I've been developing many web applications using the CodeIgniter framework for some time now and I find it to be the best suited framework for me thus far. Besides the obvious advantages that's already listed on CodeIgniter's official website, it is its ease-of-use and relatively large following (with many user contributions) that has won me over from other frameworks like symfony.

Being true to my OO programming background, I've always re-used my existing code base built on the CodeIgniter framework version 1.5.x. Recently I have started on a new web application and decided to download the latest version of CodeIgniter (currently 1.7.x). Another "must have" component within my code base is a User Management / Access control library called FreakAuth which I planned on using again. A good user mgmt or access control library saves me alot of time re-writing the basics and it allows me to start customizing right off the bat. As I read through the new changes of the CI framework, I noticed that some functions were deprecated (validation). Much to my disappointment the FreakAuth library has not been updated since 2007 and still uses some deprecated functions. Although it still works and does not break on the new framework, it still bugs me that it is not using the improved functionalities of version 1.7.x.

So I decided to recode the FreakAuth library to run better on the CI framework 1.7.x. I also took the liberty to replace the original captcha function with a new captcha system from recaptcha.net. I am by no means trying to take credit for the entire FreakAuth library as it is already a great piece of code done by those guys on 4webby.com. I merely improved it a little by recoding it to run on version 1.7.x, added a new captcha system and fixed a few minor bugs.

I wish to share this new library with everyone and I hope it will save you as much time as it has for me. Please bear in mind that this work is done based on the exisiting FreakAuth_light v.1.1.

I renamed the library to FreakAuth_recoded in order to avoid its getting mixed up with the original FreakAuth_light. Click here to download.

The girls and I were supposed to head to TAR today to search for fabric. We need to get working on their dresses. I think I've pretty much decided and confirmed on my wedding theme colours - navy, plum/fuchsia and white. I will share with you how pretty this colour combo is as soon as I've finalized the details.

Anyway, back to my point about going to TAR. It had to be canceled because I was double booked. It comes with age when you have to attend a wedding nearly once a month. I already have two weddings invitations one week after another in January. I am sure I'll be receiving more invitations as we hit 2010. It's nice to admit that it will also be the year that I'll be handling out invitations (well, for a change).

We have 7 months to go! I got a little panic attack when I checked my email from Martha Stewart. 7 months. I quickly messaged Ivory on MSN and freaked out. "I've not done this! I've not done that!" I guess it's normal for brides-to-be to exude a little 'kan cheong'-ness into the whole planning. Maybe that's a rush I needed on a mundane Monday. Thankfully, Ivory calmed the situation and I did feel better. A lot better.

After going through my list, the next in line is the CAKE! I plan to have the REAL CAKE (vs dummy cake that is served in the hotel) CUTTING CEREMONY during lunch. My criteria: It has to be impressive, taste good and fun. Oh, and it has to be within my budget.

And that's when I'm torn between having a tiered cake or a cupcake tier.

A cupcake tier with a giant cake/cupcake on top:

or

A typical tiered cake:

You’re not asleep, and you’re not dead. I’m here, and I love you. I have always loved you, and I will always love you. I was thinking of you, seeing your face in my mind, every second that I was away. When I told you that I didn’t want you, it was the very blackest kind of blasphemy.

Edward Cullen, New Moon, Chapter 23, p.510

Ahh.. Enough said. I can't wait till I finally watch the movie so I can have endless.. ENDLESS dialogue with Mils. Wait for my review