Long Time No See

I hadn't seen Elisa since October last year, so it was great to catch up with her while in Penang over the weekend. Killing two birds with one stone is how I call it. Being able to say hi to a friend whilst at the same time tour Hard Rock Hotel Penang where Elisa heads the Marketing Communications team.

It is always nice to catch up in person. Sure, email and Facebook are handy tools to keep in touch but it never really is the same as talking in person, sharing aspirations, chatting about holidays and of course a little bit of biz-talk.

And the hotel? There is a buzz and much energy that's for sure.

Photo of Elisa and I at the bar at Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

Glutton

I am in Penang this weekend for a wedding fair at Traders Hotel Penang. Barely 6 hours after having set foot in Penang, I have had my share of the following - satay, fried chicken wings, grilled prawns and baked crabs at Tanjung Tokong, prawn mee and char kway teow at New Lane.

Most satisfying though was the 'tong yuen' from the sidewalk stall diagonally opposite Traders on Jalan Magazine. I have been to events at Traders for the past 3 years but never got the opportunity to try the dessert as the stall was closed each time. I was in luck this evening! 'Hoe Hock Tien Tang Yen' is the name of the stall, it even has a website!

I shall be working at the wedding fair the entire day tomorrow. Come evening, more food will be in store.

Photo of 'tong yuen' dessert.

Planning

It's always exciting to plan for the next holiday. No matter how much I travel, there is still a sense of anticipation and excitement, even if the holiday is still a month or so away.

I've decided on the destination. Have got the flight tickets. I've bought my Lonely Planet guidebook which is a must for me. I've sorted out part of the itinerary with a local travel agent at the country I am visiting. All that's left to do is to work with fervour to clear as much work as possible before the trip so that there won't be a pile awaiting my return.

In the meantime, there's also a slight necessity to plot out places to see and things to do for the areas where I'll be on my own. My trip, a combination of independent travel and guided tours, is definitely one to look forward to. It's been awhile since I've travelled solo, but I think some 'me time' will do me much good.

Photo of me shot at The Bale, in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

Snap Out Of It!

I think I've watched one too many an episode of Grey's Anatomy. I don't normally follow the series but my sis has gotten my mum hooked on it and I seem to have followed suit.

It's interesting, thought provoking, entertaining. It's the thought provoking part that's gotten me into a nostalgic and melancholic mood. Don't ask me why.

I don't operate (pun intended) well when I am in this frame of mind. Need to snap out of it quickly! I can almost hear my close friends saying ... What???? Don't be stupid! Want to get slapped or what? Perhaps I need some divine help.

Photo shot at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Good Crazy

It's been a crazy start to 2010. I mean good crazy in the sense that we've been terribly busy at That Special Occasion. It's a good sign that the wedding industry is doing well despite the economic climate.

The highlight of each week has got to be our Saturdays. I've been taking appointments from as early as 9am, with a different client every hour right through to the last appointment at 6pm. I am lucky if I get to gobble down my lunch within 5 to 10 minutes. I am not complaining though. There is an adrenaline rush every Saturday but the effort does take its toll at the end of the day. Still, I am thankful for the encouraging start to the year.

Much thanks also goes out to our industry friends who have supported us all this while. We appreciate your recommendations and votes of confidence. Terima kasih!

Photo courtesy of Creative Clicks.

2nd Anniversary - Grandfather

Today is the 2nd anniversary of my grandfather, Ah Yei's passing. The extended family gathered at the family home in SEA Park and celebrated his life over dinner.

You see, my grandfather was a great cook. We would often get to savour an average of 8 to 10 dishes when we celebrated Chinese festivals, all lovingly prepared for the entire clan. Many years ago, back in 2001 I think, my sister, mum and I compiled a book of all the recipes we loved, many of which were my grandfather's, and gave them away as Christmas presents to those who loved to cook in my family. We still refer to this recipe book every now and then, more so when parties approach.

My grandfather was such an accomplished chef that my aunts and mum, themselves wonderful cooks, have not been able to reproduce some of his more complex dishes. We often reminisce about his cooking and how much joy it brought to us all, especially when we gather for 'makan'.

Photo of my paternal grandfather shot by my sister Suk Harn.

The Weekend?

Where has the weekend gone? The last one, like the ones before, always seem to fly by ever so quickly. I haven't even gotten to the state of relaxation before the new work-week beckons.

