Adventures of Grandpa's Ghost

I dreamt of Grandpa last night. He came back to us, in ghost form. He was looking for ‘small Annie’. Only problem, ‘small Annie’ is not exactly small anymore. He stood between my unsuspecting parents in the driveway, listening in on our conversations. This gave mom a bit of a fright. Had she or had she not said something about Grandapa since his passing? The mark of a gossip that is – to be more horrified at the idea that the ghost has heard an unsavoury remark rather than the ghost himself. But that’s ok, so Grandpa says. Her cooking is really good. Especially those dead-man muffins. You know, the white ones and those coloured in putrid pink.

He actually eats them? I ask.

Mom calls me a silly child, didn’t I always notice that they were intact after prayer?

They smell heavenly though, says Grandpa. When you’re dead you can’t taste anything. Great sense of smell though.

Had I always been able to See? Had I always seen him? Well, not till now really. It’s been 9 years now. Where had he been? To China. How typical. For all these years? Well yes, assuming Grandma headed that way. Where is she now? I stare behind him, thinking she might be hiding somewhere. Ran off with a general. Always been a runner that one. You do know she ran here all the way from China didn’t you? With you, Grandpa? I thought you met here. No, with some other bloke. Alas, poor man didn’t have my good looks.

Mom interrupts in a whisper, why’s he come back?

He can hear you, you know.

Well, then?

He’s come to see if we’re ok and was surprised to find the house empty. We’ve been away, To Paris.

Ah.. Nice place Paris, says Grandpa. Rude people though.

You went to Paris?!

Just a short detour from China.

I know my geography Grandpa. Paris is wayyyy over on the other side.

So back to the questions. How could I see him? Do I have the Gift?

Well, most children can really.

I’m not a child!

And the innocent, he added quickly. Not naïve. Just those who are you know, pure.

Grandpa!!!! I look at my parents. They do NOT need to know about my sex life.

No, not sex. It’s more than that. Anyway, I probably won’t seem as clear to you as I would the other two.

So if I can see you then.. what about that evil woman who haunted me? Does this mean you’re haunting us? (Yay!)

Ghosts who haunt are those without friends. Grandma was right to rub burnt ashes across your forehead. Turned her off. Strong sense of smell. Each to their own dislikes. Garlic useful for some.
I’ve been sleeping in the garden shed for the past week, waiting for you. So can I see ‘small Annie’ now? Something to ask her.

It was only a couple of months back really..

We met under precarious circumstances. For him at least. Me? Life is always a challenge, so nothing new there.

I remember we talked about this girl who he very much loved I'm not sure what happened between us. Actually, I do know, but part of me wants to pretend that I don't. He was useful because I need to be trusted. And he needed to trust after having been battered to the last of his wits. And there I was.

I do that a lot you know. Handing trust on a silver platter. Should he have been afraid? I still do not think so, but my faith wanders every now and again. That's just for me to feel better you know. Because in the end I'm the one who is alone, like I always was. And I despair to think that I might always be. But that's another story.

Of course, he was kind enough. He must be. I never take interest in those who haven't a decent bone in them. There are those people, rare, but there are out there all the same. I takes effort to be all bad I feel. We are human after all. He told me about possibilities and dreams amidst the doubt and gloominess. With all the attention, I started to hope again, knowing very well that faith borne from vulnerability is really more of a need not a want.

So now I am sitting here again, and the end of a chapter, with blank pages ahead. No foreseeable direction to the next piece of the plot in life. I am grateful though, for those people who are constant, fading in and out of this long journey of mine. Never seeming to mind when I disappear into my own world now and again, sometimes for months. never begrudging me of the times where I forget about them, and turn up only in times of need. Thank you is not enough but all I know how to begin. And you can be assured that there is no end to that appreciation, no matter how unclear it seems.

No I'm not

I'm not a good sister anymore. And less of a good friend. It's so much easier like this. I don't have to give a damn you know? It's hard to be like this in a world where NO ONE ELSE is interested in caring. So fuck yeah. Just sod off and leave me alone. I don't need to do this anymore.

