Left or Right?

Has Earth Hour failed?

2009-03-29T14:08:00.002+08:00

It was very interesting to read various feedbacks from friends through FB and to actually observe how the KLians and Bangi folks observe Earth Hour yesterday. Personally, I did not turn off the lights for the one hour required. Reason being, I totally against it. As selfish as it sounds, Earth Hour in Malaysia was being tooooooooo over rated and I felt that it was only a publicity stunt.

Honestly, I'm of the opinion that Earth Hour last night has failed. Yes, they turn off the lights but the decided to drive out (hence omitting more CO2) and pollute the environment. (Note: it woud be very interesting to study the level of CO2 ommission during the Earth Hour). The vendors taking the opportunity to cash in during this event also didn't take the necessary steps to support the original cause of Earth Hour. Plastic bags and containers were everywhere and people were littering to no ends. Various concerts were held to celebrate Earth Hour (which would only mean the usage of electricity). After the hour has lapsed, people turn around and continue with their non-environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Come on people, putting out the lights for one hour would not change the level of global warming. How many of us still drive around instead of taking the public transport or car pool? I myself drive everywhere because it's convinience. However, I make up from other things in my life. I've totally stop taking plastic bags when I shop. I carry green bag everyway I go. And from today onwards, I vouched to use recycle plastic containers when taking away food (actually, I've been doing this on-off, depending whether I remember to bring my own container or not).

How many of us uses normal bulb instead of an energy saving bulb (the fact that they are still selling the normal bulbs is saying something isn't it)? How many of us still receive our credit card statements in the mail instead of opting to receive them via the net? How many of us still read the physical newspaper instead of reading it on the net? How many of us still print photos instead of keeping electronic versions of them? How many of us still do not recycle all things recyclecable (especially paper, I still see people throw them in the bin). How many of us still throw plastic containers and cans into the bin instead of sending them to the recycling centre? How many of us use recycle items eg recycle paper to write? (I don't blame you guys, recycle papers are more expensive and harder to come by!)

I can go on and on... But what I'm trying to say is that, if you did turn off the lights last night to honour Mother Earth, then I pray that you've change your lifestyle to a more environmentally friend one. Only by changing our lifestyle and attitudes would we be helping in reducing global warming and making Earth a cleaner and better place to live in.

Remember the 3Rs... Recycle, Reduce and Reuse...

How time flies...

2009-02-26T18:28:00.002+08:00

OMG!!! It's been two months since I last blog something. I've been very busy with Hootie, work and my own personal life that at the end of each day I normally drop "dead".

Short update on Hootie. His trachy was removed about 3 weeks ago and he can now take baby food. We are gradually building his strength and reducing his milk intake. As soon as he can swallow solids, his feeding tube will be weaned off and he can eat like a normal person. He still can't stand and walk on his own but rest assured his therapist is working really hard in making him walk again. Emotion wise, he is more stable now and his confident level is better.

I've been rather busy with work of late. It's only been two months since I started working full time but it felt like I've been here ages. Sometimes I do wonder why I decided to join the rat race again. But the Celine boogie bag kept calling me, so I guess I must go out and earn some moolahs. Not to mention that I'm perpetually visiting Tod's and Ferragamo.

As it is, I'm still slaving away at the office. Taking a short break from analysing the balance sheet and income statements of investee companies. Moments like this that I start wishing that I have duplicates of me that could help me finish my work while I go gallivanting elsewhere.

In between my busy schedule, I've managed to catch up with the Gymfreaks and exchange gossips (as evident in FB). Thanks guys!!! Without you guys, I would have gone insane in the membrane. And to Little Miss Sunshine and Black Magic Woman, special thanks to both of you for being my shoulder to cry on.

I guess I better get back to finishing my work. Till then...

New Year has just started and I've already been tagged? Bummer...

2009-01-01T15:01:00.026+08:00

First and foremost, I would like to wish all of you guys a Happy New Year. As quoted from a SMS received from a dear friend:-

"Sweet words are easy to say;
Sweet things are easy to buy;
But sweet people are difficult to find.

Life ends when you stop dreaming;
Hope ends when you stop believing;
Love ends when you stop crying;
Friendship ends when you stop sharing.

To love without intention;
To give without reason;
And to care without expectation.

Happy New Year and may the new year brings betterment to ourseld and greater success to our life."

(As usual, a classic case of cut and paste. But look at it this way, for those that didn't receive a new year greeting from moi, please take this as my version of wishing you a happy and prosperous new year...)

Now, back to business. Just my luck, it's the beginning of the year and I've been tagged by a dear friend through her blog. Thanks babe, now I have to crack my head thinking of 16 great stuff to write about (LOL... Great sangat ke?).

So, here it goes...

Directions: Once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog/Facebook note with 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end choose 16 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. Don’t forget to leave them a comment or tag them in your note to read this.

1. Zed is born to shop.
Yes, this is reflective by my entry dated 2 Dec 2008. And also by my ability to juggle between work and shopping trips. I'm proud to say that I'd take leave just to go for Isetan Members' Day Sale and I have queued for more than 2 hours prior to the start of a warehouse sale. It's amazing want I'd do to shop.

2. For someone who talks a lot, Zed is actually rather quiet.
Amazed? Me oso. But the truth is, I'm only talkative when I'm around people who are close to me. I tend to shy away when I'm around strangers, sometimes even making a silent exit where possible.

3. Zed is very, very, extremely crankie.
Yes, I cranked up when I'm tired, I cranked up when I'm hungry, I cranked up when I'm full (coz' now must get some sleep), I cranked up when I'm stress, I cranked up when people wake me up from my beauty sleep, I cranked up when I don't get what I want. In a nut shell, I just crank up at almost everything in life.

4. Zed doesn't believe in dieting.
I'm already skinny, what's the point in dieting.

5. Zed doesn't eat a lot of things.
Contrary to everybody's belief, I don't eat a lot of things, but the things that I like to eat, I eat in abundance. Don't believe me, ask my friends and those who've cooked for me. I don't eat cheese, I don't eat durian, I only eat chicken breast, I don't eat lamb, I don't eat internal organs of any animals, I don't eat mushrooms, I don't eat jackfruit, I don't eat cencaluk (still keeping score?) and there are many other things that I just don't eat.

6. Zed is short.
Really? You don't say...

7. Zed can cook, she's just lazy.
On very rare occasion do I slave myself away in the kitchen.

8. Zed enjoys ironing.
Yup, this is one house chores that I truly enjoy doing. I iron everything except for undergarments. I just love seeing the wrinkles go away as you iron.

9. Zed loves the beach.
For someone who hates the sun, I LOVE THE BEACH. For those who have gone on a beach holiday with me, they would know that I apply sun screen lotion every 5 minutes, literally. But I hate the sea, I just love the beach.

10. Zed can't draw.
Although my mum is an art teacher, I can't draw even to save myself. Kesian kan?

11. Zed likes to bite her nails.
I know, I know, it's a bad habit, but I can't help it...

12. Zed is square and a nerd.
Again, really? You don't say...

13. Zed loves to watch TV.
I mean, who doesn't? I'd rather watch reruns on TV as oppose to reading. Teruk kan?

14. Zed is a co-owner of a car wash but her car is always dirty.
Funny eh? I'm too lazy to clean my carlah... Besides, I have a lot of things in the car, so a bit difficult to clean.

15. Zed is kiasu.
Yes, I'm a sore loser. When I was a kid, I always come running to my mum and complaint about how others have better things that me, get to participate in school quizzes/concert when I'm not, get bullied by other kids in school etc. Although I've outgrown it and I don't complain as much now, I still can't help being envious of other people and always want to top the rank (buruk perangai kan?)

16. Last but not least, Zed sleeps a lot.
On top of watching TV, I love to sleep and I can fall asleep almost everywhere. This is always witnessed by the Gymfreaks and office mates.

Now, my turn to torture 16 friends...

1) Betty Maori (jangan marah ye, nanti kena jual)
2) Eddie
3) Zaza
4) Lola
5) Rose
6) Miss Ani Mayuni of Kinokuniya
7) Rafiq Khan
8) Rosie
9) Joe
10) Farid Gond
11) Zeaty Jane
12) Ana cute
13) Aliah
14) Bel
15) Nana
16) Any friends who wishes to share 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about yourself.

So guys, get cracking...

It's the end of the year already?

2008-12-18T12:20:00.006+08:00

Once again, I've failed to update my blog on a daily basis. And as usual, I've been busy with work, husband and family.

Small sister has recently been awarded for suspected dengue. Pitty her, she's already so skinny to start with, she's even skinnier now. She was awarded last Tuesday, on the basis that her blood platelet count was 38. It went up to 70 yesterday and hopefully it goes up again today so that she can be discharge by tomorrow.

Work wise, alhamdullillah, not too busy but not too idle oso.

Business wise, planning to open our second car wash outlet sometime in Jan '09. Insyaallah.

As usual, at the end of the year, I will close my "personal account" ie doing stock check on what I have achieved during the year, what I have not achieved during the year, is there anything I want to change etc. So far, apart from the incident with Hootie, I'm quite content with what I have so far. I've changed in a lot of ways and I'm happy that everything turn out for the better. Allah the Almighty sure has strange ways in making things happen.

I've got a wardrobe full of new clothes to complement my new look. I have a whole new, better attitude towards life and I'm more relax now. For this, I would like to thank my family, in-laws and great friends (macam bagi credit kat academy award je... :)...).

Sometimes, one drastic event is all one need to wake up and smell the coffee. Yes, there are moments where I break down and cry but I'm proud to say that I came out of it a stronger person.

So for those who thinks that it's the end of the world for you, don't. Every cloud has a silver lining and moving your cheese is not something bad. Always look for the hidden blessings and you'll be find. If not, can always come and talk to me.

Just in case this is my last entry for the year, thanks again guys for helping me out in my time of needs and have a better and more prosperous year ahead.

When the going gets tough, the tough goes shopping...

2008-12-02T17:35:00.006+08:00

Revenge IS the sweetest thing. Don't get me wrong, not about to kill Hootie or harm him in any way. It's just that I have not shop till I go broke for the last one year. I do buy small items in between but having almost a blank cheque to go shopping is absolute fabulous.

Alhamdullillah, I had a small fortune last month. So, as a result, I went shopping. It all started out 2 weekends ago, with the Melium Group Clearance Sale. It continued to last Friday with FJ Benjamin Warehouse Sale and the launch of the Malaysia Mega Sale. And of course, me being me, must now spent and spent to my heart contents.

I know, I know, times are tough. I should really be savings instead of spending (or as I put it to my mum "Simpan Mak, simpan kat kedai"). But I really feel that I deserve this shopping spree. I mean, I work hard for the money, I spent only my money, I did not steal nor have I asked Hootie for his money. So, to conclude, it's my money and I shall spent it as to how I deem fit.

Hence, after 2 pairs of shoes, 1 pair of Crocs, 1 document bag, 18 pieces of working shirts, 8 pairs of pants, 3 sets of lingerie, 1 phone, 5 sets of cufflinks and other odds and ends, I'm one happy cookie with a wardrobe full of new stuffs.

Can Woman Have It All?

2008-11-27T11:39:00.005+08:00

Man... it has been donkey years since I've actually written anything. There's a lot has been going on in life right now, juggling between work, business, Hootie, family, friends and personal indulgence.

Brief update, Hootie is still bed ridden but his movement are a lot more now. He can even belly dance in bed (just use your imagination). His right side of the body is getting stronger by the day and his left side is gaining strength.

Last Tuesday morning, I was watching the re-run of the re-run of Oprah. The topic which was talked about was "Can Woman Have It All?" It was rather interesting as different woman interprets it differently. Some believe that we can have it all and of course the others believe we can't.

