Ching Chong! Asians in the Library Song (Response to UCLA's Alexandra Wa...

Remember how I blogged previously about this blonde American chick who posted a clip on youtube about Asians in the UCLA library and people started uploading their response to youtube in retaliation such as this one Asian Dude?

Well, that definitely wasn't the end of it. Another guy made a song up. The lyrics are really funny. Man. Where does all this people get the time and the creative juice to come up with all this clips?

Accents and I

Don't we all?!!

When I was in Brissie, I was stopped along Brissie's Queen St Mall by a bunch of guys visiting from Sydney with the question if I was Korean. During my adolescence, my cousins claimed that I have the feature of a Korean. Even my Korean teacher in 2009 said I looked 80% to 90% Korean!

When I got back from Malaysia early March, several people at Camberwell Market asked if I was a China Chinese.

Just two weeks ago, when the handyman came to do some repairs on the house, I was asked if I am an American.

Me? American? That's the first and probably the last.

I found that thought funny somehow. I guess it's my speaking American English, all thanks to growing up with American movies and series such as CSI, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill and so on.

Here's a clip on Russell Peters on Accents. He is hillarious though he can be crude at times.

On an unrelated matter, I am finally a full fledged CPA member! Now, the question that begs to be answered: should I keep and maintain the membership or let it go.

Good wedding planning related sites

These days, with the internet and also with the abundance of choices in the market place, brides to be have a whole lot of information at their fingertips. However, sometimes, too much information doesn't necessarily mean it's good.

One thing about the internet, there may be a whole wealth of information but how many of them are really useful and relevant? Half the time, one has to sieve through whatever information one is provided. It can be a real waste of time especially after clicking on a dozen or more so links only to realise the websites were unrelated to the desired subject matter.

So, here are a few sites I think a bride-to-be should check out.

#1 Elle of My Wedding Planning Tips

She blogs about anything and everything about wedding planning. She is in Malaysia and all her tips are based from her very own experience in wedding planning. From basic Wedding traditions to why brides should plan their wedding early. She even blogged on 'Will you wear Bridal Diapers?'.

If you are a bride-to-be and am clueless as to where to even begin, I think this is a good site to start.

#2 Malaysian Brides

This site is pretty comprehensive just like Signature Weddings. They have posts on all wedding related matters from wedding gowns to bridesmaids' dresses to a groom's suits to invitation cards to flowers, the works!

They are currently having a Virtual Treasure Hunt contest with 8 prize packages to be won. So, if you are a 2011/2012 bride-to-be, what are you waiting for??!! =)

#3 Signature Weddings

Clueless about photographers and videographers or potential venues for your special day? I think Signature Weddings is a good place to start looking to get some idea.

They have featured many photographers suitable for your special day ranging from the super pricey to the reasonably priced ones. And if you keep your eyes peeled on their site, some of the photographers occasionally give discounts and special rates for those inquiring from Signature Weddings' site!

#4 The Knot

This is probably more for those residing in Australia. For others, it can never hurt to check out the sites for some ideas for your own nuptials! The Knot is pretty concise and packed with LOTS of handy information!

If you're newly engaged and your wedding-to-be is one or two or even three years away, start browsing, start reading up. Don't be like me. DO your homework early or you'll regret not doing so.

Melbourne, oh Melbourne

This is the start of my fourth week here, living in Melbourne. The first two weeks were pretty much about cleaning up the place, unpacking what we could with whatever space we have to fill up and put it in. We went furniture hunting almost everyday - weekdays after Mr. C's work and weekends.

I think we aren't exactly super fussy people or rather more like, lazy people. =p After looking through a couple of furniture shops at Nunawading, a suburb about 25minutes away and closer to the city, and some at Dandenong near Mr. C's workplace while hunting for ideas and bargains at Ikea, we finally settled on Super A Mart at Nunawading.

After lying down on mattresses after mattresses, we decided to pay a little bit more than what we originally budgeted for a comfy mattress to last us our lifetime. Okay. perhaps eventually when we have more dough, we'll get a better one. Instead of an ensemble, we decided to get a wooden bed frame since it only costs slightly more than a simple ensemble.

Besides, we do have lots of space in this new place.

