A Great Chick Flick

"They Say Nothing Lasts Forever, Dreams Change, Trends come and Go But Friendships Never Go out of Style"

Yes, Sex & the City. I went to the preview screening with a girlfriend and yes, your girlfriend would love the movie very much. More so than your husband or boyfriend. I fell in love with SATC in New York City some many years ago! I have to admit, SATC was an obsession, a very bad obsession! I bought all the 6 Seasons of the series and spent hours after hours watching it and reading everything about SATC online! It is just darn funny!

The movie was a great chick flick - it evokes all emotions - from love, tears, passion, fashion, envy, lavish holidays, tenderness, anger and most importantly humor. For my friends who have not seen it, do it now.

No Sausages Thank You

I'm hungry, very hungry but all I'm having is a cup of warm chocolate. I went for a walk at the mall next to the hotel. Wanted to get Splenda for mom and PJs for my little one. I passed so many small shops selling sausages, bacon, meat, everything to do with meat. Got back to the hotel and wanted to order some room service. Guess what, I could not forget what I saw and have not ordered any food since.

Cannot wait for morning. I think I will make a quick dash to Starbucks and get my coffee and bagel.

My Little One

He had a blast I'm sure of it. 10 days with mama and abah, the little one kept kissing us. We had to tell him to stop. He loved the weather, the park, the skies, the birds(!), the playground, he loves the short vacation we took. Next one, not so soon but will try to squeeze something in again at the end of the year ;P

Today, I am a SNOB

Yes. I am a real snob today. Hubby is definitely not proud of me and at this moment, I'm not bothered. I hate having to travel for work over weekend or on a public hols. My little one sent me off today and he could not understand why his mama was in the cab, but he waved goodbye nevertheless. I hate the feeling and had to keep myself occupied during the ride.

At the airport, I was served by someone who could barely string a proper English sentence together. For pete's sake, we are at the airport here?! What is wrong with Singapore?! Everyone has to learn English for as long as I can remember and suddenly I have to deal with service staff who could barely speak English! That got me really angry.

Got on the plane and everyone around me thought I am Filipino. Ignore, ignore except that the guy who sat next to me was SLEAZY!!! He kept looking and smiling even though I had my ipod on. He looked at my screen when I was watching Sex and the City! C'mon, use your own screen you moron! He insisted on moving out while I was having dinner and before I could stand up and move out, he rubbed his back on my knees!!! Yikes! At that moment, I swear I could have thrown my tray into his face! He was short and when I stood up, I just glared and looked down on him.

From that second on, I was a complete snob. No smile, no hello, no thank you and definitely no Mabuhay to anyone!!

This Used to Be my Playground

Bibra Lake. It was once beautiful - deep blue waters with lots of swans ducks and water birds. It was peaceful. There would be families enjoying the quiet, the kids running on the grass, the birds chirping in the background. I used to jog round the lake when I was there. 3 times per week, I remembered. I would take in the clear blue skies, clean air and enjoy the scenery. I would run as fast as I could when I felt uneasy, I would sit with my friends and listened to their problems.



I saw it again last week. The park still looks the same but the lake is almost gone now! There were swans, ducks, seagulls and other water birds... sadly, not big enough water body for them to enjoy...

My Sweet Tooth

I love dessert but I cannot have too much of it. Why? Too much sugar gives me a headache. All I just need is a bite and I would satisfied. 2 of my favorites are Creme Brulee and Sticky Date Pudding. I had the latter recently when I was on vacation. It was YUMMY, sinful but who cares right? I can always go on the treadmill tomorrow.

Oink Oink

I don't get it. Just because Muslims cannot eat pork/ham or touch pigs, that does not mean one cannot watch it on TV right? Have you seen some animated series featuring pigs as the main characters? They are soooo cute, the story is great, the animation is fantastic but I cannot acquire it because our friends in neighbouring country would not allow it! Oink Oink Oink! In pig's language, it means HOW ANNOYING!

Solid Gold

The US dollar has depreciate and I've been hoping that it would depreciate even more, then I'll buy some and keep. I've also been watching the gold prices... the more US dollar depreciate, the more expensive gold become. A part of me wished I had lots of gold now, then I would be making lots of dough. Another side of me am thinking of buying some gold now and store... ala old times when I remembered following my mom to Yong Sheng to buy gold jewellery. She used to tell me it's a good investment, can sell if we need money or in case of emergency. Should I buy or should I wait till US dollar appreciate then buy... decisions decisions...

Then I read in a magazine of this facial therapy that uses gold to moisturize and detoxify the skin! My oh my... does this means one's face would look like a gold statue when gold is being applied to your face?

I have not even gotten any answers to the above when I came across an article featuring a restaurant in NYC that serves Frozen Haute Chocolate made from 28 cocoas infused with edible 23Karat gold, served in a goblet with more edible gold(!) and that costs USD$25K! OMG!

What is the world coming to?!

Dharmawangsa Oh Dharmawangsa

I usually follow my instinct but this time round succumb to peer pressure to try this new hotel. I guess I am also used to familiar things/routine so to do something out of the norm usually will take me a few days to decide. So, I decided that I will give this boutique hotel a try and…. I wished I had listened to my instincts. The hotel is so far away from the airport and by the time I get to this hotel, I was irritated already. It does not help that the traffic was bad. I told a colleague and she said I'm the only one from office who does not like it there, I beg to differ. She then told me that because I am the Gucci, Prada kind of person, that's why I like Hyatt! Listen babe, Dharmwangsa is a five star boutique hotel, located in a posh housing estate - the houses in that area is HUGE! and you have your own butler per room! So Prada and Gucci aside, who is the atas one here?

The room was probably the size of my living room at home and the toilet is the size of my master bedroom.... and my master bedroom is pretty big. Can you imagine, there was a vanity top for him and her? I could sleep in the toilet and do cartwheels in the bedroom!

That aside. I am a practical person. I don't need a big room when I am on business. The usual corporate hotels are good enough for me. I don't like to waste time in the car while traffic crawls. I would rather use that time to do work or take a quick scroll around the area to see the city. Location is key for me - convenience is important. Also, how can I enjoy the luxury of life when I get in the car and I see kids and their moms knocking on the car windows asking for moolah?! I cannot help but feel guilty.

Zakat

Saw this Ad in KL last week. I thought it was good. simple and direct.

Rumah Besar Dah Ada

Kereta Pun Ada

Gaji dah lima angka

Zakat Harta bila?

The MEENACHI in MOI!

I am Malay but I also have some Indian blood in me. Does that mean there is a MINAHCHI (or meenachi) in me?!

There is a MINAH in Moi!

There you go. I said it. Never wanted to be associated with it years ago, and today, I admit it.
The Minah in me makes me what I am today. Rooted in my religious and cultural beliefs and yet I am open minded and rather liberal with my thoughts and my lifestyle.

I have become quite a MINAH because I have used words like "beb", "steady ah", "gerek", "let's jam", "power brader" in my conversation without even realizing it. I've resorted to calling my Malay friends Petom, Bedah and "Makcik Siput" because it goes well with each one of them. I enjoy listening to songs from the Mat Rock group.. please don't ask me the titles or the singers, I only know the lyrics. I have become such a Minah that when I want to call it a day, I am brave enough to tell the producers in my team, OK Bro, I GOT TO ROCK!

So bebs, don't you think there is a MINAH in you?

Happy Birthday Zanny O

Yes, today is my birthday :) When I had my hair cut last week, the hairdresser thought I was in my late 20's. Aaahhhh.... now that I am a year older, I'm really happy to say I don't look my age ;) Thanks to that anti-oxidant tablets, the montly facials and the constant prayers that I put in. It pays off and I hope that will remain so till I get older.

Today, my boss sang me a birthday song - I thought that was sweet. Girlfriends, guy friends, colleagues sent me their well wishes and gave me pressies, THANK YOU ALL. I truly appreciate all your wishes and thoughts.

A friend asked, how old are you? You don't have to answer that he said. I am 34 years old. Yes, that's how old I am. I don't believe in hiding your age. What's the point? Have you seen the obituary pages? Once you bid the world goodbye, someone will disclose your age in the papers.

Just the 2 of Us...

Hubby is away for 2 weeks and it's just me and the lil one. I now know exactly how hubby feels when I travel for work. :(

Lil one has been good so far... he sits quietly in his car seat sucking his thumb while Mama drives. Once he screamed for attention and struggled to get himself out, Mama screamed back and that caught him (and mama) by surprise. Well, Mama did try talking initially but he just refused to listen... traffic was heavy so Mama screamed and that got his attention.

Was supposed to be in KL this Thursday for a meeting... I decided against it. I have been feeling rather morbid of late..I had this question in my head for a few days .."What if something happens to me while in KL? Hubby is away, what's going to happen to my son?" Came to office this morning and postponed my trip to Monday... at least hubby will be back then.

