have you made your contribution to the unfortunates?

Remember that run I did a couple of weeks ago? Yes, I am now going around seeking your kind contributions to support a local organisation which helps unfortunate children who have been abused, sexually.

If you happen to be one of those who I approach for donation, your small contribution is very much appreciated by these kids. A ringgit means a whole lot for them.

And if you wish to donate even when I have not approached you, you're a superstar. Please contact me so that further arrangements could be made :)

Contribution starts today and ends on 31st March 2009.

2009 Resolutions

OK, so I'm a little late in finalising my new year's resolutions. Now that I have some time to think and re-evaluate myself (a thing that I have been doing quite too often lately), these are what I plan or still plan to do in 2009:

1) To stay healthy - to eat balance meals, do more outdoor activities and have some more gym time.

2) To watch an award winning film every fortnight - I have a whole list of it!

3) To prepare and make new dishes at least twice a month - I kinda miss living on my own and having to decide what to eat every day.

4) To pick up one kind of sports and be good in it - I've been wanting to play squash and master the sport ever since I left UoE. Maybe if this goes well this year, I'll pick up golf in 2010.

5) To finish a book this year - Yes one book. I'm being realistic here.

6) To further explore the world - I already have Singapore on my calendar, perhaps Bali in July and we'll see where my savings can take me later on this year.

7) To contribute to the unfortunates - More charity walks / runs to come and maybe it's time to visit the orphanage and old folks' home again.

Seven resolutions for 2009. I'm not being too ambitious here, am I?

:-(

celebration of happiness

Just when I thought this would be the biggest finale of the wedding craze month, I received another invitation for a wedding this coming weekend. Slow down people!! I can't keep up. My laundry expenses are now contributing a significant portion of my disposable income!! Anyway, we had a mayjah reunion last weekend at Emma and Edd's wedding do. Friends we hadn't seen for 7 years were reunited so you can imagine how much catching up needed to be done! It was a wonderful weekend with many happy faces and some tearful ones.

The solemnisation of marriage i.e. akad nikah was held on Friday, 02/01/09 at Al-Ghurfan Mosque located just around the corner. The girls and I were all excited for the bride and the fact that all of us had to cover up as a sign of respect in the holy place.

These girls and I were assigned to carry the hantaran (what's new for me eh?). I quickly grabed the Quran before someone asked me to carry the, usually heavy, cake. Heh. We took the opportunity to snap some pictures before our hair get messed up by the head scarves. Oh by the way, if you hadn't realised, the theme colour was blue :)

First reunion picture after Emma was pronounced as Edd's wife. I remember him saying, "Let us all take pictures. Where's my wife? Where's my wife??" He must be proud of her :)

The bride's wedding luncheon took place on Saturday, 03/01/09 at Seri Melayu on Jalan Conlay. We were entertained by dance performances which if I'm not mistaken emphasised on the bride's part-Indonesian origin. Actually, that's just me guessing. They were stunning that afternoon.

We had the biggest reunion since we graduated from high school during the groom's wedding dinner at TTDI's community hall on Sunday, 04/01/09. To be honest, the girls and I were already very tired from attending the 2 prior ceremonies. But hey, anything for our beloved bride!

At the end of the hectic three days, the newlyweds were relieved that all the wedding do were finally over. We wish you both the greatest married life and honestly, we can't wait to see the juniors! :D

2008 recap

I'll be doing a questionnaire later this week to reflect what year 2008 has been to me. I can't wait to compare my experiences this year with that of last year. If you were to ask me right now how the year had been so far, I'd say it is overall good despite the rollercoaster ride.

These are some pictures I've taken throughout the year. Let us recap:

January 2008 - I returned Edinburgh to wrap up my 4-year journey. It was good to see everyone again and hang out at the regular cafes. Favorit, Glenhas, Kilimanjaro, The Spot (yeah that one in KB) and many Starbucks Coffee cafes. This city will forever be remembered together with the memories I made in that 4 long years.

February 2008 - The first long distance trip made by the Roadrunner. I drove 400km up north to Penang to utilise the long weekend we had in conjunction with the Federal Territory Day. Since that trip, I have decided that that was the first and final long distance trip that car will make. I love that car dearly, thus from then onwards it is only restricted to travel within the Klang Valley to avoid it breaking down that very often.

