It’s a Leap Year Today!

February is a strange little month, which is the only one of the 12 months that has an extra, or leap day, every four years. 29th February 2012 will be a day to be remembered for those leaplings celebrating their first official birthday after 4 years.

So what is a leap year? A leap year is to keep the modern Gregorian calendar synchronized with the celestial cycles that frame it which means Earth’s revolutions around the sun. So to account for those extra ticks and keep the calendar in tune with the sun's rotation, we have Leap Day, Feb. 29, every four years.

How does it work?

The simple answer is: Yes. Think of leap year as the little trick the world uses to make up for lost time. According to some website, it is famously known as quarter-day puzzle. By saying this, it simply means Earth orbits the sun every 365.242 days which is not an easy number for a calendar to accommodate.

The solution is: Thus, many cultures since ancient times have taken on the practice of adding extra days, or even months, to round out the calendar year. In a nutshell, the troublesome one-quarter day was accumulated and added into February every four years. If only we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours every year.

Hooray! The sticky calendar conundrum is solved. I guess this would be the simplest elucidation I can find to understand the leap year. To be frank, I myself find views on leap birthdays gamut can go mild to wild.

And before I forget, “Happy Birthday Leaplings”. Finally, you get to celebrate your official birthday

Thank You, thank you & thank you!

A sense of relief enveloped me as I finished my final touches to our very own personalized thank you card and uploaded into my FB. Here is the excerpts of my thank you message for all;

"A loving note can barely express how you have added to our happiness by sharing the beginning of our new life together. Our wedding was so much more memorable because you shared it with us. We would like to send our sincerest thank you for your love, your prayers, and your wonderful gifts. Our wedding would not have been complete without your presence to celebrate our joy and for being a part of our lives. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are truly appreciated. We couldn’t be more blessed to have a beautiful family and friends around us. Thank you for being a part of our fairy tale! We hope you enjoyed the wedding as much as we did! "

With all our love, we thank you, Raj & Nisha!

A Simple Thank You

Just right after the dust from the reception settles and returning from my honeymoon, just when I thought I can take a good rest, I was awaken by a sense of sensibility. After the rush of opening all those beautiful wedding gifts & cash, impressed by the lovely wedding cards, only to realize I need to seriously get crackin’ on the wedding thank you note as a token of appreciation to all those who made their presence on our big day. It took me only a few moments before I knew how important a thank you note should be- for everyone, every gift, every wish, and above all their love. And I must do it.

Certainly, I can’t afford to convey the appreciation to each and everyone personally (with the guests turned up close to 800 pax) or else it will be endless. Not everyone enjoys doing this as it can be mundane and lots of effort involved. But nonetheless it is impolite and poor wedding etiquette not to send out wedding thank you notes. To be frank, I am overwhelmed as much as my hubby when I told him about my idea of sending out our wedding thank you note to our guests. I came up with the idea to personalize a simple yet sweet thank you message fit for all (after all I don’t really fancy gibberish and flashy greetings). Therefore, I decided to spearhead this mini post-wedding project to show our heartfelt appreciation just like their effort for making their presence felt on our big day.

Now, my mother would chide me if she gets to know that I have yet to send out the thank you note. Well, she is famed for her courtliness and do still believe in common courtesies. Of course, I do agree we should be grateful for people’s kind deed. After all, they cost us next to nothing and I like to treat people in the way in which I would like to be treated. In this case it is the humble, or often not so humble, thank you note.

For a moment I thought about weddings that I've attended in the past. Looking back about the time I spent travelling to and from venues. The annual leaves that I have sacrificed. The new outfits. The transport, the petrol, the hotels. I'm not saying I begrudge any of this money or time spent to be with those I care about with all my heart. However, being a wedding guest is not all rainbows and unicorns. I have scrimped and saved so I could attend weddings far and wide. I wanted to be there. The least I expect is a proper thank you...
It is hard being a bride as I am caught up in every directions and time flies like anything. So I didn’t have the time to thank each and every guest properly. This thank you card that I am coming up with will be our gesture to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who was part of our day.

Although the tradition states that it is okay to send out thank-you cards within a year of getting married, I find this not appropriate since the guests will feel they are belittled and forgotten. It is understandable that upon returning from honeymoon, settling down into married life and getting back to work, is not so easy. But I would prefer to tie up the loose ends within a month or so.
I am busy working out with customizing the design of our thank you note and coming up with the right words to express our gratitude is not always easy. I am keeping it short and simple: KISS rule. Greeting-Appreciation-Regards. That’s it!

Whitney Houston: Another Music Legend That will be Remembered Forever

On Saturday, 11th February, 2012, Whitney Houston was found dead in her hotel room. It is still not clear as to how she died. Her sudden death has astonished millions of people worldwide. She was an icon and was loved by many. Whitney had a very soulful voice and sang many songs that people could relate to. She was truly talented and blessed with an amazing voice. It is sad to know that the world will not be hearing another song from her.

