And We Thought We Speak Good English!

It is the 3rd day in Singapore...and I am still in the office at this hour!

It has been quite fun these last 3 days especially with our colleague Shaun whom is British by the way. I have never realized how bad our English was until he made fun at the sentences we so commonly use:-

Sentence 1: Hi! How are you? Have you taken your lunch?
Shaun: Where should I take my lunch to?
Correct sentence should be: Have you eaten?

Sentence 2: She doesnt take beef. She's buddhist.
Shaun: But where does she want to take the beef to? Back to her house?
Correct sentence: She doesnt EAT beef.

Sentence 3: Do you want to follow my car?
Shaun: I won't be following your car, I'll just hop in it!
Correct sentence: Do you want a ride?

We had a few good laughs at how funny the way we communicate. Guess it is time for us to learn the proper English! The Queen's English that is!

Correction: Lunar Eclipse

Correction on my previous post. It wasn't solar eclipse but a lunar eclipse. So what we saw 2 nights ago was a total lunar eclipse. Guess I got confused with the 2 eclipses! My bad!

As I have briefly defined solar eclipse in my other post, here's what wikipedia states about lunar eclipse...

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes behind the Earth so that the Earth blocks the Sun's rays from striking the Moon. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle. Hence, a lunar eclipse can only occur the night of a full moon. The type and length of an eclipse depend upon the Moon's location relative to its orbital nodes. The most recent total lunar eclipse occurred on December 10, 2011. The previous total lunar eclipse occurred on June 15, 2011; The recent eclipse was visible from all of Asia and Australia, seen as rising over Europe and setting over Northwest North America. The last to previous total lunar eclipse occurred on December 21, 2010...
Unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be viewed from a certain relatively small area of the world, a lunar eclipse may be viewed from anywhere on the night side of the Earth. A lunar eclipse lasts for a few hours, whereas a total solar eclipse lasts for only a few minutes at any given place, due to the smaller size of the moon's shadow. Also unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view without any eye protection or special precautions, as they are no brighter (indeed dimmer) than the full moon itself.


It is good to know the difference between the two eclipses now.

Lunar Eclipse, Dec 10, 2011, 23:14hr

Lunar Eclipse, Dec 10, 2011, 23:43hr

Solar Eclipse

When one mentioned the word "eclipse", what would be the first thing that crosses your mind? Twilight? No, I ain't referring to the Stephanie Meyer Twilight's 3rd series, Eclipse. I am referring to the real eclipse. Solar eclipse the be exact. I have just witnessed this natural phenomenon just couple of minutes ago right here from my crib! Have you ever witnessed one before?

If I recall correctly, I have seen a solar eclipse when I was younger, during my high school days. Tonight, marked my second experience. What exactly is a solar eclipse?

As seen from the Earth, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, and the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun as viewed from a location on Earth. This can happen only during a new moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth. At least two, and up to five, solar eclipses occur each year; no more than two can be total eclipses. Total solar eclipses are nevertheless rare at any particular location because totality exists only along a narrow path on the Earth's surface traced by the Moon's umbra. - Souce: Wikipedia.

Hubby and I gazed up into the sky, blessed by the sight of the eclipse (as Hubby said, there will not be another one in another 60 years...) as we stood side by side. How true would that be, no one knows... except maybe, for our little Hayden whom by then would be able to witness another solar eclipse with his future wife, just like his mummy and daddy tonight... 

Solar Eclipse 10/12/11 23:14hr

Solar Eclipse 10/12/11, 23:43

 

A Fresh New Look

I have a lot of free time today (yes, aint I the luckiest person?!). So free that I am thinking what should I do to occupy my time. Hence I thought of updating my blog with a fresh new look. New colour scheme and new layout. Do you like 'em?

This makes me wonder: Humans are so fickle. We just love new stuffs. We sometimes get bored with whatever we are doing (such a routine we feel!) and we crave for new excitement. Do you feel that way too? Or you are the type of person whom like everything as it is and that you are afraid of changes?

Anyhow, as I was playing around with the settings and creating a new layout, I happened to land on the statistic page. I cannot believe what I saw. I am so utterly happy! I have never thought that I would have readers not just in Malaysia and Brunei, but in the States, UK, Australia, Germany, Austria, Estonia, Netherlands and Israel amongst others! I am stoked! Thank you so much for visiting my blog!

This post is specially dedicated to all my global readers wherever you are. Thank you for giving me the inspiration to continue writing on this little mini-diary about love, life and solidarity. This would give me (and us all) an opportunity to look back at our past experiences and the memoirs of life events that pierced deep into our hearts and mind as we grow older year after year.

