Absenteeism

Pardon my absence, I'm not fit to write this month. I will hope to return in May, if possible. In the mean time, do check the links on the right side.

Truly,
CarolineL

A weekend that was

We were back in Ipoh for a wedding dinner. We reached in the morning and hung out at my grandma's place. For lunch, we drove over to Menglembu.



We dined at East Ocean Restaurant. We had a total of 5 dishes, in which I forgotten to snap photos. Anyway, seen here from left is my nephew, cousin-in-law, pretty Annie and Eddy. After lunch, we checked into Hotel Excelsior. We had to as all the rooms in my grandma's house are occupied :/

The wedding dinner held at Oversea Restaurant, which is just opposite the hotel. It's pretty convenient for us.



Seen here are all my cousins: Christina, Annie and Jared. The one standing beside me is Nicholas. Tina is only 13+ but she's already much taller than all of us! Except for Gan :P





With my leng leng Annie Lee :)



With Florence, Elson and my yima.



Yima and popo. Popo is hitting 80 next year. Doesn't she look young? Perhaps good genes will pass down to granddaughters too :D



Yima, mom and popo. A mother and her 2 daughters :)



Finally, there's us, hehe :D

Happy Birthday Alex!

It's been 5 years now. This is your 5th birthday you're celebrating with God. We miss having you around especially during festive seasons and birthdays. Until this day, I still question Him why you were taken away from us so soon. Though the questions are not answered but I belief in His great purposes He has for us.

It has been a bumpy road ever since your departure. But of course, time eases the pain a little. Still, it is not the same without you. Whenever friendly strangers ask papa and mommy about their kids, I can see their sadden expression. Very often, they brushed off the question by answering "Only one child." It's not that they don't acknowledge you, it's because it aches us thinking back the past.

Lately I've been feeling worst! Especially when my big day is getting closer. It just break my heart knowing you won't be around to witness the occasion. But this I know, that you will be smiling down from where you are blessing the both of us.

Happy Birthday baby brother!

Love,
Sis

Update

I haven't been updating as frequent as I want it to be, do excuse me for that. I've been fairly busy with the Raya open houses. To date, I have been to more than 5 houses. More coming! The great traditional Malay food has definitely ruin my diet, haha. And I don't mind it one bit :P

Apart front that, I am anticipating for my upcoming ROM. Gan and I will be registering this Saturday at the Klang Hokkien Association. Both our dads are our witnesses. I can't belief that I am one step closer to the next stage in life. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Not sure what's in-store for us. Living together as a married couple is definitely a challenge and it needs both our effort to make sure this last a life time :)

My Radley bag

My cousin Ken and his friend Richard, bought me Radley bag! I was thrilled when he sent me pictures of the bag. Radley is one of the most renown brand in the UK. A large tote bag can easily costs more than £100. There are many products under Radley's wing, umbrellas, luggages and toilettries too.



This is the one they got for me. Since I was born in the year of dog, this small little doggie tag suits me perfectly! I can't wait to get my hands on this tote bag. I wonder how many compartments are there in the bag.



Look at the color of the straps! The color combination is just nice! Thanks Ken and Richard for the great gift! Looking forward to see you both this November :D

Eating out: Loon Sing, Nilai

My cousin Jessica came over to overnight. We brought her to the most famous restaurant in Nilai, Loon Sing Restaurant. And on this night, we bumped into Toh Toh, a food critic from Hong Kong.


Paku Choi, priced at RM10

Have you tried this type of vegetables before? This is Paku Choi. I think it's called paku-pakis in Malay. This isn't my first time eating this vege. It taste much better when fried with sambal belacan.


Fish, priced at RM35

We ordered the Chef's Special Fish again. The gravy went superbly well with rice. You might need an extra bowl, haha. You can find chucks of sliced garoupa, beancurd and fu chuk in it.


Prawn, priced at RM30

This is Soy Sauce Fried Prawns. There were many prawns in it, at least 10! After peeling off the shells, dip the prawn back into the sauce before eating. It tasted sweet and salty. Most children would like this dish.


