A pretty prospect

Leaving for Canada tomorrow. So excited!!!!!! In less than 24 hours (okay technically more than that but let's not count the annoying time difference) I'll be seeing my beloved again. Can'twaitcan'twaitcan'twaitcan'twaitcan'twait!

Bye everyone, I'll check in again with photos when I'm back in about 12 days. Unless I find time to post while I'm up there, which somehow I think is highly unlikely... I'll have better use for my time! =P Till we meet again, take care all, and XING NIAN KUAI LE!!!!!!!

G'day mates! It's never goodbye.

Happy V Day everyone! Especially you, my darling. We'll have a belated celebration really soon yeah ;)

And Happy V Day to you, Lis. In case I get too sentimental at the airport, I'll start saying my goodbyes here, and you can read it when you get to Aussie. Boo-hoo!

********************************

Little Lisa, off Down Under
What awaits I really wonder
But some things I need not ponder
I know you'll be just fine

Little sister, good wishes follow
Even as goodbyes seem hollow
Your adventure begins tomorrow
So I refuse to pine

Fare thee well, O brave and happy one
May uni days be filled with fun
And glad you be, when all is done
You've had your chance to shine

Sister dearest, may God bless you
And may you always to Him be true
And He will watch over all you do
In all His love, and mine

**********************************

All the best to you, dear. Study hard and make the best of your time in UTS. I'll miss your inane sense of humour and priceless expressions. And your technological wizardry =P Hey, we'll all miss ya, especially Elvis and Bullie! I'll try to keep them entertained ;) Have fun yourself. We'll see you soon.

Godspeed, Lis. Love you.

Little kids all grown up now

Sorry folks, no new dishes this time. In fact, Mel's not cooking for the next two weekends - she's off to Vancouver! Wheeee!!!!! ;)))))

Last weekend was so so busy. Absolutely no time to cook! Saturday was spent shopping (again) at Plaza Singapura. This time though, I wasn't shopping for myself, so no guilt lah. Picked up a number of birthday gifts, including lots of little 'piggy' stuff for Lionel's little sister Rachel... her 12th birthday's on Valentine's Day! So schweeeet!!! Haha. She and Lionel affectionately call each other 'Pig' since they were both born in the Year of the Pig. Also, Rachel is kinda round, very cute and squeals a lot, so I guess it's an apt nickname. Somehow though, I just don't see a connection between 'Lionel' and 'pig'. Haha.

Yeah so, I'm going over to Lionel's on Tuesday to pick up his guitar and stuff, and I'll give Rachel her presents then. Already met with Rey yesterday evening - his birthday's on Tuesday. And I'll have a belated V-Day and very early birthday celebration with my darling in less than a week. Isn't Feb the month of fun?

It was really good catching up with Rey. I always enjoy our meet-ups, and we hadn't done that for a while. We had the usual heart-to-heart talks and scoldings... except this time (for the first time!) he was the one scolding me! Since when did you become the Voice of Reason??? I thought that was my role. So I guess you're all grown up now *tear* haha.

Yeah well, he really talked some sense into me. He asked me to think about what was most important to me, and in the end babe, you know the answer is you.

I guess I've been a little selfish about, well, stuff. There's always gotta be give and take in any relationship, and after all we're only human, with very human faults and limitations. So I'm sorry dear, if I was asking too much... I never meant to test you or ever give you reason to doubt. Sweetheart, I just want to make you happy. Love you.

Okay now, this is the part where I'm supposed to subtly point out that Rey just did you a great favour and can he come stay with us in Canada and go fishing while we take care of his kids until they're grown up? Haha. Oh plans, plans, plans! Happy plans. Hard to believe that when we first started hanging out we were just teenagers getting dizzy on the possibilities of youth and freedom... and now here we are eight years later talking about the future like it's something solid and tangible. I wish. Happy plans.

Anyhoo, this week's gonna be crazy. Seriously gotta pack. I just got my suitcases over the weekend and I'm gonna have to figure out how to squeeze all my clothes and toiletries and all the CNY food into one suitcase so I can lug Lionel's acoustic guitar along. Oh my head! It hurts even thinking about all that packing.

And Lisa's flying off on Wednesday too. Midnight on V-Day '07. I'm gonna miss her. Well I'm sure she'll be just fine. She was always the independent one. Lots of love, Lis. We'll send chocolates. Or something.

In other news, this is my 100th post. Fwah!

