laid back and beautiful white buildings along the cliffs of the rocky mountain.

The weather was so sunny and windy, a bit chilly at night. It's the late of Spring, going into Summer. The locals reckon that it's the best time of the year :)

We rented a Smart car the next day touring the island of Santorini, from the Red Beach to the Black Beach, the winery, drove along the coastline ... took a lot of photos along the way when we spot beautiful pictures. And of course, the blue churches.

No matter how much we love traveling, we miss our family and friends back home. I always have this habit of turning off my phone to avoid disturbances and issues at home. But you know what? It's best to stay connected sometimes. Darling made a very good point by reminding me that.

Will blog more soon.

XOXO,

theRascal

Not Well

2011-05-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

The bridge of my nose is swollen. I think my body is too heaty, plus I didn't drink enough water compared to Darling. :/ He should be shaking his head wishing me luck by now, because he always nag me about drinking so little water everyday. And now, I'm seeing the result of it!!!!! :(

I miss my sisters and family. Wished I spent more time with my cousins when all of them were here for my wedding. :(

I have to go face the vice-chancellor now to settle a huge crisis. The students made a huge complaint against the Australia programme that I'm handling. Although it is not entirely my fault at all, but still .... sigh :(

Bye Bye.

XOXO,
theRascal

Flu

2011-05-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

I'm down with a bad flu and a painful nose. For some reason, it's painful at the bridge of my nose. Let's hope I'm not sensitive to something, especially flowers. I love putting my nose into bouquets of flowers smelling its bloom.

I told Darling that if there is an option of setting up my own business, it'll be of flowers and ice-cream or anything to do with dessert. They make my heart glee :D

Who doesn't like pretty things anyway?

I'm going back home now to rest. Our honeymoon adventure starts next Thursday (woot!) and I can't wait to get well before we start.

Take care, everyone

XOXO,
theRascal

Home

2011-05-22T00:59:00.001-07:00

It has been a few months since I went back to KB. This time, I went back with the husband :)

My parents had a buffet lunch party at my dad's office. The party was so huge that my dad even invited his barber -___-

We both met a lot of my extended family, parents' friends and the highlight was indeed meeting my piano teacher, Miss Lee. I hugged her so tight. I miss her. She is one if the reasons I continued playing the piano even though it took a lot if my time and tears on the keys. She is that inspirational.

Darling and I woke up really early today just to drive to the Hakka Aunty Curry Rice stall. It is still that famous that everything was sold out at 9am yesterday! So, we had to be a little kiasu to arrive at 8am :D

I swear I will not have white rice for dinner this week :/

Have to get back to marking my students' assignments.

Enjoy the rest of the little Sunday left for us today!

XOXO,
theRascal

Beautiful Day

2011-05-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

They called it the pretty wedding.

Our big day came and go. Like they said, weddings are beautiful occasions. Now, I believe that it is indeed true.

It is beautiful because we had everyone we love with us that day.

It was so perfect because when we signed the papers and read our vows, it was with the blessings of everybody. I could see our parents smiling from ear to ear, my aunties and friends tearing in the eye ... and my husband standing in front of me with a smile on his face.

It was surreal.

When we walked into the ballroom hand in hand, along with our ring bearer and flower girl, many people cheered us on.

I saw the beautiful flower decorations. All in my favourite bloom and shades of colour.

The dessert bar was a hit. It was so pretty everybody was so afraid to munch on them :)

We're both truly blessed. As many times as I can say this, we would like to thank everyone for being with us that day. It was a long but very beautiful day. Some day when we think and look back, we'll only smile and miss all the beautiful little moments we had.

Last but not least, a big thank you to our wedding planner - Natasha from The Peak Xperience; Jon Low & Erric from Jon Low Studios for capturing every emotion in candid; Derrick from Pick A Brush for making sure that I look my best; and of course, our family and friends, for being with us in every single step we take.

I'll share more pictures of our day when I get them from our photographer. The Studio told us that it'll only be in July *faint*

It's a torture because we love his photos so much! I saw them on his camera and I nearly cried. His photos are full of true emotions, and was a bonus when he got to put in natural light that made all of us glow :)

Here's the tease of pictures Jon put in a slideshow to be played during our wedding reception.

Enjoy~

I'm officially back to work tomorrow. Like the rest of my cousins, we're all having withdrawal symptoms. We had so much fun together it was better than a Chinese New Year gathering! I think they had extra more fun than me because more than half of the time, I was busy going around everywhere.

XOXO,

theRascal

The Food

2011-05-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

As you know, on my birthday, we went for food tasting at the hotel.

By the way, how old am I? 26? 27? I lost track. I was asking myself this question when I woke up today. And so I did the math by taking 2011, minus the year I was born. And tadaa! I have my age. wtf

OK I lost track again.

Alright, anyway, I just got the photos from Darling over the weekend and I was so happy to see beautiful photos. Happier when I took that with my family. :)

Look at the beautiful cake that the fiance has prepared for a surprise that night :)

It was a very yummy ice-cream cake! My first ice-cream cake ... dream of having it for the longest time :)

Love of my life

Love of my life too :)

We were on the screen!

XOXO,
theRascal

Are you busy?

2011-05-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am. *sniff*

Leong Mama and I didn't really realise that the Chinese customary ceremony for the bridal room is coming Thursday! We panicked, asked Darling to fetch us to the Chinese Wedding shop that sells everything needed for the ceremonies from the bridal room to the wedding day.

Come to think about it, opening shops like that is really a good idea. People (like me) who doesn't know much about Chinese customs for wedding ceremonies would just buy anything the person at the shop recommends. But we had Leong Mama with us so we were fine.

I find myself in a very funny situation. I tend to follow the Chinese customs so much. I felt that there is always a reason behind everything. Customs and traditions are so beautiful. I don't think it's all crap anyway. So, I told my mom about the hair combing ceremony the night before the wedding and what are the steps by steps, oh! and what are the do's and don'ts. She told me that she doesn't believe in all these. -_________-

Talking about Chinese customs and traditions, I found this photo of The Little One on her 1st birthday. Yes, how time flies!

