In blissful wonderment

Cake?

2012-01-04T10:54:00.002+08:00

I first fell in love with this cake some ten years ago when I first discovered Secret Recipe with my mom on a trip to KL. We stayed at one of the hotel's along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, my parent's usual haunt on trips to KL. The Secret Recipe was at Sogo. My, my. That's been quite some time now. Things were a lot simpler then. I was happy and naive. Now, the chocolate banana cake still tastes pretty much the same. But a lot of other things have changed. I have changed. My palate has grown. I can better detect the different tastes on offer. I am braver to try the different plates available. I look at things with different eyes and tastebuds now. Still, from time to time it's good to revisit that chocolate banana cake. To remember that sensation and to remind myself of that first time.

Ash 5 mths

2011-12-23T11:55:00.001+08:00

posted from Bloggeroid

Testing

2011-12-07T21:15:00.001+08:00

I'm testing this app called Bloggeroid and attempting to post this from my phone. Teknologi masa kini, hebat kan?

posted from Bloggeroid

To Do

2011-12-06T16:27:00.000+08:00

Do you do to do lists? I, for one, love lists. Any sort of list. I like the act of writing actually. I have also dabbled into doing lists on my phone, on the computer, in this blog... the satisfaction level is just not the same though, compared to writing the list by hand and then crossing out or putting a neat tick mark beside those that have been completed.

Why do we need lists? Well, it keeps us organized. It helps you remember the things you need to do, what you want to buy, which bills to pay, whose birthday is when, ideas and thoughts to remember and so on. Personally, I do need help when it comes to being organized. Yes, if you glimpsed into my drawers or my house, you will find things aren't always where they are supposed to be. I need to put reminders on my phone where I put certain documents (my car registration for example, since I only need to get it out once a year). I always have the intention of filing all the bills together in one file..but haven't got it quite sorted out. That's more a case of procrastination actually.

Getting back to being organized. I read a blog today, of this lady, a stay at home mom who organizes her day's tasks into 4 categories.

Things to do
Things to cook
Things to buy
Things to pay

I think the categories are self explanatory, ya? She swears by her list of four and says it makes her life so much more organized. And she uses an old fashioned diary to document it all. She prepares her list at least two days in advance so that she knows what to expect on the day and will be ready for it. Fuhh.. just like an office manager or someone with a full time job! Well actually, being a stay at home mom IS a full time job!

For me, I always only pile everything under 'things to do' and under there will be what to buy, what to cook, what to pay, etc. Maybe chunking it down to four or more categories would be helpful.

I recently downloaded an Android application for my phone. It's called Astrid Tasks. My good friend Vic aka Gaman of sabahan.com recommended it. It's cool and hilarious! Haha.. well, as the name imply.. you use it to list down all your to dos. They even divide it into categories such as home, work, personal, etc, and you can create your own categories. You can set reminders and what's hilarious is that when the task is due or when you schedule your reminder.. it will come up on the phone with a funny sentence such as 'If only you did this earlier, you can go out to play..' or 'Go on tiger! You can do this!' Heee... it certainly puts the fun into doing up the lists. Oh, the app also has a snooze button and if you choose to hit this button, it's going to periodically and continuously buzz and remind you of the task - which can be pretty irritating! Haha..

Did you know that you can also do lists in the form of MindMaps? Yes, lovely, colourful, picturesque mindmaps. They can be sorted chronologically according to level of important-ness, in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner based on your preference. For examples on mindmaps, google Buzan or MindMap or Mindwerx.

Well, whichever way you choose to do up your lists, it certainly is a good way to keep track of things, yes? How do you do yours?

It's December!

2011-12-01T15:40:00.000+08:00

Nah! This is the time to celebrate this year's accomplishments, to review what you have done and for some, to pretend you never made that new year's resolution at the start of this year.. For me, it's when I usually go, "What?? Where did the time go? This year has gone in a flash!' It really has... I started the year with a big belly and now, unless there's some miracle potion or exercise that can zap away the belly fat, I'll be ending the year with (still) a pretty sizeable midriff too!

December is a sweet sweet month though..not only will yours truly be celebrating her *ahemm* 30-ish+ birthday, Ashraf will be 5 months and then there's the merry, merry celebrations as well, enough to put everyone in a jolly good mood. I've still got a lot to do, to settle off. Some things to start over and some new sights to behold. I need to end this year with a lighter shoulder and with a good ol bang!

I hope you have a good December too.

Treat Yourself

2011-11-25T23:59:00.000+08:00

As a full time work at home mom, having time for yourself is such a luxury. On the average day, I would say that the only time that I really have for myself, by myself is when I take a shower. And most of the time.. it's a hurried shower, mind you! Get the basics done, in and out in a swoosh. The direct Malay translation would be bathing like goats. Haa! Other than that, is when the kids are already asleep. By which, most of the time, I would already be tired and ready to call it a day as well. When is a mom to get some R&R? A facial, a massage, retail therapy? A manicure for my rough hands and plain nails? A spa pedicure for my tired, achy, scaly feet? All of the above please!

I'm personally not a nail polish person but I do love a good manicure and pedicure. Many a times I have thought about giving myself this treat and many a times I talked myself out of it citing that surely I can cut my own nails? Hence the lackluster state of my hand and toenails now! So anyone thinking of a birthday or Christmas present to give me, there you go. Go on, treat this momma! Heeee...

If you are into beautifying your nails and hands and feet, google Julep to find out more. There is also a program called julep maven that allows anyone interested to sign up and be able to sample all the latest products and trends in nail products today just like all the beauty editors do.

Alhamdulillah

2011-11-25T23:29:00.000+08:00

It has been 4 months and almost two weeks that Ashraf Zane came into our lives and he has been an absolute delight. From his smiles and coos to pouty lips, he's gorgeous. Spoken like a true dotting mom, kan? Well, it's true. And I have really been mommying him for the past 4 months. I can proudly say that I am the sole primary caregiver of the little tyke. It has been challenging at times but mostly I find myself thinking, how can any mom ever go out and work and let somebody else take care of their baby and miss out on all the lovely surprises, the bonding, the developments each day? Is it a sacrifice indeed and I truly admire those mommies who so easily balance both work and family life.

Alhamdulillah that I have been able to breastfeed Ashraf and still continuing despite there (still) being some naysayers that insist it isn't enough. My baby is 7.9kg at 4 months, healthy and happy and how can they still think that it is not enough?

Alhamdulillah for being able to make choices that I have made. For the guidance I have received, the support that is so generously given.

So many things to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating. Much love.

Stay in Touch

2011-10-18T01:01:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Technology, particularly telecommunications technology, has come such a long way. Back then, I remember, we used to have to ready our stash of coins, line up and wait our turn to use the public phones. Then the phone card was invented, that made things a bit easier. I used to hog our home line for hours and hours talking to my then darling other half. Then I'd have to pretend to act nonchalant whenever the phone bill came. These days though, many kids actually have their own mobile phones. How easy they have got it and how times have changed!

There are certainly pros and cons when it comes to letting your child have their own mobile phones. It's good for safety purposes and is a good way to keep track of their whereabouts. On the other hand, it can encourage materialism and you can find that they are on their phones 24/7 and running out of credit faster than you can say running out of credit!

If you are looking for a low cost phone for your kids so that you can easily stay in touch with them, TracFone is an option to look into. There are no contracts, no credit checks, no activation of cancellation fees, no surprises! With great nationwide coverage and a choice of brand name phones and smart phones, TracFone offers the least expensive way to own and use a cell phone in the U.S. and for making international calls too. To find out about the Senior Value special package offered by TracFone, check out the video below. To learn more about their other monthly packages available and to Get into Everywhereness, check out TracFone today!

Double Duty

2011-09-16T23:34:00.001+08:00

It's definitely a challenge to have more than one kid to care and look after, as I have now experienced for the past two months. With a baby crying in your arms and the kakak suddenly asking for this and that, wanting your attention too.. it does demand a triple dose of patience and practice. How do all those mommies do it? You know who you are... you, with 4, 5 or more kids in tow. Ni baru dua, saya sudah tunggang terbalik. I was never a good multi-tasker. In the heat of situations, when you can't handle it all at once.. there you have to turn away the kakak and tell her you'll be with her later... which of course takes ages and by that time she doesn't want to show you what she wanted to anymore. Sigh. I hope she understands. That mommy has to take care of the little one first. Because he's just a baby. And kakak is already quite grown up and most of the time able to do things on her own already. When baby was just born, I noticed the kakak sometimes sitting quietly on her own, staring into the distance. I wondered if she was sad. Or feeling left out. Or if the change was all too much for her. She was our centre of attention for the past 5+ years.. and now suddenly there's someone else. I hope she knows (always) that mommy loves her sooo much and always will. (Even as she's becoming naughtier by the day). And that mommy will always have enough love to share for the both of you.

Chak!

2011-09-14T14:04:00.000+08:00

Can't Live without your Phone?

2011-09-13T11:00:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Almost everyone owns a mobile phone these days. A friend proudly proclaimed a few years back that he did not own a mobile phone.. I'm pretty sure that he has now succumbed! For some people, even forgetting to bring their mobile phone when they go out is a traumatizing event! Happened to me a few times. I kept thinking, 'Oh no! There must be a few missed calls and dozens of text messages on the phone' I got back, checked my phone and guess what.. No missed calls, nada text messages! Hah... we've just gotten so used to having the thing with us that we can't even function without it.

And why not? The mobile phone today is not just used to Call a friend. The technology now is great. It's brilliant. It's awesome. Smart phones have internet capability, voice and video recording, camera, music and video player, Bluetooth, you name it! All this also means that most of us are spending a profound amount on our mobile phone bills each month. Telco companies come up with so many different plans that it's sometimes too complicated and complex to consider and compare which is the best.

For friends and readers in the USA, consider Straight Talk. With Straight Talk, you can cut your phone bill in half. There is no contract required, no credit check and no surprises in the bill. There's great nationwide coverage and choice of quality mobile phones. Check out the All You Need Plan that meets the needs of heavy phone users. The unlimited monthly service includes calls, text, picture messaging and web usage. 411 calls are free and there is no activation, reactivation or termination fee. There is even an International Long Distance service and the re-conditioned phones at low, low prices which are great for young users. Everything you need is available from Straight Talk. Check out this Hook, line and sinker testimonial to find out more.

Imagine what you could do with the money saved from your phone bill.. I sure can, it will be frequent shopping trips for sure!

Oh To Be Young Again..

2011-09-08T10:12:00.000+08:00

It's that time of year again... when once high school brats turn into young adults and enter the realm of university life. And its at this time of year that I always reminisce and have flashbacks of what was my own time in that era. More than often I wish I could go back to that time again. Be young. Be free. Be still full of fresh hope and wonder and dreams. Indeed, if I did have in my possession a certain time-turner like that of Hermione's, I would go back and change a thing or two or more about my past. Actually, everything about my uni time was perfect. Loughborough was great, Southampton was beautiful, Manchester was glorious. What I'd want to change really, would be myself. I'd want to be more confident, more outgoing and outspoken, more adventurous and bold. I'd make different decisions, befriend different people, go more places. Too late now, you say? Well, I may not be able to go back in time (besides, you know what they say in all those movies, you tamper with the past, something horribly horrible will happen in your future!) but I can certainly do what I can now. To be a better person, to learn and live more, to be those things I want to be.

So.. all the best to you young-ens who are entering university life this year. My cousin Ash (who is currently in UIA) and cousin in law Hanis, who is about to fly to the land of kilts and bagpipes. Bestnya kamu!!! (Jeles..jeless!!) Take the good of what you can from my meandering above. And above all, enjoy and embrace your 3 or 4 year experience in uni whilst you can.

Green Living

2011-09-03T13:49:00.001+08:00

How green are you? Not envy green, not alien green.. care for the environment green. It's all the rage these days. It's not easy though - green living. When I think about living green, I think about renewable energy resources like solar power and wind turbines. Energy efficient appliances, that sort of thing. All of which may sound very complicated and costly. Well, there are easier things that we all can do - recycling, car pooling, turning off electrical switches when appliances are not in use, reusable bags, that sort of thing.

Here are 7 small steps that we can also do/think of in our strive to living green. Most of them are more applicable to women though.

1. Breastfeeding
2. Cloth Diapering
3. Babywearing
4. Using cloth sanitary pads
5. Using cloth wipes instead of tissues
6. Using reusable shopping bags (make sure you have one or two or more stashed in your handbag or car all the time)
7. Choosing organic or safer products
8. Making your own enzymes or compost
9. Reusing old stuffs, making them into something new (like sewing your old clothes into bags, etc..)

Do you have any others you care to share?

For more ideas and a look into some eco friendly products, mostly organic and environmentally conscious, check out Ethical Ocean.

Another C

2011-08-03T18:01:00.002+08:00

I have to come to terms with it - I am blessed to have gotten pregnant twice, to have had relatively smooth and trouble free pregnancies (with no morning sickness at all), to have incubated two beautiful and healthy babies and to have complications free deliveries and after birth recoveries. I was not meant though..to deliver the babies vaginally. Yes, my second.. Ashraf, was also delivered via emergency C-section. The emergency being that, I did not originally opt to have the C-section and it was only prepared once our decision was made late that day.

Ashraf's original estimated due date was on the 8th July. I was hoping if he decided to make his entrance on the 7th, that date is very nice also.. 7/7/11 :) But the 7th and the 8th came and went and still no sign of baby wanting to come out. As per last time with Yasmin, doc said we'd wait for one week and then if nothing happened, we'd have to decide between going for induction or C-sec.

I did not want either option. I knew that contractions and labour pains were stronger with induction and as the doctor pointed out, if it didn't work then we'd have to resort to the C-sec operation anyway. I did not want the C-sec because I knew that the pain and recovery after were higher. And besides, even though it's become the norm where some mothers opt to have it... it's still a major surgery bah! There's also the fact that if your first and second deliveries are via c-section, your future third has to be done via c-section as well. (Is it a fact? I haven't researched and read about it yet..) Doc also mentioned (in passing, like it was no big deal..) that some mothers would opt to be 'ikat' after the third c-section. Very good reasons for me to not want to have it! I was determined that I could deliver 'normally' and determined to use all the options and alternatives I could to induce delivery naturally.

I walked a lot. The weekend before we even went to Gaya Street market on Sunday morning, we parked near Tong Hing and walked the entire market from end to end. I did squats. And kegels. Pelvic tilts, cat/cow poses and hip opener exercises. I read up about accupressure and accupressure points to induce labour. Pressed and massage those points until it was quite sore. I did visualisation exercises - seeing and believing my cervics opening on its own. I drank and bathed air akar fatimah/selusuh which mom-in-law brought back from Mekah, which is said to help smoothen labour. I drank coconut juice - nyamannn sekali! (This drink which usually gave me migraines, alhamdulillah..tidak pula migrain this time). Recite doa Nabi Yunus as much as I remember. Recite my personal doa hoping for the best.

Alas, the one week came and went by. No signs. Baby was too comfy in the womb :) A friend smsed me saying that doctors are all to quick to recommend induction and c-sections, the baby is still developing and preparing for the birth and will come out when the time is right. I believed her so. But who am I to go against the doctor's expert and experienced advice?

And so, on the 14th, it was decided for me to go in to be induced. I was still wishing and hoping for the best. I could still deliver normally after being induced. I could. I could. I could? Induced (pumped up with drugs!) at around 9am, lay in the bed and wait. Well, a lot of other things happened before and in between but I'll spare you the details! Once the two hours laying down period was over, I got up and walked around the room, did my squats, etc. Minum air akar fatimah. Periodic contractions started but still bearable for me to move around. Doc said he'd be back in the afternoon to check on me. He came back at around 4pm! And I was so hoping for some good (opening) news!

Very much disappointed though when he told me that my cervics still hadn't opened at all. At all? Are you kidding me - I thought? He laid down our options. We could do another round of induction but chances it will work were not high. And we'd have to wait again. Prolonging the labour. The other only option was the c-section. *Sigh* Hubby and I discussed it through.. though I never like to say there was no other choice - it was exactly the predicament we were in. There was no other choice then and there. A stroke of dejavu hit. It was the same scenario with Yasmin's birth 5+ years ago. So, long story short.. c-section it was.

At 6.05pm our little baby boy was born.

Later, a group of mommies told me.. it doesn't matter how baby was born, what matters is that I did what I could and that I safely delivered the baby and to now enjoy every precious moment with him. True. *Heartwarmed*

I remember thinking, I would not want to go through it again - the freezing cold operation theatre ( I was shivering like mad), the fear of something going wrong, the pain after. But then again... looking at the darling little boy, who knows.. I could endure one more time probably..

xoxo

Meet Ashraf

2011-07-27T19:52:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone. My name is Ashraf Zane bin Rizwan. For now, I love snuggling up with mommy and sleeping.. Soon, I'll be running around and causing a riot in the house along with my big sis, Yasmin (who calls me Sheen or sometimes Adam..my name is Ash la, kakak!)