To have it all, we need to sacrifice a few things (so, how is this having it all?). Talking from personal experience, I don't think we can have it all. For instance, in order to climb the corporate ladder, we need to sacrifice something, let it be family, friends or personal indulgences. Come on guys, answer me honestly, how many times do have to choose between work and spending time with friends/family? I've been in this situation one time to many.

Over the years (well, actually after my 3 years stint in the audit world), I have adopted an attitude that work is last (notice how I rate my work as the last priority in life). First priority would be myself (yes, I am a evil *&^@#), second would be Hootie, next in line would be my family and extended family, then comes my pet sis/god children, close friends, friends and last but not least work (I still need to feed myself, don't I?).

How can one have everything in life if one need to keep making sacrifices? I want a lot of things, let it be material or not but I am nowhere near having everything I want. I want to be there for Hootie 24/7 but someone have to look for money to pay for the bills. Even though I'm no longer working full time, the time when I'm out earning moolahs, I just have to close one eye and leave Hootie behind.

Some say we need to strike a balance between everything we do in life. Again, doesn't that lead back to the "making sacrifices" route? Spending more money for an Aigner bag means there's less money to spend on something else. Putting aside some money for savings means there's less money to splurge. Decisions, decisions... When will this end?

For me, not having it all is not as bad as it looks. The main thing for me is that I'm happy, hence everything else in life is secondary.

"You must have emphaty..."

2008-10-05T08:38:00.005+08:00

"You must have emphaty..." said one of the few annoying extended family members of Hootie... Yeah right! Try taking care of a*$%^`#"!s, s?y, c^!$%*~g, sick husband and see whether you can have emphaty...

As usual, you can't run from such annoying relatives, where they have no clue what you have to go through. Can't really blame them and their existence always amazes me.

Between saving InLaws "waterface" and shocking extended family members on what a jerk Hootie is, I think saving InLaws pride takes precedent. But sometimes I just wish that these people just shut up and leave us alone.

Among the many, many family members, UncleChik is the only person who really helps out. Can't imagine how it would be if he isn't around. The rest of the relatives just visits whenever they are free. So, to me, they have no rights whatsoever to leave comments. Suggestions that does not add value is also not welcome.

Another family member is also nursing a sick person. Only the other day she poured out her heart saying how she is annoyed at people who keeps critising the way she's nursing her sick husband and how they keep giving her useless pieces of advice. She's much older than the InLaws and she's only have a maid to help her out. Her children can only help out so much as they are also busy with their lives.

It is always easier to leave running commentaries than actually contributing positively towards a situation. I sometimes fall prey to such sin. But now that I am having to go through with it, I do realise that things are always more than skin deep. There's a reason why God charter our lives as such. Take JabbatheHut for instance. He is filthy rich but he has no one to take real care of him. He's single, his sister is too busy taking care her two very young children and his mother is always away and not getting any younger. He spends thousands on medication each month due to having lots of health problems. So, just imagine if he falls sick and is bed ridden. For this reason, that's why God gave him tons of money so that he can pay for 24-hour nurses in order to take care of him.

I guess, Mr. Pink is right... If you don't have anything nice to say, you should just keep quite. You never know whose feelings you might be hurting.

Happy Eid ul-Fitr

2008-09-30T13:17:00.002+08:00

Raya is just around the corner and madame is definitely in Raya mood already (well, actually more of a holiday mood and knowing that I'll be free as a bird after Raya). To all my friends, Happy Eid ul-Fitr.

Somehow I can't help reflecting how Raya this year will be. Of course, I'm bersyukur to no ends that Hootie is around to celebrate Raya, regardless of his state. But somehow Raya is not the same when you have a sick person to look after.

Saying that, I had my first taste of Raya with in-laws last year. And all I can say is that the culture is definitely different compared to mine.

I've been brought up in a family where Raya is the time where close family members get together and have a jolly good time. On Raya eve, everyone will get together at Tok Mat's family retreat and start preparing for Raya. My mother is a true believer in preparing things herself, so all the food are home made and all the baju kurungs are hand sewn by her. Raya morning is like a war zone. Straight after Subuh prayers, everyone must be up (or face the death penalty) and get ready for Raya prayers and visit to the GrandParents grave. After prayers, there will be a big raya do, where all of the Tok Mat clan will sit together, enjoy good food, ask for forgiveness, exchange Duit Raya and followed by family photos of respective families. We normally end this tradition with now leaving in a convoy to visit extended family members (ie the second cousins, third cousins and everyone else in life who are related to us).

Coming back to Hootie's family, my first Raya with them didn't leave me with a pretty picture. I had the shock of my life when I arrived at the InLaws and everyone is still sleeping. Yes, I was early (I was there at 7.30 am) but it's raya morning and to them it's as if it was just another holiday. Instead of the Raya morning rush that I normally had to go through, it was a rather quiet Raya morning, where it was just Dad, Hootie and myself going for sembahyang raya. And the real shocker was when I arrived home from Raya prayers and finding them still sleeping. I couldn't handle it anymore so I just told Hootie that I want to go see my family instead.

I guess, what I'm trying to get at is that every family have their own values. I know a few families that take holiday trips during Raya, leaving extended families behind and enjoying themselves elsewhere.

I find this sad because Raya is the only time that family members get together and catch up. I always get rather slushy around this time of the year. I fail to understand what sort of values are they teaching their young ones when they decided to go on holiday instead of visiting relatives. I know a few people who doesn't really know who are their cousins or how their cousins look like. No matter how modern one is, certain family traditions and values should be kept. I mean, there's 365 days in a year, can't you spare even 1 day visiting extended family members?

At the end of the day, I guess it is up to each individual on how they see Raya. To me, it's a time where I just want to be with my family members and surround myself with familiar faces, good food and great entertainment. I can take a trip to Bali at anytime of the year but family gatherings are always priceless.

Lock, stock and definitely more than 2 smoking barrels

2008-09-18T11:21:00.004+08:00

There was an article in the Star yesterday talking about marriage and in-laws (can't remember who was the author but I enjoyed reading it nonetheless). She talked about how when we marry someone, we marry more than just him.

This is so true. From my own personal experience, I've definetely got more than what I bargained for when I married Hootie. Now that Hootie is sick, I have to deal with a lot more.

One of the things that was mentioned in the article is when in-laws start dictating one's family life. It's rather iritating but yes, it does happen in our society. My personal favourite is when they give you hand-me-downs. I do have few instances of this. For example, once I saw a really nice knife (but rather pricey) at Parkson and I mentioned to Hootie that I would like to buy it. To my horror, Hootie mentioned it to his parents and dad dearie said that "No need to waste money, we have ample of knives, you can take one or two". I mean, not that I'm not grateful but I would love to spoil myself once in a while.

Back to Hootie's condition, the emotional "trauma" is beyond Hootie being sick. I can handle him sick but what I can't handle is the whole in-laws situation thing. There are many instances where I suggested something, my in-laws will just ignored them. But the moment a relative mentioned the same thing that I've mentioned 20 times over, dad and mum will act on it. The best would be when the extended family member seems to know better than the doctors. In the beginning, these instances really get to me (for those who are close to me, you know what I mean). But as the days go by, I'm beginning to handle the situation better. I normally lash out my anger to really, really close friends, b*%^h about the whole situation to them until I feel better.

I guess, at the end of the day, fighting with your in laws is definitely a waste of energy. You know that it is a losing battle. So, would suggest you channel the energy to something more useful. Not only you'll be saving your relationship with your in-laws, you'll see that there is more to life than trying to win silly arguments.

Catching up with technology

2008-09-09T12:55:00.003+08:00

I know, I know... Should have gotten a modem ages ago but hey, who's complaining?

Finally, I've gotten myself a laptop and a broadband connection (well, actually, I've gotten the laptop months ago, just never got round to getting myself connected). The intention is to enable myselft to stay connected to the world regardless where I am and blog more often (yeah right, we shall see!). Don't have to rely on limited office connection.

Well, things are looking rather rosy for Hootie. I'm slowly starting him on a soft solid diet such as porridge, jelly, baby food etc. He still can't move (ie bed ridden) but can move his right hand and right leg. He can drink water out of a cup now as well. He talks clearer and he definitely knows what he wants. However, most of the time we ask him to write what he wants.

Work wise, rather busy of late. Like I said before, when it rains, it pours. The manager at Kenanga is really taking advantge of my last few days there. I have to circulars to issue before I leave my mark in the investment banking world. Sad, but yes, my days are numbered. The worst part is, I have not left but already thinking of a come back. I guess, the blood of an investment banker is rather thick in me.

It has been a week or so of puasa but preparation this year is rather little. I mean, with Hootie's condition and all. But mummy deareast is kind enough to sew me a pair of baju kurung (and of course, material courtesy of mummy deareast as well). The Family is spending raya at the new pad and mummy dearest have also commanded that the rest of the Extended Family spend raya there as well (and by command I mean, she instructed everyone to come, no excuses).

Well, got to get back to work. Still have a few things to settle before I go, but it has never stopped me from leaving early before. Till then... Have a good Ramadhan ahead.

Welcome Home Hootie

2008-08-29T17:32:00.002+08:00

Hootie has been discharge yesterday. For those who wish to visit, do drop by his aunty's house at Jalan Maktab. Give me a buzz and I'll direct the way.

Quick update, Hootie has started talking and saying more things by the day (for someone who doesn't talk so well, he is very good at complaining). He is still too weak to walk but can move his hands and legs. Still relying on feeding tube but can start to swallow liquid. Can write short sentences also. And he is very much aware of his surroundings and environment.

So, again, thank you all for the doas and wellwishes. It is still a long way to go for Hootie but he is definitely on the road to recovery.

Can you walk your talk?

2008-08-28T10:46:00.016+08:00

As I was walking with Mr. Pink towards one of our favourite breakfast spots this morning, he spotted a girl eating orange while waiting to cross the road. To his horror, the girl decided to throw the orange skin by the road side instead of throwing it into the waste bin. The beauty is; the waste bin was not even a metre away from her.

Mr. Pink got really upset. He went on and on about the girl being such an "asshole". But he's got a point. It's not like there are no waste bins around, it was just a few centimeters away from her and there were several others nearby. Not that it bothers him, but her attitude gets to Mr. Pink.

As we continued our short walk, Mr. Pink spotted a car stopping at the traffic lights. It wasn't a big junction, just a zebra crossing traffic light. There was no one crossing but the driver stopped anyway. And Mr. Pink said "that's a rare occasion. Most drivers would have drove off, but this particular driver stopped nonetheless."

I have my fair share of experience with ignorant citizens. A few of them DOES get to me. Here's my list:-

A driver taking his/her own sweet time once the light turned green but decided to ram the accelarator once the light turn yellow and of course, you're the one who's stuck with the red light.

A driver who decides to just ran over the red light and expects you to stop for them even if it is your right of way.

A driver who can't decide where they are going and kept changing lanes in the middle of a bad traffic jam. I mean, if everyone keeps to their lane, I'm sure that the traffic will still flow even though there are a lot of cars.

Lift hoggers. They just decide to stand right in front of the lift's door and when it opens, wouldn't even let the people who is originally inside the lift to go out first. This also applies to people queuing for the LRT/Monorail/Star.

People who queue at the fast check out counter with a basket, sometimes even trolley, full of groceries. Even an idiot knows that they have more than 8/10 items in their basket/trolley.

People who haven't the faintest idea what to order at McDonald's/KFC. I mean, what were they doing while queuing? Can't they read the menu and decide while queuing? Besides, McD / KFC hardly changes its menu, so can order sometime today?

Drivers who take their own sweet time to get out of their parking spot eventhough they know that you are waiting for them to leave and you have cause a 2 mile traffic jam in the car park.
People who throw rubbish out of their car, while the car is in motion! Don't think other drivers are interested on whether you can multi-task while driving ie eat, drink, talk on mobile and drive at the same time.
People with no toilet training. I think you know what I mean.

