Obsession

Not the perfume. Literally it is, the feeling I had after finishing of the year with I think a big bang event itself. Managed to overcome the resistance to step into the most overrated club in town, the six guys under the title NIDJI saw me watching them in action last Sunday 21st of December 2008. A memorable concert it was as after I saw Giring LIVE; I know...

He's the ONE.

My Husband?

Dean Koontz mentions his thought on qualities a husband should bring to his marriage, i.e.;

“Cherish her as a child of God. If you truly married for love, then it was not
merely her looks or personality that enchanted you, but her unique soul. If you
remember that the essence of her is sacred, you will treat her with respect and
have a sense of awe at the destiny that brought you together.”

So boys, who read my blog… be it you single, to be married, or married, please be inspired. I sure hope to have individual of that kind one day. As I have finished endure the suspense in book The Husband by Dean Koontz, the end words truly showed that he meant every words throughout the enthralling story. This one ends in two and half days! Phew.

After Finished reading that, I just got matched with THE LAKE HOUSE in one those quiz in Facebook, and got excited about it, because I am so into that film when most of my friends think the movie’s ridiculous. Then I saw Trading Spaces (one of the reality series on TV), then the hot carpenter named Brandon reminds me of how appealing that is to have a very handy husband one day. Hahahahaha. So, what do I want in a man? Just the kind that will appreciate me as Mr. Dean Koontz put it in quote above. Hmmm

The Unbearable Anguish

Perhaps I am the pathetic one. I felt helpless every time the loads of work thrown on me; it feels like a heavy burden pour upon the shoulder of a man even the strongest cannot handle it. At times I felt like I was pushed into the rink among the fastest horses rode by their jockey beating each other to finish the race with the glorious victory. The spectators will watch powerlessly in horror, the shocked jockeys wouldn’t even have a second to even think of next course of action to do in that very atrocious moment. Let alone them, I, the one in the middle of that commotion will found myself closing my eyes, taking all the pain men can bear with all good thoughts and life playing before my eyes. That’s not even close to how vulnerable I am feeling right now. Pause.

Okay, what’s with the Horses analogy? Well, I just finished reading Under Orders book by Dick Francis, a very good British crime story to fulfill my train ride time indeed. Horse, jockey, spoilt brat, wager.com etc definitely a fresh change in my book genre.

Continue. Anyways, back to my reality again. Do I have the right to hate the situation or the person that made me feel like this? Why do I suddenly let my vulnerability taking over my insecurity to prove that I am a very reliable and useful human being slash employees? Urgh! I do despise that superior persona though, the bossy, intimidating and big fat ass he is.

God… please do forgive me.

Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck

I don’t know what to feel after finished reading Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wjick by HAMKA after suggested by so many people. I am so mad at them that I am not sure what to feel exactly right now. Was it worth it? Sticking to the first love, wait your whole life for it, then when the time finally came, the egomaniac kicking in, and we lost it in the next instance. It was such a sad ending, I wish I can rewrite the whole love story again, like rewriting Romeo and Juliet with a twist… mmm… something to ponder eh?

Please guys, read the book, suffer with me....

Road of Less Travelled

Got the chance to travel to the East Coast twice this year, one with me slept through the ride on the bus until we reached the intended destination. The other one attempted recently on a road trip with a friend who actually had to go because of duty call. Taking on the opportunity of free hotel stay and ride, I decided to go along.

Land of Tok Nik Aziz
Kota Bahru, the rustic small town is certainly inviting despite not much to explore. After 7 hours driving, enjoying every scenic view, air and sounds of East Coast road along Raub, Bentong, Gua Musang, Kuala Krai etc, we finally reached Kota Bahru in the late afternoon. After prayer, we went ahead to Pantai Cahaya Bulan, a must itinerary for Kota Bahru. Ten minutes of looking at the big waves hitting the beach, and few snap of photos later, we were back in the car due to heavy pour. Then we spent the night at Kak Maizirah’s house, having dinner at home since it’s raining with Mi Kg Pek, spicyly yummy (and I don’t usually fond of spicy food). Next day, we gotta have breakfast with Nasi Kerabu, and so we did, it was a simple spread, and cheap. We checked in into Garden Riverview hotel overlooking the very chocolate-y coloured Kelantan River. WE then scaled Pasar siti Khadijah and THE Bazaar, scored one or two well-bargained Batik. As per everybody’s recommendation, we had lunch at Nasi Ulam Cikgu. Delicious large spread lunch and cheap! Yeay! Another round of Kota Bahru the next day; while Jojie’s working, then we are off to the next destination. One regret is that we never got to watch the original Wayang Kulit...

you gotta love Kelantan for this...