We lay out a few items on the floor, from food to toys and a comb, asking The Little One to crawl and choose one. According to believes, the first item that the child picks would be his/her true interest/destiny.

Apparently, Darling picked a calculator too! And he is indeed very good at math, business strategies (it's his main job scope) while Leong Big Sis chose a drumstick (=.=!) and she loves good food!

I'll continue this tradition when both Daring and I are blessed with an opportunity to do so :)

XOXO,
theRascal

The Buffday

2011-04-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

Firstly,

You like my skirt or not?!?!?!?!?! wtf :P

Hahahahaha ... please say yes! Isn't it cute? :)

My mom said she wants to wear. I told her it's too small for her butt :S

OK we're very straight-forward with each other. Family what :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's some time since I last celebrated birthday having my whole family around me singing a birthday song. It feels so warm. I swear I nearly teared. I actually blushed! *everybody say .... awww* ............ *crickets chirping* :/

Darling brought us sisters to South Sea Seafood Restaurant for a wholesome seafood dinner. It was so yummy! I could hardly move after that. Luckily I opted not to have rice but just the dishes. Smartest idea ever. :P

At the strike of midnight, Darling (over MSN) said he had to show me a picture. I thought he was being all funny again ... you know, like he always makes fun of me. :P

He sent me this picture:

When the picture was still loading on MSN, I couldn't see the whole picture. So, I asked him why was he showing me his external hard-disc.

WHAT?!

It really looked like an external hard-disc from far!

Anyway, when I saw the picture after it finished loading, Darling asked "so, you like my external hard-disc or not?"

-____________-

I replied "Wow! Swarovski!"

He was surprised that I actually knew the brand even without looking at the front of the picture!

C'mon, it's my area Can't fault me, eh? :P

In the morning, I brought my sisters to his place for the bridesmaid dress fitting (thank you Leong Mama!), and he showed me the pretty little blue box. :)

We headed off to the airport as my sister's flight back to Singapore was that afternoon.

In the evening, I headed back and got ready for the hotel food tasting.

I kept joking to everyone that it was very convenient of Darling to arrange the hotel food tasting on my birthday.

But you know what? I am actually very touched that he did that.

You know, to have my family, and my future in-laws with me on my birthday, is indeed memorable :)

Love my dress? :)

I was taking a lot of pictures of my latest buys from the boutique when my mom walked into my room asking "are you taking a picture of me?"

-____________________-

Anyway, it'd been some time since I last took a picture with my mom. Since she looked to happy, I took a picture of her.

Look at her!
Ain't she cute? :)

And so we arrived at The Hilton KL, our names on the screen! *squeeek*

My sister insisted on going to her hostel. So my parents sent her back..

Guess what? She actually wanted to go back to collect the birthday card she did for me :)

Thank you :)

On Sunday night, my girls asked me out for dinner. It was really cosy and nice. Full of laughter. Just like how I like it to be.

I'm really happy and blessed. Like I always say, maybe I've done something right along the way ... to be blessed with so many beautiful people around me.

Top: My sisters and I
Bottom: My girls! :)

And love.

Love is so beautiful when you're with the right person.

I'll save that for another post.

I need to sleep now. My colleague told me I have dark circles! Scary!

Ok thanks bye

XOXO,
theRascal

The Pro

2011-04-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

The debate about getting a laptop or not has been going on for as long as we're dating. It's also difficult to choose between which brand to decide on.

We were even deciding which model to choose from a brand in a brand in a brand. =.=

Then I told him that it's better to buy something we're really certain on and would see ourselves using in the long run.

I have been eyeing that for a very long time now.

But then the iPhone came.

And then the iPad came. =.=

And then my company gave me an iPad. :O

I was a little overwhelmed with new gadgets in my life.

Like really ... do we need so many things in our lives. As if technology isn't invading our lives any worst. We hardly have anything private nowadays.

Some people even tweet "... just parked my car at P1 bay. Walking into the Megamall now."

Seriously, would anybody be interested? I could never understand Twitter. I find it annoying. Facebook is already putting me off at times. But in order to keep in touch with students, do some work, promoting an event and also to see what my friends are sharing at the moment, I couldn't get off Facebook. Yet.

Anyway, we were at the PC Fair yesterday.

And he got a Macbook Pro. =.=

XOXO,

theRascal.

Waiting for Magic to Happen

2011-04-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, I can't wait for Jon Low from Jon Low Studios and Derrick from Pick A Brush to cast their magic on us that day.

J'adore Paris with Yen & Johnson from Jon Low on Vimeo.

Isn't this beautiful?

XOXO,
theRascal

Just Both of Us

2011-04-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

It's near. But no jitters, and just a moment we're both waiting to realise.
It's us hand in hand and the rest of the world.
Whatever happens will be us and our own little family we build.
Your tears will be mine.
Our laughters to share.
My glow out of the love you share.

It'll be both of us.
From the day we say our vows, it'll be us, we ... and not you and me.

Also, a big thank you to Leong Mama for sewing these beautiful dresses for the little ones :)

Now the bling-bling hairband will go with it :)

XOXO,
theRascal

Just Can't Get Enough

2011-04-12T05:37:00.001-07:00

My new colleague, Ike has a thing for green peas =.= But I just can't get enough of Black Eye Peas.

I couldn't concentrate at work today. I have so many things happening in my life and also at work. Which one should I concentrate?

I'm lucky to have Natasha from The Peak Experience to help me with the wedding; a supportive team and boss at work; a very helpful travel agent helping us with the honeymoon trip; and my parents for wanting to live their wedding in Kelantan -____-

Cheers to all of us. God bless.
theRascal

One Month

2011-04-11T01:29:00.000-07:00

The Big Day is in 1 month and 1 week's time. How nerve-wrecking is that!

