menglan`

End of 2011

2011-12-30T10:36:00.001+08:00

In 3 days time, we will bid goodbye to 2011. Honestly speaking, I don't know how I managed to come so far. I will never want to go through all these again, it's just so hard to be away from home for so long, too long. And it doesn't help to be living at such a boring place with LITTLE entertainment. Yes! I must emphasize on this. It's really not as fun as you people think. REALLY!!! Anyway, although 2011 was a tough year for me, I'm just glad that everything is all well now. :D
And I strongly believe that everything does happen for a reason so I will not blame anyone for anything. Afterall, I think S and I have learnt a lot in this year too. We have learnt how to handle each other better and get to understand each other better too. ;) But there's still so much for us to learn, and sometime I think S and I are still very much like kids.

I used to have new year resolution like almost every year, but I guess not this year.
In 2012, I just wish for S and I to continue to grow together as one, support, and treasure each other, and for my family and friends whom I love dearly to stay happy and healthy! :))

Here's wishing my family and friends a fruitful and blissful year ahead! I miss all of you tons! :')

Happy 23rd S!

2011-12-29T23:13:00.000+08:00

29th Dec marks S' 23rd birthday! This was the first time I celebrated birthday with him! Last year I wasn't here with him, so we could only webcam.
I think I am a lousy wife, I didn't prepare much for his birthday. Had a lot of ideals, but it's so hard to work it out when we both live together. It's indeed hard to give surprises to each other now that we are living together and seeing each other everyday.
But anyway, I did manage to give him a small surprise a day before his birthday. He was given off on the actual day, so I got to do it when he's not around. I baked him a birthday cookie.cake and it was such a disaster! I had only an hour to prepare/bake the cookie and I was stupid enough to put the icing on the hot cookie. You probably know what happened next, the icing melts on the cookie! So I had no choice to just scribble on the cookie, as you can see in the photos.
I stood at the doorstep with the cookie/cake and waited for S to come home from work, and then sang him the birthday song as he walked up the stair. ;)
Was so glad that S was being really appreciative. He actually thought the cookie was really beautifully and delicious! Awww~ ❤ I tasted the cookie, it was really so-so only. Hahah.
On the birthday itself, we only went out for lunch and for dinner, S requested for home-cooked meal from me. So I whipped up two simple dishes for him - pork chop and soup. ;D

S seemed really happy in this photo. ;)

S thought I cut these pork chop into heart-shaped. Haha. Nope!

Merry Christmas'11

2011-12-27T07:49:00.002+08:00

My first Christmas was pretty eventful. :) Yes. This was the first time I celebrated Christmas, and first gift-exchange and our first Christmas tree! :D
On the 22nd of the month, I planned for S and I a trip to Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway to see Christmas lighting. It was not too bad, but the bad part was that we couldn't take any photo of ourselves with the lighting because it was drive through (1.7 miles long).
On the eve of the Christmas, we had dinner with S' colleagues and gift-exchange/count down later at night. It was pretty fun. The gift-exchange was not like the usual one; we actually get to snatch another person's gift that we eyed on. Initially I thought it was kinda cruel to snatch gifts from other people, but it turned out to be everyone's happy with our own gift. S got an Adidas bag (I snatched for him one!) and I got a set of cups (he snatched for me! Hahaha!).
On the actual day, S and I went to see Christmas lighting again at Deerfield, a place where the rich people live and is famous for their Christmas lighting. And man, it was really eye-opening for me! These people really spent a great deal of time and effort to decorate their homes.

S bought these alphabet ornaments for us. :)

Two of these were fake, one of them was for S. ;) I thought S didn't know one of them was actually for him, turned out he knew it all along. TSK!

Act yi ge handsome. Hahahah!

Late dinner at some Korean restaurant cum pub.

Gift exchange on Christmas eve. Ok, I admit I played cheat. I actually received my present few days before, because I was so excited to find out that S actually got an iPad 2 for me! :DD I can't believe he actually got it a month before Christmas and kept it all along at home without me realizing it!

I got him a perfume (Light Blue) from Dolce & Gabbana. ;) I must say it's the hardest to choose a present for him.

Hehehe! So happy with my iPad! :DD

On the Christmas day itself.

Although he's being irritating here, I like this photo! ;D

This was not the the Deerfield, we went to the wrong one. But it was somewhere near.

This was the Deerfield, and it was much prettier than the "fake" Deerfield. Almost every household decorated their homes (the other side only had a few). But sadly, my camera died on me after a few shots. :(

Can you spot the fake Santa Claus inside the house? It was kinda freaky though. Hahah.

That's all for my Christmas! ;D Ending the post with my favorite boy, Ryan! ❤

Fall Term Result

2011-12-21T05:40:00.000+08:00

My fall term result is out and I'm so proud of myself! ;D But I must say getting an A for EDUC was kinda lucky. I was hoping to get a B and I will be really happy.

I guess this is a perfect time/place for me to study. All I did everyday was either doing my assignments or studying for tests/exams. I only missed an EDUC class during this entire four months. Can't believe how hardworking I was. Back in poly days, skipping classes was like a weekly affair for me and OSH! Hahah!

Hopefully I will be able to maintain my GPA at around 3.5.

New York (Part 2)

2011-12-12T05:32:00.002+08:00

Day 3: Radio City Stage Door Tour & Empire State Building.

Lunch at Katsuhama.

Hugeass portion of pork chop!

The tour guide told us that this is the world largest indoor stage. This is the model only, we can't take photo of the real thing.

Even the carpet was meticulously designed. Spot the different instruments on it. :D

One of the Rockettes' dancers. She was there to talk to us about the history of the Rockettes. Isn't she gorgeous?