The engagement of one of my good friends to a schoolmate of mine. A shocking news, nevertheless we were all happy for both of them. Looked forward to the big day which is now finally over. What a wonderful way to start their new year.


March 2008 - CBK retreat @ Port Dickson. My second corporate retreat since I started working for the Bank. It was a relaxing retreat considering that I didn't have to be the emcee for the event! Got nominated for Best Dressed for wearing a beach skirt and a Polo shirt (I was meant to be a tennis player, heh) and won many junk food throughout the two days.

May 2008 - My third visit to Kuching, Sarawak involved trying out local delicacies, over-eating and movie marathon. We had the perfect host who brought us to this restaurant called The Junk. The ambience was romantic, the food was delicious and the company was the best. I would recommend everyone to visit this restaurant if they're in Kuching. Something you would never forget.


July 2008 - The batik themed annual dinner. It was not Halloween yet but many of us dressed up in cowboy outfits to grab the Group Best Dressed title. Unfortunately we ended up being sore losers after losing to the aluminium wrapped Gladiator team. Boohoo.


That's me standing in front of my brand new ride. Yeah, in my dreams. We were lending a hand to a local musical production called No Limits starring Kopitiam's lead actress, Joanna Bessey. To be honest, the musical was below par but working with them was fun!


August 2008 - It was a wonderful surprise coming home to a beautifully made birthday cake filled with much TLC. I felt so happy and appreciated with what was made for me. Thanks once again and I assure you that this will be remembered forever. x


Krabi - By the end of the trip, I became a zebra (Still am actually). Although I very much wanted to be in Bangkok instead, I'm thankful that I ended up in Krabi. Due to some political demonstration, we were forced to extend our stay for 2 additional days with very little cash. What an experience!


October 2008 - One memorable Eid with the surprise return of my eldest sister. We were photo whoring the whole two months sampai sakit pipi. Well it was nice having you back so don't forget to return home more often ye.


The biggest wedding do of the year. One of my cousin sister got married and all of our family members from all around Malaysia came down to KL to see her get hitched. Hmm, actually the wedding craze started from this one. Since this one, it doesn't look like it's going to stop!


November 2008 - Treasure Hunt!! In my debut to treasure hunting, we drove from Kuala Lumpur and were required to reach Kuala Terengganu in 9 hours. I never knew hunting would be so tough. We reach KT a second less than 9 hours but managed to grab forth placing and win RM2000!

In 2008, I went clubbing only twice and this was a picture taken that night in Quattro.

December 2008 - The wedding frenzy began. Attending weddings initially was fun but it get exhausting and annoying in the end. Amongst all events I attended, the Xmas party I went to was the best! Unfortunately the pictures are yet to be available. So there, 2008 recap. A crazy but satisfying year. Can't wait to see what 2009 would offer!

Happy 2009

The final day of 2008 started quite tough for me as my boss did not want to approve my leave for Friday. The remaining of the day was still bad until the point where I left my office at quarter past six. Once home, a bunch of us went out to look for tree branches, fire starters and some oil for our BBQ debut later that night.

Our first BBQ went pretty well, I thought, with some wonderful company and delicious food. We started at about 8 pm and ended roughly at 11pm. After a thorough clean up session, we climbed up the hill where the mosque is located to have a first class viewing of the new year's fireworks from three different locations. The fireworks were breath taking and I enjoyed every single bit of it.

Here are some photos from last night.

The Boy Scouts - They started the fire with some charcoals, firestarters, newspapers, broken matches and candles. It took them a solid half an hour to get the fire ready for the BBQ.

Our BBQ grill - we had some sweet potatoes (wrapped in aluminium foil), chicken wings and thighs and lamb chops! My mother marinated the meats with special ingredients (some TLC I'm very sure) and they ended up being very tasty after they were all cooked!

Aha! That's me actually looking after the food. I assure you nothing got burnt under my care ;)

The well done chicken wings and lamb chops. These, I assure you, weren't the end result under my watch! Hehe. Blame it all on SG.

Dear all,

Happy 2009! I hope you had achieved everything you wanted in 2008 and may all your wishes and dreams come true in the brand new year. I'd like to thank all for your guidance and support throughout the year and let us all venture into 2009 with bigger steps and brighter hopes.

Love always, jaygee