Malacca Day 1! :)

Very excited to blog about Malacca! Finally compiled all the pictures heh. Headed to this quaint little town right after exams ended for a mini getaway with dearest Syl and Wanting. It's also our first Christmas together! I love these two angels to bits!

We took a coach from Golden Mile at an unnerving time of 8am, well at least for the nocturnal me. Lucky for me, I am also blessed with a sleep-anytime, sleep-anywhere, sleep-anyhow skill. It was a pretty short journey and I am so surprised we have arrived the moment I woke up four hours later! Soon after, we checked into our really awesome room in Hotel Equatorial. All of us fell in love with the room at first sight, it's so spacious and comfortable! Hotel Equatorial really did not disappoint.

These are our beds!! Two super singles and there's still space for an extra bed!! Awesome or what! Compared to the room we stayed in Genting, this is XXL! :D

Having a cosy nook is a bonus! We love it so much we had breakfast and supper there three days straight!

The above pic is taken from the hotel's website. What you see is really what you get! But we don't have wide lens camera so our pictures didn't turn out like this. But the room! It's one of the most treasured things we truly cherish (and fully exploited) in this trip heh.

Bedroom slippers also must take group picture hahaha!

The view from our room. Mandatory picture if you have a good view right? And we do! :D 

Malacca, a marriage between a fascinating past and the modern future. Intrigued by the alluring laid-back charm from its architecture to its culture. 

Soaking up the Christmas atmosphere..

We didn't do much on the first day, decided to just check out the malls and walk around leisurely. And we found a gem! It's a shop called Mr DIY which sells almost everything, somewhat like Daiso. This is Syl's mum posing with an uber mini umbrella lol. We were all trying to guess who uses them, dwarfs?? Haha and she held it up like that! That moment was priceless. Why you so cute!

Although everything is not $2 each, we bought accessory boxes and baskets at a very reasonable price. The only problem I had was lugging them back to SG as they take up A LOT of space. >< But who considers that when it's so worth it right!!

Some other stuff we found in the shop, a very very big and colourful umbrella! Another umbrella -.- Didn't realize till I typed it out hahaha I think we have a thing for brollies.

The day passed by quickly and it was time for dinner! Syl's dad was very nice to play host and bring us out for dinner.

Behold! This is the much raved about Cheese Beehoon! It's so good, so good, so good!! Words can't express the heavenly taste of this dish. I'm missing this so bad right now T_______T Adding this to my list of heaven food - food which heaven ought to have, if not I'm not going there.

Another innovative dish. Looks like regular sotong doesn't it? But! The interesting part is the breadcrumbs that are sprinkled on top, the crisp crumbs add texture and a toasty flavour to the dish. Why are the people in Malacca so creative! 

Another surprise. Don't judge this drink by its looks, it's the yummiest mango juice I've tasted! It's mango and sour plum juice. The refreshing taste tantalizes the taste buds and makes one yearn for more. Perfection in every way.

And look what I found after dinner!! One of my favourites and must-haves whenever I'm in Malaysia :D 

Moving on to supper.. Haha we really eat a lot :P Couldn't miss out on the renowned Nadeje crepe cakes! They are yummmm but overrated in my opinion.

We didn't wanna get drunk so we had sparkling red grape juice instead of red wine. This is a wonderful choice paired with my rum and raisin crepe cake! Wonder if SG carries this too. 

Cheers to our first Christmas and many more to come! ^v^

What better way to end the night than unwrapping pressies!! :D

First up! Wanting's pressie! :) Even the packaging is handmade with love. This overachiever!!

And she really went the distance!! Beautifully hand-knitted scarf!! I was really touched when I saw it cos I already knew of her plans to make one each for us. But finally seeing it really took my breath away. It took her a long time to finish and it's super tedious! I'd take a million years to complete one I think >< Thank you for having patience with two scarfs dearest, you totally deserve the most patient ever award hands down! Thank you for learning how to knit just to make this for us, thank you for showing me one can really make amazing things out of love for another. I love you dear!

It's not how much we give, it's how much love we put into giving that matters.

Sylvie's pressie is also made with love and patience. All the dainty accessories!! I LOVE ALL OF THEM TO THE MAX! Super my style, yesssss? Hehe my lovely gf knows me well :)

I feel so guilty as my gifts for them pale in comparison by a mile. ): I promise to make something next year okay! 

Love receiving cards and notes, especially handwritten ones. This reminds me of our Angel Mortal game and our exchange of notes heh precious memories! So glad we are still in contact after EY. Love you Syl. 