The different costumes for the Rockettes.

On the way to The Empire State Building.

Their "MRT" cards.

Not every station has customer service counter, so sometime you will see people just jump over the gate, or one tap two people come out together. FREE rides!

I told you their subway stations are very dirty and run down.

It's pretty common to see people performing on the train or at the stations to earn money.

Skyride is free if you purchase New York Pass, if not, don't bother to waste $42 on this. So not worth it! Initially I thought it was some kind of cable ride, but no.It's more like watching a 4D movie, with lousy graphic.

Dinner at Heartland Brewery.

Mini cupcakes! YUMS! ;D 1 for $1 if I'm not wrong. It's really good, but S thought it's too expensive.

New York (Part 1)

2011-12-10T10:22:00.006+08:00

Our New York vacation (5th Aug - 14th Aug) is definitely one of the best times of this whole U.S. trip. We already are looking forward to our next vacation to Disney World, where dreams come true! :DD

I really enjoy traveling with S, just the two of us, away from everything and everyone. Especially this trip, it's NEW YORK BABAY~~ Have seen so much on TV, but never ever thought that one day I'll be going there.

Our flight arrived at Newark Airport, which is in New Jersey actually.

On the way to the hotel, we were really excited and just couldn't wait to explore this city. But, New York was a little different from what I have imagined. It wasn't a very clean and safe city; the subway stations were dirty, old and worn down and the traffic was horrible. During peak hours, everyone just keeping changing/cutting other people's lane to get to their destination at the faster time and the roads were so narrow.

We also met a few groups of people who were giving aggressive speeches about politics/religions and a group of guys who pressurized us to buy things from them.

But it's not all that bad. One thing for sure is, New York is truly a city that never sleeps, and that's good enough. You have no idea how deprived I was for night life here in Dallas.

I love love the crowded and non-stop bustling Time Square. I love love the good food here too! YUMS!

On the way to the hotel.

The front desk lady upgrade our room to king size bed for free! :D

The New York Public Library.

First meal in New York at Cafe Zaiya.

Heading out for dinner at T.G.I.F.

Night view of Time Square.

Day 2: To Madame Tussauds, Harry Potter The Exhibition, and Top of The Rock.

Edward! Oh yes! I'm a vampire fan!
And can I just emphasize how real he looked? I was actually shy to go near to him. Hahahah!

Day view of Time Square.

Lunch at Planet Hollywood. Awesome food, especially the fries! :D

Took few photos here because photography was prohibited inside the exhibition.

Dinner at Toto Ramen. We waited in the drizzle for almost an hour to be seated, but it's all worth it. BEST RAMEN! I finished every bit of it. SLURP! :D

The view from 67th floor (if I'm not wrong) was breathtaking.

Cynical

2011-12-09T13:22:00.001+08:00

I don't remember myself being as cynical as I am now. I become so judgemental towards everything and everyone, even things and people whom don't even concern me.Maybe this is how the society has shaped me into.

On another note, I found out that something or just someone still bothers me a lot. Although I have disliked many people before, I have never hated someone this much before. I really do, I am just so disgusted by her in every way.

Dare you to move - Jayesslee

2011-12-04T11:03:00.001+08:00

I was never into YouTube, but they are just too good and I'm so addicted that I have to buy both their songs - "dare you to move" and "break even" on the iTune.

S at Arizona

2011-12-03T13:44:00.001+08:00

The other day I was just telling S that he left at the wrong time, and it couldn't be more true! On the same day he left, my Camry died on me when I was all sad and carrying whole loads of stuffs preparing to go over to another wife's house. Also, this 2 weeks are the most crucial of the whole school term, it is when my final paper (I hope I can get at least a B for Eng 1301) is due and exam week. I really need lots of moral support and someone to be there to motivate me!
But worst of all? Today, while I was driving S' Accord home from school, when I braked the car, it didn't come to a complete stop! It was still moving forward and I got SO freak out because I thought I step on the wrong pedal again. I looked down to double checked, no, I didn't step on the accelerator, but the car was just jerking forward and there were some loud noises too. But luckily after a few attempts of braking, the car did stop, if not I won't be here also.
I was really traumatized.
You see, getting a car license was never on my list. You know how most teenagers were so eagerly to get their driving license once they reached 18? I was never one of them. I was just too afraid of going behind the wheel to drive a vehicle. And it's also too expensive to get a car in Singapore, so why waste the money to get a license?
Who would have thought that I would be "forced" to get a license here? Oh well...

On a side note, I've just registered History class for winter term! I'm so unwilling to learn about the U.S' history! But what to do? Wish me luck! And there goes my winter break. Boo~

First Wedding Anniversary :))

2011-11-28T12:09:00.006+08:00

On the actual day of our anniversary - Thursday 17/11/11, S was working, so he had someone to deliver a bouquet of my favourite flower to my doorstep. :))

Totally made my day, cause I was really surprised. I guessed he will buy me flower, but I didn't know he has plan for this and he actually remembers that yellow roses are my favourite (he has STM fyi). Good job S, you have finally succeeded in surprising me! ;D

On Saturday, S made a dinner reservation at Papa Bros Steakhouse for our belated anniversary. The food was great, but not fantastic (maybe because I'm not a fan of meat), but the service was remarkable I must say. There were complimentary valet parking, people to open the car door for you, and the waiter came every now and then to clear away the bread crusts that we dropped on the table. And knowing that it was our anniversary, they gave us a complimentary cheesecake with wordings on the plate. How thoughtful and sweet was that! :DD

Although the bill came out to be really expensive, we still gave the waiter a good amount of tips. I mean we are seriously more than willing to tips the servers here, their attitudes are so much better as compared to Singapore's. Unlike in Singapore, we are forced to give that 10% tips even when their services have a lot to improve on.

