Rat'S!

NEW BLOG

2008-01-05T15:07:00.000+08:00

Hi peeps!

You may go here to view my blog.

Lap u all!

2008-01-01T13:13:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody!

May 2008 bring more happiness and less bitterness to us all!

Will update you on my new blog soon.

Tata!

Yay!

2007-11-27T09:54:00.000+08:00

Mazlan just called me and told me that I'm invited to attend a course on Sketchbook Pro. on the 19 December @ 9 am.

Reason? I'm gonna get a Tablet Pc..*rub hands & grin*

Cool....

In the meantime, gonna get myself a book on Website Design for Dummies. I'm gonna make my way to the Library (to borrow other books) as soon as I finished cooking. Yay!

A New Beginning

2007-11-27T07:53:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I went to my 'new' school to meet up with Mazlan, my subject head for Art. We discussed about the SOW and talked about what I'd be teaching next year. I'm so happy...coz at last, a subject head who takes care of his teacher like he does. Why? Coz he actually argued,for me, as to why I should only teach one subject and not two. I've been waiting for this day when I could only teach and concentrate on one subject. It's not and has never been easy to juggle two subjects...Just ask any teacher. And he even spoke up on my behalf on why I shouldn't be given the NT class as my form class. Although in the interview I told the P and VP that I wouldn't mind taking NT classes as I simply love my NT kids, really, Mazlan insisted that they should be easy on a newcomer like me. Thank you Mazlan...

It's rare to be lucky enough to have anyone fight for you...Most of the time, it's their own ass they wanna save. Speaking up for a subordinate would be last on their mind and for some, a big NO NO. I'm not talking about anybody here nor am I insinuating. I dun wanna sound as if I'm bragging and telling the whole world that I've made the right move. I still believe there are more yet to be seen. But so far so good, InsyaAllah....

I've been given quite a number of 'shoes' to fill in. All I wish for right now is that I'd be able to carry out the duties entrusted.
1. Form teacher to a Sec 2 NA class
2. Teacher i/c of Art Club
3. NE member
4. Art co-ordinator for the school Publication
5. Art co-ordinator for the school website (Art Dept)
6. Art co-ordinator for AEP (in charge of props)
7. SWC
8. Lower sec Art co-ordinator (not confirmed, in name only as they have to monitor my progress first - fair & square).

Well, in the words of Spiderman - "with great power, comes great responsibility". Not that I'm THAT powerful but I think I should 'buck' myself up with the new responsibilities given to me.

Time to get to work peeps! I'm looking forward to next year. A new beginning for me. Do have me in your prayers, that I'd do my job well. I don't wanna disappoint anybody, especially me. :)

PS: Someone told me (I can't remember who now...) that the P is very demanding and most probably this is a gesture to scare or worry me? Well, I must say, I was a tad worried coz if I'm not, I wouldn't have asked Mazlan yesterday how is the P like. Anyway, common sense would tell. If you don't live up to expectations, of coz, the Head would demand something out of you to do better, yes? So I dun think the P of my new school is the ONLY demanding P around. I bet other schools have their fair share of DEMANDING people too. Be it the P, the VP, the HOD, the other teachers, the students and yes...not forgetting the parents. Anyway, I've had my back stabbed before so, not to say this (demanding) is nothing...but yeah...

Shrugs

2007-11-26T16:30:00.000+08:00

Does it pain your heart to see these images?? Mine does...

Nah...my entry isn't about my never-ending love affair with cats. It's about inflicting pain, hurt, remorse, suffering to another breathing - living - being.

These days, when the Malay/Muslim community is/are talking (with pride) about Natasha Nabila's resounding achievement in her PSLE results, a number of people among the said community are putting their time, energy and effort talking about and 'condemning' a fellow blogger (from the said community also - that's the sad part) through her/his blog. When I read the blog, one word came to my mind..."SO Jahat..." Make that 2 words. That's all I could think of, with a tinge of sadness, nevertheless. (As I'm typing this, I hope I won't be a victim of hate-tags...oooo...soooo scary....)

Usually, I'd pen down stuff that won't invite controversy. I'm not up for a popularity contest, nor do I want to unleash anger, unhappiness and annoyance amongst readers, regardless if I know them (you) or not. Whether we like it or not, what we write would be read by almost anybody around this world and if it's much closer to home, you can bet ur last dollar that someone, somewhere out there in tiny Singapore, just couldn't stand your guts or worst your face.

So if salt is added to injury, and then u add pepper and complete the garnish with a tinge of chili...hah! You'll definitely get a recipe of super-spicy proportion. (I'm exaggerating so sue me). Call it jealousy, call it I-just-can't-stand-ur-face or hate-the-way-you-write or just plain abhorism to the power of infinity, whether silently expressed (as in a constipated state) or verbally written (as in the person's blog), there..is..no..turning back.

By this, I'd mean, there is no way anyone/anybody could do to change someone's opinion or mind coz really, the mind is like a time bomb. If it's so easy to un-detonate, then we dun need a bomb specialist to deactivate it do we? When un-detonation fails, it'll be a messy situation indeed. *scratch own head*

I'd wonder, why would anyone wanna write such nasty things? Then again, I wonder too, what makes him/her write such things? There must be a reason and something might had happened. How could any sane person just come up with something out of nothing? Maybe he/she knows something...but to hate a person for the sake of hating??? *scratch head and chin*

I really don't wanna step on anybody's toes here coz really, I don't know either one of them, the victim or the obliterator of the victim's dignity. I'd rather talk about this on a general basis.

But there's a lot to be learnt here. Religion aside (although it came to my mind...). Whatever happens to empathy? Whatever happens to sympathy? Whatever happens to humility? Whatever happens to MYOB? Most importantly whatever happens to being human? *shrugs*. Have we come this far in life that there's so much hatred even amongst our own race? If religion is taken into consideration, then, whatever happens to fear of God or HIS wrath? Whatever happens to the fear that you'll not smell the scent of heaven if those you have wronged, refuse to forgive you?

Being pious and self-righteous? Far from it. I've wronged so many people too. Not so much as a condemnation in the blogsphere world, but I have wronged them all the same.

In Islam, 'they' say that 'fitnah' or slander or defamation is worse than murder. If the punishment for murder is the death sentence then what's the punishment for something worse than murder?...?*shrug*.

How cruel the heart, how mean the mind...

2007-11-24T12:18:00.000+08:00

I recently read a blog and the author confessed to 'suck' at titling her entries. In my heart, I went...you're not alone.

I'm simply in awe at some people's ability to title each entry relevantly & appropriately. I would usually title mine after a long UN-productive pause and thought. And most of the time, the entry does not do justice to the title coz I'd inadvertently digress from the main topic of my story.

Not been feeling that well lately. My back is killing me with a constant gnawing pain and my head feels like it is being compressed from within (read: migraine). My eyes tear easily and I'm having blurred vision every now and then. Menopause? Maybe.

But maybe not. Let's see...
1. absence of menstruation for one year X
2. hot flashes mmm..sometimes
3. night sweats mmm..when the aircon is down
4. mood swings CHECK!
5. anxiety CHECK!
6. palpitations CHECK CHECK!!
7. depression check
8. insomnia whenever I choose to...
9. vaginal dryness XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!!
10.urinary changes X
(ref:womenshealth.about.com/cs/menopaus1/a/symptomsmenopau.htm)

So does 4 out of 10 mean that I'm not in the menopausal stage yet? Yipee!!

I think my body is telling me to go for regular health check-ups now, that's what it is. :P

See what I mean? I just went from not being able to title my entry to menopausal dilemma...

Zorro

2007-11-23T13:51:00.001+08:00

2007-11-22T18:21:00.000+08:00

Farewell
Yesterday's surprise dinner for our English HOD turned out quite well. If not for the (substantially)hefty amount of $ that each of us had to pay, I'd say we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves coz the company was great and the farewell was sweet.

I'm really gonna miss my colleagues. Not that this is the first time that I've 'hopped' to another workplace, the thought of fostering new friendships, close or otherwise, makes me wonder a little about whether it would be the same.

Nostalgic
I watched MTV Hits of the 80's last nite and watching those videos of yesteryears brought back fond/bitter-sweet memories. Images of what I did, how I was, when it happened flashed like those 'recall' scenes you'd see in the movies. I suddenly felt the urge to cry my heart out for no logical reasons at all. Maybe I'm being sentimental, maybe I'm being nostalgic or maybe I'm just being reminded that time gone by is just that - GONE. As I watched the video clips (the disastrous hair-dos and the monstrous shoulder pads...heee), I felt an indescribable feeling in my tummy and chest. I switched channel...

Okay...enough of this 'jiwang'ness....

He's back
Well, like previously mentioned, in 2 to 3 months' time, the 'hunk-kebun' would be a proper hunk. Yes, the man is working out again, after much pestering and 'letering' (nagging) from me. He's been pumping again,like before his spine injury and it's looking good. He just whispered to me yesterday: I wanna surprise your mom when she comes back from Jakarta...I hope so darling...I hope so...

How could I?

2007-11-20T18:48:00.000+08:00

But I did.

In the words of someone...mum & daughter, same-same, so blur like sotong! And I couldn't agree more!

8 months after getting my licence and only being able or have enough of that pathetic courage to drive once in a while...yours truly had the good intention of driving the good son to White Sands last week only to make a fool of myself. I made a huge boo-boo peeps and I could just have easily drove over myself for the silly mistake I made! If THAT day was a test, the record would show - IMMEDIATE FAILURE!

The bleeper with the !, sounded and flashed incessantly and I kept asking Eppy and El:
Me: Have you all closed the door properly?

Of coz they did! If only the car could talk, it would have screamed at me!

Car: PUT THE HANDBRAKE DOWN, U IDIOT!!!!

Yes, sneer, snigger, laugh, giggle or frown as you like.

So, the next thing to do was to call someone, but who? I could't possibly call the Hubby, he would KILL me! Can you imagine? I was so kancheong-sotong that I totally forgot whtr it should be down or up! Idiot, idiot, idiot!

Hehe, so I told the princess to call her bf. But he's asleep! So she called the next person she knew who knows how to drive and I humbled myself to ask the most stupidest question a driver or a person who is driving a car at that moment could ever ask! Should the handbrake be up or down? *Blush*

Howell...Not only am I a sotong, I was a totally driep-up & shrivelled squid!

We had a good laugh after that and I finally told the Hubby about the blunder. You can imagine his reaction, his eyebrows shot up and his eyes widened when he said, "WHAT?!". In short, he was horrified.

The reason for this (expected) reaction? He just changed the brake-pads like about 2 weeks ago....*grin*

Kwang kwang kwang...The Adventure of a Blurred-Sotong.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-11-13T21:48:00.001+08:00

I am free of all prejudice- I hate everybody equally

2007-11-05T08:52:00.000+08:00

Boy oh boy! It's been awhile....

I've been busy. With invigilation. I haven't stepped into my own school for the past 2 weeks. The invigilation I'm doing is at Bowen Secondary. Yuying students, if you're reading this, be thankful that our hall is airconded. The school of my invigilation only uses fan power. Imagine being sauna-d with hundreds of others...

On a different note, am dying to pen this down.

Someone has been feeling kinda pissed lately and I can understand why. I guess, I'm the ONLY person who CAN understand him. And therefore, I'm pissed when others judge him on his outward appearance and pass comments/remarks (snides at times...) which warrant a slap from me. Yes me! Coz inadvertently, as the other half, I'd feel insulted as well. Of coz I'd give him my 2 cents worth if I think he deserves it but I think I know him very well, better than anyone of them 'self-righteous' (perasan sendiri or claimed-to-be). So, I'm just waiting for the right time, the correct moment to lambast these people who think otherwise of my husband.

Yes, I'm talking about my husband. A complicated man to understand if you don't understand and refuse to understand him. I admit I get agitated and frustrated by him sometimes. But now, I truly understand where he's coming from. I truly
understand where that constant rage and anger (within him) come from.

I shall not divulge why he's the man that he is. All I know and all I wanna say is, beneath that tough and grizzly exterior (i like to use this word to describe him *heh*), is a kind soul, a gentle man (and a GENTLEMAN) who'd never laid a finger on me, no matter how angry I make him. He may swear and curse to save his life, (I can hear some people going...tsk tsk tsk....howell...) but never toward me.

Some people (that would include brother,sister,uncle,aunty and even father...) let's put it plainly - TAK SADAR DIRI AND TAK TAU MALU! (From this point forth, my entry would be sparsely 'littered' with malay sentences.)

Let me start with YOU and YOU!
If only 'they' knew what is going on in your so called 'perfect' and harmonious life,
you wouldn't utter those smug/sarcastic remarks about my husband. He is what he is, is that a problem to you? My husband doesn't go around borrowing 30 pathetic bucks to pay for his visit to the clinic. And that's exactly what YOUR husband did! YOUR husband called my husband incessantly on his hp to hurry-the-up and bring the pathetic 30 bucks so that YOUR husband could go to the clinic and get his pathetic MC! I say it's pathetic coz I dun think YOU as the wife knew about this. I doubt so. Coz if you do, YOU'd erased off that SMUG and PROUD smile off your face and would stop short to tell MY husband off about his 'shabby' appearance and telling him that by wearing a T-shirt, he should be washing the dishes! As an educated person (I mean YOU), you have a lot to learn about social grace and speaking in a manner that wouldn't raised an eyebrow (especially mine :<). I guess you are lacking in that department coz only people who think highly of themselves, are full of themselves and forget that the others exist! I thank MY PARENTS for giving me a PROPER education on social etiquette and PROPER MANNERS. To think before we speak - terlajak perahu boleh ditarik, terlajak kata........hmmm.....

Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes.
Most of us are too fast on the draw. if our mouths were guns we would kill a lot of innocent people.

Oh my my...my dear...if you only knew that I knew about what happened. If only you knew who we saw your husband with the last time...if you only knew, you'd hung your head down low and tell your husband to take off those 'branded' shirt and jeans and shoes and polish his behaviour first. I know, THE CLOTH MAKETH A MAN....but not when he's acting like an imbecile IDIOT!

And you know what? TELL YOUR HUSBAND TO STOP ACTING LIKE A COCK before he tells me to tell MY HUSBAND TO STOP TALKING COCK!

Gosh! I think I have more class than the both of you put together in both your (assumingly) branded togs, Tag Heuer watches and 'high class' life (too high class till u have to borrow a measly $30 from my shabbily clothed man??). I say...tsk tsk tsk...

Give my husband 2 or 3 months, he'd not only beat YOUR husband in the physical department, I'd make sure he is clothed to shame even a model! *sniff*

THINKING ALOUD: Doesn't a chef have to wash dishes too? Should change to a T-shirt when it comes to that heh? ;)

2007-10-22T15:55:00.000+08:00

We went to Abang's place yesterday. Unexpectedly, Abang Omar and his 2 daughters were there too. Soon after, Kak Shidah and her hubby came. Gamat!

Abang Omar and Kak Shidah are both my cousins. Strong ties, as their fathers and my father are brothers. Although we're not THAT close, it's good to get together like this during Raya. Jokes and laughter aplenty, especially coming from my bro and Abang Omar...

My Raya pic with my Bro and his family. (err...minus the Prince & Princess)

My Elfi at his Ayah's abode...

My Eliana at her Ayah's abode...

I promised Elfi I would publish this photo. He was awarded the Golden Boot Award for what else...Mama is so proud of you Epie!!

Zzzzzz.....

2007-10-20T21:57:00.000+08:00

Zorro has done this twice. When he went a missing the first time, we found him at the foot of my block playing with another cat. This morning...there was no sign of him anywhere.

Zorro, as you may by now know, is the latest addition to our feline family. He was picked by Sari coz my 2 other cats seem imperfect to him (Sari). Zorro was his 'dream-cat' and personally, I don't mind an extra furry animal running around the house. I just adore cats.

Usually, at Subuh, my mum would open the main door to let all the cats out. After weeks of confining him in our bedroom (yupz! he eats, drinks and sleeps in OUR bedroom), Zorro finally cozied up to the other 2 cats, especially the female one, Tukam. It was a huge relief as day in, day out, we'd have to lock him up in our room in order to separate the 2 cats. The number of bedsheets and quiltcovers that we washed is record-breaking! Yeah, the cat would poohed and eased itself on our 'pecah-macam-nak-rak-mintak-ampun' bed! As he is Sari's cat, Sari would dilligently change the bedsheet and quiltcover everytime Zorro heeds the call of nature.

So now, we are both relieved that he is able to mingle about with the female feline, Tukam. It all started when she was on heat, and Zorro, being a non-sterilised-male-cat-with-a-raging-hormone, was more than happy to oblige to her 'needs'. Of coz, being responsible owners, we didn't alllow any 'luuuurve-making' to happenlah. Sari had made an appointment with the vet to have them both vaccinated and sterilised next week. Abis lah kau Zorro...

Pinkie came with her whole family. Her kids have grown into fine young men! Pinkie, you've done a wonderful job! She's one of the remaining friends I have since the Malaysian Airlines days. Like my cousin, she is also one of those rare people, who are well-to-do, but oh-so-humble. And I admire her for taking a courageous stand and being an intelligent woman whom she is, to come this far, despite the horrendous obstacles that she faced. Whatever good things that come her way, she deserves it! I hope she finds strength in whatever she does. To me, she's the epitome of what a Muslimah should be...

Btw, I also admire your courage lah Pinkie, for driving all the way to Batu Pahat. Mak kau! Knaper lah aku ni maseh kecut nak pandu tu keter? Kwang3!

Sari and I were down with fever and flu, at the same time on Friday. My chest hurts and I'm worried that it might be caused by the cough syrup my doc gave me. Usually, she'd give me an unsuitable medicine that would aggravate my condition even more. I hope I dun have to go to another doctor to change the medicine. Malas benau!
Have been rubbing Vicks Vaporub since Friday...

We have to postpone our spring-cleaning the bedroom as the dust would make our condition even worse. Once we're better, maybe.

The princess is out with the father. The prince is out too but with his friends. He refused to follow his father as he had promised to 'jalan raya' with his friends. *Sigh*.

I hope I'd feel better tomorrow as Mak is 'celebrating' Raya coz her puasa enam ended today. I told her we'd go visiting tomorrow. Up till now, I still feel 'janggal' to go visiting on my own, even with Sari. I'm the sort of person, who wouldn't know how 'to talk' to people. Dah tua2 gini pun tak tau bebual! Cheh!

Sari decided that we'd go Bali this holiday. Bali pun Bali lah...tak cerewet. InsyaAllah...

