Wondrous Weekends.

What a great weekend it has been.

Note: very long post ahead..

I have never felt so happy when the day was Friday! Felt super excited to enter the weekend mode. Not entirely 100% because I had to work the next day in the morning at G Hotel for Penang Expo 2012 (Something like 'Welcome-To-Malaysia's kinda promo to foreigners). The good thing was it's until 2pm nia. I actually had quite a fun time there la. Talking to strangers and telling them about tours and why they should visit Vietnam (we were promoting on Nepal, Myanmar and Vietnam)!

There were around 50 different exhibitors at the Grand ballroom. All kinds of products, from property to ice creams and wholemeal bread.

And then, he took me home to change and off we went to John's place to swim. I was pretty tired so I decided to tag along but not gonna swim. just gonna lie and enjoy the sun. And the thing was I didn't even know we were gonna go swimming. The initial plan was just rest at home with family. Hah.

U Garden. The swimming pool is quite huge and clean. Love the waterfall.

If I knew got slide, I sure jump in d! The boys definitely had fun with the slides. 

My partner in crime cos she also lazy to swim. Heh.

Mr-I'm-So-Good-In-Water. He swims like he belongs in the water, seriously. Definitely a waterboy! :)

One must also have food while chillaxing and looking at a bunch of topless dudes making fun of themselves.

Was just trying to take 'artistic' photo. Success, I would say :)

I didn't regret not swimming that day. If not, sure late to youth service d! Heh. And that was Saturday.

Sunday sudah tiba! We all had like only few hours of sleep on Saturday night. The reason is cos we need to meet at Sam's house by 7am! That doesn't really bother me cos I'm not the one driving, so I get to sleep in the car, like a boss! :) We had our plans sorted out. So many places and things we want to do but of course since it's just a 'Sunday's Trip,' we weren't able to (like my Gua Tempurung!).

Just as the sun rises at Penang's Awesome Bridge.

Ipoh mali, Ipoh Ipoh mali!

First stop: Foh San Dim Sum Restaurant!

Apparently, the shop few doors away serves better dimsum. I think it's called Fook Moon Dim Sum (it's either opposite of Foh San or next doors only. Not so sure eh.)

We ate at Foh San because I have earlier called them and booked 65 pieces of pau. Yes, to bring back all the way back to the island and have a 'Pau-Party'! (they give such nice box for takeaways..)

40 pieces of charcoal pau with 'orr ni' (yam paste thingy) inside, and 25 pieces of 'jing sa' pau (salted egg on the inside)

my personal driver and kuli! :)

p.s he's wearing mom's shades..

 

After dim sum, we dropped by at the famous tau foo fah, which will be reviewed by us here, soon.

The boys had earlier 'secretly' planned to wear red. What's happening to the male these days huh? Thought usually this kind of things, girls will do eh. Hmmm.. Oh, and I think it was my boyfriend that suggested it.. Oops! :)

We spotted a man wearing cheongsam-chun-li-like-minidress. And he got excited! *raises eyebrow*

Us, enjoying our tau foo fah and tau chui on a hot sunny afternoon.

Then, someone suggested visiting Kellie's Castle and everyone immediately said yes! Since none of us went before. Perfect weather sumore to visit an abondoned castle.

So, remember earlier we went to Foh San for brekkie? Then tau foo fah? It was right after both of that that we came here straight. And spot where Mr.-I-Eat-Everywhere-I-Go is? HAHAHA. Eat AGAIN!

People who made this trip happen. The color coordination gives the feeling of New Year Chinese Style! :)

One being vain, another one eat non-stop. No wonder best friends forever! :))

People who are crazy and scared of getting sunburned.

Only girls are excused and permitted to use umbrella under hot sun, no? Jack is an exception. Honestly, at that time I was really enjoying the walk under the sun.

Pokok Beruang! For us, it looked more like a pig laa.

Door is beautiful. Shot is more beautiful, yes? :)

Kellie's Castle.

This castle was an unfinished piece of art with lots of secret tunnels and dungeons.

One of the secret passageway from the master bedroom to the outside of the castle, in case of attack.

Lots of playing around and taking pictures. Jack was so crazy to even dare to stand on the outside of the extended balcony! Mad boy!

