The Land of takopachi

We're having a fantastic trip!! Like the hubs says, we're like on an eating expedition. Daddy is hungry every 15 minutes! The only time we heard him say he was full was after the bowl of to-die-for Ippudo ramen!

Osaka is a big city. The Swissotel Nankai where we stayed was conveniently located in town near the Shinsabashi shopping district and Dotombori food paradise - the perfect location to meet the needs of my still-growing father and Sam's and my shopping needs! Mummy on the other hand discovered Takopachi on this trip! She really loves that octopus ball of yumminess drenched in all the mayo and sauce topped with bonito flakes! The hubs - as usual - happy as long as his camera's with him!

We're in Kyoto now and I'm liking this city alot more than Osaka. Will post more in the next post!!! Till then . . . Ja-ne!

30 Reasons Why I Love You . . .

I totally {heart} all the presents I received this birthday. There was that Tiff & Co ring from the hubs which I have been eyeing to replace my tarnished beyond redemption old ring. That lovely personalised pottery ring plate from my sis which I had wanted to carry our wedding rings last year but didn't get in the end cos my 4 year old page-boy's mum didn't trust her son enough to handle a fragile ring pillow and Love gift from my parents who believe at this age, ang pow was the best present.

Amongst all these great gifts, one present stood out and that was the handmade scrapbook card my dear sister took time to make for me while in the midst of her 'O' level exams. It was one present that no Tiff & Co will ever create, no Etsy seller could make and no amount of money could buy.

30 Reasons (for every year of my age) Why I Love You
30. You always smell nice
29. You're special
28. You know how to be crazy and mad
27. You still call me mei-chan when I'm 16
26. You love God so much
25. You feed me well
24. I look forward to dinners when you come home
23. Without knowing it, you teach me about life
22. You always give me the bigger slice of cake (not that you complain)
21. Your pasta!
20. You know how to screeaam!!!!
19. You buy me pretty clothes (even though I don't need them)
18. You laugh at my lame jokes
17. You respect me and my nonsense
16. You always talk to my friends like you're 16 too haha. I think that's cool
15. You're always concerned for me ... and I take it for granted
14. Your wedding made me cry cuz I felt I lost you
13. You know what love ...
12. Is all about
11. You make me laugh
10. You give and give and give and give oh and give
9. I know you'll forgive me for wasting one reason in #12. And this box too
8. You always give me treats
7. You're willing to listen
6. You're amazing
5. Its always fun with you
4. You make it a point to always come home just to remind us you love us
3. You teach me to be fit
2. You love me so much
1. You are everything a sister could ask for .... and so much more

I love my mei-chan.

One Year On . . .

"And above all this, put on love which binds them all in perfect unity"
Colossians 3:14

Can't believe it has been a year already! The journey has been beautiful. In his love I've been secured. In his strength, I've been humbled. And in our prayers, our love and faith have been strengthen.

And so in celebration of our 1st year, the hubs packed us off for a 2 night getaway at the Four Seasons Hotel. Brings back memories of that biggest dinner banquet we'll ever throw! Till today, we still have friends telling us how much they enjoyed themselves that night and loved that memorable dessert! ... In the true spirit of the Four Season service, we were warmly welcomed back.

We spent the morning chilling by the pool, something we didn't get to enjoy the last time thanks to the rain. We've got a spa session in a bit before taking in the Orchard Road Christmas light-up! I'm having a totally chill weekend!

Turning 30!

And so, with the blowing out of the candles and a bite into my favourite Pattisier cake, I turn 30!

But really, turning 30 ain't all that bad. I'm surrounded with so much love. I have parents who still think I'm a little gal (which isn't always a bad thing), a sister who thinks that at 30, I'm not too old to receive a birthday present (even though this being my 1st birthday married, I'm told I have to share my present with the hubs), a teenage sister who thinks that I'm still cool enough to go shopping with her for her prom dress, a beautiful niece who loves her pacifier the same way her yiyi loved hers 29 years ago and a husband who loved me when I was 26 and loves me even more today! Who loves not just me but the people around who mean the world to me!

To top it all, I've a God who thinks I'm worthy enough to be His jar of clay, storing up treasures within me so that others may know that this all-surpassing power I've been blessed with is from God and not myself.

I'm 30 and loving it already!

How to Aces the 'O' levels

While studying, have next to you:
1. A Mac
2. Freshly squeezed orange juice
3. Ipod
4. Mobile phone
5. Lucky charms, lucky charms and more lucky charms
6. A picture of Sophie