What if my guest doesn't turn up?
What if my band plays badly?
What if my make-up artist made me look like a wreck?
What if I don't have enough hair accessories?
What if I have bad stomach?

Grrr.....

XOXO,
theRascal

...

2011-03-31T04:22:00.000-07:00

I'm bz. Head spinning. Work to do. Back logs to catch up. A lot of data to key into my brain. Multi-tasking is a pain at times but that is the only option I have right now.

I want my life back. In time, I will.

XOXO,
theRascal

Is it the end of March already?

2011-03-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Time flies~

Not many things has happened in March. It's just the weeks that flies by. The big day is in a month and a half's time!

What is it like to be walk down the aisle?
How does it feel wearing a dreamy wedding gown?
What does it feel like having my dad walk down the aisle with me?
What does it feel like having everyone's attention?

I always like to have the attention of my students in class. But I've never had EVERYONE's attention on me before. I'm definitely not used to having all my family members and relatives showering 100% on me.

I have so many things planned for the big day. At the same time, I kept telling myself that nothing would be perfect. As perfect as what I would like it to be, there will surely be something that is bound to happen. Last minute drop-outs, calls, things to attend to ... but you know what? I'll just enjoy the day as how it would turn out to be. I told my wedding planner that she'll make all the decision and should there be any important clarifications to do, just ask Darling. He has always been the major decision maker. I'm bad in making decisions. I'm mostly fine with anything he says anyway. :)

Anyway, let's roll on and have fun!

XOXO,
theRascal

2011-03-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Let's show more love to Mother Earth.

Sang by my very good friend, Karen Kong and her very talented partner, famously known as Namawee.

XOXO,
theRascal

2011-03-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

... it's not like the movies but it doesn't matter. I never thought I'll live the life today. I thank God everyday. I must have done something good somehow, somewhere.

Work can be quite crazy sometimes. But you know what? It's just another job. My real job is to always be with my family, always be grateful and stay happy.

XOXO,
theRascal

Making Memories of Us

2011-03-08T03:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you Keith Urban, for this wonderful song.

I'm gonna be here for you baby
I'll be a man of my word
Speak the language in a voice that you have never heard
I wanna sleep with you forever
And I wanna die in your arms
In a cabin by a meadow where the wild bees swarm

And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you
And I'll earn your trust making memories of us

I wanna honor your mother
I wanna learn from your past
I wanna steal your attention like a bad outlaw
I wanna stand out in a crowd for you
A man among men
I wanna make your world better than it's ever been

And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you
And I'll earn your trust making memories of us

We'll follow the rainbow
Wherever the four winds blow
And there'll be a new day
Comin' your way

I'm gonna be here for you from now on
This you know somehow
You've been stretched to the limits but it's alright now
And I'm gonna make you this promise
If there's life after this
I'm gonna be there to meet you with a warm, wet kiss, Mhmmm.
(Yes I am.)

And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you
And I'll earn your trust making memories of us,
I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you baby,
And I'll win your trust making memories of us
(Mmhm ooooooooooo oh baby)

Check out the song embedded from Youtube:

XOXO,
theRascal

Celebrations

2011-03-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

A lot was going on the in the pass few weeks.

1. Krispy Kreme

I just happen to be at Midvalley by myself because I had some time to kill before Darling arrives from Ipoh with his family. I didn't get to have breakfast and lunch the whole day at the office. It was madness. Students coming in to see me for all sorts of issues and the phone kept ringing every other minute with a lot of enquiries from new students and returning students.

So at 5pm that day, I decided to just stop working, be nice to my own body and for the sake of my health, went to Midvalley to just relax and get lunch. Or should I say, tea?

Anyway, I happen to pass by Krispy Kreme and saw doughnuts in heart shapes which lifted my spirits!

Ain't they lovely? Too cute to bite. :)

2. It was also the Little One's first birthday! How time flies. She was so tiny when she was born a year ago. And look at her today!

Darling and I decided to bring her (and of course Leong Mama was with us) to the mall so she can choose a toy as her birthday present. But I wanted to buy her a gold chain. So, we went to the goldsmith.

The girl chose a truck for her birthday ... I know.

Anyway, Happy Birthday! :D

3. Registration

If you're on my Facebook, you'll know that we submitted our forms. Sorry for not being clear earlier but we have to submit our forms to register that we're getting married and have our names on the board for 21 days. So yah, we're going to sign our papers on our wedding day at the hotel :)

XOXO,
theRascal

Pretty in White

2011-03-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

Every little girl has a dream.

A dream in a white gown.
Walking down the aisle with her man.
The man that would protect her from all the ugly things in life.
The man that made her dreams come true.

She vow to be with him through thick and thin.
She pledge to grow old together with him.
She promises to always protect her children.
She wants to always make him smile and laugh.

I love you unconditionally.

XOXO,
theRascal

The Dating Anniversary

2011-02-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

I had a really bad Valentine's Day morning. Darling was a bit concern, I could tell. But he kept his cool trying to calm me down while I strive to be more patient and to take things one at a time.

A huge red rose came for all the ladies in the team by a Secret Pal. We all wondered who the person was. I guessed it could be from either a student or a huge percentage from our very caring boss.

Then, another one came, but this time from my students. Oh so sweet.

But I kept myself busy with work, trying not to sink with all the emails piling up in my inbox; all pending for my action.

A random guy from an anonymous phone number called on my mobile phone, asking me to come down to get something. I was in between a conversation and when asked what that was, he tried to be playful by saying it's a surprise. I asked him to place at the front desk as they will sign for me.

Another call came. This time it's from the sweet lady from the Front Desk. I told her to sign my package off for me. She said I'll regret not coming down to sign this by myself. I got a little curious. Complained a little bit to Darling on MSN, and went down after he told me that I shouldn't keep people waiting.

