.: Project Updates For 2016 :.

On-going Projects/KIV Projects (til the end of the year)
Project Wominjeka
Project Greenfield II
Project Joey
Project Houzz
Project Turf II

Completed Projects
Project Greenfield
Project Turf
Project Wallaby
Project Spring
Project Masterpiece
Project Umbrella
Project Scribe
Project Casa II
Project Casa III
Project Casa IV (Final)
Project Casa
Project Castle II
Project Castle
Project Downhill

Abandoned Projects
Project Moo Moo
Project Narnia
Project Island
Project Prince

.: Project Status Updated :.

The last time I updated this list was a year and the half ago, so here's to a more recent one

On-going Projects/KIV Projects

• Project Casa III
• Project Castle II

Completed Projects

• Project Greenfield
• Project Turf
• Project Wallaby
• Project Spring
• Project Masterpiece
• Project Umbrella
• Project Scribe
• Project Casa II
• Project Casa
• Project Castle II
• Project Castle
• Project Downhill

Abandoned Projects

• Project Moo Moo
• Project Narnia
• Project Island
• Project Prince

.: Little Milestones :.

Sometimes, it is only good for one's soul to take a breather and celebrate little milestones achieved. I feel that on my part, I often neglect to acknowledge and give a proverbial pat on my back and say "job well done" when a task is completed or a goal is achieved

Yesterday, the husband and I "celebrated" the achievement of this little milestone, one where we concluded the financial obligations of Project Castle, hence grouping it with Project Casa.

We still have No-Name Project, which is dear to my heart, because that's the first property we purchased 6 years back. And then there's of course Project Turf & Project Greenfield, but which one of it is under DIBS, so it doesnt warrant any obligations til 2 years down the road.

Our new goal set, if Project Wallaby kicks in, is to get one abroad.

But if Project Wallaby doesn't work out for us, then we will also grab another one (or two) here in the near future.

So for now, its two down and three to go.

.: List Of Projects :.

A list of on-going & completed projects throughout our married life.
So proud of myself ourselves.

On-going Projects/KIV Projects

• Project Moo-Moo
• Project Wallaby
• Project Narnia
• Project Greenfield
• Project Turf

Completed Projects

• Project Spring
• Project Masterpiece
• Project Umbrella
• Project Scribe
• Project Casa II
• Project Casa
• Project Castle II
• Project Castle
• Project Downhill

Abandoned Projects

• Project Island
• Project Prince

.: Rainy Sunday Evening :.

So my weekends have been spent trying to kickstart these two project i.e. Project Masterpiece & Project Spring; that requires almost immediate attention due to the fact that we have procrastinated for wayyyyyyyy toooooooooo long since we moved in to our "castle" (refer to Project Castle). It is indeed long overdue-Ed that we should make our home more homely. Now, I'm just lazing around on a raining Sunday evening surfing for inspiration on Pinterest (awesome stuff I must say). Well, as usual, so many things to do, oh so lil time....

.: Project Casa : Wait-And-See :.

And so our investment property hunting have been renamed to Project Casa. Well JC being JC-the-investment-banker, everything we do have to have a project name. So if you would recall, our house renovation was Project Castle, our wedding was Project Downhill, our Australian migration was Project Wallaby and so on and so forth.

We have identified a few locations, but still choose to be cautious given the fact that many seasoned property investors have taken the wait-and-see-approach as prices of properties are a lil bit on the high side. Also given the worldwide and local economy, it is in the view of many that the property bubble will burst approaching next year.

Meanwhile, we just have to load our mini war-chest and keep our eyes open for more opportunities.

.: The Last Song : Nicholas Sparks :.

If Nick Sparks were still in school, he'd be in detention for a long time - for making so many girls (like myself) cry!

Ok, fine, it sounded lame when I typed it out, but I sounded alright when it was resonating in my head.
Yes, contrary to what many may think, I do THINK. Not right or straight most of the time, but at least I do!

It took me quite sometime to complete the latest pensmanship of Mr Sparks, not because the storyline was dull or anything, but because I was so busy running up and down for Project Castle & Project Downhill. Yes, if you need to know, that's how the-ever-"optimistic"-me view marriage (and I am not even married yet to begin with)  - going do0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0wnhill.......

Again, another MUST read - but if you're anywhere as emotional as me, box of Kleenex at reach please!

In fact, I was sobbing so much at each turn of the page on the last few chapters that I called JC up at 3am (when i finished the novel) sobbing and crying. The poor fella, groggy & tired, had to console me - over a story which was not even real to begin with. Wonders if he is having second thoughts on marrying me? Hehe!

