March 28, 2007 - What a Day!

Besides being involved in an accident, I guess one thing a driver dreads is going to the workshop to have the car fixed and not having the car for a few days! ok ok..another is of course footing the bill for the damage. This is what happened to me right now as I type away in this particular blog. My car was banged 2 days ago! It was stationary and parked right outside my students' house when it got knocked by a teenager trying to reverse his car out from his porch! Damn! Damn! Damn! Not to mention, a "P" driver!

Well, I wasn't that mad having seen the damage done by the accident, but what got me on my nerve was the fact that this fellow actually denied the whole thing! Thankgoodness my students' mother was at the balcony of her house and she witnessed the whole incident. The fellow actually had the cheek to say, "I didnt do it. It merely went past your car when I reversed mine." (note that there were a few scratches on his Kia Sephia and he still had the cheek to say he didnt do it) It didnt help that my car was already dented before this. I admit that it was not in a perfect condition (hence his denial) but to have my signal light broken by him and not admitting it really blew my top away! So there I was trying to get into his mind and bear the responsiblity of his mistake and all I got was "Why dont you talk to my parents!" And I said Ok...

"So where are your parents?"

"My mom will be home after 7."

So what else could I do except to wait for the return of the 'hero' mother? Anyway, I finally met up with her at her house and she directly told me to make a police report and claim the damages from her insurance company. I wouldnt say that she's not taking responsibility for her son's mistake .....but the damage is considered small and I dont think a police report is necessary lor.

"I know my son. This is not the first time he scratched the car. In fact, I wanna teach him a lesson. I'm asking him to make the police report himself tomorrow and he shall have his merit points deducted, considering him being a "P" driver. He's feeling very miserable right now."

Well, I was speechless. It's kinda good in a way to teach your son a lesson, but look here, you are also putting me into a troublesome situation to go all the way to the police station just to make a report on the small damage...just because you want to teach your son a freaking lesson!

To cut the story short, I managed to persuade her to settle the whole thing without the need to make police reports and compensate me on the damage done. So we agreed to spilt the bil into half, considering I already have some dents on my car previously. He just aggravated it and not to mention nicely broke my ever-trusting signal light!

Then there I was, in the workshop, leaving my baby for repair. The quotation - RM380 to fix the bumper with paint spray and replace the signal light.
So, as promised, I called up Mrs Chua (ya, 'hero's' mother) and told her the cost of repair for my car.

THE damages... *note the deepened dent right below the light (pic 2) and of course the broken light (pic 3) not to mention the extra scratches too...yes, thanks to the 'hero'*

*Phone conversation*

"Well, as you know, your car was already dented before my son hit it. So, I think it's only fair that you fork out more for the repair"

BLOODY F*#^ING HELL!

"But I thought you have agreed to foot half of the bill?"

"Ya, but according to my son, he didnt make such a big damage to your car."

"Well, Mrs Chua, I dont blame you for believing your son. And I'm honest enough to let you know that my car was already dented before your son banged it. But seriously, the signal light was indeed damaged by him. Not to mention the extra and deeper dent he left on my bumper."

"Ya, I know. But your car is not a new car. So it's not fair that I have to foot the bill for a brand new light. Ok la. Let's make this simple, I'll pay RM150 for your damage. Settle? You know I have have faced a lot of problems lately with my maid running away and me forking extra money to hire a new one." (*she has told me a long story about how my students' maid 'stole' her maid and that he maid ran away. Thank again to my students' maid. Well, that's another long story altogether. Pening nya kepala I*)

"Ya, I understand Mrs Chua, But you have to understand that your problem of your maid running away has got nothing to do with me. And it's only RM40 extra if you were to just agree to foot half of the RM380 bill."

"Ok la ok la. Let's not take drag this issue any longer. RM160. I'm also into some financial constraints you know. Ok? Furthermore, I didnt really get to see clearly the damage on your car because it was already dark last night when we met."

*like it's my fault that she couldnt see clearly in the dark...duh!*

"Well, what can I say. OK la. If you really need to see the damage, I have taken some pictures from my phone and I'll show it to u once I bring you the receipt and collect the payment from you when my car is ready."

*Phone conversation ends*

Did I mention that these people live in a semi-detached house in a gated and guarded community in Kota Kemuning? RM40 also she wants to bargain with me. I felt like as if I was in the pasar malam trying to get a good bargain for my groceries!

Sigh sigh sigh....people you meet in this world.

Well, looks like I have to fork out extra of what I expected earlier for my car.......















...another insight of my life...adios

Pregnant, wedding, pregnant, wedding

Everyone around me is either getting pregnant or married this year.....Guess it's a good year to welcome a new addition into a family heh? baby/wife/husband/daughter in law/ son in law... ..etc...Now let's see my list of frens who are expecting changes in their lives.....

1. Samantha is due in May
2. Karen is due in August
3. Jacelyn is due in September
4. Sister in law is due in November


1. Ben's wedding in May
2. Brother in law and Cheryl's wedding in July (that's 2 different wedding)
3. Kristy's wedding in November


That's the info I've got so far. Am sure more to come.....

So with all the huss about people I'm closed with being pregnant especially, hubby is itching and giving me hints of trying for another baby this year. He said he'd love to have a daughter (if God permits) and as for me, I've always wanted to have a daughter. Guess, it's just a mother's wish to have at least a daughter in her life. Anyway, those close to me would know by now how my first pregnancy went. It was indeed a roller coaster ride when I had Zach ( I dont mean the morning/night sickness...more to that and it's got to do with genetic hiccups and all...long story tho..anyway, it turned out fine at the end and Zach came to this world as how we hoped he'd be) Well, the thought of going through that again really gives me the goosebumps. Trust me, no mothers deserve to go through such turmoil especially when she's most vulnerable during her pregnancy. It's not something anyone would wanna go through. Nevertheless, the thought of giving Zach another sibling is much more meaningful. Thus, my agreement to try for another one. Hopefully, (like the Muslim say, Insyaallah) I will be pregnant by end of this year and welcome a Rat baby next year. Hopefully with God's grace and mercy, I'll have a better and smoother pregnancy this time around.
Wish me luck....



