emergency leave

After weeks and weeks of contemplating on whether I should go to KL this weekend, 

I finally made up my mind after discussing it with Mummy and Daddy Collins.

I really feel so blessed to have them in my life.

They treat me like their very own.

Okay, I'll leave all that for another post.

I'll be flying off early Wednesday morning.

I went in to work on Monday and applied for emergency leave.

*there's always a first to everything and now i can say i have applied for emergency leave. have you?

I'm so excited. I can't wait to get out of this seat that I spend about 10 hours a day on.

I'm looking forward to so many things but this one thing that I can't wait to do is to head to the local salon and get my hair washed and blow dried.

Despite all the excitement, I actually went to bed to cry because Sean just found out that he'll be back this week.

Suddenly, I didn't care about getting my hair washed and blow dried anymore.

I just wanted to be home to see him when he got back.

Having said that, I'm still looking forward to seeing everyone in KL.

So many people I want to see but so little time.

flower hat

i look like i have wings

Look what I found at Freo Market.

A flower hat made out of felt from Nepal.

I've actually seen it before and thought it looked kind of silly.

This time however, I decided to put it on to see what it looks like.

And I actually quite like it.

But didn't buy it of course.

I couldn't justify paying $30 for it because:

- Its made in Nepal.

-Probably sold for $1 in Nepal.

-I'll feel stupid for contributing to someone who probably pays cheap rent at the market and sells their things at an exorbitant price.

-Its not even a Fair Trade shop.

-Oh and I don't know if I'll ever wear it.

If it was a Fair Trade shop like Oxfam, I probably could justify buying it.

I know I sound like a hypocrite because I buy stuff from shopping malls.
But you get what I'm trying to say right?
Eventhough it does sound like I only support big massive businesses and not small businesses.

waffles for dinner

 Who says Perth is boring?

Sarrah's come to visit for a month.

Met up for dinner and she suggested Superstarwaffles in Northbridge.
I had in mind that it would be something like Paddington House of Pancakes that serves savoury pancakes.  And in this case, waffles.
But when we got there, sat down and checked out their menu, everything was sweet!
I don't know why I expected it to be otherwise.
Trust the filipino to have desserts for dinner. Haha.. 
I didn't mind at all.

As usual, I couldn't decide on what to order.
And so we settled on 3 waffles :D
My favourite was the peanut butter mousse and oreo waffle.
Overall, I think they're quite good and reasonably priced.

peanut butter mousse and oreo

banofee something

apple and muesli something

maple syrup comes in a shot glass

We couldn't finish what we ordered. 

Didn't think it would be so filling.

When I got home, I felt so guilty..

I quickly got changed and headed to the gym downstairs for a 10 minute cycle.

I didn't care that it was already 10:30pm.

So not me, I know..

Super LOoooOOooOonnng week

This year has gone by so fast.

I can't believe its almost June.

Some weeks past so fast, before I know it, it's already the weekend.

But for some reason, this week feels like its taking its own sweet time to end.

It's only THURSDAY.

I went to work yesterday, thinking it was Friday.

Felt the same on Tuesday even.

Nothing much has happened but I just feel like I really need an extended weekend.

Luckily, next weekend is a long weekend. 

It's Western Australia Day.

One of the ten precious public holidays I get in a year.

It just sucks that by June third, I'll only have three more public holidays for the next six months.

I feel like I need a holiday so bad....

What is Western Australia Day?

Formerly known as Foundation Day. It is celebrated on the first Monday in June to commemorate the rich history and diversity that forms the WA we live in today. Its a day we show our pride and appreciation for all the efforts and achievements of our fellow citizens. Be it the past or present.

WA does not celebrate the Queen's birthday in June like the other states. Instead, we celebrate it in September or October (hmm.. the Queen sounds like a chinese. She gets to celebrate her birthday on two separate dates).

Also, WA is the only state in Australia that has introduced a holiday under its own name.

nasi lemak craving

Nasi Lemak aka Coconut Milk Rice is probably what I miss eating the most.

I've only attempted cooking it once with Kristie.

Now, its just too much effort to go through just for me to eat.

Some mornings, I just wish there's a makcik selling nasi lemak bungkus along Stirling Highway.

How AWESOME would that be?!!!

For the past couple of years, I've been looking for a place in Perth that sells good nasi lemak.

I quite like the nasi lemak bungkus that the asian shop sells at Market City, Canning Vale.
But they only have it on Saturdays and its ages away.
Rasa Nyonya, Vic Park has quite nice nasi lemak  but its still a little far away for me.
My last option that's close to home and on the way back from work is Bibik Chan, Nedlands.
I don't really like their nasi lemak as a whole because their beef rendang is not that great. 
But their sambal ahlek (oelek) is to die for.

Nowadays, I just call them up to pack $5 or $10 of sambal ahlek for me to take away.
And I have it with everything I eat.
wraps, rice, sandwiches, pasta.. okay I think that's about it.

gordon street garage

Checked out Gordon Street Garage in West Perth over the weekend with Edee.

