Seri Langkat - The Virtual Me

I Won't Give Up on Me

2012-02-13T23:10:00.001+08:00

Have I ever mentioned that I love Jason Mraz? What? Many, many times?

Oh, who's keeping count!

Yes. I love that guy. Like a lot, a lot.

I love the words in his songs and his journal.

I wish I could be as expressive as he is.

He is truly an inspiration.

We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in

I had to learn what I've got and what I'm not and who I am

~ I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz ~

The Other Half

2012-02-11T12:15:00.000+08:00

I saw a Korean variety show on tv a few days back. It was all laughs but something a contestant said caught my attention. I couldn't remember the exact words but it was something like this:

When you bad-mouth your spouse, it's like talking bad about yourself. It's because you chose your spouse and he/she is the reflection of you and our choices.

Something along that line.

I couldn't agree more.

I have met people who talked about their spouses like they were mortal enemies. I can understand that sometimes things weren't that rosy and you'd want to vent about it. I can also understand that sometimes a person teased and joked about their partners.

I don't however, think it's alright to constantly bad-mouth your spouse to other people. It's not a nice thing to do and to listen to.

I personally think it's only right for us to uphold our spouses' dignity. Ours as well. Literally.

After all, a relationship is about tolerating the good, the bad and the in between. If that is non-existent, then you might want to consider getting out of that particular bond.

Life is short. We might be dead tomorrow. Why dwell on hate when you can be happy?

Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone ~Stronger by Kelly Clarkson~

Used to Have It, Not Anymore

2012-02-09T21:48:00.000+08:00

More often than not, we desire of things that we do not have. In some extreme occasions, we would love to have the things that we just couldn't have. It's just how humans are.

While wanting and waiting for those wishes to come true, we almost always forget to be thankful for what we already have. Taking things for granted is also an unfortunate trait of us humans.

Like i mentioned, i am not yet a Cullen (though i much prefer being nipped by the werewolf Jacob Black), hence am not ashamed to admit that i was one of those people who wanted something so bad that i forgot to be thankful and literally lost what i already have.

I have been saying over and over, about a gazillion times, how much i wanted a ginger cat. I was always on the lookout for strays, adoption channels and such, until our neighbor kindly gave us a ginger kitten from their litter.

I was ecstatic beyond words. God finally answered my prayer and granted us with Owen. A couple of months after that, i lost Kechik - my 13 year old cat whom i loved to bits. I have had him since he was 3 months old. He was adopted from a shelter while i was still studying in Rhode Island and i had saved enough money to bring him back with me to my homeland. My mom made a racket about spending that much to bring a cat home but she also knew that i can be very stubborn when it comes to doing what i want.

If man has trophy wives; i have the trophy cat.

He was the perfect cat in my eyes; regal, loyal and doted on me and only me. Others find him intimidating mainly because of his size and he had really, really sharp claws. That much i knew because he would knead on my head practically every night. I loved him a lot but sometimes i think he was just torturing me with his so-called act of kindness. To others, he's a fierce cat but to me, he's just mellow Kechik which melted in my arms and slept with me at night.

We did everything we could think of to find him; we did flyers, scouted around the neighborhood and spread the words in the virtual world. He was no where to be found.

I still miss him, to this very day. I think about him most of the time and i looked at his pictures as much as i can.

Indeed, i have what i wished for and i love Owen a lot; but it came with a heavy price-tag.

I have learned my lesson and maybe you can learn from my mistakes.

Live High, Live Mighty

2012-02-08T11:47:00.001+08:00

2012 has inched on to the second month.

Two short months but it feels like forever; especially when i am doing things that i am starting to abhor. A total lot.

I have all these ideas in my head but i worry too much about a lot of things. I wanted to be ready when i start this. I want to be prepared and have alternatives lined up when things do not go the way i wanted them to.

I wish i could stop worrying too much and stop trying to control things that i could not.

I think i really have to walk the talk - about living righteously.

Now seems like a good time to start.

Hello 2012

2012-01-02T21:15:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!

Gosh. It's been one hell of a year. Lots of ups and downs, not to mention the in-betweens. Can't say that i hate them all. One needs the balance in life to keep those feet firm on the ground. I thank God for all that had happened. I learned from my mistakes, took pride in the changes that i brought in and thought about life a whole lot more than usual.

I know,i rambled a lot in FB but that's just me. I always need an instant outlet to be able to leave the gross behind me and move on. It might pose a little disadvantage but hey, i can live with it.

Anyways, i hope to be able to blog more this year. No matter how busy i get, i should make time for blogging.

Happy new year everyone! Here's hoping 2012 to be a better year :)

The New Field with Supposedly Greener Pastures

2011-11-28T21:37:00.001+08:00

I have just watched HP & The Deathly Hollow Part II and it was awesome!

I know, it's totally weird that i didn't catch it on the silver screen when it was released many, many months ago. As a true fan of HP, it's actually an embarrassment. As a normal person, I would say it's nothing out of the ordinary.

Anyways, I am not about to comment or re-live the movie. It so happen that the bd that i bought contains a second disc with special features, interviews and such. I found it interesting that JK Rowling and i have a few things in common. Maybe it's fate that when i was thinking about what to do with my life; i saw this inspiring interview. I think i know what i should do but with any new endeavor, it scares the heck out of me to even take the next step.

Starting new is almost always difficult but i have to be brave for the sake of my own health. Emotional health; that is.

Taking in the spirit of Maal Hijrah, maybe i should just do it.

Good luck to me. Here we go!

The Knives on My Back

2011-11-27T09:57:00.000+08:00

We all know a lot of people. Most of the times, we refer to them as friends but are they really what we call them? Some of those are faces we saw everyday while some appears when favors are in need. Some are friends with benefits, some are just people you would want to shake away as soon as they come near you.

I have a friend whom I thought would be a true gem. She has all the makings of a good friend and i trusted her, though not fully because i have just known her for a few months.

One fine day, she sold her pride to the devil and betray her friends and I.

We found out about it but she didn't know that we have. Since then, i am hearing a lot of negative things about her. I don't know if it's due to the fact that i've had knives sticking out of my back or i have been blinded by her good deeds all the while.

I believe everyone has both the good and the bad. Personally i think i am mature enough to not be influenced by the bad of others; that i can befriend them despite of what they are. Even then, some people are somehow etched with evilness that I think staying a yard away will do more good before harm comes in your way.

I suppose it's all up to you. There is no right or wrong. If you think that you are strong enough to pull a certain person out from the 'darkness' and shine a bright light on them, then by all means, please do it. The world needs more of people like you.

As for me and that friend, i am not that friendly with her anymore. We still said our hi's and how-are-you's but that's it. She practically crossed the line in one particular incident and i think it's best that i stay away. Far, far away.

Of Feeling and Such

2011-11-26T13:37:00.001+08:00

Have been wanting to write but as usual, work got in the way. The fact that i only feel comfortable blogging via the laptop is also a reason for the lack of postings. I can blog with my BB but somehow it lacks the feel.

Like how i prefer paperbacks compared to ebooks; this is quite the case with blogging.

Anyhow.

Life is life, with its ups, downs and a million other unpredictable swings. I tried taking them in as much as i can, making the best out of things and move on. There were quite a number of incidents that made me wanna just quit but of course, i know better than doing exactly that. Plus, you can't quit life.

I guess i am a little more mature than i used to be. It's a good thing; mature. I have stopped caring about what people think and say about me, most of the time. I just want to be me. A happy me. Sometimes it comes with a hefty price but hey, nothing is free in this world. Yes, oxygen is free but you still need to breathe it in.

As far as work is concerned, i am up to my ears with work that i don't enjoy doing. Not anymore. It used to be fun and challenging. Now it's just bluergh and boring. I still enjoy being part of a project team but i don't enjoy managing it. I am much happier being a BA whom is 'less powerful' than a PM. Then again, what's a commander without his officers. Plus, it's always fun to blame it all on the PM when things go haywire. Trust me, i know the haters in my projects. They are not that difficult to identify.

Another month to 2012. I can't say it was all bad in 2011. I have had both good and bad - by grace of God. I have yet to be bitten by Fenrir Greyback nor the Cullens; I can still celebrate the yay's and whine when the bad hits my way.

I am hoping for a better year. Better doesn't mean strings of the good and beautiful. Too much of anything can kill you. I've had may fair share of adrenaline rush; I'm resting my delicate heart for now before the kids hit puberty and start the 'i-hate-you's and 'you-don't-understand-me's.

For a start, i am hoping to be a better person; to be grateful with what i do and don't have, to be thankful for friends and foes, to be comfortable in my own skin because there's always Marks & Spencer and Dorothy Perkins, to laugh a little more even to my own jokes, to love my kids more and tolerate their never-ending questions (thank God for Wiki and Google), to stop pulling-off Deli's grey hair or risk having a bald husband and accept the fact that farts whenever and wherever he wants, to be nice to the cats and let them roam the yard more often, and lastly to write more frequently because i know deep, deep in my heart that it's the one thing i love the most.

Hear, hear!

Here We Go Again

2011-09-18T23:06:00.002+08:00

It has been a long, long time.

I am back to celebrate the birthday of my youngest child; today he is 10.

It has been a great 10 years and I am looking forward to see him grow into a better being. I hope I am able to help him through life and I hope I have given him the guidance he needs to be on his own. I believe he will turn out alright regardless of what he chooses to become when the time comes.

We all love him so very much; the whole of him - the good, the bad and everything in between.

Here's to a better life!

Beautiful Words

2011-03-25T14:59:00.001+08:00

I have always admired good song-writers - they way they string the words and how they tell a story so delicately, it just blows your mind. A song is nothing without good words. A writer is nothing without beautiful stories.

The Rain

2011-03-23T10:26:00.002+08:00

I've never realized how much i enjoyed the moments before the rain starting to wet the ground. All around, everything dances to the wind as if issuing a warning of what is to come. The cool wind eases my mind, which more often than not, is full of thoughts. Things, people, feelings; everything.