Urrrggghh!!! My throat hurts so bad...

Selamat Hari Raya!

2007-10-18T12:56:00.000+08:00

I know Raya was like 5 days ago but hey, we still have 25 more days to celebrate.

Didn't do that much visiting this Raya. I went to his paternal and maternal grandma's house the 1st Raya and that's about it. I had to hurry home coz my mum was all alone to 'layan' the guests.

The house was done up just so as we are both thinking of doing a mini-makeover after Raya. I know. 'Tebalik code'. But both Sari and I just couldn't care less. We know that 'certain' relatives came with the main intention of seeing how far we've (or rather I have) 'improved' since we got married. These are the ones that, no matter what, without fail, would 'flaunt' their wealth in whichever way possible. Tell me, who'd in their right mind would talk about which restaurants they go to and how one should behave or eat in a posh restaurant? During a visit on Hari Raya??? I, for one, would ask, how the hosts, especially with an old folk staying there, are doing...not brag about the places you've been or gone to. Puhleeeease...If there's nothing else to talk about, I'd just shut the hell up!

Again, these are the 'people' I had mentioned previously in my post about how opulently-decorated their house is. There's absolutely nothing wrong with decorating your house 'nice-nice' or lavishly or extravagantly. Just that, I just wonder, how educated people, like they are, could even begin to open their mouth and brag about buying gold, their thousand dollars bedsets, their thousand dollars chandeliars (err...no Fairy, the chandeliar I'm buyin' does not run into thousands of dollars...), their car, their preference of marrying into royalty/ministy *wink wink* (as opposed to me marrying a commoner like Sari) and blah blah blah blah blah! Macam tak malu gitu. I'm no sour-grapes. I have a cousin who's a teacher, whose house is a 3 storey terrace-house but oh goodness me...she (and her hubby) are just down-to-earth people, humble and oh-so-nice. I've mentioned them before too.

Apalah aku...Hari Raya buat dosa ajer. Cheh! Just cannot tahanlah. Year in, year out, the same.

If I can find the time, I'll post some Hari Raya Pics...

In the meantime, still busy, scouting around for a bedframe to replace ours which has 'mintak-ampun' from being used and abused. Can you imagine the supporting platform for the mattress giving way in the midst of...err...us sleeping? *clears throat*. Hope to sleep in bliss by next month. Hmmmm..........

Till then...

Pissed! again

2007-10-11T09:03:00.000+08:00

I'm pissed to the power of infinity!!!

And to think that we, the citizens of Singaprore, should be a gracious society. People, being one of our most important resource to generate tourists (which in turn would generate kah-ching!), the service industry people was asked by the PM to set a very high standard of service excellence. I'm not surprised. Our country was ranked, NOT on an envious position at all when polled by a certain well-known organisation which measures the standard of service excellence around the world. This inevitably would translate to a serious repercussions on the nation's economy. I digress...

Hubby: Excuse me... I'd like to ask, how much is your return airfare ticket to Bali? (a simple enough question?)
And imagine the hubby, ever so polite despite his big and grizzly built...

Trvl agent girl (b**** would be more appropriate): (Without looking up, what more a smile plus still sorting a stack of forms - which i reckon was less than 20 - did a quick calculation on her trusted calculator and threw it (the calculator) on the table to show to my hubby). On Garuda!

Me: *Gasp!* (in disbelief and by now, pissing and hissing!)
Me again: Excuse me...but shouldn't you put aside your work first and politely answer the customer first? Well, at least look up and speak to your customers?!

The trvl agent girl (no the B****): I'M BUSY WHAT!! ASK THE OTHER STAFF LAH! (WHOA! with much audacity or rather GUSTO some more! WTH!!!)

Wah...what was she expecting us to say...this?: ERR SORRY HOR AH LIAN, DIDN'T KNOW THAT YOU NEED THE REST OF YOUR BRAIN TO SORT OUT THE FORMS. OOOH...I FORGOT, PEA BRAIN IS SO SMALL ONE. PRAWN BRAIN BIGGER RITE? HEH...SORRY HOR...NEXT TIME WE SEE FIRST WHO NOT SORTING OUT PAPERS OR FORMS THEN WE GO TO THAT PERSON AND ASK VERY SIMPLE QUESTION ONE. EH! ASK AIR FARE ALSO MUST USE CALCULATOR ONE AR? I DIDN'T KNOW LEY...I THOT U ALL GOT A LIST OF AIRFARE ALL READY TO QUOTE IF CUSTOMERS ASK? LIKE THAT ONE AR...GO BALI SPECIAL IJIT? THEN I WANT TO KNOW AR AH LIAN, WHERE YOUR COMPANY BOUGHT THAT CALCULATOR AR? THROW ON THE TABLE SO HARD LIKE THAT, NEBER BREAK ONE. SO GOOD AR!! WAH...I WAN ONE ALSO. GIVE MY FLEN FELLY. SHE MATH TEACHER. IF SHE ANGRY WITH HER STUDENTS, CAN BANG THE CALCULATOR ON THE TABLE, LIKE YOU LIKE THAT!
GOOD AR, YOUR COMPANY PLOVIDE GOOD STATIONERY...EH! YOUR HEAD AS GOOD AS THE CALCULATOR OR NOT AR..COME LET ME TEST...I BANG ON THE TABLE CAN?!
(smiling and eyes twinkling....*grinz*)

Instead, the humorless me (at that time) said: Bang, let's get out of here!

By then, I was furiously-fuming-smoke-out-my-ear mad! Noone, and I mean NO ONE, would dare touch me, even with a ten foot pole, when I am THAT mad!

I wanted to make a U-turn and speak to the manager and tell that B**** off and put up an advert in The Straits Times with a bold front page headline that screams:
FIVE STAR TRAVEL & TOURS: RENAMED: MINUS FIVE STAR TRVL & TOURS or just simply put, it SUCKS!

There! You peeps now know the Travel Agent that I'm talking about. Too bad, it doesn't really lives up to its name. What a shame...
By the way, this wasn't the first time hubby and I received such 'biased' treatment from them. We went there once and the staff were totally unapproachable.

I think the company needs to provide basic training for its staff which incorporates these very important points:
1. A ready smile, especially when customers enter.
2. Proper greetings toward the said customers.
3. Offer help without being asked.
4. Put aside all other work as attending to the customer is of utmost priority.
5. When serving, engage eye to eye contact.
6. To always remember that a happy customer means a satisfied customer means business to the company means money going in means $ for your salary!

to be cont'd

One Year Older & Wiser

2007-10-10T08:37:00.000+08:00

To my beautiful baby daughter, Eliana....

HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!

Yes! The princess is 17 today. Semoga Allah panjangkan usia dan murahkan rezki. I could have disappointed you at some points in your life. Believe me, it wasn't intentional nor was it crafted to be that way. I hope the future would bring you much happiness. I also hope that you'd have such a bright future that it would blind me with delight :). And of coz, the much need cm's to your height (if it is even possible at all! hah!).

I wish I could post ur baby pics sayang. But u know, at the time when u were born, digital camera wasn't really that 'hot'. I'm happy though that the baby pics are arranged neatly in an album (which I lovinly done up myself - coz u'r my first child...). So when I look at you now, it's amazing how you've grown from a tiny-whiny baby to a beautiful young woman. Maybe, someday, I'd take my time to scan those pics...

Despite our 'fights' and disagreement, I love you with my life and more than you'd ever know or imagine. You will know when one day when you become a mother urself. When that day comes, you'd know how I feel. For now, enjoy your youth darling.

Btw, just wait another year, and you'd be eligible to watch M18 movies. For now, enjoy the NC16 first. One step at a time babe....one step at a time...

These are....

2007-10-09T13:08:00.000+08:00

My friend Mythy sent me these pics (thank u so much Mythy!).

....CAKES!!!

Yay yay! Hari Raya!

2007-10-09T10:46:00.000+08:00

By now, some of you must be sick of looking at the pics. Hehe...

3 more days and it's Raya. The kids have their Raya stuffs ready (well, almost coz i think the princess shd buy one more outfit). Epie is all set too. I bought for him a pair of nice leather shoes from Converse. My only wish is that my kids will be happy this Raya. Nevermind about me. I'm happy when my darlings are happy.

The 4 of us had a good time yesterday after iftar. The princess joined later but it was still a blast. We took a look at the Sony Vaio laptop (pink colour no less) and asked abt the specifications and all. Now, we're torn between buying the Vaio or the tablet laptop. The Vaio looks promising although it's a tad more expensive than the tablet. The tablet, with a student pass, would give us a discount and it's quite substantial. The hubby is all for the tablet, whereas the still-vain-old-me (and who else but HRH herself, the Princess) prefer the sweet-like-crazy-pink Vaio! Urrgghh!!! Practicality over vanity...
As for Epie, he's not at all fussy. Just that now, he's been pestering me to buy him a hp. His hp was stolen remember? He wanted to use his savings to buy but this time, I told him, I'd buy for him lah...

Fairy and I, in the midst of our hectic schedule, have forgotten to send our bajus to the seamstress. The ones we sent are only gonna be ready a week after Raya. How cool is that??!! Sajak betul kita dua orang eh Fairy?

By the way, tomorrow is the Princess' bday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sayang!!! Mama loves you!!!
17 years old already...sigh...so fast.

I love this song from Linkin Park titled, Leave out All the Rest.
The lyrics - simple yet so meaningful. Check it out...

"Leave Out All The Rest"

I dreamed I was missing
You were so scared
But no one would listen
Cause no one else cared

After my dreaming
I woke with this fear
What am I leaving
When I'm done here

So if you're asking me
I want you to know

[Chorus]
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed

And don't resent me
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory

Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
[End Chorus]

Don't be afraid
I've taken my beating
I've shared what I made

I'm strong on the surface
Not all the way through
I've never been perfect
But neither have you

So if you're asking me
I want you to know

[Chorus]
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed

Don't resent me
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory

Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest
[End Chorus]

Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You've learned to hide so well

Pretending
Someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are

[Chorus]
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed

Don't resent me
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory

Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You've learned to hide so well

Pretending
Someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are
I can't be who you are

[ www.azlyrics.com ]

It's not one of those 'screamish' ones that Chester Bennington sings often. This one is rather subdued. It's nice to hear his 'real' voice once in a while...heee.

Anyway, still on the topic of singers...i guess most of you would know or at least heard of the legendary Malay singer/actor/composer/director/musician - P.Ramlee. My friend, Mythy sent me an email about him and it cracked me up big time!

Let's read - altogther now!
It's in Malay, so I will translate it. Might not be THAT funny in English though.

The Truth About P.Ramlee.

Who doesn't know P. Ramlee?
He was a well-known actor, singer, composer, director, comedian,,scriptwriter etc. He was the Legendary Artist, well-known by many.

But do you know that P.Ramlee was the 16th child among his 26 siblings? 3 of them were artists too.

This is the result of a 10 year research done by a historian.

The following is a list of his siblings:-
A Ramlee, B Ramlee, C Ramlee, D Ramlee, E Ramlee , F Ramlee, G Ramlee, H Ramlee, I Ramlee, J Ramlee, K Ramlee, L Ramlee, M Ramlee, N Ramlee , O Ramlee, P Ramlee,
Q Ramlee, R Ramlee, S Ramlee, T Ramlee, U Ramlee, V Ramlee, W Ramlee, X Ramlee,
Y Ramlee, dan Z Ramlee.

The ones that had cut an album or two were:
A Ramlee, L Ramlee, M.Ramlee dan P Ramlee.

He also had 3 cousins, in which 2 are actively in the the music scene. They are:
Ramli M.S dan Ramli Sarip.

However, one is currently active in business. His name:
Ramli Burger.

*Grinz*

I know...Judge Not the Book by Its Cover...

2007-10-04T13:23:00.000+08:00

BUT WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!?

Wide-eyed warrior

I bet u can find the keys now!

You've heard of third eye, but third nostril?

He gives a new meaning to the phrase "Splitting Head-egg"

Would make any alien feel at home on planet earth...ala predator rite??

Look Ma! No hands!

I guess he was asked to zip his mouth at all times when he was boy...hard habit to break.

He looks as if he's perpetually stuck with that 'NYEH NYEH NYEH NYEH NYEH' look...cool..

"Since I dun have boobs to wear those darn corsets, i'll wear 'em ribbons on my neck..humph!"

Cuppies!!

2007-10-04T11:23:00.000+08:00

Heh! Thanks to Fairy, I've been so inspired to give my loved ones with a gift of the cuppies (cupcakes)! I've long been in love with this dainty delicacy especially the ones made by my ex-colleague from Malaysia Airlines - Haney - she's famously known as the Cupcake Momma!

I'll just give u a preview of what she's capable of...Jolene (my present colleague) and I just can't get enough of oggling and drooling over her yummylicious-beautilicious cuppies!

This is her creation for a birthday child.

I've sought her permission to publish this photo in my blog. Go to her website and take a look at her creations! It is mind-blowing i tell u!
www.cupcake-momma.net

The princess' bday is coming soon. She has asked me to order the cupcakes from my friend and I am going to! Just that...I'm spoilt for choice and can't decide. Help!!!

Judge Not the Book by its Cover

2007-10-02T20:14:00.000+08:00

I read and I was humbled.

Though small compared to the recent President Star Charity, I think this young couple's effort should not be left unmentioned.

I read their blogs occasionally. I stumbled upon them thru another blogger whose language could put any English (err...one in particular *wink-wink*) to shame. Anyway, one of them is under my VIP list on the right. I won't tell which one, just click on any one of them and you'd know somehow.

The hubby almost always would not fail to entertain me with his very straightforward-shoot-to-the-heart-no-hold-bars opinion on any matter which he deems necessary to be mentioned in his colourful blog. Most of the time, he's right. His wife is a demure and sweet young lady whom through her sheer smile, I could tell, she is one very sincere and kind-hearted human being.

This young couple, walk-the-talk. They just recently launched a donation drive in a bid to buy NEW clothes for young orphans to wear for Hari Raya. They appealed thru their blogs (see...blogs are not only for quarellings and argument). Now, tell me, how noble is that? While some of us would just take the 'see-look-and-wait' stand (i'm one of them...shame on me!), they actually took some of their precious time to do this wonderful gesture during Ramadhan. Wonderful is an understatement...

Recently i read the wife's blog. She mentioned about the people who took the call and donated generously. What she posted was mentioned before in my previous entry. She didn't expect 'these people' whom some (if not most) members of the public would look down upon just because of their heavily laden tattooed body, their piercings and maybe just maybe, the fact that the ladies do not don the headscarf (I get that alot...). I agree with her, who are we to judge these people? Who? We are not perfect ourselves and to look down upon another human being is just as sinful as getting that tattoo...I myself,I admit, sometimes go in and out of this shamefully subconscious dexterity of looking at others with a certain suspicion and be quick to judge how bad, how sinful, how inappropriate and how unIslamic that person is, without even knowing the person and giving him/her a chance to be my acquaintance, at least.

So yeah, there are kindness in everyone (as long as you're called human i guess). Unless of coz, you're one of the suspects in custody for the murder of that girl, Nurin Jazlin. THAT my friend, is the work of a beast (or beasts). THAT should be judged with the utmost contempt. They would put, any wild animal to shame.

To think that they're born with 2 legs, 2 hands and a BRAIN! Only to be used to end an innocent human life. For all you know, they would look like any holy-looking pakciks, no tattoo nor piercings but then again...never, ever judge a book by its cover...

With Commitment!

2007-10-02T08:23:00.000+08:00

LOL!

I was watching the Jay Leno Show the other night. He was interviewing this guy (for the love of....I can't remember his name!) who played Evan Baxter in the movie, 'Evan Almighty'. Well, shall refer him as Evan from this point forth lah.

Anyway, in the midst of the conversation (they were talking about curse words. Yeah, the ones that I must be mindful of coz I'm in a position to impact the minds of young people... :), Evan was reading a list of words that he finds ludicrous. Two of the words mentioned, that remained fresh in my mind, were 'freaking' and 'effing'. These words remind me of those that I often use when I know that I-am-in-the-position-to-impact-young-minds. Harmless enough? Noooo...According to Evan, why say these words when we really mean to say what we wanted to say? Why not free ourselves and give it all, with GUSTO and COMMITMENT to the words concerned? By now, I was laughing my heads off! I mean, yeah, there are some truths to what he had said but then again...remember...they will impact the minds of our young-lings (in the words of Queen Amadilla from the planet Nabu (LOL - that's how her name is spelt?).

No, I'm not gonna resort to spell or even utter those words in it's full glory...lest I might offend some people ;)...The situation in Myanmar is bad enough...we dun need another 'bloodbath' in the blogging world...

Correction: Normal lessons - not 4 days but 3. Yup, I made a mistake. Tomorrow will be the last day of normal lesson and on Thursday, the exams resume. Yay!

Yippee!!

2007-10-01T14:10:00.000+08:00

Yes! My HOD just came to tell me that today's Art meeting has been postponed. How vonderful is that?!

But I've gotta finish up some things for her by tomorrow. Sheesh! It's ok. I'll do it as long as i can go home at 3.30 today with the Princess.

Speaking of which, the Princess is having her exams right now. I hope everything will be ok yeah sweetie? Whateve the outcome, i'll support you all the way in whateva u wanna do. Just promise that you'll work hard and be more alert and more hardworking and less lazy and be more responsible. I hope you dun hv to go through what i went through in life. Be honest to yourself and dun 'dengki' kat orang. InsyaAllah, you'll be ok.

This is her...doing her catwalk best. Taken during our outing to *gasp* The Botanical Garden! Yupz! That was when my aunty from Medan came. We had a hell of a time! You can see a bit of the hubby, the 'hunk-kebun' heeee.

I love this shot of hers. Of coz she's a mini-whiz (not full-blown yet..heh)at photoshop. She cropped this photo of hers and I think it has that 'the cover-girl-look.'

This is her 'bacin' look, i call it.

She and me...even with a stupid flower stuck to her ear...she still looks amazing...luv u sayang...i look old...of coz i am, im ur mum!

And yes! yes! yes!
I've opened this blog for all to read, again!

I know. If you scroll down, you'd read the part where I wrote that this blog of mine would be for 'mine eyes only' (and some of my close friends and one or two students). I've decided, nah...just let anybody, who's interested, to read it. Saylah what you want...go on.

So, welcome back peeps! Nyeh heh heh heh.....

Hari Raya....

2007-10-01T13:04:00.000+08:00

Less than 2 weeks and it's Hari Raya. Somehow, Hari Raya doesn't feel like what it used to. Maybe,I've had enough of 'it' for the past 42 yrs or so.