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T08:23:00.003+08:00

Then...

Now...

Happy Father's Day to my roomate and bud..

what a long way we've come...

and many more to follow, please. InsyaAllah...xoxo

Before and After

2011-06-19T07:57:00.000+08:00

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn’t worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn’t want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn’t stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn’t know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn’t know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn’t know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn’t know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

~Author Unknown

And getting ready to do it all..all over again. Hopefully this time around with much more insight and wisdom, patience and understanding and double the bucket full of love. <3

Randy Pausch - The Last Lecture

2011-06-18T22:36:00.001+08:00

Makes me smile and cry every time! So many wonderful messages.
The part about 'Just Things' at around 6.40 minutes..

Just Things

2011-06-18T22:34:00.001+08:00

I was at my parent's yesterday and as we got ready to head out to do some shopping, I grabbed my handbag from the side table without realising that the strap had gotten hold of a vase of ornamental glass flowers on the table. And before I knew it, the whole thing came crashing onto the floor and glass shattered everywhere. It was like I was watching it in slow motion but unable to do anything. Mom was naturally upset. The vase and a few flowers escaped unscathed but the majority of the lot broke into pieces. Dad immediately went to pick up the broom and rubbish collector, beckoning mom to move and beware of the pieces of glass. Mom, upset yelled out, 'Biarlah kaki saya luka! (Just let my feet get cut!)'

What could I say. I mostly felt bad because I didn't really feel bad about the whole thing. I always told mom she had too many things around the house. Too much clutter. There were two vases of flowers on that particular side table. Mom likes to buy stuff. Stuff she doesn't really need or already has. She likes collecting it all. And really, it was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen. Mom continued to mumble how she wouldn't be able to find those sort of flowers again.

I kept thinking and saying to her, it's just things. And I kept thinking of that last lecture by Randy Pausch, where he spoke about things being just things and how people were more important. Of course, it's easy for me to say and of course, I would probably be more upset if that something were to happen to my own stuff. I try to tell Yasmin this, every time she starts demanding for new toys (even a day after she'd just gotten new ones). I say, it's just a thing. You don't need so many things. But no, she says. She needs it. What if it finishes and we can't find anymore? I want to tell her to not be too materialistic. (I blame the internet - youtube and amazon!).

It's not that I think those flowers of mom's weren't significant for her. Nor do I think that we shouldn't take care of the things that we have. I don't go around breaking and losing things on purpose. We get so upset when we lose or damage these things because we paid money for them in the first place. That was their value. In the end, in one month, one year's time...are those things really going to matter? Mom has a lot of things that I think she doesn't even remember she has. Of course, I do have a lot of things that have sentimental and significant meaning to me. Some toys even from when I was a teeny kid. And it's great being able to pass them on to Yasmin now... for long enough before she gets distracted by something else.

But I still think there's just too many things around. (Remember Wall-E?) If it were up to me, I'd send the bunch for recycling, throw them away or to someone who might want them. It's just things. I'd rather have less of it all...but more meaningful things.

PS..Sorry mom..

Money Matters

2011-06-11T01:08:00.000+08:00

Hands up, who wants to make more money? ME, ME, ME! Chances are you answered yes too, right? What can we do, money makes the world go round and as much as I (used to want to) believe that money doesn't buy happiness, it does buy and pay for a lot of the things you actually need to live. Have you ever heard of this quote - Despite the high cost of living, it remains a popular choice. Yes, the alternative to living is not such a pleasant one you would want to hope for!

And so we work. 9 to 5. We find other ways of making money. Business opportunities here and there. Investments. Anything that can make us that little bit more to support and sustain our daily living or even elevate it so we can afford some little luxuries once in a while.

The general consensus is that you need money to make money in the first place. Financial literacy has become a big area of interest these days. Famous gurus such as Robert Kiyosaki are preaching to us that we need to know more about our finances and take charge, get out of the race rat or be trapped there until you retire. Graduating college and finding a good job is no longer enough these days.

There are a lot of things that one can do actually. The starting point would be to educate ourselves about what we can do and learn from those people who have made it. It is not just about making money and getting rich, it is about gaining your financial freedom and thereafter freedom to do anything and everything else you want to do. For me, it would be an awesome feeling to wake up each morning not having to worry about the bills to pay and being able to decide whatever I want to do and actually do it! You? Click on the link above for more ideas on what you can do. Here's to: More Money, No More Bills, Freedom and Blissful Living!

Panasss...

2011-06-01T18:53:00.000+08:00

OMG...it's sooooo hot these days, I don't want to go outside for fear that I might melt!
Have any cooling tips to share?

The Clock

2011-05-29T00:31:00.000+08:00

....that has boggled my mind since I saw it. Hubby forwarded it to me and it came from sis-in-law, Ann and originally posted on the mentioned website.

Now I can't say I was excellent in math but this has been semi-bothering me that I can't figure out the equations! Hahaa... the only thing I could pride myself on was remembering what 3! is.. hahaa... and the punca kuasa tiga one, were all I knew! 2^(-1) is 1/2? What is mod7?? And the 5 2 matrix?? Arghh some people just have waaay too much time on their hands! If you know..tell me!

Come What MAY

2011-05-29T00:14:00.000+08:00

Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan!
Hurrah...it's an extra long weekend here in Sabah. Coupled with the school holidays and another public holiday on the 4th. Woohooo...May has come and gone in a flash. In fact, *alarm bells!!* almost half of the year has swooshed by! And what have I got to show for it? Hmm... not enough I have to say...Most of the days, I have been floating by in my own bubble, trying not to think too much, staying in (from the too unbearable heat) as much as I can, lazing around, chauffeuring my little one who is growing up much too fast, drinking too much tea and carbonated drinks than I should and ending up going to the loo a hundred times a day...

All my time filler shows have ended their run in time for summer - House (hmm..not the vicodine again! We wants more Chase!), Grey's (the only good thing was Henry), Celebrity Apprentice (I did like John Rich!) and guess what...for the first time since season3, I did not watch the American Idol finale!

*Sigh* The clock is ticking, I know too well... (speaking of clocks...oh, I'll put in the next post)

Here's the sweet thing about this month...I received this..

You've Got Mail...Or Have You?

2011-05-28T23:09:00.000+08:00

Did the postman stop by your place today? Anything interesting in your mailbox? Remember those days when you used to receive written letters, birthday and greeting cards in the mail? Do you still do? Well, the internet and mobile communication has certainly changed this. All I receive in my mailbox these days are bills, catalogues, promotional flyers and offers on everything from insurance and travel right down to solicitations for donations from people and companies I've never even heard of.

Most of the time, when I sign up for services or memberships or buy select items, I would always remember not to tick the Send me promotional offers and updates from affiliate companies or such box. But one way or another, these unsolicited mails still magically find their way to my mailbox. And most of the time, what happens is.. one glance and in it goes to the rubbish bin or recycling collection box. Imagine how much that would accumulate to within one month or one year. What a waste of paper, yeah?

Is there any solution to get rid of this unwanted mail? Sure there is. Well, for one, when filling in any application forms, always remember to let them know No thanks, please! I don't want any of your catalogues or offers! Better still, don't sign up for anything at all. Too extreme? Well, OK..here's a real solution for you. Check this out.. here's one way you can clear your junk mail blues, reduce clutter, save paper and get only real mail you want in your mailbox.

Life and Life

2011-05-05T07:37:00.000+08:00

I was surprised and saddened by some news from a dear friend the other day. A former colleague from the office had passed away. Although I hadn't seen him since I left, he was definitely a character that one would remember and mourn the loss of. He was jovial, funny, very helpful, inquisitive, enterprising, sometimes silly, sometimes irritating for his antics. But he was the life of the office. Any staff or (former) student would surely know and remember him. Reading the outpouring of grief on facebook made me even sadder. I cried for the thought of his family and his little kids. I know he wasn't wealthy but he was a generous man. And I hope he will be rewarded in eternal peace for this.

And as these sad thoughts lingered in my mind that morning, I came across another message posting on facebook. Another (former) colleague had just had his first newborn. Ah, the circle of life. One's sad passing, a joyous beginning for another. Such is life. Whilst death is a reminder that all in life is not permanent, the birth of another reminds you that life is also full of miracles, hope and wonder. That of which we should always (remember to) be grateful for.

Alfatihah Allahyarham Awg Latif. May you rest in peace.

Labour Day

2011-05-01T10:06:00.000+08:00

Happy Rest Day for all you working people! And those who might be going into labour today...

An Ocean of Time..

2011-04-16T17:46:00.000+08:00

We had a deelicious dinner the other night, at Ocean Seafood here in KK. Dinner was courtesy of my ever so generous parents to treat some guests we had from overseas. The guests being our long lost friends from way back when - Uncle Malek and family. Uncle and dad did their masters together in the US, specifically Pittsburgh PA, waaay way back in 1983-84. Yes, when I was still a teeny tiny tot. But then the connection continues, as I pursued my degree in Southampton UK, uncle's daughter - affectionately known to us as Kak Lang was also in Southampton doing her medic degree! I landed in Southampton in 1995 and was there til 98. Can't remember when Kak Lang graduated. But now, years years later...we were of course reconnected via - you guessed it! - Facebook! Kak Lang's hubby has been in KK for the past 6 months and also unbeknownst to us, her brother (who was a mere 2 months olds when we arrived in the US) has also been working in KK/Kudat as a doctor for the past 3 years! Kak Lang works as a GP in Dubai and is looking to transfer here in KK to be with her hubs. And so, that is how the dinner at Ocean Seafood came about! Phewww.... long story kan..jejak kasih.

The food at Ocean was goood! I don't have pictures though...too hungry and greedy and gobbled up the lot. Heeee... I had been craving for some sweet and sour fish for some time. You know the best part..near the fish belly area - yang sungguh lembut dan lemak itu...yum yum! Heeee...

It was a nice dinner and nice catching up. I guess if she does move here then we'd have more chance to catch up again. It was rather funny seeing the parents, exchanging handphone numbers - squinting through their glasses, typing in the numbers with their plump (hee) fingers, trying to remember their own phone numbers...keeekeee... kan zaman dulu-dulu main tulih kat kertas ajo...haahaa...how times have changed. And all the while, the little kiddies were playing with the iPad (not ours..uhuk) And yet Kak Lang said my dad hadn't changed one bit, looks wise. She's probably right. He ain't really one to go with the trends..heehee..

Time Banking

2011-03-30T20:42:00.000+08:00

Ever heard of time banking? I tried google-ing it but only found information about opening bank accounts!

I heard of time banking for the first time today from fellow mommy Sandra. Sandra suggested this as an option to get children to do their homework or housework or chores, etc. How it works is that you make an agreement with your child that he/she will do or finish the work in a certain amount of time. If they manage to do so, then they get a credit of a certain amount of time to do what they want. For example, if they can finish their homework in 30 minutes then they get 10 minutes of computer games time. It sounds like a good idea, especially knowing how challenging homework time can be for Yasmin.

She's getting better though, our little Yasmin. She used to get many 'incomplete!' remarks in her homework last year but this year it's gone down and we have managed to get her (sometimes pleadingly, coaxingly) to finish her homework. But it's also mostly because now she has a fear that the teacher will scold her if she doesn't finish it. That's not so good, kan? I mean, I don't want her to do it just because of fear. I want her to have fun in the learning and doing process. So yeah, this time banking idea seems like a good one to try out.

Sandra also suggests that you keep check of their time 'account'. For example, let it accumulate... they can only claim their 'time' when they have reached a minimum 30 minutes available in their accounts. :) Heee... She says it is also a good way to teach them math at the same time. How many minutes do they put in and how many have they claimed. You can even create the time account book for them to keep record. Another thumbs up idea!

For your info, Sandra home schools her daughter so I know she has a lot of experience and know how with these ideas to try for your kids. Give it a try mommies! (Daddies too...)

Sunday at the Park

2011-03-27T22:26:00.002+08:00

Found a great way to spend Sunday morning! This morning we went to Perdana Park in Tanjung Aru. Bestnya pergi pagi-pagi! Not as many people as there were on our first visit, which was in the evening, because we wanted to check out the musical fountain. In fact, we practically had the place to ourselves. There were just a few families there with their kids, playing at the playground. It's better than bringing the kid to shopping malls or the indoor playground at Suria! Here you only need to pay RM1 for parking inside. The weather was nice too today - hot at times but mainly overcast and with light winds. And we got a chance to walk around the pond and get some sweat out...weehee!

First stop - the kiddies playground..

The musical fountain pond... Musical fountain only at night though.. Not bad the musical fountain, terasa macam bukan di KK..

Free drinking water provided (L), the walking path surrounding the pond (R), there's another path for joggers on the outer edge of the park.

Wah...looks huge eh?

Jeng jeng jeng...the other PLAYGROUND

Ada swings! Weeeeeeeeee....

Because the park is managed by a water treatment company, so the playground is designed like a water treatment plant... good idea!

Do not disturb! Kid is busy..

I liked these...they should have more of these around the city

The place is still new and so I do hope that the management takes care of it well and the facilities. We really should have more parks like this in KK. Want to go again next weekend.. Mau ikut? Mariii...

Living with Gratitude

2011-03-24T10:42:00.000+08:00

I saw this post entitled Living with Gratitude by Randy Gage and it reminded me of this story I heard from my cousin a few weeks ago.

Cousin had brought her kid(s) to the local government hospital for a check up and whilst waiting for their turn, she went to the hospital canteen to grab a bite to eat. She ordered a plate of fried noodles and it cost her RM4.50 - which was reasonable, she thought. Then she sat at this table next to a family of 4 or 5. They too had ordered the same plate of fried noodles. But they were sharing the one plate amongst them. Cousin then overheard them talking. They were trying to figure out if they had enough money left for their bus fare back to their kampung.

I didn't realise this story affected me so much until I retold it to my husband and I ended up wiping off some tears. How petty and silly do our own little problems seem when you hear that there are people who are going through that kind of situation. Some people are buying designers goods, handbags and purses that cost thousands at a time and yet there are people who can't afford one meal. How sad is that. And whilst we are merrily enjoying our days here, people in Japan and Christchurch are dealing with such unimaginable loss. How can we not be grateful?

What are you grateful for today?

The King's Speech

2011-03-24T10:19:00.002+08:00

I've watched it!! And not in 2013 as I predicted..heeeee...What can I say, Colin Firth...my dear Mr Darcy, you righteously stammered (cursed and sang) your way to a great performance deserving of that Oscar! What is more wonderous, I feel, is that we get to have this glimpse of this person (no doubt he was the King), his life and his flaws and what he did to overcome them. Do you think any royals or politicians in Malaysia would allow such a portrayal of their family members? Nooo.... here it is all about upholding their 'perfectness'. And who would have thought that if King George's (Colin Firth's character) brother hadn't given up the throne... we wouldn't have Queen Elizabeth nor Charles and William in line for the throne today.

Anyways, if you are one of those people who stammer, you can try what King George did...curse or sing your way through it! The only other help I can suggest is....join Toastmasters!

Equilibrium

2011-03-19T00:34:00.002+08:00

...was one of the first English scientific term that I came across when I started my A-Levels. At the time, when our SPM and secondary school math and science studies was still in Malay language, I kept wondering - Apakah bendanya equilibrium ni? Soon after, I learnt that it meant keseimbangan or simply, balance. It was a term I came to be very well acquainted with in the years after, during my university years and later on whilst teaching. Such a simple but underrated concept. The backbone to all of engineering and science studies and one may say, all of life itself. It is a word I have come to love. For its profound meaning and the way it sounds both strong and tender at the same time.

At a recent conference I attended, the speaker was talking about the psychology of stress and benefits of exercise and meditation and she mentioned:

'For everything in life, there is always equilibrium..'

Loved that.

I'm still searching/striving for my equilibrium. You?

Doctor, I Need a Diagnosis..

2011-03-16T11:32:00.000+08:00

Had my doctor's appointment last week. Alhamdulillah, the blood test that I did in the previous visit came back with all normal results. (I'm a B positive, by the way). I consider this doctor to be good because when he took my blood sample from the vein near my elbow joint, he only did it once. I only felt a slight pinch. And he told me after that it might swell a bit, but it didn't. I've heard stories of how some docs and nurses really do a bad job when taking blood.. so thankfully, mine was all good. The doc is good.

Blood pressure is normal. No sugar or protein traces in the urine. Weight is going up though..*gebu is in, gebu is in...* My other symptoms include back and hip pain, occasional heartburn, frequent visits to the toilet to pee pee, difficulty to sleep, a bit of swelling in my hands/fingers - I've had to take off my rings.

Want to play House and diagnose me based on the above symptoms?