Seventeen year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father… until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms – first love, the love between parents and children – that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts… and heal them.



P/S : Thanks Bridget for loaning me the book! :)

.: Project Castle : Kitchen :.

This is my kitchen!
Happyness :)

So happy with the workmanship!

(let me know if you need the contact)

Cheers to many, many cooking adventures ahead! :)

Actual picture, not 3D drawing - just in case if you're wonderin!

.: Project Castle : We're Nearly Home :.

We are (almost) there!

We are now finalising the selection of the paint colour. Am so happy with the tilling workmanship when we drop by last weekend (except for a few ones which required rectification)! PTL that all went so smoothly & there wasn't a budget overrun as much as I have anticipated!

My parents house (wow, I have to use "parents" coz I already have my own *so proud*) is now filled with all the misc items I have bought over couple of warehouse sales. I have my Kenwood mixer (bought from Harvey Norman warehouse sales in Atria), my Tefal pots & pans (from Tefal warehouse sales in Atria) and my Rubbermate tupperwares & such (from DKSH warehouse sales).

Most likely can start furnishin it in a week or two from now!
*happy feet does a happy dance*

.: Project Castle : Home Is Where The Heart Is :.

We are nearly at the tail-end of Project Castle. The kitchen extended, walls hacked, repiping done, rewiring done, the installation of alarm wires & air cond wires done, plaster ceiling up.

Now its for the retiling of the whole entire house, plus a fresh coat of paint, plus the built-in cabinets and we are nearly there.

Throw in a bed, a couch, a TV, a dining table, some knick-knacks here and there and I would have myself a cosy, lil place I soon to call home.

Again, I wanna give all thanks & praises to God for overseeing this whole project. It is only in His mighty hands that this process when on relatively smoothly with just a few minor but managable hiccups along the way.

Can't wait to have a place I could call MY HOME!

.: Take Stock :.

Had a good time catching up with SJian & Jes today. It's been a while since I have any social contact and this was indeed a welcoming break from all the chaosness of my life right now.
There was alot of catching up to do, and as usual, time flies and before we know it, the nice patience waitress at Uptown Starbucks (our default hangout spot) had to politely tell us they are closing soon.

Listening to my currently top choice of song for my pre-wedding montage. *shall keep it a secret for now*

I went to the National Library today to return my long overdue books during lunch (which I couldn't find the time until today to do so). Borrowed another three books (that's the max per card). Hopefully with the peak at my workplace slowly unwinding, I can steal a bit more time to do some leisurely things - such as catching up on my reading and also to continue finishing my jigsaw puzzle.

On another note, I have finalised my selection of my pre-wedding photos. The designs of the album and all should be done in a couple of weeks time for us. Hopefully all will be good, but I am, so far, very satisfied with the services provided by my bridal shop.

Project Castle is well on its way, with our 'castle' taking place. The challenge that JC & I had to face is not so much so of dealing with the contractors and other vendors, but more so of dealing with my mom, who is very very particular over minuscule details. It is not easy, especially for me, to be the mediator between JC, my mom & the contractor. But PTL that up till now, I have not strangled anyone yet and have not exactly blown my top yet (but came very very close to doing so), so its so far so good. But I am continuously praying for wisdom and more so, patience to handle this situation.

Looking back this past 7 months plus, I am glad that the planning and execution is progressing well.

PTL for His goodness!

.: Family :.

It’s been a grueling week, as I try to balance between the demands of work, wedding preparations & Project Castle.

I don’t see why some people don’t understand and still choose to criticize and talk bad about every step of the things I have done or will do. I know end of it all it is indeed OUR CHOICE and I do not need affirmation from anyone to concur with the decisions I make.

But aren’t families are supposed to be understanding, or even if they are unable to comprehend, at least supportive?

But there are those few who are not, those few who choose to look at me critically and waiting at every moment for me to make the wrong move so that they could have the pleasure and joy of pinpointing my mistakes out not only to me but to the whole wide world (more often than not in a very exaggerated manner).

It is not exactly the kind of family environment I would like to be in, and if I am totally and brutally honest to myself, perhaps this is the reason why I am distancing myself from these few people. The negativity is not edifying and the hurt or pain they create (whether consciously or sub consciously so) can’t just be simply erased just like that.

It is true to the word that the ones closest to you could potentially be the one to hurt you most. And perhaps this is why their actions hurt me so much – because at one point I thought they truly care about me and I so did I of them.

