Just Emotions Taking Me Over

Feeling a little woozy on your big day? Don’t worry! It happens to the best of us; just be prepared to fight a battle you can win! Cold Feet- pre-wedding jitters -- bridal nerves. Call it what you what you will, most brides and grooms are nervous before a wedding. A sense of nervousness about a wedding is normal – after all it's a new phase of life that you're taking. I having mixed feelings of nervous and yet still excited, it's probably just the normal jitters that every bride will bump into. Most of the brides are bewildered by these big feelings. I fall into the same loop. I believe that my engagement is to be one of the happiest times of my life and my family circle too. Yes, happiness is a big factor of being engaged -- you've found your life partner, and you're getting married! These feelings are pretty normal and indispensable as you make transition from single women to fiancée. Now comes the reality which hits us in flash of a moment.
Emotions manifest differently for every bride. Some fight with their fiancé, friends, and parents. Others withdraw themselves, confused and depressed. Many obsess about details so much that they are panicky and irritable. All of these reactions are normal during a major life transition such as getting engaged/married. But it's a lot for one person to handle! I can assure that my emotions are still under control but it did happen to me. I was on the brink of getting annoyed easily. The first victim would be either mom or dad. Yet, they are very mature and understanding towards me by bringing me back on focus without taking it hard on me. Perhaps, I started feeling afraid of separating from my family? Because a feeling, once it is deeply felt, passes through and subsides. And then the bride is left to experience more feelings - especially the joy and magic of this amazing time of life.
"I was drained out, perturbed but overwhelmed at the same time. I felt huge pressure to complete the checklist, guest list; calling to give gentle reminder to all the vendors and final discussions with them. With all these happening, in the back of my mind, I felt a real sense of missing my single life with a hasty adieu. A hen’s night (bachelorette night sounds better I feel) was planned a couple of months ago but we had to shelve the idea when all the girls got caught up with work (its peak period). In anyway, we will have our girl’s night out soon just before my wedding. I felt as though I’m in the middle of nowhere now.
Yet as the date drew closer, I started to feel jittery. Yes… partly it has got to do with my project deliverables for the upcoming 6th SAC meeting on December 14th. Literally speaking, my team had to burn the midnight oil to meet our boss expectations to deliver few things in short span. Despite the various shortcomings we faced for the past couple of months, I have performed up to my ability and what will be, will be. On the other hand, November this year is exceptional to me; more important than ever as in this month, I finally get committed to the man I have been dating for the past 4 years. I will be engaged!
No. I am not having any doubts with regards to my feelings for him. Rather, the jitters are on two counts. Firstly, for the ensuing function where all our close friends and family will be present. Every girl wants such important days in her life to be perfect and I am not an exception. It is definitely one of the most important days in my life and I want it to be more than perfect. The planning has been going on for months, venue booked, guest lists finalized, outfits and bridal accessories selected, and wedding band designed to fit our taste. However, the odds of things inevitably could go wrong makes you uneasy. How am I going to be on that day? Will the bridal lady’s touch make me flawless? What if…? Being a vibrant and indomitable girl, all these apprehension are just self imposed and it’s pretty normal to feel that way at this moment. Everyone says it’s pretty normal. My friends are there to console me and bring me on track with some little tips and advices! Thanks girls you’re the best ones I have close to me..
What I am disturbed about, are the thoughts that were occupying my already whacked out mind which is keeping me up all night (Simply a reason for my afternoon slump). How to go about the sacrament performed on that day? I have no idea what is it all about and what do I have to do? What’s even worse is that my beau keep quizzing me, “Are you prepared for the d-day?” (Omg, it is overwhelming my concentration) “Practice your grand march (Indian brides has a knack to be bashful with graceful persona on that day) and to smile away (I can’t sweep off anyone else off their feet with my infectious smile. Not anymore!)”. Do you think I can pull it off gracefully? This is haunting me ever since the engagement ceremony fever set in early of the week – which it’s about time that I do some homework myself over the net on the tradition of Indian engagement. With all these keep ringing in my head, I could only feel butterflies in my tummy at all times.
It is already Friday! And I have just a day to sort things out and I just can’t help feeling stressed, since time is speeding. “Can we like have more than 24 hrs per day?” Is that possible? Nah! I don’t think so. Just get on with it, Nisha!

