Li Lian

  • 95% there! Or so I’d like to think…

    It’s been awhile since I updated anything about my wedding plans – and to sum it up…..

    Venue – Check.
    Drinks – Check.
    Flowers – Check.
    Band – Check.
    Cake – Check.
    Photographer – Check.
    Dress (even though I’ve been told it is absurd and for people with low IQ) – Check! Check! Check! Because I went for my second fitting, and it FITS! IT FITS! Phew! I was getting a bit worried about it not going to be able to fit.

    A place to live after the wedding – CHECK!

    I am getting a bit more anxious now even though everything is pretty much sorted out. I am not even going to start thinking about all the micro details that will be popping up as my wedding day nears.

    Positivity – Check.
    Smile – 1/2 Check.

    A couple of weeks ago I had trouble sleeping – and my mum told me it’s subconscious anxiety.

    I think she’s a wise woman.

    It’s MY big day?!Who am I kidding right?

    In the midst of all the different emotions (mostly being unreasonable, emotional, difficult, overly sensitive, crabby, moody, touch of crazy…..) I am going through (and there are also stories about issues and feelings…) , this man I am going to marry – is calm and so in control.

    He has so much more on his plate than I do – he has work, meetings and school – exams, assignments. And he’s there for me, to comfort me and remind me everything is going to be okay and make me feel all better again.

    The man I am marrying is amazing (and I am crazy in love with him) – Check.

  • Power Over Cervical Cancer

    Did you know… In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer affecting women.

    I thought I know enough about cervical cancer – and was taking the necessary precautions… Only thing I was doing – I have a pap smear every year. Not enough…

    So, I took the Cervical Cancer Risk Test… and turns out I am at risk. Doesn’t hurt to find out more.

    Another thing to add to my ‘to-do’ list…


    Find out More About Cervical Cancer

  • Wise words by Hermann Hesse

    I came across this and just so I can refer to this later, at some point…

    “You know quite well, deep within you, that there is only a single magic, a single power, a single salvation… and that is called loving. Well, then, love your suffering. Do not resist it, do not flee from it. It is your aversion that hurts, nothing else.”

  • About being a Surf Goddess

    11 June – 18 June 2009

    My sister planned this trip, she organised everything. It’s something we wanted to do together as it’s been awhile since just the two of us went on a holiday.

    Thank you favourite sister!

    Surf Goddess Retreat is for girls only. And our accommodation is at Villa Serena, a cosy little private villa. As soon as we arrived we were shown around – not much to see as it is a little villa, with a dining area, a living room, and an open spaced TV lounge (this is the only telly in the entire villa and it was quite traumatic for me when I found out there was no TV in my room – but I got used to it as I was normally asleep by 10pm every day) that doubles as our yoga spot.


    A typical start to a surf goddess day starts with 90 minutes of yoga at 7am followed by a hearty and generous breakfast.

    How can one but feel zen? This is the view from my yoga spot…

    And after some rest and chit chat with other surf goddesses, it’s time to slather on sunblock for surfing!

    So… about surfing… my experience, in not so many words –

    Step 1. Building of strong arms so you can carry your own surfboard, or try to. I could definitely carry mine.

    Step 2. Don’t think too much about it like I did. The number of times I was told to relax! Great piece of advise – I need to learn how to go with the flow more, or rather, to flow with the waves…

    Step 3. Focus. Hop on. Find your balance. Eyes to the front – look ahead of you, look at where you’re going. I didn’t believe it when the surf instructor told us that the surfboard will go where your eyes look – so true! Each time I looked down to check that I was still standing on the surfboard, that is when I fall! Eyes look down – down I go!


    Step 4. Try to stay on surfboard as long as you can. Look at me go! I kick ass! Every second is exhilarating. You know that feeling when you get when you sneeze real hard and see stars? Feels real good, right? Imagine yourself having an extended sneeze in slow motion and the whole world is in silence – prolonged ecstasy!

