You know your husband loves you when..

.. he comes to your workplace for lunch with a bunch of flowers..

.. he writes you goosebump-y messages and hides them inside the wardrobe, so when you come home from work and slide open the door, there's a pleasant surprise to counter whatever shits you may have gone through that night..

.. he always makes you your hangover-saviour sandwich the morning after you had a drink too many, and he makes it just the way you like/need it..

.. he bakes you a pizza from scratch at 10.17pm, just cos you mentioned you could do with some pizza, and actually allows you to eat more instead of breathing down your neck with "You could do with some cross-training"..

.. he tells you lies like "You're hotter than her"..

Because of all these and more, I am one darn pampered wife.

Half of the half century man

It was the birthday weekend passed.

Whose birthday?

The 25-year old hubz..

That's him.

With his classic pose.

ANYWAY..

I booked us a Spanish place (one month in advance) so we can have some nice tapas, warm ourselves with good wine, have a good laugh and chat, and celebrate him getting older.

As it turned out, we were contemplating KFC after during dinner. And no, your eyesight is perfectly fine, my dearest.

To be fair, the food was not bad at all. But, we gave the overall experience a borderline pass. Not to mean we didn't enjoy each other's company, but even the most passionate lovebirds need the complementary perfect ambience at times, right?

Right.

So ok, food, let's talk food.

Probably the only dish worth mentioning is this.

Brilliant fish, with housemade tomato relish.

I think I might have a thing for relish. I know, when I almost creamed in my pants.. I just know.

And after a night of holy vegetable sensation, more relishes, the man finally had his share of meat..

Eye fillet and chorizo salsa.

Hmmm?

Not particularly satisfied, we decided to go out the next day for some well-deserved meal. The weather was just too perfect to pass, so we headed to St Kilda and ended up in Monroe's.

Kinda sceptical after what we had last night.

Nevertheless, we should always, always be up for challenges, surprises, second chances, new experiences, whatever you like to call them.

And I must say, I'm glad we did.

I was tremendously impressed with my foccacia of chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado, lettuce and garlic aioli.

He was sensibly happy with his lamb shank on a bed of mash.

Result?

We ended up two non-angered, very full people :)

Disappointment, exhilaration & of course, post-exhilaration

So, your missing Missy is back again.

This time with heaps of story to tell, and an archive to pictures waiting to be loaded, but she just can't be fucked.

Well, let's rewind, shall we?

The last time I left this, we were on the subject of.. let's see.. ah, yes, employment opportunities, which was really very much anticipated then, and I did promise to come back to that later on, which is now. To cut things sweet and short, I have just one word for this :)

Screwed.

No, actually, make that screwed.

It will probably take me a month of meditation on the holy mountain of Tibet to get over it, but oh well, I suppose they are right when they say it's pretty deceptive out in the business world.

Whatever that was advertised turned out to be less than half the truth. First, there was the unmistakable print of "full-time", which I naively take to be.. "full-time". What an idiot I was, right? Of course they don't mean full-time, you silly pig! What they really meant was casual, with full-time working hours. Hmmm, deep.

Next came the issues of salary package and work tasks, which surprisingly enough, was nothing they advertised. Needless to say, Missy bid ciao and came home to a loving hubz.

What follows next is a complete twist of that ill-fated agenda above.

*Hubz took two weeks off work. *AND arranged a trip to Hobart, Tasmania.

He said it's like a pre-honeymoon. "Like an entree, or starter, or small meal," he said like a 5-year-old boy, trying to impress Mrs. Brownie who lives next door.

But he absolutely won it. The timing was perfect! We were both burnt out, stressed and depressed. And a holiday was exactly what we needed. Not anything fancy, nor classy, just a place to relax and watch the world goes by. What better place than Tasmania? ;)

So off we flew, over the neighbouring waters, and onto the cold land of Hobart. The place is small, yet big enough for a couple like us to explore and enjoy at our own pace. You feel SO comfortable, I tell you, SO comfortable.