...another piece of my mind. Adios...

Housewives DO work!

I was reading the papers the other day about a male journalist writing about how his expectation to become a househusband turned out to be a total opposite. You see, this writer wrote about his experience as a househusband caring for his young daughter who is autistic. That's beside the point. What is amusing about his article is that he was expecting to have a few hours of "ME" time a day, considering he is not working anymore but it turned out to be the exact opposite. He was in fact busier than he was in office and finally understood the fact that why most housewives always say that they are busier than working mothers! And to add in to his amusing piece, he even mentioned that he despised the sarcastic question poised to him and annoys most housewives - "What do you do all day?" It's a total slap in the face for most housewives as if to claim that "You seem to have nothing to do and you have all day to yourself!" and "You dont work. So what do you do most of the time?" Excuse me...may I beg to differ?!

Now let me state some thoughts from my mind. I've been a housewife for the past 3 years and still am. It was not a decision I made; in fact it was somehow made for me. I found out that I was pregnant after I left my last job and was in search for better opportunity. As a matter of fact, I was looking forward to starting a new career life when I noticed that my period was late and hence, pregnant! During my first month of pregnancy, I received a call from HP (Hewlett Packard) offering me a lucrative job as a Communication Executive. As much as I wanted to accept the job offer, I had to tell them the truth about my pregnancy, knowing very clearly that I might not get the job the minute I made the revelation. True enough, I never received any call from them after that. And then I had to hold back my plans to continue working until my baby is born. Then came another bombshell...my Philipino maid gave me a hell of a problem and then one problem after another......I was and still am stuck as a housewife. All for the sake of my son. I'm into part-time teaching now though. Ok, again...that's besides the point of my post this time.

What I'm annoyed, as I'm sure many other housewives are too is that people tend to have a stereotypical opinion that being a housewife is a bliss and that one should not complain being one. Ok, I'm not saying that I'm complaining but we, housewives are not as free as many people think we are. In fact, we work 24/7 and there is not such thing as a public holiday in our calendar. I often received remarks like;

"You are not working wat. You should be able to do this and that."

"You busy? You must be joking cos you are not working for goodness sake."

"Not free? What do you do all day (since you are not working)?"

"No time? But you are not working."

Excuse me......we might not be working as how others do in their offices.....but we DO work alright.......I mean...don't these people ever think that we housewives hold many jobs/positions at a same time? Look...we are:

1. Caregiver to our kids
2. HR manager cum supervisor - to our maids, who sometimes really give us a heck of a problem and have us breathe through fire in our lungs and throat!
3. Chef cum dietitian cum menu planner
4. Laundry manager - otherwise we'd have to kiss goodbye to our clothes should they land in the hands of the maid
5. Financial manager - bills, bills, bills...(though we might not be the one who earn the $$$..but still.....)
6. Production machine - it's easy to say but we are the ones who have to go through the agony of delivering babies.....dont get me wrong....ALL mother (working ones included) go through this as well.....
7. Story teller cum movie maker cum clown....entertainer of the house.
8. Wet 'marketeer' - it's not easy knowing what to buy from the butcher, fish monger, vege/fruit sellers..not to mention bargaining for the best price and ensuring that we are not being cheated.
9. Fashion consultant cum personal shopper cum bargain hunter
10. Etc. Etc. Etc...the list goes on and on....

Not too long ago the Women and Family Development Ministry suggested that housewives be given salaries for their roles in the families. I welcome the suggestion although it might be tough for certain families to abide by it. Well, come to think of it......a housewife's salary can never be measured and we can never come out with a proper figure to fill in the blanks for SALARY:____________. Another suggestion reckoned that husbands whose wives are housewives should contribute some EPF into their wives' account for their unlimited contributions to the family and subsequently give her a sense of financial security when she reaches the retiring age. Again, this is indeed an applaudable suggestion. But how many husbands in our society would actually carry out this move? I have to admit that some actually do. For example my beloved husband. And I'm really thankful that I have such an understanding husband who never seems to take me for granted although I'm not the one who brings in money into the family. But to have a peace of mind at work for beloved hubby, knowing that THE wife is at home watching over the safety of beloved son - PRICELESS!

Well, I'm not saying that my role in the family should be acknowledged but I just cant stand those remarks from insensitive people who undermine the roles of a housewife. Sometimes, it's not just the remarks which irk me...but certain obvious actions do show their insensitive presumptions on us. What I want these people to know is that please...please show some respect to us housewives. We are not trying to gauge any recognition...just bear in mind that being a housewife is not as easy as most people might think. Just compare a kid who goes to the babysitter and a kid who's brought up by his own mother. I dont have to elaborate further......BIG difference.

Sigh...I can never find an ending to this particular post cos there is just so much to write about. But I guess I'll have to end it somehow otherwise this post might never be published.



