Christopher & Charmaine

Step by Step... Holiday! =)

2011-01-07T21:32:00.004+08:00

Ok.. continuation from my holiday posts..

Dec 23rd, 2010. Went to Carrefour, Rama IV, earlier of the day.. On Nut Lotus and night market in the evening..

Dec 24th, 2010 at Phrom Phong! Head to Soi 31 for Chubby's favourite fried rice! Just a street stall where we sat and ate last year and it was really good! Cheap and good.. and it still is! In the evening.. Chatrium Hotel! Wanted to listen to Musicalanguage sing some Christmas Carols.. but didn't work out that well. The hotel was too exclusive.. we definitely can't afford to dine there just to hear them sing so we had to leave.. sadly. Food hunting after 9pm wasn't fun at all. *sigh~* Chubby gets grumpy when he's hungry. Our last resort.. Ekamai 24 hours restaurant! Saved our last bit of the day.. on a Christmas Eve =)

Now the reason why I can actually remember sort of EVERYTHING and blog about it is coz I actually have a printed copy of my holiday schedule! LOL~ ^^ Yea.. had it all planned out before the holiday even started! There are changes along the way of course.. but it's all for the better =)

Dec 25th!!! He head to the beach!!! Bus to Rayong.. got off at Mae Ram Pheung Beach and checked into Nice Beach Hotel. It was pretty much an adventure to get there! Bus dropped us off in the middle of nowhere and there was no public transport at all! I just don't understand why did they recommended us to get off before the terminal station at the first place when we're still considered tourists that don't know where we're heading and can't speak Thai! *sigh~* Anyway, lucky to bump into some really nice and kind hearted Thai families that were on holiday as well and are willing to give us a ride.. they found the hotel for us and dropped us off.. Thank God! Thais are such nice people.. and I just can't stop thanking them. May God bless them abundantly!

Ok.. too much talking.. time for some pics..

We went to Koh Samed on Dec 26th, 2010. Got ourselves a half day tour of snorkelling and feeding baby sharks and turtles. More like just watching and trying not to fall off those incubators really.. if that's what it's called. There were several kinds of shark breeds and they're pretty huge.. and some other fishes like groupers, red snappers, bla bla.. can't remember their names.

It was fun around Mae Ram Pheung Beach as well.. Chubz get to ride on a motorbike! There were no public transport at all so we need to rent a bike to get us around. Well.. what can I say.. it was an adventure. Trying not to get myself killed kinda adventure :P Wuahaha~ There was also an incident where Chubz drove into the beach sand and got stuck there for a bit. Lucky I'm strong enough to push it. Hahaha!

Well.. that's the last ride for the day.. on Dec 27th, 2010. Before we return our motorbike cart back to the hotel.. then pack up and leave for Bangkok with the 12pm bus.

Day 3 of Our Holiday

2011-01-07T19:24:00.009+08:00

Chubz was here for two weeks.. we went lotsa places but still rested enough at home. But good food is still a must :)

Dec 22nd, 2010. Chubby's beef burger steak for lunch! We rushed our lunch earlier coz wanna head to the city! Still full from breakfast.. we had street food for breakfast! My fav BBQ chicken liver and Chubz got his BBQ chicken.. with sticky rice!

After lunch we had our first stop at Siam Paragon! Picture taking session with all the Christmas deco. I thought the idea of using rabbits as their theme was ugly at first but then Chubz reminded me it's coz the year of the rabbit is coming up next! Ok.. that makes sense now.. they're not that bad really.. lol~

Obviously there are a whole LOT more photos but uploading pics here is very very slow.. .. .. =.=' Check out my picasa then =) Click on this link and enjoy.. My Picasa Web Albums!

Oh ya!~ The main reason we chose to head down to the city on Wednesday is for MBK's Fight Night! There's Muay Thai show every Wed night. I enjoyed it.. just a little scary to watch real people fighting for real and real blood!

