Jessie jots...
I don't think I should lose sleep over this but I did. From time to time, I'm still haunted by the days my ex-roommate gave me hell. When I first came to the US, fresh and naive, I did not know how to handle the culture shock and to make matter worse, she tried to sue me for the Christmas presents she willingly gave me prior to hell time. She sent me an email one day and confessed that she felt that there is an issue with me that needed a reality check. I didn't think there was a problem, reason being that she was gone most of the time and I'm always in class or studying in the library anyway. What problem is there to create when we're mostly gone? To me, it was a very petty issue at the beginning, a misunderstanding I thought.
So I confronted her about this discomfort she wrote me about but she denied her feelings and assured me "It's OK, everything is fine now. I'm sorry you felt that way". The quick gladness soon turned sour when I received another email, insulting me again about how disrespectful and unappreciative I am of her. Apparently, since I've been gone so much, she said I was avoiding our time together. She also threatened me to see her lawyer if I fail to present her the money she spent on my Christmas gifts. Frightened, I wrote her a check and left it on the table only to get the door slammed in my face. In the end, it became too much for me to handle... I lost sleep over it, I didn't dare to go into my room and I used my sleep time in the library. I had no one to talk to, nor can I call my family for help. Luckily, I was smart enough to report this matter to the Resident Advisor, who agreed that this is a case of harassment. She moved out as soon as I reported it but it was still an experience that really scarred me for life.
At midnight yesterday, I received an email from a co-worker expressing her discomfort towards the fact that I made a request to the staff that she does not hear about upcoming potluck I'm holding for some of them. I did make the request not to talk about the potluck at work hours but it wasn't specifically just so that she didn't hear it. It was for a handful of people I did not invite. I I understand how she feels - isolated and dissapointed. But the truth is - I can't afford to have everybody in the world to be invited. Simply put, lack of funds and lack of space. I didn't think it should be a serious matter and I hate feeling tortured again. Her email just sounded like my haunting past.
So why am I losing sleep over? Fear, guilt and uncertainties. Fear because I don't want to be in that shitty situation I was in many years ago. Guilt because I felt as if I was the one who created the problem and tried to isolate her, unconsciously. Uncertainties, because I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, replying her email and explain myself like I did above.
I feel like sometimes being nice is not being very nice at all. It is kind of hard to convince people of my well intention. Maybe I do need a reality check.
1/31/2008
1/21/2008
Shoe story
Jessie jots...
Little did I know that I was suppose to sit down with the President of SCSU on the same table for dinner on Sunday. I attended the NAACP dinner to celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King's Day on Jan 20, representing the Women's Center. I was so nervous no doubt. I was so afraid that when I sat down to eat, I'll make the chicken bone fly across the room and hit the President's head... but oh thank goodness, I got some informal training from good ol Dad how dinner etiquette should be. It was an extravagant dinner, guests came from across the US and I felt really honored to be there.
And so, I was chatting with this one girl and she complimented on my pair of heels. To keep the ball rolling, I told her that I got it for my wedding and she was surprised to know that I was married. "You are married?"
I am surprise that she was surprised. This is the not the first time I got that question and I begin to think, what is it that gives this reaction? Maybe it is unbelievable to some people when I just got my fringe chopped, hence looking younger and being an art student doesn't make me look anything like a housewife. Some even assumed that my husband is a 30 something year old dude who just wanted to wed a younger wife. And some thought, I was joking.
Back to the story. Though in some ways, I'm kind of glad that my heels became an indicator of my status being a Mrs. I don't wear my ring a lot these days (or at all), considering the time I have to spend on using charcoal, paints, clay and the occasional primitive way of eating with hand. And since it takes a lot of effort (see post on Not Fun) to get it polished in Mall of America, I rather keep the ring in a safe place and retain its sparkles. Which is why some classmates and friends don't even know I'm married until I said so.
Just a random thought. Strangely, when most people here own a pair of heels for the wedding... I own four pairs. One number is a metallic pointed-pump for my photoshoot. Second one is a red heel for the traditional morning ritual. Third is an all-white heel to go with my white flowy, wedding gown. Finally, fourth is a sparkly champagne colored pointed-heel to go with my orangey dinner gown.
And they all cost less than RM50 (about 13 dollars) each! That kind of explained why I shopped like a mad woman in Penang, right? To find that very versatile pair of shoes took many attempts, driving up and down each shopping mall available in Penang was no fun. But I'm glad I insisted on doing so. I wanted to be able to wear them post-wedding so that I don't just buy it for the wedding but I can wear it to some occasion, any occasion. And in some cases, helps me with conversation.
