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Crystal Clear & Tomato Red October 30, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Close to Heart & Home, Memes & Tags , 30comments

My hubby and I were dressed to the nines. It was the night of our wedding and we had every reason to celebrate. The grand ballroom was decorated with ivory roses and the stage was lit with fairy lights that made the whole evening seemed dreamlike. All eyes were on us and as we danced to “The Way You Look Tonight”, there was only one word to describe it all: Magical.

And then the leader of the band announced that my MIL (who knew that I love to sing) had requested that I get up on stage to sing a song. Gosh, I knew this was coming.

Being the complete sport that I was, I carefully stepped up on stage and asked the members of the band if they had the words to Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On”. It was a song that I had sung at my BIL’s wedding several years back and it was a good song for a wedding, I thought. They said no, but I decided to go ahead and try to remember the words and sing it anyway. I told them to play it in the key of G. As I sang the first note, the crowd cheered. And everything went well until one particular note where my voice decided to BREAK at that very instant! On that one note, I really wanted to bury my head in whatever item I could find. But embarrassing though it may be, my guests all clapped (bless them!). Maybe they were all drunk or something. Sigh.

So when I was recently asked by Paris to recall my most embarrassing moment, I couldn’t remember any other more recent embarrassing moment; hence this would have to be it.

And today, exactly three years have passed and I can still remember that incident. In fact, it has also been caught on video! *shudder* Would I have a chance to redeem myself in future? Time will only tell.

Three years of wedded bliss, three years since we said “I do” and pledge our undying love for each other. And you know what, my love? I still do, and I always will.


Hawaiian wop-bop-a-luau October 29, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Rainmakers , 3comments

I think it is essential for all of us to take some time off at least once a year to go for a vacation somewhere, someplace where we can leave all our worries behind, forget all about work, and just enjoy ourselves to the fullest. In keeping up with the rat race, most of us tend to work too hard and forget that we only live once. Some people are real-life versions of Ebenezer Scrooges, they scrimp and save money for a proverbial “rainy day”, but when the “rainy day” never comes, they wonder where their lives had gone. And yet, on the other end of the spectrum, there are people, top managers even, who take the trouble to take their family for a camping trip or a seaside holiday. They come back rejuvenated, and ready to start work all over again. Why, just last week, my senior manager joyfully told me that he was going to go to Hawaii on vacation. Now, that’s life… All I am saying is that there ought to be a healthy balance between work and play. Always.

Well, I’ve already gone for my “once a year” trip to Singapore. Perhaps I can start planning for another trip next year, perhaps to one of the beautiful Kauai resorts in Hawaii? *hopeful* For one, I have never set foot in Hawaii, although I have been to the States many times before. My hubby and I love the beach and the clear blue waters, so much so that we spent our honeymoon in the Maldives. I am hence curious to find out how different Hawaii is compared to the Maldives. I would certainly expect lots of grass skirts. :) In fact, I wouldn’t mind getting into one myself, just for the fun of it! Next, I learnt that Poipu beach, home of the picturesque Poipu Kai resort, has been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I can just see it now: cool wind in my hair, running along the pristine sand beaches, lazing around on a hammock and the at the end of the day, retiring to one of these Kauai vacation rentals. Ah, paradise indeed.

Now it’s time to be sam-pat October 26, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Memes & Tags , 13comments

Over the past week or so, I have seen so many sam-pat questionnaires being done that I was beginning to feel guilty about not doing mine. You see, I had been tagged thrice over the last week by Jacelyn, cbenc12 and Rinnah to do this sam-pat (38) questionnaire tag. Oh well. Let’s get on with it and have some laughs at the same time, huh?

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night. Ethan boy.

2. What were you doing at 0800? Getting dressed for work, while talking to Ethan at the same time.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Playing Rock, Paper & Scissors and Scrabulous.

4. What happened to you in 2006? I gave birth to Ethan, and began my breastfeeding journey with him.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud? “Hey, long time no see!” to someone I had not met in ages. I bumped into her while I was going to the loo.

6. How many beverages did you have today? Three types, but I can’t remember how many cups of each: water, Milo and iced lemon tea.