Cool, soothing breeze brings with it the harshness of rain dropping violently on each surface. Small and hard. Sometimes i feel like the rain is suppose to wash away all things discarded from us.

The rain is an end and a beginning.

The Careless Me

2011-03-22T10:13:00.000+08:00

If i remember correctly, the last time i was in a car accident was almost 4 years ago. It was quite bad and i had to fork out a lot of dough to get my car fixed. Nobody was hurt - thank God!

I was in another car accident last month but it was totally my fault. I was not paying full attention to what i was doing. Too much assumption led to a disaster. The damage was not as bad the previous incident but it haunts me like a ghost. I had to 'pay' for the consequence of my carelessness and i did so reluctantly because it could have been avoided, had i paid attention to my driving.

I suppose being careless once in a while is given. Maybe it's His way of telling me that i should be more careful of not only driving but other stuff too.

35 to 50

2011-01-06T17:13:00.000+08:00

I didn't manage to read 50 books in 2010 as I wanted to.

I thought 50 books were not that difficult to complete but I suppose a lot of things got in the way. I am quite happy with 35, to be frank. It's still a big number - even for me.

This year, I am trying to hit 50. I have started a book this morning. What better way to start the drive with my favorite author. It's pretty thick - 603 pages with very, very fine prints.

I think I need to start wearing reading glasses or something. My vision has started to impair due to the many readings and of course, the way I read.

So here's to 50 books to read this year - cheers!

Of Being Your True Self

2011-01-04T09:19:00.000+08:00

I just realized that I am not over My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

The story moved me; that is sort of a given thing but there is one more thing that I kept thinking about.

The character Julia in the book was portrayed as bold, independent and strong.

I sometimes wonder what happened to me. I used to not care about what people say about me. The short-cropped hair did nothing to ease the talking, so were the t-shirts and pants. The only time I would wear a baju kurung was on the first say of raya, for the first half of the day. That was it. On any other day, I would eat, act and behave like a boy. Back then, I was in control. I decided on the who, where, how, why and when.

Who I am right now is nothing like who I was back then. I care about what people say about me. I tried several times to be who I wanted to be but more often that not, was given ‘the look' for not conforming that I stopped trying and sink in society’s standards. The standard that sucks, by the way. It defines society – maybe, but it’s doing a lot of harm to individuality.

Maybe this is how split-personality started.

Tuesday People

2010-11-23T11:44:00.001+08:00

I have just finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie.

I enjoyed the book tremendously that I purposely turned the pages slowly, savoring the experience, drinking in the emotions and holding on to each word that Morrie had to say. It was purely intentional when I delayed the journey towards the end of the tale, scared that once i am done, i will forget how to feel and celebrate life - finding perfection in any average doings. Easy to describe but i have no idea how to start doing so.

I wish i could stick little post-its on every page where Morrie had brilliantly described life but i think that would take up almost each and every one of the pages.

I feel sad towards the end of the read. It's like leaving a good friend behind. There were still words that i need to understand and apply to my own life. There were still things that i needed to learn.

If only the book was thicker.

Some Guys Did Nothing but Belittle Others

2010-11-02T16:19:00.001+08:00

I just had a mid-year review session with my old boss. It was a little late and it's no longer 'mid-year' per say, but the exercise was required, like any other performance reviews.

Let me just begin with how much i hate going through the exercise and that i have lost faith in any form of performance-review-thingamajig. This goes way, way back, so no, i'm not discussing that today.

I didn't really care about the ratings anymore or whatever he has to say to me. He has his strings of blue-eyed girls and boys - all ready to butter him up.

I don't play that game - hence the not caring for the ratings and stuff because at the end of the day, no matter how much i tried, it will all be in vain. So i chose not to care.

Today i am a bit pissed. A bit is actually underrated because i really am pissed. He asked me a question and i answered truthfully because i am a bad liar. I couldn't lie 'beautifully' even to save my life. Yes, pathetic. I'm just weird that way.

He then asked me to justify the answer i gave him and i did. He was not happy, obviously because he was part of the negative bit of my answer.

I wonder; how was it my fault that the projects he assigned to me were not feasible? It was not my call and it was pretty much overruled by the MBB. Then i was off to find a project on my own - which i did, not 1 but 2 projects.

He has the nerve to say that i took my own sweet time to find a project while others have started work on theirs. He denied the fact that everyone else was GIVEN projects and i am the only one who went out and find projects on my own.

He refused to admit that i did okay and was very surprised that i am actually at the same phase with those who started way before i did. I wanna say 'up yours' but my i still have my manners. Oh wait, i don't have to be civil in here. So UP YOURS. There.

The L Word

2010-10-15T10:21:00.001+08:00

I was looking for a file in my laptop when I came across this piece. I couldn't recall if I have publish it in here, so I'm doing it now, just in case. Here goes.

Love is supposed to be wonderful. Love is unconditional and kind.

Love was supposed to bring all sorts of fuzzy feelings like the after-taste of a cup of warm cocoa. Then again, I have learned not to assume.

Experience taught me that love can be cruel. Love has the ability to destroy every bit of trust one may have. Love is actually conditional and laced with despicable intentions.

I have seen it – how love damaged a life, a family and a sacred institution called marriage. I have witnessed how love changed a person’s priorities and how it has turned a man into a beast. I have seen how love has caused humiliation, depression and disappointments.

Love and pain should not be in any single statement. In real life, more often than not, it does.

It’s probably the most painful thing one can ever experience – to love someone and have that love turned into the sharpest knife that went straight through the heart. The pain is unbearable that you don’t think you are able to pick yourself up and place one foot in front of the other.

I guess the bigger question is why it had to hurt and the mere mortals, given that fact, are still hung up on love. No one should suffer from bitter love. Not even the most hideous criminals.

Climbing the Pile

2010-10-09T23:00:00.000+08:00

I have been very, very good.

Well, until today that is.

I bought 6 books today, dear God!
That should keep me occupied till year end. I hope.

Work is a Battle Field

2010-09-26T17:37:00.000+08:00

I hate to be talking about work again. It's what I talk about most of the times with friends at work, with my other half at home. Geez. Of all the things we could talk about.

However, this time it's good news.

Well. Cutting the story short, I had luck on my side. I was saved from being the casualty of a vendetta between a couple of Dutch guys. I have to thank the Aussie guy for holding his grounds and helping me out.

I will proceed as planned and brave through a different fight altogether. The first hurdle was difficult and out of my control and there will be other obstacles along the way. I hope and pray that I have the strength to get over them. Safe and unscathed.

Until then, I shall hold on to my sword and draw them when need to!

The Wind Beneath Our Wings

2010-09-16T03:19:00.001+08:00

Am totally in love with the words of the song Wing Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler.

We all have our own 'wind-beneath-our-wings'.
In my case, it's the strong ladies of my clan.
I would be grateful to have even half of their strength or wisdom.
The amount of trials and hardship they have braved through - it's beyond words.

Hats off to all of you, wonderful people.
You truly are an insiration.

I could fly higher than an eagle

But you are the wind beneath my wings..

Bitter-Sweet Symphony

2010-09-13T18:50:00.000+08:00

It was indeed an eventful Aidilfitri.

A lot of emotions running - high, low, the whole combo.

There were definitely a lot of tears.
Even the skies were gloom, marking broken hearts and wounded feelings.
There was no better place to be than the sacred house.
Sheltered from hurtful words and tactless actions from those whom are too proud to be among us.

We are fine without you.
Raya is for us, for our family to be united and together.
You have chosen your path, so be it.
You are no longer a part of our family.
No more in our tree, definitely not in our hearts.

Leave us be.
We are happy.

Farewell My Friend

2010-08-28T22:39:00.000+08:00

Saying goodbye is always hard. Especially when it comes to close friends.

Last Friday, I bade goodbye to yet another good friend. She's venturing into much greener pastures and I have no doubt that she will be appearing in electronic media pretty soon. I am so happy for her but as far as letting a good friend go, I'm not too happy about it. Oh well. One can't have everything one desires.

To my dear friend, all the best to you. I know you will do great. I'm gonna miss you lots.

Counting Crows

2010-08-25T22:06:00.000+08:00

I have lost count of how many times I've read Harry Potter books.

Each time felt like a first. Each book, a page turner. Each story, a new adventure.
It's like my personal drug - I'm quoting Edward Cullen from Twilight movie.

I foresee many more re-reads to come and I'm looking forward to reading each and every one of them. Again.

So what's your poison?

Oh, those 6 packs!

2010-08-22T12:44:00.000+08:00

I dreamt of Jacob Black last night. Abs and all - yums! I couldn't remember the details though. Darn.

Vampires are cool but this warewolve rules!

What becomes of the broken-hearted

2010-08-18T23:54:00.001+08:00

There.

A new look for a new beginning, or the end of a chapter for this blog.

I can't even start justifying the reason why I have abandoned this blog for months. Of course, work got in the way and blogging time was down to a bare minimum. Truth is, I never really made time to sit and blog. I did kept my thoughts and rants in a journal. A black book with a dedicated silver pen. I suppose some thoughts are better kept off-line. Some things are better off kept to myself.

Well, let's pick things up where they were left off.

Top of the list - a good friend has left the company. Actually, good is an understatement. He's a great person and an exceptional friend. Of course, our 6-years-friendship went through ups, downs, turbulence and the sort. I guess that made us tighter. Seeing him go was hard. Preparing a farewell book for him was harder and accepting the fact that he's not sitting next to me in the office to share gossips, stupid, sometimes mean jokes and bitch about work was by far the hardest of all.

Heck. Life goes on.

Second on the list - a betrayal. Urgh. The thing I hated the most. Especially when it involves a close friend. I don't want to get into details but suffice to say that it hurt me deep enough. I couldn't even muster the energy to talk to her, let alone do the 'forgive-and-forget'. At least not yet. I am still hurting.

