Malaysia Truly Asia

Jessie jots...

So I'm finally getting the hang of being a Malaysian girl... again. The last time I did was two years ago and every time I get localized, my brain and memories turn back to where I left my home 7 years ago. Back then, when we were all teenagers, our best fashion for girls outing were big, big XXL t-shirts that says "Billabong" or some cheesy slogan like "Aaron Kwok Is My Superstar". Well if it wasn't yours, then it was just me.

I'm now clad in those clothes. If you ever happen to drop by my house and surprise me, I'll be mad at you. No just kidding. I'm wearing those clothes because I feel most happy doing so and they are so comfortable after so many washes. My kampung (old) pants hail from the days my Mom wore it in Terengganu and went to market with it. I love 'em, I wear them every time they get dry... wonder if it was the many washes or the memories that made me feel comfortable.

The day Hushby, Joey and I arrived Penang airport, it was a day to remember for years to come. That blast of humid air nearly killed me but I knew that was going to come. As soon as I saw my parents, my sister and her boyfriend, a good friend Su Ying and my in-laws waiting outside the International Arrival Hall, waving so hard their hands were going to fall off, and their smiles were so wide, they can fit two big Macs in, I couldn't help but feel really, really touched. I was aesthetic, my lungs were working hard and my feet were tingling. It was long enough and this was really a deserving moment.

We hugged and we looked at each other. My scent stunk like baby's puke for travelling 20 hours on air. Yet we hugged somemore and stand in really close proximity, as I hope nobody would notice. Nobody cares and we just couldn't stop talking. We yak til 4am that night. I got up at 8am later and my excited body stay up til late at night again for more yakking.

My sister, Siew and her boyfriend Jin bought us a welcome home cake the day we arrived, which was really sweet of them. Ever sweeter, when I found out it was from the cake house that made my wedding cake. The moist chocolate flavor was to die for! We had dinner at a Hai Sien Choo Char (chinese seafood restaurant) near Autocity back in the mainland. Once seated, I caught myself getting disgusted at a place so noisy and unruly... I wasn't sure if I was going to like the rest of my trip here, having been spoilt with clean and systematic eateries back in the States.

3 weeks later...

I'm ordering Char Koay Teow (Fried Flat Rice Noodle) having it by the roadside where cockroaches and mice called their habitat. My drinks attacked by the flies and my legs stung by mosquitoes, yet I'm enjoying every minute of it. The casual conversation between my family members at Kimberly Street and the fact that everyone spoke Hokkien with me, even the Indian dude selling Mee Goreng (Fried Mee), lifted me up to my equilibrium.

*At this point I'm a little distracted because Hushby just called from Cali and I'm halfway across the globe feeling helpless as he is still facing problem sleeping through the night by himself :(

*Lost of my train thoughts

Anyway, what I was going to say was I am contented with being at home. I hadn't spend enough time with my folks yet and I don't think I ever will be, being a homey person.

You know what's fun under it all... that with each family members help out with everything make me less fatigue of a person. I'm done with doing all the brainwork for once, having to plan, organize and do it all by myself, which I was so used to repeating until I came back... I realized life could have been so easy with the fam around. The prospect of moving back to Malaysia is so tempting but we had gone too far now to turn back unless we get rejected by the States.

PapaChiang just bought us Curry Fish Head and Turmeric Fried Chicken from Pokok Buluh in Cherok Tokun and Siew cooked 2 cups of white rice to prepare us for lunch. Dad also just served me a glass of cold coconut drink, expecting me to be on the dining table while I'm trying to finish my blog because I understand, and I'm already smelling the food... the food!!! I shall appreciate this moment and keep this in my remembrance.

Lunch time!

Vacay Time

Jessie jots...

Can't believe time flies. Just 2 months ago, I was looking forward to leave the Land of Freedom to the Land of Truly Asia. Now, just a lil over 12 hours before I depart, I'm already a little reluctant. Maybe because I'm finally enjoying the weather? Maybe because I've finally own a routine? Or finally has a pet, the cat? Or the thought of a future addition, the guinea pig which I planned to call Pizza? Whatever it is, it sure feels reluctant. (Pizza was actually Joey's idea)

Anyhoo, I'm still in the middle of packing last minute stuff - toiletries, headbands (haha!), important documents, cat food and books. We're heading to the airport at 8pm tonight for a 11.50pm flight. Planning to have dinner in OC first before we head north to LA and also dropping poor little miss Pipi to her boarding place. I'll be sure to give a big goodbye hug and a big kiss on that cutie pie's cheek... and also collect some of her furs for remembrance. We'll be arriving in Penang airport this Sunday evening at 8.30pm. If you plan to show up, I do not mind the kompang and a 'welcome home banner' if you're deciding to bring any. HAHA J/K :) I prefer a low-key entrance.

