The soppy one about the marriage..

It's been 3 years since our first date, a year and a half since we were legally married and coming to a year since the church vows. But to me, it seems like the blink of an eye. Time flies when you're having a good time so I must be having a good time.

We still feel like we just can't get enough of each other, that feeling where we just have to spend every single moment with each other, you know, that feeling of affection that you have in a new relationship? The fact that he works weekends and I work weekdays probably makes it even more cherished, those few days when our days collide and we actually get to spend time together.

It's funny how once I never imagined that I'd ever feel like this, but yet here I am, 3 years later and feeling all these wonderful feelings. After the first time we knew how we felt about each other, I thought it could only go downhill. Before long, that magical spark, that thrill everytime the phone rang, would be gone. I've had relationships that went stale way before the one year mark, so why would this be different? I was wrong. This is different.

It's not happily ever after, there are the downs that come with the ups, but it is happy. Even with the tiny apartment we live in, the fact that sometimes we do push each other's wrong buttons,we do argue, we do annoy each other and we do disagree. Hopefully 3 years from now, 30 years from now, we'll still feel like we do now, feeling like we have to be close to each other, even with all the differences. Sometimes being so close, we read each other's minds, finishing each other's sentences, understanding each other's nuances when no one else does. I get him and he gets me. Sometimes he gets me more than I get me and vice versa

I can't explain it. All I can say is, I got lucky. Or maybe the Lord had this all planned out for His own reasons. You can call it fate..but for all this, I am truly thankful for His blessings, knowing that it won't always be rosy, it wont always be wonderful. But it is good.

So, for those of you about to get into the same situation as me..go for it! For the couple who just did..you'll know what I'm talking about.For those who have gone through this a long time ago, you know more than me, don't spoil the suspense. For those of you who are looking for it, don't lose heart.

Yea, this was a soppy one, wasn't it?

La La La...

So much has happened in the last month. With Easter just around the corner, even more stuff is gonna happen.

The folks were down, making both BH and I super duper busy, so busy we missed out on another friend coming here (sorry Shirlyn) and a friend who suffered a great loss. Anneh, really sorry, didn't know until just a few days ago.My heart goes out to you.

As for us, well, we finally got to go to church together yesterday, which was good. Good to be reminded of what Easter means, what church means, what Jesus means to us. Good to be reminded that we may be in a foreign country but yet there are people who hardly know us who pray for us. Good to know that God is always there, always in the know of whats going on. Good to know....

We also got to go marketing together. Strangely something I enjoy doing with company, either BH, Mum or Iben the terrible...most so with mum, whom I miss. I'm such a mummy's girl..heh.
Oh, and cook together..the chiken bak kut teh turned out very well, as did the stir fried bendi (okra).

But now it's Monday again..another long week to a go-go!

Here's hoping your week ahead is good.

Tassie...more pics

Tassie...also home of the Rock Lobster...

The Lenna of Hobart, our home for 4 days



Freycinet National Park...we climbed up to the Wineglass Bay lookout, a good 45 minute hike, to see the view of wineglass bay.

Click on the link to see what its supposed to look like, all we got was this AMAZING ONCE IN A LIFETIME, NOT MANY PEOPLE GET, VIEW...

Of fog, which came in just as we got to the lookout and covered the entire bay!!!!What's the likelihood of fog on a beautiful sunny day?

Artsy shot of fog from sunglass refelction..

All wasn't lost...we did chance upon a wild wallaby that decided to hop out and say hello.


Tassie was fun, the plane ride home was not. We flew into massive clouds on landing...it was scary, the plane dipped a few hundred feet a few times..not fun.

It was nice to be able to spend 2 weeks with the folks, but it was hard sending them home. For someone who has never been this far and this long apart from the parental units ever, it's not easy. I guess I'm lucky to have a special bond with my folks, but it makes separation difficult.I miss them and home.

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Tassie

For the benefit of Eric..better get this out of the way. Here's the cute keeper, who was holding the cute wombat in the last post. For the rest of us, 4 cute Tassie Devils in the den, which was BH's focus, hence the keeper being out of focus.

Fresh oysters..BH never had so many..no digestive problems after either

Yeay! The Cadbury factory!!!!!!

The view from our room...an artsy shot ler

Mount Wellington

More pics next post..

5 months...the last 15 days..eh, 6 months oredi!!!

The folks came down for a visit... Colour coordinated in BH's favourite colour..



So, we all went for a holiday...... where? Take a quick guess from this series of cute cuddly creatures. All pics credit to BH..isn't he talented?

Koala..forever sleeping on gum tree

Kangaroo with Joey who really is big enough to move out!!!

