Rant of An Average Malaysian - Malaysians Need More Children?!

I've arrived at the age where my Facebook page is filled with streams of my ex-classmates/friends/acquaintances who are getting married and/or having children. My sister is no exception. Here's a picture of my beautiful sister who got married last year.

Being constantly bombarded with the question "When are you getting married?", I came across a new marriage-related angle in The Star. Women, Family and Community Deve­lop­ment Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said that Malaysia's population is shrinking with an expected 1.91 average fertility rate in 2020. That means that Malaysians will only be having an average of 1-2 children per family, barely enough to replace the parents when they're gone. I only want to have one child myself so I can see this as a real issue in our society. What are some chief reasons for this?

1 - High Cost of Living

Everything is expensive. There's no denying it. The prices of everything just hiked recently, what with the introduction of GST. Some places that never charged service tax has started doing so. Working towards owning a house has always been difficult and that hasn't changed. Fact is, the average young Malaysian probably earns just enough to get by and save a  bit. Even with an increment in my salary, it barely makes a difference. I hardly have enough for myself, let alone 3 or 4 children. The math is easy. Less children means less likelihood of starvation. 

2 - Quality Over Quantity

I'm not sure about other people but when I consider my child, i factor in all expenses up till they graduate, get their first job and become self sufficient. This means on top of normal necessities, I have to add in cost of tertiary education, which can easily go up to 6 figures nowadays, what more 20 years in the future. I'd hate to stunt my child's potential because 3 of them have to share 1 college fund.I'd also like to lavish attention on each child rather than miss out on things with child 1 because i was busy with child 3. 

3 - Career and Stability

Enter the age of equality! Women can build their own careers too. This helps bring the average household income up and makes it easier for couples to cope with Issues 1 and 2. However, even with a partner or spouse, both would still need to have a good combined income before going on to the next step. Which means that they are less likely to marry and have children at an early age. I wouldn't marry and have kids before I have a house (where my spouse and kids can call home) and a stable job to sustain our lives together. So that leaves less time for a woman to have children. 

Just these 3 factors are enough to make me think twice, thrice and more before having a child, much less 3 or 4. Before the issues are resolved, I don't think Malaysia will have a boom in Malaysian babies. What say you?

My Meaningful April Fool's - 5th Edition

5 Fingers, 5 Chinese Elements, 5 Weekdays, 5 Points of a Star, etc. 5 is a significant number in many religions and this week, 5 is an important number for me.

With 1st of April 2014 came the 5th Anniversary of me and my Bao Bao. Yup, I kid you not, our Anniversary is on April Fool's Day. The journey has always been very smooth so I was surprised that it was already the 5th year we have been together.

This year started somewhat ambiguous since neither of us showed any signs of remembering it. Right after work for both of us, Bao Bao started driving us to a 'secret' location. It would have been very exciting but he got lost and we ended up having to use a GPS to go to a nearby location since he wouldn't concede and tell me where we were headed.

Lo and behold, we were at Burgertory! The decorations were very simple but the lack of clutter made the environment more enjoyable somehow. The restaurant was done and decorated by the owners themselves! The seats were full and customers were pouring in to fill the tables. For a place that only opens 5 hours, it was pretty good.

The menu was expansive so we had a hard time
deciding. In the end, we took Bacon Paradise and Bacon and Cheese Plus. We wanted to try both so we decided to share and try both.

The Bacon Paradise was absolutely delicious and any bacon lover would love it to bits! It has candied bacon bits and candy pork bacon on top of the scrumptious pork patty and cheddar cheese. The patty was juicy and every bit had good flavor. The sweetness from the candied bacon brought a good balance to the salted pork patty and cheese.


The Bacon and Cheese Plus is obviously made for Bacon, Cheese and Pork lovers who craves a big portion of all. Two pork patties topped with two cheddar cheese slices and two pork bacon. Don't underestimate its size (I know people who orders 10 patty burgers), it is incredible filling and good!

Drinks were refillable with hot and cold options. We went home extremely stuffed and was still feeling the pork in our mouths for hours after. I recommend this place for pork burg
er lovers but there are also other meat options
on the menu we have yet to discover.

