Down Tone
Maybe it's the crazy cold weather. Maybe it's the tummy virus. Maybe it's just me.
Felt really down yesterday and nothing seemed to cheer my spirits up. Not even the Chicken Rice that Darien cooked for me specially. Poor thing did it in the afternoon and left me instructions via sms on how to cook the chicken properly. And the rice was yummylicious as usual.
I cleaned up while he went to a friend's place. And before he left, I said... I think I'm depressed. He didn't know how to respond so he said everything will be okie and left.
And when he came back to find me in front of the comp with tears down my cheeks. I think he was stunned. Cuddled me in his arms for a bit. And asked if I wanted to talk. But yet I didn't...
I think I just needed to be alone for now. I dunno why. Maybe it's my down time but I am hoping this would go away soon.
I'm tired of being me for now. I think I need a new adventure.
All PUMPED Up!
Two gym classes on and my thighs are burning...
Was slightly berated by the partner (who's a personal trainer by day and hubbi by night) last night abt the multitude of excuses that I can find to avoid the gym. Plus the fact that I lost my passion to work out. Which reminded me of the fact that we promised each other early in the relationship that we are supposed keep our own bodies fit and attractive for the other party in the relationship... and of course... health reasons. hiaks!
So left work at 5 promptly and rushed back home to change and catch a ride with Darien to the gym. Went for the Pump class... which I absolutely lurve... followed by the Balance class for a bit of stretching.
And two hours later, muscles burning. Legs trembling. I took a shower and we went for dinner. But I felt great. At least I know that I got my heart rate up. Next up would hopefully be a spinning class cos we are hoping to go for at least one Round the Bay cycling expedition around Mornington before heading back to SingLand next year.
Darien was toying with the idea of going to South Africa early Jan next year for this cycling trip that one of the guys at the gym is organizing. Apparently it would be the biggest group of cyclers at one go. Loads of sight seeing and we will ride to Victoria Falls. Beauty! But I think moolah would be a prob though. We'll see!
Chicken Rice Heaven
Darien decided to spoil his missus and our whole group of frenz with homecookedchickenrice on Sat night. Cos chickenrice boy was working at a stall near his house when he was 12. His rice is always yummy and fragrant. So we hopped to Vic Mart to buy our stuff.
The guys came over for a night of chicken rice, soup and veges and not forgetting MJ on Sat. and we had so much food that everyone was stuffed in the face. Dinner was unusually quiet again cos of another busy week but the noise started picking up when the XBOX was turned on and the MJ tiles came up.
Arsenal was playing Man U that night and so the boys stayed till abt 4 in the morn. And get this. I was ironing work clothes till abt the same time. Baloney. For some strange reason I just can't sleep. Dunno why. Slept till 1030 the next morn and the only time I briefly open my eyes was when Darien kissed me before he left for his training.
Cruisey Sunday
Had the slowest sunday yesterday with the gals and we had such a cruisey time just wandering around flea markets (although they were not as good as the prev weeks). Darien was busy with his Cert 4 training in the morning and so I thought I would tag along with Dawn n Ros for a little bit of walkwalk at St Kilda.
After picking up Ros, we headed to SKPS for the Living Arts Market... hoping that we would be able to find our (current) favourite jeweller there to pick up some new finds but alas... they were not there as promised! Not even the mudcakecupcake lady was there. hmpf...
So we left and headed to the St Kilda esplanade to trek the flea market cos Dawn wanted to get another Resin ring. But guess wat happened again? The stall wasn't open too. Sounds like there must be a big rave party the night before and no one under 25 was working on this particular Sunday morning. And all we had were grouchy stall holders who "doesn't want to copy someone else's design" Huh?
Darien joined us later and we had lunch at Stokehouse. And it was yummy to the max. A plate of fish and chips to share. And a main each. I had the spaghettini marinara and the two Ds had duck ristotto. I was peeling the mussels out for Darien when I made this lewd comment abt it and it made him crack up. hee.
But we had fun and just chitchats abt the people that we know and how some of them are just so extreme. When we were done, we had the choc mousse and banana & custard dessert, which were just excellent.
He had to pop off for another meeting. For somereason or another, he's been pretty busy. So we went to Chapel to see and look before I met him at home for a nap. And dinner. Not much time spent but I guess a little time apart will make the heart a little fonder.