The place looks pretty cool.

Similar to Little Creature's style but cosier.

opening hours

I love the little details they put into this place.
We set at a comfy picnic style bench which had lights that looked like street lamps on the side.

Drinking water came in a little watering jug.

Our frites came in a flower pot.

Desserts in different coloured flower print plates.

Boxes of tomatoes just lying around.

Drawings on the wall.
A mezzanine floor with comfy couches.
And tons of cloth lamp shades hanging.

Edee even noticed the filament in the light bulb.

Who would have thought to look at the light bulb.

They looked similar to this:

Damn pretty right?

But they use up more electricity than normal light bulbs.

All desserts are made in-house.

Tasty but pretty pricey.

The peanut butter and chocolate thingy was a whooping AUD16!

Everything else was priced pretty similar from elsewhere.

My weak soy hot chocolate was perfect (not sweet).

Next time you feel like a hot chocolate, try it with soy milk.

 Chocolate should also be weak so that you can taste the soy milk.

The combination is so damn good!!

the unusual family pet

My family recently got themselves a wee pet ferret.

His name is Aisik.

 At first, my Kakak was not for it.

Obviously the boys really wanted Aisik, since they couldn't get a dog.

Now, Aisik is keeping Mama and Kakak company.

They love him to bits.

Aisik spends alot of time just watching Mama doing her stuff in her room.

and Kakak is always carrying him around wherever she goes.

Like any other pet, it involves cleaning, feeding and lots of love.

Aisik having a bath

Aisik all dry and clean

Luckily Aisik is small enough to take around to most places.

Probably around 12-15 inches long and weighs super light.

You can take it to the mall, mamak, park, friends house, office, bed and just anywhere hamsters are allowed (i think).

Aisik even went for Malaysia's General Election (GE 13) two weeks ago.

Aisik queueing up to vote. Born and bred in Malaysia but no IC. So he couldn't vote.

Aisik doesn't make much noise.

He sleeps for about 17 hours a day.

He has a bell around his neck so that we can find him when he roams around the house.

Most times, he'll stop whatever he's doing and curl into a little fur ball to sleep.

who knew ferrets could have funny expressions

Aisik sleeps in all sorts of positions and is not bothered about whats happening around him.

passed out Aisik
too much to drink

Aisik falling asleep while on the phone

Aisik is also toilet trained. 

He knows where the toilet is and knows to poop on the newspaper.

He also loves the sound of plastic and would play and eventually fall asleep in it

He's one curious wee fellow.

Always climbing into bags and shoes.

Next time you're over, make sure you check your shoes before slipping your foot into it and check your bags to make sure he's not rummaging through your things.

Noel recently left for Vietnam.

While he was packing, poor Aisik could sense that something wasn't right.

So he tried to camouflage himself with Noel's clothes.

Hehe so cute la..

Follow Aisik the Ferret on Facebook to see the little things that Aisik gets up to.

i think my mom misses me

I received a text from my mom yesterday saying
"Bel, will you be back this weekend?" and "i'll take leave when you're back"

My mom makes it sound like I'm just a bus ride away. Haha..

I thought for a while whether I did say I'll be back.

And DUH!! I did. Well, kind of..

I always say I'm thinking of going back at such and such a date.

Most of the time, I do keep to it.

Okay, the thing is, I'll be going back in August.

But after I purchased my tickets, I realised my passport is expiring soon and I'll have to renew it so that I can travel in August.

I have the option of doing it here in Perth.

However, it takes at least 1 month to get it done.

"And thats my only ID. "

"What if there is an emergency and I need to travel? "

"Spoke to Mama last week and she says August is a long way"

"Hmm.. I haven't been back for Daddy's birthday for.. OMG 5 years!!"

"Maybe I should go back for the long weekend in June. I can celebrate my birthday there and go for Eva's wedding."

I could go back and get it done in just a couple of hours.

So, I'm still contemplating on whether I should do it here in Perth or head home to do it.

Its quite clear that I'm just looking for excuses to go back for a short break.

August feels so far away.

Another part of me is thinking, what about after August?

I've got nothing planned yet...

Is there something wrong with me?

I make life seem like its so tough.

Someone please kick me in the butt.

where everyone is your aunty and uncle

Like every other kid in south east asia, I was taught to call anyone who is of an older generation that I am, aunty and uncle as a form of respect.

Eventhough we are not related to each other.

Some think its silly.

But I think its a pretty damn good idea.

You don't ever have to worry about forgetting someones name.

Just call them Aunty or Uncle.

Before I introduced Sean to my family and family friends, I gave him the prep talk about calling everyone Aunty and Uncle

He thought I was crazy.

"Why should I call them that? I don't even call my Aunties and Uncles that".

Aduh... give me a headache only this guy.

Just do it la..

After coming home for chinese new year for the second time this year, he's slowly getting the hang of it. 

I think he realises its actually easier to just call them Aunty and Uncle instead of trying to remember their names. And.. you don't get weird stares too.

