Tangled in Beauty

Tangled, The Rapunzel Tale is most beloved, one of the most beautiful animation films I have seen of late, laced with enchanting music and songs, filled with amazingly mesmerizing scenes, and topped with a little whip cream of laughters! A perfect mix for a perfect family viewing. Disney does make all dreams come true...and on dreams, I have recently also discovered some really beautiful blogs to have some crushes on - Modern Day Vintage, Lace and Tea and Inspiration. All shares very similar passion, the love for all things beautiful in life. Such moments in life are truly moments worth take a break and ponder on...life can be beautiful if you want it to, REALLY..

View From Our Bedroom Window

Since we moved our bed facing the other way, thanks to my hubby, we have a much better view of the happening malls right infront of us, and most of all, the vast area of the skyline, as far as our eyes can see. Sometimes, it's great to just have something to look forward to everyday, especially at the end of the day! Though it's still not my most ideal view of a window, but it will have to do for now:)

A Fresh New Friday

Ryan turns 10 today. 10 years is most definitely a milestone. What have I accomplished for the past 10 years? Gave birth to two lovely sons, established our own business of film and television, getting to know myself better along the way, among other ups and downs in life. I am still on this journey, a journey I truly believe is never-ending. There is always something new to be discovered each passing day, like a day like this one. I accidentally realized how to do certain things better, how to tweak this blog of mine into something new and refreshing, an improved version. I guess it's a tradition, to make a small little change to my blog every year. I am very pleased indeed, for I now believe, and have always been, there is always new things to be learnt, to be discovered, to be treasured and great memories to be remembered. My feelings now? Truly ABOVE and BEYOND! Happy Happy birthday, my dear Ryan. Love always and forever, your mommy:)

Old and New Friends

I wanted to throw a suprised birthday party for Patrick recently but I failed miserably. I guess when you are around each other so often that I realized it could be hard to be a surprise anymore for it is bound to be discovered, that little secret mission of yours. That was what happened to me, to be exact. Anyway, I wanted this year's birthday celebration to be a little different, and also the fact that I missed some of my old friends quite a fair bit. When you move along with your daily life, you tend to be less reachable for everyone is occupied with the mundane life of earning a living. I got some of our very first work colleague together and these are some of the most memorable first bunch of friends whom I had made in my first job, after graduation! Sid came in the next day after me, and later turned out to be Patrick and my best friend in sharing our passion and love for films. Joey, always busy working away infront of her PC but would be "crazy" enough to offer herself to be the female "victim" in our small little horror movie we eventually made while working there. My most memorable memory of Gary has always been his keen interest in entertaining us all with his jokes and advices, and lots of interesting stories. Fung will always be the inquisitive and charming supporter of all. Boy, we had fun back then, we created our own small FILM CLUB fondly called E=MC2 where we would screen movies once a week at the mini theatre, we enlisted ourselves in a short film appreciation course offered by the infamous PATRICK TAM, who was co-incidentally, working there, under a different division - script development. We were bombarded with more foreign films, films that we would not have had a chance to watch if it were not for the classes then. Looking back, though I was never in the film and TV department, I was blessed enough for that first job was the one that fueled my passion for the moving images, and for now, which I still harbour the hope to one day excel in my own world of movie making! Thanks friends, for coming back again, for the sake of good old times, and see, now that we have extended our circles to more kids, and new little friendships along the way! I had a great time that day, I sincerely hope that the birthday "boy" had experienced the same too.

Even though we don't really celebrate Christmas but I guess it is one of the favourite occasions, apart from Chinese New Year. The mood it brings during this time of the year is almost magical and inspirational, with all the decorations, lights, Christmas trees, carols, stage performances all around the shopping malls in town. This is also one of the best time to go shopping! We love to bring the boys out to join in the fun. This year, it is extra special for we get to meet my grandmother who comes all the way from KB, as well as a get together with my uncle and auntie who are flying in from the States. A time to count the blessings and have a joyous time.