Black Pepper Ribs, priced at RM15

Last dish was black pepper pork. It came with mantau. We stuffed the meat into the mantau and eat it like a burger. However, there wasn't enough black pepper to taste like a black pepper dish. It tasted mildly, not much kick and oomph :P

Camwhore a bit with my cousin before and after dinner. Now all we need is to wait for Annie to come back before we can camwhore again :D

PMS

PMS stands of Pre-Marrital Sex! Thankfully, I'm not talking about that. Today, I'm gonna talk about Pre-Menstrual Syndrome :P

PMS is the nastiest thing that could happen to me. I really don't know how my hormone works in my body. I am very receptive towards certain words/attitude during this "crucial" time. During PMS, I'm the meanest person on earth! So, if you taste a piece of me during this time, I apologize.

Beware, this happens 12 times a year!

Women multiplies

I received this forwarded mail earlier and find it really beautiful. Although it's short, it is really meaningful. Share it with the women in your life :)

"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply...

If you give her sperms, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
But, if you give her crap, she'll give you a bucket full of it."

Yeap, that's what you'll gonna get! Although I always make my mom upset/angry, she'll always love me :) And I always love you Mom!

I'll be missing you

Sung by Diddy, Faith Evans and One-twelve.

I've been playing this song the entire night. The lyrics is really meaningful. I know, it's an old song (not that old la), but old songs rock no? Enjoy the lyrics!

i'll be missing you.... :)

-----------------------------------------

Yeah... this right here (tell me why)
Goes out, to everyone, that has lost someone
That they truly loved (cmon, check it out)

Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show
I laced the track, you locked the flow
So far from hangin on the block for dough
Notorious, they got to know that
Life aint always what it seem to be (uh-uh)
Words cant express what you mean to me
Even though youre gone, we still a team
Through your family, Ill fulfill your dream (thats right)
In the future, cant wait to see
If you open up the gates for me
Reminisce some time, the night they took my friend (uh-huh)
Try to black it out, but it plays again
When its real, feelings hard to conceal
Cant imagine all the pain I feel
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living your life, after death

Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I'll be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
Ill be missing you

I miss you big

Its kinda hard with you not around (yeah)
Know you in heaven smilin down (eheh)
Watchin us while we pray for you
Every day we pray for you
Til the day we meet again
In my heart is where
Ill keep you friend
Memories give me the strength I need (uh-huh) to proceed
Strength I need to believe
My thoughts big I just cant define (cant define)
Wish I could turn back the hands of time
Us in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks
You and me taking flicks
Makin hits, stages they receive you on I still cant believe youre gone (cant believe youre gone)
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living youre life, after death

somebody tell me why

On that morning
When this life is over
I know Ill see your face

Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
Every night I pray, every step I take
[puff] every day that passes
Every move I make, every single day
[puff] is a day that I get closer
[puff] to seeing you again
Every night I pray, every step I take
[puff] we miss you big... and we wont stop
Every move I make, every single day
[puff] cause we cant stop... thats right
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
[puff] we miss you big

source

There comes a time

Earlier today, I received a mail that reads:

...There comes a point in your life when you realize: who matters, who never did, who won't anymore AND who always will...

That is so true isn't it?

When I was in school, I didn't get to hang out as often (that's for having strict and over-protective parents). Apart from school, the only time I got to see my friends was during tuition. FYI, I went to Sekolah Kebangsaan. I got along really well with my fellow peers of all races. Then came SPM aka graduation. Right after examination, we had a small gathering at the nearby KFC. Only then I felt "Wow, this is it! We're gonna say our goodbyes." We took tons and tons of photos. It was all too memorable then.


Sorry la, can't find any secondary photos in my PC :p

But now, the photos have been chucked aside, along with all the autographs that we used to write to one another. Besides, I have not spoken to them since. Only a handful remains.

Then it was college life. I was able to stay in the hostel, had late nights with my friends, shared blood and sweat developing projects together and had hearty talks. It was the best time in my life, to date! I met so many of my friends whom I am still keeping in touch with. And it was during college life too where I found my besties and love.


Second year, Inti-UC

Though my heart was shattered not once, but twice, it made me stronger and value my friendship even further. Thus, I am blessed to have such girlfriends to share my ups and downs with. The 3 years I spent in Inti was over in a zap. Whenever I think back of the good 'ol times, it always bring a smile on my face.

Then came the corporate life. My first job was with Victoria Station, as an IT admin, where I worked for 3 months. Second job was with an IT company in KL. There, I got really close with my colleagues. Every Friday after work, we would go for karaokes, pool and sometimes, bowling at the nearby mall. It is in this company too that I found love once again. I am thankful for that. However, the company wasn't performing well. So I decided to leave before it was too late.


