A day and a bit more

Tuesday is my Ti Qing, somewhat like a proposal.  

Markus will be here with a small entourage to discuss things like the dowry and number of tables we need for the banquets. 

I'm probably the only one in the family to ever have to do this. Mum and dad are quite lost. Don't know what to say, what to ask or what to do. 

I'll post photos after the event on Tuesday. Wait for it! 

No ending is a good ending

I've just finished watching the last episode of Limelight Years. In the show, Linda Chung was used time and again by Alex Fong (doesn't he look like a real-life manga character?). She stood by him as he tried to achieve his dream of being famous. Even though he used her for that purpose, she forgave him. Yet he used her again. 

The final straw was to manipulate their love and marriage in order to make the news. 

She thought he was truly in love with her and sincerely wanted to marry her. Sadly, it's an act for them to be a famous fairytale couple. He begged for forgiveness again.

The theme for the show is about transformation and starting afresh. Being given a chance to do things right. 

Despite all he had said I don't know, as a viewer, if Alex Fong's character really changed. 

Linda Chung thought he had. She was moved. She went to the chapel in her wedding dress, but a tourist's camera flash shocked her and for a second she thought he manipulated the wedding for his own fame again. 

As she didn't know to trust him or not, she told him she can't marry him. 

To show his sincerity, Alex Fong said he will wait for her. 

That's a good ending, to me.

I lost count of the number of times he used her so I don't think she should marry him. 

At the same time, he might really have changed. He might have really loved her all along but he wanted fame more. 

TBH, in real life, WALK AWAY, GIRL. Don't be so dumb. 

Plenty of fish out there. 

Good problems

You know, spring cleaning is always a chore! 

Ok. These aren't mine. 

But I really want that vintage Hermy the horse. 

Oats and porridge

Let's see how many types of porridge mum can come up with! 

I feel so bad for myself. Late last year I had a wisdom tooth surgery. This month again. In less than a month, it'll be a dental implant. So much trauma in such a short time. Not to mention X-Ray exposure. 

Once and for all

Update: what?! It was two wisdom teeth. Top and bottom. I was not prepared for that! I didn't even know I had a wisdom tooth on the upper jaw. So glad it's over now. I feel so faint yet I've to walk home. Ugh. 

The second wisdom tooth to be removed. 

I hope I don't shake like I did when I removed the first. 

Always the case

Bridges are fascinating

I love bridges. I find them fascinating especially the mammoth bridges. 

I am in awe everytime I go on Tsing Ma Bridge or Stonecutters Bridge that overlook the massive port of Hong Kong.

Considering the size of these structures and Hong Kong's susceptibility to typhoons, they're indeed an engineering marvel. 

Everything happens for a reason

Had I not accidentally left my tablet behind in SG during my leave (before CNY), I would not have been desperate enough to attempt taking a bus back to Singapore. At that time, the usual BP-SG cab that I take was charging double fare for CNY period. 

If I had not known how to take the bus, I wouldn't have been able to make the quick trip home yesterday to "pai Ti Kong (Jade Emperor)."

The fireworks that went off near my aunt's house were spectacular. The red crackers could be heard for about 30 minutes, set off by houses all around. Many houses set off more than one strip of red crackers. The Jade Emperor's birthday is a big deal in Batu Pahat. 

I'm so thankful to be able to make this trip home. 

I've serious packing to do now. 

Best Flight Ever, tomorrow! 

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is also Ren Ri 人日 (7th Day of the lunar new year).

I mean, is it a coincidence that God created Adam & Eve on the 7th Day?

Seeing that Christianity is the most widespread religion in the world, and the Chinese is the largest race group in the world, let's all agree that on the 7th Day we were created.

So Happy Birthday to us, and Happy Valentine's too!

Love one another and make the world a better place.

A little bit of fairytale

"Na Doo Rim. If you can't come to me, I'll go to you." - Choi Kang Ju. 

The best line from Bride of the Century, episode 13. 

Ti Kong poh pi!

I have decided. 

I'll make a one-night trip home for the Jade Emperor's birthday this year. 

It's the most important day for Hokkiens. Batu Pahat being a town of mostly Hokkiens, the crackers and fireworks that go off are more than that of those welcoming the lunar new year. 

My future in-laws being Hokkiens will also be celebrating this big day so again this will be the last at home T_______T 

I realize I'm so torn about this whole marriage thing.

My advise to whoever who hasn't found her other half: marry an Ang Moh (so CNY is always YOURS, at your side of the family) or marry someone from your hometown. 

The last 10 days

It was my last Chinese New Year at home so I took a very long break. 

Everything was nice and dandy. 

Didn't do very much but that's what Home is for. You just laze around in the comforting surrounding that you know best. 

There was food, awesome food and birds nest soup. I also met-up with a friend from afar. 

Then there was le petit prince and visiting 5 bridal boutiques with Chin Shi. There's so much room for improvement in BP. A town of wealthy people with little options. 

A visit to my late grandmother's house (now known as kuku's house) also brought about many surprises. The whole house has a fresh coat of paint. Much-deserved, I'd say. Although the colour schemes stayed the same but the place definitely looked brighter and better. And I was surprised also to see furniture from my old house there now. Kuku should have changed the old ones away a long time ago. Now things look much better. New cabinet, new shoe rack and new TV console that replaced an old trophy cabinet. 

Then of course there's the most important meal of the year - the reunion dinner. The last for me in BP T____T

I will never get used to eating at another place without my family. 

And came New Year's Day, today, I had half a day at home before I had to leave for Singapore. 

Still collecting red packets... Everyone who gave me one didn't fail to remind me it's my last time at the receiving end. But of course, as usual, mum and dad get red packets from me regardless of marriage status. 

May the Monkey God bring good fortune and good health to all my family and friends.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

 

:@

FIRST THING HE SAYS IN THE MORNING!!! 

Where's the gray matter?!

Ruining my morning. GREAT. 

All we need is sleep

And we are like sleeping dogs - DO NOT DISTURB WHEN ASLEEP! 

Spring is here

According to the Chinese calendar, today is Li Chun. I think it means today is the start of Spring! 

Winter blues be gone! 

The big sister and the little prince is coming back today. 

I hear he is a little hard to handle now - let's see! 

Meanwhile I almost broke my own record of finishing a drama series in 3 days but argh, no didn't get to. Now aiming for 4 days. Today seems like a busy day but I'm sure it's doable.