Eventually, we will age and our memories will fade but our blog will remain as if it was written only yesterday...  

Thank you to all my readers from all over the globe!
Picture saved from candygurl81.blogspot's statistic page.

Its 11.11.11!

I thought I had to pen down something in my blog on this auspicious day (auspicious! really??). All I know, the most memorable part of today is that my plumber finally fixed my toilet wc. Cool eh?

I finally moved back home after recuperating in my parents house for a week. Being with my little baby boy throughout the days (and nights) have been fantastic. I absolutely love motherhood. Hayden could now crawl, pull himself up and stand on his own without support for a couple of seconds. In just a matter of time, he would be walking his first step!

As it is now coming to the end of the year,  it is time to plan for the new year. Not planning 'planning', but rather just sit and think about what do I need to achieve in 2012. Another baby? Hmm... a new career? Nah, I loveee my job (*ahem*! Just in case 'someone' that matters read this part of my blog and starts scrutinizing me in the office in the event I said I want a change in career!).

2011 has been great. 2012 would be greater I believe! What have you achieved so far and what are your plans for next year? Have you ever thought about it?

To all my newly-wed friends out there on this very special day, a big heartiest CONGRATULATIONS to all of you. Wishing you all with everlasting love, unity, happiness and good health throughout!

Happy 11.11.11!! See you in another century!

The Surgical Moments

And so I get to see my son today!

After 10 days of not holding him, I miss him so dearly. I am currently still lying down on the hospital bed, awaiting for discharge. Surgery was successful and I am on the road to recovery.

Despite the post surgery pain at the wounded area, my throat and chest have a slight irritation feeling to it too. Apparently, I was intubated during the surgery. Can I remember anything about the surgery? Yes, I could remember a little of it before I was knocked off...

At 5.45am on Tuesday the 1st of November, I was asked to change to my surgery robe and to put on the surgery cap. As I was wheeled in to the Operating Theatre, it was 6.12am. My anaesthesiologist, Dr Jam came and they put on some funky white coloured liquid into my IV line. Then I saw my surgeon, Dr Karpal adjusting the big rounded lights on top of the operating table and smiled at me. Next, there was a mask placed on my nose and mouth and I was told to relax and breathe in to it. I did and I gagged! How embarrassing was that?! Anyway, couple of seconds later, I felt dizzy and the room was swirling....

I had a weird dream during the operation. I remembered little of it. I was in a white tunnel, full of lights, bright lights and I remembered seeing people standing on the left of the tunnel. They were dressed in white too. They were all standing in one line and smiled at me as I was walking through the tunnel. I am not kidding. It felt so real!

When the doctors and nurses woke me up, I could hear their voices, but I could not open my eyes (I felt so drunk!) As they continued to give me a light slap on the face, one of them actually pry open my eyelid and I could see a small light - I guess they were checking if I was alive? I really wanted to tell them right away that I could hear them and STOP SLAPPING ME! But I was too drowsy to do any of it...so finally, I could see the blurry image of my doctor and I was left to recuperate in the room...

3 days have passed since the surgery and it is now 8.44am 4th November 2011. I have just been served breakfast. I am all eager to get home and kiss my darling baby. Miss him too much, you have no idea! I am so glad to get rid of the pain. I feel free now. Free to walk, free to do anything. The taste of freedom is so sweet!

Thank you to all of you who took the time to read my blog and to all your well wishes, thank you. I truly appreciate it. And thank you to all of you who came to visit me at the hospital too! I am truly grateful to have you as my reader and my friend.

XOXO.

The Surgery

4.30am Kuala Lumpur. Just got back yesterday evening and here I am on the hospital bed at this hour, suffering from jet lag. In 1.5 hours time, I will be placed on the operating table to have the abscess removed once and for all.

As I am typing here with just my right hand (as my left been strapped with the IV), I could still feel the pain thundering below me. I am waiting patiently for my doctors to come to have my condition assessed and finally to knock me off to sleep for the surgery as the pain is getting pretty unbearable. You may wonder how this pain feels...well, let me put itthis way: it feels like your skin is torn apart and is being dumped in a pit of fire!

Will be logging off for now. Pray for me, hope this surgery is said to be what it is without any further complication. Till then....   

Belem, Lisbon

Final day in Lisbon.

