I-have-no-gift PANIC!!!

I am panicking as the clock is ticking and I am yet to get Azhan a gift for his coming birthday on 28th Dec!! Try to get some "hints" from him as to what does he want.

And here is his reply..... "I already have:-
1. cars
2. house & wife & kids
3. laptop
4. golf set
5. shoes & shirt & watches & ties & pants & pens and etc etc etc...

I want something that I don't have yet..." ................... LIKE WHAT????

I can't think of anything..... and then it strike me like a big thunder....... he doesn't have a SON yet.... could that be the gift??? The thing is, no shop sell a "Muhamad xxxxx Bin Muhamad Azhan"!!

Hmmmmm... and then my creative mind started to work its way .... it's just my stress.... coz I am the only one sitting in the office and facing my laptop and the otrhers are on holiday till 3 Jan 2007.......................... Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, my intention of writing today is to wish everyone a happy new year 2007, may all your 2006 achievements become the motivator for 2007 to be better, the sorrow in 2006 become a lesson learn for 2007, be yourself and be happy!

To all the muslims - Have a wonderful Eidul Adha.

Convert your Blog to Beta?

Dear friends,

Please be careful when you convert your blog to Beta, as some friends are having difficulties to log on to their blog after the conversion. To those who are expert in the field, please help Zura as she can't access her blog now!

Finally....

Finally after all the emails and SMS, I met KuE in person... and guess what? Special appearance was her grandma - a great lady! On the scale of 1-10, I must say the pourtavies are 11! Everyone responded to the idea of meeting KuE but time is not on our side.

Dnas is supposed to join us, but she has to leave early from her gym (Dee, we remember you.. so that's why I took that photo of your club's label - Fitness First!).
Eyna has to cook dinner, Naddy was not well, Leilanie has prior engagement and Zura has been busy with her work at KL Convention Center..... but surprise-surprise ... Luck is on our side this time.. we saw Zura just outside The Itallianies, where we had our dinner! I just can't believe my eyes! Naqeeb & Nasreen are just adorable!

Just to show how we share the same passion i.e eating, here's photos of what we have ordered, and also us in action:
1. Bread pudding (looks delicious but KuE was too full, so we decided to pack it back)
2. Classic Pizza (we were so close of actually eating someone else's paperroni pizza, coz I personally was not really paying attention to what we have ordered, as we were so busy chatting to one another!)
3. Pasta (I totally forgot to remind the chef to ensure no wine in the sauce, luckily the chef was very professional and he actually came out to meet me in person! Kudos Itallianies for being very concern about the customer's religious restriction)
4. Puteri & KuE's Opah
5. Zura & KuE
6. Kimi & KuE & Megat (as usual Megat will try to squeeze himself in!)
7. Fitness First - specially taken to remember DNAS!
8. KuE & Megat - the mummy's boy!

KuE is gonna be in KL again on 29-30th dec 2006. But I am going to have another weekend packed with activities... am planning for a birthday celebration cum Raya Gathering! Hubby's b'day is coming up... have not shop for any gift yet!!

To KuE, Puteri, Megat & Opah, I really really enjoy our dinner and hope we can meet up again sometimes!

On 8th December 1994, this guy has asked me the most awaited question by all ladies in this world - WILL YOU MARRY ME? And even if he's not reading this today, after 12 years, I still do love him for who he is, for the way he is, for what he has given me, and for the future we will face together!

Note - photo taken Aug 2006 - during my AUSMAT 8 girls reunion at McD Sek 3 Shah Alam

Dear diary, today I.....

It's been a while. So many things to say, so little time.. in short, pictures paint a thousand words:
1. Me n Hubby "mesmerised" by the latest 007 movie
2. Hubby's new design of our small garden at home
3. Adlina (in sexy christmas like costume) receiving award at her "tadika" (@ kinder) school concert - she was performing an English dance.. more of a "small hippo" dancing.. hehehe...
4. My errr.. store room at office yet to undergo "seiton" (@ sorting) step in 5S
5. Azhan's best ever product - "keladi" on the wall - we call it his "feature wall".

Going off to Alor Setar tomorrow for another cousin's wedding... on holiday till 4th dec 06! Have a good weekend to all!

I was invited by hubby to watch latest 007's movie - CASINO ROYALE at The Curve Cineplex last night. What a perfect way to end a long day of conducting training. Well, personal observation - Daniel Craig cannot match the look of the other "black hair" Bonds... but he is a superb Bond as well. Help yourself to this movie for another full-of- action hero, beautiful twisting ladies and serious gambling!

Note: Thanks to hubby's boss who cannot make it for the complimentary tickets.. And we are supposedly to watch RED KEBAYA tonite - another complimentary tickets, but I think I'd give it a pass...

Thanks KuE

Dear KuE,

Thanks for the cookies, that is so sweet of you. Hopefully I can get a chance to also do something sweet for you. Take care & really really hope to meet you in person!

Lots of love & hugs,
Kimi

ps: Adlina (my 2nd girl) fell in love with the cookies!
pps: Leilanie dear, thanks for delivering the cookies for me... susah2 aje..

Where is Kimi - Part 2

I am so proud that today I put my first contribution (check out my article in Be friend to the earth). Never thought I get to do that before Hari Raya Puasa....