This blog will not be updated as much in the future weeks ahead. You're looking at a schedule that is going to be sardine-packed. First week, wedding preparation for the Aussie friends and being with the Chiang fam and combating that jet lag. Second week, off to KL to visit the United States embassy to renew my visa with Hushby and then that weekend is when Hushby flies back here to rescue Ah Pi from her boarding place. Back to work for him, unfortunately! :(

For those in Malaysia, bear in mind that if I don't call or email you that two weeks, it's not that I forget about you. Wait til the third week or so, and you'll see signs of Jessie Chiang popping up again. :) At the mean time, have fun while I'm gone!

Turning 27 years old

Jessie jots...

How does 27 feel like? Well, it does feel like a day older, a lot mature and a bit smarter. HAHA If anything, it sure feels more secure and self-assured. It's like finally you know what your beliefs are and now, you really, really know yourself. More comfortable with being more confidence, that's what it is! Suddenly 26 seem so far away... as if it was a teenage year I no longer need.

How did I celebrate it? I woke up that morning and randomly went online to book for a Whale Watching Catamaran cruise. It was only $20 for each of us, and I made a trip with Joey in hope for at least the blue whale, now said to be in season. Was sorry that Hushby couldn't join us that afternoon, but I guess he doesn't mind either since he's prone to motion-sickness. But instead of catching glimpses of whale, which we failed to find any, the captain found us a dozen of Risso Dolphins. It was really amazing to see dolphins in the wild, putting a show for us for more than half an hour.

So, the canteen was close for the day and the cook has to be treated... right? After the cruise, Joey and I rushed home and took at least an hour to get all spruced up for dinner. Hushby took 2 minutes to shower, 1 minute to put his clothes on and look awfully handsome, effortlessly. How did he do that?? Anyway, I remember specifically telling him, "No need fancy, shmancy place for dinner, OK? A casual place will do" and "No present for me. Just dinner is fine." But of course, with Hushby, he never obey the rules except for his Wednesday soccer nights.

I knew it was a french restaurant, and Hushby convinced me it has a casual atmosphere and serves reasonably-priced food. Hence, I dressed the way I dress, a white top and a simple skinny jeans with heels. But what do ya know... this place serve more than just filet mignon. It has foie gras (duck liver) and the common French staple, caviar costing at least $130 bucks for what may seem like just a tablespoon to us all. Don't worry, I didn't order that!

And just about before I enter the restaurant, Mr. Tham walked out of the car with a silver shiny box in his hand. Ohhh FOR ME?? Duh... Where did he even hide it??

Here I am, asking if my outfit is OK? If we can afford it and feeling bad for him to get me something but in the end, I accepted the present with an open heart. LOL

So what is it? A little feathered headband. I really, really love it. Love it the bones y'all!!! *shivers* Hushby is getting better at knowing what I like in the recent years. He's been full of tricks and surprises these days, men do get better as they age. Look at him, trying hard to keep a straight face.

I've been trying on that headband every time we stepped into Nordstrom, he must have took note... real good note. I just love the vintage headband to death and couldn't find a cheaper one to substitute the pricier version, so I just kept on trying them until I feel satisfied. But what do ya know, it's mine now. HAHA! If you haven't know yet, I have an obsession with headbands... I have a collection of them and even when I don't look good with it, I still wear them. Mostly at home. But this one... this one will actually make it out of the door! The best fashion invention ever... oh so flattering even on round, poofy head like mine.

I'm not dissapointed I didn't get the usual big hoo-ha birthday cake with candles this year. But it's OK, I think I had something better - a Chocolate Souffle with white foamy whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Carefree indulging with that souffle has resulted in severe body damage now but what can a birthday girl do when that good stuff is in front of her face?

No candles to blow this time but I still make my wishes secretly, in the shower.... secretly wishing and hoping and prance around for a better year ahead.

So it's fun to turn 27. Birthday celebration just gets better with age, don't ya think? I would enjoy my birthday just as much even if it was at a Mamak shop or Char Kuey Teow stall, heck even at KFC. I think it just gets better because you've finally come to a point in life where you finally understand how to appreciate... from what you have accomplished to how far you have come.