Couple of hours after I've written my last blog yesterday, the painkiller took effect and I felt a lot better. As I was alone, I decided to make a trip down town  in this beautiful city. I was excited and my adrenalin ran wild as I have no idea where I was heading to, except for the one ticket that I purchased from the hotel concierge - City Tour.

Going round the city was breathtaking. It was nice as I was alone and I get to embark on the tour with no expectation (except for the fact that the pain might just come back anytime!). It felt like living the last day as I rushed on to do everything before the pain strikes again. At one point, when I saw this beautiful stone carved monument of Prince Henry (The Discoveries Monument), I decided to hop off the bus. I didnt know where I was until I saw the word "Belem". C'est magnifique! Absolutely magnificent! I walked around the monument and around the seaport. Finally I reached the Belem Tower. Euro5 per entrance. Absolutely worth it! Pretty nice dungeon like in the inside.

The Discoveries Monument



Belem Tower

 After a good 4 hours city-touring on my own, I knew it was time to head back to the hotel. I walked up the hill slowly and steadily. As soon as I reached the hotel, the pain came...again...

Oh well, at least I did myself justice. I had a good time yesterday and today, it is start of winter. Its time to readjust the watch as the hour has been pushed back. Before bidding goodbye to this wonderful city later this evening, I think I can squeeze in some shopping time no?

Pain in Lisbon, Portugal

I'm utterly upset. Words go beyond the tears in my eyes. Here I am sitting in this beautiful suite in Lisbon, Portugal watching tv. The rest have left to visit Sintra, a beautiful place I heard. So why am I here alone in this hotel?

I've not told many of my medical condition. At first my GP told me it was haemorrhoid. I thought it was too. Some advised me to go for a specialist opinion as the pain seems to be lingering for the longest time. But being me, procastinating time and time again (wouldn't you do the same if it is just an on and off pain?) I didnt do anything about it until finally last Friday, I couldnt withhold it any longer. I finally visited a specialist at Pantai Bangsar.

I was expecting the specialist (Dr Karpal Singh, General Surgeon) to repeat the same words that I thought I knew best, "yes, it is haemorrhoid". However, to my surprise Dr Karpal told me it wasnt but an abscess and I need to be put under the knife immediately ! I said no. I have to be in Portugal, hence I cannot be having my surgery done 4 days before my trip??! He was against me from coming over to Portugal as an abscess is like a time bomb. "10 days in Portugal is too long", he said. Stubborn as I was, I insisted to go ahead with my plan and to postpone the surgery. Painkillers and antibiotic was given. I packed my bags and go against how my body was feeling...

The pain got worse day by day. The pain comes and goes. However, when the pain strikes, I cannot sit, cannot walk (I seem to walk like a monkey! Walking with my legs apart, know what I mean?). Whenever I go to the toilet, I would be in excruciating pain. So finally, my Medical Director (who is with us here in Lisbon) advised me to go back to KL with him this Sunday and to arrange with Dr Karpal for an immediate surgery once I am back. 

So here I am bedridden as the pain striked again. I am waiting for the pain to subside before I start walking around again. The only consolation part to it is that McDonald is just down the road. I get to savour Portugese McDonald! How awesome is that?

Till then, lets see if I can get out of this hotel and hop on a City Tour Bus. Should I do that? Should I not? Lets see how my ass feels...

How I wish this pain would just go away....

The Crawl

Good afternoon folks. I'm blogging with my eyes drowsily closing any minute now with little Hayden being rocked to sleep behind me. I just got home couple of hours ago from filthy and not-too-pleasing-to-the-eye state Chittagong, Bangladesh. Ever since I landed in Bangladesh, I kept on wishing that I could go home. Home to my baby hubby boo and to my cutie pie son.

Despite my lethargicness, I couldnt help but to blog the milestone progress of my darling son who will be turning 1 in 11 days time. What's the progress you say? Well, on 8th October 2011, which was yesterday, Hayden started his first crawl...! I wasn't there to witness this first crawl (much to my disappointment) but I was glad he only started yesterday! Therefore, today, as soon I got down from the plane and the train (after my midnight flight from Bangladesh), with my hubby welcoming me home at the arrival hall, I am finally home to my 2 beloved boys! Thereafter, I witnessed Hayden's short little moves myself with my very own eyes...

A short little clip that would last a lifetime. These moments are indeed special.

Hayden's big bash is coming soon. I'm totally excited! 1 year has gone by so fast and it felt like only yesterday that I just got pregnant!