Idol Talk

2011-03-10T15:05:00.001+08:00

So the season has cometh. American Idol is upon us again, pulling heartstrings and causing late dinners in households all around. This time, with a table of new judges and what they claim to be the best group of talent..ever. I think they said that last year as well. Who cares though when we can have Ryan and his cheeky/cheesy smile on our tubes two nights a week and the occassional goof or moments of shine from Steven Tyler. Alas, the weeknights have meaning again!

So far, the new judges seem to be doing well. And so we say, 'Simon who??' And who were those other two ladies?? I like that this new panel is more animated, singing and grooving along with the contestants at times. Where Kara made it look like she was showing off, J Lo and Steven Tyler make it look fun and like they are rooting for the contestants. Sometimes they seem to be too generous with their comments though.

American Idol has also lowered their age limit for auditioners this year - 15 year olds can now apply. This is something I don't really agree on. Sure, maybe they can sing but I also believe that contestants need to have a level of maturity to handle the pressure, to give good performances and have the required showmanship to be an idol. My exhibit A - being.. the ever so sweet David Archuleta, runner up from season 7. Whilst Archie has the chops vocally, I can't help feeling that he would've been so much better if he had waited maybe 3 or 4 years later to audition and take part in the show. He maybe possibly could have won. Surprisingly, many of those 15, 16 year olds did make it through this year's initial rounds - some, if not most, whilst being accompanied (and somewhat irritatingly cheered on) by their mums. We'll see how far they go.

As a tribute, I thought I'd run down a list of my favourite Idols thus far with special mentions/moments as well. Here goes:

Favourite Idols (so far):

No. 3
Kris Allen - Kris was the underdog of Season 8, competing in the finals with the Glambert Adam Lambert - sorry, not a fan, don't like the shrieking! A lot of people thought Adam was a sure fire winner which made Kris' win soooo much more sweeter. I liked him ever since he sang Man in The Mirror in the Top 24 round. I like that he plays piano and guitar. He's one of those singer/songwriter types. Loved, loved, loved his rendition of Falling Slowly. And so far, I like his songs post-Idol as well. Like this one.. (oh, love Pat Monahan of Train as well!)

No. 2
Daughtry - The most successful non Idol winner so far. I love his tone of voice, it's so smooth and easy to listen to. And I love that he is doing the type of music that really suits him. Unlike a previous Idol rocker Bo Bice, Daughtry is the real thing. He was destined not to win!

No. 1 - my favourite Idol
David Archuleta - Heeee....I know, I know. I said it above, he's just a kid. But I can't help to love his tone of voice. Sangat sedaps di dengar. He had me at Imagine :) I think that performance of Imagine has to be the most stand out performance in Idol ever - so far. Still now, I can listen to it over and over again and never get bored. And I love listening to the judges comments as well. His voice is distinctive and unlike so many other young singers out there. And for this reason I think he will fare very well and have a long, long career as a singer. Let's see how he shapes up (looks and maturity wise) in a few years times.

Special mentions

1. I was a fan of Taylor Hicks during the season he competed, just because...he was different and quirky in his own way. But sadly....where is he now?? His winning ballad Do I Make You Proud still gives me lumps in my throat when I hear it though... simply because, I do wonder... do I? Do I make you proud??

2. One of my favourite performances on Idol has to be the Falling Slowly duet by Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox on season 9. Beautiful and haunting song, two powerful and soulful voices.

3. Carrie Underwood - I still love her story. The fact that she was this simple farm girl from a small, small town and look at her now! Undoubtedly the most successful winner so far with a great career ahead. I love her current single Temporary Home and I made the mistake of watching the video on Youtube the other day...cos...it made me cry! Uwaahhhh....

So that's it, that's my Idol report for now. Let's see how this season's contestants do...
(Afee, Thia Megia reminds me of you!) (Sorry) I do not like Scotty's low low voice. James Durbin is a bit like Adam Lambert. I'm inclined towards Paul McDonald and Lauren Alaina at the moment - heeee...I like the quirky ones! Have fun watching, Idol fans and may your 'chicken' win!

Explore. Dream. Discover

2011-03-01T11:33:00.001+08:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

Quote of the day. Love!

The Reader and The Storyteller

2011-02-17T22:27:00.001+08:00

I watched the movie The Reader recently. (Yes, I've only watched this 2009 Oscar nominated movie now - so expect me to be watching The King's Speech, Black Swan, etc. circa 2013) The movie stars Kate Winslet (Oscar nominated and well deserved so) and tells the story of a prison guard who is sentenced to life imprisonment for her role in the death of more than 300 people in a jewish prison camp. The reader - as the title goes - is about this young boy who has an affair with Winslet's character and whilst doing so, reads to her. Books, stories, plays. The movie contains a lot of scenes unsuitable for the young-ens and err... those who have some sort of allergy to love scenes - unless of course, if it has gone through the heavy screening and censoring of our local movie authorities. I do not always go for these heavy movies but I was intrigued and found it highly watchable and much deservant of the accolades it received.

I later asked hubby if he has watched it and when he said no, I took it upon myself to relay the storyline to him. I like doing this. Of course, I would only do so if he implies or does not seem to have the intention of watching the movie himself. So I can go all out, reveal spoilers, endings and all. I used to do this when I was in school as well. I loved telling my friends and dorm mates about movies or shows I watched during the holidays or when I was home for the weekend. I remember telling my dorm mates about Pretty Woman. After our SPM exams were over, we did that thing where we passed around autograph books for friends to write in. (Y'all remember that?? That's so 90s, isn't it?? Or do school kids still do this now?) Anyway, one dorm mate wrote in my autograph book - I will miss your stories. Heee... I was a storyteller even back then. *Smile* I really need to be telling my own stories though.

Picture of the Month

2011-02-16T07:41:00.002+08:00

Like!
At Razz & Adlina's wedding reception in Pacific Sutera, November 2010.
Photo by George Yong of Jofanna Bridal

Love Is..

2011-02-14T01:15:00.010+08:00

" You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... "

"My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine."

~ Yvaine to Tristan (the mouse) in Stardust (2007)

14th February is just another day. Don't wait for this date to tell that someone that you love them. Tell them any day and every day! xoxo

New Blog

2011-02-14T01:00:00.002+08:00

I've registered a new blog on wordpress but I'm still tinkering about with the theme and learning/trying to get used to the dashboard settings, having been so used to blogger's dashboard. Wordpress does offer a few features that I like that I think (I'm not sure) blogger doesn't have. Or should I just stick to blogger? Hee...I'm just too lazy to go to the help page and read the faqs on setting up on wordpress. So it's just trial and error for now - isn't everything?

What's the new blog about? Currently, the idea to write about the 3Ms we learnt in school - Menulis, Membaca dan Mengomel! hehe...i.e. Writing, Reading and Speaking! All of which I am quite passionate about. Also slightly inspired by a recent re-viewing of the movie Julie & Julia, which I love. Yes, I want to be the next Julie Powell! But no posts yet and I won't tell you the url yet, until I sort out the theme and actually start writing something. But since I'm quite easy and transparent, you probably maybe can guess the url pun..haha..

On another note, if you are thinking of starting a new blog.. you may want to consider registering one on www.sabahblog.com The site offers free and paid blog hosting just like Blogger and Wordpress, with multiple choice of themes and add ons available. The site was designed and developed by my old friend Victor, also known (in the blogging/online world) as Gaman. He is based in Sabah and as the call sign implies, is a true and true Sabahan. So, if you want to support a local talented web developer and entrepreneur - register on sabahblog.com and lets your friends know about it! Oh yes, I've registered another blog on his site as well..heee tamak kan :) Check it out and spread the word ya!

Quote of The Day

2011-02-13T21:34:00.009+08:00

well, yesterday actually....

"Aren't we all drug users? It just depends on what our drug of choice is..." Linachu

referring to (defending) how my current favourite song is Bruno Mars' Just The Way You Are (swooooon) and how it was in the newspapers recently that he was apprehended or summoned on drug possession charges.. I still love the song!

Alone Time

2011-02-13T18:08:00.006+08:00

It occurred to me that the only real alone time that I have nowadays is when I am in the bathroom. The rest of the time I am surrounded by the family, the little munchkin or people I meet for work. Even during bedtime, well.. ideally there are a lot of things that I would like to do then... read, write, surf, watch movies or my shows. But a lot of the time I myself succumb to what we all call..sleep! And so, really.. the only real alone time, like I said is in the bathroom.

Yesterday, I gave myself a henna (inai) toenail paint job before taking my morning shower. Later in the day, I bought some body scrub, a little indulgence for the bathtime. Tonight, I plan to give myself a foot spa before showering - peppermint foot soak, watermelon foot scrub and later followed by simple massage using some old foot lotion I found. A little bit of simple pleasure.

Before, I used to relish times when I went for - exercise class or a facial or body treatments - because really, those are just times when you can be alone and relax. It's been a while since I've had the chance to do any of those. So I guess, it has to just be in the bathroom for now.

Speaking of henna (inai), I used the modern type - the ones you squeeze right out of the tube. I remember those days when we used to have to make the mixtures ourselves using the henna leaves or powder. And we would try mixing it with a variety of things like lime juice or tamarind juice or tea leaves - in order to get the most vibrant orange colour. Nowadays, it's all been pre-mixed...

Blogging is Good

2011-02-07T11:33:00.001+08:00

Did you hear about the blogger being sued by a local restaurant because of his comments (on his blog) re: said restaurant? Hmm... So there goes our freedom of speech or in this case, freedom to write. Anything you say and write can be used against you in a court of law. I think, we Malaysians, particularly are quite bad at accepting criticism. Most people automatically think it is a form of attack, whereby it could actually be used to better ourselves, our conditions or what we do.

So I guess, be careful what you write. Who knows which sourpuss is reading it somewhere and taking it (too) seriously. I guess if you were to write your comments, be sparring and considerate in your use of words. A blogger friend said that if a restaurant or other establishment gave really bad service she would rather not write about them at all and not give them that acknowledgement at all. Guess she has a point.

Some say that if the restaurant wins in their case, it's going to be like a landmark case that is going to affect bloggers all around. Haiishh...

I Like It Hot

2011-02-06T00:15:00.000+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

My food, that is. Whatever the food, whatever the time of day, meals just do not seem complete if they are not accompanied by the appropriate condiments. And my favourite - the hot and spicy ones! Chili sauce, chili with soy sauce, sambal belacan. For foods like pizza and pasta, I prefer TABASCO® Original Red. The tabasco goes especially superbly these tomato based dishes. Sometimes I also like it with soups, fried noodles or fried rice. Oh, it's also good for breakfast dishes like sausages and scrambled eggs! It is so much more than hot - there's something about that spicy, sour and tangy taste that really adds an extra kick to the dishes and brings out the best in each bite. Just a dash is enough to feel the zing. Too much and you might find yourself with watery eyes and a runny nose!

Do you remember the tv show Roswell sometime back? Those aliens were to addicted to tabasco. They added it to everything they ate. Even desserts! Now that's one I haven't tried out yet.

If you are a sports freak and you need to have your snacks to watch the big games, do check out the Game-Day Party Menu and Pizza Perfected sites for more simple ideas and recipes to try. With football season and the Super Bowl around the corner, these sites will give you ideas to add on to your game day traditions.

Of Marriage

2011-02-04T15:08:00.001+08:00

I copied this off Ninie Ahmad's blog because I thought it was so beautiful and it reminded me of how it feels being in love.

"Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person,
With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body…

Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me,
Who won’t hold them against me,
Who loves me when I’m unlikable,
Who sees the small child in me, and
Who looks for the divine potential of me…

Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold…

Because marriage means opportunity
To grow in love in friendship…

Because marriage is a discipline
To be added to a list of achievements…

Because marriages do not fail, people fail
When they enter into marriage
Expecting another to make them whole…

Because, knowing this,
I promise myself to take full responsibility
For my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness
I create me, I take half of the responsibility for my marriage
Together we create our marriage…

Because of this understanding
The possibilities are limitless."

by Mari Nichols-Haining

This is a bit late but nevertheless,
Congratulations to the newlyweds...

(A picture of a picture of) Razz & Adlina

Rozhan & Sara

Nana & Razin

And to Ninie and her Mr P.

May you always be in love, always be able to talk to each other and always have something to laugh about together til the very end.

Shopaholic Talk

2011-01-15T08:59:00.004+08:00

I just finished reading Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (my January book of the month) and so, now, I get the movie - Confessions of a Shopaholic. I don't get it per se..I mean, I see why the movie was as it was. I had many qualms when I first watched it, based on my memory of the book. I couldn't believe Sophie Kinsella allowed them to make all those changes. But now I see that the movie was actually a combination of these two books. The third book even. Suze and Tarquin's wedding is actually from Shopaholic Ties the Knot - the third book in the series.

I still have my issues with the movie. Enjoyable and easy to watch as it was and as much as I think that Isla Fisher is cute as a button - I thought they made Becky too ditsy, too desperate and over the top in the movie. Hugh Dancy is definitely not my Luke. From the books, I imagined Luke to be this classy, slick, tall, dark and handsome fellow with neat hair. My Luke would probably have been someone like Julian McMahon or Josh Duhamel or some brit like Jonathan Rhys Meyer. Hugh Dancy's Luke is a bit short for my liking and the hair..couldn't they have given him a better haircut! At least they kept him as British, where the whole movie and other characters were Americanized. The first time Becky and Luke hooked up in the book got my heart racing more than those kissing scenes in the movie did!

I just realised that the opening line in the three books are the same. It's 'OK. Don't panic.' A definite hook - first time readers are going to read this and think.. Oh, what happened? Those who already read the first book are going to think - God, what's she gone and done now! I just checked and the opening line for the forth book is 'OK. I can do this.' So we who are already hooked in finally think, At last, she's got something right! Hebat. I wish I was Sophie Kinsella.

Hello 2011!

2011-01-10T16:16:00.002+08:00

A few days late..but it's bubye 2010 and hello to you 2011 - bunny year!

And so, we close another book in our lives..

And open a new one...

What are your new year resolutions? I hadn't thought about it much. Well, I thought about thinking about it but didn't really come up with anything specific. I asked hubby and he said that he doesn't believe in making new years resolutions - why wait until the new year to do or declare something that you want, he says. It can be done anytime. He has a point. But still, I guess..new years is the time when we take stock of our lives, what we did and achieved in the past year and what our hopes are for the coming one. A time to remember and to dream. A time we look ahead and hope for the best.

I went to bed early on the night of new year's eve - oldie that I am. Heard the fireworks and thought - blah.. yaa, yaaa... On new years day morning, I found myself doing the ironing, thinking about new years resolutions but not really coming up with anything specific (did I say this already?), pondering of how times and things have changed, lamenting on how some things (and people) haven't changed at all. The only thing I really remember coming up with was being a better mother.

Last night though, I picked up the latest copy of the Toastmaster magazine and it was filled with a feature on new years and goal setting. There was an article about a man who has set out to do 100 marathons and 100 speeches in 100 days! Wow! And a feature article about creating and fulfilling your bucket list. And I was pumped. It started me thinking about the whole news years resolutions kerfuffle again.

They say that it is good to list or write down your resolutions, to declare it and make it real. To remind you and keep you on track. Just keeping it in your head - it might get lost along the way. So what do you reckon? I think it's good to go by things on a monthly basis. Here goes:

Linachu's New Years Resolutions for 2011

1. Write one article each month and submit for publication
2. Finish off my Toastmasters Competent Communicator projects - one speech per month up to May/June. Extra challenge: Deliver speeches at different clubs. In fact, the speeches itself can be turned into the articles for number 1 above!
3. Read and finish one book each month. Current book of the month: Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

I think it's a pretty doable and achievable list.

And for the big ones - here's the Dream Big list:

1. Train and be certified as a Buzan Licensed Instructor
2. Family trip to London (a stopover in Paris would be nice too!)

To look forward to this year:

1. Got a big project due in July - will tell you more about this when the time comes
2. Deathly Hallows Part 2 - The Big Finale! Also in July
3. Moving house

Still under consideration:

1. Registering for and pursuing a Phd in Materials

So there. That's my current list. Let's see how it goes and grows throughout this year. Want to share yours?

PS..I do so love my new 2011 diary cum notebook. Bought from Times. Red is my favourite colour. There's one page dedicated to each day. Dandy for writing little notes and inspirations each day.

Naughty or Nice?

2010-12-29T08:25:00.002+08:00

Were you naughty or nice this year? Did your Santa grant you all the presents you wished for?

Here's one kid that is getting naughtier by the day!

Hard to believe she was once this little munchkin...just lying down quietly..googoo and gaagaa-ing..

Oh yes, she is definitely entering the naughty ages. Tantrums and demands and yelling. Aduuhh... And she's adding all this new vocabulary that a mother doesn't necessarily want to hear from her five year old kid. No foul words but words like stupid - she likes to say a lot! Errghh...and she's in this booing-jelir lidah phase as well. Double erghhh...