I just want to clarify the 5W & 1H about my previous article. And here's my story, in sequence of 1-2-3 .......

what was I stress about?
1. to decide to quit a full-time job or not
2. to continue do my masters or not
3. to take permanent-part-timer as my profession

why was I stress because of all of these?
1. my family needs me.... a sacrifice I have to make, no force but rather on free will
2. I have always been dreaming to do that and now I am offered a place in an IPTA
3. The money is good, the market is huge, the player is small - great combination, and yet I am not sure

when do I start to have this stress?
1. Since 1994, the day my beloved hubby proposed to me...!
2. Since I get the offer letter from the IPTA last month!
3. Since I started my consulting work!

where do I let this stress out?
1. mostly at home
2. mostly at work
3. both at home and at work

who do I share all my anxiety with?
1. To my hubby, friends, family and colleage at work
2. To my hubby, friends, family and colleage at work
3. To my hubby, friends, family and colleage at work

how do I let my stress out?
1. the "you know what" at home with beloved hubby.... My God, what were you thinking when reading this sentence? I mean intense discussion .........hehehe... and also a little bit of what you WERE thinking la....
2. read a lot to prepare my brain - can I still absorb knowledge or not??
3. do upfront discussion on expected involvement with the CEO of the company I engage with... so far so good, the T&C is being discussed more and more, hopefully more favourable to me...

So that's my 5W's and 1H... Any idea how I can get away from this????? Do drop me a comment... really appreciate your thoughts/opinion/ideas...

Where is Kimi?

Where is Kimi?
Where is Kimi?
Here she is.....
What is she doing?
What is she doing?
She is just lost, in the world of a labour....

And seriously ..... she is in a bad bad depression state.....

I believe I can fly....
I believe I can touch the sky....
But how come I don't feel, I can't smile.....

What exactly is the meaning of "I miss the boat!"

"I miss the boat!".......

What does that mean? It means, Kimi is going to not be able to be at Itallianies for another blogger lunch tomorrow at The Curve!!!

And what takes Kimi not to be there?

A friend who suddenly decided to announce that she's resigning! She's planning to start her leave next week.... and I have no idea if I ever see her again!

So for that,

I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart,

Ladies (this would be Leilanie, Nah, Naddy, Dnas, Ina, and others who turn up tomorrow)

.............. so sorry I cannot make it....

Lots and lots of hugs.....

-- KIMI --

ps: We'll do a Raya-get together..... we know "who" has new house, "who" can bake chocolate cake, "who" can teach us free make up class, "who" can share with us her new job description, "who" can coach on how to manage univ assignment.... isn't life is full of colours!

The blogging Mums

Working Mothers... always busy with work at the office and work at home. Its a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year affair......Ever wonder where they got the energy from? Do you think they have time to have fun & socialized?

Yes they do.... look at them.... from left - Kimi, Leilanie, Ina, Zura & Dnas - the energetic, dazzling, charming and sweet mums who know just how to maximise their lunch break at work! This photo was taken during our get-together lunch on 01SEP2006

As usual, Kimi was last to reach Pizza Hut, Giant KJ.......why aaaa?? Anyway, some important points to share:
1. the advertisement made by Leilanie about Ina's sons...... Teeeeeeeeetttttt... sorry, booked already by Kimi & Zura.... hehehe... Ina, jangan marah!
2. Yes, Dnas & zura do not help any help at home..... aren't they super women?
3. Leilanie will have to plan for a very big crowd for her house warming! Err... maybe Fariz can cook "Ikan susu" (did I get the name correct) as one of the dishes?

Our moving forward plans:
1. The Itallianies (did we appoint any coordinator? I think it was Leilanie.... keh..keh..)
2. To add more juice to Pourtavie!

Looking for a cat anyone??

This is one of the cats that belongs to Haniza. Isn't it cute? Friends, I am just trying to save some cats from being homeless soon.... Please visit http://haniz98.blogspot.com, the Cat Mommy. She can also be contacted at:
Email : haniz98@yahoo.com
Hp No : 019-3531453

She is desperately looking for people who loves cat, want to adopt these cats from her. It's FREE, no charge at all... To cat lovers... (borrow this quote from Mitsubishi - please consider!

Wishing everyone a pleasant day.

I am WINTER !

Do you know that our likes/dislikes or behaviours can determine what season we are? Try it yourself!

You Are Winter!

Intelligent Serious Cozy Calm Shy

What Season Are You?

The D,K,L & Abang Pizza

The long promised DKL lunch-date photo... Dee & Lanie, I kept my promise.......

This also means - my hp is back!!

100,000 words...... or maybe less

1. Adriana & Adlina enjoying keropok at home
2. Azhan with Adriana, Adlina & Ardini (his only niece)
3. adriana in her first "baju kurung" (malay traditional dress)
4. Adilah - latest picture of her... my, her height is about my shoulder now!
5. The lily bouquet - 32nd birthday gift of love from beloved hubby (upclose)
6. The bouquet again, after I put them in a vase.

Who date your Husband??

I left a comment on Zura's entry on what she did on Nik's birthday. I was reading her reply to my comment and then it hit me........ WHAT a hassle nowadays, as a wife, trying to find a time to just be with your own husband! I mean, remember those "dating" days? It seems like the world just revolved around the two of you meeting each other!

