The Cat Story...

This is so random.

So last night a fellow blogger Ms Marg shared on FB with the rest of us other bloggers in her circle, some common hindrances when it comes to writing - The 15 Stages You Go Through Everyday If You're a Writer. Aha! Totally understandable. I get that all the time.

But the thing that caught our attention was how cats featured in at least 2 of those points. Interesting. So after a series of funny 'cat' comments, and this being a total writer's block topic, I added "The first to post a cat story wins." Of course, me being pregnant and it was already 10.45pm at the time, I fell asleep right after... until morning.

The winner is of course Khairool! who in the spirit of a good blogging (if there's such a thing) wrote about a brilliant cat hut story. Haha. Pat yourself in the back mister! Who says you cannot write under pressure?

Now back to me...

My cat story? Oh nothing. Just that I caught my significant otter made a tender gesture towards a kitty when we were vacationing in Phuket last June. I mean, he may not like cats so much (what's with the neighbours' cats constantly harassing his shoes and leaving furs here n there outside our house, climbed the fences, scratched the car etc) but I am sure he doesn't hate them or want to harm them in any way. <3

 There see? I got proofs!

So that's it! Cat Challenge accepted! You all have a good Friday and a loooooong weekend ahead! I should be in KK by the time I post a next one. At least this settles the block thingy for now.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA 

AND

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: Double-lined...

www.IPeedOnAStickThriceToGetThisFace.Com 

and we are 3 months along today. Wohooooo!

Actually aa... Mr Papa-To-Be describes the experience lengthier than me. ^^

Wordless lah sangat kan?

Kbye!

#outdatedpicture

Welcoming February ...

Well will you look at that! I only managed one post in January. There goes the resolution to blog at least twice a month this year. Hang on in there. We just done moving to a new residential area and I think my mind is still adapting to the whole new space. Loving it, really. Having fun at it too. Adjusting to stuffs happening in real life is taking a lot of my time these days but so far everything has been progressing wonderfully.

A brief respite.

Am here to welcome FEBRUARY with arms wide open. Albeit a little far behind schedule with these promised postings. My apologies. This is the month of love after all!

If the shoe fits...

So how do you like the MAKEOVER on le blog? Too much? Too kiddy? Derailing? Appreciate the comments. Do let me know...

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[... While I gather my thoughts, revive my mojo and complete them many drafts about the postings I promised. We shall not dilly-dally anymore...]

News Update from The Wedding Bureau: COFFEE GIRL JUST GOT HITCHED!

... TO A MOST WONDERFUL DELIGHTFUL AFFECTIONATE BLESSED CHARMING MAN on 14 Dec 2013! 

 Walking down the aisle in daddy's arm...

Ok that was two days ago. Forgive the remiss. Yours truly had been real busy getting herself properly wedded. Only able to get hold of this laptop and recounting the extraordinary journey right now, in BALI nonetheless, on my ehem… honeymoon.

And hey, I am that word called WIFE now! That’s a promotion of the highest order in a girl’s life. Not to belong to someone, but to have found her soul mate and begin a wonderful journey together. It’s been really amazing. How I got myself into this position right now is beyond me. Only by the grace of God. 

Two rings to unite them all...

This is one of those times when saying it is just not good enough. It has to be shouted and proclaimed out loud because it deserves the special mention. After the surprise proposal in July (which you can read here), the proper official engagement in September (and here), and the following months of preparation plus countdown (and here and here), it comes down to this one memorable day in December:  THE OTTERS BIG DAY.

It’s so amazing it’s unbelievable. Have not been able to stop smiling despite been standing on 4.5inch heels all day, all night and then going a few rounds. And still standing! I must respect all brides before me. You think it was easy, and now you know. The extra inches helped to raise the confidence a bit but it didn’t matter after all because the groom is tall and it’s only fitting. But not complaining right here.  The little pain is nothing compared to the joy. It didn’t just tip the scale, it tumbled it!

The extra inches...

