New York, New York!

I have been blogging about my desire to go to New York. It would be nice to go to New York for my next trip with hubby. Well... nothing is impossible, isn't it? Of course, if ever we go to the US... that won't be on this first half of New Year 2009 coz our schedule is already filled in. And of course, it won't be on the last half of the year because then I would have used up my savings for my trips for the first half of the year.

However, for those who are going to go to New York soon, you might wanna check out some car rentals at NYC airport car service. They have affordable rate with great service... which includes professional chauffeurs, clean and new model cars. You can actually do reservations online any time of the day as they are open 24/7! Isn't that great? Nowadays, with the convenience of high technology, you can buy or book any thing, any time, any where, online.

Actually, if you're residing in the US, it's not late enough to book your Airport transportation with Go! Airlink Shuttle to see the New Years Eve ball drop in New York City, Times Square, December 31st, 2008. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, Go! Airlink Shuttle will get you to your hotel, or destination on time and in comfort.

it's me,

Bus to Hatyai

I and hubby are still in Phuket. We came by bus... from Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai. From Hatyai, we took a van. It was nice to be riding in a bus again... after so many years of not doing it. When baby no. 1 came, we decided to either take a train or to drive everytime we go to Thailand. And if our destination is Phuket, we fly. But this time, we only decided to come to Phuket a couple of weeks before coming here... after our Singapore trip was cancelled, that is. And when we checked the airfare, it was not cheap. So we decided to travel by road. It was cold in the bus because we travelled at night... but they provided blankets for all the passengers and the bus was very comfortable. It was, of course, enough to make us warm. I wonder though if a bus provides electric blanket... not possible because it requires electricity. LOL. But I think it would be nice to have it when it's snowing and it's cold... and the heater in the house is not sufficient enough to keep you warm.

Anyways... right here, from where I am writing this, we don't need that kind of blanket because the place is warm enough. We are, after all, on a tropical Island of Phuket!

it's me,

On Holiday Break

I and hubby are still on holiday break. Will be back on the 4th of January next year, 2009. There are assignments waiting... but... they can wait (totally redundancy, I know). hehehe. Just enjoying my time with Peter, admiring the beauty of God's creation... reflecting His goodness upon our lives... and thanking Him for the blessings and challenges we had for 2008. Next year, I will be back refreshed, energized, revitalized... woahhh.. I have so much to tell! I am missing my kids so much... but at the same time, taking the chance to enjoy time of renewal and reflections with hubby.

Just want to greet you all a Happy and Blessed New Year 2009!

t's me,

My Christmas This Year

My Christmas this year was more relaxed. Probably because I have set the ground last year already. Also, we didn't go to a lot of parties... and we didn't sell fruitcake. But we really had fun time doing our Christmas shopping.

We just had Christmas dinner on the first day of Christmas. This was my dinner table... what's on it will be revealed on Yummy Sunday... except that of the salad which my sister-in-law, Ita, prepared.

The kids with their cousins, Joshua and Joel, enjoying (?) their pizzas which I prepared.

My boy got a motorbike from his grandmother. It's battery operated. My daughter loves it sooo much!

This was what's under my Christmas tree.

This was the first Christmas gift the kids got this year, from our Finnish friends.

This was what's left after the dinner. Two burnt out candles which served its purpose. To light up our dinner table as we broke bread with family and close friends.

Hope everyone had a grand time celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It was this season that our Savior was born. The celebration continues... and we're off to Phuket on the second day of Christmas.

it's me,

The 8 Christmases I wasn't in the Philippines

This year is the 9th year I am not in the Philippines to celebrate Christmas with my family. Last year, I blogged about the 7 Christmases I wasn't at home. So this time, I'm gonna add my 8th year of celebrating Christmas at home (now in Malaysia) away from home (the Philippines).

