Another Milestone Reached

** delayed post

I have reached another milestone in my life. 5 years ago, I was excited to start a whole new decade; I made a bucket list of things to achieve/do by the time I reached the next decade. I'm proud to say that I have achieved/done almost all the items on my list; of course, over the years I have added some items, nevertheless, all but one item have been done. That leaves me 5 years to do the last thing on my bucket list.

As I said in my previous entry, the first 4 months of this year have not been kind. Loved ones were lost; and I hoped, prayed for better months ahead.

Well, I think better times are indeed on the horizon. In my last entry, I mentioned about booking a new car; two weeks ago, I texted the sales agent asking him when I would be able to get the car: his reply - next month i.e. June. Ben, mum and Vay told me to pester the guy because there was a chance that others would get their cars first if I wasn't persistent. But before I could do anything further, dad called the guy and voila the guy said I could get my car before my birthday!!

And it was true! I got my new wheels on the eve of my birthday! It felt surreal to be driving my brand new car. Yes, although Vay's car was also bought new, but that was her car. This was mine! My first, official new car since my baby (Kancil) was bought second hand and is 22 years old. I felt kind of sad seeing my baby parked in the corner on the street outside my house, but I know that it will be going to good hands.

So, on my birthday eve, Ben and dad followed me to go get my new car after work, all shiny and glistening in Lava Red, sitting outside the sales shop. then, Ben took me for a wonderful, yummy dinner at Feringghi Garden, where we dined on steak and wine; before we headed home to where mum and Vay were waiting for me with...CUPCAKES!! 20 cupcakes with the candles put on a separate plate just so that I could blow them. Hahaha! Presents were opened the moment it struck midnight (they insisted I open my presents after I blew the candles but I made them wait).

My birthday morning was spent with Vay; we went for breakfast and then had a "photoshoot" with Babes (my new car's name). The afternoon was spent at home with my parents, answering Facebook and Whatsapp messages from family and friends. We then had a family dinner (with Ben of course).

We were supposed to celebrate my birthday in Cambodia (Angkow Wat) this year. We were supposed to go at the end of June, after Raya and all. Plans were made and tickets were almost bought; but alas, things happened and those plans had to be cancelled. As much as I really wanted to go to Cambodia, I know that if we had indeed bought the tickets and all, the celebration would not have been the same. As such, we all decided to reschedule the trip to next year.

Also, this is the second year my uncle did not spend my birthday with me. For the past few years (except last year when  he was busy with work), late May/early June would be when he, my aunt and grandparents would come up to Penang for a holiday, and celebrate my birthday at the same time. The last time the came, he had everything planned. we had a stay-cation at 'By The Sea' -  a really beautiful place in Batu Feringghi -  and dinner was all pre-ordered at a restaurant, complete with birthday cake and all. Little did I know that that would be the last time we all celebrated my birthday together.

Anyhow, it has been 3 days past my birthday, and I'd like to think that I feel a certain positivity in the air. Not that there has been negative energy around. Perhaps, with the arrival of my new car, I am subconsciously redirecting my thoughts and energy towards more positivism.

It's the start of the 6th month of the year. Things will change. For the better...

The First Four Months

The first four months of 2019 have not been good. While the new year often starts on a promising, more hopeful note, 2019 began with the news of the passing of a close friend's grandfather. January also saw my uncle being diagnosed with cancer.

Come February, more bad news hit my family. In a span of about two weeks, my mum's cousin and uncle passed away; one from cancer (!!!) and the other from a heart attack. Cancer continued to haunt my family as Ben's mum was also diagnosed with it. My uncle went under the knife a day before Valentine's, while Ben's mum went under the knife while I was in Hong Kong (work trip). Alas, fate was not on their side as the doctors could not remove everything.

March was a month of prayer, hope, strength and tenacity as both Ben's family and mine did all we could to make our loved ones comfortable. On a slightly happier note in a gloomy month, Ben and I celebrated our 1st year together.

