Home sick in India

Well, literally sick. I just vomited half of my lunch into the hotel toilet. While this is the best chance to pick up the phone and whine to Yong, the vivid memory of my last 500 dollar mobile phone bill deter me of the pleasure. And since I am denied of this pleasure, I shall whine in my little space here.

Been feeling abit fluish before getting up the plane. And extreme lethargic finally overcame me when I got to the hotel room. I don't usually miss home when on business trip very much. But today everything just seems to be not quite right.

I am fine though. I have been with my problematic tummy enough to know it is just one of the small tantrums. If not, I would not be here typing away.

Sigh.. I want to hear Yong's VOICE!!

Marriage life is definitely turning me into a whimp.

Shall stop the grumbling here. Back to my powerpoints. Sigh...

●

It has been a crazy crazy month. There was the wedding. Then the mad rush to come back for the funeral. 3 different continents in 5 days. Probably spent as much time in the airport and plane as on the ground in that single week. Loads of tears. Ironically, both happy and sad.

Then insanely Busy busy busy work weeks. And now preparing for yet another trip on Sunday. Gosh, I feel liked a year has passed through October already. Strangely, instead of feeling flat out, I am feeling more alive and energized than ever. Praise the lord for his grace. 

Oh, and a marriage proposal managed to find its way into the happenings. And I had a really funny episode with my girls, for we were all dumbfounded when asked what kind of diamonds the recipient would like. Liked myself, all my gals can’t care less for the sparkles and were completely clueless on the technicalities. Needless to say, the poor guy was pushed to Yong for diamond consultation. 

We did eventually get a sense of what rings the single gals would prefer but in my wise mum’s words “who goes around with a  magnifying glass asking the details about the diamonds!?" Love my mum and her one-liners.

And talking about sparkles… I have been thinking of getting new bag for the longest time. My Coccinelle has and is still serving me well. (lovely bag really, have to give it to the Italian for their leather bags) but it has been 4 long years. And it is certainly HIGH time for some change. 

Got this from my flying fiasco week. I bought it on impulse and upon knowing the prices back home, my jaw dropped. Moral of the story: Stock up on your Mulberry when at Heathrow Airport.

Presenting my darling Gunmetal Sparkle Tweed OS Alexa.... *drum roll*

Love Love Love...

Life goes on.. but something has changed

Last Sunday was one of our beloved niece's birthday.

And in true Lim family fashion, we ignored the traditional mourning period and urged the celebration to go on.

The frantic gift searching. 大嫂's mighty cooking feast for over 20 people *kao tao*. Everyone else fighting to help her cut the garlic, wash the vegetable, breadcrumb the prawn balls and so on. The rowdy army of toddlers and children entertaining the elders while they patiently waited for the buffet to be ready. The birthday cake and hearty singing. Squeals of joy from the present opening ceremony. The usual bliss.

Clockwise from Top: Cleo and her Mummy; Chloe and her presents; Cleo again (can't resist putting in another photo); Cheap yet so tasty Champagne we got from NTUC

But something has changed.

Despite the merry making, there was always the tinge of sadness and longing in the air.

For Ah Yi was sorely sorely missed.

The occasional red eyes. The on and off distant look on Ah Tio's face. The sighs from 大嫂 as she reminisced on Ah Yi's cooking tips. And Dot's monologue to Ah Yi's photo, now dearly placed on the kitchen top shelf, overlooking the entire house, adorned with her favorite flowers.

It still never fails to amaze me how unbelievably loving this family is to one another. And despite our size (all 15 of us), we are so tight knitted. This has certainly helped everyone to deal with the grief and move on with life.

The wet eyes will dry, Sighing and longings will fade away one day.

But I know one thing for sure, is that Ah Yi will never.

For she will forever live in all our hearts.

In Loving Memory of beloved Ah Yi

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you will see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight"

---   Kahlil Gibran

Dearest Ah Yi, 

I realized that I was indeed weeping for all that was wonderful about you during the wake.

The contentment and peace that lingered at the edge of your constant smile.

Your patient disposition when teaching the girls in the family how to cook your famous Teo Chew dishes.

Your cheekiness when we prompted Ah Tioh to kiss you during your birthday.

Your immense courage when you endured much pain towards the end. 

Your gentle temperament which is evident in all your offspring.

I grief for I wish I had more time with you as your daughter in law.

But I shall be comforted with the loving memories of you. And oh, they are lovely.

Thank you Ah Yi. You will always always be in my heart.

I will miss you so much.