Therefore, as time is precious, love those around you. Cherish those beside you. Friends are plenty but real friends are few. Thank God everyday for the goodness he brings to your life. I thank God especially for my precious little munchkin - Hayden Dominic Ng.

Perth

Its the second last day of our holiday here in Perth. Time has passed by fairly quickly, especially so when you are truly enjoying yourself!

Sitting by the couch, overlooking the beautiful beach and the ocean waves splashing every seconds, what a serene beauty right here at our beach apartment in Cottesloe. Its the Indian Ocean I was told. It is absolutely breathtaking. Wish we could just stay here and not go back to KL!

Hayden is absolutely loving this place too. Its the cooling whether that he adores. Grandpa would take him for a walk every morning along the walkway next to the beach and we would wave at them through the window when they return. Hayden will definitely miss this place when we return home. No doubt.

Though many would know, there isn't much to do in Perth (apart from going to Burswood Casino three times since we last arrived), its truly relaxing compared to the hustle and bustle of KL city. Of course, if you are in Perth, the two places that you must go are...

(1) Northbridge which is famous for its European style atmosphere. It's a vibrant and exciting area with cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife. You can hop into X-rated bars here too if you are of age that is =) and ...

(2) Fremantle, which is located at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle Harbour serves as the port of Perth, the state capital. I was also told to visit the Maritime Museum, where you can enjoy a guided tour in a submarine! Unfortunately, I have yet to visit this museum as hubby is not interested to see submarines or any ship wrecks :( You see, he isn't into any museums...Sad case...unless the museum has poker tables, that would be a different story!

Its 11.30am now. Hayden is taking his nap. Soon, we will be going to Garden City for another round of shopping! I've been shopping quite a fair bit (gearing up for my next trip in Portugal some time next month) as the price here is quite reasonable. A nice trench coat costs around AUD29.90. A nice pair of boots costs AUD19.90. Some blouses and jackets that I got costs me only AUD15 per piece. Not bad huh? (Thank you Harbour Town!)

Its a sunny day today at 21 degrees celcius. Hubby is munching away his chips whilst watching his tennis game on tv. Hayden is dreaming away and mummy is blogging. Its time to wake the little munchkin up as grandpa and grandma will be coming over to pick us up real soon!

Till then, see you all back in KL!


 

Stress and the Holiday!

2246hours. Body aching, heart pumping with excitement at the same time as our trip to Perth is drawing near...

Its been such a stressful and busy month for the past weeks as I have been travelling so much and workload has been increasing as well. There isn't much days where I can just sit quietly in the office to comb through my emails. Of course it is good to be busy, but then again, I cannot wait to just drop everything and pack my bags for my long awaited holiday with my family.

Hubby has been pretty sweet as he went out and got me a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake with a little message popped on top of the cool icing which read "Love Cindy". An ice cream dessert to cool my aching soon-to-be-full-grown wisdom tooth perhaps? But I reckon, he got the cake all for himself and not so much for me as I am on diet after all!

Time passes by freakingly fast dont you think? In 1 months time, Hayden will be 1! His sleeping pattern has changed pretty drastically as he no longer takes long naps. He used to sleep 2 hours in each afternoon nap. But now, to nap for 45mins is considered really good! 1 hour, a miracle! He is also extremely playful, extremely NAUGHTY, yells with an opera voice to get our attention, climb on our body so we can carry him and walk around and gigles when we make funny faces at him. One thing that I do love, is to sing to him. He keeps silently still and listens to the songs I sing.

Boy, I dread to wonder what he will do when we take him on a 5 hours flight later on...I dont think I will be singing to him for 5 hours straight! He may love my singing, but definitely not the other passengers!

Its not going to be a peaceful journey this time around and this we are pretty damn sure!

A Weekend with Hitz.FM & Firefly!

What a weekend!

After a long absence in the world of radio contests, I am finally back! This time with Hitz.FM. I was lucky enough to be in the running to win a year worth of flight tickets courtesy of Firefly. There were 12 contestants all together and we were told to be at Empire Mall (Subang) on Saturday (13th Aug) for a flight simulator training and on Sunday (14th Aug) for the actual day competition. What was it that we had to do? - To fly a plane of course!

But then again, it isn't a real plane. We had to complete a flight simulator test and it was a real exciting challenge. Did I win in the end? Well, I will just let the photos do the talking...

Saturday 13th August 2011 - Training Day  



JJ & Ean (Hitz.FM Morning Crew) at the briefing room



Pilot Edwin briefed us about the cockpit



The most important topic - how to land the aircraft safely!