:D And as for my personal gift to my beloved, a 17.3" Laptop Backpack fro Everki! He's been complaining that his laptop bag was hurting his shoulder (the side carry ones) so a backpack is super useful and good for his back. This is the first time I buy a bag with 3 figures but it's worth it!

I hope our next Anniversary would be equally good. I look forward to another year of smooth and warm relationship.

With all my love,
Jamien

Shouting vs Whispering

I've decided to drop the hot politics behind MH370 (for a while at least) and focus on something from my life. My father's been retired for quite some years and he's taken a really laid back approach to life.

Yesterday, he accompanied me to my dental appointment and we made small talk on the way. It's not unusual but most couples in their 50s to 60s have very little communication with one another, causing lots of misunderstanding.

Being somewhat a logical person, I advised my father to sit down calmly with my mother, and talk things out with her. I said:

Let her know what you are going through. She can't understand what you are going through because you never tell her. You also don't know what she's going through because you never ask her. You're not psychic and neither is she. You guys need to talk to each other calmly. You have to try to understand what you're each going through. Arguing doesn't improve the situation. 

My father started ranting and just could not focus on finding a solution. I realize my mother is the same. When I told him shouting makes things worse he says:

If I'm shouting then she should get the message already.

I was shocked that he would think so.  When I asked him if he got what mum wanted when she shouted, he just continued his rant, ignoring my comment (yeah children's opinions never do matter, do they).

I once read a very meaningful saying about shouts and whispers. It roughly goes like:

Monk 1: Why do people need to shout? And when you are shouted at, why is it hard for us to listen?  

Monk 2: The heart is timid and shy. When you are angry, the heart moves far away. So shouting is needed to cover the distance. But shouting only makes the heart move farther away. It causes misunderstanding.  

Monk 1: Then what should we do? 

Monk 2: The heart is also a curious creature. When we whisper softly and with kindness, the heart leanscloser to hear us. That is why sometimes, words are not even necessary for people to understand one another. 

I often remind myself not to be harsh to my loved ones because I remember this. When you calmly talk it over with your loved ones, they will (and should) try to understand what you are going through. Your message will be sent successfully. I know it doesn't always happen that way but we should never stop making the world a better place. Want a miracle? Be the miracle. :) Love will find a way.

Rant of an Average Malaysian - MH370

I just realized it's been quite a few years since my last blog. As part of the workforce of Malaysia, it's inevitable that I will encounter many controversial news and more about all the topics under the sun, with the most current being Flight MH370.

Honestly this is one of the most saddening news I have heard, not because there is no greater tragedy, but that hundreds of families are crying for their loved ones all at once. It's positively heart breaking to see crying pictures, video clips, etc of the family members on every media. To them I hope fervently that their loved ones be returned in the best state of health.

Another thing that saddens me is the way certain people are reacting to this. Somehow, it involved race and religion. The most recent news featuring Ridhuan Tee listing lessons learned from MH370.

“It is annoying when a stewardess wears a short and see-through dress," said Ridhuan Tee. 

Well, the stewardesses are wearing standard uniform. If it annoys you, please don't look. I have no qualms about Muslim ladies "tutup aurat". In fact, if they wished it, I don't see why they shouldn't. Just don't enforce it as a LAW. It takes away the significance of a woman who chooses by her own will to "tutup aurat".

"Those who ask for liquor are those who are used to drinking. Distract them with more nutritious local food like cendol and such," said Ridhuan, referring to the sweet coconut milk dessert.

Drinking liquor is a personal choice. As long as a person does it moderately, there's no reason why they can't. There is no rule disallowing non-Muslims from taking liquor. It's wrong to disallow others to do it because you don't believe it and can't do it. Again, it's a choice. If you believe in your religion, you don't need people to force you to do or not do something.  The passengers are not driving the plane. They are sitting and enjoying what could be a long flight. If they're not disturbing peace, don't make problems.

On another note, cendol is NOT a healthy or nutritious food. Quoted from healthguru.sg:

Don’t be fooled by the large portion of ice!  This dessert is quite high in calories, carbohydrates and fat.  The portion of coconut and condensed milk is full of sugar and fat (Remember 4 tablespoons of coconut milk has 140 calories and 14g of fat and 2 tablespoons of condensed milk has 130 calories, 22g sugar and high amounts of saturated fat). Topped with the palm syrup and the green cendol the sugar, fat and calories certainly do add up!  This dessert is probably best to avoid if you are a diabetic.