You can even smell the fresh, crisp air right in the city, not to mention out in the suburbs. Actually, let's mention that. It was so beautiful, like you're breathing in the equivalent of spring water in Norway, or the Swiss snow mountains and forests. It's good.

We stayed for 5 days 4 nights. Had seafood (OH, the seafood!!) for 5 days 4 nights. Strolled along the dock for 5 days 4 nights. Loved the easy lifestyle for 5 days 4 nights. Laughed and joked for 5 days 4 nights.

It's nice to note that the relationship between us husband and wife has strengthened during this trip, you know less plucky and less pissed. Just plenty of loving,.. and making love.

Like all good things, we had to bid goodbye with heavy heart. I can't remember the last time I felt so down after a trip. Probably when I was 10, when we had to end our trip to Sydney. It's not that we don't love Melbourne. We do! In fact, we looked forward to our room, our bed, our home again. But, coming back here meant the holiday is slowly coming to an end. And work beckons hard and fast. Sigh..

Speaking of work, it is with absolute disgust that I was disturbed during the high of my holiday, with issues from the magazine. I'm no saviour, no. So I did the best that I could - switched off the mobile.

Afterall, I only have this much time to spend with my hubz before we each go back to digressing timetables. And every second counts ;)

Some other butterflies..

Here's a quick one.

I slept for like 3 hours the day before and spent the whole day out about town organizing meetings for EFX, then straight to waitress at the restaurant. Not nice.

Jumpy 6 hours sleep today. Had an interview at 11am (more on that later on, IF there is anything more to talk about..), came back to edit a menu (for that restaurant, yes) and will be going to the restaurant to drop off and discuss the edited script, and straight to ANOTHER interview in Carlton. Not that I'm complaining I have too much choices (WHO WOULD?! TELL ME AND I'll SHOOT YOU), but well, I'm coping with them all coming at the same time and looking cheerful while doing that as well.

To top it off, Dad just sms-ed saying we haven't talked for a while. Oh, calm my homesick heart!

Amidst screwing my brains doing Sales & Marketing job, which is so NOT my blardy business, for EFX, I'll need to razor-sharp scan through the menu one last time, give a call home without sounding too stressed, rush to the restaurant and arrive at the door of prospective office by time.

Wish me luck!!

Oh, and did I mention I desperately needed a pee?? Now, you're wondering why the hell this blog is here..

So, how'd your bra-fitting go, M'am?

A disaster, that's how it was for me.

I'm curious, really. Did anyone EVER have an enjoyable bra-fitting session before?

I mean, look, I ain't particularly chirpy about my shrinking breasts and I definitely don't need feeling worse when a grim old lady came in, grabbed my strap and shook her head, "No, no.. You need a smaller one. Much smaller.. try 10A or B.. I think A, try A.." If it ain't for the fact that she's an elderly and I'm practically semi-naked in her turf, I'd have get-the-fuck-out-of-here her!

Instead, I solemnly smiled and closed the door after her. Then I spent the next 5, 10 or probably 20 minutes trying to make it all presentable in a B-cup, having total faith in my own set of hooters. "How could I be demoted to a mere A-cup in less than a month?" I sincerely believed. So I pushed, and shoved, grabbed and.. yea, you know the drill..

Alas, I walked out of the store clutching my purchase of Elle Macpherson in A reluctantly, leaving behind in the changing room, a mangled (and maybe torn, just maybe..) B size.

Anyway.. like all curious flat-chests, I wonder whatever happened to good ol' assistants?? Miranda, in Sex and the City, got the perfect help she needed without even her asking. Are you telling me that it's the whole "show" thing again? That it doesn't really work that way in real?? I feel so cheated!

Oh and by the way, did I mention that I had to "press the button when you're ready for the fitting"? Button?? What button?? Ready for the fitting?? What do you mean?? Do I have to stand there naked and get you to do it or wear one myself and.. why do I need you there again??

