363 Days

Today is the 363rd day to our wedding.

On the 365th day, my chicken rice was a hit! The chili was awesome too, though a tad too spicy. But it was really delicious. Even my sharp-tongued DD enjoyed it and had nothing to comment. :) And of course, I painstakingly ground the chili using the primitive way - mortar. So, a lot of love and efforts were put into making this chili. ;)

On the 364th day, we went to church to enquire about our wedding. Woo ~ quite a fair bit of things to do there.

But first and foremost.........

We need to apply for marriage with the church. The rest will then fall in place.

On the 364th day, we also learnt that we must speak good things. "Of all the promises of God, we must say 'yes' and 'Amen'." We learnt that 2009 will be the acceptable year of the Lord. And we will proclaim all blessings of the Lord! :)

I strongly believe so. Because, 2009 is such a special year for me and my DD. So, I could only believe whole-heartedly in the Lord that no matter how the external factors are, we have our Abba to guide us through and to bless us.

On the 363rd day, I met DD for lunch. I told him that I was discussing about Europe with Grace. And DD told me... "Let's plan a trip to Europe in 2010 (honeymoon)." So exciting. He said he will work hard for the trip. Me too! But... no matter how hard I work, my income is fixed! Nevertheless, I have faith that our Daddy God will give it to us!

He also took me to see his office. And he proudly showed me around. :)

Today is the 363rd day to our wedding. I am so blessed because I have the greatest gift of life - Jesus Christ, and the second greatest gift of life - my beloved Derrick.

365 Days to the BIG Day

From today... it's the official 365 days to the BIG Day - our wedding!

I am so so excited.

But you know what? It could be sooner! We were talking last night. The solemnization could take place in September!!! Ha... Incredible.

It's quite overwhelming for me. Because it's just so exciting. And I can't wait to be with him officially for the rest of my life. :)

On the first day of our 365 days to our wedding, I am making him Chicken Rice. And... I am trying to make my very own chili.

Fixed and BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!!

I am so happy. We paid deposit to Goodwood Park Hotel yesterday. :) All done!!! And... the wedding planner was so nice. She gave us a lot of good terms. I am so looking forward to my wedding now. :) Counting down...

Today is One Year and 2 days to my wedding.

Oh yes!!!! Blessed Christmas!

Today is such an important day! More important than my wedding.

It is the birth of our Lord Jesus!!! He, who is the true and living God saved us from sins with his sacrifice so we, who believe in him could have eternal life!

Rejoice and let us all adore him!

Hallelujah!

And of course, on this day and on the eve of Christmas, my Baby and I spread the joy by spending these two evenings with our beloved family. And we went for Christmas service today.

Blessed Christmas, once again.

Goodwood Park Hotel, it shall be

Finally... the first phase is almost over... but not yet.

In the end, we looked through all the packages and decided to take Goodwood Park Hotel as THE venue to hold our wedding, for several reasons. Most importantly, it's because I like the place. And my beloved darling so loves me, he wants me to take this venue. :)

Although we have told Goodwood Park Hotel that we are holding our wedding there. But, there's a lot to negotiate. So... it's not considered done. Nevertheless, we are going down on Wednesday to discuss the package further, and finally pay the deposit.

I am getting really excited about our wedding. :) I always wanted a Princess-style wedding. Looks like it's slowly taking form! I really never dreamt that I would be having my wedding at Goodwood Park Hotel - a hotel that before the proposal, I have never been inside before! You won't believe it right? Ha...

Back before I had dinner at Gordon Grill, I always liked the way it looks. It not only looks colonial but also ancient - like a castle! It even has a red-carpet effect in the old main entrance. Okay, this is my guess that the entrance I saw was the old main entrance.

Although the hotel added a new wing, and it now looks like a cross between a castle and a glass-walled parliament, I still like the old English flavour of the hotel. :)

Now... I just hope for the best deal and we will be closing this chapter of phase one. There's still another thing to worry... and definitely more, in time to come. But, at least, we got the date and venue fixed. :)

I am so excited!!! And so looking forward to the day I walk down the aisle.

2nd Venue

I went to Merchant Court yesterday. And now... I am torn. Ha...

About a few weeks ago, I went to the Pool Side restaurant at Merchant Court and the hotel seemed really messy, cluttered and old when I walked past the lobby that day. In fact, I even felt that the lift was old. I didn't feel good about the hotel.

But yesterday, it looked different! The ballroom is spacious and it has a huge, private cocktail area. However... there's only one screen in the ballroom, on the left side. On top of that, they only have three selection of wedding flavours. Plus.. they only give a night stay in the bridal suite... Geez... too short a stay!

However, overall... the package is good. The venue feels all right.

The difference between Goodwood Park and Merchant Court is... Both are colonial style hotels but Goodwood Park exudes a lot more charm and grandeur. It also gives a lot more feel of exclusivity.

Venue Search

We started aggressively searching for a venue now. Since the day before, I have been receiving calls from hotels where I made tentative bookings that other couples would like the rooms.

So, now... panick mode... we are seriously exploring the venues. :)

Goodwood Park Hotel is very nice - colonial flavour, reputable (five-starts hotel), good service from the event manager and most of all, meaningful. Afterall, he proposed there at Gordon Grill. Even the waiter remembered me!!!

