Chinese Wedding Date - FINALISED !

After countless postpone and delays, my Mom had finally decided to set Paul and my Chinese Wedding for 4th Oct 08 (Sat) !

For that event, I have been seriously and constantly warned by my BFF- Tricia that there will be tons of preparation and numerous running around in circles to get everything arranged and in order. As for how many circles to run, I'm still clueless but somehow in my dream world, I don't think there is any for I have 2 BFFs who had already started the foundation work.

Thank God for my BFFs - Tricia and Cecilia. They had investigated the venue, negotiated with the banquet personel about waiver Service charge and will now even assist to arrange with the banquet personel to reserve the date for me. Thus no stress in that department. Even right down to searching for a photographer and hunting down a make-up artist, Tricia had covered that area too.

My task ? Well, to bring my mom to the venue and confirm the menu. How difficult can that be right ? WRONG - Apparently when my mom list down the giantic and never ending list to me, I swear my head was spinning in all directions and I'm hyperventilating.

All in all, to me (in my dream land), everything seems to be in control and in order. Again, Tricia had warn me it's not that easy and simple.... OK, so for now I'll mentally and physically prepare myself for the truma and hopefully no drama. As for the Groom, I've given him warning and officially inform him of his role to play during the wedding - To totally submit himself towards any request and demand that my mom target at him. I also assured him while patting his head with "Don't worry, my mom wouldn't throw you into a cage full of hungry lions nor an ocean filled with sharks". Ok, maybe I minimise that assurance a little and hide the total truth from him but even me is unsure of the dangers and traps that lies ahead. But hey, if I'm going down in flames, he's coming with me too hahahah. Oh, his reply was "I will do whatever that is needed but I will not drink (alcohol) during the dinner".

Yes, back to the crutial and main focus of any Chinese Wedding - The Toasting and The Drinking aka Drink, get drunk and be merry. With his standing instruction, Paul had now added another item to my "To-Do list" - to hunt and gather any alcoholics with me for the toasting *sigh*.

Okay, ANY VOLUNTEERS is greatly and enternally appreciated !

Progress !

Yesterday Paul and me went for our "walk through" and orientation for our new house. Purpose for that trip - To hunt down with a magnifying glass on any flaw in the house or any other issues with the yard etc. Conclusion - A list of about 15 items to touch up and repair.

Currently the Builder, our Realtor and our Mortgage company is shooting for 4th Feb as our Closing Date. After the Closing Date, we'll be able to move in any time we desire. However, we're still waiting for a crutial piece of document call Financial Standing from my bank before we can have our Closing date planned as wanted. On my stand, the ironic part is - Why the heck do they want a copy of my Financial Standing when the mortgage loan is not even in my name ??? Don't know why but apparently that's how the mortgage company require.

I'm super excited and relief that things had progress to this stage as it's been a tough and rough journey. Another motivation, my SIL - Sommer had volunteer to be my home designer/decorator. A super sonic key figure which I NEED cause I am really clueless about how to make a home look warm and cosy.

For me, my ideal house is everything in white, including walls, furnitures, top to bottom -EVERYTHING ! With her help, I'm sure it'll be smoking ! The splendid part is, Paul had endorsed on Sommer's taste. Yup, Paul actually said: "Sommer have great taste". That to me is like "Thank God, me and Sommer don't have to fight with him with whatever decision we made then !!!" Wooohooo.... more shopping awaiting for us !!!

Hello, How are You ?

I managed to talk to my mom yesterday and despite at 10.30pm (Singapore time), Darrius is still up and going like a rocket. I'm like "Mom, isn't it past his bedtime ?" My Mom's reply was "Well, he had a snoring competition with Rachael during his nap and he did have a long nap, thus he's fully charged now." How lucky is that rascal, cause my mom was super strict with me and now she's like "he did have a long nap."

I was again reminded that the triplets are in pre-school now. PRE-SCHOOL !!! But they were still in my arms before I left for US and they still need help with their tri-cycle and they didn't even sprout a word then !!!