I was driving to KL Sentral to send off my hubby back to Ipoh after our honeymoon when I heard the heartbreaking news……….Whitney Houston has died! What, this can’t be true. How could this happen? Upon reaching home, I quickly clutched my laptop and googled to read online news about it to get more details as the scrap news on radio was vague. True enough, redundant news quickly flashed on TV news about the death of a Pop Star Legend. It is true that while singers have tried to copy Whitney Houston’s voice none have ever compared. With the loss of Whitney; a music legendary has gone and this is a sad time for all of her fans.

What could possibly happen? How could she die when she was just 48 years old? Of course there are rumors that she must have overdosed on drugs. Remember in the 1980’s & 1990’s when she was so sweet and beaming with enthusiasm. Then she got married to Bobby Brown and nobody could believe it. To the public eye they appeared to be complete opposites. Slowly, the drama of spousal abuse, and drug addiction surfaced in the media indicating her marriage is on the rocks. Apparently Whitney had problems with cocaine, marijuana, and pills. She sought help on many occasions by paying a visit to the rehab centre often to come out clean. Later she divorced Bobby Brown.

Most of the celebrity’s life tells us how important it is to be careful with whom you associate with (or fall in love with). I can’t help but think to myself, “Don’t fall into the trap of the glitz and glamour of showbiz industry”. It takes you nowhere but down the drains. I don’t know what really went down in their marriage but I can’t help but put a little blame on Bobby Brown. Her persona changed after her marriage.

This year Grammy Awards lost a star and all that is left now is only a cloud of sadness. Whitney would have been there but her life was taken away too early. As for myself I will remember her with the beauty she brought in her voice. She was an absolutely gorgeous woman and I will always remember her for the beauty she contributed to the world. I just wish there had been a different ending to this story!

May her soul rest in peace.

I found my Prince Charming!

While we started dating early 2008 (late-January if I’m not wrong), I've been pretty quiet about it online. That's partly because I didn't want to expose my prince charming to everyone without knowing what might happen—if he could sync with me or my family, is he the love of my life? I just kept it very personal rather than sensationalizing my private life to the whole world. I hate social footprint of my life. And it's partly because it's my own damned business and private life, and sometimes there has to be a line between what's public and what's not. I'm sure you understand. :-) Oh, and I didn't want to jinx it!

Of course, the few of my closest friends whom have been keeping in close tab with me knew about our relationship and even met him in one of my friend’s wedding. But that's really about it. Some might wonder why I kept my handsome under wraps. I never liked celebrity-lifestyles where every single thing of my life, it’s being sensationalized on social network (Some love doing it). To me it is pointless having a drama life. I prefer to keep away from ‘paparazzi’.

What you're really wondering about is who he is (and what sort of personality he has and what does he do for a living or maybe how did we meet!). I could go on talking about innumerable great things about him but does it matter to you (or anyone for that matter?). Raj was born in a sweet little family with lots of love and warmth. He shares the same star sign as me although he is 3 years older than I do (He was born just 2 days before my birth date! Hence we will not forget our birthdays no matter what and have a double celebration in one go). He's smart, dashing, kind, caring, and fun to be around. Raj can be a very good companion whom I can sit and talk for hours without getting bored. He really knows how to entertain me well; be it, with his intellectual talks or his naughty humor.

We have a lot in common aside from love of photography (planning to polish our skills on it after wedding). We have very similar goals for the future, religious views (or lack of them), fashion preferences, choice of pets, fine dining, vacation hotspots, hobbies we wish we had time for, thoughts on our future life planning one day, and more. I could go on.

In short, we're quite compatible. So much so that it's intimidating (in a positive manner) at times. But that is how we understand each other very well; our flaws and rightness. He taught me how beautiful life is and how to make the best of out it. The maturity, love and knowledge I share with him remind me of my dad. I am not only a princess to acha but also to my sweetheart! Of course, I'd honestly not expect you to believe me but this is how good things happen to good people with pure heart. Seriously. I count him as a blessing in my life. I've thought to myself "I can't possibly be this lucky..." (But he says I am his lucky charm! How sweet nah? That’s him btw)

But I am.

We've had a few bumpy rides of course. Some of them were likely the result of the fact that I simply hadn't made dating or vacation a priority for a long time. It was always the little things that are the reason for us to have differences BUT not about our love. But each time we've come away stronger, knowing each other better, and even more confident about our future. It's all part of the journey. I'm still in trepidation at the public and private responses that everyone elicited the moment they knew we were in relationship.

I'm incredibly happy that we managed to find each other at times in our lives when we were both ready to find each other. But even more than that, I'm excited about the future we're going to have together.