Fighting against afternoon slump

I deem that I am like many people, shortly after lunch my head begins buzzing, concentration plummets, my eyes droop and the top of my desk begins to look as cozy as a quill mattress. It's halfway between lunchtime and teatime and I’m draining out of energy. If only I can do one thing this week ... I would happily eschew the usual mid-afternoon slump! My worktable seems to lose momentum just after lunch. Yawns are stifled and regular, concentration dwindles, peckishness sets in and my eyes just can’t stay awake!

If you’re anything like I used to be… you’ll get hit each day in your work with the afternoon slump around about three to half three in the afternoon. I distinctly remember during the varsity days, when the clock strikes 3pm and I would be in need for some dose of caffeine’ which could either be: a coffee or Coke. I will start feeling lethargic, my concentration goes down and I’ll be watching the clock and thinking of how long it is to hit home, or I’ll go to the campus mini-mart just to grab some chocolate, energy bars or peppermint to jazz me up a little bit.

Then, it sparked in my mind, “Why do we get this afternoon slump?” I decided to Google it up to see if something can be done for me to fight against it. Apparently, it was proven that whatever we eat earlier in the day can be the key to avoid the sluggishness in the afternoon.

A trained dietician says "The first thing to do is make sure you have breakfast; a good whole grain cereal or wholegrain toast. And breakfast is a good time to get in one of your five a day, so have a glass of fruit juice or a handful of dried fruit on your cereal," ! There is nothing wrong with having a coffee or tea to perk you up: "Caffeine, found in drinks such as tea, coffee, energy drinks and also, to a smaller extent, in chocolate, is a stimulant, and may therefore help you to stay alert and help concentration during the day." So I have a solid reason to gulp down that caffeine down my throat at different time interval. Of course, too much caffeine will affect the sleep rhythm. Instead, I try to replace my normal coffee with a glass of water. It is universal fact that staying hydrated will help our concentration.

I’ve been noticing in the past few weeks that my afternoon slump is getting worse. My afternoon slump usually happens at about 1:00 pm, and manifests itself in sleepiness, yawning and a desire to curl up on my keyboard and nap. It could be due to my sleeping pattern changed for past couple of weeks. I had been staying up late to do some homework on engagement planning (guest list, budget inventory and other checklist), and also I used to catch up some news/latest happenings on news blog before I hit the sack. I presume this week will make no difference since I have my hands full till my engagement ceremony which falls on Sunday! OMG! Panic attack~

Every Little Girl Needs a Daddy

Inevitably, daddy is a gift for each and every girl in her life. Besides mom (they are always an angel that takes care of you), daddy is the other blessing in disguise for all of us.  As a daughter to a very loving father, I would admit I have been exceptionally gifted. The relationship I share with dad is something extraordinary. When we both team up in the house, we end up behaving like good old buddies. He is nothing sort of an authoritarian. Indeed he never believes in being one. Acha is one helluva cool dad I would describe!

Just like everyone keep reiterating, “Every little girl needs a daddy”, it is spot on! Till today, even after 27 years, I am still his baby (dad told this to mom clandestinely). My heart was touched and soon realized that parents love knew no boundaries at this moment. In spite of having a tough time bringing up a very mischievous, and rebellious girl, dad has not given up and his love on us never diminished all these years.

Looking at little girls whom never had the love of a dad and how they yearn for the fatherly figure in their lives, opened up my eyes to feel the void they’re going through. I’ve been taken aback as I watch the longing in their eyes for daddy affection. It makes an incredible difference having a father. It reflects in our perception, frame of mind and self-confidence. His words determine the outcome of our potential and strength. Acha has always been a mentor, friend and also a well-wisher to me. He has been with me through my ups and downs, and bittersweet moments. I had been given the paramount attention like a princess. Sometimes his over protectiveness has been a setback for me to be independent. I would never blame him for anything coz he simply want to give us the best and by all means guard us from danger. His encouraging word literally boosts my confidence to dream and take risks.

Everyone whom knows me closely would articulate me as an exact copy of dad.  Most people say I am a lot like him physically and mentally. We both have the same mannerism and other attributes such as independent, bold, compassionate, loving, cheerful and forthright. On the other hand, how can I not talk about the other side of us? Adamant, loud and hot tempered are not something that is morally wrong but it defines us as unique. Dad affirms ability and set the path for a young woman like me, to believe “I don’t have to prove myself. I can do anything.” He influenced me to be a woman of pride. It is because of him that I am the person I am today.