When I was introduced to Sean's parents, I was asked to call them by their first names.

I insisted on calling them Aunty and Uncle.

But I didn't feel right calling them that too.

I did it when I wrote little notes and cards. But when it came to speaking, I just couldn't do it.

I guess I'm feeling same sort of thing as what Sean felt/is still feeling.

For awhile now, I've felt that its more appropriate to call them Mom and Dad.

I'm just waiting for the right time to do it.

Today, when I was looking through my phone contacts, I came across

 "Aunty Marita Collins and Uncle Joe Collins".

 It just didn't look right for some reason.

That's when I decided its time to change them.

Looks alot better now don't you think?

flowers for mother's day

Sean and I spent a couple of hours on Saturday in the city looking for a Mother's Day present. We had no luck finding anything because Sean doesn't have the patience to shop. Half the time, he was looking for a pair of jeans to get himself.

He got frustrated.

I got frustrated.

And before we knew it, it was 5pm.

Since Sean wasn't gonna contribute any ideas, I decided to stop by the Boat Shed on the way home to get some flowers.

There were so much to choose from.

I ended up picking 3 different types of flowers and green stuff.

I played around with it for hours trying to arrange it into a bouquet.

But I didn't like any of the combinations.

I figured they're all beautiful on their own.

So here's what I did with them in the end.

Simple and Nice.

happy mother's day!!!

xx

Whats all the big hype about Bali?

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to go to Bali.

Simply because it looked really beautiful and romantic from pictures.

I took the opportunity to go over the long Easter weekend this year.

Flight tickets were booked over a year ago.

But when the date came closer, the more unsure Sean and I were on whether we could go for this trip.

Sean couldn't get an exact date that he was going to be sent on a job.

A couple of weeks before, we also decided to end our apartment lease and move back home.

Just three days before the trip, Sean said "I've got news for you. We're gonna have to finish moving before Bali. I'm only going to Holland on Tuesday".

Ohmygawd I was excited but stressed out as well.

So much packing to do, I've to work and we haven't even booked any accommodation for Bali.

That's how last minute my trips have been since Christmas.

We managed to move everything and book accommodations just hours before our flight.

I was just looking forward to a relaxing holiday in the end.

We booked a villa at Furama Xclusive in Ubud.

We chose to be close to the paddy fields instead of the beach because we live close to the beach back home.

Little did we know, Ubud was ages away from most places.

Well, to be fair.. we didn't do any research because we really didn't think this trip was going to happen.

From the time we got into a cab till the very end of the trip, we were cheated left right and center.

Our cab ride from the airport to the hotel cost us AUD40.

Later we learnt that you should only pay AUD20 for it.

one of the main pools at furama ubud

That evening, we took the free shuttle into Ubud town.

Had a nice meal at a nice restaurant.

And went looking for a nice bar.

But guess what?

There are no bars or pubs and obviously no clubs (not that i wanted to go to one) in Ubud.

We finally found a place that looked really chilled out  and cosy called the XL Shisha Lounge.

Lotsa cushions on the floor to sit on and coloured cloth draping down from the top to give it the tent feel.

okay fine.. i nipped the picture off the net.

We had shisha, cocktails and some samosa's. 

Which was not bad and not great either.

On some nights, they have really good live music.

Really talented travellers and locals get together to make good music.

It was so good, we went there 3 nights in a row.

I had a go at shisha for the second time in my life.

I'm still not good at it. 

I'll make a really bad smoker if I smoked.

look! no smoke!

That night, the hotel driver (David) said that he does private tours and asked if we wanted to hire him for a day. We decided to just go ahead since we haven't arranged for any tours yet.

Agreed price, USD 50. pretty standard price to hire a driver for the day.

Our plans were to go to:

- the volcanos

- Potato Head

-buy some paintings

-and maybe see Uluwatu

We had an early start so we decided to get breakfast sent to our villa.

I don't know why but we decided on a western breakfast.

David was punctual and off we went to what we thought would be what was decided the night before.

The cultural dance we were suppose to go to was cancelled according to him.

So we went to buy some silver instead.

Which was fine with me.

After that David insisted we tried the Lawak Coffee which was close by.

Shortly after, it starts raining and he tells us we can't go to the volcanoes because its too misty.

So off we went to have lunch at the paddy fields terrace.

We ordered gado-gado, mee goreng (more like indo mee), samosa's and 2 lemongrass teas.

Friggin came up to AUD60 after the redonculous amount of tax (something between 18-21%)

Bloody Hell!

It gets worse. We get taken to this family owned place that sells paintings and he says I can only bargain 20%. What a whole load of crap is that?!! Everyone knows you're suppose to start bargaining at 80% and settle for no less than 50%. I managed to get 50% but at the end of it, I still think I got ripped off. Especially since I've an 'ang mo' guy with me. I'm doomed for life to pay artificially hiked up prices.

