My most favourite people!

They are none other than my two beautiful kids - Carmen Jewel and Chardon Tristan the loves of my life! And I'm so glad that finally Carmen starts to appreciate Chardon as her little baby brother and acting like a good sister.

Here's a very recent picture of them - my fav one! Carmen is 4 and Chardon @ 8 months old. Their smiles just melt my heart away....


I felt so blessed!

Anyway...happy weekend ya'all.

Blood Sisters

My sisters and I - see who's the most vain (ha!) We were just testing Debbie's new camera...

L-R: That's me (the only one without make-up and the fairest of them all..ahaha), my fraternal twin Debbie (who's older by 15 mins) and the youngest sister Diane Chrissie (the 4th child who lives with my grandma at our village home in Tenghilan since she was 9 months old and she's one tough girl!)

Besides us...I have an older brother Disney and a younger brother Danny (the youngest sib)

Happy Thursday

Today was quite a day...a happy one indeed. I just came back from our company's 1st meeting of the year held at Kasih Sayang Resort, which was hosted by Datuk CK Tan, our Vice Chairman and owner of the resort. It was the 1st time we had our Committee Meeting further away from the city and with just enough quorum, the meeting held up there in a cool place was worth it. And we were treated a nice lunch as well after a short tour of the resort which has a health spa too. The funny thing is that my boss and I forgot the road junction where we came out from and we got lost on our way back. Luckily, my boss drove a 4x4 vehicle (Toyota Harrier).


The Main Entrance of Kasih Sayang Resort


From a top distant...enjoying the view of Kota Kinabalu city

Hang loose take it easy



Something unique that you can see around...

The Manja-Manja Health Spa

And another thing...yeah! our pay is in...including bonus - wow that's one happy & suprise news for me and my boss (hehe)! Good thing to start the new year huh? - and then I'm planning to buy this and that...oh my, got to do a list! But of course priority comes first - to pay home bills and settle remaining debts (talking about credit cards - will temporarily stop using them this year for sure).

Because it's a happy day today, just to share something that I heart..ya, I heart Gwyneth Palthrow - she's a sweet person and she can SING! Here's a lovely cameo plus singing performance of her in Glee..cos I love this song!



Hope you had a happy Thursday like I did:)

American Idol Season 10 is now on...

The AI fever is back again - yeah (I so LIKE)! I re-watch it's season 10 audition on youtube and I can't stand this one particular contestant's quirky personality, but at the same time can't stop myself from laughing because she's so different in her own silly-ness.

Here's the crazy 'Ashley Sullivan', AI Season 10 contestant during week 1 audition and made it to Hollywood (I think she's already getting popular from here - JLo doesn't care and hope Mr Tyler promise to work something out of her in the future..haha):


And I love the new judges...talking about Steve Tyler of Aerosmith and JLo but they are quite lenient, unlike the harsh mouth Simon Cowell - missed him already.

Secrets of the Self Employed

Someday soon I would like to be a business woman - as in own a shop and be enterprising. I think that it's great to be my own boss and thats my ultimate dream! In my teens when I was still in high school, I was already creating stuffs like doing handmade greeting cards & bookmarks, designing simple jewelleries and hair accessories and then selling them to friends. I was a 'wannabe' business woman and I even printed out my business cards (see pic - ha!). It's sure is great to dream something like this..I'll keep my dreams high and will work hard to reach out for it!



I recently digged out some of my old art materials from the closet and found these handmade stuffs (see pics below) I did few years ago....made me giggled and say did I really did this? I'm sure it was fun when I use to have lots of those art-times and for the sake of trying to be a creative person.

These are my handmade necklaces/chokers, bracelet and hairclips (I know they are ugly & childish designs but I made them when I was in my teens & early 20s okay):









Well..anyways just for sharing to those business minded people....

I got this great info 'Secrets of the Self Employed' from my favourite author & illustrator, Keri Smith via her blog, Wish Jar Journal. She's inspirational - love her!

Secrets of the Self Employed (or How to be an Amazing [insert profession here])

1. Don’t worry about marks while you are in school. No one will ever ask you what school you went to or what your marks were when you leave it.

2. You are always working for yourself, even when you work for others. Sometimes it feels like you are just the hired hand (and some clients can be really challenging to work with).