True, I do get to swim a bit, laze by the pool a bit, read my travel mags a bit, have a meal out perhaps, but the mind doesn't get to a relaxed state that quickly. It takes time. I often feel that work-related stress is lurking round the corner even before I get a chance to be totally calm and unperturbed. I guess that's what all of us, well most of us anyway, have to deal with.

Don't you agree?

Photo of me enjoying an Ice Chocolate at Kopi Pot in Legian, Bali, Indonesia.

Accommodation

An acquaintance of mine recently remarked how lucky I was to have been able to stay at luxury resorts during my recent holiday. Yes, I am pretty lucky. There are some perks that I enjoy in my line of work. But such opportunities do not always arise every time I travel. In fact, more often than not, I put up in mid-range boutique properties when on holiday. Places that are stylish, small in size, hotels that have character and are relatively affordable. All I really need is a comfortable room with a clean bathroom.

Having said that, there are times when the heavens smile down on me and provide me with a chance to experience the trappings of luxury. I don't take these stays for granted. I am thankful and I make the most out of the experience, one that comes once in a while.

Suffice to say, that for me, it really is the journey that matters, not so much the accommodation. Whether luxury, affordable or inexpensive, the important thing to remember is how lucky one is to be on holiday. That is what counts the most!

Photo shot at The Bale in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

Discipline

I am disciplined in many areas of my life but exercise is not one of them. I am not one of those who get a high after working out at the gym. In fact, I have to force myself to hit the gym at least twice a week. Swimming is a bit easier, likely due to the fact that I have been swimming all my life, and because I can work on my tan haha! So I pair the gym sessions with 2 swims a week.

I seem to be a bit more motivated after my recent Bali trip. Having eaten like a glutton while on holiday, it's time to get back into shape. An impending holiday is also a motivational factor - I plan to hit a number of beaches. The vanity in me insists that I look reasonably fit when I do so. So much to achieve, so little time.

I just went for a 30-lap swim during lunch. But alas, promptly had pizza for lunch after that. My superfit friend Eileen, if she were in KL, would have given me a slap. Fortunately, she's thousands of miles away in Cambodia but am sure I'll get an earful via Facebook. For now, it's back to work, need to close some deals for some pocket money on next holiday!

Photo of pool and breakfast pavilion at Ubud Inn in Bali, Indonesia.

A Little Nudge

Sometimes little random occurences give us a little nudge that reminds us to take note of certain things, things that are important in life. I pay conscious attention to these fateful prompts, no matter how small.

I was watching the latest episode of Brothers & Sisters online earlier this evening entitled 'Leap Of Faith'. A phrase in a dialogue between Luc and Sarah went 'nothing is certain in life, we just have to have faith'. How very true. We often go through the motions in life much like on autopilot, letting our rational mind rule. I find it necessary to remind myself every now and then that one sometimes needs to go with one's gut feel. Be emotional. Throw caution to the wind. Of course, it is easier said than done. But acknowledging it is one positive step taken. It's like a wakeup call.

Now to put it into practice more often ... that's the challenge.

Photo of canang shot in Bali, Indonesia.

Refreshed

I just spent a few days in Bali with my family and am refreshed. This is our first holiday without Dad. I suppose life goes on. We had a good time chilling at fab resorts, indulging in good food and shopping to our hearts' content. I am sure that through it all though, there were moments where we spared a thought for my father. Bali was one of his favourite holiday destinations, he would have enjoyed our little break too.

4 days is never really enough time in Bali for me. I could stay for a week, more even. This is my sixth time there and I never tire of the relaxing atmosphere and laid-back vibe, of course the friendliness of the people I come across too.

Can't wait to go back again in a few months! This time for a wedding but have definitely built in an extra few days into the itinerary for more R&R.

Photo shot at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie

I always take snapshots of our partners during the bridal fairs that we co-organise, with this I mean vendors who are part of the weddingsmalaysia family. For me, it is a record of sorts. A record of those of us who partcipated in a successful event. An event that we all enjoyed being a part of.

Yesterday was no different at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie's wedding fair. This is the 2nd year running we've worked together with Emily and her team and the hard work paid off handsomely with a good turnout of quality couples.

Some industry colleagues have commented on photos that I've put up on Facebook. I am no professional but I gather some are pretty ok. I guess one does learn a thing or two when hanging out with photographers every now and then.

Here I am with photographers Joshua, Ke Wynn and Paul.