HOLIDAY AGAIN

Haha, i know its sounds crazy, i just came back from Bangkok and yet to find time to blog and post some pictures and yes now im already planning a KL trip already!

Should be getting the airtickets by this week, and now im sourching for a hotel.. for those who have good recommendations for KL hotels, please post some reviews here!

I wan cheap cheap good good and clean clean.. cleans as in exterior and spiritually ..

My last trip to KL was a exciting one, just staying at Federal Hotel was a mind blowing experience! Every shower time will make my adrenaline level increase and when night falls, our hearts will be hyperly active... cuz of the presence of Hantu (ghost), a actively loud and attention seeking one!

Hehe, so please help me out here with some good recommendations of hotel..

IM BACK

Hey peeps, Im back finally.... happy to breathe some clean fresh air, i think my skin will be happy too!! Having some major outbreaks since the day we touch down at Bangkok, thanks to the dirty air..

Simply dont have enough time to upload the pictures and blog about my trip , been busy the whole day clearing some stuffs and picking up my boys back home.
Irene was super quick thou, have completed her blog on the whole trip.

But, let me just share the 1st picture, hehe a gift i got for myself in BKK....And this is Irene's....

Project 2010 - ABC OF WEDDING PREPS

**Project 2010**

Steps to planning a wedding..... my OWN wedding (preliminary)
1) Choose a wedding date
2) Shortlisting wedding venue
3) Establish a simple flow of event -> aka Itinerary
4) Shortlisting Bridal Studio
5) Shortlisting AD Photograhper/Videographer (not inclusive in JB BS package)
6) Shortlisting AD MUA-> make-up artist (not inclusive in JB BS package)
7) Purchase wedding bands (already gotten way before my ROM)
8) Guest List -> estimation of pax for selecting wedding venue
9) Simple draft of Budget & Expenses (hehe... so i dont work over my budget!)

That's all i can think of at the current stage, anyway its just the beginning...

Most Importantly, prior to step #1-9, seeks a help of a buddy who dont mind helping you, beside offering sound suggestions and advise!
Do not expects 200% assistance from the hubby-to-be. Its just doesnt work that way, and there will be less frustrations and arguments.

********************************************************************
After a few drama on date selections, I finally pick a date out of convenience, and fits the basic requirement of everyone.

Mom & Dad: Nothing on Lunar 6th & 7th Month
Emma: Prefer somewhere from mid 2010
In-laws: Nothing on sunday as there is no church service

So after going through the above, Its gonna be 16 October 2010!
Nearest to my own ROM/anniversary date -18 oct. Good!,

1 date to remember for all events, less hassle har... wq will love that,

as there is only 1 gift to buy (See this is what i meant by lazy bride & groom)

Next, moved on to Venue.
I know i will be called a KS but i dont care. I dont live in JB so its always good to be well prepared and well informed right? Just in case...

Shortlisted a few venue in JB and have already requested for quotes. Pricing for 2010 is not out yet, however expect minor changes unless economy pretty bad by end 2009

1) Puteri Pan Pac ~ Package not very attractive, but Menu is not bad
2) Pulai Springs Resort ~ Price okay, more rooms for Bargain but my hearts goes for the Ambience
http://www.pulaisprings.com/pulai_springs_gallery.htm
3) Hyatt Regency ~ Currently under major reno, shall wait and see

-Schedule for a site vist on 14 Mar, hopefully its gonna be PS!

Then Im most excited to when it comes to Photographer! Believed me after my last ordeal with a lousy photographer on my ROM, I know this is not something I want to pinch on.

I have come out with the a summary on how important a photographer (PG) is

1) A good studio PG may not be a good AD (Actual Day) PG

2) Cheap PG may not be the best deal you think you got, wait till you see the horrendous picture they took

3) Cheap and lousy PG + horrendous lousy picture = photo albums w/ "Eeeh effects"

Therefore after 1 week of endless searching through all the wedding forum and Google, I've shortlisted a few and requested for the quotes. So far, these are the few that do have the style that i like and a portfolio that made me went "wow wow wow"

Louis Pang -> http://www.louispang.com/blog/category/weddings/
Great style, great reviews, and also the 1st to respond to me. But when i saw his quotation
my 1st reaction was stunned! No wonder people are saying have to get through the psychology barrier of his charges before you engage his service! Seriously I cant afford a 5-figure sum for PG...even if its in RM