Kids Without a Boyfriend

No. It's not another hit track record.

Not for others anyways.

I'm 22 going on 23. I have 2 siblings. 2 parents. And am the proud godma to the kids of the only 2 friends of mine who are married.

Unfortunately, given that I'm still overseas as my friends are with their respective husbands, I have yet to see my godkids (other than pictures). Tao (or Brandon) is 1 year, 4 and a half months old and Hellen's baby isn't even born yet! He/she is due sometime late August/early Sept. I hinted to Hellen, 7th August would be a good date :P Hehe..

I love kids. They are innocent. You can teach them anything (explicitly, or by modelling). They are that infectious! They make you smile, laugh (and cry). You want for their life to be whatever they can be. When a kid cries, it breaks my heart. I'm forewarned, might feel differently when I'm actually a mom. But hey, right now if you can't wait to get rid of your kids for the day, bring it on! :P

Age is Just Another Painful Number

Growing old alone ain't easy. I'm sure you'll agree with me. I have yet to file the papers for Spinstership Society, but I have the documents handy. Thank God for friends and family :)

I got my first card from Meng Yee. It was sitting in my mailbox 5 days before the big day.

On the Saturday before, Tsu Ann, Chand and I had dimsum. It was a busy week for them - anyone who has watched "Tails" would agree that it was worth it!

Chand and I outside West Lake.

The celebration came, as always, in the form of a simple dinner :) This year, at Oriental Spoon.

Group picture

Vanilla Sponge Cake with errr.. chocolate, chocolate liquor, um.. pastry bits, etc. :P

One of the reasons why this year is special is because of Emily :) This would be 5 years since I last celebrated my birthday with her. Emily is one of my oldest ever :) Since we were... Primary 3? It was (is, she's still here!) great to have a good friend by your side on a memorable day :)

Emily half way around the world from Nottingham :)

With Em, Sab and Yen Khai :)

Melissa and Rosanne

No birthday is complete without the cousin :P

Colin and girl friend Siew Joo

Gracing us with his ultimate soikuanness :P

Then there's dep zhai August.

Wouldn't let me cut the cake in peace!

August and girlfriend Ayumi :)

And of course.. Baonie :D

Annie Susu :)

Incidentally there were 5 secondary school mates at the dinner. Did not realize this till someone (I forgot who!) pointed it out. For "old" times sake, we tried to do the jumping spontaneously photo.

I said we tried.

Finally giving up :P

Total : 222.20, Toto anyone?

The night didn't end then. Mr Qijian decided to hog my line until it was midnight, officially my birthday. LOL. So the 1st Place Birthday Wishing (Australian Time) Award went to him.

I must say, Facebook certainly makes birthdays quite interesting. I received an array of "Facebook" gifts this year.

No Fear of 22 - Fyin Chin :)

Ian was the first one to wish me on Malaysian time :) and spent 2 hours on his drawing. LOL. Something which would've taken me much longer. Tell me it looks like one of those Hallmark birthday cards.

And I thought, is this even possible using Facebook Graffiti?

My own product

You can run but you can't hide wrinkles~

I also received a growing gift from Monica (which turned out to be a strawberry!) and a free gift from Dan Ru courtesy of Facebook. Technology comes in handy when you're far far away dunnit? :D

On the big day itself I had to attend a Red Cross volunteer session. But the surprises kept coming.

Pei Sze (in Tasmania) who again, employed services of boyfriend Cheng Loong to send me another slice from Brunetti's and a card :D

From Emily and Mann Chii :P who know my favourite things :D

The long-awaited wallet from Chand since my last one was stolen October 2006 :P

Puppy and toiletries compliments from Rosanne and Mel :)

Chockies from Siew Joo! LOL.. Oh my stomach.. don't know whether to laugh or cry.. :P

Photoframe, much needed highlighters and notebook from Colin :)

Angels of Aceh from Sabrina :)

The days after....