Again, life won't pause for my grieving.

Next, a bit of a damper to the whole scenario because the office is now brimming with people tendering their resignations. As much as I am happy for them to be venturing into greener pastures, I can't help but wonder how it would be without them. Friends that i shared rants, secrets, meals and shoulders to cry on - the kind of pals that don't come easily. At least not for me.

Nevertheless, life keeps moving on.

Tell me just how am I suppose to keep looking at the bright side when all the good things in the office are dissappearing rapidly?

How can one be happy when there's nothing much to look forward to?

I guess work will be just work for me after this. No more, no less.

Alas, life has to go on.

Owen the Great

2010-07-08T00:17:00.005+08:00

Owen turned the fruit bowl into his play-pen.

It's amazing how a simple bowl could provide such wonder and excitement to a creature.

Maybe if we look a tad bit harder, we too could find something wonderful, interesting and special in the things that we do one day after another.

I'm gonna start by looking under the couch.

Some Cracked Spines

2010-06-24T22:41:00.003+08:00

I own quite a number of books; some are not read (yet), some were read once while some are with visible cracks on the spines.

Of all the books I own, there are a few favorites - coincidently written by the same author. I realized that these few books are the ones I turn to while going through difficult times.

The spines of my Harry Potter books are without a doubt, the most pitiful.

I have absolutely no idea why I'm drawn to the sorcery world. I just do. I love drinking in all the details and getting lost in the stories. I dare say that the magical world offers me comfort. Even if it's temporary. Even for a while.

Sometimes a while is all you need.

Note:
I found this piece when I was clearing my files. For the life of me, I couldn't recall if I have publish it. Just in case I have not.

2010-06-16T15:23:00.002+08:00

Oh gosh. It has been a really long time!

Well, work got in the way most of the time. Then there was the program I'm pursuing. Three weeks of training, 1 exam and 2 projects to complete.

A week of training done - 2 more to go.

I'm still trying to find a project and with a few more days to the second week of training, I don't even know how this is going to be. Most of the participants are with projects assigned by their bosses while I had to find one on my own.

With 2 projects running simultaneously, I just lack the time to actually sit and talk with the clients.

I know, I know. That should not be an excuse.

So. I'm off to find me a project. Later peeps.

Reaching for the Crow

2010-04-20T23:43:00.001+08:00

I was getting ready to leave the house for work today when I saw Bear, our neighbor's cat (our favorite, btw) climbing our house fence, trying to get to something way up the street light.

Apparently he was aiming for a crow, perched on the pole. Believe me it was really, really high.

I left him to his pursue with a grin across my face, thinking 'silly cat'.

While braving through the usual morning traffic, I got into thinking about Bear's silly chase and the irony it's trying to tell me.

If a cat can be that optimistic, then I'm pretty sure I could do the same, if not better.

Maybe I should look at life from a different view - deal with life and the baggage that comes with it one day at a time and take things easy.

Less stress, better life, no?

Then again, it's also possible that God is trying to tell me to stop fighting a losing battle. Forget the impossible, don't focus too hard on unreachable targets and to maybe, be reasonable.

Life is funny, don't you think?

I think it is. Especially when you're trying to decipher life from a cat's crazy bird-chase!

Take it easy :)

A Gentleman In The Making

2010-04-04T18:24:00.002+08:00

Adik had a few friends over today. They're from the same street basically and goes to the same religious class.

The main agenda was of course, console gaming.

I was not particularly eavesdroping but i heard him apologized to them on how messy his game den was. It just puts a smile on my face to learn that my son, brutal as he might seemed, has some sense of respect for his friends and definitely know how to treat his guests.

As if that is not enough, he actually reminded his friends to not make too much noise, as not to irritate his sick mummy.

A huge smile plastered across my face for a good minute. The proud feeling however stays on to this very second.

We must have done something right to deserve such an angel.

Once Upon a Good Time

2010-03-14T13:34:00.003+08:00

It has been a while since I felt like this.

The anticipation, adrenaline-pumping, excitement - you get the picture.

It's my favourite part. Ever.

Cracking my head during feasibility studies, putting together options, solutions and the highlight of it all - preparing for project board meeting.

It's good to be back.

That Stranger

2010-03-11T10:19:00.003+08:00

Let's pretend that we are strangers
Living separate lives
Pursuing different dreams

Let's pretend that we strangers
That smiled over a cup of coffee
Across the busy cafe at the wee hour
Of a very fine day

We could be that stranger
But would we be content
Could we appreciate life
And what it brings if we're together

We could be that stranger
But why would we
When we can be happy
Rejoicing life, fulfilling dreams
Even if those were not as we imagined
When we are that stranger

The 11th Wonder of Our Lives

2010-03-05T12:35:00.001+08:00

I can't believe I lived to see this day.

Exactly 11 years ago, the same day and date.
A Friday night, back at my parents'.

I wasn't even sure that I was ready.
It just felt right.
It was like, everything was meant to be.
It was like,we were meant to be.

There we were and here we are.

To my better half,

I love you more than words can say - then, now and for years to come.

Happy 11th anniversary.

Dealing with Hopes and Expectations

2010-03-04T11:57:00.002+08:00

I have been home for a few days, recovering from the dental surgery I had earlier this week.

Yesterday, I decided to check my office emails and found a particular email sitting there, causing my heart to ache with dissappointment. I don't even know what to think anymore. Maybe playing ignorant is the best bet for now.

Life is too short to be having all the negativity loom around me.

On a lighter note, I am persuing something at the moment. There were a few meetings arranged and so far, everything is going great. I am hoping for the best but I know better than to have my hopes all that high. Nothing is confirmed yet so until then, I'll keep things under wraps.

I thought sitting at home would give me the space that I needed but after a couple of days, I was totally bored. If not for the pain, I might actually go to the office. Not because I love the place that much - it's more of the people I like hanging out with.

Oh well. One can't have everything one desires.

Take This Pain Away

2010-02-22T12:24:00.004+08:00

I don't think i have ever felt anything like this before.

It was excruciating I couldn't even put it in words. It was so painful that I literally cried.

Yes, I cried. It WAS bloody painful.

I don't even think I cried giving birth to the kids.

The pain subsided a bit after Deli gave me some zam-zam water. The pain was still apparent but bearable. Driting to sleep was slightly easier after that.

This morning, we headed to the clinic to learn that my 'lovely' wisdom tooth was the cause of my misery. It was oddly angled to begin with, it has now cracked a bit and extraction is vital.

Now I need to wait for the swelling to subside before the surgery. Until then, I just to have to bear the pain.

Urgh.....

Be

2010-02-17T19:52:00.001+08:00

I realized that I have made my daughter more like me than I ever intended.

Page 70, Bee Season, the novel by Myla Goldberg.

100 in 2010

2010-02-01T15:52:00.003+08:00

I just realized that i have read 5 or 6 books in the month of January alone.

I wonder if I could read a hundred books this year.

On that note, I am starting a drive - if it's the appropriate term at all.

I will strive to read 100 books in 2010. This is gonna be interesting :)

Let's start counting!!

We are all Opportunist

2010-01-26T22:46:00.003+08:00

I don’t think there’s anything wrong from being an opportunist.

We are all opportunist even in the smallest way. I am, you are, everybody is.

However, I draw an absolute line at cheating, lying and pure deception. One might see it as an opportunity or a gaping advantage that is up for grab.

To each, his/her own.

I came across this scenario earlier this week.

Though the offer was indeed tempting, my conscience got the better of me. I politely declined the invitation of deception. I want to achieve something because I deserve it and not because I had a little ‘advantage’ fanning my way through.

It wasn’t easy – the devil has its way of luring one to such state. Sometimes the devil wins, other times, it might not.

Either way, I doubt that the devil will stop tempting.

Know yourself; know what you want and how you want to look (back) at your life.

You’ll do okay.

Here's To A Happy New Day

2010-01-02T01:29:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year to all you readers!

Happy birthday to me!!

Have a splendid 2010!!

In Good Company

2009-12-18T23:03:00.000+08:00

My mum, aunty and niece was here for a week.

That simply translated to a week worth of good night sleep for me. I can never get a good night sleep whenever Deli's away for overseas assignment. Thank God for the pleasant company!

I didn't get to bring them to lots of places to go/shop due to the training I had to attend. We did however, shopped till we almost dropped on Saturday and Sunday.

It was not easy shopping with 2 adults and 3 kids.

We lost a bag full of newly-purchased clothes while shopping for something else. It was frustrating but we had no choice but to make peace with the fact that it might not meant to be ours. Oh well. Things happened for a reason.

Yesterday, the wonderful lot made their way back to BP. It's sad to see them go after all the fun we had. I guess time goes by so quickly when you're having fun.

Looking forward to seeing them again. Soon.

A Refresher

2009-12-17T22:43:00.000+08:00

Was away for training since Monday.

I was a bit hesitant to go at first - have tons of things to do in the office, especially BSE UAT that was scheduled to end on Thursday.

Almost as instantly, i found the session surprisingly interesting. The trainer was a pleasant man with a talent to hold the attention of each participant to the very end.

The course was nothing new to Pea and I. We're familiar with the processes and stuff though a little bit different in practice. The principles are somewhat the same.

Made some new friends from Touch n G and some other companies. Very friendly lot, I would say. Trainings are always the best place to make new contacts and make new friends.

All in all, the course was interesting and serves as a refresher for us since we are pursuing the PMP certification. Don't know when that will be, still.

The session ended on Wednesday with lots of new little things to apply and of course, a couple of pounds to boast from the yummy meals.

It was indeed a welcomed distraction from work. Definitely.

The Right Stuff

2009-12-02T19:11:00.003+08:00

Do the right thing for you.

I have heard it often enough but never really grasped the meaning of the phrase.