Overall we had a fabulous night together. :)) It's true that time flies when you are having a good time.

Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary best friend, soul mate, and my dearest husband.

To many more years to come! ❤

A Thousand Years

2011-11-26T22:59:00.007+08:00

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave
How can I love when I’m afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow
One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don’t be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What’s standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this
One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don’t be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed that I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

One step closer
One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don’t be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more

I love how S will always look at me/hold my hand when the song reached "I'll love you for a thousand more" part and he will sing along with it. ❤

1st Wedding Anniversary

2011-11-17T05:48:00.003+08:00

I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart and my love. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more everyday. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us. —— Shao Yong & Meng Lan (17 Nov 10)

Exactly a year ago, we made the above vow to each other infront of everyone we love. And today, it marks our first wedding anniversary. This year has been such a rough year for both of us, but we have definitely grown and we are still learning to handle each other in a better way.

My childhood and part of teenage life were a rough one. I would often pray to god and asked him for a better life to come and something good to happen. And my prayer was answered, I found the most amazing and incredible man who loves me selflessly.

The one who always put me before himself.
He is so thrifty and stingy to himself, yet he will give me everything I want.
A t-shirt that cost $19.90, he will think for a long time before he might get it for himself. But if a dress that cost $59.90, he will never hesitate to get it for me if I really like it.
We bought 2 cars during this trip and he let me drive the better one. I asked him why, and this was what he replied me, "because your life is more important."

The one who is always so patient with me.
Whenever I am frustrated over my assignments and vented my anger on him, he will calm me down and do the assignments with me.
Other times, when I was so stress and wanted to give up on something (be it doing assignments or registering for classes), he will tell me, "it's ok, don't do it then."
Then I will tell him "You're such a bad influence. Where got people encourage you to give up so easily one?"

And most importantly, he is the only one who can make me happy, really happy. I know I will never fall so deeply in love with anyone other than him.

You will always be the best thing that ever happened to me, I love you S! ❤

I Miss Bobby

2011-11-15T12:00:00.000+08:00

I (We) miss Bobby the smelly! :(

Trust

2011-11-12T07:01:00.002+08:00

(Chasing Beauty)

Just some random thoughts here.
Before S and I got together, when we were just normal friends, I always see S as an honest, trustworthy, and a really nice guy. If ever someone doubt him, be it his friends or girlfriend (if he even had one before me), I will totally stand up for him. Because I know and I trust him that he will never cheat, lie, or betray anyone.
But things have changed after we started dating and got married.
Just look at the previous issue that we quarreled over. His friends will totally believe in his words and trust that he will never do such thing. But I didn't.
Actually it's not that I didn't trust him. I guessed I do, but I was just too afraid to. I was afraid that if I were to trust him, I might end up hurting myself. I was afraid that there might be a deeper meaning behind and if I failed to dig it out, I might be the one getting hurt.

I'm just selfish, over-protective over myself and paranoid.

My 22nd Birthday

2011-11-09T11:29:00.011+08:00

So S and I have finally talked things out and all is good now. I'm just glad that I can finally get this off my chest.
Really appreciate friends who listened to all my rants and also gave me some really good advices. Can't love you girls more! :)

Recently my blog is filled with all the heavy-hearted posts, so here's something light-hearted for this blog. My 22nd birthday, which happened months back. Although this year's birthday was rather quiet and simple, nevertheless I enjoyed myself. S was really an unromantic woodblock, but at least he did try to surprise me with the cake. And it was actually really heartwarming - just the two of us at our own little apartment, him singing the birthday song for me. :))

Birthday gift from S. ❤

Surprise birthday cake. :)

Knowing that I'm not a fan of chocolate, S got me a strawberry ice cream cake instead. Yum! :D

Unlock Blog

2011-11-08T07:55:00.003+08:00

So I decided to unlock my blog. I figured out that it's my freedom to write whatever I like here. This blog is meant for me and people who genuine care for me.

I'm having a really hard time during this trip (it's really not as enjoyable as you people thought it is), especially during those times when I quarreled with S.
I will cry and cry my eyeballs out, or run away from home and just sit around at the car park or at the balcony and cry and cry again.
S and I have been quarreling over and over again over the same issue that really bothers me SO much, even in my dream. I remember I had a dream about it and I got so mad in my dream that I actually really kicked S in real life.
It is this torturing. But no one will understand.

Be Myself

2011-10-25T09:25:00.001+08:00

I wish I could be my old self again, when I will/I can express my emotions freely.
I wish I don't have to put up a front and pretend to please everyone.
I used to be so straightforward, and while some people admired such characteristic, many adults and friends had asked me to change to be more tactful.
Since primary 4 or 5, almost every teacher wrote the same comment on my report card - "Meng Lan is a outspoken and straightforward girl......" Can't you see that it's not a compliment? It's just a nicer way to describe my shortcoming.
Friends described me as a blank paper; they said they could read me like a blank paper because my emotions were shown all over on my face.
I didn't listen to anyone and change myself. I continued to be myself.
But as I grew older, I realised that I have to change. It doesn't benefit me at all to be straightforward.
I will only offend more people.

Although I don't think I am a nice person (I have bad temper, I can be really mean with my words, I don't love animals and etc), I am not a bad person too. I guess I am just bad at pretending to be good, just like how some people didn't pretend to be good, they are just good at pretending.