And again.. My Picasa Web Albums! With lotsa food pics as well ^^ MBK food court is nice~

Our Prayers...

2011-01-07T01:56:00.003+08:00

It's nearly 1am now... I wanted to add more updates of my holiday but I think that's not a wise thing to do. I should head to bed in a while...

It hasn't been a great day. Every time something stresses Chubz out.. there goes my day. It's tiring really. Not because of the problem itself but the emotions that I have to face.. problems and struggles just don't get to me as much. Confident enough to say that I'm brave enough to face them.. with God always by my side of course. But anyway! What's new.. .. ..

I have been extremely patient.. but it's never enough. So I get it.. but I can't tolerate swearing and cursing at all! So be it.. as long as I'm on the right stand.. that's something I will NOT be patient about. So Lord.. teach me.

I have a prayer list with me.. both Chubz and I prayed about it together while he was here. Right now he's needing another prayer.. as always. I truly believe that You have plans for us.. and I accept every trials and hardship that I'm facing faithfully and know that it is to mould us instead of trying to destroy us. But it's been destructive with all those emotions I have to face. Ah well.. everything takes time.. long or short.. it is till just a matter of time.

Dear Lord, You know exactly what I should be praying for even if I don't know what I should be praying for. I may be asking for this and for that at times but I really don't know if I really want them. You know me better than I know myself.. so I just want to surrender everything to You. Life is much better that way.. rather than having so much self expectations for the future, goals and mission, what we see and feel a bright future coming.. that's just all nonsense for who knows what comes next? I don't.. and I'll find out when it comes!

Dear Lord, thank You for listening to my prayers. Forgive me for not saying prayers as often as I should be.. and I know I've said that many many times as well. Forgive me. I love being close to You Lord. And thanks for accepting me as I am. I still need Your guidance and forgiveness to mould a better me.. and please be with Chubz as well. All this I pray in Your Name.. Amen~ Good night..

Dec 2010 Holiday

2011-01-07T01:00:00.006+08:00

Dec 20th 2010... Chubz was suppose to arrive 8:55am but it got delayed a couple of hours :( Not an easy wait of course! But he still came ^^ Lunch plans are gone.. so we proceeded to dinner and movie date! We had Shabushi Buffet at Major Ekamai.. it was GREAT and Chubz loved it so much. Then we went for Narnia 3D at Major Cineplex. Here are some pics! Which I already have them on FB actually.. :)

Our holiday is a LOT about food really. Well.. that's what makes both of us really happy ^^ Next morning, Dec 21st 2010... we had brunch at Ekamai 24 hours restaurant! I've blogged about it at 'Everyday Food I Love'.. Got our bus tickets to Rayong for the weekend at Ekamai Bus Terminal then to Big C for some grocery shopping. We took motorbike taxis to Big C.. cheap cheap :) Juz that Chubz sorta lost his balance while getting on the bike.. hehe.. too heavy? :P

Dinner Time!!! Salute Bistro and Wine Bar with Dollie. Dollie and I both have our 500baht vouchers (our birthday gift from Roy). A pretty fun night having something I very rarely have.. a glass of red wine!.. with Dollie.. hehe~ Since I'm not used to alcoholic drinks.. I turned all red like a lobster after :P Not drunk since I was still very conscious.. juz felt a little floaty.. lol~ And here are the pics...

Holiday come soon...

2010-11-10T16:59:00.003+08:00

Missing Chubby so much!!!

Can't wait for Dec 20th.. will be heading to the airport =) Chubz will be in Bangkok for Christmas and New Year with Blurbz~

God has been GREAT.. there are ups and downs which makes beautiful valleys and mountains~ Lesson learned: Always giving.. and more giving!

And oh.. I'll see Chubz in less 2 weeks time as well! An early birthday celebration I'll treat it as.

Left alone.. .. ..