And the list goes on...

Is it so difficult to be considerate to others? If only everyone is conscious of their environment and play their role accordingly, the world would be a better place to live in. I guess, it is easier said than done. But what bugs me is that, not many people practice what they preach. They bitch about others' wrongdoings but at the same time do the same mistakes. They wonder why some people do not exercise patience but lose their temper and starts screaming/swearing when they are being put in the same position. It is also kinda hard to respect these type of people. How does one respect someone who doesn't walk their talk?

So friends, lets start being less selfish and be more considerate towards others. We might not be able to change the world but at least we are the BETTER ones.

Recycle... That's what you do... Recycle... Save a tree or two...

2008-08-15T16:41:00.007+08:00

Madame had the opportunity to catch Wall-E yesterday. And yes, enjoyed it I did (hint: anyone for clone wars?). Although it is a love story between two robots which is set in an unrealistic world, but the issues potrayed are very realistic.

When Wall-E fell in love, I couldn't help but feeling touched. I mean, even robots know how to show their love and emotion. He was willing to do anything to please his new found love and protect her in every way possible (let alone help her). When he almost lost his "life" and lost his memory for a few seconds, I felt like crying for him. My heart really felt it. Poor little thing, so kind and sincere. Nonetheless, like any other Disney movies, it did have a happy ending (if not, "they'll burn down the cinema!" quoted from one of my closest friends).

Another issue that is so near to our hearts is "Save the World". It is rather important that we remember that everyone need to play their parts in making this world a better place to live in. So, I pledged to increase my efforts in going green. I'm already a fan of recycling (you get money out of it kay!). I've also started bringing my own shopping bag to the grocers and shop at places that encourages green shopping (to name a few would be cold storage and Jaya Jusco). I wish there are more environmentally friendly products around. I've also try to save electricity (at the same time, save some money). i don't have a bath tub at home and I've just switched to a top loading washing machine, whereby I can control the level of water to suit my washing load. And yes, if I can afford it, I would love to change my ride to a hybrid.

So, to all my dear friends out there, please play our part in making our planet a better place to live in. Not only we will be saving some trees and animals, we are also saving ourselves.

I FINALLY DID IT!!!

2008-07-29T11:06:00.005+08:00

Well, it has been a while since I updated my blog. I know, I know, I did say that I'll update my blog daily but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I've been rather tied up with work and more work. But I do try to have some "me" time each day so as to keep my sanity in-check.

And, due to some unforeseen circumstances again, I had to let go of my career. I've decided to quit my job and pursue something else. For the record, I had no choice but to resign. It's either my desk job or running TheCompany. Yes people, I've decided to take up the challenges of becoming an entrepreneur.

After considering and talking to quite a number of people, I've decided to jump ship. Have to say, this is probably the most drastic action i've taken in my entire life (getting married doesn't count, kay!).

I do have some reservation and still having the same reservation even after I decided to extend my "love" letter to the head of dept. Can't help thinking, what if it doesn't work out? I mean, it's ok if it just involves me. But, like I said, I would love to have kids but if financially things are not working out, I have to reconsider this plan. (I'm beginning to think that I am destined to take care of other people's kids rather than having my own... I have a husband who doesn't want kids and I can't have any kids out of wedlock either!). And I still have financial commitments to meet. And how about my parents' reaction? My mother, who's old school by the way, will definitely flip and will definitely say I'm more stupid than she thinks I am!

In three months time, I'll be in a world where financial stability is no longer there. Scary as it might sound, I guess I just have to put on a brave smile and face the musis. So, Hootie, when you get better and read this, I really hope that this will dawn on you and I am making this sacrifce for you! I can be selfish and follow my mother's advice so as to let TheCompany fall but I guess some things are worth saving.

Cervical spond-what?

2008-07-14T17:38:00.003+08:00

Have you guys ever tried multi-tasking? Man, it's tiring. And that is exactly what I am currently facing. I have to do several jobs at one go. Keep my day job and at the same time run Hootie's business, visit Hootie at the hospital, attend to my father's "unreasonable" requests and keeping my self sane at the same time.

BTW, I've been diagnose with having cervical spondylosis (check out http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068700/ for further details on this). Yep, it is rather mouthfull. But in layman's term, I'm aging gracefully. It all started last Tuesday (8 July 2008) when my fingers suddenly became numb. A very close collleague of mind gave me a good massage and suggested that I go see the doctor. So, I decided to follow his advice and had an X-Ray done the next day. And surprise, surprise, the whole reason I'm feeling the numbness in my hands and fingers was due to the fact that my cervical spine (ie the bones at your neck) is slightly out of place, thus pressing the nerves around that area. There are no medicine for this. I have to start seeing a chiropractor and just be very careful with myself, ie not to fall, do not carry heavy stuff, stop lugging my big, heavy handbags and everything else that could hurt me more. I also have to make sure that my posture is right.

OK, so it is not as severe as what Hootie is facing but I do feel uncomfortable. Sleeping at night is a hassle since I lying on my back is the only position that doesn't hurt my neck. I tried one of those conturing pillows, but it makes my pain worst. As for now, I just have to be extra careful and not hurt myself further.

Again, to all friends out there, thanks for taking good care of me.

Stuck in a rut and it ain't funny...

2008-07-08T17:52:00.007+08:00

What to do when you find out that your partner is not what you think he/she is? What do you do when you find out the dirty linen of your partner? Do you forgive? Do you forget? Do you rage war so as to get even (the classic "I don't get mad, I get even" attitude)?

I am currently being greatly tested by God. However, I'm not so sure what is He trying to show me. It is bad enough that Hootie is sick, I have to deal with other issues that crops up from him being sick. (Sorry, not about to "buka pekung di dada" but just feels like I need to vent out my feelings and frustrations).

It is rather hard to confront someone who is currently in a vegetable state. I have so many questions which I want Hootie to answer. And knowing me, I will not get peace until I have found what I am looking for. Several scenarios that I can think off:-

He wakes up and confess to everything but I'm not sure I am ready for the answers and I am not sure whether I can handle the truth (that is, if Hootie tells the truth. He has told so much lies that I'm not sure which one is the truth or again another white lie).
He wakes up and totally forget about the whole ordeal and a bunch of other things (due to his brain condition), of which I will definitely not get any answers.
He wakes up, remembers everything but refuse to talk about it. Again, I will definitely not get any answers.

His parents and family will definitely side him so I don't even see the point of raging war with them. In their eyes, Hootie is a good kid that is not capable of such acts.

At the moment, I've decided not to go visit Hootie at the hospital but my dear mother keeps taking me down the guilt trip. So, I'm rather stuck emotionally. If I go see him, I'll get upset. If I don't see him, I have to listen to dear old mother's long lecture on how I should at least show respect to Hootie's parents by visiting their good-for-nothing son. And the guilt creeps in.

Talking about it with really close friends helps. Watching movies with friends also helps. But at the end of the day, I still have to face/deal with my problems. It was easier when I was single, I just walk out of the relationship. Pack up and go. But this time around, it is different, I can't just walk out. I know, I know, there are no kids involve so it should be easy, but again, it's the whole dignity, pride, family's honour, bla bla bla thing.

Trust is a very sensitive, fragile thing. Once it's gone, it is difficult to earn/give it away again. And for those of you who knows me very well, I can be a cruel, cold hearted bitch that you wished you didn't mess with me in the first place. I just hope, one day, I'll find it in my heart to trust Hootie again.

40 tips for a better life

2008-06-20T11:22:00.002+08:00

It has been a while since I "cut and paste" something from the many, many emails that I get from friends. But there is one particular email that I received today, which I feel like sharing it with you guys.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to ___ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of warm water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. GOD heals almost everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often.

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for _____. Today I accomplished _____.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.

Update on Hootie (part deux)

2008-06-19T10:40:00.005+08:00

Hi all,

Sorry for not updating you guys on a constant basis. But honestly, ever since he "woke up" not much progress has been seen/made.

BTW, he is now in Room 10, ward 4A (same level as ICU and Acute Cubicle). The beauty of being in a single bed room is that we can now nurse him 24/7. We are allowed to sleep over at the hospital. The nurse taught us some basic nursing stuff such as feeding him, changing his diapers, changing his positions (since he is still bed ridden, we have to keep tossing and turning him on bed in order to avoid bed sore) and even checking for his BP, pulse and respiratory rate.

So far, each time we ask him something, and if he understands it, he'll blink. He can't lift any of his hands/legs. But the doctors have started him on physiotherapy routines in order to avoid muscle cramps/spasms. The occupational therapist have made him a device called "splints" which we have to put on his hands and legs for 3 hours with 2 hours interval between each session (maybe i'll take some photos of this and show you guys how it works). Since his breathing is still not stable, they can't start him on speech therapy.

Yesterday, we tried giving him ice-cream to see whether he can react to taste. It seems that his tongue moved but he can't swallow as the ice-cream just melted in his mouth and came drolling out the side. The doctor said not to worry as this was the first time we are feeding him through the mouth for after about a month but we have to keep trying in order to teach him to swallow.

That's all for now... will definitely update when there are more exciting news.

Reflections

2008-06-17T10:42:00.003+08:00

It has been 3 weeks since Hootie got sick. And it has been 3 weeks of travelling to and from the hospital.

What have I learned for the last 3 weeks? That life is too valuable to go to waste. I've seen accident victims, death and prolonged illnessess (there's a patient that has been in the hospital for almost a year!). And trust me, it makes me appreciate my life more.

There is an early 20s, young boy, who decided to get drunk and "merempit". He met with an accident and was badly injured. The doctor managed to save him but part of his skulls crashed to bits and for a while he had no bone flap in his head (Betty, Cik Tipah, Zaza, Hugo and several other friends had the opportunity to meet this boy).

Each time i pay a visit to the hospital, I can't help feeling grateful for the current state of health I'm in. Besides, it also made see certain things in life differently.

The truth is, what Hootie had could happen to anyone of us. As a muslim, I belief that God have certain ways in making us appreciate our life better and not let it go to waste (too bad the wake up call had to be brain haemorrage). As I see it, Hootie had a second chance in life and so did I. Can't stop thinking about all the bad things that I've done and maybe this is one of the many ways of God telling me to stop and repent.

As for my relationship with Hootie, this experience will definitely change our relationship. Hopefully, for the better. Maybe, we'll appreciate each other more instead of taking each other for granted.

I can definitely say that this experience is extremely mind and emotionally challenging. I can't stop thinking and reflecting about a lot of things, let it be the past, current and the future. The doctors did say that Hootie will not recover 100% to his original state of well being before all this happened. Will Hootie and I be able to have kids? Will Hootie be able to become the bread winner or do I have to wear the pants? How will Hootie cope with his emotions if he no longer becomes man of the house? How long can I persevere and hold my sanity? So many questions but no worries, I'm taking it one day at a time (thanks for all the morale support you guys!)

I guess, at the end of the day, I'm sure God have some plans in store for us and I just have to brace myself through these hard times.

Update on Hootie

2008-05-30T20:55:00.003+08:00

Dear all,

Firstly, thanks for all the morale support, prayers, doas and wellwishes. Only God can repay all your kindness. For those who came to visit, thank you for your time and effort.

A quick update. Hootie is recovering extremely well. In fact, he is already out of ICU. He is now stable and breathing on his own (yes Eddie, he is no longer on life support!... hahahaha!). Now, it's a matter of time for him to wake up from his deep sleep.

For those who wish to visit/revisit, he is currently in acute cubicle, ward 4A (same level as ICU).

P/S: Would like to share my experiences staying at hospital with you guys, but i'll pen it down when I have more time.

To my beloved Hootie... I will always love you...