....another piece of my mind....adios

Post CNY

So...CNY came and went...just like that! All the spring cleaning, preparations, baking and ordering of CNY goodies.....All just for a few days of celebration. Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth...but then again, if it's not for that day some people might not even have their house thoroughly cleaned! It's the time of the year for me to be busy packing for our 'balik kampung' trip to Tgg. And it's the time for me to pack the red packets for distributions to the kids and some of my beloved yet-to-be-married friends. Gone are the days when I look forward to this day when I could get some extra $$$ from generous relatives and friends. Now it's the other way round...guess it's the circle of the Chinese tradition where one can not avoid but to abide by it, thought it's an unwritten law. But then again, who says you can't receive ang pows when you are 'married? I did...from my parents. No matter what, I'm still their daughter!

Anyway, I've listed down some events which took place for the past 2 weeks.

15 Feb 2007
We left for Tgg on 15 Feb 2007 night, 3 days before the big day. It's the same every year since our wedding that we are to spend at least 5 days in the hubby's birth place for the CNY celebration. Well, the journey there wasn't as smooth as we have hoped....Air Asia....what can you expect? the tagline should be changed to "Air Asia - Now everyone can delay!"
Yes, our flight was delayed for a freaking 2 hours! Stuck in the tiny LCCT for a freaking 3 hours including the first anticipated hour!

We finally landed at Tgg airport at 11.30pm! What a journey! As we were looking forward to reaching the in-laws' place for a goodnight rest, we were slapped with yet another unanticipated surprise - Blackout in the whole area of Kuala Ibai where the in-laws' place situated. Oh Gosh.....what a day! So, what choice did we have? A night at the hotel. The hubby couldnt take the stress of being in the dark, not to mention with annoying mosquitoes around and the heat of the east coast, on top of the fatigue and long hours at the airport.....it was just unbearable.
We were finally settled down at Primula Hotel for the night at 2.30am.

16 Feb 2007
Checked-out from Primula at around 12pm and headed to in laws' old hse in the town. Spent almost the whole afternoon there and headed back to the hse in Kuala Ibai after lunch around 3pm.

17 Feb 2007
All set for the celebration. Had our annual reunion dinner with the Goh family......somehow missed the feeling of being with my own family. A sense of nostalgic feeling filled my heart especially when we were seated on the dinner table. Nevetherless, I overcame the feeling with the thoughts of beloved hubby and son by my side.

18 Feb 2007
Finally...with all the preparations and hoo hah...the day has arrived.......and went.........nothing extra special to write about.......

"My first outfit of the Boar year!"

19 Feb 2007
Returned from Tgg and all set to have a celebration back in KL!

20 Feb 2007
Spent the whole day at parents' place and what else?????? started the gambling session.....hahahahahahha.....made quite a bit from beloved hubby...RM11 to be exact.

21 Feb 2007
An impulsive decision brought us up to Genting Highlands for a fun day at the casino. Went up there together with mom,dad, Jean and hubby. Tried our luck at the Roulette table and mind.......Received quite an ang pow from Uncle Lim. Our biggest ang pow so far.....hahahahahahhahaha......had a sumptuous meal at Gohtong Jaya to celebrate our windfall........Quite a day indeed....

22 Feb 2007
Spent the whole day relaxing at home and doing what we like best....NOTHING. Ahahahahahahahahah

23 Feb 2007
Had a small open house at our place and invited only relatives and close friends. And as usual......."open table"! Some guests went back with big smiles and some....with small holes in the pockets....All in the name of G.A.M.B.L.I.N.G.!

24 Feb 2007
CNY celebration continues with a different twist. Out on a double date for dinner with Maria and Yeoh at TGI Subang Parade. Nothing grand...just for chit chats and a game of football for the men.

25 Feb 2007
Brought the kids (Zach, Natasha & Tze Han) to Kota Permai Club for Lion Dance show organised by the club. Mind.....the kids really enjoyed themselves....not to mention the parents too. Had a great time watching the acrobatic stunts performed by the Malaysian team of Lion Dance. Well, I have to admit that not only did the kids enjoy themselves, so did the mommies and daddies!
Then both mommies (Maria & I) quickly transformed ourselves into 'demure' Malay women to attend a Malay wedding. Hung around for less than 30 minutes before sneaking out. At least we gave face to the host ler.......hehehehehhe
Then we rushed off to another open house by my aunt in Klang. Spent almost the whole afternoon there. Phew.....a hectic day indeed!

All set for the 'show'

All sweaty but it's worth it!

Lion's intimacy - 18SX!


So, I guess it's the end of another year of CNY celebration........till we greet the year of the Mouse next year.....have a good year of the Boar and hopefully it will be as fat as the boar....everything but physically!

Valentine

Family Valentine outing - 10 Feb 2007

Took our kids out for a family Valentine outing at KLCC. Had lunch at California Pizza (which doesnt turn out as well as we have anticipated). However the kids seemed to enjoy themselves.....esp. Natasha and Zach. Just look how passionate they are....... Aren't they the cutest couple ?????



14 Feb 2007

Was at the beauty salon beautifying myself in preparation for the year of the Boar! Check out my nails......yea....I'm vain!




















Next mission - A Valentine Gift for the hubby.......Found!!!!!!!!!!! The GIFT for the beloved hubby............Polo Ralph Lauren Blue....The scent is just.......aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah..........

Just like what most of my fellow bloggers wrote in their blogs.....that they just don't understand why should people spend extra $$$ on the big V day and that they disagree that the 'love' day should not only be celebrated on Feb 14 but every single day of their lives.....well, I couldn't agree more to that. And to me Valentine is just as special as any other day of my life being with my loved ones but to have gifts given to each other on this special just makes it more meaningful and will somehow engraved a memory in our lives. Agree or not, I'm sure any girl would be extra happy to have receive something on this day...especially from someone they love, admire or cherish! As for how we celebrated the night on this day this year....well, nothing extravagant...just a simple Chinese dinner at Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant @ Concorde Hotel Shah Alam with 2 good friends of ours ( Maria & Yeoh) - yes...just us adults. However, the venue does make a memorable place for us both couples as we held our wedding dinners there!

