Chatty Lass

 

 

Home for eight days, thanks to a week-long work shoot. One of my childhood best friends stayed with me throughout and it was probably the longest uninterrupted stretch of time we had together in a decade. We talked, shared, laughed, cried, giggled, dined, and explored - most of all, we created more memories together.

Quality time with one of the dearest persons in my life - my uncle - at a newly opened vegan establishment.

Early birthday lunch treat at one of Asia’s Best restaurants, Gen, by my lovely friend, T.

Years later, he still remembers my favourite baklava picks from my favourite store and had them delivered to my doorstep, even while we are oceans apart.

Made my own birthday cake and I loved every bite.

Birthday morning with the little terror sleeping ever so soundly.

Spoiled with birthday blooms and homemade lemon-blueberry cupcakes (not pictured), thanks to my sweet friend, R.

Perfectly done steak and champagne (fancy!) for Fridates at home (birthday edition) with one of my favourite persons of all time.

One final hurrah for my birthday month and (presciently scheduled) before another lockdown. What a treat it was to have spent it at Nadodi, who recently made the list as one of Asia’s Best restaurants. Three friends, three bottles of wine (and then some), more than three hours of laughter, and nine courses of epic degustations.

Last week, I turned 30 years old.

For the first time since I began working six years ago, I took some time off on my birthday. While most list London or Paris as their bucket list destinations in college, I was dreaming about the vivid spice mounds and intoxicating chaos in the souks of Morocco. I decided, a month before the actual date, to make that dream a reality.


Two weeks before leaving, I was bogged down by numerous campaigns happening simultaneously, pressing deadlines, impending story edits for a book I was helping out with, completing an article, and a perpetually endless to-do list. In fact, I was writing and sending out work emails up to 30 mins before take-off.

Yet, in spite of it all, I am happy.

It sounds so simple now, but my journey to happiness was anything but. My 20s were rough - I was in a constant battle with myself; worrying about my weight, figuring out my style, assiduously feeding my trite desire to be as ‘whatever' as everyone else.

Like all things worthy, Time was needed. To be happy. To figure out how to be kind to myself. To accept and love me for me. To not just choose happiness, but to (actually) feel it.

It took three decades to say those three words and fully mean it. I didn’t wake up a week ago and flicked on a switch to be happy. It was a long, (at times) painful process that was hard-won, but I am eternally grateful for it. Because, if my journey to happiness didn’t cost so much, I wouldn’t treasure it as much.

I learned happiness when I made hard choices and tough sacrifices for the life I want. I discovered happiness when I decided to move forward instead of allowing the fear of the unknown to paralyze me. Most of all, I live in happiness when I found The One who weaved purpose into my veins thirty years ago.

Here is a little something this newly minted three-decader wants you (and herself) to know:


There is this incomparable lightness which comes from just being you, freely and gloriously. It is a freedom unlike any other - to live the life you were created for. It is my prayer that, if you have not, you will discover it some day.

SEAFOOD PAD THAI (Front) This noodle dish was decent. Perhaps we were nitpicking, but we thought it lacked the well-loved Thai flavour nuances - a blend of savoury, sweet, and sour in every forkful. COCONUT BUTTER CHICKEN (Back) The chicken cubes were tender and crispy, coated with a creamy sauce spiked with a tinge of heat from the abundance of capsicums and onions.

VIETNAMESE GRILLED SUGARCANE PRAWNS (Front)  |  BALINESE FISH SATAY (Back) The 'meats' were well-seasoned and flavourful with delightful accompanying dips. Shame that they weren't grilled on the spot and served piping hot.

TAB THIM KROB We ended the night on a sweet note, and this hits the spot for the both of us.

Dear 19-Year-Old Me,

ON SELF-IMAGE

ON CAREER

ON LOVE

ON DREAMS

Our hopes for an out-of-the-country vacation were abased to a staycation in the city due to conflicting work schedules. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because we had the loveliest weekend at The Majestic Hotel, KL as an early birthday celebration (for me).