2008-05-27T09:23:00.006+08:00

I think by now almost everyone that knows Hootie, knows that he is currently in Neuro ICU, General Hospital, KL.

The doctor diagnosed him as having cerebral aneurysm (google it up to find out more about this). The doctor suspects that he had this for quite a while but we had never suspected that anything was wrong since he never showed any symptoms. Unfortunately for Hootie, his aneurysm leads to rupture of the arteries, which in turn causes bleeding in his brain.

Don't ask me what had happened for I'm also in the dark. He was found by a group of good samaritans, already feeling sick and they sent him to the GHKL. According to the attending nurse in the emergency ward, the group of friends just sent him, explained that he was already in that state and left. No name or contact no. was given. And they were very honest as they did not taken any of his belonging nor a single cent of his money. The attending nurse at the emergency ward was the one who contacted me and my in-laws to tell us about his conditions.

He was brought in at around 10.30pm on Friday night and was operated immediately at 11.45pm. The first operation ended at 4 am, Saturday morning. They managed to remove all the blood and stopped the bleeding. At around 8.30 am, when the doctor was doing his round, he noticed that his right pupil was bigger that the left pupil. They did another round of scan and noticed that his right brain is swelling and this causes the face to bloat. So they did another operation in order to stop the swelling. And alhamdullilah, he looks better now although he is still unconscious.

To all friends who came to visit and to all the wellwishers, thank you for all the morale support and prayers. Will keep you guys posted on his conditions.

P/S: As cruel as it may be, please take Hootie's experience as a lesson. It doesn't mean that when we are healthy, we will not get what Hootie has. Also it doesn't mean that by having a healthy lifestyle, we won't suffer any other health problems. Do go for regular check-up and invest in "life saving" devices such as blood pressure monitor and sugar level monitor (which I found out will cost only a couple of hundreds and easily available at all the major pharmacies). Do not be such a cheapskate when it comes to your health for any amount of money can never replace your health and life.

When honesty is not the best policy

2008-05-20T13:46:00.003+08:00

As a kid, I was told not to tell lies. But as I grow older, I suddenly realised that the very person that told me this, has somewhat tell lies, let it be big ones or small ones (what we call "a white lie").

I often ask myself, why do I sometimes have to lie or being lied to (yes, I am guilty of this sin people, but like I said, I have yet to find someone that is as pure as saint). I mean, is not that I want to lie, but sometimes, lying seems to be the best option around.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a liar nor do I condone to lying. But, there are instances where I feel that by not telling the truth, the outcome of the situation would be 20 times better. This is normally when I am torn between trying to please the other person or suffer the consequences myself. Take for instance, when I want to go out clubbing (during my single days), I admit that I had to tell a white lie to my mother so that I can spend sometime (and money) at clubs. Imagined if I had told her that I am going clubbing, I wouldn't even get to the front door of the house, let alone the front door of the club!

People lie for different reasons. Some are just are purely liars (yes, I have come across people of this sort). Some lie to protect the feelings of others, while some just want to keep peace. Many a times that I have been caught in situations where, in order to not let hell loose, I have to tell a white lie.

I guess, at the end of the day, we are given the option to tell the truth or to lie. Whether we choose to tell the truth or a little white lie, is entirely up to our conscience. As for me, the golden rule I always apply is that "Do not do to others what angers you if done to you by others". Hence, most of the time, I will tell the truth, no matter how hard it is for me as I do not appreciate being lied to straight in my face.

Superb!!!

2008-05-15T11:38:00.004+08:00

Seriously guys... go check out this movie... and don't be a cheapskate and buy pirated DVD because nothing beats the special effects that can only be experienced on big screen with surround sound.

Synopsis of the movie (quoted from rottentomatoes website)

For both comic book fans and those who can't tell the Green Lantern from the Green Arrow, IRON MAN is the type of summer blockbuster whose appeal lasts far beyond the season. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark, a billionaire playboy and genius who puts as much effort into chasing skirts as he puts into chasing his next big idea. A trip to Afghanistan to sell weapons quickly devolves into chaos, and Stark finds himself at the mercy of a warlord who wants him to build a missile. Instead, Stark creates a powerful suit of armor, turning him into Iron Man and allowing him to escape. When he returns to America, his assistant Pepper Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow), friend Rhodey (Terrence Howard), and right-hand man Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) all marvel at the change in the man they knew. IRON MAN is the first film to be self-financed by Marvel Studios, and they should be proud of their freshman effort. They didn't take any obvious routes with choosing the cast or crew, and it pays off. Director Jon Favreau, who also has a small role in the film, is best known for directing ELF, but his first action-driven effort is nearly flawless. Casting Downey was gutsy but inspired: this is his first big action picture as well, but the wit he displays in films such as the cult hit KISS KISS, BANG BANG works perfectly for the character of Stark. IRON MAN features nods to its beloved source material, as well as to the classic animated series of the 1960s. But even for the uninitiated, this film provides an interesting entry into the Marvel superhero's universe.

What I think of the movie? Excellent...

Robert Downey Jr. is soooooooo good looking and witty. I was literally drooling while watching him on screen;
The special effects are superb
The gadgets were all the latest, state of the art technology. Even the cars and accessories were to die for (you can really see that there is a very good product placement effort)
Apart from being another comic-turned-block buster movie, the issue that was brought forward in the movie makes one question his/her own conscience (well at least, I did)

Nonetheless, was rather disturbed by the potrayal of Afghans as the terrorist in the movie. In the movie, we can also see that actually Stark's company is the one behind all the terrorism. When Tony (aka Robert) had a "wake up call" and found out the truth, he tried to change the world he had created.

Some lessons to take home:

Always be mindful that every action we make/take, there will be some repercussion, no matter how small or how big it will be;
Giving up is not an option. Failure is also not an option.
Always keep your friends close but your enemies closer. You never know who you can or can't trust.
Have a heart. Trust me, this is the only thing that can keep you alive at the end of the day.
True friends are the one who stays when you hit rock bottom and they never ask for anything in return.

Happy watching guys!

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY

2008-05-12T12:24:00.003+08:00

To all mothers around the world,

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY!!!

(Note to self:- need to upgrade internet connection at home since currently IT SUCKS!)

Now, back to some serious matter.

Mothers are supposed to be God Sent. I'm sure majority of us have great mothers and special in their own personal way. Many of us have also expressed our love and ever lasting gratitude to our mothers and why we feel that our mother is the best thing on earth.

Nonetheless, can't help feeling angry and disgusted when reading/hearing about mothers who fail to be what they are supposed to be. We often read and hear about abusive fathers but there are many, many abusive mothers around. The most common would be "baby dumping". Too many of this story have been covered in the media. Babies showing up in garbage bag, get eaten by wild dogs/animals, flushed down the toilet etc. I mean, where is the maternal instinct in that? One might argue that it could be the father who is responsible, but as a mother, wouldn't you do anything to fight for the life of your baby? Why bother going through 9 months of pregnancy (not to mention the excruciating labour pain), only to dumb the kid at the end of it? I'm sure there are many childless couples out there who would die to get these abandon babies. Or the very least, abort the baby at the early stage of the pregnancy. (Note: I'm not condoning abortion nor am I a big fan of it, but I do believe that this is the better option compared to treating the baby as if it is rubbish and throwing the baby, after it being born, in a dumpster. Or better still, go look for adoptive family for the baby!)

Maybe it is easier said than done. I've never been in such position nor have I met any of the mothers who decided to "throw" their kids, hence I wouldn't know what they had to go through and why such action was done. There are always two sides to every coin. But, what I do believe is that mothers are supposed to be a comfort and safety zone for their kids.

Hopefully, when I am a mother, I will be a good one. Maybe not the best in the world, but in the eyes of my kids, the best in their world.

How time flies...

2008-05-05T19:18:00.002+08:00

I'm still waiting for Hootie to pick me up from work and all of a sudden it occured to me. It is already May and almost half of the year had gone. I still remember clearly celebrating New Year's eve with friends and having New Year get together with the Gymfreaks (well, I spent the whole evening doing 160 small pieces of begedil and rush my ass to Wine Room to celebrate New Year's eve... And of course running out of gas while frying the begedil to be brought over to Kak Ani and Doc's new pad the next day, and the incident whereby Kak Ani has everything in the kitchen except for a bottle of soya sauce.)

I am not a person that do yearly resolutions so I have no resolutions to reflect upon. However, whatever I was trying to achive at the beginning of the year, seems to be miles away. Work wise, the IB team have been diligently forwarding deals for my team to execute. Hopefully we can justify to the Head of Department on why a hefty bonus should be paid to us next year. Family wise, there's still me and Hootie but I've stop worrying about it and instead, focus on enjoying our time together. I mean, if I'm currently pregnant, I would have to stop going to my favourite BodyJam class and obviously clubbing. Financial wise, slight improvement on my debt situation but still need to dicipline myself to not shop till I'm broke. Fashion wise, managed to expand my collection with whatever little budget that I allocated to myself.

Nonetheless, I've had many memorable get-together with the Gymfreaks and the rest of my other friends for the last 5 months (and many more to come, speaking of which, for those interested, bila nak karaoke nie?). Even managed to piss a few people off within the short period of time. But the one thing I'm looking forward to is my confirmation (due on 19 May), which would mean a very minimal payrise. But at least I'll get my pay on the 25th of each month, instead of the 30th.

So, what do I expect for the remainder of the year? Nothing much except good health for both Hootie and me and not forgetting my family, Gymfreaks and other friends out there, more wealth and blessing from His Almighty.

PEACE OUT...

Excuse me ma'am, but how do you pronounce Loewe?

2008-04-29T17:14:00.008+08:00

To own a designer something, let it be shoes, handbag, clothes, jewellery and other fashinonable accessories, is a statement. It is a reflection of your financial status and fashion savvy (since certain designer labels are more expenses and more renown than others!)

According to Kimora Lee, one can never have too many LVs. However, make sure you know how to pronounce your designer correctly. There's nothing more embrassing than ostentatiously flaunting your Hermes Birkin bag and pronouncing it Her-Mes (is should be pronounce as Air-mez, mind you!)

Listed below are some of the common mispronounced designer labels:

(Should you still fail to pronounce it by reading the phonetics, you can always google up "pronouncing designer" for websites containing audio pronounciations)

Anya Hindmarch: Ahn-ya Heind-march

Atelier: ah-tell-ee-ay

Balenciaga: Buh - Lin - See - Ah - Ga
Bally: Bah-li
Balmain: Bahl-Mah
Baume & Mercier: Bom ee Mer-See-yay

Bebe: Bee-bee
Bottega Veneta: Bo-tega Ven-e-ta

Braun Buffel: Brohn Byu-furl
Bruno Magli: Broo-no Mal-yi

Bulgari: Bool-ga-ree

Burberry Prorsum: Bur-bur-ree Pror-some
Carolina Herrera: Caro-leena Hair-era

Chacharel: Ka-sha-rel
Chanel: Sha-Nel

Charriol: Sha-ree-ol
Chloe: Kloh-eh
Chopard: Sho Par

Christian Lacroix: Christian Lah-kwa

Christian Louboutin: Loo-boo-tin

Cartier: Kar-ti-yay
Celine: seh-lyn
Cerruti: Cher-Ru-tee

Dolce & Gabbana: Dol-cheh and Ge-Ba-na

Dries Van Noten: Drees Van Know-ten

Elie Saab: Eh-li Zahb

Emilio Pucci: Ehm-ee-lee-o Poo-chee
Emporio Armani: Em-Pohr-yo Ar-mah-ni

Ermenegildo Zegna: Er-men-a-geel-do Zen-ya

Etienne Aigner: Eight-Yen Ahg-neigh

Givenchy: Jhee-von-shee

Gucci: Jew-chih
Guy Laroche: Gee Lah-Rosh

Hervé Léger: Air-vay Lay-jay
Issey Miyake: Ees-say Mi-Ya-kay

Jaeger-Lecoultre: Yay-ger Leh-Koot

Jean Paul Gaultier: zhan paul Go-tee-Ay

Joeffer Caoc: Joe-fur Kay-ock
Lanvin: lon-Van
Loewe: LO-ee-Vay

Longchamp: Long-shum
Longines: Lohn-jeens

Louis Vuitton: Loo-ee Voo-ee-ton
Manolo Blahnik: Ma-no-low Blah-nick

Marchesa: Mar-kay-sa
Mainbocher: Maynbo-shay
Moschino: Mo-ski-no
Piaget: Pya-jay

Pierre Cardin: Pee-air Car-dain
Ralph Lauren: Ralph Lauren (as in Lauren the girl’s name, not Sophia Loren)
6267: Six-two-six-seven (not Sixty-two-sixty-seven)
Salvatore Ferragamo: Sal-va-Toh-reh Fehr a-Gah-mo

Sonia Rykiel: Sonia Ree-kee-eel
Sophia Kokosalaki: So-fee-a Ko-ko-sah-lah-kee
Swarovski: Swa - Roff - Ski

Thakoon: Ta-koon
Thierry Mugler: Tee-air-ree Moog-lay
Tocca: Toe-ka

Ungaro: Oon-ga-ro
Versace: ver-Sah-chay

So guys, all of you can now head on to Pavillion and shop till you drop.