A Surprise From Netherlands

To be reunited with a friend of more than 30 years is something for we have not seen each other for almost 15 years, since we graduated from high school. My friend, June and her small family came all the way from Netherlands. It was her trip back home. We were fortunate enough to meet up this time around. This is also the first time I was introduced to her son, Jian Carlo. He was fast asleep in the hotel room when I arrived, but I also had a chance to meet Peter, her husband. The coming week was a lovely one, especially for Ryan and Aidan for they found a new friend to splash water with in the pool. We also met up that weekend at Penang (It was a co-incident that we were heading up north during that time). What for, one might think? FOOD, of course! We had a great time and I hope that my friend enjoyed our company as much as we have enjoyed having them around! Hope we meet again the next time you come home to Malaysia - June, Peter and Jian Carlo!

Agents, Actions & Consequences

Time flies. I felt it was only yesterday that Patrick and myself have attended his cousin, Justin Lim's solo arts exhibition titled MOMENTUM last September, and there we were, last Thursday, at TAKSU yet again, for his latest exhibition, AGENTS, ACTIONS & CONSEQUENCES (I love the title already). That night, we had two extra young arts "enthusiasts" tagging along - Ryan and Aidan. They seemed to be very intrigued by the paintings. Ryan loved the finger food while Aidan loved having me taking pictures of him by the paintings. Aidan even went to the extend of taking the booklet and went around the gallery to find and identify which painting is featured from the booklet! I could hardly concentrate on the series this time around, due to the distractions of them going in and out of toilet for whatever businesses that they were busy doing! Nonetheless, I managed to catch up with Justin himself, very briefly and also with a dear old friend, Sidney, who is also an artist himself. The most rewarding experience for the boys, I guess would be having Justin personally signed their booklets. My most favourite piece is Marathon. The Parachutes theme really hits me for they seem to draw me in completely with those floating parachutes in the air, as well as the very obvious naked butts staring right back at me, as an observer - pretty cool, I must admit. As we were leaving, the rain started to kick in (I faintly remembered it rained the last time as well) and it seems to secretly tell me that next year's rain will bring me back to his exhibition once again...

The Amazing 3 Divas Concert

It is always great when you can get free concert tickets. Patrick went and picked up two tickets (courtesy of his colleague) to the 3 Divas concert at Bukit Jalil for last Sunday show. I was thrilled that I could go, though I am sure he would love to go too, but somebody has to jaga the kids, right? So, I went with an old friend of mine. It consisted of somewhat like a full orchestra band, with quite a unique oval shaped stage where the 3 divas could perform. The minute the lights went off and the music flowed in, the whole crowd was immediately transported into that live performance mode. I was mesmerized by the visuals projected on stage, and most of all, enthralled by the vocal strength of these three Indonesian female singers - Kris Dayanti, Ruth Sahanaya and Titi DJ. They dazzled the audiences with glittering costumes, heavy make-up, lovely ballads and some really upbeat numbers. What makes it extra special was that they paid tribute to Siti Nurhaliza and Sheila Majid, who were among the audiences that night by singing some of their famous numbers like Lagenda and Sinaran (Siti's song I don't know the titles, haha!). Even Tun Mahathir and his wife were there. It was unforgettable simply because I had three young female Indonesian fans cheering, roaring and singing along all the way through the night, right beside me! It somehow lifted my mood and spirit for the concert itself. Most importantly, I enjoyed it tremendously. Nothing beats the experience of watching a GOOD live concert - you are bathed in the sights and sound of good music, great orchestra performances and truly EXCELLENT vocals. What more can I ask for?