2010-09-12T09:47:00.002+08:00

No I never liked this feeling but it seems to happen very often here in Bangkok. Yea we view the world in a different light.. and I guess our definition of 'care' is different as well. Disappointments happen often lately.. sometimes the last to know about what you're doing or what you're up to. But whatever that is, that's not the point..

I don't know what the point is. It's juz not nice to always be the pain in your butt. Well, knowing that I am juz hurts real bad.. .. can't anything be done besides completely pushing me aside believing that life is much better by leaving me alone and do whatever I want?

It always make me think your friends around you makes you feel much better than I do. Maybe it is true because you juz show that you don't need me anymore now that you have God and friends to hang around with wherever you are.

I mean seriously.. I hate crying to sleep every night and not being able to get my day going and get my work done being under depression all the time! Why do I even care about getting this blog going when I'm sure you don't even care if it exist anymore. I remember you weren't happy once coz I haven't been updating this blog.. I remember you weren't happy when I haven't been smsing you the whole morning till maybe just late afternoon? I remember you weren't happy everytime I decided to go out with friends and not spending time w you instead.. .. Yes it always ended up w some argument but it's still sweet of u..

Well then finally, you find these things doesn't make sense anymore so fine. Of course it doesn't.. it's juz being way too sensitive.. like me not being very happy knowing that you are having fun and being playful with so many girlsss of your generation around you.. or someone else gave you a much appreciated birthday surprise and presents than I do.. or even when you always decide for a hair makeover for camp..

I guess I see the difference.. you were wanting consistent affection and I'm juz being jealous I guess. Well at least I've helped you "solve" your problem and now you don't even need that anymore.

Ok fine.. I hate writing any of these. Just writing because I really don't have anyone to talk to.. maybe juz refuse to find anyone to talk to.. coz I did once and you threaten to "kill" me for telling others about our problems. Ok no point digging the pass coz miracles happened and things changed for the better. I juz hope you appreciate the change as much as I do.. even though I still felt some hostility sipping through here and there..

Not that this is all good news here but I do hope you're the one reading this first instead of some random friends or "busy body" people who juz decide to pay our blog a visit. But we all know the probability.

Happy Birthday Chubz~

2010-09-09T23:03:00.003+08:00

Dear Chubz,

Missing you heaps at the moment..
It's your birthday tomorrow!
Got a little present for you ^^
Nothing too extraordinary but hope you love it.
(still on a tight budget.. hehe~)

Love you so much!!! Miss you..

Broken.. .. ..

2010-08-27T19:49:00.003+08:00

Dear Lord,

There's no one I can turn to..
my family against me..

One close friend too far..
would be another discouraging advice anyway..

Starring at a promise..
white gold a sparkling diamond..

So why has it been so empty..
with many nights awaiting and always been let down..

Wish for some pretty stuff on hair..
comfy meals with friends at night..

Pretty hair can always wait..
hearty soup will save the day..

Gone so far, worked so hard..
missing you, missing home..

Always giving and owing God..
always there with words of hope..

Hope and courage blooms within..
once faded none to revive..

Yes God is there..
God is loving..

God watches through along with tears..
for it is I He's weeping for..

A kitten went out for a stroll at night..
she worries for mummy cat worries..

Always with anxiety, found her way home..
mummy cat gone, mummy cat decides to go..

Now that it happens less..
more kitty time with mummy..

but mummy cat found new babies to keep her in good company..
yet kitty is still a kitty with no to strolling out at night..

Far away and all alone.. far away and also alone..

Counting grains to last for the month..
counting cents to last for the month..

Counting days till we meet again..
maybe counting days till we meet again..

Is it why am I older?
Is it why am I a girl?

Maybe why I only need to worry and solve..
a rented car for us and a broken key or two..

Maybe why girls always have to cry..
that they are hopeless and they just do..

Discouraged, disappointed..
as easy as a flower or two..

No not and never to anyone..
just like anyone I'm one of them too..

Encouraged, cheerful with much best things or two..
as easy as a flower or two..

Now I'm here..
now is now..

Some little hints of misses..
too occupied to notice..