1. 2000 - I was in Phuket, Thailand, celebrating Christmas with different kinds of people from different parts of the world. Our team decided to mix our tradtitons. It was really special... we got to have Noche Buena (midnight meal), hear the Christmas story (by an american friend) and had South African and Chinese food. We exchanged gifts as well. It's universal, hey?
2. 2001 - Hubby visited me that time. He was still a friend. But it was already special... whatever reason, only two of us knew ;) On the 25th, we organized a party for orphans. It was a joy to give joy to these lovely kids.
3. 2002 - We were engaged. Went to Phuket church to celebrate Christmas with friends
4. 2003 - We were married. And we're already here, in Malaysia. I was telling hubby how we celebrate Christmas at home... but I told him, we didn't have to do it. But I asked a favor of waking me up at 12:00mn. Just for the sake of being up on the eve. He woke me up. he gave me a surprise by preparing a candle-light Noche Buena. Had strawberries and chocolates with wine. Very romantic. Of course, lovey dovey after that. (Cheeky grin ;))
5. 2004 - Our lovely Schenker's 1st Christmas. Also, hubby arranged for the ukm/upm team to come and have noche buena with us. without me knowing it. They prepared the food, too. It was very sweet of them. I was surprised again.
6. 2005 - we invited the ukm/upm team to have noche buena with us. we had fine dining then. and we had kris kringle... and of course, we gave each one of them their gifts.
7. 2006 - Samantha's first Christmas. My parents came over to celebrate christmas with us. Dad said it was very memorable. Early evening of Christmas eve, we were invited to a christmas dinner by my Ninong and Ninang, Alan and Maggi Tan. They invited other people too that made the dinner international. My dad really appreciated it. When we got home, we had wine and chocolates for our Noche Buena... plus a crying Samantha. (LOL)
8. 2007 - We decided to change the day of Christmas celebration. So Instead of doing Noche Buena (which only me and hubby enjoyed), we decided to invite family over for Christmas dinner on the first day of Christmas, the 25th. Before we had dinner, the Short Christmas story was read. After Christmas, we exchanged gifts. This is going to be the tradition for our family... of course, until the children learn about Noche Buena. hehehe. But on the Christmas eve last year, we drove around KL town to see the happenings there. Went to KLCC and watch the dancing fountain. Stuck in the street of Bukit Bintang at 12mn, with people spraying fake snows on our car. The children were asleep... hubby and I had a cozy talk inside the car while people were having fun outside. It was memorable.
   
9. 2008 - will be happening tomorrow.
   

Hope everybody will have a merry and Blessed Christmas!

it's me,

I am Excited About...

... two things. Our celebration of the birth of Jesus, which will be on the 25th of December. Peter's family (that would include aunties and uncle) is coming over for Christmas dinner. We are not doing anything for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve celebration). We have started the tradition of having a Christmas Celebration on the Christmas day itself, last year. My mom-in-law is preparing roast Turkey... as she always does on Christmas. We will then exchange gifts. The image on the left was my Christmas dinner table last year. Had dinner with Peter's immediate family only... so the table was enough for everybody. This year, we have more people coming. So it's gonna be a buffet style dinner.

On the 26th, hubby and I are going to Phuket by bus. We thought of driving there at first... borrow his brother's Mercedes Benz car. But his brother hasn't renewed the car insurance yet (he must be busy now). I know there's a lot of cheap auto insurance that they can buy... They just probably need time to do it. So we decided to just take a bus to Hatyai. I'm sure it would be fun. From Hatyai, we have Dimsum breakfast (in front of Central Sukothai Hotel - as we always do upon arrival in Hatyai) with friends and then we will take the 9:30 am bus to Phuket.

Looking forward to these two things. Excited, I am.

it's me,

Christmas at Sunway Pyramid

Sunway Pyramid has always been my favorite mall. I like it's architectural design as it is egyptian-inspired design. There's also an ice skating rink inside. We've gone there once with Schenker and he loved it to bits. I like the decos there as well. They really spend for their decos... whatever the occasion. They have just about anything. Of course, it's not as complete as the malls in the Philippines. Malls in the Philippines has everything in it. There's post office, laundry service, lots of cheap stuff on sale (which would probably include small business for sale). Anyways... Sunway Pyramid is not like that... but there's a lot of designer products available. I love going around (and shopping too) there.

it's me,

Movie Nights with Hubby

My hubby has been on Christmas/Year-end vacation since last week. This is the first time that he's having this long vacation from work. Thank God for people who have come and help him with his work. So now we've been watching movies at nights when the kids are asleep. It's nice to just sit and relax and just hang around each other like nobody cares. We actually finished Desperate Housewives season 3. Our friend lent us the cd's. It's nice to be watching movies again... and also it would be nice to have that foot of the bed tv lifts to watch our movies from. Our movie nights would be better then... not that it's not good now. It is still comfortable watching movies/ tv series in our cozy living room. (I got the image of Plasma TV lift from google.) The one you see on TV is where I am hoping to be at next week. Yehey.

it's me,

We're Going to Phuket!

