Post CNY

So...CNY came and went...just like that! All the spring cleaning, preparations, baking and ordering of CNY goodies.....All just for a few days of celebration. Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth...but then again, if it's not for that day some people might not even have their house thoroughly cleaned! It's the time of the year for me to be busy packing for our 'balik kampung' trip to Tgg. And it's the time for me to pack the red packets for distributions to the kids and some of my beloved yet-to-be-married friends. Gone are the days when I look forward to this day when I could get some extra $$$ from generous relatives and friends. Now it's the other way round...guess it's the circle of the Chinese tradition where one can not avoid but to abide by it, thought it's an unwritten law. But then again, who says you can't receive ang pows when you are 'married? I did...from my parents. No matter what, I'm still their daughter!

Anyway, I've listed down some events which took place for the past 2 weeks.

15 Feb 2007
We left for Tgg on 15 Feb 2007 night, 3 days before the big day. It's the same every year since our wedding that we are to spend at least 5 days in the hubby's birth place for the CNY celebration. Well, the journey there wasn't as smooth as we have hoped....Air Asia....what can you expect? the tagline should be changed to "Air Asia - Now everyone can delay!"
Yes, our flight was delayed for a freaking 2 hours! Stuck in the tiny LCCT for a freaking 3 hours including the first anticipated hour!

We finally landed at Tgg airport at 11.30pm! What a journey! As we were looking forward to reaching the in-laws' place for a goodnight rest, we were slapped with yet another unanticipated surprise - Blackout in the whole area of Kuala Ibai where the in-laws' place situated. Oh Gosh.....what a day! So, what choice did we have? A night at the hotel. The hubby couldnt take the stress of being in the dark, not to mention with annoying mosquitoes around and the heat of the east coast, on top of the fatigue and long hours at the airport.....it was just unbearable.
We were finally settled down at Primula Hotel for the night at 2.30am.

16 Feb 2007
Checked-out from Primula at around 12pm and headed to in laws' old hse in the town. Spent almost the whole afternoon there and headed back to the hse in Kuala Ibai after lunch around 3pm.

17 Feb 2007
All set for the celebration. Had our annual reunion dinner with the Goh family......somehow missed the feeling of being with my own family. A sense of nostalgic feeling filled my heart especially when we were seated on the dinner table. Nevetherless, I overcame the feeling with the thoughts of beloved hubby and son by my side.

18 Feb 2007
Finally...with all the preparations and hoo hah...the day has arrived.......and went.........nothing extra special to write about.......

"My first outfit of the Boar year!"

19 Feb 2007
Returned from Tgg and all set to have a celebration back in KL!

20 Feb 2007
Spent the whole day at parents' place and what else?????? started the gambling session.....hahahahahahha.....made quite a bit from beloved hubby...RM11 to be exact.

21 Feb 2007
An impulsive decision brought us up to Genting Highlands for a fun day at the casino. Went up there together with mom,dad, Jean and hubby. Tried our luck at the Roulette table and mind.......Received quite an ang pow from Uncle Lim. Our biggest ang pow so far.....hahahahahahhahaha......had a sumptuous meal at Gohtong Jaya to celebrate our windfall........Quite a day indeed....

22 Feb 2007
Spent the whole day relaxing at home and doing what we like best....NOTHING. Ahahahahahahahahah

23 Feb 2007
Had a small open house at our place and invited only relatives and close friends. And as usual......."open table"! Some guests went back with big smiles and some....with small holes in the pockets....All in the name of G.A.M.B.L.I.N.G.!

24 Feb 2007
CNY celebration continues with a different twist. Out on a double date for dinner with Maria and Yeoh at TGI Subang Parade. Nothing grand...just for chit chats and a game of football for the men.

25 Feb 2007
Brought the kids (Zach, Natasha & Tze Han) to Kota Permai Club for Lion Dance show organised by the club. Mind.....the kids really enjoyed themselves....not to mention the parents too. Had a great time watching the acrobatic stunts performed by the Malaysian team of Lion Dance. Well, I have to admit that not only did the kids enjoy themselves, so did the mommies and daddies!
Then both mommies (Maria & I) quickly transformed ourselves into 'demure' Malay women to attend a Malay wedding. Hung around for less than 30 minutes before sneaking out. At least we gave face to the host ler.......hehehehehhe
Then we rushed off to another open house by my aunt in Klang. Spent almost the whole afternoon there. Phew.....a hectic day indeed!