What is exactly the right thing for me?
How do I know if it's right?
Does good equals to right?
Does it mean conforming to the norm? Society standards? Cultural practices?

What is the right thing, exactly?

At this moment, I am really in need of an answer.

I have been going back and forth, thinking what is the right thing to do.
Sticking to my principles? My beliefs? Making sure everyone is pleased?

I want to be happy with my decisions but that would mean possible severe impact on other matters.

How can I do what's right for me when there are so many things to consider?
How can I do the right thing for myself without being selfish?

I know that life is unfair.

I was merely hoping that it would give me a break once in a while.

Now - seems like a good time for one.

Coco's Adventure

2009-11-30T19:28:00.001+08:00

We lost Coco Calypso @ Coco De Marco on Aidil Adha.

He must have escaped from the windows or doors at my parents' place in BP.

A kitty couldn't possibly contain his excitement to see such inviting 'playground' around the place. He must have gotten carried away by the newly-found independence and lost his tracks.

The search and rescue mission is now in the capable hands of my parents and niece.

We hope that Coco is safe, no matter where he is.

We love and miss you lots, Coco!

We Conquered!

2009-11-09T00:22:00.002+08:00

Cogratulations to these two - they brought back green belts today!

We went out for ice-cream to celebrate the achievement.

Such a wonderful news :)

Both Deli and I are very proud of them.

Going for Green

2009-11-01T00:40:00.000+08:00

Monsters Inc had their exam today - they're going for the green belts.

Both did extremely well and are confident that they won't have to pay me 50 quid each.

Results will be announced in 2 weeks.

Until then.

Swimming but about to sink

2009-10-31T00:17:00.000+08:00

I have been very, very busy lately. More frequent long hours in the office, translating to more overtime at the daycare for the kids. That's equal to less time with them and their dad. Crap.

Banca project is about to start development work, Compliance project just had a company-wide communication about the exercise while HR project is about to sign a vendor.

All in all - I am fully booked till Q1 next year, at least.

This time around, the workload is a bit overwhelming.

I suppose it's down to sink or swim.

I'm swimming alright but in need of floatation device. Make that floatation DEVICES.

While we're at it, I need luck too - lots of it. Maybe time as well - plenty of it.

Just Me and my Mak

2009-10-21T20:58:00.001+08:00

My mum and I spent a whole day together - we shopped, feasted on glorious food and spoilt ourselves silly.

She was in town for a couple of days and I thought it would be nice to spend a day with her, just the 2 of us. It was in a way, my gift for her birthday.

I couldn't remember the last time we did something like this. We do go out as often as time permits but most of the time, it was with the whole entourage. It was never just the 2 of us.

It was great and I wish I could do it often. Or maybe it will be fun to add my sister to the equation.

Along, me and our mak.

Happy birthday mak :)

Foot massage to end our day out

Fighting to Breathe

2009-10-14T15:26:00.003+08:00

I read in a magazine somewhere that job insecurity deserves much more attention than unemployment.

Until you are in that situation, you have no idea how true this is.

At this point of time, my colleagues and I are in limbo, to put it mildly.

There's no telling if we or our department are still significant to the division or company.

A lot of rumors are flying, a lot of assumptions are circling the atmosphere.

To tell you the truth, it's a bit stuffy in here.

The room is full of air but it's damn hard to breathe.

Game Over

2009-09-29T23:24:00.002+08:00

It has been an eventful 11 days.

Tomorrow, work resumes.

I planned to finish reading The Lost Symbol (checked!), Bill Bryson's Down Under (half-way through), watch Angels and Demon on dvd (didn't happen) and browse through Jobstreet (didn't happen either) during those days or at least the last 5 days of it.

Oh well, one can only plan. Laundry and napping got in the way, most of the time.

So tomorrow, it's back to my desk at work. Clearing off what I am expected to. I am quite done doing more than I should. Morale is hitting rock bottom at the moment. That's another entry altogether.

Hey, why are my sentences short?

Oh yeah, must be the lazy bug nipping on my arse.

The Lost Symbol

2009-09-26T12:41:00.003+08:00

My date with Robert Langdon was not as I imagined. I was hoping for a thrilling experience with countless of unexpected twists. Unfortunately it was lacking both the thrill and the unexpected.

I am a bit disappointed.

Probably I had my hopes set a tad bit higher than usual. Then again, with all the publicity and the super-tight security imposed on the process of producing the book, I expected an excellent product.

Instead, it was a letdown.

It was not exactly a page-turner like Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons.

However, this is a personal feel. I have said it before, taste is a tricky substance.

Dan Brown is always a good read. I just don’t think The Lost Symbol is as good as his other books.

His next book, maybe?

Happy 9th Birthday

2009-09-22T12:34:00.000+08:00

Happy 9th Birthday to the little princess!

Happy 8th Birthday!

2009-09-18T03:08:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Haziq!!

Love you lots!!

About A Babe

2009-09-15T14:00:00.001+08:00

Zura called me earlier today to inform that she’s warded in APSH.

A year ago, we met at the same place – our beds next to each other. I wrote this piece about her but didn’t publish it for a reason I couldn’t even recall.

Tuesday came and a new patient filled the empty bed beside me. She drew the curtains surrounding her bed almost immediately and stayed on her bed for quite some time. We did not speak until the next day.

Took us less than 10 minutes to get acquainted and immediately hit it off.

Zura is one chatty babe. She’s the same age as Ainil but found comfort in calling her kakak. It’s a miracle that she didn’t call me auntie, given the age difference. Hahah.

We were the 3 musketeers. We’d move from one bed to another, talking, laughing and literally owned the four-bedded ward. There’s another patient in the same ward but somehow she preferred to be left alone. I suppose four is a crowd.

With Zura around, our conversations became more open. If it’s a reality show, half of our talks would be taken over by the censoring beeps. When Zura’s mom and siblings came to visit, they ended up in our quarters instead of hers. They were as friendly as she was, if not more.

Breaks my heart to know that she’s in the hospital again, from the same illness. I am going to see her tonight and see what I can do to ease her pain a little.

A Loss

2009-09-05T10:23:00.002+08:00

We lost an uncle this morning at 2am.

I could still see his face, smiling kind and warmly to us. He's a fine man, a great father to his children.

My condolences to his family and my cousins - Reen, Rina, kak Liza, kak Leha and the rest.

We made plans to visit him comes raya but i guess He has his own plans for Uncle Harun.

Al-fatihah.

Merdeka Surprise

2009-09-01T22:38:00.000+08:00

I couldn’t believe it.

A piece that I wrote on Children & Education was published for the whole world to see. They have not officially launched the site but I get to browse through the final draft for consent, earlier today.

The email was sent on Merdeka Day. I’ve had a taste of liberation. –smiles-

A Little Rant

2009-08-29T10:02:00.001+08:00

I am going through a phase.

I don’t care that much about work anymore because it’s apparent the big bosses are not. Two of my good friends are leaving the company and if you have been following my writing, you would know that I would take the longest time to befriend someone. Here we go again.

I have been writing a lot lately – poems and just rants. Somehow I felt that I have this desperate need to prove myself as a writer. Not necessarily a good one. Just a writer.

Somehow i dont feel like posting them here. Maybe later.

p/s: Epi, congratulations :)

A Little Unwell

2009-08-04T20:25:00.000+08:00

We spent the whole of last weekend away from the city. Well, at my parents’ to be exact. I didn’t realize how much I needed that little break until I was physically there.

The water was freezing cold and yet I couldn’t get enough of it. I don’t recall having tap water that cold in the city. It was surprisingly cool and refreshing. Just what I need to lift the pressure off my shoulders and wherever else they might be sitting on.

The company was even better; in fact it was just perfect. Everybody managed to make some time to drop by though not together at once. I got to see my nephew, all better from an episode of pneumonia and also my niece whom suffered a broken arm almost a month ago. The little darlings made excellent recovery and seemed to be enjoying the extra company. I feel bad for not being able to be by their hospital beds but I suppose that’s the price I have to pay for being a million miles away from them. All of my siblings are a stone’s throw away from my parents. I am always the odd one, always the furthest from the family in distance but always the closest at hearts. I guess I’m not done proving to them that I am independent. – Smiles –

By the time we got back to the city, my temperature was off the charts. I couldn’t really sleep the night before – the coughing was worse than ever and I had a few minutes of breathing difficulty but no fever. So when we reached home, put away all the luggage and Coco (the cat), we wasted no time and headed to the hospital. The waiting room was full to the brim. So full that some patients (or their companies) had to loiter around the waiting area. We were there for an hour and a half before being summoned to see the doctor. He dispensed a long list of things to keep check of; blood sugar level, fever temperature and so on. We waited another hour for the bill and meds; that by the end of it all we were so hungry and headed to GE Mall for a quick bite.

Little did I know that the dinner was the last of my proper and prosper meal.

Then after, I retched whatever food I had and couldn’t take anything except toasts. I could only muster to eat 5 pieces of toast the whole of yesterday, apart from gallons of water. Today is no different; I had 4 pieces of toast, gallons of water and nothing else. I feel so weak but couldn’t force myself to take anything more than that. I just had a few pieces of chicken nuggets and already my tummy’s behaving a bit weird. Let’s hope that I’m not going to waste these as well. I have already lost 2 kg, not that I’m complaining but I need to eat real food. Sigh.

I have been missing work for 2 days and a lot has happened in the office. I am scheduled to participate in a conference-call to Regional Office tomorrow but I don’t think I can make it. I plan to have a light and easy day tomorrow.

We’ll see how it goes.

Oh by the way, FIL is in the hospital; warded because of his diabetic condition. I have not had the chance to visit him with me being sick and all. Probably I’ll pay a visit during the weekends. Deli on the other hand has been going to the hospital every day, on behalf of us all. Our prayers for him; for his speedy recovery and better health condition.

Introducing Nini's Little Haven

2009-07-28T15:50:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was the official launch of Nini's Little Haven - a shop blog i have created to feature pre-loved as well as brand new children apparel with reasonable price.