Karaoke

There is a variety show on TV called K-Nite... production quality is crap, content is not brilliant but it sure is entertaining! Last night, I caught some of it and they had some old Melayu rock songs.... wahhh beb, I like. My mom was amused because I could sing along - told her the lyrics is on the screen but she asked, how come you can still sing to it? hahah.... i've been singing in the car with hubby. Hubby is not a mat rocker but grew up listening to the same songs :)

Then it reminded me to the karaoke session/s that my ex -colleagues (now good friends) had years ago. I cannot remember which karaoke lounge we went too but I sure can remember clearly the wannabes, the mike grabber and the most requested song - I WILL SURVIVE. Wah, those were the days!

So gals, when is our next session?

A Day in My Neighbouring Country

Today I was in JB - not for leisure but to finalize some long overdue matter.
The plan was to do everything chop chop and try to squeeze in some shopping in the afternoon. I guess the word "chop chop" does not mean anything to our friendly neighbours. I started off the day telling the custom supervisor off. You know me and punctuality. We have an appt with the lawyer at 930am and we got to the immigration counter at 9am. Little did I know that there was going to be an issue. I was told to wait - so I waited. The immigration officer who took my passport away stood right in the middle of the room listening to his colleague's conversation! Tick Tock... 5 mins. What did I do? "Saudara! Cepat sikit boleh tak?! Apahal terdiri kat situ tengok orang lain?!" His supervisor came out and our little drama began. Managed to get things done in 2mins and off we go.

We got to the Land office on time... and ended up waiting for our turn for the next 3 hrs! You wanna know why? People in the office are like snails, everything moves soooooooooooooooooo slowly. Some dragged their feet, some were oblivious to their surroundings - they sms, chat on the phone, hid behind the piles of files and daydream! Goodness me, I feel like smacking each and everyone of them! We were sent from one office to another and every single office that we went to, everyone took their own sweet time. There was no sense of urgency in their work and I feel that everything is so messy! Gosh.

We finally settled what we had to do at 4pm! By then I was too tired to shop. But mom wanted to go to Angsana to buy some stuff for the home... and I? hehe... i bought some Korean silk - there was a SALE!

A Muslim No More....

Recently I read an article about this editor who converted to become a Catholic. He was born a Muslim and even performed the Haj with his mom in 1990s. He is not young - a man in his 50s. He claimed that he was not a practising Muslim, does not pray 5 times a day, does not fast during Ramadan. The first thing that came to mind was, he did not even give Islam a chance. That 50 years of his life, never did he once give his attention and dedication to the religion - how sad is that? While I know that everyone has a choice and will go with their choices, I cannot help but feel sad to read such an article.

A Whirlwind February

February comes and goes just like that. The first week was slow and post CNY, everything just zipped pass you... like a snap of the finger. Likewise with my life, one minute in Singapore, the next in New York City, then back in Singapore for a day and off to another city Bombay. And the same with my emotions - one minute I feel excited, inspired, awed, rejuvenated, happy, in love, I miss my son and ok hubby, annoyed, frustated, angry, confused, lost, info overload, lonely, helpless, touched, could not believe at how cruel life is in India and the next thing I know, I have to practically run with my work life. I'm unwell - have been down with flu for almost a week now. Part of me want to be unwell so I can stay home and rest and cuddle my two heroes but I know the other part of me will feel guilty doing so. And I know that is stupid.

I just hope that things will get better and I just need to get my life back into place - I want to spend my lunch time at the gym, with my gal friends -laughing at silly things, I want that 1 day off where I can pamper myself - spa, massage, hair treatment, I just have to make time for that. Meanwhile, I shall presevere and I will get through this stage.

Small Steps

The little one decided to walk on his own yesterday - 14 Feb. His cousin saw it, got excited and recorded it on the camera. Hubby saw it in the evening when he went to fetch the little one home. Me? I found out about it on the phone when hubby called :( Yep, another major milestone and I am away.
I keep consoling myself - I'll be home Monday and will get to see he walks soon!

Pasta

Yes, I am in mid-town Manhattan. It's freezing, it snowed, I'm jet-lagged and I am eating cup noodle and pasta at 230am in my room!

Oh, we had dinner... except that I could not eat most food. First, it was an adventure to get to the restaurant, it was in Chinatown and I thought I fly all the way to New York to have Chinese?! It was an Italian restaurant and food was not great and yes, not something I can stomach. It was dinner with other programmers from the world, it'd be rude if I don't go, and I see them only 2x a year... and my relationship with them are good, more importantly, I want to be there lah!

I went back to the hotel feeling super hungry and needed to get some fuel. Called my colleague and we both decided to look for a convenience store or a restaurant - we or rather I wanted PASTA. Most shops were closed and I thought, hey this is NY, city that never sleeps?? I guess I am wrong... or perhaps, I am not at the right place... anyhoo no pasta but I bought Asian pasta, i.e. cup noodle and salad and I carried them in a brown paper bag... just like in the movies!

Listen to Your Instincts

I was working on my presentation on the eve of Chinese New Year when my laptop decided to die on me. It hung and suddenly, the screen went black. I thought the battery was too hot or something and left it as that. Next day, I got an error message. Hubby a techie guy decided to help me... he did all he could but there was nothing he could do to retrieve any of my data.

The thing is, a few days before this happened, I could feel that something was wrong and my instinct told me to get it checked before I leave the office on Weds. I continued to finish as much work as possible and thought nothing of it. Now that the laptop has gone kaput, I guess it is my fault. I had called the IS guy and thankfully, he'll be seeing me tomorrow. Hubby said need the start up disk and the OS is corrupted. Can be saved but need the disk. Gosh, that sounds really alien to me.

Looks like I will be working on my presentation again on Sunday. This time I have to start from scratch... unless a miracle happens tomorrow and I get my data back.

The Cs in our Life

I remembered when I started working, I wanted the 5 Cs - Career, Car, Condo, Credit Card and Club membership. I guess that's what everyone aspires to have. Later I realized, I can make do without the Condo and Club membership... I am happy where I am now. In Singapore, come 2010, we Singaporeans will get another C - yes the Casino at the Integrated Resort. Apparently I read somewhere, there will be another C in Clark Quay.. what is it? Cabaret I was told.... that's 7 Cs in total.

What are all these Cs important in our lives? Are we happy with all these? Ironically, as we get more affluent and accomplished these Cs in our lives, I have also read that divorce cases are on the rise. Scary. I guess the most important Cs in our lives today should be: CARE, CONCERN, COMMITMENT and most importantly, COMMUNICATE.

Huh? Wo Pu Chi Tao!

I like to vent on my blog... and the best part, I feel better after that.

Today is the second time I was served by a Chinese national. Don't get me wrong. I am not racist and I don't care who serves me. What is important to me is that person must be able to speak English. Broken English no problem, at least I can understand.

Yesterday my colleagues and I were complaining how Chinese nationals who come here to work cannot speak English. No speak English no worries, just don't work in shopping malls along Orchard Road. While waiting to pay at the counter yesterday, the salesgirl spoke to me in Mandarin. While I understood what she asked for, I continued to stare at her and not take any action. Finally her suprvisor came and spoke to me in English. Today, the same thing happened. While paying for my stuff, the cashier told me the value in Mandarin. I stared at her. I know I had to pay but I refused to budge. Do I look like a Chinese to begin with?!

Yeah, so I read that article in Straits Times about these Chinese workers working here -they are hardworking, willing to work long hours and willing to take low wages - no wonder lots of Singaporeans are finding it hard to find jobs! What makes you think most Singaporeans are unwilling to do the same work? What about the old folks who are out looking for a job. In one hand, companies are encouraged to employ senior citizens and on the other hand, companies are lured to employ these foreigners because they are much cheaper! What about students who wants to work part time to help support their families? They too have to compete with these foreign workers!

Malaysia has decided to cut back on the number of foreign workers in their country. Australia is very diligent with foreign visas and employment - at the end of the day, these 2 countries share the same goal i.e. to provide employment for their own citizens. When will we follow the same? We are good at comparing our policies and practices with other countries. Are we planning to do the same for this one?!

Lil' Adli is 1!

He turned 1 on Monday. I don't think he even knows that. No big celebration, just a little prayer for him :)

I still remember how happy I was when I found out I was pregnant, the undescribable feeling when I become a mom, that 3 months maternity leave period when I go insane staying home and not doing much, having to express my milk when I travel - in the meeting rooms and the aeroplane toilets and throwing the milk away!!! Those were the days.

Tick tock tick tock, Adli now is a happy, cheeky and a super active boy. His favorite word is "Car" and when he sees the motorbike its "Vroom". He tells you he wants to "maamam" and points to the kitchen and he kisses you whenever he feels like doing so. He lets you know that he is angry by stamping his feet and shows you that he is happy by flapping his hand and making a lot of noise. He completely ignores you when he plays and throws himself at me when he misses me. He looks at us intently when we leave him for the office in the mornings but when you explain to him that you are going to work, he will kiss you goodbye. He will cry out loud when he hurt himself but when you tell him he is a strong boy he will calm down. He now has a habit of digging his nose but when you pull his finger out, he uses another finger to dig!