7. What color is your hairbrush? Wooden brown. The bristles are silver though.

8. What was the last thing you paid for? RM1 for parking at Queensbay Mall.

9. Where were you last night? At home watching The Weakest Link.

10. What color is your front door? Beige White (updated after my hubby told me it was white, and I went home to check and confirm)

11. Where do you keep your change? In my coin purse.

12. What’s the weather like today? Cold, gloomy, rainy - the total opposite of my mood, cos the weekend’s here!

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Vanilla definitely, with strawberry coming in a close second.

14. What excites you? The very mention of not having to work.

15. Do you want to cut your hair? I did, about 2 months back. Then the hairdresser gave me a horrendous fringe that was too short, but thankfully it has grown out now. So nope, I don’t want to cut my hair just yet.

16. Are you over the age of 25? Unfortunately yes.

17. Do you talk a lot? Sometimes, with the right people on a right subject. But I also listen a lot too.

18. Do you watch the O.C.? I used to, but lost interest in it.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven? Yes, plenty.

20. Do you make up your own words? Only when I talk to my hubby. We share a *secret* language of our own.

21. Are you a jealous person? My nickname is the green-eyed monster.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Audrey, my ex-classmate. Mother of 2 beautiful kids. She stays in PJ now.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Kathleen, also my ex-classmate. She has a pair of twin boys and stays in Boston.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? My hubby.

25. What does the last text message you received say? From Toyota: It’s time to bring your Toyota in for a service.

26. Do you chew on your straw? No, why would I wanna do that?

27. Do you have curly hair? Nope, I have very straight hair.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? To the toilet.

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? I can’t think of anyone right now, but that’s a good thing, yes?

30. What was the last thing you ate? Thab thim krob from Siam Express, my dessert during lunch.

31. Will you get married in the future? Huh? Why? I already am, what! And happily married at that!

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? I have not seen any movies in the past goodness-knows-how-many-months! But I have been watching a LOT Of Baby Einstein DVDs over and over again!

33. Is there anyone you like right now? Yes. And if you have been reading all my responses till here, I like you too!

34. When was the last time you did the dishes? This morning, after breakfast.

35. Are you currently depressed? No, cos the weekend’s here!

36. Did you cry today? No.

37. Why did you answer and post this? Why did I not? Is this a trick question?

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
Adino
SiwwyPig
Hijack Queen
Bart
Wooi Sin

Here’s five for the road October 25, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Memes & Tags , 11comments

Yes, I’m taking some time out here (again) to do a long-overdue tag from Rinnah, who claims she’s got a fiver in her pocket, and Ehon, who has also asked me to dig deep down for answers. Not to be outdone, I too must share information about myself in a similar manner.

5 THINGS FOUND IN MY BAG
~ Pen Drive
~ House Keys
~ Tissues
~ Sunglasses
~ Double-sided face mirror (one side for normal view and the other for a magnified view)

5 THINGS FOUND IN MY WALLET
~ NOT enough cash
~ Shopping and Privilege cards
~ Touch-n-Go Card
~ Business cards
~ Photo of hubby

5 THINGS FOUND IN MY ROOM
~ King-size bed
~ My ivory shantung-silk wedding gown
~ Baby cot
~ Bottles of perfume
~ Ikea laundry basket

5 THINGS I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO
~ Be a Stay-At-Home-Mom
~ Write a book
~ Tend to and own a luscious glorious garden
~ Go to Liverpool
~ Star in a broadway musical

5 THINGS I’M CURRENTLY INTO
~ Scrapbooking with Photoshop
~ Facebook
~ John Grisham novels
~ Getting a facial soon
~ Reorganizing the categories for my blogs

5 BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE TO TAG
~ Hooi Ling
~ Jazzmint
~ Leah
~ Wen
~ Paik Ling

Wordless Wednesday 001 October 24, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Relax & Celebrate , 18comments

~ Wordless Wednesday ~

Birthdaytime in Paris October 24, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Close to Heart & Home , 8comments

When you mention the word Paris, most people associate Paris with Paris Hilton, but when I think of Paris, the beautiful city of Paris comes to mind. Images of the Eiffel Tower and the gorgeous Champs-Élysées heading towards the west to the majestic Arc de Triomphe are scenes I dream of seeing in person. I haven’t been to this city of love and romance before, but it has always been my dream to go there someday. But for now, the closest I get to anything remotely Paris is in the form of my good blogging friend, Paris Beaverbanks, who celebrates her birthday today, just three days shy of my own! Happy Birthday Paris! I hope to meet you someday :)

A beautiful day that promises the world
Greets you, Paris, a very special girl
Now here’s a wish in a wonderful way
May your dreams come true, have a very happy birthday!