The one thing that I'm looking forward to is to embrace my mak and seek her forgiveness. Although we disagree in many many things, she was/is my pillar of strength during my best and worst times. Although, the blood that runs through my veins isn't of the same 'make' as hers, I will never ever forget the fact that she's the one who raised me although from her womb i cometh not...

I can't wait for the exams (and markings) to be over. Work seems endless. Dunno whether my fellow colleagues feel the same way but it's perpetually draining me, physically and worse, emotionally... I must admit there are a few times when I feel like giving it all up and try some other jobs. It's really sapping the living daylight out of me. Undoubtedly, it brings a certain degree of satisfaction, but...I guess to a certain extent, I'm partly to be blamed. I've never been a good time-manager anyway. Maybe, if i manage my time and prioritized my work well enough, i wouldn't feel such overpowering feeling of hopelessness. Sigh....

Talk about endless work. I've just read the emb. Some of us are assigned to design holiday assignments for the students. But best part is, i get to do the Sec 1-3NT. I'm kinda passionate about my NT classes, so this is one assignment i'm quite eager to do, speaking of which, as i pen this entry down, i'm doing some research at the same time.

Hmm...the money the kids' father supposed to send, is not in yet. It's been 4 days already. Urrggghh!!! It's the same like last time. The acct dept at his side actually credit the monies to a different acct! I've alerted him already and he promised he will chk and get back to me regarding it ASAP. We now exchange smses. Unlike before when i get worked up whenever i spoke or even smsed him, now i'm calmer. Maybe it's due to the fact that I'm married.

Gosh! Another 3 days to normal lessons and then it's back to the exams again. I really dun see the logic for having these 4 days of lesson prior to exams on the 5 Oct. Why not continue? The only reason given being, teachers would have more time to mark. I just don't get it....

Mak is at abang's place. Sent her on Saturday. She might be back on Wednesday. Hopefully by then, the money is in....insyaAllah...

Pinkie-Winkie

2007-09-21T13:39:00.000+08:00

Msn session with pinkie yesterday was awesome. It's good that we're interacting like this again after being away from each other for so long.

Pinkie and I, we were from MH. More often than not, MH stories would resurfaced again and again. We like to reminisce those days, which i'd like to refer to as 'my most idiotic days'. Why? Coz on hindthought, I just couldn't believe how manipulated i was. We were THAT naive to let ourselves be sucked into the 'office politics' that had us divided into cliques. It was terrible. It was horrible. I kept telling Pinkie, how bad I felt now. Now that we're all 'grown-up'. Now that we're all more matured. I can't believe I followed whateva SHE had told me to do. I wonder now, what was/is being said about me. Well, she talked about almost everybody else didn't she? Why would i be spared? I kept asking, what if i was in the other camp? How did i ever fall into HER camp? But the past is past. I have only the present to ponder upon it with utmost regret. And to think that i hold this vow dear to me - 'Never regret what you've done. It's over, get on with life.' How could i say im sorry to those i've toe-stepped. I feel so shitty at times when i think of it. I was never comfortable around HER to begin with. How did i end up being 'chummy' with her? Yikes! The thought sends shudders down my spine. Sometimes i felt i was like a dog on a leash, serious, doing what she asked me to do, blindly. Bitching would be the appropriate word. I regret making 'enemies' to some of the nicest people around. It was a lesson learnt.

I just came back from Bowen. I really admire the DEDICATED teachers at Bowen. It wouldn't be easy doing what they're doing simply becoz one: we dun have that many Lit teachers, two: to come up with an SOW for 10 weeks is already a much dreaded job, what more to DESIGN a whole new programme to integrate English and Lit for the whole year!, three: culture shock - our students (and teachers alike) aren't ready for such major change. On the whole, it was an enriching experience and i thought it wasn't a bad idea IF our school is designed like that of Bowen. Like Liza said, "Why do i get the feeling that whichever schools i go to, they're much better than ours?". Duh Liza...duh...

School will be coming to an end (how i wish it's literal). In two weeks' time, the kids will be having their end-of-year exams. I will be having my Work Review session with 'that woman with a Victoria Beckham bob-tapi-tak-jadi hairstyle.' Soon enough, it's time to go to another place. I am looking forward to the new adventure, but somehow, i'd miss this place too. The students and especially my colleagues. Despite having said that i worked with some of the most wonderful colleagues, i couldn't help but feel i could have been betrayed...If my instinct is true, i just pray that sempena bulan ramadhan ni, if truth be told, lies or unjust truths have been said about me, i pray to Allah that he will show his just 'reward' to whoever is is that has done this to me. If ever ANYTHING is done in the first place. Right Fairy? Rezki ada di mana2. Fairy said that things would be better in our new places. I hope so too. I know that i'm determined to start all over again.

What started off as a joke - that I wouldn't celebreate Hari Raya - has slowly come to be realised. I really do not wish or have the mood to celebrate this year. I have my reasons. Let my children buy their Hari Raya bajus, shoes and what nots. As for me, i'd maybe just read a book or two on Hari Raya.....

My oh my....

2007-09-20T08:52:00.001+08:00

Gosh...my jaw dropped, like literally to the ground, when i read some blogs...Like i mentioned previously, it has 'evolved' into something...well...sort of a 'hot ground for misunderstandings!' You can't help but be fascinated by it all. Someone said something, something was passed around, something becomes a big thing and a big thing becomes THE thing that everybody is talking about! When THE thing reached the ears of THE person concerned, hell breaks loose!

I read in disbelief how things could be blown so out of proportion, how friends can now become foes. Somehow, when you read stuffs like this, you tend to start taking sides. It's inevitable i guess. Instinctively, i started to reason out, who's right and who's wrong, and everytime i do that, i'll tell myself...'oi! mind ur freakin' business!'. Thing is, you can't help it, well, i can't help it. Imagine you are watching a boxing match (not that i am a fan...) or put it simply, a game of soccer played between team A and team B, you'd naturally take sides, yes? Some would rather be blissfully ignorant about the whole game (like i do when my son and hubby are watching a soccer game on ESPN). Well, as much as i hate to be a kaypo, when there is a war in the blogging arena...hmm...a true blooded female, hehe, would stand her ground and watch with glee...I-AM-KIDDING..........

Seriously, i think it's sad that words should be exchanged in the cyber world, coz like fairy said, there is no way, you can see or even feel how the other party's real reaction is. Why not solve it face-to-face, woman-to-woman. Confront-upfront. Get it done and over with and move on, AS FRIENDS. Of coz, fairy...oh fairy, you would vouch that it's different rite, with what happened between us and that 'leper'? That one is outright backstabbing and BITCHING to the power of infinity! Fairy and I, we can't be bothered to confront a person who is SO DAMN BLOODY ARROGANT who thinks the whole world should stoop to her demands and that she's right all the time! It's just a waste of our precious little time.

Back to THE thing, i somehow agree with one blogger's defence tho'. She has every right to, i guess, coz the accusations were baseless. Just becoz that person 'terasa', she pointed an accusing finger at this poor girl. And i guess she picked the wrong person to point the accusing finger at. Somehow, the argument and defense put up by the said blogger was awesome....and i secretly applaud her bravado.

For me, i wouldn't be bothered and subject myself to go through the ordeal of a messy situation like that. I dun even wanna pick an argument over comments made by people whom for one reason or another, usually would not put their real names. I've decided that this blog of mine would only be for my eyes and the eyes of my loved ones...yes Fairy...that includes you... :). I really am not up for any popularity contest and make it known to the world how i go through life everyday. That's why the privacy and the 'only invited bloggers' policy. To me, if you put urself easily available to the scrutiny of others, then you are also liable to unsavoury comments put up by people who may not agree with the stuff u post. Like it or not, your blog, if not put in privacy mode, is there for the WORLD to see.

Personally, i think it's really a person's prerogative (is this how u spell it?). Unless it touches on another person's faith and race and would warrant a mass social disorder if left unchecked (by fellow bloggers usually, who'd then report it to the authorities). I for one, do not wanna comment on anything which i think might offend the bloggee concerned. I think it is always nice to leave a pleasant but honest comment. And then there's the tagboard. It used to be a 'place' where friends saying hi to friends and that's that. Now, it's "I THINK YOU ARE SHALLOW TO SAY THAT...." or "PLUCKING UR EYEBROWS IS A NO-NO" or "U ARE IN THE POSITION TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON THESE YOUNG LIVES" (read: dun use vulgar words can, coz u might tarnish the innocent minds of your students becoz u are a freakin' teacher!). SO! before i tarnish anymore young innocent minds, it's better that this blog is read by only friends and family members, who know the REAL me...

Al-fatihah

2007-09-17T14:54:00.000+08:00

I was at the printing room when Kak Norezan told me of the bad news. One of my students, my favourite student's mother had passed away. I was utterly shocked as just on Friday, her sister came to school, called from the office to inform me of her mother's critical condition and that Norhana wasn't able to attend school as a result of this. I prayed that she'd (the mum) be alright as I didn't know then it was very serious...

Norhana is one of those rare students who is a 'role-model' student in every sense of the word. Despite being in a position that would warrant some girls to go 'the other way', she has always been grounded and has this innocence about her that makes you just wanna protect and go to her defense if the need arises. She reminds me of this Malay phrase..."Wanita Melayu terakhir" (literal translation: The Last Malay Woman) coz she embodies the essence of a true Malay girl...soft-spoken and polite, dignified yet humble, prim and proper in her attire, I say she reminds me of a "Wanita Melayu Terakhir" coz it's rare isn't it to find girls like her nowadays with the negative influence readily available everyday?

To her late mother, Allahyarhamah Faridah, rest assured you've brought up a wonderful young lady whom I have no doubt would do you proud...You are so blessed to have raised such a responsible and obedient young woman. Semoga Allah mencucuri Rahmat ke atas Rohmu...Al-fatihah...

To Sarah...I hope you are fine dear. I was shocked too when I heard what happened to you. Rest well and don't stress yourself too much. Take care yeah....

One MAN & a Baby

2007-09-12T20:03:00.000+08:00

I say nothing screams "SEXY!" more than a man with a baby/toddler in his arms. What more if the arms belong to Brad Pitt. I mean, you could really see that he is genuinely SO VERY happy to be in the company of his kids. I often wonder what goes through his mind, now that he is an 'instant' father to 4 kids, one being his own biological daughter. He was like 'swooshed' into this right after his official divorce from J.A. I remember the time when he was interviewed by Oprah on her show (i missed it though), i read that he teared when he talked about how much he yearned to have kids. I guess, his other half at that time wasn't agreeable to it so...yeah. And now that he'd found his ultimate soulmate(just hope this one will last) in A.J. (hey...it's the direct opposite to the former's initials...hmm). I also couln't help but wonder if he ever complains about the hassle of having kids like most of what our local men might do (not all ar ppl..not all). But then again, if you have tonnes of money in ur bank account, a hunk of a bod, a face that sends women weak in the knees and to top it all of, one hell of a drop-dead gorgeous,fantastically beautiful babe as your partner, guess he wouldn't mind the sleepless nights and the endless babysitting.

Does anyone out there wanna trade places with his daughter Zahara? hehe

The horse is so lucky too

Play catching...awwww.....

I gotcha! You're safe in my arms....sigh

Other than A.J. being on top of him....err....

pics from people magazine...i shall continue...

My Blog, My Say...dun like Stay Away!

2007-09-12T11:50:00.000+08:00

I think, at the moment, i'd like to keep this blog of mine private. Actually, i'm just blabbering to myself albeit not aloud. Hey, it's the new millennium. When previously, the diary (the written one) was kept to pour all our feelings into, now it's the sophisticated 'blog'. I must say it has totally evolved into one sensational medium, that gets people talking, fighting, quarelling, arguing etc etc etc....People even get jailed for writing the 'wrong' things in their OWN blog. My my....so gor-blog (stupid in indonesian).

Yesterday was September 11. Yeah who can forget THE incident that happened 6 years ago. We're reminded of it so many times and YES it is sad. I cannot imagine myself being in the shoes of those mothers who lost their sons or daughters during the attack. I just can't...

Talk about sons and daughters. I'm now worried sick for the safety of my 2 children. Hubby told me of an article he read in the NEW PAPER about an 18 year old boy being attacked by a group of men. One of these morons managed to leave his mark on the boy's head and side of body, in the form of a deep gash caused by a long bread knife. The thing is, this happened at the block just next to mine. I had a talk with Fairy abt this yesterday on the way home in her car and was shocked to learn that her cousin was also a victim of such an attack! We both wondered what could be the motive(s) of these senseless people. Crazy? Crazy?? Crazy???? Why go around in ski-masks and hacking people up? Help the apeks in the market hack those slaughtered pigslah...get money some more! Sigh...we concluded that maybe, this is a form of an initiation ritual they die die must do before they join a particular gang. (kwang kwang kwang...this is 2007 lah dei...not the 50's...u all still stuck in the past ah...enter gang-gang all!?)

I'm pissed with them coz they're just cowards who hide behind their masks and '300' strong men to prey on innocent and young people who obviously would be outnumbered. I'm even more pissed coz what are the authorities doing about this??? Why is it happening so rampantly???

I told my son, if anything should ever happen to him, i will personally hunt whoever did whatever to him and ME, yes ME, will beat the crap out of him/them first before anything else!!

HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE A WOMAN'S (MUM'S) SCORN!!! AAAAAAARRRGGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!

Ramadhan
Yes...tomorrow is Ramadhan. Fasting month again. Alhamdullilah, the best friend 'came' and ended its 'visit' and thus, i'd be able to fast tomorrow. Heh!

On a very personal note...Sayang...when can i see u like this again....

These pics were taken when my hubby entered the 42nd National Bodybuilding Championship and got 3rd. His body was Hot! and HAWT! Now that the blog is more personal, i would now freely say, the husband whom i've always referred to as MY HUBBY is named Sari. Yes, short, simple and sweet. Sweet definitey, not short and simple...heeee *wink*.
Although he doesn't like the name as it is the namesake of an ethnic costume...i think it suits him just well as my name joined with his is RatnahSari. The Japanese wife of the 1st indonesian president (Sukarno) was named Ratnasari Dewi. Yeah, i was told that i was named after her as my late father just 'love' Sukarno to bits. My mum said she added the H at the end as her name is Rahmah Hasibuan. So H is the initial of Hasibuan...So see sayang...we compliment each other, even in name (kwang3)

I dun wanna brag...but he's the sweetest, kindest, most loving person/husband. Not 100% perfect (who is?) but good enough for me! He may be 11 years younger than moi...but man, like the oft-used phrase says...YOU RAWK MY WORLD baby! Matured beyond his years when I first met him and a baby at times...So there! The man himself! Luv u too sayang...

I know i know...some of you are going....eeeewwww!!!! Well...WTH! This is MY BLOG :)

AOH '07

2007-09-04T10:41:00.000+08:00

How time flies...it's 2 days into the school hols and the princess is done with 2 days of her N's too.

As for me, well, I spent quality time with the son and hubby yesterday as it was the last day of the Army Open House. Altho' it seemed not complete without the princess. She was having her exams...Next time k Eel...

We went to the camp at Pasir Laba where the AOH was held. It also happens to be hubby's camp. So Epie and I got to get 'acquainted' with the place where 'the man makes his dough'. We even ate at the cookhouse and canteen where he buys his food. I think the food wasn't that bad but it wasn't cheap either.

Well...i'd just let the pics do the talking...

Waiting for our turn at the Life Firing Range...

Ready...

Aim...

Fire! Yessar!! This is yours truly la dei! We were given 6 rounds and I shot 4 on target! Heee....the other 2? Blame it on the target lah...it's just a head peeking out of its hidden place...how to see!!!???

Nah...we didn't shoot the the cat! Altho' it looks like it...hmm...

The future soldier...cute nak mampus! I couldn't resist taking this pic of this boy who's not at all related to us! Think it's not a bad idea to put him behind enemy line, they either can't see him at all or they'd be scared shit and think we had sent a toyol or something!

On the whole it was a blast. Just an incident or two that made an otherwise great day perfect and it all happened at the Officer's Mess. As the name suggests, the mess (i had always thought it was spelt as Mass, u know as in gathering of the mass...but i was so wrong)is for the officers only. It was opened to the public during the 5 day AOH. Anyhoos, there's this lady whom later i found out was a personnel of rank (puit!!) whom i think when dressed in civillian clothes makes her behaves like any other aunties u see in ur neighbourhood (no offence aunties, i think u all are better behaved than this moron!). What happened was, as i was queing for the food at the mess, this moronic being just barged her way through, with fork and spoon in hand and her son in tow. She even managed to 'send a nudge' to my body and it's not the friendly kind. I was like, hellooo...there are plenty of food lah u idiot! U dun have to push your way like that. And OMG! she behaved in a way like a hungry animal scavenging for food! I just could't believe my eyes! It's so ironic when i realise that the t-shirt she was wearing has these words printed at the back ---'HANG LOOSE!'---go figure...

The other incident was when hubby and my son were playing a game of pool. We were killing time as it was raining heavily. An NS boy came by and he playfully took the balls and started playing with them. This wasn't what pissed me off. What pissed me off was that another moron, whom i later found out to be an officer of rank also, stood up from where he was seated, quite far-far away from the pool table and told this young NS man off. Yupz! He actually said, "Hello bang! Don't play with the balls can? If they break, you can't afford to pay for them!". My hubby was in civillian (it was the Army Family Day..duh!) and this moron had to wear his uniform to show his rank and all. Not only that, i just felt that he, telling off that boy in front of all of us was just uncalled for. I mean, c'mon lah...it's a day to chill, be merry and happy...but this A*****e had to pull rank and show his authority. What a complete asshole!! There i said it! I told my hubby if i were him, i'd tell him to cool off and mind-his effing business (he was reading a newspaperlah mind u!). He reminds me of some men and women out there who are so steadfastly-morally-upright that they can't seem to differentiate the time and place to righfully show it to the world.

BACK TO MEDAN
My aunt went back home to Medan on Sunday, after 3 solid weeks. I think she put on weight and I'm so happy she looked so much healthier than when she first came!

My aunt is the one in pink, the other one...my beloved mum...the black one...that's
the ride...the unseen one...that's my hubby, in the driver's seat *grin*.

Like they always say..."yang pegi sorang, yang antar sekampung!" translate: only one going off, but the whole village sends off.

