The Boat That Rocked

I'm surprised how much I've enjoyed this. Haha. I think all these movies (ever since Zombieland) have hit my funny bone. This is a movie about Pirate Radio...and if you love music, especially the 60s...you'll like this movie. It's about a pirate radio station on a boat, about recklessness, rock 'n' roll, the 60s, about deejays and love for music. I like the end when they rolled an array of album covers. Nice. Reminded me of that book on music albums Imn bought for me. Watch it for the music!

Zombieland

Seriously just for fun!!!! loads of laughter and a feel-good movie. enjoy.

More than Just A Picture Perfect Moment....

We just met our photographers for our wedding. A family friend, which is a big plus because I'll know he'll capture a lot of special moments, better than any other photographer. We had an informal meetup with him and the partner and it was comfortable. I think it's important to be comfortable with your photographer, no? He/She has to be able to put you at ease, so you'll be camera-friendly. They both had good synergy (well, they are a couple too!), and I trust that they'll bring the best out of our wedding. We saw some samples and Andrew loves it. It's important that he does since he loves photography...... We love it that it's contemporary, and NOT DULL. None of those photoshop shit, and bling blings, stars, clouds & whatnots...

He also gave us a lot of ideas..things we have not even thought about. Like color theme....they recommended some colors that would make great photography, coz hey, they want their pictures to turn out great too! Also gave us a sense of what to prepare and how to get organized. Wow, I dont think other photographers would talk in length about things other than the service fee etc etc. Thanks Petertan&Evelyn . In you, we trust.

The Ideal Wedding

Someone told me yesterday that her wedding was from 10am to 3pm, no jip san leong, no wedding dinner, no alcohol, NO FRILLS. She didnt even had her bridal shoot, even though her husband was a professional photographer! Hah! I'm full of envy.

Truth is I wanted a no-hassle wedding. A simple ceremony. I'm not a flashy person nor an exhibitionist. Close friends would know that I hate attention and would rather be invisible most of the time. P use to tease me that I would walk in and out of the office as if I was invisible and kept a really low profile. No bridal shoot either because it just feels too artificial to me. Especially those that are extensively edited, with stars and dreamy sticker-like backdrop.

But I guess like all things in life, you can't have everything your way. I'm hoping to do the conventional chinese wedding dinner over and done with on the 1st day. The whole works. And then settle in for a fantabulous one on the 2nd night.

Jimui

It's the season for weddings... Every woman is either the bride or the jimui or the guest. Well you know how brides can get. They want the perfect wedding because it's a once in a lifetime kinda thing. Sweet. And so, a friend of mine appointed me and A as part of the jimuis entourage.

So she gave A the heads up about the dress- pink and satin. And it's free coz my friend is a clothing merchandiser and could get it done dirt cheap in China. Just the notion of pink and satin is enough to make A gag. Childish, it seems. And so my friend brought samples and even the colour board for us to choose. So i told her, seriously, I dont care, the bride chooses and I'll wear whatever color the bride wants! After all, isnt' that what being a jimui is all about?

I told A that we're just gonna be freaking wearing it for a couple of hours. Just do it. Do it for a friend. But still, A refused. She'll rather not be the jimui. People dont realize planning your own wedding can be really stressful, and it's disheartening to see my friend on the verge of crying, trying all her best to accomodate to ALL the jimuis.

someone ought to write the dos and donts of being a jimui.

Alienation....

You ever been caught in a situation where everyone speaks the same language except you? A room full of Mandarin-speaking people? Few years back, that was how it was day in day out at work.... almost till I've developed a selective hearing, as H puts it. Yeah, I've mastered the art of ignoring everyone and just go about my business without a care of what anyone is saying. I've learned to alienate myself because I am being alienated in the first place!

I was overjoyed when I didnt have to go through that anymore at the new workplace....that is until I was sent based at a client's place, where the people are mostly Chinese. Nothing wrong with that, except that there are also Indians in the same dept, and everyone just choose to speak Cantonese. I spoke to M yesterday about it. She and another colleague, G, both Indians are based at the client's place same as me. People around us who are Chinese like to speak Mandarin/Cantonese, I think that's fine, but you don't switch from English to Mandarin/Cantonese all of a sudden in the midst of a discussion with others, as if having another private discussion. As if you're alienating the Indians on purpose. As if they are not worthy of your respect.

Many would think that the rest of the minority group would just have to ACCEPT that these kind of situation happens because it's NORMAL as the majority group can't help it but to gradually converse in their mother tongue. I mean, what bullshit! I'm sure they know how to write RESPECT and MANNERS in Mandarin. Some senior manager actually said to me " aiya, you don't know Mandarin??? Work with me, must know Mandarin, if not very hard lah" How horrendous. I've proved otherwise that I can still do my job without conversing in Mandarin.