Happy Valentine!

It's tomorrow........the day when LOVE IS IN THE AIR ~
More significantly for me......it's the day when I was proposed...in year 2003.
It was a very cute way of being proposed and those who know me well should know by now how I was being proposed *wink*. Guess I wont mention it here la...since I know that my beloved hubby will drop by here every now and then.....
Nevertheless, it was indeed a very unforgettable day and it's the day which changed my life when I finally said "I WILL" to the ever conservative and traditional yet meaningful question "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"

HAPPY VALENTINE EVERYONE! MAY YOUR LIFE BE FILLED WITH LOTS OF LOVE, ROMANCE AND MORE LOVE LOVE LOVE..........*muax*

**********************************

MY VALENTINE GIFT FROM BELOVED HUBBY...... TAG Heuer AQUARACER . My first TAG ever! The lady version of a matching one like hubby's CLASSIC Collection. Love every bit of it! Thank you very much DEAR! *SMoooooch* *muax* *muax*

Now...a BIG headache for me to get hubby a gift. Obviously I cant afford a big and expensive gift but I'm sure hubby wouldnt expect one from me either *he he he *...........Will think of one to show my love for him though..... *wink*

A 'Purpose Driven' Poem

The Purpose Driven Life
THE GREATEST ADVICE - Rick Warren, the Purpose Driven Life


Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.

Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat.
Don't lie.
Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.

Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!



Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr.Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.

Learn a new skill.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.

To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.

To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.

Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.
Don't keep others waiting needlessly.

Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.




Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.

Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you.
You light up your life.
You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.

It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.

Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!

When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your lifethat you'll never get back.
Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves

A New Look !!!

YES!!!!!!!!!!! The ONE thing which I've been considering about....PERMING my hair! BIG curls that is...and I've finally gathered enough courage to get it done! Believe it or not....it's my very first hair-perming experience and it's worth every single penny! I just love my new hairdo!

Ok..I've been comtemplating the idea of getting my hair permed or quite a while but never got it done until now! So Feb 8, 2007 will remain a historical day for my hair because that's when it's transformed and gave me a brand new look....you could say that a new look for a new PIG year!

I've done some surveys on the big curls on the net and I really like this one............ *check it out*....the hairsyle...and not Drew!

So there I was, at my trusted hairstylist's saloon in Hartamas, showing him this particular picture.....

"I want those curls. Can you do it?" - Aniston

"Not a problem!" - Bob

And so begun my four-hour stay at the saloon, anticipating for my new hairdo~

Post perm...........voila!!!!!

Post Tennis Lesson #1...8 Feb 2007

Ok...I'm not tht bad of a tennis player for a first timer....but bad enough not to return a service! Ok..maybe I AM REALLY BAD!!! But hey...it's not as easy as you see how those pros play onTV ok????? Never expect to know that there are so many technics to play the game.....from the way you hold the racquet to the way you swing the racquet! "Hit with you arm.....NOT you wrist!!!" Beloved hubby advised again and again. I have to give credits to my darling for having the highest level of patience to coach his ermm.......lousy-in-sport wife and didnt mind at all having to keep serving and serving and serving the balls without expecting it to be returned! haha haha.......Anyway, it's a good exercise and yes, I'm definitely gonna try my hands on it again. Better luck next time!
Ok..that was on Monday (5 Feb 2007)

*******************************

I was at the dentist yesterday (7 Feb 2007) morning to have my scaling done and some gum irritation problem I've been having for the past week. "Oh, you have an ingrown wisdom tooth covered by your gum," Mr Dentist said. "So, what's the solution?"asked patient Aniston. And cooly and calmly Mr Dentist replied, "Have it extracted. That's the only solution. Wisdom tooth will usually brings us problem, for example like your case. You can choose to have it extracted now or you can make an appointment and come back again. Aniston thought to herself for 5 minutes..."What the heck! Lets get it over and done with!" "Ok, I think I"ll just have it done now," Aniston said - an impromptu reply to Mr Dentist. Can You believe it? This is my 2nd time having my tooth extracted. The first time was the extraction of my TWO front teeth when I was 6!




My My.......was I impressed or what? I didnt feel a single pain at all! Not even when he poked the needle to give me a local aenesthetic. It was totally painless. And I'm not exaggerating here. It really true. Ok, let me just explain briefly on how the procedure was done. First he rubbed some ointment onto my gum and the next thing I know, my gum was numb. Then he used a machine-like spray to go around my tooth area to make my gum feel even more numb. Next came the needle to give me a total numbness on the area where the tooth was supposed to be extracted. Then he did the scaling for the rest of my teeth while waiting for about 20 minutes for the aenesthetic to take total effect. The next thing I know, he was there having this extraction tool and trying with all his might to pull out my still-healthy-and-strong wistom tooth! It was still white and strong-looking man! Sadly, I have to be parted with my beloved tooth......hope it doesnt make me less wiser...hah!!

Guess the tooth-fairy finally got her wish to claim my beloved wisdom tooth!

Tennis?

ok..this might not sound like me but yes, I'm taking up TENNIS!
The hubby has been asking me if I'd seriously consider taking up the sport for the past few months now that the tennis court in Kota Permai Club (in which we are members of) are ready and fully expanded. He actually told me that he has made a court booking for us to play on that very evening itself! First without first having me say YES to take up the game and secondly, without a racquet for me!
And to my own surprise, I finally said YES! (why do I feel like I'm saying yes to a wedding proposal!)