 

It’s amazing how my Vig has become the mirror to acha. The truth is that so much of both of them are reflected in the way they see me, the way they interacts with me, and the way they pampers me. Vig, you’re someone who will take me to greater heights and unconditional affection and pampering which will spoil me to the brim! Ahax!  I am looking forward for a jolly, spoilt brat lifestyle soon.

Fathers are very important role models for their daughters. Dad, no one replaces the unique spot you hold in your daughter’s heart.  Every little girl and every big girl wants her daddy’s love. Acha, you will always hold the special place in my heart and someone I look up to you all the time! I am grateful to be blessed with you.

Flashback: I will never forget whenever we sit around him in circle after our dinner hours and hear him talking about us and he nurtured us made me understand his true love on his daughters. From the moment, he held us in his arms for the first time until the day he will walked down the aisle to give away his girls to the man of their dreams, his life revolves about his little girls. He lived for us and he will continue doing so. He is a man full of love, unconditional love which knows no boundaries. The most beautiful moments we shared will be the best of my life.

More than anything, he is forever the kind of daddy every little girl will yearn for.

I love Perfume

Like many women out there, I absolutely adore perfume. I'm not a huge collector but I do enjoy (and actually use) the perfume I do have and also explore the various scent and brands in the market on a regular basis.

The latest catch is Femme Hugo Boss. This is what it looks like.



My absolute favorite perfume (which I caught a whiff last week at one of their promotion) is Coach’s Poppy Flower Eau de Parfum. I just love everything about this scent. It's young and sweet, and it puts me in a very happy and pretty mood. And just how gorgeous is the bottle? When I first heard that this Coach was coming out with a new perfume I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to try it out. I absolutely loved the floral scent it has and I was looking forward to grab the new scent when it hit the stores. This collection is dedicated to life, love, and laughter. The This scent is absolutely wonderful.

The top note in this perfume is wet ivy, citrus, lychee, cassis, jasmine petals and water lily. When you go a little deeper you get the middle notes of musky peony, sugared raspberry, amberwood, apricot skin and soft sandalwood. It gives a blend of sweet, sensual, youthful, vibrant, and totally lighthearted fragrance all wrapped in one. I think this perfume would be best for the playful summer months. It makes you feel like you are whole. It is a very classy and distinctive scent.

For me this is a wonderful smell. This will be up for grabs when my current perfume is running out.
I do feel very sensitive to my sensations when I am wearing a perfume of my taste. It heightens my senses to what my body wants. The sweet smell can make us feel happy when it is on us. Instantly it brings a touch of confidence to me. I have explored myriad collections of perfume ranging from TommyGirl Tommy Hilfiger, Escada Incredible Me, Elizabeth Arden Pretty and Anna Sui Dolly Girl Bonjour L’Amours. I do enjoy treating myself to array of fragrances in the market.


As Gianni versace quotes'Perfume puts the finishing touch to elegance - a detail that subtly underscores the look, an invisible extra that completes a woman's personality. Without it there is something missing'



Verdict:
This perfume (Hugo Boss Femme) is a great addition to my collection. I use this scent for a night out. It is a wonderful inviting and invigorating scent. You will have everybody looking your way when they get a whiff of you. You can’t go wrong unless you use too much. A little bit goes a long way. This perfume is pricey yet it is wonderful. So let’s just drizzle and dazzle away some perfume!

Famous Amos: Ignites the taste buds

Sometimes, I just can't help having sweet cravings for my favourite chocs and cakes. It doesn't happen always but it pops out of blue!

The most irresistible cravings I get is when I walk past the Famous Amos outlet. The aroma of the cookies just fills up the atmosphere and ignites the olfactory senses. I know it can be tempting to grab a packet full of jellos, chocs or even the finest cookies but not too often. Although it's kinda pricey but it is worth the ringgit.



Each year during the festive season, I would be treated with a lovely hamper of Famous Amos. What more could I ask for? Its sinfully delicious! Tantalizing! A treat for your taste buds!

Yummylicous!