The ladies at the Front Desk were laughing and smiling when I came. I blushed A LOT. Because it was a very beautiful bouquet from you know who.

As only he would know me. Inside out.

All the stress were free off my shoulders when I saw the bouquet. It really made my day. And I thought it would have been a bad day to start with :)

I went to Darling's house and chatted with Leong Mama. The little one was enjoying her ride in her new car.

How adorable! :*

We decided to have a nice dinner the next day to celebrate our love and relationship.

We've been together for three years now. Time flies by so fast. I believe there are still so much more to learn in life and about each other. We cherish what we have and we're truly blessed to have one another.

Darling brought me to Iketeru@KL Hilton for a very nice Japanese dinner. I'll let pictures do the story telling.

I love all of them!

Love,
theRascal

5 Balls

2011-02-17T16:53:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I've written.

No reasons at all. I just lack time and was trying to balance life. That's all.

I'm trying not to loose touch with my writing. Even my friends asked why was I not taking photos?

There are so many things to do each day. A lot to do and read at work, after work ... and family to focus on.

Darling sent me a really enlightening email with a quote written by the ex-president of the Coca-Cola Group. He said :

Imagine life is like juggling 5 balls: work, family, health, friends and spirit. Work is a rubber ball. But you'll soon understand that the rest of your balls are all made of glass. Once nicked, marked, shattered and it will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.

I read and understood very well.

Indeed, I'm trying very hard to juggle these 5 balls. Family always comes first. And then Health. Work would be somewhere in between all these balls sitting in back seat of a car. Because with no work, there's no money ... and the rest would also never be the same. I'll take life one day at a time.

But when there's a need to choose, my husband, children, parents, sisters and the rest of my extended family would always come first. I wouldn't have to explain why. It's purely understood.

A colleague of mind kept reminding me that I'm a very lucky girl. My (future) husband loves me a lot; my sisters are the best; career going steady (sort of) ... I have very little to worry.

I admit I have expectations at work. But with life ... averagely stable would be good.

I replied, "I know. I count my blessings every single day. And I rarely complain. Just don't expect how and what you want in life. Live everyday as it is."

XOXO,
theRascal

2011-01-27T06:45:00.000-08:00

Now, I know the feeling of holding huge responsibility for the happiness of others. To make sure the the rest are at their happiest, yet not to boil down my own strength. The rest hugged me; asking me to share if I can't take it.

I appreciate that. I really want to finish tasks given to me.

I just hope I don't sink. I want to continue swimming. Let's hope I stay this way.

I've been on my laptop typing away all sorts of emails to many departments, students, parents, my Australian counterparts, sponsors, and even a bank. On top of all these, I do take my classes to be part of my many priorities. I'm here, in the first place, to impart knowledge and teach.

I felt bad for a mother who flew down to KL to help her son register, only to know that Bursary could not process the offer letter because the money is not in the college account yet. I apologised many, many, many times. But I am lucky that she understood the situation.

Many come to me with a lot of problems to solve, asking for my help and requesting many different things from me. I'm more than happy to help. But I hope I don't snap even when I'm at my limits.

I nearly did that to a student today. All I did was that I kept quiet, listening to her for a moment ... took a really really deep breath and continued my sentence.

How long will this persist? I need more brains and many hands.

Anyone interesting in teaching part-time? Communication major? I'm hiring. :)

Otherwise, Happy Chinese New Year, people!

XOXO,
theRascal

2011-01-22T06:56:00.000-08:00

It's about a week to Chinese New Year.

What the heck?!

I've not finished shopping or whatsoever ... but then again, I could never finish shopping :|

How can I be hired to shop?

As I might have mentioned in my last post. This would be my last Chinese New Year receiving red packets from the elder ones, as well as the last reunion dinner I would be having with my family, cousins ... hmm, I wonder what would it be like to have my reunion dinner with my new family? I bet it would be good, but maybe not as happening and noisy like what we always experience at home. Darling has a very small, close knit family. Oh well, we all have to grow up anyway.

One thing that would be definite - I'll miss the times I spend with my extended & immediate family during CNY.

We'll spend a lot of time together. Just catching up, picnic by the beach ... chasing after crabs on the beach, laughing at each other's silly jokes, my grandmother's picnic delicacies that she always make for us, see how my baby cousin cry when her feet touches the sand :)

Since it's kind of like my last celebration with them this year, I think I'm going to organise and do something really fun with all my cousins + grandmother who is 82 this year. So, when we look back through time, we'll always remember the days we spent together.

I'll see what I can do. :)

XOXO,
theRascal

New Resolution

2011-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

Finally, I understood the meaning of being in real, deep anxiety.

It feels like there's not guarantee that you'll be safe.
It feels like there's no back up plan.
It feels like there's no control.
It feels like there's nothing better to fallback on.

I think this may be one of the worst feelings I could ever experience in life.

I know, I'm a control freak at certain things.

People told me, "Don't expect ... just do it, things will fall into place".

But you know what? I've tried so hard! There are just certain things in life that I have always had an expectation.

New resolution for 2011:

Aim, but not too high
Learning not to always yearn
Try to let go
Live passionately
Love unconditionally
Laugh heartily

It's a public holiday tomorrow. Happy Thaipusam, peeps!

XOXO,
theRascal

Wendy turns 26!

2011-01-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm posting this up after exactly a month! -_____-

I know, busy at work, busy at home, no time to sleep, I need more than 24 hours a day... yadaa, yadaa, yadaa ... you can just call me a lazy blogger now. :(

A fact hard to accept. I used to be very consistent with my blog!

Anyway, let's move on.

Wendy finally turned 26!

She's the youngest among us all, giving that her birthday is in December as well. She's also smallest in size/weight/diameter of her bones/diameter of her waist ... what else?

But she's never little of her infectious laugh. When she smiles, everyone at the table laugh as well :) And that's most important.