At some point, you forget all the exhaustion, the anxiety, the butterflies in the stomach, and just focus on making miracles and hoping for the best. And the smiles just came on naturally. We kinda just winged and well swung it, you know, like the saying goes, doing our best and letting the rest takes care of itself.

But you should have seen my groom. If the bride was radiant, then he was beaming! He’s never looked more handsome. My pillar of strength. My soul mate. My significant otter. My husband.

 

The signing ceremony. We just realised that the smile never left his face...

Oh don’t you roll your eyes at me, my lovelies. Haha! Allow me this moment right here right now because this does not happen to a girl every day and no matter what you say I will insist on writing too-sweet-till-your-tooth-ache posts like this. ^^

The whole journey including (and most of all) the preparations has been truly remarkable. A one of a kind adventure really.  Our respective families have been really supportive and fabulous too. I must say that couples who co-fund their own wedding made a lot of decision-making fairly easy because parents don't get in the way too much, although we try to compromise wherever we can to please both parties and listen to elderly advice as often as we can. Happy parents make happy future newlyweds, yes?

By the way, I’m not going to apologize because we didn’t serve liquor that night at the reception. I believe you don’t really need alcohol to have fun. Sober fun is real fun, right? But that's just me. Nevertheless I thank you that all of our friends and families in attendance were perfectly sporting. You guys rock!

Appreciation door gifts... Left for morning, right for evening...

Even the band was awesome! I actually found them via a friend who posted in FB pics of them performing. I went around asking and got the manager's number, and the rest is well, country history. They sang all my favorite songs (ones which I helped pick beforehand of course). It has always been a dream to have Alan Jackson sing at my wedding... and this was close to perfect. (p/s: If you want the contacts, buzz me...)

Country band, The Hybrid. Mr Paka, now a good friend, on the keyboard..

Oh did you hear about the surprise? I had a hard time deciding whether I should or not, and where I should do it… in church or during the reception. I almost bailed out because that was one heck of a reception dress I was wearing… heavy, real pretty, with a long train that made walking around nearly impossible. But after requesting the Live Band to prepare an acoustic guitar for me days beforehand, I just had to you know, make use of it. And after a split second decision, I texted the MC. Am not a professional guitarist, I only play in church, real stage-shy, and my voice is shaky at best… but I just gotta do it. There wasn’t a better time than the one currently presented to me. If I didn’t, I would forever regret it.

And so, for vanity's sake … Voila! 

Le groom... one hand holding digital lyrics, the other on his own phone...

I know it was never done. So yeah, that felt really good! I knew the Groom were especially astounded! Asking him to help me hold the lyrics on the phone was just a ploy to keep him standing next to me so I can have both moral support and well… in case I get too nervous and forget the lyrics. 

Most brides were afraid they might trip on their dresses while walking down the aisle. Me… I was so afraid I was going to cry during the solemnization ceremony because I know my parents were. If I were a parent, I would be crying too. And that would totally ruin my carefully applied makeup. But thank God I didn’t, although it was a real challenge not to.

 My playful flowergirls Lil Yaya (standing) and Lil Maemae on rehearsal night...

Even when my 6 year-old flowergirl, little Maemae kept staring at me adoringly when she thought I wasn’t watching, I could feel slow tears pricking my eyes. You know what she did? After the ceremony, she told her mom that after this I won’t be coming home again, and then she ran home to hide and cry. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry with her. The little girl has so much love in her it just broke me up to realise how deeply she begins to understand life.

I supposed in life, you just have to lose some and win some. But never compromise where love is concerned. 

The official appearance at last... See who's beaming the most?

So that’s it for now all you lovely followers and silent readers!  I am so glad you all have been there for me virtually through thick and thin, and because Blogging is what sparked this romance in the first place. You do realise I’m sharing all this personal special details because I sayang you all right?

 

Tell you more about my preparation, bridal of choice, crucial wedding tips and the Bali adventure when I come back. Until then, hold that thought!

Lots of love,
No more a singular Coffee Girl.

Wordless Wednesday: Miracles do happen ...

 "Do you know that we're walking on water?"