A Wet Lunar New Year

Can't remember when was the last time I went around Jalan Pudu area for makan, must be ages ago. This year, my little brother, Ricky initiated our family Chinese New Year reunion lunch (not dinner) in this Chinese restaurant called Sek Yun. When we were about to leave, it started to rain. By the time we reached the restaurant, it was pouring cats and dogs. The food was delicate and deliciously prepared. It almost reminded me of my mum's home cooked food - simple yet is always satisfyingly tasty. This restaurant must have been around for quite some time for they even have a pretty old fashioned lantern hanging from the ceiling! (and also lobsters as decorations on the wall, do you believe it??) It's an interesting place to be. Later in the night, we went over to my sister's place for a real home cooked meal. As usual, my mum never fails to cook up a feast and leave us wanting for more. Thanks mum for the great food and tremendous effort. Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!

A Royale Treat

Though our Singapore Christmas trip didn't come true, we managed to give the boys a somewhat nearer to home sort of a holiday last Thursday. We checked ourselves into The Royale Bintang Damansara next to The Curve here instead. It is elegantly situated and we were pleasantly surprised by the Family Suite. It came with a King size bed (Patrick's favourite) and two single beds (for Ryan and Aidan), each at a different wing, facing one another but separated by a sliding door. A modern touch, with nice bed linen and a comfy couch to lay back onto, the suite is extremely pleasing to the mind and body. Even the boys loved it so much. We swam, we took the kids to the curve, the IKEA playground the next morning, had a hearty breakfast and another round of swimming at the pool. I even got a relaxing spa treatment at the Royale Spa courtesy of Patrick himself. It was truly a holiday break worth escaping to once in a while.

The Company of Friends

Life is quite strange. Most of us are working and living in KL yet we hardly meet. It takes two friends all the way from China to get us all together. Sometimes, when I think of it, it kind of hit me hard. Are we really that busy or we are just too lazy to make the move to get together. But I guess it has been part and parcel of a city life. We are too occupied with our separate lives that we tend not to think of other things which we deemed "less" priority. Well, at least, that rings true to me and me alone. What a shame. It was great that at least some of us got together recently. I finally got a chance to meet eyeballs to eyeballs with my friends' active little baby boy, Le Le for the very first time and a cute daughter of another friend. Heng even took a bus and came all the way from Melaka to make it to this particular gathering! It was really thoughtful of him. After talking and catching up with friends, I only began to realize that each and everyone of us is leading a very different yet similar sort of lives. We all have hopes and dreams, some have achieved them and some of us are still searching for that little magic in lives. Most of us have our own stories to tell, be it good or bad. Each experiences is unique yet we all belonged and live in this same big circle - the circle of life and I could only hope that with each passing day, it is more eventful and unforgettable.

A Bright and Colourful Mid Autumn (Mooncake) Festival

Last Friday was the actual mooncake festival but we stayed home and it started raining quite heavily close to midnight. Though we could not celebrate on the actual day, our family planned a gathering and dinner over at my sister's place in Cheras for the next night. My mum cooked her signature dish - dry chicken curry and I cooked chicken parmesan with basil sauce and "pulut hitam" (black gluttonous rice sweet dessert) and my sister contributed some other dishes as well. As usual, everybody gladly "sapu" my mum's delicious chicken! I was glad that my brother, Kenny who is now working in Singapore managed to make it back here for the dinner with his wife, Lynn. After dinner, the kids took their respective tang longs and we walked around the housing area and went to join the mooncake festivity at the park. It was really a happening occasion. Loads of families with their kids came out and celebrate. Lights and "tang long" (Chinese lanterns) were beautifully lit and decorated around the park. Kids running around, playing swings in the dark. It was truly a memorable sight.

A Family Birthday Gathering

Last Sunday we went over to OneU for a special gathering - Uncle Ming Lee's birthday dinner. We arrived earlier, Ryan and Aidan managed to persuade their "yeye" (grandfather) to buy them burger king before the actual dinner. As always, they usually get what they wanted for the grandpa loves them dearly! Ryan even sweet talked the "kakak" at the counter to give them each a free "burger crown" to put on! It is amazing to discover what a big family we have from the Moey's side, and that was not even everybody! Nonetheless, two of Patrick's aunties from Australia were here for holiday and one came with her family too. So, we had quite a number of adults and loads of kids to fill up the two tables. As usual, kids will always be kids. They had a great deal of fun running around and we adults had a great and fulfilling dinner all together. I was just glad that we could all come together and see each other again, amidst our busy schedule.