October 21st: Prelude and Main Act October 22, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Close to Heart & Home, Thoughts & Scribblings , 17comments

To be frank, I was already in a celebratory mood on Friday itself. Choosing to ignore the sore throat I had, I went about work in a mechanical manner and was really glad when the time came for me to leave for home. Drink lots of water, I kept telling myself.

Saturday lunch, we had reservations at the E&O, what I like to call the opening act or the pre-birthday celebration. I don’t do this every year though, it’s just that the lunch at the E&O on Sunday is rather noisy, and I prefer the quiet ambience exuded on Saturdays. After we ate till we could no longer eat, we left with a birthday cake, compliments from the hotel, which was given to me because I am a Heritage member of the hotel. * grins*

It seemed at that time that the flu had sprung its attack on me, though the tomyam I had for lunch helped alleviate it a great deal. So it was back home for a nice lazy afternoon nap then. That evening, I made some nutritious American Ginseng soup with kampung chicken to ‘feed the flu’ and prayed that I would be all better the next day.

Later that night, after I posted my latest blog entry in Ethan’s blog, Rinnah pinged me to wish me a happy birthday, as it was already past midnight. Chatted with her for a bit, then I logged into Facebook and discovered that Ehon had also written a simple birthday wish on my wall. Thanks guys! Meant a lot to me.

I woke up on Sunday still feeling slightly under the weather, but the realization that it was my birthday pushed me out of bed. I checked my cell phone and was thrilled to received happy birthday SMSes, the first one being from Mom and Dad. That day, my inlaws came to Penang for a visit, so we all went for a yummy and scrumptious lunch at Maple Gold Recreation Center. Yes, there was singing and yes, there was some cake-cutting. Food was very good, and well, it did bode well for my flu, which by the way had turned into a cough, and my head was all giddy by the time we got home after lunch. Stubborn as I was, I still found strength in me to head to Queensbay Mall for dinner, and some shopping.

So here I am, paying the price for my stubbornness. Dragged myself to see the doc and upon doc’s orders, I am on sick leave today. But logging onto the internet and discovering all the beautiful birthday wishes that had poured in for me yesterday is enough to make me feel a whole lot better. Blogging has certainly brought me warmth and birthday love all around the world. Thank you, merci beaucoup, grazie molto, muchas gracias everyone for your kind thoughts and sentiments. I am truly, truly touched.

think thank thunk October 19, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Memes & Tags , 21comments

Pink Elle tagged me with this supposedly easy tag (but I discovered while doing it that it does take a little bit of thinking). Now, her tag gets to cut queue cos I already *know* who I wanna tag, but I don’t think anyone will beat me to tagging her cos this tag only requires one taggee! Ha… besides, how difficult can this be? I only need to complete the sentences below however I want to.

