SeaRCHinG foR a GUESS BaG

I set another mission for myself. This might be another potential X'mas gift from Dada. Hmm..Should I make it a tradition to have him buy me a GUESS bag each year for X'mas?? Well, at least until I get sick of it. Haha..I saw one nice, out of the ordinary one online. It might not really be MY type (Actually the pink & black combination reminds me of Paris Hilton, I dunno why?). But then it seriously caught my eye & I actually went searching for it at every GUESS shop that I could come across when I shopping in KL. I want to have a look at the REAL thing as I've found out many, many times that what looks good on the picture might not actually be that good in real.

However, I've been to Lot 10, Pavilion & the Curve, but couldn't find it . Maybe would need to repeat the same process again like last year. As blogged previously, we searched for it from KL to Seremban before finally getting it in Ipoh. Hmm...Dada said it probably haven't arrived in Malaysia yet, that's why we couldn't find it, though we went to search for it at the trendiest part of KL.

Well, I'll keep looking for it...till I GET IT!!! Grrrrr...

Looks feminine, CHIC & classy..that's where I am heading..;)

MiSSioN aCComPLisHeD

So, after today, all the things that we have aimed to buy have been bought. We completed our shopping list today by purchasing 2 sets of Sony Ericsson W910i. As spoken, the brown one for Dada, the white one for me. I was still in dilemma on whether to get the red one or the white one. Hmm..but then actually, thanks to the Sony Salesperson, he said red should be "ong" meaning lucky in Hokkien. However, thinking back, of the 2 years that I have been using my red K610i, my luck has been..well..so-so.

Therefore, in the end, I chose to buy the white one, with no regrets but only hope for better luck.

We spent the whole day at IKEA + Ikano Powerhouse + the Curve. We wanted to leave at around 6.30pm, however, it was raining heavily. With the infamous KL after work traffic + rain, we decided to linger around longer as we don't really want to waste time caught in the traffic.

We walked back to IKEA thinking of doing another round of survey getting ideas to decorate our home. At the entrance..we met someone! Guess who?? He was our 4th Prime Minister, the man who has led the country from the year before I was born till 2003, the year before I graduated from Uni. Who? Answer: Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad!!

Not really sure why he was there. Probably just a normal Malaysian citizen needing some home furnishing from IKEA? Haha..he was surrounded by bodyguards. Many took the opportunity to shake hands & take pics with him. I took the chance too, to rush over & ask Dada to take it. I didn't know what to say, so I just managed a simple HI. Didn't bring my Sony T-70 camera, so will just have to make do with my Sony Ericsson K610i. Probably the last pic I'm gonna take with this phone before it has to "move over" & make room for my W910i..;-)

With Tun Mahathir @ IKEA

We GoT OuR WII!!

As promised, the 1st thing on our agenda this off days is to research & ask around more on Nintendo Wii. So, where else to shop around & bargain for the best price if not Sungei Wang? It's always my most preferred place to ask & bargain around for the best deal, be it for clothes, shoes, the latest technologies (or not..for the matter)..e.g cameras, handphones, games..etc.

As we both knew, it's going to be roughly about the same price that they offer. Being a person who loves shopping, actually, knowing that these things are being sold around the same price..what do I really look for?? Of course..the BEST SERVICE. As I have mentioned before, I really emphasize on being served well. I just HATE rude salesperson, those with the 'couldn't care less' attitude, those 'I don't think you could afford it' or those 'Don't waste my time, you're not gonna buy anyways' look. Haha..normally, I don't ask around for fun. If I would put in the effort to ask & look around, it normally means I'm definitely going to get it..just a matter of shopping around for the best deal..so..try serving me well..& I'll might just buy from you!

I think it was about the 3rd or 4th shop that we asked, that I decided to linger around longer, cause the salesperson is really patient. He explained everything in detail to us..and even let us try on everything. We had a bit of fun testing it out in the really crowded alley where his shop is located. He gave us lots of freebies & recommended the things that we might need as add-on, but did not force us and neither was he too hard sell. Which I liked. Definitely, we were not the only ones stopping by to ask this & that..there were a constant flow of people to his shop but he never lets his eyes off us (so smart to be able to target his REAL POTENTIAL BUYER)..haha!

In the end, we bought all that we needed for around RM1600. But that's not the end, we did not get the Wii Fit! I told Dada that would be our next target! Wait till the price drop further first. Haha..

We also looked around for W910i. I have not seen the real actual phone yet, by looking at the pictures is not good enough. I would need to test it out too. So, we walked around & stopped at one who showed us both the white & brown version. I personally think, the brown one is classy & the colour is special. The white one just loses out, as I no longer think white handphone is special & out of the ordinary anymore. So, I'm having a hard time deciding which colour I should get. The red one doesn't really fascinate me as well as my current phone, Sony Ericsson K610i which I have been using for the past 2 years, is also in RED.