Now, come to think of it, I somehow feel that, generally, a TYPICAL man's weekend TO-DO-LIST list:
1. sleep
2. wash or polish car
3. repair or do car maintenance
4. watch sports - anything football/golf/rugby/car racing etc as long as it's on ASTRO sport channel
5. go back to parents' place (if they are within an hour drive away!)
6. repeat no 1-5
7. do groceries or night market (if wife cannot do that)
8. do what the kids requested them to do (especially if he has promised them!)
9. do what family members or friends ask them to do (again if they are within an hour drive away!)
10. opppssss... and then that promise to do "something" with the wife! But WHAT IS IT? No problem, just ask her on SATURDAY MORNING!

Please tell me I am just exaggerating......... Like I told Zura, "We (the wife) used to be in their (the hubby) priority list, now we are in the waiting list!"

The Good and The Bad

The Good update

Faizal has won the AF4.... my prediction was again correct! Che Aa... I told you that I can somehow predict the winner from the very first concert! Did we bet on anything? Hmmm.. rugi sungguh! keh..keh..

The Bad update

My handphone is still on repair... maybe 1 week, maybe 2 weeks, maybe..... huh, so much of "canggih" (latest) technology and cause people to not to be able to contact their friends & family coz no number stored on the SIM card... That's my problem now... to those who read this blog, and if you have my contact no, pls pls pls send me an SMS and identify yourself so that I can keep your number... thanks in a million for your kind help!

Sad... very sad...

Akademi Fantasia

With CT Nurhaliza 's most talked about wedding coming up, the Israel's bombing issues, the illegal logging in Peninsular Malaysia, flight ticket fare rise by MAS, murder cases in Malaysia etc etc (what has happen to our world?).... I am not sure what to write on.

And then I remember this AF Fever! Yes, the 5 finalists are fighting for the battle to become AF4 winner... Faizal, Farhan, Velvet, Haziq & Lotter.... Who will win? Depends on your vote, so SMS now! Me..... ?? AFUNDI Faizal...... senyum sokmo la.... he's not that good looking, his voice is so-so but he has potential. Just like MAWI (AF3 winner), Faizal has this serene look, sincere in his showmanship and remains "kampung" in his behaviour... which touches the heart of his many fans. I wish Faizal all the best, and to the rest, you guys are equally good....

Don't forget to tune in ASTRO Ria at 0830 pm this Saturday night for the final concert! And have a lovely weekend to all! I am off to Malacca tomorrow...so I'll be watching AF4 final concert there!

ps: Dee... I know your Amirul has been voted out, but pls vote for the remaining 5 finalists!!
ps: Dee & Lanie - my handphone is unservicable (can't switch it on) - has to be sent back to Nokia to be fixed... so kindly wait for the DKL photo ya.... so sorry!

The DKL get together

Wonder what DKL is? It's DNAS, Kimi and Leilanie...... No grand AGM, no wedding, no horse carriage, just us.... We had lunch together today at Pizza Hut, Giant Kelana Jaya.

As usual, Kimi was late ..... always have issues to get the parking right! Was getting missed call from Leilanie, SMS from Leilanie and also DNAS... terrible terrible Kimi.... Anyway, I've made it. Wading my way staright to them in Pizza Hut. Of course first thing first would be "Have you guys made orders?".... Then goes all the "I nak makan banyak, I lapar..." and being cheeky with the waiter... who's very very shy with us! He practically trying to remember our order, instead of looking at what he wrote... And that really made me wonder.... he can't spell, or he can't write, or did we make him panic? Kimi, you are such a naughty lady... no, Naughty Mom!!

Talk, chat, laugh, and it's time to part. Happily walking to the counter and guess what? It's that waiter again, now as the cashier!!! Jolly gooooddd... we made him panic again!! But he is so sweet... still smiling. I never notice that Pizza Hut practise multi-tasking.... good on you boy!

And then OOOOPPPPPSSSS... forgot to take picture! Counter measure? Grab the "handbag-lady" (a lady who sells handbags right opposite Pizza Hut) to take our "not-just-cute-but-definitely-lovely-adorable-ladies" photo... and I notived one thing that we had in common - "no picture is to be taken with just three people in it" principle, hey preety cool ehhh?? And we still wonder how that believe exist and why!! BTW the handbags is as cheap as RM9.90!

It was raining heavily outside and thank goodness Leilanie is always prepared! She had this cute dark blue umbrella... so I took that, rush to my car and drove to the pick-up area to pick her and my other colleage, Fabrizah, who was very patient waiting for me when I overshoot the lunch time (I have a photo to take, remember! .... more of excuses really)

The picture?? Ok, this is the best part, I am going to post this first, and load the picture later... ok!

To Dee and Lanie,

Thank you for a lovely lunch together!

Let us know the outcome of the restructuring Dee,

and Lanie - what is your research on?

ps: Zetty - maybe we can have lunch together as well, one of these day, okay!
pps: Or how about we do blogger's reunion?? hmmmm... interesting idea...

The clock is ticking....

The world is about to witness a get-together of the year.......

DKL meeting

the most awaited reunion of all time....

together at last...

(more update to come)

Countdown time:

its 5.30 pm now............

17 hours and 30 minutes to go......