I always love the character of a person.

Despite being never on time for any occasion (even on her own birthday lunch!), we still love her for many other good qualities that some people may find hard to admire. But kid you not, we always love this girl.

She takes everything seriously. Her job, family, friends ... and if you look at the picture below, she took that seriously as well. Haha :)

We've known each other since like forever. I met her on my first day in college, when everyone was a blur. I remembered speaking to her in English, and she could hardly answer.

Yup, a girl from Alor Setar, English was never her first language. But having that strong persistence and will to improve, she's now a senior position in a prominent media agency in KL. So, I always use her as an example when I lecture in my Academic Writing class.

Never say never. For you determine your own destiny.

I'm very blessed to still have a very close knit of friend I've known since college who I call family today. We make it a point to meet once every other weekends, be there for each other on our birthdays ... and we might be having a group Valentine's Day dinner. :)

Time flies so fast that there's a new addition to the girlfriend group.

A little princess!

Now, have we all upgraded to uncles and aunties?

NO!

We've just upgraded to beautiful ladies :)

Have a good week ahead, peeps!

XOXO,
theRascal

The One with The Best Friend

2011-01-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

This post is so delayed, but I told myself no matter how occupied I am with life, I still need to update my blog.

If you remember, I went to Singapore to celebrate Christmas and did some serious shopping.

Oh, the number of sale happening was insane! But I controlled myself ...

Anyway, I gave Pei a task before going to Singapore. I told her I have never been impressed by food in Singapore. Thus, this round, Pei and De Yang brought us to this fantastic steamboat! I wrote about it in my last post.

We chat, catch up, gossip (ahem!) and took many photos :)

Yes, DY was the official photographer!

I suggested this pose!

Do you like it or not?

After steamboat, Pei suggested that we try the dessert opposite the many steamboat shops there in Bugis.

It's one of the favourite times spend in Singapore. Every time when both Darling and I are in Singapore, we spend a lot of time with family, friends and of course, at Takashimaya in Orchard Road :S

Oh there's another place we would always look forward to go to ... tax refund counter

HAHA

I need to get back to work now. :)

XOXO,
theRascal

Wrapping the year nicely

2010-12-30T01:17:00.001-08:00

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!!!

2010-12-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

... 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

2010-12-21T03:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-19T01:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-05T01:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-05T00:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-22T23:27:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-16T23:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

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

❤

2010-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

... when it melts

2010-10-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

I got this really warm and fuzzy feeling whenever he does that.

When he pampered me in some ways others may not understand. Because they don't see.

When he gave me a kiss on my forehead, I felt he could just make everything right for me.

When it's not just doing it to me, but seeing how he cares for the little one.

It just gave me the feeling to ... :)

When really, it makes my heart melt. It was to the extend when my eyes went really teary as I got this shot.

Candid shots like that. I like! :)

Thank God It's Friday tomorrow!!!

XOXO,
theRascal

2010-10-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

Time flies ...

look! She has grown so much :) I miss my little cousins in Singapore ...

Family is very important to me. When something happens, it's an auto-pilot to put down everything, no matter how important, to be with them, giving them the support they need.

I'm so blessed to have a very beautiful set of extended family members, including my ever very comical cousins. We never quarrel (except the naughty boys who sometimes fight between themselves) when we're together. Grandpa never like it, he gets mad when we do. And we love him so much that we don't like seeing him mad.

We spend so much time together when we were young. Most of the time, we'll be with each other's company at the beach. We all enjoy seating in grandpa's car. He'll drive us there and spend time with us at the beach.

He'll be seating at the beach, on his favourite stool, enjoying Guiness and once in a while amaze us with his skills by chasing the crabs out of their homes underneath the sand! We will always watch and get ready to run when the crab runs out of its nest! The boys will always want to try to help out!

I miss being in college. I miss being little kids (minus the exams). I miss play time in the evenings with my neighbours. I miss running around at grandpa's shop with the cousins. I miss grandma's cooking.

I look forward to seeing everyone during Chinese New Year. And of course, at the wedding :)

XOXO,
theRascal

The TLC

2010-10-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

It was those moments when you're weren't feeling well. And you just need someone to be there to give you some TLC (touch, love & care) because you're alone at home, with little mood to cook because you're in pain ...

... he turns up at your door.

You'll always be my one and only, Mr. Leong. :)

XOXO,
theRascal

The Eulogy

2010-10-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

I love reading eulogies. They way a person talks about a particular person, so close to heart. It's not easy to do a good eulogy. It involves a lot of emotions, thoughts and memories flowing back into on piece. Very heavy.

Yet, when I read this eulogy, it still never fail to make my eyes go wet.

This passage below is the eulogy Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to his wife at her funeral.

Source: Malaysian Insider.

Oct 6 — Ancient peoples developed and ritualised mourning practices to express the shared grief of family and friends, and together show not fear or distaste for death, but respect for the dead one; and to give comfort to the living who will miss the deceased.

I recall the ritual mourning when my maternal grandmother died some 75 years ago. For five nights the family would gather to sing her praises and wail and mourn at her departure, led by a practiced professional mourner.

Such rituals are no longer observed. My family’s sorrow is to be expressed in personal tributes to the matriarch of our family.

In October 2003 when she had her first stroke, we had a strong intimation of our mortality.

My wife and I have been together since 1947 for more than three quarters of our lives. My grief at her passing cannot be expressed in words. But today, when recounting our lives together, I would like to celebrate her life.

In our quiet moments, we would revisit our lives and times together. We had been most fortunate. At critical turning points in our lives, fortune favoured us.

As a young man with an interrupted education at Raffles College, and no steady job or profession, her parents did not look upon me as a desirable son-in-law. But she had faith in me.

We had committed ourselves to each other. I decided to leave for England in September 1946 to read law, leaving her to return to Raffles College to try to win one of the two Queen’s Scholarships awarded yearly. We knew that only one Singaporean would be awarded. I had the resources, and sailed for England, and hoped that she would join me after winning the Queen’s Scholarship.