After we've been married for more than 3 weeks now, I can write a bit about our life-after-marriage. I’m blessed!! My parents, and godparents just reminded me to “give and take” and life will be blossoming with happiness and tranquility. Fair enough, it is true from my 3 weeks of experience as a wife. On the day of our wedding, I officially announced to the rest of family circle that Raj is my charming man! And honey, I must confess that I am proud to be your wife. And we will always be the envy of the rest (I bet you know who are they, right dear?!). This is already longer than I thought it'd be, so I wrap up my rantings here and return to my routine schedule. I will keep you all posted with occasional ranting--as soon as I come up with something.

I remember someone asked me once, “What made you to marry this guy”? I can think of plenty of reasons to marry this wonderful man. Wherever we go, we are beyond doubt christen as the ideal couple. And I love to hear it. Just as our idealness, we have captured our nuptials and reception in our unique way which has been the talk of the family and to some across the town (I know I don’t want to sound conceit but it is my pleasure to hear people singing praises for our effort to make it memorable).

Stay tuned for more snippets on wedding, reception and scores of of photos on the way.

What Happens the Day After Wedding

I've been in a huff ever since I got back from my honeymoon. Oh not as in my honeymoon was screwed up. It was fantabulous getaway for me and my darling. I'm so happy to be married; especially to the man I loved. But I am in such a flurry after the wedding, I feel like there is something missing even after 3 weeks. All I do is reminiscing about the wedding celebration every now and then. Is this normal? I know I need to get over it soon. But when? Only time will tell.

I got married around the end of January, and I’ll confess it that I'm still slightly fixated with reliving my wedding day. But I don't think we would want to reminisce anymore about the lovely wedding ceremony or the exclusively flamboyant and super rocking dance party at the reception. I can't really turn to my husband either, as he is as emotionally invested in the wedding as I am, and to make things worse, he’s 370 km away in Penang. After the excellent event, which we spent a year planning long-distance, he's back living and working in Intel and I'm back in KL; living with my parents. Talk about a letdown. I am married but single! Ha-ha. Everyone quizzes me wondering for how long we are going to be living apart. I and Raj could be physically spaced out but emotionally we are inseparable. That is the beauty of our love and relationship that we have nurtured for close to 5 years.

All these makes total sense. In the beginning, part of my life was at tangential just to plan the wedding- numerous meetings with vendors, the days to go look at banquet locations, the invitation selection, bridal make-up, shopping etc., etc. So there was an actual gap in my life whereby importance was exclusively for my marriage. Nothing else seems to carry a substance in my eyes at that time. It always takes a while to remember what you used to do with all of that free time! Then comes all the excitement that I have been building up for this big day and, no matter how great, it can always feel a little bit jittery.

It wasn't until I stumbled upon an article from the net when I was on Google search engine (I am definitely an avid reader) that I realized there was a term for what I was going through. It read, "Hope you're not too deep into the wedding blues (the feeling that no one really tells you about)." Bingo. It’s like it perfectly describes my feelings or at least more or less. It is termed as postnuptial depression (Sounds more like some clinical disorder but thank god it is not so). I was reassured! At least I am perfectly fine and not going cuckoo!!

Down-in-the-dumps scenario is a common in the lexicon of marriage for some time. And only now, I can tell you it’s real. I didn’t know get to know of the various impasse involved for a bride/groom when they step into the wedding wagon. It involves a lot of commitment, emotions etc etc. Of course, once the big day comes and goes, couples are forced to step out of their much-cherished and fabulous celebrity-kind-off- limelight and just get on with real life. Forget about all the frolic and fun. *Snap back to reality* ( In a zap of a finger)

I find that one the best approach to snug into regular living is to organize activities like thanksgiving party to all those that have helped during the wedding stint. Have your friends and family over to watch the video or invite them over for some tea when you get your photographs back. It's a good way to celebrate and re-live the beautiful moments and appreciate the best moments of your life. Taking time to be with your partner and to think about each other is always important.

Adequate rest and keeping ourselves pre-occupied should be on the cards as well. Most importantly, I was advised by the elders to communicate constantly; focus on starting to think about the future in terms of family, finance and career. Looks like it’s time that I should stop thinking as "the newlyweds" and throw out those wedding magazines, planners, checklists and start planning social events as there are plenty other parties to look forward to.

Since my husband and I are half a world apart, all I can do for now is rest and concentrate in my career, and learn to relinquish the spotlight — to one of my good friend’s sister who is getting hitched next month. It'll be worth it, as I know the high point of her wedding roller coaster will be another rockin' dance party.

Oh gosh!!! Of course, there is always the many, many thank you notes that I will need to write that will surely keep me busy as well till I have overcome the wedding fever.