Oh! And just another observation. We were having dinner with Dawn and saw another couple a few tables away and they were just having dinner together, without much conversation. And I thought I 'm quite blessed in the sense that I know I'll always have something to talk about to Darien. Be it just teasing him or just annoying him with repeated questions, he would never cease engage my interest in conversations.
The only time we dun talk is when we (a) fight and (b) have magazines or newspapers around us. :p
Sunday Night Chillout...
So the gf in Singland almost got a job at the firm where the ex works. How small is this world. But I dun think she went for the second interview.
Anyway we stuffed ourselves silly again last night at Malaya Inn. Food was marvellous and it was a rather quiet dinner. I guess everyone had a really busy week and not much of a feast until last night. But we had like 7 dishes and also free desserts. Yumz. Pulau Hitam. And we've also ordered ice kachang and chendol.
Darien told of the time when we first met and our love story. It's amazing how many details we remember abt the day that we first met. His white pants. His subway sandwich. Me sitting behind the pillar. Him thinking that I'm just a silly gal. The Lygon Street Fest. The swings. The cookies. It was fun. Although his story points towards the main point where I suposedly started liking him first and wanted to jump him the first time I saw him. tsk tsk... I beg to differ...
By the time we got home, we were so full that both of us just climbed into bed and vegged out. Poor Rustie had to entertain himself with his bone cos we couldn't drag ourselves to play with him on the floor. Darien fell asleep soon after and I just snugged up next to him.
Had the funniest and scariest dream last nite. I have been reading too much news online and it merged with wat happened on sat nite. So it was kinda nightmarish. Had to wake up in the middle of the night to makesure that it was just a dream.
Wine and Cheese
We had fun last night at Dawn's. Just catching up with some of her frenz over pasta, lamb, cheese and of course... loadz of alcohol. *nb: not a lot was consumed!*We spent the day just loitering around Chapel Street. Altering our Sass and Bide jeans and having a rather interesting chat with the lady boss. She was the most interesting character I met in awhile.But it was fun. We had loads of chitchat happening. Also, manged to convince Darien that Summer (Ross's pup) went to the Solarium to tan. hee. The silly boy actually fell for it. But I had a good chat with Ros. Haven't met her since Hen's night and Rustie got to see his surrogate mum for 2 weeks, Jess.Darien told me something that happened during his class last night and contents of which I will not publish but I am glad that he's got his heart in the right place. It's quite complimenting for him and I wish that he had an easier way out of the situation but it's such a tough call. Today was spent jewellery shopping. Dawn and I went fanatic at the Living Arts Flea Market at St Kilda Pri. I bought a gorgeous green n silver necklace and a set of earrings for $125. Such a bargain cos they normally retail for at least $300. And they are such good pieces.We brought the boys out and Rustie had his pink polo on while Seiko had his orange one on. It's a little embarrassing to tell people that we got them from Polo Ralph. Enjoyed the brief sunshine & sausage sizzle. And we had the best mud cake cupcake! Yumz... so todiefor...Later on we hopped to Body and I got another bronze bracelet. While Dawn got another 2 more pieces. Yikez... we have to stop spending.My poor babe is out training all of today. Cos he volunteered for the admin, he left at the break of the foggy dawn. Smothered me with kisses before he left... and left me lingering for more. hmpf.Now I'm just waiting for him to come back so that we can meet some frenz for a sizzling sambal dinner at Malaya Inn tonight. Can't wait!
Bottega
Last night, Darien decided to make up for his negligance to his newfound missus that he brought me out to a really yummy dinner @ Bottega.
But first up, he met me after work to go shopping and some sushi indulgence. So we headed to a couple of stores and tried some new stuff. Saw a skirt at Lolitta that I fancy and a teal top at Kookai that I would probably purchase. The only thing I got was a three piece bangle from Kookai.
Then we scooted home to change and look our fancy dinner best to go to Bottega. Wore my new jewellery from Alannah Hill & Sportsgirl, which looked fantastic. Was rather excited by the dressing up cos the last time I got to do that was at the wedding a fortnite ago.
We were halfhour late for our reservation but service was excellent all night. The mains were delish but not big enuff. Which was rather surprising cos the last time I was there for my Hen's night, we had rather sizeable portions. But they did make up the loss with their todiefor desserts. They were amazing.
Darien had the pannacotta with fresh berries and I had the softcentred chocolate cake. And by softcentred, we mean the minute the knife poked through the cake, the entire filling fell out and the centre portion collapsed. Yumz... We did an excellent job of wipin' the plates clean! hee... Oh.. forgot to mention the italian Muscato Di Asti that we had. Lovely dessert wine. So light and refreshing...