As my mom would say, 'Begitu la kalau budak...kamu pun begitu dulu..' Really?? I hate to think I was ever like that. Haahaa...But, it's all too easy for grandparents or relatives or others to say this kind of statement or give their so called advice on what to do and how to raise the kids and what not. At the end of the day, it is you, the parents who still have to handle the brats *oopss*. Patience is definitely a virtue one needs as a parent. Nope, I rephrase - you need double, even triple doses of patience.

There are times when she gets up to her naughties and I am hot on the edge of madness *double meaning = marah dan juga macam mau gila*, that I feel like...'geramnyaa..' Macam mau pukul sikit budak nih to teach her a lesson. But I never. I can honestly say I never ever hit her all this while. Maybe just a pat. But never a smack or a rotan or even a pinch or a lastik. I don't believe it is the way to discipline or teach. There has to be another way. I believe in talking and reasoning and teaching by playing/spending time together and showing by our own actions. If the parents hit or pinch or lastik the child, won't they grow up doing the same thing to others or even to their children in the future. I feel guilty that the thought even enters my mind. Why is it even the first thing that I automatically think of? To hit. My parents never hit me. But I guess it is a norm that we see and hear of too much in our society and it becomes like a gut reaction one automatically goes to.

Well, the talking and reasoning and teaching by playing/spending time together and showing by our own actions isn't working much now. She very much has a mind of her own. Very defiant and quite hard-headed this little girl. Wonder where she gets it from... I am hoping that this will tone down as she grows a bit more. Will it?

I am very mindful though that whatever her behaviour, she somehow got it from us. And her immediate surroundings. We are/were the ones that made her that way. Because she saw us do it, or we did not show her the right way, that it somehow still falls back to us. But of course, nobody is perfect and we can't be there all the time and we sometimes don't do the right things ourselves. So, it happens. Heavy responsibility it is being a parent. So at that edge of madness, I guess this is the thought that stops me. I pray it always will.

Bookworm

2010-12-24T15:09:00.003+08:00

Look at these bunch of books sis-in-law brought back for me from the states!

Wooohooo... three shopaholic books! Though I am a big Sophie Kinsella fan, I've only read the first of the shopaholic series. PS I Love and Julie & Julia... I love both movies! Which one shall I start with?

I do feel like re-reading this one though..

Yep, watched the movie and loved, loved, loved it! The first chapter of the book is exactly what was on film. Loved the 7 Potters scene. And the part they broke into the ministry of magic. There was one part in the book which I really loved that wasn't featured in the movie though...the part where Harry and Hermione went back to Godric's Hollow. Oh, but that Bathilda Bagshot scene was scary oh!

These two are always a good read/re-read for the soul. I starting re-reading EPL after I saw the movie, I'm still stuck somewhere in Italy - a good place to be stuck in :-)

Perhaps, this is the one that I should be reading though.... With the new year coming and with it, resolutions to make.. I still need to figure out

Merry Jolly Christmas friends. Don't eat too much (note to self)

Random December Thoughts

2010-12-08T07:31:00.000+08:00

My favourite month is here! But then, I think, oh man...this year has gone by in such a breeze.
Another wedding this weekend. I hope my stuffy nose clears up by then so I can actually enjoy the food.
Yasmin's year end tea party is this Fri. What do kiddies like to eat other than sausages (says Yasmin) that's easy to prepare?
Another trip to see the cows and rabbits next weekend. Looking forward to getting away for a bit.
For some reason, everybody's going to London lately. And I look on with envy as they post their status updates and pictures of a white England. I wish I was there, only to hibernate in my plushy plush duvet.
Oooh, I need to get me something for the 15th!
Happy days :)

Wedding Report No 1

2010-11-30T21:12:00.000+08:00

Osmand & Lolly

Had the pleasure of attending this wedding of our former schoolmate, Osmand Danny and his sweetie heart, Lolly. It was an outdoor wedding held at the cafe of the first beach in Tanjung Aru. And it rained! There were only a few canopies put up and it was all full by the time we got there. Thankfully, the rain died down and left with it a nice cooling breeze for us to enjoy the night.

The lovely thing about this wedding was that it turned out to be a reunion of sorts. Really. All those long lost friends I haven't seen in ages, some even flew in from KL and across the state. Loved seeing guys like Johaniff and Choi, the two guys who sat behind me in form 5, whom I'd fight with but then miss terribly whenever they went off for their cricket tournaments. (There were only 19 of us in our form 5 class and more than half were on the cricket team!). There's Norshamsul whom I had a sort of fight with in form 4 and he didn't talk to me for ages! I wonder what it was about...haahaa. Then, there are those usual guys we often see around in KK (and mostly on facebook) I mean, forget organising reunions, someone just needs to get married to get everyone to come together again. I think we still have a few candidates remaining to have a few more weddings in the near future. It was a nice get together, glad we went.

aiih, am looking very the gebu here..shhh

More wedding reports coming up soon! Ramai urang kahwin ujung tahun nih!

Year End Reflections

2010-11-29T11:13:00.001+08:00

How are you supposed to know what you are meant to do in your life? You'd think that by 33, I would have figured this out but I find that I am constantly still asking myself this question. Now that the year is coming to an end (can you believe it? Where did it all go?), I find myself reflecting about the year gone by, what I have done and could or should have done (by now). Should there be more? Definitely. But what exactly?? And what's the plan for the coming year?

It has been 3 years since I have been on my own. It has been great and liberating and I have found that I learnt more about myself. What are my strengths and not so strong points. What are my likes and definite no-nos. You'd think that by 33, I would have known these things, huh? Well, sometimes we are just so caught up with what everyone expects of you, what is the norm, what should be...that you tend to just go along and conform to those expectations. I realise this is true of me. There is some good to it, of course. But I think the main thing I am trying to really do, is to know myself and to be true to myself. To know that at the end of it all, I can look back and know that I was true and sincere in whatever I did.

I do have something big coming up next year so I need to decide how my current work and situation are going to affect this. I also have some ideas of what I may want to do and again, I am not sure of how it will come to play. So again (universe), I ask you...how are you supposed to know? I shall be looking out for signs. Please show me the way.

Simple Wonders

2010-11-27T07:48:00.000+08:00

Took these pictures some time ago, on our trip back to mom-in-law's kampung in Kiulu.

We walked across the hanging bridge and there was this group of kids playing in the river, just floating by underneath the bridge. They were laughing and obviously having a good time. It just made me wonder of what such a simple joy that was - for them. Whilst some other kids were in front of their computers or tvs or games console, that was how those kids enjoyed themselves. What pure and innocent joy! Happy weekend folks.

You Just Gotta Do It

2010-10-17T22:53:00.000+08:00

You know Nike's slogan - Just Do It... well, whoever it was that came up with that brilliant, short and succinct slogan - kudos!! I've got to agree with it. There are times where you just gotta do it - whatever your it may be - even if it means doing it alone.

I grew up pretty much with the mentality and belief that whatever you do, it should go with the flow. The norm. Don't stick out like a sore thumb. Don't be too showy. Don't be the black sheep. Just follow what everyone else is doing and there, be happy with it. And so, that was me. I was such a great follower. I followed everything (well, almost everything that I can remember) that my parents taught and told me, that the teachers said I should do. I followed my friends - I wanted to be part of the gang after all - so whatever..I didn't mind going along. So much so that I even went to movies I didn't like or know of and *sigh* I actually fell asleep during one of them. If there were gatherings that required everyone to be there..yeah, I was there. No question about it. If there were something to be done or places to go, it would be passed through to the friends first and if the others didn't like it or feel like doing it then that was it. The idea would be scrapped.

I don't know when this mindset started to shift. I guess it was pretty much when I started working. I met a few friends that showed me a different side. I started looking into personal development. I became more independent. Furthermore, I was pretty much alone back then. Sure, I lived with my parents. But my sister was on the other side of the ocean as were many of my friends who hadn't returned from their studies back then. So I would pretty much be doing things on my own most of the time.

And it was quite liberating actually. I went shopping alone and didn't mind it. It's nice to not have to wait around for others, to be able to take your own time and go to those places you want to go without worrying about what others may think or where they would want to go. I went to the gym and aerobics classes on my own. I found toastmasters and along with that, a new set of friends.

And then I went to Manchester for my masters. That was lovely and liberating as well. Unlike Southampton - where I did my degree - where the Malaysian community is small and very close knit - meaning everyone knew everybody and whatever you do, wherever you go, who you go with would be known by all - Manchester was great because there were soooo many Malaysians there you couldn't keep count and know everyone! And therefore I was pretty much invisible and I enjoyed it.

So before you think I was all sad and lonely, I wasn't. There's a difference. I had friends sure. In fact, two of my flatmates were Malaysian girls. I met two UTP tutors on my first day there and we clicked. But there was definitely something liberating about not being tied down and surrounded. I did things alone and I enjoyed it. Going out for morning coffee alone, watching theatre performances and movies, shopping. I even ran (OK, walked..) a 5km charity run on my own. One thing we (myself, my friend Mo and my flatmates) usually did was go out to the cinema together but then we'd each watch different movies, the one we wanted to watch. Then we'd wait for each other and walk back together. That was fun. I mean, you don't have to cancel what you want to do or just follow the others if they don't want to go along with you, right? I did manage to talk my friend Mo to going to a Boyzone concert with me though! Heeeheee

My point is... don't wait around for people to say yes, to go along with you. You just gotta do it, so be it if on your own. Like today... I went to a flea market on my own. I had a booth there. Asked around for friends to join me but alas, none could make it. The old me would have probably just cancelled the plan. But the me now says....so what if on your own? No harm. You can do it. And I did. So I admit, it would have probably been more fun to do it with friends.. but it was not bad. I actually enjoyed just sitting and watching the people walk by. It was kind of peaceful to be with my own thoughts.

So darling friends, listen to Linachu...some things you just gotta do OK, you're not going to really be on your own anyway.. I'm sure you'll gather new friends and new findings along the way. And you'll be glad you did.

xoxo

Anywhere..

2010-10-11T06:52:00.001+08:00

About Take The Plunge

2010-10-09T08:58:00.000+08:00

A note about the post Take The Plunge.

This was actually the speech that I presented at the Area K1 & K4 Toastmasters Speech contest last Friday. I was the test speaker for the Evaluation Speech contest. If you are unfamiliar with Toastmasters and what we do, the core of it is about members presenting their speeches which is then evaluated by an assigned evaluator. The purpose of the evaluation is to highlight the speaker's strengths and weaknesses in terms of speech delivery, speech contents and organization as well as to suggest room of improvements. A good evaluation also motivates and inspires the speaker so that they keep delivering speeches and improving themselves along the way. As doing and delivering good evaluations is something that requires practice itself, hence the evaluation speech contest that we have annually among members and clubs. I was the test speaker meaning that I delivered my speech and I was then evaluated by the contestants.

That evening, there were 5 contestants including two of my good friends, Siva and Jason. So I got a chance to listen to 5 people giving comments about my speech. Which was good and a bit intimidating at the same time.

Well, the purpose I am writing this is to tell you about the speech actually. I was approached nearly a month before as to whether I could be the test speaker. And being the can-not-say-no person that I am (I'm working on it ..), I agreed. And being the procrastinator that I am, I left it until the very last minute to prepare and practise my speech. I had a few ideas running in my mind on what to talk about. I was given the guideline that the speech should be somewhere along the lines of 'persuading the audience to accept your idea', which really got me off the track. I wanted to deliver a good speech, follow the guideline given but at the same time deliver something I was passionate about and believed in. So I dilly dallied with a couple of ideas until the very last minute.

The speech delivery went well. I was worried about forgetting my lines and blanking out (tu la pasal last minit punya praktis). I even brought a teeny tiny piece of paper containing the outline of my speech - which I held on to with dear life but none of the evaluators noticed. The cool part was that the stage I delivered the speech on was rather high and so when I was talking about jumping into the swimming pool, I stood right near the edge and looked down as though it was the real pool. One evaluator, Jason, suggested I should have actually jumped. I should have oh!

Many people congratulated and praised me on the speech after. Including these ladies, who work at this centre where I deliver Coffee News every week. Hah...my secret is out. I'd rather them think I was just a delivery person. Some people questioned me why I didn't mention what I do now or where I went, what were the benefits of leaving my job, etc. But felt I didn't need to elaborate on those. My take home message was not for them to leave their jobs per se but it was to take the plunge and do whatever thing that they have been putting off. It could be something as simple as saying hello to that girl/guy you see everyday or signing up to learn something you've always wanted to, going on that dream vacation or so on. Do that something before another year or your entire life passes you by.

I thought of saving this speech for the International Speech contest which will be held early next year. The International Speech contest is for those inspirational and motivational type speeches. But then again, I thought..who knows what's going to happen between now and then. Maybe, in the spirit of being environmentally friendly, I can just recycle this speech?

I had fun delivering the speech (albeit the nerves..tu la pasal last minit praktis...). I enjoyed writing it. Siva said that it's one of those speeches you would likely remember for some time. I hope so.

Go Pink!

2010-10-08T14:59:00.000+08:00

It's breast cancer awareness month this October. Remind the women in your lives that they can lower their risk of cancer by choosing a healthy lifestyle. This means:
* Don’t smoke
* Be active every day
* Keep to a healthy weight
* Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and cereals
* Eat food low in fat, sugar and salt
* Keep your alcohol intake low
* Be sun aware, wear sunscreen

Also:
* Do regular breast self examinations, be aware of your/their own body
* Go for mammograms for those who are 40 and above and yearly pap smear examinations too

And the simplest thing you can do this month, GO PINK!! Yes, that goes for you too guys! Pink shirts, pink ribbons, pink bags, pink neckties, pink shoes, pink out!

Take The Plunge

2010-10-06T18:12:00.000+08:00

I was standing at the edge of the swimming pool, wondering if I should jump in. It has been a while since I last swam. I wondered if I still remembered how. Is the water cold? Is it clean? How deep is the pool? All these questions swam through my mind. And then.. my overactive imagination leapt into hyperdrive and I started thinking of sharks and crocodiles and sea monsters. And, I stepped back.

For many of you who have known me for some time now, you would probably know that in my previous life, I worked as a lecturer and that my educational background was that of a mechanical engineer. You probably also know by now that I have since left that behind and that I am doing something totally different now.

When I first expressed my intention to leave, as you can imagine, I encountered some pretty strong and different reactions from the people around me. In general, it was shock and disbelief. One colleague said that I should see a counsellor or therapist. My father suggested that I sign myself up for some motivational courses - to get the mojo back. A friend said, 'But what else can you do??'. Now, I was offended. Probably the most useful advice or comment came from a senior colleague who said, 'Just pray for guidance and God will show you the way'. So there I was - from top academician one day to a nutcase slacker the next.

But it's not like it was an impulsive Jerry Maguire, spur of the moment decision. It had been brewing on for some time now. You see, each year, a group of friends and myself would gather together and we would talk about our lives, our dreams, what we wanted to do, wondering What If? And before we would know it, another year would pass by and there we would be again, talking about the same thing again the following year. And I just didn't like the thought of being in that same spot again the next year.

I realized that all those people's reactions were actually based on fear. Fear of the unknown. And it's not that I wasn't scared. I was terrified! The only thing is.. I live in this world where I believe that there are opportunities and possibilities everywhere for every one, including me. I had this insatiable belief that things would turn out alright, one way or another. So there, (to keep things short).. I took the plunge.

I can't say it's been all a bed of roses since then. Every rose bush has it's thorns, right? And I have come across some sharks and crocodiles and sea monsters along the way. But I can also say that it has been enlightening and humbling and amazing. And I hope that this leads me to finding my destiny and life's true purpose some day.

And so, if I do wake up some day and realize that my life's destiny to become a lecturer, of engineering, then I will go back to that. No shame, no qualms about starting over again because at least then, I would have known that I gave it a shot. I wouldn't still just be wondering, What If?

So I'm back at the edge of that swimming pool. And I realize that it's just that first step that is so scary and so hard to take. I take a deep breath.... and I jump. You know what... the water feels sooooo goooood! What about you? What are you waiting for?

I'm Funny

2010-09-29T14:41:00.000+08:00

Apparently so.....Look what I brought back the other day.

Have always thought I didn't have what it takes for this contest. For one, I can't tell a joke to save my life.. I'd usually be the one laughing before I could even finish the joke! Plus, there is always that fear of just being syiok sendiri thinking you are saying something funny and nobody actually laughs.

But this contest is not about telling a series of jokes or one liners. Your speech has to actually be funny but still have some intrinsic value or meaning behind it. Moments before the contest I was wondering what I got myself into and I was getting panicky worrying that I'd forget my lines midway. Breathed a sigh of relief though when I got quite huge laughter at the opening of my speech. And it was adrenaline(neee) fueling me after that. And thankfully, I think I got all my lines in.