Teachers' Day

2007-09-01T14:56:00.000+08:00

Firstly, I'd like to apologise to those of you who were offended by my offensive *&!$!!*%%#!! on the previous post. Hehe...kinda funny when I think of it. I could be that angry one moment and totally relax the next. Anyway, everything is resolved now only after I pointed out something that they overlooked...hah! See...who has got the last laugh?....moi...*evil grin*

Teachers' Day celebration in school was awesome. I think the PSG (parent support group) is really a bunch of amazing and I must say, creative people. They'd come up with different kind of ideas almost every year for the Teachers' Day concert and they would not fail to deliver.

So, to thank my wonderful students and ex-students alike, I've posted here pics of your gifts you've given me. The ones here are only half of what I received, the other half I've kept in school. So guys, if your gifts are not featured here, please don't be disappointed k, I really appreciate your kind thoughts for me. Even a simple card means so much to me.

The black box contains a pair of pretty pretty earrings and a necklace with a pretty pretty pendant. The pink wrapped gift was given to me by Amirah and Natasha of Sec 2H

Hee...mcm hantaran kawin 'lak eh?

Peach roses from Wan Cheng aka Lawrence, Amy, Cheryl and Hwei Juan. Amy also baked me an awesome-awesome chocolate fudge brownie...really! It's superlicious!!!!

Sunflower from Sec 2C and Pink rose and carnations from Jia Ying and Sarah

This is the superdelicious choc fudge brownie! OOOOHHH!!! Heaven!!!

A pair of beautiful-laced golden-brown shoes from Eka, Jannah, Syuhaidah, Fareha and Hidayah

I had to put all the gifts in this box...

a gigantic card with my pic made by the beautiful girls from Sec 2H - Suhartini, Alfiah, Norisyani, Noraziah, Norzielawati, Afiqah, Syazana, Farhanah and Hanani. They've also given me something which I've not unwrapped yet...thank you girls...

There! I have more to show...chocs from Kencana my class Chairman...A wonderful bookmark and deco item hand-made by Huda...A lovely bear and flower from Aisha of 1E. A bear from Farah of Sec 2C and many many more...

I will really miss you guys...really.

%@#!!!***%%^^$!!!!!

2007-08-30T09:33:00.000+08:00

THERE'S SUCH A THING CALLED BACK UP PLAN U IDIOT!!!!!

YOU ARE PAID SO MUCH TO THINK OF ALL THESE! BLARDY A**!!!!~! WANT THE MONEY BUT NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY!!!!

Qs & As

2007-08-17T13:22:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah...It's Friday. I survived this week!

Next month is Ramadan. The month when all Muslims (well...almost all who call themselves Muslims anyway...) will fast. What can I say...it's a blessing to be able to 'see' Ramadan again. It's a month where 'worldly' temptations are to be abstained.

I hope and pray, I'd be given the strength and good health to accomplish my fasting obligations. Hopefully, I might be able to do Terawih with Fairy too...yes Fairy?

Those in the know...my muslim bros and sis, you'd know what i mean when i say, how enlightened we'd feel when we fast and pray. It's always enlightening when you 'face' Allah and pray to Him. To me, being able to put aside a few minutes of our time to fulfill a simple obligation be it in the mosque or in private, is the least we could do to thank Him. It's not seeking enlightenment per se, it's not even seeking clarity...it's just pure serenity, calm and peace whenever we subject ourselves to Him. Don't you agree? :). Yes, family members and friends are there for you when you are bogged down with this and that. Yes, we find comfort in knowing that our friends (true friends) are there whenever we need them. Yes, we pride ourselves in having our beloved husband/wife/boyfriend or girlfriend to confide about anything under the sun BUT nothing can beat the daily 'heart-to-heart-talk' we have with Allah. I guess this would only apply to a true believer and I am a true believer. I may have yet to don the 'compulsory' scarf that every Muslim woman needs to wear, but I certainly don't have doubts, what more questions about His existence, the Quran or Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. I am still a 'daif' (weak) in the teachings of Islam. I've yet to learn in depth about my beloved religion Islam...and as such, being 'daif', who am I to question the Quran? The Hadith? The Fatwa? I'm not a well-learned Muslim. To me, if there are questions, then the appropriate thing to do at least, would to go to a learned and knowledgeable Ustadz or Religious Teacher to clarify my doubts. Don't you think so? How could we be contented with ourselves by asking 1001 questions and just leave them at that? Just questions? I think if we are wise enough to ask these nagging questions about the religion, then the next responsible thing to do would be to ASK... We do not base our final conclusion about the necessity of a religion just because we've gone to religious teachings when we were young. I dun think it's enough. There's a lot more to Islam than just the teachings in the Quran. Yes, the Quran itself encompasses everything, but we DO NEED a teacher to explain to us the real and true meanings of its content. We, mere 'daifs' are not in a position to interpret it ourselves. I mean, let's look at it this way...(from a teacher point of view) if every book in this world (and i mean EVERY...including school textbooks) are meant to be read and interpreted by the reader himself, then I'd definitely be out of job. All schools would be closed down and the MOE would change its acronym to MOS - Ministry of Self-Study (err...nooo, not Minister of Sound).

I know, im the last person to be in the position to defend my religion. I am guilty myself on the neglect i 'inflict' on its practices. But to me, it's simple, if in doubt - ask. If still in doubt, ask further. If you are still not convinced, then, I'd say, good luck and may you find peace within yourselves the moment you stop asking any questions at all.

My daughter, whom I've gone to Umrah with in year 2001, even asked me questions like, isn't it unfair Ma, if we're born Muslims and the rest are not, isn't it unfair to 'punish' them in the afterlife just becoz they were not born Muslims? I told her, then it is our responsibility isn't it to 'attract' (not even convince yet...) that our religion is such that, that they'd go..."wow...isn't it (Islam) beautiful...". But sadly, I told her, it is very difficult to do so especially at these times when the Al-Qaeda with its bombs galore, had destroyed the real image and the true teachings of Islam? We don't wanna force people to believe Islam and we certainly do not force anyone to embrace Islam. *Smile*...I myself do not portray the TRUE image of a Muslim, and with that, I'm guilty. But deep in my heart, I know my faith is still very much intact. I do not want to walk around in limbo knowing that yes, I know what's right and what's wrong but because of some unanswered questions, I decide to leave it at that. "Faith without action and practice is a dead end." Then, a person without faith...????

Reminds me of my friend when I was working in the bank. His name - P. He was an intelligent man. Could speak very well and I swear if he had pursued his education further, he'd probably be a somebody rather than an office boy in the bank. Even then, he held the position of President in the union. He was well versed in politics and when he spoke, everyone would listen to him intently and somehow, agreed with his argument. However, my friend P, due to his 'intelligence' declared quite openly that he doesn't believe in God and thus he was a free thinker. It totally angered him when his one and only daughter embraced Christianity and he would speak of his unhappiness over this with me, everytime he came into the office. I like to listen to P. We even talked about Islam and Christianity despite him not believing in either one of them. He was a nice man, basically, and to him, that's about it. Why need a religion to tell you what to do and what not to do. To him, a man is wise enough to differentiate between right and wrong. A man doesn't need a religion at all. That's P's stand until he fell ill...seriously ill and was told that he had only a few months to live. At his death bed, I was told by a colleague who visited him, P embraced his daughter's religion, Christianity. I guess he got his final calling and wanted to die a believer...RIP P...

I told my daughter, that's exactly what you'd feel when you're on the verge of being dead. I know...I experienced it a few years back. Once when I was flung from a motorcycle in an accident and as I lay helplessly on the road, I saw a huge truck coming towards me and I was pretty sure I'd be ran over and die! Allah's name was the first that came to my lips. Within a split second, everything that I've ever done in this life flashed through my mind. Good or bad. I even had the 'cheek' to beg Him to spare a thought for my newborn son and spare my life so that my children would not be motherless. Well, I'm here blogging aren't I?? *smile* Alhamdulillah.
Then she asked me if it's wrong to ask all these seemingly blasphemous questions, and I said, no it's not wrong at all. In fact u should ask, but not to yourself but to others who are learned in the teachings of Islam. Coz what's the point of asking yourself these questions when you don't even have the answers in the first place, rite? So, she asked me again, why does she even question being a Muslim. I said, maybe because, she has not made herself 'available' and 'near' to Allah for so long. With this, I mean pray. And my princess smiled...and she understood.

I dun think it's just enough to believe that there's God and we simply go through life with this knowledge and...full stop. I think what is asked of a Muslim is pretty simple and not complicated at all...Take a peek...

The following are the "Five Pillars" of Islam and are considered the framework of the Muslim life.
1. Faith in God and Muhammed as his messenger.

2. Prayer, performed five times a day.

3. Concern for the needy, given as a tithe estimated at two and a half percent per annum

4. Self-purification. Every year in the month of Ramadan, all able Muslims fast from dawn till dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

5. Physically and financially able followers are expected to make a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca.

Simple? Yes?

What's the point of asking endless questions and seeking answers (without even verbally asking?) when you should ask yourself, have I done what I'm supposed to do in the first place? If any of the above look unfamiliar and none appeals to you, then I'd say, stop asking and find some answers...InsyaAllah. :)

See No Evil,Speak No Evil,Hear No Evil

2007-08-16T14:29:00.000+08:00

I wonder if we all looked like this, this morning...hmm...*scratches head,chin and...*. It could well be that these monkeys are conveying the above message. It could also well be that they're just interpreting how we all must have felt this morning: GASP!! SIGH... AND AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

I know u guys are reading my blog. U guys meaning students. Honestly, i have nothing to hide. Yes, some things are privy to me and i would just keep it to myself. And I guess, by now, u guys would know that mdm rat is just human, made of flesh and blood and would have no qualms about cursin' and swearin' in her blog albeit with all those %@#!, effs, blips and toots! I know it's unbecoming of a lady, especially being in this profession. But I dun give a hoot. I dun wanna be a hypocrite. But please ladies, do not go around telling people that mdm rat says it's alrite to swear in our blogs coz we dun wanna be a hypocrite. Remember hor...I '%@#!, effs, blips and toots' them okay??? Not the full spelling of that 4-letter word hor...

And I can bet right now that some are you are just waiting for me to comment about this morning incident. I know there are a lot of unhappy voices out there. I only have this to say....I just regret I didn't have the damn bloody guts to go up there to stop and ask the pivotal question, WHY? And since I didn't do just that, I dun think I have a say to blog about how unfair and unjust it was. All I could say is, it was unfortunate, especially to those unfortunate boys. If u guys think it was really an unbelievable, unjustifiable and a questionable thing to do, why didn't you/we/I stood up for the rights of those boys? I know I didn't, so I see no point debating about it. It's as much as it is our fault as it is his. We stood and watch. Did we DO or SAY anything. NO. So, I tell myself, why dun I just shut the hell up! See no evil, speak no evil...hear no evil...

Stayin' Alive

2007-08-14T15:27:00.000+08:00

Yall know this song by Bee Gees? Yes? No? I'm listening to it as I type and thus the title. Hah!

Well, the song doesn't say much 'xcept for this part:-

Life goin' nowhere. Somebody help me.
Somebody help me, yeah.
Life goin' nowhere.
Somebody help me.
Somebody help me, yeah.
Stayin' alive.
I would like to think that this is the anthem for some of us teachers in school right now...but for a few others, it won't be long before we'd go somewhere!

And yeah, if you're around when I was around during the Saturday Night Fever era...you could just visualise the way Mr John Travolta moved. Oooh yeah! Hehe. Nah...he's not the round, stout and paunchy man that he is now. He was this slim and oh-man-can-he-shake guy who's gyration could put Ricky Martin to shame!

And who can forget this iconic pose?!

Suddenly, I'm feeling so nostalgic. I told my kids that the fashion today are all brought back from the fashion we had back then. Which reminds me, the theme for the staff dinner at the end of this month is Retro. Boy, how I wish I had kept my mum's clothes, shoes, bag and those big-as-a-bug-eye sunglasses! Maybe, if I were to rummage her closet, I might be able to find some. I know she kept this really cool retro bag, under the bed. It must be covered with dust and spidey web already...

And talk about nostalgic, I read in the paper recently about some buildings, with their unique architecture, would soon be demolished to make way for new ones. Already, they had totally destroyed a building so dear to many, especially those born in the 50's and 60's...The National Libary. I wonder how many us remember the makan stall just behind the library bus-stop which sold an awesome plate of tahu goreng and mee rebus. And I remember how, Mim (Allahyarhamah Mim...she passed away in an accident in Australia a few years back) and I, used to go to the library to do our research in History and we'd go to the National Museum (as it was called then) to look at the historical artefacts that were on displayed. I remember looking in awe at that giant of a skeleton of a... err....(let me check with mum...) a whale! Yeah that's it, a whale! Long before they had the Discovery Channel and National Geographic on cable tv, we had the museum and the library to educate and amuse us...

And when I was smaller, way before the Esplanade was even thought of, we had the National Theatre or Panggung Negara as it was known in Malay (Malay being the National Language at that time mah...).
This was where the Talentime and other entertainment events were held. I'm proud to say that I once performed in the theatre when I was in the Malay Dance Club for RGS. I think it was the SYF. After that, meaning after its demolition, we performed at the Victoria Theatre. What's so unique about this National Theatre was that on its ground floor, was an aquarium that housed some exotic fish - this was again, long before they had the Underwater World at Sentosa built. The building used to be an icon for tourism posters and even made it to our dollar note (ehem...a long time ago lah of coz). Let me see if i can find a pic of it.

Yup! Here it is...
Built 1959. Demolished due to structural problems in 1986.

Yeah, and long before they had the Sentosa Musical Fountain (which will also be gone soon), they have this fountain in front of the National Theatre that used to amaze me to bits! I used to think that that thing in the middle there looked like a leaked sampan that had water sprouts coming out of its mid-section. (Dun laugh, I used to think that babies come out from the belly-button...).

*Gulp* there's a lump in my throat as I remember all these. With the exception of the National Museum (now renamed the Singapore Museum), the 2 other buildings which I used to be a part of, are now no more in existence. What exist now are just memories of what they had been and how I had grew up with them. At least they are alive in my memory. Soon, they'd be forgotten, I'm sure, as more people my age start aging and well.....gone and none left to tell the story.

It's hard to stay alive isn't it, even if it's just in the mind and memory...

Hangover...

2007-08-13T16:40:00.000+08:00

Nooo, not from hard partying and drinking...but from slacking at home,enjoying every minute spent with the hubby and my kid(s?).

Yes, im blessed to be in good health (despite the occasional palpitations and short of breath), with a loving and caring hubby, a mischievous but adorable son and my daughter whom i miss so much (u may wonder...heh).

The National Day, the much-looked-forward-to long holiday came and went, just like that. The NDP wasn't the NDP that we used to enjoy. I dunno...there was no ummph and I'm so disappointed with this year's Singapore song. I mean...what's up with the "I've crossed the River Kwai but I just don't know why..."? Just because, 'why' rhymes with 'Kwai'? Then why not:-
I've crossed the River Kwai
But this is where I wanna die... (referring to singapore of coz...shd read btwn the lines mah....)
I'm sorry Mr Jimmy Ye, but...yeah, I'm no songwriter but this song jusk sux! I really don't understand what's the hoohaa about the unmentioned 'Singapore' in the song, coz to me, it won't make much of a difference anyway. And to think that it had to go through a panel/committee that's responsible whether the song is a go or no go.

And honestly, I dozed off halfway through the parade (at home) OMG! What were they thinking? C'mon, be honest peeps, wasn't it boring? You might disagree with me but this is just my honest-to-goodness opinion.

My aunt (my mum's 4th sister) from Medan, Indonesia came on Saturday. We fetched her from the airport at 11 pm. She looked so haggard and gaunt. She had an ops recently to remove one of her kidneys. I hugged her and told her to rest and enjoy herself and hope that she'd gain some weight while she's here...

Althought I'm struggling with some things at the moment, I've learnt to relax a bit. In 4 months' time everything will be settled, I hope. Then everything will be back to normal, I hope. Next year, would be a new beginning for me and hubby at least. We want to start everything on a clean slate this time round. I'll be off to a new school and he would start on his new career. Yeah, no more mr army regular and as for me...no more Yuying Yuying...

Can't wait for next year...wonder how's the hangover gonna be like...

Bourne again

2007-08-11T04:00:00.000+08:00

Hubby,Epie and I watched the Bourne Ultimatum. It was awesome and i think Matt Damon was the perfect choice for the role. I agree with hubby when he said that the Jason Bourne character is more believable than James Bond (well...with the exception of the latest one starring Daniel Craig). He gets shot, he gets hurt and what's interesting is, he doesn't use sophisticated gadgets to get himself out of trouble. He fights like a true man....with his own bare (sexy!) hands....*sigh*. I'm a sucker (nope, no pun intended) for guys with strong, manly hands (i love yours too my husband....*biting nails*) and although Matt Damon is not those typically handsome heroes with killer bod and eyes that could melt hearts, he has that certain rough and rugged-cool looks that only old woman like me would appreciate *heeee*. Sorry peeps, but Pierce Brosnan's James Bond turned me off and only Sean Connery and Daniel Craig got my nod (like real!). Well, some may disagree about him being more believable coz he survives all kinds of mishaps, accidents and bombs hurled at him...but hey, if he dies early in the movie, there won't be a movie on the Bourne Triogy rite? *shrugs*

Hmm...on the topic of movies, you'd know by now that i love action movies. My all time favourite would of coz be The Indiana Jones series. I just read in bewilderment and delight when it be told that they're gonna shoot and screen the latest instalment of the Jones' movies with Harrison Ford helming the leading role(again) at his age!! Bewildered becoz I just couldn't imagine how Mr Ford would be seen jumping trains and lashing out that whip of his! Whoa! Delighted becoz i just love an old fashion adventure movie! I don't like to watch sappy romantic movies in the theatre simply becoz i hate crying buckets *sniff-sniff* when it comes to the sad, tug-at-your-heart parts. I'd wait for the dvd and cry my heart in the comfort of my bed or the couch - thank you. Other movies worth my $8/$9.50 would be the horror flicks. Yeah...nothing beats scaring the hell-out-of-your-pant(ies) than watching a horror movie in a cinema where you can even hear the slightest wisp of a breath through the fantastic sound system. I'd leave the much-talk-less-action-intelligent movies to the dvd...