This was one of the reasons why my blog has been so quite. I tried avoiding blogging about Phuket trip unless and until I get to see our tix to Thailand. Yesterday... or was it the other day? My hubby bought two bus tickets to Hatyai. The bus fare is usually 50RM. But if it's peak season (or holiday time)... they always charge higher. So hubby bought them for 70rm/pax.

It's been so long since hubby and I (without kids, that is) had been to Phuket. Actually, this wasn't really planned. But my brother-in-law and wife are going to South Korea and my other brother-in-law and family are going to Australia for holidays after Christmas. We were thinking of going to Phuket (after Christmas) as a family with my parents-in-law since we didn't want them to feel left out. But mom said my brother-in-law asked her to take care of their dog while they are away. So she couldn't go with us. (If it's not the kids, it's the dogs... sigh).

And since she couldn't go with us... we decided to leave the kids with them. Cool plan huh? Works for the better. They, my parents-in-law always wanna spend time with our kids. So it would be nice for them to do it this time. Nowadays, when we plan to travel I try not to get too excited because we had had too many travel plans that were canceled before. Hoping (and praying )that this one will really happen).

Anyways... I am a "planner." So I already planned out what we're going to do while in Phuket. I feel that it is always better for me to plan a trip so we can figure out the budget and maximize our time. I can't just go without plans and enjoy the trip... otherwise it could get so messy, and end up wasting time and energy. That's just coming from a Melancholic traveler. Everything must be planned. It doesn't matter if we cancel our trip or not. I just wanna enjoy our trip if it happens... Having said this, I'm also open to changes and new stuff... And by the way, my travel personality test result says I'm an adventurer... and when one is adventurous, that's where the excitement starts!

Of course, we won't be needing New York Bus Charters. But I would suggest to those who are planning to tour around New York to check out the service. I actually wish there's some kind of service like this where we're going. It would be nice to do day trips and let them take care of everything... like the nycbuscharters. They offer airport pick ups, go on a day tour, conventions, trade shows, or any events and they cater from small groups to big groups. The service has been there for quite some time now... that means they're tried, tested and trusted. You can even carry big luggage like Samsonite luggage. Their bus is that spacious.

So... back on our trip. I sure hope it's gonna be fun. I already have things planned out... island hopping, shopping, Thai food, spa, snorkelling, etc. Wanna come? LOL. ooppsss. I take back my question.

it's me,

My George Foreman Grill

It has been 4 years since I have this grill. A friend from Australia gave this to me and hubby for a gift. I used it for quite a few time already. I am so impressed with it because it only takes 5 minutes to grill lamb chop, medium rare. You can also do it well done but have to extend the time. Another thing with George Foreman grill is you're sure you're eating healthy. It has a feature that allows you to do a healthy grilling. So when you grill, you can actually see fats coming out. Although sometimes I love eating the fats found in lamb chops. Oppss... Don't tell anyone. Hehehe.

Anyways, it has really been useful. It doesn't create a mess, actually... very clean. And it is also very easy to clean up.

it's me,

Announcement from Ikea

I just got this email from a friend. I was interested because it's something about Ikea. As we all know, Ikea sells D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) stuff. So here it is, their new product: assemble-it-yourself car! LOL.

This was just too hilarious. I couldn't resist posting this in my blog. Inspite of this, I still love Ikea.

it's me,

Fresh Oyster and Salmon

Fresh Oysters and Fresh Salmon with wasabi sauce.