This coming from the party who stopped subsidizing sugar because "it causes impotence in men", you really have to ask if they know what they're saying and if we should listen to them.

All in all, my personal point of view,encourage people of your religion to do as they should, don't force them. More than that, don't force others not of your religion to follow suit. Don't give opinions that aren't in any way connected to the flight. None of the advises you give would have prevented the plane from going missing.

My general plea for the casual folks, please consider the feelings of the family before you write insensitive comments. They are someone's mother, father, brother, sister, cousin, spouse, children, etc. They are deeply saddened by it. I sincerely hope not to see anymore "they died because" followed by racist statements. Now is a time for people regardless of religion and race to work together to locate the plane as well as hope for their well being. Thank you to all the countries who have contributed national assets (planes, submarines, etc) in order to aid the search. We are thankful and we hope for the best.

*Picture is taken from LilyMarliza's page. All credit goes to her. 

If I offended anyone with my words, I regretfully apologize. 

Fateful Accident

All of you have been my companions for forty days since you last arrived on the 18th September. Just a little every day, all of you grew from tiny dust-particle sizes to cute little faeries swimming in the water. The process of maturity took 25 days but you were beautiful and it was exciting to watch you grow.

At the fourth week of life, I have witnessed mating and egg sacs on some of you females as you swam around, promising a new life and a new cycle of life, where I can watch your babies grow up and it gave me hope that your generation of faeries will always be there on the window sill if I looked up.

An unavoidable natural disaster snatched many of you away, as the searing heat proved not only difficult for people but deadly to you. Alas only ten of you survived and it saddened me but a glimmer of hope remained that you would still be able to repopulate the tank. It always made my day just a little brighter and a little less stressful to see you flitting gracefully across the water.

With my single track mind to improve your living quarters from what would be like comparing an apartment to a bungalow in the next two weeks, the accident happened. A single lash from the curtain on a windy day sealed the fate of you hardy survivors, spilling your entire world out the window of the second floor condominium block that you've known all your life.

It was too late when I noticed, and it pains me to know you were gasping for air before you finally passed away. The few of you who looked like you could survive again, has fallen dead at the bottom of your 500ml tank.

Here I bid you all farewell and thank you for the days you were there for me. I'm sorry I was not a good enough master to check on you as soon as I got back today. Please accept my excuse that the water you swam in was special and surviving 24 hours was paramount to being able to provide you with more. Know that your simple existence brought me small joys from the moment I took you all out while you were still in your egg capsules to today when it happened. Hope you will all be happy together over the rainbow with all your senior pets who have gone there before you. Goodbye, my sea monkeys.

Thailand Trip Day 1

I was so excited. This was going to be my first trip out of Malaysia as an adult. It was 5am and I was up before the rooster. I slept lightly and was ready for our girls trip out! My Mum spent 2 weeks reassuring me and my sister that the bus would be very comfortable and coolly air conditioned. That's only a half truth. XD Cuz the seats were rock hard and the air conditioning Arctic cold!!

My dad gave us a lift to Chow Yang where our bus was waiting but upon entering the bus, my sister and I felt we were on the wrong bus. Why? Cuz left, right and center, it was filled with VSOP (Very Strong OLD People)! It seems like we were guppies in a tank of goldfishes. There were 48 of us but only 3 young ladies.

If someone tells you that the bus would only take 6 hours to reach Thailand with lots of toilet breaks, let me reassure you that THEY'RE LYING. Our supposed 6 hours travel trip to Thailand ended up being 9 hours plus of bus trip. Although to be fair, we did stop for breakfast at Ipoh where I bought tasty chicken biscuit for Bao Bao! The Pun Chun Chicken Biscuit and Restaurant is a restaurant cum shop that sells Pun Chun's various food products plus normal Ipoh hawker food.

We spent most of the trip snoozing and and going at the bathroom stops. We stopped at the customs where I got my first stamp on my passport! At the Thai customs, we could see plenty of odd foods like corn that is purple.

We reached Hap Chai at about 4.30pm and checked into our hotel. For a three star hotel it's pretty AWFUL. The carpets were dusty, hot water in the bathroom was nonexistent but their food fantastic! We also found out later that the hotel we were living in was haunted (thank god we heard after we left).