Be aware or be square!

All for one

I am going to write all stories about my life in just one entry. Don't know how it will turn up, but I will definitely try... as time is always not enough for me nowadays... especially when I think of what has happened to Hani Mohsin, on 25th July 2006... may his soul rest in peace.. I don't want to waste any single second... but obviously I have to waste some seconds, for obvious reasons - dreaming that I have 25 hours a day, 8 days a week!

Where to start?

How about I lost my professional "baby sitter", so to speak, as Che Aa is now on her own, out of my house since 7th July 2006... She has been upgraded to serve a college, so bye-bye secondary school teacher title and say hello to a lecturer! Bravo, Congratulations, Tahniah.... Of course she's happy with her new rented semi-D house with 4 bedrooms, fully equipped with furniture, curtains, garden and not to mention electric gate - what else do you need? My 2nd girl, Kak Lina really really missed her, as she was barely 2 years old when Che Aa starts to stay with us... and she now lost her best friend! I must say, I have to thank Che Aa for doing such wonderful works with my kids, especially educating them while I'm not around! I love you dearly sis....

Then I discover that I am going to get more nieces/nephews.... yippeeeeee... Cik Yan & Mama Azidah are pregnant! The not so "wow" factor is that I have received "warning" from my mom-in-law, NOT to get pregnant and have any baby next year... coz the expected new borns are to join us in mid Jan and mid Mar 2007 ... a back-to-back confinement period for my MIL.... pity her... but no worries, kak Long (a.k.a eldest sis) is on the way to the rescue! I am not planning for my 4th just yet, as Adriana is just 1 year 5 months!

My consulting work is so far so good. Still am trying to improve and sell myself better. A cousin is running a consultancy firm as well, and has invited me to join in... I'll think and consider first.. so many options, so little time.. not to forget that I still have my masters programme to think about.... TO DO or NOT TO DO yet... hmmm a battle that only I, me & myself can resolve...how ??

Baby Adriana has developed her "defense" startegy rather well... to bite people who annoys her! There are times when "you know who" will take away her toys, her feeding bottle, her biscuits, etc etc... and being a baby still, what option does she has? The funny thing is, only Kak Lina will get bitten, not Adilah... maybe because physically, Adilah is bigger and tougher to chew! hahahaha... but I still adore them all...

I got a new toy, N71. Cool, can snap pictures and record videos whenever I like.... it comes with CD but am yet to complete studying all the available features... changing phone is not my call.. It's entirely up to "you know who". He just decide, buy and there comes changes! I am still consistently laughing at myself, whenever I make a fool (of myself) with this new N71... Darn.....!

Oh yes, my colleagues was accepted for their MSS (Mutual Separation Scheme). As the public in Malaysia may have known, MAS for the first time in history, if offering MSS to the staff! The good part - those who apply and got it are very happy (and very rich tooo00). The bad part - those who apply and was turn down - we have got to manage these devastated, frustated and angry colleagues.... I must agree that to certain extend, there's is so many "wrongs" than rights in this MSS exercise...

As of now, all I can say is, I just want to live my life to the fullest, love my family and myself! So to all of you out there, remember this - life is precious, use it well!

Kimi signing off from her rambling of the day!

Can anyone help me to understand please?

I don't know if I am a bit emotional when it comes to the "successful single lady" issue - I have sisters who are really really doing well in their careers but not yet married and they are 30++ yrs old...

What is it so hard for people to understand that it is not their decision to still be single until now? Yes, they do want to settle down (maybe the time, the Mr/Miss right is yet to be met, the constraints, etc etc)... What right does the society has to be thinking that they don't want to??

Why can't people accept that it is OK, PERFECTLY OK for them
1. to manage things on their own (they are not disable... so don't treat them like one...)
2. to have a mind of their own (just because they are single, doesn't mean they can't think!)
3. to have their own circle of friends (who are honest, loyal and trustworthy friends)
4. to do what they like (they can be a book worm, a crazy computer geek, an activist, a social worker etc)
5. to be weird (other people do crazy weird stuff too....)
6. to be difficult sometimes (don't we all do that?)

So single successful ladies and men out there.... tell me... please enlighten me..... I am just "running" out of ideas to justify for your rights to just be who you are !

Worried @ confuse @ uncertain @ still-trying-to-get-to-the-root

Note : this entry is not targetted to anyone... just a mere letting-out-my-frustration session

Happy Birthday DNAS

Happy Birthday Message specially dedicated to DNAS on 5th July 2006 (I hope I got the info correct)

Dee,

Wishing you the best on your birthday,
May Allah bless you always!

Warm rgds,
Kimi

Why can't we love STATISTICS?

Everything that you do is a process
In every process there is data
Data can be continuous or attribute
Continuous data is easier to manage than attribute data
Attribute data is also powerful to determine performance
Performance can be monitored
Monitoring of data should start from the gauge itself
Inaccurate gauge mean inaccurate analysis
Always analyse data for process control and capabilities
Process capabilities keeps you on the target
Process control keeps your customer happy...........

And all of these ramblings has something got to do with statistics! What on earth am I talking about?

Note: Cik Aa is leaving for Sg. Petani - she's gonna be working for teaching college now... waaaa, no more partner for my mid-night chat on weekends!

