Best Times 2009

2009 is almost up! It's scary how time flies. I'll be having a quiet New Year's Eve, spending time with family at home after having gone for a massage earlier this morning and then a swim under the blazing hot sun at noon ... need to maintain 'em tan lines.

My across-the-miles shrink paid a whirlwind visit to KL the past few days and we had a tete-a-tete yesterday. The outcome? My new motto for the new year ... life is short, go for it! I also thought I'd share my 3 best moments in 2009 ... fave of all, spending time with friends leading up to and during Eileen and Richard's Bali wedding in August; 20-year partial reunion with uni friends in Kota Kinabalu, also in August; putting my new motto into action yesterday.

Happy New Year everyone!

Photo of Leticia, Debra, Tjun Hong, Eileen, Richard and I on the eve of Eileen and Richard's wedding, shot at Ku De Ta in Bali, Indonesia.

Year-End Chaos

Year-end is normally quite a stressful time for me. What I dread the most? The stocktake at That Special Occasion. Fabrics, work-in-progress orders, off-the-rack gowns and the like. The inventory is many pages long. I can't believe this is the 10th year that we are doing this annual ritual. It takes us at least 2 days and it is such a chore, but what needs to be done, needs to be done.

It is also that time of the year where we close our books for the publications under the weddingsmalaysia portfolio. There's a mad rush to balance the books, settle whatever debts we may have and chase for whatever payments owing to us.

It all gets a bit too much sometimes. Imagine doing all the above and also having to meet with prospective clients at the same time. I ain't complaining about the latter though. Such meetings are after all potential revenue streams and they should get their fair share of attention regardless of the chaotic schedule that comes with the territory come year-end. Now, if only I could go on a short holiday to get away from it all.

Photo of The Oasis, Kuta in Bali, Indonesia.

weddingsmalaysia 2010

wm 2010 is now on sale in leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

Much thanks goes out to our industry partners for their support and encouragement this past year. Inspite of the challenges faced by the economy and ultimately the wedding industry to a certain extent, they have thrown their firm support behind our publishing endeavours and promotional events. And this unwavering support has been instrumental in the creation of this, our 5th issue of weddingsmalaysia.

I am certain that the publication will be a constant companion to couples planning for their nuptials, and if that were the case, our objective of publishing this wedding planning guide would very much have been met.

Image of the cover of weddingsmalaysia 2010.

Movie At Christmas

I find myself watching this movie every Christmas, well, at least for the past few Christmases since 'Love Actually' was released. IMDb lists the plot as 'following the lives of 8 very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.'

It is the ultimate feel-good romantic comedy, perfect for this time of year. It tells us that when fate deals a hand on the love-front, one ought to let it take its course. It conveys to those who have suffered a loss to cherish the memories but to move on when a new love appears. It encourages us to be brave and take chances in matters-of-the-heart. It uplifts the broken-hearted with a sense of hope that a new love will come along. It celebrates friendship, loyalty and family ties.

Most of all, it is life-affirming, that love in its many forms, make our lives more meaningful and fulfilled.

Photo depicts the main cast of Love Actually.

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 is one that is bitter-sweet. So much has happened since last Christmas, some for the better, some for the worse. Life throws us curve balls from time to time, and all we can really do is to deal with them. They make life interesting, offering us pleasant surprises at times, forcing us to summon up courage at others.

What I have learnt these 12 months is to hold on to wonderful memories of the past firmly and remember them fondly, to appreciate the present and those who lend meaning to my life, to look to the future with much optimism, to stay fit, healthy and to work towards attaining the many more goals that I have yet to achieve.

Last Christmas was one where I was contented and exultant. I may not be as elated this year, but I am hopeful. Hopeful that the new year which will soon be upon us will be one that brings much more positive sentiments, hopeful that my family and friends who have taken ill will be on the road to recovery, hopeful that my career and work will be on the upswing, hopeful that the missing links in my life will fall into place. In the meantime, here's wishing all of you a blessed Christmas and season's greetings for a happy new year.

Photo of Christmas ornaments on my friends, Cordelia and Ken Bin's tree.

What It Means

I am one of the millions who have bought Susan Boyle's debut album 'I Dreamed A Dream'. Like so many around the world, I am a fan and I am thrilled that such success has come her way.

A fan, Ross Manarchy said, 'I think Susan means there is no time limit on your dreams. As long as you can dream 'em, you can do 'em. So don't give up, keep trying.'

That's certainly a good sentiment to take into the new year.

Photo of Susan Boyle as featured in Harper's Baazar.

Christmas Spirit

I think I am finally in the mood for Christmas. Having completed the last major event of the year yesterday, I am slowly getting into the festive spirit. 'Winter Solstice Festival' dinner with extended family tomorrow night; Cordelia and Ken Bin's annual Christmas party on Wednesday for starters.

Speaking of the latter, I think I have been invited every year since we all met at uni. That's a lot of Christmas parties but I always enjoy going come this time of year. Both Cord and Bin are extremely creative - food-wise, decor-wise, entertainment and amusement-wise - and I very much look forward to their Christmas celebrations. Having been friends for such a long time, I know their family pretty well, so it's always nice to fit in easily at such parties.

One admission though, I haven't been that enthusiastic at Christmas shopping this time round. Due to many personal reasons, I haven't been that 'gung-ho' in shopping for presents this year. I have my sister to thank for dragging me to the shops and getting it done, even more so when both she and my Mum willingly agreed to wrap the presents for me as in previous years. So, the gifts are ready, the party invites received, the only thing left for me to do is to really get myself into the festive spirit!

Photo shot at Sunway Hotel Resort & Spa.