The package offered was decent. The wedding flavours are unique and the wedding set-up was not too bad too.

Overall, I was very happy with what I saw. The hotel also exudes romance and grandeur at the same time. It is the old English flavour I like.

However, I'd like to see if we can spend lesser moola on venues. So, I would like to explore other options as well. However... I think there's a high chance I would take this venue. :)

We'll see.... Getting all excited!! By the way, due to a wedding tonight, a couple was rehearsing at Goodwood Park Hotel. Oh my.... You can't imagine how elated I felt. I couldn't wait for the day I walk down that aisle myself. Haha.... Geez....

All righty... stay tune for more.

Cheers!

27 December 2009

The date has been fixed!!! Finally ~~~

Haha... the next thing we have to do is... book the pastor and venue.

We have narrowed down the venues to 9, which we would look in details in the packages and view them to finalise the place.

We also need to go down to church and ask a whole host of questions regarding Holy Matrimony and its procedures etc.

Thank God for the understanding of our parents. My mum is supportive of a simplified wedding. My dad would probably let us be too.

Phew ~

But at least... the date has been fixed. :)

I'll be anticipating this day.

Planning Nightmare

Geez.... Wedding is sure a nightmare to plan.

DD and I selected six dates and checked up the hotels. When I told my dad and checked with him, he suddenly changed our dates around because he couldn't be around on weekdays. So, we selected a Sunday and he insisted on giving us a date, which he did. That date didn't have any availability at all due to some APEC 2009.

Eventually, I came home and discussed with him again. And guess what?! It reverted to the original Sunday we selected.

Ha... I am sure this is just the beginning... Hopefully Dad would be more cooperative and let us run our own planning.

Anyway, DD is in his second day of work. He ended very late today. So, I am waiting for him. My poor darling. I miss him so...

DD's new phase in life

My DD started his new phase in life today! He starts his new job in the corporate world today as a Sales and Marketing Executive.

I am nervous, excited and happy for him all at the same time.

The job sounds prospective. He is visionary and often right about his gut feel. So, I know that he will be certain about the job.

I only pray that ABBA will guide and lead him in his career.

Meanwhile, I'll let him settle in and then I'll think about my own career.

Keep praying...

No pain, no gain!

Geez... I am in pain... Like... "chut chut" (crippled), as Joyce put it.

I put up a really good fight at the marathon that took place on Sunday, against my nose which started its own marathon since a few days before my big run. Trust me... it wasn't easy. I had to stop several times to ask for tissue paper from the supporters. Anyway, finishing the run in 6 hours 41 minutes is nothing to brag about but I am really glad I completed.

As though fate has it against me to run marathon, I have for two years been "banned" from it. So, I took the chance this year. Telling myself that even if I can't finish it in the best timing I wanted, I must at least persevere through and reach the finishing line in style.

So, I did. It was a satisfying experience being able to finish a full marathon of 42.195km. No pain, no gain. I brought back with me, not only the rewarding experience of finishing it, but also bruised and blistered toes, muscle aches on both my legs, hips and every leg joints you could imagine, sore back and also sun burns (and I am peeling like a snake now).

DD and I started the run at 5.40am, and 7km later, I slowed my pace to a jog and lagged behind him. In no time, I lost my DD. Nevertheless, I kept my pace and managed to reach approximately 18km at the same pace. After that, I felt weak and started walking, with a few hundred steps run in between. I did this until I passed the 21km mark and started my long trek with Joyce and James. We alternated between strolls and brisk walks with many chats to distract us, until 40km. After layering ourselves with deep heat, we started to look for the 41km mark to start running.

However, it was not in sight. We spotted 42km soon after and started our run. I took a sprint despite my painful toes at the end, and finished it in style.

So, here's a treat for the eyes on my stylish finish, which I think you would agree. Hee hee.

Planning in Progress

The planning has started. As per what I mentioned in the previous blog.

But this time round, there is more meat on the bone.

We have narrowed down from 35 hotels to 20 hotels. I have gotten most of the rates for the hotels. Next up, we would be looking at the costs and packages, and then from there, narrow down the venues further. After that, the exciting part will arrive - to go and view the venues!!!

My beloved Fiance said we could go and see whenever we have time. I think the earliest we are free this week is Thursday. After that, it would be next week or week after. I think I could be nursing my aching muscles next week and busy with Gilbert's farewell party. But, we'll see. :) Whenever we have time. I am really excited about it!!! To view the venues.

Naturally, I have in mind my preferred venues... But, you never know the real thing until you view it.

We have also attended the Romance and Dating seminar. After the seminar, we are now even more sure about marrying each other. We are also certain that we are ready for this next phase of our lives. ^^ Praise the Lord.

However, the only thing that is a bit problematic now is booking the church to officiate our wedding. They only conduct weddings on Saturdays!!! :(

I'm praying that we would be able to still have the church to officiate our wedding even though we are looking at weekdays.

Nevertheless, I am leaving it in the good hands of our heavenly Father.

Once all these are confirmed, we will be speaking with our parents. And organise a meet-the-parents' session.

Oh boy. I am so excited about it all!!! Nothing really bothers me much now. Haha... All righty. Till the next update...

I love my DD lots...