There'e Gotta Be More to Life...

2008-04-25T19:00:00.002+08:00

There's gotta be more to life...
Than chasing down every temporary high to satisfy me
Cause the more that I'm...
Trippin' out thinkin' there must be more to life
Well it's life, but I'm sure... There's gotta be more
(More to life - Stacie Orrico)

Was listening to old tunes from my ever faithful IPod (where would I be without it?) and this song played on. There is some truth in it. Besides trying to be happily married, having an extremely patient and understanding spouse, wishing there are kids along the way, 4 adorable god-children, generous parents in-law, having the greatest boss on earth (trust me, where to find a boss where you can do what you like eg come to work at 9.30 am and leaving the office at 6pm), having a decent income so that I can at least splurge on a monthly basis, a wardrobe full of Nike stuff, I still wish that I have more that what I have now.

Like it or not, sometimes we DO compare ourselves with others, let it be career wise, family wise or even the way we potray ourselves compared to others. And when we start comparing, we normally ended up thinking "is this as good as it gets?" "If only I have more money to buy a Chanel suit, I'll look good" "How did he/she end up with so much money" "It's not fair, no matter how much she eats, she's still slim" etc... etc...

I'm not ashamed to admit that I use to be in this boat (or maybe I still am?). During my earlier career days, I used to get jealous when I see another person wearing a better suit than mine, carries an expensive, luxurious handbag, wear designer shoes. And what do I? I hit the store and bought myself all these, making sure they are more expensive than my rival. At that point in time, being seen in designer labels is all I care about, regardless of how big a hole my pocket is. Now, I am still paying for my lifestyle back then and wishing that I didn't bother competing with the Jones.

I've learned a lot and obviously, the hard way. I shouldn't spend money that I don't have (but I must have the limited edition Nike Shox!). If someone really loves you, they don't really care how you look, it's what in you heart (but it wouldn't kill if you try to dress like JLo or have a bootylicious body like Beyonce or Kylie Minogue). The ones that stay when the shit hits the fan are your true friends. Driving like a maniac DOES NOT get you there faster. And many other painful lessons.

Nonetheless, the very one thing I realise is that if we have faith in God and seek His guidance in times of needs, than life is not as bad as it seems.

All out of love...

2008-04-18T14:42:00.005+08:00

Another one of my beloved friend has started blogging. Kudos Mak Itam! Keep up the good work. Finally, today, I got the opportunity to drop by his blog. His latest topic is about falling and being in love, which I was inspired to pen down my own views and experiences.

The first memory that I can recall, which I thought I actually fell in love with a guy, was when I was 17. Well, at least I thought I was in love. Then, I furthered my studies and we broke off. However, I don't recall being sad or upset about the break up. I went on with college life and uni life, meeting new guys and dating. When I was in my first year of Uni, again, I thought I had fallen in love. He was a senior in Uni. I spent two years of my life with him. Sort of devoted to him. I stopped going clubbing with friends and instead, I spent my many2 evenings and weekend with him. When I was in my final year, he was already back in Malaysia (he was my senior, remember?). Somehow the long distance relationship was not working for us and we decided to call it quit. Again, the whole breaking up thing didn't hit me. Luckily enough, six months after that I found someone else. Again, I fell in love. And this time, I knew it was real. I spent 8 years of my life with him and most of friends knew about his existence (I was proud of him, thus paraded him everywhere, even without his consent!).

During this 8 year - relationship, we fight, make-up, call each other nasty names when we are fighting and come up with cute names when we are feeling romantic etc. As both of us are now working in different industries (I was an auditor, he was a merchant banker), both of us never really had "us" time. I got frustrated and he kept working. To mend the relationship, I decided to change job and be in the same industry as he is. It was a good move, career wise. But again, both of us just got very busy with work. We never really paid attention to each other and we began to live separate life. I started going to the gym and hang out more with friends so that I wouldn't feel so lonely. At that point in time, I thought that whatever love both of us had was lost. There was no more passion.

To cut a long story short, I decided to end the relationship. However, this time it was different. I was really sad and taken aback by my action. This changed me into someone that I am not. I started clubbing and drinking again. I started going out with other guys too. But it was never the same. During this period, I had what I called "3 months contract" relationships with the guys I was going out with. I was a wild child. Thank god for the good friends who pulled me back from the path I was taking and made me realise that my life was worth more than just a Hermes handbag or a 1 carat De Beers ring from Habib.

I started my long journey of getting to know myself. During this time, I met Hootie and we decided to walk down the aisle. But like I said, this time it was different. Yes, I do love Hootie but the reason I married him was more than just love.

I guess, as we grow wiser, our view towards life changes. I used to think that love is the most important thing in making it in a relationship. The reality is that, once the passion is gone, we need more than just love to make it. A person changes throughout the years hence there is no way their feelings will remain the same. I learned this the hard way. Nonetheless, I am proud to say that I've had true love (or "cinta agung" as some puts it), even though it had a sad ending.

Regrets

2008-04-14T16:10:00.009+08:00

Do you ever have days where you wake up and thought "why is my life the way it is?" "Is there something that I am doing wrong?" "Is there anything I should have done or shouldn't do, so much so that I am stuck with what I have?"

Yes, people, I have regrets. And sadly, of late, I kept thinking of my regrets. When I was younger, I never stopped to think about my actions. My alter ego always gets the best of me. Fed up of my audit work, I looked for a new job. Tired of certain friends/group of people, I just stopped seeing them. Men giving me headache, dumped them.

I am not regretting about moving job. It was probably the best decision that I made so far. My regrets are of losing friends and love ones. If only I took a step back and not be soooooo arrogant and stubborn, I could have save a few friendships along the way. Maybe I would not feel so melancholic.

Well, as they say, it is now bridge under the water. But how do one deal with regrets? Forget it? Act on it? Talk about it until one gets tired and eventually forget about it? Make up for it? Sometimes I wish that there is such thing as "Total Recall". Or the Haitian guy from Heroes exist so that I can erase certain memories.

Living in regret hurts but I guess it is what makes me a person.

Riding in the Rain

2008-04-08T15:08:00.004+08:00

Hmmm... was on leave last Friday, hence a long weekend for moi. It was a much needed rest. But as usual, work piles up (how can work piles up so much over one day?) and spent the whole day clearing inbox, in-tray and other nick-nacks in the office.

Managed to read some of my friends blogs and the hot topic at the mo seems to be work rant. I mean, I can totally relate when some of my friends are complaining about work. It seems like the Bosses are united in making "execkulis's" (like moi) life a living hell. Take last week for instance, I nearly fell sick because I had to ride a motorbike in order to deliver a document before the deadline. It has been raining lately and driving around KL when it rains is NOT an option (unless one enjoys being stuck in flash floods and massive traffic jam). My boss knew damn well that the document has to be in the hands of the client by 5pm but still decided to change a few things at the very last minute. She finally signed the damn thing at 4pm and I have to rush out to deliver it. Almost had a heart attack when I saw the massive jam outside office. But in the spirit of not letting the client down and to save the Boss's "water face", I borrowed the Office Boys's motorbike and rode it all the way to the client's place. It's not far and I can actually walk, but it was faster to just ride (and also, thinking that the rain has subsided, so what the heck!). In less than 10 minutes I was there. After passing and explaining the necessary to the client, I rode back. And of course, Murphy's Law applied, it just had to rain while I was riding back. And I was so near office!!! Feeling upset, I instantly applied for leave. Luckily, the Boss approved it.

Today, the work load is not so bad, but I am willing to bet any money that it will be hell soon as the IB team has landed a job for me to execute and 2 IPOs coming. So, I guess I need to stock up on my midnight oil.

Einstein's Riddle

2008-04-03T12:28:00.004+08:00

Another one of the many2 chain mails that I get in my mail box, which I feel is better off being posted here compared to "clogging" my friend's mailbox. Enjoy! I managed to solve it (within a couple of days). Alternatively, can always Google the answer!

There are 5 houses in 5 different colors. In each house lives a person with a different nationality. The 5 owners drink a certain type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain pet. No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of cigar, or drink the same beverage.

The question is: Who owns the fish?

Hints:
The Brit lives in the red house.
The Swede keeps dogs as pets.
The Dane drinks tea.
The green house is on the left of the white house.
The green homeowner drinks coffee.
The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.
The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
The man living in the center house drinks milk.
The Norwegian lives in the first house.
The man who smokes Blend lives next to the one who keeps cats.
The man who keeps the horse lives next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
The owner who smokes Bluemaster drinks beer.
The German smokes prince.
The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
The man who smokes Blend has a neighbor who drinks water.

Einstein wrote this riddle early during the 19th century. He said 98% of the world could not solve it. Its not hard, you just need to pay attention and be patient.

Seeing Green

2008-03-31T16:18:00.002+08:00

There was a millionaire who was bothered by severe eye pain. He consulted so many physicians and was getting his treatment done. He did not stop consulting galaxy of medical experts; he consumed heavy loads of drugs and underwent hundreds of injections. But the ache persisted with great vigour than before.

At last a monk who has supposed to be an expert in treating such patients was called for by the millionaire. The monk understood his problem and said that for sometime he should concentrate only on green colours and not to fall his eyes on any other colours.

The millionaire got together a group of painters and purchased barrels of green color and directed that every object his eye was likely to fall to be painted in green colour just as the monk had directed. When the monk came to visit him after few days, the millionaire's servants ran with buckets of green paints and poured on him since he was in red dress, lest their master not see any other colour and his eye ache would come back. Hearing this monk laughed said: "If only you had purchased a pair of green spectacles, worth just a few dollars, you could have saved these walls and trees and pots and all other articles and also could have saved a large share of his fortune. You cannot paint the world green."

Morale of the story:-

Let us change our vision and the world will appear accordingly.

Me and Murphy's Law

2008-03-28T16:56:00.009+08:00

I am one of those few privilege ones that always get tested by God. However, God is great. No matter how sticky a situation gets, God the Almighty will turn things around.

Ever been in a "Murphy's Law" situation? Ever been in a situation where you know that things can go wrong and eventually go wrong? I have been in such situations many, many times.

Several instances where Murhpy Law will apply to me:-

I was rushing for a meeting. Exit carpark and realise that I have left the documents needed for the meeting in the office. Went back to get the documents and try to hit the road, again. Suddenly, stuck in a bad jam because everyone in KL decides to hit the road at the same time. However, was not considered late due to some other members of the due diligence working being late coz' they were stuck at the same traffic jam. Lucky eh?

