'Twas A Wonderful Ride Year 2006

With a blink of an eye, Christmas came and gone. Another blink or two later, another year begins. Gee... Just when I thought I had only put up the Christmas trees not too long ago. Does that mean I'd have to take them down so soon? Eeshhh!

As this will probably be my last post for the year, I'm gonna sum up my 2006 ala Bridget Jones' style...

CNY-less Celebration 1
Nai Nai's passing on Christmas Eve 2005 marked the end of CNY celebration in Dad's hometown for us. After 27 years of going back to celebrate CNY with my relatives (especially my beloved grandparents), I sure wasn't used to it. I miss Yeh Yeh and Nai Nai so much that I wish they could come back but I know they can't. I can only hold on to the memories and moments spent with them.

Kitchen Mishaps 1
When I 'clever-ly' grated my finger (twice, I must say!) while trying to prepare yee sang and ended up with a huge, bloody bandaged finger for nearly a month. Why? Coz I stupidly used the sticky plaster to cover the wound, and whenever I try to put a fresh plaster, I'd peel the dirty one out along with the dried wound causing it to bleed again. Gah! Only much later then did I realize I had to use the stickproof cotton bandage. The scar's still there till now. *Sighz*

Sing Song Projects 2
Had it not been for the invitation by Lin Peh to participate in the debut project for White Christmas, I wouldn't have known it was so much fun recording for Cha Cha Guo Xin Nian and the recently released Rudolf In Your House. I remember him extending the invitation via a comment in one of my entries. The invitation had then led to creating friendships with a few other bloggers and I'm really thankful for that.

Dead Tooth 1
The nightmares I had at the dentist when discovering that a front tooth was dying and had to go through root canal just to save it. Guess that just couldn't beat the time when I had to surgically remove a permanent tooth hiding inside the gums, more than 10 years ago. That was pure hell!

Job Interview 7
For the first time, I was exposed to a variety of interviews and assessments. Out of these 7, I rejected one coz of the odd 6am-4pm working hours, accepted one very recently, declined another one after that, didn't put so much of effort for a few more interviews coz wasn't too keen on the job, and didn't succeed in the rest.

Farewells to Very Close Colleagues 4
I miss the girly times spent with Labu and Ketua; the great comradeship with Koala Bear who used to sit on my left; and the short timespan working with a trainee. Guess I'll be next in the list?

Holidays 4
My first times to Malacca Watercity (for my company's annual trip) in August; up to Cameron Highlands with Chef & Xiao Ping during the DeepaRaya weekend in October; a wonderfully splashing Spring honeymoon in Gold Coast in November; and finally a relaxing trip to Langkawi 2 weeks ago with Footitie, Chef, two of Player's cousins and their respective other halves. Spent so much this year already, so next year must rot at home lor. Tee hee hee..

Weddings Attended 9
From PJ/KL to Kuantan to Singapore, we have witnessed Chinese, church and Indian weddings. Felt very honored to be invited and to share their wedding celebrations. A bit upset coz weren't able to attend a few other weddings coz ours was within the couples' 'pantang' months but we respected that. There will be more to attend next year and am looking forward to Virgin Boy's (I'm helping him do his love story presentation. Hehe..), Wan Nei's (still don't know when), Nutty's in Bintulu and hopefully Aneh's engagement.

And the most important one of all, my own marriage. After being in a 10-year relationship since schooldays, going through long distance and the working phase, we had finally tied the knot with our families' blessings. It had been a rollercoaster ride having to plan the wedding and furnish the house in less than 7 months. I will never, ever forget these moments :-
* Booking a date for our ROM
* Scouting for the venue to hold our wedding dinner
* Selecting the dates from the Chinese almanac myself (very hard work!)
* Launching Operasi Gemuk to gain some weight (which I had failed miserably)
* Going through the guest list (and got upset for having to strike off a close relative)
* Booking a bridal photoshoot package, choosing the gowns and going for the photoshoot
* Having so much of stress that we nearly wanted to call off the whole thing
* Arranging for both sides of the families to meet during the food tasting session
* Deciding on the wedding colors
* Designing the invitations and distributing them
* Beginning a new chapter as we got legally married and hosting a small party at our humble home to celebrate with our families and close friends
* Going through the party madness when the girls held a hen's night for me
* Having the 'koh tai lei' ceremony on Fathers' Day
* Preparing the marital bed
* Counting down the final days with so many more last minute things to do (like the agenda, slideshows, deco, chocs for door gifts, bridal cars and corsages)
* The wedding day & dinner
* Learning to cook as a wife
* Rewarding the wedding crewmembers with a scrumplicious high tea buffet at the hotel
* Marking our first month of marriage
* Last but not least, choosing a location for our honeymoon.

It has been a truly memorable year. One thing's for sure, I'm thankful and grateful that our families and close friends (i.e. the Sunflower House gang, Gummy, Moorish, Sue, Wan Nei, Bubble, Chef & Footitie) have been there for us in every possible way. Year 2006 wouldn't have been so special and cherishable to us if not for you guyz. Thank You so much for joining us in the ride. *Hugz*

To the new year, and to new beginnings. Cheers!