Nini's Little Haven

Do visit the site, if you have the time :)

Oh What A Sunday!

2009-07-26T23:54:00.002+08:00

Sunday is often sort of a bittersweet thing for me.

It still my day off but towards the end of it, annoyance kicks in without fail.

We planned to do justice to our bodies and run the extra mile at the newly opened park near Ampang Point. Have been wanting to go there for weeks but giving up the extra slumber time on weekends was way too big of a sacrifice to make. Last night however, we were really determined to go. Kakak had even planned on what to wear.

Alas, it rained heavily this morning. What a shame (or yehey??).

Got a call by mid-morning from a colleague of mine to say that she saw me in NST for an interview about I*G survey boxes. Did the interview almost a month ago and didn't expect it to be published so soon. -grin-

Headed for CapSquare by mid-day for Times Book Fair. Spent a few hours there with excellent haul as always. I didn't realize CapSquare is so small. Maybe it's bigger than i thought - i didn't actually venture the place that much. Some other time, perhaps.

The kids had their taekwondo class in the afternoon and came back with great news - both passed their tests and can now brand yellow belts with green markings. Both are relieved to not be paying me the 50 quids each. Heheh.

Congratulations to both of you!

To celebrate the joyous occassion, kakak decided to have Johnny's Steamboat for dinner while adik was simply delighted with the idea of eating out. When we got there, the place was full of patrons with a queue to boot. Both of them decided to raid Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa instead and the parents gladly towed behind.

It was a beautiful affair until the waitress decided to spill 2 glasses of drinks on me.

There i was, my jeans soaked (commencing exaggeration) in iced lemon tea and lime syrup. To make it worse, i looked like i peed in my pants. Urgh!

Cleaning and mopping took place and we resumed dinner albeit the incident.

Yes, it was an accident and yes, nobody was hurt except for my poor jeans. I would think that it's only right for the restaurant to at least be generous on the bill. When i had to pay the full amount - which i did, i walked straight to the restaurant owner and gave him a piece of my mind.

It's good enough that i didn't make a scene when the accident happened. It was after all, the waitress' fault. It's probably her first few days on the job but that doesn't take away the fact that she has to be careful when serving drinks. She spilled 2 glasses of drink - both glasses were on the tray that she was balancing while serving a drink to adik, for goodness sake!

So. The guy apologized and told the manager to ensure that i get discounts the next time i'm there. That'll be in a very loooong time, i suppose.

Anyways, it's a lesson learned for everyone.

I didn't get to do the grocery but i did get to tell adik to do the same - stand your ground and don't let anyone walk all over you.

All in all, a good Sunday indeed. Oh well.

The Good, The Bad and The Anxiety

2009-07-26T02:51:00.003+08:00

Am back from watching Harry Potter: The Half Blood Prince.

Personally, i didn't quite enjoy it for various obvious reasons. Let's not go into details, shall we?

The only good thing in the movie was Harry's character. He's lighten up a bit - that's a great change for him.

Anyways.

The site is finally up and ready to be revealed. To be fair, i will do the launch on Monday to all my readers and the rest of the network of friends, colleagues and relatives.

Am nervous and excited. Butterflies flying and jumping up and down in my tummy. You know the feeling.

Until then. -pray hard-

Almost All Set

2009-07-24T15:30:00.001+08:00

The site is ready and we're good to go.

I just need to upload pictures and we will be launching it real soon.

Stay tuned for more update.

The Sliver of Light

2009-07-21T16:57:00.002+08:00

I think I know what to do.

I need to start on it soon. Good ideas are often kidnapped and robbed of its authenticity.

I have found a partner in crime.

The crimes will be happening real soon. Soon as in next week, maybe.

Intrigued? That's the whole intention.

Einstein @ Work

2009-07-15T10:04:00.003+08:00

I have been thinking. Much more than usual.

I think it's about time for me to make a change. The what and how are still unclear but something is about to happen. How soon, I am not sure.

I need luck on my side.

The Contemplative Me

2009-07-14T10:37:00.001+08:00

You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are.You are a pretty cautious person. You look before you leap, and you don't leap often. There's a bit of a wild child within you, but it doesn't get out often.

You are a somewhat open minded person, but deep down you're fairly conservative. You don't like trying new things very much. And if you do find something new you like, you stick with it.

You are a natural multitasker. You feel alive when you're doing more than one thing at a time.You are a serious and contemplative person. You definitely do your own thing in life.

- Ice Cream Personality Test from Facebook -

Oh my. It described me to the core..

Of An Eventful Week

2009-07-11T14:16:00.004+08:00

It's been a hectic one and a half week.

The daycare center was closed from July 1st by the Department of Health. Four infants contracted hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and the premise was turned upside down with cleaning and the sort until the relevant department advised that it was safe to resume business on the 6th.

I took half day leave for each of the day the center was closed to chauffer the kids to/from schools. It was a very tiring affair, braving through lunch-time traffic and finding lunch spots for the picky eaters. Despite the complaints, i gained some pounds from joining the kids' heavenly lunches. Dang.

On a different note, adik has been sick since Monday. His temperature roller-costered until he got really sick on Wednesday. The good doctor said that it's nothing to be worried about. That's a relieve.

On Thursday however, he was sick again after school and i had to rush back from the office to get him. He slept the whole after after downing his meds and his temp dropped. We brought him to see the doctor again and he was cleared for dengue and the sort. A big relieve indeed but constant monitoring is essential to really ensure his state of health.

As if the episodes are not enough to keep me on my toes, i had to save the demsel in distress who missed the bus. Again, i braved through lunch-time traffic, on a Friday. It was freakin tiring, i tell ya. I was too tired to nag at her by the time i reached the school. Sigh.

My heart goes out to my niece Kaisa, whom left arm is broken from a fall. She's wearing a cast and sling, though the sling is now nowhere to be found - according to her mom.

Also to my nephew, Dhani who's in the hospital undergoing physio and making friends with the nebulizer. I have seen adik went through the same ordeal when he was just a baby. I can only imagine what my brother's going through right now.

I plan to make a trip down south for respective visits to the poor babies.

Kakak has a class today and both of the kids will have their taekwondo exam next week. They're going for green belts and have been practising hard for the exam. I did mention that they would need to pay me $50 each if the fail to bring back green belts. Fees are non-refundable - so it has to be worth the money i'm paying. Heheh.

So most probably i'll make that trip after everything's settled.

Meanwhile, let me just enjoy the weekend.

Young Socialites

2009-07-01T23:09:00.000+08:00

The young socialites appeared in Kosmo newspaper today.

Anyone has a copy of the newspaper? I couldn't find one for the album. Bummer.

Saying Goodbye

2009-06-30T22:47:00.001+08:00

Saying goodbye is never easy. Especially to those that matters in your life.

This week, I am saying goodbye to a dear friend and confidante - Yana. She's off to a 2 years stint around the globe. Hong Kong would be her first stop.

Dinner @ Chili's KLCC with Yune and Yana

Leaving the car park.. bye dear..

I hope to see you real soon!

Socialites in the Making

2009-06-27T15:42:00.005+08:00

Whoa. I didn't realize it's been weeks since the last entry. Been extremely busy and lazy.

A couple of weeks back, the kids joined ING's Go Green Camp at Lake Garden. They were excited to get involved in the activites and mingling around with a new set of friends.

Adik and his usual doa recital in the lift

Kakak lining up before getting on the bus

Adik queuing along with the rest

The week after that, both of them apeared in the Star, making their debut in the news.

Kakak launching the rocket while adik is pictured in the bottom left.

The Much Needed Break

2009-06-09T00:14:00.000+08:00

Had a short getaway last 2 weeks. We couldn't fit in a more elaborate vacation due to my and Deli's hectic schedule.

Apart from having some time off, I was also on an assignment. Took loads of picts to be submitted to my photography teacher. I still need to learn more, judging by the shots I took. Adehh... heheh.

I'll let the picts talk for themselves.

The majestic hotel interior

Another shot of the hotel

Happy kids having breakfast

Where I put up my feet and read

A rainbow of beach balls

Battered looking canoes

An iron bird way up in the sky

Scenic lagoon late in the evening

On A Roll

2009-05-27T12:02:00.000+08:00

I must be a tad bit crazy - I finished reading My Sister's Keeper about an hour ago.

Took me 3 days to finish the book. I didn't need caffeine to get me to the very last page. The story itself took care of that.

I must say that this book is now one of my favorite. An unexpected ending, an exellent turn.

I am starting another book of Picoult's called A Perfect Match.

Catcha later!

Sweet Victory

2009-05-27T00:24:00.003+08:00

I have been working on it for weeks and finally, last Saturday - VICTORY!

Schweet!!!

Another Gem Off The Shelves & Into My Hands

2009-05-26T00:36:00.001+08:00

I am reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (who else... hehe).

It's amazing that I couldn't put the book down and literally glued to it since the odd page of numero uno.

Started reading the book on Monday and am now half way through it. Gosh. I have got to slow down.

I am a picky reader and have set, sometimes insane standard of excellent reading material. I know that taste is a very tricky substance, so please don't take my words as your gauge in determining a good read. We are after all, of different moulds and preferences.

Now back to the book. I'm not a very good narrator, so bear with me, if you please.

I am impressed with the character Anna who's torn between keeping her sister alive, submitting to her parents' wishes and sticking up for herself. I am awed at how she could think of what she wanted for herself and how she's struggling to balance hope and dissapointment.

I don't even know if I could feel such combo of emotions at the age of 13. Let alone doing what she did. Amazing, amazing character indeed.

I am looking forward to finishing the book by Saturday.

Am hoping to get and start reading Handle with Care this weekend.

Oh, by the way, My Sister's Keeper will hit the theaters in UK and US on June 26th. Hope it screens in KL soon!

p/s: Happy birthday to Dol :)

On Angels & Demons - The Book

2009-05-23T14:11:00.002+08:00

Have just finished reading it.