All set for the 'show'

All sweaty but it's worth it!

Lion's intimacy - 18SX!


So, I guess it's the end of another year of CNY celebration........till we greet the year of the Mouse next year.....have a good year of the Boar and hopefully it will be as fat as the boar....everything but physically!

Valentine

Family Valentine outing - 10 Feb 2007

Took our kids out for a family Valentine outing at KLCC. Had lunch at California Pizza (which doesnt turn out as well as we have anticipated). However the kids seemed to enjoy themselves.....esp. Natasha and Zach. Just look how passionate they are....... Aren't they the cutest couple ?????



14 Feb 2007

Was at the beauty salon beautifying myself in preparation for the year of the Boar! Check out my nails......yea....I'm vain!




















Next mission - A Valentine Gift for the hubby.......Found!!!!!!!!!!! The GIFT for the beloved hubby............Polo Ralph Lauren Blue....The scent is just.......aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah..........

Just like what most of my fellow bloggers wrote in their blogs.....that they just don't understand why should people spend extra $$$ on the big V day and that they disagree that the 'love' day should not only be celebrated on Feb 14 but every single day of their lives.....well, I couldn't agree more to that. And to me Valentine is just as special as any other day of my life being with my loved ones but to have gifts given to each other on this special just makes it more meaningful and will somehow engraved a memory in our lives. Agree or not, I'm sure any girl would be extra happy to have receive something on this day...especially from someone they love, admire or cherish! As for how we celebrated the night on this day this year....well, nothing extravagant...just a simple Chinese dinner at Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant @ Concorde Hotel Shah Alam with 2 good friends of ours ( Maria & Yeoh) - yes...just us adults. However, the venue does make a memorable place for us both couples as we held our wedding dinners there!

Happy Valentine!

It's tomorrow........the day when LOVE IS IN THE AIR ~
More significantly for me......it's the day when I was proposed...in year 2003.
It was a very cute way of being proposed and those who know me well should know by now how I was being proposed *wink*. Guess I wont mention it here la...since I know that my beloved hubby will drop by here every now and then.....
Nevertheless, it was indeed a very unforgettable day and it's the day which changed my life when I finally said "I WILL" to the ever conservative and traditional yet meaningful question "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"

HAPPY VALENTINE EVERYONE! MAY YOUR LIFE BE FILLED WITH LOTS OF LOVE, ROMANCE AND MORE LOVE LOVE LOVE..........*muax*

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MY VALENTINE GIFT FROM BELOVED HUBBY...... TAG Heuer AQUARACER . My first TAG ever! The lady version of a matching one like hubby's CLASSIC Collection. Love every bit of it! Thank you very much DEAR! *SMoooooch* *muax* *muax*

Now...a BIG headache for me to get hubby a gift. Obviously I cant afford a big and expensive gift but I'm sure hubby wouldnt expect one from me either *he he he *...........Will think of one to show my love for him though..... *wink*

A 'Purpose Driven' Poem

The Purpose Driven Life
THE GREATEST ADVICE - Rick Warren, the Purpose Driven Life


Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.

Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat.
Don't lie.
Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.

Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!



Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr.Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.

Learn a new skill.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.

To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.

To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.

Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.
Don't keep others waiting needlessly.

Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.




Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.

Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you.
You light up your life.
You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.

It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.

Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!

When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your lifethat you'll never get back.
Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves

A New Look !!!

YES!!!!!!!!!!! The ONE thing which I've been considering about....PERMING my hair! BIG curls that is...and I've finally gathered enough courage to get it done! Believe it or not....it's my very first hair-perming experience and it's worth every single penny! I just love my new hairdo!

Ok..I've been comtemplating the idea of getting my hair permed or quite a while but never got it done until now! So Feb 8, 2007 will remain a historical day for my hair because that's when it's transformed and gave me a brand new look....you could say that a new look for a new PIG year!

I've done some surveys on the big curls on the net and I really like this one............ *check it out*....the hairsyle...and not Drew!