Taking The Next Step

In the search of a better job prospect, I had finally decided to sign an offer with a Dutch firm. If everything goes as planned, I'll be out from my current firm and will join the other firm by March.

It had been tough making the decision. A few weeks after the interview, I was unofficially notified that the firm was interested and was in the midst of drawing up the offer package. Today, there I was, sitting at an empty cubicle in the firm, reading up the 7-pages offer letter. I wasn't allowed to bring the letter home to ponder over it. Either I had to sign it there and then, or go home to think about it then only go back to the firm to sign it. I remember making so many calls the past few weeks and today to Inspector, my parents, a few ex-colleagues and also friends (some working in the firm itself), just to be sure that whatever package I would be getting is worthwhile. It took me almost 45 minutes before I placed my signature onto the letter.

How do I know if that was a wise decision? I don't. I'll be getting a nearly 30% jump from my current salary (which for me to get to that much, I'd have to work for 3-5 more years in my current firm). I'll have opportunities of going to The Netherlands for trainings (all expenses to be paid for) which also means being bonded for 18 months. I'll be exposed to a new industry which apparently is on great demand nowadays. I'll be moving on from a local company to a worldwide-recognized MNC firm. It all sounds too good to be true, but there's the possibility of having more stress, long hours, and of course, starting anew (i.e. from the entry level) which will lead to more struggles and challenges to climb the organization chart. So I really do not know if the grass is really greener as it seems there.

But I want to take the risk and I am taking it. I've been too comfortable in my current firm for too long - more than 6 years, to be precise. The only problem now is to decide when is the right time to tender my resignation. Given some financial consideration, it'd probably be end of next month. Until then, I'll keep it a hush-hush from my colleagues. If you happen to be my colleague, please don't leak the news out. Not until I officially announce it.

I just hope that when the time is near, I'll have the courage to hand the letter to NR and Dexter.

Rudolf In Your House

I know it's a very, very late notice. But anyway, with great pleasure, I present you Christmas 2006's Sing Song Project..

Designed by ~TheAngel~

It's a wonderful rendition 100% sang and produced (every single bit of the song!) by Malaysian bloggers (except one or two). Trust me, it's really catchy and joyful. You'd be tapping your feet in no time. I sure did!

I really had lots of fun recording my part, really loved every part of the song, especially the bridge. Hope you guyz enjoy listening to it as much as I do. Bravo to Lin Peh for doing such a great job on this. All your sleepless nights have been worthwhile after all. Tee hee hee.. Not forgetting, lots of credits to all the participating bloggers in alphabetical order:

5xMom, Allison, Ah Seng, Angel, Cocka, Crazy Girl, CY Gemini, Helen, Inevitable, JKN, John Ong, Kenny Ng, King's Wife, Lady Moon, LP, Matthew Kang, Simple American, Tiuniasing and Wingz.

And if you do not know the lyrics, here it is.

Intro:
You know Dasher and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all

Verse 1:
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows

All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games

Verse 2:
Then one foggy Christmas eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then all the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history!

Bridge:
U lang chin chai khui chui tor eh sing a song
(Got people simply open mouth already can sing a song)
U lang sit chai li hai sing song yong wah kong
(Got people damn good sing song use talking wan)
U lang koh kah ho liao siang kah superstar
(Got people lagi terror like superstar)
U lang chiu kua u lang kah lang pah kitar
(Some sing song, some help us play guitar)

Repeat Verses 1 & 2

You'll go down in history
You'll go down in history!

You can also download the song here or here. Have a great day, everyone!

Day 3 - Back to KL

It was a pretty short holiday but we still had to leave no matter what. *sobs* But of course, right after we checked in at the airport and went pass the customs to get into the waiting lounge, we heard the announcement that our flight would be delayed for an hour. What the......... I later overheard a conversation between the air stewardesses that they were supposed to take off from Bandung to Langkawi, but they couldn't just because there were VIPs in the Bandung airport. *Sighz*

Like I said, it was a short holiday. Hopefully the next time I get to go to Langkawi, I'd wanna visit the historical places. At least look see look see a bit la. And as a souvenir, I took a picture of a restaurant name in Kuah Town, whose name does not sound like as if they were selling bak kut teh.

Immitation of shark fin?

It's back to KL and oh, the Gila Bloggers' Christmas Sing-Song Project is out! Stay tuned or if you can't wait, go straight to Lin Peh's site for the song release. It's damn good, I tell you.

Day 2 - Underwater Theme

[updated on 18th Dec. 2006]

After a hearty breakfast in the hotel, we headed for a session of Go-Karting. Being that it was my first time, I of course drove like a tortoise. Worse still, it rained a bit before that, so I was partially covered with dirty water (when driving pass puddles, couldn't control mar!) and was spitting sand all over throughout the drive. *lol*

We went to visit the Underwater World just coz I was eager to see the penguins. *Grin* It was fascinating to see giant groupers (and I really mean giant, no, they're huge!) and several creatures that we had never seen before like giant rodents, Rockhopper (the penguin la) and leafy sea dragons. The only slack thing was the 3-D show which was really a waste of our 20 minutes. Don't even bother going for it.