Oh why the baby kitty go..
waited long and still awaiting..

Same with making music and a feast with friends..
waited long and still awaiting..

Only a good night..
maybe a good morning..

But happy as can be..
with misses everywhere..

Now why a word of rebuke..
when no msgs a buzz?

On just a working morning..
but no more none all gone..

Just because he took time to overcome loneliness..
but I who needs no time?

Oh I overcame..
but for he who took time I learned to always cling

Things learned hard to forget and forgo..
a new thing to learn now that he overcame loneliness..

So why who waited more?
So why who starts ignore?

So what is Love?
So what is forgive?

One kind word or two..
that's just not and never..

Pricking tongue breaks the heart into pieces..
walking feet crushed memories to a dream..

A spit on the dirt..
a girl weak at heart..

Just can't be a girl..
for no flower or two..

No not that pink..
only one but not you..

Oh why dig out the pass?
Why anger and suffer of the pass?

No it's not just a pass..
it's more than just a pass..

It is a pass of only by us and with us..
a pass not ever can be forgotten..

Jotting down as treasures..
there were things that I was still the last to know..

So why the little things?
And not the big promise made by two?

Exhausted and let down..
needed a hug or two..

But a spit on the dirt is what a girl gets..
just a girl, not just a girl..

Still a girl broken.. and broken..

So don't I ever wish with hope..
for hope for he to see my thoughts will not and never come true..

Self-defence mechanism yes..
but it's for the better for I ask not to be disappointed..

Honest tears of happiness..
was enough to see his cheerful heart..

Oh how I miss that cheerful heart..
Oh why still missing when he's raging?

Maybe it is Love.. but it's now broken.. and broken..

Oops! Thr's more pics..

2010-07-30T22:47:00.005+08:00

Durian eating at my grandma's house in Menggatal.. =)

Chubby go GREEN!

Haha~ Bongok~

Day trip to Pulau Manukan!

Chubby at church with me on Sabbath!!! ^^

Congrats on your baptism Chubz~

May God bless you and bless us both.

24th July 2010...

July 6th

2010-07-30T22:07:00.007+08:00

Finally a 6th of the month to spend together =) So we're now officially 27 months together ^^ I told Chubz I wanted Korean Food so here we are.. Bintulu Korean Restaurant at Lintas.. one of our favourite place to eat! =D

Yummy iceberg lettuce with a special Korean paste..

Bulgogi~

Fish slices for cooking..

Yukejang! Everyone's favourite!!!

Heaps of food for only two as you can see.. but we finished everything!!! Haha =D

An awesome time spent together.. awesome meal~ Ah well.. every meal we had was awesome! It doesn't really matter what good or bad food we had.. it is us being together that matters ^^

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one,

Because they have a good

reward for their labour.

For if they fall,

one will lift up his companion.

But woe to him who is alone

when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up

Again, if two lie down together,

they will keep warm;

But how can one be warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered by another,

two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Picture update cont.. ^^

2010-07-30T21:28:00.004+08:00

Wed evening care group at my house ^^ Horlicks so so comfy on chubby's lap.

BELOW: Jalan-jalan at 1Borneo.. sat down at an Indian restaurant for dinner..

TOP: We had some roti naan.. etc. Honestly not very nice. Salim is so much better~

TOP: Chubz getting the music school ready for MPYO auditions.. snap snap snap ^^

BELOW: Kahve at 1Borneo.. recommended by Chubz~ A very happy meal.. yum!!

Blurbz's..

Chubz's..

BELOW: Cross Training weekend.. Chubz's team lost building the straw tower the previous weekend and I drew his face! I didn't take a pic with him??? =.=' So I guess my team lost the following weekend and this is what happened..