Tonight was our Christmas dinner with STAMP team at Tropicana Golf and Country Club. I was brave enough to try for the first time the fresh oyster. My tummy is a bit sensitive so I'm usually careful with what I eat. But when I saw a friend going for her seconds for the fresh oysters, I thought of trying just one. I did. And you can tell I went back for second serving of fresh oysters. It is best with squeezed lemon and tabasco sauce on top. I only had four but wishing I had more. Apparently, this was not my plate because salmon (fresh and cooked), with or without wasabi sausce) is still not accepted by my tummy's taste buds (LOL- is there such a thing?). This was my hubby's plate. But I really did have 4 fresh oysters for my starter.

it's me,

Entertainment Time

With performers like these, it's enough to stay at home and enjoy this type of entertainment. Note: check out the girl.

Lyrics of the song: Jesus Loves Me This I Know

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little kids to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong

Yes, Jesus Loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so.

it's me,

Fun Time Shopping

We did a bit of shopping today. No.. not Christmas shopping albeit we also need to do that... just a usual grocery shopping for this month. Usually, Samantha would only sit in the trolley, "investigating" everything I put inside the trolley. That would include poking, eating, tasting, tearing the plastic wrappers, etc. Today, she decided it's time to move on. LOL. She wanted to go out of trolley to "help" me put the groceries inside the trolley. And I thought... uh-oh... here comes the challenge... But I was wrong. She really wanted to help me. She wanted to put all the things I picked up into the trolley by herself. And when I check my list and see what we needed to buy, she would go and ask me "buy this one?" she was soooo cute. and when I said, no, not that one, here, this one. She would say "not this one?" and we did just that. I was happy she didn't insist on buying things she wanted to buy... like how she does everytime we pass by a shoe shop. LOL. She's a fun shopping companion. I really had a grand time shopping with the kids tonight.

Actually, when we were at the dairy section to get some cheese and fresh milk and yogurt, she also saw the ice cream fridge. She told her daddy she wanna "buy i-cream, daddy." but her daddy said to wait until we finish with the groceries. after that, she could have an ice cream. she said ok. true enough, she waited. and when we were at the counter to pay for the groceries, she asked me "buy i-cream now?". she was just so adorable. who could resist it? So we said yes. She quickly ran to where the ice cream fridge was and chose the Magnolia drumstick. Her brother chose something else. She was such an angel. I hope she would be like this forever. By the way, I didn't have any problem at all with Schenker during shopping time. He's always been a good shopping companion, even when he was younger. Thank God.

By the way... before we left for Carrefour to do our groceries and while waiting for daddy to come pick us up, I and kids did a bit of cupcakes baking. Life indeed gets easier when the kids grow older. There are just so many things we could do together and actually enjoy it. So my interest in baking is on the rise. My cravings for cakes and other sweet stuff are also on the rise. I may need to look at some reviews for Orovo detox.

it's me,

poinsettia

Poinsettia* - usually blooms only on Christmas season. took this shot at The Curve mall, Damansara Utama when family went there for a visit last Sunday (yesterday).

how was your weekend?

by the way, if you're up to showcasing your food shot, you might wanna join us at yummy sunday.

btw, here's some facts about Christmas Poinsettia:

*Most Christmas greenery reflects European traditions. But one colorful plant, which looks like a flaming star, the poinsettia, is a native to the American continent. It was named after Dr. Joel Robert Poinset, an ambassador to Mexico who first introduced it to the United States in 1828. The people of Mexico and Central America call the brilliant tropical plant the "Flower of the Holy Night." The Poinsettia is a many-pointed star that has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.

I love searching about the meaning behind all things. I just delight in it. And since I'm into searching stuff and all that... I'm off to searching for some retail resumes now. Ciao!

it's me,

Horse Ride at The Curve

As promised, I went back to The Curve with my family today, after church. I went there last week with lady friends and was quite impressed with the decorations they set up for Christmas. While we were passing by Ikano and Ikea, we saw a couple of horses with lots of people surrounding them. The boy got very excited and wanted to see the horses, but we told him we only could go after lunch. So after we ate our lunch, we headed back to Ikano to see the horses. I only just wanted to take photos... but the owners didn't allow us... not until I pay for the ride. Only then I could take photos.