Anyway, the hubby was delighted with my answer that he couldnt wait to give me my very first lesson in the sport! Did I mention that he was a state representative in the sport during his school days? Yes, he's indeed a well-trained tennis player.
So we made our way to Pyramid late afternoon yesterday........just to get me my very first Tennis racquet!

Check this out......... ...






















There you have it......like a pro! Anyway, we rebooked the court and postponed it to today..... MONDAY 5th Feb 2007! A historical day of my life to be unfold in the tennis court of Kota Permai Club. Our booking is at 7pm today.....and it's in less than 3 hours now before I watch myself being a fool running around the court not having any idea on how to play the game. Wish me luck! Drop by tomorrow for updates *wink*

Another Latest Prized Possesion

Just downloaded some pictures from my camera... Found a few pics which really make me smile..... MY LATEST FORM of LOVE FROM DA HUSBAND....another COACH!

Signature Stripe Wristlet in Mahogany....to go with my SIGNATURE STRIPE REVERSIBLE LARGE TOTE...

Aaaaaah........a perfect match.......

Trauma - 4 Feb 2007

It was indeed a Saturday to remember (3 Feb 2007). I was having dinner at TGI with the hubby and son when out of a sudden we saw packs and packs of people rushing their way out from the exit in Subang Parade. We were seated right next to the window at the the restaurant, hence, clear view of the mad rush by the people...scurrying out in packs. Couples holding hands, parents carrying their young children, youngsters holding their elderly parents and parents holding their young kids in their hands.

First thing which struck my mind was...."It could be a robbery!" or perhaps "Someone was running amok and having a weapon in hand!" Our fear was indescribable because parts of the crowd actually made their way into the restaurant and they were seen telling the restaurant operators to shut the main door! The husband was then told by one of the bystanders who came into the restaurant that there was indeed a robbery! Armed with shotguns! It was indeed a horrible feeling.... my hands suddenly went cold and all appetite was flushed down the drain! Even the most appetising serving of 4 Cheese Italian Pasta failed to entice me! Did I mention that I was having PMS since last Friday and was craving for cheesy food? There goes my craving man!

Anyway, back to the scenario.....packs and packs of people were still seen rushing their way out from the mall when out of a sudden we heard 2 gunshots right outside where we were seated! The husband made a quick move to press my head and told me to squat down for protection. I was too stunned for that and in the midst of all chaos, everyone outside was seen squatting down for defence. Some were seen running down the staircase leading to the lower ground floor and squatting down at the steps!

Few minutes later, we heard the sirens from a few police cars and 2 ambulance. "God, please let there be no fatalities." That was my first thought when we saw 2 ambulance parked right in front of the main entrance to the mall. Moments later, we saw a man being carried out in a stretcher with his hands high up. "Looks like someone's injured. I think there shouldnt be anything worse than that." The husband said. "I hope so," I replied.

Well, we paid our bills and as all natural KPCs, we were curious to know the continuing commotion going on in the mall. We made our way back to the mall and shutters were all drawn down by shops in the mall and everything seemed quiet and dead. Yellow barriers (yes, those ribbons you see in CSIs) were seen around the mall, blocking the public from getting near the crime scene - Poh Kong Goldsmith.
Then we saw a photographer rushing from nowhere and stopped a few metres away from us to download the pictures taken into a tiny laptop handled by a young female reporter. They were speaking in Mandarin and I guessed that they were from the Chinese media. As we walked pass them, we saw pictures of someone lying motionless on the screen! "Damn!" Someone is dead! Now that really gave me a chill down my spine. Our worst fear is confirmed! A life has been wasted as a result of the heist.

Just as we were making our way back to our car, 2 youngsters were heard talking to each other about what they witnessed earlier. The husband casually asked them for their side of the story and found out that 2 security guards were shot dead by the robbers whom they believed were foreigners! One guard was actually shot at close range and the bullet actually went through his head and seriously damage the back of his head! "Bloody assholes!" That was my first reaction! Not a life wasted...but TWO! Two innocent lives were sacrificed for the inhuman act by those robbers! And as we were nearing the main exit out of the mall, we turned to the direction where Poh Kong is and saw a motionless hand lying flat on the floor. That really gave me a somewhat uneasy yet indescribable feeling. "I hope these people BURN and ROT in HELL!!!!" That was my exact word to the husband as we entered our car!

Hundreds and hundreds of question went through our head and between our conversation on our way home on what has become the human nature nowadays. Why resort to such brutal act where not only the f*%^#ing villains' life are at risk but also the civilians?! Dont these people have any slight humanity in them? Dont they have loved ones to think about should they befall into untoward circumstances if they are caught in the hands of justice? But well, they wouldnt plan such inhuman act if they are rational and humane enough to think that way, would they?
Money and greed - the drive to irrational act...

Well, the only consolation to this tragedy is that those culprits are finally caught by the authority 7 hours after the staged robbery and it can be considered a closed case after obvious evidence were found with them - 8 kg of gold, several types of weapons and cash! All thanks to the leads left by the robber who was gunned down together with the 2 innocent security guards. A hotel room key and information found in his handphone which led to the arrest of his other accomplices. Finally, justice prevails!
My salute to our Malaysian Police Force! A job well done indeed!
Guess God is somehow fair and answered the prayers of those who asked for justice.