    Step 5. Falling off. I never mastered how to step off my board gracefully. I could always anticipate when I was going to fall, and I’d think to myself – Awwww… crap! There I go – again!
    This is me just before I go under…

    Most important step. HAVE FUN! Laugh out loud. Smile ear to ear.

    Did I surf everyday? Of course I did! (except on the day of rest when we went to Ubud).

    Well…..really? I attempted to surf everyday. There were days when the waves were monstrous and I decided to take it easy with my battle with the waves. Instead of the typical 90 minutes – I do 30 minutes and head for the showers.

    Our gorgeous surf guide Melinda (on the right), another surf goddess, reinforced that I could do whatever I wanted and didn’t have to push myself if I didn’t want to. She’s the greatest, always full of encouragement, a kind word and heaps of positivity.

    My overall experience was wonderful. I treasure the time I got to spend with my sister. The daily yoga practice has made me more confident than ever when I practice yoga at the yoga centre now. I am still gung-ho with getting as much practice as I can now, and getting better at it.

    Being able to surf brings me a whole new level of self –assurance too. I never thought I’d be able too – but, hey! I did it! After my first lesson! I never would have thought! But, hey! I do kick ass… I’ve never felt more physically stronger and powerful, and I love feeling this way.

    And I’m still feeling this buzz… and this post is 3 weeks late!

    Have doubts about surfing? DON’T! After the experience it’ll be all about taking the bull by its horns. Bring on the waves, baby!

    I think Surf Goddess Retreats packaged everything beautifully! The combination of good wholesome food, daily yoga and the surfing – they all go hand in hand. Chelsea, Susan, Melinda and Stefania were the happy fairies, they did manage to make everything all about us having a fantastic time.

    The surf instructors at Rip Curl School of Surf were knowledgeable, experienced, supportive and encouraging. Always – safety first! They were bundles of smiles and joy. Lovely, happy people.

    Overall, a wonderful and memorable experience. The memories will always bring a smile to my face.

  • Dining in Seminyak – Bali

    During our Surf Goddess Retreat when meals were not provided, we dined mostly on Jalan Omeroi in Seminyak because it is just 5 minutes walk away from where our villa was.

    Our first night out we had dinner at Trattoria, Jalan Lesmana, Oberoi, Seminyak. T: 0361 737 082

    We ordered a salad, clams and sister had a tomato based spaghetti – I give it 4 yummy stars. Everything was fresh – and fairly reasonably priced. About USD15 for the both of us.

    Next dinner out was at Greek Restaurant – I’d totally recommend this too. 4 and a half yummy stars. And the colour blue is the setting and theme.
    Mykonos – Jalan Lesmana 52 Oberoi. T: 0361 733253

    Our last dinner out was at this place called Rumours (it’s just a couple of doors away from Trattoria in the event you have to try this place). Only 1 star… and a NOT yummy star… But since I have some pictures – here you go… (And realise there are no pictures of the food? It doesn’t deserve a picture). It’s still packed though.

    This place called Lanai is our favourite lunch place. We’ve been going there for lunch everyday after surfing classes. Totally recommend their burger, it is called The Burger. And we love the nachos with guacamole, sour cream, salsa and refried beans… Yum, yum, yum. Definitely 4.5 yummy stars.
    Only a picture of the place cos we’re so hungry all other times – we just couldn’t wait to stuff our faces.
    It’s got 2 floors – and if you sit at the top you get to catch some sun and see the sea and surfers – but my sister and I preferred sitting downstairs where it’s nice and cool. You can still hear the sound of the waves crashing.

    Lanai – Beach Bar and Grill, Jalan Pantai Blue Ocean, Double 6 No 10. T: 62 361 731305

    Our last lunch at Bali before we headed to the airport was at Grocer and Grind – Jalan Kayu Jati No 3X, Petitenget Beach, Seminyak. T: 0361 730418.

    It’s a modern cheerful and chic place with a little delicatessen.

    And we ordered some fish cakes, curry rice and a lemon cheesecake. I even took away 2 home made cookies – choc and oat cookie and a sticky date cookie. 4 Yummy stars.