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake

Almond cookies freshly baked by yours truly. Mmmmmmm-mmmmm! Simply scrumptious. One batch goes to Lionel's family on Sunday and one to my friend the next day (haha are you reading this, Rey?). I would love to bake them the night before I give them away but the kitchen's kinda booked over the weekend... Mom and Pop are setting up shop! Yep, the 'rents are deluged with orders for CNY. Guess the house will be smelling of carrot cake for the next two weeks. Yay! Haha. Mom told me that they bought 70 eggs today. That's a whole lotta eggs!

Speaking of eggs... two of my colleagues are pregnant. Meh. Lucky gals! I'm soooooooooooooo jealous. I think being pregnant is so incredibly beautiful. Can't wait... though of course I want to be married first =P But seriously, the thought of carrying Lionel's baby just moves me to tears. Oh my. I'm actually looking forward to getting older. Haha.

I'm lucky that Lionel shares my sentiments. He loves babies too, wants lots of them (in his words, 'many many babies'), and thinks pregnant women are the most gorgeous beings on planet Earth. Yeah. Is it any wonder I want to marry this guy right away? =P

I miss you baby. Let's just... elope. Haha.

A little closer every day

Got to talking to my ex yesterday online. Just normal stuff, hi how are you, that kinda thing. And then out of the blue he gave me his blog address. And directed me to an old entry he wrote after we broke up years ago. *Sigh* Let's just say it wasn't the most upbeat.

He wrote about how we weren't even close anymore, and how he felt about that... and yeah a part of me always knew that pushing him away, whether I wanted to or not, was only going to hurt us both. Well, it wasn't an easy time, but that's just an excuse. In the end I'm glad we somehow stayed in touch and he didn't give up on me as a friend, even when I wasn't exactly encouraging. Shame on me. He was, and still is, one of the nicest guys I know, and I'm proud to count him now as a good friend.

He also wrote in his blog that he remembered being in church with me, worshipping God. For me, too, those memories stand out. The best part of our relationship was the spiritual aspect, and every time we worshipped together we just got closer.

I guess after we broke up I was always searching for that. Trying to find that connection again. With a guy, and with God. I spent too long searching, too long running.

It took me a long long time to run back into His arms.

Well, I'm glad I did. The journey's been a rough one, and I'm somewhat the worse for wear, but battle scars notwithstanding, I'm still hanging in there. I'm still tempted, of course. Each day brings new temptations, each day I face them and try not to succumb.

Some days I can come before Him and thankfully say, "I've done my best." (or have I really? I try anyway) and rejoice in all I've been blessed with, but the next day I could be ashamed to stand in His presence and look back on what has transpired in those 24 hours since. Dear Lord, give me the strength! I feel so weak sometimes.

I can but struggle. I'm only human, and human wisdom is hardly wisdom at all. I know I should spend more time listening to His voice. Oh Mel. Well... I am trying.

I think I've come pretty far from where I used to be. I can't say I'm perfect, but yeah all you can do is try, right? There are things I regret, things I wish I had the chance to redo or undo... but hindsight is always 20/20, and crying over spilt milk was never a profitable pastime for anyone. We all have our crosses to bear, and as much as they hurt me, I shall shoulder mine and soldier on. I know I'm not alone - I do have wonderful friends to see me through, as they always have, not least in my spiritual journey. Thank you Sam, Nick and most of all Lionel, for being there when I most needed you, whether I knew it or not.

I'm so thankful for my baby Lionel. With him, I've finally found that spiritual connection again. Every moment in His presence together is a gift. Closer to God, closer to him. Encouraging each other, helping and watching out for each other. I look forward to the day he stands beside me in church again. Not just at the altar (oh, but of course I'm looking forward to that!) but also simply worshipping Him together.

That's my ultimate dream.

Limericks, lonesomeness, love, Lionel!

I'm composing little limericks as I wait for Lionel to get out of the bathroom. He's gonna have a fair bit in his MSN message box by the time we're both done. Hee ;)

In response to Lionel's gig with his latest band Gardenburst (inspired by Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars if you haven't already figured it out) at Malaysia-Singapore night at UBC...

You're off the scale
My ubermale
My sexy little Lionel
And once you start
You'll break their hearts
'Cos you're mine, and that's FINAL!

Aaaaaaaaaaaand another one!

My cutie pie
You make me cry
'Cos you're so steaming hot
I want you bad
Which makes me sad
'Cos you're there, and I'm not!

Yeah yeah, soppiness I know. But he's soooooooooooooooooo cute when he's rocking it up. I just watched a vid of Gardenburst playing Coldplay's Clocks and he's just completely adorable. My gorgeous baby. Stuff like this just makes me think, I can't wait to be married to this man. Haha.