Once, I was already late to check-in for a flight to Brunei (don't get me started on why I was late to get my ass to the airport). I checked-in 45 minutes before departure. Since I was late, I was not allowed to check-in my luggage. So, I had to hand carry them all (one big suitcase, a handbag and a laptop. And for those who knows me, I don't travel light!). And of course the gate to the plane would have to be the furthest gate in the satellite terminal of KLIA (you guys know how taxing it is to get to the satellite terminal, let alone gate C31). Madly rush through immigration, took the train and literally ran towards gate C31, only to find out that the flight was delayed. Damn!

For some strange reason, whenever I want to go to my gym class on Saturday afternoons, all the Ampang people decides to leave for town. The best was what happened 2 Saturdays ago. Hootie went out to buy some groceries at about 11 am and came back about 12pm. I asked him if the roads were busy, and he said no. So I got ready for gym and left my apartment at about 12.30pm. And of course, the roads WERE BUSY! How can it be? Within the span of 1/2 hour, the people of Ampang has decided unanimously to hit the road towards KL. We managed to get to the ever faithful elevated highway and I thought to myself, I can still make it to class. To my horror, Jalan Sultan Ismail was also jam. Again, I thought to myself, since the class instructor is an old friend, he wouldn't mind me making a grand entrance. Due to a miracle, I did managed to get to the gym on time, but only to find out the class had been cancelled because the instructor was admitted to hospital. Again, damn!

This month, my car insurance and road tax need to be renewed. Now that I'm almost penniless (the car insurance and road tax has burned an additional RM1k hole to my pocket), the sliding door to the apartment decides to give way. Since I'm staying at my mother's apartment, I would have to fixed it before my mother decides to drop in unsuspectingly and nag me on why I have not fixed the stupid sliding door.

I have many more Murphy Law stories to tell. Nonetheless, I believe that things always happen for a reason, whether I realised it or not. As a saying goes, God works in mysterious ways.

The Seed

2008-03-24T16:58:00.002+08:00

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. " The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today - one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure. Six months went by--still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful--in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him! When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!" All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!" When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story. The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive! His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. "Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO?" the others said. Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!"

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
If you plant hard work, you will reap success
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

Life sucks! (At the Mo)

2008-03-21T18:07:00.006+08:00

I know, I know... I've not been updating my blog for about 1 week already... Sorry guys, kinda busy with work and have been out of KL for the last 3 days (yeah, lame excuse, but any excuse is better than no excuse)...

As mentioned, had to leave Hootie for 3 days due to work. But have to say, the trip was very much needed as I had time to rethink about how I feel about my life at the mo...

a) Career

Was head-hunted recently and went for the interview. The job I was offered is rather similar to what I am doing now. The only difference is that I'll be reporting to internal Board of Directors rather than client's Board of Directors. Work wise, scope will be limited due to internal reporting. The interviewers were OK, (why can't I have a boss that looks like Vin Diesel?) and the interview went OK. However, with my current job, although work sucks, my current team members are God-sent. I don't think I can find a boss that gives so much flexibility and is willing to help fight for my rights? Hence, I am torn between getting more money and loyalty. But, loyalty wins at the mo.

b) Family

My dad is currently in the midst of building a new family pad for the family. Honestly, for the amount of money he spent, the house is rather small. And for a house that is tailor-made, the design could have been better. What gets to me is that, he keeps asking me for my opinion but never actually take it into consideration. But, quoting little sister, it's his money, so he can do whatever pleases him.

c) Marriage

Things aren't going the way I imagined it to be. Maybe my expectations were too high when I considered getting married. Not sure what Hootie's expectations are like. We never really talk about it before we got married and now it's taking it's toll. Have to admit, the reason I actually got married was purely selfish and now I have to pay the price.

Hootie is rather a reserved person and each time I brought something up, he'd rather shut up than actually explaining it to me. This habit of his really bothers me. Is it so difficult to actually express yourself? I'm the type of person that has to be in the need-to-know basis. I need to know why certain things are in certain ways, or certain things are not in certain ways. I stand guided by certainties and I find it hard to function in a world where we just keep on going for the sake of keep on going.

The contrary to what people say, the first year of marriage is no honeymoon for me. A lot had happen in the last 9 months and I now stand at a crossroad of whether I made the right decision or not. Hootie's a really nice guy and I'm sure other people would die to have a husband like him (a lot of my friends call him Grade-A Husband). But so much had happened that I no longer feel the same sort of loving feeling I had 9 months back. Don't get me wrong, I might not be happy but I am content. But at the same time, can't help feeling that things could have been better if Hootie had actually listen to my pleas 9 months ago. Now, I'm not sure what to do and my heart has turn cold.

Yes people, I am capable of feeling down. Can't help feeling frustrated, I'm only human. As much as patience is a virtue, not sure how long I can hold on to it. All I can say is that there are a lot of resentment at the moment, not to mention regrets. But like a saying goes, the show must go on and I shall prevail.

How to spice up our boring life...

2008-03-11T17:32:00.002+08:00

1. Be spontaneous

Seize opportunities to do something interesting. For example; when a friend invites you for a drink or to the movies—don’t make excuses. Simply, say yes and go. Don’t turn down invitations to socialize when you know you have nothing better to do.

2. Visit a new place

It’s a shame to not have gone anywhere else besides your little hometown; or seen anything else outside of your community. C’mon, there is so much to see. Drive, get on a bus or train and go see the world!

3. Do the unusual

Do something you have always wanted to do but never made time for. Go hiking, camping, kayaking, run the marathon, go to the museum, attend a concert, visit an old friend or do some volunteer work.

4. Plan a “spice up my life day” and commit to it

Mark the date on your calendar for a special vacation, trip or activity. Submit your official vacation day leave request and invite your friends along. Plan for your special day and get ready to have fun. The more the merrier!

5. “Tune up” your attitude

Give up the “I don’t do this and I don’t do that” attitude. Be willing to participate in new activities and embrace new things. Be open-minded, and have fun. You will be pleasantly surprised at what the right attitude can do for you!

6. Be fully present and in the moment

What’s the point of going on vacation and then spending your vacation time thinking about work, bills and other stressful issues? You can’t really spice up your life if you are physically present and mentally absent. To enjoy yourself, be fully engaged in the moment— body, soul and spirit.

7. Leave your hang-ups at home

When spending time with your friends…don’t let your pessimist outlook on life ruin the day. Remember that your friends are there to enrich your life and not to baby sit you. So, leave you high maintenance behavior at home, be a joy to others and have fun!

8. Change your environment

Introduce inspiring elements into your surroundings. Change your furniture, paint your walls a different color, get some potted house plants, a fish tank or even a pet.

9. Make new friends or foster existing relationships

Technology has made it possible to connect with people faster and easily. Make friends with people from different cultures and learn something new. Contact a long lost friend and make plans to meet and catch up. Better yet, pay a surprise visit to a relative you haven’t seen in a while.

10. Be creative

Opportunities present themselves in the most unlikely ways. Ask yourself, “What can I do right now, this week, this weekend…to spice up my life?” Think outside the box.

National Election Day

2008-03-08T09:36:00.000+08:00

To all Malaysian who are voting today, HAPPY VOTING!!!

Choose wisely kay...

Hands off the remote!!!

2008-03-06T17:06:00.006+08:00

I am a reality TV show junkie. I enjoy watching how one team tries to outwit the other team in Amazing Race. I take pleasure in watching all the cat fights in ANTM. I am even amused by KLS's bitchiness.

Reality TV is a genre of tv programmes which presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and features ordinary people instead of professional actors. Although the genre has existed in some form or another since the early years of television, the term reality television is most commonly used to describe programs produced since 2000. Documentaries and non-fictional programming such as news and sports shows are usually not classified as reality shows.

A bit of history lesson. Reality TV goes way back to the 1940's. Unlike current reality TV shows, reality TV shows back then were more focused on broadcasting unsuspecting ordinary people reacting to pracks and practical jokes (this would be shows like "You're on Candid Camera", "Just Kidding" and "MTV Boiling Points"). Over the years, reality TV shows evolves whereby producers started to toy with more creative ideas such of game/quiz shows, home improvements, competitions and real life moments captured on home videos.

Few of my favourites at the mo:-

a) Kimora: Life at the Fab Lane - love how she bitches around town, with her fabulous fashion sense and extravagant over-the-top gadgets (have you guys seen her diamond encrusted handphone and tailor-made leather seats in her open-top Bentley!)

b) Amazing Race and Amazing Race Asia - no matter how many times they show the reruns of the reruns, I still catch them on tellie

c) ANTM - it makes me wonders how some chicks even made it to the show. But I love how the show has evolved from focusing purely on modelling to modelling with a purpose. For instance, in the latest season, ANTM has gone green (mind you, green is the new black!)

d) American Idol - the amount of talent that the contestants have is amazing. Some of them can sing better than the original singer!

e) Who wants to be a comic superhero? - Yes, I know, this show is a bit over the top, but can't help watching Stan Lee groom real people into having superhero qualities, some of which I feel that we should practice in becoming a better person

f) Project Runaway - Just love watching how the designers use their creativity and create beautiful garments

And the list goes on. I have even converted Hootie to watch reality TV shows with me and he enjoys watching some of it. And me being me, each time I watch TV, don't even dare touch the remote let alone flip through the channels during commercials! If I'm watching something that Hootie doesn't like, he'll just go to his ever faithful PC and browse the net or trade dope over FB.

Have to say that reality TV does affect our lives one way or another. Notice how most of the show in Astro are reality TV? People do love watching other people. As I see it, there's nothing wrong in doing so. We could even learn a thing or two.

OMG!!!

2008-03-05T10:54:00.003+08:00

Oh my god! I've have not been diligent in updating my blog... Last entry was on 27 Feb!!! My, my... how time flies when you are really2 busy... Internet connection at home sucks and the only means to the net is from office...

Of late, for some strange reason, I've been swamped with work (so it is true that when it rains, it does pours!). I mean, I was rather free for the last couple of weeks! Can't the bosses practice something call time management and work balancing? It is rather frustrating when the Boss decided to suddenly dump everything at one go... The best part is that, the Boss met the Client ages ago and dropped the bomb 2 days prior to the next meeting! ARGH!!!

So, here I am, writing in between work... Actually, kinda bored with work at the mo and my ever faithful YM Buddy is currently away... Vetting two circulars to shareholders within a day ain't funny ok? Not only do I have to go through the compliance bit but also must ensure that the whole damn thing makes sense to the readers, who unfortunately, most of them are the average Joe and Jane (although I always belief that if you can't convince them, you confuse them!).

Well... better get back to work... Will find something for the soul as I miss my Monday regular post in due course....

The power of influence

2008-02-27T10:23:00.010+08:00

A very close friend of mine started a weigtht loss programme a few years back. He has always been an athlete, playing tennis and hockey. But of late, he took a serious turn and start running and cycling. He has loss a considerable amount of weight and he looks and feel great.

This story is not about him losing weight. It is actually about the power of influence and motivation.

He started this journey when he started hanging around friends who are Ironman freaks. Slowly, these group of people started to influence him. He started to join their cycling and running routine. The first few sessions were torture. But he persevered and slowly his stamina increased. And now, he's ready for real challenges (at least I think so!).

Yesterday, he did some running at Pandan Sport Center. Suddenly, an elder man appeared and approched him.

Old man: You have a good fitness for someone with your size.

Friend: Well, you are fit for a very old guy.

and he accompanied my friend for the next 4 lap. Apparently, the old man said he had been watching my friend run a few times already and this time he had to run with him.

As I see it, he was influenced by his friends and later motivated a stranger.

It is true that action speaks louder than words. Even when we think no one is watching or what we do wouldn't make any difference, it will impact something, somehow.