I couldn't belive that I managed to finished it in 5 days. Then again, it's an impossible book to put down once you start reading.

The book was simply A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Now, I need to find the time to catch it on the silver screen.

Reading Pleasure

2009-05-18T12:44:00.000+08:00

I’m not well.

Have been so since last week. I don’t think it’s the infamous Swine Flu coz I don’t bear all the symptoms. If I do, I will definitely raise an alert. -wink-

Have a couple of docs to do but I’m just not in the mood.

I’m in the mood to just put my feet up and read Angels & Demons. Thought I should read the book before watching the movie. Have no idea when I’ll be able to finish it – it’s one darn thick book!

I was actually looking for the illustrated version but am not sure if there’s any. I had the illustrated version of Da Vinci Code and it helped a lot in understanding the story better. I remembered suffering major pain – head, for the information overload and hand, for holding on to the heavy book for too long. It’s worth the pain because it’s one of my all-time favorite. The book seldom sits on the shelves – it’s always somewhere in my bedroom, waiting to be read or skimmed through.

As any other adaptation, most of the time the movie will not be as good as the book but that’s not the whole point.

Da Vinci Code is a film I’ve watched over and over and never get tired of drinking in the details and the rush of discovering hidden truth. I am hoping Angels & Demons would be as interesting. I am only on the 65th page and I’m already anxious to discover the twist and turns. I can't wait to see how the movie would turn out.

By the way, adik was very upset to discover that I didn’t buy him a book he picked up (and later, set on the shelves) at the bookshop yesterday. He came to my room earlier this morning looking for it and was close to tears when he learned about the incident. I was too busy looking for Angels & Demons that I forgot to check with him about getting the book. Kakak and him picked up 2 more books from their favorite series and I seriously thought he’s not interested in the first book anymore.

Poor baby. I plan to make it up to him. Soon.

It’s always a dilemma – how do you instill reading interest when all the books are so darn expensive? My kids love to read but books from their favorite lines costs $14 a piece. They’d normally go for a book each but when they find titles they have yet to own, it’s like finding treasure while digging sand on the beach. The excitement, the thrill and the mounting hopes are simply priceless.

Let’s not forget that the parents are avid readers too. Each time we set foot into a bookstore, each one of us would at least get a book or magazine. It’s either the kids or the parents – someone needs to practice self restrain. Can it be the kids? Can it, please? Heheh.

I have just redeemed $20 from MPH last month. At the rate I’m going, I’ll be getting more cash vouchers soon!

Maybe we should have a bookshop of our own and read the books ourselves. Sigh.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just lay back and read? Maybe near a beach or somewhere peaceful.

That’ll be a total bliss.

A Merry Weekend

2009-05-10T22:59:00.000+08:00

It's easily one of my favorite weekend.

Most of my family were at my place for the weekend and Deli's back from Budapest.

Best of all, I get to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom and my sister - a very rare occasion.
Lots of chat, food and love - the best combination ever.

Shopping with Kaisa

Mother's Day dinner @ Chili's KLCC

Of Strange Dreams

2009-05-07T02:02:00.002+08:00

There were 2 trucks and there was my car, wedged in between. There was not much space between all 3 vehicles and I thought I’d feel much better if I could get away from the little domino. I was a bit hesitant at first, fearing that I might hit the truck in front of me but annoyed at the same time by the unnecessary mess.

I didn’t know what happened but as I was overtaking the truck, I was hit by the truck behind me. The crash sent my car spinning away and I remembered feeling numb followed by indescribable pain down my legs. The last thing I remembered was a pair of hands pulling me out of the car to safety before my car exploded.

The next thing I know, I was lying on the hospital bed. Every single bone throbbing with excruciating pain, every single limb felt like they were shredded into tiny pieces. I opened my eyes, trying to look for a familiar face for comfort but could not find any. I was alone. All alone with no idea if I was missing any body parts or they still function like those of a normal, healthy person.

Everything was a blur – memory and sight.

Then I drifted back to sleep. Worry nesting deep at the pit of my stomach.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was driving back from work, taking the same route I always do. The traffic was not as smooth as I wished it were but that’s just the way it is. I stopped to give way to a cab with the right indicator turned on at a T-junction.

As the cab driver swerved his car to the right, a lady on a motorbike sped through in front of it. There it was - the stunned cab driver, the shocked and annoyed-looking lady, thrown off her bike and a part of the bike, underneath the cab.

All I could say was ‘Oh my God!’
Repeatedly.

Fortunately, the lady escaped unscathed while a Good Samaritan helped to pull her bike from underneath the cab. Both the cab driver and the lady moved their respective vehicles to the roadside so not to block the traffic.

I drove off, slightly trembling from shock. The poor lady might have suffered a different fate. She could be badly hurt or worse, she could be dead.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the incident. The questions of 'what if' lingered and tasted bitter at the back of my throat.

If only I didn’t let the cab pass in front of me.
If only I acted fast enough and honk the cab driver, he would have stopped and avoid the bike.

If only. Then again, that’s all we could think about. The what if’s.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You see, the first story was actually my dream. The second one was a real incident.

The reason why I am noting all this down is because of the fact that this is not the first time. It’s not the first time I am getting hints, signs, leads, whatever you want to call it, to a real life scenario.

The first was when my grandfather passed away.

I was warded at the hospital for a minor procedure and dreamt that my grandfather who was then in the hospital, left us all. The next day, my mom called me and conveyed the disheartening news.

The second time it happened was when I had a dream about death. How it’s coming to claim my life and how unready I was to meet my creator. The following day, my sister called and informed that my closest cousin died of breast cancer.

So today when I woke up, the first thing I did was texted Deli (who’s away on overseas business trip) to check if he’s okay. He didn’t promptly answer my message, probably still sleeping, judging by the 5 hours time difference.

I was extremely careful on the road – chauffeuring the kids to school and making my way to the office. Thank God, nothing bad happened.

I made sure I crossed the road where there’s pedestrian crossing. When the traffic light refused to work during lunch, I stayed close to E for extra protection while crossing the road. I’m pretty sure Malaysians are more attentive to foreigners compared to locals.

Little did I know that it’s not about me. The mystery of life continues to amaze me.

I don’t know if I’d ever feel comfortable having this sort of dreams again. Maybe yes, maybe no. I seriously have no idea.

Until then, life goes on.

Introducing - the Yellow Belts

2009-04-26T01:49:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah.

Both adik and kakak are now yellow belts.

Congratulations to them both :)

Books Galore

2009-04-25T01:51:00.003+08:00

We went to Amcorp Mall on Saturday, following a tip from a colleague of mine about a great bookshop.

It's really great and cheap!

You'll see prices as low as $17 for novels and shelves upon shelves of childrean books. The kids literally sulked for not being able to buy 3 books each.

They didn't carry Jodi Picoult books (or I couldn't find them?) so I settled with some true-stories instead. I had to stop looking at the titles and practiced some self restrain. Otherwise, I might end up with baskets upon baskets of books.

Adding to the purchase, they're giving away a free book for every $20 spent. We ended up with 5 free books. They were of limited titles and mostly of not-so-popular authors. Kakak was happy that most of the books are about horses. She has developed so sort of fascination towards horses lately. I'm just happy that she's not so ga-ga over Barbie anymore. Thank God.

If you are interested, the book shop is at the same level as Kenny Rogers, located near the escalator.

I'm just happy with my books :)

MAC Pavilion - Oh so rude!

2009-04-24T01:43:00.001+08:00

Earlier this evening, Yana and I had a little GNO with a very specific goal in mind – to shop!

Yana wanted to get a black bag, a croc shoes and a MAC lipstick/gloss. My part in the fun game was to talk her into buying stuff, make the best choice and unofficially offer her my hands and shoulder to sling or carry the day’s catch. Or catches? Heheh..

I was not looking for anything in particular and had no issue playing the role of BFF for the evening.

The quest to get a MAC lipstick/gloss was supposed to be the easiest. Instead, we were in for an unexpected and unforgettable experience.

I didn’t know if we looked like we couldn’t afford anything they’re selling or that I was wearing just t-shirt and jeans. Maybe it’s the fact that we are locals and deserves no attention or that we didn’t pick up a lot of stuff from the shelves.

My not-so-classy looking t-shirt

The cashier walked a few feet away from the counter and started re-arranging stuff while continued on ignoring us, standing like idiots in front of the cash register.

She knew we were there. I could see that she was watching us, probably scared that we might steal a thing or two from the counter.

Yana and I stood for a good 5 to 8 minutes before someone actually came to us and asked if we needed help. Well, duh!

Yana launched to her bitchy mode and started yakking in excellent English that left the cashier and the salesperson baffled. They apologized, not profusely but that didn’t stop Yana the Warrior Princess from yakking even more.

The cashier was upset, judging by the way she shoved the bills Yana handed her into the cash register. I hope she got blisters while doing so.

My catch for the day.

Funny thing is, that was not our first time. We seriously think that they looked down on people like us. Let’s face it; a customer is still a customer regardless where they’re from, how they dressed or even if they didn’t buy a thing from your little shop. A satisfied customer might lead to more sales. A disgruntled customer might blog about the experience and smear mud on your business!

By the way, it was MAC at Pavilion.

Quest for the Yellow Belt

2009-04-19T17:10:00.000+08:00

Today, the kids had their first taekwondo exam. If things go well, they will be branding yellow belts next week.

Deli and I stayed to witness the whole exercise. We were as nervous as they were! Heheh.

Some pictures of the champions in action.

Till then - haiyah!!

Red Eye

2009-04-18T23:20:00.001+08:00

I've had red and teary eyes for a couple of days, each lasted around an hour or two.

Today however, it lasted for 6 freaking hours! I couldn't stop rubbing my right eye and kept checking the mirror for any alien stuff that might landed in it.

