Roadtrip Mischief
November 26, 2008
When Rob and I were on the roadtrip we had some “interesting” conversations along the way. I laugh thinking about them and so decided to share the laughter and weirdness. Me being the smartass that I am decided to test Rob’s patience with me. Here are some examples. Enjoy~
S: Are we there yet? 
R: No…
S: How about now?
R: No…
S: Now?
R: No….
S: NOW???
R: NO! 
S: Why not? Is it THAT far?
R: Honey….you knew this is going to take 6 hours..
S: Ok…
S: How far are we?
R: Honey….we’ve only been driving AN HOUR!!!
S: Oh ok….
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S: Ummm are we there yet?
R: No…
S: *sigh* Why not?
R: Cos it’s far away 
S: How far?
R: Ask me in another 5 hours
S: But I wanna know now
R: Eat your gummi bears
S: I did, see? *shows empty container* 
R: No kidding 
*******************************************************
S: How much farther? 
R: We still have a third of the way to go
S: We’ve been driving a long time!
R: Yeah…
S: Why does it take so long? 
R: Cos we keep stopping
S: Oh…then don’t stop so much
R: We stopped because you want to take pictures!
S: Oh…ok…then don’t stop for my pictures
R:
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Yes, that’s right. I’m that immature and weird. Yes, we are a couple of juvenile delinquents, but hey, we’re proud of it.
Anderson Japanese Garden @ Rockford, Illinois
November 5, 2008
*Many pictures again. Go grab yourself a snack and come back*
Rockford is about 90 minutes drive from where Rob lives. We spent about 3 days there sightseeing and a *little* shopping. Heh.
The first time I visited Rob I was already interested in visiting the Anderson Japanese Garden (AJG) but they weren’t open during the winter time. Since it was on the way back from MOA, we decided to stop by Rockford so I could visit the garden.
Entrance fee was USD7 per person but Rob, again, scored cheap entrance tickets from the radio shopping channel. I think it was USD5 for two. Isn’t he DA MAN?
Sticker as proof of purchase of entrance tickets
The first thing that greeted me at AJG was this little squirrel. It was just staring at us while we walked by. I stopped to take a picture but it ran and hid among some bushes.
I suppose the whole reason I wanted to go to this garden (and many other gardens/parks at that) was to take tons and tons of pictures. Not that I’m a pro or anything but I’m pretty sure by now you guys probably know I have a soft spot for some version of photography, whatever you call mine. HEH
There was a gate to go through to enter the main compound of the garden. So what did we do?
Yes, we camwhored.
The weather was almost perfect for a day at AJG. The sun was out and the skies were blue, which really makes a difference when taking pictures.
Camwhoring again
This is the zig-zag bridge. By my calculations there were about 8 segment of bridges which I suspect to be correct since the number 8 has the prosperity meaning to it in Asian culture.
I love the Weeping Willow tree.
Koi swimming towards me for food. Too bad I didn’t bring food with me.
Garden of Reflection
South Gate – entrance to the Guest House
This is the Raked Gravel Garden. The sand is actually hand-raked so visitors aren’t allowed to walk on it.
Main bridge
Pond Strolling Garden
I saw this cute duck swimming in the pond so I figured I would snap a few pictures of it.
Then it swam away from me.
That BASTARD!!!
Pretty butterfly
Posing at the main bridge
Me bugging Rob while he was trying to snap a picture
The thing I was looking forward to the most at AJG was the waterfall. I had seen pictures of it from their website and it was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to take a picture of it myself!
I quite like this next picture. I got lucky in capturing the koi fishes in the picture, considering the fishes were just swimming around, minding their own business.
Remember I said the sun was out?
Imagine the damage I could’ve done had I owned an SLR. Always wanted one but it’s a bit too expensive for me at the moment, being unemployed and all. But I have vowed to myself that once I get a job that pays well, and I am financially stable, I shall purchased one and go CRAZY.
I end this post with my favourite shot from AJG. I love the colour combination, with the lush greens, orange leaves and just the feeling of serenity I get by just looking at the picture. I close my eyes and I can almost hear the water splashing.