独一无二的情感

2011-10-17T12:24:00.001+08:00

对于某一件事或是某一个人，每个人都有属于自己的独一无二的情感。就算两个人遇到同样的遭遇，他们也不一定有同样的感受、感觉。
所以，当我说我想家的时候、我难过的时候又或是我受委屈的时候，我不要求你能感受我所感受的一切，我只要求你能用心的去理解。这就够了。

School

2011-10-15T03:38:00.000+08:00

Finally free from all the assignments and tests, temporary though. School has been good so far, am coping well with all the classes so far. The amount of assignments is cope-able, since I only have school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Also, there wasn't any final year exams that weighed more than 40% or so, only a few tests/exams throughout the semester. The instructors are all very helpful, they try all ways to give you extra credits and they are more than happy to give everyone an A (thank god I chose the right classes). Unlike in Singapore where you can only have a certain number of students getting an A.

I am taking Accounting, Econ, English, Business Maths and EDUC this semester. EDUC is basically framework which teaches you how to study like taking good notes, be organized and such. It is a really lame class and it is compulsory. I still like most the classes I'm taking this semester though (especially Accounting and Econ, partly because of the instructors I guessed (;) as compared to last semester, but I prefer last semester's classmates. Can hardly made any friends (did make a few acquaintances) this semester cause we all have different classes. Last semester the class was smaller and there were a lot of students from all over the world and everyone was really nice and helpful towards each other. This semester, there are more locals and I didn't expect any discrimination. Although is nothing personal, still I didn't feel good about it. Like that gangster in my Econ class who commented that Asian can't drive, and today during Maths class, a girl asked me if I got 90 and more for my previous Maths test and I answered her yes. Then the guy infront of her said, "you know why? because......", I didn't hear the rest because he tried to tell her without making a sound. So rude please!
Oh well, overall it was still good. Can't believe that this semester is coming to an end soon, about one and a half more month to go! Time really passed faster when you kept yourself busy huh. :D

Silly Conversations

2011-08-26T07:23:00.005+08:00

I used to note down the silly things S (we) said and the little things he did for me, but now I don't do it anymore. Is it because we're too comfortable with each other because we see each other everyday, so nothing too special for me to take note? No, that's not true. In fact, I think he has done too many things for me and we had too many silly conversations that I think if I were to post every single thing here, it will just bore you guys out.

But anyway here's two conversations we had that I still remember till now.

Me: Next time I want to name our baby girl Summer, her name starts with your initial "S", the boy's name will start with mine "M", ok?
S: Huh, but M has very limited names leh.
Me: Where got, there's a lot boy's names start with M what, like Matthew, Max, Maverick, Matthias...
S: And???
Me: Erm...... Meng Meng?
S: That's not English name!

HAHAHAHAH! Ok, maybe you guys might not think is funny, but we both had a good laugh at this.

S: Next week I'm on night shift, so I will accompany you to school ok?
Me: Huh? Don't need la, you stay at home and sleep.
S: Don't want, I want to accompany you.
Me: Why must you?
S: You never see those primary school children, during their first week of school their parents will accompany them to school ma.

Hahaha! AWW!!! How adorable is he! ❤

Who can understand?

2011-08-21T15:50:00.001+08:00

Who actually understand me when I said "it's so hard to be alone"? Friends always tell me at least I have S, how bad can things go? Oh well, everyone has their own battle to fight. I have my own fair share of battle to fight and we can never understand how much others have suffered because we can never be them.People always say "forgive but never forget", but how do you forgive when you can't forget? While some minute things can be forgiven and forgotten, and others can be forgiven but not forgotten, but what about those that really haunt your heart and mind?

How We Met

2011-08-03T02:40:00.001+08:00

It's almost 2a.m. now but I can't sleep, waiting for S to come home from work. So meanwhile I shall blog. I always think S and I are the perfect example of going-one-big-round-and-end-up-together-eventually. We were from the same secondary school, he was 2 years senior than me, but I have no impression of him at all. He knew me though, because I was notorious, and so, he didn't have a good impression of me; he thought I was noisy and a troublemaker. We only got to know each other officially during a chalet, and that is after we both graduated. Actually I really think things are pretty amazing and life really has its quirkiest way. This chalet was organized by his friend for his classmates, and coincidentally, his friend was my friend's boyfriend, and so that friend of mine invited Jing Wen and I. To be honest, I was not interested to go to the chalet initially, until I heard Jing Wen wanted to go, so I just followed the crowd? Anyway, we met at this chalet, but still I didn't have much impression of S, partly because he was really quiet and another reason would be because I was dead drunk. Hahaha! Don't even mention about it. On the other hand, S still didn't have a good impression of me, he still thought that I was noisy (I was drunk and made so much noise) and he blamed me for occupying the whole bed. After the chalet, I continued to go out with them and I made friends with most of them (not really S though, he's way too quiet and always hiding at one corner) and one of them even became my best friend. I became really close with bear and we will always meet up since we went to the same school (again, so did S and I.) He will usually call the guys along, and most of the time S would be there too. Bear would also give me birthday treats, and surprisingly S would also be there despite we were not close. That's when I slowly treated S as one of the "good friends" although we didn't interact much. Later on I found out that this was actually mutual feelings, S told me that he actually treated me as one of his best friends too. In between I had 2 relationships and was also away from SG for 4 months for some immersion program, and when I was back, that's when S and I got to know each other deeper. S invited me to his 21st dinner (His friends and I were shocked that he invited me, because this dinner was only for close friends. Neither of us knew that he actually treated me as his close friend. Hahah!) and for some weird reason, I actually fell for him. Yupp. At one moment, my heart actually skipped a beat for him. That's when I really started to notice him and wanted to know him more. After that night, we texted each other every single day and that's how amazing this long journey is. S later on also told me that actually he has admired me for a long time, more than I know, just that most of the times I was busy attached, and so he couldn't find a chance. Aww!