Our gorgeous living area in the Colonial Suite. I adored the room's classic decor, complemented with modern furnishings.

Endless supply of food in the snack drawer and mini bar (not pictured), which were refilled daily or upon request.

Our sumptuous suite with incredibly plush pillows, bolsters, and nightly turndown service. Perfect for dreamy nights (and days).

My favourite part of our staycation - the claw foot bathtub, where I spent most of my time reading and drowning any remnants of stress away.

Food galore at breakfast. Eggs in every way imaginable (a cheese omelette for me, while my companion prefers eggs over easy), slices of cured salmon, pressed juice, and smoothie cups.

Private pool overlooking the city at the Majestic Wing.

Our suite came with access to the Majestic Club Lounge, which we loved.

Afternoon tea.

Evening drinks. The Scotch eggs were excellent.

Streams of natural sunlight pouring into the Colonial Cafe.

Private entrance to and from the Majestic Wing.

I highly foresee a return in the near future, particularly for the impossibly plush bed and delightful claw foot bathtub, which we (rather obviously) took full advantage of.

BANANA-EGG PANCAKES Gluten-free, sugar-free.

I love slow and easy weekends.

Most of the time, my weekend consists of a good dose of sleep, lounging in my PJs till noon, noshing on a late lunch or early tea and doing some reading.

This past weekend, I swapped my shorts for a pair of black skinnies and my cotton tee for a lacy top. All that, plus make-up and dangling earrings.

Why the extra effort, you ask?

All for an idyllic birthday celebration with my bestest and dearest friend of 11 years.

I have long loved Spanish cuisine. Back when I was in KL, I used to visit La Bodega and Alexis for my tapas fix. We decided to try El Faro and were supremely pleased with the food there.

Here was what we had:


• Gambas Al Ajillo - Prawns with white wine and garlic.





• Pork Flamenquines with Manchego Cheese - Breaded pork loin chops, topped with Manchego cheese.






• Patatas Bravas - Crispy fried potatoes in spicy tomato sauce.






• El Faro Seafood Paella - Commonly regarded as Spain's national dish, the rice is cooked with paprika and saffron, topped with an assortment of seafood and chicken cubes.






Our silent reverence for the sumptuous spread before us was punctuated by occasional gulps of water. We were both in foodie haven, and I couldn't have asked for a better dinner companion.

We moved on to Häagen-Dazs for dessert and over the lusciously creamy decadence, we shared an honest to God heart-to-heart about our dreams and plans for the future.





With each passing year, I'm immensely thankful for friendships that has stood the test of time. You're my angel sent from heaven, Annie. Happy Birthday, Babypork! Love you heaps...

• The Weekend That Was - Fine Dining At Heaven Gate + Grand Uncle's Birthday Celebration

Saturday (May 9th, 2015)

Noon: A bout of illness, busy schedules and bad timing were the causes for this belated birthday celebration.

A sign of growing up - Planning way in advance for any social excursions or meet-ups. It is one of my realizations, after turning 26. No more random Friday afternoon texts to hang out. Most of the time, social gatherings are scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

We (Annie and I) managed to finally align our timing two weeks before this luncheon eventuated and decided on Heaven Gate just a day before.

The both of us loved the restaurant's posh interior, inviting ambience and sumptuous food. Placing a reservation a day or two before is highly recommended as we saw walk-in patrons being turned down several times when we were there.




Soup - Forest Wild Mushroom Soup with Portobello dumpling.

Churros, with salted caramel and Nutella as dipping sauces.

If I had learned anything at all after a difficult 2014, it is that God is good.

It has been a tumultuous journey, but through it all, He has never left me nor forsaken me. I might not always understand His methods, but I have learned to trust the process.

I'm still trying to find the words to write about all that He has done in my life since, and I'm sure that the words will come some day… But today, on my 26th birthday, as I was beautifully reminded this morning at church, all that I can manage to utter before happy tears make their way down my face is that He is EMMANUEL… God IS with us.

Stunning sunset captured during one of the evenings when I was in Vietnam.