To cut the story short, we ended up hiring the driver for another day. Hoping to go to the places that we had planned to go. But again, we didn't get to go to the volcanoes because he said its too far and its better to go to Uluwatu and Seminyak side. We went to Uluwatu. And I don't know what so nice about it. Took us just 10 minutes to walk in and out.

Uluwatu

 Okay, so I can't go to the volcanoes, I bought over priced paintings, have over priced shitty meals, Uluwatu was a disappointment, at least let me go to Potato Head.

But No!! Friggin David said, "Why go to Potato Head? It is over priced, full of tourist and has bad views. I'll take you to Jimbaran. You can choose your seafood and have it cooked any way you want, and have dinner right on the beach".

Sounded good. But it was just stupidly overpriced and tasteless. 

Tax was 21%. 1kg of lobster was AUD 79 before tax.

A shitty grilled fish, squid, 8 satays, kangkung belacan, steam rice and 2 cocktails came up to friggin AUD90!!

If it tasted great, I wouldn't have mined. But it was TASTELESS!!

That night, I was woken up by the most horrible cramp I've ever had.

Yup, I caught the Bali Belly.

Spoiled my last day.

No potato head for me.

I don't know what took us so long, but only at the end of the 2 days with David did we realise he was conning us and getting a commission out of everything we spent. He could have just been honest and I would have happily and willingly given him a big tip. He talks so much about karma. I just wonder how karma will get back at him.

Lesson learnt:

- Do more research

- As soon as you sense dodgy-ness, walk away.

- Don't trust anyone

- Buy travel insurance 

-Bring your own emergency medication (panadol, antihistamines, peppermint oil..)

I think Bali is over-rated. Eventhough alot of people absolutely love it and we probably just got unlucky this trip, I definitely won't be racing back anytime soon.

Maybe someday, I'll give it another chance. 

*sigh.. what a waste of my public holidays.

Ascension of Jesus

Today is the Ascension of Jesus.

The day that Jesus was taken up into heaven in his resurrected body, in the presence of his disciples.

40 days after Easter.

Its not a public holiday in Australia and it definitely isn't in Malaysia.

But in Indonesia, IT IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY!

A country that consists of approximately 86% Muslims and 10% Christians.

I'm impressed!

What has happened since I last blogged

Okay so here I am writing again after a Very LOOOONG Hiatus.

Just thought it'll be nice to have a couple of important events, thoughts and just anything really archived on this great invention - the worldwideweb. So that I can read it again anytime and anywhere.

In the last post, I was going to go to Kota Kinabalu to visit Charlaine. 

Sheyna and Kristie went too. Funny enough, all 3 of us took different flights. It was such an enjoyable trip. KK welcomed us with open arms. Everyone was so friendly. A lovely couple from the covenant community even volunteered to take us up to Kundasang despite not knowing us. 

Just to list some of the unforgettable things we did in KK (just in case I forget), buying lots of handicraft stuff, playing a prank on Kristie (sorry Kristie, you know we love you), making pavlova (twice!), Manukan Island,  getting bitten by little fishes in the sea, Charlaine's malay looking kampung house, Pakcik Din, kaki gajah...

I could go on forever but this is just suppose to be a quick update, remember?

Sheyna, Charlaine, Kristie and I at Manukan Island 
one of the five islands just off Kota Kinabalu

A couple of months later ( January 2008, i think), my bestie Shireen left for the States and left Kristie and I behind. 

I was pretty upset. I lost a kaki roti bakar, kaki dim sum, kaki waffles.

The 3 musketeers having a sleepover. Not much sleep involved though. Baked cupcakes and talked and talked and talked all night (:

For my 21st, my family, extended family (uncles,aunties and cousins) and a couple of close friends(who surprised me by coming) went to Avillion Port Dickson.

It was so nice to have all my loved ones with me on my birthday.

26 of us all up. I'm so blessed!!

And Avillion was the perfect place for it. Such a beautiful resort that has something for everyone of all ages. The kids absolutely loved it.

** The reason why I typed surprised in italic was because I kinda figured out that Kristie and Shireen were gonna give me a surprise for various reasons (the main one is because they're ABSOLUTELY BAD LIARS). Thats why I had to act surprised when I saw them. I think I sucked at that too. I feel so bad. Penny was  probably more surprised than I was.

 cupcakes specially made for ME by khei and penny x

 my brothers, little cousins and i. vicky, natalie and ryan missing in action

my little cousins even made me a card. sho-shweet!!

kristie, penny, me, shireen, noel and cletus.

cletus is like my very FIRST friend who's born just 2 weeks before me. we like to think that our mom's actually planned to get pregnant around the same time so that we could be friends. 

I'm not sure why I don't have any pictures with the adults. hmmm..

Before I left for Perth to further my studies, my family and I went to Kuching. 

Penny joined us too (:

As usual, we always have a good time in Kuching. 