The freaky look I donned today. Pict from Wikipedia.

Tried napping in hope to reduce the swelling but it didn't work. Tried rinsing it with Optrex - not working either.

To make it worse, I have this wierd thing about poking my eyes. It's a big no-no. So there I was feeling a little hopeless and not knowing what to do before deciding to see the doctor.

After a series of questions, the good doctor told me that I have something called Allergic Conjunctivitis. He suspected that it was the reaction to the cat's mites of the sort. Need to google more about that later.

I did a little bit of grooming for the cats around noon and was all teary eyed a couple of hours after that.

My poor four-legged-babies will have to be groomed by some other people from now on. By other people, I mean adik and kakak. Heheh.

I'm off to pop some pills and give the eye-drops a try. Aiya-yai.. wish me luck!

Switching to Fighting Mode

2009-04-07T21:02:00.003+08:00

I thought things are better than it first started.

I've made peace with the task assigned.

I attended the Compliance training with a cheery mood.

Peoples say that good things won't last long (or forever?).

After lunch, I was told that Jay has tendered his resignation. I was sad to lose such talent but at the same time, happy for his soul. I have told the Dutchman over and over that I think Jay will not be content staying with nothing much, let alone challenging things to get his hands on. It's a waste to have such enthusiasm but nowhere to channel it to.

After the training, I was told that we (Jay, the Dutchman and I) were to perform clerical work at an operations department for 3 freaking months instead of the assignment of proposing process improvements in 1.5 months.

By clerical I meant removing staples from proposal papers and stuffing papers into brown folders.

So there I was, shocked to learn the news while the Dutchman's cursed and swore fluently.

Yes, I am really, really upset right now.

I have every right to feel used and betrayed.

I have every right to march into HR office and talk about this though I know they will not do a thing.

I have every right to escalate this matter to the CEO, if need to.

Then again, I must have done something really bad to be deserving such fate.

The Champions & Patients

2009-04-06T20:43:00.002+08:00

The kids had their school's 34th sports carnival on Sunday. This year, both of them were on the relay team while adik had another event of running solo for the 75m sprint.

The opening ceremony.

My champions.

They both bagged a medal each. The more reason for me to get another glass cabinet real soon to house their winnings.

They were very reluctant to go to their taekwondo class in the afternoon. Both were too exhausted to move but the thought of their upcoming exam injected some enthusiasm.

So today, both of them are at home - with a fever.

Mummy chose to be at home with them instead of work.

Daddy decided to be sick as well, claiming to be affected by the epidemic. Heheh..

Freak

2009-03-31T17:03:00.002+08:00

Today's not a very good day. The only thing I'm looking forward to is to get home and see my kids and their dad.

Everthing else doesn't really matter.

The boss was upset with us. No, upset was an understatement. He was fuming mad at us for the email that we sent out.

He told us to ask questions - so we did (in email).

He freaked out when we asked if there's a specific reason why the staff selected are Malay.

He freaked out because we copied the email to HCD.

He freaked out because HCD forwarded the email to his boss.

He freaked out because his boss called him and asked about it.

He freaked out and then screamed at us.

Oh well.

Hiatus

2009-03-30T22:46:00.002+08:00

Hiatus. A mini hiatus. Obviously for good reasons.

Things are so screwed up at work. So bad that I don't even know where to start, what to think or even why I'm all tangled up in this mess.

I can't begin to describe the feeling.

Anger. Disappointment. Betrayed. Fooled.

It all seemed like a joke. One big, cruel joke.

People take us - my fellow friends and I, for granted. They might even think we are so darn stupid that they can literally walk all over us, doing all sort of experiments on us and chuck us aside when the strings they pulled no longer work the way they want them to.

The economic crisis is not an axcuse to distort or mistreat a staff. I have heard enough of 'be thankful you still have a job' or 'we have no choice but to do this'.

There will always be choices. You just need to put a little bit of effort finding them. There is nothing absolute in the universe. Everything has disadvantages, loopholes and imperfections.

There's always light at the end of the tunnel, they say.

Only that this is a freakin long tunnel and I am not seeing any hint of light at this point of time.

You can say you understand what I'm feeling or what I'm going through, but unless you are in my shoes, I dare say that you don't understand what I feel. Until then, limit your pity to yourself.

Leave me alone and let me be bitter for a while.

Haiyah!!

2009-03-23T11:50:00.003+08:00

Deli and I stayed the whole one and a half hour of the kids' taekwondo class yesterday.

Adik pretty much knows his moves while kakak - well, kakak being kakak, was a bit playful and forgot some of the kicks and punches when the teacher asked.

The kids are getting ready for their first test on April 19th. That's 3 weeks away and 2 more classes to revise and perfect their moves.

I have not seen the young lad they had for a teacher yesterday. He looked like a Malay - features and skin but he didn't seem to be fluent in the mother language. As he walked nearer, I noticed his name sewn on his black belt and he's definitely not a Malay lad. He carries a Chinese and Indian name, assuming from a mixed marriage.

He looked a bit like Zizan Nin - the reason why I noticed him in the first. Heheh.

So. Until the next class. Haiyahh!!!

Man Down

2009-03-20T15:19:00.004+08:00

Think I'm catching a flu.

Man.. the weekend is here and I am gonna be sick. Been popping Sandox since yesterday. I seriously hope I'll be well soon. Adeh...

All Things Minty

2009-03-18T21:22:00.003+08:00

I absolutely love peppermint - tea, ice-cream, whatever.

However, I noticed that Dilmah peppermint tea is extremely difficult to find and this is my absolute fave. Found it a couple of times in Cold Storage and Ampang Grocer but so far, that was it.

If you ever come across this brand and flavor, be a darling and let me know, will ya?

Thanks :)

p/s: Thanks to Ina for the effort. Love ya!

Cats on the Prowl

2009-03-17T19:35:00.002+08:00

School holiday is here.

The kids are occupied with games (console, pc, etc) and books. The parents are relieved from constant ironing of school uniforms and endless nagging of revision and homework. The cats are tensed from stretched hours of being chased around the house.

Kakak and her precious Lily.

Baby Cat taking a breather.

My handsome and macho boy, lounging away.

Note: Pictures are fresh from the cam.

The Good, The Bad and The In-Between

2009-03-16T20:38:00.006+08:00

I didn't feel like going to work today. Add shoulder pain to that and walah - I got a day off.

Am still suferring from the massage last Saturday. It's getting worse - I could feel the pain with every swing of my right arm. It's painful even when I half-lifted my arm.

I was prescibed pain killer, muscle relaxant and some cream to be applied to the sore muscle.

I was supposed to have a meeting with the Dutchman today to discuss performance appraisal for 2008. Truth be told, I no longer believe in the system. I have done fighting for a good rating. Don't even get me started on the reason why or the fact that I am fighting a useless battle.

Oh, by the way, we bitched about the bosses during our lunch date last week. Heheh. Been a while since we last did that. He did mention about the promotion but I'm not holding my breath. If I get it, alhamdulillah - it's a bonus and have been long due. If I don't get it, it's fine as well. I am still under the Union and will be protected if the company decided to exercise their option to retrench the employees.

Have I not mentioned silver lining often enough?

A Free Weekend - Not So!

2009-03-15T17:49:00.004+08:00

I thought we could just spend the weekend at home and do nothing else but clean the house.

As usual, that didn't happen.

Adik and Deli were both down with fever. The boys went to see the good doctor for a bit before Deli noticed that adik is growing a new tooth under a loose one. He had a couple of them, about to bid farewell to the gum. I planned to bring him to the dentist on Monday coz he has taekwondo on Sunday.

Looks like the tooth decided to make its debut sooner than we expected.

My boy came home with 2 missing teeth! Adorable. Heheh.

Fever and missing teeth are no excuse to not have a good lunch. We had Indonesian food and it was absolutely fantastic.

After lunch, kakak suggested that we all go for foot massage. We've been frequenting this place at Ampang Point and kakak loved it there.

Adik somehow was not interested to join in the sessions before but decided to give it a try this time. Kakak fell asleep halfway though while Deli, stayed awake the whole time. Usually, he'd be in slumberland after the first 10 minutes. Adik on the otherhand was trying hard to be civil and not laugh. Heheh. Cute.

I ended up with an extra session of shoulder massage. I was told that the pain on my shoulder will be much worse if not treated. Have been living with the pain for quite a while and would normally ignored the pain, which can be quite bad at times.

The whole ordeal was a torture. I was in excruciating pain - seriously. I almost cried. Almost.

We had subway for dinner before heading home.

So there. Not so free as I wanted it to be but I'm not complaining. I spent it with the people I love the most. What's there to not like?

:)

Dazed & Confused

2009-03-11T11:30:00.000+08:00

I don’t know if I should feel sad or mad. Or not feel anything at all.

Yesterday a manager in my department assigned some tasks to my staff. I was surprised that I was not in the picture when she did that. I would think as a supervisor, I have the right to know of any assignment dumped to my direct reports.

Well that particular incident made me think of something else. I was thinking about my unit – if it even exists after the new re-org. I am assuming it still is a function in the team, since there was no announcement saying otherwise.

A domino effect is about to begin.

No BA team, no BA Team Manager position required, no promotion, not much of anything at all.

This is just great.

The Dutchman asked me to join him for lunch tomorrow to talk about stuff. I wonder if it’s about all these.

Oh well.

Doing the Things You Love

2009-03-10T15:20:00.000+08:00

It was one heck of a weekend. A merry event, a family outing and basket upon basket of laundry!

Anyone interested in making extra quid by doing my laundry?

Anyhow, kakak was again the flower girl for the event. I have lost count of how many times she’s been one. I particularly liked the one where she played flower girl for Yana’s wedding last year.