So there I was, at my trusted hairstylist's saloon in Hartamas, showing him this particular picture.....

"I want those curls. Can you do it?" - Aniston

"Not a problem!" - Bob

And so begun my four-hour stay at the saloon, anticipating for my new hairdo~

Post perm...........voila!!!!!

Post Tennis Lesson #1...8 Feb 2007

Ok...I'm not tht bad of a tennis player for a first timer....but bad enough not to return a service! Ok..maybe I AM REALLY BAD!!! But hey...it's not as easy as you see how those pros play onTV ok????? Never expect to know that there are so many technics to play the game.....from the way you hold the racquet to the way you swing the racquet! "Hit with you arm.....NOT you wrist!!!" Beloved hubby advised again and again. I have to give credits to my darling for having the highest level of patience to coach his ermm.......lousy-in-sport wife and didnt mind at all having to keep serving and serving and serving the balls without expecting it to be returned! haha haha.......Anyway, it's a good exercise and yes, I'm definitely gonna try my hands on it again. Better luck next time!
Ok..that was on Monday (5 Feb 2007)

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I was at the dentist yesterday (7 Feb 2007) morning to have my scaling done and some gum irritation problem I've been having for the past week. "Oh, you have an ingrown wisdom tooth covered by your gum," Mr Dentist said. "So, what's the solution?"asked patient Aniston. And cooly and calmly Mr Dentist replied, "Have it extracted. That's the only solution. Wisdom tooth will usually brings us problem, for example like your case. You can choose to have it extracted now or you can make an appointment and come back again. Aniston thought to herself for 5 minutes..."What the heck! Lets get it over and done with!" "Ok, I think I"ll just have it done now," Aniston said - an impromptu reply to Mr Dentist. Can You believe it? This is my 2nd time having my tooth extracted. The first time was the extraction of my TWO front teeth when I was 6!




My My.......was I impressed or what? I didnt feel a single pain at all! Not even when he poked the needle to give me a local aenesthetic. It was totally painless. And I'm not exaggerating here. It really true. Ok, let me just explain briefly on how the procedure was done. First he rubbed some ointment onto my gum and the next thing I know, my gum was numb. Then he used a machine-like spray to go around my tooth area to make my gum feel even more numb. Next came the needle to give me a total numbness on the area where the tooth was supposed to be extracted. Then he did the scaling for the rest of my teeth while waiting for about 20 minutes for the aenesthetic to take total effect. The next thing I know, he was there having this extraction tool and trying with all his might to pull out my still-healthy-and-strong wistom tooth! It was still white and strong-looking man! Sadly, I have to be parted with my beloved tooth......hope it doesnt make me less wiser...hah!!

Guess the tooth-fairy finally got her wish to claim my beloved wisdom tooth!

Tennis?

ok..this might not sound like me but yes, I'm taking up TENNIS!
The hubby has been asking me if I'd seriously consider taking up the sport for the past few months now that the tennis court in Kota Permai Club (in which we are members of) are ready and fully expanded. He actually told me that he has made a court booking for us to play on that very evening itself! First without first having me say YES to take up the game and secondly, without a racquet for me!
And to my own surprise, I finally said YES! (why do I feel like I'm saying yes to a wedding proposal!)

Anyway, the hubby was delighted with my answer that he couldnt wait to give me my very first lesson in the sport! Did I mention that he was a state representative in the sport during his school days? Yes, he's indeed a well-trained tennis player.
So we made our way to Pyramid late afternoon yesterday........just to get me my very first Tennis racquet!

Check this out......... ...






















There you have it......like a pro! Anyway, we rebooked the court and postponed it to today..... MONDAY 5th Feb 2007! A historical day of my life to be unfold in the tennis court of Kota Permai Club. Our booking is at 7pm today.....and it's in less than 3 hours now before I watch myself being a fool running around the court not having any idea on how to play the game. Wish me luck! Drop by tomorrow for updates *wink*

Another Latest Prized Possesion

Just downloaded some pictures from my camera... Found a few pics which really make me smile..... MY LATEST FORM of LOVE FROM DA HUSBAND....another COACH!

Signature Stripe Wristlet in Mahogany....to go with my SIGNATURE STRIPE REVERSIBLE LARGE TOTE...

