In Year 2008, I........

• Turned 28.
• Took on the responsibility to pay for Long's living expenses in Tassie.
• Quit a high-paying managerial job with the most liberal and understanding bosses.
• Contemplated on buying my own practice, but was advised against it by our accountant after an evaluation of the business.
• Went on holidays with Bee to Tasmania and Perth.
• Left everything behind in Melbourne to move back to KL.
• Received the most memorable marriage proposal and a stunning engagement ring from Bee.
  
• Got (legally) married to Bee.
• Struggled to adjust myself to the madness and frustration of living in my own home country.
• Was terribly annoyed and culture-shocked, on a daily basis, by our fellow coutrymen and the "tidakpa" attitude.
  
• Became terribly homesick of Melbourne.
• Realised that I may not even want to hold on to my Malaysian passport if it wasn't for my loved ones, as I've completely lost faith in the country.
  
• Had some of the biggest arguments with Bee.
• Slowly learned to appreciate my new lifestyle as a stay-at-home wife who does NOT cook or do house chores.
• Came to accept and love Bee's family like my own.
  
• Gained weight as a result of my obsessive compulsive tendency with food.
  
• Turned down 2 very attractive job offers in KL to continue being a full-time bum.
• Discovered that most things in life are not what they appeared to be on the surface.
• Rediscovered the joy of blogging.
• Learned that maybe it's time to grow up.
  

It was a good year. Despite some of the ups and downs.

It was the year Bee and I had our formal Registration of Marriage and tied the knot. It was the year that we got to spend the most time together since we knew each other. It was the year that I began to learn to embrace him for both his strengths and flaws as he's done that for me since the day we met. It was the year that we realised we love each other not only as lovers, but as family too.

It was the year we said "I do".

A Merry Christmas

Indeed.

Bee and I had a quiet day in. Just the two of us.

It's like any other ordinary day at home for us. No Christmas tree, no turkey for dinner, no hanging of mistletoe.

There wasn't much drive to put up decorations or host a Christmas dinner since we were lazy the house hasn't been renovated yet. Instead, we ordered in and snuggled up in bed like two lazy beavers, wiggling our toes to "Go, Tell It on the Mountain".

We didn't even exchange presents this year. My chronic procrastination has gotten so bad that I procrastinated on picking out Christmas presents. @_@ I console myself by thinking that I'm trying to preserve the spirit of Christmas by prolonging the anticipation. Haha.

Last year, when I spent Christmas alone in Melbourne, Bee and I promised each other a white Christmas. The proper way a Christmas should be, he said.

Alas, no thanks to my dwindling bank account and indecisiveness, our much anticipated winter shopping trip to the US of A and Europe has to be postponed. So, no white Christmas for us again.

But this year, Bee and I are together. And married! It's our first Christmas as husband and wife.

If home is where the heart is, then I'm finally home.

And THAT, is how a Christmas should be.

Merry Christmas, baby.

The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping on your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is going to spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although its been said many times, many ways
A very Merry Christmas to you

Christmas Don't Be Late

This song has been ringing in my head for the past few days.

Two more sleeps till Christmas!

Have you done all your Christmas shopping yet?

The Chipmunk Song
(Christmas Don't Be Late)
The Chipmunks

All right you Chipmunks! Ready to sing your song?
-I'll say we are!
-Yeah!
-Let's sing it now!
Okay, Simon?
-Okay!
Okay, Theodore?
-Okay!
Okay, Alvin? Alvin? ALVIN!
-OKAY!!!

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We've been good, but we can't last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.

Okay fellas get ready
That was very good, Simon.
-Naturally.
Very good Theodore.
-Ahhh.
Ah, Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it.
Ah, Alvin. Alvin. ALVIN!
-OKAY.

Want a plane that loops the loop
I still want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late.

Very good, boys
-Lets sing it again! Yeah, lets sing it again!
No, That's enough, lets not overdo it
-What do you mean overdo it?
-We want to sing it again!
Now wait a minute, boys
-Why can't we sing it again?
-[chipmunk chatter]
Alvin, cut that out..Theodore, just a minute.
Simon will you cut that out? Boys...

Who Reads Your Blog?

Few nights ago, I had an episode of paranoia.

It's actually something that's been bothering me for quite a while now. Recent incidents merely intensified the feeling.

