We FiNaLLy MOVED IN!!!

YES!! The auspicious date was 18th November 2010 that we officially moved in! It's such a nice feeling to have a REAL HOME to go back to! Here's the place where we're going to build our family! So, I'll let everyone have a little peek at our place as I decided not to upload pics of every corner of our modest little home. Just to reserve some privacy for ourselves & the ''copyrights'' on our home furnishings & designs as I noticed there are LOTS of COPYCATS around! Hate it! Go get your own ideas, OK!

I love every bit & corner of our HOME...Da..I love you..thanks for everything!!

mY MaMa LV

Hi there...I have a new target again! Was browsing LV Website & found this in the Multicolor range..(which I have yet to own one...). Above all reasons to have this is: this model is called ANNIE!!! My Mummy Darling's name!! How can I NOT have it, right?? As I told Dada, it will make me feel like I have mummy by my side all the time!! Hahahhaa...what an EXCELLENT EXCUSE...right?? So, it's in my MUST BUY list! Thanks, Da!

Happy MotHeR's DaY - PearL or DiaMonD?

Yessss...as it's known worldwide, yesterday was Mother's Day. So, being the lovely daughter, I wanted to call mum 1st thing in the morning, right after I got off work (midnight shift). But then, wanting her to sleep in, didn't have the heart to wake her up as early as 7am.

So, I went back, took a shower & 'wasted' time FB-ing before picking up the phone to call her at 8am. But then, she didn't answer after 2 tries...so I gave up & went to bed.

Woke up at around 4.30pm & first thing in my mind that's UNDONE is to call her. So, I tried again & again, no answer. Then I tried calling Baobei's number instead. Baobei said she's home alone while mum took the day off playing mahjong at a friend's place. Baobei said she'll be back any minute coz daddy just went over to pick her up. So I chatted with Baobei, feeling deep inside that I miss them sooooo dearly! I have not been home since the BIG DAY!! & we're celebrating our 6-month Anniversary this 28th! Gosh!! Time really flies!

So, just as mummy stepped into the house, I got Baobei to pass the phone to her. Wished her Happy Mother's Day & told her I miss her...so so much! She said, "Miss you too, dear!" & then, this conversation between us was so nice, that I wanna remember it forever:

Me: Mum, can I ask u something? Am I your 掌上明珠?? (Got the idea from TVB's latest series)

Mum: What do you think is my answer, my dear?

Me: Errr....I think I'm not your 掌上明珠, but your 掌上钻石！！

Mum: Yessss!! You are right! You're always mummy's precious diamond!! Everyone knows..Even your Uncle John said that on your Wedding Day!

Awwww....so sweet....miss you & love you so so so very the muchie, Mama...See you next month!

KiNRaRaMas pLaNNinG

As I have blogged previously, we got the keys couple of months back. & the renovation is coming up soon. The only problem is; we find it hard to save $$ fast enough for it...hahaha...

Anyway, have paid IKEA many trips recently for ideas. I roughly have an idea of what I want. Biasalah...as I've always been known for being determine, stubborn & wanting things MY WAY...hehe...anyway, here are some ideas that I like & thinking of how to incorporate all of it into my small modest little home:

Thinking of having this in the bedroom as my little cozy reading corner..with fur, cushion & a cup of coffee for a relaxing afternoon (with AIR CON on of coz!!) ~ but I want this in white as the blue clashes with our bedroom theme

Oh yes, a Princess Bed for nobody, nobody but ME!! I've always wanted this after watching TVB's 'Triumph in the Skies' - Fit for the PRINCESS in ME..hehe

Now the MOST important part of the bedroom of coz...is NONE other than my wardrobe..which will occupy the whole wall next to the bed...wuahahahaha....

We quite like this dining table..not too big, not too small & best of all, we can choose the colour of the chair according to our preference & theme..hope they still have it when we're ready to purchase...hehehe

Now, I want this little bar table for us to probably dine there as an alternative instead of the dining hall, which looks sorta empty & pitiful if it's just the 2 of us only..plus, it's kinda 'romantic' with dim lights on, or just candlelight; don't you think so?? Hehe..

bYe bYe Ah Dee

Remember waaaay back that I blogged about a cousin of mine wanting to migrate to Australia?? Well, he finally did, with his fiancee & it was so nice of them to have waited till after our wedding to do so. Coz, they played an important part in our wedding, being our BEST MAN & BRIDESMAID. It wasn't just any other title. It was a title that we all honoured & was most happy that they did it for us. Those happy moments that we shared will be in our hearts forever & we have a video that captured everything for us...right?? Hehe...