Bracelets and pendants from Sneha :D My favourite is the brown one with

little buddha cravings

Top and the prettiest box ever from Iris, another dear old friend who never forgets :)

huggies for you dear.. :) I miss our "bookie" chats :P

Many many thanks to the following for all your wishes :) You make me realize how lucky I am every year..

Colin, August, Phoebe, Chunny, Donkey, Fen, Hwan, Vera (despite travelling up to Brunei), Juk (for your e card :D ), Ian, Bel, Qijian, Emily, Li Kun, Meng Yee, Chun Ping, Shinny (the long email despite busy moving to London), Iris, Mabel, Zhungyi (the call despite overwhelmed with work), Barry, Pei Sze, Yaow, Cheng Loong, Tsu Ann, Cindy, Sabrina, Rosanne, Melissa, Mann Chii, Siew Joo, Ayumi, Jingting, Betty, Kim, Yen Khai, Sneha, Lynn, Vanessa, Andy, Chai Lim, Chloe, Cassandra, Yuang Teck, Jeslyn, Jimmy, Han Sze, Rudi, Dan Ru, Evelyn, Doris, Regine, Rudi, Doris, Fyin, Geok Poh, Siaw Lan, Jack, Si Ying, May-Lin, Joanna, Monica, David Tay, Sue Ann..

Hope I didn't miss anyone out~

Helen, wishing you happy 22nd birthday and may happiness and good health be with you for many many more years to come.. love always, Daddy, Mommy and Albert..

Bridge to Terabithia

Spoiler Warning, turn back if you are planning to watch this movie.

"Ever wonder what's on the other side?"

Scrambling for the rope, Leslie hoisted herself onto the fallen tree trunk. She pushed off the bark; the soles of her feet grazed the rushing river below sending droplets spraying at the ferns scattered across the enbankment. Her golden hair danced in the wind and with a quick swoosh, she disappeared into a clump of bushes.



"Leslie?"




"Leslie?"




My heart stopped as did Jesse's. We stared intently at the bushes, willing for a flash of gold to appear amongst the lush greens. Before I could stop him, Jesse grabbed onto the swinging rope and whisked over to the other side. He too, had disappeared beneath the bushes.

I followed him, eyes trained carefully on his watered-down sneakers. They once belonged to one of the elder sisters - which, I don't know. Ahead of us Leslie appeared and beckoned before disappearing again behind a tree. We passed row after row of gigantum trees. Their ancient roots threatened to trip us as we struggled to keep up with Leslie. Several times I thought we had lost track but her golden hair would again flash for a second amidst the thicket or a rugged rock as we traversed deeper and deeper in to the woods.

The wind sounded different in these parts, not the gentle swoosh but a terrifying clanging off rusted chimes and bells. Jesse ran as quickly as he could, letting the outstretched branches claw at his already grazed knees and knobbly arms. Then suddenly, he stopped blinded by a burst of shimmering light above. He stared up and up till his eyes could no longer withstand the glare. Waves of gold swirled around the branches as a fiery concoction of orange and yellow crackled brightly on the topmost branch of the oldest and largest of all trees, making it look as if it were set on fire.

In the bowl of fire stood Leslie, smiling widely, her dimples dancing. Her golden bob now outlined in silver against the bright light. Jesse leapt up a branch as though he had done so many times before and with the grace of a cat, shimmeyed up the tree with ease.

Not blessed with magical transformations, all I could do was share the view they saw through their eyes and watch in awe as Leslie proclaimed "Welcome to Terabithia".

A story of family and friendship, Bridge to Terabithia is a touching story set to warm the heart and rekindle memories of good family times and the days when imagination is all you need to take you to a different place. Terabithia is not a fiction-turned-reality world like Harry Potter's wizarding community or Frodo's world of Hobbits and Orcas. Terabithia is pure imagination, rooted enough to tell us that real life is still out there and how precious it is to share something so entirely different with another who understands your awkwardness and your uniqueness. This is not a story about rescue missions or the fight against evil, this is the story of two children sharing a special bond, struggling with their families and trying to find their way in a world which did not welcome them.