Would like to have a change in colour as well, that's why I chose white from the very beginning. But then...hmmm..might just choose not to think so much but to just get the white one. Which should be soon..wow..so many new things to explore..So excited..but it's not so healthy for the wallet...:(

DaDa's BirTHDaY PReSeNT

Hmm...as the clock ticks..I have less & less time to think of what I should get for Dada. However, I DO have 2 options. I know this is something that he has been aiming..and no matter which one he chooses..I'll definitely be broke. We're planning to get it during our days off next week.

Option 1: Nintendo Wii

Ok I admit, this is not really something that he wants..but more to what I want. Hahaha..I don't know why, just out of nowhere one day, I just suddenly feel like wanting to buy Wii (I suspect is due to the BORRRRING place that we work at..I just need something to look forward to after work everyday!). Hence, I started searching for it on the internet to gather more information, as well as asking around about it. We'll try it out soon...then decide whether we should really get it. Wow...I'm so excited!

Option 2: Sony Ericsson W910i

Now, for the REAL PRESENT: I know he needs a new handphone. Coz his K800i has been damaged since around 3 months back..if I'm not wrong..So, he has been looking around for phones all this while & I think he has come to a conclusion that..this is what he wants..(Well, I think I influenced him la..haha & also thanks to the TVB series Moonlight Resonance)

So, if he were to get a new phone, definitely, it is only NATURAL that I get one, too. That's why I'm attaching 2 pictures here, with only the difference in colour. Obviously, the brown one is for Dada, while the white one is for ME. Hehehe...So..HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADA! Pick your choice!

BaD DaY foR TeNNiS

Yesterday, was another bad, bad day for tennis fans. Especially those who are fans of the guy who just celebrated his birthday, sharing the special date of 08.08.08 as the official Opening Ceremony of the Olympics: ROGER FEDERER

He had a disappointing tournament for the men's singles, losing out to James Blake in the quarter-finals yesterday..:( Sad but true. Hope he'll bounce back strong for the US Open.

Please get more rest & we hope to see an awesome performance by you in Flushing Meadows! Come on, Fed Ex..Nadal is catching up on the ATP rankings!

mY MaNJa NieCe

Haha..just wanna share something here with everyone which I personally think is really sweet. Dada told me this only few days back & it instantly lifted my mood.

This is part of a conversation between Dada & my baobei niece the night we bought the new PC back home. My niece wanted to install the game that she had on a CD into the PC so that she could play. But then, Dada was busy at that time doing some minor adjustments & settings on the PC. So, Dada asked her to wait..she "manja" him this way:

Baobei: Ah Fei Ko Ko bah, help me install this game, please!
Dada: Wait, later..I am doing something now.
Baobei: Mmm..Ah Fei Ko Ko bah...please bah...I want to play now!
Dada: No, no..wait for your turn..I'm busy now. I'll install for you later..
Baobei: Mmmm.Ah Fei Ko Ko bah...Ah Fei Ko Ko...
Dada: Wait...I said wait....
Baobei: Mmm..."Gu Zhang"(Uncle) bah....*wink*wink (Wuahahahaha)
Dada: (siok siok already) OK la OK la..give me the CD, I'll do it for you now.

Hahaha...isn't it sweet & funny?? My naughty niece knows how to manja Dada & knows what to say & do to get what she wants...she's sooooo smart!

KiNRaRa Mas..OUR HOME!

Well, it's official now that we have already paid our first 10% & signed all the necessary documents. Actually, this has been happening all the while but I didn't want to talk much about it until everything is finalised.

Couple of days back, we went to the new showroom to sign the legal contracts & settle our payment. Our salesman brought us through the showroom again, which is the same unit type that we chose. So, let's go through a quick tour of how our little place will look like, as I might consider using some of the furniture & fittings in the showroom.

Once u walk in the door, this little +1 room will be mummy's mahjong room
The dining area
Dry Kitchen
The wet kitchen area in the background
Living room
Walkway leading to the 3 bedrooms

Bathroom in the master bedroom
Master bedroom
Built in cupboard with huge mirrors!! This is what I'd surely want!
2nd bedroom ~ for mum & dad when they visit
3rd bedroom for Baobei when she's here with mum & dadSite progress - this is actually Block A. Our Block B is up to 2nd level of carpark only
The neighbourhood

These are the 3 storey terrace houses in front of our condo. That day while walking around snapping these pics, I could easily picture myself taking evening walks with Dada & our children..watching them play with the neighbourhood children, ride bikes & chase around. Haha..dream on~~but it's a nice & sweet dream. Should wake up from this dream & make it happen in real life!

I'm really excited!

OuR JuLY KK TRiP

I'm back from a 10-day well-spent trip back home to KK. Mum, Dad & Baobei, of course..I miss you all dearly. I really long to have more time with you all...

But whenever I see the picture below, my heart just melts from the love & warmth that I get from home. I know they love me dearly...& I love them too.

Family Photos

Dada is also considered part of the family nowadays. My parents pamper him more than they pamper me nowadays! He's getting all the attention! Mum cooks his favourite dishes & dad proposes to go to the restaurants that serve Dada's favourites as well!