In honor of how precious the shoes are to me, I did a reproduction on one of them - the red heels by the brand, Nose. It was done with black, white and 3 shades of gray in gouache paint. It's a small painting, only 6x9 but it took me 12 hours to complete it. The details were small, and there's a lot of planning ahead in this piece, which took up most of the time. It's difficult to combine the limited colors allowed, in order to create depth but it was a challenge fun to overcome. The limited color palette was no easy task when you also need to show the shoe texture and form. I didn't do a good job creating the exact shading since the picture itself was blurry. But overall, I think it shows the impression of depth in a two-dimensional form.
Ironically, I think my shoes have better way of telling people that I'm a married woman ... and not the ring!
Little did I know that I was suppose to sit down with the President of SCSU on the same table for dinner on Sunday. I attended the NAACP dinner to celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King's Day on Jan 20, representing the Women's Center. I was so nervous no doubt. I was so afraid that when I sat down to eat, I'll make the chicken bone fly across the room and hit the President's head... but oh thank goodness, I got some informal training from good ol Dad how dinner etiquette should be. It was an extravagant dinner, guests came from across the US and I felt really honored to be there.
And so, I was chatting with this one girl and she complimented on my pair of heels. To keep the ball rolling, I told her that I got it for my wedding and she was surprised to know that I was married. "You are married?"
I am surprise that she was surprised. This is the not the first time I got that question and I begin to think, what is it that gives this reaction? Maybe it is unbelievable to some people when I just got my fringe chopped, hence looking younger and being an art student doesn't make me look anything like a housewife. Some even assumed that my husband is a 30 something year old dude who just wanted to wed a younger wife. And some thought, I was joking.
Back to the story. Though in some ways, I'm kind of glad that my heels became an indicator of my status being a Mrs. I don't wear my ring a lot these days (or at all), considering the time I have to spend on using charcoal, paints, clay and the occasional primitive way of eating with hand. And since it takes a lot of effort (see post on Not Fun) to get it polished in Mall of America, I rather keep the ring in a safe place and retain its sparkles. Which is why some classmates and friends don't even know I'm married until I said so.
Just a random thought. Strangely, when most people here own a pair of heels for the wedding... I own four pairs. One number is a metallic pointed-pump for my photoshoot. Second one is a red heel for the traditional morning ritual. Third is an all-white heel to go with my white flowy, wedding gown. Finally, fourth is a sparkly champagne colored pointed-heel to go with my orangey dinner gown.
And they all cost less than RM50 (about 13 dollars) each! That kind of explained why I shopped like a mad woman in Penang, right? To find that very versatile pair of shoes took many attempts, driving up and down each shopping mall available in Penang was no fun. But I'm glad I insisted on doing so. I wanted to be able to wear them post-wedding so that I don't just buy it for the wedding but I can wear it to some occasion, any occasion. And in some cases, helps me with conversation.
In honor of how precious the shoes are to me, I did a reproduction on one of them - the red heels by the brand, Nose. It was done with black, white and 3 shades of gray in gouache paint. It's a small painting, only 6x9 but it took me 12 hours to complete it. The details were small, and there's a lot of planning ahead in this piece, which took up most of the time. It's difficult to combine the limited colors allowed, in order to create depth but it was a challenge fun to overcome. The limited color palette was no easy task when you also need to show the shoe texture and form. I didn't do a good job creating the exact shading since the picture itself was blurry. But overall, I think it shows the impression of depth in a two-dimensional form.
Ironically, I think my shoes have better way of telling people that I'm a married woman ... and not the ring!
1/18/2008
Not fun
Jessie Jots...
Hello everyone. I admit I have been inactive but aren't you too? hehe
Inactive is, honestly, the word to use at this time of the year. Jen would agree with me on this. We are experiencing the coldest days of winter. It has been -20 degrees Celcius (-4 F) for almost a week now and since I grew up in the ever constant nice, warm weather of tropical land and although I've been here for six years now, I still find it difficult to survive sometimes.
The winter is way under freezing point. Nothing can function at this temperature - not our body, not the squirrels, and not even our car. When we have to go out and run some errands, starting the car can be quite a hassle (and that's an understatement). Allow me to explain my routine for the past few weeks.
