Christmas Present from Jordon

Jordon wanted to get me something special for Christmas this year. He was cudgeling his brain for a day and finally said " Mommy, I am going to get you a pair of earrings cause I know girls like earrings. I am also going to get one for Mama ".

So on Christmas morning, with RM17.00 in his wallet we went to Queensbay Mall, Penang. First, he picked a pair which I thought was a good choice and said " This is for Mama". He turned to see the price tag and put it back with a disappointing look on his face. I asked "What's wrong boy ?. It's a very nice earring for Mama". "But if I buy this I will not have enough money to get another earring for you. This is RM19.00" Jordon said. I felt so sad and immediately gave him RM50.00 and told him that he could buy 2 earrings with the money. His expression changed and he actually looked relief.

So, he continued looking around and found another pair for me. I love it ! My son has good taste....

Retro Party...Let's Boogie

Aren't you sometimes tired of the typical parties that you attend ? Same old themes and everything so predictable. So, we have decided on a Retro-style party this time around for our friends from the media and press.

A Retro Party definately brings back simpler times in our lives. To set the scene for the party, we first turn back the hands of time and take a look at retro chic ( really reminds me of the movie "Hairspray" that I recently watched). Decor that will create a nostalgic mood...think bright colours, disco balls, polkadots, back-combed hair & etc. Not to forget, the music. Yes, we most certainly re-lived all of those last night at Traders Hotel Penang.

Funky & Fun !

Early Christmas....

The team today had an early Christmas gift exchange as most of them will be going for their festive break soon. As always the tradition is to do the exchange at the end of our year end Sales & Marketing spring clean day. We all had some great laugh as we pre-drawed the person that we were supposed to buy the gift for. So, it was quite a surprise for everyone.

Shangri-La's Corporate Thank You Party

We hosted our annual Shangri-La's Corporate Thank You Party this year on Friday, 07 Dec 2007 at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. "Hollywood Night"was the theme, where men came in tuxedos and women in their long ball gown. It was a very high profile event and most of Penang's top corporate head were there.

It was indeed a night of wine and dine complimented with great entertainment. Bravo ! another successful event by the Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Penang.

Traders Hotel Team (L-R) Ryoji, Sarah, Anne, Me, Elaine, Adrian & Alexandria

Christine & Me

Estee & Timmy in Penang

My sis and Timmy were in Penang, followed by Sg. Petani and back again to Penang last week for the school holidays. Mom, Jordon & hubby joined us too. My place were crowded for once but it was a very warm overwhelming feeling. Nice !.

Jordon and Timmy were so looking forward to see each other that they both promised that they will be good boys and will not fight at all. As usual, they hug each other and were best of pals for the first few days. Then came the confused few days where they will complain about each other to Estee and me. Well, we will then constantly remind them about their promises ( that worked for a short while). Finally, the last few days they were enemies. So, as mothers we both pretended to be busy and decided to have selective hearing. Phew...... (we managed to pull through).

The boys had great fun. They played football, Nicholas brought them fishing, we had BBQ at mom's place, they swam at my condo, went to the Kids Adventure Zone in Golden Sands Resort, we went to the movies and of course, makan-makan everyday.

It's always nice to have Estee and Timmy.

Ting in Town !!

Me, Ting, Nanthini & Dennis

The Diva was here for the weekend. We were asked to roll out the red carpets, chill the champagne and bring out the pom pom girls.....This is how dramatic Ting is all the time.

Anyway, it was nice of him to de-tour to Penang on his home leave to Singapore from Hong Kong. We had so much fun together. We had loads of Penang hawker food ( must have for Ting), went drinking at night spots and sang our hearts out at Red Box Karaoke till the wee hours of the morning. I was a little lucky because I happened to be on leave over that weekend, my sis Estee and my sweet little nephew was in town too. So, no need to wake up early in the morning to go to work *wink*.

Ting & Me

Group Pix at Red Box Karaoke

Annual Outing in Langkawi Island

We ( Traders Hotel Penang's Executive Committee) were all in Langkawi from for a short weekend on the 24 and 25 November recently. Yes, it's our annual trip. A little sightseeing, makan - makan session and a power meeting towards the end.

It has been a long time since my last trip to Langkawi ( 2-3 years ago) and there has been a lot of changes since. I had trouble trying to find my way on the island as I was leading the rest of the team. The highlight of the trip for me was the cable car ride up to Gunung Mat Cincang.. SCARY cause I am afraid of heights ( tried to act cool but can't ) he..he..he..

" Evening des Mille Visages "

It was a night of a thousand faces and Traders Hotel Penang hosted a table for a few of our corporate clients last Friday. The event was Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (MICCI) Annual Ball. Settings and Decor by the hotel's Banquet Team were excellent complimented with good food and great wine.

Taiping Zoo

Jordon & Mummy

Jordon & Rachel exchanging thoughts on a game

Last Saturday our Sales & Marketing department organised an event for our bookers club to Taiping Zoo. This is an annual event for us where we will either organised it in the hotel or take them for an outing. The response was overwhelming. We had aproximately 150 persons for this outing. Jordon joined us for this event and my boss, Elaine brought her daughter too.