Guess what my speech was about?? It was about getting older!! The best type of humour is self deprecating humour - make fun of yourself!

Now here's the thing... I agreed to participate just to 'fill in' and support the club out. Now they are somewhat expecting me to represent the club and area to the next level which will be held in Tawau early October. No pressure they say..but yep, what did I get myself into...

10 years

2010-09-20T00:02:00.001+08:00

Look at these young girls :)

This picture was taken 10 years ago in Glasgow, Scotland. The year 2000, the new millennium. We were pursuing our masters degree in the UK. Sar and Siti were in Glasgow and I was in Manchester. I had taken the train up to meet with them during one fine weekend. Siti was 9 months pregnant at the time. One week after my visit, she gave birth to Nurul. Still remember, I was out and Sar left me a message on my room phone. (Hebat oh, my room in halls of residence ada phone and people can even leave message)

Seems like such a long time ago. They were good times indeed. We actually started out sharing one office desk when we were still in the old campus in Jalan Tuaran. It doesn't get any tighter than that. We went through quite a lot together as colleagues, sat through many a long meetings together, gossiped about many a stories to gossip about, shared happy times and woes together.

Both remain as my very dearest friends, though we have gone our separate ways. We keep in touch and meet up when we can. The only difference is...now Siti has Nurul, Danish and Danial. Sar has Nuha. And I have Yasmin. Our group has grown. Had a long, long lunch with them around two months ago. Twas good and should be done more often, I say! I miss you both, my dear friends.

Incidentally, I know that many friends are celebrating their 10th year with UMS this year. To you, I say Congratulations, friend! Well done, you are a beacon of inspiration, to me and I'm sure to all those students you touch every year. I wish you many more years to come .

Dear Boys

2010-09-19T09:11:00.000+08:00

A rather funny incident happened during our raya gathering recently. Well, at least I thought it was funny. You know what, I was the only one laughing actually! Here's what happened. Dear cousin was talking about how she had gotten her period a few days prior to raya. And she was so happy about it. The funny thing was, the entire room then went quiet. And as I looked around at all the stunned, blank faces of the boys in the room, I couldn't help but laugh!

In the room at the time, were only two girls..myself and dear cousin. And the rest were boys. You see, there are more boys on this side of the family. And they are of the rowdy, loud and very opinionated sort. To see them all so stunned and with such blank expressions was really funny! To me lah.

They probably didn't get why I laughed. Hubby said he thought I laughed to cover off embarrassment about the said topic. Far from it....So here's a little note from me to the boys.

Dear Boys,
Please know that a girl's period is nothing to be icky and feel stunned about. It is part and parcel of our lives and if you want to be a part of a girl's life (as I know you have girlfriends and sisters and wives), you need to understand this. In fact, the girl's period is what keeps them sane - it releases and balances a bunch of hormones, without which you're gonna have one cranky and highly emo girl on your hands. And for those of you who do intend to procreate (because one boy has declared that he has no intentions to...that's what he thinks now) then yes, the period is a very pivotal part of that process. You may not want to hear about it, much less talk about it...but well, perhaps you won't be so stunned next time.
Sincerely,
A girl

Salam Aidilfitri

2010-09-12T17:30:00.000+08:00

from Linachu in the kitchen...heeheee...

I wish I can say that I was the one cooking. I'm just helping my mom to serve her raya dishes - meat rendang, chicken curry, meat in satay sauce, acar buah and fried chicken for the kiddies. Wish I was there to help her. I only ended up helping with the eating part :) First day raya, sudah overdosed on kuih makmur, cakes and kolopis. Now as usual, I start craving for green veggies.

Hope you had a wonderful raya!

Salam

2010-09-05T18:13:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have been quiet for some time now. There have been issues.. namely my laptop finally decided that I've put it through enough and mogok on me. At first, it would shut down on its own....suddenly - arrghh very infuriating especially when in the midst on doing work. I successfully revived it a couple of times. Then finally it wouldn't even switch on anymore. Switch on, 5 saat lepas tu mati. Aiyaiyaii ... luckily Josie Rosie had helped me to backup my files a few days prior. Even copied my treasured tv show downloads - thanks darling!! So I had to rely on using the public pc at home - have to berebut dengan Yasmin - and most of the time, she wins! Now, thankfully, hubby brought home and lent me a laptop from his office. Senang sikit. I need to send my laptop to Acer to be checked. Early diagnosis points to most probably the motherboard, which I've heard can cost quite the bomb to replace.

Coincidentally, during my laptop woes, hubby's powerbook charger also mogok on him and he had to get a new one all the way from KL. Also our pc too had also been having start up problems for some time. Yow!! We rely so much on these things for work and communication nowadays, it's quite a challenge to be without it for even a few days. I hope my laptop gets fixed soon and hoping to flash my nicest smile so they give me a discount!

So what did I do all those times without my laptop.... I had to resort to.... reading!! A book or magazine...imagine that! Heeeeee.... Anyways, Ramadhan is coming to an end in these few days. I hope you've had a blessed one. Salams from me.

Lost No More

2010-09-03T14:57:00.000+08:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've been catching up on the show Lost and its final season. To be frank, I've been lost for some time with regard to the storyline. I completely missed out on at least two seasons, then saw a few episodes from the fifth season on AXN which reignited my interest to watch it again. The final season is an intersperse of the story of the remaining survivors on the island and also an alternate storyline of what their lives would have been like should their plane never have crashed on the island. As usual, a masterful weaving of suspense, shockers and definitely confusing at times!

One of the most pivotal characters on the show has to definitely be John Locke. As you may or may not know, before fate brought them to the island, John was paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. On the island, John finds that he could walk again which gives him a new found freedom and confidence. In the alternate storyline, we see John's life back home - even in his wheelchair he has a fair amount of freedom and independence. He is able to drive himself to and fro work and to wherever he needs to be with the use of a vehicle especially designed for him equipped with motorized doors and a ramp.

I do not personally know anyone who is in the same situation. I can not imagine what it must be like for them to live day in and day out in a wheelchair. But I have heard and read many stories of people who are in wheelchairs but still thrive in their daily lives. I imagine it must be a challenge for their caregivers as well. So any amount of assistance or innovations to help make their lives just a little bit better would make a world of a difference to them.

Have you heard of NMEDA ? It stands for the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association and is based in the USA. They are a non-profit trade association that educates consumers on buying products from a NMEDA qualified dealer and are the only association that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people. As no two people with a disability are exactly the same, NMEDA dealers provide a personalized “in-person” evaluation to make sure that you are getting the right driving solution customized to your specific lifestyle and needs.

NMEDA has Dealers and also Quality Assurance Program (QAP) dealers. Their Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality. QAP dealers withhold extremely high standards to ensure that they are providing the best service to their customers. To find a dealer close to you, visit their homepage and type in your ZIP code and see if there is a qualified dealer near you.

There is no doubt that this kind of service provided by NMEDA would help the elderly or disabled get back onto the road of independence. To help them be lost no more.

As for Lost and John Locke and the gang, I am excited and intrigued to see how it all ends. I hope it's a good one.

Sepet

2010-08-04T00:45:00.000+08:00

Watch til the end..

He doesn't know me well enough to like me, but he's in love with me...
Sweet.

Of Reiki, Yoga and Intentions

2010-08-04T00:05:00.002+08:00

I had a chance to learn a little bit of Reiki last Saturday. It wasn't my first time sampling it, I had previously brought my mom for a reiki session and had a sample of it myself. If you are not familiar with reiki, it is a type of healing energy treatment/practice used for relaxation, stress reduction and unblocking the energy path in the body. It originated in Japan, was then brought to the US by a lady named Mrs Takata who then adapted the practice to be more suited for the Western culture. How reiki works is through the transfer of healing energy (known as ki/chi/qi) through the palms. The session on Saturday was taught by my dear friend Maria. She is a reiki master, which means she is qualified to teach reiki. Maria taught us how to perform reiki on someone else and also for ourselves. Essentially, here are the steps:

1. Wash your hands to clean off negative energy (which we can pick up everywhere). For Muslims, you can also do your ablution (wudhu')
2. Ask the person whom you want to perform reiki on if they are ready and allow you to do so
3. Set your intention : Say something along the lines of 'I intend the reiki energy to flow' or you can also say 'Reiki on!', just like you're putting on a switch. I shall share more about this step later
4. Place your palms on the part of the body you want - which are for different bodily functions. If the person allows and is comfortable with it, your palms can touch the person's body part. If not, you can just hover your palms over the body part and 'beam' the energy to them
5. Hold the position of your palms for the length of time you want - 3 minutes is good enough for each position. Change to another position and hold the position again. Repeat until you've finished for the entire body or as required
6. Once done, disconnect yourself by doing a criss cross action of the palms (as though cutting through the energy field). Express gratitude for the healing energy transferred.

Doing it for yourself is basically the same steps as above, only you are doing it on yourself.

What does it feel like? Or how do you know it's working? Well, for me, what I've experienced is this warm sensation all over the body. It's relaxing and it sort of puts you into this dreamy, relaxed state. Maria said that the sessions she has conducted before brought comfort and relief to those people who were ill and in pain. Even when I was waiting for my mom to finish her session that time I brought her, when she came out, I immediately felt this sense of warmth. It makes sense, the energy is being dissipated in the form of heat. And if you think about it, placing the palms at the certain positions for a certain period of time is of course going to generate heat on the palms.

What I liked about Maria's session was this. She gave some emphasis on starting out by setting your intention and she said it can be as simple as saying, 'Bismillahirahmanirahim, Ya Allah..I intend the healing energy to flow' and expressing gratitude at the end by saying 'Thank you Ya Allah for the healing energy'. Accordingly, you can set your intentions any way you wish or feel suitable, based on your own faith and beliefs.

I find this to be so important, especially in the wake of some people deeming practices such as reiki, yoga and even NLP (neuro linguistic programming) as haram for muslims. Reiki is a spiritual practice but it does not have any religious background or component associated with it. Yoga on the other hand has roots in Hindu-ism and also Buddhism. It is also associated with meditative practices and chanting of mantras. So therein lies the reasoning behind banning it for muslims. With NLP, NLP is a way of being aware of your thoughts, the language you use which then influences your actions, behaviours and habits. I don't see how this can be deemed detrimental for muslims. As someone who has experienced and practised all three, I do not agree that they should be banned.

I would again bring it back to the person's intentions. I guess yoga is the most controversial of the three. But there are many types of yoga. And the yoga practised by most of the non-Hindu world is called Hatha Yoga and emphasises more on the postures and breathing as a form of exercise and stretching for the body. It does not involve any chanting of sanskrit verses or worshipping of the sun or moon or trees as implied in this blog. Sure, there is a set of postures called the Sun Salutation which is an excellent overall body stretch, but it is not saying that performing it automatically means you are worshipping the sun. I believe that most people who practise yoga do so with the intention that it is beneficial to their mind and body. What I've found with yoga and reiki is that both are excellent for quieting the mind, to just be aware of yourself, your breathing. This in itself is a form of meditation. And just as Maria told us to say Bismillah before performing reiki, the meditation part of yoga can be used to say zikir, tasbih, istighfar or to recite doa. And doesn't everything, including the energy that is as in reiki come from God Almighty anyway?

Well, the only person who knows their intention is the person him/herself. And as long as it is a good intention, it does not harm yourself or anyone else, who is to say that it is wrong. I for one, would continue to do my yoga, I would love to learn more about reiki, I am a believer and practitioner of NLP. My intention is nothing less than doing it for better health, better awareness of myself and being a better me. End.

For some reiki basic, read this - How to Heal Yourself Through Reiki.

Additionally, read this too - Is Yoga A Threat to Islam from Ninie Ahmad's blog

Some pictures of our reiki learning session (from friend Karen's FB)

Transferring the energy. Guess which are my chubby hands?

No, it's not a loud noise. This is one of the positions for reiki, cupping the ears with your palms.

Insensitive

2010-08-01T14:51:00.001+08:00

People can be.

One of my favourite songs nonetheless..

I Write Like...

2010-07-29T02:01:00.000+08:00

Found out about this website that analyzes your writing style and then gives you a result of which famous author you write like. And here's the result I got:

I write like
J. D. Salinger

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Voilla! Truth is, I did this a few times using samplings of different posts from this very blog with varying results. Apparently, I also write like Cory Doctorow (got him a few times!), Ray Bradbury, Margaret Atwood and James Joyce. I never heard of Cory Doctorow and Ray Bradbury before - though a search on Amazon proved that they are two authors probably worth looking into. I know that Margaret Atwood and James Joyce wrote classics but I never read either of them. So after trying the analyzer a few times and using my contemplative post Of Roses, Trampolines and Molecules, I came up with J.D. Salinger. I liked The Catcher in the Rye, so I'm sticking to this one!

I guess I was wishing for results saying I wrote more like JK Rowling or Sophie Kinsella or Elizabeth Gilbert. Well, you can't win em all, eh? I guess the most accurate would be - I write like I do.

Try it out -who do you write like?

Crunchtime!

2010-07-27T04:50:00.001+08:00

It's bayar puasa crunchtime! Amazing how like everything else, you always think that there WILL be time. You start out with good intentions but end up doing things at the last minute anyway. That's me, most of the time. Pejam celik, pejam celik and wow, Ramadhan is upon us again in about two weeks time. I just sent in my kain for baju raya (cum baju pergi orang kahwin) last week - the tailor said she wasn't accepting any more orders but made an exception for my lovely (and ever so persuasive) mom. And whilst she took my measurements - which I am sure have gone up for the fact that I have been such a glutton in the past months/past year perhaps - we chatted about how time flies and how Ramadhan and Raya are so early this year. And after puasa, there'll be the raya month and then it's the wedding months! Oh didn't I tell you... the brother-in-laws are all (well, there's only two of em) getting hitched. So October, November and December are all gonna be about weddings in the household. More girls in the family - hurrah!

Just read this article on Syaaban, this lovely month preceding Ramadhan. Yesterday/today is Nisfu Syaaban.

Pretty In Pink

2010-07-26T20:45:00.004+08:00

I've done it before and here it is again... I don't know what it is, I guess I just like the girly pinky theme for the blog. And I know...I know...I'm guilty for not writing for the past one month! So many a times, I had logged on and there were plentiful of ideas to write about...but blah... I noticed that many blogger friends had also stopped blogging. Two words on what is enticing them more, I'm thinking it's start with an F. Many have gone private with their blogs too - did not receive invitation to read, so tsk tsk, less bloghopping now, got to clean out my blogroll. If you do reopen your blog or want me to share my thoughts, do re-invite me and let me know! Blogger has quite a lot of updates as well...So this is more like a trial post..I have lots to tell you. I have missed you so, my bosom pals!

PS... A chance viewing of Lipstick Jungle spawned back this huge infatuation I had with Andrew McCarthy in my teens. Yow..he's still gorgeous...And now I feel like watching everything from Mannequin to Pretty in Pink to St Elmo's Fire! Love those 80s/early 90s movies.

Academically Speaking

2010-06-27T14:02:00.000+08:00

This evening, I made a discovery. Of the academic sort.

I was on Facebook and out of sheer not-knowing-what-else-to-check, I keyed in the name of my former uni coursemate. I have been searching and trying to connect with her for quite some time now. But still, the search results returned nothing. I then keyed in the name of one of our lecturer/supervisor. I do this from time to time - just to find out if there are any new news worthy news. (Hmm?) (On that note, I wonder if any of my former students do this..) Well, the search returned a few links which my ever so nimble fingers quickly worked on.

And click upon click, I find out that this lecturer whom I'll call Dr S, had written a paper based on his research of the collapse of the twin towers on 9/11. It was to be published in a Journal of Engineering Mechanics. Impressive, I think and true to his line of interest from the time I was at uni. He was a rather cool fellow, young, interesting, err not bad looking (yes) and he had great ideas. He was then interested in fractals and collapsible and smart structures. Great, I think. I'm happy for him that he is doing well.

But as I continue looking into the other links, I realize that he is/was actually in hot soup for that paper he wrote. The paper was dated 2007. I downloaded it (I'm not entirely sure why. But I guess, there was some interest and intention to hopefully read it some time). In fact, I had actually discussed the topic of the collapse of the twin towers in my Strength of Material classes last time, when we studied buckling.

So anyway, I was so surprised by what I found. Dr S' paper was being highly criticized and commented on. There were forums discussing the paper, there were blog posts by other scientist, engineers and academicians all denouncing the findings of his paper. There was even some sort of petition requesting the university where he is currently employed (he's no longer at the uni where I studied) to look into and correct his work. Some of the words being used were not particularly nice. There were accusations that he had written the paper out of political reasons and to seek fame. The were alleging that the assumptions that he had made in his research deemed it to be not just inaccurate but incorrect altogether. Ouch...that's serious.