When I'm all dressed and before fixing breakfast for myself, I would put my winter jacket on, bend down and zip my boots on which usually leave me huffing and puffing because the jacket is on the way constantly. I would then wear my gloves and scarf and snatch the car keys. Once I'm out, I would brush the snow away from the windscreen (if it snow that day) and start the car to let it run for at least 10 minutes. Oh and I forgot, I have to wear the very essential lip balm or otherwise, the lips will start to crack like Edwards Scissorhand's. You've got to have that or it bleeds. Same goes to your knuckles, no lotion, no good. After starting the car, I have to run back into my apartment, have my breakfast for at least 10 minutes and when time is up, I put my coat back on, my gloves, my scarf, swan-dive to get my boots on, embrace the cold, hop into the car and then only I'm ready to drive.
Let's see what we do in Malaysia. Your friend calls you up in a sudden, saying she has coffee crisis and wants you to join. You hop up from the couch, put your slippers on, sit your butt in the car and zoom you go. Life was so simple back then... BUT me and my big mouth said I wanted to go overseas for studies. What was I thinking?!
No wonder the Minnesotans ask "What are you doing here?!"
1/10/2008
Portraits
Jessie Jots...
Here's some sample of what happened in my drawing class. We were given many practise session with a mirror hung opposite us and draw ourselves... that is until I got sick of looking at myself in the mirror or I would puke green slimes if needed another one. Then we turned our attention to dear classmates who would patiently stay still for the sake of art.
Here's some sample of what happened in my drawing class. We were given many practise session with a mirror hung opposite us and draw ourselves... that is until I got sick of looking at myself in the mirror or I would puke green slimes if needed another one. Then we turned our attention to dear classmates who would patiently stay still for the sake of art.
*3/4 view self-potrait in charcoal. Size 18x24 drawing pad.
*To give you a sense of how big the paper is, I laid a pen on it.
*Group portraits in charcoal. Size 18x24 newspaper rough.
A look at my most patient group: Ashley, Dan and Ash. Each portrait was done in 10 minutes, a restriction set as part of the practise.
*Portrait of Sean Connaughty in charcoal. 18x24 newspaper rough.
There is much to improve with sense of proportion here, I think. Body is too big, head is too small (again). Second picture implies a lot about what's going on with Sean. I don't know if I captured his emotion in the drawing but on a side note, it was drawn just days after Sean found his best friend died on the bed, in his sleep. Cause of death was unknown.
On a silly note, sis said I can sit outside the Taiping zoo and start a business, drawing portraits. Sheesh
If all else fail, I'll try that.
1/07/2008
The nest that I now live in
Jessie Jots...
Actually, I already drafted an entry about some portrait drawings for today but somehow I think it needs a little variety (other than art) here. hehe! You know, I've been all about my new apartment last few months. Since we moved in the mid-Sept 07, Hushby and I gave a lot of thoughts into this apartmenet to look like a place we anticipate to come home.
I didn't take pictures of my the bedrooms because it's just too many pics to pose on one entry. BTW, nothing much to see in the bedroom anyway but there will be something new in the work room (2nd bedroom) soon as we just ordered our very first own, very cool, self-bought HP desktop! I can't wait!! :D We will fill the room with a new computer desk and some shelves, and post in on another entry. Ok back to the story.
Mid-September 07: Here's some pictures of when we first moved in. You can see boxes strewn across the room and chucked aside and under the kitchen island, in which otherwise won't create any walking space for the tired residents. My sister was trying to snap some pictures of the new apartment when I was trying to get out of it, yelling "NO..." but once uploaded, I grew to like it because it is kind of funny. And mind you I did not make any chocolate mousse cake while sitting on the toilet bowl.
Ah Fall season. The green grass reminds me how much I miss being outside. That's a view outside the balcony.
Dec 07: After several months, you can see how some little bathroom makeover, coordinated with blue items can make a difference. When we came here for apartment showing the first time, this is what I fell in love with. The bathroom is huge compare to many other apartments we've seen and with tiled floor, which Malaysian wouldn't love it?
After finals, I had more time in my hand to kill, or more like, to work. Of course, as an obedient part time housewife, I do a lot of household chores on my free time. I kind of enjoy doing it because it seems like a reward to myself and pleasing husband is a hobby, no? Sounds dorky isn't it?! Haha
To celebrate my hardwork, we organized a much-awaited house warming event. Here's to what we've come up with.
Actually, I already drafted an entry about some portrait drawings for today but somehow I think it needs a little variety (other than art) here. hehe! You know, I've been all about my new apartment last few months. Since we moved in the mid-Sept 07, Hushby and I gave a lot of thoughts into this apartmenet to look like a place we anticipate to come home.
I didn't take pictures of my the bedrooms because it's just too many pics to pose on one entry. BTW, nothing much to see in the bedroom anyway but there will be something new in the work room (2nd bedroom) soon as we just ordered our very first own, very cool, self-bought HP desktop! I can't wait!! :D We will fill the room with a new computer desk and some shelves, and post in on another entry. Ok back to the story.