~May the souls of the 2 security guards rest in peace~

Time Of The Year Again - 3 Feb 2007

It the time of the year again when words like spring cleaning, mandarin orange, lunar calendar, chor yat/chui it/chu yi, blackjack/barn lart, and visiting make a frequent presence among the Chinese community in days leading up to the CNY celebration. Not to mention other more favourable words like ang pows, fire crackers, new clothes, and red red red/hong hong hong/ang ang ang among children alike.
Yes...it's the season again for us to renew our bonds and ties with friends and family members to usher in the lunar year of the PIG! *oink* *oink*

As for me, the lunar year somehow fails to bring the big significance in my life especially now that I'll be away from my own family members to usher in the first day of the lunar calendar. To those who know me well enough understands my statement. To those who dont, well I've been celebrating the first day of the lunar calendar in the ever-quiet town of Kuala Terengganu - the land of birth of my beloved husband. CNY celebration there is somehow much different from the celebration in the city. No such thing as loud thundering sounds of the firecrackers (tho they are banned nationwide) at the strike of midnight in this Malay-populated state as compared to the environment in the city where children and adults would be busy enjoying themselves ushering the 1st day of the lunar calendar when the clock ticks at 12! Somehow, it's just different!

It was in 2005 when I was heavily pregnant and was not advisable to travel by air that I managed to realise what I've been taking granted for before I got married. It was somehow a different feeling at that time when I know that I'll be seeing my parents on the 1st day of CNY. It was somehow a happier feeling and a realisation that that is the feeling I missed most and took for granted for all these years. It was as if it's the place/event/answer to the missing piece of puzzle which I've been trying to locate to complete my CNY picture in my mind. The feeling of seeing my beloved parents and siblings on the first day of CNY and knowing that they too enjoyed having me around. Yes, some might say that there are 15 days to celebrate the CNY but it's just not the same when you are able to have your close family members around you on the very first day itself. It is somehow a warmer feeling to have them around and to be around them on the first day itself rather than the other subsequent days leading to the 15th day. This is the feeling which I've been missing and has been trapped inside me since 2004 when I first celebrated the Lunar New Year away from home and family members - yeah, to be with my new family in Terengganu, which I'm still trying hard to blend in and accept it as a fact, now that I'm married and moreover, to someone whose hometown is so far away that it's impossible to have both sides of our families around on the first day of CNY.

Actually whenever I think about this, I just get agitated to accept this norm that "You must celebrate the CNY with your husband's family after you are married". I mean, is this a written rule or something? Isnt the wife a daughter to her parents anymore after she's married? Cant she be with them for the reunion dinner with her husband around as an added family member? Why must it be a practice that a woman must be at her husband's side of family during the CNY celebration, especially for reunion dinner and on the 1st day of the celebration? Why cant it be compromised and accepted in the culture that it's bloody OK to have an agreement to celebrate the first few days of CNY alternately each year. One year with the husband side and one year with the wife's side. I'm still surprised that this is just not acceptable till today. One would be chastised and condemned should he/she brought up this subject, let alone practice it. It's just a taboo to even try bringing up the subject. It's even harder when one has parents-in-law who are still alive and expect their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren to be around whenever the occasion takes place each year. And it doesnt help much when their sons also perceive this as a norm and continue the practice generation after generation after generation......God knows when this will end....

Sigh...sigh...sigh... I guess the only people who would understand what I've said so far are those who are married....especially to men who are not from their own/same hometown. And also those who still have living parents-in-law who practise strict Chinese traditions and culture.
Sigh...sigh...sigh...sigh... What am I to do with this disturbing feeling each time the Lunar Year approaches but to accept the fate with a more open mind and enjoy it as much as possible with the fact that I'll be celebrating it with my beloved husband and son, whom I adore madly. They are the only consolation for me for the new year whenever I think back and realise that I wont be around daddy, mommy, Jean and Bryan when the first day befalls. Nonetheless, I will still be enjoying myself with the thought that I'll be seeing them when I return on the 2nd day of the new year!

GONG XI GONG XI.....ta chia far ta chai!!!!!

Reflection - Jan 29, 2007

I was at a wedding dinner of a former uni mate and caught up with the rest of my uni friends there. Well, we were seated on the same table and got a full 3 hours of catching ups and fooling around. Time seems to be playing on the fast-forward button and everyone seems to grow much much older but wiser and moved on to new phases of their lives.

Cheryl and David are getting married in July....that adds up another married classmate to the already existing 3 (Me, Nat and Martin) in the list...and still counting.......

Gone are the days when the only things we talk about were "Where are you studying?"; "Where do you hangout during the uni holidays?"; the latest updates on assignments; who goes out with who (well, we still ask this question every now and then); "What are your plans after graduation?"; "Where is the latest hangout place around campus?"; ....and other not-so life-enriching questions....well, some were but the present seems to be more realistic than those days when hello kitty and prom nights played a big hoo-hah in college!

Now the questions are mostly; "Where are you working now?"; "When is the big day?"; "Did you have a difficult labour? (ok, that was shot at me at the moment for being the only one in the circle to have a child)"; "Where do you think I can the best deal for wines for my wedding?"; "Damn...the toll rise has added much much more expenses to my monthly budget!"; "What do you think of the latest case on the 2 journalist bloggers who are being sued for posting controversial topics?".....ya da ya da ya da........a more realistic scenario of the real life as compared to the days when we lived on allowances from our beloved parents.

Now we have hopped onto the era where every single cent counts and no more such thing as "Let me ask permission from my parents." I'm not saying that we have ceased asking permissions from our parents on the things we do...but now it's more like "Let me inform my parents and see what they think." or "Let me discuss with my gf/bf/wife/husband." - another major hop onto the newer phase of life....

This might be a boring post but it has been on my mind for the past weeks after I tried recalling what has taken place for the past year and realised that my life is in the fast-forward mode where everything seems to happen in flashes and leave no time for reflections. Hence I have come to realise that cherishing the present is vital and procrastination should be avoided at all cost!