But I think the best part of the evening was the chance we had to catch up on things. Life has been terribly busy since our wedding and we barely had the chance to touch base with each other. So last night was a good opp to have some handholding times, some reminiscence and sweet nothings. *smilez*
Life's good. Not complaining...
Snoozie
Omigod... i took a nap at work today. something rather out of the norm for me. When I called D to tell him that I did it. He fell over and asked if I just snoozed at my desk without knowing... :o)
But I reassuredly told him that I took the short snooze at the lunch corner. Was going to fallinto deep slumber when I shook myself up and went for lunch. Scary. It will not happen again.
Was tempted to walk to the boss' table to tell him that I would like to be excused home for EXHAUSTION but a little voice in my head told me that it wasn't a wise career move.
So to solve the problem... I am going back home to SLEEP. All these late nights are not doing me any good. *And yes, its time you should hop into bed the same time as me Dearie.* Not be hooked onto the comp!
(although I know that I am guilty of hogging your comp last night!)
Food Fest
Past and Present
Last night I was just chatting to a sec school friend online, and she asked why I chose Darien over my ex. It's been a good three years since I had to deal with that kind of question and I felt like I was transported back in time.
Backthen, it felt like things were perfect and everyone loved him. We were sixteen when we started going out and that lasted for 5 whole years. I used to think that I found the ONE. And everyone else thought so too.
But as we grow older, (or rather I grew older) it felt rather stifling. Like somehow we were not growing at the same rate. He was spending most weekends either @ home or with my parents. I was here in melbourne, making frenz and striving for my bachelors. Time passed, though there was a fair bit of communication, I met Darien in uni. He was different.
Older, Calmer, Wilder, Relaxed. (ooh... a good bod @ the time too.)
We had a ball of a time. Fancy dinners, theatres, wine appreciation, partying, getting drunk for the first time, late night movies, home delivered food when I was sick. He was just what I needed at the point. A person who looks after me.
We fought abt the fact that we might not end up together and that what we are doing was wrong. Some nights were spent crying and I would walk to his apartment for some solace. People were angry with us for a really long time. Names were thrown and a lot of misunderstandings were raised. We broke up with our respective partners. (I know it was tough for my ex. and much regretted the sorrow that he was put through) It was so horrible and such a trying period but yet, I found myself wanting to be with him even more.
And we chose each other. And its been almost 3 years now, we've got rings on our fingers and vows to the end of our lives. And everything just felt so right. We are still crazy about each other. And yet @ the same time, want the best of the other.
So why did I break up with the One? Cos I felt that I needed to rest and let someone take over the caretaker role in a relationship. And a bigger set of shoulders to lean on and a stronger grip on my hands to lead me through tough times.
Last that I knew, he is with someone that he's crazy about and they've just moved in together. I am so happy for them cos I know that he would treat her right and that they would work something rather beautiful together. *winkz*
PS: dunno if he'll be reading this, but hey... I apologize for the hard times. I know things could've been done much better.
New Wedding Pics Added
Okie... The pics are finally up... So go to this previous post and see the collage.
On a separate note, I owe Darien a big big apology for being locked out of the apartment for a good 4 hours... I didn't think that my stubborness would result in a lockout... Hee. But then again, becos of that, we managed to get a locksmith down to fix our lock and the best part is that we are charging it to the landlord.
Dawn's Burfday Drinks
It has been a gastronomical weekend... And I swear there's probably three inches added around my waist now due to the gigantic amount of food that I pumped into my body. Feel so bad...
It all started Friday night where we gathered and trekked to the Canary Club @ Melbourne Lane to celebrate Dawn's biggo 29th Birthday. An order of Sweet Tapas and Churros, dipped in Chocolate proved to be insufficient so we had another round of churros. The boys as usual were up to their funny best and just indulging themselves in some guy time. (meaning that they just keep talking and forget abt our existence) So the gals were onto shopping and just some regular updates on our personal lives.
Bought Dawn a flaming lamboghini and she was smacked out right after that! Haha! The rumor is true that she is an inexpensive date cos one champers and 1 drink and she's good to go.... We chilled for bit before heading home!