TA DA!
AJG is such a peaceful place. I think it’s a great place to unwind and relax, and even meditate if you wish.
I could almost feel the energy and grace that exudes in this tranquil place…
The sounds of trickling water drawing one deeper into relaxation…
The breeze that blows in one’s face, calming one’s nerves…
……….
……….
……….
That is, until Rob and I come along giggling and laughing, and making fun of each other. Then, all the peace and serenity is just…well…GONE.
It then becomes just another playground for us.
Sorry for the lack of words in this post. I have to go get some work done on the thesis.
My first mini adventure
September 16, 2008
This is my first time travelling alone and being somewhere without family. I was excited to say the least. So that’s why I consider this my first mini adventure. I have travelled myself to Australia before but I was picked up by family and stayed with them. This time was different. I stayed by myself for a night in a hotel room, even after hearing all those horror stories. I’m pretty proud of myself. =D
My journey started with the earliest flight out of Kuching to KL at 6am. An hour and 45 minutes later, I arrived in KLIA and had less than an hour to get to my gate for Newark International Airport (EWR) which is in New Jersey, about an hour from New York. I called my parents and Rob, who was really excited for my arrival.
Fast forward 24 hours later (with a stop in Stokholm, Sweden), I arrived to this…
If you look hard enough, you can see the Statue of Liberty in the middle of the River. It is indeed quite a site. I waited for my cousin to pick me up to go to dinner. After dinner, I checked in my free room (which I am still very proud of) at Howard Johnson. I wasn’t expecting much for it was a free room but imagine my surprised when I saw my room.
It was HUGE (for the price they were asking), with a king size bed and a full bathroom. I was really impressed. My flight the next morning was 8 so I woke up around 5.30am to get ready and take the free shuttle to the airport.
Me all glammed up *giggle*
I arrived at the airport a lot earlier then I expected. Then my flight to Chicago was delayed around an hour or so after everybody boarded the plane due to traffic congestion. When the plane took off the excitement I felt was more intense because I was just that much closer to seeing Rob.
I thought the little clouds looked cute
But all was well when I arrive at O’hare International Airport just before 11am. It was my first time arriving at O’hare so I’m sure I looked like a lost puppy to people there. I kept walking and walking, and in my mind I had wanted to go check myself out (as vain as that may sound) in the bathroom to make sure my face was okay etc etc before I see Rob for the first time in over a year. The first bathroom I past by had a line forming so I figured I would go to the next one I see. Unfortunately the next bathroom was closed for maintenance and that was the last bathroom along my way.
Before I knew it, I could see red and white balloons in the air…
………………..
………………..
………………..
………………..
IT WAS ROB!!!
Excuse the bad picture. I was laughing while taking the picture.
He set up his little own station to welcome me to Chicago. I was so excited to see him and at the same time laughing because of what he did. After I snapped a picture, I ran towards him and we embraced for a minute. In his hand was a little teddybear holding a heart which said “I love you”. He gave it to me and “Here, have a bear with a PINK hat” while smirking.
He had made the signs a few days before I arrived but the night before something happened to the signs and he had to make new ones all over again. Here is a closer shot…
It’s pretty obvious what the first sign says. Now the second one says “Hi Honey Bwoo!” and other little pet names. Let me explain what “Bwoo!” means to us. One night while Rob was telling me some good news, I wanted to said “Woohoo!” but what came out of my mouth was “Bwoo!”. So from then on, “Bwoo!” has been the official substitute of “Woohoo!”.
The other four words in there are Shinnie, Ice cream girl, Pandagirl and the last one (blocked by my watermark) says “Summer Chai”. Now the origin of “Summer Chai” can be found here. Its just a little insided joke with my friends. I told Rob about it before and the smartass in him decided to include that in the sign.
We got my luggage and headed a lonnnnnnnng track to the parking lot. When we got to the car, he surprised me again with a single pink rose. I was touched.