I thought we would have grown out of this. Years after our independence, we seemed to behave as if we are even more unrefined than before.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

A beautiful film by Clint Eastwood, with Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela (good cast!). The movie had me in tears, for some odd reason, seeing one visionary man who used sports (rugby) to unite his people and bring an end to apertheid, made me secretly wish that the same could happen in my own country. In the movie, Mandela taught us that we should not hold on to petty revenge, but to forgive... Truly inspiring. Malaysia in its own ways, has achieved some level of democracy and unity...and I hope one day I could watch a movie depicting our struggle too.

2010

2009 ended with much excitement. And there's been a lot of changes. For one, I'm now Mrs Yeong, technically; customary wise, I stilll need to go through the Ko Tai Lai, before it's official.

2. At work, I've embarked on something totally new, and I'm embracing the change. Some people are resistant to change, but I love change, at work at least. It keeps me excited at work and breaks the monotony.

3. 2009 was the year of me adapting to staying alone and with andrew thereafter. It's nice to play house with someone, that's something WY said to me.

4. No big purchases. Except for the trip to Melbourne. Was worth it, as it was a long overdue family trip. oh plus Andrew :) . And minus Imn.

Resolutions. I dont really have any. Maybe just embrace 2010 and make the best out of it. Find new places to explore and live, and let live, everyone!

Joining the Club

I've officially stepped into the 'Married' club this morning. Attendees: 17 adults and 2 kids. Venue: Putrajaya. Time: 9.30ish. It was done in almost 5 minutes I would say. And then maybe another 5 mins for a photo session. Drinks: canteen at Putrajaya JPN. Lunch: Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant. We had a private room , 2 tables and at RM750.....think it was alright.

I guess if I had to write a review on our lives together to date it would look like this:

• that fateful day at the mamak till 2am
• the Great Fall...and everything else that came with that....
• our days apart when I was in Indonesia
• the journey working towards and during the Europe trip
• living together and playing house...
• in preparation towards our marriage...

Status check: Still feels the same, we have been living together for a while now, so have no clue what's in store next, but we've always been the 'take it as it comes' couple so everything will be just fine....

DIY Bouquet

I decided a while back that I was going to DIY the bouquet, since for the ROM, I'm probably using it for less than 30mins....so, no reason to spend a bomb on it. I surveyed the florist etc and the minimum I had to spend would be RM120....for a almost decent one. So.....I was on a mission, make my OWN BOUQUET!

And so, I was contemplating on whether to get real or artificial flowers. The advantage of fakes would be that it's REUSABLE. boleh recycle, or pass on to my niece when she's the flower girl. Oklah, i thought, let it be FAKES.

I was at British Homes while waiting for Azlan to meet me for tanni, so I chanced upon some pretty good fakes, better than those in Ikea, and Floristika, so heck I bought 3 bunch for RM15.

Below is the first attempt....


At first glance when I was done with the ribbons last nite, I thought, oklah, boleh pass. but those red pins were really bothering me coz it looked like the bouquet was diseased, or full of acne. I knew those pins had to be replaced. So we went pin hunting today. Finally found some at a cheesy bookstore in Kota Damansara.....and...voila! All done under RM40. :)

Now I'm officially DONE.

credit: endroog for taking part in choosing the ribbons... (paying for it as well, hehe,) and for his brilliant idea to try pin-hunting at the cheesy bookstore. Could not have done it without u, haha.

The Prisoner

6 episods. 2 days. Endless unanswered questions. Half the time I'm asking myself , wtf is going on? Someone please enlighten me. Please go watch The Prisoner starring Jim Caviezel (from Passion of Christ) and Ian McKellan (LOTR). I can't decide if the plot was bad, or the editing was bad, or is it just trying too hard to be different?

With A Girl Like You

I want to spend my life with a girl like you, ba ba ba ba bam,

And do all the things that you want me to, ba ba ba bam,

Till that time has come, that we might live as one,

Can I dance with you, ba ba ba bam.- The Troggs

How's this for a walk-in song?

The One

My ROM date is fast approaching, this month to be exact. I had a question asked by a friend over a couple of beers the other day. She was really serious, and (in fact she asked me twice) she asked me if I was ABSOLUTELY SURE that I am READY and if I truly believe that he's the ONE for me.

I really don't think there's an answer for this. How can anyone know for sure. "You just know it when you're ready-lah." was my answer. "Are you ready to take on the next phase in your life?"... "I'll take it as it comes. As long as I know we're gonna take it on side by side." was my answer...