This is your Captain Cindy! :p



Just completed my flight simulator training!

Come on JJ! We are counting on you!



My flight instructor - Edwin Yii
(doesn't he look like the HK Singer - (Leo) Ku Kui Kei?

Sunday 14th August 2011 - Competition Day

Let the game begin! Did I win a 1 year worth of flight tickets from Firefly??

My team captain - JJ :D

 



Team JJ! May the force be with us!

YES!! I WON!! TEAM JJ WON! Hooray!
We beat Team Ean by just 6 points!

Group Photo
Team JJ & Team Ean + the Crews!

So there you have it. I won! Apart from the free flights (thank you Firefly!) the best experience I had was that I did my first ever flight simulator! And, most importantly, I did not crash the plane! Ha! Ha! Therefore, I can now proudly declare that I, Cindy, has had experience in flying a "plane!" Awesome stuff! Thank you HITZ.FM!!!

Amber & Baby Ashton!

It has been 4 years since I was part of the organizing committee for the Breast Cancer Charity campaign. Being the president and founder of AA Foundation (a charity organization spearheaded by my company Chairman) THEN gave me the opportunity to be part of all charity projects organized by my company. Not only that, did you all know, heading the charity projects also gave me the opportunity to get to know my hubby too? (sweet!)

 Last Thursday, my company (and AA Foundation , currently headed by my colleague Pearl) organized a press conference for the Breast & Cervical Cancer Awareness campaign - Passionately You. I was there to not only support but actually more to "kepo" and to see how the press conference went. I was having coffee with my Chairman and CEO at a coffee place to kill time and not too long after that came Amber Chia, our campaign ambassadress.

Dressed in a pair of beautiful heels, white blouse and a pair of skinny leg jeans that shows off her beautiful long legs, she gave us a smile and greeted us. What made us even more excited was that she brought along her baby Ashton too! I was playing with baby Ashton the whole time as he reminded me so much of Hayden (well, every baby I see now reminds me of Hayden actually haha!). 10 months old Ashton is so wonderfully adorable and playful. I do realized that although baby Ahston looks like his daddy, he certainly has his mummy's tall genes!

From my own personal point of view, Amber is doing a great job as a mother to Ashton. Ashton appeared to be really cheerful and playful and he eats anything and everything! From orange juice to cakes and even to curry chicken! Even Amber was surprised to see how much baby Ashton loved the chicken when she peeled a tiny part of it and gave him! Of course he made a funny facial expression when he tasted the chicken... must be the spicyness! And after swallowing it, he wanted more! This boy is gonna be a tough little boy (and whom loves to eat spicy food - a true Malaysian indeed) when he grows up!

Amber Chia and her little baby Ashton



Local Celebrities and a Local Nobody :p
(From left: Amber Chia, Rina Omar, Cindy Wong, Farah Fauzana)



Hayden's First Word

Hayden has finally uttered his first word : "MA!"

At first I wasn't sure. I heard it couple of times last week and it was a little faint. But on Tuesday, 26th July 2011 at about a little over 9am after his bath, the words were clearer and more distinctive from his usual sound of crying.  He was crying away whilst we changed his clothes and he suddenly yelled out "MA!!".

I told my colleagues whom are mothers (and father) themselves about Hayden's word that morning and they told me, YES. HE WAS CALLING YOU. I was thrilled! I wish I could hear it again and I want to reconfirm if indeed he was calling me.

Today, my wish came true. He yelled out "Ma!" again. This time I heard it clearer. I came over, picked him up and he stopped crying immediately. He was really calling me! And he wants me! My heart melted.

I went over to my hubby whom was watching his wrestling video in the room at that time. I said, "your son uttered his first word "Ma" and not "Da". I win! And I gave him an evil laugh....MUAHAHAHAHAHA!

He looked at Hayden and said... "Call Da Da! Quick!" Hayden just stared at him blankly...

p/s: A note for my hubby - Too late Boo... your son calls me first. Ha!

Family portrait.
Pic was taken on 22nd July 2011 on my mummy's birthday!

   

Pastry Chef?

I am hungry. Its 2.36pm and I still have not taken my lunch yet! Talk about food, I turned myself into a pastry chef yesterday for the first time in my life. Hubby said that motherly instinct has kicked in eversince I became a mother...... Wow! Really?

