♥ Happy One Year Anniversary of a kind ♥

365 days ago today, I told myself I've finally found you.

For the past twelve months, all these tokens with true intent set foot into our pathway, a rightful one.

Here they are;

The dainty engraved ring ,an invisible 'matchmaker',
knitted our hearts in one.

Our magical ruby sunrise and sunset have never been such a tantalizing view.
This serene sky view casting a glowing horizon,
across the island we once had memories.

Mr. Hawn and Mr. Purp Dragon, keep me company,
every time I hit the hay,
watching me fall into a peaceful sleep.

Your heart-shaped phone chain with our initials,S&A,
proves to be an eye-catcher, as if coming out from hiding,
to seek for attention.

My crystal-made moo-moo phone chain
that sparkles in the limelight,
as it overtakes the beauty of simplicity.

The pot of begonias blossoms to grow in pairs,
all they are looking for is just the sunshine.

This time last year, I call myself lucky.

8760 hours ago, I bid au revoir to the phrase ' What's your problem?' and said bonjour to 'I Love You' and I know it could never be overused.

Happy One Year Anniversary of a kind,
my rainbow sherbet-flavoured sweetheart.

xx
Manda

Sing until your lungs give out~

For one thing that you do not notice about me, I could go ga-ga over unlimited supplies of chocolates, be it the creamy truffles, overtly sweet milk chocolate or pure white chocolate. With that, I reckon hedonism is chocolate.

Then again, just when I thought so, I am now quite skeptical of what had been assumed all along; right at this spot, right at this minute, right at this second and even right at this millisecond. With a sudden twist, a new found term came about and here goes, hedonism is freedom.

The golden key is almost in hands. To a certain extent, I am pretty sure of possessing it in no time. Not so fast, Missy. Surprisingly it suddenly seems out of reach. Frankly, my level of patience (or lack thereof) is a constant battle I have with myself. Perhaps when total freedom is given to me, I may have misused it for I am twenty-one this year?

So what if I've come of age? I'll be damned if I were to let the annoyingly lackadaisical side of me to conquer everything. I found out that forbidding myself from zoning out anymore is a vital thing to do (at least I am of sound mind to realise it! ) or I would have crossed the line. I couldn't be searching for monumental words of wisdom all the time to keep myself on a decent path because I fancy things that come naturally. It may sound cliched but I believe freedom is earned, not given, much akin to respect.

Don't misunderstand, this isn't about a difficult and emotionally tumultuous period in my life. Despite of the very necessary homework given that caused me loads of anguish at one point, I am still me, I speak my mind. The world is beautiful as it's full of a variety of reactions, yes?

In retrospect, I have quite a happy balanced life. This is what I called a complimentary because I found a corner to turn and a sign to guide me.

Please allow the photos below to explain why this title is given:

pardon my vain-ness

hardcore singer!

brothers

of us, the girls who can sing really well ;)

sing along with me baby

Zing Lin's very straight and shiny hair

*pinches cheek!*

Tomato, the singer

all ARTS, unite!

As the title depicts, you would know what I am thinking by now.Perhaps for some, certain things are beyond imagination.

;))))

And SO it's a NO

SUKMA camp: 2 years back

Having the golden opportunities to represent Selangor Judo Association in Malaysian Games or SUKMA two times in a row was a total pleasure and an honour for me. Recalling my experience in SUKMA, it was one of the most endearing moments in my life. Without a doubt, when there's a third chance given to me, I guess I'd love to leave everything aside and accept the offer.

However, I just can't do as to my whims and fancies now. The main reason is definitely because of ACCA in which I can't afford to skip classes (even though I seldom do that!) and there's no way for me to study on my own without lectures and tutorials. Besides, attending training sessions is equivalent to less time for studies, especially during the weekends.

Next reason is my baby's feedback after I told him about it:
1) We'll definitely come across with lack of quality time together
2) He'll freak out when he sees me with plenty of bruises and mat-burn all over the body.
3) I'm not ladylike anymore

or maybe

4) I'll be stronger than him.

As from my point of view:
1) same as #1 above
2) less time for me to work on ACCA
3) I'll be dead tired by the time I got back from training
4) Goodbye long nails and welcome bruises, sores and dislocations.
5) maintaining at a certain weight category which I loathe that!

Anyways, Malaysian Games 2010 is held in Melaka beginning from the 10th till 19th of June. As it clashes with my finals, I guess the end result is just a big NO.