Emblem of Love

Two simple gold bands. Out of all the diamonds and gems encrusted, platinum and titanium metal, fashionable design and intricate styles, the most persuasive and most fundamental symbol of marriage remains a simple band of gold, worn without ornamentation on the third finger of the left hand. A wedding band is a winning symbol of marriage. It sends a distinctive message about our marital status, as anyone who has taken a quick glance at the left hand of an attractive stranger will tell you. When a couple adorn it as a pair, it signifies the bond two people share, the solid, enduring, endless bond that connects them even when they're apart. It was the ideal concept of wedding band that made me not to rush into getting one but by furnishing me and my would-be with the vow behind the ring that we are gonna exchange on our engagement day. I wanted to shop for our ring together with Raj and pick on the ones we both get fascinated with. That is how it should be right? But why so much of excitement and hoopla about this little love-binder?

Wedding bands just knock into reality that something indispensable that we all recognize - a wedding ring means marriage, and marriage means the most profound love we're gifted with. The concept of exchanging rings has been around for centuries and is unique in its own way. Almost every culture worldwide seals marriage with an exchange of rings. Though the practices may show a discrepancy somewhat, the sentiment and gist is certainly there. Whatever the culture is, whatever the century is, and people have acknowledged the importance of sealing their unions with rings.
The wedding bands and engagement rings you choose will be one of the most enduring token of love on your wedding day. Not only are they an important element of becoming married, but they are also a long-lasting symbol of your love and commitment. Therefore, you'll want to choose jewelry that is timeless, fine quality and matchless. Eventually, I would prefer to get something precious and worth for the money spent. Since we both will be wearing it for the rest of our life, we want to make sure we both get it right. In the rush to complete wedding plans, it's not uncommon for couples to put off buying the all-important element that seals their vows: their wedding bands. And I am not afraid to admit I and Raj was one of them. It was our first plan to get it done earlier during Diwali festival. But on eleventh hour, Raj had to abide to his duty calls abroad; we were left with no choice but to do it after his return back to Malaysia. So it was only yesterday we manage to scout for it and placed custom-made order upon his arrival. We both loved it as we set our eyes on it and tried on both our fingers to see if it will look good if we had our names engraved on it. As we envisage the fast-forward event in our minds, it felt real good.



So, the next question will be which ring finger should be bind to the band? There are many presumptions as to which particular finger came to symbolize marriage. Both the ancient Romans and Egyptians believed that a vein - called the vena amoris in Latin - ran directly from that left side finger to the heart. So why do we confine ourselves on which finger our wedding rings should go. After all, either finger we slip our rings into, all that matters is the heart and love we have for each other. And so we both sat down with the jeweler staff who was engaging us with the various beautiful designs they have in their display, in the presence of my parents (They left it to us to make up our minds after all; its our choice that matters the most), we had one thing in mind. A plain classic gold band without being too artistic that will obscure the significance of the band.

As I was doing my own homework in quest for our wedding band choices, I got to know that men didn’t even wear them until World War II. Only after that era, it became popular as a way for husbands sent overseas to remember their wives back home and also as a symbol of their marriages. I would look at the concept of betrothal rings as a pure romance, a gesture of love and affection and a promise to spend the rest of my life with the man of my love. I and Raj made it to the gold store to look for an engagement band. We want it to be done together and made sure it was something we both loved for the touch of the design and how comfortably it sits on our finger for the rest of our life. At that point of selection through the various designs and styles lay across the display, we humorously said to each other, “Now we’re gonna be officially bonded to each other with our names engraved on the bands showing that we’re taken off the shelf!” Ha,ha,ha. Both of us more than glad to wear the wedding bands which express our desire and joy to show the world that we have found the soul mate of our dreams and it holds precious to be engaged and soon-to-be-married!



So what does all of this mean? What kind of band shall I go for? Are wedding rings merely an indistinct traditional custom that we've held on to out of respect to our ancestors? Many couples today choose to flaunt tradition with a modern twist to it. Some couples choose silver or platinum rings; some women replace the traditional gold band with ornate, diamond-encrusted rings. As Hindu, we opt for classic gold bands with sophisticated style that fits comfortably on our fingers. While personal style will always be a factor and personal choice must always be respected, I maintain that some thought ought to be given to the fact that your wedding ring is a symbol of marriage. It is not jewelry, or rather, it shouldn't be. Wear whatever elaborate or expensive rings you wish on your other fingers, but consider that the ring you wear to symbolize your marriage shouldn't be garish or clichéd or a way in which to show off your husband's affluence. The desire for pretty diamonds and dazzling precious gems has overshadowed the simple beauty of a plain gold band, especially when that band represents so much more than any diamond ever could.
A wedding band is not something you should "trade up" for something better when your finances become more stable, either. I look up to my wedding band as part of me which I will not toss away when a shinier diamond becomes available. "With this ring, I thee wed..." is the vow we make. We should honour that part of our vows as much as any other.