Schenker took the first ride. I think this was his second pony ride. The first time was when he was 11 months old at Sunway Petting Zoo. This was definitely my girl's first time riding on a pony and she was excited! I thought she would be scared because she's usually scared of dogs and cats and any thing animal. LOL. I was impressed with her courage to try the horse ride. I wanted to put them together on one horse but both the english saddles for both horses could only accommodate one. So they took turns in riding the horse/pony.

it's me,

Christmas or Holidays?

We had a couple from America who stayed with us for almost 3 months early this year. They were telling us about America, its politics and its cultures. One thing that shocked me though was when he said it's not allowed to put up a greeting that says "Merry Christmas" in public places like malls, parks, etc. You can put up "Happy Holidays" instead. This was to avoid offending others who don't believe in Christmas. Obviously, most people forget why we have holiday in December. Without Christmas, we wouldn't be having holidays in December, right? This just confuses me. Although there's nothing wrong in greeting Happy Holidays, but, again, we lose the essence of Christmas. So what if we greet others Merry Christmas? I don't mind greeting my Muslim friends Happy Hari Raya or my Hindu friends Happy Deepavali or my Chinese friends Gong Xi Fa Choi! Why eliminate Merry Christmas entirely?

Anyways, I am writing Advent series in my other blog, A Glimpse of Me, and why I'm excited to do this tradition with my family. I haven't celebrated or observed Advent in my whole life... except last year when I put up my Advent calendar for the kids. But each year, I'm learning more. I may do the entire Advent celebration next year. This year is a learning process.

Advent series: 1 - Advent Season
Advent series: 2 - Advent Candles and Its Colors

and soon: Advent series: 3 - Advent Wreaths.

Just wondering whether we could eliminate having a feast on Christmas? LOL. Well... since that is truly impossible, let's just prepare some diet pills and start popping them after the New Year. LOL.

it's me,

skywatch friday

Driving during sunset

This is just one of those moments when hubby is busy driving and I am busy taking photos. Just couldn't resist taking photo of this beautiful sunset. For more beautiful sky scenes, click the badge that says skywatch and you will see beautiful sky scenes from all over the world.

it's me,

Short Christmas Story

Since December 1st, we have been reading the Short Christmas Story for the kids at night. Nowadays with Christmas season being so overly commercialized, one can easily forget the essence of Christmas. As parents, we make sure that whatever we do to celebrate the Christmas, we wanna make sure that we instill in the heart of our kids the true meaning of Christmas... which is the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Lord. Albeit nobody knows exactly the date of the birthday...it could be in November, it could be in January... but we need to have some kind of yard stick... to be able to celebrate it globally and together. After all it's the Birth of our Lord we're celebrating!

In a place where only less than 10% of the population celebrate Christmas, it feels good to see Christmas decorations all over the public places like malls, supermarkets, etc. Although, like what I said, it's overly commercialized and that we lose the essence of Christmas... but at least there's some kind of reminders that point us back to the birth of Jesus... I hope.

Anyways, we, parents, are responsible to teach our kids the true meaning of Christmas. So no matter what we do, we always have to be careful to show them that it is the love (and gift) of God we are celebrating... and not the love and gift of somebody elses.

I have been looking for a Nativity set to put in our house actually.. to no avail. Sad sad... but what to expect here... I mean it's good enough to hear Christmas songs in public places, right? Blessed are those who live in US or Philippines... or any other Christian countries... but then again... it's really up to an individual on how you celebrate Christmas. After all, it's within our hearts that matter. If we worship other things instead of God at Christmas, then we are accountable for it. But if we think we're doing the right thing and yet we become too critical on how others celebrate Christmas... then it's the same thing. For the word of God reminds us that: "People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." Proverbs 21:2

I just wish that everybody will be reflective and be grateful for God's greatest gift for us... Jesus Christ... this Christmas season... and ALWAYS.

By the way, we are now putting up our Christmas tree and Advent calendar. (as obvious in the photos) It's fun. My kids are having fun doing it with me. I am having fun. It's yet another activity we do that I know would create a lasting memory for us as a family.

it's me,