I don't know how that concluded but I wonder what impact that has had on his career as an academician. He was a great lecturer really. Just goes to show that life in academia is not all bed of roses. There is politics involved and I guess if you are going to write any research paper, you pretty damned well have to be ready to back it up. There were some complaints of how the paper could have made it into acceptance for publication. Weren't there referees reading and checking the paper beforehand. Well, from my experience last time, sometimes the papers aren't even really read properly by those people are supposed to read it.

So now, my Dr S, whose image in my head before was pretty much that of a brilliant saint, these findings have now altered the image somewhat. If I hadn't gotten itchy fingers and went a browsing, I never would have known all of this. And they say what you don't know doesn't hurt you. Ignorance is bliss. The lesser of the two evils. Ah well. He's still my Dr S. This could either be a small bump in his career else he's probably going to do something uber brilliant after this and be the stuff of legend. I wish him well.

Daddy Day

2010-06-21T21:28:00.000+08:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

How was your weekend? Did you have a good one? And how was your Father's Day? At the stroke of midnight on Sunday (and even earlier actually), people had already started putting out their Father's Day wishes on Facebook. I thought about it, but didn't. I just gave the other half a little peck on the cheek and wished him so and reminded Yasmin to wish him the same as well. I called up my pa and wished him but his response was the usual Oh, yeah..Happy Day. Heee...that's pretty much his response when I wish him Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc. He's not much into these celebratory things.

Our day on Sunday was spent quietly. We wanted to eat at our favourite place but found out it was closed for a private function. So went for lunch at another spot and back home it was for a nice afternoon siesta. Hehe..

Did you have any gifts for the dad in your life? Not another necktie or pen, hopefully. Well, those are not bad really. It's the thought that counts, right? These days gifts have gotten quite a makeover - how about giving dad digital access to the shows and channels he loves? Astro Beyond perhaps? Especially now that it's the World Cup season. He's sure to want to hog all the sports channels and get up to date information on his favourite teams. For those of you in the US, Charter has special deals for this Father's Day. You can get a gift card to The Home Depot or other retailers worth up to $300 when you bring home one of Charter's best bundles! Plus, 100 winners will be chosen to win an 8GB iPod Touch - Charter's way to show off their new mobile application for the iPod, iPhone and Blackberry. With this new application, the world is literally at your fingertips. That would be a great Father's Day gift indeed, don't you think? Enter now to win an iPod Touch! If only it were available here. I'd sure love one of those babies too.

A video of the Charter application is available here. Alternatively you can also get updates, fun extras, and facebook only deals on Charter’s Facebook page.

Happy Father's Day to all you daddies out there. Hope you had a wonderful day. Know that you are our unsung heroes and that you are surely much loved and looked up to. We might forget to tell you or not show it to you at times, but you are.

Bon Apetit!

2010-06-15T11:54:00.000+08:00

Taking a break from my A to Z guide to talk more about two of my favourite things - FOOD! And the movie Julie & Julia. Have you seen it?

I have to say, Julia and Julie were right when they said that BUTTER is the most delectable and exquisite thing in the world! Heeee... Over the weekend, I managed to cook up a lunch of Butter Prawns. Not something cooked by the two J's of course, but nevertheless with their favourite ingredient as the key. I learnt how to cook the dish by watching a youtube video, believe it or not! Hahaaaa...and it turned out good. I managed to make the golden crispy flossy bit and it tasted yummy!! Look see below:

The only thing, since I am not quite accustomed to cooking prawns - I'm usually just on the eating side..heehee - I didn't know how much of the prawn's head to cut and clean off before cooking. I started out cutting up some bits, up to the eyes but then wasn't sure if it was enough then ended up taking off the whole head. Took out the black veiny bit at the back. Left the shell on though. I'm wondering how much of a difference taste-wise does it make, by leaving the head on or taking the shell off? Anyone can share? I am of the opinion that eating should be as easy and as pleasurable as possible and sometimes having the head and shell on can be a turn off - to those that malas mau buka, sometimes me.

Also had yummy roti kawin on the same day. More butter...nyum nyum! Hehe..Yummy yummy but I'll need to be looking at a new exercise regime at this rate. Since I can not foresee myself giving up the butter! Heeeee

So Julie & Julia - the story is based on two true stories. That of Julia Child, her journey to becoming a cook and an author. And that of Julie Powell, who was inspired to challenge herself to cooking all of Julia's recipes in the span of one year and blogging about it.

I love this movie because:

1. Both Julia and Julie were writers

2. I love cooking and eating!

3. Julie's blog got turned into a book and then this movie - a blogger/writer's dream come true!

Superb performances by Amy Adams and Meryl Streep as Julie and Julia respectively. The movie is delightful. If not, it will inspire you to either - cook or blog :)

If you check, Julie Powell still blogs today and her original blog aptly named The Julie/Julia Project is also still online.

Paul Child (Julia's husband): What is it you REALLY like to do?

Julia Child: Eat!

Me too Julia! Heeeee!

Incidently, we were at Times Bookstore last week when I saw Julia's book Mastering the Art of French Cooking there. This is the book that was the gist of the movie. Hubby sweetly offered to buy it for me.. until he turned the cover and saw that it cost a whopping RM300+! Hahaaa.... I think that must have been the hardcover version - with two volumes. There was another version at RM70+. Ahemmm... hi hubby! Butter prawn??

An A to Z Guide to Kota Kinabalu: Part 2

2010-06-14T08:12:00.000+08:00

If you have read my previous post, An A to Z Guide to Kota Kinabalu: Part 1 - thanks!! - and here you go, here is Part 2. The list continues...

F is for FOOD! As with any other Malaysian city, KK is a haven for food - of all types, from the street hawkers under the pedestrian bridge in Segama, to the now famous kopitiams, to international cuisine, to fine dining at a revolving restaurant. Macam-macam ada. It used to be that whenever we went to KL, it would be an absolute must to go searching for cakes at Secret Recipe, honey barbecue chicken at the Chicken Rice Shop, sushi and bentos at Jusco - now, it's all here in KK! When it comes to local delicacies, there are a few must tries. For sweets, there are kuihs like penjaram and kuih cincin. For savoury dishes, there is ikan ampap (fish cooked with chilli, turmeric and asam keping), oxtail assam pedas and ayam masak lihing. And then there are the condiments and side dishes like bambangan, tuhau, hinava and durian merah - all of which I have tried and love!! There is one thing I haven't and probably would never try - the butod! It's those fat and wriggly sago grubs which can be eaten cooked or alive - GULP!

For food around KK, these are some my favourites:

Favourite Italian - Little Italy (not just for the food, but the hospitality and great service!)
Favourite Kopitiam & Best Roti Kawin - Fook Yuen at Kompleks Asia City and this place is halal certified!
Favourite Chicken Rice - Rohayu Cafe (near the mosque roundabout)
Favourite Indian Food - Choice Restaurant (near Taman Millenium near KKIA, they also have branches at Suria Food Court and 1Borneo) Yummy mutton biryani!
Favourite Japanese Food - Japanese Dream Food at Palm Square, Centre Point
Favourite for Kuih Muih and Snacks - Bits & Bites in Wisma Merdeka and Kak Nong in Bundusan
Favourite for Lauk Pauk yang sedap for Nasi Campur - Malindo Restaurant in Api-api Centre

As you can probably tell, I love my food! Heeeee

Gaya Street, one of the main streets in downtown KK, housing many of the old traditional Chinese shops, most of the major banks, a lot of eateries and also KK's infamous Sunday street market. I love the Sunday street market - I haven't been in a while though. They have everything from food to fresh fruits and veggies, to fabrics and plastic ware, to plants and even pets. Back in those days when my mom was flower crazy, she used to drag me out there even before the crack of dawn. Yes, in that darkness, she and my aunts still seemed to be able to see the flowers and choose those that they wanted. They were literally taking the phrase the early bird catches the worm, to heart. In this case, it was flowers. I think they were just being a bit kiasu. And the daughter became the victim. Heh. After that though, we would retreat to one of the nearby restaurants for breakfast. Gaya Street Fair on Sunday, a must see for visitors and a great morning out if you haven't been in a while.

Harvest Festival. May is the favourite month for most Sabahans. It is the month where we celebrate our cultures and share in the celebration of the Kadazandusun's Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival). It is the month with the most holidays for us!! Weeheeee!! A fantastic array of cultural events are usually on show in May, culminating with the Harvest Festival holidays and crowning of the Unduk Ngadau at the end of the month. Pic: Hubs & Yasmin attempting to play a giant sompoton

Islands - Beautiful islands, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are a mere 20 minutes boat ride away from KK. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a day break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Gaya. Further away for the more adventurous, there is Dinawan, Pulau Tiga, Mantanani, Mabul and Sipadan. Best kan? Great for water babies and for finding nemo :)

Jesselton - KK's second former name, after Api-api. It was renamed Jesselton, after Sir Charles Jessel, the Vice Chairman of the British North Borneo Company. One of the focal points in KK now is Jesselton Point. It is the ferry/boat terminal to go to the nearby islands and also for ferry rides to Labuan. Jesselton Point houses several eateries including a Nasi Padang restaurant (not bad but a little too salty for my taste) and an arabic fast food restaurant , Aladin, that my friend Maria says has delicious food. Must try soon. It also houses a futsal centre and has bcome the location for a monthly bazaar/flea market.

Kinabalu - From Wikipedia: Kinabalu derived from the name Aki Nabalu meaning the "revered place of the dead", in which, Aki means "ancestors" or "grandfather", and Nabalu being a name for the mountain in the Dusun language. There is also a source claiming that the term originated from Ki Nabalu, where Ki meaning "have" or "exist", and Nabalu meaning "spirit of the dead". Which is why there are stories about guardians of Mount Kinabalu and that climbers need to be respectful when ascending the mountain.

Yes, Mount Kinabalu - our pride and joy. Something you might not have known or guessed about me - I have climbed that mountain 3 times!! Yeah, it surprises me as well!! Hahaa....well, that was in the days when I was still semi-fit. It was always a love-hate climbathon - I'd love the views but when it got tiring I'd think why oh why was I doing it again but then when I got down, I'd think let's go again. Hahaaa...I think 3 times is enough though. I find that many visitors still get it wrong and call the mountain as Mount KK :O Kinabalu National Park/Kundasang is a great weekend getaway. Personally, me loves Kinabalu Pine Resort. It's cosy and you have a gorgeous view of the mountain right smack in front of you. Oh, the picture above was taken from Desa Cattle & Milk Farm in Kundasang. Mooooo!

L is for Luyang, Likas and Lintas - 3 of the major areas in KK. I live in Luyang, so does my family and my hubby's family. My aunt also lives in Luyang. My dad's former workplace was also in Luyang. So I guess you can say that I am orang Luyang. Luyang and Lintas are hubs for offices, residences and quite a few great hang outs like Upperstar (both in Damai and Lintas) and City Mall. Likas is more residential, there are quite a few schools there and there is also the Likas Sports Complex for...err..sporting activities.

Part 3 soon!! Depends on how long and how often my kid hogs the laptop heehee... Much love xoxo

An A to Z Guide to Kota Kinabalu: Part 1

2010-06-09T08:07:00.000+08:00

I suddenly felt inspired to create this list - an A to Z guide to my city Kota Kinabalu. This is partly inspired by a similar list I saw in Emila Yusof's blog and also an article I read in a magazine. It is something I have thought about writing for some time now. Today, I got the nudge. This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide about the city, nor will I say that it is the most precise and accurate in all it's information. It is KK as I see it. It can be a rough guide for those visitors and a nice tribute (I hope) for those KK city folks. It is a guide encompassing the city itself and its surroundings, some history, some places of interest, some about culture and the inhabitants and our quirky ways.

My original intention was to write the entire list as one post. Partly because I knew if I didn't, I probably wouldn't finish this thing! I even started out by listing the entire alphabet first. But as I began enjoying myself in writing this out, I realised there was a lot to say and if I did the full list in one go, this is going to be one heck of a long post. So to be kind to your eyes my darling readers, I have decided to divide this up into a few parts. I solemnly promise though (three fingers raised) that I shall finish this, what I have started.

So here it is folks, here is my A to Z guide (Part 1), my little tribute to Kota Kinabalu, the beautiful place that I call home. Enjoy! And comments, please! Cheers.

Let's start from the beginning, A is for....

Api - api : The original name of the city, apparently named as such by the mainly Bajau locals to denote the blazing of the first British administrative office in Pulau Gaya instigated by Mat Salleh in the late 1890s. Api means fire. The name is still used quite commonly. One of the main commercial/residential buildings in the city is called Api-api Centre, various clubs are named Api-api *something something* club.

Bah/Buli Bah Kalau Kau! are two terms that you will commonly hear said by the locals. Bah is an exclamation of emphasis, it can also simply mean yes, it can also be used at the start of a sentence to mean something like 'so'. Examples:

For emphasis - Ya bah! (Ya really!)

To mean yes - Let's go to eat. Reply: Bah! (Yes)

At the start of a sentence - Bah, how are you? (So, how are you?)

Now that I think of it, Bah can actually be used in a lot of other contexts. Only true Sabahans (or those who have lived here long enough) would know and get it right. Many a times you can spot a non-native by their incorrect attempt of the use of their Bah! Heeee... For example, bah does not need to be used in every sentence. Gotta commend the attempt though :) By the way, for your information, bah is also officially listed as an English exclamation word in dictionary.com

Buli Bah Kalau Kau translates as For you, sure! It's a term coined by the team at borneoutara.com that has achieved somewhat of a cult status here. They have t-shirts and all! What they actually do, I have no idea really! Check out their site. But you will frequently find locals replying with this line or just the abbreviation BBKK in their daily conversations. Cute eh. And very very Sabahan.

Centre Point is one of the biggest and older shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu. I remember when they first opened sometime circa 1990, we were in form 2 and we had this outing with school friends to go eat at Pizza Hut (it was the first one in KK at the time) and the place was packed! Kebaruan* bah. Now, despite the rise of many other newer shopping malls, Centre Point (CP) remains busy and packed, anchored by the departmental store Pacific NgiuKee and main eateries like KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and other smaller cafes and restaurants. There is also Palm Square on Level 4, with the more posher shops and branded outlets and a cinema as well. Places of note: Japanese Dream Food, Kobe Cream Puff, Daiso.. oops, all Japanese pulak and all at Palm Square.

*Kebaruan translates as being wide-eyed, jaw dropped and awe struck because it's the first time you did something or tried something. Heeee

Damai = Peace. I remember when the radio station MixFm were conducting one of their big money giveaway contests a few years back. Their agents were all over the country and at one time they were in KK. I knew they were from previous clues they had dropped. But to find their exact location that day the clue given was peace. Arrghhh! Was too late in figuring it out. I'm at Damai probably more than 3 times a week. (Ooops, I've told you how to find me). Hubby works there. A lot of nice eating places there. But it's busy and notoriously notorious for parking especially during working hours. Places to try out - Upperstar, Maple Cafe, FookYuen for their yummy roti kahwin (bread+cold butter+coconut cream jam). Damai is located in the area of Luyang about 5-10 minutes drive from KK city centre (depending on traffic and the notorious parking, of course)

Easy Going. KK is. There is a very relaxed and easy going pace associated with life here. Sure, there's hustle and bustle, here and there. But nothing as hectic as, say KL. There's no real hurry. (So much so that you can find that some things that need hurrying still get done at this laid back pace). Places are packed, but there's still space or there are other places to go. Beaches, islands, the highlands..are a close drive away. People are (mostly) nice and considerate. You can almost imagine people walking around dressed in Hawaiian shirts, hair blowing in the wind, playing the ukelele singing What a Wonderful World. Ya man! (Jamaican style). I love this about KK. I hope it doesn't change.

Look out for Part 2 soon.

Emotions

2010-06-04T17:11:00.001+08:00

Hi my friends. Hope you are all doing well. Thank you for dropping by and reading and sharing your comments. I am somehow comforted just by knowing you are there.

It's been a rollercoaster of emotions the past few weeks. I think I've experienced everything from immense joy to sadness to anger and frustration. High and low and everything in between. And amidst that other emotions crept in - tiredness, confusion, just-wanting-to-sleep-ness, all types of hormones suddenly going on overdrive. And having to make decisions at the same time?! Awww...sometimes I wished I didn't have to make any decisions at all. Wouldn't that be great? Everyday... all the decisions have already been taken care of. Like living in the matrix. Especially those decisions pertaining to business. I wished there was a great big book that said, 'In so and so situation, this is absolutely what you have to do..' or if someone made all the decisions for me. Kan senang? But then again..after a week or so, I think the renegade inside of me would start to rebel and say, 'Hey, I didn't want to wear black today...' or 'I want to eat nasi lemak la today not rojak again..' hehe... I guess there is a blessing in being able to make your own decisions.