REALITY CHECK - Now they are in Pre-School and their favourite sentence is "What's this ?" That magic sentence drove my mom bonkers. Last night, Darrius took over the phone from my mom and we had our first conversation. His first question to me was "Hello, How are you ? I'm fine, Thank You." Imagine when he asked me "How are you?" He didn't pause for my reply but just continued with "I'm fine, Thank You." That immediately made me , my mom and my SIL on the other end bursting with laughters. How adorable is he...and my SIL immediately corrected him with "No, Darrius, ask How are You and wait for Gugu (aunt) to reply."

TAKE 2 - Darrius: "Hello, How are you?" and this time I replied with "I'm fine, Thank you and you're a very clever boy." When my mom took over the phone, she asked me what I said to him cause Darrius was smiling. That very instant, I wish I'm in Singapore hugging my favourite boy in the world. Yes, again it took tons of strength from me not to burst with tears cause Darrius always have a special place in my heart and it's clear and in the open that I favour him more than his sisters. I know that's bad and something I should change but it's a weakness that I can't restrict myself.

Regardless, check out their pic in their school uniform. I can't wait to bring them to school and have them tell me what went on in their school etc....

(Darrius, Renee and Rachael)

P/S : Renee is eldest, followed by Darrius and Rachael)

Eye Doctor

Yesterday, I accompanied Paul to have his eye checked by the Optometrist whom I like to call them the "Eye Doctor". Somehow it reminded me of my tag along trips with my girl pals when they collect or have their glasses made and that's when I'll tag along and have my eyes tested for FREE. I always think that it's neat to wear glasses as you'll have tons of frame to choose from. Like another accessory such as bags, shoes or ear-rings. Apparently those who need glasses claim that I'm insane.

In US, you NEED to pay to have your eyes tested and that sucks. So no FREE testing for me. But it's interesting to see Paul's eyes dilated and how his pupil expand to an enormous size almost same like Moocher's pupil blooming when he's curious or fixated at something. But no, I still don't need glasses though I read with dim lights (super bad habit) and never seem to care much or any abt my eyes.... I reckon I'm blessed in a certain way.

Don't worry folks, Paul's eyes is in working condition. He simply require a new pair of glasses as "the power" in his lens require upgrading. I guess that's what it's call in the professional term...

Mooch is still a sweet pea, at least to me. Check out this picture of him which my MIL sent me. I feel that this picture capture Mooch's character - curious and sweet all at the same time. A sort of good news to share is at 5.30am now, Mooch doesn't "meow" as intense as he used to. But we still have a long way to go to teach him not to do that at all or at least not at 5.30am !

Is it Attachment or Addiction ???!!!

Last night, Paul commented that for the past few days, I am getting very attached or addicted to Mooch. I'm not sure which is which or what is what, cause I was busy petting Mooch when Paul made his comment. Personally, I think he's not used to me devoting all or most of my attention to Mooch such as sharing a couch and even snuggling with Mooch as compared to me and Paul snuggling together like we used to.

Thus today, I've decided to spend my day with my neglected husband. We spent the entire noon driving to his various job site. Yes, I figure that will prove to him that I can detach myself from Mooch and it's not like the addiction that he claim. And I must admit that we enjoyed each other's company just making fun and laughing at other drivers.

Upon returning home, I took my shower and lie on the couch. Before I managed to get too comfortable, and with no invitation, Mooch jumped up and snuggle right next to me. I figure he had claim my evening now since I've spent the noon with Paul. Yes, Mooch just lie there and let me pet him while he just purr gently. Tell me, how can anyone not love Mooch ? It's like all the time spent on him is well worth it when he's purring to me.

Yah, Paul snapped this pic of us getting cosy in the couch together as a prove to my addiction or attachment. Whichever is which, Paul is off to school now and it's just me and Mooch spending quality time together now hahahahah

Arrrgghhhh !!!

My family and friends are unable to comprehend the fact that I am a pet owner. The kind that I can physically pet and touch. Yes, never in my wildest dream would I even believe that I own a pet or cat but I do now. And now that I own a cat, I've discover that all my friends belong to the Anti-Cat Clan.

As weird as it seems, all the negative thoughts in the past about pet have vanished (almost all) and I'm beginning to enjoy every bit of it. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still want to skin Moocher alive when he wake me up at 5.30am each morning for wet food. And he only want wet food despite the dry food is there available for him 24/7.