Aaaaaah........a perfect match.......

Trauma - 4 Feb 2007

It was indeed a Saturday to remember (3 Feb 2007). I was having dinner at TGI with the hubby and son when out of a sudden we saw packs and packs of people rushing their way out from the exit in Subang Parade. We were seated right next to the window at the the restaurant, hence, clear view of the mad rush by the people...scurrying out in packs. Couples holding hands, parents carrying their young children, youngsters holding their elderly parents and parents holding their young kids in their hands.

First thing which struck my mind was...."It could be a robbery!" or perhaps "Someone was running amok and having a weapon in hand!" Our fear was indescribable because parts of the crowd actually made their way into the restaurant and they were seen telling the restaurant operators to shut the main door! The husband was then told by one of the bystanders who came into the restaurant that there was indeed a robbery! Armed with shotguns! It was indeed a horrible feeling.... my hands suddenly went cold and all appetite was flushed down the drain! Even the most appetising serving of 4 Cheese Italian Pasta failed to entice me! Did I mention that I was having PMS since last Friday and was craving for cheesy food? There goes my craving man!

Anyway, back to the scenario.....packs and packs of people were still seen rushing their way out from the mall when out of a sudden we heard 2 gunshots right outside where we were seated! The husband made a quick move to press my head and told me to squat down for protection. I was too stunned for that and in the midst of all chaos, everyone outside was seen squatting down for defence. Some were seen running down the staircase leading to the lower ground floor and squatting down at the steps!

Few minutes later, we heard the sirens from a few police cars and 2 ambulance. "God, please let there be no fatalities." That was my first thought when we saw 2 ambulance parked right in front of the main entrance to the mall. Moments later, we saw a man being carried out in a stretcher with his hands high up. "Looks like someone's injured. I think there shouldnt be anything worse than that." The husband said. "I hope so," I replied.

Well, we paid our bills and as all natural KPCs, we were curious to know the continuing commotion going on in the mall. We made our way back to the mall and shutters were all drawn down by shops in the mall and everything seemed quiet and dead. Yellow barriers (yes, those ribbons you see in CSIs) were seen around the mall, blocking the public from getting near the crime scene - Poh Kong Goldsmith.
Then we saw a photographer rushing from nowhere and stopped a few metres away from us to download the pictures taken into a tiny laptop handled by a young female reporter. They were speaking in Mandarin and I guessed that they were from the Chinese media. As we walked pass them, we saw pictures of someone lying motionless on the screen! "Damn!" Someone is dead! Now that really gave me a chill down my spine. Our worst fear is confirmed! A life has been wasted as a result of the heist.

Just as we were making our way back to our car, 2 youngsters were heard talking to each other about what they witnessed earlier. The husband casually asked them for their side of the story and found out that 2 security guards were shot dead by the robbers whom they believed were foreigners! One guard was actually shot at close range and the bullet actually went through his head and seriously damage the back of his head! "Bloody assholes!" That was my first reaction! Not a life wasted...but TWO! Two innocent lives were sacrificed for the inhuman act by those robbers! And as we were nearing the main exit out of the mall, we turned to the direction where Poh Kong is and saw a motionless hand lying flat on the floor. That really gave me a somewhat uneasy yet indescribable feeling. "I hope these people BURN and ROT in HELL!!!!" That was my exact word to the husband as we entered our car!

Hundreds and hundreds of question went through our head and between our conversation on our way home on what has become the human nature nowadays. Why resort to such brutal act where not only the f*%^#ing villains' life are at risk but also the civilians?! Dont these people have any slight humanity in them? Dont they have loved ones to think about should they befall into untoward circumstances if they are caught in the hands of justice? But well, they wouldnt plan such inhuman act if they are rational and humane enough to think that way, would they?
Money and greed - the drive to irrational act...

Well, the only consolation to this tragedy is that those culprits are finally caught by the authority 7 hours after the staged robbery and it can be considered a closed case after obvious evidence were found with them - 8 kg of gold, several types of weapons and cash! All thanks to the leads left by the robber who was gunned down together with the 2 innocent security guards. A hotel room key and information found in his handphone which led to the arrest of his other accomplices. Finally, justice prevails!
My salute to our Malaysian Police Force! A job well done indeed!
Guess God is somehow fair and answered the prayers of those who asked for justice.

