Although we had to sky dine on the Singapore Flyer instead of the cable car due to my motion sickness, I will always be the metal cable to your cable car. Thank you for never failing to go the extra mile for me, for saving up to surprise me with this, for always putting me first. I was indeed stunned like vegetable. Happy 9th Anniversary, 9 years but you are still unbelievable.

This weekend, I was honoured to be a bridesmaid in my best friend's cross-cultural wedding. The celebration was a 2 day affair with the Malay ceremony on Friday and the Chinese ceremony on Sunday. Being quite a creative person, I was more than happy to help out in the DIY projects as some of the off-the-rack decorations do not come in the hues of the colour scheme.

I am very pleased with the backdrop we did for the Malay ceremony. It took us over 5 hours of fluffing, poking and sewing to put this piece of "wall" together but we did pretty amazing I must say.

Preparations for the Chinese ceremony started off at 4.30 am in the morning. Aung and I cabbed down to Ying's house at 3.30 am after having just 2 hours of sleep as we stayed up to rehearse our Master of Ceremonies speech. The bridesmaids went on to prepare the food for the gatecrash while Ying was having her make-up done. 

Most bridesmaids need to crack their brains in coming up with food that are supposedly difficult to stomach i.e delicacies for the customary gatecrash. Since the groomsmen are our respective partners, we had our work cut out for us. The delicacies were basically food they dislike which in our defence, are healthy food - tomatoes, corn and porridge. We were indeed feeling very kind that day.

After gatecrash, we left for Zul's house at the chosen auspicious time.

It was a huge honour being asked to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the wedding banquet, but truth to be told, there is a lot of pressure that comes along with the job. It was the first time I've pulled MC duties - I am more experienced in the flower girl and bridesmaid department. Fortunately, Aung and I both had fun being awkward on stage. One of the perks of being an emcee is getting to sabotage anyone we want, and we would like to thank the newly weds for giving us the opportunity to do so. 

Before the banquet began, we asked our friend KJ if he is willing to lead the "Yum Seng" toast - he happily agreed. When asked to come onstage, he skipped down with a big smile plastered on his face. Aung and I then announced to the guests that KJ is going to do a special native dance for everyone in honour of this very special day. Such a pity only some managed to witness how his expression changed - from a state of pure excitement to plain horror before it progressed to total bewilderment. It was good entertainment all right. Aung and I had a little too much fun. 

I feel happy and proud for this union because it felt like victory - victory over the past 10 years of trials and tribulations they faced. Every relationship has its own difficulties but a cross-cultural one is another level altogether. 

To so many who are against a cross-cultural union, I hope they learnt that different isn't always bad. In fact, it can be really good. When left to ourselves, humans tend to have a very narrow perspective on things. We get so opinionated and confident that we are blinded. "Different" can teach one to be more gracious, understanding and less arrogant. It also reveals blind prejudices. 

In the end, a marriage within two different cultures has no secrets. You need equal or even greater effort to make things work just like in any relationship. These cultural differences can be what bring a couple or simply humans closer, and I believe the world needs more of this - less of intolerance and discriminatory thoughts and actions.

You're home.

 

 

It's all good now.

 

Every milestone is worth a good start, just want you to know that your ass of a girlfriend is thinking of you across the miles. Have a good internship my dear.

Everyone is still grieving, especially Ah Ma. It is an excruciatingly difficult time for the family. During your wake, I hope you saw the number of people who turned up; you would be happy knowing you've touched so many lives. Everyone came with a story of your kindness to tell - stories you never told. May you be at peace and find those you lost. Thank you for being the most wonderful grandfather I could ever ask for. Until we meet again Ah Gong, you live on in our hearts. I love you.

Some days I wake up feeling I might be okay, some days it feels like being okay is a long way off.

Smiley Friendship Bracelet.

8 smilies for our 8th anniversary.

After 3 failed attempts and over 7 hours of weaving.

 

Because you said you've never received a handwoven bracelet.

Let me be the first and only person to do this for you.

There have been some struggles here and there, but I'm thankful we always end the day on the same side. Here's to many more years of good and bad.

I love you.

Also known as Valentine's Day.

What an attractive proposal.

 

Very tempted to say yes.

Make room for me, I'll be there in a jiffy.