After celebrating my mother's belated birthday yesterday with a great dimsum buffet at Oriental Pavilion, we head off to shop for groceries. I walked along the aisle and stopped at the baking section. I filled my cart with baking powder, icing sugar, vanila extract, flour, chocolate chips and some rice chips. I pushed through to the lactose section with milk and cream and these items came tumbling into my shopping cart as well. From there, I head over to the fruits section and got my pick of fresh strawberries and kiwi. My adrenalin was pumping as I was about to make my very first chocalate chip cupcake and a pavlova! Yes! 2 desserts for a first time chef wannabe like me! Pretty tall order I must say. But I know I can do it!

It was a fun filled day for mom and I. She loves to bake and I love to watch Masterchef Australia. So I got her to help me with my 2 pastries. As we both have never made cupcakes or pavlova before, we got some help from online recipes. Well, did it turn out good? The answer is pretty obvious....it was near DISASTER! For Masterchef standard that is...



My meringue looking glossy and smooth!

Looking pretty good at this stage!



  



Ta da! Look wise could have been better.
But flavour wise, its good I was told!






Reading recipes whilst baking

Cupcake fresh from the oven...
the shapes kinda odd looking though



Cupcakes supposed to be round shape isn't it?
It became a love shape cupcake...well, better than nothing :D

Hayden 9 months old!

Hands blistered with sweats protruding from my forehead. Hubby assisted with his strong arms as we both lifted up the baby cot's wooden base and screwed the bolts back into its place. We have successfully lowered down the cot's base! That is the sign where our baby is growing up and growing up pretty fast!

Hayden is already 9 months old. I am happy with how he is progressing. Not as fast as other babies at his age though - some are already teething, some could stand up or even dancing around with their 2 strong feet. Hayden is doing pretty all right at his own pace. He loves to run around in his walker, moving forward, backwards, side to side and his hands....boy, his hands are really fast in picking things up! He would be snatching my phone, smashing the Ipad as we FaceTime my in-laws over in Brunei/ Australia, banging his toys, slapping my face, pulling my hair....the list goes on. He is a real playful little tiger boy.

What I am really glad is that he does not rely much on his pacifier. Its not good for kids to be addicted with one, and I know for the fact that, if they are addicted with it, it will be tough for them to get rid of it as they grow older. Hence, my teaching on Hayden has been - he will only be given his pacifier during bed/ nap time. I am so glad Hayden is well taught and he does not need it anywhere he go! Not in the car, not whilst we took him shopping. He is such a good boy! (lets hope he stays this way and not turn into a little monster later on)

September is looming near. Does anyone know if parents are allowed to bring in milk powder for their babies to Australia? I am worried that when we fly to Perth for our holiday then, would the immigration confiscate Hayden's milk powder? We will declare the item of course, but would they be lenient to allow us to bring it in especially since we will be there for a week? If only Australia sells the milk powder brand that Hayden is taking...but unfortunately I was told they are not...

We'll see how it goes then.






 

9th JULY 2011 - Freedom Day

The following post is strictly WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

I have no intention of getting myself into trouble by writing about what is going on with my country. My blog is usually about the on goings of my own life and what I have encountered - to cure the curiosity of my ardent readers. And today it is no different.

I am sure most you out there would know what is BERSIH 2.0 (and I am assuming you do as it has already gotten worldwide media coverage). I am personally against rallies. I see those in other neighbouring countries doing so, and I thought, why would anyone want to waste their time walking on the street with banners, protesting against someone or somethings, wearing colored shirts, yelling, causing massive traffic, causing panic, creating chances for the arm forces to fight amongst its people instead of protecting them...

The weeks and days leading to the BERSIH 2.0 rally on 9th July 2011 still made me feel the same. I was against it. I could not be bothered. I just want to get to work and go home. But on 9th July 2011 my feelings took a 360 degrees u-turn.  I finally understood.

When I saw the videos and pictures, tweets and facebook shoutouts on this rally, I understood and could not help but agree with the objectives of BERSIH 2.0. It is all about FREEDOM, FAIRNESS and UNITY for all Malaysians. Who would not want it? The fact that I travel so much to Singapore lately, I cannot help but to compare between these 2 countries. How I hope that one day Malaysia could be like Singapore. Clean, orgainzed and most importantly I feel safe in that country. But I am still a Malaysian and I am proud to be one. I love my country still.

I am amazed with Bersih 2.0 as the voice of the cause has spread throughout the world, with all Malaysians gathered together on 9th July 2011 across the globe from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, HK, Europe and other continents! I was kinda overwhelmed with the unity shown by all Malaysians wherever they are on this day. Will this day be marked in our history book?

