YeT aNotheR CNY aWaY froM HoMe :(

We're now less than 10 days away from CNY. Everywhere I go..I hear CNY music..no matter it's shopping centres, TV channels, radio stations..it's all GONG XI, GONG XI, GONG XI FA CAI...

I remember I used to be so excited when it's CNY around the corner since young. It's always full of hustle & bustle at home. It would be a whole lot of spring cleaning, rushing around shopping for new clothes & shoes...aunts & mummy will be busy making cookies, kuih kapit & heaps of other tasty tid-bits. Appointments with the hairstylist is a MUST DO as well. I always enjoy being pampered around to buy this & that in preparation to look my best for CNY.

However..in recent years..CNY seems like it's just any other day of the year. If not worse. Have to work alot harder all throughout the CNY period, have to control my emotions & have better EQ during those days. That's because, deep down inside, I'm so homesick! I miss my family dearly. Even more during those days. I always feel guilty..that I'm "anak derhaka" as I can't be home to celebrate the most important festival of the Chinese calendar with them.

I know the family is never complete without me. Reunion dinners on the eve have never been complete in recent years. I know, to a Chinese family, no matter how far away the children work throughout the year, parents always look forward to CNY. That's when the whole family meet up & have a reunion dinner. I know..I might sound really "kolot" for my age, but then I can't help it. Deep down, I'm still a very Chinese Chinese.

Blogging this just bring tears to my eyes. Every year, I long to have the chance to be home. To make the rest of the family happy. To be able to celebrate with them for a change. I still remember, the 1st year I was away from home for CNY (in 2001 when I was in Sydney), I called home on the 1st day. My brother told me something that made me cry on the spot. He said mum couldn't help it but cry when they were all seated at the reunion table without me. My niece, was so innocent to ask her, "Popo, why are you crying? U miss gugu is it?"

Nowadays, my mum is stronger. She told me she didn't cry anymore after that year. She told me not to shed a tear as well..coz one shouldn't cry during CNY. "Try & be strong, girl. My little cilipadi is always strong". Ok mum, I'll try. I know I have you as a role model. **I know for a fact that you miss me too..& probably hide somewhere to cry alone without letting anyone else see**

3rd aNNiVerSarY WitH RWB

This day, marks not only a step towards my 3rd year of service with RWB, it's also the day I first met Dada. The encounter was nothing, but then, believe it or not, the first time I set my eyes on him, I just KNEW he's THE ONE.

I truly believe what people have told me previously, to not rush into a relationship, but then..when THE RIGHT ONE comes along, you'll just KNOW it..Now, I can certify this as a true statement..but mind you, it only happens to the REALLY LUCKY ONES..and those who truly believe in LOVE. (Oui, C'est Moi!)

Well, tonight I watched the greatest concert ever..of my 3 years working here. It's none other than one of the previously so-called "4 Heavenly Kings" ~ JACKY CHEUNG! It's also the first time I encountered a normal 2 shows stretch until a 3rd one...with all 3 being FULL HOUSE. It was more than 3 hrs, & although I had to stand for the whole 3hr duration, I didn't mind at all..coz it was REALLY WORTH IT.

Well, it's really very rarely that I speak so highly of someone, but he's really a great artiste. He's funny, romantic (he wrote songs specially dedicated to his wife & 2 daughters) & a true professional. He was on time to start his shows on all 3 nights & though he was having difficulty the 3rd night (I think he had a sore throat or something, not realy on top form) but..guess what? He didn't disappoint his fans...to him, THE SHOW MUST GO ON.

Going through all those numerous great hits with him throughout the night, I realised his songs have been a big part of me growing up. At one point in time, he asked the audience for how long have they followed his progress in the music industry..10 years? 20 years? Well, I'm not ashamed to say (although it means I'll disclose my age)..for me it has really been 20 years!

