Reflections of the year 2010

As I was thinking of an appropriate new year's post before the year ends, the idea of setting goals or resolutions came to mind.....HOWEVER, I then started thinking of the goals I have put forth for the year and begin reflecting on the major milestones that has happened to me during the year 2010. Here is a list of memorable experiences that probably stir the course of my life to where it is at now.....

1. Met an amazing couple towards the end of last year, a family friend, Uncle Art and Auntie Janet in Hawaii. They treated me like family and actually without them, I wouldn't have made it through this year in Hawaii so easily....as many things happened....

2. It was also this year that I got my asthma back in Hawaii. Yes, I would say Hawaii is an amazing place because the weather is perfect. But, the nightmare of getting my asthma back happened in Hawaii because of the volcanic ash coupled with my deteriorating health for the early part of the year. It was during this time, I fell sick once a month and the sickness lasted for a week at a time:( Lost alot of weight then. I would say that getting my asthma back propelled me to take care of my health and motivated me to start exercising...although I can't resist sweets!!

3. It was towards the middle of this year that I made a tough decision to do my research back in Malaysia. Finalizing paperwork, selling my car,etc. And of course, having a way overdue graduation/farewell party at my old apartment....

These two people came down to Southeast Asia the same time I decided to move back to Malaysia

4. My parents coming to Hawaii to visit me was definitely a milestone. Having them around fortified my decision to move back to Malaysia as I realized how much they mean to me and how much I missed them.

5. My brother's graduation in Atlanta was an important milestone for me too. why? It was this time that the last sibling in my family graduated and I could basically see how he lived his life there, which was VERY unhealthy to say the least....

6. Eastablishing my life again in Malaysia. Trust me, this is not an easy feat, from driving on the left side of the road, to the hectic lifestyle that Malaysians lead. But I love it!!!:)

Once I touchdown, headed to the opening of Skewers! And have been there many many times since it's opening...

My trip to Bangkok...to fill up my closet for the year with close friends:)

Forgot the amount of birthdays that happen all the time....every week of July was filled with birthday parties!

And once again, contributing to society by helping to feed the homeless and hopefully build a counselling program with them....... I couldn't do it in the States because they make you jump through hoops to be a volunteer in a hospital or orphanage:(

7. Getting back on track with work.... one of the main reasons I am back in Malaysia is to be able to fuse my expertise in developmental psychology with media through a talk show. Alot of people ask me why? Because I believe in the power of media and how it can influence the masses on issues that pertain to youth which NEEDS to be highlighted. Now, to find someone who believes in me and my idea:p

First commercial for Lip Ice

First magazine shoot for Queens, not only was the whole shoot fun but it was the people that I met that made working such a pleasure:) And I learn even more about spirituality than I ever thought I would in a few hours..... there are more which you can check out here: http://www.meizs.com/p/printads-shoot.html

Working at KLIMS as a presenter and met many great people:) And because of working with Proton, I will be owning an Inspira soon....*wink*

8. Weddings...to me, this is important because I have already missed two of my cousin's wedding and was actually upset about it....so I was really happy that I could attend my other two cousin's wedding....May you guy's have an everlasting and happy marriage!!!

9. Part of my early journey back home was made much easier with my best friend and sister Kendra...as you may know, she recently went home.....I miss her loads!!! Thank you for helping me adjust to both Hawaii and Malaysia when I arrived there and back here...

10. Getting to celebrate the festivities with my family and friends brings back fond memories.....I wouldn't trade that for the world. You know... this festive season and holidays have got me thinking alot as to what lies ahead in the new year.... I am set to writing my goals for the new year again and I guess there is alot of things to look forward to for the new year and I am extremely excited about it. This reflection post basically helped me re-prioritize what's important to me and also reminded me of the journey which I chose to take and the reason for it..... I hope this post can somehow help you too by giving you ideas on reflecting on your past and hopefully strengthening your future:)

Xmas pressies and our beautiful tree

Kor's friends

Shaun's friends

Christmas lunch at my house!