BELOW: Chubz introduced to me a nice place for tuaran mee! =) A pretty isolated food court at Wisma Merdeka.. yummy! This time the prawns didn't disappear.. haha~

BELOW: Horlicks juz love Chubby so much.. ^^

Hm.. there are LOTS of food places we went together but didn't post them up coz didn't take pics of US ;) Only foooood so left them out.. hehe~ These yummy places are uncle Francis's Ngau Chap, Kah Hiong Ngau Chap, Ngau Chap below Taylor Hobbs.. yes I love 'ngau chap' too much. Besides, there are roti kahwin and air tebu at Damai.. ikan bakar at Lido.. Tg Aru fruit juice, sate, and lekor.. fish head noodle at Hilltop.. Yee Fung Laksa.. Hong Kong porridge at Wisma.. many many more.. that's why I put on weight! =D Nway, thank God for the blessings of good food for us! Amen~

Back to Bangkok...

2010-07-30T20:32:00.006+08:00

Blurbz says:

Oops!~ I didn't keep my promise to update all my blogs and stuff. 6 weeks holidays back home was way too short.. spent a handful of time lazing at home.. and am most grateful for all the time spent with Chubz. Missing Chubz a lot now.. a real lot.. ;( LDR is just never easy.. very sweet most of the time actually.. but a little depressing when we long for each other. Patience.. patience.. just have to trust God with everything.. .. ..

I firstly would like to thank God for everything. If it wasn't for God.. our love just wouldn't be as real.. as wonderful.. as caring.. as understanding.. as willing to learn.. as trusting.. as so many things we could have ever imagine. Knowing God is such a miracle.. =)

It's 8pm now (Bkk time).. Cross training camp started today and I'm sure Chubz will be at the Kundasang retreat centre anytime now. That's one thing I'm so sad for right now.. coz I can't be there at one of my favourite place in Sabah.. *Sigh~ Sobz~* Lucky Stitch is w me this trip keeping me company.. but it actually made me miss Chubz even more..

Ok.. time to UPDATE this blog.. pictures time!!!

TOP: At Lido for dinner/supper.. my first time there since this eating place only started while I was working in Bangkok. Chubz being from Penang and being pretty particular with 'char kuey teow' mentioned that the char kuey teow at a stall here is truly awesome.. and of course I do agree :)

BELOW: Nope we didn't eat the prawns.. but one of it miraculously disappeared! Hm.. *lol~* ^^ And we had some 'luk luk'.. fun to eat!~!~

TOP: At our must visit place.. Chubz and my fav place.. Archie's de Corner! Chicken chop for him and Fish and Chips for me.. as always always always.. ^^

TOP: Tuaran mee, sausage stuffed sings, and blended kitchai ping! Yes our favourite place for these specific menu but to our disappointment.. the quality and taste completely deteriorated. Nope not going back there anymore..

Top: Menggatal Church.. there was a wedding and we went there with my family. A pretty fun day.. and a pretty long day too. Weddings.. what can I say =)

Okie.. I'll start another post.. and a Bible verse to end this post with.. one of our favourite text..

Philippians 4:6,7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Amen!~

Tired.. .. of waiting.. ..

2010-06-09T15:49:00.009+08:00

Blurbz:
Bump into this song on youtube..
1st song Chubz sent to me.. more than 2 years ago.. ..

Will be right back...

2010-05-13T09:16:00.004+08:00

This is so not updated.. oops~ Way too busy with work! This semester's gonna end real soon and I will be flying back to KK June 11th :) Chubz won't be around in KK tho.. he's at MPYO camp.. but he will be back June 17th ^^ Finally get to give Chubz a big hug after so many months of LDR.. since January! *sigh~*

I've got a list of things to do when I'm back home.. while waiting for Chubz to come back.. :)

1. BLOG!
2. More blogs.. (wells blog, music blog.. etc.. that if I'm that hardworking.. )
3. Two Years Anniversary Scrap Book.. (for April 6th 2010.. )
I must get this done! My One Year's Scrap Book won't be complete without this next one ^^

That's all! More than enough to keep me occupied!