Chinese New Year 2007

Next, I landed in this MNC based in Cyberjaya. Though we did not have so much fun outside the company, but being one of the organizing community member, we made sure the fun starts from within. We celebrates birthdays every month, different theme costumes each month and BBQ dinners, treasure hunt and even inviting the radio crew over.

I have left the company for over a year now. I still keep in touch with a handful of them. We will meet up and talk/gossip over lunch. Mostly are still working there and many have left and moved on.

I might have a lot of friends, but most of them are too busy and have other priorities in life. Therefore, it's easier for me to keep few friends closer, hehe. And I'm happy to be treated like one too.

Now, I know who matters, who never did, who won't anymore and who always will.

A short trip

My parents and I went back to Ipoh early this morning. We didn't stay over-night though. The reason for such a short trip was my aunt had gone for a mastectomy surgery last weekend.

Weeks after my grandmother had hers, it was my aunt's turn. She was discharged just after 2 nights of admission. Though she might looked a little pale, but told us that she didn't feel any pain nor discomfort. Just that the wound affects her mobility to run errands. That's what my grandmother told us too. I am glad they are thinking so positively and give grace to our Lord.

My mom and I volunteered to cook them a simple, healthy lunch! My mom's in-charge of Miso Steamed Chicken, while I cooked Aglio Olio Spaghetti. My grandmother isn't a big fan of Japanese and Western food, she only had a few bites on both dishes. My aunt, on the other hand, ate with acceptance, hehe.

Most of us kids are grown-ups now. The only time we gather around is during festive seasons. That is, if everyone is back to hometown. It saddens me whenever I think back of the past, where we share laughter and joy. Even if times like this are hard to seized, I will make sure I treasure every moment.

A dream

Two nights ago, I was awaken by sound of knocking, The kind that you normally knock on door with your knuckles. This is different, it was soft. Normally I am sound asleep, that even neighbour's alarm can't wake me. Somehow, this knocking sound woke me.

It was 5.10am when I got up. I listen carefully again, it was gone. All I hear was the aircon blowing its cool air. I tip-toed to my bathroom for further checking. Nothing. I was afraid that burglars might had climbed onto our roof and looking for a way down. Upon hearing nothing, it was a sign of relief. I hopped onto my bed and prayed that I could fall asleep quickly. Indeed I did and had a dream.

I was in a coach in Japan. I was sitting alone and the bus was full with other tour member. It was rather noisy because it was like we were waiting for member who was late. I started talking with the Malay couple seated behind me. Halfway talking, the member who was late and delaying our tour finally got into the bus. He sat right next to me. I turned and he was my late brother. I spanked his thigh and said, "Why the delay? Went to hot spring?". He was annoyed by the spanking and replied, "Others can be late, why can't I?!".

The next morning, I shared my dream with my parents. Coincidentally, my dad heard a voice calling out to my mom at about the same time too. Dad went on to say that my late brother had come home and is missing mom. So, he knocked and called out mie.

Christians aren't supposed to be superstitious, but what could possibly explain that?

Though he's gone back to the Lord for over 5 years, I still dream of him once/twice a year. First two years was more frequent. I am sure those of you who have lost someone close, have experience this before. But have you experienced something as vivid as that?

Of travel and family

It has been wonderful and blessed to be able to travel to so many countries. I thank my parents for bringing me along. Though there are times when they did leave me behind. That was when I was still in college. My parents are like any other parents, they want their children to be around for as long as they can. And that includes traveling!

I remember I started traveling when I was 8 years old. It was 1990 that I first traveled out the country and first time boarded an airplane. It was in Had Yai. I can't remember much about the place 'coz I was pestering to go back to the hotel. And my late brother pestered too. We were such a nuisance then, haha.

My parents would make it a point to travel annually during Chinese New Year. That is when my dad could take longer leaves. When my brother and I were in secondary school, my parents brought us to England for the first time. I was 14 and was thrilled to see snow! Not to mention, caucasians! It was truly a magical moment for us.