Let's see...i've covered action,romantic and horror movies. I know, i know...i would't leave the most important one out. Altogether now...RA movies...yes. So far, and I swear this is the truth, i've only just watched one and it was in French - the unforgetable, Irreversible starring the very very sexy, Monica Belluci. It also starred her real-life husband whose name i can't remember *sh**.
Anyhoos, he's the one who starred in Ocean 12, the one who could do those impossible manouvres through the lasers to steal the huge diamond? Yeah, that one. So, to me, it's ok to see a real-life husband and wife frolicking in bed (yeah rite!), making hawt lurve for all the world to see. The only bit that unsettled me was the 10 minute scene where Monica Belluci's character got raped in the tunnel. There was so much hype and talk about this scene that it overshadowed the true message behind this artistic movie. Well yes...sex sells.

And then, there's the local films done by our local directors. I'm not biased. I love Jack Neo's honest portrayal of Singaporeans be it in I Not Stupid or Homerun. The short film by Royston Tan, "15" was another of my fave. And there's this short film also starring Tan Kheng Hua (sowy...i can't remember the title - grr) featured recently in Star World. And there's this one about the boy who had to stay with his grandfather while his mother goes to work. My God! That's what I called superb acting and directing! I cried watching that!

However, call me bias or prejudice or plain 'mengada-ngada'. Did u watch the APM? I was telling my daughter, the very reason i dun listen to malay songs, be it in malay or indon. Did you hear the songs sang? Tell me, i prithee, aren't the songs all sound the same? The song, the lyrics? Case in point...

Lara

Percaya kataku itu hanya kisah lalu
Diri sendiri jalani hari
Lupakan semua mimpi yang semakin jauh kini
*
Pergilah saja dari sisi tak perlu kembali
Cukup sekadar lara sepi sampai di sini
(2x)
Cintaku padamu masih ada
Diri sendiri jalani hari
Lupakan semua mimpi yang semakin jauh kini
(ulang*)

Diri sendiri jalani hari-hari
Lupakan semua mimpi yang semakin jauh ini
(ulang *) - means repeat

This particular singer kept repeating the song over and over and over again just to showcase her vocal poweress! God! there was nothing to reflect upon in the song. It was't a song to remember and to simply put it...crap!

Why isn't there any uniqueness in the songs today? Why do they all have to sound the same? Dun get me wrong. I dun totally hate malay songs. I've mentioned before, i love traditional songs, songs that has meanings like that of Zainal Abidin's,some M.Nasir's songs and some Ramli Sarip's. Simple but meaningful. And every morning, when my mum turns on the radio, old songs from the 70's and early 80's are played on the airwave. They never fail to bring a smile to my face. With the exception of the songs they ripped off (from the US or UK) and made a malay cover version out of them, i think the originals in the said era were just remarkable and dare i say, still evergreen.

And this one...so poetic and simply beautiful...

Gurindam Jiwa

Tuai Padi Antara Masak
Esok Jangan Layu-Layuan
Intai Kami Antara Nampak
Esok Jangan Rindu Rinduan

Anak Cina Pasang Lukah
Lukah Dipasang Di Tanjung Jati
Di Dalam Hati Tidak Ku Lupa
Sebagai Rambut Bersimpul Mati

Batang Selasih Permainan Budak
Daun Selasih Di makan Kuda
Bercerai Kasih Bertalak Tidak
Seribu Tahun Kembali Juga

Burung Merpati Terbang Seribu
Hinggap Seekor Di Tengah Laman
Hendak Mati Dihujung Kuku
Hendak Berkubur Di Tapak Tangan

Kalau Tuan Mudik Ke Hulu
Carikan Saya Bunga Kemboja
Kalau Tuan Mati Dahulu
Nantikan Saya Di Pintu Syurga

Lagu/Song: Wandly Yazid
Seni Kata/Lyrics: Hamzah Hussien
Petikan Filem/From the Film Soundtrack: Gurindam Jiwa

Aww....u dun have to know the meaning. Trust me...it's damn beautiful...

ONE in a Million

2007-08-08T23:35:00.000+08:00

I read in awe about this m'sian man's rise to his 1st million (bux). He's the one who recently gave a talk on how to become a millionaire. As much as I wanted to attend the much needed 'advice' on how to become one, the ticket price was way beyond my means (you know, it's that dreaded period of the month, just days before the payday, when we call ourselves 'broke').

So,i did the next best thing. I looked up in the net to read about him instead. In it, he gives his 2 cents worth (altho' it's free) on the hows and whys and whats in order to be as successful as him, giving tips on how to start up a business, why is it important to see the strength of our competitor rather than their weakness, what to name our business,so on and so forth. He has this section where he calls his "1 minute tip". It gives useful insights on how to succeed as an entrepreneur - IN THE WEB WORLD. Yup! This is the very place where he started it all when he was only 18 and became a millionaire at age 25! The first thing that came to my mind was, damn, his gf/wife is lucky! And damn! He has good looks to boot! Hehe.

His formula seems so easy but of coz it takes guts and not to mention a certain amount of intelligence to get to where he is right now. He said, we need to set goals. Hey, that's what we're taught in school and that's what i hold true until today. But hey, I'm still a zillion cents more to being a thousandaire...not to mention a millionaire *grin*. I guess it all boils down to that oft-missing equation we all wish we have - the 10% luck! Which reminds me of this song by Fort Minor...

This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name!

Corny...i know...ah well.

And so, i read on and on and voila! i was motivated, inspired and turbo-charged to make a difference in my life. I think it's possible. Just that, sometimes we need that door, window or at least a hole of opportunity to open up so that we'd get a foot or a toe to start it all. Yeah...reminds me about this guy and his bro.

The older bro happens to be married to my ex-colleague during my airline days. The younger bro, i just knew him a couple of weeks ago. The point is, these 2 bros are just ur normal dudes, one working at the airport as a cargo hand and the other...i have no idea what he does. Another point is, these 2 bros are not degree or masters holders but guess what? The younger bro was earning $300k for the past year and the older one, whom i know pretty well, is well on his way to the same mark of earnings. When I met him recently, he told me he once earned $3K on a day's work and rest assured, lest you are wondering by now about what he does...it's LEGAL and not against any law at all. He also told me he is debt-free for the first time in his life and he could happily give his wife, a housewife, $500 a day! On the day I met him, he had sent his wife and 3 kids on a shopping spree...oh! what bliss, i thought....

I've yet to find that window of opportunity and i guess i still have to work my butt off to earn that meagre sum of money i call my pay...Anyway, alhamdullillah...im grateful, just that i think, Allah won't want us to sit back and relax and be contented with whatever we have right now as I'm sure he won't 'mind' it at all if we make a change to better ourselves, our well being and our family.

I read in a newspaper recently, stories about these families living in an estate in our island Singapore...Most, no, all, are Malays. I shook my head in disbelief when i read the article which was on the two full pages of the ST - with pictures attached. One that caught my eye was a picture of a young girl, with a baby on her lap. Along with her were 7 other younger-looking kids and smack in the midst of these young kids was a woman, who obviously looks older than the youngsters, all made up and quite nicely dressed. The story that came with this pic? Well, the young girl with a baby on her lap is actually 18 years old and she had left the ITE to take care of her 8 siblings! *Gasp!* The woman (who to me, still manage some time to dress up and put on makeup for the photo shoot) is their mother. As expected, she is a single mum as her hubby is in jail. Her 18 year old daughter gotta take care of the kids coz she's taking a massage course to at least get a job later to....what else? Raise and feed the kids! When the reporter asked her why give birth to so many when it's obvious she couldn't afford it, she simply shrugged and said, it just happened and laughed after that. Another article carried the story of this woman who took in an elderly man simply becoz the man gets a sum of money from the welfare org. and she lives on this welfare money to rent a house for herself and her kids (i can't remember how many of them...). And how does she survive and what does she do? She begs for alms at the mosque and the pic does not show her to be incapable of working. I wonder...

In our pride and hoohaas that the Malays have gone forward, successful, highly educated and all, these are the peeps who make up the vast majority of the 'downtroddens', troubled, less-fortunate (out of their own deed or lack of luck thereof), really, the bottomest. I can imagine the hardship they have to face in this fast-moving nation of ours and I can imagine the struggle they have to go through every single day, even if it means to buy a sack of rice, a packet of sugar, a bottle of cooking oil. What may seem cheap to us (those earning maybe $2000 or $5000 a month) let's say, $4 for a bottle of cooking-oil, may seem quite a sum for others (those earning $500 or $800 a month). I wonder, how many families in my block could actually go down to buy the Ayam Penyet sold at my void deck which cost $4 now after the GST increase? Previously it was $3.80. I know a family whose total family income amount to less than $1000 a month. They have 3 school going kids. I worry for the kids. I hope they study hard and at least get a bursary or a scholarship. They seem intelligent. It'd be a shame if they would become dropouts just becoz their parents couldn't afford the high cost of education.

There are so many 'cripples' in our society. I just hope the vicious cycle is broken so that the kids don't have to live through what their parents had lived through.

How many millionaires are there in Singapore? I can't remember the exact number but I read somewhere it was a figure we could be proud of (for a small tiny red dot of a country...). I'm sure a few of them consist of our Malay/Muslim brothers/sisters.

My goal is to be ONE. Can? Possible? (I know some of you are smirking out there...heh...nvm, go on, smirk).

I can only say...Insyaallah...

Btw...Happy Birthday Singapore!

Piss*d

2007-08-07T08:57:00.000+08:00

I am very disappointed today...both of you should know why.

I MUST fast to repay those I had missed. ASAP!

I wish some people would mind their #@*! own business and realise that they're no longer wanted anywhere near....and stop making people's lives miserable can?! I know I would if I've left for another greener pasture. *hint-hint*
What's *effing* wrong with you? Get a *effing* life!

Ehem! The above rants (err..especially the 3rd para) were entered this morning right after Fairy told me about some'thing'. I, no we, just dun get it. Really. How could anyone be so thick-skinned? I mean, u dun see David Beckham going back to the UK and visit his ex-club, Man U and talk to his ex-manager, Sir Alex Ferguson ever so chummily do you????? He was the one, out of his own free will (and lots and lots of $$$ of coz) who wanted to go to the US of A...Can u imagine Beckham coming to the UK, then going over to Man U and telling Fergie that the captain is not following the legacy he left behind?? I bet the whole team would stick their middle finger at him and tell him to F.O!! I know I would....

So there! The angry Rat has spoken. I mean, what the hell??!!

And speaking of leaving for greener pastures...I just realised this morning that there are so many of us leaving. When the kids asked me why, I just din have the answer. I was dumbstruck myself at the number of teachers who will be leaving by the end of this year. I think, it is a good time to leave after 3 years or more. We just need a breath of fresh air. We love u guys (the students i mean) but we need to move on. It's a gamble really, coz we ourselves dunno whtr it is for the better or worse. But rest assured guys, we will always remember u and would come, as and when we're needed or invited (and not show our faces unnecessarily and unashamedly...). *Sniff*

Gosh! Tomoro is Zero7-cum-National Day-celebration. I'm really looking forward to tomoro as it means no lesson plan as there'd be no lesson! Duh... Yay! Just wishing that the pay is credited tomoro so we gals can go on a mini-shopping spree [mini coz that't the amount of money i can spend on shopping... :( ]

Mum's the word

2007-08-05T21:11:00.000+08:00

I've written this before. Was contemplating whether i should or should not. I think i should...

You see, unlike my mom, i'm very forgiving. I really can't help it. I dun hold any grudge especially if the person(s) concerned is/are my family. I used to say, I'd forgive but not forget. At a certain point, i ask myself, if i dun forget, i will forever have this sickening sick feeling in my chest that would explode for no apparent reason if i were to suddenly REMEMBER the things i dun forget. Get it? Nvm...

To whom it may concerned...

You can say that you and I, we are like 2 peas in a pod. For someone who carried you for 9 months...and then raise you, all of your 17 years, i think i have every right to say that i know you pretty, no, make that VERY well. I also know, i've not been a perfect 'nurturer' and i have flaws which i'm working on to eradicate. It's not easy and it's never easy. I've made mistakes in life which i wish you'd never make. But, i can't help but worry for you now.

Being someone your age is not and never easy too. I'm sorry i've (we've) put you through so much at such a young age. But, life has to go on. The lift won't go up if you dun push its button...damn...what a corny metaphor...I keep saying the same things over and over again and i know it bores u to death and the last thing anyone wanna hear, is hear me nag.

See, i enjoy the time we spend together. Like yesterday, when u accompanied me, sending adek to esplanade. I need that. You and adek are my support. It's totally different from the support i get from my hubby, ur stepdad. It's also so fun to have u beside me, looking through the retro fashions when i told u about the staff dinner i'm going on tchr's day. I love having you and adek around. I dun think u can say the same about me...I understand that you need to be with your friends, especially the bf...but everyday? Every week? Every month?

All I want you to do is set ur priority right. If you dun know how, i will guide you. But i dun think u need me for that either. I know i promised u about the "I dun mind paying for ur education" bit. BUT, dun u get it? I would do that only if you show me that you're disciplined enough and studied hard for ur exams. So far, you've not shown that. Nothing comes easy in life...Even a place in a private school need some papar qualifications. As i said in the car just now, do you want me to pay $5K for a similar course that u can get from poly which cost only $2K (tops)? Why? So that now you can enjoy as much as u want and u dun hv to worry abt doing well for ur N? Life is not all about shortcuts...there is no shortcut.

I was devastated (again...) when u told me ur going out (again...). If u could only see through to my heart...I told nenek and S that i won't cry or fight anymore. I dun wanna be the one pulling u and practically begging u not to go coz i think it's not gonna do me or u any good. It gotta be from u. U gotta realise urself. There is absolutely no point. I've put up an invisible shield. They would ask where you are and I'm sure there are talks abt u (and me) in school. I couldn't care less now, not that I dun care... I'd put up a nonchalence front but of coz, it is really out of pure ..... What else would i feel?

I may be wrong, but I felt used, i felt abused, i felt unwanted, i felt useless. I felt I've failed.

Right now, i just feel like going somewhere far. But then, it's really a coward's way of dealing with things. But then again, if i disappear for awhile, maybe, they'd appreciate me more coz that's how i feel now, unappreciated...Then again, if i'm no longer around at all, maybe they wouldn't have to take me for granted anymore and then maybe, they would be able to straighten out their life without me...Maybe, everything will fall into place only when i'm gone?? Coz it seems that life gets more and more complicated for them with this incomprehensible, non-understanding, pain-in-the-ass,naggy-bitch, whom they call mama, around.

I'm talking rot...

Meer has just pissed near the dining area and NOT in the toilet. Hubby said, his late cat used to do that and it's a sign they're about to die.

Please dun die Meer...not yet. Meer, my cat would always sleep with me. He would always snuggle against me whenever I feel sad and down. Meer would know whenever I am feeling down. He makes me happy just by rubbing his silky smooth body against my leg and i'd be relieved of any problems albeit just for a while...I think i've neglected him since the little kitten Zorro came into our house. I've kept Meer out of my room for the past few days and I think he feels sad. How insensitive of me.

Funny isn't it how we take things/persons/pets for granted sometimes? Only the knowledge and the fact that they're not gonna be with us forever does it make us realise how we'd miss them and treasure whatever time we're left with them even more.

If I dun realise sooner, Meer would probably sleep on the couch in the living room again...and when's he's gone, I'd never be able to feel him snuggle against me ever again...that's a sad thought.

But for now, Meer will sleep in my room. I wanna feel him cozying up to me and hear his calming purr that never fails to put me to a purr-fect slumber...

2007-08-02T16:03:00.000+08:00

Hokay....

I survived Thursday. An 8 period day. What more can a teacher ask? I won't complain coz I know I'm not the only teacher who has an 8 period day or worse, 9 periods. No joke. An 8 period or 9 period day would mean that we would have to teach for 8 or 9 periods straight which translates to NO free period in between which means - NO rest! Still - no complains...

Suddenly, i have no mood to post. Fairy, you'll know why when I tell you....

Bravo!

2007-07-29T11:26:00.001+08:00

Hubby and I were at the Fiat Bravo launch on Friday. We were invited as we're Fiat owners and so we got to witness the official 'unveiling' of Fiat's new baby.

Hubby has been eyeing this new model eversince it was featured in the Fiat website. I, on the other hand, couldn't care less. Yes, FIAT is not one of those continental cars where you would find rampantly on the roads. Think of it as a rather low-profile car which would cross your path only once in a while. The marketing strategy is very subtle and you don't find lavish advertisements splashed in the newspaper or magazine on this particular brand of continental car. Nevertheless, it's a damn good car firstly becoz FIAT owns Ferrari and secondly, Ferrari's engineers engineer FIAT cars too...I digress...

So there we were at the launch. We were the first few to arrive. Hubby was waiting for his 'boss' who has intention of trading-off his Fiat Croma to the new Fiat Bravo, as a gift to his wife (everybody now....AAWWWWW...). Ok, I digress again...

What irked me about this event was not the event itself but the invited guests of the event. For once (well maybe twice or more...) I would agree with someone in school that students should be taught from when they are students in school that it is VERY VERY RUDE to be talking when SOMEONE is on stage, addressing the audience and talking about the very object that they (the audience) came for. The SOMEONE concerned was not just anyone. He is one of the key personnel of FIAT who was flown all the way from Italy to grace the event.

Ché mazzo di idioti! - which means "what a bunch of idiots!". I think this was what went through his mind while addressing the crowd and 3 quarter of them were busy talking among themselves. Babies wailing??? What the heck! Why do you need to bring your babies for such an event for? Not as if he/she has the power to decide whether you shoud buy the car or not...

In the midst of him talking, I think he had had enough and did what anyone would naturally do. He actually went "SHHHH!!!" and I could see how exasperating he looked. Poor guy! Thank God, he only had to talk for about 15 minutes. I really pitied him and felt so embarrassed by the behaviour of those IDIOTI!!! (idiots in Italian...) Bravo! (not)

I just read the newspaper today. Whoa! I salute the newly wed couple for that more than lavish and extravagant wedding! We would normally smirk if we read about such things in the newspaper but I think with his acclaimed earnings per annum of hundreds of thousands of dollars, I'd say, WHY NOT! Bravo! If you can well afford it, yeah, why not? I'm sure some would say, it's a waste of money and he could well have saved the money etc etc. I would like to think that the man, Mr Fadzli, has done his wise calculations and that he would, in no time, be able to cover back the expenses he had splurge on his one in a lifetime wedding. Of course, some red-eyed 'monsters' would say...what the hell for??

On that note, would like to add that I was accepted to 'graze the ground of another field.' So all in all, 4 teachers will be going. Sad? Yes. Happy? Yes. This is what I call...mixed feelings...Bravo? I dunno...

Tingkap Pecah

2007-07-27T10:07:00.000+08:00

Translate: Broken Window

There's an exchange of emb's going on in school right now regarding the above topic. I shall not 'disect' what it really means but just wanna give a shout out to Wimal...YES!

