November 19, 2022

Countdown: 28 days to go

There's only 28 days to go before I walk down the aisle. 90% of things on my checklist are done; and yet, the remaining 10% still seems like a lot! So what has been done since my last entry in July? Here's the list:

> Bridal and Reception Outfit - DONE! This was really a concern but after much searching, I finally found two outfits that I love!

> Bridal Shoes - this was another problem. I wanted shoes in a particular colour; unfortunately, it is not a common colour. So, I thought, it's ok, I'll just make the shoes. But alas.....I was too late. The shoemaker was fully booked till CNY next year. But lady luck was probably shining on me, because I found a custom-made pair in the shop, which not only fit me but it was also in the colour I wanted!! So shoes - done!

>  Bridal Party - my bridal party were given freehand to choose their outfits with the request being that it was in the chosen colour. By September, the MOH and bridesmaids had their outfits ready. As for the guys, since their outfits are all being tailor-made, there were no issues there.

> Pre-Wedding Photos - so we decided on having unconventional pre-wedding photos. Since Ben doesn't want to see me in my bridal outfit before the church ceremony, we decided on having casual photos, and shots with our families all dressed in traditional wear. While it took quite a while for the photographer to send us the final edits, I must say, he did a really good job making us look good; and I simply LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos!!

> Alcohol - this was one of the things that was purchased early on. Hahaha! And the stock has been "staying" in my house for the past few months. We are still deciding on whether we want to add to the stock. Hehe!

> Florist - meeting up with the florist and discussing our decoration was also done fairly early. And with the florist being so accommodating, it was one stress off our shoulders.

> Photobooth - due to the wedding being in December, the florist unfortunately could not do the decoration for our photobooth outside the ballroom. But thankfully, one of my bridesmaids had a contact, and in no time, this was an issue that was settled too. We recently had our meet up and I am quite happy with the outcome. 

> Food Tasting - We just had our food tasting a couple of days ago and the food was good. So we're hopeful that our guests will enjoy the spread.

> Band - this was something that was stressful because I had a particular band that I wanted for the reception. From the beginning I had said that only that band is my choice. However, due to the wedding being in December so close to Christmas, and with the entertainment industry just starting to get back in motion, the band could not commit early. I went to see two other bands and was on the verge of hiring one, when the band I wanted agreed to perform!! So...YAY!!!!

> Emcee - so hiring an emcee was not really in our plans, and we figured we'd just ask some family members to host the night. But as time went by and we started drafting the programme, we realised that, while we may not need an emcee the whole night, certain parts of the programme will need someone. So I asked a friend and she graciously agreed to be the emcee, along with my sister (what would I do without her?). 

> Bridal Shower - yes! In the midst of all the planning, I still had my bridal shower! My girls really planned well, and even though one of my girls couldn't make it, her contribution to the shower was not lost. I had a really good and memorable time!

> Music - no, this is not for the reception but rather the church. My piano teacher has graciously agreed to play and sing during the service along with Ben's cousin. While uncle Francis, one of my dad's best friends and former bandmate has been re-arranging the music that will be played as I walk down the aisle. 

So the countdown continues....and as time flies, I hope I get everything done. There have been times though when I feel like I have been planning and making decisions on my own, and it stresses me out. But, a few people have told me earlier on that it's normal to feel this was and that they too went through the same thing. That's some sort of a relief. Haha...

I guess the next time I post an entry, the wedding will be over! So wish me luck! 

Hope for Change

 It's 19 November 2022. Less than 5 years since the country voted for change, we are once again, voting and fighting for change. Back in 2018, one could feel the optimism in the air. The positivity, the hope, the excitement. Those feelings were bubbling under the surface of every individual who voted for change. And in the wee hours of the following morning, change happened! We did it! It felt like someone had pressed Ctrl+A and delete. It was a clean slate.

Fast forward to 2022, I don't feel the same optimism nor excitement in the air. Instead, for weeks, I have been hearing doubts, concerns, worry. In 2018, people were confident and sure that change was going to happened. And it did! But this time, it feels like people are more cautious. While there is hope, there is somehow that lingering feeling of skepticism and doubt. Will we be able to do it again? Will we be able to bring change for a second time? 

My family and I did our parts. My friends did their parts. And now we wait....nervously, anxiously......hopefully.

"It doesn't matter how strong your opinions are. If you don't use your power for positive change, you are indeed part of the problem."

#GE152022 #GE15

One Year

*Late entry* December 17 th  2023  Exactly one year ago, Ben and I took our vows and promised before God and our loved ones, that we will al...