Besides, I'm missing him REALLY REALLY REALLY BADLY these days. 11 days to Canada! Oh wait, it's just past midnight now so... 10 days to Canada!!!!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

I really, really can't wait.

Fry me to the moon

This Sunday's dinner: Fried rice paradise!

That's my wannabe-artistic shot of two plates of fried rice and one plate of egg strips. I did the eggs separately 'cos some people (read: me lor) don't eat them. Hurhur.

Wah making omelettes is fun man! You get to roll the eggs around the whole wok to make the omelette paper-thin and then they cook really fast and turn out so fluffy and pretty...!!!

Hahaha okay that's so suaku. Like never cook eggs before. Well actually I think that's the first time I ever made an omelette (in fact, I made two!!!!) since I don't eat them anyway. I haven't eaten eggs since I was about 5 years old. According to my mom, I used to love the things in my much younger days and gobbled one down every single day, you know, the semi-boiled runny-yolk kind with soya sauce that you can still get in traditional coffee shops. Then one day I just stopped eating them. Didn't like them anymore, couldn't stand them. Still can't. My friends tell me I'm missing out on so much. But I can't help it. The eggy taste just makes me want to puke.

I know, I'm weird. So what's new?

Eggs used in cakes and pastries don't count. If I can't detect the eggy taste I'm fine. But I'll pick out any bits of egg in my steamboat or salad or fried rice... which is why I did the eggs separately from the fried rice. So now you know! =P

Anyway, yummy fried rice! Yay!!! Happy is I. And so easy to make. Just slice the char siew and sausage (my favourite bits), dump everything in a wok and fry. And cook the eggs, of course ;)

Have to try something more challenging next time... Was just so tired today. Work was insane Monday to Friday. Felt pretty burnt out by the time Friday rolled around. So thankful for weekends man! The weekend was even busier than Mon to Fri, but much much much more fun.

Cell group on Friday night. Decided to catch Phantom of the Opera with the girls in April. And the next CG meeting is gonna be another Entz (Entertainment) Night! Wheeee! Spent Saturday trawling Far East Plaza with Sam, bought a lot and spent too much again, and went home broke and tired but very happy. Here's my haul:
- One pair of dark blue boot-cut jeans (only $19.90!!!! I love Far East!)
- One pair of gorgeous strappy kitten heels with a really sweet blue-and-purple floral design (This one's even better. $12.90 with a $4 discount on every two pairs of shoes. Sam bought another pair so that knocked the price of mine to $10.90. Even Mom approved.)
- One pair of knee-length curdoroy pants which fit me like a dream
- One black office skirt - simple, comfy and shows my legs. All plus points.
- One pretty pink handbag. (Yes, it's pretty pink.) Big enough to put my running gear in so I can bring it to work on the days I want to run. Well, everything fits in except for my running shoes lah. For those I need...
- One Nike shoebag. Whee! Itsa pretty. Though not as pretty as the Nike gym bag I got for Christmas, so I guess I'll still be carrying that to work sometimes haha.
- One sleeveless, crumply tan blouse. I mean, the colour is tan (I think). I'd say nude but, well... Hee. Anyway. Itsa also pretty!
- One stripey, purple long-sleeved shirt. I have to say a major factor in my decision to buy this was how skinny it makes me look. It's weird. I thought horizontal stripes were supposed to make you look fatter, but this shirt just makes me look... well let's just say it brings out the best in me. I think so anyway ;)
- Two pretty pretty belts. One is brown and woven, the other is white and embroidered. Can't wait to try them out!

Yeah good haul. But seriously broke now. Next time Sam, we'll just catch a movie yeah? Heh ;)

Was too tired to do much more on Saturday. Anyway, so much going on today too. After service and Bible class and choir practice we had our pizza party. So fun! Food was good, games were great and I found out one of the ladies knows my dad! Small world. Haha.

Then off to my grandma's. Sat down and chitchatted with my grandma and my aunts. Was asked when I planned to get married. One of my aunts said Lionel seems like a nice boy. Hurhur.

Came home, had a quick nap, cooked dinner, blogged... and now it's time for bed. I'm schleepy. Gonna hit the sack early tonight.

Looking forward to Canada. Only 12 more days!!!!!! Can't wait can't wait can't wait. Heard Gap is cheap there. Ehehe.

Miss you babe. Wish you were here. Or that I were there already. I will be, really soon! ;)

I am a Jeneeus!

Wow really? Um... okay...

The test wasn't difficult. However, signing up for an account so they could rank my score fairly stumped me. It took me about five minutes and six or seven tries. And all the time I was wondering if that were part of the test. 'Cos if it were, I think I would have flunked out. Haha. And then they rate me Universal Genius =P The irony!