I remember his songs back from the very, very old days when my youngest aunt & my bro (who are of the same age) were teenagers..they introduced me to his songs..back then, he was already very popular, up till now, he still didn't lose any of his charms & will always be a threat to fellow competitors (those without much talent, but mostly clinging to dear life in the entertainment industry blessed with good looks).

Jacky Cheung..I salute you!

BaLi TriP

Finally, with the stress & worries put aside, I decided to give myself as well as Dada a well-deserved break & fully enjoy ourselves at Bali. Booked this trip quite a while ago, when Air Asia had RM0 fare promotion.

After around 2 hrs' drive down from Genting to LCCT, we had just enough time to check-in & grab a bite before having to board the plane. Then, a 3hr flight from KL to Denpasar, Bali. Our hotel, is just a 10min journey from the airport. Right from the very beginning, they did it right. Our room no is actually 1314..can u believe it?? So sweet..

Meant to be together..1314

We were very satisfied with our room condition. It was set up the Balinese way & includes a balcony with the poolside view as well. So, with that, we took a walk around town & found all the big international brands around. McD, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, KFC, New Zealand ice-cream..you name it, they've got it. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very co-operative. It started to rain so we decided to stop by @ Starbucks for a latte before continuing our explore around town.

Starbucks Latte..always the BEST around the world

I like the mirror beside the bed..

In the Balinese mood..
Our bed is made up daily with these fresh flowers

I love the way the hotel make up our bed daily decorated with those fresh flowers! The 2nd day was spent continuing our explore around the area. We made a wise decision choosing that hotel as it was at the centre of everything. Luckily, the weather was permitting as well. It was bright & sunny, combine it with the energetic us + the friendliness of the locals = perfect!

We chose to join a half day tour, reserved for the 3rd day of our trip. We had fun looking around, though not much of shopping done, still..it was great as I found nice souvenirs for friends & colleagues back home.Later on in the afternoon, we headed back to the hotel & took a dip @ that really beautiful pool at the courtyard. After that, we went to a nearby restaurant (just a few steps away) & had a delicious Indonesian meal.

Enjoying a dip after a hot afternoon walk around town

Lou po & Lou Kong so cool...

The 3rd day, after breakfast, it became rainy again..:( So, we went back to our room, watched a bit of Australian Open while waiting for the rain to stop. We prayed hard for good weather in the afternoon so that it won't ruin our tour.We enjoyed the 1st class service by having room service for lunch. By then, the rain stopped & we were anticipating a great trip. We got ready & set off.

Our 1st stop was to the Royal Temple, then the monkey & flying fox forest, as well as Tanah Lot, where we should be just in time for sunset. I didn't take any nice pics @ the monkey forest as I was scared most of the time. The monkeys were left around to play freely. I'm afraid that one would jump up to my shoulders or attack me or something. I don't even dare to carry my bag as I'm afraid the monkeys will come grab it away from me! I got Dada to carry my bag most of the time & I didn't even dare to take my camera out to take pics! I was REALLY damn scared!

Tanah Lot, was really a magnificent view. However, too bad that it was windy & cloudy. Not really the perfect picture for a romantic sunset. We waited, hoping for the wind to stop blowing so strongly & hope for a glimpse of the much awaited sunset. However, the realistic side of me knew it won't happen. So, we headed back to the van. Just as I predicted, it started to drizzle. No sunset..:(

Ok, I'm safe..I can go in..;)

Royal Temple..for royal couples like us!!

Magnificent view..forget the messy hair

Ok, I know..I spoilt the picture :(

We were so fascinated with these glass bottles that we have not seen for more than a decade!

Ok, the trip has come to an end. We checked out @ noon & headed straight for the airport as our flight was 1355hrs. Not really that much time left as well. We bid our last goodbye to the hotel..but before that, I left a little something for them. I completed the survey form they left on the bed for us. However, not being the usual critic, I gave them high scores. This is because..I'm really satisfied with their service. Only the F&B part was a bit of disappointment. The breakfast buffet didn't have much variety. That's my only complaint. The rest...tres parfait!