Punctuality

I don't like to wait. Period. Most the times I am punctual and I expect my friends/colleagues to be punctual as well. I am very paranoid when I'm late - I would do anything to get to a place on time. If it means taking off my high heels and run, I'd do that. Years ago I had this conversation with a friend. She said, it's OK to be late for 5-10mins and what's impt is to let them know that we are on our way. We did have a debate about it though and in the end I do see her point and agree.

There are instances when I have waited for more than 15mins for a friend/colleague. It makes me furious and being my honest and direct self, I make it known. I find that people who comes late and do not apologize for it are RUDE and have no RESPECT to their friends. They pretend as if everything is fine. I wonder why they can make an effort to be on time for job interviews, for a date, for classes but when it comes to friends, they take them for granted. It may seem like a small thing but if one continues to be late, it will come a time when your friend may just walk away from the friendship. If you treasure a friend, in my opinion you need to understand and respect your friends' time too.

I hate to say and highlight this but most of my Malay friends tend to come late for an appointment. Funny how when someone is late, the comment is always"Janji Melayu apa?" Makes it looks like we cannot trust Malays. How Melayu nak maju?
It has come to a point where I decide to come late as well when I meet my Malay friends. Previously I ended up waiting like a fool before everyone turned up. While I feel guilty for being late and my conscience is affecting me, I keep telling myself to calm down because no one is going to be at the venue.

I hope to see this change in 2008.

Me Difficult?

I'm letting off some steam.

I expect my friends to respect my religious practices and make an effort to remember that I eat halal food. Yes, halal does not mean no pork, it is more than that. Yes, I do go to non-halal restaurants but that is most of the times due to work - with boss, with clients (and sometimes in front of my boss, I don't even eat!) but when I am with friends, I expect friends to understand and respect that. I am FED UP of having to remind friends again and again. We are in Singapore, you have access to the internet, you can google for halal places here in Singapore! There are many Chinese shops that serve halal food - for one, there is Banquet. Go in and you'll see that every stall in Banquet is being run by Chinese. Halal does not mean Malay(!)

So am I being difficult? I am being assertive. The next time I get another suggestion for a non-halal makan place, one thing is for sure, you will not see me there. I'll join you guys later for coffee.

Holiday Holidays

Everyone celebrates the holiday season at the end of the year but why do people here wish you "Merry Christmas" and not "Happy Holidays"? I wish Merry X'mas to my Christian friends only and never wish anything to non Christians. Most of the times, I would say, enjoy the holidays.

I had dinner with one of my business colleagues a few weeks ago and she asked if the non-Christians feel offended with all the Christmas light ups and deco. I said no. To me, it is a commercial affair. She is Jewish and she told me that she would be offended if this was the case in her hometown. In US, there are all sorts of holidays - Kwanzaa, Hanukah, X'mas, Eid hence when it comes to the holiday seasons, they say Happy Holidays! Thinking about it, I think this is something we should adopt too.

When I Travel

I love to travel but I don't quite like traveling in SE Asia - call me a SNOB and I'll tell you "Whatever". I'm brought up in a country where everything is efficient, clean and safe... even when I am at home security comes first. My late father was a police inspector and he used to tell us many times to lock the door, the car, recognise buildings, faces, roads, what have you again and again. It has become a part of me.

Imagine how I feel when I found out troops stormed Peninsula Hotel in Makati City Manila last week. It's exactly 2 weeks ago I was at the same hotel. We usually stay either in Peninsula or the Shang but after what happened at SM Mall a few weeks back, I wanted to stay at the Peninsula. Little did I know that this was going to happen. Gosh, scary.
I know anything can happen to anyone at any time ... before I become a mom, I wasn't too bothered but now that I am a mom, I don't want anything to happen to me!

A Friend in the Making?

There is this colleague in the office. Let's call her "Stout Chicken". I find her rude and agressive and there have been times where I told myself to stay away from her. We used to see each other along the corridor or at the pantry and neither of us would say hi or make an eye contact.

Over the past few months, I don't have a choice but to sit in for meetings with her. Yesterday, we were in KL for some presentation and I found out several things about her. Maybe I have a soft heart, maybe I have become wiser with age, maybe I have decided to look at the good side of a person, maybe I have no choice but spend time with her since we are both away (!) I've come to a conclusion that she is lonely and she wants friends. Afterall, she has been away for 15 years! Hey from not saying hello, we actually had dinner together yesterday! While I still find her very aggressive and rough on the sides, I've come to a conclusion that she is probably like that by nature. Being in a foreign land away from family and friends makes you a "tougher/ rougher" person perhaps.

In one of the conversations, she told me that she misses this particular snack and guess what I did today, I brought some for her this morning. I surprise myself for making an effort to remember what she wants and packing that snack from her. I think I must have surprised her too because for the first time, she gave me a wide smile while she walked along the corridor.

Restricted Zone

ERP charges has gone up again and you now see more gantry on many roads. Years ago, I remembered when we wanted to drive in to the city, my late father would buy a $3 coupon and placed it on the dashboard. With that coupon, we can go in and out of the CBD area multiple times! I also remembered when my late father was late for work and did not want to buy the coupon, he used to fetch his colleagues from the bus-stop along Outram Road and with 4 passengers in the car, he would drive in the restricted zone. Looking back, the reason for buying that coupon restrict the number of cars that drive into the CBD area. How things have evolved and change over the years.

Nana Ke?

Hubby likes to listen to Era on FM 104.5. It's a radio station by Astro Malaysia.
His favorite DJ is Nana. At one stage when he liked listening to her, he even suggested that if we had a baby girl, our daughter's name must end with a "Na". God is fair. We got a baby boy :)

Anyhoo, I always go up to KL to meet our partners in Astro and as usual, I would tease hubby and asked him if he'd like me to get Nana's autograph. Hah! I never did it until today!! I did not ask for her autograph.. that to me is not cool... plus I've never done such things in my life before! Instead, I took a picture with her! hahaha... and she made my day when she sang our channel jingle. Watch me, I'll try every means to get her to do something for the channel...

Got home and immediately shared the picture with him.. somehow he was not that interested. He said now no fun liao! Alamak! Waste current.

Motherhood vs Singledom

It annoys me when I hear negative comments about working moms. Some feel that when one becomes a mother, she no longer is committed to her job as she is unable to work late to finish a project or travel as often for a meeting or has to take urgent leave when the child is unwell. No matter how successful or efficient one is pre motherhood, all that goes out of the window when she becomes a mom.

I could say the same to single people too right. Some have different priorities in life. Work may not be top of mind for them. They do what they are asked to do and leave work on time because they have friends waiting for them post working hours. Some have family commitments as top of mind... does this make a person less committed to their jobs?

At the end of the day, it all depends on each individual. How one prioritze their time and work. How driven one is, how much support they get from family, from their spouse, from their siblings, basically your support system.


One thing I have learnt is that no matter how much time you put into your work, when it comes to company's re-org, all that does not matter. What matters is your brand - what you stand for and what you as a brand can do.

While I'm Gone..

The little one crawls and can now sit up on his own. The little one can also pull himself up and stand... that was a surprise as hubby forgot to inform me! And the little one's tooth finally made an appearance on his gums! 8 days away and I missed all these!

Excuse Moi

I was in CDG airport in Paris today to get on my flight to Singapore. I arrived at a domestic airport and got on a sky train to the international airport. At one of the stops a cleaning lady came on board the train. She brought a cleaning cart with her. I was standing at one of the doors and she kept telling me to move away in French! I was annoyed as the train was empty and why should I move right? Of course I rolled my eyes and gave her a stare. She continued to push her way through and I was squeezed between the door and her cart. Just as I was about to move away, we reached the next station and she left! What an idiot!

I am Home!

Got in this morning and couldn't wait to go home to see my two heroes. The flight home was a smooth one and we flew on the new plane B777-300ER... the seat is fantastic.. it can be converted to a full bed! I slept most of the time as I was awake the night before.

Little hero was excited when he saw me. Before I could put my luggages aside, he threw himself at me and was smiling all the time. He got really impatient when I told him to hold on as mama needs to wash her hands, feet and face first. I spent the first hr just cuddling and kissing him. He loved it and laughed along! I am really happy to be home!

As today is the eve of eid, I was very ambitious. I wanted to cook several dishes for hubby and I am proud to say, I cooked Ayam Masak Merah, Beef Curry, Sambal Tumis Udang and Nasi Minyak. I had time to even share the dishes with both my mom and in-laws!

Granny in Red

I was enjoying the sun and sea view when I saw this really old Grandma wearing a red bikini! She has a huge stomach, lots of cellulite on her thighs and arms and she walked confidently in the red bikini. She's one woman who is comfortable of her body, I thought to myself. I turned my head for a second and when I turned back again, the Grandma was topless! Oh my goodness, I'm speechless!