If she did not win it, she would have to wait for me for three years.

In June the next year, 1947, she did win it. But the British colonial office could not get her a place in Cambridge.

Through Chief Clerk of Fitzwilliam, I discovered that my Censor at Fitzwilliam, W S Thatcher, was a good friend of the Mistress of Girton, Miss Butler.

He gave me a letter of introduction to the Mistress. She received me and I assured her that Choo would most likely take a “First”, because she was the better student when we both were at Raffles College.

I had come up late by one

term to Cambridge, yet passed my first year qualifying examination with a class 1. She studied Choo’s academic record and decided to admit her in October that same year, 1947.

We have kept each other company ever since. We married privately in December 1947 at Stratford-upon-Avon. At Cambridge, we both put in our best efforts. She took a first in two years in Law Tripos II. I took a double first, and a starred first for the finals, but in three years.

We did not disappoint our tutors. Our Cambridge Firsts gave us a good start in life. Returning to Singapore, we both were taken on as legal assistants in Laycock & Ong, a

thriving law firm in Malacca Street. Then we married officially a second time that September 1950 to please our parents and friends. She practised conveyancing and draftsmanship, I did litigation.

In February 1952, our first son Hsien Loong was born. She took maternity leave for a year.

That February, I was asked by John Laycock, the Senior Partner, to take up the case of the Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union, the postmen’s union.

They were negotiating with the government for better terms and conditions of service. Negotiations were deadlocked and they decided to go on strike. It was a battle for public support. I was able to put across the reasonableness of their case through the press and radio. After a fortnight, they won concessions from the government. Choo, who was at home on maternity leave, pencilled through my draft statements, making them simple and clear.

Over the years, she influenced my writing style. Now I write in short sentences, in the active voice. We gradually influenced each other’s ways and habits as we adjusted and accommodated each other.

We knew that we could not stay starry-eyed lovers all our lives; that life was an on-going challenge with new problems to resolve and manage.

We had two more children, Wei Ling in 1955 and Hsien Yang in 1957. She brought them up to be well-behaved, polite, considerate and never to throw their weight as the prime minister’s children.

As a lawyer, she earned enough, to free me from worries about the future of our children.

She saw the price I paid for not having mastered Mandarin when I was young. We decided to send all three children to Chinese kindergarten and schools.

She made sure they learned English and Malay well at home. Her nurturing has equipped them for life in a multi-lingual region.

We never argued over the upbringing of our children, nor over financial matters. Our earnings and assets were jointly held. We were each other’s confidant.

She had simple pleasures. We would walk around the Istana gardens in the evening, and I hit golf balls to relax.

Later, when we had grandchildren, she would take them to feed the fish and the swans in the Istana ponds. Then we would swim. She was interested in her surroundings, for instance, that many bird varieties were pushed out by mynahs and crows eating

up the insects and vegetation.

She discovered the curator of the gardens had cleared wild grasses and swing fogged for mosquitoes, killing off insects they fed on. She stopped this and the bird varieties returned. She surrounded the swimming pool with free flowering scented flowers and derived great pleasure smelling them as she swam.

She knew each flower by its popular and botanical names. She had an enormous capacity for words.

She had majored in English literature at Raffles College and was a voracious reader, from Jane Austen to JRR Tolkien, from Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian Wars to Virgil’s Aeneid, to The Oxford Companion to Food, and Seafood of Southeast Asia, to Roadside Trees of Malaya, and Birds of Singapore.

She helped me draft the Constitution of the PAP. For the inaugural meeting at Victoria Memorial Hall on 4 November 1954, she gathered the wives of the founder members to sew rosettes for those who were going on stage.

In my first election for Tanjong Pagar, our home in Oxley Road, became the HQ to assign cars provided by my supporters to ferry voters to the polling booth.

She warned me that I could not trust my new found associates, the leftwing trade unionists led by Lim Chin Siong. She was furious that he never sent their high school student helpers to canvass for me in Tanjong Pagar, yet demanded the use of cars provided by my supporters to ferry my Tanjong Pagar voters.

She had an uncanny ability to read the character of a person. She would sometimes warn me to be careful of certain persons; often, she turned out to be right.

When we were about to join Malaysia, she told me that we would not succeed because the UMNO Malay leaders had such different lifestyles and because their politics were communally-based, on race and religion.

I replied that we had to make it work as there was no better choice. But she was right.

We were asked to leave Malaysia before two years.

When separation was imminent, Eddie Barker, as Law Minister, drew up the draft legislation for the separation. But he did not include an undertaking by the Federation Government to guarantee the observance of the two water agreements between the PUB and the Johor state government. I asked Choo to include this. She drafted the undertaking as part of the constitutional amendment of the Federation of Malaysia Constitution itself.

She was precise and meticulous in her choice of words. The amendment statute was annexed to the Separation Agreement, which we then registered with the United Nations.

The then Commonwealth Secretary Arthur Bottomley said that if other federations were to separate, he hoped they would do it as professionally as Singapore and Malaysia.

It was a compliment to Eddie’s and Choo’s professional skills. Each time Malaysian Malay leaders threatened to cut off our water supply, I was reassured that this clear and solemn international undertaking by the Malaysian government in its Constitution will get us a ruling by the UNSC (United Nations Security Council).

After her first stroke, she lost her left field of vision. This slowed down her reading. She learned to cope, reading with the help of a ruler. She swam every evening and kept fit. She continued to travel with me, and stayed active despite the stroke. She stayed in touch with her family and old friends.

She listened to her collection of CDs, mostly classical, plus some golden oldies. She jocularly divided her life into “before stroke” and “after stroke”, like BC and AD.

She was friendly and considerate to all associated with her. She would banter with her WSOs (woman security officers) and correct their English grammar and pronunciation in a friendly and cheerful way. Her former WSOs visited her when she was at NNI. I thank them all.