Losing Myself

2011-08-02T08:55:00.002+08:00

I'm losing myself.

Birthday Wishes

2011-07-24T13:13:00.003+08:00

(HAHAHA! Retard younger me!)

When I was a child, my only birthday wish was for my grandparents, parents and Meng Meng to stay healthy. They are so important to me that I hope they would never get sick and die, I just want to stay healthy always.
As I grow older, from a child to a teenager, I started wishing for specific things. I wished to get good grades, to have this and to have that (can't really remember already).
And now, as I entered adulthood, I don't wished for specific things anymore. My wishes became simpler, like those I had when I was a child - that is for everyone I love to be happy and healthy. Sounds simple right? But that is actually the most unachievable and isn't this what everyone pursuit in their whole life?

Anyway, this is what S did for me. :DD
I always do e-cards for him and he's slowly learning too. Of course he's not as good as me (hahaha!), but still, I think he did a great job (based on his artistic genes, haha!).

HAPPY DOUBLE-TWO TO ME! ❤

I Was an Angry Girl

2011-07-23T04:25:00.006+08:00

Some times back, I was going through all of my posts because I wanted to change all the font colours to black. And I don't think anyone has realised that I have also deleted some posts - those really vulgar and ex-related one.
Nope, S didn't request to delete them, in fact he encouraged me to keep them cause he said it's part of my memories. I deleted it anyway, just feel that it's kind of inappropriate to still keep it here.
Anyway that's not my main point of blogging. As I was browsing through all the posts, I realised I was such an angry (yes yes, and vulgar) person. Most of my posts consisted of vulgarities, if not complaints about this and that, or cursing him/her. I feel that in these 5 years (I just realised too!), I have wasted most of the time in childish and useless things. Kinda sad huh? But I guessed it's not too late for me to only come to senses now. I'm still young, and there is still a great long path infront of me. I will learn to be more appreciative and positive from now on! :D
In fact I think I have already did. Although initially I didn't really like Irving (I think it's a boring place and I have no friends/family here), now I will tell myself that not everyone has the opportunity I have and it's actually not that bad to be away from fast-paced Singapore for 2 years.
I might even miss here when I am back to Singapore, who knows right? ;D

Have a great weekends loyal readers (those few who still read my blog even though I seldom blog now)! :D Love ya! ❤

Life in USA

2011-07-19T08:34:00.026+08:00

Before school started, I was basically just rotting at home - eat, watch TV and did some house chores. I was supposed to be really free, but I don't know why I seem busy. I just can't find time to blog more often, to reply some mails and stuffs, ironic much. Since I seldom blog after moving to Irving, so now I have to squeeze all these outdated things in one post. Lots of photos!

Valentine 2011, our first valentine together! ❤
DIY a frame for S, out for shopping, had lunch at I ❤ Pho and dinner at Thai restaurant.

Our 1st Anniversary 03.06.11! ❤
Early in the morning S surprised me with the balloon (he's supposed to get it for me for Valentine, still I appreciate the thought ((: ) when I came out from bathroom, I saw this huge balloon infront of me! :D
Later in the car, he surprised me with the roses. :DD
And lunch at my favourite Korean restaurant. :DDD

The rest are just those normal weekends when I don't have to cook (I used to like to cook, but now not so.) and we will eat out.
Dinner at Black Orchid Thai restaurant.

Lunch at Jinbeh Japanese restaurant, movie date - Tangled and dinner at Cheesecake Factory. It's only USD$1.25 for "old" movies! How awesome!

Dinner at the usual - ABE Korean/Japanese restaurant.

Late dinner at Chili's.

Lunch at Secret Recipe where they served SINGAPORE FOOD! Not exactly the same, but I thought they were still good, not the Bak Chor Mee though (they replaced the chili with ketchup, spoiler.)

Brunch at Tierney's Cafe & Tarvens.

Lunch at ABE again.

Lunch at Banana Leaf Thai restaurant with S and his colleagues.

I Love San Francisco (Part 2)

2011-06-01T12:02:00.001+08:00

Updating part 2 of San Frans trip since I'm more free now (last week of school! :D) and S has also been complaining that I have not been updating my blog for eons.

Day 3 - Chinatown.

Dim Sum for lunch, yum! Haven't had such good Chinese food for long long time.

Headed back to hotel to take a rest before heading out to Union Square for shopping and dinner.
See, the reason why I love traveling with S and family because it's all about 买东西，吃东西，买东西，吃东西. No waking up early in the morning and no rushing here and there and feeling all tired.

Dinner at Thai restaurant, it's so much better than the Thai restaurants in Irving.

Day 4 - Shopping at Premium Outlet. No photos taken because we're too busy shopping, especially Mum and Sis. They bought a whole car boot of stuffs! Incredible. Hahaha!

Day 5 - Golden Gate Bridge & Exploratorium.
Basically this day is all about sightseeing.

Brought them to this Ramen restaurant that I mentioned in the previous post for lunch since they haven't tried it before.

Union Square, which is just below our hotel so we got to shop like everyday!

Golden Gate Bridge. We stayed for a short while only because there's nothing much to see.

Exploratorium, which S last minute googled and found it. It was really really beautiful and breath-taking. It would be so nice if we can stay nearby and go for a walk after dinner. Perfect place for date!