Salade Mozarella

Friends sometimes laugh at me because I can have salad as my main meal. In their eyes, that is not a meal. Salad in this part of the world is great. Unlike back home, over here there are so many varieties to choose from. The ingredients used are so fresh, juicy, flavorful, crispy and fragrant. My favorite salad is Tomato Salad with Mozarella cheese. I can have that as my main meal every evening and never get bored of it. According to my colleagues here, this is a summer dish, best eaten with bread and white whine. Not sure about the white wine thing, but it sure tastes good with orange juice too.

People Watch

One of the things that I like doing of late is people watch. It is a lot more interesting to people watch when you travel and you have lots of time in between flights. I was in Rome's airport and I spent the 1.5hr looking at Europeans... figuring out their nationality, wondering where their next destination was, wondered why some women have fake eye lashes, listening to the European speak and admiring the beautiful women and the good looking men! I could be staring, I figured so what... afterall, I do get stares too.. so I stare back. Unlike back home, staring incidents can lead to a fight sometimes, here, you may find the other peson smiling at you. Nice. But no conversation please!

I have not had time to sit in the sun along the beach to people watch in Cannes. It's a pity. The weather is amazing, the sea is blue and the sky is so clear... I am in hotel ballrooms screening shows. Aahhh... that is work. I'm sure I will find sometime tomorrow to get some sun and people watch with friends when I meet up with them for drinks in the evening.

Louis Vuitton

A few years back, I refused to buy an LV bag.. I bought Gucci instead. Today, I am eating my own words... yes, I bought an LV handbag this afternoon. I spent the whole day screening shows and I needed to go for a walk. That 15mins walk brought me to LV boutique.

It was not an impulse buy. I have been thinking of getting one and I've been told that LV prices here is at least 30% cheaper compared to the prices back home. And it is true.

I am happy with my buy :)

One week to Eid and how do I Feel?

Depress... yes, that's how I feel currently.

I am traveling tonight to Cannes for a convention. It is the most painful and difficult time for me.
Firstly, I'll be away from my little one for exactly 8 days... my longest business trip ever. I will miss kissing, tickling, feeding, everything aboutt him, I will miss him. I've just put him to bed and all I want to do is to cuddle him all night long.... *sigh*

Secondly, it's 22 Ramadan... while everyone is busy preparing for breakfast, performs terawih, baking, cleaning and listening to Hari Raya songs... I am busy running from one meeting to another and eating the same food for sahur. This is too depressing.

Iftar with Friends

Every year, hubby's friends organize Iftar together. Usually, it's done at home but this year they decided to have it in a restaurant. I think it was a great idea. There were 4 families - 8 adults... and 12 kids! The youngest being my son, 8 months and the oldest 10 years old. My goodness, the kids can really play and play and run... I got exhausted just looking and running after them!

It was a fun evening...can't wait for Adli to grow up and join the abangs and kakaks play "police and thief" and soccer using plastic bottle!

Seloka Pantun

Anak Timah membeli roti
Roti dimakan dengan mentega
Wahai kawan janganlah ketawa
Membaca pantun di lelaman saya

Bulan Rejab sudah berlalu
Syabaan pula akan meninggalkan kita
Ramadan sedang menunggu
Sudahkah bayar hutang puasa?

Kueh jongkong kueh koci
Bukan senang membuatnya
Bila tiba Ramadan nanti
Kawan semua nak conserve energy

Pisang emas dibawa belayar
Masak sebiji di atas peti
Minggu depan aku pening kepala
Macam mana nak balik sebelum mulanya puasa?!

Wedge Sandals

Finally! I bought a pair. I've always wanted to get one... for as long as I can remember but told myself I don't need that extra height. This time, I succumb. So what if I become the tallest girl in office, in the MRT, in the lift? So what if I have to walk really slowly while I carry my son? I LOVE it and I'm glad I bought it.

But one thing I realized, I cannot wear it after training... my leg hurts and it's difficult to find my balance :P

Who cares if I'm in my PJs!!

Yes! I went down to the mamak shop downstairs to grab today's newspapers. So what if it's raining cats and dogs? Who cares if I'm still in my PJs?! I figured my neighbours are probably asleep... hey it was 615am!

Why so excited??!! Who wouldn't be?! My girlfriend nominated us for the best friend contest that Straits Times ran. And we won one of the consolation prizes. Never mind that! I was just excited and wanted to see what the journalist wrote. It was a long interview we had, but the write up was short... and the picture, my oh my, took 1/3 of the page size! Charl who must have been up really early text us at 6am... and does not give any details. Chris - who should sleep in texted us at 645-ish too.... guess we all couldn't sleep huh... and the weather was good to sleep in.

Here's the link below if you have not seen the papers. And we are on page 29 :P

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/sp/ndp2007/supplement/index.html

My Obit Friend

Ku bentangkan perasaan ku pada mu

Untuk mengadilkan bisikan sukma ku

Ku bentangkan perasaan ku pada mu

Untuk mengadilkan bisikan sukma ku

Andainya kanda pikat asmara

Sudikan dengan jiwa raga ku



Sejak ku bertemu pada mu

Fikiran ku telah terharu

Hanya kekanda yang akan dapat Mengubatkan hati ku rindu!

familiar? Sanisah Huri sang this song

Waaahhhh I like! I found my obit kaki in the office today. She sits quietly in her corner, doing her work and she listens to all these old obit songs! Waaahhhhhh!!!! She looks trendy, exterior va-va-voom but deep down, she is hardcore obit fan!!!!

A Visit to the Dentist

Had an appointment with a dentist today. The last time I went for a dental check up was late 2005. Last year, I was contemplating of going but as I got bigger and heavier in my pregnancy, I decided to not visit.

I used to like going to the dentist .. until today. I never had any problems with my teeth and gums. But this morning's check up was otherwise. The dentist took 45mins to scale my teeth! It was not painful but my teeth and inner gums were so sensitive that I had to tell the dentist to stop several times. He discovered that I have a cavity but could not treat it today as my gums were bleeding so much. My ordeal is not yet over I have an appointment with him next week.

Meanwhile, he gave me some medicine to treat my gums and an interdental brush for me to brush in between my teeth.

MY PT, MY CHEERLEADER

I have friends who asked me, why do you need a personal trainer? It's a waste of money, you can do it on your own. Thinking about it, yeah, I would rather spend that money on another Coach bag or Kate Spade bag. Or better yet, keep that money for my little one.

But I realized, no matter what I tell myself and how set my mind is, I do give in to the pain that my body feels. That's why I need a personal trainer because he is my cheerleader. He's there to push me for that last few sets of sit ups, bicep curls and for that last few meters on the treadmill.

Facial Done

Massage Done

Gym Done

Yep, I'm on a roll!

Took Friday afternoon off to get my facial done. It was pure bliss... two hours of pampering, massage and sleep! I swear my face is brighter! After facial, went home for a massage session. The tukang urut massaged my whole body for almost 2hrs! The poor lady was burping and burping. I think she was so exhausted after the massage session. Gosh, I feel like I've gone for a major engine overhaul.. body looks great but internal health... not so great. I've been advised to avoid cold drinks, coffee, tea and drink warm water only. Also, she has asked me to add ginger to my drink... this aids digestion and gets rid of the trapped gas in my stomach. I've been burping and farting since Saturday. And I need some caffine!! Sigh.

Today at lunch, I had my first session with my personal trainer. He really made me work and now my thighs and arms are aching. But I have J-Lo picture on my laptop and I do want to have a body like hers. Pain or no pain, I am definitely making my way to the gym this Weds.

Gym Next Week

I went to the gym and sign up for a personal trainer! Did it today and will start next week.
Thunder thighs, chicken wings arms - YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED! yeah!

Exercise, Massage and Facial

Are the 3 things that I want to do so BADLY.

I feel bloated and I know I have lots of wind in my stomach and body (not head!). I know because my poor son farts very often and I am breastfeeding him. While he farts, his mum burps... sometimes it's so loud, you'd probably think there's a cow in the room. The other day, my maid "gua sa" me and left me with bruises, but I felt "lighter".

My face feels dry eventhough I cleanse, tones and moisterize my face daily. The last time I went for a facial was 2 months ago - I need one now!

The only exercise I get to do in the morning is 3 sets of sit ups. If you consider carrying an 8kg baby an exercise, that's fantastic but so far I don't see any muscles yet. I'm trying to find time between 12nn to 2pm on weekdays to head to the gym. I have been busy meeting friends for lunch and expressing in the store room. After work - no time to exercise as I promise myself that I will take care of my boy by 8pm every night. Weekends, it all depends. Sometimes I nurse him at 6am, sometimes at 7am .... and of course to be honest, I want to sleep in whenever possible. My membership at Calfitness ends this month and I'm seeing an instructor this Weds. I promise myself that I'll start exercising next week- I just have to.