"So is he THE ONE?" ...... I guess I'll never know, but I know this, there's no one else I'll rather grow old with.

Principle Dilemma

I do believe it really takes a lot to change me. Well, duh, it took years to 'form' me! I am what I am and there are just some things that I just won't and can't change. Like my habits, my preference and my stand on certain things. Change in my job, or change in my marital status, or my age will not change this.

Have you ever been caught in a situation when some people want you to conform to what they think is the perfect or rightful daughter, son, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, employee, employer, mother, father etc. Have you ever had to speak or behave differently because others do not approve?

But it's true, over time, we need to 'change'. We cannot be self-centered and only do what we want. We'll have to compromise. But never compromise your principles. So hard to decide whether your principles are right or wrong though.

Like for instance, going home for the CNY eve. Say you're married, and traditionally, the wife should spend CNY eve at the husband's side. Over the years, people have compromised and now the husbands are ok to go back during alternate years. Is this wrong? My dad has no sons....and if all of us are not allowed to come back during CNY eve, who's gonna spend CNY eve with my parents? Although they are fine with it....reason being that we could always come back on the 1st day or 2nd day, but i guess it's not fine with me. I cannot imagine them being alone during CNY eve, and I guess I would not be enjoying CNY eve either.

My working environment is as such that everything is client-orientated. We need to do our best to make the client look good. My livelihood and sustainability relies on how they rate us. They are crude and chinaman-like and do not hesitate to tell you what they feel about the Indian subordinates and colleagues. Few times I had to bite my tongue, but my conscience tells me I should say something. And I did, but indirectly. It eats on me as I know they deserve better credit. At least they were more tactful and articulate when dealing with a problem, and not jump into unjust complaints laced with racism. When I share this, everyone says "learn to ignore". And I guess that helps.

Over the years, yes, I've had to deal with my own principles, modifying it and adjusting it when necessary. It's so hard to hold on to your cards sometimes. Sometimes we just need to let it go.

Merry Merry Xmas Everyone

Got our tree up. Ho Ho Ho...have a merry one :)

On a New Ship

"You've been reassigned." Of course, that was never how it was said. So much was said but I guess that's what it means. I've been offered a new opportunity to do a different program within the consulting group which I gladly accept. Bored and getting complacent, me and I guess my boss knew I need a change. A challenge. Another beginning.

I was only given a week to say my goodbyes and do my handover. Great. I like a fast departure. It would make leaving my new found friends easier and the transition to a new place fret-free.

I guess what makes it hard to leave would be the great team I am in. I would miss the early morning emails from my Australian actress-turned-consultant colleague, the continuous queries from my jap counterpart and constant gossiping with my singaporean and KL (now in penang) counterpart, and the lame ejek from the korean fella. Would I ever find a better team than this.

Aihhh, it's not like me to get nostalgic, but being alone in a floor-ful of non-colleagues make us appreciate one another. However, I'm excited and cannot wait to get on the new ship and sail! and DIVERSIFY!

Grudge

I've just got news of an estranged family friend who collapsed over the week with a mild stroke. He and his girlfriend used to spend all festivities and even Chinese New Year with us in Ipoh. That was until a misunderstanding about 2 years ago. Things were never the same and we kept our distance.

He had a mild stroke and was in the ICU. As soon as I heard, I called up mom and asked if she'd want see her godson. So we trotted off to Pantai hospital on Sunday afternoon. I could tell Mom was nervous but I kept her mind busy with endless chatter. As soon as we got to his ward, it was most emotional as my mom saw his girlfriend (also mom's goddaughter) and they started hugging each other trying to hold their tears back. Even I could not control my tears as the sight of him was unbearable. He was not his usual mighty and confident self, confined to the hospital bed. He was slurring and trying his best to explain himself. He threw in a laugh here and there, and tried his level best to stay alert.

We shared a light moment with his parents just chatting and sharing stories and jokes. We've never met them before, and they've never met their son's 'other family' that he spends CNY with.

I guess one could and should not hold a grudge to one's deathbed. Afterall, any religion would tell you to forgive and forget. I believe he did what he did out of desperation and if we were indeed 'family', then let's take it that it was a dreadful mistake and that he's paid his dues with sufferings. I think that's enough punishment. What you think?

Melbourne..and the rest of Victoria

It was a good holiday, with scrumptious food, cool weather and plentiful fun and sunny days. And it was a great family trip including Andrew's initiation into the Toh family. All was missing was just Imny and JE.....