To me, my wedding band is far more precious than any other jewellery I own in the past and present. If I could keep only one thing from my wedding day to symbolize my love for my husband, I will definitely keep the band to represent our commitment to each other, our ability to weather life's storms together, our trust and faith in each other, our mutual admiration and delight in each other...what would it be beside this?

It would be a simple, beautiful, elegant band of gold that represents the day we both pledged to be together! The wedding band that I adore.

Joy of my life

My sweetheart is back finally! I looked forward for so long for my sweetheart to arrive home safely. Thank God for his safe return. This is the longest trip he had so far. Before this he travelled to Chengdu and Virginia a couple of times but it was always a short trip. Everyday I hoped silently that he comes back to me soon. As his flight touch-down, he quickly flip out his BB to give me a call knowing I would be excited to hear his voice. I was euphoric and feeling relieved that he is safe and sound in our homeland! The next moment, I was already in my car, ready to pick my Raj.

I took AL just to be able to receive him and treat him with a good and delicious Indian food which he missed for a month. Just as the arrival announcement glared in the waiting hall, I quickly rise to look out for Raj and much to my excitement, I caught a glimpse of him with his luggage and backpack making his way towards me with a wide grin which I missed so much. For all I know, the next moment I was in his arms. A warm hug! The joy of my life is back to me and we have a wonderful moment waiting for us. I can't wait to do it together with you sweetheart!


I know he was terribly tired after a long flight journey.

I wish my hunny bunny could have spend a day with me here but he cant. The short time we spend together was meaningful for us and I couldn't ask for more. Thanks hun for the Levi's denim that you got me and the pretty souvenir for home! Very thoughtful indeed. Hope you have a good rest and recover from jetlag soon!

You need to re-brand and re-fresh yourself for our big moment! Take care handsome!

Sweetest Goodbye

I have always been a reserved personality and doesnt make friends easily. But if I do,then I would be the whackiest one and keeps them close to my heart. I dont believe in making billions of bestfriends. And more often than not, I prefer to have a close knit of friends and family around me whom understands and loves me for who I am. By saying this, it doesnt mean, i am unfriendly and cold but many around feels I have a pleasant disposition whom I can crack a conversation or flash a warm smile to people around me (unless its total strangers and I dont feel good about being too overly social which could land me in deep trouble or label me as too social! ahaks!!).

So last week, I was able to meet up with my close buddy from university that we have been friends throughout for about 7 yrs. In a short notice, I was able to pull up a schedule for us to meet and I guess we were destined to meet because everything just fall to places even we didn't have the luxury of time especially when I was quite tied up with my big day committments. We had plan to meet up a couple of times when she was down in KL to her in-laws place but I couldnt make it. The last I met her was for her wedding on February 10th (A day after my birthday for which I wont forget). Myself with another two close friends went on a short road trip to penang to share her happiness and also take a break off from our busy working schedule.

Knowing Umah for 7 years is good enough to comprehend that we spend almost a decade together and we were not only classmates but roommates as well! That explains how close we used to be and hang around together in campus and off-campus too, till we were known as twin sisters wherever we go especially among lecturers and varsity mates! Ha,ha,ha. By now you would have guessed the closeness we shared. With good friend like her, I can happily say that I am comfortable being around her. It was not about just a hello-goodbye kind of friends. We did all kinds of funs together. The one thing that I will never forget is the moment we enjoyed sitting on the balcony during full moon and sipping a cup of hot coffee in the middle of the night (or even wee hours of 2am during exam periods only k!). We used to talk for hours and laugh about all the funny things of campus happenings. In fact there was once we did a crazy thing. It was just a day before our exam (some core biotech paper the very next day)and we both were terribly stressed and out of blue we made up our mind to catch a movie (Mozhi, it was a beautiful movie with some comedy). You know we laughed about it later on.