Made new friends (okay maybe just one. hehe.. Michelle Teo) and built stronger bonds with old friends.

us being silly. 

our little make-shift studio is made out of two rattan mats

noel the 'head hunter' killing suh 'the prey' with a blow pipe

impromptu campfire at Santubong beach.

had to climb the fence to get to the beach.

oh and was bitten quite badly by sandflies

we had heineken, sausages and nuggets 'seasoned with sand'

L-R from the top: Cletus, Sam, Gloria, yours truly, Penny, Chelle, Ignatius and Noel

I left for Perth on the 20th of July 2008. 

Unfortunately for me, I flew off from Changi Airport. So I only had family to send me off. 

Yang followed us to Singapore. But he's practically family anyways. So yea, not counted.

Check-in luggage was overweight. So I literally hand carried 30kg, I swear!

Both my hands, shoulders and back felt like it was going to give way.

Thankfully, the officers let me through. 

I think cause they saw that I was crying my eyes out and they pitied me.

I met some really lovely people in uni. Most of whom have left Perth to pursue their dreams.

Those who are still here (Ian, Christine, Jalong, Eva, Eric and Willy), sad to say I'm guilty of not making enough effort to keep in touch.

**This year, I'm going to put in more effort to keeping in touch with them (:

clockwise from 6 o'clock: Sharon, Me, Eva, Adrian, Jerome, Nicole, James, Andy, Ian, Angeline and Caroline.

picture taken at Kings Park

I lived at Erica Underwood House for 1.5 years. 

Eventhough we were not  suppose to have any visitors stay over, my flat had many visitors. 

My room in particular had 10 different guests. 

Charlene, LiShen and a few others visiting, girly sleepovers with Sharon and Nicole..fun times..

We did so many things together as a group. 

movie nights, potluck, gelare nights, cycling, lotsa food and getting together in general.

When Andy was around, he would borrow his bosses van to pick us up and take us around.

 Chris, Ivan and I 

Erica Underwood House

My room is on the first floor, second window from the left

waiting for our transport to go to Little Caesars, Mundaring

 we had surprised birthday parties for everyone. 

till it was kinda expected that you'll be getting a surprise at midnight. haha

 Believe it or not, I was turning 22 when I learnt how to ride a bike.

I successfully learnt how to cycle in Curtin Uni's architecture building.

Above is a picture of me and my first and hopefully only bicycle bruises.

I was cycling down a steep hill and lost balance while I was trying to change the gears.
**Adrian, I can still remember you laughing at me even when I felt like I couldn't breathe. I must have been in an awkward position.

They also organised a surprise birthday party for me. 

It was the best birthday party I've ever had!

Exactly how I wanted it to be. 

**nicole baked me the cake. thats two years in a row that i got home baked cakes/cupcakes for my birthday (: (: (:

 when I was still a student, Chrissy holidays were always spent back home.

pic above: Jacq, Mae, Joanna and I with the awesome view of KL

**best venue we've had for our caroling parties

Sheyna, Mae, Megan, Me, Jacq and Laila

** our little m-club sleepover. 

In 2009, Shal joined us in Perth!!

We requested to be in the same flat but she ended up getting the room above mine.

Oh well.. close enough...

 Shal and I at the Waterford Tav.

just 2 minutes walk from erica. imagine that!

 Shal and I had to sneak the jug out because Nick couldn't get into the tav.

**Metro-nites reunited

 picture of me and two random dudes. 
or rather, one random dude and one not so random dude.

little did I know, this picture would change my life forever in the next year. you'll see..

**taken at the Beach Bash, Curtin Uni. 

if you know me well, i'm not really the type to go to this kind of events. 

but somehow, shal managed to persuade me.

at one of erica's parties. Night of the Oscars

**daym i look fat

June 2009 - Angeline came to visit us.

a whole bunch of us went for a short roadtrip to margaret river.

picture taken at busselton's famous jetty

July 2009 - Shal and I went to melbourne for 2 weeks.

 fun night out with boombox (charlene) and shal

**boombox was such an amazing hostess!!

3 of us together with Toefl and Aivee on a roadtrip to the Great Ocean Road.

** i'm feeling car sick

September 2009 - Charlene and LiShen came to Perth 

8 of us (Charlene, Nicole, Aivee, Alex, Ian, Toefl, Ding and I) went on a roadtrip up north for 4 days. 

We rented an 8 seater Hyundai van. Its really spacious and super comfy. 

 the girls

nicole and i at seashell beach (i think thats the name of the beach)

 We arrived at Kalbarri after 9pm absolutely starving and feeling cold. And as you would expect, all kitchens in this remote town were close. 'kesian'... we settled for cereal, milk, biscuits, instant soup, a can of oysters, tuna and an instant noodle in a cup. Yup, weird combo.



 there was no night entertainment in Kalbarri. so what do we do? 
we go to the beach with a guitar and start singing and dancing. 

charlene teaching us some basic salsa steps. 

and did i not mention that we're all students living on a tight budget?
This was a real budget trip with little planning. 
we slept in the car for 3 nights!

one of the spots we parked at for the night.

Shark Bay?