@ the airport, I just have to take the pic of "sekarang siapapun bisa terbang" as it's true..tribute to Air Asia..without Air Asia, we won't be able to have frequent affordable trips back to KK, as well as to relax & enjoy ourselves. Thank you, Air Asia!

Filling in the hotel survey form..which scored high marks from me
One last one @ the pool..
Our trip, thanks to Air Asia..now everyone can REALLY fly

My ReCenT pReCiouS GiFTs

For the past 1 week..I received things that might not mean much to others...but to me, it means the world. Dada came back to me on Sunday night. With him, he had ROMANCE..yeah, I mean Ralph Lauren's ROMANCE. But then, not forgetting, I had something for him in return as well..Mont Blanc's STARWALKER. Hence, we continued on the X'mas spirit, which is..to exchange gifts.

Today, just when I felt stressed & worried at work, I received my best gift ever..the office boy came by with a letter from my Baobei...I finally receive it! She has been asking me so many times whether it has reached me or not. It has been nearly 3 weeks & I was starting to give up & wanted to tell her maybe it was lost in the mail. However, all hope is not gone yet..I got it today!! It was so heart warming..I felt so touched & so happy as I know no matter how unhappy I feel at work, I always have my family supporting me back home. With that, I felt the motivation, the urge to work harder for a better living for them. OK baobei..I'll try to go back as much as I can..I miss you all back there as well...~sob sob~

For Lou Po & Lou Kong
The envelope that melted my heart..
A self-made card & little note
The inside of the card

Isn't it sweet? I miss her soooo much...She asked in the letter when I'll be back..& I must reply her letter..Well, I'll be back soon my baobei..I'll go to the Air Asia website NOW!!!

2008 1st WeeKenD aParT

By looking at the blog title, need I explain more?Nope, it's self-explanatory, rite? Dada is spending the weekend away..on duty off-site again. I'll have to be all by myself..take care of myself & every possession in 1818 till he gets back. Yeah, I'll have to clean up, sweep the floor & try not to make a mess for him to clean up when he gets back. I'll have to be a good girl..as he promised me the below..coz I'm running low. I'm blogging this coz I know when he misses me, he'll come to my blog...so Dada..pls be reminded of the below. I want 100ml ya..though I know the pic below is 50ml..hehehe

Romance ~ My all time favourite..

I'll definitely miss him...hope time flies & before I know it..he'll be back by my side again on Sunday night...I'll just bury myself somewhere till he gets back & rescue me. Dada..take care & remember that you have a lovely wife to come back to..;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!

Today marks a beginning of a new year...a year full of new hopes..new challenges..new likes & dislikes..however..one thing stays forever..which I would not need a new one...which is my Dada..We'll go through thick & thin together no matter what..come what may.

Last nite, was actually able to watch the spectacular fireworks display from 22-37. However, chose to be among the crowd to usher in the new year @ the one & only...City of Entertainment. We took time to snap some pics around the resorts, soaking in the joyous festive mood.

Ready to go??
~ Angel among other angels ~
Lovely together..only when we are together
Waiting for fireworks display
You're mine now & forever

Dada felt hungry after a while. We stopped at Lobby Cafe to buy drinks. However, he was also eyeing something else...He just told me what his new year resolutions were..and yet..here he is..just minutes into the New Year...

Should I have that chicken?? But Dada said I've gained....

That pissed me off as I wanted to continue snapping pics. But then, I discovered something when Dada took this pic below...I was happy again & continued to pose for Dada to take some more pics...

New Year = New Discovery ~ Didn't know before this that my nose is that high from sideways !
Let us work towards our dreamhouse in the background...
Starry Starry Night...
One last one b4 I say Good Night

We finally went to bed @ 0215 hrs. Both tired, but happy as we went through another year together and look forward to more years ahead. We have plans & targets set for our journey towards our Ultimate Goal..every moment thinking of our Angel Package waiting for us @ Seremban...Good nite...HAPPY NEW YEAR!