I came across this video, a theme song for Bersih 2.0 and I must say, it is pretty good.







Note: Again, yours truly here emphasized that the above post is strictly without prejudice and it is purely on the writer's feelings as a true Malaysian. On this day, 9th July 2011, she did not participate in any rallies but was sitting at home, spending quality time with her family, unaware of the actual ongoings in down town KL until later on...from reading The Star portal, Facebook and Twitter page.

Crazy RoadBlock!

2310hrs. 8th July 2011. All roads leading into KL are blocked and the radio has just announced that by midnight, the roads will be closed. C.L.O.S.E.D! And that's like 50minutes to go!

We drove out of Singapore since 1708hrs and we are still on the road (here in Sg Besi) and the minutes will turn into hours..when will we ever reach back home? I wonder...

Rallies, demonstrations, are these really necessary? I just want to get home. I just want to get back to my baby boy whom is fast asleep unaware that his mummy is still stuck on the road at this time of the night...

As I type here, my driver (a.k.a boss) got out of the car and posed for our camera in front of the rows of non-moving automobiles! What a hillarious move! You can imagine how bad the traffic is as we barely move an inch.

I wonder time will we get home. Anyone want to take a guess?

p/s- I got home at 5 minutes past midnight... (which means I was on the road for 7 hours!)

The Grove

Attending a property launch and subsequently bull dozing your way in getting the unit that you set your eyes upon can be really exciting! Imagine being in a bidding arena or simply, in a night market!

Couple of days ago, I, on behalf of my company was invited to attend the launch of YTL's new development site - The Grove at Lakefields (Sg Besi). The night before, I did some research, went through the site plan, planned ahead and strategize which unit to grab as I was number 25 in que (we had arranged our men to que overnight at the site and they had been queeing since in the afternoon the day before the launch! Yet there were still 24 people ahead of us!).

Friday, 24th June 2011. At 7.45am, dressed down in jeans and a comfortable peach colored blouse, I head over to Lakefields and took over the que. I sat firm at no.25 awaiting for the actual registration to begin. I was in deep thoughts, secretly hoping that the 24 people in front of me would not select the unit that I want (I aimed for any one of the units that faces east and is away from the water tank! And there were only a handful of them).

At 9.00am, the organizers gave us the cue. The excitement began....



The "buyers" rooted at their respective chairs...labeled with self-made que numbers
(pretty well organized at this point)

My lucky number





The first batch went in
I stood outside looking in...turning on my eagle eye



The SemiD house model







A vision of how the entrance would look like when its completed









The Grove, a YTL development at Lakefields, Sg Besi





We only have 1 minute to choose the unit we want!
The way we were behaving,
it felt like we were in a "pasar malam" (night market)!








In less than 1 hour, only 4 units left...a clear sell out!



Well, did I manage to achieve my goals? Sure I did! It was an amazing experience! I can't wait to see how it would look like in a few years time when its fully developed, with the beautiful lake next to it...!

Love it! Want it! Invest in it!

Watch this space!

Singapore!

Here I am sitting in my apartment blogging for the first time right here in Singapore. Its the final day of my biz trip and am counting the hours before my lunch appointment with a client.

Singapore is a great country. If I am being brutally honest, this country is way more organize than my dear home country and not to mention, I feel alot more safer here too. Oh, the Great Singapore Sale is on too! I have already contributed a significant amount of money to the economy as I have dwelled into the shopping frenzy here (RM1K in the space of 2 hours! I have gone utterly mad I must say)!

I was at Fullerton for dinner last night and the view of Marina Bay Sands was spectacular. The laser beam show accross the river bank made me in awe as I chew away the racks of lamb and sip my glass of Heineken. I have been to this great country many times and I used to have my reservations. But for the first time yesterday, I began to have a soft spot for this nation.

Last night, my Chairman asked me, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? I looked at him and thought for a while. He gave me his answer about what he thought of me and his plans for me in the next 5 years. What more can I say? It is an answer that I wanted to answer....

Got to go now. Till then....see you all back in KL!

The Heat and the Holiday

2335hours. I confined myself in my bedroom for the want of the chill cool air blowing out from my Daikin aircond. I am even contemplating to stripping down to my birthday suit as this hot weather is about to kill me any moment now. I am thinking of snow...ice....winter wonderland...or just RAIN! Why is Kuala Lumpur so terribly extremely hot these days? I think with 3 airconds blowing to my face would not even reduce the heat that I am feeling right now! Okay...Cindy is exaggerating again...but its true I tell ya! Its freaking hot here in KL!