It's One of Those Days

I was on the train and was looking into space when this came to mind...

Nama Pakcik Badak
Ada anak namanya Pekak
Together they are known as Pekak Badak!

cheers

He Did it Again...

Yep, no eye contact and no smile for his mama. I was in Manila for a night and my little one refused to look at me. I fed him, he drank, he smiled at his abah and responded to his abah's call but ignored me... *sigh*.. I cannot imagine if I have to travel for more than a week.

Techno Savvy

I would like to be techno savvy. Well, at least I thought I was until last evening.
Today, you have heard of blogs, podcast, WAP enabled phones and my friends it took me some time to really understand what they mean. Imagine, it took me 2 years to stay away from a blackberry and another 2 weeks to figure out how to use it. When I started to blog, I had fun, then I felt I needed to upload some pictures. Just when I've figured that out, my friends started uploading music to their blogs.. now I have to figure out how to do that too. Yesterday just when I thought I know some stuff already, I learnt a new one - moblog... ha you ask me, it's actually blogging on your mobile phones! So sophisticated eh. Ask me more, I will tell you that I don't know. Just when I thought I want to go blog, I ended up feeling goblok!

First Trip Away from My Little One

I'm in BKK now... feeling very tired and sad.... sad for many reasons:
Sad for being away from my son
Sad because I have to throw away all the milk that I've expressed
Sad because I hear him cry earlier
Sad because hubby said this time round my absence is obviously felt
Sad because I am wide awake, have loads to do and all I want to do is GO HOME!
Gosh, I've never felt this way before...

The More Things Change, the more they Stay the Same....

It took me a week to settle down in the office. I feel that I am so out of practice, out of touch and everything seems so far away.... I had to pause, think hard and try to remember where I left things off. But getting back into the groove I think was quite easy - I just need to start juggling again and at times be a clown. The difficult part is catching up with what's going on out there in this dynamic industry.

I must admit that it was difficult to leave my little prince with my mom. Yes I know he is in good hands but I cannot help missing him... I had him to myself for 2 full months! I miss his smiles, his coos, singing to him and I have such short time to play with him after work. Plus, I have to share him with his uncles, cousins and grandparents! I am being selfish I know.

I shall not lie.... it does feel good to be back in office and I thought with all the changes, things would be different... well, most of it stays the same...

The 2 main difference that I noticed are 1) some of my makcik.com friends picked up cooking - beginners level( at this age!) and ambitious too with the dishes that they want to prepare and 2) they have lunch together - makan berdamai. I thought it was kinda odd initially. Odd in a good way.

Well.. it's good to be back!

Mission Accompolished

I'm going back to office next week. How time flies.

I told myself that I would do the following during my maternity leave:

1) Morning walks along the beach with the little one - I did the walks with the little one. Not along the beach but around my neighbourhood in the evenings. Well... at least I still walk. I can always imagine that I am at the beach. And I live in Bukit Panjang... lots of foliage and its windy - so in my mind I am at the beach.

2) Get my hair done - I did it

3) Meet up with g/fs - i did it - without the boy

4) Watch Korean dramas - I did it and even ignored Nash, Love Hunters on RTM 1

5) Become a Housewife - I did it and don't think I can do it everyday

6) Do marketing with the little one - I did it, complete with my marketing bag. Hubby say very makcik. Aiyoh... but a cool one because now hair very nice

7) And finally, I went shopping with the little one - just the 2 of us. He was such a doll. He did not cry his lungs out when he sat by himself in the back seat and let his mama drive safely from one place to another. Yahoo! There'll be a next time for sure!

Nostalgia Top 10

These are some of my fav songs in the 80's. I'm sure my closetted friends do remember them...

1) Terbanglah Kau Burung - Mazuin Hamzah (*wink*)

Always loved this song. I remembered buying her album (casette tape) from my own pocket money. I spent some days singing to this song. I also thought she was very pretty and I like her teeth! hahaha.. yes, I am a teeth person.

2) Jangan Pisahkan - TT Dores and Someone

I'm not 100% sure of the song title. This song is really really sad. Thinking of it, this song is perfect for all the Korean dramas that I have been watching.

3) Hetty Koes Endang - Kuda Hitam

I used to sing this song to my elder brother and he would run after me annoyed. Ironically, his friends today call him "Black"

4) Balik Kampung - Sudirman

Loved this song. Reminds me of the long ride from Singapore to Butterworth. My late father's hometown. That's when I geo to hear him speak with the Penang accent and I did not understand a single word my cousins said. Also, had to remember my Mak/Pak Long, Mak/ Pak Ndak, Pak Teh, Mak/Pak Cik, Mak/Pak Jang, Mak/ Pak Lang, Mak/ Pak Tam, in order.... was quite stressful at one stage. And yes, that does not include the Mak Tok, Tok Abah, Tok Lang and more....

5) Kau Lilin Cintaku - Francesca Peters

Just loved her voice... I think I copied the way she dressed too! Hey! That was in the 80's!

6) Dulu Dan Sekarang - Black Dog Bones

In fact, I love most BDB songs....

7) Mengapa Perpisahan Yang Kau Pinta - Flybaits

This song is very sad. How come most songs in the 80's all about love...

8) Apa Yang Ku Cari - Endang S. Taurina

I spent my pocket money buying this album. Like the first song, I spent my afternoons sometimes singing this song in front of the mirror! Pretending to be in talentime....

9) Jangan Talipon Lagi - AlleyCat

Jangan Talipon Lagi, Leha Tak Boleh Pergi! This song is funny!

10) Boneka Dari India - Dlloyd

This one got good memories! Hubby sang this song to me!

Me a Housewife?

I really salute women who give up their careers to be a fulltime mom/ housewife. I don't think I can be one. While I love the idea of being with my son 24/7, I don't like the idea of having to do all the household chores, being indoors on most days and doing other errands daily. Don't get me wrong, I do find time to read, surf the net and watch DVDs but I do need "Me" time and at the moment, I don't get that often. I also need to be around people/ friends to laugh out loud at silly things. Laughing alone is not that fun.

My life is somewhat a routine these past few weeks. Everyday, after feeding and playing with my boy, I will have to quickly do the household chores and prepare dinner. While I love to cook, I find it very tiring having to think of what dishes to prepare for the day. Imagine our mothers doing that daily! Whatever spare time I have, I spent it online reading news or reading up on child's development. If I do have some time before my little one wakes up, I window shop online or go to gossip pages for some latest news. When I leave the house to go for walks with the little one, I feel like a bird... free

On weekends when we go out, I always opt for shopping malls as that's the only time I get to see, touch and feel the clothes, the shoes, the bags, etc. And I always look forward to the weekend. I did try to go shopping with my boy once but I did not go far. At the moment I can handle him on my own but without the pram, the diaper bag and the boy cyring in the back seat of the car. It can be pretty stressful.

To all women who give up your career to be a stay home mom, I really admire the choice you've made.

SS vs SM

Who would have thought I would call her a friend? I met her, SS 7 years ago. My first impression of her, she was sloppy, abrupt and rude. When I found out that she is from Germany, I thought my impression was right. Then one day we started working together - boy it was horrible initially. Firstly, she's very long-winded. Ask her a question and she does not know when to stop talking. Secondly, she always seek for more info and that infuriated me - its not as if she'd use all the info in the end. She wanted the system to be perfect, orderly - which means more work for all of us and I swear then I would have kicked her. She is too oblivious with whatever that happened around her. Definitely not someone I could go to for any gossip! When we travelled together for work, she was always late and made me wait - each time I would tell her off. SS said I am very stubborn and direct. I told her she is just as stubborn and direct. At one stage I felt we tried hard not to offend each other. Then one day, one of our distributors wanted to take us to lunch and he asked if it was ok for the three of us to have lunch together. We said yes and asked why. He thought we were enemies! Wow... we did not realize the impression we left on others.

Over time, we become fast friends. Deep down I know she is kind, values her friends and she has a pure heart. I know she will leave Singapore eventually but when she told me last week, it came as a surprise. We met for coffee before she left and I told her I would miss her. I never thought I would say such things to her. We promised to keep in touch and knowing her, we will.

Touched By A ....

I had my hair done yesterday - a hair cut and a rebond. It was done by a new hairstylist - I cannot figure out whether the hairstylist is a he or a she. I spent the entire time observing her... him..... err....
She has very sharp nose - at one stage I was tempted to tell her... but I did not want her to think that I was hitting on her. Her eyebrows was nicely plucked and her make up was perfect. Her hair was long, silky smooth and beautiful but her voice was very hoarse. I caught her looking at herself in the mirror several times and each time she pouts. I thought it was quite sexy. She has quite nice lips and I thought I saw some stubbles at her chin... her hands are manly. She does not have a nice body but hey she has nice boobs. And at that time I came to a conclusion that he is a she. Afterall, I couldn't find her Adam's apple - but then again, her neck was quite short and fat.