Snake in my house

The snake attack is back!!

This is the third incident..... and this time, neither me nor Azhan is at home.... my poor kids and my shivering maid at home... of course a kind neighbour, Helmi who is now at my house trying his best to chase the snake
away...

I was in a meeting when there was a miss called on my handphone... of course being Mrs Nice, I would put work first (this is still between the 8.30-5.30 contract what....)

Where am I?? Stuck at work... can only leave after 3 pm... where is Azhan? also at work... trying his best to leave early as well..... Oh no.... my poor kids & maid... there're surely trembling, scared to death and I just want to go home!!!!!

this is 12.30 pm.... arrrrggggghhhh.... when you want the clock to tick so fast, the time become so slow!

The men in my life..................

The men in my life:
1. My father in law - with Adriana when she was 7 days old, on her "Aqiqah" day.
2. My dad - at my sister's place. It's not that often he came to KL to visit us...
3. Azhan & me - attending a wedding in PJ.

These are the men (mind you, I don't have any son yet.. so these are the only men in my life) who make the difference in me.... These great men have something in common - they care, love, provide for the family, keeps the family together, and most of all...... they all love us, the family.

Happy father's day to these great men! And other great men too....

ps: Lanie, hope your great guy i.e your dad is getting better every day.. take care dear!

It did survived without me!

After a total of 10 days break, I return to work today... and hey, my "pokok keladi" survived! The first time I brough it to office, it only have 6 leaves... look at it now - chubby as the owner right? Heh heh..

Not that I really miss the office, but I though, I should acknowledge my office - no matter what, this place has given me the $$ of course, balance in life, joy and laughter, lots of shoulders to cry on when I need them... not to forget - the vacant boss room yet to be filled-up after 1 year and 3 months! Excuse the "untidy" look - I did try to implement 5S (Seiri - Sorting, Seiton - set in order, Seiso - Shine, Seiketsu - standardisation, Shitsuke - sustain) - honest! The problem is.... I just to have everthing on my table!! Hmmmmm....

Got to go - emails to check, paper work to be completed, yadaa yadaa yadaa... and no kuaci still!

ps: KuE - about the short-bread business, I suggest profit sharing of 70-30 between you and Puteri - well she is young still, so no need to "pegang" duit banyak-2! hehehe...

As they walk down the aisle together......

Need I say more? To these lovely couples.... may God bless you guys and have a wonderful married life together - with lots of lovely kids to spice up your life!

Pic 1 - from left: Edy, Fab, Kimi, Mel & Carl, Azhan
Pic 2 - Daniel Zain & Mariam (in purple)
Pic 3 - Fairuz & Elza (in blue)

Hurray... hurray...
It's a holi- holiday
Hurray hurray hurray hurray
It's a holi- holiday

It's holiday time again..... the mostly waited for round-the-peninsular trip!

We're leaving Kuala Lumpur to Pasir Puteh, then move on to Alor Setar before we return back to KL. All in all, I'll be away for a total of 10 days! There's a stop over at Dungun to visit Ms Rugby, visit to see the newborn of my long lost friend (whom I have not met since 1999), a cousin's wedding to attend (more of to become the "penanggah" i.e the northern's term for helpers during a wedding, of course lots and lots of food to eat, goodies to buy along the journey... not to forget 24 hours "power puff girls" to be managed .... (thank goodness there is an additional family member called "bibik")

But there's a lot of packing to be done:- a bag each i.e 5 bags to be packed, formulas, diapers, medications, cameras, food for the journey, water etc etc.. (err NO KUACI in my list????)

Anyway... Happy school holidays for all school kids out there, the teachers, and "busy-taking-leave" parents (like ME)..............

Note :
1. I may write during my holiday trips, if I remember to bring along my laptop with me... as I am tooooo excited about my trip already.....
2. To Che Aa... Thank you for taking care of our house while we are away!!! Opppsss... good luck with the Viva!
3. To Ms. Rugby - we will try to "not-to-forget" to visit you.... tungguuuuuu us this Monday okay!!!

Banyak-2, kadang-2, jarang-2, sedikit-2

Have you ever watch P.Ramlee's movie - Nujum Pak Belalang? If YES, remember the Quiz given by the minister as the Final Quiz to Pak Belalang?

What is it that we
1. mostly do (banyak-banyak)
2. sometimes do (Kadang-kadang)
3. once in a while do (Jarang-jarang)
4. very rarely do? (Sedikit-sedikit)

And the answer is marriage for the muslim - the men are allowed to have up to 4 wives at a time. NO, I am not to argue why they can do so OR why women cannot have many husbands.... what SexyMomma wrote today about her friend's divorce brought me back to my childhood life - of being the FIRST WIFE's kid.....This is my first confession - I have 2 step moms... who are also great moms to their kids....

YES, many have asked me.... how can I still have that love and care for my dad despite what has happened. I only have one answer..... I THANK GOD for giving me a strong mom who continuously educates my siblings and I to always respect my father no matter what.

"Unless you can erase your father's name from your birth certificate, he is forever your dad. Don't you ever go against him, make him sad or ignore him, for I will not allow you to do so. And if you do, you can forget about going to HEAVEN for you have done something against my order... your MOM"

That's is all what my mom has to say...........