Land of the many mosques
Kuala Terengganu. The place where we should have bought all the batik (they say it’s cheaper in Kuala Terengganu) and Keropok, but due to time constraints there, all the purchase made in Kota Bahru was a smart judgment. Stayed in Primula Park royal Hotel, which is the best hotel stayed for the trip. Spent the Jojie’s working day with a friend who took me around town including the visit to the very recently famous landmark, Masjid Kristal. And then we are off to the last destination. And I was driving. Surprise! And I have proven again, I am indeed a reckless driver, and loving every minute of it. :-)

Last but not least
The final destination again has nothing much to see but a definite resting place for the long trip. In Kuantan Pahang, we stayed in the M.S Garden Hotel (I forgot to check what M.S stands are for). It is a very old and outdated hotel with not so friendly staff. Anyways, we went to Tanjung Lumpur, have a good Sata and a lavish seafood dinner which mostly were wasted because we were full with the Sata before. Tamak! Padan muka. Then we lepaking at Teluk Chempedak, looking at sunsets. It was a worthy jalan-jalan cari makan though. As if that wasn’t enough, we slept after dinner due to kekenyangan and went to the mall to have a round of Starbucks. What’s the deal? I am not quite sure; perhaps I just gotta have those because I saw the Starbucks outlet. Crazy! The next day we are back to KL before stopped for Keropok souvenir for family and friends.

Despite the constant raining throughout the tour, it was a good journey for me indeed, I finally step my feet in Kota Bahru, Kelantan… yeay!

Back to KL, work on the next day. *sigh* Tired…

Just after we reached home, since it is a monsoon season, Kota Bahru and Kuala Terengganu were hit by major flood. We are glad because we back before got trapped in that bad weather. But my heart still went to those whose home and lives were ruined with that disaster. When will this end? I guess pihak berwajib should be looking into better plan for those town so they won’t be experiencing this every year… please….

Andrea Hirata

Have you ever been swept away by series of words written together making number of paragraphs which then turned into chapters that made up a book. Well, I have. And it is very recent. These past two weeks have seen me making faces out of emotions I have gained by reading the master pieces by Andrea Hirata. A sudden phenomenon from Indonesia who has rocked the world of literature in his homeland and beyond. Not one but three of his books have made me captivated and kept me awake throughout my journey to work and back. All at once and right there, that very ride in that very train is an event I can’t wait when woke up in the morning and when rushing out of the office in the afternoon. If you were paying attention to me, (well, it might happen that there is one or two person actually been checking me out), you can actually saw a smile, a smirk, holding back tears, touched and many more emotions written all over my face, and it was due to the magical work of Andrea Hirata. Okay, coming from me who seldom read Malaysian’s authors work in Bahasa Melayu, and if I ever read them, I tend to browse through very fast only to know what’s the ending right there and then, no thrill whatsoever, I may exaggerate the work of Andrea, but he did and boy! did he take me in his shoes, look at things from his perspective, and dream the same dream he has. He certainly inspired me to be in love again with what I always have such passion in; writing (at least at my own level of literalism), art, people, culture and dream, dream away…


Laskar Pelangi
Although I am glad to that God give me an average urban life from childhood till now, reading Laskar Pelangi assured me that I will appreciate everything any kampung life gave me. People living near paddy field will laugh at how outsiders be amazed by such view, but if I happened to be those people living in that very vicinity, among the mountain, or by the sea, I would want to be like Laskar Pelangi who appreciates the beautiful life of their own village, their own native soil. With the opportunity given, I would surely hope I strive the hardest and be that very one from the kampung to enroll in Oxford pursuing one knowledge to another. It was so inspiring.


Sang Pemimpi
Like The Alchemist, in this book, Ikal gave me hope that anything can happen if we were determined to ensure dreams do come true, and as cheesy as it sounds, it does come true to them in the most sweetest memories one can ever experienced. And with the Dad Ikal has? I will kill to have one just like Pak Seman. The friendship and devotion showed by Arai made me craved for one soul I can always depend on for anything and everything. Though the love towards someone is portrayed beyond leniency and full of compassion, it is indeed and I won’t mind to have it in my world one day. I will always and never want to stop dreaming.


Edensor
The world of Europe and its surroundings never sound closer like Andrea presented in this book, he made it more beautiful, made it more desirable to travel. He reminded me the sweetness of the first love, of highest ecstacy in reaching the dreams and in the end, closing it with such gratifications towards faith and pure satisfaction one will ever savored. Oh and I hope one day I will, travel around the world.