The tears came rolling down at the ending. Leslie's untimely death, Jesse's guilt, a father's unexpressed love for his son and a sister at the receiving end of unrequitted love. Reality haunts us everyday, pushing the daydreams and imagination away. But fantasy doesn't have to be magic of defense or magical rings which could destroy us, fantasy can be a place where two misunderstood souls make themselves believe there is hope and that they are not alone if they can keep their minds open.

I can only scream at one woman..

And she'd scream right back at me.. I can only get away with muttering obsecenities at one woman, and she'll still feed me. Heck, I can even make this woman cry and not speak to her for days, and she'll still love me.

This.. ladies and gentlemen.. is my mom. And this is how you'll usually find her at home. Top secret stuff! She never appears like this in front of an audience. Bad for her image apparently. But this is how I like her best. No makeup, hair up, "home" clothes and a lovely smell.

The food helps too!

She's the one responsible for my well-being. All the tears, self-consciousness and scrutiny stems from this woman. That's what mothers are for.

"Wahhhhhhh....... why so fat?"

Never fails everytime I come home.

"Don't come back fat fat ah..."

Never fails everytime I leave.

But hey, that's what mothers are for.

My mom is a small kampung gal. This life she knows and thrives in is one of cooking, baking and housework. She's simple-minded and perfectly contented running the house and feeding 4 mouths. This is how I got all the extra weight..

She's has a wicked list of recipes! She makes all the cakes and cookies for CNY. She invites her friends for lunch and dinner. She's 46 but she dances her butt away every weekened~

Ever wonder where I get that loud neverending building-shaking laughter? No one and I repeat, NO ONE, laughs louder than my mom at any occasion. Except maybe my sister. But then again, that's where we get that from. This is also why all my jokes are lame. My mom laughs at anything - everything.

Formal occasions make her uncomfortable. But then, my dad strives in that world and so my mom tries. She has been, for her entire life and we don't make it easy for her. She has no idea how to use a handphone, she doesn't know what an iPod is AND she had a very hard time trying to learn how to work a DVD player. My mom is full of surprises though. For the tech-super noob she is, she drives a mean stick. Because of her sharp reflexes, she saved my brother's life once when they were sent spinning during a car accident. My mom manouvered them to safety, stepped on the gas pedal and chased down the idiot who did it to them. Yeap, she's a fiesty one!

Yes mammi, I remember the tears, the screaming matches and the moments when we were just downright rude to each other. But I also remember your laugh, your warm hands and your generous and simple soul. If people see me as a giving person, it's only because I have you and dad as role models in that department. If people see me as a cheerful and charming person, it's all because of your ability to laugh during hard times and make people laugh with you.

Pepsi Cola one two three~

My cousin Shin Yee used to stand in front and dictated the game with such vigour that we all end up laughing anyways and losing. She always started with a slow one.

"Pepsi Cola... one..... two...... three!"
"Pepsi Cola.. onetwothree!"

"Onetwothree!" "Onetwothree!" "Onetwothreeonetwothreeontwothreeonetwothree!"

Of course being a kid, you're pretty quick on your feet. But at this point, we would always give up and collapse to the ground laughing our asses off.

Every Saturday afternoon, all the cousins would gather and pool in our "allowances". Although I admit, the occasional coin was picked up from the floor of house somewhere. Shin Yee being the oldest - her brother and sister were too old to play with us, would take the money and run outside at the first *beep* of the bread van. She would come back with an array of goodies and split the remainder of the money carefully. It was mostly just bread and sugar (doughnuts) or those with "icing" (our favourites! but very limited). We would have "tea" on the floor of Ah Ma's house and ruin our appetites for Saturday night dinner.

I was seven and feeling particularly rebellious. During the first half of the year, the entire school was playing "police dan pencuri" in our small yard. It was an accident waiting to happen within those 20 minutes of break time (now known as reccess). The teachers were terrified. Understandable. 150 school kids running around like like there's no tomorrow - I'd dig my own hole and hide. Pronto. Primary 1 kids (me!) through to the Primary 6 kids who at the time, looked like giants to me. We were the good guys and bad guys. This girl Celine who was in Primary 6 was the leader of the other team. I couldn't remember which I was on. Must've been a robber.