Creatures I've not seen before

The next stop was back to the beach. It was fun collecting colourful 'treasures' there.

Pantai Cenang treasures

Once back to the hotel, we dipped into the pool for nearly an hour and then back to the room to freshen up for a while before we headed out for dinner at Thailand Restaurant. After that, it was back to rounds of Rummy, booze (I had my doses of Ribena, thank you very much), football on telly and lots of laughter. Relaxing holiday, isn't it?

To Langkawi We Go

[updated on 18th Dec. 2006]

Inspector and his friends had been planning for this trip for months. It was a tempting one as Player's cousin's fiancee could get the accomodation at staff price. For some,

Booze + duty free shopping + holiday = How to RESIST??

So at 7am, off we went to KL Sentral, took the Skybus to LCCT and boarded the Air Asia plane at 10.20am ON TIME. It was my first time at LCCT and flying with Air Asia, so it wasn't a terrible experience after all. That of course, was besides the fact that coz it was free seating, everyone was pretty 'kiasu', cutting queues and rushing to the plane for good seats. Have even overheard people telling their relatives that "next time, bring your kids along, can 'pinjam' them" just so that they could queue over at the lane specifically for senior citizens and mothers with young children. *Sighz*

Upon landing on Langkawi soil an hour later, I could finally declare that after my entire 27 years of life, I have been to Langkawi now!! Muahahhahaa... Sounds pretty 'jinjang' right? *Grin* Since there were 10 of us (make that 5 couples), we rented a Honda City and a Nissan Serena for the weekend.

Our transportation modes to and around Langkawi (not the clouds la!)

It was still early, so we took a drive around Kuah Town, had lunch there and did some shopping in Langkawi Fair Shopping Centre and Pasaraya Billion. Bought lots of duty-free liquor and chocolates there.

Nearly 5pm, we checked into Awana Porto Malai. Very nice rooms we got, facing the ocean too. *Smile*

Awana Porto Malai

Dinner was at Tang Lung Seafood Restaurant. At first look, the place looked kind of creepy coz there was this huge lantern hanging at the entrance which reminds me of the lanterns the Chinese people use for funerals. But inside, you can see so many beautiful and colourful lanterns hanging from the roof. So many shapes and sizes. So nice!

Bright lights surround the restaurant

We stopped by at the beach for a while but it was too dark to see nor take pictures. We would be back tomorrow. Spent the rest of the night lepakking in one of the rooms, and oooh.. I learnt to play Rummy using mahjong tiles. Fun-nye!

Departmental Christmas Tree

This time last year,

Dexter: "Go buy a Christmas tree for our department".

This year,

Dexter: "Where's the tree? Never put up ah?"

And then of course, more pestering from fellow colleagues, "Where's the tree ah?" Apa ni? I'm in charge of the tree pulak. Had no choice but to drag another colleague to help bring out the tree from our library and decorate it. Pretty much the same deco like last year's, since we did not go and buy more ornaments, but minus the 'snow' coz I couldn't remember where had I chucked the leftover cotton.

Decided to take a snapshot of the tree when I came in work at 7a.m, when the room is dark and all you can see are the blinking lights from the tree.

O Christmas tree!

The boss now says "Good job!" If only that gets reflected onto my year-end bonus. *lol*

Gummy's Birthday

Exactly a week after my birthday, comes my childhood friend, Gummy's turn. We're both Tuesday babies! Woo hoo!

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday dear Gummy,

Happy birthday to you!!!

To dedicate the special day, I'm gonna put up her song throughout this month. It's a song that she wrote nearly a year ago, but we have recently managed to get someone else to compose the tune and sing it for her! I must say, the composer, Jean is really good for a beginner. Read the entry here.

It doesn't matter who we are
Under the stars of heaven afar
It doesn't matter what I do
Can't control this any more than you

We wake up to different worlds
Jam on pancakes, our day unfurls
A walk, a hop and a skip away
We clock in our daily play

It doesn't break me, if my heart stops beating
If not for you, it's not breathing
It doesn't break me, how long I've waited
If not for you, it's time wasted
But you break me to pieces
When you push me to the edge
When you tell me we're on a different page

Lights are dimmed now, streets are empty
An hour that belongs to nobody
The wind blowing the brown leaves home
It's fading away in a foreign tone

It doesn't break me, if my heart stops beating
If not for you, it's not breathing
It doesn't break me, how long I've waited
If not for you, it's time wasted
But you break me to pieces
When you push me to the edge
When you tell me we're on a different page

Now my safest place, under cover
If not for you, my sweetest lover
I just wanna shut myself
If not for you, for everything else

It doesn't break me, if my heart stops beating
If not for you, it's not breathing
It doesn't break me, how long I've waited
If not for you, it's time wasted
But you break me to pieces
When you push me to the edge
When you tell me we're on a different page.

Tell me what do you think of the lyrics and of the song. Here's wishing Gummy a lovely and memorable birthday!! *Hugz*