The kids in action - Yana's wedding, 2008

We stayed at the hotel for a couple of nights. On the second day, my parents and Along’s family attended the event and by 4pm decided to spend the night with us instead of driving back to BP. Booked a room for them and made a trip to Tesco for extra clothing for everyone. Bought food from Tesco food court and was pleasantly surprised that everything was yummylicious.

Had an early morning on Monday and headed to Kompleks PKNS for breakfast. Again, we were surprised by the quality and taste of the food served. I guess it’s our luck to be finding food we loved and enjoyed. We just love stuffing our faces silly anyways. Heheh.

Stopped by MIL after a quick shopping spree before going our separate ways. The kids had a hard time saying goodbye, as always. They traded plans for the coming school break and I somehow heard the word ‘Singapore’ mentioned a couple of times. We’ll see about that.

Oh before I forgot, adik received awards for achievement in 2 different subjects in Primary 1 (2008). The prize giving ceremony was held last Saturday. We are so very proud of him. We hope that both adik and kakak will continue to excel in sports and academic in years to come.

Kakak is now in the hockey team – which reminds me that I have to get her shin guards. Adik on the other hand is doing great in taekwondo and been fretting over missing classes for 2 weeks in a row because of Epi’s wedding.

I just hope that they’ll do well in everything they’re involved in and not worry about winning or losing too much. They need to just do their best and love what they’re doing.

Success, is getting to do the things you love – Wise words of Jason Mraz.

Happy 10th Anniversary

2009-03-06T02:22:00.002+08:00

To my dearest friend,

This journey is long and may not always be peachy but we'll get through it with trust, faith and love.

Here's to a 10 wonderful years and more to come!

Freakin Awesome

2009-03-04T01:38:00.001+08:00

Jason Mraz was freakin awesome!

I seriously hope he'll be back for a grander event. The (almost) 2 hours concert was too short!

We (read: me) were pretty excited about the event. Deli and I took half day leave to make sure we'd get to the venue on time. The kids had monthly test for their religious classes so they couldn't skip school. Picked them up at 5.30pm and headed straight to the stadium, but not without detours.

My car had a bit of a tantrum earlier today so we decided to take Deli's car instead. Since it's not the planned mode of transportation, we had to stop for gas. The kids literally did some 'business' at the gas station and we spent almost half an hour for the whole ordeal.

I was a bit agitated because I had to collect the tickets that I bought online a month before. I imagined a long queue at the ticket counter. Parking is another matter to consider. The later we arrive, the further we'd have to park.

Traffic was not that bad considering the rush hour. Managed to reach the venue at 6.45pm. We parked on the curb and paid a hefty $2 to a long haired guy flashing tiny t-light and prayed that we'd still the car after the concert.

Looked for the ticket counter and was relieved to see a rather short line. Was done in 10 mins - coolness! We bought food from the stalls scattered around the venue and chowed everything down before joining the beeline into the stadium.

We were refused entry at first because of our digital camera. Deli hid the camera in his pocket before trying a different entrance - lo and behold, we got through!

Our spot was alright though lacking air-conditioner or even air, for that matter! The organizer should have considered putting more fans/air-cond hoses or whatever. We were drenched in sweat, not to mention stench from the crowd. The kids were cool with the whole thing though a couple of times complained about the lack of air.

The show started around 8.30pm and JM awed us all with his aura, incredible performance and awesome songs. Adik and I screamed our lungs out at the end of each song. Kakak was pretty quiet at the beginning but soon joined us with the screamings and singing. Heheh.

We were a bit dissapointed with the girl who sang Lucky with JM though. She was terrible and we didn't even know who she was. She kinda spoil the song. We thought we were singing it with just him. If only..

It was truely awesome.

Jason Mraz was on that bus!

The whole things ended after almost 2 hours but we were stuck between parked cars on the curb. Had no choice but to wait for the cars either in front of or at the back to move before we could hit the road. Wish we had an SUV or a 4wd to just ram the curb -sigh-.

Got home before midnight - our car didn't transform back to the pumpkin it originally was. Like Cinderella - get it? Heheh.

So like I said, it's awesome. Don't think I could ever say it enough.

A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!

Ouch!

2009-02-22T00:46:00.001+08:00

I have not been writing for a week now. Blog sites are blocked in the office so the only time I can really write is on weekends. This is just great. Sigh.

Anyways. I am suffering a very bad pain on the knee. It started during the 'boot camp' but got worse when I tripped and fell off the stairs at home last Thursday.

Tried to ignore the pain and walked around but it got worse. I need to see the good doctor in the office tomorrow. Hope it's nothing serious.

Meanwhile, Epi's wedding is around the corner and I have packed a little bit to avoid last minute mishaps. I made kakak tried on the clothes I picked for her to wear this weekend and was shocked to see that she couldn't fit in her kebaya anymore! I bought that like 5 months ago!

She's really growing - tummy and all. I think I'll have to introduce her to bras soon!

I am really looking forward to JM's concert. I hinted the kids about it and kakak was pretty excited. Cool :)

So I guess this is it for this week. Will write again as soon as I can.

Limbs Still Intact

2009-02-15T22:41:00.004+08:00

I am back.

Still in one piece. No missing limbs, thank God!

It really was a boot camp. We crawled, ran, flew, climbed, swam and jumped. By the end of it all, we laughed, sang and danced.

It was painful but at the end of it, everyone managed to go through the obstacles with encouragement and support from each other.

My apologies to Yana - my obvious snoring woke her up. She did mention it was sort of the feminine snores - so we're cool. Hahah...

I didn't take any picts during the obstacles but will post some once the trainers provide us some.

So. Back to work tomorrow.

Abundance of Joy

2009-02-11T22:35:00.000+08:00

I’ve had 4 great days in a row. Is that even possible? Or legal?

I am a bit scared of the abundance of joy. I somehow felt there’s a storm coming.

Saturday
- J, GE, the lawyer and I attended Pea’s wedding in Seremban
- We didn’t get lost thanks to the lawyers excellent sense of direction
- We had fun – good food, great company, excellent baby-sitters
- Pea was gorgeous in her red dress and she looked happy, which made me happy as well

Sunday
- Delivered the chips to SA after the kids’ taekwondo class
- Had excellent anchovies sambal by MIL
- Had supper at Dome – loved the beef pie!
- Watched Pink Panther 2 – awesome!!

Monday
- Managed to put away 3 big baskets of laundry – phew!
- Had dinner at Johnny’s where adik ate quite a lot – good boy!
- Watched The Heartbreak Kid on HBO – hilarious!

Tuesday
- Was told that a Manager in Operations mentioned my name during their division meeting
- A shower of praises in reference to the projects I’ve managed - yehey!
- Our first department meeting with the new boss
- His plans are exactly what I have envisioned when I first joined the department (but never materialized)
- Got a letter from school saying that adik is to receive an award for academic achievement - yey!

Oh I know what the ‘storm’ is! It’s the boot-camp-team-building that we’re attending tomorrow! Oh crap.

Wish me luck people. Hope i'll be be back in one piece.

Enthusiast but Impaired

2009-02-05T23:52:00.003+08:00

I feel like writing and I have a list of things that I wanna write about but I can't, for the life of me, form proper sentences. Well except for this one.

Oh let's just try anyways.

Last weekend, Along mentioned that she and abang has decided to name me the legal guardian of their kids. Abang is making it all offical when he visits Amanah Raya Berhad next week.

As much as I hate to think about the possibilty of that materializing, I understand that they are doing the necessary. I love my nieces to bits. I do. I just hate talking about the matter.

This is indeed a big deal.

Crap. This is as much as I could muster. I couldn't even think. I hate this.

Not Until March

2009-02-03T23:10:00.004+08:00

I had one tiring weekend. Really.

We headed down to BP for a kerepek quest. The journey started on Saturday afternoon because Deli had to work half day. Lucky for us, the roads were clear.

I decided to stop by Along's pad and check out her new shop. We surprised her by showing up in front of her house. She didn't believe we actually made it to her place until she opened her front door. Heheh.

Adorable Kaisa

Kaisa had fun chasing Lily around the house - oh yes, we brought him along to avoid any mishap involving loose window panels.

Lily curled up on kakak's lap on the way to BP

We headed for the shop around 8pm and had dinner at an eatery nearby. Kakak had fun playing cashier at the shop.

Kakak working her shift

We left the place close to 10pm and headed to my mom's. I had a bad case of tummy ache and practically dominated the loo. It was terrible. I had to literally sit close to the loo, in case I had the urge to use it. By that I meant, urgent need to use it. I was so tired by the end of the ordeal.

The food that had cause me pain

We went to the chips factory the day after. We stuffed 40 freaking kg of chips in the car. Not including the loose bags that my friends asked me to get them. I reckon we had around 45kg in total, stuffed haphazardly in my poor mpv. We got good prices too - Tok Mak and the owner are no strangers. They've known each other even when Along was just a little kid. Probably before I was born. Imagine that.

Headed back to KL around 6pm but not before stopping by to get yummylicious savouries in Ayer Hitam. There was a long queue but it's worth the wait.

Reached home at 9pm and everyone was too exhausted to do anything else.

The coming weekend will see us attending Pea's wedding reception in Seremban.

The week after, I'm gonna be off for the department's team building for 2 days while the kids will have replacement class on Saturday.

The week after that, MIL is having a little get-together before Epi's wedding in Muar.

The last weekend of Feb, we're all heading to Muar for the wedding reception.

The folowing week will see us drooling over Jason Mraz. Can't wait!!!

Then the weekend after that would be the groom's reception in Shah Alam.

God oh God. It's one heck of a stretch.

Ina has hinted on another GNO. This time we're gonna try to book Red Box. I am so looking forward to this, compared to everything else. Well except for JM's concert, of course. GNO session is where I get to be myself and not adhere to any society rules and stuff.

I know the 2 ladies will definetely let me be me.

To top it all off, March 6th will mark our 10th wedding anniversary. I don't have a clue on how or where we're gonna celebrate the glorious event. Well not yet, that is. Sigh.