3. There are no actual rules for how to become a successful [insert profession here]. Make your own path.

4. It will help you to create a social network of other self-employed people.

5. Move your body every day. There are many health reasons for this, but it also helps you to work on ideas subconsciously. Ideas and solutions will come in when you least expect them but (almost always after a minimum of one hour of walking). There are new studies that suggest increased oxygen to the brain is a greater source for creativity than “creative brain exercises”.

6. Goof off on a regular basis.

7. If you want to work on your art, work on your life. All those personality traits that aren’t working for you will come back to haunt you in your career (i.e. assertiveness, fear of conflict, fear of confrontation.) It’s all connected.

8. What you think becomes your reality. I always had a belief that if I cleaned out my recycling bin in my studio I would get new work. And guess what, it always happened. If you think the industry is screwed and there is no work to be had, guess what you will find out there?

9. Focus on ideas instead of tools (technology). Anyone can learn to use the tools, but it is the thinkers who really impact the culture in important ways. In the end the tools don’t offer anything interesting.

10. Worrying about the competition does very little to help your career. I know it’s hard sometimes to ignore what other people are doing (we all think that others are doing better than us), but every one of us is on a different life path. We are all here to accomplish different things and even though it would seem like one person’s path is similar to yours, it is not.

11. Only work for free if you are passionate about the cause or receive something of value in return. (Be wary of people who offer your name in lights in lieu of money. Many people will tell you something is good promotion for you, often it is not and there are no guarantees when it comes to promotional value). If you are not getting something of a measurable value (i.e. printed pieces, or money) ask for something else, creative freedom. If they refuse then they may not be a good client to work for anyway.

12. Take some small risks on a regular basis. Some ideas: write some places/companies you would really like to work and let them know why you think they are great.

13. Don’t worry about whether or not you are good (good is subjective and most people are not great judges of their own work), just keep making work.

14. Ignore cool. Successful people do not try to be hip, they just do work that excites them.

15. Always come back to work that excites you. Even if you get off track for a while. Do personal work on a regular basis, show it to others. You can reinvent yourself at any time.

In the clouds...

When I woke up this morning, I think I was still dreaming that I thought it's Sunday today. I saw my husband dressing up for work and I ask why are you working today, it's Sunday....he just laughed and said you're still dreaming...and then later my sister shouted from her room 'hey you mengigau lah (talking in my sleep). I guess I was still up in the clouds that morning...but I totally forgot what did I dream about till I thought it's the weekend. I think I watch too much Korean drama this week (ahaha) and Chardon keeps waking me up in the wee hours of the morning...either he wants a feed or feeling uncomfortable in his crib or he pee in his diaper or just being manja with his mama and it's the same thing every night. I never get to have a good night sleep since I gave birth to Chardon. And I always continue my sleep in the car while my sister drive us to work and sometimes I mengigau in the car as well.

Anyway....I use to have a Dream Catcher hang in my room before....well, that's long time ago when I was still in college. I think my younger brother must have taken it and keep it in his room - it's a cool thing. I'm always fascinated with the Native Americans (Red Indians) culture and someday visiting their territories in the US is one of my dream list.


The Native Americans believe that DREAM CATCHERS send all good dreams on to the Dreamer but hold the bad dreams in the web until daylight when they are destroyed by the sun's rays.

I have an active brain - I dream almost every night...(seriously). Let's just say my mind is full of imagination!

Korean Drama: Personal Taste

I realized that I blogged nothing much about myself but more on entertainment nowadays. Last night I finally done watching 16 epis of the Korean drama 'Personal Taste' online. This week I made myself crazy of not having enough sleep because of this. But it's worth watching - its a romantic comedy drama with lots of humor, some intimate kissing moments and a few sad scenes towards the last 3 epis, and at least this time the ending is better. It was also a pretty inspiring story about the value of true friendship, trust and love. And again, love the ballads in the OST. Check out Kim Tae Woo with 'Dropping Rain'. And thumbs up to both main actor & actress - excellent acting!