In the weeks following the diagnosing and staging of the killer disease, Ben's mum succumbed to it on the 1st of April. Exactly a week after Ben's mum's passing, my uncle passed too. An impromptu trip to KL to visit him while he was still alive ended with us attending his funeral.

The first four months of 2019 have not been good. I myself had been to the doctor at least 3 times within a month; and my paranoia began to annoy my mum, sis and Ben. I guess everyone was right in that the stress was affecting me. I even missed my monthly cycle in March.

The only positive that I am thankful for so far is the fact that my family and I including Ben have become stronger! We were there for each other, we supported each other, we prayed for each other, we were strong for each other.

The first four months of 2019 have not been good. But, there are 8 months left of 2019, so I am hopeful that this phase will end soon, very soon....bringing with it  renewed hope.

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On my own issues, I finally made a booking for a new car(!!), that too after much much much thought and debate and annoying of my mum ,sis and Ben. I think Ben saw another side of me.

As I write this, I have also turned down a fairly good job offer which would have increased my salary. However, the job itself is very very vague and the person whom I am to work with does not have a very good reputation. That said, as I am currently very happy where I am, and I know I am doing well, I have decided to remain where I am.

People can and will definitely talk about me being stupid for rejecting the offer; say that I am unambitious....But, I know myself. My family knows me. Ben knows me. Friends know me. And that is all I need. 

2018 Round Up

2019 started good. Though I was away from my family during New Year, it marked a change, a new beginning. And I attribute this to the wonderful 2018 that I had.

So here's a run down of what happened in 2018...

January...

We don't visit our grandmas that often but this year, we decided to start the year by paying my grandmas a visit. Now, one of my grandmas is 90+ years old and is forgetful most of the time. Nevertheless, she is still quite sharp and witty. While grandma no.1 (dad has two mums but I am not going into that here) has not really been pushy when it comes to marriage, she still has that giggly, gossipy streak in her and every now and then would ask if my sis and I have a boyfriend. This visit was one of those where the question was asked; and while my sister could happily tell her "yes", I was called stupid for still being single. Lol! And this was not the first time she has done so.

Perhaps that was a sign of something that was to happen that year. As the month progressed, I went on a drink-which-turned-out-to-be-dinner date thingy with Ben. One dinner turned into another and another, and as the saying goes, the rest is history!

February

February saw my colleagues and I going off to Krabi for a short getaway during CNY. But before my trip, I got a V-day gift from Ben (handmade some more!). Krabi was fun and I went snorkeling for the first time!

I also joined the first of six runs that I took part in all year round; and got medal no.1.

March

This is the month to remember for it was when I officially ended my 'single-ness.' 10 March 2018 - a date to remember.

April

Mum, sis and I went on our first road trip to KL then Melaka to attend a relative's wedding. It was quite the adventure albeit a dangerous one as I nearly fell asleep at the wheel while on the way back from Melaka. This was the first time we traveled by car without dad!

A week after the wedding, my sis and I were back down south, this time for our first ever cousin's outing. After much planning, it finally took place in Port Dickson and almost all but two cousins made it! It was a fun gathering with food, laughter, drinks and noise! We decided that this would be a yearly thing without parents involved!

May

There was yet another wedding this month; but thankfully it was in Penang. Cupid came back from the US for a short trip, and so we had dinner with her. (Cupid is my cousin who got married last year; and whose wedding was where I met Ben)

June

I turned a year wiser this month; unfortunately, Ben was away so we celebrated it when he got back. Being the romantic that he is, he insisted on cooking for me! We also joined a fun run together and he successfully finished it!

July

Nothing much happened this month, other than Ben and I losing the final World Cup bet to my mum and sis. Ben had to pay for four Starbucks drinks (hehehe....he kindly paid for me).

August

Every August, Vay would spend the whole family for her birthday. This time, Dado managed to come again; and even Ben was free. So for the first time, the whole family was together. As a friend said, a "complete family".

September

Runs number 3 and 4 took place in September, with Ben joining one and in the process hurting himself. :(

This was also our 6-month anniversary. I don't fancy celebrating monthsaries but I think 6 months is a ok.