Rachel was quite shy initially but before no time they were both playing together and exchanging games for their Gameboys. Nanthini was there too to assist with some photography. Thanks Nan ! *wink* (she did it for free).

Nan & me

Adrian, Dottie & me

My New Ipod Hi-Fi

Like my Ipod Nano, I have been talking about getting the Ipod Hi-Fi since I got my Nano in Aug 07. I finally got it yesterday evening at Apple Centre in Gurney Plaza. It's a present form hubby. Actually, he told me to buy it sometime back alreaby. Can't seem to find the reason why I have been procrastinating since. Anyway, "Thanks, Dear!" "muak" "muak"

Happy Birthday Christene !!

It's Christene's Birthday tomorrow and I surprised her with a Baked Cheese Cake this afternoon at her office. She was very happy and I guess the whole office was too because everyone got a share of the cake.

She later treated me to lunch at Hardwicke House (he..he..get free lunch). Christene is one of those friend of mine that was initially a client, then turned to be business friend and later, a good friend. I've known her for 7 years now. I am glad I made someone very happy today........

Skybar @ Traders Hotel KL

Estee and me decided to join Nanthini & friends at Skybar after our reunion dinner on Saturday night. I finally met Shanthini, Nanthini's sister whom she has been talking about all this while. Also, met Jegan (brother-in-law). Nice bunch of people. We had a few drinks with them before retiring for the night. Cheers !

Class of ' 89

Thanks to Soo Hui, Sharon & Alice we managed to reunite approximately 20 school mates for a reunion on Saturday night at One World Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. For most of us, we have not seen each other for almost 18 years (since form 5) and this reunion is a great platform for all of us to catch up..

Yes, I travelled all the way to KL for this event. Didn't want to in the beginning but after much thoughts, well, what the heck...So, here I was in KL and guess what....Ren Kah too came all the way from Penang. Anyway, no regrets. The trip was well worth it cause I enjoyed myself very much. Also, managed to do some shopping at KL's latest shopping address "The Pavilion"

Good Ol' School Days

I was invited by one of my childhood friend to join Facebook today and I happen to come across this pix in one of her album. I was so surprise....cause I don't even remember taking this pix. I was still in primary school at that time and it's during one of our chinese class. I still remember my teacher but can't seem to recall his name though. Should be around Standard 6 (12 years old). Try to spot me.....he..he..he..

In case you can't, I am the first from the left on the first row (knelling down). This is really going down memory lane. Check out the hairstyle. So, hilarious.....

Hari Raya Open House @ Intan's

Jordon & Intan

Jordon & Mommy

Jordon at Intan's Beautiful Garden

The whole Sales & Marketing division was invited to Intan's house today for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Jordon and I went at around 1.00 pm today. There were lot's of people and good food too...managed to get over my craving of ketupat and serunding. Yummy !

BBQ

My brother, Nick and me decided last weekend that since it is going to be a long weekend for us due to the Hari Raya holidays, we are going to organise a small BBQ session at my mom's place in Sungai Petani. Just the 3 of us...Nick, Jordon & me. Everyone else is on vegetarian including hubby.

So, earlier today we went to Giant for some shopping and later marinated the stuff that we bought. We started the small party at around 7.15 pm and Jordon enjoyed himself very much as this is his first ever home BBQ session. We BBQ... eat....BBQ.... eat.....enjoyed ourselves very much eventhough the crowd is just the 3 of us.

Gals Nite Out !!

Another one of our outings but this time it's with Jaclyn a colleague of ours from Shangri -La KL. We went to Chilies for dinner and had the to killer dessert "Molten Chocolate Cake". Hmm.....so sinfull.

Later, we made an spontaneous decision to go to Red Box Karaoke, our favourite de-stressing saloon and sing our hearts out. Dennis came and join us.....as usual we had great fun.

Q Bar

Me feeling comfy....

Dennis, Wendy & Me

Great nightspot in Samui overlooking the ever famous Chaweng Lake and Beach.....We had Ms Fon our personalised driver sending us there and picking us up later. We had a good time catching up there and managed to play some self invented games with our individual handphone. Funfilled evening !

Baby Olivia Cheong (Part 2)

Last week we (Wendy and me ) went out for dinner with Sharon and of course baby Olivia came with us this time. She has grown so much. The last I saw her was 2 months back and she looks totally different now. Time really flies.

Anyway, she was not totally comfortable when I carry her. A little cranky....but very cute.

Sexy Lamp

I went to SSF in Prai last Wednesday with some of my colleagues to shop for some decorative items for this coming Christmas. Alister our Executive Housekeeper received a birthday voucher from SSF as this is her birthday month. It's a 50% voucher and she has generously gave it to me. Happy !!

I was walking around and immediately this sexy floor lamp stands out amongst the rest. I knew immediately that it's mine and it would fit perfectly with the rest of my apartment's decor. So I got a good bargain for it. 50% off RM688.00.

That evening I invited Nanthini and also Wendy for the lighting ceremony he..he...