What happened was, I found out, by pure coincidence, that the author of a blog I read is married to my ex-boyfriend's college mate. And another blogger, whom I occasionally exchange emails with, is best friend with an old acquaintance of my senior in uni.

Six degrees of separation is only so true. So if you think the world is big, think again.

Think about this, a random google search on "chocolate banana cake from Secret Recipe" actually led me to a blog with my coursemate's wedding photos all over it.

You never know what you're gonna find online, and the world is only this small. Chances are, every once in a while, you're bound to stumble across someone you know of on the net.

Which got me thinking, do I really know who is reading my blog?

No, I'm not worried about strangers reading my blog. But the thought of my family or friends or acquaintances or patients read my blog, gives me goosebumps all over.

This secret space of mine has been an outlet for me to vent and share my thoughts without having to worry about being judged. I love that I'm able to say things freely instead of holding back, I love that I can sound as silly as I want, I love that my statements don't always have to be politically correct, and most of all, I love that people don't know who I am in real life and hence don't expect me to act a certain way.

Does it make sense that I feel more comfortable sharing my uncensored thoughts with people I don't know, instead of people I do know?

All my life, for some reasons beyond me, I've had people probing into my life trying to find things they can exaggerate to 10 times its magnitude just so it's gossip-worthy, I'm sick and tired of it. To think that someone who knows me is secretly stalking and reading about my life, sends chills down my spine.

Maybe I'm over-reacting, but I'm actually considering locking my blog.

Don't get me wrong, I love my readers (you gals know I do) and I'm very honoured that some of you actually enjoy reading my senseless ramblings. I'm just freaking out because of the bad experience I've had with some nosy pests in my life.

Yes it's my decision to put it out there when I started keeping a blog, but I value my privacy. A lot. Contradicting, ey?

Also, the possibility of my (or Bee's) family and relatives finding out about my blog, creeps me out BIG TIME.

Okay, I think I need to go make myself a big cup of chamomile tea to calm my nerves and rethink this over.

What about you? Have you ever wondered who reads your blog?

How to Wear Black Nail Polish Right

I've been wearing black nail polish to nearly all of my formal social events lately, and I'm loving it!

First of all, black nail polish works wonders in adding that extra bit of edge to an otherwise ultra girly or feminine outfit, and hence, prevents you from looking over-polished or trying too hard.

When your chiffon gown almost makes you feel like you belong in the room full of middle-aged aunties showing off jewelleries that cost more than a small flat, this bold varnish simply shows that little bit of edgy personality and separates you from the Stepford wives.

It's been said that black is the new French manicure. When worn correctly, the slight rebellious touch doesn't make you look any less classy or sophisticated, only less generic.

The key to wearing black nail polish right is all in the length of nails.

If the nails are cut too close to the skin, black might make your fingers look stubby and ugly. If the nails are too long, you risk looking like a Halloween witch. The secret to wearing this dark polish trendy, but not tacky, is to have your nails short (finger-tip length, preferably) and well filed in a square shape.

Now, that brings us to the downside of black nail polish - it is high maintenance. Your nails have to be constantly clipped to the proper length and shape, and top coats have to be re-applied frequently to maintain the high gloss finish that is essential for black nail polish to look good. Chipped or uneven nail colour is a big NO-NO.

For someone who can't paint nails to save her life, I've had to frequent nail saloons on a weekly basis to get a new set of manicure and pedicure. And that is if I take good care of them. I comfort myself by thinking that at least I don't have to think of a new colour each and every week, so that makes it better. I guess.

Black is so versatile that it pretty much goes with any colours, so it's perfect if you're as fickle-minded as me and can't decide your outfit till the very last minute. I would, however, avoid wearing it with an all-black outfit (especially long gowns) to avoid looking gothic or too matchy-matchy.

Personally, black nail polish compliments medium or pale skin the most; and I tend to pair it with silver coloured jewelleries, instead of gold ones. I also steer clear of chunky/thick bracelets or necklaces to avoid looking like a wannabe-punk.

But of course, the only rule in fashion is, there are no rules. A little trial and error will help to find your own way of wearing this dramatic but fabulous colour on your nails.

So have fun playing with it and report back. :)

A Quiet Weekend

Bee and I decided to stay in this weekend.