Hm.. ok.. back to work! Counting the days.. 28 days left.. =D

Missing Chubz~

2009-09-15T20:32:00.006+08:00

Blurby wrote..

23rd August, 2009: This was at KL when I was on my visa run.. running from Thailand! =D

Before I left KK.. We had Archies!!! Our favourite Chicken Chop and Fish and Chips place. The others are awesome too but we are loyal to our orders~ ;)

Kuala Lumpur..

2009-08-23T17:33:00.003+08:00

Blurby wrote:

August 21st to 22nd I was in KL on a visa run.. Chubz was there at the perfect time =D Hm.. hvn't seen him for more than 3 weeks then.. phew~~~ Am really happy of course!

Chubz brought me to Carl's Junior at Pavillion for dinner.. best burgers ever! Then had some kon lo noodles with duck and some fishcake+veggies soup for breakfast. Yum yum yum.. .. ..

Hrm.. missing Chubz now that I'm back here in Thailand. Would love to put up some photos we took in KL but I don't hv d software to take my photos out frm the phone! *sigh~* Nvm then.. :)

I guess the next time around that I'll be seeing Chubz will be in December.. and I know time flies real quick ;)

Our Engagement Ring..

2009-07-31T20:07:00.003+08:00

We have this since February 14th 2009. Yes.. on a Valentine's Day :) Also the very day I started this blog. I didn't get hold of any picture of our ring then.. so now here it is! Finally.. =D

I'd say it's a symbol of a promise between us for now. Would love to have an Engagement Party to make it official.. .. .. only time will tell when that'll be ;)

One Year Anniversary at The Coast

2009-07-31T20:00:00.004+08:00

No it's NOT July.. but it was on April 6th 2009 :)

End of July..

2009-07-31T19:45:00.004+08:00

Note from Blurby ;)

I'm here in Thailand since 26th July 2009.. far far away from Chubz Chubz.. :( Counting the days when Chubz will be here in December for Christmas and New Year =D

Gosh I haven't been blogging for a long long time!!! So, it's time to catchup now. Here are some pictures update which I finally got outa Chubz's phone.. *phew~~~* I know it took forever.. but here we go.. :)

Gosh it's already June!

2009-06-16T11:21:00.003+08:00

Blurbz wrote:

Hrm.. it's already June and haven't been updating here yet :) So here we go!

For our 15th Month Celebration.. we had dinner at New York New York, One Borneo. Kinda banned that place coz of a passed bad service experience.. but the food is irresistable! So.. got back there :) It's still yummy.. but to our dissapointment.. it's kinda not as yummy as we first tried it. But still.. had an enjoyable night eating away =D It was 9th June (instead of 6th).. the very day Chubz got back from KL.

Chubz got me a Carlo Rino purse! Very nice =D Love it!!! And I got him an army top for playing paintball. Also got a new bedsheet for him.. hehe~

MOVIES! Had been to a few movie since my last post.. Night at The Muzeum 2 and Monster vs Aliens. I love Night at The Museum 2!!! Monster vs Aliens is also not bad.. very funny :)

Hrm.. that's all for now lah. I'm still waiting and going to upload some pictures (especially our One Year Celebration picture.. but it's all with Chubz and it's still with Chubz! Haih~~~)

Brief Update..

2009-05-22T13:15:00.004+08:00

May 7th, 2009.. Star Trek!!!

The very day it was released.. we were at the cinema! Yes.. won't wanna miss a 5 star rating movie! We were at Growball Cinema for the 7 plus movie. The 15 minutes were breath taking as everyone knows.. and then it stopped! I mean the movie stopped rolling! Haha~ Yes.. technical problem.. to the point we had to choose to refund our tickets or switch to the next show around 9 plus. So we picked to watch the next show at a bigger better hall =D Looks like we're meant to watch this there! So the movie started rolling right from the start again! Cool~~~

May 10th, on a Sunday.. we watched it AGAIN! At One Borneo.. with Pearl and Cleon ;)

May 18th, 2009.. Angels and Demons!