The drama behind the scenes:


Synopsis: Kae In lives with Jin Ho whom she thinks is gay. Jin Ho is straight but pretending to be gay. Jin Ho falls in love with Kae In. Kae In is confused. This, in a nutshell, is the plot of Personal Taste, a thoroughly endearing comedy starring two of Korea's brightest stars. Lee Min Ho, superstar for his breakout role in 2009's smash hit Boys Over Flowers, finally returns to dramas in the illustrious company of film and drama staple Son Ye Jin (A Moment to Remember, Summer Scent) in this quirkily-themed drama. Park Kae In (played by Son Ye Jin), a furniture designer and the daughter of a famous architect, is kind, impulsive, and a complete slob in her personal habits. Naive and trusting, she's stayed with the same man, Chang-ryul, for years, ignoring all the poor treatment she's received at his hands. When he dumps her in the worst possible circumstances, she's heartbroken, and determined to never take a chance on a man again. Enter Jeon Jin Ho (Lee Min Ho), straightlaced (and straight) architect who needs to scout out her house for his latest business deal. After Kae In takes him as gay during an early encounter, Jin Ho sees his opportunity and decides to pretend to be gay in order to move in with her. Once there, he gradually embarks on a mission to make over the inveterate tomboy/slob, but in all the mayhem of the makeover and hiding his true orientation, the unexpected happens and the perfectionist architect begins to fall for her. What will happen when the man who's pretending to be gay and the woman who thinks he's gay develop feelings for each other?


The sweet neck kiss


I love 'Park Kae In' hairstyle and dress here - she look so sweet!



I love how the used colours and creative props on the set

Copied these subtitled wordings at the ending part of the drama which I find sweet and meaningful:

'Park Kae In' words: "It won't be a life where everyday is clear & mild. But even if a pitch black darkness passes, where nothing can be seen. If this man and I are together, I feel like can muster up the courage and continue walking."

'Jeon Jin Ho' words: "I raced ahead up to now without rest. But I was always that child that circled around the same spot. But after meeting this woman, I learned that occasionally stopping to reflect would allow me to go further."

To watch 'Personal Taste' drama - click here. Enjoy watching Lee Min Ho's charming smile:)

Classic Soul with Al Green

Suddenly just today I wanna listen to the music of Al Green - just to get into the groove and shake myself a little bit this boring Wednesday at the workplace. Feels like the time clock is too slow today. Thought of going to the cinema and watch 'The Tourist' but maybe I'll do it another day. Anyways, Al Green is a LEGEND and I'm always in love with all his music - so classic soul! Here's one of his best performance in the early 90s that makes me wanna dance a little with 'Let's Stay Together' (one of my fav song of all times)

Let's Stay Together

I'm, I'm so in love with you
Whatever you want to do
Is alright with me
'Cause you make me feel, so brand new
And I want to spend my life with you

Me sayin' since, baby, since we've been together
Ooo, loving you forever
Is what I need
Let me, be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue
Ooo baby

Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Oooo oooo ooo ooo, yeah
Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad

Why somebody, why people break up
Oh, and turn around and make up
I just can't seeeeeeeee
You'd never do that to me
(Would you baby)
'Cause being around you is all I see
It's why I want us to

Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether



Hey..come on let's get into the groove together now - do it like nobody's watching (hehe)

Listening to.....2AM

I just love Korean ballads! I listens to K-Pop mostly nowadays. One particular fav song is 'You Wouldn't Answer My Calls' by 2AM - these guys could really sing! My husband liked this song as well that he keeps playing this same song over and over in the car that I had to leave the CD there. I also bought a DVD that features some of their music videos and other popular Korean pop group. Here's the video from 2AM singing our fav ballad:



One of my resolution this year is to learn and speak Korean well - hopefully. Okay people...I am off to continue watching 'Personal Taste' a Korean drama online. It is so addictive! I might blog about it later. So later then.....have a lovely weekend!

To have a stunningly great life and the best year yet

Hi there I'm finally back...two weeks after we entered 2011. I've been thinking about what are the 'big' things I have achieved back in 2010. Surprisingly, I don't quite remember if I have done any great things last year except giving birth to my 2nd child and my son Chardon Tristan in April. And that's the only thing I could be proud of. Oh my, I guess I didn't do much last year - how pity is that...unless I mentioned things I did very well that are work related like organising companies and State events (e.g. Sabah International Expo 2010) - its normality for me. But that's okay, so this year I want to do some transformation of myself and my life. What I didn't get to do in 2010 - I'll bring forward that more or less the same list 'TO DOs' in 2011. I'll do whatever I can! Let me share you just a bit on my 2011 plans - part of it is to focus more on my health; save more money; write a short children story (get publish later); join the Sabah Society Club; learn the drum; buy some new gadgets (will blog about it after purchase); try to apply a new job; travel to US in Dec; and oh ya of course...be a better mommy!