It was all so confusing that I swore never to have any bra-fitting again. Perhaps, maybe if I get the tough-looking, but knowledgable assistant that Miranda had..

I think every girl needs a little companion who can spare some compassion in this regard. Double hands up from me.

Knock, knock. Still there?

Too much happened in the past one month? Two months? And I will slowly unfold them, as long as my sleep-lacking-sanity (and interest) holds.

Like a constantly filled and emptied beer mug, so is my life from the last time you've heard from this Missy. But perhaps the most relevent info I should let slip in the first time would be WHY I went missing for a stretch of a month or two? If it ain't because of Internet (and by that I mean broadband, not dial-up) inaccessibility, then it's gotta be the new shampoo I bought on.. WHO ARE YOU KIDDING??? OF COURSE IT'S THE INTERNET, SILLY GOOSE!!

Anyway, let's not ramble on.. it's 4.52am and we all know that's not the perfect time and state of mind for a wife to blog.

In weeks passed:

1. Missy has found a new part-time waitressing in an Asian fine dining. She doesn't like it that much. And by that, I meant she doesn't give a horny goat's ass why we should really have a baby cutlery set for that dish and that dish alone, or give wet towels when some people willingly ordered oily chicken wrapped in pandan leaves. Or, the fact that the plate will have a space of approximately 2.33cm from the edge of the table, and the wine glass a further 1.78cm from the plate.
   
   In case you're in awe, I was just exaggerating.. work's fine, but the whole idea of wait(ress)ing just didn't warm up to me. I put it all on the Leo thing, and unashamedly say so. I'm spoilt, just not spoilt enough to turn down the extra money.
2. I've moved, and well into the second month in the new home. Broadband was connected JUST two days ago, and it was only today I have the luxury to stay home and make full use of it. Surviving on dial-up prior to this is no survival at all. I was this close to slit my own wrist, if not count my strands of hair..
3. New home's good. Actually, make that great. I've been walking a lot lately, mostly to Prahran, a nearby town as a substitute for city. On top of that, having a central gym and heated pool right downstairs means that Missy and her hubz have been working out more. Less sex, but definitely more physical workout. Less sex, cos of crashing work and sleep times. More physical workout cos that cross-training babe ain't a flob machine, darls. Combined with balancing 5 plates (not empty ones) on one hand and 6 wine glasses on another, average 3 hours a day, 2 days a week and what we have here is beachwear strutting material.
4. Missy has received positive news on her visa after what felt like 7 years.
5. On the same day she received that news, she received another news from home bearing heart-wrenchers. Dad had just survived a heart bypass surgery. This Dad, MY Dad, my super Dad.. I didn't even know.. I would have flown home.. I would have rushed back..
   
   I know it was a success, and the reason I was kept from it was because I can't do anything being so far away and I'll be that one less person to worry and lose sleep over this; but I couldn't help it. I cried so bad, and continued to do so everyday after, as well as calling home "just to be in touch". I really missed home then, and ever so often at night I would toss in bed with all the "what ifs" playing in my head before crying myself to sleep. In a nutshell, I was ecstatic about my visa approval for about 2 minutes before everything was put into perspective. Why the hell would I be happy to get approval for being so far from home for? Ahhh yes, it's the whole "future" thing.. *rolls eyes
6. Back to reality, visa approval means ability to work. Full time, proper, tax-paying salary-counting job.
   
   And now I'm torn between quitting the part-time waitressing right this instant as I'm typing this, or be more sensible and quit only when I've secured a good job, or have it as an on-going extra pocket money generator. And then, there's also the humane part to consider: They can't be spending some good hours and money in training me only to have me scoot off in less than a month?? I did, afterall, have my own apron now and not to mention "occassionally" popping a couple of beers during the nights.
7. EFX August issue was a disaster. That was when I was moving and Internet-less, and by the time I finally get to see it, it was the printed copy. My mouth hang open for the entire Simpsons show.
   