My family and I got free tickets to watch the Moscow Circus and it was good. There were no animals involved much to mum's delight, and for a few hours, we were kids again, laughing at the antics of the clown and awed by the performances. Even dad enjoyed himself!

October

I got medal number 5 this month. Then it was time to prepare for THE trip. The countdown had started months before and by this month, it was less than 30 days to go.

November

This was it! This was what we had been waiting for not only throughout the year, but ever since we put it on our bucket list! Bags packed, tickets and passports in hand, off to KL then HK we went! Deepavali week was spent in HK, with Vay, Claire and I spending Deepavali day in Disneyland! As mentioned in my previous entry, this trip was a dream come true for both my sis and me. We finally did it - we took our parents back to HK and ticked it off our bucket list! Woo! i must say, this trip wouldn't have happened if not for Vay's researching and Ben's help when we hit a snag.

December

The last month of the year saw one of Vay's close friends get married. Being a Punjabi, the celebrations were 5 days long and boy was it an experience! The whole experience left me with mixed emotions. I can't imagine Vay's wedding. That would be emotional! As for mine...let's see how I feel in a couple of years.

After the celebrations, it was back to work to finish anything pending before the Christmas and New Year breaks began. The last run of the year, which was 2 days before Christmas gave me medal number 6.

2018 saw Vay and I spend New Year's eve away from Penang and our parents. Vay was in Langkawi with Dado; while I was invited to join Ben's yearly family outing. The trip was to KL for 3D4N - and the highlight of the trip was Sunway Lagoon. It has been years since I went to Sunway Lagoon, and to go back as an adult was fun. Most of you know what a scaredy cat I am when it comes to heights and speed - combine both into rides and well....you can guess what happened. Ben is the complete opposite - if possible, he wanted to sit on every ride and slide. Alas, he only managed 3 if I am not mistaken; and he was hardly wet let alone soaked during the time he was there. I admit that I kinda spoiled his day especially when we left a ride after sitting down, simply because I got too scared. In a way, it was a waste of money spent on me. :(

New Year's eve was uneventful until about 10 minutes before midnight. After dinner, the group was kinda split into two - some adults were gambling, while the others watched and reminisced over old photos and videos. At 11.50pm, everyone stopped what they were doing to gather around and wait for the countdown. When the clock struck midnight, cheers of 'Happy New Year' rang out; and then everyone sang Auld Lang Syne much to my surprise! It was a nice feeling to be in that surrounding. Dad was working so I called him; and mum finally got her wish to be by herself. Lol!

Overall, 2018 was a good year, if not great. Many things happened, and I honestly can't remember anything bad happening. It will be a year, which, when I look back on, I will smile, for family, love, happiness and creating memories was what 2018 was all about!

p.s. One thing which I did not put in my round up is the fact that I have put on weight! In March, I was 43kg; and by December, I was 49.9kgs. This weight gain caused me to go shopping TWICE; and I had to give away 17 pairs of my coloured jeans and work pants which I can no longer fit in. While part of me is happy with the weight gain (apparently I look better now), I am not happy that the "gaining" is only at my hips and tummy area. A friend says that Ben caused this "miracle" to happen. Well...I plan to maintain this "miracle" weight and not gain anymore! Just imagine...from an XS to M!

Happy New Year everyone!

Another One off The List!!

This entry is about two months late...

Finally, after years of talking about it, and months of research and planning, our dream to take our parents back to HK happened! Yes! 5th November 2018 was the much awaited date; and as the days grew closer, the excitement mounted. We could not believe that it was actually happening.

Day 1

Passing over the sea, looking down at the boats and ships sailing, and then you see the buildings! Touching down in HK and then going through immigration and baggage claim went by in a breeze. Thought the lines were long and the airport being so big, we managed to find our way pretty well. And before we knew it, we were on the free hotel shuttle and off we were to our hotel. Our first ride in the shuttle was crazy! The driver drove as though he was a roller coaster driver; and we had to hang on to our seats.