Off we went to IHOP for brunch. I have been planning this first day for months. I ordered my all time favourite; the Breakfast Sampler which consists of everything I love from IHOP, french toast, pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs and bacon and a side of HASH BROWNS!!!! Rob ordered Strawberry pancakes which were heavenly as well.
After eating, we checked in the motel we would be staying in for the next 4 days before going on the roadtrip. Rob went in to check-in because they charge extra for 2 occupants in a room. The cheapskate me wanted to save like USD10 per day. That’s USD30 ok! Which means we saved over RM100.
As I stayed in the car and looked around the surroundings, I was relieved. It felt good to be there. It’s hard to describe the feelings. I felt complete being with my soulmate once again. It felt right. It felt as if everything in my life was coming into place. Suddenly reality hit me and I realized that I would be leaving in 5 weeks. I was extremely happy to be there but at the same time sad because it meant that eventually I had to leave. A minute later, I saw Rob walking towards the car and I smiled. The feeling of sadness disappeared.
We unloaded the car that had my luggage and other essentials which Rob had prepared e.g. toiletries, extra pillows, snacks etc. After some snuggling and cuddling, we took a dip in the pool for an hour and then headed to Woodfield Mall for Baskin Robbins ice cream! We walked around the mall a bit and surprisingly I didn’t buy anything at all. I was probably saving up for the Mall of America. HEHEHEHE
Oh-so-happy with my Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream
Before going to dinner, we stopped by Rob’s house to say hi to his parents and for me to reunite with Naomi the Samoyed. She instantly remembered me and was following me all over the place. I now call Naomi “Princess” and I think she loves it. I miss her.
Isn’t she just SO adorable?
Dinner was at one of my favourite places, Chili’s. I have been craving for Molten Cake for over a year. We ate light for our meal, sharing an appetizer of buffalo wings, chicken nuggets of sorts and egg rolls.
Rob had told me about the new Molten Cake at Chili’s called White Chocolate Molten Cake months ago. Instantly I knew I MUST try it no matter what! So we order one of those and the classic Molten Cake.
Chocolate cake with drizzles of chocolate syrup and caramel, topped with vanila ice cream and more chocolate!
Moist vanilla cake with melted white chocolate and strawberry sauce, topped with vanilla ice cream and chunks of white chocolate chips!
MMMmmmmmMMMMMmmmmmmmmMMMmmmMMMM
Both were DELICIOUS!!!! I can’t pick a favourite. The classic Molten cake was fantastic as always and the White Chocolate one was equally as good. I gobbled the White Chocolate Molten Cake
This is what was left of the Molten cakes. =D
That’s it for my first day in Chicago. Stay tune for the roadtrip post!
Just checking in
July 26, 2008
This is day 4 in Chicago and I’m loving every minute of it. Everything is great, the food is delicious and the people are nice. Been eating tons of evil oily food. We went to get a strawberry milkshake last night at about midnight. God bless 24 hours McDonald’s.
Sorry I haven’t been online to chat with you guys cause I can’t go online as much because the motel I’m staying at charges USD3 for a day of internet access. Cheapo in me refuses to pay that kinda money. I’m sitting on Rob’s bed right now, tapping away while 3 white fluffy dogs are staring at me from outside the door. Not to forget the “pleasantly plump” cat next to me.
Haven’t been shopping as much as I thought I would. I think I’m just saving it all up for Mall of America. But I have bought some tops and my latest GREATEST deal is a USD9 black halter dress which Rob loves a LOT cause he was almost drooling when he saw me in it coming out of the fitting room.
Rob and I are super duper excited about our roadtrip tomorrow. He’s on the computer looking up maps and information right now.
I will update when I get back from the roadtrip cause the place we’re staying at has wireless internet in the room for free!
Mall of America HERE I COME! WOOHOO!!!
Merry X’mas
December 24, 2007
It’s Christmas eve (like duh!) and I’m missng Rob more than ever. This time last year we were shopping and went to his company’s Christmas party. On Christmas Day we were at his brother’s place eating dinner. It’s kind of a sad Christmas for us both because we spent the last 2 Christmas’ together and this year, we can’t.