Remembering my honeymoon trip to Bali

I remembered about my honeymoon trip to Bali, after our wedding reception on 4th February 2012. It was a trip I will never forget. It was the only trip so far for me (Raj has travelled on business trip to US and China several times before), where I forgot about everything, and immersed myself in a holiday with my husband. I just kicked off every detail from my mind momentarily and made a vow to savor in the celebration of my wedding (even though it was still worrying me at the back of my mind).

I have to admit, it is the only holiday I keep thinking about, as it was my first overseas holiday. It was the most anticipated trip that I have longed for with my husband. And it was indeed a memorable one.

I gave the privilege to select and book the honeymoon package to my husband since I know he makes brilliant choices when it comes to romantic getaway and gifts for me (from the early of our relationship). He told me he engaged Hasani Travel Agency for the honeymoon package which had Goodway Hotel & Resort in Bali as our home stay, the resort accommodations & facilities are superbly suitable for newly-wedded couples. It was quiet, away from hustle & bustle of the cities, remote, absolutely beautiful, and was oozing with Balinese architecture. Words cannot describe the unique & tranquil experience I had there. The remoteness is perfect for people who want to forget everything, and enjoy ourselves. I & Raj were pampered in a luxurious setting which was awesome. Ooo la la............ A heavenly feeling to be in a romantic getaway with my darling too.

Below is a chronology of the trip:

6th/Feb/2012
- Landed in Ngurah Rai Bali airport- Departed (driver pickup) to Malioboro in Denpasar to have our lunch
– The tourist guide brought us to our Goodway Hotel & Resort for check-in and refreshment– Visited to Garuda Wishnu Kenchana Cultural Park (GWK). Here we were entertained by the famous Tarian Kecak and tour around the Wishnu huge statue- Had our dinner at the restaurant at GWK and entertained by their musicians with variety of melodious beats
– Back to our hotel suite and relaxed

7th/Feb/2012
- Wake up (Had a sound and heavenly sleep since my wedding)– Had our breakfast at our hotel – Departed to TohPati Village home to Bali Batik Industry to see the batik making and also the gallery showcasing various Batik products and souvenirs – Arrived at Celuk Village to observe silversmith, making fine silver jewelry (in Balinese style). Ubud art village also houses the famous fine wood carving industry
– Visited the temple in Batuan and was impressed by their religious belief and ancient statue from B.C era– Headed towards Kintamani for our lunch. Kintamani is located in the hill which picturizes the splendor of the famous Volcanic Mountain Batur and the lake Batur. We can see beautiful panorama from Kintamani to overview the active volcano of Batur Mount and wide Lake of Batur in a valley. It is situated in the plateau area with cool weather surround it. When we stand up at Kintamani, we will be able to see the rural area which is close to the lake. This place is very femous and visited by many tourists every day. We get to sit and enjoy our food while savoring the beauty of it. One of my favorite spot. J
– Visited Agro Spice Garden to experience the traditional Bali coffee processing and delight a sip of variety of coffee in their lush green sanctuary. We get to see the civet cat which is famous for fermented Kopi Luwak.
– Our next visit was to an old temple in
– Enjoyed the picturesque rice terrace in Tegalalang Village for few moments before making way to our activity.
– Our tourist guide, Madhey brought us to Arum Spa & Aromatic for our Balinese aromatherapy massage in Seminyak, Denpasar region
After that we headed for a delicious Chinese food at Golden Palace Restaurant. By the time we reach our hotel room, it was already 9pm and all we could do was to relax and have a beer before we retire to bed

8th/Feb/2012
- departed from Goodway Hotel & Resort after our breakfast, to NusaDua beach. The breeze, bright sky and blue ocean made us excited. The NusaDua surrounded by several 5-star hotels and Mat Salleh’s surfing activity name Nusa Dua is derived from the two small islands to the east and about 20 minutes from the international airport, Ngurah Rai. It’s the most developed area in Bali.
-Today our travel agency arranged a typical Balinese food at Budesa restaurant near Kuta.
-Went on shopping in bustling Hawaii Bali around Nusa Dua area; it is a shopping mall where you can get tempted to get some souvenirs, batik cloth, and other stuffs to bring back home- Our next visit was to TanahLot Temple. The temple is built on the rock with 3 acre size and reachable in a few minute by walk, because it is just 20 meters from the coastal lip. This temple is very famous among tourist destinations in Bali with spectacular view of sunset. At some nooks of coral reef around Tanah Lot Temple there are holy tame snake in black and white color where according to the local society believe that it as a deity property and as the guard of the temple from the bad influence.- Upon walking down the temple, we headed to Jimbaran Bay to enjoy romantic seafood dinner on white sandy beach accompanied by local musicians singing away for us. We managed to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.

9th/Feb/2012
- We had our lunch at fastfood outlet
- Visited Uluwatu temple - departed from Ngurah Rai Bali airport to KLIA at 7.45pm flight

It was such a memorable moment since it was our very first holiday together. I and my hubby await for another trip to Bali sometime later ......... :-)