Cheeky Moments After A Serious Church Wedding

My brother's church wedding recently went on without any fuss. It started right on the dot after a slight down pour in KL on a Saturday afternoon. We were there just in time to change the boys into their tuxs and there came the bride, all in white. Even Ryan managed to behave himself and he walked down the aisle, with the ring in his hand, with much attention and care, like I have been reminding him so many times for the previous weeks before the actual wedding, thank goodness! (since Ryan and Aidan are two cheeky boys who can hardly stay still for a single second, I was afraid that both would make a scene during those important moments). It was a serious occasion and for someone who is not a christian like myself, I could barely feel the true meaning and joy of the couple, but I am sure they must have felt very differently themselves.

A Special Occasion at the Pearl of Orient

After the KL wedding the night before, all of us drove up to Penang the next day, 18th June for another special celebration with the Penang side of the family - a romantic beach side wedding. We stopped by at Ipoh for breakfast, Taiping to pick up my auntie and headed straight to the Berjaya Georgetown Hotel which my sister was kind enough to pre-book for us much earlier. We were lucky for we had a junior suite to check into. By the time shortly after we checked in, we barely had time to rest and had to rush over to Lone Pine Resort at Batu Ferringi for the tea ceremony. The resort was pleasantly sweet. It has a cosy and relax nature for the whole place is lined with tall graceful pine trees, carpeted with green pasture, dotted with a few swinging hammocks and spiced up with some interesting water activities and horse riding. On one end is the open air swimming pool where most foreign tourists sunbathed and take a dip. After the tea ceremony where everyone from both side of the families were properly introduced, we adjourned downstairs and treated ourselves to an appetizing buffet. The sun slowly set and the evening went on drizzling with a little June rain. Ryan and Aidan had a good time blowing bubbles throughout the night and playing with the rest of the kids there. Lynn and Kenny were busy entertaining all the guests who had come to celebrate with them in their joyous occasion. When it was time to leave, I gave my brother a big hug and he almost choked with his words, "Thanks for coming..." No more words were needed for the Liew family is hard to express how we feel towards each other, that was what he pointed out to me, which was so true. His words rang in my head for the rest of the night but I was only glad that we were there to share his happiness.

A Dinner with Mom

Last Saturday was a day packed with outings. After breakfast, we went to Ampang Point area for a meeting with the boys and then to a friend's place for discussion. The boys were intrigued by the condo swimming pool which is now under construction - no water at all. They were just running around. The sky suddenly turned paled and it was time for us to head home. Less than an hour later, we were out again for mother's day dinner with mom and dad, and our brother Kenny and his wife, Lynn around puchong. The boys enjoyed the food there, hope my mom loved the food too!

Brother's Big Day

Today is the day to celebrate, a day to rejoice in the coming together of two special people in our family - the registration day of my younger brother, Kenny to Lynn. It was only yesterday that me and my brother played combat made-believed games in the presumably huge (for we were kids back then, everything comes in big proportion) compound of our old house, chasing each other around and today, he is already a grown up married man. Time really flies in this life time. I sincerely wish you all the best and hey, welcome to the club!

The Day I was Born

It has just turned another year for me. What difference does it make, I now wonder. Am I any different from the year before? Have I accomplished more for the past twelve months of my life? I am not too sure. Nothing really significant that I could remember or recall. Maybe I have not stayed focus enough in the things that I would like to see myself doing or achieving. New year resolutions were never familiar words in my dictionary of Jen for I never believe in them. Short term goals, maybe. Feel as though I have not done enough for myself. But now it slowly begins to dawn on me. Yeah, it is this blog of mine. The one single significant thing that happened to me was that I started my own blog. I believe this is a good thing for it helps me to keep to a discipline of constant writing. It does not matter if anyone ever reads them, but at least I am writing and I hope to be able to continue doing so and have the persistence of stamina in writing. What is my birthday wish? Nothing in particular. I don't mind a cup of aromatic coffee, a piece of beautiful cake over long, intimate and unreserved real conversation with someone who matters to me and just forget about the rest of the world, just for that moment in time.