Being Happy...

2008-02-25T12:09:00.005+08:00

We convince ourselves that life will be better once we are maried, have a baby, etc.

Then we get frustrated because our children are not old enough and that all will be well when they are older.

Then we are frustrated because they reach adolescence and we must deal with them. Surely we'll be happier when they grow out of their teen years.

We tell ourselves our life will be better when our spouses get his/her act together, when we have a nicer car, when we can take a vacation, when we finally retire.

The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now. If not, then when? Your life will always be full of challenges. It is better to admit as much and to decide to be happy in spite of it all. There isn't any road to happiness. Happiness IS the road.

So, enjoy every moment. Stop waiting for school to end, for a return to scholl. to lose ten pounds, to gain ten pounds, for work to begin, to get married, for Friday evening, for Sunday morning, for a new car, for your mortgage to be paid off, for spring, for summer, for fall, for winter, for the first or the fifteenth of the month, for your song to be played on the radio... before deciding to be happy.

Happiness is a voyage, not a destination. There is no better time to be happy than NOW...

NB: A another dear friend has a similar article on being happy which is equally has good.

NBB: As earlier mentioned, I have dedicated Mondays as "Chicken Soup" day (or as "E" puts it, "Cut and Paste" day). The articles are from various chain emails that have been forwarded to me, which I feel would be more beneficial being posted here (rather than clogging my friends mailbox) for eveyone to enjoy and ponder. It is not intended for anyone specific. It is just a way for me to share some "chicken soup for the soul" with all my friends out there.

Closure... Maybe...

2008-02-22T15:05:00.005+08:00

After more than 2 years, I finally cried...

I would hold you in my arms,

I would take the pain away.

There's nothing I wouldn't do to hear your voice again,

sometimes I want to call you but I know you won't be there.

I feel broken inside but I won't admit,

I just want to hide cause it's you I miss,

it's so hard to say goodbye!

There's nothing I wouldn't do to have just one more chance,

to look into your eyes and see you looking back.

If I have just one more day,

I would tell you how much I've missed you

since you've been away.

I've hurt myself by hurting you.

I'm sorry...

Facebook

2008-02-22T11:13:00.005+08:00

Facebook is definitely a "God Sent".

Yesterday, while I was playing around FB, I found a really, really old dear friend from my college days (we are talking 1995 to 1997). I was randomly searching for old friends in FB and I just typed in his name. Voila, there was his name and picture. No words can describe how excited I was to have found him. Once we "hooked up" as FB buddies, I explored his friend lists and found more long lost friends from my AC days. With the exception of gaining a few pounds, none of them have physically changed drastically over the last 11 years. Needless to say, I quickly hooked up with more old friends and what amazes me that all of them still remember me too!!!

FB is definitely one of the best ways to find long lost friend (or love). Even if we don't get to see each other, we can definitely update each other on our well beings and what we are up to. We can also send free virtual gifts,drinks, cupcakes, plants and any other virtual freebies to our friends. Or at the very least, poke each other once in a while to say that we still remember them!

So, hats off to Mark Zuckerberg, founder of FB, for creating such a powerful tool for the benefit of mankind.

Me... here, now and then...

2008-02-20T11:15:00.005+08:00

I subscribe to Calvin and Hobbes comic strips via email. Each day, the moderator will send a strip for each subscriber to enjoy.

The one I received today automatically reminds me of me and my new found "love", blogging. When I decided to start blogging, my objective is that I want to share my stories and views with everyone that knows me. But when I read what Calvin had to say, it hit me that by having this blog, not only am I sharing my stories but it is also a way of me documenting my stories now for future references. I mean, blogging is like having a personal online diary.

Some of my friends choose to share their makan2 experiences, holiday experiences and pictures of where they have been. Some chose to express themselves, let it be politics, tv shows, movies or just b*&^%hing about everything that they are not happy with.

For whatever reason we choose to blog, one thing remains... Our blogs serve as a personal memoir of what we are now, a virtual monument of our current experiences, feelings and thoughts. Who knows, maybe later in life, we'll be someone famous and our life will be made into an autobiography. At least, we have our blogs to turn to as a starting point.

Waiting For The Bus

2008-02-18T09:28:00.002+08:00

Sometimes finding a life partner can be likened to waiting for the bus.

Imagine this:

You are waiting for a bus at the bus stop. The bus arrives. You think to yourself: "Yikes! It's too crowded, there wouldn't be seats for me!" So you decided to wait for the next bus.

And when the second bus arrives, you decided: "This bus is too old! I'm sure it's really uncomfortable to ride in". And so you let the second busgo off too.

After some time, the third bus arrives. There are seats available, it'srelatively new - but again you are not pleased: "There's no air-conditioning! It's such a warm day, I would rather wait for the next bus!" you thought to yourself.

By then the sky darkens and you realise that it's getting late. Panicking, you jumped onto the next bus. Much later, you realised that you had gotten onto the wrong bus! You have wasted your time and money by being picky!

Think about this:

Even if an air-conditioned bus did arrive, could you have ensured it wouldn't break down or that you wouldn't find it too cold? It's not wrong to try to get exactly what we want in life, be it the bus you take, the friends you make or the people you date. Still it wouldn't hurt to give others a chance.

Should you find that the "bus" you have boarded is not suitable for you, then simply press the bell and get off the bus! Of course, like many of us might have experienced before - you see a bus coming your way (the one you want), you flagged it but the driver acts"blur", ignores you and drives off! Well, it's probably the bus driver's lost anyway!

Waiting for love is just like waiting for a bus.

You choose if you want to get onto the particular bus and give it a chance! Walking home alone after missing the bus feels just like being out of love.

Always say what you mean.

If you love someone, tell that person. Don't be afraid to express yourself. Let that someone know what they really mean to you. It might be too late when you finally decide that it's the right time.

Seize the day.

Never have regrets. (This is a bit tough since I have done LOADS of stupid things in life and regret until today!!!)

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back! Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart. Should it not, then be contented that at least it grew in yours.

V-Day came... V-Day went...

2008-02-15T09:50:00.006+08:00

As the whole world knows, yesterday was V-Day. And no, me and Hootie didn't do anything special, we just sat in front of tellie watching American Idol and TARA 2 (an evening well spent, i think). Call me cold and insensitive, but I don't believe in celebrating V-Day, let it be for religious and commercial justifications.

I mean, shouldn't we be celebrating our love everyday? Shouldn't we appreciate our love ones everyday? If we want to be cute and buy presents for our love ones, we should just pop down the shop and buy it, regardless of what day it is!

Furthermore, V-Day has been so commercialize that the shops decides to triple the prices of everything that has already been tripled in the first place. 1 stem of rose costs RM10. This is what I called daylight robbery! The restaurants charges an arm and a leg for something that I eat for less than that during non-V-Days. Not to mention the spas!!! It is truely a mega conspiracy to rip off "broken" people like me...

OK, OK, I get it... I can make my own gifts, cook a nice romantic dinner, prepare hot bath etc. etc. which would not costs me much... but like I said, I do these things as and when I feel like being cute...

P/S: A few years back, "R" took me out for Valentine's Dinner, to which I told him not to do it again (Well, he had prepaid for the dinner, hence I agree to go... Waste not, want not...). Have to say, the feeling was good but I felt and still feel RM400 for a 3 course dinner is a bit too much... Still kept the picture though, for old time sake...

I hope you know, I hope you know

That this has nothing to do with you

It's personal, myself and I

We've got some straightening out to do

And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket

But I've got to get a move on with my life

It's time to be a big girl now

And big girls don't cry

How does one express one self?

2008-02-13T14:03:00.007+08:00

Lately, things aren't going really well for myself. Too much anger and disappoinment in life. I tried to persevere and remember the 90/10 rule (refer to earlier posting on this) but hell, how does one contained one's anger and disappointment. There will come a point where one will sure to explode!!!

As a muslim, I've been thought to take all the "shitty" things in life as a challenge, a way for God to test It's humble being. But it is easier said than done. I used to be the sort of person that gets upset easily and will always find ways to get even. But over the years, and with the help from my Big Brother, I've mellowed down and manage to contain my anger to a degree where instead of blurting it out, I write down my dissatisfaction. I find writing is a better way of expressing myself. I talk a lot and I have no problem expressing myself verbally but the after effect is different. With writing, I can avoid being physical. And by the time I see the actual person I'm angry at, the anger will disappear (most of the time that is!). But that doesn't mean I'll forgive and forget. I might forgive but never forget (sounds like one of the Dixie Chicks songs ain't it?).

Need anger management courses...

Two Men

2008-02-11T08:50:00.000+08:00

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

Oh What A Journey...

2008-02-08T11:12:00.000+08:00

Being a typical Malaysian, Hootie and I took the opportunity to "balik kampung" over the long weekend. Thinking that most KLians would have fled KL, I decided to take my own sweet time to wake up and start our journey.

I was wrong. A trip to JB usually takes 3 hours but yesterday it took us 6 hours!!!!

We started at 10.30am from Teh's house. When we got to Bukit Jalil, the queue for PLUS highway already started there (damn! are you people crazy or what!). So we decided to take "Jalan Lama". We passed by Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Nilai, Mantin, Seremban, Pedas, Simpang Ampat and all the other small villages... all the way to Segamat. By the time we got to Segamat, it was 3pm and Hootie was hungry. So we stopped for lunch at KFC (talking about being adventureous! D'oh!). My dad is from Segamat and my family used to stay here for a while. The town has changed quite a bit (the last time I was there was 10 years ago, mind you) but some things are still there, like my primary school, my dad's favourite barber and tailor, the makcik stall where I used to walk with my brother to buy breakfast and my mom's old school (she's a teacher and SMK Paduka Tuan was her first posting after coming back from UK in 1984).

We continued our little excurtion all the way to Yong Peng and finally hit the Plus Highway from there. During part two of our trip, we passed by a small town called Desa Temu Jodoh. I find the name rather interesting.

We finally got to JB around 5.30pm. I told dad about Desa Temu Jodoh. He said that the place is called as such because once, the Govt of Johor did a mass marriage ceremony (40 odd couples if I'm not mistaken) and gave them a piece of land for these couples to develop and start a family (kiranye cam penempatan Felda la). The Govt of Johor provides all the necessity such as schools, Klinik Desa, community hall etc.

The trip was quite an eye opener. We passed by places that Hootie didn't know exist and I had a trip down memory lane (my own dad likes to take us travelling via trunk roads when I was a kid). Would do it again, if time permits. But as for Hootie, I think he'll stick to PLUS Highway. Luckily, I've taken leave on Monday and we've decided to drive back to KL then. Hopefully, traffic is not going to be as crazy as yesterday.

Gong Xi Fa Chai...

2008-02-06T10:04:00.000+08:00

“Gong Xi Fa Chai” to all my beloved friends who will be celebrating it tomorrow!

May the Lunar New Year be a season of "Prosperity, Good Health & Happiness".

Happy Holidays and safe return to all those who are travelling.

OCD, Monk and Me...

2008-02-05T16:57:00.000+08:00

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are my TV nights. Nothing can come between me and the Tellie, not even dinner (but if you bribe me with butter prawns from TTDI or Chilli Crab from Walter-Granier, then, I'm in... if not, don't bother...).

On Mondays, I'll start off with the series of comedies on Star World, then change to Amazing Race (when it was airing that is) and back to Star World for Monk (i know, i know, House is showing at the same time but Monk will always win, by a landslide mind you!)

On Tuesdays, would be Desperate Housewives and now, of course the ever famous Heroes Season 2.

On Wednesdays, American Idol and CSI (nuff said!!).

On Thursdays, Amazing Race Asia.

Back to Monk. For the benefit of those who have not heard of Monk (duh, where are you from? Mars?), Monk is an Emmy Award-winning US TV show about a private detective, Adrian Monk, who is afflicted by obsessive-compulsive disorder (“OCD”).