Looking back at those times makes me cherish every moment which I cant get it back now. We are all in late 20's now and some of us are married and some of us will be soon joining them. Life is so beautiful when we realise that we have together and saw each other in different phase of life. We met as innocent teenagers and now we are matured young women well into married life. Most of us are doing well in career and family life. I am proud to say that we have lots of things in common which makes it easier and fonder to be around her. They are the kind of friends that are well-grounded, easy to get along with.

We both met up at Gardens Mall together with her hubby. He tagged along but later on left us all by ourselves to catch up while he joins his family for shopping! We decided to chill at Zouk Cafe Bar for a dessert and some drinks. You know both of us started from where we left on..Ha,ha, Many things to chat abt...And finally Umah broke the news that she will be tagging along Vick to Oregon, States for her hubby's relocation for the next 6 months. I was dumbfounded but I was happy for her since she made a wise decision to quit her job and join Vick to US. Long distance is never gonna be easy sinc I am in the shoes and many of my friends do too. My only regret is that my best bud couldnt share my big moment. She had to make up to me by presenting me a greeting card with her angpau! But still it would mean alot to me if she is present with Vick to make my day even livelier!

My heart sank when I dont know when will we be able to meet up next but there is always the benefit of technology advent.

11.11.11

There was a huge frenzy going on everywhere over appearance of 11.11.11.November 11 this year gives us a date of 11/11/11 which only happens once in a hundred years. and this attracted the media fraternity and all folks to create a hoopla over it by tying the knots today or making the day a significant one to be remembered. I would say, it was another day for me with work, department meetings and food fiesta in office. The tabloids coverage for the day talks about mass wedding across the country, 11 reasons no 2011 election on Star headlines and etc etc etc. So what's the big deal about it besides it is just another day!

If my hunny was here, we would have spend a night out in the city driving around after a candlelight dinner. I rather have a mellow night with loved ones than partying in a noisy club. All I need is just a good relaxation for a tired soul! At least, it's Friday and I can do what I love doing the most: SLEEP!!!

Happy 11.11.11 to all my loved ones..Nitez nitez and sweetdreams folks for a magnificent weekends.

It's Not Just a Countdown!

It is an exceptional moment of my life. Engagement is a special moment in our life of anticipation, celebration and love. Though it’s easy just to think of my engagement as a countdown to the big day, I realize that this event is something that I’ll never have again. All we (I and Raj) could do was to make our engagement something unique and fabulous when we recall back few years down the lane. As I told you both of us are the official wedding planners, we put our heads together to come up with a framework and how to go about it. Besides, both of us have many friends who were married and jumped on the opportunity to exchange idea and inspiration on what is it going to be like walking down the aisle.
Just as November made its presence felt, I could feel the excitement building up as well as my anxiety to a greater extent. Engagement is not just a countdown to our big day but has a significant value to it. There is a reason why we are getting married right? It is a celebration of love. I can still vividly evoke the day I met Raj and how we both felt the love for each other. One thing in common for us will be the affection we are tied up to. Nothing is greater to us but LOVE is something that we would not give up so easily. It is not only about us, it is about the affection we have for our close-knit circle of family and friends. I and Raj are just a reflection of each other (maybe we can differ in some qualities) by which mutual understanding is the heart of our relationship. We are more like good old buddies whom enjoy the company of each other, can chat for hours of myriad topics ranging from grave issues like politics to more subtle topic as entertainment, sharing similar passion of life, and inspire each other throughout the journey of life.
Engagement happens simply because we felt that we both love each other so much and want to spend the rest of our lives together to catch the glimpse of how beautiful life can be. It is merely a preparation for us to be geared up before we walk down the aisle. The date for our engagement was fixed a couple of months ago with regards to our horoscope compatibility and auspicious date. It seemed like there is a long way to go at that point of time. But one thing I didn’t realize in the midst of a demanding life, I forgot time will never wait for us and it suddenly rang a bell in my head, “It’s almost here”! Can you imagine, there is only 15 more days to go for my single status to be revoked? Haha!! Oh no I don’t get the joy of happily quoting, “I am single and enjoying my life”! Of course it didn’t mean that after I am married, I am going to be tied up! Coz my sweet Raj is an outgoing person and love to live up our life like crazy. We had secretly made so many plans in this one year stint. One thing at a time!