We were on top of the castle, literally. On top as in the toppest of the top! Even higher than the Jalur Gemilang! It was soooo scary. If got strong wind, we sure mati! We didn't break the rules or that kind of thing. The steps to the top was not closed/blocked.

The only picture I took when I was up there. Just flat ground with no walls or railings or whatsoever. My legs turned jelly!

After all that  under the sun, it's time for some coffee time. Not just any coffee, it's Ipoh White Coffee timeee! And we had a quick lunch too at Nam Heong kopitiam.

Then, it's back to sleeping in the car again. Not for long because our next stop is Taiping Zoo! Wheee!

He's pretty good with animals. I wonder why he never want me to keep a puppy next time. Grr.

Them = drama queens. and posers :)

They were almost fighting. And we thought the RM12 would be so worth it1 Heh. False alarm. We did hear two lions roar at each other. One while lying down and the other locked up in a cage.

Zoo tour finished. What's next? KK and Sam left for Penang d but the four of us still want to hang around and remained tourists. And the boys wanna get jerseys so the best place to go is Nibong Tebal. Can makan crab porridge sumoree. Oh the yums!

He's a big fan of roadside stalls. Means he would stop for a drink/food (doesn't matter he's hungry or not) And he got this packet of drink called Lira Nipah at RM4.00! And it tasted like drain water. Okay, I've never tasted drain water before but it definitely smelled like one! Grossss!

New Manchester United's jersey.

the table top jersey. That's John's hand touching my boy! Err.. gay much?

In the end, table top is the winner! :)

Hungry girl is angry girl. They took so long to buy okay! Jack la! Bought so many things! I would also la if I brought more money and if I wasn't that hungry!

the heavenly crabby moy, baby octopus, minced meat with eggy and Japanese toufu (which I forgot to take a picture of)!

Not too expensive heh.

Then, balik kampung! Actually, not really also. We went home to play jirame. Muahaha. Awesome peeps we are.

Overall, it was a tiring trip. BUT a very satisfying one as well. Not to mention how bonded we are by now. *smiles wide*

I can't wait for my next getaway already! :)

Sunny Sunday.

Of waking up before the sunrise, squeezing into one car, relying on Waze, put on the shades, be ourselves, make lame jokes, tease each other, eat good famous food, be a tourist, snap loads of pictures, try new things and tighten the bond.

One day is all we need.

Please be a sunshiney, cloudy and bright day! :)

convo to the cation.

Good morning fellas.

Some of you might be wondering how come I can update blog like almost everyday eh.. Well, I don't really have much to do for now and I can't go in Facebook, so I blog when I have nothing to do. It's pretty fun actually. It makes me think and then realize of the small things/incidents that actually matters.

I just received the convocation letter from KDU two nights ago, and boy, I was happy. No idea why also. Just really happy and excited to attend this. Finally, after years of waking up early in the morning the day before exams and countless study groups we had, it's time to walk up the stage proud and receive that cert. and then said to myself in the back of my head, "I did it!" or to say it in Facebook. haha.

I wonder if we are gonna throw our mortarboards in the air after the whole formal ceremony, just like in High School Musical. Heh. Or probably take some jumping shots. Oh gosh. That'll be fun :)

For someone who has got only 3A's in SPM and zero A in STPM, this degree is mindblowing. God is mindblowing. I am mindblowed.

:))

Six Weeks Old.

HAPPINESS IS SURROUNDING ME AND MY FAMILY AND EVERYONE!

SHE IS PREGNANT!

SHE IS REALLY PREGNANT!!

I mean like REALLY REALLY PREGNANT! :)))

My grandparents are gonna be great grandparents, my parents become grandparents, newlyweds become parents, Vanessa and I become aunties.. Okay, wait! I will still remain as 'Salaku'! No way I'm gonna let the kid calls me 'Ee Ee'! Nah ah!

OH GOODNESS! One of the happiest day this year! Wheeeee!

*calms self down*

Both of them have always planned to start a family later on and not so soon since they just got married last year in November. But guess what happened? I remember praying for this because I wanted the family to expand so badly and also to have someone that I can play with and bully! kekeke.

Aiyo, when she sends me the picture of the little one in that ultrasound scan, I almost teared up, in the office! I am literally speechless.