At another park which I can't remember the name. We just dropped by for short while.

Day 6 - Fisherman's Wharf again and Alcatraz.
On the way we passed by this zig zag road at Lombard Street so we thought we would dropped by to see since this is also one of the places of interest.

Lunch at In & Out burger, cheap and fresh burgers and fries. Initially In & Out is only available in California but I found one in Dallas!

We had to take ferries from Fisherman's Wharf to Alcatraz Island. Will not really recommend Alcatraz cause there is really nothing much, is just a prison.

Dinner at Fisherman's Wharf before heading back to Union Square for last shopping trip.

Day 7 - Checked Out!
Didn't manage to take any photo of our room on the first day, so I took it on the last day, but is really messy.

I Love San Francisco (Part 1)

2011-05-20T11:54:00.034+08:00

Finally gonna update San Frans trip, but this is only part one.

S' mum and sis planned to pay us a visit, but since Irving is a damn boring place, so we decided to meet at San Frans for a short holiday before coming back here.
We had a great time at San Frans, not that San Frans is really that fantastic, I think it's more about the company. Nothing like a holiday with your family or your favourite friends, no?
Anyway, our trip got delayed because their flight was delayed. They supposed to reach a little earlier than us, but end up they were 2 hours late?
We didn't know their flight was delayed, we thought they have already reached, but they didn't contact us and we can't contact them, and we don't know where to meet them. I went online to check their flight statues but it happened to be no such flight, so I went over to the international terminal side to double check, and there's nothing too! We got even more worried, we thought we remember the wrong date or what. The guy at the help desk suggested to me to call the airline directly and so I did. Called the United Airline and found out the flight number was changed and the flight was delayed! WTH! They could have put those information on their website or somewhere else what!

If you're wondering what this is, it's a pepper spray from S! That silly boy bought it for me and insisted that I will bring it with me all the time. Aww. But it's gone now! Cause it's not allow in the plane and I forgot to put inside my checking bag. ):

Checked in to hotel before heading out for lunch at Rotunda. After which, we just walked and shopped around at the nearby, then headed back to hotel to rest. They were so tired after the long flight and still having jet lag, so S and I went out at night ourselves for dinner at this really nice ramen restaurant.

Day 2 - Fisherman's Wharf.

Can't see from the photo, but the road is really steep, I wonder how those people managed to park their cars along the road.

Lunch at Scoma's, their clam chowder and spaghetti were so good! Yum!

This is so so though, I forgot to take a picture of the spaghetti cause I was so hungry.

Visited the wax museum, cause I wanted to see Angelina Jolie! Hahaha! =x

I was like just walking around just to see those fake famous people, as if I really saw them in person. But S was so attentive and interested to know the stories behind these people.

I love this painting! It's just so beautiful and attractive.

Hahaha! Funny S trying to imitate the painter.

Interesting much.

Hahahaha! ♥

Chocolate Heaven! S and his sis' heaven! They spent more than $200 here!

Surprisingly, this is really cheap! $10 for a person only!

Look alike? Not really actually, but I saw him drawing a black girl, and it looked exactly the same! So I thought maybe it's our problem, Asian faces are harder to be portrayed? But why do I look fatter here and S look skinnier here? ):

Theirs look better though.

Pier 39.

So true! Haha!

That's day 2 and I really love Fisherman's Wharf! So many things to shop at a really low price and so much good food! :D
Surprisingly, although it's one of the places of interest, they didn't try to raise the price and "cheat" tourists' money.

College Registration

2011-05-18T04:47:00.003+08:00

The whole college registration is seriously getting on my nerve!

It takes me 45 mins to travel down to the school, and from the first day till now, I've already lost count how many times I have went down, just to get enrolled!

I emailed them before the first time I went down, and the person in charge told me to go down to see an international advisor.

But when I was there, the international advisor told me that I can't be counted as an international student because I'm not holding a F1 student visa. So she asked me to go to the other side to get my registration done first and look for an academic advisor. I went to get my registration done, and the lady at the counter told me that I've to take some test. I told her I've some certificates from Singapore, if I can use them to exempt taking those test.

She then gave me a list and asked me to get my certificates verified first and see if I can be exempted.

So I went home and emailed that person again, told her what the international advisor had told me, and also told her that I was confused and I don't know what to do now. Again, she replied me asking me to go down to the same place to look for an advisor. So I went down again, the same lady told me the same thing again - that I can't be counted as an international student and bla bla bla...

So I was referred to a normal academic advisor. I told her that someone asked me to get my certificates verified, she said I don't have to because I'm not an international student,so they will treat me as a local student. And since I don't have any local certificates, I will have to take the test. She asked me to come down again on last week of May and to register for my test.

And so I did, travelled 45 mins down just to spend 5 mins booking an appointment for the test.

As some of you have already know, I didn't meet their criteria for writing sample. I passed all the others - sentence skills, reading comprehension, elementary algebra and college level Math, but I failed my writing! FML! To meet their criteria, I need to get 6-8 points, but I got a 5! FML!

I was so angry with myself when I know that I've to take a few more tests just because I failed my writing!

SUCKS! I hate myself that English is always my weakest subject, and that I can never score well for this subject!

Now I have to take their ESOL Compass test to see which level I am at, starting from level 1 to level 4. After which I will have to take their listening and speaking test to measure my listening and speaking skills.

Once they know which level I am at, I will have to go for Summer class and brush up on my English.

I will officially enrol to the school to take up Associate Degree in Business Administration if only I finish and pass my Summer class.

So tell me now, HOW TO NOT HATE MYSELF for failing my writing test?!