The most memorable countries that I have ever been to has got to be Scandinavia. Out of the 30 countries that I have step foot in, Norway has absolutely stunning sceneries. No other countries can beat Norwegian beauties. Then there is Dubai, one of the fastest growing country. We had the chance to stay at the 7* Burj Al-Arab. It was incredible to be treated like the rich and famous. I can't belief that the desert sand is cold during the winter in Middle East. I can even feel the softness of the sand between my toes just by talking about Dubai. The most historical place has got to be Eastern Europe. Austria, Prague and Budapest are so full of historical cultures that it'll take forever to digest them. I was taken aback by the gorgeous monuments, bridges, cathedrals and so many more.

My parents and I still continue traveling after my brother went back to the Lord. I can feel that he is with us. My dad will bring along my brother's jacket and jeans whenever we go traveling. And I have dreamed that he came home from his trip to Langkawi. It hurts that he is not with us to share our joy anymore. It is also a relief that he is with the Lord, and that he isn't suffering from the hospital bed any longer. Like us, I am sure my dear brother will continue his journey.

A little prayer

A couple of weeks ago, my grandmother is diagnosed with breasts cancer. She is 80 this year. What is the odd for a person her age getting cancer? Furthermore, it is not benign, it's a malign. A person of her age should die of old age, not this. It just breaks our hearts after getting the news.

She should be enjoying her golden age with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. But now, she's waiting to be admitted to the hospital :( Her oncologist suggested to remove one-side of her breasts, including lymph nodes. On the relief side, there will be no radio/chemotherapy. She can't avoid the "wholesome goodies" that her oncologist will prescribe her though.

What she needs the most now is our support and prayer. Can you please pray for my grandmother too? Thank you. Dear Lord, we leave her in Your hands. Thank you Father that You will strengthen and take care of her. And continue to let her enjoy You, praise You and experience You. Amen.

Dusk and Dawn

I have always loved sunsets. The spectrum colors up the sky each dusk like its telling a story with a beautiful ending. I am sure sunrise is as mesmerizing as sunset, no doubt, but I just couldn't wake myself up at the break of dawn to watch the sky lights up.

I walked outside my house and I saw this orangy sky after dinner. I quickly grab my phone and capture it. Of course, there are other prettier sunsets than this. Considering I won't be traveling to the coast anytime soon, I have to be satisfied with this for now, heh.

Brief moments later, the sky turned colder. The tropical color faded away in merely a minute. Somehow I felt that it's bidding farewell. And I was there to acknowledge every moment. Ahh...

I must say the most beautiful sunset I have ever.. ever seen is none other than midnight sun in Norway. It was last summer and it was freezing with strong wind. The sky was clear and the sun was at its lowest point before it rose up to welcome a new day. The feeling is so surreal. The image is forever engraved in my mind and soul.



Look at it! Can you believe that our mighty sun has already set? This photo is taken at midnight! Yes, 12am! 0000 hours! You might wonder, if the sun is still up during midnight, what about at dusk and dawn? The sun never sets in Scandinavia. It shines brightly at 9pm, 11pm, 1am and even 4am. During summer, you will experience midnight sun, whilst in winter, you will experience the great northern lights!

That would be my dying wish, just to catch a glimpse of the amazing northern lights!

The Other Side

A little while ago, I received a forwarded mail from my aunt. It was rather a long one and in it, were many short stories how we should faith in the Lord. This particular one captured my attention the most.

If you have yet to read this, do share with your friends and loved ones :)

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough."

Shout out

1) When one said he won't do you a favor, then stop asking! No matter how many freaking times you ask, the answer will be the same. So stop asking!

I just could not understand why people will not take NO for an answer. Like those salesmen promoting the products in complexes. They will keep on hovering and talking even though it fell on deaf ears. Anyway, this isn't the case, it's something else. Just use that for an example.

2) Get things over with! Don't dwell in the past already!

I've moved on and you should too. You don't have to spend another nickel or your precious time on things you hate anymore. Remember to leave the past behind you. Dream about your future, for those are the moments you should look into.


3) None of the item 1 and 2 is about me. But this is.

I am very furious over item 1 and 2. Grrrrrr, I can't leak the details here though. It is quite personal. Yea, everyone should focus on things greater in life, ie help the needy, enjoy your life, treasure your family and friends, etc. Do not let worldly desires consume you. You should know better than that. If you don't, then go figure out.

Ma parfum

I lurvee perfumes. I can't remember when I start using it but to me, it is a necessity every woman should have. Though I can't really recall how many bottles I have used. Amongst them are Hugo Boss, Issey Miyake, Ralph Lauren, CD, etc.