How I miss Judo!

='(

Mummy's 55th Birthday

Happy Birthday to my dearest mummy!

If I could have just one wish,
I would hope my royal mom will stay in the pink of health.
I thank you with love evermore.

=:)

All that I can see is just a green mango tree

If you're one normal kid, you'd have been fascinated by playhouses, clubhouses and tree houses of all sorts.

Aye,I am.

Twas when I watched one of the scenes in Home Alone where Kevin rides the rig on the rope to get to the tree house that pique my interest. Back then, daddy planned to build a tree house for us. Obviously there was something wrong with the tree structure, forcing daddy to scrape off the idea he once had in mind. Surprisingly, we didn't pitch a fit when the tree house wasn't build. As time goes by,we are all grown up.There's no point building a tree house to fit us in after all.

As in all such legends, the story that Isaac Newton's hypothesis of universal gravitation was prompted by the fall of an apple. Quite similarly, my mango tree too, had a rich history behind it.

The tree that was planted as a sapling decades ago became the resting area for chickens we reared in the garden many years later (oh well, another long story behind it).Every night, they will eventually fly up the tree top to sleep, with the assistance of scaffolding in the beginning, the so called staircase heading towards the tree.

Monkeys too, dropped us a 'visit' before. They were leaping from branch to branch, swinging by their tails so merrily for at least an hour before leaving this mango tree.

At one particular period, the crows perched high in the tree claiming to be an animal alarm clock never failed to squawk every morning. This peculiar early-morning crow sound was utter disgusting, enough to get on my nerves!

The tree, seasoned and weathered, has stood proud the test of all times; the tree was the one used as a landmark; the tree that never bore much fruits for the whole year long, so much for being named as a mango tree, has now been chopped down after 20 over years. What's left is just, this......



Perhaps there's a spirit in the tree, as it still makes me feel bothered with the disappearance of the mango tree.

=|

You've a sweet tooth.I have a killer sweet tooth.

They aren't Famous Amos cookies, but these cookies, namely Authentic Almond Cookies and Wondrous Walnut Cookies are simply irresistible.

When your stomach is grumbling, it's time for you to take a few bites to satisfy your hunger pangs....

When you've a sudden craving for cookies,sit back and grab a piece to savour the crunchiness of it.....

They are lips- smacking good!

=')

Hark the herald

Last Christmas had been an unforgettable one with fellow girlfriends of mine. This Christmas was celebrated the traditional way; the presence of symbolic Christmas tree, eating turkey, unwrap presents and singing songs. I attended a family gathering ,except it wasn't my family but Shawn's. Looking at the kids rummaging presents under the beautifully decorated Christmas tree triggered my silly thought of going back to the time when I was a child. Little did I know I was once a child, a childish child!

Candy snow man

sinnnfulll!

pleasant-tasting salad

loads of presents!

Lil Thomas =)

It's been an amazing run to and through Christmas this year.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a very blessed night!

How I spent my Christmas Eve

A decade ago, I haven’t felt very christmas-y for various reasons. Perhaps I was too young to join anyone in hanging ornaments on Christmas trees, buying presents for friends and family, hunting for the perfect stuffed turkey or even caroling through the night. At present,or I would say,counting from a couple of years back, the yuletide season seems to hype me up more than ever. For one, Christmas is all about celebrating with people around you. A twenty-year-old like yours truly has what it takes to comprehend what Christmas is as I grow older. Agreed?

Barbeque before clubbing was a tad bit weird considering the smoke smell lingers on your clothes for the entire night. A bottle of perfume,standby in the car might help, a little. Here I am, celebrating Xf's birthday while catching up with May Kay and Choon Mun.

Birthday girl and company

Miss Santa Rina and Mr Santa

Hoh ma :P

Joe pa :P

We made a move to the city at 11pm. Traffic would be congested when party animals heading down town to celebrate Christmas eve but surprisingly we were lucky enough to escape massive jams in KL. It was 45 minutes before 12 midnight. It's so unfair that my baby brought along a new button-down shirt to change after BBQ party while I couldn't stop spraying myself with perfume. Well, helping to style my boyfie's hair in the dark was kind of fun though :)

I know,you know and we know finals are over and raves, here we come! Since it was the eve, the energy from the crowd was already there once we arrived.Poppy has always been crowded with party goers. Shueh booked a place at Passion which was just a walk upstairs from Poppy. Hardcore house fans are so gonna love it!