Right at this moment, this news just made all the bad news disappear. And I'm going to enjoy this blessed moment to the fullest.

Dear precious little one,

I can't wait to see you in 7 months' time, and yes, I think I'm gonna cry along with your hot mommy and your beautiful grandmas when you come out from that oven! *wipes tears* I will try to be in that room and be one of the first to see you when you are to be popped out! Salaku is gonna start buying cute unique things until you arrive. You are gonna be the kid with the most awesome aunty (okay, maybe two most awesome aunties!) whom loves you super duper muchly!

Biggest congratulations to Kah Wei and Rachel Khoo!! :)

Till then folks. I am gonna enjoy the rest of my day, thinking on the little one.

Combined Cells.

What better way to spend Independence Day than to go to the beach and barbeque? And since it was the fifth Friday, we decided to combined cellgroups and get together for some sand-ish fun under the sun.

The theme that we agreed on was just-burgers-and-sausages-kind of bbq. So that we don't have to prepare so much of marinating chicken wings and stuff. Also, each one was to bring twp-person-dish each. Not everyone brought food but we kinda thanked God for that. Because we had so much leftover at the end of the night.
Friday is holiday. So, Friday, we went on a shopping spree. Mom went to the salon. Kelly and I to Tesco.

My helpful assistant who helped me to arrange the things in the trolley. And also, cos she lazy to walk :)

20 chicken patties, 20 beef patties, 30 eggs, 6 tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 12 hot dogs buns, 5 burger buns, a bottle of Mayo and 20 slices of cheese.

 

Mom helped me with the 30 eggs for the burgers stack-up. Yums!

Some of the things at the beach.

This is Jesher, and he is burying a ball.

This is Jesher standing near his buried ball and the crowds, fireBRANDS :)

Two separate cells 'competing' to start a good fire.

It's so nice that they start the fire for us and then they go play games and captain ball. Leaving the older ones to cook. Sausages and patties in, ready to be burned cooked!

Tadaaaah!

The burger I made. With perfectly cooked chicken patty with melted cheese on top, fried egg, slices of cucumber and tomatoes and mayo-ed bun. Very the delicious wei.

Soon, the sun disappeared and the moon came out. Still too dark to see anything because we set up the pit under a tree! *eyebrows raised* Earlier too hot d ma..

Jack's hand-phone torchlight lighted the way.. the pit.

Everyone was pretty tired after rounds of games and captain ball, and the best way is to just sit down and relax and talk and take pictures! :)

Kelly looked so adorable hereee!

James thinks his back very nice like that.

More vain moments around the beach.

three blind mice. three blind mice.

The sausage station that Sarah patiently waits as they turn brown and then cooked enough to be eaten!

Hairy man alert!

No more hairy legs for me, thanks to Veet :)

Have I mentioned before that I really love the beach i think my wedding can do by the beach la..

Marshmallows time. No satay stick, never mind. We'll just throw in on an aluminium foil and waits till it browns and melt a lil :)

Went home feeling so exhausted. And sad. Don't get me wrong. It was a day very well spent. It's just me. I'm such a control freak. Just a bit I think. I mean, it was supposed to be burgers and sausages night. But what most people ended up doing were eating the patties as it is and that left us with three loaves of bread. It's pretty sad, isn't it? But this I have to learn that not everything is gonna go according to how I want it and not allowing that to affect me.

So, we all went home and while waiting for our turn to take a shower, mister-i-sleep-everywhere-i-go fell asleep on my lap while we were just sitting down and talking/resting.. Note how he holds his own hands and sleep.

Just in that few minutes of short sleep, he even snored. Such a pig I tell you.

Then, this girl who's also very tired already refused to rest until she cleaned all her seashells that Jesher helped her to pick.

Mind you, she scrubbed each one with 100% care and focus. She loves her toys, no doubt.

Overall, it was nice. From the shopping with Kelly and late night supper with the bunch after party. Oh, probably except the part where we tasted the weirdest and horrible-est soup ever during supper. Blah.

To end the post, I shall show off the nicest picture I took that night (i think it's the nicest la compared to the rest). All photos taken with Samsung SII.