Gorgeous ribbon bracelet that matches any occasion and style! I have a feeling I'm gonna wear this to death. The ribbon and pearls bracelet is so princessy and precious, meltttttttt.

My favourite of the lot! Even the ribbon tape attached to hold the flower in place is specially designed to show xoxo. Meticulous right?! Only Syl can do this :)

Wore this immediately! Saw it trending online and asked Syl to make one! It's so pretty!! I love, love, love the gradual pop colours! 

The first day ended with warm hearts and really full bellies. :) I'm so grateful and blessed to have you girls in my life. Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for accepting me as I am and always letting me know I can count on you at all times. Thank you for all the effort and time in making these gifts. It requires so much patience and the intricacy of details is evident. You girls spoil me so much :') Truly love you. X

Fifty Shades

Phew! Just finished reading Book 1 of Fifty Shades and it's a torture. I suspect the author don't have an editor at all T______T The repetition of words is frustrating and to grade it as erotic fiction, it's a major FAIL. Guess I had enough of Grey for now.. My inner goddess is contemplating to commit suicide should I continue. Don't understand how the trilogy seduced such a large audience and overtook Harry Potter to become a bestseller.

That said, I will still read 2 and 3 for curiosity's sake and I really pray that the plot gets a bit better. Women. Haha I guess I'm typical. And I strongly believe this is one of the reasons why this series sold over 40 million worldwide.

Alis volat propriis

Was tidying the jewellery drawer earlier on and came across gifts received in the past. Every single one has their own story and meaning behind it. I remember how touched I was when I received each of them, but I doubt what I felt then now. Its so easy to buy me over back then.

Girls are so easy to please, a last minute gift, words sweet as honey, a promise made to please. As I grow up, it dawned on me that I'm not a child attracted by colorful candies anymore. Presents and gifts never bring pleasure the way they used to. I'd rather buy things that I like myself now. There's no rush to be bought over, I'd rather trust my own taste!

When we were younger, we crave for approval. We were too hasty and tensed while anticipating the arrival of the one true match. We have often changed ourselves in some way or other in order to please our other halves, or perhaps, in another point of view, we have tried to change them to protect ourselves resulting in unhappiness on both parties in the end.

What is a true match then? I would say two people not trying to change each other despite all their flaws. If these two people can still be together without attempting to change each other, that would be the best answer.

To me: You are your own woman. You can fly with your own wings. Before Mr Right finally finds his way to you, live a colorful life full of dreams, hopes and faith! x Alis volat propriis.

Learnt something "new" today!

I finally learnt how to add songs into my phone!!! Achievement unlocked! :D It really feels like Independence Day for me after having conveniently passed this supposedly "easy" task to my technologically savvy boyfriend in the past. Since I know I can count on him.. I was not motivated to learn it at all. But I guess you gotta fly with your own wings at some point in time. Because the only person you can really depend on is always yourself. True that! It really feels so good to learn something new! Maybe not new to many people but hey we all have something we never learned that everyone else seems to know right?! So, if the world does not end on 21 December 2012 (according to the Mayans), I'm going to set this as one of my upcoming new year resolutions! I shall nurture my inner child and learn something new every week be it how to pronounce a certain word or the number of planets in the universe. Ok maybe something else cos the number of planets keep changing its unreliable anymore.

You keep me safe

Tonight, I'm thankful. Thankful for all the blessings bestowed upon me. Thank you for You.

"I try to smile my tears away, 
I try to keep my cool. 
Oh but one more door gets in my way 
I feel like such a fool 
Trampled and bitter, 
My heart just wants to bleed and stop Believing in me.

It feels like nothing is for certain 
and that nothing comes for free 
When they're lowering the curtain to the theatre of my dreams 
I stumble and i crumble and I'm sinking to my knees for you 
You cradle me

You keep me flying 
You keep me smiling 
You keep me safe in a crazy world 
You understand me 
Embrace my fragility 
You keep me safe in a crazy world 
And in your arms I find the strength to believe in me again

Noise keeps chasing me 
No matter where I go 
Oh and life likes pretending that it's on a TV show 
When it's hard to tell what's real 
From what the world just wants to preach You are the voice I seek"

-Lyrics from Corrinne May's "Safe in a crazy world"

Just what I need.. Thank you for speaking to me in so many ways, through the things I see, stuff I read, songs I listen to and the people I meet. Your love is everlasting. Keeping faith and hope in my heart forever.

What hurts the most..