(oh gosh, I typed a lot of stuff and it wasn't saved. Dang!)

That was the first and second week. My third week here saw me sick, PMSy and gloomy. I am hoping to kick all three by this week because there's just so much I have to do in regards to wedding planning, replying my emails, losing weight and so on. =p

That being said, of course, Mr. C and I didn't just stay home and did nothing. In fact, we managed to meet up with NiNi and her boy boy at Glen Waverly (15minutes drive away). It is where you will see Asians in abundant and in the Asian groceries, you will find anything and everything you might need to cook a delicious Malaysian meal.

And several days after, we met up for an awesome dinner at La Roche in St. Kilda's with Sal and her honey. We were supposed to meet them for dinner again last night but was too tuckered out after playing Band Hero on Saturday night till late with the cousin, waking up super early to go to Camberwell Market with NiNi and traipsing off to Boxhill and Doncaster's Westfield till late noon.

We even went to an auction. Well, more on that in the next few posts.

Well, wanna know how to cure my blues? Give me doses and doses of Castle and I'll be fine. Before you know it, it's almost the end of the day and Mr. C will be home shortly.

By the way, it's 4.47pm here in Melbourne. It's 3 hours ahead of Malaysia and currently, it's Autumn though it feels like Brisbane's Winter. =)

I hate it

I hate it when you spring to mind and what more to say my dreams.

I hate it that I let things happened the way they did.

I hate it how you linger and not fade, like how you're supposed to.

I hate it how we're not the same anymore.

I hate it when things reminds me of when we were together.

I hate it that things don't seem to be the same between us anymore.

I hate it how you don't seem to care anymore or at all.

I hate it when we argue and fight with no conclusion reached.

I hate the not knowing, of what you're going through.

I hate how I am not perfect for you, the right one.

I hate what you did to me, leaving a hole in me.

I hate doing this to you, not being the whole me you deserve.

Miss Gloomy sighs

It's sunny today but I am still Miss Gloomy

I used to blog pretty regularly but ever since going back to Malaysia in January and coming back here to Melbourne in March, time passes by without my need to blog or say much.

I mean, talking about topics and content, yeah sure, there's heap loads such as wedding planning, what I do everyday since people keep asking me, my PR status and so much more. I even have loads of pictures to show regarding my trip back home to Malaysia and my new humble abode here in Melbourne.

Perhaps it's that time of the month again. The last time I blogged about a PMS ish post was last year in July.

Perhaps when Miss Gloomy decides to take a vacation again, I'll be able to get around to blogging properly again.

Till then.

Gloomy me

My backyard view... yup, a lake! =)

Today seems to be a gloomy day, mirroring how I feel. Woke up late as I've been feeling sick this couple of days.

Maybe it's that oh-so-wonderful time of the month. Or perhaps it's quarter life crisis. Maybe, just maybe it's reality sinking in, once again. Perhaps it's the lost sense of who am I and where I am now.

I have been pretty happy not working, enjoying life. I get to sleep in, if I want to. I can read a book, watch a movie or a series, play around in the house whenever I want or feel like doing. People always think that just because I am unemployed, I have lots of money and am free, which isn't really the case.

Firstly, being out of job means I don't have money to spend EVEN if Mr. C is working. The money he earns is just for our daily expenses and some to be put aside for our wedding. Even then, we can't save much!

Secondly, I am not as free as everyone thinks. Maybe I am trying to make up for lost times when I was working in Audit. I used to work almost seven days a week and 12 to 15 hours a day. What life did I had then? Zilch. And even then, I was more reserved, serious and moody, no one wanted to be my friend.

Ok. Kidding on the friend bit but I definitely had lesser friends to hang out with then. Now, I have many (not to brag) but just not enough time to meet all. I have many things I want to do and perhaps my poor time management hampers any progress in completing them. Thanks to Miss Procrastination, too!

Hence, my hours in my days are never enough. Even Mr. C and my friends wonder what am I ever so busy with. =p

Today, somehow I feel a tad gloomy. Today, the weight of my world seems to sit on my shoulders. If I had continually working in the suck-the-life-out-of-me audit job, I would probably be a manager. If not, I would be getting bonuses in my Corporate Finance job at the bank.