 Because our accommodation was our trusty rented van from Hertz, we spent alot of time driving.
Probably 16 hours or more a day driving.
We took turns to drive because the drive was very long and boring. 
The roads are so straight, you can't even see the end of it.
There was no radio signal for most of the way and we only had 2 cd's. 
Sad to say, they're my all time favourite childhood pop groups Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys (you can only play the cd so many times. like 13432693212 times and there's still time to kill when you're on the road).
 What to do? No one else brought any cd's. 
Apart from that, we just sang every single song that came to our mind. Nursery rhymes included. Heck, we even recorded ourselves.

ahh... it was so long ago, i can't remember the name of the places. 
but i think this may be where 'the nature's window' is.

pic below: we got sick of sitting in the van, so we stopped and started jumping in the middle of the road. 
we looked silly, but ahh who cares. no one there knows us and no one is around to see us anyway.

For my parents 25th Anniversary (27th October 2009), I surprised them by going back for the weekend and also organising a Surprise Silver Anniversary Party.

I had lots of fun organising it from Perth. 

Did most of the invites through email and got alot of help from my parents friends with food and everything.

Someone even contributed a 3 tier cake!

My dad's bestman gave a speech and others shared their experiences with my parents and our family and prayed a blessing on us. It was really touching. 

We're truly blessed to have each and everyone of them in our lives.

The night was a huge success! I couldn't have done it on my own. xx

 My Family <3 - Inigo, Daddy, Noel, Mama, Mummy, Me and Francisco

 check out the food!! i'm not even sure if my kakak prepared any of it.

Group Pic-Cha

Almost everyone. I think we're missing Uncle Eddie, Aunty Marie and Little Mary

Noel and I bought some cloth from Kamdar and made our own little make-shift studio.

my family and i

24th November 2009 was when I said goodbye to Erica.

**its funny how i can remember these kinda dates

We had our last meal together as flatmates a couple of days before at PastaCup.

top L-R: Ding, Jed, Ivan

bottom L-R: Kathryn, Edee and I

Look at all those stuff!!

I'm ashamed to say, they're all mine.

Can you believe most of it was in my little room?

Anyways, i'm proud to say i only started packing on the day i had to return my keys and it only took me 3-4 hours. Cleaning time included.

Goodbye flat 18 of Erica Underwood House.

I still miss you.

2010 - My second brother Inigo, just finished highschool and decided to serve in a missionary in Turkana, Kenya for a year. Which turned out to be 2 and a half years.

**inigo, i really salute you for giving up your intermission between teenage and young adult years to serve. its something very few people are willing to give up (but knowing you, you wouldn't call it giving up or sacrificing. you get what i'm trying to say right?).

Remember that 'not so random dude' in the picture taken at the Beach Bash? 

the picture is up there somewhere..

His name is Sean. 

and he turned out to be my Mr.Right!

hmm.. how weird is that? 

I've got Shal to thank for 'dragging' me to the Beach Bash and taking out her camera to snap some pictures of us. Thankfully she did. Cause none of us really remember what happened that night. And of course there's Becky to thank for inviting Sean.

Sean and I always talk about how we met and got together.

How so many things had to happen for us to meet.
And how amazing it is that everything just fell into place.

us on our first anniversary

I've never felt so happy and free to live before till Sean came around.

I get to be my complete self with him and he doesn't mind it.

I never thought it was even possible to feel this way.

We're two opposites but we're perfect for each other.

He drives me up the wall some of the time.

But I just don't know how to stay mad at him for long.

Seriously, just look at his face la. Tell me how..

I've also been introduced to the family dog, Flynn.

Some of you may know that I've never been a big fan of furry animals. 
And I don't even know why. Even my pet dogs I've had before know not to come to me.

But Flynny is different.

He's simply the best!

and because of Sean, I'm also part of a beautiful family in Perth.

His parents are one of the most loving couples I've ever met. They're like teenagers in love. If you know what I mean. Their love for each other always seems fresh and new.


July 2010 - My bestie Kristie, came to Perth to study. And we became housemates.
Its like a dream come true.
We didn't have to plan sleepovers anymore.
Not only did we live together, we cooked, shop, eat, clean, garden, steal mulch (: , go to church, blablabla everything.. and even worked together.

So anyways, before Kristie came, natually I was over the moon and excited.
I slowly got stuff together to make a care package to help her settle in.

us at Bar'chetta, Cottesloe

September 2010 - I became a graduate!! Yay!!!!

My family and grandma (mama) came down under for my graduation. 

Except for Inigo (he was still in Kenya then).

It didn't feel complete without him, so I didn't get any professional photos taken.

**3 years down the line, i still haven't taken my grad pics yet. now francisco (kiko) looks too grown up.
 i don't know how to make the pictures look like it was taken in 2010

I'm currently still living in Perth. 

Some people ask why I want to live in such a 'boring' place.

Hmmm.. Well, it is what it is. Perth is quite boring but its a great place to live in.