I guessed I never really moved on.. This season of giving feels lonelier than ever.
What hurts the most..
"I can take the rain on the roof of this empty houseThat don't bother meI can take a few tears now and then and just let ‘em out
I'm not afraid to cry every once in a while even thoughGoin' on with you gone still upsets meThere are days every now and again I pretend I'm okayBut that's not what gets me
What hurts the mostWas being so closeAnd havin' so much to sayAnd watchin' you walk away
And never knowin'What could've beenAnd not seein' that lovin' youIs what I was tryin' to do
It's hard to deal with the pain of losin' you everywhere I goBut I'm doin' itIt's hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I'm aloneStill harder gettin' up, gettin' dressed, livin' with this regretBut I know if I could do it overI would trade, give away all the words that I saved in my heartThat I left unspoken
What hurts the mostIs being so closeAnd havin' so much to sayAnd watchin' you walk away
And never knowin'What could've beenAnd not seein' that lovin' youIs what I was tryin' to do"

Just the way you are (Piano/Cello Cover)

"The word 'love' is tossed around alot today. This arrangement goes out to anyone that feels something so deeply for someone that words can't even begin to describe."

You had all of me

Today, I took a walk down memory lane. It all started with a dream. A dream about you. Yes I still do dream about you. Funny isn't it? After so long.. I guess time decides who you meet, the heart decides who you love but behavior decides who stays on. It was an adrenaline rush thinking of you after that dream. Everything seemed surreal, so near, so far, everything was distantly close. The sudden pang of missing you ate into me as the day wore on.

I missed how I'd never have to unlock and lock my phone again to check for notifications cos you'll be texting me, consuming all my idle thoughts while I travel to and fro. I miss how you would ask me how was my project in school and after that fetch me with a cup of KOI in hand. I miss our simple dinners together.. It didn't take us long to have a shared passion for simple tasty fare. Today I had Indonesian Grill at PS, something you introduced me to. I still love it but I try to avoid that place on most days as it reminds me of you. Dinner took all of me right back to you.

Then I chanced upon cute iron-ons in Daiso, it reminded me of the time we shopped there together for iron-ons to be embellished on the assortment of rainbow colored socks I bought for you. It was so gay I asked if you would wear them but the sporting you gamely agreed. I loved this part of you, always game for all my impromptu ideas. I told Lydia how you are, and how you would place everything I gave you in the living hall, how you would show everyone our photo album and cards. Happy times (:

Whenever you come into mind, you bring along the happy moments we shared. I remember how we loved buying food for each other or literally buying anything when we think of the other. Hello Panda, cup noodles, bubble tea, cupcakes, muffins and the endless list goes on. We'd even have soup dates to cook soup. Failed attempts aside, we were so contented.

I miss you making fun of how I'd google all my solutions, calling me your little girl, chiding me for being late, encouraging me when I'm stressed, sending me get well soon cards. I miss you texting me good morning and good night everyday. I miss all our fights and how we'd always find our way back to each other.

I used to look forward to weekends, they meant more time for us and time to spend with our families together. Now my weekends are mostly spent paying back my sleep debt accumulated throughout the week and waking up with little to look forward to since everyone's busy dating. I used to be in that group too, oblivious to the single ones out there. It definitely took me much coping with to get used to it.

There's so much of you in me. I realized that when you miss someone, they seemed to be the center of attraction in your world.

This was no good though. It disrupted my life that I rebuilt without the element of you in it. They always say  God often removes someone from your life for a reason, think before you chase after them. I don't have the courage to go all out for us again but I'll always wonder if we could hit the replay button, would things be the same? x

Worried soul

The moment I saw the news of an NSF missing in Brunei, all I can think about is you. It's as if I've anticipated for this moment the moment August started, knowing that you'll be going there, keeping tabs on everything Brunei. So worried, worried sick that something unfortunate may happen to you. The harsh rain, the food, the insects, possible heat rash, swollen feet, blisters everywhere.. There's no limit to what my imagination led me to think when you're there, all alone and exposed to unfamiliar elements. Keeping you in prayer everyday, hoping that you receive blessings in some way or another. But why does that seem so little when there's so much more I know I can give.. I'm sorry I left you, I'm sorry I let you go when you said I was the only one you could rely on, the only one you felt safe with, the only one who can bring you back on track. That expression when you said it.. How can I forget? It keeps repeating day in, day out and fills me with so much guilt. I'm sorry we didn't try any harder. I'm sorry I failed you.. I'm sorry. Most times, I work hard to be okay with how things are, but deep down I wish twice as hard that we should have tried. One last chance, another go. I wish we could go back to the time we had no worries, looking forward to every new day. We'd never have to wonder if we missed out on each other now. I love you so bad it's so hard to let go. And you don't even know.

