Merdeka 2008

It's M'sian independence day today! Whenever I see the triumphant three cries of Merdeka by Malaysia's first prime minister, my heart always swells up with pride with what my nation has achieved without wars and bloodbath. We obtained our independence from the British in a valid, peaceful way. The founders of the independent Malaysia worked hard to weave a tight multicultural social fabric, to build up a forward and prosperous country. Although I've been living away from Malaysia for the past couple of years, I do follow her news and developments through the Malaysian dailies online, and M'sian blogs. Recent developments such as the election at Permatang Pauh, the ineffective governance of the country and the general political instability concerns me very much. Internal power struggles within the major political parties, selfish desires and narrow minded politicians are threatening to put our country into reverse gear. This Merdeka, instead of swelling with pride and reflecting with happiness how far we've made it, I will be praying for stability in the country in a harmonious way.

Being Healthy

I'm going through a phase right now. The healthy food craze. Ever since we got the house, I've been paying more attention to what I cook, what I eat, what foods I buy. Perhaps it's because now that I've got the whole kitchen to myself now I like to pretend I can do something with it. With food prices heading north every day, I'm inclined to buy the cheapest produce and these are not necessarily the freshest. But after watching Jamie Oliver on telly where he highlighted the plight of battery hens (they may be easy on the wallet, but the hens lives in tortuous conditions for the duration of their short lives) I now think twice about the price of the food and the corresponding quality. I go to the Chinese grocery stores and see bok choy selling for $2 for 3 bunches and I wonder whether it's grown with the help of insecticide to quicken maturity time. I see chicken fillets at the butcher and wonder if they come from the thighs of fatty battery hens.

So. I want to know where my food comes from. To start, I am planting my own herb garden, starting with some coriander. They're probably my favourite herbs, I just love the smell of them! We've bought two planter boxes, and a bag of soil to fuel my high hopes of a flourishing herb garden consisting of coriander, basil, mint and rosemary. I'm going to plant bok choy too since my vege diet seems to consist a lot of them. A vegie patch is certainly on the books. And that's all my little house can handle right now. Till we get a bigger one I'll stop short of rearing of my own chicken and porkers.

Wedding Invites

They arrived yesterday in real style. Wrapped securely in two layers of brown paper and covered in two different plastic coverings to protect them of spillage or rain. Lastly, they were carried in a thick cardboard bag. They were transported by hand, carried onboard a MAS plane, then taken to the city centre of Melbourne where I received them. My invites have arrived! The smell of the cards are pleasingly fragrant, and I just love the traditional red and gold embossing on the cardboard. Inside, we've chosen pearly ivory paper with black fonts. You can just tell that I'm one of those who like to smell the new school books every beginning of term, can't you?

Church

 

I thought I would share this place that I will be getting married in. This building is steeped in history. During its existence since 140 years ago, it must have witnessed many, many weddings just like mine. It has a seating capacity of 80, which is perfect for my small wedding. During the day, light streams in and casts multicoloured hues on the carpeted floor from its many stained glass windows alongside the walls. There is also an organ at the front, which will play Canon in D by Pachebel as I walk in on my dad's arm. The reverend has also kindly arranged for the bells to be rung once we are announced to the audience as Mr & Mrs C. It is a manually pulled, heavy big bell which you will be able to observe from the picture above. Call me old-fashioned, but I just love the historical value of this old church, and it's fairy-tale setting!

How Many More Days?

Yesterday was 08/08/08, a date many considered a lucky day to be married. In the papers, it was mentioned that 24 couples registered at the local marriage registry, which was double the number of couples for a normal Friday. The coverage of happy brides looking adoringly at their new husbands, and beaming happily at the camera made me think about my own impending one. So err... how many more days to go to my wedding? A colleague at work (male colleague, mind you!) is keeping count for me, and I think he's up to 76 days or something like that. I don't keep count of the days, I keep count of the things I have to do!

Today on my list was 'makeup and hair trial'. I got Jackie my friendly makeup artist to do smoky eyes effect for me, blending purple and pink with black kohl. She recommended all my hair up for a sophisticated look and also for my comfort. Having curls down didn't suit my hair type which straightened easily (unless I got a ball perm to set it) and might straightened midway through the day. I also did not need to fiddle with my hair during the wedding.

I was pretty satisfied with the end result, although the upswept hair does give me a matured look somewhat (she countered this by asking me if I have reached my 25th birthday yet. I don't know if she's just trying to make me feel better...). Besides, airbrushing technology these days.... what I can't hide with makeup I can do it with Photoshop!!