It was during one of these sessions where I was pushed to the ground and scraped my knees on the basketball court. I got up, turned around and gave Celine a big push in return, then sat down, and bawled my eyes out. That was the biggest knee injury I have yet. There's a big scar I'd be happy to show anyone - the first signs of violence :)

The second half of the year came with a promotion. I sat next to Gavin in class. He was one of the "guai-lous" whose father was transferred to Miri because of Shell. I forgot what he said to me one day, but we both ended up in the principal's office. Myself with a bruise on the nose and him with several scratches down the face. That's why they call it cat fights when ladies do it. So I guess Gavin and I were having a cat-brawl.

Colin, Phoebe, Annie and I went through the Power Rangers hype with the occasional help from Shin Yeou and Li Kun who alternated as the Black Ranger and August as the Honorary Green Ranger, but although lived further away in the Land of No Return but made it occasionally back to Earth on some Sundays to help us ward off evil creatures.

As a kid I was ankle-sprain prone. I've sprained my ankle more times than I can remember. There was this one time though. The pinnacle of all pains, Dad brought me to a Chinese dai fu to have my ankle "put right". I put on a brave face. That was, till the master pulled at my foot. Then I started to cry like a baby. I was 10.

"Eh.. be brave.. will be over soon.. Blue Ranger mah.. Blue Ranger doesn't cry.."

I was stunned to silence. How in the world did Dad know I was Blue Ranger? I didn't even realize he knew what we were up to. Of course, our bicycles-turned-dinosaurs, fake badges and bandannas did nothing to help point him to the right direction.

2nd Aunt used to have a cat. When Astra, Colin's and Phoebe's mongrel passed away in a freak accident - the cat was the only pet left. One day we found four kittens nestled in the "garage" area of the Ah Ma's house. Blackie, Brownie, Ginger and a fourth I can't remember what we named him became our pets. Every Sunday afer Tang Soo Do lessons at the Che Sing Khor temple at the end of the street, we would feed and play with the little kittens until they were not so little anymore.

Leonardo, Donatello, Michaelangelo and Raphael graced us in their soft green shells after the kittens were gone. We took them out and placed them on the grass in Colin's garden. They would crawl around and we would stroke, tease and conduct turtle races. The grass was so green that one day we lost Raphael. We spent days looking for him, crawling near the big drains outside our house calling his name like he could answer us. One day Donatello died and when Leo and Mic grew too big (3kgs each?) we released them at the "Pek Kong" temple by the fish market in town.

A lot of people I know try to make up for their lost childhood. I've had a whacky one, filled with our own hand-made batu seremban sets, "ice" and fair share of bruises and scrapes. All still fresh in mind.

Scare

Make no mistake.. I've definitely run out of interesting things to blog about lately. I was just thinking about my last holidays and figured there had to be something I forgot to pen down. And wallah~ waddya know? There IS something~

Last December while we were in KL, we were met with near crisis. Or rather, quite a scare. It was the very first day we arrived. After a good rest (sleep in my case) at the hotel, we went out for dinner at Jalan Alor. True to their form, Annie and Mom went to Sungei Wang for a first round of shopping. Dad tagged along as well while Albert and I went back to the hotel.

A few minutes later we got a call from Dad, telling us that they couldn't find Annie. Albert and I rushed over. Lo and behold, my parents looked like they were about to begin a shouting match in the middle of the mall which they did eventually. Well, more like Mom started crying and being hysterical and Dad trying to calm her down unsuccessfully. I went to the information centre to get them to page Annie over the speakers and started to search for her myself.

After half an hour, still no show.

The place was jam-packed with people because of a TV series promotion and just because it was Sungei Wang on a Friday night. I asked around at the shops I thought she would visit and surprisingly a lot of people enlisted to help search for her. After several rounds the place, I went back to the information centre only to see her standing there in front of my parents and with May-Lin's parents who happen to be on holiday.