4 gals and a Guy

Friends. They keep you sane. My group of galfriends err-- make that girlfriends and guy friend email each other everyday. We talk about everything - pimples, our fears, our hubbys, our kids, you get the picture. I think if anyone of us were to keep all our emails, we could publish a book already... or better still create a series of it.

We've been friends for 13 years now - we met in uni. I remembered hanging out at their home almost every day - I should have just moved in with them and stopped paying rent at my own apartment. I've seen them at their best and worst. I also remembered seeing how flustered our guy friend was when every girl in the house got the PMS...

From being single to getting hitched to becoming a mom, we've been together. I've learnt from each and everyone of them.

Today my friends are everywhere. Thanks to daily emails, it keep us close. These days, they keep me sane with their emails, funny stories and parenting tips.

And here, with our husbands and children.

Time to Change

My little prince is 1 month old today - how time flies. These 4 weeks, he has taught me to be a lot more patient. He has also taught his mama that whatever plan she has, sometimes it may not necessarily go the way she wants it... she now has to work around his schedule :) For someone who is organized and follows a schedule diligently, I must now learn to let go and follow the flow.

It's a Matter of Preferences.... and it continues....

So some friends are not happy with my first entry. They questioned why do I go to Tekka Market to eat and not Simpang Bedok. As you can see, Simpang Bedok seem to be "THE" place they are trying hard to convince me to go to.

I eat at Tekka Market because a) there is only one shop that i frequent i.e. the stall that sells chapati. The food is being served on styrofoam plates and the stall in terms of cleanliness - it's graded B. The crowd is made up of makciks, pakciks, aci and baiya on Sunday mornings. They don't make that much noise, they are not attention seekers. They are there to just eat and leave.

Versus Simpang Bedok - the few times that I have been there, I saw a lot of Anak M,Bapak M and Mak M - not that I don't want to mix around with them but they make me uncomfortable. I like to eat in comfort, afterall as my blog title says it - It's all a matter of preferences.... aka also read - I DON'T WANT TO JOIN YOU GUYS AT SIMPANG BEDOK! There! I've spelt it out.

It's a Matter of Preferences

So I don't like to eat at some hawker centers and Simpang Bedok. Call me a SNOB, shoot me, be sarcastic... I'm not bothered. Yes, I am very particular when it comes to eating venues. I don't like certain hawker centers - e.g. Newton Circus because there are far too many tourists there and the food is not that great. I don't like the crowds either and i hate seeing too many beer bottles on the table. I don't like Simpang Bedok because I don't fancy the way the tables are being arranged, the crowd and I must admit I do see some "insects" and that turn me off. So friends, if you want to tease me - go ahead. If you want to organize a get together at Simpang Bedok despite the fact that I don't like that place - go ahead. I just won't attend. And friends, if there are other known celebrities who go there to eat - so be it - no big deal. Celebrities are human too - so what's so special about them?

Everyone has their own preferences as to where to eat, what to eat and how they eat. If you choose to eat spaghetti (Italian food) and finish it off with teh tarik - go for it... though I must admit I dont think that's a great combination... and that my friend is my preference :)

Snack Time!

I was looking through some pictures and came across the following. These pictures were taken a year ago when my colleagues and I were in Beijing to attend a conference. We were walking along one of the night streets towards Tiananmen Square and were offered to try these snacks. Would you?

any takers?

here's a selection....


And more...

Starfish anyone? This is too pretty and cruel!

And for desert, you can have these....

Time to Move On Again

This Friday we move back to our Orchard Road office. While I packed my office last night, I thought I'd be OK with this move... but looking at all the boxes and how clean my office was/is, I cannot believe myself when I felt a tear running down my cheeks. I cried. Yep, 6 months in Concorde Shopping Center and now we've been told to move back to Orchard.

I have been back to Orchard office of late for meetings and each time I leave the office, I feel so drained, tired and disappointed. The place is now so cramped, one can hardly move easily.... I guess the company is encouraging us to stay trim and lean - good no?

I'm already out of the office now. Chose to go on "leave" from today to Friday. No point in hanging around. I would rather spend the last few days in December shopping with mom, having coffee with girlfriends and being a Domestic Goddess - making sure that the house is clean - to welcome our little gem.

Resolution for the New Year - None. Just take things as it comes and continue to be a better person in life :)

It's a Season to be Notty.... lalala...

It's a season to be notty, lalalalala and that's what I did! It's just one of those days when you have just want to escape from the reality of work... what do you do? I went to the movies. I had it all planned out nicely. Little did I expect it to backfire on me and I had to confess.... nope... not to my boss but my hubby.

A friend and I decided to watch a movie (The Holiday) at 4-ish at Bugis and I left her to arrange for tix. A few minutes later, a colleague came over and gave me 2 tix for an evening show at Lido (A Night at the Museum). I called hubby and asked if he was interested. He couldn't decide initially as he was required for some emergency at work. So I told gf to proceed and 5 mins later, hubby called to say OK. So I'm screwed. Hubby was not supposed to know I was watching a 4-ish movie. G/f said, don't worry, movie is only 1.5hrs long - yeah right - for someone who gives tuition, 135mins is equivalent to 2hrs 15mins long! I calculated my time and figured I could make it to Lido by 7pm. So doodle dee doo we went.... all happy and plan will work.

Just before 6, hubby called to say he was on his way to Lido! Damn, now what? Movie at Bugis has not ended and I was enjoying the warm, mushy feeling! I had to confess and sms hubby to let him know I was in Bugis.... obviously our friend not happy...

I did not even wait for the movie to end - left at 6-ish and drove to Lido. You know when you are in a hurry, you always end up being caught in traffic and I did not realize that some roads towards Orchard were closed. Damn! I had to detour and was later caught in another traffic...*sigh*

Long story short, we made it to the movie on time and enjoyed ourselves very much. For a preggie lady, I think not bad eh - my driving skills is pretty good though I now have to turn my head for blind spots, i sat through 2 movies back to back... and yes my back ached when I got home. Had to be on all fours to just relax... making me look like a sloth....

The good thing is, my g/f who used to say that she will NEVER eat alone or even watch a movie by herself, ended up on her own! hahaha... the kind of things she ends up doing when she spends time with me. One - she was forced to grow up *wink*, 2) watch a movie by herself - never say NEVER!

My Most Memorable Trip in 2006

It has to be the New York trip in February. It was still cold when I got there - freezing. I was as usual stopped at the immigration because I have a Muslim surname *sigh* but when I told them that I work for the Orange World, the immigration officer started talking about the sweepstakes that was happening that weekend. I listened, gave him my darlie smile and off I go.

I like being in big cities and if I have my way, I would go to all big cities for my hols. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I don't always get my way. Anyway!

The NY trip was a busy one - back to back meetings, conferences to attend, dinners with our colleagues in NY, shopping and absorbing city scenes. But that was not the highlight of my trip.

It was the snow storm that I experienced. Apparently it was the second biggest snow storm in NY. The snow was thigh high and it crippled the transporation system. It was also the same day that I was supposed to fly out. Everyone started talking about the snow storm and I thought, how bad could it be right? On our (my colleague and I) left early for the airport and by the time we got there, the roads were soon covered with snow and it was a beautiful sight. Deep down, I was wondering if it was safe for the flight to take off.

We got on the plane and stayed there for the next 6 hrs! The engine was de-iced 3 times and by the time the plane was ready to take off, the weather was so bad that we had to stay for another night in NY. We were sent to a nearby hotel at 4am and told to get ready the next morning at 8am for our flight. It did not happen. All the airports were closed, flights cancelled and that's when I also realized Americans cannot handle crisis and their service shucks big time.


Despite being tired and grouchy, my colleague and I became kids once again, we threw ourselves at the snow, played snow balls, built snow man, admiring the beautiful white fluff, got our ass, hands and ears frozen! It was just so awesome.


I woke up to this milk white morning... taken from my hotel room....






We walked around the hotel... no where else to go....

Check out the snow behind me!

My motto for the few weeks, months, years...

Everyday I do my best and to Allah I leave the rest. I know that I cannot do better than my best, so I'll do what I can and rest.....

My Little Gem....

I am 8 months preggie now and soon in Jan I will become a Mom - InsyaAllah! So exciting! Yep we have bought some baby stuff, mostly clothes and I have received some gifts from friends and distributors. Hubby can buy all the other stuff when the baby arrives.

We've been asked several times by friends, colleagues and relatives for our little gem's name. It has to be a simple name and yes, we have shortlisted a few. We went to PGL musical 2 weeks ago and I was tickled when I hear the actors/actresses spoke Bahasa Jawa. It has always been a joke between my hubby and I. I don't understand a single Javanese word until we got married and sometimes without realizing it, I used those words in my conversation... hahaha.. so one afternoon, a colleague asked for our little gem's name.... and I said Gusti Adipati SukarnoPutra! How's that?!