Our New Place

On Sunday morning, I went over to the contruction site of the new house that we bought, Regency Heights, Sungai Petani as hubby wants me to go and have a look at the tiles. Since the developer is his friend we managed to get some things done while they are building the house. Not for free of course. It's a corner unit of a double storey terrace.

Wow ! I was really amazed with the progress as it was just an empty plot of land when I last visited the site. Can't wait for it to be ready but on the other hand maybe it can wait a little because we will need to save some $$ first. Otherwise, no money for the interior.....

Goodbyes

Since my last blog on selling my car, if you noticed, I have not been talking about my move to Surabaya at all...that's because it's on hold now due to some reasons ( I won't go into details ). The dates now is indefinate and everthing is put to a halt.

So, I have been feeling "hunkie dorie" for a while until the past 1 week. It strike me again on the last few days spent with Voon Chong, a very close friend of ours before he flew off to Shanghai. He went this morning and everyone went to the airport except me. I couldn't do it. I really hate goodbyes......Everyone cried buckets and I have to admit that I was sad too especially when I spoke to him on the phone before he left.

So, to Wendy, Nanthini, Dennis and Angeline below is something that I wrote this morning and I know you feel the same way too....

Good bye and We Miss You

Missing what we use to have

It's like I never really knew you

Miss the smiles

Miss the laughter
Miss the cheekiness

Miss the times we spent together

Soon you won't even notice

cause’ you' will just be too busy…

Thinking about you…
I could never forget a friend that had changed my life

the way you have
I guess our time is up

Maybe this is the way it's suppose to be

we will all have to take separate ways

I am sure we'll meet up at the end

and it will be fun like the good old days....

Magic Cooking Pot !!

A few weeks back my mom and me bought an electrical cooking pot from a friend of hers. Of course, I did not go to the cooking demo but mom went and told me all about it. She was raving about the pot and how suitable it is for me as I can't cook.

I finally removed the pot from the box last weekend and asked mom for a few recipes. I cooked "Chicken Drumstick Herbal Soup with Mee Suah " and there were 8 drumsticks in the pot. It took less than 20 minutes for the soup to be ready. Wow !! I was blown away completely. It was so good and the chicken was so tender. My friends came over and of course complimented on the food. So, it is now officially my Magic Pot....

Traderians Nite !!!

Traders Hotel Penang celebrated it's staff party last night. Everyone have loads of laughs and fun. I must say that it is one of the best staff party I have ever attended. Thanks to Nanthini and her team for organising the event !!

Four Days of Activities - ISO WEEK

Launch - "Cycle to Recycle"

Me and the Water Mascot

Recyclables Collection Day in Front of the Hotel

We at Traders Hotel Penang had a collaborative effort last week on one of today's most talked about issues "Saving our Environment". We have decided to have a week's long campaign to do our part and also to increase public awareness. Guess what?... we also managed to get some very good media coverage *wink*.

It was a lot of hard work for a lot of people but it was well worth the effort as you feel good after contributing. So, everyone..let us all do our part. We can make a difference !!

Lunch at Starhill Gallery

On our last day in KL yesterday, we had lunch at MyThai Restaurant, Starhill Gallery before Estee sends us to the Duta Bus Station to catch our bus ride back to SP.

We enjoyed ourselves in KL very much. Thanks to my sisters Soo Nie, Jeannie & Estee and brother Kiang for their hospitality. Jordon was quite sad on the ride home and said that he misses everyone already especially his cousins......sob..sob..

Little Pirates....

My sis, Estee took my boy Jordon to her friend's daughter birthday party at Equatorial Hotel, KL yesterday. We dressed the boys up in the morning and they were so cute in their costumes. The theme for the party was "Fairies and Pirates". Jordon had a splendid time as he seldom attends such function in SP ( kampung boy mah.....) .

As for me, I went to KLCC and did some shopping. Enjoyed myself too... *wink*.

The Best in Town....

My sis, Soo Nie cooks the best Sarawak Laksa that I have ever tasted. Like Jordon says "yummy tummy and tasty". We went to her place on Friday evening and have loads of food. I have been craving for her laksa since my last visit to her place in KL last May. I had 2 bowls of laksa. Thanks ! sis, for cooking the delicious meal for us....

A Few Days Break in KL

I am currently on few days break in conjunction with school holidays. Traveled to KL by bus this morning with Jordon and mom. The journey was quite long as there were a lot of cars on the road and there were also 2 road blocks on the way. Otherwise, it was quite comfortable on the executive coach.

Immediately after we reach KL, my sis Jeannie took us for an afternoon matinee at The Curve. We watched "Ratatouille". Great animated movie!!....I truly enjoyed it but I thought it was more of an adult movie rather than for children. Jordon and my nephew Timmy needs a little explanation during the movie in order for them to understand.

Remy of "Ratatouille"

Dinner at Taipan Fin, Northam

Wendy and Michelle ( a long time friend) invited us for dinner at Taipan Fin, Northam Hotel last night. Good catch up session with Michelle cause I have not seen her for a while....food was also splendid. Thanks Gals !!