Apparently she was watching the show on stage which was right in front of the information centre -.-" The noise overpowered the announcement. It was only during an intermission when she heard her name and quickly made it (a flight of steps) to the front and greeted by a barrage of scoldings from my parents.

*swt*

Kids, never make your parents worry about you ok? It only takes so much (little?) for them to fall apart.

Fun!

After the previous depressing post, I set off with Dad for a fun-filled afternoon at Park City Everly. South Furious Jacket E finally has their first oil produce and the workers are all celebrating like mad.

We arrived just in time, only to see less than 25 people by the pool. This is the first time I've truly realized how great Dad's working environment is. All the colleagues were very friendly - some were my age - Andy, Julianna, Frankie, Eddie and Amy and also the Uncles Tang, Yeo, Chen and Bala. It was surprising to see how multi-racial the group was. Uncle Bala was the only Indian representative who goes around calling everyone "Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-der". LOL!

I had a good time playing with the kids but the highlight of the afternoon was the treasure hunt.

O
M
G

HAhaha.. we were divided into two teams and Uncle Yeo (avid drinker, karaoke enthusiast and cheeky nature) headed our team. The first clue was ( -.- ) under Dad's car! He wasn't allowed to play of course, there were other reasons for that which will be revealed in a while. Oh, the embarrassment! I lost to Uncle Tang's kid! Despite the fact that he fell as we approached the foot of the bridge (No! I did not push him!), I still lost to him on the foot race! :P Man.. I forgot what it's like to run like a kid! :P

The second clue had Mr. Bala running to the gym and having to lift weights. Jul came back faster than he did! LOL.. much to his embarassment :P Yes, we had an embarrasingly funny and blur-ed team! :D

Frankie then raced down to the beach to gather our third clue. Man, that was when everyone was told by his Uncle that he was a sprinter - he caught up with the other Uncle (I forgot his name!) so quickly that we thought it was the end of our embarrassing feat :P They both grabbed the red flag and actually ran back without the clue!!!

That was pretty much the end of the race. Why? Because we spent the rest of the afternoon digging, digging and digging!! The third clue (5 tshirts!!) did a disappearing act! From two diggers to the whole party, we dug around for an hour! The other team found two shirts after valiant attempt but spurned by the Msytery of them Invisible Shirts, nobody left the place! The committee eventually joined us and even they couldnt remember where they had planted the shirts! Andy and Amy were completely bewildered. nearly 20 people digging about in a space less than 4metres in diameter. It is during these situations where observation is necessary. Some dug around aimlessly without any strategy, some gave up early and went swimming while others were persistent. Determination comes in two forms - "I won't give up! - typical "bu4 gan1 yuan4" form! and "Impossible.. there must be here somewhere"

In the end, Andy found a stray shirt and everyone gave up after two hours!

Yeaps.. if you happen to visit the beach area in front of Park City Everly, there are still two cool-looking shirts buried between a lone tree and a post with an triangular-shaped overhead~

We retired to the pool after that for sandwiches and the like. It was there I witnessed how Uncles still have the strength and enthusiasm to drown each other. With my untimely monthly visitor due, I settled with learning 10 words from my vocab list. Dad and I left home to shower in time for the dinner at 6.30.

That night, about a hundred people showed up. Yeaps. Malaysian. Food. Free. Yahoo!!! We met Dad's boss - funny how they find it hard to talk to angmos too. No topics in common besides the projects? It was extremely awkward as Mom doesnt speak English either. The evening was filled with lots of laughter, teasing and catcalling. No kidding. We're talking about 30, 40, 50-year olds here, catcalling at the band and abusing the microphone.

It was during this eventful occasion I chose to 1) overcome my fear, 2) embarrass myself to the max. I decided to get up on stage to sing. I thought if Mom and Dad could do it (which they did and have done a lot), I should really get rid of my fear. And so I got up to belt "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion only to stand there in fright for the first verse.