The Exam - mine or the kids?

I was reading Ina's entry on her quest to get a pet for her sons..... and her anxiety over her son's exam made me realised that I am also behaving/responding the same way. This week is Adilah (7 yrs old) and Adlina (4 yrs old) exam week at their schools. And I think I am going a bit over the board asking them to do revision! I mean, Adilah knows the value of getting 100% vs getting 80%. But Adlina? She is still drinking her chocolate milk in her cup every night! What was I thinking?

After all, they are kids, thus they are entitled to make mistake, coz that's how they can learn... right? Nevertheless, I think it is my responsibility as a parent, to create the fun learning environment with them at home, so that they enjoy the revision with me (of course there will be a lot of screaming and argument, knowing for fact that Baby Adriana who is just 15 months old, will also be doing the revision session)....

This also means I am not going to be able to have a good "rest" this week.... coz I'll be working also at night.... which reminds me... WHERE IS THE FATHER???

Kids nowadays...

Check out this short conversations that took place at school:
(Don't you think so children are just so pure, even when they are innocently wrong yet they are so adorable, and most importantly don't they tought us a lot!)

TEACHER : Why are you late?
WEBSTER : Because of the sign.
TEACHER : What sign
WEBSTER : The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."
_____________
TEACHER : Cindy, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
CINDY : You told me to do it without using tables!
_____________
TEACHER : John, how do you spell "crocodile?"
JOHN : K-R-O-K-O-D-A-I-L"
TEACHER : No, that's wrong
JOHN : Maybe it's wrong, but you asked me how I spell it!
_____________
TEACHER : What is the chemical formula for water?
SARAH : H I J K L M N O!!
TEACHER : What are you talking about?
SARAH : Yesterday you said it's H to O!
______________
TEACHER : George, go to the map and find North America .
GEORGE : Here it is!
TEACHER : Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS : George!
______________
TEACHER : Willie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't
have ten years ago.
WILLIE : Me!
______________
TEACHER : Tommy, why do you always get so dirty?
TOMMY : Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
______________
TEACHER : Ellen, give me a sentence starting with "I."
ELLEN : I is...
TEACHER : No, Ellen..... Always say, "I am."
ELLEN : All right... "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."
_____________
TEACHER : "Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?"
JOHNNY : "Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day, same
time."
_____________
TEACHER : "George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry
tree, but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn't
punish him?"
JOHNNY : "Because George still had the ax in his hand."
______________

TEACHER : Desmond, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same as your
brother's. Did you copy his?
DESMOND : No, teacher, it's the same dog!
______________
TEACHER : What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no
longer interested?
PUPIL : A teacher.

Tears....

I was reading KuE's blog and I was so touched by her entry about Puteri's cry.

YES, there are times when I am angry with my girls and I scold my kids, and I make them cry. But certainly, I'm still the one who is going to console them and make them laugh again! In the process of growing up, tears play a big role in a child's life, especially the girls..

Here's my personal collection of lists as to why GIRLS cry (this list is in time order):
1. when she lost an item and she can't find it
2. someone touch her dolls/toys
3. mom doesn't wait for her to tag along
4. daddy forgot that chocolate/ice-cream he promised
5. she got her first period
6. the guy that she admire at school is moving away!
6. when she look at the mirror and "Oh no, I've pimples and the party is tonite!"
7. when her boyfriend left her for her best friend!
8. she's getting married!
9. she's in labour pain
10. she held her first child
11. her first child is getting married
12. her first grandchild is borned

and the list goes on and on ..................

And yet so many motivators says that if you need to cry, you just CRY. Coz tears indeed is the strongest medicine! Don't you agree??

Is she right?

I received this article from my sister, Che Aa:

"It is a commitment that should last a lifetime, but an increasing number of Malaysians are opting for divorce when problems crop up in their marriage. NURRIS ISHAK examines this disconcerting trend. WHILE many couples are busy tying the knot, an increasing number are just as busy untying it. About 150,060 couples took marital vows in 2004. In the same year, 19,800 divorce cases were recorded, an increase of 4,561 cases compared with 2000. Statistics from the National Population and Family Development Board (NPFDB) show that the divorce rate is highest among Muslims, with 16,509 couples going their separate ways in 2004. One reason for the rising trend is that the current generation places more importance on self and is more open to the concept of divorce. Another is the demise of the extended family, especially in urban areas. " - adapted from New Straits Times dated 18 May 2006 -

Another article that she discovered on the same day,

"................ MORE Malaysians are opting to delay marriage, with most tying the knot around the age of 29 for men, and 25 for women. "Right now, 27 per cent of the population between the ages of 25 and 34 are single," said National Population and Family Development Board director-general Datuk Fatimah Saad. Most cite financial problems, inability to find the right partner and career advancement as the causes for the delay. "

She asked me this question:

"Am i one of these culprits????? Akukah yang bersalah??? married couples sila jawab"

We used to debate about this many many times (my sister, she's single by the way). But for once, TODAY, I don't have an answer to her. Is she wrong for wanting to pursue her studies? Is she wrong for not having a boyfriend yet? Is she wrong for not wanting to start a relationship with just "anyone", but rather wait for the "Mr. Right" to come? I try to find an answer but I find none.......