Note the three marshies on the left. It's like us, the 3 councils leading/guiding the other marshies (fireBRANDS).

What Weekends?

It is pretty difficult to update my blog or the food blog during weekends. I realized that it is usually very packed, with so many things to do in the span of just two days. 

How I wish weekends are longer, like three days instead of two. 

But then, on my way home just now, I told Adrian that I actually can't wait to go back to work. And then come to think about it, when I'm at work, I can't wait for it to be weekends. 

Such cycle of life now :)

Oh well, goodnight ya'll.

Dim sum for breakfast tomorrow before church! *woots*

My Third Home.

The first month is over. How crazy is that?

I still remember very clearly when I first started in this company. I wasn't in the sales team as I didn't want to get into sales (like I mentioned in the what's next? post). I was assigned to Tour Department where we handle all the travelling details from getting air tickets, booking hotel rooms and plan out itineraries according to clients' preference. All the little details la. And then two weeks into that, I realized that I really want to do something more 'difficult' or challenging. So what did I do? I went for a heart-to-heart talk with my manager (the nice lady who interviewed me), and then she offered me a switch to the sales department if I really want to. She gave me a week to think about it, but guess what. The very next day, I decided and the day after that, I'm where I am right now. Happy and thankful.


Truthfully, I never see myself being a salesperson. First, I don't like the feeling of having to convince people to buy something from me. Second, I thought that most salespeople have quite stressful life (yes, I really don't like stressful lifestyle! - that's why I'm not in the banking line). Third, I have quite a bad experience being in sales before (I realized now that its a totally different thing, phew!).


So yea, but I really thank God that so far, I'm loving what I do. Sports Travel and Student Travel (one of the things I'm in charge of). Other than that, it's corporate sales. So far so good :)

I still remember Adrian's expression when I told him I decided to switch to sales. Because he has always been that person to tell me that I will do well in sales as I have what it takes. You know, like not being afraid to talk to strangers and have a very thick-face-skin! haha. I kept telling him that I will 'NEVER' go into sales. So, you can imagine how he reacted. With the words "I TOLD YOU SO!" written everywhere on his thicker-face! :) There was a bit of anger also la cos he kept telling me that I will like it and convincing me to give it a try and I turned his idea down every time! Sorry, Koay! I'm listening to you now.. *eyes open wide* :)

This is really like how when I chose to study Finance and Management. I didn't even like Maths or Accounts or Finance! In fact, I hate Maths. Then, later on, I fell in love with Finance (still shocking news till today). And I thought I would feel miserable too being in sales, but no. I fell in love with my current position. God is very good at surprising people. And I have to say that I love it every time he does that to me.

That is why people, it is important to have that childlike faith, believing in the smallest and most impossible things in life, and then witnessing God does His wonders. It's mindblowing, really. I can tell you my stories, but it's really different when you go through it yourself. Like I said, it's mindblowing and it makes you smile just thinking about it.

Anyways, enough with words. Time for some photos! :)

A very big table for such a petite girl, I would say.
(not complaining though)

Such a great computer, but has no access to Facebook 
(yes, right now I'm believing in the impossible - which is KL headquarters would allow it, soon!)

I am still searching for a really nice attractive unique holder/things to beautify my table.

My favorite drawer. Apa pun ada.

My third home.

What's Next?

So, last night after watching TV and snacking away with Kelly, we both went to the toilet and brushed our teeth together. All of a sudden, she asked me a question that left me thinking. Actually two questions.
Her: Salaku ah, how old are you ah?
Me: Twenty-four lo. Why?
Her: Hah! You studied in KDU for one year d ah?
Me: *looks at her* No.. three years d okay!
Her: *raises one eyebrow*

Then, it hit me that it has been 3 years and now I've left college.

It has been really a ride. A crazy ride, for sure. And it's no surprise because we spent so much time with each other. I miss those times where we would just watch some Chinese comedy-dramas in class, teased each other, decided to skip class to watch a movie in Gurney, sleepover parties in that super awesome bungalow, the short road trips and simply matchmake our friends just cause they looked so cute together! 

Yes, we did have a lot of great times! But what is a ride if it only has its ups, right? Despite all the great times I had, there were also some really bad times where I honestly wished it never happened. But it did and it taught me lessons. Lots of tears and heartaches, but worth it because I've learnt. Special thanks to my newly married sister and ever-loving boyfriend.