Sam Wong -> http://www.samwong.fotopic.net/
He is the only local among those I approached, and also the 1st. Seen him and his works personally.. quite good. Reasonable charges and nice guy but he rejected me. Cuz dont feel safe to venture into JB. Can understand his difficulties, but still I have recommended his service to Peng

Kok Wei & Partner -> http://www.mrandmrs2.blogspot.com/
Actually spotted their webby last, but was also most fond of their work and portfolio.
Very responsive and friendly, charges within my acceptable range thou also consider abit high-end.
But I trust they are worth every single penny. Yet to revert w/ confirmation but i guess its 80% that they are the one. In fact was really grateful when Kok Wei actually offer alot of suggestions on travelling issues, and even trying to help me save cost on accommodation etc!
Feel excited just thinking of working with them!! :P

Robin Ng ->http://www.robinng.com/newblog
Hmm, read alot good reviews about him, but wasnt that impressive with the T&C (abit calculative in my opinion) that comes along with the charges. Consider high cost for engaging him, portfolio consider good but maybe not my fave. So I just KIV w/o further discussion.

Jon Low -> http://www.idealwedding.net/
One of the PG that I went "WOW & WoW" beside Kok Wei's portfolio. Send two requests for quotes within a week. Alas, not possible to consider as there wasnt any reply since then. Abit disappointed thou... as Jon does have some impressive collection that attracted me.

**********************************************************************************
After a week of interesting researching, I realise M'sia do have a alot of unique, talented and outstanding PGs. Do not underestimated them, if you think s'pore too have alot of top -notch branded PG, you be in for shock when you view their portfolio. Trust me!

Anyway, thats all for the week, im counting down to my vacation!.In another 4 hours time I'll be @ Changi T1, on my way to Bangkok!! yeah yeah... BKK here we come.....woohoo

EXCITING MONTH.. FOR PROJECT 2010

Eversince CNY, every relatives in JB and SG has been asking when is our customary wedding...
WQ answers to all is NEXT YEAR... and ooops I have totally forgotten about our WEDDING for the whole of 2008!

I look at him and seriously ask.. "Dear our wedding is Next Year meh?? How come I dunno eh!? Is that supposed to be a standard answer for everyone..dangz"

WQ then looked back with that "innocent" look in his eye and sincerely answer my question
"Yes, our wedding is next year ah. Dinner in JB mah"

Hmm... at this time i have abunch of "?" hovering my head, did i suffer from amnesia or what?? Totally cant remember since when did we discuss and confirm the details.

But nevertheless, we decided its time to discuss, confirm and prepare for the wedding..
I know Im KS.. but nobody want a slipshod wedding especially since its gonna be cross border.

So it the start of the 'Project 2010' in early Feb 2009

-I started asking for suggestion and opinions, wq and my parents were standard answer.
"Anything up to you lah", as for my in-laws I know they will give the same answer as they are catholics and no preference and needs for Auspicious date. As for venue and location, again its up to my preference. Likewise for every other things....

Great! For every answer I asked, I got more "?" in return!!
Eh, seems like im holding my own wedding!! ~_^

I know im a lazy bride with high expectations, so bo bian, better buck up and research
Shall rely on myself to make things work.. since i have 1 year ahead.. hehe

Then I realised there is someone even more lazy and clueless than me!
That is my long-time buddy MS QP!!
ROM in Sept 09 and Customary in Nov 09, til now no details have been fixed not even the date!!
Ho Sei lah, no wonder she telling me is super duper stressed out..

Wahahah, being the good-hearted KPO.. i offered to be her helper cum planner

After 2 weeks of researching for her and myself, also passing her all the info which i had gathered for my own ROM. I started to realised, I like planning for wedding!!

Hehehe... should i consider a switch of JOB??

**Project 2010 -> to be continued**

TODAY IS.....

Today marks a special beginning for Jarrod & Rennae, its their Big day.

From today on, I will remember their wedding anniversary forever.

Congratulations Guys, cant wait to see the pictures.

Today I'm 28, 1 year older ..hehe but i dun feel that OLD yet!
I never place much emphasis on birthday celebrations,

yet I never like to work on one so today is a "lazing around" day for me and Emma.