We spent a few hours after that walking the streets of Hap Chai where various things like clothes, toys, food and snacks were being sold. We even came upon a store which sold bird's nest! Then we retired for the night.

My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho

I've been pretty busy of late and have yet to update this blog on my Bao Bao's birthday celebration and my trip to Hatnyai Thailand. But I absolutely cannot help myself and fell in love with this drama!! It is by far my most favored Korean drama (not that I watch many though).
This romantic comedy drama tells the story of a rich and spoiled University student called Cha Dae Woong who accidentally released a nine tailed fox from her imprisonment in a portrait. The gumiho (nine tailed fox) took a shape of a beautiful young woman and saved him from certain death by loaning him her fox bead (the wonders it can do makes me want to get one XD). From here, their story begins with a reluctant and fearful bond to a beautiful and touching relationship. It's a definite must watch for anyone who loves romance, drama, comedy and fantasy. It's also a definite plus that there is another love story about a soft spoken lady and a rough and dramatic director who tries to portray the essence of Chow Yun Fatt (I'm not kidding). They're bound to tickle your senses silly!!

The main characters are Lee Seung Ki (Cha Dae Woong) and Shi Min Ah (Gu Miho). It is undeniable that one of the main attractions of this show is the attraction the actors bring. Gu MiHo plays an adorable little fox who knows little of the world but has boundless cheer and is easily satisfied (think meat meat meat). What I discovered (and am totally liking *ahem*) is that Lee Seung Ki has a killer smile! I don't believe I have ever seen a more entrancing smile than the ones he gave the audience in this drama. His smile pins your heart and pulls it towards him. Don't believe me? Watch it!

Even the mean girl trying to steal him away from Gu MiHo (yes I know there's always one in Korean dramas) look so sweet and innocent that you wouldn't believe your eyes at first. She is one good actress because she can pull off such a sly role.
Also prevalent in most Korean dramas, there will be an underdog who pursues the main female lead. During his first appearance in the drama, my friend (you know who you are) commented that "He is so pretty! His eyes got electricity! It's like it shocks you!". Just for your info my friend is MALE and is totally straight. XD What more could a girl ask for, 2 devastatingly handsome men vying for the attention and love of one girl. Gah~~ But on a side note, this drama has a special approach since Park Dong Ju (No Min Woo) doesn't directly pursue MiHo and has a thousand year history with her! I don't usually say this but No Min Woo is sexy!!

Without fail, this drama makes me laugh and cry. It touches me about how beautiful love can be and makes every girl want what these 2 main male roles can give! Pictures do these actors and actresses no justice so if you want to know how good they are, watch the show. I've painfully awaited this show till the last episode so as to not have to stop because the episodes or subs aren't out yet. It was definitely worth the wait and provided me and Bao Bao with lots of laughter (and me with plenty of tears. XD) This could cheer you up even if you fell into a ditch. :D Think about it!

Jolly Christmas

I come from a family who doesn't celebrate Christmas so this would be my first time truly celebrating Christmas.

This year is special because I get to celebrate it with my Bao Bao. I haven't seen him in a week (he was on holiday and was in his hometown house) and gosh I missed him! I was so psyched to finally see his car outside my house on Christmas Eve and to finally kiss his sweet lips in greeting.

To get the feel of the season, we decided to go to Pavilion. What could be better than beautiful decorations to get you in the mood? Thanks to Rory's GPS we got there no problem and lo and behold, wonderful decorations! Don't ask me what the stacked bowls fountain has to do with Christmas because I have no idea!

If anything it has so many Christmas elements around like reindeers, Christmas trees and mistletoes.

I saw the Pavilion GSC Cinema and was surprised to see the structure of it, how it was separated from the main building and was partially outdoors. The way into the cinema rooms was blocked off so it's not possible to enter and the whole isolation is there. It is weird though that the gents and ladies (bathroom) are far apart unlike normal ones next to each other in shopping malls.

There was also a Christmas performance which was cute and interesting and Bao Bao and I took a few pictures with the performers.

We watched Bodyguards and Assassins. It was a very historical show that reminded people of sacrifice and pride of your people, putting the good of the country before their own.