The hotel was located on the corner of the street, with one side facing the Happy valley Turf Club; and the other a cemetery. We were lucky enough to get a room with the view of the buildings and part of the turf club. Once we checked in and got settled, we went to look for food as it was early 4pm by then.

Now we all knew that HK was expensive but seriously... our first meal costs HKD400+ for 5 people; and we only had fried rice and noodles. The famous milk tea was nothing to shout about either. That was an indication of the food "journey" we were about to have.

Our first day ended with a visit to the famous Ladies Market at Mongkok. Once we got a hang of the subway routes, travel was easy; although the amount of walking we did throughout the trip was enough to award us with multiple marathon medals. The market was not as busy as I thought it would be and although there were some ladies clothing, most of the items were souvenir-based. Nevertheless, most of our shopping was done there!

Day 2

The second day was Deepavali. Claire, Vay and I spent the day apart from mum and dad, as it was DISNEYLAND day! While we spent the whole day at Disneyland, mum and dad met up with old friends and reminisced. Unfortunately, mum took a fall and kind of injured her already "sick" knee; which caused her to limp throughout the remainder of the HK trip. :(

Disneyland was nice. Looking back, I can't say that it was fantastic because a couple of things were off. Cinderella's castle was closed due to renovation; the jungle trekking on a boat through the river was also closed; and there were not many characters around (in fact, there were no princesses). The queue for a photo opportunity with Mickey and Minnie was so long that it we had waited, we would have been waiting for half a day. So no pictures with them. :( We did get pictures with Goofy, Pluto, Tinker bell, Chewbacca, R2D2 and Eeyore. Although we found other characters like Woody and Cowboy Mickey, we were told that the queues were closed.

Food was expensive. We each had a HKD40 Mickey shaped ice-cream; a Mickey shaped waffle for HKD55 each; and our family lunch of a pizza, 2 drinks and 4 chicken wings cost us HKD255. Well, we didnt mind the prices; after all, we were in Disneyland!

What we did mind was the cost of the gifts! There was hardly anything below HKD50. So obviously, no souvenirs were bought. In fact, a cheap Mickey or Minnie hairband that can be bought for less than RM10, cost HKD298 onwards! The "souvenirs" we brought back were the tickets, guide maps and the Mickey shaped plate that came with the waffle. Of course not forgetting the hundreds of pictures we took and the memories that were created. One thing that will not leave my mind is the memory of sitting on a roller coaster, at the end of which I cried.

Day 3

Mum and friends had cautioned us prior to the trip that the weather would be cool as the temperatures were dropping amid it being autumn. So we all packed turtle-necks, long sleeves and brought jackets. Alas, while the winds were cool, the sun was shining bright; there was no need for jackets. But, mum still insisted that Victoria Peak would be much cooler than the city.

Lo and behold, with the sun shining so brightly that I could not open my eyes to take a nice picture, the jacket was useless. Yes, the winds were stronger and cooler, but nothing that warranted a jacket.

As expected, the view was amazing. We went in the afternoon, so we didnt catch the sunset/night view. We also visited Madame Tussauds and had a great time taking pictures with the "celebrities". Even dad got into the mood and took pictures with The Beatles, Anita Mui, the Hulk...

The tram ride up to the Peak reminded me of Penang Hill; only thing is, everyone got a seat so there was no need to brace ourselves when the tram stopped. I didn't like that the return journey was done backwards, in that we were traveling in reverse down the hill!

After Victoria Peak, we returned to the hotel so that mum and dad could rest. Claire, Vay and I continued our exploration, looking for Jollibee, the multinational Filipino fast food chain that was on Claire's must do list. Not only did we find Jollibee, we also found Spaghetti House (a restaurant that mum has talked about got years) and Chungking Mansion, my parents' former abode. Claire had a "jolly" time, nearly eating half the menu in one sitting and even "tapau-ing". After that, the journey back to the hotel was filled with laughs and giggles and we did not even know why. We were all "jolly".