"Do you know that only Jesus walked on water?"

"And Peter..."

"And Peter. But then he looked down and almost drowned."

"So don't look down. Keep your eyes on me."

"Exactly what I have been doing all along."

"We're walking on water."

"We're walking on water."

Rock and otter-roll!

Hello. Here for some more eye-rolling moment!

Sorry I've been remiss, yet again. Between bouncing on cloud nine and living A Life, it gets pretty lively every now and then. Rip-roaring one minute, languorous the next. Always unpredictable, but it gets things done. 

Don't have anything specific to write about today. Nothing that could top the previous entry anyway. That was a complete enormous news that the only way I can top it is by having something bigger happening. All in good time, people, all in good time. I don't get here by rushing, so I'm not going to start now.

But I've been bugged about not updating more than once by the faithfuls, so, supposed this is a good entry. Hey, I'm wearing a bright stone on my left hand's second finger -- after the pinkie. Shall I do that with more gusto? Here goes...

I AM WEARING A DIAMOND E.N.G.A.G.E.M.E.N.T RING!

Hahaha. I can't seem to fathom it. It's like I'm still not used to being this girl that that guy went on his one knee and proposed to. He did, he went on his knee, although you probably didn't see that in the video. It was too fast, too sudden, too unreal, I didn't even have time to properly appreciate him suddenly bending on one knee. But I did say YES. So, that's all that mattered. Right?

I know I know... you want to roll your eyes now reading me. Go ahead roll 'em. Hahaha. I don't blame you, but I don't care either. :p Everybody have their moments, and this is mine, so I'm going to indulge while it lasts.

ANYWAY ...

Do you know that otters hold hands while they sleep so they don't drift away from each other?

Sea otters are a marine mammal which can be found on the coasts of the Northern Pacific Ocean and are the largest member of the weasel family. They have the densest fur in the whole animal kingdom, ranging from 250,000 to one million hairs per square inch. Now that’s a lot of fur!

So, why do they hold hands?

Sea otters will often float in groups (called rafts) whilst they eat, rest and sleep. A raft of otters can be anything from two otters to hundreds! And, whilst they are rafting, it is well known that they will all hold hands to stay together in their group. Also, the sea otter will use sea plants that grow from the ocean floor which they will wrap themselves up in, which helps keep them from drifting away.

Pics courtesy of Google and Factualfacts.com.  

I got these (copied word by word) from Factualfacts.com. Just borrowing them for awhile. People hold hands for a varying degree of reasons, but mostly for affection, comfort, and security. Find those in a person and never let go. You'll get there eventually, but don't rush it.

I found my Significant Otter, and life has been otterly amazing!

Ok bye! I'll shut up now! Hahaha

Breaking News from the Engagement Bureau!

COFFEE GIRL IS  NOW OFFICIALLY ENGAGED! 

*technically*

As of last night, that is.
At 8.45pm.
17th July 2013.
At Starbucks, Kuching Airport.
In my hooded sweater and shortpants.
Because I thought we were going out for coffee. 

About a year ago, this place was where we had our first coffee meetup (or date, now that we both can call it that) or to be exact, how he introduced me to caramel macchiato. And that was the exact sofa we sat on talking about nothing in particular, just getting to know one another. Was nervous as a wreck back then. Sweaty palms and all, while waiting for my flight to KL for a week's work. When we parted, unsure and awkward, I held out my hand for a shake because it felt like I had failed a test and that probably deserved a polite thank you. The man didn't even acknowledged the hand, he pulled me (backpack and all) for a quick big warm hug. Which is never done. By me at least. If you know me.

You know, that was when I saw a glaring flash of silver lining in the sky and felt someone up there was whispering 'It's going to be alright girl. Don't worry for a single thing...'

Ok that's just a glimpse of the past for you. I shall not document the rest of the personal details in here because it might either bore you, or you'd throw up with too much sweet stuffs, or you'd looked funny and say 'so what', you know... but since it's not an everyday occasion in a girl's life, it deserves a special treatment.