Happy Mother's Day

A dedication of love & thank you to all mothers out there, especially my mom:

Your cheerful smile and friendly face

Has made the world a better place for me

Your kind hearts are the garden

Your kind thoughts are the roots

Your kind words are the flowers

And

Your kind deeds are the fruits

To make me a better person

And

For that I have you to thank for

Happy Mother's Day

8 years together.....

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary. Thank you for the gift, I really like it - not going to share that here... and I know Azhan may not be reading this, but I still want to write a special note to him:

What I know is that
It takes years to build trust and a few seconds to destroy it
What I believe is that
Do not marry a person that you know you can live with;
Only marry someone you cannot live without

What I will do is that

I will love you as I always love you before

And may our marriage is to last forever!

Happy 8th Anniversary!

Head of Domestic Affairs

This entry is specially dedicated to my fellow home maker friends out there, who has sacrificed everything to be with their children, devote their time, effort, energy, mind and money for the family. I would like to acknowledge some names here, Dina (she was the one who trigger this entry), Meeyn (in Abu Dhabi), Cory( in Miri), Yucilia (in Seremban), Shirlina (in Kota Kinabalu) and Amy (in Kertih).

Never ever feel that what you do is not a career. It is beyond a CAREER!!!! Thus, you also deserve to have coffee with your friend (regardless whether they're working or not).... If I were to refer to the book of conduct of a home maker, we're talking about
24 hours a day x 7 days a week x 52 weeks a year x your life as a mother

How can it not be important if you spent that much of time in your life? Given the opportunity, I would also like to be one. But of course a long list of "things to be done" must be done first before I can safely & happily sacrifice everything to be a home maker.....
a. My hubby can afford it
b. Basic necessity is ready for us
c. I am mentally & physically ready
d. We have the blessing of both his & my parents!

It is always a hard decision for a lady to step down from that "working environment" and stay home forever. I know it's not easy for you guys to make the decision.... Coz this is what your "more often than not" office routine shall be like,
1. making the bed every morning
2. prepare breakfast
3. sweep the floor
4. do the laundry
5. prepare lunch
6. help with the school homework
7. prepare afternoon tea
8. bring the kids to the playground
9. get dinner ready
10. reading bed time story
11. do some ironing
12. plan for tomorrow's chores
13. wake up in the middle of the night to change diapers and then make warm milk
14. to wake up first in the morning,
and the whole routines begin again......

Sounds like you're trap in the jungle with no escape way! (The most that I personally have time to do every working day is only no 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 13) Where could you possibly be heading by making such a big decision? The ultimate destination - heaven....... for being that tender, loving, caring, passionate & patience mother, and most of all - for always be there for your children!

If that is not a job, then I don't know what is! I respect all the home makers out there for the principles they uphold! To my friends out there, if ever you need a break from your "office" routine, you can call me!

Ever wonder what kind of blogger are you?

I was bored, sleepy and tired... What can be so interesting in updating your training manual?? So this is what I've done (... errr sorry boss, never meant to waste company's time but... can't help it...), I took up another test. Check it out yourself!

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger.You have a heart of gold, and are likely to blog for a cause.You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you!A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

What's" Your Blogging Personality?

To the LEADERS out there.............

This entry is specially dedicated to NAH and other wonderful dedicated ladies, who have been given bigger responsibilites and trust - who on top and above their daily routine as daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, friend etc... - still strive to give their very best to the company they work for.

L = listen to your associates
E = explain your thoughts and requests
A = acknowledge the importance of others
D = define expected results and checkpoints clearly
E = expect commitments to be kept
R = review progress faily

Best wishes to all.... a quarter of 2006 is completed... another two to go !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Notes : Kind of run out of idea... hope this kind of entry is accepted..........

Quote................ on MAS again.............

MAS losses was caused by its management, not because its route could not make money. If we have made-in-Malaysia biscuits but they bought biscuits from Australia, how to make money?

- Jasin MP, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof -

"At the Dewan Rakyat, The Sun, 27th Apr 2006"

How do you suggest I respond to this statement, as an employee of MAS for 9 years and 2 months?? Anyway, I believe in our new MD, En. Idris Jala. His very first statement when he was about to join MAS is that "The key to business turnaround lies in unleashing the talents of everyone in MAS!

To all MAS employee out there, which ever part of the globe you're located, let us all unleash our talents & capabilities to allow us to continue to spread our wings all across 6 continents!

Happy Labour Day (01 MAY 2006) to all my colleagues in MAS, everyone who is an employee, and bloggers out there.....

Am not an evil.... So what is my soul?

Was checking if I am evil and I found out that:

You Are 8% Evil

You are good. So good, that you make evil people squirm. Just remember, you may need to turn to the dark side to get what you want!

How Evil Are You?

Then I started to look for what is my soul and I found out that:

You Are a Peacemaker Soul

You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can. War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace. You are a good mediator and a true negotiator. Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy. While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental. You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take. On the flip side, you've got a great sense of humor and wit. You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

So anyone out there who is compatible to me? Of course Azhan comes in the picture without say. Drop me a line okay......