~May the souls of the 2 security guards rest in peace~

Time Of The Year Again - 3 Feb 2007

It the time of the year again when words like spring cleaning, mandarin orange, lunar calendar, chor yat/chui it/chu yi, blackjack/barn lart, and visiting make a frequent presence among the Chinese community in days leading up to the CNY celebration. Not to mention other more favourable words like ang pows, fire crackers, new clothes, and red red red/hong hong hong/ang ang ang among children alike.
Yes...it's the season again for us to renew our bonds and ties with friends and family members to usher in the lunar year of the PIG! *oink* *oink*

As for me, the lunar year somehow fails to bring the big significance in my life especially now that I'll be away from my own family members to usher in the first day of the lunar calendar. To those who know me well enough understands my statement. To those who dont, well I've been celebrating the first day of the lunar calendar in the ever-quiet town of Kuala Terengganu - the land of birth of my beloved husband. CNY celebration there is somehow much different from the celebration in the city. No such thing as loud thundering sounds of the firecrackers (tho they are banned nationwide) at the strike of midnight in this Malay-populated state as compared to the environment in the city where children and adults would be busy enjoying themselves ushering the 1st day of the lunar calendar when the clock ticks at 12! Somehow, it's just different!

It was in 2005 when I was heavily pregnant and was not advisable to travel by air that I managed to realise what I've been taking granted for before I got married. It was somehow a different feeling at that time when I know that I'll be seeing my parents on the 1st day of CNY. It was somehow a happier feeling and a realisation that that is the feeling I missed most and took for granted for all these years. It was as if it's the place/event/answer to the missing piece of puzzle which I've been trying to locate to complete my CNY picture in my mind. The feeling of seeing my beloved parents and siblings on the first day of CNY and knowing that they too enjoyed having me around. Yes, some might say that there are 15 days to celebrate the CNY but it's just not the same when you are able to have your close family members around you on the very first day itself. It is somehow a warmer feeling to have them around and to be around them on the first day itself rather than the other subsequent days leading to the 15th day. This is the feeling which I've been missing and has been trapped inside me since 2004 when I first celebrated the Lunar New Year away from home and family members - yeah, to be with my new family in Terengganu, which I'm still trying hard to blend in and accept it as a fact, now that I'm married and moreover, to someone whose hometown is so far away that it's impossible to have both sides of our families around on the first day of CNY.

Actually whenever I think about this, I just get agitated to accept this norm that "You must celebrate the CNY with your husband's family after you are married". I mean, is this a written rule or something? Isnt the wife a daughter to her parents anymore after she's married? Cant she be with them for the reunion dinner with her husband around as an added family member? Why must it be a practice that a woman must be at her husband's side of family during the CNY celebration, especially for reunion dinner and on the 1st day of the celebration? Why cant it be compromised and accepted in the culture that it's bloody OK to have an agreement to celebrate the first few days of CNY alternately each year. One year with the husband side and one year with the wife's side. I'm still surprised that this is just not acceptable till today. One would be chastised and condemned should he/she brought up this subject, let alone practice it. It's just a taboo to even try bringing up the subject. It's even harder when one has parents-in-law who are still alive and expect their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren to be around whenever the occasion takes place each year. And it doesnt help much when their sons also perceive this as a norm and continue the practice generation after generation after generation......God knows when this will end....

Sigh...sigh...sigh... I guess the only people who would understand what I've said so far are those who are married....especially to men who are not from their own/same hometown. And also those who still have living parents-in-law who practise strict Chinese traditions and culture.
Sigh...sigh...sigh...sigh... What am I to do with this disturbing feeling each time the Lunar Year approaches but to accept the fate with a more open mind and enjoy it as much as possible with the fact that I'll be celebrating it with my beloved husband and son, whom I adore madly. They are the only consolation for me for the new year whenever I think back and realise that I wont be around daddy, mommy, Jean and Bryan when the first day befalls. Nonetheless, I will still be enjoying myself with the thought that I'll be seeing them when I return on the 2nd day of the new year!

GONG XI GONG XI.....ta chia far ta chai!!!!!