About marriage, and my marriage experiences
On June 16 2007, Poey Chin and I took our marriage vows in front of God, our relatives and our friends.
It was the happiest day of my life. There were smiles on everyone’s faces, and it was a wonderful time of celebrating our love and reunion with family members and friends.
Here are some photos from our wedding ceremony:
Today is the second month anniversary of my marriage to a wonderful, sweet, lovely, beautiful, great-cook, talented and patient woman.
Happy 2nd month anniversary darling.
As I was thinking about my marriage on the way to work, I discovered that the second month was completely different from the first month.
The first month was a month of:
1. Discovery. Discovering each other’s habits and traditions was surprising, delighting and frustrating at times.
2. Changes. We both had to adjust to living with each other, which meant a lot of change in our daily routines.
3. Fights. A lot of quarrels over small things. I hit my wife for the first time.
4. New stuff. My bank account balance continued it’s countdown as we purchased essential items like an oven, a book shelf, new cooking utensils.
5. New experiences. Adjusting to a new church is not easy, especially one as huge as DUMC. My first time going to buy condoms (should I tell that story?), and doing some adult stuff.
6. New responsibilities. Now that I’m not staying with my parents, I have to do a lot of things on my own 🙁
In summary, the first month was very challenging and quite stressful.
In the second month, we both felt more comfortable:
1. We have adjusted to our new daily routines. Meal times and sleeping times more constant (this is important for me!).
2. Less fights as we have resolved most of the small small issues bugging us, like where to put our towels.
3. We went through our first serious moment as a married couple when we thought she was expecting.
4. Growing closer in our spiritual walk together
5. Able to support each other better. This month was full of drama, and we learned to support each other through it.
My wife is very wonderful. I love her very much.
So, for all of you readers who are married. What can I expect in the coming months? Anything to watch out for? Any warnings? Tips?
Photograph by Tanya McConnell
P/S: No, I didn’t buy flowers.
I finally got back my photos! Here’s some photos when I went with my heng tai (best buddies) to pick up my wife from her brother’s condo.
The car is coming, and horns are blaring. Nosy Caring neighbours are looking out their units to see what’s going on!
Time for Keith my nephew to open the car door.
Poey Chin’s zhi muis (best buddies) waiting for us. We were late due to a lorry breakdown on the LDP.
Four guys versus ten girls. A bit unfair but we didn’t mind hehe.
We can make this the album cover for my band Painted Picture… if we ever get around to recording. But then… don’t want la. I look a bit like pastor, but in fact the three of them are studying to be full time pastors now.
Our punishment for being late was to arrange the shoes outside the condo. Donny had the idea of arranging it in the shape of a heart.
Her zhi muis provided us some breakfast. First, super concentrated black coffee.
I’m not sure if there was sugar in it, because Lionel drank it all. He ended up being hyper the whole day.
Next we were served some kuih (local Malaysian pastries) modified with a generous helping of ginger, chili sauce, ketchup and some soya sauce.
A jam muffin laced with wasabi. I actually enjoyed this one because I was having a cold and it cleared my sinus system.
They then gave us a cup of apple cider to drink, which happens to be Leon’s favourite since he likes sour stuff.
Mom in law gave me a cup of bird’s nest to drink. Tasted so sweet.
Yes, we made it in the door!
Second stage: Write a poem for Poey Chin, and sing it to her.
The door is open (despite our horrible singing)! Before opening the door I had to call Poey Chin really loud. I called her “BAO BEI!!” (baby). So shy la hehe…
Presenting the poem written with blood, sweat and tears. Okay, maybe there was no blood.
Presenting her bridal bouquet…
My heng tais crying because they are losing a buddy.
Poey Chin pinning the corsage on me. It was quite difficult with her lacy gloves so her friend Sook Fong helped her to do it for me.
Finally, we are united. See how relieved I am? See how happy Poey Chin is?
Before the wedding, I was so stressed about what was happening in the morning. I am thankful that Poey Chin’s friends and zhi muis didn’t give us a hard time.
I feel so exhausted just reviewing the photos. I’ll write about the tea ceremony another day.
To view more posts and photos about my wedding, go to my Wedding page. Either click at the Wedding link at the top of this blog or go to http://www.adinochang.com/wedding