Happy weekend folks.

Sad

2010-05-25T07:01:00.000+08:00

I started the day yesterday crying my eyes off watching the finale of Grey's Anatomy. Silly me. Little did I know, there was going to be real sad news to come.

My cousin gave birth yesterday. But sadly, her daughter passed away about two hours later of heart complications. We went to Masjid Bandaraya to watch them do mandi and solat jenazah. I thought I would be OK but once I saw the little lifeless baby being bathed, I broke down. She was like a still little doll. We followed to the burial site at Kampung Likas. Her grave was so small. I cried a lot after giving birth to Yasmin, I know it's partly due to the increased hormones postpartum. The littlest of things would set me off. So I can't possibly imagine how my cousin is feeling now. I just pray that God gives her the strength to get through this.

Dear baby, I'm sorry we didn't get to meet and get to know you. Just know that you are loved. Rest in peace, sweet angel. Alfatihah.

Nerd, Geek, Dork, Dweeb

2010-05-22T15:28:00.001+08:00

This is from Paival's blog. I liked it so much and liked which category I fell into that I wanted to post it here :)

Which one is you?

Nerd - those who are more academically inclined

Geek - those who are super passionate about their hobbies

Dork - are those people who know and care about the difference above!

Hahaaa!! I'm proud to say... I am a DORK! Hahahaaaa....

So what about a dweeb?

Dweeb - somebody who is considered as boring, silly or socially inept. Another definition says a dweeb is a dorky or nerdy person. So I think we can consider a dweeb as being a cross between a dork and a nerd. Hehehe....

Hmm...maybe I am a Dweeb too!! Heeeee..

Falling Slowly ...

2010-05-22T15:04:00.000+08:00

It's down to the two - American Idol finale is on next Wed. I like them both but I am leaning a lot more on to Lee. Always been a sucker for raspy, husky voices. Love this duet by the way. Loved the song since hearing Kris Allen singing it last year. And after AI is over... what more to watch kan Josie??

Most of the other shows are reaching their season finale too. House finale almost made me cry. Gossip Girl - Chuck?? The Amazing Race - you cowboys are just too nice, shudda whooped those brothers at the airport! See you soon Phil!

Teacher Azlina

2010-05-18T01:38:00.001+08:00

So guess what I've been up to this past 2 weeks? I've been masquerading as an English teacher! Haha... (am picturing Leo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can) Well, not really masquerading.. I was asked if I could be a part time substitute teacher for form 5 English classes at a local private school. Weighed my schedule, thought it would be fun, found myself saying OK. I had previously enquired around about teaching jobs there and was actually offered a teaching position but I could not commit to doing it full time. They noted then that I had 'good' English and said that I could/should be an English teacher. Heeee! I always fancied myself as an English teacher - inspired by Anne (with an e) Shirley and Mr Keating (Oh Captain my Captain), Cikgu Gerard and Cikgu Azman, I always thought teaching English would be a blast!

So yeah..very the bidan terjun one, I went in and took over one of the English classes. Masterfully pretending that I know all there is to know about grammar and verbs and nouns and formal letters and what not! Thankfully, their semester is about to end and exams starting this week - so it was just a brief two weeks stint. Thankfully as well, most of the kids were quite good. And the class was small, around 20 students only. Not much difference with the uni kids I was used to except these were a more rowdy and loud adolescent bunch - you know, the kind that laugh and snigger at the mere mention of words like sperm. *geleng kepala* Today, I asked them to role play and conduct mock interviews - none of them could keep a straight face and were very very mean interviewers! Were we like that at school? Maybe so.

I had great fun though - I think I managed to create some connection with those kids. The other English teacher there (who teaches the other form 5 class) is soooo garang by the way! Mesti garang ka jadi cikgu ni? I had to take over her class for while one day and shared another class with her, I swear those kids must either be scared or be totally p*ssed off at her. Today was my last day with the class and when I mentioned that I probably wouldn't see them again, one kid said, 'But what's going to happen to you?' Haahaaa...as though I was gonna be left in the gutter or deported back to some place where English teachers are tortured and put behind bars or something!

So now, teacher stint over..it's back to Coffee Newsing and mommying full time

Woopeee!

2010-05-16T11:36:00.000+08:00

After 1 1/2 years, I finally have RM51.45 in my nunffang account - enough to cash out!! Weeeheeeee!!! Hahaaa...I know some of you are making that amount in one month. I read that some people are aven making 4 figures per month from nuffnang! Is that evenly remotely possible?? Well, here's to hoping the next RM50 won't take that long..xoxo

Oh Chase

2010-05-08T04:32:00.002+08:00

I'm loving the current season of House!! Lots of nice Chase scenes :) Here's House, Chase & Foreman performing 'Midnight Train To Georgia'. Love it!

Tony Buzan's Tips

2010-05-07T18:15:00.004+08:00

These are some tips from Tony Buzan on learning and preparing for exams. Got them on his Twitter page and being a big fan of his mindmapping and learning concepts, I am sharing them here with you.

For all in exam season #1 study tip: make a mega Mind Map which covers an overview of all subjects. Then Mind Map each individual subject.
Exam season study tip #2: if the textbooks are yours mark them up! Highlight key words, colour code different themes, photocopy bits.
#3: Exams: do something relaxing and non-study related the night before your exam. Light exercise before study to keep brain + body oxygenated.
Tony's Tips #4: Don't manage time, manage yourself IN time.
Tony's Tips #5: Keep yourself fit! A fit heart is a steady heart - a steady heart gives you a steady brain.
Tony's Tips #6: For all those studying, enjoy yourself! Your brain is naturally an A student. Let it be!
Tony's Tips #7: Knowledge is not power. The intelligent use of knowledge is power.
Tony's Tips #8: Build your ability to make associations, try to connect 2 things that seem unconnected in any way. There is always a way!
Tony's Tips #9: Realise everything connects in some way to everything else - you have an infinity of infinities for associative thinking.
Follow him on Twitter: Tony_Buzan

PS.. This is what I love about Twitter and Facebook, that we get to follow these people and get their insights and live updates. I love seeing Jamie Oliver's wacky photos and posts, I love reading that Sophie Kinsella just had her baby, I love knowing that Jesse Spencer is climbing onto the roof of his house to cut off some tree branches. Heeee... feels like you know them... I wonder how they feel though..

Of Roses, Trampolines and Molecules

2010-05-03T02:20:00.001+08:00

Hi y'all. How has your weekend been? Mine has been up and down. A series of little events has left me feeling rather insignificant and made me question where I am in the scheme of things. I'm generally a happy person. It doesn't take much to keep me happy and satisfied. Most of the time, I pep talk myself to lift my spirits, I tell myself that everything is good and will be good. And I'm not one to rant and complain and spread unhappy vibes but I'm feeling rather alone and I guess, you are the only one I can talk to about this now.

On a scale of valuable & cherished to do-not-matter, I am feeling a bit on the low end at the moment. Unappreciated most of the time. Taken for granted. Like I could just be any odd someone you know but don't really care about much. I can be too soft for my own good. And this has happened before, the things that evoke this feeling. Am I just to let things be and hope for the best? Try to change things? Stand up for myself? Who else is gonna do it, right? I hate confrontation. Which means, I have been absorbing a lot of pent up feelings that I know isn't good for me. I worry that I might explode one day.

Is it enough to just say cest la vie? That's life? That this is just a bump in the road and that these kind of things happen. That if life was all rosy and bouncy, we wouldn't be living and learning at all? But I do like flowers. I don't mind bouncing. And I don't think it's too much to be expecting roses and trampolines. Don't you think?

So anyway, thank you for listening. I could always count on you. Don't worry bout me lah, I'll be okay. I would accept offerings of virtual hugs :) and transmit me some of your +ve energy whilst you're at it.

So whilst I've been mellowing on this, these two quotes came to mind:

She breaks my heart again and again, but I love her - from the movie Reality Bites

I feel like if someone were to touch me, I'd dissolve into molecules - from the movie Before Sunset

Interestingly and coincidentally, both lines were from the same actor Ethan Hawke

Why Oh Why

2010-04-20T22:37:00.000+08:00

It's our human nature that we love to ask 'Why?' It's such an easy word to say. What more, for most of us, it is just in our innate being that we want or need to know the sheer reasoning behind something, to solve that puzzle, to understand the logic, to satisfy and rest away the dozens of other queries that might arise. Tidak puas hati bah kalau tidak tau kenapa! Myself not excluded. I ask my hubby 'why??' all the time, probably at least once every day - which surely drives him nuts and a lot of the times I would just get the silent treatment for this itsy bitsy supposed simple question. Why, you ask? Hehe...

When we ask why, the answer we are looking for is some sort of reason. Duhh! Well, here's the thing.. reasons can be or are very personal. They go to the core of the person's being, they are based on the person's values and belief systems, which others might not necessarily get. And every person has and is entitled to their own personal beliefs. And these beliefs need not have to be explained to others. There is just a mutual understanding that you have your beliefs and I have mine. I do not ask you to accept my beliefs and neither should you of me. So when asking why, you are essentially asking the person to explain all this. Haha.. so complicated for such a short question, you may say.

Here's what I have experienced. In various occasions now, I have run into people (whom I know but are not particularly close with), who have not known about my career change. So the usual conversations run by - Hey, how are you? Where to? Alone? And after these pleasantries are done with, comes : Still at UMS, right? And once I answer this, I know.... I've let the cats run loose. (I'm a bad liar, by the way. I can't lie to save my live. If I'm ever caught and interrogated, I'll be the first one to go down!) So I think to myself, OK here we go. Wait for it...wait for it.. And sure enough, comes the next question : Why??? (or for dramatic effect, there's an added 'But') : But why???

Most frequently, these are people I bump into on the streets, as I'm off running errands. I'm not about to go into lengths and confide in them my reasons there and then with all the people passing by as I constantly look at my watch to check if I'm on schedule. And they look at me with unbelieving eyes as though I've committed the crime of the century, baitedly awaiting my reply. Perhaps some scandal of some sort, or worse maybe she was fired, they might think. Heh!! I think I have just about mastered the reply, 'Ada lah tu sebab-sebabnya tu' (I have my reasons!)

When it comes to reasons, there is no right or wrong answer. But because it stems from a person's personal beliefs, sometimes, most of the time, other people might not get it. This means, the discussion can go on and on forever really. You can agree to disagree but some might even go a step further and try to impose their reasons onto you. It goes without saying that many an arguments started from this.

When I was learning NLP, one of the things we learnt about was called meta-modelling. The purpose of meta-modelling is to gain more information in order to create rapport. In meta-modelling you ask all the questions - who, where, when, what, how - all those except for why. Because the purpose is to gain more information, it doesn't really matter (yet) what the reasons are.

So friends, I know it's so easy and tempting to ask why. If you can, refrain and ask something else instead. If you are in close terms with the person, then they will probably not mind giving you their answers. Otherwise, be prepared to either: 1. not get an answer or 2. get an answer that will totally blow your mind but you need to accept and respect it!

PS..Can not main buyuk and ask 'what's the reason?'...sama jua tuh!

Puan Somphon

2010-04-17T22:44:00.000+08:00

I found this little card whilst I was browsing through the old school mag. And it got to me.. somewhere in between my throat and my gut, a warm feeling started to radiate and my eyes begin to well up.

For my dearest friends, my peers, my seniors and juniors, who had the fortune to be taught by Cikgu Somphon, they would know what I mean. Puan Somphon taught me Accounts - yeah, I took Accounts for SPM. I got A1 some more. I think I only got a C something for Physics! And I went on to do engineering? Something that still baffles me til this day. Heee.... Would things have been different had I went on to do Accounting instead? Perhaps. Most probably. But who knows. OK, I've sidetracked.

Puan Somphon. Yes. She was as dedicated a teacher as they can come. She was a great teacher. I remember, I could always easily follow what she taught in class. But she always went above and beyond that. We had numerous additional classes (which I didn't mind at all! We got to skip some long winding assemblies because of this). On top of that, we had tests almost every week. - her way of making sure we were on top on each topic we learnt. She also introduced this award called Akauntan Muda, complete with a little badge which was awarded each time someone scored above a certain marks in the exams - 85% maybe (which ehemmm.. yours truly did manage to win a couple of times!)

But above all that, she was kind and considerate and patient and caring. I remember our last class with her was rather poignant, where she gave out that little card above, to all her students. She wrote a card for each and every one of us. She gave out some little gifts as well. Who would do that? I mean, which other teacher did that? None. Dia saja. I don't remember if we got her any gift. I really hope we did.

Where is she now? She's still there! Still dedicatedly teaching at the same school. We still see her occasionally. She still remembers my name!* The next time I bump into her, I'll have this card in mind. She's one of those teachers that you would remember forever - for the right reasons.

God bless you, Puan Somphon. xoxo

*At the school reunion earlier this year, NONE of the teachers remembered me! So un-memorable lah me huh? A tad dissapointed that Cikgu Bob n Pn Normah didn't remember. Even notorious Cikgu R didn't remember :O And I chose not to give him any reminders..Hehe Only Puan Somphon and Puan Aniza saja yang kenal, itu pun cos we do see them quite often. Well, what should I expect huh...these teachers have seen probably thousands of students the past years..mana la dia mau ingat a (not so) little quiet freckley geeky girl. Sigh.

Let's Squeak

2010-04-11T22:13:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the cartoons that I grew up watching was Alvin and the Chipmunks. I remember waking up on the weekends and watching it. I even had their figurines! Singing chipmunks, whoever came up with that idea, huh? Well, it's actually this bloke named Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., just so you know. And in the wacky world of cartoons, the idea worked! So you have Alvin, the leader of the pack and larger than life - which always manages to get the him into trouble. There's Simon, the brainy one. And then there's Theodore, the cute, bubbly, cuddly one. And of course, there's Dave. Dave who takes care of the boys. It was one of the cartoon shows of the 80s and 90s and who would have thought it would make it pass Y2K. I never did.

So, when I first heard that Alvin and the Chipmunks was going to be made into a movie, I was mildly delighted but I had my doubts - whether or not they would be able to translate those lovable characters onto the big screen. But one look at the opening credits of them singing Daniel Powter's Bad Day and I was hooked. Haha. It's one of those movies you can watch to relax and laze around and not have to think! The CGI transformation of the characters worked. And so Alvin and the Chipmunks was revived and will live on for a new generation of kids and families to enjoy.

They even have a sequel now, squeakily entitled Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. Heeee. The movie is now available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download. The Double DVD Pack includes The Squeak Along Bonus DVD which features more music, more mayhem and all new singalongs! Should be fun for the whole family - buy it now! And whilst you're at it, check out this site for More Munk Mayhem

Let's sing all together now...'Doot doot doodoodooodooot...'

Tuning in Penang

2010-04-04T01:09:00.002+08:00

So as you know, I was in Penang about two weeks ago. It was a short trip - just 2 days, 1 night. And it was planned in a bit of a hurry that my flight ticket price was much higher than I anticipated and I did not have much time to plan meeting up with some old students (as I had told them I would) and to shop around for the best place to stay in and places to jalan-jalan to. I just wanted to keep it simple. And so this is how it went. I flew there on MAS and came back on AirAsia - on accounts that AirAsia only had evening flights left outbound to Penang. The MAS flight was the very early 6am flight to KL then connecting flight to Penang about 4 hours later.

I decided to stay at Tune Hotel. For one, it's cheap. It can be booked online. It seemed to be at the centre of town. Oh, I've been to Penang some years back - but that was for a course and it was in Balik Pulau - so I wasn't familiar with the place at all. Luckily, one of my new friends had offered to pick me up at the airport.

I liked the hotel. I opted for the room with the queen sized bed (cheaper than single bed room) and added on 24 hrs of internet access. Tune Hotel like it's airline counterpart - the basic rate is only for the room and you have to add on other facilities you want. For example, air conditioning, internet access even toiletries are add ons! The room has an attached bathroom (toilet paper was provided!) and a ceiling fan. I read online reviews that the ceiling fan was cooling enough so I opted not to add on air conditioning. And true to those reviews, the ceiling fan was good enough. There was even a time I switched it off because I felt cold!

queen bed but solo for the night

artsy earthy wallpaper, adverts on the walls and there's the flip-open table with my lappy

power shower

There's no tv in the room (surprise surprise) and so, it was oh so quiet during the night time. Luckily my laptop and the internet kept me entertained. The room with its basic amenities and the narrow hotel corridors really reminded me of halls of residence in the UK! I would say, if you are travelling alone, if you are not fussy and if you are not spending too much time at the hotel, staying at Tune Hotel would be good enough.

internet access + oldtown's chicken chop rice = a happy linachu

The only thing is, they have a ridiculously early check out time - 10am. I opted to book the room for two nights, since my flight was in the evening, so at least I didn't need to check out in the morning and I could still shower and rest before going to the airport. The price for two nights was about RM120. Not bad ya?? I think you could get a cheaper rate the earlier you make a booking. I think I only used up about 6 hours of the internet access - it was RM12 for 24 hours access.