Blurbz: This was better than I expected! Chubz thought so too. I thought it's gonna be like Constantine but no.. and that's why I liked it :)

Another 6th of the month =D

2009-05-06T23:15:00.002+08:00

Wolverine! We've watched it on DVD.. the one that got leaked out with some un-refined computer effects ;) We had the laughs there.. (and movie making is NOT easy!) and came for the serious (complete!) one on cinema!!! I still love it! I'm sure Chubz too.. since he found out his favourite character didn't die at the end. Hehe~ Happy 14th month Chubby Chubby! And yes.. we'll have Star Trek in a few days time! :)

Last Week..

2009-04-24T14:37:00.001+08:00

Needed a LAUGH!!! =D

Movie time.. again.. :)

2009-04-05T09:35:00.007+08:00

Fast And Furious!!!
Pantas dan Garang.. =.=' Yea.. everyone LOL when the interpretation came out!

Nway, we just totally love this movie!
Blurby wrote: At least I did.. a LOT! =D
Sat, 7pm, GSC 1 Borneo. Went to watch with bro, Shaun, Nicole, Lulu, and Cleon. Hot seats were gone in seconds! Missed the better seats by seconds.. no kidding..

Knowing..

2009-03-31T12:35:00.005+08:00

March 30, 2009. Growball Cinema..

Blurby wrote: Unlike any other end of days movie where it focuses on the strive for survival. It's a bunch of missing puzzles and when that's understood.. it's the end of it and just die! Very debative ending.. it's the Garden of Eden.. hm.. .. ..

Monday, 23rd March.

2009-03-28T16:20:00.003+08:00

Growball Cinema..

Does absence really make the heart grow fonder?

2009-03-19T13:31:00.006+08:00

Taken from BNET

In today's world of constant change and transition, many relationships are bound to be forced to endure some sort of separation. Whether it is caused by a job change, military commitment, educational quest or a family obligation, separation can have resounding effects on romantic relationships.

In the midst of separation, some may turn to the adage: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. But does the maxim really hold true?

"Absence is more likely to make the heart grow fonder if the relationship has depth, strength and breadth," suggests Vesta Callender, a psychotherapist with practices in Greenwich, CT, and New York City. She says this type of relationship is one that has both its spiritual and economic needs met, and the relationship has enjoyed not only good times, but trials that have been overcome.

Callender also says that people's personalities are key in determining whether absence can aid the relationship.

"Some personality types tend to be constant and to cultivate lasting relationships," she describes. This type of person would "yearn for the absent party, reminisce about the past, have glowing memories of times spent together and look forward to the future." Those things contribute to making the heart grow fonder.

However, Callender says the amount of time spent apart is just as important as the other elements of the relationship.

"Separation is experienced in stages," she explains. "The attitude changes over time." She says in the beginning absence very well may make the heart grow fonder, but later on the attitude may be "out of sight, out of mind."
The commitment level in the relationship is usually a major factor to determine whether or not absence can improve the relationship, points out Derek McNeil, who teaches psychology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL.

"I think relationships where people have made at least some choice to spend an extended amount of time together, as in marriage, or have some commitment between each other to be exclusive, could lend itself to making the heart grow fonder (if apart)," McNeil says. He contends that the partners would "certainly have to nurture the relationship, communicate well, share parts of their lives with each other and maintain some level of connectiveness.

"If they can't do that, they'll have more problems. (Distance) is not a total cutoff, but an attempt to nurture a relationship without having a spatial condition."

Space is good for relationships when people use it to work on themselves, according to Dr. Jerry Davis, a clinical psychologist in Atlanta.

"Absence can be positive sometimes when there's a need to work on yourself," he explains. "We come to any relationship carrying our own issues. Sometimes when we have some space, that can be positive if it is used to work on oneself and not used to establish another relationship."

Davis also points to the commitment level to determine whether relationships can withstand separation. He paraphrases a quote by Francois Rochefoucauld to make his point: As the wind will blow out a candle, but fan a fire, absence will diminish mediocre passion, but increase great ones.