Sat and Sunday nights were spent having dinner with her family and boy! it sure was a banquet. 10 course dinner on Sat night @ Shark's Fin House and a 15 course meal last night @ Lucky Chan. The meals were amazing. Peking Duck, Freshly steamed fish, Hashima Dessert... Yumz... We ate till we could eat no more... Yen was the HOT favorite cos he could eat so so much! We then went to their suite to see the view and it was just beautiful... the suite was really huge and well decorated. We then tried our luck at gambling... hee! Lost $60 in the end but we had a ball @ Roulette. Darien was just having fun at the tables.
So when we lost the final chip and waited for the rest of them to hop to Cafe Greco's with us... he gave a big cuddle and told me that he loved me... ha! seems like marriage is bringing a bigger romantic out of him...
The sweetest thing that happened on Sunday morning was that he woke up and couldn't find me so he panicked! Only to realize that I was playing with Adobe Photoshop in the second bedroom... So I got dragged back to bed for more snooze time with him till abt mid day.
So yeah... that was the weekend actually. We've got our wedding photos developed. Just waiting to find another B&W processor that can do our professional films. Will post more pics soon.
A toast to my Mom & Dad
The relationship with your parents is something so deep that it's so hard to comprehend the intensity and familiarity of it. It's like no matter how far you are apart, you never lose touch. And no matter how old you grow, you will always be their baby. And they have this amazing ability to read through your mind and thoughts.
Mom and Dad popped down to Melbourne for our last minute wedding last Friday and they spent a total of seven days here in Melbourne. Knowing that Dad is coming down with Mom this time round brings some relief as I know that she's totally dependent on him for all things. So I picked them up on Fri Morn... and it was so nice to finally see them after a couple of months.
Drove them back home and we went out for brekkie with Darien, Chermaine & Marcus (who were visiting from Singapore) @ Cafe SweetHearts. Had a fun time just chitchatting with all of them. They just get along so well with our frenz. Left them @ the South Melbourne market to wander ard while Darien and I ran some errands. And we dropped them in the airport to rest before heading for dinner @ Pacific House.
Sat was spent rushing ard preparing for the wedding so they got to go to Victoria Market to explore on their own. We had our reception @ nite and Dad got to walk me down the aisle.
Throughout dinner, they had the chance to meet our frenz and my workmates and people just adored them. The thing about them is that they are so approachable that nothing fathoms them. Anyone can talk about anything under the sun with them and they do not pass much judgement...
In fact they had a chance to get to know Darien better when they were here. Cos most of our courtship was based in Melbourne and a lot of times, when we go back to Singland, we don't have much chance to hang out @ the same time with one set of parents. So this time round, they can see how he is like and give their sign of approval. So they've deemed that he's pretty easy going and that he's quite chin chye about food.
I had the chance to spend quality time with them during the days that I was on annual leave. We strolled around the city, had cakes, went supermarket shopping, brought Rustie out, cooked for the guys. It was fun. The best parts happens during breakfast where we would all gather and chat, especially @ Babka's. It's so good to know that you've got parents who are cool with your frenz. And you know that they are Exceptional, when your friends insist on keeping their "promises" to come for dinner when they are invited. So it was a blast!
I remembered that I took a shower on Thursday night and Mom came into the room and insisted on helping me blowdry my hair and I felt so loved and pampered as I took time to chat with her while surfing the Net.
Rustie lurved Dad. His gramps just adore him as well and brings him out on walks. And he gets so many pats and cuddles and affection when they are around. Last night, he spent the night sleeping with them and he snuggled up to Dad, like the way he does to Darien and I when he sleeps. He only does this to people whom he really really loves. It was so heartwarming to see the affection that even Mom had for Rustie. When Dad left today, he was whinging and crying in the car... it was as though he knew that he was not going to be around for a little while more.
As for me, when I sent them to the airport today, I cannot help but feel my heart getting heavier as we get closer. It felt like some part of my heart was being torn away. Like I'm losing something that I hold so dear and that I have no control to hold onto. They were so calm and collected when we left. After checking in, we went for brekkie @ Hungry Jacks. Had a chat about a short trip @ the end of the year to Thailand and then they had to go.
I think they know that I'm bad at separation cos I cry whenever I'm leaving Singapore or when they leave Melbourne to head back home. So after a kiss and a hug from each of them, they just quickly walked into the gates. I can't help it... I miss them already. I wanna go home with them...
And Darien knows that I'm going to be a little bit wrecked tonight so he's coming home to give me loads of kisses and cuddles as soon as he can.