Dumbstruck. Petrified.

Thank goodness for the DJ! THANK YOU! It was only when he put on the voice over for a bit then I opened my mouth. I've gotten on stage to act countless of times, why is it that I can't sing solo or string together a decent speech? :/ This is something I have to learn to overcome with time, with trial and with all the errors it's worth!!!

Helen Su! Stop being so afraid!

:P

Scary, but fun! :)

How do you explain your dreams?

When you have something you want to achieve and goals you want to reach, how do you tell the people who gave you life?

Maybe I'm a worrier, but better safe than sorry right? It's not that I wanna miss Chinese New Year, but I need to attend a supervisors' meeting during orientation. Isn't that more important at this moment? I don't know if one or two days would make a difference, but I'm fighting for what I want. Did I work my ass off just to get second pick at supervisors and projects?

Dad understands what it feels like to achieve something as far as careers are concerned. After all, he's fought all his life to be where he is now. He always encourages me to go for what I want, no matter how big the dream is.

But will he really let me go?

I asked him about the United States three days ago and now they're talking about me getting my permanent residency in Australia and possibly bringing the whole family over. Are my words like the wind? Swept away as soon as they blow over? Are they really so transparent? Are my dreams transparent?

How do you explain your dreams?

Busy Day

Today turned out to be one of the busiests days I've had since graduation day. And here I'll reveal to you the extent of my boredom during holidays. This is actually exciting compared to all other days thus far.

Woke up surprisingly (maybe not) early today at 11a.m. Reason? I had a date with Hwan and Vera. Went to brush, change and what not. Just in time to pick Hwan up and get down to Taiwan Cafe to meet Vera at 12. Wrong.

The car was missing!

Wait. Save your breaths. It wasn't stolen. My mom drove it out apparently (I found out later) to fix her hair for purposes which I will reveal to you later. Of course she came back late. What time? I don't know. Because in the end, Vera had to come and pick me up and then pick Hwan up. Our 12 o'clock lunch became a three hour yak starting from 1p.m. till 4 just sitting there talking long after scores of customers have come and gone. HAhaha.. well, really, it was mostly the both of them talking. I listened. Funny. I consider myself as pretty talkative but not quite as "gusto-ic" as these sisters of mine :)

Sweet Vera

Poised Hwan

We talked about a zillion things. All of which were very interesting. I won't divulge all the details, but they centre around men. No, we were NOT fawning over them. I guess I never realized how liberal all of us are. Heh. It was more like a scaled-down version of the Australian Open slammin' :P

Having sat there for 3 hours, I'm surprised that the people there didn't throw us out. Hohoho :P Yes, it's been a year since we all saw each other.

LOL! Not camwhores :P Just friends who miss each other :) Btw, only Hwan is available, in case anyone is interested. Hehe..

Vera drove back up to Taman Tunku to get Hwan back home before the 5pm news was due to start in order for her to follow her research. Yeaps. Hwan is a media and communications/broadcast student. Pretty cool huh? ;) On the way there however.. we got.. err.. distracted :P

These groups of pictures were taken in front of the kiddie pool at Taman Miri. We've all heard of it, but none of us have actually been there till this afternoon. Hahah.. wish we were kids again.. :)

Just as we dropped Hwan off, my dad called to say that I have to be back in time for his company's family dinner! :/ I didn't realize we had to arrive by 6. Vera managed to err.. deliver me at the door at 5.30. LOL! Rush rush rush.. Remember my mom went to fix her hair? Well, this was why!

God Help Me.

I was told to give a speech. I nearly died. Not quite, since I'm still here to tell the story. Goodness.. my B.M. was soooooooooo rusty. I had to improvise -.-" Gosh. Stumbled over a few words. Otherwise, I'm ok. But there's no way I'm doing something like that again without any preparation! Never again will I improvise at such a rate. I had what.. half an hour to prepare?

-.-"

I really need to work on my presentation skills. So ends my exciting day. I'm back to sitting in front of the screen again.. typing into the late of night..