You Lighten Up My Days

Written by Lilian Choo
Dedicated to Yian Nee and Sean (Chu Hor)

You came into my life to lighten up my days
I am so happy and have so much to say
With your presence, my darkness turns into light
My fears into hope, my worries into delight
You are the one I cherish and adore
I can’t ask for anything more

As you whispered passionate words into my ear
I got the message loud and clear
Deed inside me sparks with such desire
The sensuality in your eyes could set ice on fire
I long to be in your warm embrace
With your everlasting love and grace

I saw the warmth in your eyes and it helped me to see
That we would dance together for all eternity
I know you are the one right from the start
You become first priority in my heart
I treasured every moment with you, I feel so safeBeing in your arms there is no better place

I never stop thinking about the love we shareYou're always on my mind and nothing can compareIf only we could sing a song
With phrases of love so strong
With the sweetest notes, soaring the skies above Our hearts take flight reaching out with love.

A Tale of Three Loyal Friends: Bubbles, Snoopy & Twinkie

Twinkie - My mum's faithful bodyguard. This cute Shih Tzu follows mum wherever she goes.

More stories to come....

Ain't it Amazing?

Ribs to Die For

Yian Nee cooked me the most delicious pork ribs last night. She named it "Baobei ribs" - Baobei meaning "precious". It tasted good as she added a generous amount of LOVE, marinated with wine, chilli sauce, vinegar and garnished with oriental spices. Lovely! You would have thought she ta pau it from Tai Tong, but I saw her dishing it out of the wok... much to my amazement.

Ask her to cook you her mouth-watering Baobei Ribs, the next time you see her :) Bon Apetit!

Xiao Bai Tu

Xiao Bai Tu means "lil' white rabbit" (in Mandarin). Don't you feel like cuddling one? Just like the pix above, these fluffy lil' mammal radiates a warm fuzzy aura. I have my own Xiao Bai Tu at home too -- she's gentle, cute, soft hearted & comforting. Can't wait to see my lil' rabbit tonight.

Since we are on the topic of rabbit & Easter is just 3 days away, I may as well steal a paragraph or two from Wikipedia about The Easter Bunny.

"The Easter Bunny is a mythical character depicted as an anthropomorphic rabbit. In legend, the creature brings baskets filled with colored eggs, candy and toys to the homes of children on the night before Easter. The Easter Bunny will either put the baskets in a designated place or hide them somewhere in the house for the children to find when they wake up in the morning.
The Easter Bunny is very similar in trait to its Christmas holiday counterpart, Santa Claus, as they both bring gifts to good children on the night before their respective holiday. Its origin is disputed but the character was mentioned as early as 1600; some trace it to alleged pre-Christian fertility lore,[1] others to the role of the hare in Christian iconography.

Btw, Happy Easter & no more "satay arnab" fom Kajang!

Ruins of an Old Church

I like this shot. It gives an aura of sacred mystery, just like our faith in God -- it's old and ancient, yet it trancends ages and draws us to this mysterious relationship with Him.

By Ng Yian Nee (in response to the poem entitled "Destiny" I believe)

Yes, I remember you telling me that there was a sense of deja vu -- as though we had met before. Since the first day we first met, you have always cheered me up... you gave me happiness and loving surprises that I had never expected. You love me more than what I thought, more than what I expected. I treasure your love, I appreciate your love. More importantly, just know that I love you very much. Thank you for the poem.

Brides (or Groom) for Sale - An Expose

"You gotta be kidding!"

Nope, I'm not. Shockingly, it's still happening in Malaysia and many parts of Asia. The family of the bride or groom (depending on culture) still expects to get a dowry. I was pretty shocked when an urban, sophisticated friend of mine actually asked for a dowry.... Who would ever think such a thing could happen in the Year of our Lord 2009! Perhaps they are still stuck in the years Before Christ (BC) - think Old Testament dowries to bundle away the bethrothed.

Get a life! You're not for sale. Even if you're up for sale, please ask for more and not just "cho khuan, cho khuan RM10,000 - 50,000). Your love cannot be represented by money (even in the name of culture). It's something intimate between the two of you -- one that's to be cherished for life.

Stop dowry, wang hantaran, whatever you call it -- it's daylight usury! If your partner insists, ask him or her -- is my love more important or what society/parents think? Oops, I'm gonna get stoned for this. If I die, so be it, at least I spoke my mind.

Is it Worth it?

That's the question I shoot back whenever someone asks "Aren't you guys gonna hire a professional wedding photographer"? In Malaysia, the majority of couples pay a ransom to freeze that "once in a lifetime picture perfect moment". This social norm is so ingrained in the Malaysian psyche that people often gullibly, "peer-pressuredly", or willingly sign up for pre-wedding shots, wedding-day shots, videography sessions and what nots for a hefty price. Based on my own research, local professional photographers charge anywhere between RM1,500 - RM12,000 per session (pardon me, is Malaysia spared from the recession?).