Its close to home (so my flight tickets are cheaper), there's no time difference with Malaysia (yup even two hours makes alot of difference), its clean, not so congested, winter is not as cold as elsewhere, beautiful beaches are closeby. Give it a couple of years and it'll be just nice.

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When I was back in Malaysia, I never had to cook or do any laundry. All I did was a little cleaning when my Kakak went back for her holidays. Damn spoilt right..

Imagine how I was when I first arrived in Perth. I had to have alot of clothes because I didn't know how to operate the washing machine. Or rather, I didn't even attempt trying. After a month or so, I finally ran out of clean clothes and was forced to try out the washing machine. The outcome, my light pink and white towel, turned blue.

Some skills I've picked up since I left home..

1) Cooking!!! I still suck at cooking asian food though. Pasta is still the easiest.

**before kristie came to Perth, i can count the number of times i cooked. i practically lived on the food i took home from work for 2 years. in case you're wondering, its a healthy little lunch cafe in the city, called Granary. so no, it wasn't greasy and fatty food.

2) I developed a liking for flower arrangement.

Here's what I did for my Mummy and Daddy Collins' 30th wedding anniversary.

3) I shop like crazy!!

Alot of the time, I have tend to buy many pieces of clothing in one day's shopping. 
Otherwise, I won't be satisfied. But of course, I only do that when its a bargain.

4) I fall asleep real easy

Just let me sit on something comfy and put the telly on. I'll be asleep in no time.

**okay fine, its not really a skill. its quite unfortunate actually. makes me so lazy and unproductive.

5) I can sew!!

There was phase where I was so into sewing, that I sewed a table runner, upholstered my study chair and made many cushion covers. 

I want to start sewing clothes, but I've not come across any nice material. 

Plus, its probably better to just buy ready made ones anyways.

cushion covers i made for sean's chrissy present in 2010.

Mid 2011 - Noel did his final semester at Curtin Uni.

Thats him on his first day, in his tiny new room.

He bought a bicycle almost straight away and was cycling everywhere!!

Such an independent individual. He worked and paid for his own rent and expenses.

Good Boy la you, Noel. Not many can do what you do.

**sigh.. i miss you.. wish you're still living 40 minutes drive away from me. come back!! 

Jan 2012 - My childhood friend Gloria and her long time boyfriend, Bobby tied the knot!!

Like FINALLY!!!

We've been waiting for this day for as long as I can remember. 

Suh and I flew to Melbourne to be Gloria's bridesmaids (:
It was such a beautiful wedding. The father of the bride's speech was really funny and touching. Its so nice to see how much bigger (in terms of number) the Wong family has grown.

It was also my first time away from home on CNY. 
We spent the eve with the Yang family and chinese new year day itself with the Wong family.

My parents came to visit me in February 2012 because they miss me.

I didn't get to go back for Christmas because Noel was in Perth and Gloria got hitched just before CNY.

Truth is, they came not to visit me but to see their FIRST BORN SON GRADUATE!

Cheh, in the end, he was just too busy to entertain them. 

So I got them all to myself pretty much.

We also went on a little roadtrip down to Albany for a couple of days to chill.

mummy and daddy at little creatures

noel's graduation

I finally got myself a fulltime job! 

Thats me and some of my colleagues with one of our big projects. 

Since I got myself a fulltime job, I quickly booked tickets to go home for Mama's 80th Birthday. We had a BIG do and the whole extended family was there. 

Except for Liza and Ben.Sadly, I don't have any pictures of it.

The usual KAYM kaki's also took this opportunity to organise a reunion get together.

Most of us haven't seen each other for quite some time.

Everyone's still their crazy old self. We did what we do best together as a group - carol. 

A little rusty here and there but still not bad.

our little gathering for old times sake. xx

My extended family on my mom's side has stopped expanding the family for quite sometime.

All my Aunties closed their factories = No more baby cousins.

But thankfully, Uncle Paul got married last year.

And after 9 years of no new cousins, we've got a new addition to the family!!

Introducing, Ethan Ignacio Yeo !!

Damn cute right!

December 2012 - Jed and Edee finally have their Indian wedding reception.

Over the years, I've seen how much they've grown as a couple and I'm really happy for them for believing in their Love for each other and going all out for it.

bride and her bridesmaids (marine, kristie and i)

the bridal party

My little brother is not so little anymore. He's lost all his baby fat. I use to go to his room when he's sleeping and play with his fat tummy. But now, theres nothing to pinch anymore..
NOOoooOoo

This hairstyle of his drives my mom crazy. I received a call from my mom one day about how upset she is and.. oh..i can't really remember. My mom can be a real drama queen sometimes. Basically, I had to call him and ask 'why did you cut your hair like that?', 'please don't do it again because....yadayadayadayada'

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I can't believe how last minute my travel plans have become.

I was back for Jed and Edee's wedding followed by a little getaway with my family from 7-16Dec2012. During that time, I found out that Sean was going to be stuck offshore working over Christmas. So I decided, I'll just go back to KL for Christmas. The tickets were sky high but I justified paying for it by telling myself  'Its okay Belle. You deserve it. Plus you've not been back for Christmas for 2 years'. So off I went to KL again on 23Dec2012 with a one way ticket.