Of course there are those who have been there for me thru it all, and for that, I am truly appreciative and thankful for all the support that they have given me throughout.

End of it all, I came to a simple conclusion. It could have been worse. I know families that are way far more ‘dysfunctional’, and perhaps this environment that I am are of ‘normal’ standards.

But sometimes, I just wish that this relationship can go back to they way it was. Where we were all closer and things was less complicated.

Ohana means family.

Family means nobody gets left behind.

Or forgotten.

.: Execution Of Project Castle :.

I have just obtained the approval from my
local municipal today! PTL! :)

Execution of Project Castle starts today! :)

.: Project Castle : Progress To Date :.

Project Castle : Progress to date

It has been a couple of long weekends, toiling & decision-crunching over our lil house renovation.

It’s not easy, I come to realize, but then again, I never expected it to be to begin with.

We have more or less fixed what we wanted. And budgeted for most of it, tho we are going to almost definitely blow our budget. But its good to have a budget prepared before starting anything so that you don’t go over the top & go on a spree.

There will be a couple of elements in my house design that we have charted out, so I will just let the pictures do the talking! :)

Kitchen island with galaxy black (or pearl blue) granite top & white/off white cabinets

Laminated wood flooring in our masterbedroom

Bay window nook in the living room & master bedroom

Glass shower screen for my two bathrooms

Sleek L-shaped fabric sofa with small coffee table in the living room

Small walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom

Organized shelves & such in the laundry room

.: Project Castle : Planning Stage With PPE :.

 

The draft design of my house, after hours & hours of discussion to make sure we like it; measuring to make sure we like it & that it can fit, and budgeting; to make sure we like it, that it can fit & that we can afford it.

From experience, I must admit is it a difficult task. Yes, your imagination can run absolutely wild especially when there are various means of inspiration. From online blogs, to dozen of magazines (got it cheap from HomeDec fair), to walking in showrooms like that in Ikea.

But alas, we are all brought back down to planet earth when we start using the measuring tapes and we start balancing the account book. Space & money is definitely the main constrain for the both of us.

Unlike many others, an ID (Interior Decorator) is definitely out of the question.

So, like many other times, I have to read up as much as I could, do as much research as I could to turn myself into a amateur ID in days. The learning curve is steep, and tho its really time consuming, I do enjoy reading up on termites and its various extermination method or about lightings and the type of lights to use (read here for a more detailed explanation) or about different types of toilet bowls.

It can be really really stressful and you have to ensure that all aspects are covered. For example before I can start buying the furniture, I ought to start the renovation first. But before I could start the reno, I need to mark out the electrical points for my contractor. But before I can mark it out, I roughly need to know the positions & layout of the furniture and alas, before I can do that, I need to start scouting for furniture. A classic chicken or egg scenario.

Of course if you are someone who does not have a budget constrain, you can always custom make your own furniture to your own liking and sizing, which then, you would not face the above mentioned problem. Too bad I don’t fall into that category.

Anyhows, this is the first cut of my official design done amateurishly with Paint - coz I don’t have the high-techno-smackno software to create a 3D version of my house (even if I did, I reckon that someone who is untech-savvy as I am would not know how to use it anyways!).

Comments and feedbacks are much appreciated! :)

.: Project Castle : Planning Stage :.

I have been busy. There have been a lot of running around during the weekends.

Like last weekend, I was chauffeuring my cousin, Tammie, around as she does her last-minute preparation to hunt for a room to rent as well as getting a cardi (she’s so darn fussy over the cardi specs, I just give up). Oh, I got myself a pair of shoes in the process.

This weekend, I was running around, meeting up with one of the contractor as well as getting two sinks for my kitchen/laundry room and a tap head from Teka (they are having a warehouse sale in Glenmarie).

Today, JC took leave to settle the MPSJ permit and at night, we are meeting the videographer to check out his portfolio and stuff.

This longer weekend, we will take a break on Friday, most likely going around KL and put my DSLR to some good clicking-work. And on Saturday and Sunday, it will be back to busy weekend mode. Oh, I’m gonna get my hair coloured professionally (for the second time in my whole-life history; it the past, it has always been DIY-ed)

I got approximately one month to lose 20kgs (in order to have a normal bodyweight mind you) before my photoshoot on 1st July. Impossible, no?

I warned my photographer that he better be darn good in his Photoshop skills, or else……

Oh, and the title above is the name of our house reno project code. Internal investment banker joke, you need not get it, no worries.