All the best, Ah Dee & Ah Sze...may God bless you both in this new chapter of your life. We'll visit you one day...in Sydney, a place that I have always wanted to go back to....:)

@ Our Wedding
Farewell Dinner with them

a BRiDe's StoRy

As we draw close to nearly 1 month after our BIG DAY...I feel like I still haven't shared MY SIDE of the story...many have uploaded pics of our BIG DAY in the almighty Facebook..but still..it's not really from the Bride's side. And there's only 1 bride who can tell the story..yeah? So, after hours & hours of selecting the best pics & editing the story..I've finally completed my side of the story & would like to share it with everyone else...check it out...THE BRIDE'S WEDDING STORY...ENJOY!

KiNRaRa MaS upDate

OK, besides shopping like crazy during our off days, we also went to have a look at our condo's site progress. We were delighted to see the progress thus far. No wonder there are rumors around saying we might be getting the keys before its initial expected delivery date. Let's hope so..**fingers crossed**

Here are some pics to share:

Taken across the road at the shoplot

KINRARA MAS..our home ^-^

The road leading to our home

Block A ~ looks good :)

The 3-storey houses..some have already moved in..hello new neighbours :)

Us..monkeying around @ the show unit AGAIN..hehe

That's the main entrance door..closed! Bye..We'll be back again soon to see the progress

MuM's NeW pLayGRouND

The only way to a man's heart...is through his stomach...I'm sure everyone's heard of this saying. So, mum, being the perfect wife & mum, always takes good care of us & makes sure that our stomach is filled with good food, with no added perservatives, colourings..etc. This is also one of the main reason I long to be home everyday...to enjoy home-cooked food..by no one else, but my mummy darling...

I didn't really get to the details of my recent trip back in KK in previous posts. Well, besides the weather being hotter than usual, nothing much is new really...EXCEPT that Mama's got a new playground..or an EXTENSION to her playground, I should say.

View from the dry kitchen inside
The inner part
The outer part plus the door leading to the laundry area

I really feel absoluately wonderful when I see new things done to the house. It makes me feel that everyone is living a good & happy life, mum & dad don't have to worry about me financially (as I can very well make my own living) & therefore have the extra cash to improve their living. We're now living a good life as a family, though most of the time away from each other. However, we make the most of it when we're back home. I constantly remind myself to work hard, for not only a future with Dada, but a future that is inclusive of Daddy, Mummy & Baobei.

Over the years, I truly feel the happiest when I go back home. Plus, especially when there are new things in the house. As daddy dear said, it's his pride to present me with new 'surprises' each time we go back. Before this, there was a renovation to extend a little room for my mum's tuition classes, an improvement to the garage & this time an expansion to the kitchen area. So now, mama has a dry & wet kitchen inclusive of a laundry area, which is spacious & shaded from the hot sun. I LOOOVE staying at home so much. It's so warm, comfortable & cozy..sigh~~as the saying goes...THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...(where Mama cooks good food ;p)

LiKe MaMa, LiKe DauGHteR

As I grow up, I never thought of myself bearing much of a resemblance of my mum. Yes, apart from the petite figure, I find it hard to look for other close matches.

Then, one day..my dad, who rarely praises me (coz he just didn't want me to be any cockier than I already AM)..he said he loved one special feature about me. It's my lips..He said I had nice, sexy lips just like Mama...I felt so touched..to hear it from a cool dad like mine.

Later on in the years, there was once, mum digged out a really old pic of herself (a black & white pic with her in her teenage years, wearing a checkered dress). With the long, straight, jet black hair & the same smile..a family friend who saw that pic actually thought it was ME (the daughter who was then studying in Sydney). Hahaha...my mum just smiled & corrected her saying, "That's actually me, 30 years ago & not my daughter NOW" hahaha...