The empty caramel macchiato cup with the ring in it, and the loveliest sentence ever...

And for the record, Coffee Girl actually loves all coffee black and strong, but Caramel Macchiato will always be special, see?

I'm dying to tell you all about it, but my Significant Otter already beat me to it. And his version is sooooooo much better! Besides, you'll know why that was not exactly the correct engagement ring finger, but then, I don't really care.

I admit, I didn't expect the proposal to happen last night. In fact, I think my otter instinct went on a holiday on me. Haha. Just sharing this major news with you all because I sayang you all very much and because if it weren't because of Blogging, we probably would never have met. And the rest, like they say, is history.

 borrowed this from le eheart...

I may not be Hollywood superstar material, but who's the happiest girl in the world right now? Wohoooo!

Ok you all have fun now! <3
.
Ps: I'm still in a shock that it takes effort to write this and even then it's not as articulate as I want it to be. haha

I'm not afraid to love...

Oh hello. Crashed and burned over the weekend? Come come.. do you really want to make me start on this again?

Oh ye fools. Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.

I'm not standing at a crossroad. Not this time. In fact, I've moved one foot off the grave, and another foot away from the door. Have I ever given up on love? No, never, unbelievably so. But for the past many years of my life, I had been roaming aimlessly like a lost soul in search of another heart who can halt all this subdued wanderlust feeling. Oh yes, the makings of a good storyline.

There were times I stood tongue-tied and stared blankly at people who asked questions I didn't have ready answers for. Blabbering like a fool in front of the horde will only open doors for more questioning and possible assault. The throng loves a field day, and it's always at the victim's expenses.

And there were also times I was too quick with my tongue that I ended up regretting my answers later, which was borne out of spite and annoyance. My mother always advised to quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. But then my mother forgot to warn me about the wolves who love to feast on little girls. There were numerous time I just up and leave, sometimes quietly, sometimes in a great commotion, depending on who's doing the asking and who's doing the running. I'm requoting Bible verses.

It wasn't always difficult to maneuver. But in the course of times, it just gets exhausting. I don't answer to anyone but sometimes some stuff needs to be reckoned with. Who doesn't want to sleep peacefully at night?

There wasn't a day in my life that I wished I could be like a normal girl who follows society rules and demands. Some girls prefer to just settle. Accept whatever life hands her, live with it and learn to be content. Take the next available guy and stop looking. Isn't that what most of the normal girls do? And then some ended up reciting the confessions of the "If only ..."

Would you want me to end up like that? Thick. I'm the only one who answers to me. I don't just settle, per se.

One unsuspecting soul even quoted that time and tide wait for no man... True. But that's the beauty of nature, they just go on doing what they do best without much influence from anyone. Man on the other hand, can be likened to a stalk of reed, easily swayed to go the way of the strongest element. If not a reed, then something else more solid like an oak tree. And now I'm requoting Bible verses again.

But then I believe that even the lost and forsaken can be found and forgiven, and the lonely and sad can be redeemed and made happy. Why not me? If I were meant to wait it out, for my redeemer to come and sweep me off my feet, who's to say that it could take forever, or maybe the next few years, or the next few days, or the next few hours? While I have every right to choose and be picky with my choice, I have not so far, regretted the few choices that I had or ever had the opportunity to try and work them out, and failed... Those were like balms, a secret stepping stone to always improve my game, or an indication to move away and reroute. Whoever gets hurt in the process have no idea that I hurt more, if that is even possible.

Strong willed and always a hopeless romantic at heart. This faith that I have in the God who sees all things and have prepared someone for everyone, will prevail. Faith always win, somehow, right? Faith in that one magical thing that none has ever succeeded in explaining thus far.

Oh ye woman of faith, worry not for the man who will steal thy heart, for I will bring him to thee when thou least expected it. And I will face it like a true martyr. Any day now. Shall we move the pressure point to the next level now? This love subject is a risky business, isn't it.

Here's a little confession, ye wolves of the highest order: I'm not afraid to love... I'm just afraid I won't be loved back. Equally or more.