Old times ... good times.

I came across these pictures on Facebook the other day ... and boy, did they open the floodgates of memories. I can actually remember how I used to think that the world was perfect, I had friends from all walks of life and also how mean some other kids could be. Now, 20 years later, I discover, that nothing much has changed.

Sure, we're older, taller, supposedly more mature, but now we can also make more grown up decisions. But we don't always do that ... do we? I'm happy to discover though, that I still feel a lot of hope for the possibility for a better world ... funny how seeing a picture of a younger me can bring back such deep feelings ... :)

The Lord and The Devil ...

As I walked about capturing moments in time, I notice you standing stoically amongst the imposing and gargantuan buildings surrounding you on all three sides. Yet, you exude this calmness and peace and are gently secure in your surroundings. What a gem of a find! As I take your portrait in my little camera, I wonder who built you. Who placed each brick and stone and poured the concrete and cast the keystones and who carved the lovely, intricate details that are evident on your facade as well as your interior.

It's been a long, long time since I've been the House of The Lord, but that doesn't mean that I still don't love Him. I just ... have issues. ;) And I'm certain that He understands. Or at least, I hope He does ...

But, a house of worship of any religion, always soothes the soul. Kinda like a cuppa hot chocolate of a cold, rainy day. Or Devil Curry poured over steaming hot rice during winter. Oh Mama, I miss you! ;)

A family meal ...

It was a meal that, if I remember correctly, was made with a lot of love and laughter. Fran was laughing at me as I was tearing up whilst peeling and chopping the red onions, and I was laughing at myself because my eyes stung so bad.

As my winamp pumps Michael Jackson's "Heal The World", I recall the subsequent happiness and laughter as we had a family dinner that was made from and with love. I wonder how we at how light hearted we were and how much fun that night was. It was truly a night to remember and enjoy.

I give thanks for the family that I have, imperfect we may be, but that's the reason we love each other.

I love each and everyone of you ... despite appearances that come once in a while ...

Sail away

"I'd like to sail away with you, to places far and wide, mysterious and fun!" said I to the little red dinghy, moored in the freezing waters, surrounded by bigger and larger craft than he.

It creaked softly in reply, as if acknowledging my request, but like me at that time, was anchored by circumstance, unable to move, unless permitted.

I know how you feel, I mused as I clicked my Canon and listened to the shutter 'click', as I froze a moment in time. I feel transported back in time, to when I was 7 and was reading Enid Blyton's adventure stories ... and I was with the Secret Seven, and this was our little red dinghy that we could go to the Secret Island.

I am grateful for those fleeting moments of sweet childhood recollections.

For that, today, I give thanks and am filled with bliss.

It's been a year -

Dear blog,

It's been a year. I'm sorry that I've neglected you. You were always there for me, unquestioningly and I've thrown you in the back of the bookshelf.

I'm sorry for that. I promise to make it up to you! *smile*

I promise.

But, first things first, Happy 2011.

What's been happening? I woke up. Like that movie 'Jerry Maguire' ... it's like I've had an epiphany and I noticed that a lot of it has been with me rediscovering the One being, Whom, although I am imperfect before Him, still chooses to accept me for who and what I am He made me.

For this I am grateful and remain yours Solely, always and forever, no matter how ... 'inconvenient' it might get at social occasions. ;)

The reason for my waking up is because I guess I realize that I started standing up for myself more and started taking less crap and slack from others. Less doormat-ish and more 'concrete pillar' like.

I guess you'd have to know ME in order to understand what a big deal that is for me. I guess I'm starting to see the ME that I never really acknowledged before and I like the more assertive, confident me and knowing that I can do what I set my mind to do!

Ok ... I guess that's enough philosophical mumbo-jumbo for me.

I'll catch ya tomorrow ok! ;)

February Update

This month has come and is almost gone ... in a flash, no less. It's been a month of, as usual, extreme ups and downs and I think I'm going to give myself a heart attack or a nervous breakdown one of these days. I guess I'll start with Chinese New Year (I've omitted Valentine's Day, as I really, really think that it's a pointless day, and NO, it's not the cynic in me yammering away, rather it's just an over-commercialized day).

Peonies galore basking in all their glory, accompanied by a varied hue of Cherry Blossoms. I LOVE it! :)

Of course, no Chinese New Year deco would be complete without the required 'Choy San' or God of Prosperity accompanied with the lucky bamboo / prosperity bamboo. Just for your information, it's the first living thing that I've bought for my home and it's thriving, thank you very much. ;)

I reckon my Chai Sen is pretty chuffed as the lucky bamboo seems to be shooting skywards!

February is also the month of SIL and BFF's birthday! :) I'm taking BFF out to Umai-Ya tomorrow for their famed buffet lunch. He's quite snooty about Japanese fare this one. So yeah ... expensive tongue. For SIL's birthday, we made a beeline for Delicious @ Dua Annexe. Gorgeous food and loads of fun there I tell you! :) Make your way there if you haven't already. Also, there was this fancy schmancy place on the ground floor called 'Dish'. It's apparently the classier (translated = more expensive) version of Delicious and if the reviews are anything to judge them by, it's well worth the moolah you'll spend. Anyone wanna take me here for my 30th? ;)

My crab tart was yummy ... the salad though ... was tarty ;) due to the heavy splashes of red wine vinegar. Brrrr ...

So ... yeah ... It was also Freddie and Suyee's wedding at The Legend Hotel's Chinese Restaurant (which for some reason, I can't remember the name of at the moment, except that it was small, cramp, mediocre and ... blah in general). But I loved the floral arrangements as well as the entrance hall.

The grand entrance to the restaurant leading to the dining area on the LEFT (?!) of the columns. Architect should be shot. Or have his license revoked.

This chrysanthemum was absolutely GORGEOUS! I think this might be one of the few flowers to make it to ink on my skin. ;) JULIAN! Pay attention, please my dear artist! :)

Freddie also had the 'Bride Pickup' session the week before. To say that it was a FIASCO would be putting it mildly. Although the 'sisters' thought that they had us in the bag with their ... less than amusing (chewing on a dude's banana in public is a little ... hmmm), we turned the tables on them with a crap load of beer, fake and real currency (in rupiahs, rupees and the like). We ended getting the head of games sister in this sorry state:

There was BEER galore ... our little brotherly trick for the sisters ... heh heh heh ... I must say that the groom's decision was a stroke of genius!

Hah! The Head of Games 'sister' thought she could outwit, outlast and outplay us? Here she is knocked off her ass at 12:30pm after downing loads of beer! ;) Jen, you ok? ;)

The groom made the bride wait ... 2 1/2 hours. Ha ha ... it was hilarious ... and by far one of the longest sessions of 'chip san leong' EVER in my life. Nearly 2 1/2 hours. OMG. o.O