I only told Noel, my dad and a couple of friends that I'll be back.

Early 24Dec morning, Noel drove us up to Cameron Highlands. 

And I got to Surprise my mom!

Remember she's a drama queen - or rather, I should say she's very expressive. Unlike me, I can be quite an expressionless person. But I'm a very emotional person too.

 Just SOMETIMES, it looks like I'm expressionless. Weird I know.

Ok ya so, my mom was SUPER SURPRISED and SO DAMN HAPPY!!!

I felt like crying (tears of joy) just watching her.

Till I left, just anyone she was talking to, she would proudly say, 'My daughter gave a BIG surprise by coming home for Christmas'.

 anna, natalie, me and joanne at my favourite place to get scones and cream at Ye Old Smokehouse

**don't bother trying the scones anywhere else. i tried so many and they tasted like crap.

 Noel's a Christmas Baby. So he gets to have the whole family around for his birthday all the time. Damn unfair right.

the adults are obsessed with roast pork. they ordered this 40kg pig. quite 'jelak' after a while.

I couldn't decide whether to fly back to Perth on NYE or New Years Day. Even on the evening of 30Dec, I still haven't decided. 
That night, I finally decided that I might as well just stay for New Years cause Sean will probably be jet legged when he gets back to Perth on NYE. 

Early on NYE morning, I had dim sum breakfast with Shireen at 6am I think?

Hannah picked me up at 7:30am and we headed Cameron Highlands.

Yup, I went up to Cameron's again. Twice in this trip. And thats not normal for me cause I've been avoiding going up to Cameron's for the past 15+ years. Francisco was just a baby then and I remember being car sick and vomiting.

It was my first time going away with the DU'rians (primary and secondary school friends) for NYE. I had the best time ever!

my fave part: pillow talk with the girls (hannah, chiewmei and cynthia)

10 Jan 2013 - Baby Alexandea came into the world!!

I didn't get to see her till she was 3 weeks old because right after KL, I had a bad cough that went on for weeks.

She's absolutely precious and is the first baby I've seen that insists she sleeps in a box. haha so cute!

Sean and I spent chinese new year (CNY) with my family in KL.

As usual, the house was filled to the brim with my family and extended family.

 There's no place to hide even. Absolutely love it! I just don't like the part when everyone leaves and its all quiet again. And you can hear that 'eeeEEeeEEe' sound.

 CNY is the best time to be back. Alot of gatherings and open houses and family get togethers. Apart from Christmas, its truly one of the most wonderful time of the year IF you spend it with family and friends.

Sean also got his hands on Little Ethan. The first baby he's carried in a long time.

He's the most adorable baby. Always smiling and laughing. Such a happy baby.

I want my baby to be like him too!!

Baby Ethan showing a 'OMG is that me in the screen' face

he'll probably be walking the next time i see him.

mweh... don't grow to fast please..

Everytime we go back to KL, we make it a point to go on another trip in between.

This time, we went to Siem Reap, Cambodia with the girls (Shal, Sheyna and Megan). Cambodia is absolutely amazing. The people are so friendly. Its rich in history and everything is cheap!! We also had a really good tour guide (Sam Pho). Very knowledgeable, has good english, friendly and helpful. He also has an amazing memory for remembering peoples names. My mom and aunts went there over a year ago and he could name every single one of them. If anyone wants his contact, let me know.

on the Ton Le Sap lake

Bayon Temple

For a couple of years now, the DU'rians have been having their CNY Reunion Dinner. This year, we decided we'll have the reunion on Valentine's Day so that we can celebrate it together. Worked out pretty well actually, because the guys didn't have plan romantic dinners and what nots.

This was the first year Sean joined us and it was held at 'The Royal Flush'. I must say, its one of the nicest chinese restaurants I've been too. 

The dress code was Chinese Attire. 

I borrowed a cheongsam for Hannah the day before but ended up wearing this cheongsam I've had but never worn since I was 16.

Sean's wearing two shirts because I wanted him to wear the blue silky one and he wanted to wear the white linen one. 
**its quite clear who won in the end. ME!! Duh!

one with all the Du'rians

&

one with everyone!

This reunion sure is getting bigger and bigger each year.

val day presents for the girls. thats cynthia's in the picture.

**val day project by kristie and i. 

This trip, I also got to spend time with my favourite bunch of girls.

Its quite rare that we're all back at the same time. 

We're all pillars of strength and support to each other no matter how far away we are from each other. Distance really doesn't matter.xx

 Vin's ttdi

 Artisan Roast Coffee, ttdi

Sean and I turned 3!!!

us at our fave restaurant to get ribs.

As usual, we over ordered and Flynny got the leftovers. 

April 2013 - We've also recently moved out of our little rented apartment and moved back in to the Collins' family home.

Goodbye Wellington Street!

Hello Cott!!!