How dare he snatch that spotlight from me! Grrr...

But then, he surprised me by volunteering to buy me the GUESS wallet that have been eyeing on since Day 2 back in KK & finally purchased it after I took several days considering whether I really need that new wallet or not. The answer is always..of course..YES, coz I'm worth it!

A gift from Dada

The week that we were back, Baby was actually having her exams. Hence, we had little activities when she was around in order not to distract her. We only go out in the afternoon while she's at school. Poor us..haha..We only managed some of the usuals like haircut, shopping around & looking out for new stuff around the city.

We promised to take her to 1 Borneo, the newly opened 'hypermall' in KK on Saturday after her tuition class. We also promised a whole afternoon of fun, a movie @ the cinema (Batman-the Dark Knight) & dinner of her choice (which she chose Sushi King). We really did have a whole afternoon of fun. Which it was also sweet to hear her say, "Thank you Gugu, today is one of the happiest day I had, with you & Ah Fei Ko Ko (Dada) back!" completed with a hug & kiss. So sweet..it melted my heart.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah-you'll pass by this on your way to 1 Borneo
Dada & BaoBei shooting baskets
@ 1Borneo with my Baobei
Ta Da~this is 1 Borneo
I look sooo small behind Dada..haha

Next day, we went to Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs. Coz as I felt very guilty, to always lock Dada in at home (to hibernate) or only go shopping with me whenever he's back in KK with me. It's a pity that we do not explore around much. He has not been to the nearby islands nor have seen the sight of the famous Mt Kinabalu at all before this. I seriously feel bad about this.

However, we managed to do something this time! Haha..we started our journey early. Around 7.30am & reached our 1st stop- Poring Hot Springs after more than 2 hours' drive. Gosh..

Later on, after everyone is done with the Hot Springs, we went on to something more adventurous! The canopy walk is a MUST GO when you are at Poring. With the suspension bridge up @ more than 2,000 feet high, it's really not for the faint hearted. One would have to be physically fit as well coz you'll need to hike up a distance before reaching the canopy bridges.

Mum was at 1st very sporting & wanted participate as it was sort of a 'family' thing. But then, she stopped halfway hiking up as she couldn't do it & we don't wanna force her as well. Daddy, being the loving husband, of course volunteered to stay back with mum although I know he would LOVE to continue on..(just to show that he is fit & age does not matter).

Hence, Baobei, Dada & myself continued on & it was actually the 3rd time I have gone up on this canopy walk. The first 2 times being more than a decade ago!! Hahaha...

Thank God, Baobei behaved well during the walk. I was so afraid that she would be crying & refuse to finish the walk due to fear. But she's a brave little one! I supported her all the way, asking her to look in front, try not to look down as it would make your legs shake further. She did so & I'm sooo proud of her!

After that, we went on to Kinabalu Park for lunch & to be nearer to Mt Kinabalu. Before that, it was also great to meet up with my uni bestie MJ at Poring. Back from the canopy walk, I managed to take a pic with her but it's still a pity that we're both so busy with work these days, we don't get to catch up much. I guess that's just part of life, friends do come & go as we go into different stages in our lives. It's a pity though..do hope that we would have more chances in the future to rekindle the friendship that we shared those 2 years in Curtin.

Mt Kinabalu - isn't it beaaaautiful?
Mummy, Baby & Me @ the Hot Springs entrance
Baby & dada having a dip in the Hot Springs
Still smiling after the 2nd bridge
Coincidentally, met up with MJ @ Poring!

Tired after the canopy walk
Waiting for our food to come
One happy family @ Kinabalu Park
Baobei & I with lots of Morning Glory

With Sunday so packed with activities, nothing much happened next apart from Dada helping out to choose a new PC for the family. He also took the opportunity to give Baobei some computer lessons on scanning, printing & so on. With that, Daddy rewarded Dada with supper @ Chuan Hing Penampang famous for its "wo tie" or fried dumplings. Something rare in West Malaysia. It's Dada's favourite. See..told you Dada is gaining the popularity in my family & even my usual cool Dad shows more & more signs of pampering him..

The night before we left, had dinner @ Si Hai Ting, which I have previously blogged on the Peking Duck. However, we didn't order that & this time opted to try out other stuff. Wasn't really in the mood to eat much as it's our final night there...I know the trip is coming to an end & we are leaving the next day..:(

After dinner, we went for a walk at the KK jetty, which has recently undergone transformation in the efforts to make the city look more attractive.

Baobei & I @ the Shark roundabout
KK Jetty with Baobei (right) & Daddy (left) in the background
Baobei & I @ the door to the dining hall @ Si Hai Ting

Sigh, that's the end of our 10 days trip back. I just wish they are not that far away from me. I hate myself for choosing to work so far away sometimes. Sigh..but I know..I have always been reminded of our commitments here. There's no turning back now. I just hope I can spend more time with Mum, Dad & Baobei in future. I hope they will change their mind again & come over to stay with us as initially planned. Coz there's just nearly 0 chance of this KK girl heading back there.