Another Office Move...

Yes, you read it right. I am moving offices again... this time believe it or not back to the Orchard Road office.... I don't even know whether I want to cry or laugh...

After the restructuring and many unexplainable situations by the management, we are moving back to the Orchard office... 2 weeks from today. There are major constructions going on at the Orchard office to accommodate us and whoever that are left behind to work for this really brilliant company! I had lunch and dinner with my distributors today and they were all asking about the new office and you should have seen their faces when I told them I was moving back. Thank goodness, I will be out on maternity leave soon... so I am adopting the take and do it attitude.

Work has also been piling on my plate...a colleague called me "stupid" for taking on more responsibilities. You see, I don't mind doing more work and being exposed to different businesses - because i love to learn but one thing I cannot stand is stupidity and trust me, there are people in the team who are like that. I wish I could get them off! I also cannot stand people who worry for nothing and come up to me with all the "what ifs" question. For gosh sake, snap out of it and seize the situation, find your solution instead of giving me another white hair...

I just need to find my mojo for the next few weeks in the office and try to shield off all the negative energy around me. I really try hard not to bitch but since I've been back to the Orchard office these past few days, I am finding it very difficult to bite my tongue. The only thing that makes me happy right now is the thought of buying most baby stuff this weekend! We have our list ready and come Saturday, we are on a roll!

No smoking

I have nothing against smokers... hey my hubby and brothers smoke. They just don't smoke in the house and when I am around.

I welcomed all the No Smoking signs that you now see at hawker centers and other small eating establishments. Last night, we went to our usual eating place along Bukit Timah for dinner. While eating, there was a group of young adults behind us, smoking. Clearly, they must be blind to not see the No Smoking signs. Since we are regulars at the eating place, we told one of the waiters to tell that group to smoke some place else. Obviously, they were not happy and started staring at myself and hubby. I stared back. What made me really annoyed is that they were clearly in the wrong and yet they acted as if they were right! And what's worst, they are Malays! Why do they act that way? It's bad enough that Malays make up the most number of smokers in this country and there are some bodies educating our community to give up smoking. And over here we have a group of young idiots who are selfish and behaving as such.

Hey, smoke all you want, its your body, your health and your life, just be considerate and follow the rules! There are reasons why rules are put in place!

Hindi Pinoy!!

I'm exhausted and I think no matter how much my head tells me I can do it, my body is telling me otherwise....perhaps I am getting bigger and older... 7 months preggie next week! how time flies!

And speaking of flying, just got back from Manila last night. I was not at ease the whole time I was in that country. Well... I am never at ease when I have to leave for Manila but this time round, I was really paranoid and as much as I could, I stayed indoors. I don't know why... perhaps I have not been traveling as often, or because I am pregnant, or could it be everyone was questioning whether I was OK to travel or could it also be that I was on the 22nd floor of the hotel.... hey as woman traveling by yourself, you should always, ALWAYs request for a hotel room on the lower floors... in case anything happens and you need to run down and yes, a room close to the lift!

This time round, I saw several bomb squad trucks parked along the roads, the offices, malls and the hotels premises. On the second day, there was a demonstration right next to the hotel and usually, I would stay out to watch. Not this time. The next day I told myself to stop being paranoid and decided to go to Starbucks for a drink... while on my way there, I kept holding on tightly to my purse.... don't ask me why. Finally, when I got to Starbucks and they started asking me for my order in Tagalog, I snapped and said "Hindi Pinoy!". I must have sounded really pissed off or arrogant that the guy looked really surprised. I did apologize, got my coffee and quickly left the cafe... back to my hotel room.

Excuse Me, Did you Just Fart?

I met a 5 year old boy last night. Very chubby, talkative and cheeky. He was watching one of the kids channels (ahem) and he farted. So I asked him did he just fart? Without looking at me he said, "no, that was the motorbike..." and when I asked him about the smell, he said " Auntie Z... that was the SMOKE!" I burst out laughing!

I wonder as a parent, how do you react to that?!

Cars, Cars, Cars

Our favorite topic of the week is CARS! One of my friends said she feels like getting a car. But she has not gotten her driving license yet - she said she'll get it when she has a car (hmmm....) I asked her, what do you want in a car.... she paused. She said, it has to be cool - to go with her cool image (so she thinks), it cannot be black because black retains heat (!)... and most importantly, the speedometer has to be colorful and there must be a drink holder. I'm surprised she did not request for a mirror on the sunshield... perhaps she does not know. That to me is so typical girl - OK I may be generalizing here but I have a few friends who requested for the same.

Luckily for me, I was forced to learn the basics about cars while in uni. My first car was a Mazdo 323 - Metallic Blue in color. I was so excited while on PM scholarship, my parents allowed me to buy one. Like any other girls then, I chose a car for it's look rather than its trustworthy engine. I ended up sending the car to the mechanic to get several parts fixed - and it costs me a LOT of money! I've learnt my lesson the hard way.. subsequent cars afer that, I know what to look out for and what to ask.

To my friend and you know who you are, I have a perfect car for you.....:)

KERETA LEMBU!

This car is spacious, you don't need a windshield or window. THAT means you can put on some make up because everyone can see you now. You can comb your hair too because it moves really slowly and your hair will stay in place!

Oh Hoi..... HOI!

Thanks to hubby, I am sleepy this morning. We were listening to some really old songs on You Tube and had a great time laughing! One that stands out most of course is Cek Mek Molek - M Daud Kilau's song! Yes, your eyes did not fool you - M Daud Kilau! I wanted to join the "gelek" session but realized that with this huge tummy - it would look awful... and I don't think I want my son to be a "gelek" prince either!

OK call me whatever you want, I started listening to Malay songs again after I got married - prior to that - it was Class 95 for me. Today, I listen to Era - great station by the way and has become a lot more "Benot" then before!

This song below is for all of you who are reading this.... see if you can remember the tune! Chebah!

poie pokan..naik basikal..tongah hari..tongah paneh..
apo dayo...motong gotah...apo nak dikato..
kalu buleh nak jadi cikgu skolah kek kualo pilah...yeah

The Orange World

The Orange World... our world, nothing bothered us for 5 years. The company restructured, channel heads were chopped, but the Orange team continued and survived. Whatever challenges given, we took, we run, we made it happened and we grew! Oh yes, we bitched, we vented our frustrations but played hard too - we watched movies during office hours - part of the job, we had an Orange Day Out. We were not bothered with whatever went around us.

December 2005 - The Orange World was forced to grow up and we were separated. It was difficult initially. We lost our colleagues, we cried our hearts out, we couldn't believe this would happen to us. We also realized though that no matter what happened to our world, life continues. We got used to the structure, move on with life. I am happy because my friends/colleagues are still around eventhough not in the same office and hey I got pregnant - the one wish that I've always carried with me.

October 2006 - Just when the dust settles, another shattering news - uncertainty, questions, mess, frustrations and heart aches. Now almost everyone in the Orange World is gone - The people in the Orange World - one of the 2 reasons why I am still here today....

Orange World Friends told me to stay and continue with the Orange Battle, some friends told me to take this time and ponder on my next steps.... deep down, I cannot wait to become a mother and see how that will change my life completely and the ambitious me want to take things to the next level.... work wise, what's coming up looks promising and challenging - the thing is, how much more do I have to do to prove to these guai los that Asians can do it?

Ten Eleven

10/11... a date I will never forget. I lost colleagues today... both in this office and corporate office. The feeling is horrible...everyone was moody, restless and the office is like a ghost town now. Luckily, the company allows us to leave if we don't feel like staying - I may do just that.

The saddest part, one of my closest colleague - who has been with me for the past 6 years has been asked to leave - now what is left is just memories and I am glad we are friends. We had the best years and looks like I am the last one standing - question is for how much longer?

The Story of Kiah, Senah, Jenab and Jah... Episode 4

The four women played host last night and invited the rest of the Malay Muslim community from Corporate Office to break fast together. It was such an exciting event. Everyone was into it!. Senah and Jah took food orders from everyone - I tell you, these girls can really eat! Kiah is impressed. Immediately after a meeting yesterday, Kiah and Senah went to Bussorah Street to buy the food. Thanks to Kiah, we got most of the kuehs.... Senah knows how to eat only but does not know the names of each kueh - ish and she calls herself a foodie... what irony.

We did buy some of these kueh ... of course they don't look as good as those in the pictures..... Senah, for you only - 1st pix is karipap

2nd pix is popiah, in case you don't know


and the 3rd pix - see the names on the pix



Jah was efficient. At 615pm, she started to arrange the food, made drinks and took care of the break fast session. One thing for sure, if you need someone to help you in the kitchen for any majlis kenduri, Jah is the obvious choice. Everyone pitched in. Our guests arrived with more food and drinks (!)

We ate, we laughed, we talked, we gossiped, Kiah asked all the single girls what they want in a man... walauwey, these girls are difficult to please. Good luck. The most classic one - the guy must have lots of cash in his CPF! ha! The most important thing, the girls had fun.