This morning was when the intensity to slaughter him was the strongest. I was ready to reach for my butcher knife when he woke me up at 3.30am for food. YESSS, 3.30am, that devil !!! And it's cold about 5 deg this morning and the sky was still dark. I drag my butt out of the cosy and warm bed to feed him. When I thought it was over, I climb back to bed and get comfy. Before I even snuggle long enough, Mooch starts meowing again. This time, it's Paul's turn to get out of bed and get Mooch out of the house. Yes, I feel bad that he's freezing his butt outside when it's cold. But we reckon he either want to do his "business" or look for his friend to play. Did I mention that Mooch have found a friend in our neighbourhood ?

Yah, we spotted Mooch with another cat together across our neighbour's yard. Despite the early mornings that we want to kill him, he's still lovable the entire time.

Check out the pic of him jumping into my lap yesterday. Yes, he jumped up right next to me and want me to let me pet him, so Paul snap the winning photo.

P/S : Here's another pic of him now, sleeping after his episode with us last night.

Anniversary Celebration !

Yes, it's definately a day for both of us to celebrate and rejoyce. I know there are some couples out there who have been married for years longer than us and think that we're being naive for rejoycing way too early in our marriage but here's what I say to those folks - "BITE ME" ! hahhahaha

I'm definately grateful to my BFFs, who wrote to wish me aka Tricia, who rang to wish me aka Sommer and who sliently congratulate me aka Cecilia. Having these 3 BFFs in my life make everyday a superfun day. As for Paul, he bring the sunshine to my life =)

Here's what we did for our Anniversary dinner. After rounds of brainstorming, should we return to the same restaurant where we went a year ago on our "wedding" day or should we go for a salad place since Paul is craving for salad or maybe even be adventurous and have Thai food. After much debate, we went back to where we go a year ago and it was wonderful. Paul had his salad and his steak as well. As for me, being the dieheart dessert girl, my husband decide to bring me to a special place for dessert. And no matter how much and hard I asked him about the location, he claim it's a surprise.

After our super heavy dinner, we postpone dessert and went for a movie - "The Bucket List" as an interval and the movie sure brought us tons of laughters. Next, for my surprise dessert place ?! Paul drove us to this place call Melting Pot and both of us have never been there. Melting Pot ?? Yah, they serve fondue and it's supersonic good. I had fondue before but never in this atmosphere or the variety served. We were seated at a quiet and dark booth and it's very romantic. Next came the melted chocolate with an assortment of fruits, cheesecake, marshmellow, pound cake for us to dip in. I'm positive that I've died and gone to hell and back when I had my first bite of cheesecake dip in chocolate ! Overall, both of us had a great night. Thought Paul's heart stopped for a brief second when he received the bill for the fondue but to me, it's worth every single penny.

I know Paul really went the extra mile for me since he's not a dessert person, nor is he big on surprises and he's the typical male who don't believe in going the extra mile. But for me, he went for the homerun and I adore him even more for making the effort ! =)

It's our 1 yr Anniversary !!!!

WOOHOOOOO !!! We've made it, today is our 1 yr wedding anniversary and somehow I'm feeling "wow".

During this entire year of marriage, there's tons of drama, truma, minor hickcups, major turbulance, fun and laughters too. But like the saying "Life is not a bed of roses", that apply to marriage as well. Friends have told me that the early few years of marriage is difficult and I have to agree with them. There are days when we are the world's best friends who can laugh with each other and there's days when we want nothing more than just to kill each other in one swift move. Did I mention that I have discover my ability to love my husband in the morning and filled with intense urge to skin him alive and hang him up for public whipping by noon ? Yah, he have this power to drive me INSANE and boiling HOT !

I have to admit that there are a couple of times when I just want to throw the white towel, withdraw my troops and migrate back to Singlehood town. That's when the mighty powers of my loyal and faithful sisters aka Tricia, Cecilia and Sommer come in. Without their undying support, countless councelling sessions, firm and strong listening ears, I would have said Bye Bye ages ago. For that, I will forever be grateful to them for holding my hand along the way and assuring me that there's light at the end of the tunnel. To which, today is a trumph for me and Paul for we had come a long way....

Yes, today I feel like I've just finish my 1st year in Nursery class and I know we still have a long long way to go. I am almost certain that there'll be more truma and drama in the coming years to come and almost positive that I will need my sisters for without them, there'll be no me or no marriage of mine to speak of. But regardless of what tomorrow may bring, today I just want to rejoice. WoooHooooo !!!