Melbourne city was not very impressive, but then, perhaps it just goes to show that Australia is not all about skyscrapers and malls. We stayed in Prahran the first night. Then headed on to our farm stay at Lavender Farm in Healesville, Yarra Valley. 2 nights there. On our mission to the Great Ocean Road, we stayed at Torquay for 2 nights. And then the last night was back at Melbourne in Swanston Street.

The farm stay was magnificent. Reminded me of New Brunswick with the warm fireplace, friendly dogs, lemon trees and lavender everywhere. Breakfast was our loot from Coles, lunch and dinner at Healesville town. We went to GiantStepsInnocentBystander, which was a winery that carries Innocent Bystander and Giant Steps wine. Fine food and great cosy place.

We did made our way to Healesville Sanctuary so that the pesky kids can see koalas and kangaroos. Also to the Dandenongs that was most impressive.....but that was till we got to the Great Ocean Road...

Torquay was the next destination, tourist-y seaside haven, sis found a great bungalow to stay and i half-believed Andrew when he said that it looks like the place from those mags we see. But migosh, it was modern, fuss-free, patio, spacious 4-bedrooms....place to die for. It got my brother-in-laws to check out the classified, and found out most of those properties were only AUD300K. In Singapore, I dont think u can get a landed property for SGD1mil. Hey, and this place is near near near the beach! We live in a rat's world compared to the Aussies....

Anyways, the following day we headed off on our mission to see the 12 Apostles. Made stops at Lorne and Apollo Bay. And that was as far as we've got coz of pesky nephew, the winding road, and I guess not all of us wants to see more rocks formation. haha. Ohwell, next time maybe.

The last night at Melbourne was well spent. We met up with our cousins who have migrated there years ago. Yee, Bee, and Nee. I'm sure it made my mom very happy as it was her late eldest brother's enstranged family members. We went to Victoria Market (felt like we were at some chinatown fest, Chatuchak beats it flatfaced) together. The morning after, we met up with Shaun(cousin in NZ) and Tze Yin. Had a great great breakfast by the Yarra River....

My take on Melbourne..and the rest of Victoria: Canada-like with a great laidback feel and certainly worth two trips or more. And I'm glad it has none of the city-like experience that I'll rather give a miss.

Convert

Religion can be the boon or the bane of one's life. You choose.

It's only recently that the question of converting has been playing on my mind, as another friend spoke of a similar situation just as she was about to get married. Not that I have anything against Catholics. If anyone must know, I was brought up going to Sunday schools and Catechism classes up till I was 12. Even in university, I went to the Church once in a while. I also went to the temple. Thanks to my parents wisdom I had exposure to both religion, and coming of age, especially now that I'm already in my 30s, I know where my path is, religion wise. Why should anyone doubt my religion when I don't? Who would know what's better for me, if not I? And my choice was never lead or encouraged by anyone. I followed where my heart belonged.

Many people would tell you that in order for the family to achieve full happiness, it is best for the whole family to be of same religion. I ask you, show me the proof. Show me the proof and I will shut my gab forever. But no proof could be produced because this is subjective and every human differ in their behaviour and likes. I've seen many families ruined not by religion, but by lust and greed. How's that for a more common cause of destruction of a family?

I shared with my friend, a Hindu who's also being asked to convert. She is also asked to ensure that her kids would follow the Catholic path and go to church etc etc. She does not want to be a hyprocrite by saying yes to something that's in the future, and for her non-existent kids. I feel the same way. I would want to sample the wisdom of my parents who would provide an environment where my child would have the freedom of choice, and not baptised at birth or forced to a religion that he/she is still too young to understand. There must be a sense of ownership in a religion in order to embrace it. Or else, you are just accepting FATE and not faith.

Here I'm not saying any religion is bad. Buddhism has taught me not to condemn any religion but to respect others. Some of the things I've mentioned are perhaps the result of mis-interpretation of the Bible that has led people to instill the wrong teachings.

All I ask is that if I respect another's religion, I expect the same mutual respect for mine.

Leonardo Da Vinci

I heard about the exhibition from DAN which is starting Oct1st onwards... I was in Florence and the guide was raving about Leonardo Da Vinci. An inventor, painter, artist, engineer (as far as I know), and I just wiki-ed him and found out he's also a musician???? Really???? One of course could not dismiss the famous Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. I went to the Louvre to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa...and seriously could not get what the hype was all about...but.... I guess I'm not artistic enough to appreciate it.

I first heard of Leonardo Da Vinci, if i'm not mistaken in one of our history lessons....and then memory revisited with the Ninja Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Donatello. HAHA.

And so, there's gonna be an exhibition in Pusat Sains Negara....so Dan, give me the tickets ok!