Cuddly wombat...oh, the keeper was cute too.

He's not a ferocious as the WB cartoon character.So, where do you think we went?

5 months,photos,part 2

What's Australia without a trip to a Lavender Farm?

Must have a pic of food lar...Irish Lamb stew with Guiness, made by BH.

Our new time share pet..Mr. Tuxedo! Ok, is real name is Socks, but he responds to our name for him. He's actually a neigbour's cat, but he's adopted us, occasionally trying to sneak into our home..heh.

Satisfying my kudikaran husband's need for alcohol...a trip to the vineyards...and the cheese platter that comes with it!

And no Anneh, no mini BH's on the way. Been hiding my tummy cos I haven't been to the gym. Yea, I'll admit some weight gained, cis! But heck I can still fit under some bloody raintree ok, Gobi????

Nothing much

Since moving here 5 months ago, BH and I have slowly gotten used to the place and it's rather erratic weather. Occasionally pangs of homesickness hit, more so with me, wanting to go back to the way things were before.

Somedays I wish I never took this challenge. Right now, I could be happily blogging every other day, going to the gym everyday, doing nothing much at work..you know, the life that seems more like a dream, only more boring?

But then, I took the red pill (or is it the blue). And here I am. Getting challenged every single darn day. Oh, have I mentioned the weather? One day it's 45, the nexy, 25..ah Melbourne

5 monts in photos part 1

In no particular order.... what's been keeping us busy


Who are you and why are you living with us? Are you gonna just stand there or are you gonna play with me?Meet Toby..one of 3 Poms who were our housemates for the first month .

Yum Char with the other crazies who work ar Barwon health.

Yeap..cherry on the tree....

Our first anniversary, at Markov's

Our first chirstmas tree!

Moving into our own place, October 27t 2008

Spirit of Tasmania...5 minutes walk from home...basically if we wanted to, we can just walk there, take the ferry and in 8 short hours, arrive in Tassie.

15 dollar cupcakes from Lethemeatcake, South Melbourne...for the benefit of Bel..

Planes, trains and automobiles..ok, maybe just trains and automobiles

It took 3 train rides, a journey of over 100km, but guess who's got a new ride?

Yup, finally went to pick up my car. Got off work early (yippee), took the train from Geelong into Melbourne, a trip over 80 KM. Then another 20km train ride and a 10 minute walk to the dealership and FINALLY I am mobile again! No complaints about the trams or trains here, public transport is so good. But once you're used to driving, the trams just don't cut it la.

Now I have to worry about petrol and service and maintenance and scratches and accidents and all that jazz...but at least, I have a CAR!!!

What should I name her? It feels like a her anyway...WUBbles? Her rego is WUB 882...heeehe. Open for suggestion guys.

Chinese New Year

No Merv, won't be back this year. Kinda hard to ask for leave so soon, plus BH is starting a new job soon..oh well, I guess we escape all the kiddies with outstretched hands asking for ang pows!Hehehehe..but then hor, have to deal with the "kids" here..sigh unmarried people ah.

It's been over a month since I last blogged, BH, even longer. Basically we have yet to get internet at home..everything moves so bloody slow here. Also, well, busy ler.

Anyway, Happy Chinese New Year of the Ox! Don't ask me for angpow, I ain't gonna mail it over..you want, you come here and get it lah!

Oh christmas tree..

It's Christmas eve, I'm at work, so is BH. But it feels like the last day of school, cos there are no patients, we are just sitting around waiting and we've got a Christmas lunch planned for today. Heh.

Why work then? Cos I get paid lah...double heh. And we still haven't got the whole uploading of pictures done yet, we haven't even been taking many pics. Sigh..I really dunno how we ended up so busy and lazy. But, it's a 5 day break for me, so I'll be taking pics and playing with a new notebook (hopefully) and my new birthday/christmas present from BH. Will get internet at home in the new year kwa. Things here more slowly..sooooo slowly. Most service orientated stuff isn't open weekends/public hols. Like Telstra customer service..closed on weekends. Cis..tak guna, but makes me appreciate Telekom Malaysia more!

Planning next year's flying schedule now. Sorry Shades, we can't make it back for your big day. Very, very sorry. My folks are coming over the same time. All the best to you & Karryn, aiya..there goes my chance to dress up as Cinderella! My skin is already hitam from all the UV now. eh, you got Skype ah? Can we skype in?

Anyways..Merry Christmas & Happy 2009!

Because Mervin made me.

Yes Merv,have not been blogging. Cannot lar, house no internet. Things here moving sooooo slowly..just to get a fixed phone line is taking ages! (Thanks Telstra). So, I'm now at work, doing what I'm not supposed to..blog! Cis..patient here somemore.