Being the hermits that we secretly are, the past few weeks had been really hectic for us. We're both in serious need of some quiet time to just relax and unwind, away from the crowd and bustles.

Personally, holding a cocktail glass while standing around and mingling with a room full of strangers is WAY more stressful and tiring than holding a full-time job that requires me to work 7 days a week and talking to sick grumpy patients all day long.

But of course, the dressing up and stepping out part is undeniably fun. For the little vain pot in me, the best part about attending all these social functions is having the perfect excuse to go shopping like mad wear those fancy makeup or jewelleries you normally won't and get all dolled up for a night out on the town.

This weekend, however, I'll be happily living in Bee's oversized singlet and baggy pyjamas pants while binging on junk food in bed with my greasy limpy hair. Not forgetting I have heaps of catching up to do on reading and blogging.

I hope your weekend plans are more exciting than mine. :)

So I Said No

After spending hours on the phone consulting my mum and trying to justify my decision, I've finally made up my mind to turn down the job offer.

As tempting as the salary and learning experience it offers, I guess I'm still not quite ready to compromise my professional integrity just because it's the common practise in this country.

"I should've insisted on you coming back to work in Malaysia right after your graduation. Now you've really become rigid and stubborn like they said you would." My mum jokingly said.

"But mum, haven't I always been rigid and stubborn?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Well...that's true." She laughed.

Besides that, I really don't want to be tied down by work now and feel like I haven't rested at all (despite the many other months of being idle) when I return to Melbourne. Also, I would have spent a lot less time with Bee for the next few months, which kinda defeats the purpose of my extended holiday.

My head was a lot clearer after making the decision, but another headache soon followed. I spent the next few hours psyching myself up before I gathered enough courage to call the manager.

I hate having to say no to people, and I suck at it. Big time.

That wasn't the only phone call I had to make. Out of courtesy and respect, I called the uncle to inform him of my decision not to accept the job and thank him for his recommendation. And boy, that was another hard one for me to do.

When it was all done, I exhaled deeply and a rush of relief flowed through my veins.

I don't know whether it was a mistake to pass up such a great opportunity to get me in touch with the local scene, I don't know whether I'll regret it further down the road, I'm just glad that I won't have another night of tossing and turning in bed.

So now I'm gonna sit back, have a cup of hot tea with my latest obsession - chicken floss roll from Bread Story, and try not to think for a while.

Later, peeps.

My First Job Offer in KL

Life works in a funny way.

Just as I'm settling into my new lifestyle as an airhead tai-tai whose biggest concern is whether the tailor finishes alterations of my new gowns in time for the charity gala, I got a job offer.

Out of nowhere, I received a phone call from an uncle's friend, offering me a managerial position with a salary package that's too good to say no to.

Okay, the amount itself is actually much less than what I used to make in Melbourne, but for someone who's as broke as me at the moment, the money sign alone dazzles my eyes. At the very least, with what they're gonna pay me, I won't have to leech off Bee to fund my shopping habit anymore. And hence, less nagging from him. Haha.

The best part is, the employer is very willing to accommodate my schedules. Job starts in January, but I'm allowed to have 2 weeks off to take my mum to her checkup in Cat City and then spend Chinese New Year in Swan City. I'm also able to leave on short notice whenever I decide to return to Melbourne. And I get to pick the days of the week and hours I prefer to work (or not).

It all sounds too good to be true, ey?

But of course, there's a catch. In my line of work, working in Malaysia means that I'll have to deal with the one area that exists in almost all systems around here, one which I find extremely hard to tolerate - the greys. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be to work without a clear and rigid guidelines, let alone compromising my professional integrity just because everyone else is doing it.

That aside, I'm gonna have to give up my freedom as an unemployed bum and be stuck at work for the next few months. No more waking up at 2pm everyday, no more lazing around by the pool, no more long lunches followed by long high teas, and no more unlimited shopping sessions every day of the week.

On top of all the factors to be considered, I'm also burdened by the possibility of offending the uncle who recommended me to his friend if I turned down the job. Yeah I know, it's the Asian in me. :|

It's a tough call, which is why it kept me tossing and turning in bed for the whole night last night. And I woke up today, not having the slightest clue what to say when the manager calls me back later this afternoon.

So yes, life does have a funny way of messing with our heads.