New Year Aftermath - 16 Jan, 2007

I realised how new year just came and went...just like that. no big hoo hah or whtsoever.....just like any other ordinary day ( we had a quiet countdown at my parents' place in Klang. Mom did steamboat and it was a family affair of a peace and quiet new year's eve).....and that brought back flashed back on how crazy we were in 2001 when we braved through the huge crowd in KLCC and took part in the countdown there. a good experience though...left a topic for us to talk about year after year......
with a toddler around now...no way this is gonna happen again....or perhaps for the next 10 years...either that of a countdwn without the kid/kids!

Looking back at 2006....major events took place....

1. Got myself something to do to fill my time......tutoring. a lil income..not much to cover the monthly expenses but enough for some self-indulging purchases....

2. Had our first family overseas vacation which was enjoyable with many sweet memories.

3. Started this BLOG! Hopefully I can maintain the regular posting...

I tried thinking what I did in 2006 and it took me more than 30 mins just to put in those 3...guess my life wasnt that eventful in 2006 afterall.......well, looking forward to a more happening one in 2007..i hope...

As written in the previous posting....I was in Penang fr Jan 9 - 12 with my aunt and cousins. What does one do in Penang? Eat, Eat, Eat.........
Pictures later.......

Long and Winding Post! 16 Jan, 2007

This is gonna be a very long and winding post as stated in the title. So bear with me ok?
Was since end Dec til Early Jan..hence the late posting.......first, Singapore then Penang.....not to mention the laziness of typing and posting.......then the sudden lightning strike on 14th Jan which made my PC 'kaput'....well, it's still in the PC hospital for repair.......anyway.......here is the half of what happened....
Certain pictures will be included much later.....most pics r all stored in the hospitalised CPU.

- Hubby's birthday -
What a dissappointment! Avanti @ Sunway Lagoon Resort. Food was lousy, service was lousy...the only thing we enjoyed was when our little boy enjoyed the songs sung by the singing chefs at the restaurant. The husband vowed not to dine in there anymore. so much difference from our first experience there.

- Christmas @ Singapore -

Dec 22, 2006 - Hello Singapore
Left home before 9am for our journey there by car. A trip planned with another family (2 close family friens [Maria & Yeoh] with 2 kids [Natasha & Tze Han] and a maid). Yeah...we brought ours along too...to help look after the kids and of course, to give us some peace of mind for shopping! So there we were - 2 cars, 6 adults (incl. 2 maids) and 3 boisterous kids!
Made 3 stops altogether at Machap, Air Keroh and right before the entry to the Checkpoint. No glitches except for some noise by our little boy who was restless half way thru the journey.
Arrived at Singapore around 2pm. No jam or whatsoever obstacle at the Checkpoint which was a good sign to begin our holiday *wink*
Checked-in into M Hotel, our home for the next 4 days in Spore! Washed up and rested for a while before embarking to Orchard Road for dinner and of course....SHOPPING!
First purchase - Giordano Lycra blouses. only SGD8 each. How cheap can it go....And some Esprit shirts for Lil boy.
Verdict - A good warm-up for more shopping the next day!

Zach and Tasha...having some 'intimate' moments....

Dec 23, 2006 - Orchard Road
An itinerary for an entire day for shopping, shopping, shopping at Orchard Road again....This time..it's shopping til we dropped! Bought quite a number of things.....let's not get started on what purchases were made.....Mind mind! Orchard Road was like a sea of people! Front, back, left, right.....people, people people......but hey, it was an enjoyable trip!
Verdict - Full satisfaction.

Family Portrait!

A bath after a long day.....

Dec 24, 2006 - Singapore Zoo
As our promise to the kids, we made a trip to the Singapore Zoo. Arrived at 11am. Weather was good and most important of all...the kids behaved! All in all.....an enjoyable trip. Left the zoo at around 3.30pm and made an on-spot decision to go somewhere other than the ever-busy Orchard Road again. Made an on-spot decision to drop by IMM Mall at the secluded Jurong area. Something which is equivalent to our Subang Parade. Nothing to shout about yet a more peaceful place as compared to the buzzing malls @ Orchard. Had our dinner there and made some purchases..... well, what do you expect us to do other than shopping right? Put 2 modern moms together with the luxury of having the husbands and maids taking care of the kids and what do you get?.......more shopping bags at the end of the day! haha.....

Called it a day by 10pm. Counted down Christmas @ our hotel room...not too bad though!
Verdict - A tiring day filled with lotsa excitement and there you guessed it.....more shopping bags!

Dec 25, 2006 - Merry Christmas!
A late morning to start with because of the long day before.... A free and easy day without early plans made. Heard about the newly opened mall (Vivocity) around Harbourfront. Apparently it's the biggest shopping mall in Singapore. Decided...why not? a final day for shopping before heading back to KL the next day. The place only took us about 10 mins taxi drive from our hotel. Arrived there at around 11.30am. The kids were so engrossed with the huge space for running that Zach got so carried away...he puked right in the middle of the shopping mall! Had his milk on the way there and ran around with full stomach. What an embarrassment for mommy! Luckily the general workers there were kind enough to do the dirty job without a sour face. Thumbs up for them! Ok, that aside....
What do you do when you are thrown in the biggest mall in Singapore? SHOPPING la! Apa lagi?haha..... Mind...the MNG outlet there is huge! So is Esprit and G2000! got a few pairs of shoes from a local brand, Charles & Keith. Nice yet affordable. 2 cardigans from G2000. Not to mention some nice stuffs from La Senza too! *wink*
The husband also made a shoe purchase from Ecco - a well-known brand from Denmark (if I'm not mistaken)
Adjourned to the Each Coast for a seafood dinner. A nice place with a big park and harbour view from the restaurant. We had what I'd consider the biggest crab I've ever seen. Apparently they were from Sri Lanka and mind you, they tasted delicious and fresh! Apart from that, mediocre quality of other seafood. The bill came up to SGD160 which meant our dinner cost us almost RM400! Not a worthy dinner though. Can get better and affordable such meals back home!
Verdict - Full stomachs, more holes in the pocket, heavier luggage to carry and huge smiles on all 4 adults' faces!