Shueh got drunk before the party started

We were so obsessed with the red balloon. This explains the pictures below.

Rawrr!

The self-proclaimed clubber turned drunkard, Jack

Siang Hang turned wild!

Best of friends

The hunks

A place with some mesmeric bars filled with a group of great people to dance with is equivalent to a night of merriment. The music had difficulty pulling me into the 'flow' state as much as it was supposed to be. I wasn't sure why but to the DJ's credit, they juggled the disc till the very last hour in order to make everyone get hip in the house.I guess the DJ's deserve a thumbs up!

Christmas eve ended with a bang and Christmas arrived with a blast!

:D

Two is better than one

Mr Boyfie had yet another birthday celebration with fellow schoolmates right after the day I celebrated with him. It's as if a never ending celebration, isn't it? You wish!

We walked pass this shop that served ready-to-eat food in Jaya One,making me reminisced the similar concept 7-Eleven outlets practiced in Hong Kong. Funny as it was, Alicia and I were extremely magnetize with the idea of frozen food being heated up in microwave and that was when we kept hopping into 7E whenever we chanced on during our walk in the city.

Opss, let's not digress. Here it is, we spent some quality time together at Sri Kulai before joining our friends for dinner.

From nasi lemak to spaghetti and dim sum

Dim sum is ready for serving!

Shawn's signature smile of the month =D

A huge portion of knuckles is more than enough for 2 person to get their stomachs full for three days. Can you imagine how many slices of porkie we ate that night?

The gang

This didn't taste as bad as expected

=P

3rd or 4th birthday cake? Oh I lost count..

The night did not end there as we had another party to attend. Barbeque party was our next stop. Obviously, this time is the get-together night with ACCA-ians after our major exam before everyone leaves town for home.

Girls dominate!

Marshmallows and choc!

My bunch of ACCA mates

Promoting my jelly through the window ;)

All about counting...and money

Marinated chicks by Zakee

Cash and more cash!

Yichun drinks beer all night

Nash's home-made brownies

A myriad of food for pumping the perfect night, and every single of them for hanging out, having fun with all the wonderful people I'm lucky to be surrounded by.

That night was a good night.

=)

Underneath the neon lights

I could barely sleep a night before 15th of December. Well, it wasn't because of exam anxiety but my boyfriend's 20th birthday! Finally, after months of preparation for Mr Sexy's birthday,knowing I couldn't celebrate with him on the exact date due to exam,I would say the surprise was quite a surprise. I was massively excited!

The alarm clock was set at 6.30 am. I woke up and went straight to the kitchen to make smiley birthday pancake and also the ever traditional, red eggs.

=)

At 8 am sharp, I drove to baby's house, wanted to reach as soon as possible before he got up from bed. I secretly planned with Justin and Mama Godiva a night before this joyous day to ensure everything will go smoothly.And it did.

As he slid the door open....and VOILA! Smiley birthday pancake with two lit candles was served in front of him.I wasn't sure if I'd pulled a great surprise but I guess this caught him completely off guard ;)

Party hats are a wonderful birthday accessories

Sorry darling, I didn't expect it to turn out to be The Joker

The next day, we went to Solaris for a belated birthday celebrati0n. The only Croatian restaurant in Malaysia, Dubrovnik was where we settle down for dinner. There was a lounge on the ground floor but we chose to dine at the cozy dining area in the upper floor.

As for appetizer, they served the bread and ajvar, a kind of Croatian vegetable salsa.

Krumpir soup came as the next appetizer before the main course to spice up our appetite.
It tasted so creamy and rich with milk.

A shot of Macchiato, enough to keep me awake for the entire night

Cranberry Palmer

Lamb Croatia with broccoli and toothsome pommes dauphine potatoes.The lamb was such tender,juicy and moist. The greatest of all,the spices had worked in erasing the lamby smell. A great choice of darling's.

Calzone, a hand-made pizza baked in a wood fire oven along with beef salami, tomato, mushrooms, mozzarella and oregano.

Cheesy and simply appetizing

Moi and handsome him

and again

Amazing deco at Schokolart

Finally,a proper birthday cake.
This would be the third time blowing candles.

wishing and wishing for more ;)

In short, I wish the night would never end.That says it all.

December is filled with loads of delicious,delectable and divine food. Of course, there are more to come for sure! I reckon gaining weight during this season is inevitable.

xoxo

=)