Mid-September 07: Here's some pictures of when we first moved in. You can see boxes strewn across the room and chucked aside and under the kitchen island, in which otherwise won't create any walking space for the tired residents. My sister was trying to snap some pictures of the new apartment when I was trying to get out of it, yelling "NO..." but once uploaded, I grew to like it because it is kind of funny. And mind you I did not make any chocolate mousse cake while sitting on the toilet bowl.
Ah Fall season. The green grass reminds me how much I miss being outside. That's a view outside the balcony.
Dec 07: After several months, you can see how some little bathroom makeover, coordinated with blue items can make a difference. When we came here for apartment showing the first time, this is what I fell in love with. The bathroom is huge compare to many other apartments we've seen and with tiled floor, which Malaysian wouldn't love it?
The aftermath.
After finals, I had more time in my hand to kill, or more like, to work. Of course, as an obedient part time housewife, I do a lot of household chores on my free time. I kind of enjoy doing it because it seems like a reward to myself and pleasing husband is a hobby, no? Sounds dorky isn't it?! Haha
To celebrate my hardwork, we organized a much-awaited house warming event. Here's to what we've come up with.
From left is James, Hushby, me, John, Su Hoon, and Joey.
John and Sie Min share some laughters. Sie Min and Su Hoon on another side of the room.
Above are some of our mutual Malaysian friends who we invited over for a home made steam boat and play the Cranium board game. We then had another round of steamboat at 2am that day and our guests left at 4am. How crazy is that! It was fun but I'll never stay up that late again. Too old to do that.
I really enjoy my new apartment and it must have been the umpteenth time I've said this. Ok I better stop now.
1/04/2008
My first clay project
Jessie Jots...
Imagine sitting on a bench for at least 4 hours a day, holding wet clays that dries up in seconds. You try to bend it, curve it, flatten it but it breaks as you do so. You continue to work on it the next day for 6 hours, forming it to something you deliberately wanted it to become but it keeps drying up.
I had to wear different type of clothing for my 3D class, believe or not. Since what happened, I've only been clad in old pair of jeans and t-shirts from then on. Lesson learned when I wore my most favorite blouse to class on first day of class. I knew I was going to work with clay but I didn't know how messy it can get. When I was done with class, my lovely vintage blouse was filled with patches of orange clay everywhere... making me look as if I just tumble out of the jungle from Rambo chasing me. I still had to make my usual 10 minutes walk to the bus stop and can you imagine how a girl, with clays all over hair and blouse would look like on the street? Not a pretty sight.
Nevertheless, I managed to complete the clay project, in which the aftermath was so unbearable that I had to go for a 60 minutes massage. The point of reference given was a size 8 trekking shoe (I think it's a priceless possession of egoistic professor's, but he never want to admit it that is his. I wonder why) and we're suppose to use clay and form it to look like the real thing.
*Shots of object of reference
*Shots of final product, painted with acrylic (dark green, charcoal black, ivory, elephant grey, and red orange)
*Baked clay shoe before painting
On due date, my classmates were so mad at me (as in 'envy' mad, or so I think). When I left it on the table, they couldn't believe my professor would leave behind considering that it was his priceless possession. It seems to them that I set the bar too high but I, on the other hand, didn't even think I did a good job because I knew where I fake my flaws at. Hah... I bet you can't tell either.
Nightmare Before Christmas
Jessie Jots...Please note that this assignment was done last semester, I apologize for the delay. It was literally Nightmare Before Christmas. The assignment given was to build a chair and the primary construction medium was wood. I freaked out the moment the word 'wood' was mentioned.
(My brain immediately brought me back to the horror of high school days. I was 15 and slapped with a music box project from the course "Kemahiran Hidup" (Direct translation: Skills in Life?) . I remembered the torturous sawing of a rectangular piece of wood in the hot room with a lil' dinky fan that never blows any wind. And I always ended up not able to attach the pieces of wood together because they are never straight. I always had to re-do until the point my teacher was fed up with me because I used up all her woods and sand papers. Now I have to deal with this again?)
We had to create a chair with a theme for the strangest place. For instance, a chair in an outer space gas station. Or a chair for the underwater world. Mine was a chair of Nightmare Before Christmas. When my sketch was approved, the nightmare started. I had to buy woods! I dreaded to go. I kept asking my professor, what kind of wood? How big? How thick? To at least get some ideas but all he said was "Find 2x4s... that will help you get started". I was even more clueless than the beginning.