We all got a wee bit too much to drink that night from all that champagne and merlot. Hushby just headed straight onto bed while I watched Pipi fell asleep resting her head on the blanket. It was quite funny. Nice time.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes my dear readers.

The Nourishing May

Jessie jots...

Wow, it has been overwhelming month of May. Already, May is almost over and I have done nothing to pack or unpack. My two big luggages are still stuffed with stuff. I'm not even going to go into details what's in that bag, or you'll be surprise.

With Joey around, I'm constantly on the go. And with this woman, I can never decline her excuses for food. It's always, "Hmm, I'm craving for sushi tonight", or "How about gelato for dessert?". And then of course, with me, you can bet at finding what's the best in town, be it sushi, gelato or ribs. So when Joey eats, I eat - because I too haven't had these food for a long, long time. I try to share with Hushby though, but even that, my jeans is a now officially a tad tighter.

I'm exhausted and had packed on some pounds. Yeah yeah, Jessie whining about her vacay... but honestly, I am a creature of routine. I craved for routine and I'm at my happiest when things is in order. So all these crazy hectic is no good for my soul. I didn't realize how much food we've consume just over three days... until I scan through the pictures this morning... I might just reach out for that detox tea I've had in the drawers forever. Please God don't punish me for being a glutton, it's the sis! She has possessed me!

Some pictures here for you folks, I'll allow them to illustrate in random order.

OMG, seriously, am quite ashamed of myself just by looking at the amount of food we ordered. I have 2 monsters with me that evening. So, it wasn't all entirely my fault, right? hehe

Sister Power! At the Sushi Buffet

As if a sea of sushi is not enough, we even went to get some gelato for Joey. I'm having Pistachio with Dark Chocolate Gelato on a waffle cone, shared with Hushby. Joey had Tiramisu.

The Posh Peasant Tea House. For Joey, Pear Plum tea and for me, a Peach Brandy decaf tea. Joey ordered Tuna Sandwich and a bowl of Tomato soup for lunch.

Admiring the cottage chic, feminine frilly decor of the tea house

And here, I had a Chicken Avocado Sandwich with a side salad of green arugula, fruits and berries, also garnished with red rose petals. Delish!

Allow me to stress, dessert was not my idea, usually not for lunch - Brownie Cheescake topped with very smooth Vanilla Ice-cream and a non-edible stem of white rose on the side.

Luckily, one event of the day didn't involve food. Joey wanted to go to the petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano. As usual, the guinea pigs stole my heart of all the other animals. They are the cutest animal alive!! Oh no wait, that is Pipi. Guinea pigs comes second. Sorry guinea pig lovers... you know who you are.

This guy is the cutest among all the guinea pigs behind me. He sat on my lap the whole time letting me pet and squeeze and pinch - didn't even try to run away from me. Because of him, I might get one in the future. If only Pipi will be nice, I shall bring one home.

Here's the woman whose body process food like a train engine. Here, we're at Salvatore Cucina, an Italian restaurant that serves a 5-course meal at a very, very affordable price. Starting at 12 bucks for a meal, you can start of with an appetizer of Bruschetta, salad, soup with bread, entree of your choice, dessert of your choice and coffee/tea.

The couple. For him, Veal with Brandy sauce and a side of pasta with marinara sauce. For her, baked Rigatoni with Alfredo sauce and Italian sausage.

To top it all off, desserts of our own choice. For Joey, a cheesecake with chocolate trios. For Hushby, Cannolini stuffed with Pistachio and creamy Mascarpone cheese. For me, a classic Tiramisu. Oh so delicious. This is one dessert, I don't regret. hehe

After a few days roaming being a foodie around town, we all get tired. Joey and Pipi sleeping in. I, unfortunately, never had the luxury to sleep in. My biological clock always wake me up, right to the dot.

I sleep like that too when no one's watching. Pipi is just getting too comfortable here on the futon.

We also have done a lot last weekend, I'll update that next. Too many pictures to upload! But for now, allow me to express that I'm getting a little antsy for turning 27 tomorrow. Three years left til I'm a three-decade woman. How fast time flies and I haven't achieve anything yet. Having to wait for this stupid green card thing is putting my career pursuit a halt, and because of that, no babies yet and I'm turning 30. Oh wait, 27 for now... and I have three years left to do something about it. Hope all my dreams and hopes will be realized by then... which will be my wish tomorrow, if there's a cake and some candles in order?

Ah food again!

Drained

Jessie jots...