As years passed by, more & more people see the resemblance. A close high school friend, my cousins, my aunts especially...they see their 'big sista' in me sometimes; & say 'She's as pretty as our Big Sista used to be when she was young.." Well, aunt, you're only half right. To me, mum is still pretty although she's in her 60s now. She's my dearest mama & I'm proud to have all her good (& not so good) genes in me. She's a wise, kind-hearted, good natured, responsible, respectable figure; as a wife, mum, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, friend, colleague, superior..etc no matter what role she plays in life.

I see the likeness in the character of Louise Lee See Kei in Heart of Greed as "Dai Kai" & Moonlight Resonance's "Ho Ma". When I watch these series, I think of her & miss her even more. I wish I can see her everyday, to kiss & hug her..to joke & laugh with her. I feel really bad to work far away from home & not being able to spend time with mum & dad often. Mama...promise me you & dad will come over often when our little place called HOME is ready next year, OK? Love you always & I'm proud to have a mum like you. You're the BESTEST mum in the world! (No, this is not an outdated post for Mother's Day...I have learnt, to treat my mum the best & make everyday a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY for her..MAMA, I LOVE YOU!)

Do u think I look like Mama?

cHAp GoH Mei DiNNeR

So, with all the hardwork & just a blink of an eye, CNY has come & gone. CNY really means nothing to me nowadays except huge crowd in this City of Entertainment, workload doubles or triples up & long hours of work. Sigh~~that's how I have been spending CNY these recent years.

Anyway, the only consolation which is not that bad this year is that I got to have a decent dinner with my family in KL on the last day of CNY. Well, as the saying goes, better late than never. So, off we went after work yesterday to Uncle John's place.

It was a great dinner with lots of my favourite dishes. The hot topic for the night was, none other than our wedding. (yeah, what else can top that??) I was so touched & happy that I was almost in tears that everyone was so supportive & excited about our big day. Everyone wants to play a part & talked so excitedly about all the plans & activities to have for the wedding. My aunts ran through some customs & traditions that we should take note & also, the best thing was...we decided on our best man & bridesmaid then & there too!! This 2nd perfect couple standing next to THE PERFECT couple (US) would be my cousin Ah Dee & his girlfriend Sze Sze! I think they match us perfectly! Actually we have not given much thought about them being the VIP standing next to us. Until last night, it seems like everything just fell into place. There & then we went...TING! Yes, why haven't we thought of them earlier?? Haha...well, actually the reason we didn't give it much thought was because we weren't sure if they would be flying over to KK to attend our wedding. It was really only last night that I knew I have my WHOLE family, no matter young or old, close or not so close..backing me up..*sniff*sniff* so touched. I really THANK GOD for them...

I'm soooo happy...happily planning my wedding...bit by bit...Sometimes, when I ran out of ideas...I Thank God that, HE will suddenly shed some light to me & show me the way...Today, everyone is busy bombarding airasia.com booking tickets to my wedding...I really am touched & happy that our wedding has brought us all into good spirits & closer as a family. Thank You, Lord!

My LittLe pRoJeCT

I guess all my friends would get a shock of their lives reading this. They might not believe that their lovely friend (Oui, C'est Moi) knows how to stitch! Yes, let me tell you, don't be surprised. I have been exposed to sewing & stitching at a very young age.

My mum, being the EVER PERFECT MUM not only cooks well, but she can sew too. She used to make clothes for me to go to school. She sews little dresses & skirts to doll me up when I was younger (I'm still young now..:-p). I loved waking up every morning to have a new dress sewn for me to wear to playschool. Awwww...I feel soooo lucky!! & pretty..(haha)

Well, so, what have I been up to?

Ta daaa~~~~

CROSS-STITCH!!

Can't really tell what this is?? Well...scroll down to have a look...

Not that far off, right?? See...told you I got the genes from Mama...hehe...

MiXeD MooDs

The day of the trip that I have been anticipating since booking the tickets for them, has come & gone. Now, everyone is back at work, recovering from the extravagant shopping splurges. Haha...back to reality, everyone. I'm particularly happy that we were able to spend quality time together as a family. We enjoyed each & every second of it.

Yes, as discussed previously, one of the main purpose of this trip is PMP (Parents Meet Parents) Day. The day that I have mixed feelings about. I won't go into details here. Coz I really don't know how to blog about it. But then, all I can say is...Thank God I have lovely, wonderful parents who can handle all sorts of situation & only have my best interest in mind. I know...to them, I'm always their little lovely diamond princess daughter (a nick that they have for me) that they love dearly. Love you too~~ Mum & Dad.