There are the ones I currently own. I'll brag about them can?

This has gotta be the most expensive one: Hermes Eau de Merveilles. And I got it for free! Lucky me! As you can see here, the box has Burj Al Arab imprint. That's because I stayed there a couple of years back, woooot. I checked the market price, a bottle of 100ml can easily costs more than RM400. And I have 2 bottles at home ;)

I also own these...(l-r) Lancome Miracle Forever, Givenchy Very Irresistible and Estee Lauder Bali Dream. All my perfumes are bought abroad. I never liked purchasing cosmetics or fragrances on those fancy counters in our local departmental stores. The sales girl(woman) kept on pestering to buy more and more *pfft* Hello! I will buy if I wanted to, I don't need you to tell me what to get, duh!

Anyway, Miracle Forever is purchased in Thailand, Very Irresistible from Japan and Bali Dream from Singapore. All of these are duty free fragrance purchased in the (airport) departure hall.

All my perfumes are displayed here. You can see there are 2 extra bottles, which I have not mentioned earlier. Kenzo Flower is a birthday gift from Gan couple of years back. While the fancy blue cap bottle is Escada Pacific Paradise, also a birthday gift, from Pui Kwan.

That's all for now. I hope to add few more bottles to my collection :)

My pre-wedding photoshoots!

Boey, my bridal consultant called on Thursday to remind us on our photoshoots. I told her, it is impossible to forget such an event, haha. We were told to be there by 10am. Gan and I reached the bridal studio 15 mins earlier. There was another couple, like us, would be having their photoshoots too.

This is the main lounge cum waiting lounge, haha. We waited for a good 10 mins before our makeup artist, May, arrived. I followed her upstairs where she started her artistic job on my head. It took her almost 2 hours to complete: from applying foundation to eyelashes extension and from curling to tying hair. Then it was Gan's turn.

Whilst waiting, I took photo of the many bridal gowns available in-store. I'm not sure about other bridal studios, but I can say Vogue really owns arrays of bridal gowns that suits both skinny and chubby. As for my package, my photoshoots alone consists of 2 wedding gowns, 2 evening gowns and 1 traditional costume, which I picked kimono.

Wing, our photographer is an easygoing lad who hails from Johor Bharu. He is really professional and taught us how we should place our hands and tilt our heads, etc. He made it as we were kids having fun by the pool, heh. We spent an hour taking photo in the garden wearing evening gown and 30 minutes by the windowpane wearing kimono.

This is where I tried on my gowns months ago. The lightings on the flooring made it really impressive. It somehow brightens up everyone that is standing on the platform. As I was taking this photo, we were about to leave for further shootings.

First stop was at Bangi Equatorial Hotel. Evonne, a sales executive from Equatorial Hotel, was kind enough to spare a small function room for our usage. We took photos by the pool, bar, pond, staircase and even on green pastures! I must say we really made heads turned, haha. Many people came to congratulate us. We spent about 3 hours in Equatorial Hotel.

After that, we headed to Putrajaya! I was quite worried as it is overflowed with you-know-what. Furthermore, I was wearing gown, it will surely attract you-know-what attentions. Indeed it did! We were almost reaching this lake when we saw NS trainees. I was embarrassed when little girls waved and smiled at me. Then the boys started hollering to one another, "Wah! Pengantin la!" "Wah! A Bride!" and took pictures! You can tell how embarrassed I was that time, bleh. Luckily, we only spent about an hour in Putrajaya before heading back to the studio.

By the time we reached, it was 8pm. Now all we gotta do is wait for the day where we choose our photographs to be processed. Thank you to May for the lovely makeup and 5 different hairdos. It was really gratifying looking at myself in those styles. And to Wing, who made everything oh-so-easy. Also, you made our jaws cramped from smiling too much :p

My pre-wedding photoshoots was both fun and tiring!

My French manicure

Prior to my pre-wedding photoshoot, I was advised to have a manicure. So I did. I made an appointment at a nail parlor in Midvalley to get my nails done. I told my manicurist I wanted French manicure. It costs RM45, which is RM4.50/finger nail! Not so bad, considering it only a one-time investment.

This is how my nails looked like before manicure. Long, sleek and ... nude. I have never been to a nail parlor. So my finger nails are virgin nails :p

This is after shots, where my nails are short, still sleek and no longer naked. It has been coated with layers of polish. My nails are now ready for photoshoots!