After a tiring day shopping with mommy and daddy....

Dec 26, 2006 - Goodbye Singapore
Final packing before heading home. Left the republic @ around 1pm. A smooth journey home and made it home safely @ 6pm. We were hit by the reality that our holiday is ending and to avoid facing it, made another impromptu decision to have dinner together at Telok Gong. Yeah, seafood again but with more satisfaction of ordering what we liked and not worrying too much on the bill....it's always more comfortable to calculate in RM than SGD. hehe
Verdict - A good holiday spent and looking forward to another one next year! In the pipeline - Club Med, Cherating; New Zealand (a bit ambitious tho); Bangkok (not advisable after the New Year bombing). Well, it's just wishful thinking :)

21 Dec, 2006 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR!

It's my darling's birthday today...... Happy Birthday My Dear! May you have a good one and may you be blessed with lots of happiness, good health and prosperity!

We will be celebrating it at our favourite restaurant - Avanti @ Sunway Lagoon Resort!

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The last few days have been sort of a turbulence for hubby and I cos our little boy was down with high fever, cough, sore throat and running nose. Believe it or not, it's the first time that he was so sick since his birth! He was so unlike his active-self....just lying around, being quite and occasionally moody and throwing a bit of tantrums. How we wish he could get well soon and be up in his usual self again. Being the 'new & unexperienced' parents caring for a sick child, we didnt really handle the situation pretty well especially when he complaint of having pain here and there, we were just helpless.

Things were pretty messy and our mood was really affected by the uneasiness felt by our little boy. It's true when thay say, " it's better that we adults fall sick than the child". Well, this reminds us that it's not easy being parents, especially to a sick child. He's better today and we really hope that he can fully recover to enjoy his trip in Singapore. Yup! We are heading south tomorrow and will be spending Christmas there this year!

Til then.....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

14 Dec, 2006 - A Few Days

First it was a wedding we attended on Saturday (9 Dec). It was the husband's cousin's wedding. Took place in Tangkak, Johor. Took us almost 4 hours just to reach there where it was supposed to be only a 2-hour journey. Thanks to the long stretch of jam at Seremban.

Well, the wedding dinner was in a typical Chinese restaurant where you have those people who took to the stage and sang like they are superstars. Of course there's a few hired ones whom are not too bad....One fatty fellow actually had quite a good voice when he sang...but just dont look at him. Voice and physical appearance just dont match!
And to add in salt to injury, we were seated right next to 3 HUGE speakers!! Yes...it was damn deafening and ears-polluting! All in All....not an enjoyable dinner!

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10 Dec, 2006

My darling surprised me by getting me a brand new phone! Sony Ericsson Z558i.

He actually wanted to get himself one (his old one was a real junk and he needed a replacement terribly). Mine was still usable and in a very good condition. But of course like the Malay said "Rezeki Jangan Ditolak!" ha ha ha.... I took the offer when the hubby told me to choose one which I like.

Hubby: A Christmas gift from me.

Awwwwwwwwwwwww.....................

So there we are...me leaving the shop with a glee and hubby....of course a bigger hole in the pocket but said that he's happy that he made me happy! Well, I'm happier to know that he's happy making me happy......

Da PHONE!

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11 Dec, 2006

Public holiday in Selangor. The hubby took the day off too to bring his parents and relatives shopping. Yes...a whole troop of them came down since last week for the wedding.

Venue - One Utama

Duration - 11am - 7pm

Remarks - Holes in everyone's pocket!

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12 Dec, 2006

The in-laws left early in the morning to ca tch a 7.20 flight back to Terengganu.

Finally back to my much mellowed-down life after a week of entertaining and being a hospitable host *wink*...not to mention the 'good' daughter in-law

Took my beloved son for his once-in-2-months haircut! A daymare for him and for me! Never liked having his hair cut and it's a pretty difficult situation to deal with, esp. with his constant struggle and resistance! Well, it took to the worse when the much dreaded incident happened! As my hairdresser (yes, I only trust her.....been cutting my son's haircut since his birth) was using the electronic shaver for a final touch, my beloved son had to decide on that time to make a big struggle and GAWD! her hand slipped and there you have it.....a deep gap/hole in the middle of his head! No choice but to shave his head almost bald to cover up the obvious hole! sigh! His shortest hairstyle ever...since birth!

The Shaolin kid - as my brother put it.......

8 Dec, 2006 - Happy Birthday, Bro!

Time really flies....(i know it sounds cliched but it is ..) I was 10 when baby bro was brought to this world.......words couldnt describe the joy he brought to us esp. to my parents...afterall...a boy in the family.....mom stopped 8 years before getting pregnant again....
well....can't escape from the fact that a boy in the family somehow brings extra joy and happiness into the family...esp. Chinese! being the traditional ones....mom and dad were overjoyed!

That's exactly 16 years ago today! 8th Dec 1990! My baby brother is 16 today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRYAN! MAY YOU HAVE THE BRIGHTEST FUTURE AHEAD AND MAY YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!

We had a small celebration at TGI Friday's last Saturday. And as the usual gig done by the crew at TGI for birthday boys and girls, The Brother sportingly adhered to their 'command'.....

Cheers!

With the ones who brought him to this world.....