P/S : Check out these 2 love/jokers of my life .... Yup, taking a nap together, hugging and meeting each other in LALA Land.

My Body Guard !

I would like to think Moocher as my bodyguard now. Even thought that big fur ball can't do much but he certainly is around me all the time as if protecting me from any harm or attackers.

I've been observing him lately that he only leave the house for a long period of time when Paul is with me. Whereas last night when Paul left for school, despite the fact that I left the door open for him to go out and play, the entire time Moocher was a very good boy and stay close by me. When I was alone at home, Mooch just sat near the door on his fluffy towel and enjoy the breeze while looking out the yard from the house.

Later in the evening when I got onto the bed and "chatted" with my pals via MSN, he jumped up and regain his spot on the right corner of the bed. Until Paul's return from school, immediately he ran to the living room away from Paul. It sadden me that Moocher is still afraid of Paul due to the last episode when Paul smack him for biting him. Even when me and Paul was watching TV in bed, my poor moocher sat near the door and meow asking if he can join in. When I instantly pet his spot and invited him in, he jump right in and settled nicely.... yah, he spent the night with us sleeping between us and again like some anxious mom, I whip out my camera and snap pic of him between us.

Oh, the bump behind Mooch, that's Paul's legs and I have to warn him not to move too much incase he accidently kick Mooch. Now, he's having his afternoon nap..... and he look so adorable ! =)

Moocher's night out !

I used to roll my eyes and absolutely despise mothers who ambush their baby like papparazi and capture their every move with the camera. As if karma is out to get me, now I am one of the despised mom. Yah, my target - my newly adopted baby, Moocher.

As weird as it seems since he's twice my age in cat years but he still purr at me whenever I pet him and meow when he wants something from me. And I see him as my baby. At this point, I wonder if Paul is getting jealous of Moocher or think that I am obessed with him cause he kept telling me to leave the Cat alone hahahaha But I know Paul adores Moocher as much as me.

Last evening after dinner, I decided to sit at our backyard and enjoy the breeze. Within a few minutes, Moocher was right beside me like a child waiting for permission to roam and I pet his head and told him "It's okay, go and play, I'll be here". As if he really understand me (perhaps he does), he leap and start sniffing at everything in the grass and kept looking around as if there's anyone out there ambushing him and little did he know that the only one who ambush him is me with my camera, ready to snap pictures of him doing even the simplest thing such as sniffing at the grass or just walking around inspecting our neighbour's yard. About 30 minutes later, I decided to return back into the house and there he was right next to me.

I think he had too much fun outside cause around 11pm, when I was watching TV, he started meowing like he wants something. After going throught the ritual (as I've yet learn to distinguish and decode his meow), I finally open the door and thought perhaps he want to go potty. Soon 10 mins turn to 30 mins and despite me calling out for him, he didn't return. I was starting to worry and wonder if he had been kidnapped and on his way to another state or even to Mexico. When I told Paul about it, who was already happily snoring in his LALA Land, he mumble something to me and then return back to even heavier snoring.

By 12 midnight and there's still no sight of him, I figure he is either really been kidnapped or he had decided to run away from home or maybe met a girlfriend down the streets and decide to just go roaming around with her/him (cats can be gay too right ???). Thus I close all doors and proceed to meet Paul in Lala Land.

Early this morning, the first thing when Paul woke up at 5.30am, my very first word to him are "Open the door and look for Mooch". 5 mins later, Paul report back to base and told me "Moocher is in the house and having his breakfast". That's when I resume back to Lala Land in peace.

When I woke up, he was again, rubbing himself against me and purring happily. But I reckon he's super exhausted from last night's rendervous as he's on my bed in LALA Land and I would like to imagine that he's there jumping and hoping around or chasing after grasshoppers. Check out his pics from last evening !

We Adopted !

Like a family heirloom, Moocher was found by my SIL, Sommer when he was around 2 yrs old and she kept him with her for about 4 years. During the entire time with Sommer, he wasn't the tame pussy cat but rather a brat, who is mean and at times even bite her. Moocher was then given to my MIL but I would like to think that he was sent to rehab for an anger management issue thus being so mean to Sommer. Cause I can't comprehend why anyone or any living thing would ever be mean to Sommer.