I had the exact same sentiment when I first saw the missing alphabets. It could be the weather, the wind to be precise. If those photos were meant to make an impact to the 'Broken Window' phenomenon, then I think, like me, many others would have thought otherwise. However, I can fully understand the implication that the person is trying to drive at.

Too often, students who do not fall under the category of the 'perfect' examplary student would almost always be 'condemned'. For obvious reasons, the person who 'comdemns' them might forsee their unfortunate future. But I would ask, WHO are YOU to tell (the future?). I have fellow bloggers who post entries about their friends who, in school, would fall under this category but when met recently, are living pretty well. For a person who had been caned almost every year, yes, according to this blogger, his friend turned out well...

I am not saying that students who get caned, played truant and dropouts would ALL be living through a perfectly normal life after they've graduated from school. All I am saying is that, please, stop stereotyping these students and be quick to 'condemn' them as future vagabonds of this nation. Of course along the way, as teachers, we should tell them about discipline and what nots. Just can't stand it when some people start to label them as being hopeless and useless....

Btw, there is no guarantee that a well-behaved, highly educated person with an equally highly respected job would do the nation and his profession proud. Case in point: Yesterday's news about a trainee doctor who placed hidden camera to catch nurses changing or peeing (??)....And horror stories about teachers???....I REST MY CASE.

Of Friends and Foes...

2007-07-26T16:02:00.000+08:00

Running out of ideas on what to title my blog. Anyway....

I decided to just draft the previous post as I realise that more and more people are reading my blog. I went down to the General Office and Lina, the lovely and sweet office administrator asked me how do I manage to take care of 3 cats. At first, it made me wonder, how the hell did Lina know about my cats coz I've never told her before. Then she said she had read my blog and I was like...uh oh...yeah. Don't wanna step on anyone's toes...just being cautious.

Alhamdullillah, I visited the other 'pasture' and was told to have a feel of the 'greenery'. It was up to me whether I want to graze on that field or still 'starve' on the present one. Hehe...nah...it isn't that bad actually. I could still nibble on some of the grass that grows along the border of the field, just scared that I might slip and fall into the drain next to it...wahlau...so feeling2...

After yesterday, I realised how lucky I am to be working with an excellent team of people I called MY COLLEAGUES, not only from the Art Dept. namely Dzul, Rani and Mr See, the others are equally fine people too. My closest of friends in school, Fairy, Ida, Shaz, Jali, Amy, Latha....What do you expect when you've worked together with the same people for over 3 years. We may have our misunderstandings or tinie-winie-squabbles (which is seldom actually), but we still cherish each other's company at every available opportunity (or free time rather). I'm really gonna miss my friends from my first posting school. I'm already feeling a lump in my throat as I'm typing this. But sometimes, we just have to let go of something so precious so as to treasure them even more. I know I will....I'm just so damn bloody grateful rite now!

I just dun understand when people tell me that they've experienced back stabbing, bad mouthing and what nots from their colleagues and so called friends. Well....we had our days rite Fairy with-you-know-who, but KIND people like us just dun bother to 'layan' this sort of childishness and kiddish behaviour. In fact, ALL of us tolerated it. I just have this to say to that person, if he/she is reading my blog. We've always known what you talked about, about us! We just dun bother to confront you coz we think you're just not worth the trouble. We just went along with your childishness becoz we don't want to stoop to your level. WE..ARE..ADULTS..Even if we do confront, I would say, you would stand your ground and not admit you're wrong. It would be too troublesome to argue and really, we're just tired of hearing the same complains over and over again. We are NOT perfect and so are you. Noone is...

I believe every dog has its day. Every rooster has its cock. (err...i made this up..hehe). Anyway, to me, someone who constantly points the mistakes and flaws of others are the ones greatly flawed themselves..coz everytime you point your index finger at others 3 more fingers are pointing back at you.

I dunno why I usually end up being so philosophical when it comes to this. And it seems that this blog entry is solely dedicated to him/her which is bluek!!!!

So...I would end my entry with this. I felt so touched today when an ex-student whom I taught in Sec 3 and 4, came to see me during one of my lessons. I just smiled gleefully when he came a knocking at the door politely asking for my permission to see me. I was so glad to see him, simply because, he remembers me and bothers to look for me. Not only that, I still remember how, when I first came to his class, I nearly quarrelled with him big time as he was playing the 'staring' game with me. I was just a 'new' teacher then. I knew nuts about being a Form Teacher and that was my first form class. Then I befriended the chief among them and told him nicely to ask the others to co-operate with me. First few months were hell as they clearly made life quite a misery for me. But as I took them on in Sec 4, things began to change and I realise, I really really genuinely care and love them.

I just have this to say to Justin from Sec 4H of class 2006. You brought tears to my eyes this afternoon not becoz I'm sad but becoz you made me so happy when you said these words..."Cher, I really regretted not treating you well. You are such a good teacher and I didn't treat you well..." Gosh!!! I nearly Tsunami-ed the floor with my tears...

Dear Justin and my other beloved students. You don't have to treat us VERY well. We just need to be treated like a human being with respect and understanding. After all, we're all human.

I'm glad I chose this path, though difficult and heartwrenching it might be...just a short visit and the simplest of words say that IT IS ALL WORTH IT!

Busy but Happy

2007-07-17T14:05:00.000+08:00

I'm pretty busy at the moment. Dunno what I'm busy about. Despite this, I still found time to catch up with my friend, Rin as we met up for her signing up of the venture that I'm in at the moment. I was ecstatic when she called. Usually, I would be the one running around like a crazed woman, looking for 'clients'. However, this dear friend of mine brought out a new sense of confidence in me....cheydebah! Hehehe....yeah. Thank you so much Rin...

We also met up with Freda. It was great to meet old friends like that. Not only to talk about business opportunities but also to remember the good ol' days from MAS. The boss, Hajar, wasn't around as she was at the Expo helping her friend for the Bridal Show.

Rin, her fren Z & her daughter and I, went over to Rin's house. It was a blast I tell you! I have never enjoyed myself so much! That thing we did, Rin, well at first it 'scared' the hell out of me but later, I knew it was just in the name of fun. The coffee and the pickled mango were yummy!!! And S said thank you for the ayams...hehe.

I felt so happy being with my friends, especially old friends. With Freda, it's always about business and money and I've got to thank her for the 'murah rezki'. Alhamdullillah....I keep muttering this word coz I'm really thankful to Allah for listening to my prayers. With Rin, it's all about deepening my knowledge in Islam. I'm so glad I have them as my friends.

I am blessed and blissed....

Peace....

2007-07-12T09:16:00.000+08:00

I'm calmer now. More relaxed. Alhamdullillah.

It's true. Times when you think that all is lost...but...the mere mention of HIS name and I am at peace. The recent 'outburst', palpitations and what nots could be because of the hormonal 'changes' in my body since my miscarriage. Top that up with some other problems which I am facing...

I've learnt to take deep breaths and relax. At this moment, it's not possible to sit on the prayer's mat to pray, 'bertafakkur' and recite the Quran. I so want to read my Quran again! Oh! How I wish this 'best friend' of mine would go away soon so that I could don the telekung and pray again. I want to cry my heart out to HIM and seek his guidance and love. At the moment, I could just tell HIM my problems through soft whispers in my heart. Still, I've already found peace. Thank you Allah...

I still couldn't fathom what happened to me those few days. It had never happened before and I am determined it will not happen again. I gotta be strong, like before.

Tonite, I'm treating my family to a sumptious dinner. I wanna spend more time with them now. My kids especially. I wanna be more organised now. I wanna put my life back in order (not that it isn't), just a little better than before.

I don't wanna give up on anything now.

I wanna live...Lillahi Taala...

Breathe in, breathe out

2007-07-11T12:30:00.000+08:00

Eventually, it came to this. The climax of my down and out phase.

I was watching Oprah when suddenly I felt a sudden searing chill going through my whole body. I was lying on the sofa, like I usually do, when I jolted up from my lying position and sat as I held my chest. My chest, my abdomen, my tummy felt as though something was pressing against it. I felt sudden constrictions which made me breathless. The air didn't seem to enter my lungs and I was gasping for it. It wasn't the first time. The first time I had something like this, I collapsed, thinking that that was the end of me. This was one of the many 'attacks' I had in recent times.

I struggled to stand and knocked on the bedroom door to wake hubby up. I told him I couldn't breath. My whole body was cold and it was shaking. Hubby gave me a glass of water and I chanted some prayers before taking tiny sips of it. After awhile, the breathlessness subsided. I could breathe normally now. My kids kept asking, "Ma, what's wrong." I didn't even have the energy to tell them what's wrong with me. I just went straight into my room and put myself to bed with hubby holding my hands all this while. Tears streamed down. Why? I dunno. I hate feeling like this, crying for reasons I am not sure about or dun even know. It's pathetic...

I'm okay today. I'm not depressed. Just being human I guess.

Down & out

2007-07-10T08:53:00.000+08:00

I'm kinda feelin' down these few days. It has something to do with work, something to do with family and something to do with MYSELF!

Somehow, I feel that I have no will to be a teacher, no will to be a mother and worse, no will to live anymore. I may smile and laugh coz truly, I can't lay down my troubles and share them with my friends as they already have their own troubles and problems to deal with. Sometimes, I try to be strong again like I used to but I guess I'm depleted of any strength anymore...

Hubby got quite a share of the brunt when I went berserk with my emotional rants last nite. It was horrible, to say the least. I realised later, that he was helpless when he saw me like that. I'm just glad that I have him to support me emotionally. I need that, badly. Then he said something that made me think and reflect (aahh...the oft used and popular word...). He said to me, "You are not like this! I married you because you are a strong person. I remember you as being that gal with guts and able to go through life with perseverance and determintation. Don't crumble like this now just because....". Yes, I've crumbled...well almost...

I told him, I could only take SO much coz I'm only human! Then I realised that part of being human is to face such 'obstacles' in life because living in this world on this borrowed time is about all that! It jolted me to realisation of what/who I was before.

I was a single mum. It was the most difficult part of the journey in my whole entire life (at that point of time). I tried to be selfless thinking only of my children. They were so young and innocent yet so effected and scarred. It wasn't fair, I told myself. The one to suffer was me and only me. I struggled to make ends' meet. Only God knows. My mum was with me, yes, but you know how it is, when you are being mothered (smothered rather...) by a mother who seems to think that you can't make decisions (the correct ones) and not capable of ironing out the 'creases' which appear quite frequently on the piece of cloth I'm donning called 'life'. (Notice I use present tense as my mum still treats me as such). Thus, I refrain from complaining about alot of things because I'm grateful that my life turned to the better...until now. No, I'm not complaining...some things just don't feel right.

I wanna feel better...but I can't, now...

CAtS!

2007-07-08T16:00:00.000+08:00

Cats galore!
This is Tukam...weird name I know. My mum gave her this name because....err nvm

There are 2 cats. In the background is Tukam who is still sore about the new cat being brought in by the hubby. That's the new cat in the foreground. His name? Zorro. Why? Go figure...

More of Zorro.

His leg looks as though it has been twisted but it's not.

We found Zorro at our void deck. Hubby has been eyeing him for quite some time simply because to him, Zorro is a 'perfect' cat. Reason: He has a long tail. My hubby is a sucker for long-tailed cats. (Bias!) My 2 other cats Meer and Tukam, both have short or stunted tail but I love them all just the same.

So Zorro is his pet pet now. So manja with the hubby that he sleeps under his armpit every nite. I just told hubby to be careful not to crush the poor animal....hee

07.07.07

2007-07-07T20:22:00.000+08:00

I couldn't resist it. I just have to type this date.

We came back from school. Yupz! School...A fren of ours got married in school. She chose this 'historical' date to be solemnized as a married couple with her beau and she chose the school to be solemnized in. Despite the hassles earlier, all went well. Fairy and I, well, we are happy that she finally decided to settle down. We think it's about time.

Well, today was also the first time my friend saw me drove the car. It was 'hysterical' as she witnessed how I'm being 'bullied' by the hubby. So now you know! Heee...

Gosh...I'm watching the Life Earth Concert on TV now. I must say, they're trying their best to raise awareness about the cimate being in crisis. I hope to play my part too. Not that it is the IN thing but rather it's the RIGHT thing to do. I'm just afraid that we might just be too late. If it is...then we know that the end of the world is near...

I'm rambling aimlessly here. I seriously don't know what else I should talk about. Forgive my nonsensical train of thought.

Hmm...let's see...shall I post some pics? I'm beginning to think that my blog is kinda boring. Yes, I know, some of you out there are nodding in agreement. Hehe. Well ok. Actually, I'm quite a private person. Shy lah....nvm. Let's start with pics of my cats k.

This is Meer, the 'eldest' one.
He'a quite an old chap but I love him coz he is so manja with me.

He's not that fat but with his butt at the edge of my sofa like this, he just looks adorably 'fat'.

He responds when his name is called...

Aww....

Will post the pics of my other 2 cats, Tukam and Zorro soon.

Fairy in Paradise...

2007-07-06T08:49:00.000+08:00

Not cloud 9 my fren...you are in paradise!!

I'm so happy for my friend Fairy. She has just got engaged. A small but definitely significant affair I must say. I fully agree with her decision to make it a small but joyous occasion. I'm sorry, have nothing against those who make it such a big and grandious affair...but, I dunno...sorry hor...

So now, you're a mini-bride (literally...heeee). Nowadays Fairy is so glowy and radiant! Fuyoh! Next year full-time bride already! Then the next month, in April...full time mum-to-be, then in 9 months' time, full time mum and maybe housewife!? In new school some more! Hoping the best for you my dear.

Anyway, I'm so happy for Fairy. She deserves to be happy. Everyone does for that matter.

Ratnah HAJI RAWI

2007-07-02T03:05:00.000+08:00

It's 3 am and I'm still up, all fresh and energized. Luckily it's Youth Day tomorrow (err..this morning rather). Think it's the long 'nap' I had in the afternoon. I realise I'm easily fatigued and sleepy in the afternoon. My hubby thinks I'm expecting...I dare not speculate. He'd even asked me to buy Predictor from the pharmacy to be sure of my condition. It'll wait. I can wait...

We managed to watch Transformers yesterday in the wee hours (12.55 am show to be precise!). I told him he could go with Epie but Epie had his night cycling activity with Mendaki. Princess was busy with her own stuff. I am not a die hard fan of such movies and so, reluctantly, I agreed. We tried unsuccessfully to book 2 seats via online. I think I tried more than 10 times. Eventually hubby said it'd be better if we just go personally to book the tix ourselves. The freaking server! Shouldn't they at least make it more accessible? The respond kept coming back as "High flow of traffic...please try again." Urrghh!!!

As expected, the cinema was near full house. We didn't get the good seats of course and had to be contented with the ones which were 6 rows from the screen. And as expected, yours truly dozed off several times during the movie as I had a severe neck ache and really, I didn't find the movie fascinating at all. Yeah sure, the cartoon series was a hit in those days. They should have just left it at that, a cartoon. Ah well, the hubby kept nudging me as and when every new characters transformed themselves. I think I'd enjoy 'Simpsons The Movie' better. I saw the trailer and it was damn hilarious! (Spiderpig, spiderpig....LOL!).

This morning's Berita Minggu carried a pleasant article. It is their 50th Anniversary and they had articles on how the newspaper 'blossomed' from its humble beginnings to become what it is today. I flipped through the pages and my eyes immediately got fixed on a heading that says....Dalam Kenangan...or In Memorium...My heart was beating very fast. I said to myself, they better not forget him. They must have his name printed and run at least a bit of a story about him. There were 8 people (all passed away) featured....and my heart skipped a beat when at number 7, was the name I wanted so much to see....my father's...Haji Rawi Ahmad...

They told of how he had continued his service in Berita Harian as a freelance photographer even after he had retired. He was affectionately known as Pak Rawi. They said that a mention of his name, and everybody, during that time, would know who he was. Yes, my father was a bit of a 'celebrity' of sorts. Even as a humble free-lance photographer, he was well-known among the common people and 'bigshots' alike. I remember my wedding day (the failed one...), many VIPs were invited including some Ministers, MPs and the Mufti. When he passed away so suddenly, they came to his funeral too.

My father was well-liked because of his friendly and easy-going nature. He took pride in his job and he tried his best to give his best. I used to help him typed out receipts for his 'clients' and he would give me some money as payment for my effort. He took photographs for wedding, special events and formal events too. I regretted hogging the phone at that time. He kept telling me to put down the phone as he was supposed to receive some important phone calls regarding the jobs that he was assigned to do. I regretted feeling that my father didn't understand me. At that time, we didn't have handphones. The only phone in my house was placed in the kitchen and I would sit for hours' long, yakitty yakking, while my father waited anxiously for his job assignments via the phone. How selfish of me...

Occasionally, I would suddenly cry when I remember him. I miss him. A lot. On the day of his heart attack, I was at work, in MAS. I barely started work. I received a phone call and immediately rushed home. It was morning. I remember seeing him laid on the bed and he was so cold when I touched his forehead. I remember he held my right hand tightly as if he didn't wanna let go. I remember looking at him, crying as he didn't say a word. I remember wanting him to say something to me but his eyes looked at mine as if to say, "I'm afraid...I'm not ready to leave you yet...". I remember feeling his cold hand in mine. I remember the ambulance that came to take him to hospital. I remember how scared I was of losing him without saying goodbye. I followed him to the hospital by cab. I stayed there till evening. It was then that we got to know that my father had a massive heart attack. When I came into the ward to see him, he had wires all over him. The nurse was feeding him with porridge and he signalled weakly to me to come over to him. I did. I held his hands again and this time, I was the one who didn't wanna let go. The nurse asked me to leave as she said he needed to rest. I should have stayed. I should have...My mum asked me to go home...I should have stayed...I should have.

At home, I prayed so hard that God would keep him alive. It was not meant to be. I received a phone call from my mum asking me to clear the room and take out out all the batik cloths. She told me not to cry and be strong and to take the wudhu' and pray...It was nearly dawn. My father had passed away...on 21st May 1999.

After that, I dreamt of my father everyday for a week. I told my mum about it but she, engulfed in her own sorrow I guess, wouldn't hear any of it. I knew why. She might be wondering, how could an adopted daughter had that much impact on her foster father or rather how could a foster father had that impact on his adopted daughter that she could dream of him after his death? Well I did mak. I dreamt of him for one whole week and the dream was the same everyday. On the seventh day, my dream ended when I walked up to him, hugged him and told him how much I miss and love him. I saw a smile on his face as he walked away. I felt at peace. I managed to say I love him as I failed to tell him that when he was alive. I always took him for granted...