And I've to overslept this morning and missed my test! Wasted both S and my time!

A part of me is blaming that snooty bitch for not informing me that if I don't reach 30 mins before the test I might be replaced by other students.

I thought you can only take this test by appointment? How the fuck can you let others join in the queue just like this?!

But a bigger part of me is blaming myself! I was so angry and stressed up when the person told me that I can't take the test today. I tried my best to hold back my tears and broke down when I saw S. Why did I snooze the alarm clock and told myself I will get up 5 mins later? Why it didn't come across my mind that there's a possibility that I might overslept and missed the test and spoilt my whole day now.

WHY!?!?!?

And I'm sorry S, I vented my anger on you and made you suffered with me again. I'm truly sorry. :((

The Summit

2011-04-09T11:38:00.011+08:00

So I've been here for almost 3 months, ONLY. I can't believe it's just 3 months, really seem much longer than that.
Anyway, Dallas is really a boring place. Basically, what S and I have been doing during weekends are just grocery and eat out, or poker at his colleagues' place, learning to drive and occasionally go shopping.
Dallas is really different compared to Singapore. There's no high rise buildings, the public transport is totally inaccessible, you either drive your own car or be prepared to wait for years for a bus to come. There's also not much night life here. Anyway we're not encouraged to go out too late at night. Usually we will be home before 10p.m.

But things did get better compared to the first month I was here.
I no longer fear to stay at home alone, before that I got so freaked out to be alone at home. Whenever I hear noises outside my house, I will get damn freak out.
I no longer fear to walk out of the house, before that I will lock myself at home the whole day till S home from work. Now I will go out alone to the letterbox, to the washing machine room, to just take a walk instead of locking myself alone the whole day.
I no longer fear to open the door to stranger.
I remembered there was once someone came over to set up internet, and I locked him outside for more than 5 mins. I didn't dare to open the door for him, didn't even dare to pick up calls from him. And when I realized that he's not going to leave until I open the door, I texted S' colleague's wife to come over to accompany me.
I know right, I'm such a wuss.
But now, I can just leave the door opened even when S' not around.

This is where we stay, The Summit. Is like condo, but looks quite ulu.

Our apartment, while we were unpacking our boxes, so it's really messy.

The fire place.

And tadah! After 2 months+, presenting you our cozy house. Looks good uh! :D

Keep Believing

2011-04-08T07:14:00.004+08:00

Keep believing.

Hahahah! I know I know, I drew this with paint. :D

Past

2011-03-25T06:19:00.003+08:00

Make peace with the past so it won't screw up the present.

But sad to say, I often let it happen.

Hard to be away from HOME

2011-03-23T07:38:00.021+08:00

I'm back, like finally! Finally updating this dead space again for those few who still visit this space every now and then.
Posting on Facebook wall is just not enough, there's so much more I want to rant. In fact too much and I don't know where I should start from.
Right, I shall start with the very first day, before I left everything behind for S.
Really didn't expect so many to turn up at the airport since my flight is so early. But for those who did turn up (Li Hui you're not included! Hahaha!), I'm truly thankful. Thank you for waking up even before the sunrise, for rushing down from as far as Jurong, for being late for work just to send me off.
And Lindy and Jing Wen, thank you girls for staying over at my place the previous night to accompany me through the night playing dai-dee and HTHT. Mixture of feelings I have and I'm really glad to have you two with me.

Bear, the beary-good-friend of mine over the past 4 years. Always there to listen to what I have to say. Always there for me when I need you most. If there's anything I can't tell anyone else, I know I can turn to you.
Nik, treated me like a sister and protecting/taking good care of me just like any brother. When I was upset and confused, you're always there to tell me things I need to hear.
Chuan, although you're one irritating ass, I still love you! Hahahah!
Xing, hey! I didn't "back stab" you hor! I really wish you can find your Miss Right soon! (:
Really happy for S that he has you guys as his friends. Although he has gone MIA according to you guys, he really misses you all. Even when we were out for shopping, he will ask me "you think this one can buy for the guys?"

"Time is not a matter", this does not only apply to any relationship, but our friendship too. Interning at OP is really a pain, but if I can choose again, I will go through the same pain, just for you Lindy Chong!

Dad and Meng Meng. ❤

S' parents, who's also mine now. (:

Despite my bad-temper and all the flaws I've, she's always there for me.

Primary school mate, secondary school mate and friends for life.

I've never thought that poly life will turn out like this for me, everyone's telling me how poly life rocks and what not, but it turned out totally DIFFERENT for me! If not for you girls, I know I will drop out on the very first day of school.

Presents from the lovelies.

Leaving everything behind and flying to Texas alone is really not as easy as I thought.

I know right, before that I was all eager to fly over to find S, and so everyone thinks that I'll be finally happy over here.

Not that I wasn't happy to reunion with S, but there's alot more for me to bear.

Leaving everyone behind the gate was indescribable hard and hugging everyone before entering the gate doesn't help abit. And Jing Wen made it worst by tearing. I tried my very best not to tear, not before everyone, not before I enter the gate, not before till everyone's left.

And after I entered the gate, I am a wuss. I cried every now and then throughout the trip - before I board the plane, in the plane to Tokyo, at Tokyo airport, at San Frans airport, in the plane to Dallas Fort worth. The long flight, transits and time difference made it worst. Trying hard to stay awake at 3 a.m is torturous.

Seeing S at the airport with a bouquet of roses did cheer me up, but after that day I practically cried every night for over 2 weeks. Not exaggerating.

It just feel so... weird? Amazing in a bad way? Like just before that I was still having breakfast with my family and friends over at Singapore and now I'm lying on the bed at my new apartment in this unfamiliar country.