I like Penang. The sort of like in which I think I could possibly enjoy living there. It has a nice, relaxed pace to it just like KK. It has ocean views just like KK. I love the gorgeous combination of classic, old buildings and shophouses with the modern sleek office towers and apartments. Cantik! But I didn't take any pictures... :(

As for the food, everyone knows that Penang is a food haven of international proportions. Penang Kuey Teow, Nasik Kandar, Biskut Tambun, etc, etc. My friend actually smsed me that night telling me where to go for great food, siap dengan nama tuan punya gerai lagi! But but... in the end, I just end up eating at OldTown White Coffee! Haha..The outlet was right next to the hotel, along with a Starbucks. There's actually a food court next to the hotel called New World Food Court. Had a look around but couldn't identify which were the halal stalls and so Oldtown it was..

The trip was actually my very first trip away from Yasmin ever since she was born. I was a little worried of how she would be without me that night. Hubby said she was OK but she woke up sad the next morning, looking for me. It was a nice change being away and not having to worry about the messy room with toys all over the place, not worrying about getting Yasmin to take her bath and do her homework. Felt a bit selfish but at the same time, felt good to be having a break from all that.

On my flight back to KK, I sat next to this rather chatty aunty. Started out with a few questions, she was asking what I was doing in Penang, etc, etc. I gave her short answers. I was rather poofed and wanted to just plug in my ipod and have a quiet flight back home. Little did I know, the aunty wanted more. She started telling me about why she was travelling to KK, about her lawyer daughter (I guess all moms do this!), asking where did I stay in Penang, what food I ate, what souvenirs I bought. Awwwhh! When she asked what I was doing in Penang, I said attending a training. She asked what I did, I said I work in a business. How long have you been with your company, she asked. Three years, I said. And then, she said this...and I probably will remember this forever...she said, 'You just be patient and work hard, you will get your promotion some day.' I just smiled and said, 'Yes Aunty. Thank you, Aunty.' Plugged in my ipod, closed my eyes and smiled.

Arrived in KK circa 11pm, hubby picked me up with a sleepy Yasmin in tow. Was a good trip. Was even better to be home.

The Flea

2010-04-01T07:45:00.000+08:00

The flea market on Sat was fun, fun, fun! I enjoyed hanging out with the girls and playing shop for the day. And also looking around at all the other stuffs on offer. And there were a lot of good stuffs - clothes for RM5 per piece (pre-loved of course), shoes, jewellery - gorgeous necklaces & bangles, CUPCAKES!!, tudungs, books, did I mention cupcakes? Heheee... And the stall beside ours had a chocolate fountain and were selling fruit sticks and marshmellows dipped in chocolate!

Some people were just piling their clothes on a mat on the floor and still there were people rumaging through it! It also kind of helped that there was a wedding at the SESB hall that afternoon so many of the wedding attendees stopped by the flea market as well. Heee. Speaking of, one of the stalls also had wedding gowns for sale! They were RM120 per piece. Who woulda known you bought it at a flea market, right?

Yasmin finds it hilarious that it is called a FLEA market. Why mommy? She asks... There's no fleas there! Or are there??? Heeeeee!

Our selection of books, cds, handbag, nail polish, brooches, etc

The books were a best seller but apparently not many people are into cds... Someone did buy that Lord of the Rings cd though (Rina's)!

More handbags, tudungs, shoes

All the shoes are still available! That's an original and never used Crocs!

The happy flea-ers minus one Josie Rosie who was busy buying...oops, busy taking pictures of stuffs! hehehe

For an investment of RM12.50 (since we split the rent by four), I managed to sell 12 books, 9 tudungs and 2 handbags that day! Not bad huh.... We're hoping to take part again if they have another one next month. Siok bah! There's actually another flea market going on this Saturday at Jesselton Point but it's outdoors and surely hot there. Check it out. And watch this space - will let you know if we take part in another one next month :)

Life Changing

2010-03-31T22:49:00.001+08:00

I'm watching American Idol as I write this. Lee Dewyze just performed and Simon Cowell made this comment: 'Tonight is probably the night that changes your life..' and I get teary eyed and goosebumps at the same time. This is why I am a sucker for shows like American Idol. Because it's about your ordinary Tom or plain Jane, who would otherwise be stuck doing the same thing they were doing for years in, and there they are vying for their dreams of a lifetime to come true. And isn't that somehow true of all of us? We just wish we had the guts or the talents or the money to be able to do what we really want to do in life. And it all has to start somewhere. What little thing you do today, what decisions you make, what thoughts you nourish, what company you keep, might just be that spark that changes everything.

I spent the evening speaking with Paival on this topic among others. He also made me realise....that it's about time I start to dream again. Thanks mate! And here's to a great life changing year ahead for us both...and for all of you too, my friends. Amin.

Time Travelling

2010-03-31T16:48:00.000+08:00

I was at a wedding with my mom last weekend. A friend of hers came up to us and they chatted for a while. Mom later told me that the lady was her classmate from school years and years ago. The brief encounter got me time travelling to the future, maybe 20 years ahead, where I would be the one dragging Yasmin to a wedding and introducing her to my old classmates. Oh wow. She'd maybe have her own little munchkin to chase after. Imagine that. I sure hope I would have the chance to experience that. Insya-allah.

PS who says time travelling doesn't exist?

PPS I have read and watched The Time Traveler's Wife! I'm in love with Henry. The book has so much more detail but the movie is not bad as well. And oh yeah, Eric Bana is hot!

Flea with us!

2010-03-26T13:29:00.000+08:00

My friends (Josie Rosie, Rinchan & Wiwir) and I will be participating in a flea market held at SESB lobby tomorrow! We have rented a space and will be attempting to sell off some of our pre-loved items. For me, it's mainly books, music and movie cds (all ori ones!). My mom has some handbags and tudungs that she wants me to sell off. My dad has pitched in his old vcd player. Hubby pulak, is quite the sentimental, he says he's not selling off any stuff this time round!

For me, it's not that I'm not sentimental and I don't value those stuffs - it's just that, there are those stuffs that their moments have passed or those things where they seemed to be a good idea at the moment but now you think back and don't really know why you got them in the first place. I'm also trying to clear out clutter. There's just too many stuffs at home. If I'm not using them anymore and if I don't feel like holding on to them for future use, then isn't it better to pass it on - pay it forward - to someone who might need/want them for now.

My mom said, 'Tidak ka malu mau pergi berjual-jual begitu? Nanti orang fikir...etc etc etc...' Well, what is there to be embarassed off, it's not like it's something bad or illegal. It should be fun, in fact!!

So...if you are around the area or if you want to come by and meet me (hahaha...macam la celebrity kan!), please do drop by the SESB lobby area on Sat, 27th March from 10am - 5-ish pm. Sees yah!

Yasmin - The Budak

2010-03-19T00:59:00.000+08:00

One of her favourites when we go to the bookshop - grab a book, sit on the floor :)

Well there's Charlie and Lola Sonner! Thanks Auntie Aza for bringing them for me...they are my favourite and my best!

Sizzles Lowe!

Si Boods... (Si budaks)

I'm at Tune Hotel in Penang for the night. Been a long day and yet I can't sleep (again..). It's actually my first ever night away from Yasmin, since she was two days old and slept at the hospital nursery. Other than that, we've been like two peas in a pod...The hubby called and she seemed to be Ok and was as usual laughing and playing away. Other than the insomnia, I'm not doing too bad as well. I guess, sooner or later, she's gonna be all grown up, spreading her wings to fly and all. And mommy would need to be ready to be away from her even more. Gotta embrace these final years when I can still call her mommy's baby.

Too Excited to Sleep

2010-03-11T02:03:00.000+08:00

I can't sleep. A bit excited but confused at the same time. So here's the good news (and the cause of excitement) and I haven't told anyone else, I'm telling you first...

Coffee News is soon going to be available in..... *drum roll, please*:
Downtown KL!!!, Subang & PJ, Penang, Melaka
(Sorry to dissapoint if any of you thought I was announcing being preggy..belum lagi bah..)

But anyway...ain't that a wonder!! Closed the deal(s) today..it was a gooooood day! And now my mind is racing on what I need to do next, all the stuff I want to do, t-shirts & knick knacks to order, website to revamp, not to mention a trip to meet and train my new licensees. And herein lies the confusion part. I want to go next week but hubby also has a work trip on the day that I planned to go on. He's been having a lot of those lately...And I hate the idea of both of us being away from Yasmin at the same time. But that date is the most ideal for me. Hmm...

Maybe I need to sleep on it. By the way, I'm still waiting for you Paival, to join in the gang!

Lonely is The Night..

2010-03-03T02:05:00.000+08:00

Feeling a bit lonely tonight. All I have is you and James Morrison on my iTunes. It's one of those nights that I wish I could stay up all night and read or write or watch youtube videos til I get sick of waiting for them to load. I should really be getting some work done. What work, you ask? Hey, I've got invoices to prepare, expiry dates to check on, agreements to finalize. The lone life of the self employed. Just yesterday I was all over town doing deliveries. I told hubby that I think I will be needing an assistant soon. And just the other day, Carol and I dreamt up having our shared office cum cake boutique (Carol's of course). And today, I think I found a great place for it. That would be nice. That, would also involve a lotta ka-ching. I'm not even sure I can afford an assistant, what more an office cum cake boutique. Still, it's a lovely dream. And now I am rambling. And yet, you are still reading this. Heee. Thanks for your company

Change

2010-03-03T00:50:00.000+08:00

Watched the penultimate episode of The Biggest Loser Asia tonight. I have to admit, I was a tad skeptical when this show started. I don't know why. I watched all those American editions before. I do love watching the transformations as those contestants lose their fat suits and emerge beautiful and healthy and toned. And I do always have a sudden urge to either run or go do some squats and lunges after watching the show, vowing to start tomorrow, transform my eating habits, exercise more, emerge a beautiful, healthy and toned me. To change. And it's always tomorrow that this supposed transformation is to start. Heh. Well, perhaps if I had Dave Nuku pushing me on, I'd be on the get go. By the way, I do think Bob is somehow a tad more interesting compared to Dave. Hmm.

So anyway, where was I? Oh yes. Change.

In tonight's episode, which by the way..how blah (for lack of a better word) is it that Martha won the immunity?! Of all the challenges to have immunity, she gets this one. But the fact that she slacked off after that just shows to me that she really should have been the one to go this week. I don't think she'd be able to catch up with the guys anyway. In tonight's episode, everyone spoke of change. Of how this experience had completely changed their lives. Of how they would be leaving a better person. Of how it was an experience of a lifetime. Of how they would never want to go back to how it was. I think if it were me, I'd be saying the same things as well.

The person who struck me the most though, was Carlo. I loved how he talked about his former life, of having to work 15 hours a day and barely spending time with his wife. And how now, he is ready to change his life completely, if it meant having to change his career to spend more time with his wife, then so be it. I loved that. Going beyond just changing eating habits and his former lifestyle, there was a bigger picture to look at.

Reminded me of Bill Rancic some time ago, in the final episodes of that first season of The Apprentice. Clad in a simple white shirt and blue jeans, looking uber gorgeous (yes, I remember this), he talked about how winning the title would change not just him but generations in his family to come. I totally fell for him then. I wonder if Giuliana saw that.

So anyway, yeah..I'm rooting for Carlo to take the title. More so because of the whole Blue Team alliance thingy. Look forward to watching that. I think Marilyn would be totally gorgeous if she lost more weight. I should say this to me - I think Linachu would be totally gorgeous if she just gave up those nasi lemak and roti kawin, got off her hiney and lose a bit of weight! Where are my running shoes??

Kay's Hot Oven

2010-02-25T01:35:00.001+08:00

(or Here's Another Post by the Suddenly Insomniac Linachu)

Hi everyone. My name is Linachu and today, I am a freelance (as in working for free) PR officer. My job is to share with you some wonderful gems that I think you should check out. And today, I want you to check out this blog:

Kay's Hot Oven

This is my friend Carol's blog. She is a home based baker who bakes the most delicious and moist butter cakes, topped with delectable yummy icing, decorated to your heart's (and tummy's) whim. I have been craving for her cakes (well, any cake for that matter) since last week and I have told her this. I am meeting her for breakfast tomorrow morning and am secretly hoping that she brings me some. (Hahaa..Carol, if you read this...just joking bah! Though kalau ada, I won't be a fool and say no!) How to be the biggest loser like this kan? (Carlo lost 9 kgs in a week! Crazyyyy and kotoh the Blue team members..hehe)

Seriously though, I have ordered cakes and cuppies a few times from Carol and loved them. She baked a princess cake for Yasmin's 4th birthday, which you can see a picture of in her blog. She especially specializes in cakes for weddings, engagements and hantarans. She just started blogging, so there's not so many entries, yet. She uses halal ingredients and I'm sure all her cakes are baked with much love and passion. As is this free publicity here, born out of love and support for my friend. Carol and I have something in common, in that she also left the security and comforts of her 9-5 job to pursue this passion. Just like me, she encountered a lot of comments and negativity on this. Just like me, she does it because she loves it and is in search of something better.

Check it out my friends, your tummies will not be sorry!

(Oh by the way, I have to tell you guys about Julie & Julia/The Julie Julia Project! Soon soon...I have so many things to write about!)

Also, by the way, please be a darling and tell Carol that azlina referred you. Cheers!

Small World

2010-02-25T00:34:00.002+08:00

I had a meeting earlier this evening with someone enquiring about advertising in my paper. Didn't have much idea about the person, only knew her first name and that she runs a cafe and a training centre. Tengok-tengok pula, turns out, that person is the sister of my darling friend Fran. Who is practically like my little sister as well. Cerita punya cerita.... she is also the colleague of another friend's brother - Sharon's brother Richard. Who also happens to be my junior from school. Haaiiyaiyaiii...what a small small world this KK is, huh? Teeny tiny. It was nice though, that we had stuff to talk about.

I enjoy meetings like these. Good meetings with good conversations that leave you quite exhilirated that you end up feeling like you want to stay up and blog all night. That's me. Macam high pulak...though I didn't try the shisha that was introduced to me at the cafe!

If you wanna check out the cafe, it's Colossus Cafe at the Asia City Open Space (near where the bazaar ramadhan usually is, about 50m walking distance from Cititel Express/Fook Yuen. It was formerly the Pirate's Bar). They open 6pm - 1am. Nahhh, free publicity lagi nih..

Oh My... (Part 2)

2010-02-25T00:12:00.000+08:00

Jesse Spencer is on twitter! It's the real him, verified by one of the House producers/writers. His bio reads: Doctor on House, twitter virgin. Heeheee..

So guess who will be logging in to twitter more often now? Hahaha hihihi huhuhu.....

I've actually signed up for twitter since last year. Though I wrote some time before that I would only do so once I have a mobile online device. Alas I relented. Peer pressure I tell you! Heehee.. Now that I absolutely essentially will need to be checking on Jesse's tweets often, hopefully I will be tweeting more too.

Follow me @ azlinaaj

Oh my..

2010-02-18T14:23:00.001+08:00

Hubba hubba... I wouldn't mind running with him anyday!

Vote for Chase/Jesse as one of Fox's Hotties

Pic taken from jessepixdaily

The Cloud Keeper

2010-02-15T03:16:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai!! I spent most of the day indoors today. And when I went out to take in the laundry around 5-ish pm, I was awed by the beautiful blue sky and whimsically gorgeous scattering of clouds. It was an ocean of calm and peacefulness, literally a breath of fresh air and I wondered how I could have missed this wonderous scene hiding away indoors all day.

I love looking at the sky. And the clouds. The tones of blue are soul soothing. If you get a chance, just get yourself to a nearby park, lie down on a bench or on the grass and just look up at the infinite sky. It will surely drown out all your troubles, if only for those brief moments.

I'm not sure when this fascination with clouds started. Those beautiful fluffs of soft cotton. And to think that it's just water vapour, surely there has to be some magic and mystics going on inside. So all of a sudden I found myself buying books on weather and clouds. I took lots of photographs of clouds and gave them titles like Above the Clouds and Ocean of Cloud and Into the Light. I took photos of sunrises and sunsets. Yeah, and this was in the days before DSLRs. I wished I was a climatologist and able to identify each distinct cloud and what it meant. I wished the geography and science teachers at school could have told us how cool this would be.

I had this dream once. In which I was asked what I wanted to do or what my ambition was. And my answer, and I remember this so distinctly was 'To be a Cloud Keeper' And I remember waking up and thinking to myself, 'Heh? Cloud Keeper... coool!' (Am suddenly feeling dejavu-ey that I've written about this before... )

Here's to more beautiful clouds tomorrow..