Truth be told, who will look at those beautiful photos say a month or two after your wedding? Sure, most of us would look gorgeous and beautiful in those snapshots (thanks to Photo Shop), but don't you think it will just gather dust, fade, turn yellow or be moth eaten after years being kept in your boudoir? Just ask around and many would say "I regret taking all those photos"... alas, the vanities of life.

Worst still, are you really gonna pester you friends, children, & grand children to flip through the musty album that never seems to end? Spare them the agony, and patch up your pockets. Get a friend who is into amateur photography or (if you are lucky enough) a photographer who happens to be your friend to do it for you FOC.

Ours will be snapped by our future brother-in-law who lives for photography and another friend who happens to be a pro! We'll be frozen in time very soon... :)

Ring of Love

Most people keep in mind the 5C's when selecting a diamond ring. To me, the 5Cs after the ring selection matters more, as it will be "the ring of love" that binds our marriage together. The ultimate 5Cs are:
1. Commitment - to love each other, family, community & God
2. Care
3. Communication
4. Courage - to stand up for each other, to rise above challenges
5. Companionship

A Love Letter Pour Homme

By Yian Nee

The first thought that came to my mind was "Wow...he is so tall". He charmed me with his angelic face and smile. I was surprised to meet him. I never did expect to see such a charming guy on that fateful day in Queensbay Mall.

At first, he did not noticed me when I walked near him. I waited for him to say "hello". I looked at him while he talked. His big brown eyes were fascinating. He wore a simple white T-shirt. Finally, he noticed me and politely said “nice meeting you”. I gazed into his beautiful eyes and smiled.

After the meeting, I received his very first sms -- wishing me a safe journey to KL (as I was travelling to KL that afternoon). My heart overflowed with joy. Each day, I hoped that I would see him again. I prayed that if he was the one, God will let us meet again. He did.

We always have great times together no matter what we are doing. He taught me everything about loving someone dearly. I love him more and more with each passing day. He has a beautiful, kind and loving heart. Best of all, he is also a sweet and romantic person.

At times, he surprises me with romanic overtures -- one day, I found our photo encased in a beautiful Laura Ashley frame lying at the entrance of my apartment. Oh…he is my Prince Charming. He is indeed a blessing to me. He showed me his sincere love and puts a smile on my face everyday.

Chu Hor, thanks for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Thanks for accepting my imperfections and shortcomings. Thanks for being there when I needed a shoulder to lean on. You make me feel loved and appreciated. You are my true love, soul mate and companion. I will always cherish and adore you. Honey, I just want you to know how happy I am to have you in my life. You will always be in my heart.

I vow to love you forever.

Destiny

Would you believe me
If I said we are destined for eternity
The first time I saw you
I felt I knew you
It's almost a feeling that we met before
Sounds crazy, but it's predestined
That we should be together, forever
Oh I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
But you are right beside me
Reliving our special moment, day by day

It must be destiny...

Lovebirds

Two lovebirds have started flapping their wings, soaring towards their abode of love & felicity. As in any other love nests, ocassional ruffling of feathers may occur. So, come fly with us...cheer us on, and encourage us as we rise above the clouds.

Wedding Bells are Ringing

Yian Nee & Chu Hor will tie the knot on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

Venue
E&O Hotel
10, Farquhar Street,
Georgetown,
Penang

Tea Ceremony
Time: 5:30pm
Venue: Arshak Suite, E&O Hotel
Note: Relatives are invited for this ceremony

Holy Matrimony
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: The Conservatory (Garden Verandah), E&O Hotel
Note: Ceremony to be presided over by Rev. Christopher Tan, Vicar of Christ Church.

Wedding Banquet
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Grand Ballroom, E&O Hotel
Note: Formal Attire / Batik
Guests will be serenaded by a jazz quartet

Ripping Off Cinderella's Gown

"What if people tear my Cinderella gown into shreds, turning it into a heap of rags (in their mind) even before the clock strikes twelve?"
I'm sure this question has crossed the thoughts of many brides-to-be as they carefully select a wedding gown, fearful that people may critically judge her attire on this ocassion of a lifetime.
Thankfully, Yian Nee just knew what she wanted the moment she laid her eyes on "that perfect wedding gown". She was picture perfect in it. I dare not reveal more, less she chatises me for stealing the thunder away from "The Day". All I can say is that she picked a classy bias-cut gown that comes with duchesse satin detailing. See for youself on October 24.