   This month, I'm back on as lead editor, preparing for our October issue. I have found out: our fashion guru has bailed on us, and my senior editor will be away on holiday throughout the month. No amount of Simpsons will save me now.
   
   After our meeting this Thursday, which is two days before the first copy dateline, I'll be hoping for miracles so join me if you have some spare minutes on hand.
8. Tomorrow is the official opening of Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MMSFW) and thanks to my lovely companion, Val, I finally have a chance to play dress up. God knows how long it has been since I feel pretty, or simply try to make myself pretty. There's only so much puffy eyes a girl can stare first thing in the morning before she goes crazy on herself. So yes, amidst the everyday tension, Missy is very excited about tomorrow.
9. September 2nd was Australia's Fathers' Day.
10. Missy is beginning to think that she's meant to cook Mexican..

We will go down to the nitty-gritty the next time, folks. Feels great to be back here..

Tag it

Alright, the taggedy-tag game. 8 random facts about yourself. Sounds good enough.. I'm just not sure if Missy knows herself at all.

Like all respective games, there are definitely rules.

The rules are :

• I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
• Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
• People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
• At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog!

Let's rock'n'roll..

1. Missy LOVES her fork! Read here to get the full picture, heh. And if you don't mind me taking the chance, make your vote right down there.. yep, that's right! Right down there.
2. Missy didn't even know how to boil a decent bowl of rice nor fry an egg until she was 18 years old. Now that she's turning 23 (and married), she not only can whip up delicious pasta, she's beginning to love baking - to the extent that she stays up till 6am most of the days/nights looking at recipes she might or might not even try.
3. Mood, and might I add, hunger, affect Missy.. big time. I can't say she's got her likes or dislikes because she pretty much can react differently to the same situation at different times. Noted with caution - poor hubz.
4. Family is a huge part of Missy. She's got a responsible and caring Mummy who calls her princess; a funny joker Dad who provides countless entertainment on endless stressful nights during schooling (and working) days; a sensible elder brother who's the pillar of strength and inspiration; and an annoying, yet lovely younger sister who stood by her listening to her laments on anything and everything. And now, we welcome to the family, Baby C, who's the best friend Missy can count on, and whom love and care deeply touched her.
5. Missy loves barren trees. They depict her fantasy well; sad, lonely and cold. History: Missy sought treatment for depression after her first year overseas, because of a certain female named Patricia. Hence, she hated the name and anything that is associated with that person. Recently, she had dumped in her face the words, "I do not want to have anything to do with you. I'm glad you're out of my life" and she's now feeling beyond relieved.
6. Missy is absolutely a clean freak when it comes to sex. No dirty splashes, or drippings, or godknowswhat.. I'm sure you get the idea.
7. Missy adores the two opposing extremes and never anything in between. Give her the high and fancy, and she'll squirm in delight; put her in a woodshed on the mountains and she'll crave the primative way of living.
8. Random favourites as of this moment in time: moisturizer, hair serum, hairdryer and curling tongs, winter jackets, boots, hosiery, oven, mixing bowl, whisk, fork, eggs, cookies, hot chocolate, soy latte, crabmeat spaghetti, anchovies, Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, homemade foods, Chanel earrings, woman's body, pregnant lady's body, twins, tiger, own apartment, money, stable career.. yah, I guess that's about all, for now, that is.

8 random facts/habits about Missy Allets. There you go.

So now, the burden falls on me to tag two of my best chums, Yunnie and Lili. And coincident enough, both are future lawyers :) Slash us, babes!!

The sticky survey!

Right, this post came as the result of the humiliation and utter disagreement on how we should behave according to the norm..

I know, I know.. it's kinda gibberish but give me a moment, damnit!

It could probably be the hundredth time I was given the "Excuse me, you retard" look by waiters and waitresses when I politely asked for a fork for my sticky date pudding (they're so absolutely fabulous, by the way). And if that wasn't bad enough, they have to stick around and wave the spoon for an extra 2 seconds to confirm that I, indeed, asked for a fork. And SOME even had the nerve to are-you-sure-you're-not-after-a-spoon me! OMG like hello, a fork's a fork, a spoon's a spoon; I can differentiate that, thankyouverymuch.