Soal Hati .... Heart Feeling

I begin my Friday morning listening to a typical story of a husband and wife, who in the midst of their conversation, get into an argument. More often than not, we will hear this same lines:

- Malay version - @ -English version -
Person A: "...... kena jawab dah dituduh...." "... must argue if being accused..."
Person B: "...... cakap sekali cukup la...." "... a mention is enough....."
Person A: "...... kecik hati tau...." "... make me feel small...."
Person B: " ..... dah kecik hati, duduk diam diam ...." ".... if so, just be quiet....."
Person A: " ..... kenapa kena diam?" ".... why must be quiet?"
Person B: silence
Person A: silence


What would you do if you face similar situation as above?
1. Do you feel angry?
2. Do you feel like you want to retaliate?
3. Will you be crying?
4. I will tell him/her "let's settle this once and for all"...
5. I'm just going to keep quite (not pushing my luck)!
6. Start to say "What the @$#%&8*#^().... "on and on and on....

I think, personally, what ever that you decide to do..... just remember the few golden rules of a marriage-
1. No matter what, he loves you / she loves you still
2. It's easy to break a marriage but it's hard to fix a broken one
3. It's all begin from the heart so always go back to the heart

Happy weekend to all!

Note:
1. This entry is a special dedication to friends who are about to join the boat of "marriage life" - Mariam, Elza and Melanie....... wishing you all a happy, wonderful and blessful marriage.
2. I have experienced this similar situation too, and I thank Allah, for the "so far so good"...!

Where is Annamox?

I am looking for Annamox.... anyone... anybody...help me please!!! Where is she??Annamox, if you read this, pls email me... I miss your blog Annamox!

My love, my treasures......

Picture paints a thousand words

1. Me, Ms Rugby & Che Ha...
2. Adlina's 1st day at tadika/kiddies
3. Baby Adriana 11 months old
4. Adilah's 1st day at School
5. Adlina's 4th birthday cake

6. Baby Adriana 4 months old

To Be or not To Be............ The busy 5 bees

To Be - a successful career women you must be
1. smart (depend on your definition of smart)
2. patience (to get promotion etc)
3. courageous (to serve the company best)
4. determine (to ensure your work is with quality and added value)
5. open minded (to be creative in doing your job)

To Be - a successful working wife you must be
1. very smart (depend on your definition of smart)
2. very patience (especially to deal with the long working hours)
3. very courageous (to handle all the possible office gossips...)
4. very determine (to be able to still go to work no matter what happen)
5. very open minded (to stay cool and calm)

To Be - a successful working wife and mother you must be
1. suped duper smart (depend on your definition of smart)
2. super duper patience (to handle all the screaming, shouting, crying etc)
3. super duper courageous (to have energy to smile everytime it is 5am in the morning again!!!)
4. super duper determine (to ensure follow through eventhough it is a TOTAL mess)
5. super duper open minded (to keep sane!!!)

So tell me something... is it wrong for me to choose not TO BE a working wife & mother? Or am I just too clouded by the expression "LADY OF LEISURE - a dream of every woman"....

Anyway, despite saying all that, I maybe embarking on a new life - working wife and mother cum consultant... how about that????

What's on 1st APRIL 2006??

I have so many things in life going on on 1st Apr 2006.... so the entry today is just to tell the world that:

1. Adilah is having her first sports day at her school, SK Bangi.... Go Adilah, go girl...........RUNNNNN!!!!
2. I have to miss Adilah's sport day for a job interview ............ Am I a cruel mom??? I tried to change but I can't..... Noooooooooooooooo!!
3. Cik Rugby has a tournament in Kuala Terengganu........ Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
3. Kak Dee is meeting Anuar Zain during her dinner. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!
4. It's April Fool day........... please don't try to fool me... I'm easily cornered!

Have a lovely weekend to all............

The Lion City........

So close yet so far........ From DownUnder to the US, there's so many countries in between... and guess what? Today is my first day in Singapore - ALONE, no kids, no hubby, no colleages... just ALONE... how am I ever going to face the world of "loneliness" until my return to Kuala Lumpur?

Lonely, I am so lonely,
I have nobody,
I'm on my own.......

Ohhhhhh.......
Lonely, I am so lonely,
I have nobody,
I'm on my own........

-song by Akon-

Can't wait to be back home...... I miss my kids... but do they miss me???

After 15 years........

Today, after 15 years of school life, I finally met my friends again - Normaziah and Fatihah..... my ex-MRSM friends.... Wow... don't we all changed?? We talk.. and talk.. and talk... from food, to work, to family, to school days, buying property, etc etc.... seems like 2 hours friday afternoon break is too short of a time... I'm soooooo happy..

Normaziah is actually next to my office - she's with UNITAR (she's with Business Studies faculty.... Leilanie, do you happen to know her?). What a small world huh??!! Fatihah is doing so well with her Takaful Nasional... so friends, if you need an insurance coverage, let me know.....

By the way - I need to ask you guys something...... How do you feel if you have to conduct a formal classroom training and your other half is a participants ...... Azhan is gonna be in my class....... can I remain professional about this? How weird can life be?? ARGHHH.... And then I realised, could this be another test from ALLAH s.w.t??

Let the chain continues................

Friends, I just have this to share for today.....

He almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson."

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, "And think of me."

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. she had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan.

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: "You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you." Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.

That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson."

There is an old saying "What goes around comes around." Today, I sent you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on ... Let this light shine.

Good friends are like stars....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.