He may be my foster father, but he was (is) always a FATHER to me. He was the one whom I pilloned-ride to school and back on his Lambretta and then Vespa. He was the one who pacified me when my mum beat the hell out of me when I played with matches (and almost burnt the house down!). He was the one who carried me and took me for a walk when I complained of breathlessness. He was the one who never laid a finger on me when other fathers would have caned the living daylights out of me. He was the one who bought my favourite magazine at that time, 'Funfair', without fail, though it must be quiet a burden on his pocket. He was the one who bought the season bus stamp so that I could take the bus to and fro without any hassle of paying with coins. He was the one who, in his soft-spoken, quiet ways, showed how much he loved me, unconditionally.

I love you Mama...(as he was affectionately known. He was a Boyanese and we're supposed to address him as Rama, meaning father). I miss you so much. I pray that you're placed in heaven together with Rasullullah. I hope to see you there one day too...Alfatihah, Haji Rawi Ahmad....

TGIF!

2007-06-29T09:33:00.000+08:00

Aaahh.....at last it's Friday.

But alas...LOCD tomorrow would mean that we have to be in the company of the students and teachers yet another extra day, when I could have spent my precious time with the family. No, shall not complain anymore. Will strive to lessen my complaints as I was inspired by a certain someone, featured in the Oprah Show who advocates a "Complain-free World". Yup! This guy (I can't remember his name, but I think he's a pastor). Will continue later....I have to go now!

General Knowledge You Might (Not) Know

2007-06-21T23:52:00.000+08:00

I got this from my friend the Tattoed Blogger's(Noel) blog. He's one of my VIPs and an old friend of mine...

1. Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
2. Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.
3. There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
4. The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
5. A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
6. There are more chickens than people in the world.
7. Two-thirds of the world's eggplant is grown in New Jersey.
8. The longest one-syllable word in the English language is "screeched."
9. On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag.
10. All of the clocks in the movie "Pulp Fiction" are stuck on 4:20.
11. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.
12. "Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".
13. All 50 states listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial are on the back of the US$5 bill.
14. Almonds are a member of the peach family.
15. Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
16. There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.
17. Los Angeles' full name is "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula"
18. A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
19. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
20. Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
21. In most advertisements, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.
22. Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
23. The characters Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street were named after Bert the cop and Ernie the taxi driver in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life."
24. A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.
25. A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
26. A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.
27. It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
28. The giant squid has the largest eyes in the world.
29. In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.
30. The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
31. The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.
32. There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball.
33. "Stewardesses" is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand....now you know everything!!

Thanks Noel. I hope you're doing fine and not get sick again... (:

Care & Cry

2007-06-19T11:28:00.000+08:00

A friend sent me this, with several others actually...but I like this one best coz it's so true. I mean, if you read carefully and deeply, you can actually visualise yourself/ourselves in that kind of situation sometimes.

True, especially to kids nowadays. I'm sorry guys, if you are reading this, please don't be offended. I'm pretty sure some of you might be able to associate or identify yourselves in such cases. I know I can. I don't have to look far. My kids are prime example.

1. You guys would listen to your friends in a split second even if it means having to sacrifice your sleep when tomorrow is a school day. Would you take me a glass of water if I lay sick in bed at 3 am in the morning? Would you grumble? Would you say to me, "Don't you know that tomorrow I gotta wake up and go to school? Can't you take that glass of water yourself?".

2. You would go to great lengths, to beg, steal or borrow to buy that 'special someone' a birthday or anniversary gift. Would you do the same to me? Most probably you'd think I have enough money to buy myself something. It's not the gift guys...it's the thought. Have you ever spent a thought about me?

3. Time spent with me is so 'not cool', boring maybe. Time spent with your friends are precious coz they are your friends and so, you'd rather spend a whole lot of your time with your precious FRIENDS than me, your family.

The list can go on. I could write 1001 things to reflect the saying above. In the end, the people that matters most would eventually be your family right? Does it apply to both of you too my children? I would give my life for both of you. Would your friend, bf, gf do the same? I would cry, even to the point of praying to God that I'd be the sick one whenever when you guys are down with fever. Would your friend do that? I cannot imagine my life without the both of you. Can you imagine your life without me?

My point is...what is a downloaded or installed stuff missing from the computer compared to your sibling? A provocation, an insult that would hurt him/her? Speaking of hurt, does a beating, a smack, a slap solve anything? After this morning, I vow to do something. I vow to make both of you respect and treasure each other more than you treasure your friend(s), bf or gf. Not until they become your husband or wife!

There's a Malay saying "Air dicincang takkan putus". It means, no matter how you try to sever a running water, it would never be severed. The truth is, humans are trying very hard to contradict that saying and sadly, some succeed. There are only the two of you my children. You're supposed to look out for each other, look after each other. I won't be around for too long. Savour every moment you have with one another - with kindness and love. Not with quarrels and fights.

I love you...my Princess and Prince...

Speechless

2007-06-18T08:13:00.000+08:00

Yes, the title best summed up yesterday. We were speechless. It was unbelieveable, incredible and stupendously WOW!!

What would possibly be a night to remember turned out to be an UNFORGETABLE night indeed, for all concerned, especially for Fairy and moi. Whatever that could go wrong....WENT wrong. What more could 2 'kanchung spiders' teachers like us ask for.

D Day: 17 June 2007, Sunday.
Venue: Open field next to Tampines MRT
Event: Northeast Dance Festival 2007 - Dance competition.

Booboo number 1: How could I forget to buy the orchids for their hair?

Rectification?: Fortunately, the 'throw petals' which I bought from Little India contained some orchids which H could use.

Booboo number 2: The day before, Fairy had smsed me from KL asking me to buy gold crepe paper, those which they use for 'bunga manggars' during the Malay wedding festivity. It was actually a request from the dance instructress. (H, next time sms or call me direct can? Kecian Fairy...jauh2 dari KL smsed and called me). So, I, being the newly-appointed-Malay-dance-inexperienced-teacher-in-charge went to Popular Bookstore to look for the gold paper. I recalled during my bro's wedding, I had helped my mum do up the 'bunga manggars' using this particular gold and shiny-ish wrapping paper of sorts.

H actually meant the ready made frilly shiny-gold paper found in shops selling party stuff. Yeah, so there, I bought the correct shiny-gold paper, only not ready made. We had no time to go and cut them accordingly to size with its frills and all and stick them around the tambourine. (It was supposed to be wrapped around the tambourines we're using to contain the flower petals for the girls to 'throw around' while they dance).

Rectification for booboo number 2: H came up with the brilliant idea to cover the tambourine with 'bengkungs' which were nicely packed in a ziplog bag. She saw the 'bengkungs' while she was doing the girls' hair. (I tell you, H is one versatile woman! Mata kemana2 cari barang and idea to cover those tambourines). So I helped with the 'artistic' part which was to wrap the gold cloth nicely around the tambourine. Done!

Booboo number 3: The bus was booked early-early. In fact, I booked the bus on Friday, 2 days before the actual day. As per normal practice, I filled up the form accordingly, checked and rechecked the time, date and venue and handed the completed form for the office people to fax and confirm the booking. But...sadly, that was not meant to be.

We waited until about 6.15 and still there wasn't even a shadow of the bus' exhaust pipe. I had a funny feeling in my gut and true enough, when I called the bus company, they said they didn't receive any booking at all. Damn!

I called the 'office people', but my call was unanswered. I was pretty sure it was out of guilt.

Rectification for booboo number 3: By then, Fairy had decided not to wait and we sent the girls to take 2 cabs while Fairy drove the intructress, her makeup artist, an ex-student and myself to the venue.

Booboo number 4: We lingered on the field while waiting for our turn. I couldn't believe we did that when we would have all the TIME in the world to do something...which yall will know later.
The organiser informed us that our item would be at 7.50 pm. It would be after River Valley High's performance which was after the arrival of the Guest-of-Honour. So, Fairy and I, like 2 excited teachers that we were (are) plonked ourselves in the middle of the field with the rest of the audience to have a better view and capture the girls' performance on video (courtesy of Azura).
Our turn came, I switched on the vid-cam. The girls had readied themselves at the sides of the stage, waiting for the music and start the dance on cue. When, suddenly, we heard the all too familiar voice of Zubir Abdullah booming over...WHA...WHA!!!! Aaahhhh!!!! My head was spinning and my first instinct was to run to the audio engineers and signalled to them frantically to cut the music coz IT WAS THE WRONG ONE!!!
I so wished that somehow, some sort of miracle would happen at that PRECISE moment, like the CD suddenly containing the CORRECT MUSIC! Or, miracalously, the CORRECT CD was in my handbag. But it wasn't gonna be that simple....

We panicked, yes, we did...Our next instinct was to get hold of the CD ASAP and hoped that they would delay our performance to the last item. Thing is, the CD was in school!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!

The taxi queue was longer than an Anaconda (I exaggerate) and I couldn't book the cab coz the line was busy! Fairy and I decided that if she had no time to get the car and I got on the cab sooner than she got to her car, I would go first. However, I had to call Fairy to fetch me as there was no way I'm gonna get a cab and be on time!

So Fairy, drove like an F1 racer. I was all along telling her to calm down, to relax and to take it easy. It was easier said than done. Yes Fairy, I swear I was praying for my life (and yours) as you were driving and beat the ..... *ehem-ehem*.

We had promised Kaiming we would be back by 8.45 tops and so we were (no, Fairy was) really racing against time and those stoopid red lights!!!

Rectification for this really fucked-up nite: The girls danced. Without us around, while Fairy like a speed demon, driving and rushing like hell so that they could dance with the correct music, the real dance for the competition that is. The Thai Dance that they had practised so hard and the last thing we wanted was to break the girls' heart if they fail to dance the dance at all...Our hope dashed when H called and told me that the girls had used the SYF music and improvised the dance, and they were dancing as we spoke. Fairy was devastated and so was I.

BUT!!!

Allah is Great, Allah is Almighty, praise be upon Him. When I arrived at the field, holding the no-longer-needed-correct-CD, they were already announcing the consolation prizes and I was pretty sure we'd be in that category what with the big mess-up and all. As I stood there nearly crying, they asked the top 3 contestants to go up the stage and I saw our girls went up. I felt a sense of excitement as I bulldozed my way through the crowd with the vid-cam in my hands. As the girls stood with the other 2 groups, I somehow knew that the girls would clinched the Championship as they were so resplendent and poised in their costume up there.
When they announced the winner, it was pure ECSTACY!

We won...yes we did...against all odds we won. Danced with the wrong song and we won!

H hugged me. I've never felt so close to her like that before. Fairy was just...dumbstrucked. She was speechless. It was ecstatic! It wasn't a grand competition per se, but the girls deserve the win. They were professional and kept their cool under pressure. They were poised and confident. Although we didn't watch their competitive performance, the encore was enough to tell me that they deserve the win.

Well done girls! We couldn't be more proud! We really are....right Fairy? Fairy...err...Fairy....

My Pretty,pretty Niece,Raudhah

2007-06-07T21:27:00.000+08:00

Raudhah, after her trial make-up done by the princess.....

Raudhah, who's getting engaged on Sunday, 10 June, came over to my place for a trial make-up session with the Princess. She had asked my Princess to do the make-up for her as she didn't like the one that this ex-mak andam did coz, to her, it's too thick. So my poor 'amateurish lil' make-up artist' was so nervous that Ms Raudhah wouldn't like her 'artwork'. I managed to cajole her to do her best and not be discouraged or scared. At last, my Princess did a wonderful, wonderful job that I'm so proud of.

I only posted this one. There are other pics we took right after but I don't think it's wise to post them here as I didn't get her permission to post those of her without her tudung. I'm pretty excited for her and of coz for my bro and sis-in-law too. Maklumlah, nak dapat menantu. And my Mak, she kept shedding those happy tears as she told me, at least she lives long enough to see her first granddaughter get engaged.

And I assured Mak, InsyaAllah, she'll be around too when Raudhah gets married.

Brief Briefing

2007-06-06T11:32:00.000+08:00

Guess they don't call it 'briefing' for nothing.

Last night, at 7pm sharp (I'm now a sucker for punctuality since marrying an army personnel...) I went to this briefing by the Northeast CDC, who's organising a dance competition which our school is taking part. Almost always, we'd think that if there's gonna be a briefing, they would have something(s) important to impart and therefore our presence at the briefing is 'fatally' important. So there I was, seriously awaiting in my 'professional-teacher-like' manner. (Un)Fortunately, I met someone I knew - the Chinese Dance instructor who insisted that I sat beside her at the front row - though I'd rather sat somewhere at the back as per my normal practice. So yeah, while waiting for them to start on the briefing, we talked.

The clock already showed 7.15...bila nak game ni? 5 minutes later, a smug-looking fella (yes! he is really, smug-arrogant-talk-in-a-dunno-what-slang fella!) stood in front, greeted us with a good evening and started his ramblings. Then, "Yuying Secondary School"?. I raised my hand as would be the normal reaction when someone calls your name, in this case my school. He said, "Your's will be at 10 am." Then he started to roll call the other dance groups' names and even laughed at some which to HIM seemed funny. How rude! I thought it was so uncalled for! I wished that some of the 'pondan' dancers at the back would have given him a tight slap or two! That's why I said he was so smug! Dengan muka-muka skali....idiot! Ada ke, when one contestant asked him, what are the criterias or rules and regulations to the competition, his answer was simply, "Look at the notes we gave you, it's all there!". I looked at him in disbelief! And when my friend, the Chinese Dance instructor asked him about the duration of each dance, he fumbled and seemed not sure and then blabbed, it shouldn't be more than 10 minutes. WTH!
Lucky I brought the letter, with all the rules and regulations and what nots printed on them and showed it to the dance instructor and told her it was stated there that the dance shouldn't be more than 3 minutes. Now they're telling us it can be 10 minutes and not more??!!! Apa la dei!? So apalagi, the teacher in me pointed out to the smug guy about the dance being not more than 3 minutes, waving the letter I was holding at the same time. :<

Fortunately lah, there's this nice guy called Kai Meng (actually the Rosma girl had told me to look for Kai Meng, I thought it was a girl). He then patiently, read out some of the criterias and the rules on the paper and then clarified to us that they're being flexible about the time now. Alamak!!! Don't wanna tell us soon....Anyway, I think I know why. Judging by the turn-out yesterday, I don't think there are many participants....so....Yuying, I think we have a good chance to enter the finals....So yeah, with the host giving us shots of "Just read the letter that we gave you.", the briefing ended in 7 minutes or so. I even heard some of them saying, "Might as well don't come right?". Yes, I agree. If you're just gonna give us the time that we're supposed to perform, then it could be done through phone or email. No need to ask us to come all the way to hear your crappy voice coming out from a smug face! Why bother to brief us in the first place if you already look so unhappy? Even to answer some simple questions? Bodoh!

When I went down, hubby was already waiting at the side of the road. As I entered the car, he said, "Cepatnya!" (That's fast!). Hahaha. After that, we had our meal at the Prata stall at Century Square. I had plain prata and he had mutton murtabak. We both had our teh tariks (yesterday's ones mcm takde kick ah). We talked and had a good laugh or two.

Prior to the above:
Mak had gone to my bro's place that afternoon. Fairy came by to pass me the CD and I met her downstairs as I wanted to buy nasi ayam penyet for my bro's family. Since Fairy is family too, bought her a packet also, nice tak Fairy? Been feeling kinda crappy these days. Maybe tengah kering agaknya. Another 6 more days to pay day. Mcm lama gitu. Tak best kalau tengah kering gini, nak nak tengah GSS. Oh and talk about GSS....(Great Singapore Sale).

Recently in school, we had a meeting. While waiting for the 'Boss' to come, we chatted (although I didn't join in as I was in a non-chatty-mood...I must say, I was very quiet during that meeting.) So I just listened to the ladies and the subject of GSS was subsequently brought up. Then this particular woman said that she absolutely dislike GSS. The other teachers were asking her, "Why, what's wrong with GSS?". Coz isn't this the event of the year, that most people are looking forward to? That even foreigners flock down to Singapore to be part of it? Isn't it just like the Hongkong Sale, The Malaysia Mega Sale? The London, New York Sale..if ever there's a sale? I dunno...The question that came to my quiet mind was also, "Yeah...what's wrong with the Great Singapore Sale?"

Thing is, I'm one person who respect anyone's opinion. But when a person is trying to imply something out of his/her opinion, hmm....I began to wonder.But, please, I still do 'respect' her opinion though. This particular person said, "Aiyah, whatever is on sale are actually leftovers. No point. All old stuff..." - with a smirk on her smile and a proud-i-don't-buy-from-sale-kinda person look. Bluehk!!! I just rolled my eyes - albeit discreetly (I dunno how I did that when I'm sitting directly opposite her). How obnoxiuos can one get? A teacher some more!?? I guess the other teachers who brought up the subject must have felt so...well...small. Never ever bring up anything to this one high and mighty woman. I feel like telling her, "Look woman! Not everyone is born or is as priveleged as you. To you, the Great Singapore Sale is an embarrassment to a high class person like you who don't resort to 'a sale' to buy her stuff. Well, to some of us, this is a good time, if we have the money that is, to get whatever we think is of wise-purchases. By wise, would mean, buy stuffs that you'd think would not go out of season, like a pair of good black, beige or even white tailored pants that can go with any tops in your wardrobe. If they're of good fit and the price was $80 or $60 previously, slashed to 50%, why not rite? I think it's a good bargain. Leftover? I think not. Let's see that person buy the same pants when they're not on sale huh? Coz I know some of the sale items would be back to their original prices once the GSS is over, yes? Tell me if I'm wrong.

For me, I wouldn't be quick to rush to the GSS simply becoz there are other things on my priority list that should be settled first. Maybe if $2k sealed in an envelope labelled 'For your shopping pleasure' fell from the sky? Heee... (:

Nip / Tuck

2007-05-30T00:49:00.000+08:00

Okay...I will admit my mistake if I've made one and yes I was mistaken. The ( . )( . ) of Ms Japan aren't that bad when I saw the repeat telecast....they were of reasonable size. Fairy, you may be right about the the plastic surgery, but I think most of the contestants might have one or two under their sleeves (or other areas...). Well mostly under their blouse....I dunno.