So, I've had enough of people judging my adoration for a fork..

Yes, I eat my veges with a fork, more than willing to eat my rice with a fork, as is pasta and all baked goods, and totally using a fork for ice-creams and cakes.

But, just out of curiosity, I need want to know how many of yous out there actually shares my passion. So, be a good sport, c'mon. Make your vote right down there; that is, when you're done with this post, gentle tap the "end" key. That will take you where the poll is ;)

Missy will be waiting right here.. with her sticky date pudding.. and her fork.

Thank you in advance, and yes, feel free to spread the word ;) The more forker, the merrier..

Flower on the Drum..

Let me start by saying Missy has been sick and absolutely lazy for the past two days.

Sick, because of the cold, AND the yummy foods she unashamedly consumed (read more on that below).

Lazy, because she's sick, of course.

Now, let's move on.

Baby C and I had a wedding gift: a voucher at the Flower Drum Chinese Restaurant worth A$300! Now, it is a nice gesture, really. But, hadn't it for the fact that the manager was actually an acquaintance, a meal at THE restaurant might need an extra arm and leg from each of us.. so are we grateful or are we absolutely grateful??

We chirpily set a date on 8th of July. Our 2-year-3-month AND 1-month anniversaries.

After half a day of dating with my hubz, we arrived at the entrance of Flower Drum, not knowing what's in store for us. A little surprise can go far, people. And Missy absolutely adores surprises..

We saw this really cute thing set on the table. Any idea what's it for?

Genius, aint it?

And looking very classy too ;)

First dish was this baked crabmeat. Something like your ordinarily yummy mornay, only much more flavorful and presentable.

5 stars

Next up was steamed fish with fresh veges and mushrooms on the side. It's got the fresh home-cooked taste, but I must admit, at the end of the night, while we're both bursting with food out of our mouths, we decided we can really do without this dish.

3 and 1/2 stars

Yummy Peking duck roll! I'm not usually a duck person, but I swear on my teeth that this Peking duck roll ain't like any I had before.

You know how you usually had to chew a few bites, tug with a little fat here and a little tendrons there before that damn thing actually goes in your mouth? Well, this is well-trained roll; the duck meat, the crispy skin, the cucumber and spring onion, even the paper rolls; all came off in a bite.

This picture DOES NOT do it justice..

Needless to say: full 5 stars































Crayfish with noodles in special sauce.

I could not have finished this stunning dish even if my life depended on it. But because it was so beautifully done, I finished all the crayfish pieces. Amazing.

Please note that at this point, Missy's tummy is quite ready to burst, but guess what? There's still more..

4 stars

Tender medium rare eye fillet cooked to perfection. This dish managed to make Missy choose meat over vegetables, that's how formidable it was.

And don't even get me started on the fried rice it was served with. It was all too perfect.

5 stars and beyond

Just when I think I could not possibly fill a thing more in my tummy, here comes a deliciously rich red bean paste with sesame glutinous balls. I swear Missy died in heaven..

4 and 1/2 stars

And look, what's more?!

This must be the best fruit platter my eyes and tastebuds have ever feasted on. Look at the variety, for godssake!!! Behind that artistic pile of melons, there were grapes and yes, more strawberries.. *gasp

It was wonderful, but at that stage, we could not even finish "one bite per fruit". Sorry, cherries, starfruits and some of you melons..

Too much, 3 stars

This is my love: house-made almond cookies. It's got the beautiful butter and egg taste that it's almost impossible to stop myself.

5 stars!!

This is Missy bursting.

A shoutout here to whoever's in Melbourne, have too much cash to spare and seriously looking for a great dining experience (inclusive of good food), head down to Flower Drum.