*An approved sketch of the chair
My next trusty resource was to get Hushby understood my idea and have him help me to decide what type of wood I would get. I trapped him to drive me out to the nearest big ass hardware store called Menards and search for "2x4s". The moment I stepped in, I knew this place was not for me. I sensed all the negative vibes from the woods, I got lost in this giant retail store, I felt the constant stares from big American men and they're probably thinking "What're you two lil Asians doing here?"
Ok I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill but my feelings really felt like this project was going to fail. I think we spent at least two hours just deciding and got some pieces of wood to finally been told
Ok I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill but my feelings really felt like this project was going to fail. I think we spent at least two hours just deciding and got some pieces of wood to finally been told
"Excuse me, is this piece of wood 2x4s?"
"No, but what are you building, ma'am?"
"A chair"
"Are you going to use that for the chair?"
"Yes"
"I recommend that you use woods from that area"
"Ok..." *sensing negative vibe coming*
"Those you're holding are for staircase" -_-
ARGH embarassing. I had to put on a fake smiley on my face, quietly put that piece of wood down and walk to 'that' area. Hushby is also just as clueless.
Other than Menards, I even end up at Jo-Anns, a fabric store. I walked in and I got the stares again... this time from older grannies and they're probably thinking, "What're you Asian girl doing here?" You see, I had to get some fabric to cover my stupid chair. In 2 minutes, I picked up some velvets of black and red. I thought, dang! That was easy. So I happily walk to the counter with the rolls of fabric in my arms, ready to pay.
"How many yards you want?"
"Er... see I'm building a chair..."
"How big is your chair?"
"Errr... *hand moving wildly* err... 5'9?"
"I think, 2 yards would do"
"Yatch?"
"No, yards. Y-A-R-D"
"Oh that! Oh yeah, sure..."
ARGH... Humiliation.
By now my skin is as thick as the Great Wall of China.
We had 3 weeks to work on that chair. I saw, I nail, I put it up right, form it into a chair and I nailed it again. Then I put the foams over, staple it, glue-gun it, then put the chicken wires to create volume, put more foam on the chicken wires, sew, staple it and sew it again. I worked really, really hard for this and try to mask the fact that the chair is a preliminary production. I have a feeling it will crumble and lay on the ground than stand. A day before the due date, you can see classmates with eye bags, curly hair to straight hairs, guys with blue blacks on their hands, people cutting their fingers using the sawing tools, people sewing their fingers with all types of scratches.
Thankfully none of the above was experienced by yours truly. I escaped the project with minor bruises, mostly just chicken wires scratches on my arms and broken fingernails. My fingers were stiff too but nothing compare to cutting a piece of your flesh off.
And thankfully, the chair manage to stand on its own. It supports my weigh and everybody else's. The sewing work stays put and nothing falls or breaks. Here is the final product, and I took these pictures well after 1 month:
*Views of the chair and its modelsIn the dark, it scares everybody just sitting in the apartment. No kidding.
1/02/2008
Some comedy by the 'Little Britain' show
Jessie Jots...
Crude jokes but super hilarious. You've gotta watch it!
Crude jokes but super hilarious. You've gotta watch it!
1/01/2008
Thank you 2007
Jessie jots...
Gosh, another year has passed. I remember just a year ago, when I was still working for the corporate world of Target, I left with a very heavy heart. In response to their questions, I told my ex-colleagues that I will be returning to St. Cloud, live with my then-boyfriend and fly home in April for my wedding. They told me, sounds like a busy year ahead. I did all that and more, and it was indeed the busiest year. It zoomed by like it was just yesterday I celebrated 2007 in James Bond theme.
Lets reminisce some of my very noted experience from 2007 that made me:
- I moved out from Minneapolis to St. Cloud in late January because I HAD to quit my job from Target Corp. It was dissapointing that I didn't have a chance to apply a visa. I did save a lot of money though, because I knew I was going to shop like a mad woman when I return to Malaysia. In which I did, and believe it or not, I didn't even finish spending them. So, it was a good year to start with, financially.
- Discovered the wonderful products of Dr. Hauschka. So far, this is the only facial product that has improve my skin to its optimum state. I'm using its toner, cleansing cream, clay mask, rejuvenating mask and ampules. You've got to admit, my skin IS better. hehe! :)
- Flew home for the first time in two years. When I saw my mom and my sister in Penang airport, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was like a dream
come true to see all my love ones. When you live far away from home and you lost all physical contact with them, you tend to think you're only imagining that they exist. So, it was definitely great to be home again and verify that they DO exist.