What is interesting about Monk is that his OCD is what made him great. Monk’s obsessive attention to details allows him to spot the tiniest of discrepancies, find patterns and make connections that others fail to make. Although Monk is fictional, the creator, Andy Breckman, based Monk’s character from several life experiences of OCD patients.

I too, suffer from a certain degree of OCD (maybe not as bad as Monk, but I share his sentiment). I noticed that I have several habits that may be weird to others. For instance, whenever I go shopping, I will fold back the clothes that have been savagely perused through by other shoppers. Time and again Hootie would have to stop me from doing so. I also have a habit of wiping the utensils with tissue whenever I eat out. I get very upset when the hired help happily shoved the fork and spoon into my food. Another weird habit is that everything I wear must match. Hence, I end up with 5 pairs, different coloured Nike Shox and 4 difference coloured Nike yoga mats. (Don’t even bother asking me how many pairs of working shoes, sandals and flip flops I have!!!). I also make sure that I don’t wear the same outfit twice in a month (and yes, I do have different outfits for different gym classes, ending up with a wardrobe full of Nike stuff.) Even my scrunchy has to be of the same colour, if not similar. There are other habits that is just too taxing to write here. Close friends and family will know what I'm talking about!

Each time I watched Monk, I will always remind Hootie that he’s lucky that my OCD is not as cronic as Monk. He'll just smile, each time.

Three things...

2008-02-04T10:27:00.000+08:00

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back:

Time
Words
Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person:

Anger
Pride
Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose:

Hope
Peace
Honesty

Three things in life that is most valuable:

Love
Family & Friends
Kindness

Three things in life that is never certain:

Fortune
Success
Dreams

Three things that make a person:

Commitment
Sincerity
Hard work

Is Hell Exothermic or Endothermic?

2008-01-31T15:49:00.001+08:00

The following article has been emailed to almost everyone there is on earth (it's rather old, the last time I saw it was about 4-5 years ago). Somehow, it made its way back to my mailbox today and I still think it's funny...

The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)? Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different Religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially.

Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added. This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.

2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you", and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct, leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God".

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED THE ONLY "A"

Forward this or...

2008-01-29T09:19:00.000+08:00

I bet that at some point in time, each and everyone of us have received and forwarded this sort of mail.

So, what's the deal with chain mail? Do people actually believe that if one did not forward a chain mail, he/she will be doomed for life? (No wonder I've not struck the motherload! I don't believe in such nonsense, hence, hardly forwarded any).

Although there are no laws currently banning such chain mail, they are viewed as a general nuisance. They come in all forms, snail mail, email, sms, Facebook postings (those things you guys keep forwarding on my wall) etc. Some are harmless and purely meant for fun with no consequences whatsoever (eg: Forward this mail to all your friends to brighten their day) while some goes to the extend of threaten the recipient with bad luck, physical violance or death if he/she "breaks the chain" and refuse to adhere to the conditions set out in the letter (you know which ones i mean).

At the end of the day, it is actually up to us, the recipient, to deal with such mail. Yes, we can't control chain mails from coming to us but we can sure decide whether we want to clog the mailbox of our friends. To me, I don't get angry when friends forwarded chain mails but I try not to do so. Each time I receive a chain mail, I'll just delete and in my heart be grateful that my friends still remember me (eventhough they send me junk!).

The 90/10 Rule

2008-01-28T10:17:00.000+08:00

As Monday is the start of the week for majority of us, I've decided that Mondays should be "Chicken Soup" day (well, at least until I ran out of forwarded emails by friends that I can reproduce... :)). Here's one that was sent by one of my big brothers... An extract from Stephen Covey's popular self-help writings...

Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations).

What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react.

What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.

How?....... By your reaction.

You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you, YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example.

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughther knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened.

What happens next will be determined by how you react.

You curse.

You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus.

Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 mph in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home.

When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why?... Because of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is "D". You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say "It's ok honey, you just have to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel, you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see you daughter getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrives 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same but both ended differently.

Why? Because of how YOU reacted.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction. React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. It CAN change your life!!!

P/S: As with all "chicken soup" stories, articles etc, it should be taken with a pinch of salt. Have a great week ahead... :)

What a Lovely Day...

2008-01-25T15:46:00.000+08:00

(After complaints from several people that my font are too difficult to read, I've decided to make the font larger... Here's to you Adi...)

Got together with a couple of girlfriends over lunch for a picnic in the park. Yes, you read it correctly, a picnic, at KLCC park, overlooking the fountain. Of late, it has been such a lovely day so we decided to have a picnic. I brought spaghetti bolognese and Nut brought friend bihun. True to her words, Lin bought drinks.

It was a nice break from the daily routine of eating at various different food courts or expensive restaurants (sure beat the hassle of thinking "where shall we go today?"). Apart from enjoying the view, we could do with the fresh air and at the same time feed the ants (must do our bit in balancing out the circle of life). And I'm sure if I were to have this picnic with my guy friends, their eye balls will pop out from gazing at all the hot chicks around KLCC... Not to mention drooling themselves silly...

Interestingly enough, one of the topic that came out while we were enjoying our picnic is about changing oneself as a new year's resolution. Frankly speaking, I don't have any specific resolution. I am the type of person whereby if I feel that a change is needed for my own betterment, I'll do it. It doesn't have to be a sudden divine intervention, a mere observation of my daily life can make me change.

People say change is good but I rather say that it's kinda subjective. What if a person change into a monster, is it still good? An alcoholic turned saint is good.. but a saint becoming satan, I don't think so! People change for a whole lot of reason. Some of them went through a near death experience, some of them just have a change of heart. For whatever reason, I believe that we should change for the better... Let it be channging one's habit or changing one's view, we should all strive to be a better person than what we already are. Not only would this has good consequences on one's soul and mind, it would also create the same effect to one's surrondings.

If Only...

2008-01-24T12:20:00.000+08:00

The Govt declared yesterday as a public holiday for the citizens of KL and Putrajaya. Note to self: must clean house. But as usual, ended up doing totally different things. Ok la, manage to do a bit of ironing (if you call 2 hours of ironing a bit) and manage to organize clothes in cupboard. And of course, watched TV and played PSP until the cows come home. As the day draws to an end (and reality kicks in that I have to work the next day) I suddenly remembered my so called discussion with my officemates on daily routines and how I should changed and spiced up my life a bit.

Side track: I always look forward to lunches with my few merry officemates. We blather about almost everything under the sun, from day to day stuff up to imaginary stuff...

Not that I'm ungrateful with what I have today but of late I'm wishing my life was some what different. Went through a lot the last couple of years but alhamdulliah, manage to find myself in time, thanks to my wonderful and ever helpful friends. (Honestly, wouldn't know where I'd be without you guys...). If only I had more money, if only I could afford a new cribb, if only I had the extra cash to pick up diving... If only... If only... Of late, my thoughts are filled with "IF ONLY"... A dear friend got married recently and can't help feeling jealous for the bride. I've known this friend of mine for about 10 years and he's a very lovely person, not so romantic but very responsible and will always go out of his way to help friends (knight in shining armour less the romantic side of things).. Can't help thinking that the girl is set out for life... And can't help talking about it to one of my dearest friend too.... After being a shoulder to cry on, he said that I shouldn't think too much about it... It is easier said than done, but maybe changing my routines and habits might help... Hence, the IF ONLY thoughts...

People say you shouldn't dwell on your past or have regrets over what you've done...Things happen for a reason and God the Almighty knows what he's doing... I guess, at the end of the day, we should have faith and pray that God shows us the silver lining behind the clouds...

Did I Marry the Right Person

2008-01-21T16:17:00.000+08:00

Over the weekend, Hootie and I attended Hootie's long lost friend's wedding. It was a simple, small wedding... A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the happy couple... On my way home, I remembered an email which was sent by one of my dearest friend... Here it goes...

DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON?

During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question. She said,"How do I know if I married the right person?" I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said, "It depends. Is that your husband?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?" Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind.

Here's the answer.

EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love... Because it's happening TO YOU. People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet." Think about the imagery of that expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU. Falling is love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience.

But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage.
At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry the right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when marriages breakdown. People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, church, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this):
THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love. You have to "make" it day in and day out. That's why we have the expression "the Labor of Love." Because it takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it takes WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work. Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your marriage. Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable... you can "make" love.

Love in marriage is indeed a "decision"... Not just a feeling.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

2008-01-21T10:53:00.000+08:00

Being a lovely husband as he is, Hootie took me to the cinema to catch this movie (after much persuasion and bribery)... I've been wanting to watch this movie for the last 1 month (it's a musical hence Hootie wasn't really eager to watch). The RottenTomatoes gave it a 86% rating and I have to agree (for details of the review pls go to www.rottentomatoes.com). I enjoyed the movie even with much filtering by the Censorship Board... The story is full of blood, dark and depp (pardon my pun, but the issues brought forward in the movie is rather deep and as with all Tim Burton movies, the setting is rather dark and gloomy)...

Synopsis of the movie: Benjamin Barker (Johnny Depp) is a barber who is sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. After his release years later (he was sent to prison for 15 years if I'm not mistaken), he change his identity to Sweeney Todd, opens up a new shop and plots revenge against the judge (Alan Rickman) who sent him behind bars. But, before he does, he practices his knife skills on unsuspecting customers who have their necks cut along with their hair. The bodies of his victims then fall into the possession of Sweeney's girlfriend, Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), who carves them into delicious meat pies that become the talk of the town.

Why was he put away in prison? Todd had a very beautiful wife which the Judge took fancy. The Judge was a pervert (pardon my language), that feeds on beautiful women. This was further iterate in the movie whereby the Judge kept Todd's daughter for himself. Upon being release from prison, Todd came back to London and went looking for his family, only to find that his wife had poisoned herself (she was raped by the Judge soon after Todd was sent to prison) and his daughter, now all grown up and kept by the Judge. With the help from Mrs Lovett (she was the landlord where Todd and family used to live), Todd finally got his revenge...

At the end of the movie, there was a twist to the plot. *Sorry, have to spoil the movie for you guys who haven't watched ST*. Yes, Todd's wife did try to kill herself but she was saved by Mrs Lovett. However, Mrs Lovett had other ulterior motives. Capital gain was incidental but Mrs Lovett was in love with Todd (so now you understand why she never told Todd about his wife). A few minutes before the story ends, Todd's supposedly dead wife came to his shop. Scared that his secret will be made known, he killed her. He later realised that it was his wife. He got so upset so he killed Mrs Lovett. And as he was holding his dead wife, his eyes filled with regret and he was slaughtered by his own razor knife.

When I came out from the movie, I kept thinking to myself... I could understand why Todd acted the way he did... Revenge is sweet... Never forgive, never forget... But like everything else in life, there is always a classic twist to our fate... Imagine if Todd took a step back, he would have found out that his wife is still alive and he wouldn't turned into the demon that he was... As for the supporting casts, take Mrs Lovett for instance, she didn't tell Todd that his wife is still alive because she was in love with Todd and she wanted Todd for herself...

I guess what I'm trying to say is that all of us will always have ulterior motives, something that we secretly want, need it be good or bad... What separates us all is the way we achieve them... One might argue that it is immorale to take advantage of others for your own good but the fact still remains, we are all guilty of such sin, one way or another...

The time has come...

2008-01-18T15:40:00.000+08:00

This is the result of reading a lot of friends' blogs/fotopages entries... Kept thinking whether or not I should take up the challenge of blogging myself (well, a lot of friends said that I should start blogging since I talk a lot... )
So, here it is, the world premier of my attempt at blogging and sharing my life, views, likes, dislikes and everything else that I feel is worth sharing with all my friends out there... HAPPY BLOGGING ZED!!!