Overall, we were two very satisfied diners as we walked out. And not forgetting the 5 star service we got throughout the dining experience, sincere thanks to Tommy and Jesse.

Baby C and I had to walk home. 45 mins journey. Full and happy to the brim.

Goodnight, all :)

Bits and pieces..

A lot of things are happening and things have not quite settled yet.

Though I must say, it's much easier to breathe now ;)

Let's see, after a hectic (and hell yea, I do mean hectic) June, what's in store for July?

• Get a job, discreetly..
• Follow up and keep following up on the status of visa, so I don't have to try to get a job discreetly..
• Find an apartment to move. ASAP.
• Move, which inevitably includes packing, unpacking, cleaning and the physical act of moving itself.
• Find time to handle the August issue.
• Fuck yea, sit down and write for the August issue.
• Celebrate our one-month and my birthday, quietly or otherwise. And I don't really mind this, of course.
• All above plus a thousand and one other little and not so little things.

But you know what, I'm actually feeling rather chirpy for July. Not that the stress is not there. But somehow I just felt happier, as a person. Maybe here's what contributed to that:

Friends Old or new. Old and new. A lot of friends got back in touch, mainly because of the big event in June. Friends whom I haven't spoke to in ages, friends who normally only say hi when we pass by them, and also really good friends who lost touch in years past due to studies, work.. and mainly distance. And it's really a good feeling to get back in touch.

Phone calls Believe it or not, how you start your day INDEED can shape your day. It doesn't have to be something spectacular. Like the other day, I got a phone call at 10 in the morning (I know it isn't much of a persuasive example, but for someone who usually sleeps at 6am, that's pretty much the 4th hour of sleep, hunn) from a friend who's just arrived in Melbourne. And she's not even the bestest of friend, you know. She's a sweet lady, a soon-to-be-housemate, yes, but definitely not close enough to be labeled "best friend". Yet, hearing her voice in the morning was so uplifting! There's something magical about her voice that makes you just wanna jump out of bed, put a big smile on your face and friggin' start your day even though you just slept!

Amazing..

Family I love my family. And thanks to this thing we call Internet, communication has never been easier. We used to call and sms everyday, few times a day. Just to say "I miss you, Dad" or "I love you, Mum" or "How's lunch, bro?". Lately, it's MSN. And kudos to my tech-savvy Dad, it's hello to webcam! So we can see each other while I wait approximately 4 minutes and 33 seconds for Dad to type "ha ha ha..."

Laughter, it's really magical.

Hubz My hubby, Baby C.

Many has asked me the same question, "So, how's married life?" Seriously? Not much difference, I'd say. We still go about doing what we always do. Making love is sensual and loving, as always. He cooks good food for me, while I screw up his dinner. We'll go out holding hands and standing still waiting for the lights will mean angel kisses on the forehead. Dinner and wine is good, as is an instant dinner and home-brewed coffee.

Perhaps, one thing that has been significant would be the feeling of being down-to-earth, safe and yes, very much loved.

So yeah.. judging from all these, I can safely say I've got a pretty good life, aye.

Ermm except, perhaps it'd be even better if I can just fucking get a damn job that pays obnoxious salary *woot woot

.. alright, back to Earth.

Are all of yous, my friends, happy lately?

Veil lifted.. literally

Ok.. here's the long awaited update.

If you would please, take a deep breath and go through this amazing journey with me :)

I give you.. Mr and Mrs Tran..

*** I'm happy because you are here right next to me.

My eyes are sprinkled with laughter because my heart is full of love.***







































*** Safe.. because I'm safely in your hands ***



































*** Blessings that go round and round.. ***





































*** You gave me your everything, and in return, I'm giving myself up to you; inspired by your love ***











































*** Hold me tight and hold me strong. You can make the chilly wind warm.. ***





























*** By the lake, we stood. And by the lake, we kissed.

Before you, there was me. After you, there is love.. ***



















































*** Let there be love, let there be witness.. ***





















































*** Days will pass and time will age.

Our love.. it's here to stay..***

Mrs. Tran

It was such a perfect day. It was sunny, yet cool. The flowers were in full bloom, thanks to the rain for the past two weeks! The company was great, even though small in number. Most importantly...