But instead, I am here, with time at hand but lacking in resources to pursue the many things I would like to. Why does that 'friend' not seem like one anymore? Why can't I have normal family or relatives? Why? Why? and Why??!!

However, 2011 is a year of me learning to make the best of situations. If I don't have much budget for the wedding of my dreams, I'll make do with what I have and still pull off a decent one. If I don't have the money to get a Coach bag or my Charles and Keith shoes or the wedding gown or photographer of my dreams, I'll just find one equally as good but affordable to boot!

And just like that, my spirits are lifted by a tiny fraction.

Just had a chat with Miss M and just hearing her bubbly voice cheered me up another teensy fraction!

When Mr. C gets back, it'll be even better. After all, it's pizza and movie night! =)

Yosemitebear Mountain Giant raving about double rainbow

Yet another clip Mr. C happily made me watch whilst he chortled.

Paul Vasquez also known as the "Yosemitebear Mountain Giant" and "that Double Rainbow guy" after the clip below. You should hear his tearful enthusiasm for what he saw - a double rainbow.

You can read more about him HERE or HERE or HERE.

Charlie bit my finger - again !

The funny things people post on Youtube.

And the funny things Mr. C makes me see that tickles his funny bone.

You should have seen him getting tickled by the kiddos.

Read HERE for some background on the kids and what has happened to them since this video has gone viral that it has garnered over 200 million hits!

American on Asians in the UCLA library

Several days back, a blonde American woman posted a video of herself on Youtube commenting on Asians in the library. Smart move. In case you didn't sense the sarcasm, that was said sarcastically. =p

True enough. A backlash ensued.

Naturally, Asians started posting ranty clips and vlogs in response and the dude below is one of them. And before you know it, the whites starts backing up the girl.

All in all, even with freedom of speech, one should always watch what one says out loud. But most times, people just say what they want, whenever they feel like it and consequences be damned.

Well, then don't complain when you have to sow what you reap.

Hello Melbourne!

And so, I’ve finally reached back Australia, Melbourne to be more precise.

Sunday night saw me taking off from KL's LCCT and reaching Coolongatta Airport at the Gold Coast early Monday morning. After going through Coolongatta's Immigration and retrieving my bag, I had to queue again for Customs as I had declared some food I brought in. Was a bit worried that I might miss my flight to Melbourne.

After I got through Customs with no hassle, I ran whilst pushing my 31.7kg luggage bag and 8kg hand carry bag to a separate building where Tiger Airways was situated at, checked in and relaxed till boarding time. And by 3pm Melbourne time, I was at Tullamarine Airport entertaining myself with my lappie and a book whilst waiting for Mr. C to finish work then come and get me.

Who would have thought that I would find myself here- living for good, for real. Many can only dream or wish for such a privilege. 2011 definitely has started out well for me and I can only pray and hope that it just gets better.

The difference between this year and the past few years is that I am learning to rely and lean on Him. This past one year has been a journey for me. Well, that’s what I’ve been telling people. I’ve done things that I am not proud of and this past one year, being away from home, standing on my own two feet, I’ve been reconciling with my mistakes and trusting Him.

Well, that's a story for another day.

After six weeks back in Malaysia with all the hustle and bustle of spending time with my family whilst being someone's 'personal secretary' and meeting up with friends leaving no time for myself ever, I find the quietness here a little disconcerting.

I think I am like my dad. We need noise. We need people. Yesterday when Mr. C left for work, I went back to sleep. Woke up around afternoon and the silence was just deafening. I guess for those who are looking for solitude and quiet time, this would be a perfect place.

Stepping into the house Monday evening and seeing it with my own two eyes, I must admit that I was a tad disappointed. I guess, in my mind, I had thought that it'll be just as nice as my uncle's (who's living just next door) or at least it'll be fully furnished. It's mean of me to say this but I semi-blame this on Mr. C who was the culprit that painted a nice picture of this place hence, my high expectations.

But I guess this is yet another journey in my life - managing expectations. I am really bad at this. I tend to have super high expectations of things and people which almost always lead to disappointment.

So, I have to keep reminding myself not to complain. Not to be disheartened but to make do with the situation and make the best of it. There's a lot of cleaning to do and furniture to buy though we'll have to get what we need first and not what we want, though a 32 inch or bigger flat screen tv would be most welcomed!!