My MIL kept Moocher for another 4 years during then, he was trained good and got rid most of his meaness. By now Moocher is around 10yrs old in human years and 60 yrs old in Cats yrs. Unfortunately my MIL's husband or rather my Step-FIL is a member of the Anti-Cats clan (Oh, a few of my friends are also members of that clan and at one point, me too was a fellow member !). As unwilling as she is and painful for her to go through, she brought Moocher back to Sommer. Unknowingly, Sommer's funny husband, Pete is also a fellow member of the Anti-Cats clan hahahahah Now that put Moocher's fate hanging in the air if he was going to be send to some ophanage for Cats or be adopted by my BIL (Paul's older brother, Casey) who himself have 2 puppies and 2 cats (yes, it's like a mini zoo in his house).

For those of you who know me, is aware of my phobia for Cats and Dogs. Yes, I do own pets before but they are Beta fish and basically live in their bowl, swimming around in circles all day and require no petting, attention or affection. Neither do they sniff me nor bark at me which make it even sweeter - Yah, it's like a match made in heaven.

One of my ultimate phobia is the Cat or Dog attacking me by scratching me which will then disfigure me for life or bite a piece of flesh off me and cause me to bleed to a bloody death. Yah, I admit, I am one big paranoid and super imaginative being.

With Moocher's fate hanging in the air, I told Paul about the situation and immediately he was like "But Moocher is my buddy, he used to sleep on my belly at night and come to me when I call him. I don't want him to be spending the rest of his life in some ophanage or in a mini zoo left to fend for himself." Okay, BIG PROBLEM here ! Here is my husband who want to rescue Moocher, his buddy and there is me - His wife who is terrified of Cats and Dogs and now need to seriously entertain the idea of fighting with my phobia 24/7 under the very same roof to which in my unknown and wildest dream will lead to sharing the very same bed with a cat too.

So within an hour of my conversation with Paul, I wrote to Sommer telling her "We want to adopt Moocher". Seriously, was I experiencing another "Out of Body" experience when I told her that ???!!! After my episode of hyperventilation, I regain my conscience and think "Hey, it would be a good opportunity to get over my fear and maybe learn to love a Cat without focusing on all the negative things about them. And maybe, just maybe it will be a good training ground and chance for me lure out my "Parenting" skills and discover the nurturing side of me (if any) hahahahh

So within a week of my email to Sommer, I start to get excited and wonder when will this notorous Cat march into my door. Then on Day 1 of his arrival, he jumped into my bed and when I tell him "No, get off the bed", he actually hiss at me and that's when I raised my voice, slap the bed and tell him "NO". I always joke with Pete that I'll train Moocher to jump into the oven and then we'll have some roast cat. That moment, I wanted to realise that joke into reality. Hahahaha

Oh, there is another time when he try to bite me and I scolded him and told him "Without me, you wouldn't have any food to eat or water to drink so you better be nice to me." Since then, he have gather his act together and look at me like his new mummy. There are times when he is arrogant, adorable with his cute face and defintely very loved by us. He's like our little baby now.

At times when I take a nap, he will jump into the bed with us and have his head face towards the door as if to protect me. When I use the laptop in bed, he will jump and lie on the right corner of the bed to keep me company. He have also claimed the right corner of the bed as his.

I have start learning more about Cats but I am still figuring out Moocher. Like what his various meows mean. Does he want food, water or just to go out and play or go out and attend to his business ? Or does he just want me to pet him and show him some affection and tell him that I love him ?

One morning, when I was preparing his breakfast (wet food), he rub himself against my legs and started purring. Unknowingly, I thought he was complaining that I am taking too long to prepare his meal and I need to hurry up cause he's famished. Later, Paul told me, Cats only purr when they are happy and very contented and they only purr to humans. There are days when he would lie right next to me with his butt against me and again I wonder "What was that about?". Paul would then explain to me that, Moocher's action was to show that he trust me, which is why he is showing me his butt. Did I mention that at times when we're watching TV, he will jump right next to me on the couch and join us watching TV.