"Yes, to some degree, absence can make it grow fonder, but it is not a good formula for sustaining the relationship," he asserts.

He says people "have a built-in need for intimacy with ourselves, others and God. When we find ourselves out of that presence, there is need."

Dr. Julia Hare, a relationship expert who wrote How To Find A BMW (Black Man Working), points out that there are two parts to the adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder. She says, "Sometimes it makes the heart go yonder."

She contends that she doesn't advise couples to live in separate cities or stay away from each other for an extended period of time if they can help it.

Hare says distant relationships have "a lack of physical contact, spiritual, mental bonding that comes from being with them every day, living in the same city."

She also points out that "in most relationships there usually is just one partner who is less secure than the other."

When that less-secure person calls the other one and he or she is not in, "that mind starts to clicking....and things start to go downhill from there."

Movies..

2009-03-17T12:36:00.002+08:00

9th March 2008

Went for movies with Lulu, Shaun and Nicole..

The beginning of our 12th month.. ;)

2009-03-06T23:21:00.010+08:00

Dinner at a Northern Indian Restaurant in Asia City.. =D

Yummy!!! *Buuurp~* I still can smell the Indian spices on my fingers.. mmm.. yum yum yum~

Then sat at Pan Pac Sutera Hotel lobby for some live music and a glass of fruit punch..

Stitch!!!

2009-03-05T22:46:00.002+08:00

Blurby wrote:
Chubby got me Stitch (after hinting for so0o0o long! Ahahaha :P)!!! I love Stitch!!! Thanks Chubz~ Muakz muakz muakz!!! You're the BEST!!! =D

What's for our 12th month?

2009-03-03T18:17:00.003+08:00

Blurby wrote:
Hrm.. Tham Nhak Thai or Michi? Or something else? Hm.. we'll see.. =D

Had Korean for Vday (so YUMMY!!!).. had lotsa Western, etc, for our monthlies except for the 11th coz we both forgotten! Gosh~~~ =.='

Nway, so now Thai or Jap ah? Hehehe.. think think think.. ;)

Far Away..

2009-03-02T01:33:00.003+08:00

Far Away - Nickelback

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there’s just one left
‘Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you’ll be with me
and you’ll never go
Stop breathing if
I don’t see you anymore

On my knees, I’ll ask
Last chance for one last dance
‘Cause with you, I’d withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I’d give it all
I’d give for us
Give anything but I won’t give up
‘Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you’ll be with me
and you’ll never go
Stop breathing if
I don’t see you anymore

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
‘Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
‘Cause I’m not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and
Never let me go

Movies we've watched in cinema..

2009-02-26T01:06:00.017+08:00

Pretty sure I've missed out a whole lot of movies but the most important one is here! Nim's Island.. on our very 1st date.. ^^

Chubby's artwork.. ^^

2009-02-25T08:56:00.006+08:00

Superpoke brought to life! Before we were together.. Chubby asking for "forgiveness" and I guess it worked.. ^^

Blurby wrote: Chubby trying to impress me with another one.. but I still prefer the Superpoke! Ehehehe~ This is suppose to be my portrait.. look like me meh?

Our Engagement Ring..

2009-02-23T23:20:00.005+08:00

Valentine's Day 2009 was when it all started. Chubz got us our Engagement Ring from Tomei and we're wearing it =D

This means lotsa plans ahead of us..
Firstly, when to break the news? Engagement Party.. where? when? Invites? That is for the lady to plan and decide.. not anytime too soon but it will be just around the corner..

Next comes our Registration.. Then all the Wedding Ceremony preperation will fall into place..

WHEN? It's just a matter of time..
Blurby has got to complete 3 years diploma in nursing..
Chubz wants to get a car and a house.. and bring his family along all the way from Penang..

We patiently pray for God's guidance in everything we do and plan for today and for the many years to come.. amen!