- I discovered drinking alkaline water is the road to a healthier me. Alkaline/Acidic diet is a little of an influence to me now because it's helping. To prove that it is working, I can now enjoy caffeinated coffee drinks and I can digest all my food. Prior to that, I would get sick. :) Click here if you want to learn more about it.
- Meeting all my friends again was like drinking a cup of hot chocolate on a winter day. It was
very comforting. When I arrive at KLIA in the morning, I went online and was so happy to see Jane online too, and we chatted. She offered to drive me home because my flight delayed and my poor mom was waiting for my arrival for at least two hours. My mom graciously declined Jane, if I remember it correctly and opted to wait for me. What a welcoming gesture to start with, and right there and then, I knew I was home. I couldn't even begin to express how happy and blessed I am to have friends who are still around and would help me anytime.
Su Ying and Yee Hoay appeared the same night I arrived Penang. They visited me at home in
BM while I combat my jet lag. It felt like I was heavily sedated and all groggy but I hope they could tell I was really happy to see them. I saw Su Ying every single week after that, and we spent some fun times together - like the impromptu trip to Alor Star, the Wesak Day trip to Betong, shopping in Penang malls and many other guilty food trips around Penang. All old school fun.
Then, dear Keat Joo! The one person I have long to meet all these years. Our friendship blossom
through the 7 freaking years of just keeping in touch through phone calls. She lives in Australia, has went back to M'sia multiple times but those are times that I couldn't be home to meet. Then, because she was my maid of honor, a meeting is inevitable. When we set eyes, it was like meeting an old friend you didn't think exist again. She and I saw each other in a typical food court in Kota Permai, BM... and imagine, both of us well-known for our loud and crazy character, hugged each other and wailed. People around us were watching the drama because I couldn't act as if I just saw her yesterday. Su Ying calmed us down and we continue to smile and just stare at each other as if we were celebrities. She has no idea how much I appreciated her presence to be in my wedding. I had long yearn for my grandmother and Chia Yee to be present too, and I know they can't. So, to have friends like that be at my wedding is more than words can describe for me - it meant a lot to me.
Su Ying, Kok Khai, Yee Hoay, Ai Nam, Ying San, Shuh Jiuan, San Di, Mei Sun, Keat Joo are some
of my friends who are so dear to my heart. Thank you so, so much for everything you have done for me. It was just so much fun meeting all of you, just talking, shopping, joking, eating, and purely seeing each other was all too good to be true.
- I attended the Convent Bukit Mertajam school reunion and I never regret a bit that I did.
Eventhough I had to stay up late, and chat with the girls, even if I had to sacrifice dark eyebags, the sore-throat and puffy eyes, it was all worth it. I met some of the people I haven't seen for years and we had fun dancing, laughing, and just yakking. Oh, and I also got a RM30 to eat at Honey Bakery through a lucky draw and a Nike pouch bag through the Hula Hoop competition. How funny.
- I got engaged on June 16, 2007 in Taiping. It was very strange to register our marriage in
Taiping. Most people did not know I used to live there when I was 9-12 years old and now to be back there a little more than a decade, feels like as if it was fated that I should get married to someone from there. People say Taiping is a beautiful place to get retired. I say, it's also a good place to get married. Very nostalgic.
- I got married on July 7, 2007 to Yew Wai Tham, my long-time boyfriend of 6 years. It took me
about five months of preparation to get the day to be as perfect as it can be. It still has its flaws but overall, it was one of the best day of my life. Thanks to Alishia from Whizarts, who worked with me on the invitation card and the wedding album, she captured every moment of my wedding day and presented in a DVD accompanied by some of the most romantic songs. Since watching that DVD, the song 'Everything' from Michael Buble became my favorite. Everytime I listen to it from somewhere else, memories will come flooding in my mind and that just melt my heart. Click here to see what Whizarts blog about my wedding.
- Naturally, I am a new addition to the Tham family and I couldn't be luckier to have in-laws who are very supportive of Yew Wai and I. Big thanks to them for making our wedding a beautiful one.
- A honeymoon to Bali is one of the best trip I've ever experienced. A great opportunity to learn
other people's culture and definitely a treat for both of us, after all our hard work. Yew Wai and I had a six-hours honeymoon spa package that was such a great way to conclude our stay in the Land of Gods. I will want to be back there again - maybe for a scuba dive.
- Flying back to the US was not the best thing that ever happen to me but it marked a time when life has to get going. All good things must come to an end. So I gladly left everything behind and bring all the memories back with me.
- I went back to college, registered myself in Art classes as to pursue Graphic Design. I am enjoying my classes so much so that I didn't want to graduate in two years time, as planned. I earned straight As in all my classes, such good news on January 1st, 08 and can't wait to work on more projects next semester.