Today, I started unpacking our boxes but it's hard to place things anywhere when we don't have any cupboards or drawers to put them in. One thing I am happy with is the toilet. It's huge, spacious and the counter top where the sink is at has enough room for me to put all my facial crap. Sigh. The things we girls have to do for better complexion. =p

Much to my chagrin, there are lots of spiders - dead and alive - and cobwebs! How I detest this eight legged creepy crawly creatures! Armed with the vacumn cleaner loaned to us by my uncle, I set out to suck up all the dead spiders hiding between the skirting of the wall and where the carpet ends. I even had to vacuum the cobwebs nestled comfortably at the nook of the ceiling. Thank God for low ceilings!

Just got a call that Mr. C will have to work late today leaving me to my own devices. Shall continue my unpacking and disturb my cousin later.

Enough poor me rants for today.

Now that I am back here, I foresee plenty of posts coming up. So, stay tuned.

A true friend

It's not easy being a true friend and what more to say one that is sincere in any and every way.

Ever since being back for close to six weeks, I've been trying to catch up with as many friends as possible. The thing with me is that I don't have a particular group of friends that I hang out with only.

I seem to have one or two friends from here and there, some high schools friends from different 'gangs' not as in gangster gangs (and to think Mr. C once thought that I was a gangster's girlfriend in Form 4 *faint*) but rather hang out groups, one or two from SAM and then college and then ex- colleagues and so on.

Then this past one to two years, I've gotten close to some plurkers and friend's friend and even friends from primary school years that I wasn't even really close then! Let me tell you this, it's really hard to meet everyone all at one go and I end up going out night after night with different groups of people. I tried a meet-everyone-party last year but too diverse a group to catch up with everyone individually in a group, if you get what I mean.

And there has been lots of nice catch up sessions, heartfelt conversations about one's life. Updates on one's new job or perhaps, same job and mutual acquaintances, on relationships as in how so and so is doing with their respective partners or potential partners or lack of and moving on to family drama such as menopausal mothers and funny parents facing empty nest syndrome.

I feel super encouraged and touched that most of my friends that I met up have treated my meals and yam cha sessions. They cite it as their treat plus I am unemployed. The fact is, none of them had to pay for me but they did and insistently pushed my money back to me and for that, I am humbled. Humbled by the friends that I have and the generosity shown.

I do enjoy meeting up and catching up on the past, the present and about the future events to take place. However, I really don't appreciate people 'pressuring' me or 'blaming' me for not meeting up with them. Firstly, every trip back home, family is my priority. Not to say that friends don't matter but rather family comes first.

And secondly, if you don't contact me or try to set a date to meet up, don't blame me for not making the effort 'cos it's not that I don't want to meet you, I just can't meet everyone and with such limited time.

So, I make effort to meet whoever who makes the effort to try and meet me. The rest, either I don't mean much to you - which is seriously fine with me - or you're busy and it's cool. Seriously.

I only have limited time to meet a certain amount of people. And my second priority would be those who are lacking in good friends or those that just need a friend. You need a friend, I try to be there. If you already have your own gang of friends, good for you and there isn't such a greater need to meet me which is a good thing really. =)

And it's not easy being a true friend.

I feel I have better quality friendships, one-on-one time with just one person than in a whole group. Besides that, this trip back, I've had several unpleasant experience with some friends who blab stuff in a group that I tell them in confidence during our one-on-one time. Further to that, there was a yam cha session that I kept getting 'shot at' without a break which really took a toll on my nerves.

It's really sad that you tell people things in confidence and sometimes -to make themselves feel good- they publicise it and put you down in the process. It's demeaning, despicable and downright sad.

But being a true friend calls for one to put one's own feelings aside for that friend and being there no matter what. To be the bigger person. Of course, there is always a limit to everything and being a true friend sometimes means telling off that particular friend who steps out of line.

It's tough being a friend, and even more so a true friend but I do try to be the best that I can be. And I really hope that my friends realise it, too.

Two years back, I would lament about the lack of friends but now, I just want to say that I am truly blessed to have all sorts of friends.

Thank you for being my friend and may I be a true friend to you especially in your time of need.