That's why, I'm having mixed feelings about life thus far. I wanna stay by their side & never leave them. I sometimes feel that, if getting married means leaving them behind, & not continuing with my cool surname TSEN..I'd rather not....

Sometimes, when I'm in my silly + childish mood (yes, this is one of those moments), I just feel like I wanna be their little girl forever...I don't wanna grow up, I don't wanna get married, I don't want them to grow old..I just want the time machine to stop!!!! So that we stay exactly where we are now..with me having the ability to take care of them & with them..strong & healthy always...*sniff*sniff*

DeCeMBeR UpDaTeS

I think everyone close to me should know by now what I have been busy with recently. Yes...mummy darling arrived on the 2nd & I have been spending quality time with her ever since. Of course, apart from working..we're almost 24hours inseperable. I'm definitely trying to make up for all these years' lost time with her. I really wish I don't work away from home. But I would say all this is called FATE. Had I not work here, how would I be able to meet Dada...right? There's absolutely 0% of him going on a KK trip & accidentally bump into me there..right?

Well, even all these romantic, rational thinking doesn't wash away the guilt deep down that I feel some times, being away from home...being robbed off time with my dearest mum, dad & baby. I have yet to think of the best solution, to have the best of both worlds..working life + life with Dada AND also to have my dear family close by my side always. Sigh~~I guess we can't be that greedy..:( But is that really too much to ask for? Actually I really don't think so!

Well, anyhow, I was really happy to be able to spend mummy darling's birthday with her this year, to be able to celebrate with her really means alot to me. She told me she was really happy about it. And I know, of course..that this is true. From the bottom of her heart...Muaksss..mummy darling..hope you are happy always & have many, many more birthdays that I could spend with you. Stay healthy always...You're always in my heart & mind..Love you always...

The BIRTHDAY QUEEN & PRINCESS (Baobei wanted to celebrate hers in advance)

ONE HAPPY FAMILY

HeCTiC HoLiDaY

Had the most hectic days off back in KK this time. Of coz, as everyone should know by now, it's coz we went on to start our wedding preparations. Here's a brief summary of how we spent our 10 days in KK:

Day 1: Arrived in the late afternoon, had "late lunch + early dinner" at home. After dinner, went out to 1Borneo.

Day 2: Went to Karamunsing for a haircut & treatment in the afternoon, then followed by the 1st nite of the Pre-marriage talk that is compulsory for us to attend.

Day 3: Stayed at home in the afternoon to catch up on TVB series "Last One Standing" & played Wii with my dear baobei. Attended Pre-marriage talk session 2.

Day 4: Spent the afternoon at Centrepoint & Warisan Square. Had our 'must-have' Yoyo drinks. Final session of the pre-marriage talk in the evening.

Day 5: Went out for yum cha with dim sum at Foo Phin (Penampang) with Dad, Mum & Baobei. Played Wii the whole afternoon & dinner at Poppea Garden @ City Mall.

Day 6: Had Ngau Chap at Damai, followed by a little visit to the newly renovated KKIA. Had a look at Le Meridien's Bridal Fair. Surveyed & enquired on the packages that they had to offer. There was bridal shows, mock table set-ups of different themes, complimentary finger food & juices were served, too. Went to Likas Square for abit of grocery shopping & followed by dinner @ 1Borneo's KFC.

Day 7: Wanted to meet up with Uncle Anthony to confirm having him & Aunt Celine as our marriage witness. However, got a surprise when I was told that the whole family is in Gold Coast on holiday visiting my cousin studying there. But had a fruitful afternoon talking through some wedding preparations with Small Ah Yee..& besides that, had my eyelashes permed ;) Had dinner at Poppea Garden once again..I have a feeling this restaurant will be one of our family favourite from now on.