Planning for a line-up of wedding events, can be stressful and pressure can drive us apart. But at the same time, it is up to us to take control of it by engaging ourselves with pampering session. I am not ashamed to admit even I and Raj had to endure the heated moments on various occasions but it is never about our love to each other. It is about the planning and how to move ahead despite our busy schedule. However, we both hold the bull by horns. Literally it means we took the charge of it by going on intimate dinner dates, do nice things for no reason, appreciate each other strengths, accept each other’s faults with love and compliment for the little things they do. It made a huge difference just like a flick of magic wand!



It is good to define what the significance of engagement is. The betrothal ceremony actually bounds us with a promise to marry. We do this by exchanging rings during the ceremony. As a Hindu, our engagement ceremony will be a first step into our marital union by marking the beginning of a new journey. On this day, both our families will merge together to witness the exchange of wedding bands (ring) to indicate that both the bride and groom are hooked. Besides that, the groom side will bring decorative trays laden with jewellery, clothing’s, gifts, sweets, fruits and many other gifts for the bride. Thereafter, a dinner party will follow up to rejoice the joy of betrothal ceremony.



Indian wedding ceremonies are definitely filled with elaborate customs, colors and opulent celebrations with overwhelming party thereafter. It is a time for family gathering to strengthen the bonds. Most of all, it is also an opening for me to show extra affection and appreciation to my parents, close family members and friends. Obliquely, this is a good bonding time.



It takes a lot of planning to do and execution coming into place. Various parties are involved and lots of hard work pumped into and ultimately we expect a promising outcome! Money flows out, ideas flows in! Suddenly, immense focus is placed on looking good for the big day, and so many brides and grooms use this time to suddenly be making cosmetic changes. But I am rather a laidback personality and always prefer to keep it simple and rely on my natural beauty (It is not self-conceit but I am a person who is blessed with fairly pleasant looks and skin tone which I think I don’t need to splurge a lot of cash there). Basically, I don’t make frequent trips to the beauty parlor unless I am nagged by mom. Mom is more concerned about my revamp looks more than I do. She pushes me to give a try on various facial treatment and spa’s. Such an inspiring person to keep a constant gentle reminder on me, that I am getting hitched soon. I never attempted to embark on crash diets but I did plan on mellow scale to trim down some unwanted fat deposits here and there. It didn’t kick start so aggressively but I did watch out on my eating habits. At least I’m in happy size and not oversized or obese. So this is still healthy. I think about making our self healthier should be as a lifelong commitment rather than a countdown to a date and a number on a scale.

Think about what you want and what’s important to you. With so many decisions to be made and other people’s opinions swirling around you, it’s easy to get lost. I found many wedding checklist from the Net, that I finally personalized to fit my requisite. Keeping tab on it from time to time does work to keep us on top of our task. I am planning to get a countdown calendars or tickers for my blog for the big day. Talking to trusted friends to feel inspired as driving force can be helpful. Looks like I had ditched my checklist and guest list somewhere in my piles of file holders for quite some time. It is time for me to bring it on and work my way through it.



I will be blogging about all the ramblings and rants of our big day from time to time!

~Raj & Nisha~

Just one day...

My mom went back to Ipoh just a day ago...

In this void, I am trying to cope all the chores by my self.. it’s like a rehearsal to become a perfect homemaker by taking over mom's duty during her absence.Before this when I was staying alone during varsity days, I had no problem handling the chores alone but now with a profession that drains me out totally..I definitely hit the highest fatigue level before I reach home (And not to forget the traffic snarl I have to wade through daily plus the unwarranted stress due to inconsiderate drivers).



Mornings, I am not priveleged to get a wake-up call that is comforting (Mom wakes me up with a just a call away unlike the alarming buzz from my mobile). I have to make my own coffee. But thank god, dad still never fails to prepare slice of bread with butter+cheese spread before he leaves for work.I am always his little girl no matter how old I am. Before I step out of home, I need to make sure all the doors and windowpane is closed and switch off all the electrical appliances. Last but not least, I have my doggie to say goodbye. Usually mom will send me off at the patio with her daily word of advise, "Drive safely and do not exceed the speed limit"! For which I would curtly reply, "Ok mommy!" Her sharp gaze and faint smile is good enough to send me signal that she knows I hate being mollycoddled! He,he, he




My chores does not end there: Work from 8.30am-5.30pm. Traffic jam. Tiredness. Annoyance. Once I reach home, I got to prepare a light dinner like sandwic and re-heat the leftovers. Cleaning. Making dishes. Washing. Ironing.etc.etc.etc. By the time I hit the bed, I would be more drained out. When I lay across the bed and stare into the ceiling above me with a sense of pleasure that I got some rest finally,I could only imagine how powerful and energetic can mommy be? She can be a homemaker but who says it is an easy job.No, it is never an easy task!