Her second stroke on 12 May 2008 was more disabling. I encouraged and cheered her on, helped by a magnificent team of doctors, surgeons, therapists and nurses.

Her nurses, WSOs and maids all grew fond of her because she was warm and considerate. When she coughed, she would take her small pillow to cover her mouth because she worried for them and did not want to infect them.

Her mind remained clear but her voice became weaker. When I kissed her on her cheek, she told me not to come too close to her in case I caught her pneumonia.

I assured her that the doctors did not think that was likely because I was active.

When given some peaches in hospital, she asked the maid to take one home for my lunch. I was at the centre of her life.

On 24 June 2008, a CT scan revealed another bleed again on the right side of her brain. There was not much more that medicine or surgery could do except to keep her comfortable.

I brought her home on 3 July 2008. The doctors expected her to last a few weeks. She lived till 2nd October, 2 years and 3 months.

She remained lucid. They gave time for me and my children to come to terms with the inevitable. In the final few months, her faculties declined. She could not speak but her cognition remained.

She looked forward to have me talk to her every evening.

Her last wish she shared with me was to enjoin our children to have our ashes placed together, as we were in life.

The last two years of her life were the most difficult. She was bedridden after small successive strokes; she could not speak but she was still cognisant.

Every night she would wait for me to sit by her to tell her of my day’s activities and to read her favourite poems. Then she would sleep.

I have precious memories of our 63 years together. Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life. She devoted herself to me and our children.

She was always there when I needed her. She has lived a life full of warmth and meaning.

I should find solace at her 89 years of her life well lived. But at this moment of the final parting, my heart is heavy with sorrow and grief.

* This eulogy by Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was delivered at the funeral service of his wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo at a private ceremony at Mandai Cremetorium today.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

An Update So Delayed I Is So Guilty

2010-10-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, the title says it all!

I have so so many things to write, yet so little time.

Uhhh ... I wonder why?!

Am I not good at managing time anymore? Or I'm just a slacking blogger?

Oh well, whatever the reason, I have so many things to post up I guess I'll let the pictures do the talking on what have I been up to.

Mine you, these are pictures taken via my iPhone, so you know what I've been doing lately :)

1)
Yea, if you are familiar with the little frenzy behind one of iPhone's most famous applications by far, is that people are racing to check-in whenever they are at a cafe or arriving home.

No, not literally checking into a hotel, but checking-into FourSquare. -____-

Being awarded the Mayor after checking in most times at a place called KDU College (duh!), I found this little note on my car window written by my cheeky students.

2) I went to Penang (after a VERY long time) and had the best char kuey tiaw I was craving for!

3) After arriving from Penang, Darling told me that I have mail.

It's from New York!

Remember Thao? My really good friend from Paris and hubby (Jimmy) from Manchester whom I met in Singapore.

How sweet to send a thank you postcard! I told her it was a shame I couldn't witness this beautiful occasion but my spirit is with her. And she sent me a postcard to thank me for being with her in spirit. :P

How sweet!!! :)

4) Darling also went with me to the FJ Benjamin Warehouse Sale!

It'd been some time!!!

:)

5) We went to the Platinum Movie Suite at Cathay@ The Curve too!

You could relax on its massage chairs outside the cinema halls.

6) Jurlique went for a full makeover.

We spent over RM200 at Jurlique and got ourselves free beautiful Orchids for Leong Mama! :)

7) Darling also brought me to Kampachi.

They are well known for serving one of the best Japanese cuisines in town. :)

8) Saw this really good ad at Pavilion! Hah!

9) Spent Mooncake Festival having dinner with the girls. Bee Kuan had goodies for us! But I didn't take any ... I don't think I'll be using it. So I let the rest of the girls pick their choice :)

10) It was KDU's convocation ceremony at One World Hotel. A lot of work but fun!

I miss those moments :)

11) And if you already know by now, we went to HK just a week after flying back from Maldives. I miss HK!!!

Woke up to this amazing view every single day, overlooking Hong Kong Island. :)

And also, bought & tailor made amazing shoes for my wedding when we was there. Bonita? :)

12) We're currently busy with the renovation plans for the house. So much to do!

Choosing tiles with the sister & Leong Mama...

A lot is going on in my life right now. But I'm not complaining :)

Looking forward to the weekend!

XOXO,
theRascal

When I Said YES

2010-09-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was in Maldives with my (then) boyfriend, who proposed to me on 9 - 9 - 10.

A bunch of my friends/students thought that the trip to Maldives was a surprise trip and then he proposed one night.

Well, no, I knew we were going to Maldives all these while because I was with him when he bought the package at a really good bargain at Matta Fair in March early this year.

We went to Maldives on 7 - 9 - 10 with me thinking that it's just another beautiful island getaway for us. We needed this break so much and it's Maldives we're talking about.

We joined many fun activities in Maldives!

We did the kayak.

We went sailing!

and enjoyed every moment of it!

We had so much fun!

But there were many "weird" moments when I thought that he's a little bit busy or distracted.

There are many vacations that we went together throughout the years we've been together. I know that he would rarely leave me alone during our trips. Basically because we would not want to loose each other, especially when we're in a foreign country.

On our first morning in Maldives, I remembered Darling saying "why not you go back to the room by yourself first?"

OK LAH I NEEDED TO POO SO I HAD TO GO

But yet, he never ever would leave me alone.

I thought to myself that it's not such a big deal, even though thinking that "hmmm... this is new...." while walking back to the room.

Then, when we were about to go for our romantic Sunset Cruise ...

... he asked me to wait by the restaurant because he has something to checkout at the Photography counter.

I think I was busy-bodying (you know me, I am very curious about everything and if there's something like parties, dinner dress code, people singing, I have to go and see/read/check it out) ... so I think I was reading some of the things on the "Daily Activity Board".