The heat had probably fried my brain up just as much as Hubby's. We both decided to head to a far away land for our first winter holiday. Tickets purchased and visa approved! Hooray! I am going to start shopping for winter clothings for our little Hayden in preparation for the holiday in few months time! :D

There is only 1 thing I am worried about - Will Hayden be all right travelling this long distance on a flight? He definitely loves travelling by car, but by plane...I am not too sure as we had a nightmare when we brought Hayden with us to Brunei few months back and he cried (scream to be precise) in the plane throughout the journey. Well, lets bring on the milk and the pacifier and toys and his baby BLANKET! Mummy and Daddy will work together as a team to make little Hayden be as comfortable as posible. Fingers crossed...




Hayden seems fascinated with the water fountain
Hope he is just as fascinated with the clouds and the blue sky

The Pirates Sailed into MidValley Shore...!

Have you watched the Pirates of the Caribbean? If you have, then have you been to Mid Valley recently? I was in total awe when I saw this ...

A replica of the ship from the POTC constructed in the middle of the concourse! Who ever that did this surely would do Captain Jack Sparrow (and the movie producers) proud! To Mid Valley, the Management and the architect/ contractor/ designer and whoever that matters, WELL DONE! It looks absolutely, amazingly, unbelievably real!

30 is the New 20!

In continuation of my earlier post, as I am celebrating (still am!) my third decade of life, firstly, I thank God for the years and the life that he has bestowed upon me. We all should be thankful for making through year after year of our birthdays as life journey can be unpredicatable. We just got to brave ourselves for the tide that may come once in a while and live appreciatively for the things that God has blessed us with.

I woke up this morning at 8am in a daze. I wanted to continue my precious sleep (as I got home at 2am!) but how could I resist the temptation of kissing my 2 sweethearts when hubby brought our son into my arms and gave me a sweet birthday kiss (Hayden kissed me too! Though kinda sloppy but I love it)!

Hubby and I made our way to the Gardens for a movie marathon in the afternoon. Pirates of the Caribbean and Priest. We ended up watching POTC only and ditched Priest as we wanted to go home to spend some time with our son before heading to our twosome candle-lit dinner downtown.

By 7pm, we dressed to our best and headed to Cafe Cafe, a romantic french fine-dining restaurant located along Jalan Maharajalela (next to Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka). This restaurant has won many awards and is popular with its small but cozy, dimly lit set up and its glorious food. I must say, they got it absolutely right! It is beautiful.

Cafe Cafe, KL

First course: Pan seared Foie Gras
Love it! Its really really good!

2nd course: Clams with wine
Very generous with the amount of clams given.

Main course: Racks of lamb
Lamb cooked to its perfection. Absolutely delicious!

Dessert: Original chocolate cake (one of their signature dessert)
As you cut it down in the middle of the cake, hot and creamy chocolate oozes out from within. Gorgeous!

Thank you hubby for taking me to this beautiful restaurant! I'm very happy!
30 is indeed the new 20. I feel fresh and young and womanly sexy!

The Eve of 30

Time check: 3AM. Location: Kuala Lumpur. It is still 28th May in England as I blog on the past and I am secretly hoping my favourite football team would win on this very day. Champions League Final between Barcelona and Man Utd! Can the Red Devils win in their so-call home turf - The Wembley stadium?

Turning to the big 3 has been great so far. Though it seems just like any other ordinary day,  but thanks to my friends and colleagues, they had made the difference. Now, what did I do on the eve of my birthday? Time to recall from my almost recovered hang-over physique...


Celebrated my birthday in the office with a nicely written birthday card - "Mummy Cindy" - (very meaningful messages inside, so thank you everybody!) and a beautifully wrapped birthday pressie from my colleagues!



They asked me what I want for my birthday, and I said, "I don't know what I want! Maybe toys?" Cuz I don't really think of myself anymore and all I can think of is my son, my beautiful baby Hayden. So my birthday present is a present for my son! :D Thanks for buying this perfect gift for me! I love it!



Night time, night out with my friends. First at La Bodega: Margarita, Long Island, and the traditional must-have-drink-that-makes-you-drunk drink, Flaming Lamborghini! Then at WIP: A bottle of Bombay Saphire! What a total knock out!



My favourite tiramisu presented to me when the clock striked 12! OMG! I AM 30!

From Dome, to La Bodega and finally to WIP, thank you SGs for spending this beautiful night with me. We rocked BSC through and through! Friends forever!