A Good Get Together Tho Not So Complete

Last Saturday was a day that I strive to pull most of my good old friends from Octopus Online together - Sidney, Joey, Gary, Fung, Eugene, and Yen Leng. It has been a very long time since we came out for our usual makan ritual while we were still colleague back then. These were the bunch of friends who stuck together for most of the lunches and meals we used to have near HVD in Cheras since 1998, these were the people who worked hard to make something matters through an entertainment website once called Octopus, sphereheaded by Eugene, these were also the gang who enjoyed endless teh tarik in between works and sat through those sessions, simply talking about films and things that seemed to matter to us back then. These were also the same gang who turned up for our wedding more than six years ago. Those time seemed so far from us all now, now that some of us are all caught up in our own separate works, family commitments, and the many other things we need to accomplish in life, in order to just pull through. Sometimes, I just can't help but feeling a little sad, for we no longer have time for the small little details in life - things that what make friends much closer to one another, like talking endlessly and passionately about films over a cup of hot teh tarik with a special friend - which seem so insignificant in the bigger, so called more responsibility-driven daily activities where we try to just make ends meet.That night, I only managed to get Sid and Gary with his wife, Catherine and adorable daughter, Isabelle to come for a simple dinner at Kluang Railway Station, but to me, that was a real good get together already. I wish the next time, it would be a much better turn out. But Gary is still the same old chatty guy, except that he is now a passionate and devoted father. Sid is still very much involved in his creative work of arts, comics, paintings, his love for films (and making them) though much of his old straightforwardness had seemed to diminish...

The Most Perfect Sunset

A journey not to be forgotten. One of the most rewarding experiences from all the Kedah trip so far was the most recent one. Together with my father-in-law and some of his friends, we took a ride out of SP town one bright and hot afternoon. Passing endless padi fields on both side of the road to arrive at a small village, we finally stopped right at a small jetty by the river. Apparently, we were supposed to see a yacht owned by a fella from Germany but we only managed to catch a glimpse of it from where we were standing. I was not much interested in looking at that but to walk over to the planks and right up till the end of the jetty to look at the fishing boats dotting the river bank and see how the water is. That whole feeling reminded me so much of a trip I once had while I was still studying in Penang. That fishing village is called Muka Head, but is more famously known as "The End of The World". It is situated right at the end of all those fancy hotels saturated the coastal line of the infamous Batu Feringgi Beach and this place gives you the serenity you could only dream of, and the view to the wide open sea it offers is priceless. I have always loved a long stretch of planks trailing off into the sea for I would imagine myself satisfying my crazy urge of simply running as fast as I can down the planks and just leap into the cold icy water of the sea, plunging myself into the whole eternity between the heaviness of sanity and the weightlessness of the imaginative mind. That must be fantastic!

After a while, we left the place and headed to the nearest town called Tanjung Dawai. It is also a fishing village but a more populated one. Here, we stopped and ate the heartiest seafood dinner I have ever eaten in my entire life (even better than Bukit Tambun, in some ways). After a heavy meal, I strolled to the nearest jetty (a concrete one) and was in time to catch the sunset...to my amazement, I could only watched in awe and silence as I glued my eyes right on the fiery red planet over the sky and a few fishing boats happened to draw near the horizon. That moment in time when a fishing boat crisscrossed with the descending sun over the sea was indeed a single moment that I could only wish that I had a camera with me to capture the whole beauty of it all...it is the feeling of blissfulness that one could hardly come by these days. It is the simplicity of life itself that one often fail to cherish when we tend to live life on a faster lane. I know, I am one.

That was, for me, one hell of a sunset! When the sun finally disappeared into the horizon, my moment in time has also passed me by, but at least, I thought to myself, I was there.