When I was done, he wasn't back yet. So I went to the Photography Room looking for him.

I saw him talking to the official photographer of the resort but didn't know what were they talking about. There was a French couple sitting inside the room, and they actually looked at me and smile and showed a "thumbs up" sign to me.

I smiled and nodded.

OK as I'm writing this I felt so stupid for not asking him why was he at the Photography Room, doing what, why the couple smile at me like that ... HOW COME MY CURIOSITY SHUT DOWN!

Anyway, we had a very very very good time on the cruise. We saw many dolphins! :)

Then, Darling actually asked me if I would like to have dinner in the other restaurant where reservations need to be done a night earlier. Being just "anything", I said OK. As usual.

So on and off, like two times, I noticed that he asked me to go to the restaurant by myself first and he'll join me later OR he'll say that he need to clarify something at the restaurant.

I thought to myself that "OK...leaving me alone again. Maybe it's because the security on the island is good" and never really think much about it because the food was so inviting and the sea was so blue, the activities kept my mind busy!

Then, on 9-9-10, it was that evening when I thought it was so "weird" that Darling kept asking me to go swim alone.

-_______-

Anyway, I think I'm easily convinced (FML) and I went to swim alone and the man told me that he'll accompany me by the pool because he doesn't feel like swimming.

I mean, I didn't want to swim alone. It's so boring. But since he really want me to swim, the pool being so ever gorgeous, and him saying that he'll accompany me by the deck ... so I said "Ok lah, I'll swim".

BUT, suddenly he just had to go refill the water bottles in our room and he lost our hotel room key ... because I asked him how come he was missing for sooooooo long when he was suppose to accompany me by the pool!

Anyway, he looked really tired with his face all sweaty and red when he finally came back to the pool. [poor Darling]

After the swim, we went back to get ready for our reservation at 7.30pm at the Kani Restaurant.

We got ready and on our way walking to the restaurant, I saw somebody singing at the pub by the beach!!!!

So you know lah, being me, I just have to go check it out!

Then, [again] he asked me to go ahead and he'll join me later. -_____-

But I was so excited about the singing that I just walked towards them without thinking a lot. -_______-

After listening to a few songs while enjoying our snacks, it was time to go to our restaurant for our reservation.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I thought it was "wow so nice ..."

You know why?!?!?!

Because even the manager came to the door and told us that we should take a picture here ...

and then greeted Darling by his name. I thought their service is top class!

And we were brought to our seats, my eyes were like that 0____0

WOW

Look at the decorations!!!

And when I noticed the rest of the tables were all just normal in silver linings and ours in red ... I thought it was so sweet of him to surprise me with this arrangement :)

AND THEN ... the more I thought about this arrangement, I was so curious as to how he arranged it!

So the conversation went like that:

Me: Dar, so ... why are our tables so special and pretty one?

Him: Oh, I came to do the reservation and I played a game and I won

Me: -_______-

Me: First prize is it?

Him: Ya loh ... don't ask lah cannot ask one lah

Me: [smiling]

I thought "whatever ... just enjoy the moment" :)

I was having such a good time! The lobsters tasted so good!

I is so so so happy!

Then, when the waiter came to our table to collect our plates after the main course, Darling told the waiter a few things which confused me a little:

Him: Can you please ask Maman (restaurant manager) to bring my dessert please?

Waiter: Oh, I'm not good? Maman is the restaurant manager you know. I'm your waiter.

[Darling looked at me and I looked back at him for a few seconds]

Waiter: You want to make a complain, sir?

Me: Erm, don't trouble people lah it's okay ...

Him: [saying to the waiter] Oh no, you're good ... but can you just ask Maman to serve my dessert?

Waiter: Oh okay ... so you just want Maman to serve your dessert?

Me: -______- [thinking: we better hope we don't get this waiter into trouble]

THE moment came when Maman brought the dessert, I saw the ring and my face was like that ("0") and if you can't imagine, look at the picture below!

OMG, I was too surprised, shocked, happy, felt like crying ...

and so many things were happening all at once in a split second when the photographer suddenly just popped out of no where and started clicking clicking clicking clicking

the rest of the people in the restaurant were looking at me with their camera clicking clicking clicking

and at the same time, Darling was down on one knee beside me [awwww .... my dream came true]

Him: Will you marry me?

Me: [can't forget if I said yes but I just gave him my hand almost right away] :P

and we sealed it with a kiss of course :)

He went back to his seat and finally asked "I think you didn't say yes"

Me: Of course! Yes! :)

The newly-engaged couple and [photo below] my fiance.

Since forever, it has always been a dream [and I believe almost every girl's dream] to have someone proposed to you in a very nice way, down on one knee & in a beautiful setting.

I always thought that when it happens, I'll be too happy I'll cry. But I never thought that it would happen to me for some reason. I am contented with everything I have in life and already, I never thought I would want to ask for anything more to make it perfect. Life ought to have some ups and downs & imperfections.

And I told myself that it's okay to not have anything more. I'm happy. I have a good man who loves me so much. I'm okay.

And when it really happened, looking at my diamond ring, and him picking a size just perfect for my finger [how did he know?!?!], I didn't know how to react because I was too happy. I was way over the moon!

At the moment, I thought to myself that I am just too thankful for everything that happened. I'm really blessed to have someone arrange such a beautiful proposal for me. It made me feel so loved & appreciated being officiated with a ceremony [OK what am I talking about].

After the proposal, many many people gave us their blessings. People at the restaurant, Maman the manager, people at the resort, the good wishes on Facebook were never-ending at one moment, we receive sms'es from our family & friends. I felt so touched, thankful & blessed to have all these people share our happy moment.

We're surely off to another phase in life. There are certainly so much more challenges for us ahead. Life is always a risk, challenge... but all I can remember is when he told me that "everything has a solution". I trust him. I love him.

Live. Love. Laugh.

XOXO,
theRascal