Thanks to my sister, Debbie that I came across this cool and so very inspiring 'Robin Sharma' Vlog about '5 Step Process to Make the New Year your Best Year yet'. I kept watching this video a few times to be inspired and motivate myself to better my life. Watch it and you'll understand what I mean:) What a great guru!


Now I would like to share what I learn from this video the '5 Step Process To Make The New Year Your Best Year Yet':

Step 1: Celebration
- What wins do you need to celebrate from the past 12 months?
- Write an inventory of your successes, wins, achievements and special moments

Step 2: Education
'With better awareness you can make better choices, and with better choices you're bound to see better results'
- What are the 3 best business lessons you learned from the past 12 months?
- What are the 3 best life lessons you learned from the past 12 months?
- What were you doing when you achieved your best results from the past 12 months?


Step 3: Clarification
'Clarity precedes Mastery'
- What are your Big 5 for this new year?
- What are your top 5 values for the next 12 months?
- What are your goals for the next 12 months?
- Creativity + Audacity = Mastery (Get creative; Be audacious; Dream; Challenge Yourself; etc)

Step 4: Graduation
- Take your goals, values and Big 5 for the next 12 months and graduate them into a plan (write down what you need to achieve every month)

Step 5: Visualization
- Emotionally engage with what you life will look like in the key areas of your life
- Revisit this picture every few days

Here's another awesome tips from Robin Sharma - His 60 Tips for a stunningly great life:

1. Exercise daily.
2. Get serious about gratitude.
3. See your work as a craft.
4. Expect the best and prepare for the worst.
5. Keep a journal.
6. Read “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”.
7. Plan a schedule for your week.
8. Know the 5 highest priorities of your life.
9. Say no to distractions.
10. Drink a lot of water.
11. Improve your work every single day.
12. Get a mentor.
13. Hire a coach.
14. Get up at 5 am each day.
15. Eat less food.
16. Find more heroes.
17. Be a hero to someone.
18. Smile at strangers.
19. Be the most ethical person you know.
20. Don’t settle for anything less than excellence.
21. Savor life’s simplest pleasures.
22. Save 10% of your income each month.
23. Spend time at art galleries.
24. Walk in the woods.
25. Write thank you letters to those who’ve helped you.
26. Forgive those who’ve wronged you.
27. Remember that leadership is about influence and impact, not title and accolades.
28. Create unforgettable moments with those you love.
29. Have 5 great friends.
30. Become stunningly polite.
31. Unplug your TV.
32. Sell your TV.
33. Read daily.
34. Avoid the news.
35. Be content with what you have.
36. Pursue your dreams.
37. Be authentic.
38. Be passionate.
39. Say sorry when you know you should.
40. Never miss a moment to celebrate another.
41. Have a vision for your life.
42. Know your strengths.
43. Focus your mind on the good versus the lack.
44. Be patient.
45. Don’t give up.
46. Clean up your messes.
47. Use impeccable words.
48. Travel more.
49. Read “As You Think”.
50. Honor your parents.
51. Tip taxi drivers well.
52. Be a great teammate.
53. Give no energy to critics.
54. Spent time in the mountains.
55. Know your top 5 values.
56. Shift from being busy to achieving results.
57. Innovate and iterate.
58. Speak less. Listen more.
59. Be the best person you know.
60. Make your life matter.

Hope you got inspired with Robin Sharma as much as I do. Remember anything is possible if you believe you can do it. So let's all have a stunningly great life this year - all the best in 2011!

Happy 61st Birthday Daddy!

My daddy's birthday is today and he's 61. I just wished him 'Happy Birthday' over the phone and told him I love him! He's coming home during the Chinese New Year holidays in February and he's excited to meet his 4th grandchild - my baby son Chardon.


Photo of my dad, grandma and my daughter Carmen taken in 2008 - put this up because I just missed those smiles (except CJ is not smiling cos she rarely smiles at cameras).

Love you Daddy - You'll always be the hero in my life!