Biggest congratulations to Miss Joey Chiang Hoay Jue - now the second person to earn a degree in the family from St. Cloud State University.

In lieu of my sister's graduation, I was also there to work like a peon. Here in the picture below, the furnitures were already gone... thanks to some help from some buffed, handsome gentlemen but the leftover job was the most difficult to go through, as it involve more brain cells to decide what is valuable to pack it in the bag and what is not.

Before

After (in 24 hours)

Woke up at 6am that day, arrived at the Santa Ana airport at 7:30pm. Here's at Laguna Beach for dinner. If I still look good to you, it's not Botox. Trust me, it's the long staying, powerful make up of Nars and Glomineral that helped me look really awake.

Because of the above, I have arrived at a time when schedules are really off and meals times are uncertain. Here's to why I need to say please expect a slowdown in postings, yet again. I apologize for the future lack of updates but please be patient with Jessie Jots, the author is up for high expectations by others right now, so much so that she musn't fail them. Do sympathize that I am physically and emotionally drained after one chaotic week. If you have not come to term to start pitying me... allow me to list my reasons:

1. Haven't had home cook meals for more than one week
2. Spent 10 hours traveling to get to destination
3. Had an amazing time in St. Cloud but was also emotionally draining to part with things that you previously own, now recycled and left in dumpster
4. Helped others to move, now causing arms and legs to shiver
5. Two luggages, one 72 lbs and another 68 lbs. Had to dig belongings out and force ourselves to throw them at a garbage bin, in front of the airline counter to get under 50 lbs each
6. Two carry-on luggage, both about 30 lbs, two purses and one backpack
7. Traveled another 10 hours to get back
8. Upon returning, Hushby and Pip has bonded, ostracizing me! :(
9. Two huge laundry basket waiting for washing
10. Two big bags waiting to unload and repack for another flight next Friday. I wonder what I can pack now Miss Joey has tons of stuff!

All in all, a good experience, in fact, a fun time indeed to meet all old Minnesotan friends to do the catching up - but I'll probably won't be doing it again - for a long time. Maybe I will, but only if I am not there to be a peon.

The Program Card & Invitation Card Set

Jessie jots...

Erm, I'm not suppose to duplicate any pictures from the website of Charlotte's and Glen's wedding pictures but I can't help it! Please don't report me to the authority. I just want to show you folks how excited I am that these people are holding my program cards. :D


When I printed the program cards by mid-April, I was so afraid that I was not able to send it in time for Charlotte's wedding. In fact, I had to send the package to Detroit where the wedding was held instead of Minneapolis, the usual destination. I was so worried that Charlotte might not get it in time. I didn't have a confirmation that she received it as I lost the tracking slip. But looking at the pictures above, I sigh with a relief!

Front

Back

Oh and also, a couple of pictures to show the formal invitation cards and how they come together.

Formal invitation with purple envelope (Charlotte's)

The set of formal invitation card (including Valet Parking, RSVP, Registry and Direction card)

After all the crazy planning and busy schedules, I'm sure now Charlotte and Glen can kick back, relax and enjoy their honeymoon. I know I'd probably said this the umpteenth time but my heartiest congratulations to you both once again. The wedding pictures are beautiful and so are both of you.

One Friday

Jessie jots...

Am having the most stress out Friday of all time. Usually, I take Friday as a day to unwind, slowly sliding myself to the weekends and relax for more self-indulging activities. This weekend though, I'm up for a handful of events to attend to - pack my bags, get up early for flight, transit, fly somemore, rental car, drive, unpack, meet old friends, convocation, meet friends, clean up apartment, celebrate, move out, sell furnitures, drop off keys, more driving and more time flying with old stale air.

But let's or allow me to post some of the pictures I took over a few weekends ago. They are my current obsession, and here's to why I like them. Hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do.

Succulents - my dream is to own some, but if only my thumb can be a lil bit greener.

A double-chin Bugs Bunny - Too cute isn't it? Was in the petting zoo, I had to join the kids.

My dream courtyard - white picket fence and flower plants everywhere.

The Lemur Stretch - Kinda reminded me King Julian when he was dancing in the movie Madagascar.

But of course that is not King Julian but our very own Ah Pi

My second pic with Ah Pi after a long time - taken with Tim's iPhone

And lastly, Hushby's workplace view - I love to get there early to pick him up when I have the car. The hills calm me down after whole day driving running errands.

And I hope these pictures help you to unwind too. Have a great weekend peeps :)