Celebrating Another 365 Days that has flew past

Yesterday, we celebrated Por Por's 83rd birthday, in fact at exactly the same venue as last year. Por Por is currently still very active, humorous and energetic at her age.



At Straits Kitchen yesterday, there were about six Birthday celebrations!

The waiters would go to each birthday table and sing a catchy birthday tune while clapping, and provided a slice of birthday cake with a candle.

Every year, my mum-in-law would ask me to take photographs. She would whisper in my ears and say "Frankly, every year that goes by is a bonus".

This is not pessimism. The truth is everyday, time and life is precious. We feed and nourish our body daily. How about nourishing our mind which is equally, if not more important?

I PREFER NATURE

That was in Wulong - "Fairyland" if I remember correctly. It was one of the most relaxing moments of the trip - fresh air and strolling in the greens. M, Gui and I are kept walking on. The temperature was also very cool @ 15°C. There was no crowd, just lots of desirable space that urban dwellers would love. At that point, we wondered if we were in New Zealand. There were also horses strolling around.

Thats me. I am seldom photographed since I am usually the one behind the camera. Talking about photographs, this weekend I had to seek my girlfriends' opinions on wedding photography. Oh ya coz I am among one of the latest to have a customary wedding dinner now! I now know why I have been putting these preparations off until my in-laws pointed a gun at our brains. Don't ask me why, but I am just not very interested in wedding preparations. I am not sure why. I feel that Gui and I have already progressed on in our relationships - but anyways... I have to do some preparations.

This week has also been busy! We are considering relocating Bobby to London - a difficult & costly decision but we believe it is the best for him. Sumini's contract is ending in April, and my mum-in-law is thinking of getting a part-time one only, until Gui and I return from our holiday in May. I am quite worried about the housework bit - I am not going to deny it!!

Ahhh, isn't looking at this just beautiful? My girlfriends also ask me why I am so thrifty with money? What am I saving them for? I bet they wanted to use the word miser hahaha... but ya I don't throw my $ around looking for brands (only very occasionally) - the only other area I am willing to spend on are my holidays... can't do without in order to keep my sanity =)

This is Wulong crack. We had to climb many steps down to get to the bottom. Tough trip, but staring upwards make it all worthwhile =)))

A Rainbow! Seems that Gui and I tend to see a rainbow whenever we travel. I remember a really beautiful and lengthy one we saw in Chiangmai during breakfast.

As I write this, I know I am tired. Its been a bit of dashing, coordination and lunching. A very well spent weekend. But I am really sleepy. Will hit the sack at 10pm tonight!

Mysterious Couple @ Forbidden City - looking in in in

Something to smile about, this was taken at Forbidden City, Beijing. It is a remarkable achievement in terms of the complexity of the architecture...

Three days into my work week of 2009. Met up with an ex-colleague, and he felt surprised that I have changed - I no longer place career as my first priority in life. I said of course - life & responsibilities can be different once you get married.

But of course I ponder - which is the real me? Without a partner, would I push on more aggressively in my career goals? Without a partner, would I even need to think about striking a balance? and of course there are days where I look at my girlfriends who stay at home - and need not face the stress of climbing up the corporate ladder; nor trying to keep themselves safe from unethical politics.

Which is better? Guess no one knows. Everyone envies that someone else. Everyone has their own unique path to walk on...everyone should have deep insights into the true nature of their own life...

Do You See the Light Yet?

For life is the mirror of king and slave.

'Tis just what you are and do;

Then give to the world the best you have,

And the best will come back to you.

-MADELINE BRIDGES

2009 has began, and it is also the time where people start taking out their formidable pen to pin their resolutions. Gui and I would do an annual reflection on the last day of the year, and share thoughts of what is important and what we wana achieve in 2009 ...

On Jan 1 2009, my in-laws organised a New Year lunch at home (bribing us) with spaghetti with pesto sauce, grilled chicken wings and tiger prawns, salad, soup and German white wine. Soon after the hearty meal... the rules were laid out. On the first day of Chinese New Year, I have to follow the Gui family to visit the oldest and most senior member - Por Por.. no longer with my own family.

I have to go up to Kemaman for the QingMing Festival 清明節, and then check out some hotel venues there for a wedding reception in August 09.

Since it is a fresh start to '09, I want to maintain my positivity... so I smile and say 'ok'...