- I got a part-time job at the Women's Center in St. Cloud State University. I'd gained so much experience working with people of all kinds, and not to mention, a great way to earn some money to lessen the burden of my poor Hushby. In a way, the part-time job has help me tremendously, not just financially, but mentally and professionally.
- We moved into a new apartment that is too pretty. Unlike the many years that I was here, this is the first time I am actually enjoying to be home and look forward to be home because it is so comfortable, it smells so good and there is no funky noise from our neighbors.
2007 was indeed such a good year for me to start out with. It is a year I reach my milestones, and because of what I have achieved, I felt that it has already catapult me further. I can see why things happen for a reason. I realized, if I didn't quit my job from Target, I wouldn't have a chance to pursue my life-long dream which I used to be ashamed of claiming, that is to work with art. If I didn't quit my job, I wouldn't be able to get married. If I didn't get married, I wouldn't be able to move into a new apartment and get to go back to college.
I couldn't be happier with where I am now in my life. Yes, I sacrifice my life to be away from my family, to be away from my friends and to forget about a career at the moment because of a chance to stay with my partner. But, I know it will be fruitful in the long run as I am finally able to pursue my life-long dream of becoming obsess with art again and in general, it is already making me a happier person because I am doing what I enjoy. And when I do enjoy it, I can be more confident that I can become successful in what I do, and then try to make the aforementioned happen.
My new year resolution: to be happier, healthier and heftier (financially of course)!
Yew Wai and I wish you a Happy New Year. May all your wishes come true and may all of you be in the pink of health in 2008 and beyond.
Gosh, another year has passed. I remember just a year ago, when I was still working for the corporate world of Target, I left with a very heavy heart. In response to their questions, I told my ex-colleagues that I will be returning to St. Cloud, live with my then-boyfriend and fly home in April for my wedding. They told me, sounds like a busy year ahead. I did all that and more, and it was indeed the busiest year. It zoomed by like it was just yesterday I celebrated 2007 in James Bond theme.
Lets reminisce some of my very noted experience from 2007 that made me:
- I moved out from Minneapolis to St. Cloud in late January because I HAD to quit my job from Target Corp. It was dissapointing that I didn't have a chance to apply a visa. I did save a lot of money though, because I knew I was going to shop like a mad woman when I return to Malaysia. In which I did, and believe it or not, I didn't even finish spending them. So, it was a good year to start with, financially.
- Discovered the wonderful products of Dr. Hauschka. So far, this is the only facial product that has improve my skin to its optimum state. I'm using its toner, cleansing cream, clay mask, rejuvenating mask and ampules. You've got to admit, my skin IS better. hehe! :)
- Flew home for the first time in two years. When I saw my mom and my sister in Penang airport, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was like a dream
come true to see all my love ones. When you live far away from home and you lost all physical contact with them, you tend to think you're only imagining that they exist. So, it was definitely great to be home again and verify that they DO exist.- I discovered drinking alkaline water is the road to a healthier me. Alkaline/Acidic diet is a little of an influence to me now because it's helping. To prove that it is working, I can now enjoy caffeinated coffee drinks and I can digest all my food. Prior to that, I would get sick. :) Click here if you want to learn more about it.
- Meeting all my friends again was like drinking a cup of hot chocolate on a winter day. It was
very comforting. When I arrive at KLIA in the morning, I went online and was so happy to see Jane online too, and we chatted. She offered to drive me home because my flight delayed and my poor mom was waiting for my arrival for at least two hours. My mom graciously declined Jane, if I remember it correctly and opted to wait for me. What a welcoming gesture to start with, and right there and then, I knew I was home. I couldn't even begin to express how happy and blessed I am to have friends who are still around and would help me anytime.Su Ying and Yee Hoay appeared the same night I arrived Penang. They visited me at home in
BM while I combat my jet lag. It felt like I was heavily sedated and all groggy but I hope they could tell I was really happy to see them. I saw Su Ying every single week after that, and we spent some fun times together - like the impromptu trip to Alor Star, the Wesak Day trip to Betong, shopping in Penang malls and many other guilty food trips around Penang. All old school fun.Then, dear Keat Joo! The one person I have long to meet all these years. Our friendship blossom
through the 7 freaking years of just keeping in touch through phone calls. She lives in Australia, has went back to M'sia multiple times but those are times that I couldn't be home to meet. Then, because she was my maid of honor, a meeting is inevitable. When we set eyes, it was like meeting an old friend you didn't think exist again. She and I saw each other in a typical food court in Kota Permai, BM... and imagine, both of us well-known for our loud and crazy character, hugged each other and wailed. People around us were watching the drama because I couldn't act as if I just saw her yesterday. Su Ying calmed us down and we continue to smile and just stare at each other as if we were celebrities. She has no idea how much I appreciated her presence to be in my wedding. I had long yearn for my grandmother and Chia Yee to be present too, and I know they can't. So, to have friends like that be at my wedding is more than words can describe for me - it meant a lot to me.Su Ying, Kok Khai, Yee Hoay, Ai Nam, Ying San, Shuh Jiuan, San Di, Mei Sun, Keat Joo are some
of my friends who are so dear to my heart. Thank you so, so much for everything you have done for me. It was just so much fun meeting all of you, just talking, shopping, joking, eating, and purely seeing each other was all too good to be true.- I attended the Convent Bukit Mertajam school reunion and I never regret a bit that I did.