Boring it may seems, but enjoyable and relaxing in my style.

Special Thanks to


for rescheduling all your appointment to accompany me.
Start the day with breakfast, served in bed....woolahlah

(too dreamy to grab my cam)

After breakfast and tv shows, BD gal decide that Orchard is too far away so Parkway it shall be.
but bad choice, I couldnt find any suitable stuffs,
Emma on the had a fruitful trip, had a few good buys thou.(jealous! blah)

I give up, tired and hungry we pop by at "The Caffe Bar"

for what seems like lunch/dinner @ 4pm.

Food served taste as good as it look. NO JOKE

Sauce is a little spicy and sour, fillet is great.

Crispy on the outside but inside is tender and fresh.
Stacked on a pile of boiled celery, nice and sweet in its original flavour.

Looks really delicious right?? You bet it does.
Pan seared chix breast smothered in Pomery Mustard cream sauce.
Heavenly combi with the chix, not too rich or over... just nice.

On the top right, its pasta salad. I just got to compliment it!

Its cooked to 'Al dente'. Emma just couldnt keep his fork away from it.
Amazing, he finished his dish so quickly, he ate half of mine as well.

UP next, its the highlight.
I have been having a major craving for months and months ago...

but today, i decided to heck the diet and succumb to temptation

I succumb and I INDULGE
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Dessert for the day


Sinfully deliciously, rich creamy ice-cream on
top of baked granny smith apple pie.

YUM YUM YUM.. YUMMY!!!!!!!!
Tell me who can resist that.. huh

Last but not least, I did something which i not done for a zillion year.

Movie "Marathon"!

We purchased tixs for 2 movies straight in a row..

Hehe...we both totally enjoying movies and

that perfectly marks the end of my Birthday Activtiy for the day!

2009, RESOLUTIONS & GOALS

I decided this time round my resolution for the new year shall be short and sweet..
Thou shall not be greedy.. hehehe

Resolutions:
1. To regain my health... To be strong and healthy for 2009
2. Maintain my fitness goal.. shed those TONS of FATS
3. MORE money... the more the merry

To Do List:
1. Save more money... less shopping = more savings
2. Reno my house by end 2009

FUNNY CRAP

Crap #1
After Marina learned about my visit to CGH, she was trying to convince me how crappy is CGH, that she had to digged out the article published on CGH, its a real-event that happen to her and hubby.
I was like "Omg....... WTF when i read it"

Crap #2
Im lauging my ass off when i read this. Found this on a blogger's site , she post it from a email circulated.

My Aunt died this past January. Citibank billed her for February and
March for their monthly service charge on her credit card, and then
added late fees and interest on the monthly charge... the balance had been
$0.00... Now it was somewhere around $60.00. I placed the following
phone call to CitiBank:

Me: "I am calling to tell you that she died in January."
CitiBank: "The account was never closed and the late fees and
charges still apply."
Me: "Maybe, you should turn it over to collections"
CitiBank: "Since it is 2 months past due, it already has been."
Me: "So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?"
CitiBank: "Either report her account to the frauds division, or
report her to the credit bureau maybe both!"
Me: "Do you think God will be mad at her?"
CitiBank:"...excuse me...?"
Me: "Did you just get what I was telling you... the part about her
being dead?"
CitiBank: "Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor!"
(Supervisor gets on the phone)
Me: "I'm calling to tell you, she died in January."
CitiBank: "The account was never closed and the late fees and charges
still apply."
Me: "You mean you want to collect from her estate?"
CitiBank: ".....(stammer)" ".... Are you her lawyer?"
Me: "No, I'm her great nephew." (Lawyer info given... )
CitiBank: "Could you fax us a certificate of death?"
Me: "Sure."
(Fax number is given)
(After they get the fax.)
CitiBank: "Our system just isn't setup for death"
Me: "Oh..."
CitiBank: "I don't know what more I can do to help.."
Me: "Well...if you figure it out,great! If not, you could just keep
billing her...I suppose... Don't really think she will care...."
CitiBank: "Well...the late fees and charges do still apply."
Me: "Would you like her new billing address?"
CitiBank: "That might help."
Me: "Nilai Memorial Park Cemetery (North South Highway and plot
number given.)
CitiBank: "Sir, that's a cemetery!"
Me: "What do you do with dead people on your planet?"