Felt so far apart from home and everyone, mentally and literally.

Marché

2011-01-14T22:45:00.003+08:00

Lunch with the girls at Somerset 313 Marché. (:
The ambiance is good, I like the setting! The food is so-so though, not much varieties of food but the company is great! :D
We talked for hours over there, really happy to catch up with them after so long.

Watch from S

2010-12-30T23:22:00.008+08:00

Finally met up with Osh at town. Had a hair cut (my fringe!!!) and some shopping at FEP.

Oh! Before that, I got a notice from SingPost. Was so so excited when received it cause I knew it's a parcel from S! :D He got me a watch for Christmas.

Happy Birthday S

2010-12-29T00:00:00.005+08:00

Dedicating this post to the most amazing boy in my life - S! ❤
Happy birthday Baby! ((:

DIY photo frame as birthday present for him! :D

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T20:43:00.007+08:00

Merry Christmas!
This is suppose to be our first Christmas together, but... ):

Anyway, S sent me some photos, the people there really put in a lot of effort to decorate their houses! So pretty! I'm sure they looked more beautiful in real life.

Rainbow

2010-12-12T15:22:00.009+08:00

You will meet people that is ordinary, you will meet people that is rich, you will meet people that is nasty, you will meet soulfully people but when you meet someone who is like a rainbow so colorful to you, you must use your two hands to grab it cause she is the best thing in life. ❤

Quality time with S

2010-12-08T23:55:00.003+08:00

Simple, blissful and quality time spent with S before he left.

21/11/10
Dinner at Market place. (:

5/12/10
Lunch with S and family. (:

Idiot boy! Secretly took this photo of my fat tummy! :(

❤

8/12/10
Dinner at a Korean restaurant at Iluma. Shopping at Bugis street after that and bubble tea from I ❤ Taimei. (:

Meet Ups before S leave

2010-12-06T23:44:00.004+08:00

Dinner with the guys at Yan Palace yesterday and today with the girls at Vivocity's Shin Kushiya. After dinner, had some desserts at Häagen Dazs before heading home. (:
Last meet up with them before S left for Texas.

17 Nov 2010 - Our ROM

2010-11-17T21:50:00.005+08:00

I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart and my love. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more everyday. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us. —— Shao Yong & Meng Lan (17 Nov 10)

Since long time ago I have been wondering how my future husband will look like.
On this day, my wish has finally came true. I'm so glad to know that you're THE ONE. ❤

2010 has been an amazing and incredible year for me, so much have happened in this year. Although not all happy events, I'm thankful that most are.
In 2010, I got to know S better during his 21st birthday dinner (on the 2nd Jan, I've really good memories. Haha!). Actually we have known each other or rather knew each other's existence since 20 Dec 2006 at a chalet, but I didn't really take much notice of him. Although after the chalet we did went out a few times in group, still there isn't much interaction between us, cause he was always so quiet.
When he texted me, I thought it was just a normal dinner with the usual group. I didn't know that he's asking me out to his birthday dinner which he invited close friends only. I was really surprised when I found out later, cause I don't think we can be considered as close friends.
In 2010, not only I got to know S better, we got together after 3 months of texting.
In 2010, I've travelled to many places like Genting, Bintan and Taiwan. This is the first time I'm travelling to other countries other than China.
I celebrated my 21st birthday.
I finally got to see my Jay Chou (Hey! It's considered as a big event ok! Haha!).
S proposed to me, and I'm MARRIED! I have never imagined that I'll get married this year!

It's really not easy to prepare a solemnisation, and it's even more tiring on the actual day.
We got to wake up early in the morning, prepared everything and brought over to the venue, there's lots of things to be brought over.
Spent 1 hour+ doing make up and hair, after that got to start receiving the guests, taking photos with them. And it doesn't help when the planner suddenly came to inform that the weather doesn't look good, the solemnisation got to be done in indoor instead of outdoor. I was so affected when I heard about it, and I started to pray that the rain will stop and it really did stop! Just before the solemnisation started, and so they got to rush and shift the table back to outdoor again. And there's another hiccup happened just before the solemnisation started, I've actually forgotten to print the vows! I was so panic when the solemniser asked for it. Luckily I brought my laptop, and the planner quickly went to get a thumb drive and printed it out for me.

The scorching sun, killer heels, going around entertaining the guests, taking photos, and even after everything ends, we still got to stay back for few more hours to take more photos.

Eve of ROM

2010-11-17T00:55:00.005+08:00

On the eve of our ROM, I gave S a little surprise. For the past 8 months, most of the time he was the one who gave me all sorts of surprises. Little surprises like popping by my work place, delivering supper to my house, buying roses for me, getting dress/camera that I've been eyeing on and etc, and of course there are big surprises like my 21st birthday party.

Farwell Surprise at Marina Bay Sands

2010-11-13T17:06:00.004+08:00

The guys actually planned a farewell surprise for us at Marina Bay Sands and we only got to know about it on the actual day. They just hid it too well.
But thanks guys! For organising this farewell surprise for us, you guys actually asked my friends along too. :D
Girls! Thanks for coming! The video you all have done for me is awesome, totally! ❤
And Jing Wen, thanks for being so thoughtful, you actually brought sleeping clothes, facial foam and all for me, but you forgot to bring extra set of bikini for me! ):
Before MBS, S and I had dinner with my family at Galley by the Straits.
Work sucks! I missed out Meng Meng's army event because it. I have already promised him that I will definitely go, but end up? )): So to make up, the dinner was supposed to be on me, but Dad insisted to pay for it.