Anyway, I’m gonna start working on my thesis for the day. Just wanted to wish you, yes you, a Merry Christmas!
Pigging out: Part 4
April 4, 2007
Disclaimer: Do not continue reading if you are hungry. The owner of this blog will not bear any responsibility for the weight gain of readers after reading this post.
So it’s the middle of winter and one night Rob decides I must try the famous $5 milkshake at Oberweiss. That’s almost a RM20 milkshake. How crazy is that??
Vanilla and chocolate milkshake
My hands were freezing as I hold up the two shakes in WINTER.
I can’t believe it, I’m enjoying a milkshake in the car in WINTER
The pizza Rob made for me, with love. (Yes I am so corny.)
I saw a Baskin Robbins ice cream parlour at Woodfield Mall. It’s a freakingly huge mall, bigger than Mid Valley Mega Mall.
My favorite flavor of all time – The Strawberry Cheesecake!
See how happy I am? 😀
This next picture is the dessert I had at Ann Sathers restaurant prior to watching the Blueman Group perform in Briar Street Theather. This is the restaurant’s signature dessert – brownies topped with (my choice of) French vanilla ice cream and chocolate fudge.
While shopping at (one of the many) Target store, I got hungry from smelling the aroma of hotdogs at the main entrance.
Ketchup, mustard and pickles.
YUM
There’s a restaurant called 50 North near Rob’s church that sells chicken wings for 30 cents each. Rob ordered 8 spicy wings and 12 sweet BBQ wings. It was GOOD! The chicken wings came with bleu cheese and sour cream dip and celery sticks. I liked the taste of dipping celery in bleu cheese, unfortunately not long after that I had some kinda allergic reaction to it. My skin started to itch, from my arms down to my back. Luckily it didn’t last that long.
Very contented look. Ahhhhhhh….
The whole food saga in the past week or so may lead you to think that I ate like a pig during my stay in Chicago. Even I think so. The truth is I was there for 14 days and everyday I tried different kinds of food. I made it a point to try as much variety as possible, which meant ordering different dishes even though I found Rob’s choice to be good. In the end, I’d always picked and steal his food. He didn’t seem to mind. Heh
Another thing, we tend to eat just one big meal a day. We ate breakfast early a few times but mostly we just had some snacks to start off the day. Then we would do our daily activities which consist of shopping (walking) and sightseeing (walking). Surprisingly I don’t think I gained weight while I was there. Heh
Pigging out: Part 3
April 3, 2007
Sorry for the delay of this post. Like I vented in the earlier post, my DSL was down for a few days. So let’s get on with the show, shall we?
Disclaimer: Do not continue reading if you are hungry. The owner of this blog will not bear any responsibility for the weight gain of readers after reading this post.
Olive Garden has the best pasta I’ve ever had, with unlimited supply of salads and breadsticks.
I’ve never loved salads this much.
Shrimp pasta
Chicken Alfredo
Best tiramisu EVER
Rob’s dad gave us a giftcard worth $70 at Jameson’s Charhouse. We used it up in one seating and didn’t have enough for dessert or tip. It was spectacular! HAHA!
I ordered a rack of lamb grilled with barbeque sauce. Originally, it was grilled with some kinda mustard but since I wasn’t such a big fan of mustard Rob asked the waiter if the chef would do a custom order and he agreed!
Another new dish I tried is called Potato Skins. It’s a potato sliced in half topped with cheese and bacon bits, and grilled to perfection. It was DELICIOUS!
Potato skins
Look at the melting cheese…MMMMMMMMMM
Rack of lamb
Look at the juice on that baby
Steak!
One more post to go on food! Toodles~~
Pigging out: Part 2
March 28, 2007
Disclaimer: Do not continue reading if you are hungry. The owner of this blog will not bear any responsibility for the weight gain of readers after reading this post.
Chili’s was one of my favorite places to dine in during my stay in Chicago. What I loved most in that restaurant was THE MOLTEN CAKE. If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you’ll understand when you see the picture.