All the girls have worked here an average of 6 years and believe it or not, this is the first time that everyone comes together to break fast. Kiah remembered in the corporate office, she used to break fast on her own in her small cubicle. And the other girls did the same. In that office, we had a huge breakout area and never did we come together to eat. Since we've moved to this office, we've met up twice *sigh*

The sad thing is, this could be our last get together because come next week, we don't know where each one of us will be... hopefully nothing change and if it does, then we just have to get Jah to organize a get together session in someone's house or better yet, a buffet session since these girls really LOVE food!

Idiotic Drivers

I have to get this out of my system.... I've had this conversation with a few people already and it's time I say this.

I was out shopping with mom last Sunday and we were at Joo Chiat Complex. We got there early simply because we want to avoid the crowd. We got to the multi storey carpark, there were still empty lots available but they were rather far from the shoping entrance. You'll have to walk a little... which is fine... in my opinion of course. As I was looking for a parking space, I saw this weekend plate sedan car, driven by our fellow Malay. He wanted to be close to the entrance and guess what he did? He squeezed into an empty space next to a big car... mind you this space is not a parking lot! Firstly, I've always thought that Singaporeans take a lot of pride in owning a car and will take care of it well.... I do. Each time I see a dent in our car, I would cringe and insist on paying that few dollars extra to vacuum suck the dent out. But no, this fella just squeeze through, parked his car and walked away. If I were the driver of the other car, I would be really angry, there is a reason why parking lots are created. And why do I want to squeeze myself in and out of my own car. What if I had opened my car wide and knocked against his? Who is to be blame? What if I scratched the car accientally with my diamond ring? Will I be blame for it? Why doesn't he use his pea brain to think of the inconvenienced that he caused other people... not just that, he made other people angry. How can I not call my fellow race stupeed?

Then of course, there are incidents when I see drivers parked their car along zebra crossing junctions. This is a fairly common sight during any prayer session. Yey, that you are doing something good but why inconvenient other drivers? What kind of message are you giving out to our fellow Singaporeans? It reflects badly on us.

I always believe that if you want to own a car, then be responsible i.e. pay for the extra charges and the inconveniences that come with it - parking coupon, ERP charges, distances that one has to take from the parking lot to building entrances, etc. Walk if you have to - the extra calories you burn off, the better it is for your health.

Fractured October

Hubby fractured his finger during a soccer game last Friday. He refused to go to the doctor initially because he is a firm believer of traditional healing. Me on the other hand is a firm believer of modern medication. On Sunday, he was in extreme pain and agreed to go see a doctor. I brought him to NUH. He came back with 2 days MC, an appointment to see a hand surgeon, a bandaged finger and a foul mood.

It does not help that this happen during Ramadan because I need him to help me in the kitchen to prepare breakfast. He did try last evening when I got home from work however, he was so clumsy and slow that I had to initially tell him to just set the table and eventually ignored him.

So this morning after sahur, I told him that his timing is perfect. Guess what was his cheeky reply? He said that for the past 3 years, I have always been traveling during Ramadan and this is the first time that I have to stay put. So, this is time for me to give him the extra TLC to make up. Ish.

Absent Minded... Forgetful... Me?

I have always prided myself for having a good memory. I don't remember details but I do remember most things. In the "Idiot Guide to being Pregnant", I have been warned that I will experience absentmindedness and being forgetful... initially I told myself God's Willing that will not happen to me.... until recently.

Hubby now does not want me to drive because I have done the following 1) forgot my destination... I will continue to drive and miss my exit, 2) Road hog. I forgot that I am driving on the right lane and brake at the last minute. As a co-pilot he gets annoyed and when I drive to work he has to call and send me SMS messages to remind me to not speed, don't road hog and exit at the right place ;) Honestly, I don't realize what I've done until he highlighted to me recently. I guess he must have had enough.

At work, I have missed a few meetings - luckily for me, my boss was not in those meetings, I make a habit of writing down what I have to do next but sometimes it does not make sense.... Once I remembered I wanted to inform Ad Sales of something but ended up writing a show title instead ;P

At home, I go round looking for my things because I just cannot remember where I left my stuff. I thought I've lost my i-pod recently because I could not find it in the study and in the office. I found it later in one of my many handbags....

I do laugh at myself most times and I am making a conscious effort to remember things. For now, I shall enjoy being pregnant and everything else that comes with it :)

Post Winter Sonata

I spent my weekend watching the last 6 episodes of my Korean drama - Winter Sonata. Today, I cannot get the hero out of my mind, I can remember part of the dialogue and the thought of the drama warms my heart.

Couldn't stop talking about it with another colleague. She too watched the drama over the weekend and cried her heart out. She's worst because she now wants to replace pictures of her children with the main actor and has gone ahead to order the soundtrack. At least I am not obsessed.
Told another colleague the story line and I am very sure that she too will be convinced to watch the drama.

I've been advised to watch the next 3 dramas - Autumn in My Heart, Summer Scent and Spring Waltz.... gosh. I have bought Summer Scent but I think I should start watching this only after Ramadan....

Aaahhh......I'm in love

I am in love.... in love with the Korean drama - Winter Sonata. The complex love story hooked me, the winter scenes are breathtaking, I am playing the music over and over again on my laptop and crying scenes makes me cry, the actor is so good looking that all I want him to do is smile because that smile lits up his whole face and makes me go aaaahhhhh....and he has a nice set of teeth! you knowlah, me and teeth.... and I have been sacrificing my sleep... been going to bed at 4am for the past 3 days and I wonder if I can survive this week. it does not help that hubby enjoys watching it... the more reason to stay up.

I even downloaded the actor pix (!!) and i shall look at it a few times a day... who knows my child may look like him :P hahahah...

I heard the song - Sonata Musim Salji on radio once and few weeks ago I saw the music video but it featured the Korean clips. I didn't even know that the original version of the song is Korean... that got me hooked and during lunch i bought the DVD. Didn't watch it immediately, took my time but once I got started... I cannot stop!

Today, I went to YouTube and found the music video... and yep, I have been listening to the song over and over again. I tried listening to the Malay version again... but I am convinced the Korean one is a lot better.

Managed to influence my colleague. Initially I promised to lend her my DVD but she saw the music video and now she has decided to get one for herself! I bet tomorrow, both of us will be sleepy but happy...

Devil Drivers.....

We went for a short holiday to Cameron Highlands with hubby's friends. All of them are from Subaru Legacy Club - the oldest guy is in his 60's and the rest are in their 30's. Some brought their wives, girlfriends, parents in laws and kids. 9 cars in total, same model - each driver is a road devil. 3 of them go to Sepang to race... so you can imagine what happened when we hit the Malaysian roads. Oh don't get me wrong, our hubbies did not drive recklessly... they kept their distance with the cars in front of them, they signal to overtake, they signal to inform other drivers to move to the left, they did not cut in and out of lanes. They followed the rules but the only thing they did not follow was the speed limit. On average, they were driving at 150km/h and the highest speed hubby clocked was 200km/h... I took a picture of the speedometer to show to my MIL :)

Everyone came prepared for this trip. We had walkie talkies - the leader gave us ample notice if there was a lane merging, a police patrol car ahead, when to stop for toilet breaks and when to overtake during our descent from Cameron Highlands down. That was a scary drive in my opinion. The roads were meandering and these devil drivers were going at 80km/h. After a while, I gave in and started throwing up - hubby slowed down and he looked quite guilty. Of course when we got to our first stop, all the wives, parents and kids were complaining too... so the men did get a earful from their wives. Serves them right.

In JB, the men started planning for the next driving trip... this time they want to go to Penang. Hubby got excited - the last time we drove to Penang, my mom and brother came along... he had to follow the speed limit and this time I could see from his mischievous smile that he wants to go to Penang again... for some other reason. Unfortunately, that mischievous smile was shortlived because come December, wifey cannot travel to any countries but stay put in sunny Singapore!!

The story of Jah, Kiah, Senah and Jenab... Ep 3

Kiah bought the story book and newspapers for Senah and Jah in KL last week.
Kiah was at One Utama and was looking for a mamak shop... you cannot find one in OneUtama. Don't want to give up, Kiah decided to try her luck at MPH bookstore... well at least she can buy in style :)

In MPH, Kiah went round and round looking for the book. She gave in and asked the sales assistant. She was directed to the Malay section *duh*. Found the book after several rounds and it was the last 2 copies. The front cover featured our "beloved" princess and her musang bermisai. Grabbed and went straight to the cashier. Along the way found 3 different news tabloid featuring our "beloved" princess on the cover. Grabbed, paid and Kiah was out of MPH in a flash.

Kiah has not read any of the newspapers/ book that she bought. It has gone straight to Senah, first thing Thursday morning. Well Kiah kept her word... will Kiah do it again for Jah and Senah? NEVER!