And with that... it's finally alone time for the both of us to sit down and reflect on the tremendous amount of blessings that we have received in the last few days and months of our lives.
Preps on the Day
It has been a couple of days since we had the sweetest day of our lives. It was just so beautiful and non-perfect that we would remember it for a long time.
The day started out with an abrupt phone call that had shaken me out of my deep rest. Can't help but feel rather shocked and distressed. Turned out to be the courier man who's delivering some flowers for me from my cuzzies in America. Jumped outta bed, washed up and got dressed before rushing down to the lobby to pick those up. Great choice of Lavendar colored flowers.
Got up and cozied into bed with Darien and we snoozed for a little bit more before getting up to run last minute errands. He dropped me in the city before going to the airport to fetch a friend from Sydney. Got meself a latte and started to rush through time. Collected Rose petals, upgraded my mobile and had to get my mani and pedi done. Found myself falling asleep while she was doing my nails.
Next up was the decor @ Churchers. Darien picked me up and we scooted off to there. (I think you can tell by now that we are so short of time that day) Set up the flowers and the decor in two hours and by then we were STARVING. The fiance then had to do a food run and to buy some other groceries as well before getting back with some Macca's.
Then it was off for some makeup and hair styling. And for some ME time. Took some time out before the appointments to just walk around and breathe a little. I admit that that I was freaking out at that point in time. Didn't know if I was going to cry or not. Trying to sort all these last minute stress and thoughts out of my mind. It was crazy. But after talking to Tini, I figured that everything was going to be a ok.
Popped home rite after and then got hair done by James. It turned out so well with the cybedium orchirds and to do some last minute things before heading off to get WED...
A night to celebrate
So we arrived at Churchers @ 7. Dawn drove my parents and me down and in the middle of the car ride, we realized that the hand bouquet wasn't with us. I knew something was clearly missing when we left the house... Good thing Marcus, Chermaine and Zili were still home so they managed to bring it to the venue.
Everything was so perfect. The setting. The music. The people.
Dad walked me in and we had the celebrant there to perform our ceremony. Darien was so nervous that his hands were wet and his face had this weird look. Haha. We had an "Irish Blessing" read by both Chermaine and James. Its was so beautiful. The pinnacle of it all is when we exchanged personalized vows. Darien said the sweetest words. Although I'm pretty sure that he must have done enough research online cos some of the words used were rather deep. hmmm... Right after, We exchanged rings. Then, we had to sign the deed of promise.... Then everyone was invited to come and congratulate us. We got so much love that night. It was amazing.
The Moroccan Lamps were so beautiful as centrepieces, adorned by the complimenting tealight holders. And we had the best florist in the world. Sebastian, from Flowers Vasette. He managed to arrange our flowers so amazingly and still well within our budget. We ended up with the tropical look.
The entire night was just so ideal. Darien gave a thank you cum welcome speech to everyone. And we started our meals. Food was so so. But the company was great. We went around to chat with all the guests and had a chance to get to know my workmates' partners better.
Bruce gave our first toast, reminding everyone about our shoe throwing fights and our "joyous" noises. And Niraj has this wedding tradition where we have to kiss everytime someone rings the bell... And Yen proposed a YUM SENG to us. To which, Chris, Kinkini's American boyfriend, was rather amused.
Niraj baked our cake and we had "SuperModel" figurines on the cake. The cake was superbly fudgey. Absolutely like a BIG brownie. It was yummylicious. We ended up giving some to the restaurant staff cos they were eyeing it from the time it entered the door.
So the night ended with a dance. A first dance with my husband. It was so personal and private. A couple of sweet words were exchanged. We had a ball. Everyone joined us after that and we had the best of time just slow dancing. A couple of them exchanged partners as the music played and we were going on and mucked around. Bruce had an excellent taste in music!
Next up was the bouquet tossing and Darien had a ball just teasing them. I tried my hardest to be fair but in the end... Dawn caught it! haha.... funnie.... She's going to chapel and she's gonna get married! SOON!!!
We cleared the reception area that night and headed off to Public Bar for drinks and by then we were so knackered. Dad bought everyone a round of drinks and he had a ball of a time just chatting with my friends. By the end of the night, I think he had enough glasses of wine for a good night's rest...
Darien drove him back to the hotel and then headed home to wait for me. We had to drag Dawn back home cos she was quite hammered before we went back home. For a little bit of cuddles and a good night's rest.