At night just before he sends me home, Bao Bao springs a surprise from the trunk of his car and wham, a giant package wrapped up in cute wrappings with cartoons on it. I felt touched that he would think of buying me something and make it a surprise at that. Now this cute rabbit accompanies me in bed every night and reminds me of the one I love whom I will see after every night's sleep.

We chose matching Reindeer Santa hats that we wore together on Christmas Day. We spent the day in Midvalley Megamall and watched three movies almost back to back. Movie marathon, that's definitely our favourite activity together (besides the obvious kissing and hugging right? XD) Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeekal, The Vampire Assistant and last but not least, Sherlock Holmes!

For breakfast, we had Oyster noodles and for lunch/dinner, we had sushi at yo-sushi! Ah~ There's no one else I'd love to share a bite of salmon with but my Bao Bao. I seem to get the best with him around. It all feels like the best also because he is with me, sharing it with me.

That night, I encountered truth and guilt and I gave love and forgiveness as well. I'm hoping things will blow over soon and I would be able to be myself again, just comfortable and free.

:) Anyhows thanks Bao Bao for an unforgettable first Christmas together. I hope we will spend all our special and normal days together.

Light in A Dark Box

I never understood the appeal of being in a dark room, screaming on top of your lungs at a screen. Much like a room of interrogation, it has tables and chairs except these were substituted by relatively comfortable tables and sofa. Same as the interrogation room that has but one sole light shinning on you, this room too has one light, and it comes from the screen that you will have to look at till you decide to leave.

Of course, in this room, instead of being subjected to torture from the fellow inspectors, you get tortured by the very people you call friends whom you have invited along with you. The equipment they provide seem to be tuned for this very purpose.

There are no bars on the windows for the room lacked windows at all. There is no bolt and lock on the door and no officer that prevents you from leaving yet while you are subjected to this horror, you lack the will and desire to leave.

Such is the terror of the karaoke room.

Yes, I know it's very late in my life but for the first time, I actually went for karaoke. All this while, some way or other, by cruel fate or otherwise, I have not been able to go for karaoke sessions and finally, I did.

It was unexpected but Bao Bao suddenly says that he and his friends were going for karaoke at Mines and asked if I would like to come along. The student rates were suppose to be cheap so I happily tagged along, eager to find out the mystery behind the dark box.

The Red Box there was fairly cheap. At RM 9, we get 2 drinks and a room. Bao Bao has not yet gotten his student card so his charge is RM 24 but with drink and food. :) I've always been happy to share cost with my dearly beloved so it was ok for the experience.

Our room was 35, and it wasn't very interesting. It had wallpapers of what looked like wooden crates; 2 black sofa and 2 tables. There was a wide screen and we had to divide 3 microphones between 4 of us.

I ordered a lemon tea and a lychee aloe vera. I wouldn't recommend it as lemon tea was very drying for the throat and the lychee aloe vera was SOO sweet. :) The garlic and chicken pasta that Bao Bao ordered was ok.

At first I was embarrassed but Bao Bao and his 2 friends, Wei and Liew soon put me at ease. Wei and Liew had quite an amazing voice although Wei preferred some more emotional songs (yes, we sang a lot of linkin park and other sad songs).

Bao Bao was in his own arena for he loved to sing (on his own or to a radio) and confidently added or subtracted sound effects (like echoes and what not).

The three of them had an awesome time remodeling the songs to their liking with additional words, fast rapping, and colorful languages (:D need I say more?) It was totally hilarious!

I myself rediscovered my love for songs that I used to listen to when I was younger, namely Backstreet Boys and Brian McKnight (etc etc).

:) All in all it was wonderful and we sang for 4 hours. The way the mics turned our voice into something awful was bad plus some of the MVs had no lyrics but it was still wonderful!

So here, I would like to extend my thanks to my Bao Bao, who shared with me my first experience of karaok-ing, and to Liew and Wei who luckily survived my awful tone deaf singing for 4 hours.

Mission: Successful. Enjoyment 100% and casualties 0. :D

PS: Karaoke rooms might be haunted after all because the pictures I took had weird spectrums of purple around. I leave it to your imagination and believes. Hehehe....

The Ugly Truth

The Ugly Truth is one of the very few movies that brings audiences through a flourish of emotions ranging from outrageous dismay to heartfelt sympathy and then shared happiness.