Day 8: Woke up early, anticipating the interview with the priest that is also a necesary step as we prepare for a Catholic wedding. Was nervous at first, but thankfully we had a nice & easy-going priest. He joked & made us feel at ease. The interview went well & all that's left to be done is just..SET THE WEDDING DATE! Spent the afternoon going to Sutera Harbour & Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort to enquire on their wedding packages. Was happy to meet up with an old classmate Junei working at Sutera Harbour, who is a mother of 2 already! I had better catch up fast...hehehe

Day 9: Mummy Darling's birthday. She wanted a day off from cooking. So we only had Maggi Mee for lunch followed by dinner at Gaya Sports. The food was as usual, delicious..Baobei ate more than she usually does, which is very rare. Met an old classmate Phyllis just as we were about finished with dinner. Had a little catch up talk with her. Later on, went to buy a ready-made cheesecake for mum, which eventually, turned out to be a combination of birthday celebration for mummy & baobei. They were both happy..so were the rest of us..:)

Day 10: Time to leave..had breakfast at Kuo Min famous for its fish cake & ngau chap noodles. However, the quality has dropped. Was not satisfied with it at all. Checked in at the airport & this is the one & only time tha I didn't cry AT ALL coming back to KL..(well, of coz that's because mummy darling will be coming over in 2 weeks..hehe)

oFF to IPoH

Before I even have time to spend properly with Dada, I'll be off to Ipoh again for yet another fair...sigh..

But looking at the bright side, after I'm back from this trip, I'll be off with Dada to be back in KK for our pre-marriage talk..yippee...then it'll be a full throttle of events leading to our wedding..which we still have yet to set the date...hehe. Of course, not forgetting..being home with my beloved family..Daddy, Mummy, BaoBei & Dada..HOME..going home feels soooo good!

With all these sweet, wonderful things happening, nothing will ever ruin my mood. I actually won't give a damn about anything that will stop me from enjoying the best time in my life. The stage where one only goes through once...with the one I love, who also loves me back equally, or even MORE..Whatever we do, it's for OUR future...

Here's to our future..forever & ever 1314, for better or worse, till death do us part.. (warning: this is NOT my official wedding vow, OK..)

CouSiNs' ViSiT to GeNTinG

Glad to receive a call from my cousin Ah Boy few weeks back asking me to help book hotel rooms for a 2 nite stay @ Genting. Yippee! Finally, this lonely Sabah Girl will have her family visiting! Hahaha..I have been working here for 3 years plus now & though they are all in KL, it's not like every weekend that they come up. This is their only 2nd visit since I started work here. What a pity eh...

8 of them came up, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 3 cousins & one of my cousin's girlfriend, soon to be cousin sis-in-law. Met up with them when they were checking into their rooms at Resort Hotel, & dinner on the first night at Good Friend Restaurant. After dinner, brought them to apply for our Genting WorldCard. Oh yes, all of them would have to contribute to my KPI. Hahaha...

Dinner on the 1st night @ Good Friend

The elder ones couldn't get started on 'gaming' & I brought the rest to watch our in-house show Dreamz. What to do?? This is part of my marketing job, ok..so please bear with me. Hahaha..Before their visit, I have also applied for employee discounts for them at the theme park. So, that's where they spent the whole of the 2nd day.

A family portrait @ VIP Waiting Area (we all LOVE this pic)

Met up with them again for dinner, this time at Happy Valley. The discussion around the dinner table would definitely won't miss out on our 'wedding' which I really don't know when. Ah Dee, my cousin, the one with a girlfriend, would probably consider attending our wedding before migrating to Adelaide. Wow...so nice..but sorry Ah Dee, I have NO IDEA at all when would that be...

My aunts carried on talking about wedding rituals and customs. Each giving their opinions, inclusive of my elder cousin, Ah Boy, who has been to many, many weddings as Best Man as well as 'hing dais'. Well, I'm sure, at that table, Dada & I were not the only couple taking notes. Hahaha..Ah Dee & his girlfriend surely got some tips too. Hahaha...

After dinner, my aunts were once again eager to try their luck. So, we (the younger generation) went over to First World Plaza instead. Since they purchased the All Park tickets, they were still able to play at the Indoor Theme Park at night. We took a couple of pics, just for memory's sake. Then, Dada & I had to say goodbye to them as he will be checking in for midnight shift.

Sigh...these 2 cousin brothers basically grew up with me & my childhood memories were filled with their mischevious acts. Unfortunately, they moved back to KL when I was in Standard 3. Since then, I was left all alone in KK, & only get to see them 2 or 3 years once on our family visits to KL.