Anyway, we finally found a place to rent for the moment, with one extra room, so anyone who doesn't mind a small palce is ever welcome. Merv, Ben wants to meet you..

Went to an asian grocer yesterday and just went apeshit. Bought like 88 bucks of dried stuff for tong sui/ soups..oh well.

Ok, my patient's gonna lose it soon if I don't see him, so.. Until someone else tells me too..see ya!

Yes, I'm still alive!

Yea, it's been a while since I actually accessed the blog. Sorry ler..things are busy. Heck, I now wake up at 6, then by 7 it's off to work. This week, it's a two hour drive to work. I'm in a rural clinic..so...I get back by 6, which is also a two hour journey back.

It's not so bad. On normal days, it's only an hour to get to and from work. Plus, there's no jam..I'm going the opposite direction of traffic,heh.

Must get car soon..and find a more permanent place to call home. Currently living with Bern's cousins and 3 dogs..it's nice, but we both miss our own space.

Melbourne is interesting..especially Phahran..hehe. The weather is still like a woman on pms. It was 28 yesterday and its 19 today..sigh..

Oh well..back to work!!!!

One week later......

It's now 9.59 am, here in Melbourne. I was supposed to be at work. Just like a week ago, I was supposed to have been on a plane. It seems that life here for both Bern and I are full of minor delays. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I get to spend time with Bern walking on the beach and all. But heck, I am anxious.

What happened this time? Was waiting for a letter from Malaysian Dental Council ( MDC) which got stuck in the mail. Finally had to fax MDC a copy to fax back to Australia. Some registration requirement that it has to come directly from MDC and not from me, although I have a perfectly legitimate certified copy of said letter here with me and wanted to submit in person. Oh well...everything must have it's red tape, huh?
Still looking for our own pad. This will take a while. Renting here is tough, as there aren't many places available with what we are looking for. Plus agents here don't need to work as hard as back home.

We have found a church though, just walking distance from where we are now, in Port Melbourne. Nice people and all la, but nothing like back home, of course. Somehow, Malaysian warmth and hospitality is still better.

The weather is a bit like a woman on PMS..one minute hot. like 30 degrees yesterday. And today, it's 18...

Well, that's all for now I guess.

Santhi & Bern's excellent adventure..yea dude!!!

So, ours was the goodbye ( at the airport ) that wasn't to be. Got up bright and early today to pack up, dry some clothes that were damp, pick up parents and drive to the airport. Got there like by 9 and all the while I thought the flight was 10.30....so..aiya, not late la kan?

Well, checking in, our baggage was overweight, by like 10 kilos...had to open up the cling wrap and try to chuck excess stuff..while panicking and doing all that and wondering where the heck Bern's parents were and if we'd get to say proper goodbye's and not just a quick I have to rush one, the MAS officer came up and told us..well, the flight is double booked, overfull and they could fly one of us at 10 ( our actual flight time) and the other at 9.30 TONIGHT. Wasn't paying attention and he had to repeat for me to have any reaction. My jaw dropped...

Then, the guy says..they will upgrade both to business class. Once I got what he was saying, I asked.."Did you sell OUR tickets?" You know what he replied? Yea, we were the last to check in and they OVER BOOKED it..then he starts throwing in other stuff..excess baggage fee waived.

My dad starts to ask for an explanation..and I'm thinking..hey, if we both fly later, we fly business leh..made a quick call to Australia, to change my 9 am appointment to later and settle some stuff with the new boss ( Ben) ..and so...we didn't fly.

Then, the guy hasn't finished yet..gave us breakfast vouchers and says he'll give us compensation..400..( see's my sad face)..( adds) each..oh, and hotel stay at Pan Pac..hehehehehe. Apa lagi? Ambik je lah!

So, by then Bern's parent's had arrived, rushing in, htinking they'd missed us,. and our church friends and pastor had come, all thinking they's see us flying off..heh..all asked, "flight delayed ah?"

No la, flight not delayed, it left on time, we just didn't get on it.

So, we ended up having breakfast for 12 at Burger King, checking into Pan PAc, getting lunch, snack and dinner for free, upgrade, baggage for free, but most of all and most importantly of all, we got to spend just a little bit more time with the ones we love...that, was the true blessing in disguise. We had a wonderful breakfast with our parents, had time to say proper goodbye's and Choowie even found time to come over for tea to send us off! Something I had hoped we'd get round to doing..heh..

So, guess where Santhi & Bern are right now? We're in the MAS club lounge, drinking champagne and blogging..heh..gotta go now, time to go spend our 800 bucks!