I manage to pull this off properly which is a good practice for me when I become a wife and mother. I really appreciate the beauty of mommy just a day without her being closer to us. I feel bad when she gets up as early as 5am in the morning just to cook for me as my lunch-pack for work! Mommy, you're always the queen of my heart! I love you and can't wait to see you waiting for me at doorstep today! Time to bully you starts again. He, he, he...

Signing off, her lil bully daughter

Sweet November is already here & I am jumping for joy!

It's November.

I am getting engaged! It’s nuptial fever for me. I know that sounds not so amazing to you, yes it does to me! I hit the jittery mode since October and not sure how to put it other than I am geared up for this big moment of my life. The clock’s ticking and I only have about 2 weeks from now. All the groundwork almost ready to roll but with last touch-up being done progressively. As I flicked my calendar last week, I was having cold feet the moment I saw November flashed in front of my eyes. My God! Time flies indeed. I couldn’t believe my eyes that I am bound to join my friends who got hitched in the recent years.

I am ready to roll; I guess more or less.

I can’t wait for my sweetheart to be back from his business trip. I have been waiting to have him back here with me and work our way through the first memorable event of our life. Both of us never engaged a wedding planner despite our busy schedule. He is a dedicated E & E engineer whom loves his job and goes beyond his means to get his project accomplished. His heart and soul lies in what he does (Of course I will be his princess priority wise!) As for me, being a molecular biologist, I have never ceased on the learning curve on board and my career is just as demanding as Raj’s one. Even then, we both never fall short to inspire ourselves and come out with a defined plan to make our big day a memorable and outstanding as we always dreamt off. Once when my bestie asked me, “So who is your wedding planner”? I just gave a smile and quirk, “It’s me and my Raj!” I was his priority in his life and when it comes to planning our big day, he prefers to give me the exclusive rights to make selections since he says, it is a woman's greatest dream of her life to have a fairytale wedding come true..In that sense I am lucky! So I get my way most of the time..He,he,he and he says my taste is always the best! So be it!



Out of blue, he received a call from his boss in US to embark on his product development in his HQ in Virginia and Arizona (Intel) on 3 weeks trip to the 2 places. He was alarmed since our engagement was around the corner and lots of preparation work to be done. I assured him things will be fine since it is only engagement and most of it will be taken care by my side and his family will make ends meet with their part during his absence. I encouraged him to go for his business trip which is what he loves doing the most! Sure enough, the mere thought of not seeing him for 3 weeks was difficult for me but now it has stretched to almost a month. I get to hear his voice every week once when he calls me and us text each other via FB, and hotmail which keeps us connected. And finally, Paul (his boss) understands Raj’s effort and dedication in his work during his moment of his life. Paul is a wonderful boss for Raj who understands him well and promised not to hold him back till the eleventh hour! I appreciate it Paul! And we hope to have Paul celebrate both our happiness on our big day.

Which means, my other-half will be home in a weeks’ time, so do my aunt from abroad! My aunt and uncle is heading back home on the 15th of this month from Swiss just to be with me and the rest of my family for the most biggest and fun moment of the family. It has been sometime since my family witness a wedding in the family circle and this is coming after a long time and the excitement for a celebration is elevated. There is so much of ideas for celebration before and after the event: BBQ, wine toasting (drinking splurge!), and gathering! It looks the much anticipated event will turn up well. I am looking forward for it even though I started feeling edgy.



November already
Ohh la la!
Venture out in the crisp air
Excitement soars high from a big celebration coming up
Many things to be thankful for
Best buds at the top of the list!
Everybody starts to be anxious
Remember to slow down and breathe
May November be a month filled with happiness, good health and wealth?
Two weeks until D-day!