Eventhough I had to stay up late, and chat with the girls, even if I had to sacrifice dark eyebags, the sore-throat and puffy eyes, it was all worth it. I met some of the people I haven't seen for years and we had fun dancing, laughing, and just yakking. Oh, and I also got a RM30 to eat at Honey Bakery through a lucky draw and a Nike pouch bag through the Hula Hoop competition. How funny.- I got engaged on June 16, 2007 in Taiping. It was very strange to register our marriage in
Taiping. Most people did not know I used to live there when I was 9-12 years old and now to be back there a little more than a decade, feels like as if it was fated that I should get married to someone from there. People say Taiping is a beautiful place to get retired. I say, it's also a good place to get married. Very nostalgic.- I got married on July 7, 2007 to Yew Wai Tham, my long-time boyfriend of 6 years. It took me
about five months of preparation to get the day to be as perfect as it can be. It still has its flaws but overall, it was one of the best day of my life. Thanks to Alishia from Whizarts, who worked with me on the invitation card and the wedding album, she captured every moment of my wedding day and presented in a DVD accompanied by some of the most romantic songs. Since watching that DVD, the song 'Everything' from Michael Buble became my favorite. Everytime I listen to it from somewhere else, memories will come flooding in my mind and that just melt my heart. Click here to see what Whizarts blog about my wedding.- Naturally, I am a new addition to the Tham family and I couldn't be luckier to have in-laws who are very supportive of Yew Wai and I. Big thanks to them for making our wedding a beautiful one.
- A honeymoon to Bali is one of the best trip I've ever experienced. A great opportunity to learn
other people's culture and definitely a treat for both of us, after all our hard work. Yew Wai and I had a six-hours honeymoon spa package that was such a great way to conclude our stay in the Land of Gods. I will want to be back there again - maybe for a scuba dive.- Flying back to the US was not the best thing that ever happen to me but it marked a time when life has to get going. All good things must come to an end. So I gladly left everything behind and bring all the memories back with me.
- I went back to college, registered myself in Art classes as to pursue Graphic Design. I am enjoying my classes so much so that I didn't want to graduate in two years time, as planned. I earned straight As in all my classes, such good news on January 1st, 08 and can't wait to work on more projects next semester.
- I got a part-time job at the Women's Center in St. Cloud State University. I'd gained so much experience working with people of all kinds, and not to mention, a great way to earn some money to lessen the burden of my poor Hushby. In a way, the part-time job has help me tremendously, not just financially, but mentally and professionally.
- We moved into a new apartment that is too pretty. Unlike the many years that I was here, this is the first time I am actually enjoying to be home and look forward to be home because it is so comfortable, it smells so good and there is no funky noise from our neighbors.
2007 was indeed such a good year for me to start out with. It is a year I reach my milestones, and because of what I have achieved, I felt that it has already catapult me further. I can see why things happen for a reason. I realized, if I didn't quit my job from Target, I wouldn't have a chance to pursue my life-long dream which I used to be ashamed of claiming, that is to work with art. If I didn't quit my job, I wouldn't be able to get married. If I didn't get married, I wouldn't be able to move into a new apartment and get to go back to college.
I couldn't be happier with where I am now in my life. Yes, I sacrifice my life to be away from my family, to be away from my friends and to forget about a career at the moment because of a chance to stay with my partner. But, I know it will be fruitful in the long run as I am finally able to pursue my life-long dream of becoming obsess with art again and in general, it is already making me a happier person because I am doing what I enjoy. And when I do enjoy it, I can be more confident that I can become successful in what I do, and then try to make the aforementioned happen.
My new year resolution: to be happier, healthier and heftier (financially of course)!
Yew Wai and I wish you a Happy New Year. May all your wishes come true and may all of you be in the pink of health in 2008 and beyond.
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