Have  a Happy New year and may all of your goals and new year's resolution come true!!

xoxo

Meiz

What Giving truly means during Christmas

Everyone is probably busy doing their Christmas shopping....I can tell because every shopping mall I have been to over the past two weeks have been terribly packed! no breathing space and to get to the parking spaces, you probably have to wait quite a long while!!!!!!

I don't know about you, but I love the feeling and joy of christmas cheer, from the songs on radio, to the lovely decor, and for me, the joy of giving.....I truly hope you wouldn't stop reading this post after the last few words because I would just like to share my two cents worth of what I have experienced thus far and what I feel Christmas or the meaning of "giving" is.

Full heartedly, I agree that during Christmas, the sales all over the world is amazing.... and I usually spend alot buying christmas presents for friends and family,and alot of the times, many people also buy for themselves. BBUTTTTT.... before you go all out spending all your money on yourself or buying lavish gifts for friends....maybe, just maybe you would like to do your bit giving someone, "yes, totally unrelated to you" a joyous christmas too..........I know..in your mind you might be thinking.... "why?", when I don't even know the person? Well...because you WILL make the person's life a whole lot better and improve their living conditions somewhere in another part of the world?

You are probably wondering, what is she talking about?!? Yes, I am basically talking about donating to charities, be it orphanages, old folks home, or a simple gesture, of buying gifts or food for the homeless.... because they appreciate it a whole lot more than someone who already has everything.... Recently, a friend bought me a gift, he sponsored a child on behalf of me...for a whole year...I was truly appreciative of the gift not because it was in my name but because it will change a child's life..give the child a better future.......

Joseph, a boy from Africa that comes from a single parent family.... with just RM50 a month, the money can sustain his education and health.....amazing how much that means to his development...

Before you close my blog and write this post off as nonsensical...please think twice aout how much just a mere RM40 can do....you can for example, donate RM40 to families to help alleviate poor families who farm in Malaysia and Mongolia

Seedlings

Or even contributing to a child's education such as in India or Vietnam to provide school facilities for these children as some schools in many developing countries lack simple things such as tables and chairs....

You don't know how much Rm50 or even less can do to help a poor child and his family over christmas and the holidays...... your gift or donation can literally sustain a person for a whole year and improve their lives...so maybe...just maybe...consider donating as a gift for someone, maybe on behalf of a person's name or even as a Christmas gift to society:)

If you are interested, you can donate through http://www.worldvision.com.my/

This cute little boy next to me in this picture is someone I have been helping out at the homeless center...he was truly appreciative of my efforts that even though he was poor, he still spent whatever little money he had to buy me biscuits as a gift. That to me, is worth more than anything....and I believe your donation or gift to whatever charity you do decide to give to means a tremendous LOT!

In the meantime, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!Embrace the joy of giving:)

xoxo
Meiz

Time Out KL Food Awards

Let me tell you how long I have been wanting to write up this post since I first attended the event!!!! I figured I better do it now, no more delays especially when the holiday season is near....it's for all you foody lovers out there, or just every normal person that wants to try out different places to eat in and around KL...eat your hearts out because I have the list of winners for each food category in my hands:p

I did not know what to expect as I have never been to a food award before..but I knew one thing..I jumped at the chance to attend it when I heard I will get to know the best eateries in town....I went even when I was sick!!!! We were told to dress up as it was a formal event which I was glad to do so.... finally get to use the dresses that I bought for an event such as this..but somehow never wear(Girls do this all the time!! I wonder why?!?)

Was greeted by friendly receptionists when I entered Solaris Dutamas where the venue of the event is held....and as I exited the escalators,this is what I saw.....

A wall filled with delicious pictrues of food......to die for!! Love the tagline "from simple to sensational"

The desserts..yumzzzzzzz..Unfortunatey..I couldn't try any as I was really sick..and had to preserve my voice for KLIMS!

There was an art gallery where tables were set up for attendees to chill, mingle and eat...I loved some of the art pieces..felt a little like our First Friday's in Chinatown(Honolulu)

Of course...a picture with Andy and the ladies from Malaysian Hottest Bloggers!