If you ask me, anyone can be beautiful nowadays, just go to the Extreme Makeover website. You'd see the ugliest looking men or women, who has a face only his or her mother would love, turned into the most handsome and beautiful person, the same calibre to that of a hollywood star. So why not? A nip here, a tuck there. It's as common as getting a jab for that common cold. A clinic,at an estate where I used to stay, whose doctor used to be my family doctor, has now turned his clinic into a Botox haven for the wrinkle-free hungry aunties. Yes the heartland peeps are now jumping onto this Botox bandwagon phenomena. My general practioner who used to be this friendly neighbourhood doctor, whom I remember as one who (was) is very good at prescribing the 'right' medicine for us, has become this most sought after aesthetic doctor who can erase these aunty's wrinkles in a jiffy. The last time I went there, the clinic was packed. And most of the aunties were waiting for...you guessed it...what else?

Liposuction anyone? Haha! I even recommended hubby to go for one. Nah...he'll do it the hard and halal way. Exercise and eating right! Sure it's a struggle and would most probably take him 6 months to achieve his ideal weight but I'd rather he goes through this than have some doctors poking the living daylights out of his tummy and other unmentionable anatomy of his body!

On a serious note (as if the above isn't serious enough ehk?), well, tomorrow my dear sis-in-law's (hubby's sis) German fiance would be converting to Islam. Alhamdullillah....I pray that he's conversion is sincere and that Allah opens up his heart to learn more about Islam. I told my mum-in-law to ignore comments by 'anyone' saying that he just converted to Islam in order to get married to my sis-in-law. I for one believe that if anyone wants to convert to Islam, be it for marriage or out of free will, the best thing to say is - Alhamdullillah...we have an addition to our brothers and sisters in Islam. How would 'anyone' know whether his conversion is sincere or not? How? Niat or Intention of the Heart. Isn't that what Islam teach us? Our Niat is most important? If our Niat is not spoken and it be knoweth only to Allah, who are we to judge whether that person's conversion is pure or otherwise? Who are we to judge in the first place? I heard from Mama (hubby's mum) that a 'person' asked my sis-in-law whether her fiance knows how to pray? Is it fair? Why not ask the Muslim brother next to you sitting on the train, the bus, the queue at Banquet, your colleague the same question. Why be so fast to judge and put forth that question to the newly convert brother? Baik dan mulia sangat ke kamu? Dah kamu jalankan aqidah dan ajaran Islam dengan sesempurnanya ke? Oh my dear brother in Islam, there is alot for you (and me) to learn. A lot. That's why, I am full of respect for my cousin, an Ustadz. No wonder he is an Ustadz. There is no airs about him even though I know he knows so much about Islam. He is so pleasant to be around with because he puts you at ease. He doesn't chide you, not in a condescending manner anyway, and always puts on a smile when giving an advice or two. You instantly just want to listen and follow his advice, no questions asked. His children are all well brought up. One is a teacher and like her father, is very kind and very humble. No airs, no arrogance, even though she lives comfortably in a big house.

To me, if you've completed reading the Quran once, doesn't make you a complete Muslim. If you've gone to Mecca for your Haj, doesn't make you a pious Muslim. If you've fulfilled the five pillars of Islam, doesn't make you a perfect Muslim. Being a Muslim is much much more, yes? Subhannallah...Wallahua'lam.

Welcome David, welcome to Islam....

Ms UniCurse!

2007-05-29T11:04:00.000+08:00

Eeeeewwwww!!! I just have to blog about this. I've just wasted 2 hours of my life watching Ms Universe on TV only to watch in the end that Ms Japan won the title. WTF!!!

I was rooting for the Korean gal. She's pretty, she's sweet, she's beautiful, she's cute, she has the body!! At least if an Asian were to win, let it be Ms Korea lah. Ms Japan doesn't even deserve to be in the top 5 lah dei! I think the baldy deserves it more though I think she didn't win coz it would be difficult to place the crown on her slippery head. I digress.

The previous Ms Universe didn't look too happy placing the crown on her head...hmm...I wonder why?? I mean...c'mon, this is Ms Universe maaan...not some community centre or cheesy shopping mall beauty pageant. Helloooo, Ms Universe is suppposed to represent the most beautiful woman in the world and the whole of this universe. Even the aliens from Mars would cringe!

WTH...it's all over now. I bet there would be alot of hoo haas after this. Even Ms Singapore looks more beautiful when she stood beside the current Ms Universe to congratulate her. I wonder what made her win, what has she got that the others didn't. I know very well what she doesn't have that the others have aplenty ( . )( . ) .....howell.....

F&F

2007-05-25T12:41:00.000+08:00

Thank you again, Fairy, for helping me order the drinks for the PTC. You're truly a friend. And to return the so many favours you did for me, go for your classes in peace k, I'll do the Malay dance but, if any of the day I need and if you are free, can you fill me in dear....love you. Btw, I'm so very happy to read your blogs nowadays. I am one happy woman to see, listen, read about my friend being happy. I really feel you deserve the best and you've truly found the best. I think he is the best thing/man that could ever happen to you and I'm sure both of you will be the happiest 1. couple 2. fiancee/fiance 3. husband/wife 4. father/mother 5. grand...err..let's not go that far yet shall we...heeee.

I read in awe, I really admire these young people who have achieved so much at their age than I could ever achieve in my lifetime (well, maybe I exaggerate...). But really...wow! Kudos to them and sometimes, I told my daughter to aspire to be like them. But then, when I think about it, I'm just encouraging my daughter to pursue life materialistically...which I realised is so not right. But then again, with a little more $, life would be a little teeny-weeny-bit easier (well, a lot actually). However, to have a little bit more $ is something but not everything yes? I dunno. If you have lots of money but you can't enjoy it (coz you're bedridden or ill for eg), then what's the point right? But if you have $ and you're sick, you can have the best care in the world (case in point, MM Lee, PM Lee, Johnny Depp's daughter - just a few who came across my mind at the moment). They pulled through an illness which 'ordinarys' like us would have succumbed. My late father would be the same age as MM Lee if he was alive, if not for the massive heart attack that cruelly took him away from us. But then again, it was fated. He'd go, sooner of later, with or without the heart attack. Like my mum said, the heart attack was just a reason for his demise. But then again, my mum said, if we had known sooner and if we had $$ (lots of it), then he would have been given the best of medical care and maybe, survived. BUT it's all IFs and MAYBEs.

I was brought up to be prudent with money. I told Fairy and I think she would agree with me. Even if we have loads of $, we wouldn't go on a shopping spree at that instance just because....Really, I have nothing against people who spend their hard-earned money on designer stuffs because to me, if they can afford it, why not? I read recently about this certain celeb hairstylist who received a house-warming gift worth $9999. My immediate reaction to that was one of disbelief.... The name of the very generous friend was mentioned and I guess $9999 was like $9.99 to her ???. Or maybe, it's a very wise investment on her part. Maybe, she gets more than $9999 worth of gift from this celebrity person who's also known to be a generous person too? Aahh....the power of dollars and sense (?).

Many a times, my hubby and I would discuss what would we do if we have this certain amount of money. (Yes people, we indulge ourselves in this 'pathetic' activity once in awhile coz I believe we dun need money to day dream. It would just make us feel so much better after that and be contented with our make-believe 'fortune' hehehe). Depending on the amount money, I told him, I'd buy a condo, 2 condos if the money is sufficient enough. One to live in, the other to rent out. And if there is more than enough money after the purchases, I wanna quit my job, yesiree! I'd be that landlady whose job is collecting the monthly rental $. Yes, kaching!! How Sweeeeet the sound...........We would save half of the rental money to open up a business we have so long dreamt about. Wait, hmm...I think we'd rent out both apartments and stay in a humble HDB Executive flat instead...Blah blah blah blah blah....

I dun think I'd ever spend $ on a $300 Chanel blouse or a $400 Dior sunglass or a $599.99 Mahnolo Blahnik pair of shoes or a $3,500 LV bag - if I'm blessed with $$. I'd rather buy that $59 Mango blouse (which I still think twice before buying and in the end will not buy at all), a $49 good pair of Charles & Keith shoes or a Pretty Fit one or maybe a $200+ handbag from Renoma or Guess or Braun Buffel. Unless there's an 80% discount on Chanel, LV etc...(which I seriously doubt so) then maybe....I cringed whenever I read in any women's magazine which has in it's pages, a variety of clothes, shoes, handbags that cost almost as much as my one month's salary. Wow...they must have manufactured these stuff for peeps who probably get paid more than 10k a month in order to afford all those ridiculously expensive stuff! Or those privileged women or the tais-tais who will not bat an eyelid when they order/purchase these goods - but for us mere mortals? Not only would our eyelids flutteringly bat, our butt cheeks would wobble too!! Call me a cheapskate, I humbly agree...I am. Yes, their quality is superb, their workmanship is incomparable...but to me...a blouse is a blouse, a shoe is a shoe...and....yeah well. Have you seen how these designers live, their opulent houses? No, mansions! Their lavish lifestyle? All thanks to you...*wink*.

This is just one cheapskate woman's opinion. I do not expect anyone to agree nor do I think I am wrong (or right).

I bought the O Magazine recently. It cost a whopping $8.95 but it was worth every cent spent coz the articles are so damn good! (What do you expect from my favourite woman who owns and found the mag...Ms Oprah Winfrey?). It also has pages containing Oprah's favourite stuff which she recommends her readers to buy and I tell you, coming from the richest woman in USA, they're all surprisingly affordable and none of them boast a designer's label.

And hey....Mr Bill Gates reportedly still wears a Casio watch he bought a gazillion years ago when he was still a struggling computer geek. And look at his wife, so simply dressed and not a single bling on her. Hmm...and he is...the richest man in the world....

I shall sell my Rolex (shame on me!! shame,shame!!) and buy a Baby-G instead...heee.

Baby, take d wheel!

2007-05-22T20:36:00.000+08:00

I don't believe it...

Yes, I drove my mum to my cousin's house (he had undergone a bypass operation, heart attack) at Bedok North, ALL BY MYSELF! It was a Sunday. I've been putting this off coz of my health and the incident that happened. My hubby, in his mission to make me an independent and die-die-must-drive-no-matter-what person, refused to accompany me and gave the excuse that he wanted to clean the house. (I thought he was SOOO mean but true to what he said, when am I gonna be brave enough to take to the wheel myself without him beside me?). Worst still, my mum, due to difficulties wearing the seatbelt, refused to be in the front passenger seat. So, yeah, yours truly was driving SOLO for the 2nd time (1st time was driving my princess to Tampines Mall, on Saturday, which was nothing coz it was such a short distance) and this time, like a true-blue driver being given directions by my mum coz I suck at directions, even with a map...just ask Fairy, eh Fairy?

So I braced myself. Baca salawat, fatihah and 1001 other prayers. Any incidents, you ask? You bet! Turning from the car park to the main road, I misstep on the brake, stepped on the accelerator instead and the car swerved like a flash. The pedestrian looked at me with her jaw-dropping-look...hehe. Goodness, I could've hit her lah dei! So okay, took a deep breath and slowly drove meself out to the main road. So far so good...I asked mum...

Me: Mak, we're taking the Bedok Reservoir or Upper Changi Road?
Mak: Sembarang lah....jalan mana yang kau tau? (Any ways lah, which road are u familiar with?)
Me: (Huh?! Huh?! Huh?! Alamak...Must decide now, do I turn, U-turn or go straight??)

I decided to take the Upper Changi Road. Should be easy, take through Simei, then turn right at Spore Expo and straaaaaight to Upper Changi Road then turn right to Bedok North. Easy lah! (Cheh)

I reached my cousin's place in one piece! Phew! Now it was time to park the car which I dread so much. I parked successfully though...yipee...(didn't bang any of the cars on the left or on the right. Phew! again....)

The way back was ok too. Dun wanna bore you all with the details. Nothin much 'cept for when I began to park the car in my own residential parking lot at Tampines. Here goes....

I dropped Mak near the lift landing so that she wouldn't have to walk so far. I found a vacant lot and slowly reversed the car. It went in perfectly. Then, realising that it wasn't as straight and as in the box as I wanted it to be, I drove forward, adjusted it...perfect again. So I reversed to place the car nicely in the middle of the lot when suddenly, instead of hitting the brake, I hit the accelerator!!!

Wakakaka!!! I went up the curb lah babe!! The back curb!!! WTF! What if there was a lamppost, what if there was a tree? What if there was a child playing? I was like 'stunt' for awhile, composed myself and applied what I've learnt during my driving lesson. Put the gear to drive and slowly slide the car down. And I thought that part of the lesson was so unnecessary (I was SOOO wrong!!). I took out my hp, and true enough, hubby had been calling me. I had like 6 missed calls from him. He must be terribly worried and his worries were warranted...hehe, up until then i.e. What only!!! Rat..Rat...

I sat in the car for about 5 minutes. Embarrased even to go out! I was like, oh God! So many people could have seen that! Apa aku ni! I looked up to see whether my neighbours were standing at their kitchen or bedroom windows and had witnessed the whole stooopid incident! Hahahaha!!!! After that, I was laughing by myself, at myself, to myself. Bloody hell!!

I told my mum about it and she was laughing her heads off!! Yes mum, it was damn funny!! She warned me not to tell my hubby about it lest....well....But this was what happened when I reached home.

Hubby: So, how was it? Everything ok?
Me: Oklah...(solemnly), I came back in one piece right? Oh, our car is in one piece also so no worries. (With a proud smile on my face...Dia tak tau, padahal, padahal....hehe)
Hubby: You went up the curb right? I saw....you went up the curb.
Me: (Eh??!! How does he know?? Alamak...he knowslah...if not for the yellow light in the kitchen, he could've seen my face turned pale). No lah! (Basket! He spied on me isit? Don't trust me till he has to peer from the kitchen or bedroom window to see me park!! WTH!)
Hubby: True right, you went up the curb? I saw...(Smiling...)
Me: Heh heh heh...kat mana you saw? (Where did u see?).
Hubby: Kat Bedok ah...you naik curb when turning...(At Bedok, when you are turning).
Me: (A silent phew!) Hahahahah...you just guessed right. Nolah.....

Heee....No way I was gonna tell him there and then! But, today, I told him. Yes. I told him the truth and he was LOL! He told me he actually dreamt that I went up the curb. When he woke up, he was expecting me to call him to tell him exactly that and he called me to ask whether I was ok or not. He found it so amusing. I told him, that patch of grass (and the curb) must've had a 'traumatising experience'. I don't think anyone had ever done that before.

At least I didn't damage the car or scratch it. Alhamdullillah...more confident now and ready to drive my loved ones around. Now, to conquer my fear of multi-storey carpark. Just hope I don't go overboard and over the railing...when the time comes. Heh.

My hubby would flip...literally.

Audition

2007-05-18T21:01:00.002+08:00

I watched, I smiled. Thank you Fairy for the kind mention of my name this morning. Ingat jugak you kat member lama AEP eh? And because of your kind mention, VP came by to interview me.

VP: How are you Mdm Ratnah?
Me: Oh I'm fine now...(impishly and acting cute...bluehk!! *cough cough cough*) thanks!
VP: It's ok huh....there's always other opportunities (with a cheeky twinkle in his eyes)
I like you lah Mr Tay...you are soooo cute. If I'm not married....*cough cough cough*
Me: (Giggle giggle...and don't know what else to say!)
VP: I saw you in one of the slides just now. Were you involved in the Metamorphosis then?
Me: Yes, I was.....two years back I was....(my voice trailing...don't know what else to say...aiyah..you're so cute lah Mr Tay!)
VP: So, are you involved in this year's event?
Me: How to be involved when I'm not even in the committee?
VP: Hmm.....there's always the audition you know....
Me: You mean, I should audition for the Metamorphosis?? (wide-eyed, like one act cute old teenager like that? Cheh!!)
VP: Why not? (He wide-eyed too, must be thinking, aiyah...I'm just kidding lah)

And then, Amrit dismissed the students to their various venues and I'm saved from further interrogation. Hehehehe.....

I must admit I miss being part of the team. Well, I must admit too, I wasn't good enough lah, it's a fact. They need someone who is able to make decisions and I can't do that. I know with Fairy at the helm, the Metamorphosis this year would be another tremendous success. What with the incredibly animated Denise and the ever cheerful Wendy and not forgetting my comrade in Art, Dzul. I think the poster he did was superb! See, I would't be able to do what he did. So yeah, I think he was the perfect choice.

Ho well. At least, I'm of use in the Malay Dance as Fairy would be bz with the Meta event.

I want to make some dough!!!!!....Just do it! Impossible is nothing. (Nike side by side with Adidas...heeee).

RIP

2007-05-15T01:57:00.000+08:00

Nah...not rest in peace...retreat in prayers rather...

I have rested well. The tragedy has left us scarred but we have to move on. I've gone through this twice before and the pain, the disappointment, the hurt and the sadness....they are all the same.

I've extended my mc. Two more days of rest. Shall get back to work soon. In fact, I am working now. Alhamdullillah, during my recovery, a friend called. She opened a door of opportunity for me. Something which I can't resist. I called Anuar and asked his opinion about the matter. He's good at this, I trust him. His experience in this sort of things would be invaluable if I were to make a decision. He told me to go ahead and give it a try. Not much of a risk although, no pain, no gain. So I'll just give it a shot. I don't have time to be sceptical anymore. I would just have to give it a try....InsyaAllah....

Mother's Day came and went. I bought mak a bracelet and a ring. They don't cost that much but I think they will look good on her during my niece's engagement on 10 June '07.

Gosh...how time flies. It just seemed like yesterday I held her in my arms, played with her at our house in Toa Payoh, watched the videotape my bro took of her with his gigantic videocam (at that time, the videocam was huge, unlike the makes today...), where she teasingly danced, sang and smiled at the cam. She was the most beautiful, cutest and most intelligent little girl I had ever seen and I simply adored her, I still do...She has grown into a beautiful, respectable and bright young woman, about to be engaged and about to be married too...I hope she's found the man of her dream and that they'd lived happily ever after (I know it's such a cliche...but wth...that's what I wish of her....). I know my bro and my sis-in-law are very proud of her, so am I and my mum. We love you Raudhah...Te loves you...

I've erased off all my other posts (previous ones). I don't see the point of letting them be read over and over again.

I want to start over again....again.

agloco

2007-04-10T13:34:00.000+08:00

http://agloco.com.sg/

I love to read this girl's blog. And in one of her entries, she explained how she got her PSP for free! See, the thing I love about this girl is, she's not selfish. She got the PSP courtesy of this Agloco company. This company pays you when you surf as long as you register yourself with it. So guys, do me and yourself a favour and click on the URL above. It's not a scam and you've got nothing to lose.