In three years, my life has changed one hundred and eighty degrees. College is now a part of me that I will remember for a very long time. Why? Because I never expected to do this well (academically) here. I've always either slept in class or talking or watching Cougar Town with my Blackberry Bold. Okay, not that teruk la. I did study and do my work. 

It's just I never thought that I would ever be in that category. The 'First Class Honors' Category. No, I'm not trying to boast about it here. It really came to me as a shock. I was, of course, happy till no words, literally! And God has been so good because I would never be able to do whatever I did with all the dramas in college. And I am so not the typically studying type of girl. Heh. And I am beyond excited to go up that stage during convocation next month. I did my grandparents and parents proud :)

So, now college is over. What's next?

Ideal 'next' would be half a year or a year's break from everything and just enjoy. Go holidays and do nothing. But no, that's not what happened to me, sadly. I worked part-time at Dream Catcher (love this company to bits!) to earn some ka-ching ka-ching and then go for short trip holidays here and there. No major holidays, YET! This went on for like around 3-4 months. And then, with people asking me my plans for the future and stuff, I realized I would need to start sending out resumes and really think of where I wanna work. So, what I did was THINK. and no actions. No sending resumes. No asking around for vacancy. No nothing. Till Adrian also pek-chek with me. 

Then one day in Dream Catcher's office, I received a call from a lady. The lady explained where she was calling from and offered me a job. A 'sales-related' job. I politely asked if there was another vacancy as I wasn't really keen to go into sales. She said yes and asked if I could go in for an interview. Now, at the beginning when she was telling me where she called from, the moment she said Holiday Tours and Travel, my heart skipped a beat. Why?

Because I have always like tourism. Even before my 3 years degree started. God really do fulfil the deep desires of our hearts as long as we wait for Him. To cut the story short, I went to the interview and it was a good interview. She's such a great lady (btw, she's my manager now). I asked who gave her my contact details and she refused to tell me. Geram much. So now, here I am, a Sales Representative of Holiday Tours and Travel. A dream job, check! :)

Many people sure don't understand why I chose to work for this company when I can earn so much more if I work in investment banks, commercial banks or even other finance-related companies since I am a First Class Honors Student in a Finance degree. Very simple. It's because I choose to do what I love than to earn lots of money that can buy me many things and in the end hate what I do. Get it? :)

So, that's my 'next'! :)

The Web-Life Story.

The decision to start a personal blog came into mind probably as random and as impulsive as the recent haircut! Have no idea what's with the random doings these days. At all.

So, just a brief history of the web-life. This is not my first personal blog. If I remember correctly, my first blog's grand name was "Anti-Papaya Community'! I know, I know. What a name right. Looking back, I had no idea what I was thinking when I decided to put that name up (prob cos at that time my dad would make all her 3 daughters eat papaya, and I really hate papaya!)

Then, there was the second blog after I deleted the first 'grand' one. This time, the whole blog was green. Like the whole thing. I was really obsessed with green and have no sense of good design whatsoever! And I still remember quite clearly of the picture that was on the main page! A really big ferris-wheel-like-thing that says 'Take Me Up On The Wheel'! I love that blog. It's very pretty. And then, also deleted after a while. Girls and their ever-changing hormones, I guess. And after that, I decided that I wanted a Tumblr where I can just post up pictures from other Tumblr-ers. That, also I deleted it yesterday. Since I've abandoned it for quite a while now.

And then, this happens.

I texted the boy to tell him about this sudden want of mine. And he suggested a name, 'My Road Trip of Life'. I raised my eyebrow and let out a short laugh. Of course he didn't see it cos the whole conversation took place in Whatsapp. HAHA. At first it sounded so hmm.. and normal. But now that Im typing this, it actually kinda describes what life has been to me. All the little bumps and big bumps along this 'road trip' aka life. But I'm sticking to the plain 'Just Sarah'. A friend, Justin came up with that name. Oh, that was my Tumblr's name btw. And I decided that I want to put a bible verse that really speaks of what I truly believe.

So here it is.

The ups and downs. The highs and lows. The random and spontaneous.

All right here.

:)