And Genting would ALWAYS be in our itinerary for a complete family vacation together. We had many memories fooling around in Genting. It for a moment made me warm at heart thinking about those memories, while seeing all the happy faces around me tonight. We've all grown up to lead our own lives. I'm abit sad that Ah Dee is really migrating soon, but also happy for him & Sze Sze at the same time. As for Ah Boy, he has always been the loud mouth 'kao lui wong' but the slowest to have a significant half. Haha..& as for me, who would have thought, when I grow up, I'd be working here & this is where I found Dada (or HE found me)? More importantly, HOW MUCH LONGER will I be stuck here? How would my future be? I really wonder...

(L-R)Sze Sze, Ah Dee, Ah Boy, Ah Mei, ME & Ah Tzu

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!

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.

FuNNY SMS

Hmmm...somewhere in the middle of last week, just out of nowhere, I received an SMS from my cousin..who has my number all this while..but seldom sms each other besides the usual festive season's greetings. Here goes the few exchanges of SMSes throughout the night:

Him: Congrats to the both of you! Just got the news from Mum!

Me: HUH? U mabuk kah? COngrats on what? Don't tell me u think I'm getting married. The last time I checked, no diamond proposal ring on my finger yet. Who's ur source? Not reliable la...

Him: Bro said u're getting married..and he's reliable.:-p

Me: Naa..really no la..but we're planning..should be next year..

Him: See..so he proposed!

Me: Nolah..it's true! No proposal yet, I'm still waiting for my 18 carat diamond proposal ring.;p

Him: Don't worry..I'll teach him to make 18 CARROT rings for you..hahaha

Damn him! Hahaha..

TheRe's No pLaCe LiKe HoMe

Well, the reason of my MIA is because I just got back from a 10-day trip back to KK. Definitely, as usual, I am sooooo not willing to come back to work. But...that's just life, you can't have everything.:(

This time, besides the usual feasting on seafood (Gaya Sports Centre & Kampung Nelayan), we went to a new place. Well, Kampung Nelayan, is actually the same place as Putera Theatre Ballroom famous for BBQ steamboat, however, the environment is totally different. It is at an open air, sorta "floating restaurant" where it's shaped like a boat & a man made lake surrounding it. It really feels great! We enjoyed ourselves, taking our time with the steamboat buffet. The price is affordable & the service quick & friendly. Definitely a place worth dining at.

Baobei enjoying a coconut drink
The "best-looking" couple..:p
Lovely family (minus Dada, who was the cameraman)
Cool Aunt & Niece

The rest of the days in KK were spent either at home pigging out with my mum's lovely home cooked dishes, or catching up on TVB drama series. For the 10 days, we watched D.I.E, The Seventh Day, Tai Chi & a portion of A Journey Called Life. Not forgetting, my favourite past time; SHOPPING! Every afternoon is spent at different shopping complexes. The market in KK is growing and you can see more & more international franchises & brands there. It's really my pride to see my hometown growing! I'm proud to be a KK gal!

Next, the restaurant worth talking about is one newly discovered in the Tsen family. It's called Si Hai Ting in Asia City. It originated from Brunei & based on the history written on the menu, it's official opening in KK was in August 2007. I find the menu very amusing with the dishes all named with a Chinese Proverb. It's COOL! The whole place has a very "China" feel to it with the tables, chairs & lamps all very "oriental". I love the place!

Well, so much of its ambience, what about the food? Absolutely wonderful! Its signature dish is the "Peking Duck" The chef would bring the whole duck out & slice it in front of you. The sliced duck skin would be rolled up, the bones would be chopped for soup & the rest of the meat for another dish. It is also a restaurant which does not comprise on quality. Our first duck was regarded as 'overcooked' so, the captain got the kitchen to roast another one to perfection for us. So, we had to wait longer. But it was definitely worth the wait as all 3 dishes making use of the same duck were really delicious. We had a great time & really affordable..the dinner for the 5 of us cost only a mere RM125++! What a great deal, right? Considering the fact that we feasted on the whole duck & 2 other dishes. I'd definitely wanna go there again the next time I'm back! My..My..miss my family back there like crazy!

Bibicai @ Si Hai Ting

One happy family

One with my dada

Peking Duck roll