What happens when strict, always prepared, control freak Abby (Katherine Heigl) who can't seem to manage her love life; meets perverted, easy-going, male chauvinist Mike (Gerard Butler)?

The answer is a humorous, food-for-thought romantic comedy that leaves you questioning the true motive of women and men while wanting more.

The story's main characters are a classic example of stereotypes where Abby believes in true love and is looking for her prince charming while Mike is a gruff and tough man who can't seem to conjure thoughts above his waist.

The two clash when their principles and believes rub each other raw and the tension is unbearable when Mike was signed on as a talent that Abby had to produce on her TV show, "The Ugly Truth" which features relationship-expert Mike disillusioning women on what men really want and what they should do to be attractive to men.

Just the beginning of the movie leaves a profound impact on audiences as women cinema-wide displayed expressions of wide disbelief while men seem to be amazingly amused.

The Ugly Truth is surely a movie not to be missed and is surely Gerard Butler's best movie yet.

Rating: 5/5

Words or Action

There's a popular saying, "Action speaks louder than words", but really, which is important?

In the normal circumstances, when you say you will do something but you don't do it, someone will get offended or sad. For example, you promise your girlfriend you would try to change. After you say it, you don't do it. You keep putting it off to tomorrow and then tomorrow. Guess what, tomorrow never ends. There's always going to be a tomorrow after tomorrow. The next tomorrow can be the tomorrow you were saying. Please shape up and do it. Don't make excuses.

The other thing is the word "try". People don't realize it but it is actually a negative word. Why? Because if will absolve your responsibility by saying it. When you say "I try" you're neither saying you will nor you won't. Using the word "try" for your promises is convenient for you but it hurts your partner more. Use the word "I will". Doing something starts from your self determination to do it. Don't make promises you can't keep.

In scenario 2, you've been going out with your girlfriend, or rather, someone you say is your girlfriend for a while. You guys do all the stuff couples do. You hold hands and go out together. You make corny jokes and pamper one another. Both of you do all sorts of stuff together but you don't tell her you love her. You believe your action speaks louder than words. You believe what you do has already told her you're serious with her.

Well dude, a news flash just for you. IT DOESN'T. Your girl will always be lost in between the parts of confusion and insecurity. You would ask, why will she? Because she doesn't know for sure that you're serious about her. She can't officially tell people you're her boyfriend because she doesn't know for sure. She's afraid that you're going to turn around and leave all of a sudden and say that there really was nothing between you, that you were just "benefits without responsibilities" friends. It's not about trust. Trust is the only thing that keeps her from leaving you. IF you say you love her and you mean it, it will reassure her and your relationship bond will be stronger. There's really no reason you shouldn't say it. After all, she's with you because she's serious about you.

From both situations, i can conclude that BOTH word and action are equally important. After you say something and then you do it, it will give people the feeling that you're credible and believable. That you're a man of your words. Words and action goes hand in hand. One can't go without the other.

People are complicated and insecure creatures, and even more so in this time and age. Sometimes, clarification is needed. Other times, action from your behalf is necessary. You lose nothing by offering and it could be good for you and people around you. Think about it.

Return of the Day of Birth

The night before my special day, Bao Bao presented me with a little gift. It was a chocolate mousse cake. It tasted great with the dark chocolate practically making up the whole slice of cake. "I thought you might like it. As a little surprise", he smiled. Gah, I haven't had cake in ages. He didn't like cakes much but he bought it for me because I like it. :) I adore surprises but more than that, I feel touched by the sincerity in making a surprise for me.

I messaged Bao Bao before I got out of bed the next day and got up and washed up. I had a short chat with my sister and mum before going out to meet my Prince in his maroon car.

He was wearing a torn blue shirt that says "save the world" with bermuda pants. I was wearing a jeans dress. XD Honestly I was a bit disappointed in his way of dressing on such a day but what he said after that made up for it. "Happy Birthday, Bie", he said. :) I smiled because the person I loved remembered my birthday and wished me with a loving crinkle in his eyes.

I suddenly miss the taste of KFC and Domino's and had trouble deciding on which to go. So we tried to go KFC first and there was no parking. No fate so we went to Domino's, drove a whole round then found a parking a mile away.