I looked so pretty, I was shocked.

And when I was walking to the pavillion where Baby C was waiting, just when I turned from a hedge, I caught a glimpse of him, in full cream suit, holding a bouquet of arum lilies. He looked so suave that I nearly stopped in my track. I said nearly. What really did stop for a second though, was my heartbeat *sheepish grin.

It all went by too quickly. Much too quickly that we would have liked, of course. But we savoured every moment of it. EVERY. MOMENT.

At the botanical garden where our ceremony was held. Saying our vows. While holding hands. While kissing. As we strolled in the park, down to the beach, and off to a nearby cathedral. In our wedding car, complete with the flapping two pieces of white ribbons down the front. During lunch at a dimsum place where practically every head turned to look at us. Back home for some well deserved rest and lovey dovey moments. The 1-hour drive to a winery where our dinner will be. Our special dinner in the bakery with close friends and families.

As the lovely day drew to a close, we took a leisure drive back.

And that's when I had my wedding surprise.

The driver, a close friend of mine, turned into city saying he needed to pick up something. He stopped in front of Sofitel Melbourne, and said we were all to get down. Confused as I was, I obliged. Afterall, I fucking look pretty tonight, alright! When I got down, he had his boot open and out came a familiar looking suitcase. And Baby C extended his hands for the luggage with a "Thanks, bro". Seriously, everyone was looking at me, as though I should have realised what's going on now/at that time. I didn't quite. It took me probably 2 full minutes to see that Baby C had booked a room for the night, just for the two of us, and he even had the luggage packed! So, all I needed to do was to look pretty beside him and check in together.

Ecstatic was the word. No, make that blown away. Hmmm... probably just "very much loved", for that's how I felt.

And of course, if you think you will get a full picture of what happened through the night, you're quite wrong. I can, however, tell you that our room, situated on 40th floor, overlooked a grand night view, had a complimentary 'winter escape' wine, another complimentary brut and chocolates for the newlyweds, good-looking bathtub AND a king-size bed. I'll leave the details up to your imagination ;)

We're still waiting for the photos, so if you'd like to catch a glimpse of someone pretty (albeit only for that day) and someone suave, do snoop around! Welcome :)

Till then, goodnight.

Two more!!

Two more days! Just two more fucking unbearable long days!!

Tell me, am I unusually excited or am I unusually excited? Tell me, cos I really don't know what's happening to me.

First, there's lack of sleep. And getting startled awake by my heart thumping wildly at 7 in the morning is not helping. That, plus vivid dreams of contents which are not suitable for general reading pleasure I rather keep to myself.

Second, I've been gorging myself silly. I know winter's supposed to be an excuse for hot chocolates, but 3am? Missy, you have got to know what's better NOT to do if you still want to fit in that dress on your wedding, aye.

Third, I can't think straight. I simply can't! I've sent 4 work-emails in the span of half an hour on the same topic to the same group of people. Each one updating what I've forgotten to include in the previous one. I know getting married makes one excited and anticipating the big day, I just didn't know it makes you a dimwit too.

Last but certainly not least, I almost cried yesterday. Just because I can't tie my hair. That's right, you heard/seen right! Now you know, when you can't tie your hair up nicely, you cry..

Other than that, yeah, things are pretty great..

Definitely.

How's your side then?

Genders; Life's Beautiful (Take: Eight)

Aside from our preparations for the big day, nothing much is really happening these days. But today, I ought to note this down.

We, (and by we, I meant Baby C, Sister and I) woke extra early for some perk me up at... McDonald's.

It's good. It's been some time since we last breathed crisp morning air/chill. 10deg, right after you wake.. no joke.