The stage where nominees and winners stand.... creating the moment of excitement...

With Nicole who is a foodie lover too:)

Each seat had an Evian mist spray with the TOFKL magazine....that is a magzine I will keep untill I have tried out every restaurant in it:p

*Drum Roll pls* On to the winners of each category

Chinese – Chynna-KL Hilton

Continental – La Bodega(I wholeheartedly agree..love the brunches there)

Fine Dining - Lafite(Consistent thus far! Thumbs up)

Healthy Eating/vegetarian - Marmalade(My vote for this restaurant too! You have to try it out.....especially their wraps)

Indian – Bombay Palace

Italian - Prego

Japanese - Fukuharu

Malay - Bijan

Middle Eastern –Al Amar

Seafood –High Tide

Steak house – Prime- Le Meridien

Thai/Indochinese – Tamarind Springs(Love the ambience..every couple should try this place out at least once)

Mamak/Hawker – Nasi Kandar Pelita

Outstanding Chef of the Year – Chef David King

Pub Grub- Jarrod & Rawlins

Best New Restaurant- The Pressroom(Love the decor, low lights..food was not too bad either)

Best Independent Restaurant- Albion KL

Best Restaurateur- Edward Hyde

Sorry guys..I tempted you with a few pictures here and there but I don't have all of them....Plus, I could only give comments for those I have been to......you can go check out or google the other places for yourself...:) But since these restaurants are voted in...might as well go try it out right? I am sure all the voters have good taste....you basically can't go wrong with these restaurants especially for dates....or holiday dinners!!!!

xoxo
Meiz

The long awaited KL international motor show

Judging from my title, you can guess what I have been extremely busy with for the past one and a half weeks since my last post! I am currently presenting/emceeing for Proton at the KL international motor show. I never knew how big of an event it was here in Malaysia as the management of Proton prepared long and hard for it, and I have experienced it as I was busy having trainings and meeting with them for the preparation of KLIMS. Apparently, KLIMS is long overdue since it's last event 4 years ago due to the economic crisis two years back!!! So, for those that are visiting Malaysia, I highly encouraged you to check KLIMS out because it is definitely worth a visit.... there are so many new concept and "green" cars. I also have to add..the many HOT HOT chicks!!! Pppssssstt: The Chery girls are specially flown down from Shanghai.......

Now...to tempt you with a few pictures of some of my favourite cars....and of course hot chicks:)

One of my favourites which is the EMAS concept car. We call it an urban SUV because it has a large interior space while maintaining the look of a compact car!!! And personally....I love the color coordination...the interior has semi blue-seats too....*swoon*

The Lotus Esprit.....What can I say about it except that it is a SEXY looking car and I dream to own one of these Lotus's in the next 8-10 years?!?

The Lekir which is a motorsports car! Besides looking fierce and futuristic..... it is an extremely powerful car based on the specs...but you will have to come check it out for yourself if you want to find out more:p

The "Bumble Bee" which basically transforms from a Chevrolet Camaro to one of the cutest and most loyal Transformers ever! They brought it down for the motor show if I am not mistaken...

 The mainstage car for Perodua...it is a truly interesting car....and they placed a pretty girl there the whole day for photographers to snap a few pics of the car and their brand ambassadors( photographers go picture happy at KLIMS!!!)

And you know why....Even I was attracted to take this picture of these three brand ambassadors at the Isuze booth....hehehehehe...... Love the color white..and it seems to be a recurring theme for uniforms throughout KLIMS.

Chantelle and I with our mikes..all ready to talk...can you believe I was at the verge of losing my voice for the first three days!!!!! scary!!

Steph and I, she is the presenter for Toyota Lexus and she was sweet enough to visit me...hugzzzz

Well....I started walking a little bit to the next hall today to snap some pictures for you guys......YES, I am a hermit...I only come out when I have to present then I head to the pantry to snack(glutton extradonaire) and read a book:) But after viewing a few of the halls...I would definitely encourage peolple who have the time to drop by..and if you do come, remember to drop me a text or call me so I can tour with you!!!! See you soon!!

xoxo

Meiz