Have you ever seen those romance movies where couples share an umbrella under the pouring rain? The exact same scenario happened. Just the 2 of us squeezing under 1 tiny (smaller than usual) sized umbrella, walking a mile squeezed closely together. The weather was cold and harsh but under that umbrella, it was warm and comfortable.

We ordered some new type of fries with cheese bites and a large pizza. Another thing I appreciate about Bao Bao is that he shares the love of food with me (besides vegetables and fruits since he hates them).

We reached home and had a little party of our own and celebrated it over a Steven Chow movie. After that we took a nap together as the weather was cooling and Bao Bao hinted there was much to do at night.

7pm arrived and we got ready. I know he won't tell me but I still had to ask, "Where are we going, Bao Bao?" Again, he had that mysterious smile and said "You'll know when we get there". He made me play guessing games as to where he was taking me but provided no real answers.

At last, he said "Here we are" and parked the car. Where were we? He brought me to a restaurant with the cutest logo of a rabbit and a moon. It was Tomoe Japanese Restaurant. "I know you love Japanese food", he commented.

It was kind of high class, with Japanese sliding door as its main door. There were Japanese language newspapers and magazines on a table near that door. All the workers would greet us welcome in Japanese and tend to us most politely.

"I made a reservation", Bao Bao said and I felt happy, that he thought so far ahead for me. We were directed across the floor to an elevator and went up a floor and shown to our seats.

It was a corner table where you could see outside through the glass windows. The lights were yellow and mellow and had a romantic mood to it. The table was set with chopsticks, among other things, not all of which we knew how to use.

"What do we do with this?", Bao Bao asked me. "How should I know? I've never been to high class Japanese restaurants before!" I answered.

We had fun guessing and trying out the Japanese custom while we were there. I opened the menu and my draw dropped. People, if you don't have at least RM 100 please don't come to this restaurant. You'd embarrass yourself.

I had trouble deciding what to order because I haven't seen many of the food types plus the prices were glaring. I kind of felt bad that Bao Bao had to pay so much.

Finally I decided on a mix fish with rice dish which cost about RM 38. The fish were very very fresh. It feels like the for the first time, I'm really tasting the salmon and the tuna. There were octopus slices, salmon, tuna, some fish eggs and some other fish that I'm not sure what they were. My rating? 9/10. It was DELICIOUS!

Bao Bao ordered a Ten Don. It's a mix of fried foods with rice. He'd love that dish as he loves fried food. We shared everything we ordered so we had a chance to taste more stuff.

Between us, we shared a Dragon Roll. It's a beautiful sushi dish, with salmon and avocado plus lobster in between. It was tasty. It made me think "Ah, so THIS is sushi".

The food is awesome! I don't think there's anywhere else you can find such fresh Japanese food that looks good and taste good.

At first I felt a bit out of place because everyone else present at the restaurant was either Japanese or a business man. The whole place reeked of 2 things, "expensive" and "high class". Eventually I started to enjoy the place and food because Bao Bao was there to enjoy it with me.

When we finished eating, he asked me, "Are you happy? Do you like it here?" and I said "Yes" because I was. Bao Bao wasn't very rich but he saved and he was willing to spend so much on me. Plus he told me he was driving around here looking for the restaurant before. It was SO much effort. I was truly touched.

Then, a waitress approached with a beautiful little cake with candles and all, put it before me, and sang me a birthday song. The cake had a chocolate plate that said "Jamien's 22". :) An original besides "Happy Birthday" was nice. He kissed me and we shared a blueberry cheese cake.

After that, he sent me home. I was really happy. I feel so loved. I have such a wonderful person who plans such a wonderful birthday surprise for me. I am glad and happy he would do this for me. Bad experience has taught me that it is not a must that people celebrate your birthday but it is a privilege that only those truly loved will get.

He also made a sort of private book for me. "To stick our photos in it", he says. It's not finished yet but it's wonderful because he made it with his hands.He lost sleep over it.

I feel so privileged to be entitled to his love and efforts. I feel glad he remembered my birthday. I feel happy he planned and worked so hard to make me happy. I feel touched that I mean so much to him. Above all. I'm glad we found each other, that we met, and we fell in love. :)

Bao Bao, I'm glad to call you mine. :) And thanks you for the best birthday, ever.

P/S: Thanks Pio Pio and Hawkies for all the help you gave to my Bao Bao.