Monterey Chicken – grilled chicken topped with tomatoes served with mash potatoes and brocolli
Fajitas with grilled chicken. Fajitas are a type of Mexican food.
Cajun chicken pasta
Toastada chips – free refills
This is called the Awesome Blossom. It basically tastes like onions rings.
Beef burger with bacon and chips AKA french fries
And the best thing of all….
Drum roll please….
….
….
….
….
….
….
THE Molten cake, the sin of all sins. (Yes, that’s actually another Molten Cake in the background)
I had the Molten cake twice. 😀 It was SO FREAKING good. A moist chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and caramel. HOLY CRAP IT WAS SO GOOD!
Friday’s was another place I liked a lot (but not as much as Chili’s – THEY RAWK [damn I should be the official Chili’s spokesperson]).
Sesame Jack chicken strips = GOOD
Dragonfire chicken served with rice and brocolli
Sizzling chicken and shrimp = YUMMY
Chrissy, Ernie, Rob, Me and John at the back
For Christmas eve, we went to Artemis with Rob’s dad. I tried the Greek chicken which was Rob’s mom’s favorite dish there.
Yummy Greek Chicken
Hot Turkey sandwich. The bread is underneath the turkey.
Feeling challenged by Rob’s dad, Rob and I order the biggest most humongous dessert in their menu. It’s called the Belly Buster. The name says it all. As the waiter brought the dessert, a lot of people in the restaurant were like “Ooooooooo” or “Wow”. One table even offered to help eat it. This is why…..
The Belly Buster – Five large scoops of ice cream (our choice of flavors), lots of whipped cream, wafer cookies, bananas, cherries, hot fudge and nuts.
See how HUGE it is???
The ice cream started to melt before we even managed to finish it. Rob’s dad was taunting us to finish it. Using a small dessert spoon to scoop the liquid ice cream seemed rather pointless, so….we improvised….
We used straws and slurped up that baby in no time. 😀
Rob hard at “work”
Stay tuned for Part 3!!
Pigging out: Part 1
March 26, 2007
Disclaimer: Do not continue reading if you are hungry. The owner of this blog will not bear any responsibility for the weight gain of readers after reading this post.
Endulging in yummy food is one of the bestest pleasures in life. I ate like a pig during my stay in Chicago. By the time I got to Chicago it was already dinner time and this is what I had.
Burger and onion rings at Kappy’s, my first real American meal
The next morning (after lots of cuddling and snuggling the night before), Rob took me to the all-American breakfast restaurant, IHOP (International House of Pancakes).
In a booth at IHOP drinking pink lemonade of sorts
Scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon
Scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon , ham and sausages
IHOP’s signature cinnamon roll French toast
French toast. OMG THEY WERE SO GOOD!
Pancakes, look at the melting butter
Apple French toast
Rob’s dad took us to breakfast a few times…
Egg Factory’s Strawberry waffles
Egg Factory’s Banana and walnut waffles
Walker Brothers Apple cinnamon pancake
Look at the sauce and cinnamon…
DAMN MY MOUTH IS WATERING NOW!
This is just a teaser. The next few posts will definitely get you guys all hungry and swallowing your saliva! With that said, stay tuned!
Making pizza in Chicago
March 15, 2007
My stud muffin personally made me a pizza while I was in Chicago. A heart-shaped pizza at that. *smiles gleefully*
I shall let the pictures do the talking.
I like how he folds the edges. Makes it look “pretty”. HEH
A heart pizza for his sweetheart. (I am SO corny)
Then in goes the sauce.
Spread it around as so.
In goes the sausage. This is a specially ordered sausage. MUCH better than Pizza Hut.
Me putting the pepperoni. Again, mucho better than Pizza Hut
Juicy pineapple. Rob’s hands, not mine. I didn’t want to get my hands dirty. HEH
Half onions
Cheese, lots of cheese.
Goes into the oven for 15-20 minutes and…
TADA!
It was the best pizza I’ve ever had! Lots of sausage and pepperoni and pineapple and onions! Thinking about it now makes me drool. I think I’m gonna go snack on something. Heh