Time to say goodbye

It seems like just yesterday we were busy with wedding dinner and church prep and moving in..now, we are busy packing up to move out. Yea, Australia here we come. Ready or not, the Wongs are on the way...heheheheheh.

Will miss the numerous nights with the jokers, each time was supposed to be the last send off, but heck, when there's booze, there's Gobi...and Edward..hehehehe. Sorry Joel, we couldn't wait for you. You were too busy in Genting what? Thanks for Jack though, heh, what was left of it la.

So, we're off in another day's time, on a new adventure. Maybe for 2 years, maybe for longer, maybe even for a few months..nothing ever is certain, right? What's certain is the love we have for our family and friends, whom we will miss very much, every darn day.

So erm..G'day

Desperate Housewives

Ok, Ive been having too many marathons featuring 40ish good looking ladies who do nothing all day but gossip,because my life since 31st August, mirrors them.

Typical day...wake up, make breakfast for BH, go to gym after BH goes to work, lunch, shop a bit,then head off for 2 hour massage, then get home to cook dinner ( 2 dishes one soup kind), then have dinner with BH, go for after dinner stroll to buy groceries, then a late night swim in pool then back home to spend time with BH in front of tv.

Ah..the life of a See Lai...nice? Well, I forgot to mention the other things I've been doing, like packing up, all our stuff into boxes, settling the car loan so it can be sold, legal matters that have to be sorted out regarding our home,running around with mum and dad for his eye surgery, trying to sort out dad's and BH's dental issues, trying to get some studying done, I have to sit for an exam soon, getting new employment requirements done...

Yeah, soon my housewife days will be over, then it's will be wake up at 6, breakfast of cereal, head to work which is a 1 1/2 hour drive away, work till 5, head home which is another 1 1/2 hrs, maybe make a quick dinner, then zzzzz and repeat the next day for 5 days...

Heh.

MERDEKA!!!!!

Initially, I'd wanted to blog on the very last day of work. However, it was last Saturday and like every Saturday, it was busy. Plus I was lazy,heh.

The last day, well, the last week was a trying week indeed. It almost always is, I figure. But in that last week, I learnt many things, good and bad. And even though I told myself, no tears, well, they welled up when Devi, my assistant started tearing. I'm a sucker for other people's tears. Sigh..I'm gonna miss her. And Nor, Rozi, Noraini and Prema. They made my life there easier, we shared hopes, dreams, frustrations ( mostly about work) and of course laughter.

Nor and I have been at the practice for 7 years now. Time flew by, we never gave goodbyes a thought. But eventually, it was time. I wonder what Devi's day would be like today, now that I'm not there. I can only hope that she and the others will be ok.

As for me..heh, Merdeka celebrations were indeed Merdeka celebrations! Sunday was fun filled and sleep deprived. BH and I awoke early cos we had to make refreshments for church. heck, I'd only been baptised 2 weeks and they already gave me "privileges". Heheheh..not complaining,ok? But it was fun, as it usually is, cooking with BH.

Sunday was also our pool party..aka lets throw Gobi into the pool event. There were floating branches and even one wet Jr. Lots of food, new friends made, the beer boys learnt how to appreciate a Cosmo and Booker now has new fans. Yup...another late night at DPC, the guards must think we're Party Central, I think they're right. The usual suspects refused to leave, as usual, until the rooster crows. Ok, this time they left early, at 5am. I think the next time, I'll just have them bring sleeping bags. Might as well have breakkie after, eh?

Will blog about Sunday once BH does the pics. It's more fun blogging about it with pics of the floating branch..until then, I'm sure Nut has some account of the proceedings, so go to www.tykeonabike.blogspot.com

Fly away with me....

It's done, we've booked the tickets, we're going..now all I can hope for is that things work out. It's gonna be tough, but it's better than living from day to day, like a frog in steadily boiling water, complacent and happy being stuck in a rut.

Yup, our adventure begins October 6th!

Ten things

To do before the end of September:

1) Handle legal affairs

2) Sell the car

3) Sell the apartment

4) Rent out the apartment

5)Make a trip to Penang ( thanks Nut, for bringing up the issue of Penang Food!!!!)

6) Make a trip to Bukit Tinggi ( I've never been), Langkawi( Just for the booze), Camerons ( Bern's never been), PD ( Just for the heck of it, why not do a berkelah-kelah outing?) and wherever else I can't think of now

7)Pack up stuff and ship over

8) Settle parent's teeth

9) Get facials/hair do's/massages all done, cos it probably costs a bomb there. Besides, I still have unused treatment sessions.

10) Say goodbye..sniff,sniff...sniff......wah!!!!!!

Yea, we are going.