  1. I’ve come to realize that my last kiss was so much sweeter than the one before it.
  2. I am listening to Beautiful (As You)
  3. I talk most of the time but not all of the time, and only when I need to.
  4. I love spending rainy mornings in bed, under the covers, just listening to the pit-pattering of rain drops on the roof.
  5. My best friends are Jesus and the voice of my heart,… oh and my hubby, of course!
  6. My Car is going to turn into a beemer when I say “Transform NOW!”… nah, didn’t work….shucks.
  7. My love life is a beautiful blessing from God and so much more than I could have ever envisioned it to be.
  8. I hate it when people ask “Why?” repeatedly.
  9. Love is blind, but not all of the time!
  10. Marriage is a lifetime commitment, and a wedding starts that commitment off on the right footing.
  11. Somewhere, someone is thinking of what to get me for my birthday!
  12. I’m always looking forward to the next holiday, or non-working day.
  13. I have a secret cheesy crush on (I can’t believe it) no one! I guessed I moved past that phase already… but if it’s a secret crush, then I wouldn’t be revealing it here, right?
  14. My cell phone is a favorite toy of Ethan’s
  15. When I wake up in the morning I check to see if it’s a work day, if not, then I plonk myself back into bed.
  16. When I go to bed at night I thank God for the day that has drifted past me, and thank Him for the day to come.
  17. Right now I am thinking about the weekend that starts in a few hours’ time.
  18. Babies are the closest thing to heaven, ever.
  19. I get on myspace never. Facebook, anyone?
  20. Today I am nursing a slightly tight and sore throat, which I hope will mysteriously go away when evening comes.
  21. Tonight I will hopefully start off on my latest John Grisham novel.
  22. Tomorrow I will have a fun-filled Saturday, with no worries in the world!
  23. I really want to start exercising soon!
  24. Someone that will most likely repost this is… Rinnah because really, how can I not tag her?

I know what I did this Raya October 17, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Relax & Celebrate , 20comments

We had a 4-day extended weekend break for the Hari Raya holidays. I’m back at work today, wondering where that holiday had escaped to. It only seemed like yesterday that I was happily packing up after work on Friday evening, and then heading for home in a cheerful mood, preparing to pack my clothes for a short holiday to my hometown in Ipoh and also a visit to the country’s capital, KL.

Because the outlet was still new, we were given complimentary appetizers comprising lasagna and garlic bread. Some of us preferred the default plain bread they normally served, but whatever.  They just replaced it in the blink of an eye.  We ordered the fried calamari, pizza and salmon fettucine, and mentally we prepared ourselves for the dessert that was to come too. Oh, by the way, the strawberry cheesecake and creme brulee at Italiannies were so heavenly and sinfully good, I’m still craving for it now. Gosh. Don’t think any other cheesecake could even come close to it…

We *Dove* Underwater
We visited the Aquaria, where the queue was SO long when we arrived. I just don’t know what the management was thinking. They only had two counters open to cater for the large crowd! Imagine if a tourist were to visit the Aquaria on their first sight-seeing trip in Malaysia, what a bad impression that would have made! So much for Visit Malaysia Year 2007, huh? Perhaps it is time the Aquaria implemented online ticketing. But anyway, after a wait of about half an hour, we finally got our tickets. I must add that the ticketing officer wasn’t at all pleasant too, to begin with.

 

In comparison to Singapore’s Underwater World, the Aquaria had less fishes but more turtles. The tunnel, which was really the highlight of my Singapore Underwater World experience, failed to deliver this time around in the Aquaria. We did manage to get some pictures of our trip though…

We Sushied and Sashimied
Anyway, I forgot to mention that this is the view that greeted us at the back of our hotel:

…and yes, of course, we were tempted to go for buffet lunch there. Unfortunately, because of the long wait at the Aquaria, when we arrived at Saisaki, it was already 2:10p.m. and the buffet spread would be cleared at 2:30p.m.! In fact, they were already on their “last call” when we arrived. Dang. The Aquaria queue caused us our Saisaki buffet lunch :( So scratch that plan. We made our way to Pavilion instead and had our Japanese fix there.

I had wanted to get some J.Co Donuts too while I was at the Pavilion, but the long queue put me off. What is it about queues and holidays anyway?

Tiring? You bet. But it was worth all the fun we had. I look forward to the next holiday in all excitement.

Just One Click October 17, 2007

Posted by The Giddy Tiger in : Blogging, Thoughts & Scribblings , 4comments

I’m going Pink for October and the following post is published in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I’ve been thinking about what else I can do in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Other than sporting the pink ribbon (which by the way, you can get for free at any Estee Lauder counter), and blogging about breast cancer, I was stuck… until this morning, when I received an email from Mom directing me to this website.It is such a wonderful idea: All it takes is just one click. Clickers don’t need to pay anything, but the sponsors of this site will give away free mammograms to women who need it. And what better time to do it than in Pink October month, eh? I just clicked away, now will you do it too?