We also found a Victoria Secret BUILDING - it was 4 storeys - but by the time we found it, it was closing. The guard asked us to return the next day, to which we told ourselves that it is a MUST! There was also a Harry Potter shop, so that was added to our list the next day!

Day 4

So Day 4 of our trip was a relaxed day. Initially, we had planned to stay for only 3 nights, but after discussion and so forth, we figured that the cost for an extra night would not harm our budget too much; we were after all already in HK, so why waste the opportunity? Therefore, Day 4 started out on a lazy note. We slept in (very well deserved since we had two full days prior); then we went to look for dim sum. We had dim sum at U-Banquet, a well-known restaurant. The dim sum was not that expensive and it was good. After all the meals that we had over the past few days, this was satisfying.

After breakfast, we walked around our hotel area. Wan Chai was a former red lilght district but now it is a millionaire's district. Cars on the roads were mostly Porches, Lamborghinis, Maseratis....

And so...after the walkabout where Claire, Vay and I splurged in Victoria Secret (I finally got to buy my Bombshell Body Mist in 250ml), mum, dad and Claire returned to the hotel for a break. Vay and I continued our exploration. We headed to the Harry Potter shop which was actually a Context Museum. It was like walking onto a HP set and we wanted to buy everything. But the price tags were a deterrent; nevertheless, we still got a t-shirt each and a few small stuffs. After HP, we headed to another place to find Vay's Starbucks and Duddell Street Stairs.

It was the search for these two that lead us into a mini adventure where we walked for almost 1.5hrs, going through streets and lanes, up and down roads...only to find the place just two streets away from the subway stop that we exited from! Thankfully, the stairs were directly beside Starbucks! Vay got her wish, we got our Starbucks and pie - all were happy except our legs and feet.

We arrived back at the hotel only to leave it again in less than an hour to catch the shuttle to Central, where we were going to take the MTR to go to Temple Street Market. Before that, we had Jollibee for dinner again as Spaghettin House was just too expensive (a simple salad cost HKD168+). Temple Street Market is THE place to go to for shopping but, although the street was long with shops on both sides of the street, most of the items were similar. My dad came in handy this time as his negotiation skills gave us the most gifts with the cheapest price. One seller even commended my dad on his Cantonese and negotiation skills. :P

Walking the long street and stopping at almost every shop was tiring. We decided to have a drink and it cost us HKD29 for a coconut! While having the drink, we met a fellow Malaysian who has been working in HK. It is always nice to bump into fellow Malaysians when you are overseas. There is this instant connection.

Although we were disappointed as there was no clothing or shoes on sale, we still had a good time. With the amount of gifts we brought including the VS stash, or bags were filled to the brim; plus we had additional caryy-on luggage which we did not have when we arrived! Thankfully, none of our luggage exceeded the weight limit.

Last Day

Our last night in HK was spent packing and making sure that everything was kept in out bags and locked properly. Our flight was only in the evening but we decided not to anything on the last day. We slept in; had breakfast in the hotel; and relaxed in the room till it was time to check out. We then took the hotel shuttle to the Hong Kong Station where we took the Airport Express train.

Our HK trip officially ended when we checked in our luggages and headed to our gate for boarding, not before having our last meal in one of the restaurants where Vay suffered through her meal; and the milk tea was once again a disappointment. HK airport is so big that it has 530 gates; and ours was 202! Thank God for the travelator or else Vay or me would have had to carry my mum! Haha...

This trip has been a dream come true not only for myself but for Vay as well. Our parents always talked about their life in HK and have on occassion, said that it would be nice to go back and see how much HK has changed. And ever since they mentioned that, we put it on our bucket list - and it is finally ticked off!

The satisfaction and joy of being able to do this for them, while they are still healthy and are able to enjoy, is the highlight of the year for me. This is just the start of many more trips tat my sister and I are planning. If not yearly, at least once every two years. I think it's been since high school, then college and now work...that we have not had a family trip that was just for fun and bonding, let alone overseas.

So this was timely, and well deserved!