What I've been up to!

Shall let the overdue pictures do the talking! :)

Tadaa! A new place to have yummy ramen in sg! (: So far the new year resolution of dining at a new place every month has been in place!! The ramen here is the best I've had in sg. The soup has a very natural taste, the aftertaste is just yummmm, it doesn't leave you dry and thirsty like it's infused with MSG. Tried two different flavours and they are both good. Ramen is springy and the portion is huge! Even the gluttony me find it quite hard to down one bowl by myself. There's also free flow hard boiled eggs, bean sprouts as well as roasted barley tea! All of which are my favourites. But the downside is that because of the space constraint, there's always a queue. So be prepared to wait for a good 30 mins before getting seated in the small but cosy lil place. I don't mind waiting for good food, so I'll definitely be back! (:

My first birthday cake mummy's bestie got for me! Thank you for getting me such a refreshing cake!! Actually I hate green tea everything other than the tea itself. But the cake is surprisingly good!! And addictive! It's very light with red beans in between each layer and the green tea taste is just nice. I think I had like 5 slices altogether >< count the calories and FML.

Hehe momsy so cute right! Look at her eyes! Full of expressions this lady! 

With my two brothers and distracted momsy. Her attention span is really short. Period.

Then there's the pre-celebration with my godparents and family! (: Hehe they are truly a blessing to have and I can't appreciate them more.

This is my pretty godma and ever so funny godpa! Godma is very talkative and lively so there'll never be a quiet moment with her! She's just so bubbly you'll feel happy around her. Godpa on the other hand is more toned down, he's not as talkative as godma but he has the ability to crack you up with just anything he says! Their combined aura is an infectious happiness that rubs on anyone. The two of them makes such a lovely pair, don't you think?

With Ken and popo! 

Actually a test shot, but it turned out well haha

The big brother I never had. This guy gives me valuable advice, probably cos he's older than me by an entire cycle of 12 years and everything I'm going through is pretty much his been there, done that. But we clicked well and we tease each other every time we meet like nobody's business! Glad to have you bro. (:

My favourite granny!! My maternal gran passed away due to cancer and my paternal gran stays in malaysia, so we hardly get to see her. That explains why she's the only granny I see on a regular basis but what makes her my favourite is her peaceful, always cheerful and caring disposition! She speaks in Hakka, a dialect I can't understand so our way of conversing is that of hand signs and expressions and frequent translations by godma. Sometimes it's really hilarious when we're trying to get a point across! Haha but you can feel her sincerity when she asks about you, what you've been doing, how are things and so on. She's just so irresistibly likable. When she smiles, you feel like smiling with her too! Thank you for being so sweet and cheerful, popo! I love you.

A blessed me (: Soaked in love all around!

My second cake!! Soooo princessy and pretty! Thank you godma and godpa for searching for this girly cake high and low! They specially requested it to be decorated with pearls cos it's my favourite gem, as well as princess-like lace to make it dainty and sweet! All the effort in searching for this, customizing it, THANK YOU!!!!! You guys make me feel so lucky and loved and everything nice! <3

Then after, we had dinner at tung lok @ chinese swimming club. This is our familiar scene at the dining table: Godma and korkor are left to order as usual, godpa will wait patiently and go into stoning mode haha, while popo will be all smiley and listen to godma, korkor and me talk, occasionally chipping in. I'll do what I do best, take tonsssss of pictures while waiting! And collage them as well as decorate it -.- What else to do you tell me lol but guess I was too hungry after the food arrived so no food porn that night haha!

A bright and happy collage of the anonymous sunflowers I received! (: Thank you, whoever you may be, you made my day! It was a sweet surprise albeit a little creepy. Always happy to receive sunflowers (: (: (:

After BKK trip, how can I not meet up with my girls! June passed with us only meeting once I think, miss them loads! Syl trimmed her fringe! She looks so kawaii with shorter fringe, not to mention younger! Wt became fairer after our incessant nagging to start using proper skincare products :P

Settled at Ichiban Sushi. Their bento sets are my personal best in town! Wholesome is the word to describe them. There's a standard appetizer, main, side ,miso soup,rice and fruit in every set which comes in healthy portions just enough to fill the tum tums. 