For the brides-to-be out there, be inspired by Vera Wang wedding gowns: http://www.verawangonweddings.com/

Falling In Love

By Chu Hor
Many months ago, I hit the ultimate jackpot. It did not come in the form of cash or jingling coins, but a truffle more tantalizing. She walked breezily towards me, trailing behind a friend. Her eyes were twinkling, an instant attraction. As I gazed upon her long shapely legs, she gave me a coy smile – Cupid’s “lethal arrow” – that instantaneously pierced my heart and made me captive to her feminine charms. Ah, the hair --- who can ever forget that. Thick, luscious and enchantingly wavy, it crowned her head like a perfect tiara. I was awestruck, words failed me, and I simply said “Hello, nice meeting you” followed by a barrage of nonsensical chatter, the perfect antithesis to enamoring a goddess. Like a teenager driven by raging hormones, I fell head over heels for her over a simple brunch – a simple affair of Dim Sum. The faster my heart palpitated, the more siew mai & har kau I dished onto her plate. She gamely ate it up, her delicate lips daintily eschewing morsels of food. She was picture perfect at the table. Alas, it was time to let her go. But she promised to “keep in touch”. That kept my heart aflutter. Meekly & anxiously I waited & foolishly strategized, till I mustered enough courage to ask her out again. When we met, her sweet nature and razor sharp mind overwhelmed me with a burning desire to be hers, and hers only. Yian Nee, you are my one and only love, and I will love you forever. You brought out the best in me and completed my life. What else can I ask for… Amor para siempre, me amiga y companero!

The Holy Week

I may be a tad mischievious and naughty, but I know my redeemer lives. Here's a brief explanation of the holy week, taken from Wikipedia:

Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomada Sancta or Maior Hebdomada, "Greater Week") in Christianity is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter. It includes the religious holidays of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) and Good Friday, and lasts from Palm Sunday (or in the Eastern, Lazarus Saturday) until but not including Easter Sunday, as Easter Sunday is the first day of the new season of The Great Fifty Days. It commemorates the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ culminating in his crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Christ the Lord is Risen today!

Damp, Damned, Dam

She looked picture perfect in white, just like Ms. Armani from Giorgio's private collection. Well, I walked with Ms. Armani down the road encircling Ayer Itam dam and heard some old ladies say "Siao lian kay gia siao eng kee lai hip siao eng kah phak thor...wa lang siao lian eh si ma si oo" (English translation: Young people are bringing their cameras to the dam to shoot photos & date. We also did the same thing when we were young) . We had a good laugh, when we realized they were referring to us.

Anyway, it started to pour and my vain Ms. Armani started trotting towards the guard post for shelter. She ditched me in an attempt to stay dry (and avoid being an involuntary participant of a Wet T-Shirt contest) and thus, I had to run all the way downhill to the car park, fire up the engine and pick up her highness from the shelter. What a wet wet "dam" day...

Vanity Strikes

I know, I know you're thinking I'm a vain lil' b*stard posing like a sack of potatoes. Yeah I admit my vanity got the better of me when I modelled the new Esprit shirt given to me by Yian Nee. (The original price was pretty steep, but Yian Nee grabbed it during an 80% sales frenzy in Hong Kong). Vanity aside, I'm bulging on all sides literally. Yian Nee says my man boobs are size 39, my middle Kindom has conquered 34 inches of mushy mass, and my bum, don't even mention it.... Fitness First, you suck! After 1 year of hard physical labor, this is what I reap.

How I wish I had the killer abs of Dolce & Gabana's gang rapists (see pix). My new mantra is "six packs, flat abs" -- I wonder how long it will take for me to get those. Dolce & Gabana seems to suggest that any hot chick will willingly open her legs wide and be a chiang chian victim (if you're a "banana", find out from your Chinese-ed friend what this terms means) by some dick head with abs of steel. Wish I had that.

Benjamin Button's Sister

Some people never grow old -- like Benjamin Button. Rumors has it that Bejamin Button has a Chinese sister called Yu An living in Malaysia. The "younger" she grows, the more bubbly she becomes. Just look at her face -- it speaks a million words -- heart melting, charming, and cute (all together now"Awwwww...so sweet". Anyway, I saved her from doing the yearly blow job -- oops, I mean blowing the candle. Greedy me attacked her slice of high-fibre cake as soon as it arrrived. Without much thinking I scooped a generous chunk of her cake onto my plate -- alas, the damage was done. No candle should ever crown a gaping cake, that looked like an abandoned Kinta Valley lombong bijih timah after it has been dredged.

As usual, our ex-KDU gang came late leaving the birthday girl at the mercy of your truly & his better half. Here's a preview of the attendees & why they are always late:

1. Gheebs (Ah Beng Ko): "Haiyah, told you all go near near to Queensbay also dun want. Make me drive far, far go to e-Gate, so of course late lah. You know petrol price increase liao. Nearer better, no want to go Gurney area lah. Late, mah late lorr."

2. Nickie (one of the twins): "It's always my (twin) sister lah... always so slow in using the bathroom and some more steal my clothes, make me late nia. Also so hot, better wait for sun to set before venturing out".

Nickie, we know the real reason lah -- weren't you see humping Adrian at the back of your Satria?

3. Pinkie (the other twin): "Vice versa...refer to my sis' statement".

4. Tee Khoon: "Although I literally live a stone's throw away from e-Gate, i had to powder my nose and put on SKll (yeah, we can literally throw a batu kerikir from Secret Recipe e-Gate to his house).

5. Yian Nee: A lawyer. No further comments (hehehe...better not say anything otherwise i will kena chiang chian in court)

What a wonderful, endearing bunch!