But McDonald's made it so worth it. Crunchy, greasy hash browns. Fluffy stack of hotcakes drizzled in maple syrup and whipped butter (wicked). Comfy food: Thick cut banana & date toast spread with honey and jam. Heck, even the coffee flavoured hot water they named filtered coffee tasted smooth enough.

Bottomline, it's just a great morning!

We then took a walk along Southbank, taking in all the inspiring art of ground. Literally, the paintings on the walk path. For a fleeting moment, I yearned to be a carefree artist, on the streets of Venice, with my cap, dirty pinafore, black nails and all.. but let's not get there..

An idyllic coffee rest soon after hooked my eyes on this:

Australian-trained butlers in demand. More specifically, male servants are in demand.

Not only do people now prefer males to mend their clothes, cook and serve their meals, entertain their children; they also pay obnoxious salary. A$240,000 average, what say you, people?! PLUS, being hired by these rich employers means they get to live in luxurious mansions on the hills, by the beach, and drive drop-dead gorgeous cars to send the kids to privileged schools and after-school activities.

In a nutshell, guys now do everything women did in the past as low-class maids, but are being treated far differently; what with the title "butler", the more-than-most-white-collar-jobs pay, extreme luxury and flexibility etcetcetc..

Now now, what's even more inspiring is this: (right under the above article)

How interesting..

Much has been said about doing more for women, but a report from Marie Coleman speaks otherwise.

"... women in so-called feminised sectors such as hospitality and retail felt particular pressure under the current system. There is a pervasive feeling, particularly in lower-skilled, lower-paid jobs that the situation for women is such that many of them feel a complete loss of self-worth, they don't feel that their work is being recognised and they are hearing the whole time that they can be dismissed at any time if their employer wants to"

At the turn of the century, we looked forward to gender equality. At the turn of a Sunday paper's page, what we got was the complete opposite.

I shan't say more because it's all in there. But if you've got some free time after an early breakfast, do ponder over it.

Reflection

Life.. is it still as beautiful?

I'd say maybe.. :)

I'm Ready

The night's quiet, as is my heart.. And I'm ready to let the world know that I, Missy Allets, will officially sport the title Mrs. in two weeks' time. Overwhelming, yes. Unbelievable, yes. Exciting, yes. But, undeniably certain.

I must say both Baby C and I did NOT expect it to be now. By the way, my eggs ain't fertilized, just in case you were wondering. In 5 years' time, yes, we've talked about it.. but definitely didn't anticipated now. So, why now, you're curious?

Thanks to the Australian government, I suppose.

At first glance, sure, you can say that we're marrying now because of visa requirements. But, the keyword is really, now. If time is not a factor, I believe Baby C and I will much rather it be in 5 years' time, when we're both more stable financially and emotionally.

But, the situation now has rendered us to make a decision. And to make it quick.

We can choose the easy way out, of course. Let it go, and forget about the whole mess. Trust me, having dealt with this for more than 2 years, I'm quite ready to say "Fuck it, I just wanna go home!" But, instead, we decided to take the plunge, the big step, the public declaration of "I do".

It's pretty much a matter of now or never. I'm sure a lot of yous reading this will not agree wholly on what I said. Marriage is afterall a big step and a big decision. But, just keep in mind one thing - that our love need not the nod of others, except family of course, which in this case we've got full blessing ;) So, Amen!

From the time we've decided to get married till now, a lot of thoughts passed by my mind. Sometimes they're stressful, often calming. I've learnt a lot, and I've seen more.

One thing for sure is Baby C's unending love and our deep unspoken commitment to each other. So, despite the risk of sounding like a lovesick teenager, here's a shout out to you, baby - I may not be the perfect little woman, but I'll try with all my heart and soul, just so you can proudly show the world that you've got the best wife ever!

It's now goodbye to me, hello to us. How creamy is that!

And well, inevitably hello to.. *slap me* cookbooks..

Ok folks, this is it for tonight. If you still love me for who I am, snoop around and I'll update on the wedding, I promise :)

Toodles!