Wt's first time trying sashimi! However it's not to her liking unfortunately ): Both Syl and I are big fans and we went Y U NO LIKE SASHIMI throughout lol. Ordered individual steamboats to warm up as the day was cold in my memory.

Shortly after, momsy planned another Genting trip again! Partially due to the scorching hot and humid weather in sg. So happy to travel with the two brothers finally! It's so hard to coordinate time to travel together, really happy we made this trip <3

Our must-have dinner @ mushroom farm whenever we visit Genting (; Their signature fish is my FAV! It's only available there in my knowledge and I am craving for it right now T________T We tried their braised pork belly for the first time and I rate it 3.5/5! I have a great weakness for this dish, after all I'm Chinese and we love our pork! The gravy is delectable, a bit heavy with the dark soy sauce but it's to our liking! So if you prefer a lighter sauce, this dish may be too salty for you.

While waiting for the movie to start.. Heh amazing how time flies, I look at this picture and wonder how did my cutie pie brother grow up so fast. Xie xie ni baby brother, always taking care of me although it should be the other way round. Haha thanks for growing up into a fine young guy, always a joy to have around with your jokes. Thank you for being my comfort on moody days and a shoulder to lean on at all times.

Grown up brothers of a proud sister (: 

Upgraded the room for the second night, all of us slept soundly! (: The room and bathroom are twice the size of a regular one, complete with a bathtub and full toiletries etc. Love the room, just nice for 4 people!

The next day was spent in the theme park, these two are caught goofing around :P

I need height!! 

Ended the night with dinner at Genting Palace after my first gambling experience at the casino. The food is awesome! Mum's fav restaurant in Genting so it's also a must-go when we're there. The braised pork belly here is 4.5/5!! MUST ORDER if you're there!!

After Genting, it's time to meet up with my babygirls (: My besties from poly and lifetime friends to keep <3

It's been so long since I saw Steph, she has been tied down with work and family commitment, so really glad she made time for us that day!

The girls made me a collage of our pictures together so I can see them everyday! How sweet!! (: And to top it off, they gave me handmade bath bombs! I love taking baths and I've been searching for these for sucha long time! Thank you babies! You girls really know what I like hehe. The bombs smell heavenly, can't wait to use them! 

Must camwhore!

Decided to chill at Habitat Coffee @ upp thomsons that rainy night, their truffle fries are very addictive and will keep you wanting for more! Was a lil disappointed the black velvet cake was sold out ): But it's okay, another reason to go back there! Haha we had their cheesy pasta and the chicken pasta in the collage too. However the pastas were mehhh, kinda overcooked and the portion is small, I feel that it's not worth the money for the quality and portion. Not gonna order the pastas again. The tiramisu  and red velvet cake were also average in our opinion so we decided that their black velvet cake is still the best.

Recently we celebrated yeeyee's birthday at Dian Xiao Er! (: Heartwarming gathering and dinner, we should do this more often, not only on birthdays! (: 

Had a lot of food that night! Seafood fried rice in XO sauce, fish maw soup with seafood, yam ring, golden tofu served with broccoli, braised pork belly, spinach with century and salted egg and two ducks, one roasted with angelica herbs and another with ten wonder herbs. Dian Xiao Er is one of the restaurants that serves above average Chinese food in my opinion, love to dine there cos the interior makes one feel so homely and the food is comfort food for the belly. 

Yeeyee celebrated her special day with her friend who shares the same birth date as her! So coincidental! Reminds me of Lydia love and Pinru (:

Syl and Wt did a notice board filled with our pics and well wishes for me! It is so nicely decorated by my two meticulous girls I'm gonna pin it up so I can see it everyday haha! I feel so touched whenever I receive handmade gifts cos a lot of effort goes into them. And it's also time-consuming to say the least. Really appreciate it sweethearts! <3 They got me sunglasses so all 3 of us will have the same pair lol as well as bracelets and ribbons! Not forgetting the la senza nightgown. The girls actually took time to search for a comfy AND pretty one to ensure I sleep prettily! Haha thank you dears!!! :) I love the nightgown very very much!

Festivities aside, I've also been helping out at godpa's dental clinic as a temp receptionist! I like the job a lot,  there are adorable colleagues making sure I'm well fed 24/7 and I get to meet nice and friendly patients everyday! Some even bring us food like muffins, cupcakes etc. It's hard not to enjoy working in such an environment. (: It's also difficult not to get fat there. Haha you guys pamper me too much! :P 

With that, I shall end this post as the sleeping bug's finally kicking in. Goodnight and sweetest dreams! <3