Now, at night, when he know that I am getting ready for bed, he will jump right on the bed and lie on the right corner of the bed beside paul's legs like a baby sleeping with his parents. He's a cute ball of fur but he sure need to quit biting cause he bite Paul the other day and cause a good spanking from Paul. Since that episode, I feel that he is more attached to me now like I'm the mummy protecting him from daddy.

Last night when I let him out to play, after a while, I stood at the door calling out his name as I couldn't see him and I don't want him to wander off too far. At my 2nd call, he just came running right to me and cause me to melt inside. Yah, that's rewarding to me that he reconise my voice and know that I am calling out for him.

But the ultimate payback is when he will hunt something and bring it back to me. Apparently that's the highest honor a cat will give to his owner and for that, I will wait patiently (he had done that to my MIL and Paul) ....

Check our baby out....

P/S: I call Moocher the Family Hairloom cause he was found by Sommer, then given to my MIL and is now in my hands. He's like the gem that is given only to the woman in the family. I read somewhere that you don't own a Cat, a Cat own you and that is so true....

My Christmas Goodies !!!

Dear Folks,

Firstly, I apologise for slagging on updating my blog for the past few weeks. Somehow I seem to be insanely occupied during the holiday season but fortunately life is finally back to it's usual pace now.

Secondly, I would like to wish everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and may everyone enjoy love and good health with you and your family. For the Singletons, enjoy your freedom and may you find love and your knight in shinning armour or princess in a preety gown (that is if you are looking for love). For the Married, enjoy each other and the days that lies ahead. For the Attached, look and think before you leap into the Marriage category hahahaha

After weeks of anticipating for the arrival of Christmas, it came and gone in a flash. It's my 2nd year spent with Paul's family whom I also call my own and it is simply splendid. A holiday filled with tons of laughters and joy is what I really needed. My MIL had drove all the way from North Carolina to be with her children, grandchildren and DILs. I've also spend a lot of time with her and know her now in a different level.

I've also received some of the best Chrismas gift ever and I'm still excited about it. To begin with, the chart topper - Sommer and Pete (but I know all the hunting and searching goes to Sommer and Pete is only the slient partner hahahh) blew my mind off with what she got me. Amazingly, she got me all the chinese goodies like a Chinese Cookbook, Wu Xiang Spice powder, Fortune Sticks and also my Favourite Prawn and Crab crackers - YUMMMMMYYYYY. Just to bring me a little closer to home. I've took a couple of photos to share with you folks but unfortunately I've deposited all the Prawn and Crab Crackers into my belly on my way home from Sommer's place on Chrismas eve after her party hahaahaha Yah, I failed at pacing my speed and controling myself and just have to gobble it all down right after I left her Chrismas Party ! As for the Chinese Fortune Sticks, never in a million years would I be able to find it nor even know that it existed. Currently my nightly routine is to shake the container and ask the fortune bamboo sticks (78 bamboo sticks) about my fortune for tomorrow... yah, Paul join in the fun as well. It's simply neat and awesome !!! Sommer had particularly picked out a fortune stick for me that read " You have made a deep impression on someone dear to you"

Next my MIL got me my favourite Vera Wang's body lotion and shower foam. You can never never go wrong with me when it comes to Vera Wang. And I'm so happy that she remember I'm a big fan of Vera Wang. No, I definately don't think she's implying that I stink and require a good shower hahahah

Then my Husband impressed me with a 7.2 mega pixel Sumsung digital camera. Honestly, I wanted a Canon but I'm beginning to fall in love with how light weight Sumsung is. With it's voice recording and an anti-shake feature and many more options, it sure motivate me to simply snap at everything dead or alive.

I am grateful and touched that my BFFs remember me even when I'm all the way on the other side of the Globe. They send me a cute Christmas card with buttons as ornaments on the Christmas tree and a pink satin cosmetic pouch which I adore so much (Oh, the brand of the pink cosmetic pouch happen to be very sought after as well). Unfortuntely with the long journey, part of the had mirror cracked =( But like the saying "It's the thought that counts" and to me, their effort and thoughts meant everything to me. And one again, I can show off to Paul at how loved I am with my BFFs hahhahaha

Ok, I need to check on my adopted baby now.... Some of you maybe wondering what adopted baby I'm talking about. Well, stay tune and I'll update you folks about it tomorrow. For now, enjoy the pictures.

Luv D