Those two books were the best buy I got from Jakarta (one being already bought earlier), now I can't wait for Maryamah Karpov. And yes, Andrea Hirata will be that other person in my list of people I want to meet. Among Oprah and Sarah Jessica Parker. Hehe.. ahh.. mabuk kepayang aku...

Tentang aku?

This coming from a friend based on our chat conversation....

""1. kamu kadang kala tertutup
2. kalem
3. dibilang pendiem juga tidak, karena kamu pribadi yang menyenangkan kalau diajak bicara
4. kadangkala suka bercanda
5. berani
6. penuh pertimbangan
7. Kurang Pede... kadang sih
8. Smart
9. Sepertinya kamu punya rutinitas atau kegemaran yang jarang orang ketahui tapi menurutmu itu sangat menyenangkan
10. Sepertinya kamu tuh tipikal romantis
11. Mudah bergaul
12. suka traveling
.........................semoga saya salah""

Seems ok to me? what about you?

My Indonesia's Adventures

As if what I have told everybody isn’t enough, I have to write about it? I guess I just need to… Feel a bit off these past two days… gotta let something off my mind. So, where do we start? Hmm…

The capital
Jakarta is a very hectic town indeed. The worst traffic jam I ever been to. Lots and lots of people everywhere, crowded by the side of the road, the middle of the road and even on the divider. No space whatsoever to breathe. Okay a bit exaggerating. Despite all of it, to me: it was all very interesting to experience in another country. The crazier it gets the wider smile I have on my face thinking about it. And there in Jakarta, I score some good food, good shopping, good walk or rather run around town, and a very good SPA session… ahh, what a way to end 12 day trip that very last day. The best experience there was when we had a ride on the 'mikrolat' (a public transportation in a van) that were driven in reverse in a very heavy traffic with intention to avoid it during a peak hours. The driver managed to piss many people off, and we glad we arrived in location in one piece. Phew…

The Love Stop
Bandung. As you all know it is a town among mountains in Java, it is also a hectic town, a shopping haven and good food all around, too bad my stomach failed on me on my first two days in Indonesia, yet; we still managed to go from one café to another, enjoyed every delicacy Bandung has to offer, yeay! The sick feeling in my stomach also caused an uneasy feeling during our shopping spree with Joj and Teteh Felis and has only caused me to not be able obtain enough things for my family and friends, sorry ya. Second day, after a visit to Tangkuban Perahu with Pak Agus, Felis and Joji, I continue the journey with another friend. And even with me not really fond of motorbike, I rode on one there with that very guy who was the focal point for me coming to Bandung. Suprisingly, not a single awkward moment felt throughout the journey, and it only make sense to travel by bike to the mountain and back rather than any 4 wheel automobile or It will take forever (or so I thought). The view of bandung and its vicinity from the top? Breathtakingly amazing! The exhilarating journey to the top gives me peace at its peak, and savour every minutes of the cold air and the beautiful scenery , eventhough with not much conversation conveyed, as there was a busy snapping session. The hot coffee and banana with cheese made a great companion, and the guy I finally got to meet face to face after being acquainted for years made the experience one I will never forget. Been so deep into it since the day back from Bandung, but now I am down to not to think about it so much. It was a weird feeling but it was good while it lasted on my mind and in my heart. *sigh*

The Backpacking
Now, this is the most important part of the journey, the one that made me captivated with the idea brought by Joji, so thanks Joj, for made me coming with you to this trip. It started with us anxiously driven through a traffic jam to the train station to catch the 4.45 pm train to Semarang. After successfully crawling out of traffic we then came across another obstacle with the law who said we took the wrong turn, (I didn’t really understand, maybe it’s Indonesia’s traffic violation or something). Rp 40.000 and without caring whatsoever in the world later, we found ourselves dashing to the platform (forgetting we do not have a good stamina) only to find out the train was late. Phew…

Everybody was touching their heart which beats like crazy and started to laugh it all out after boarding the train when it arrived. Imagine us missing that 7 hour ride train? Mbak Yuni will need to make a major reschedule to our trip and it will not be cool.

Semarang
After spent a night in Mbak yuni’s borther’s house, we started early for that day activity, we went around town, visit the famous temple, famous church and a very old and ruined office building which were used during Dutch-Japanese invasion. We then went to the famous Candi Gedongsongo which seeing me only managed to go up to the Third candi, Joj, Mbak Yuni and Mbak Adwi went all the way to no 4 and 5 and back. Candi number 6 to 9 is mysteriously invisible. Anyways, to my defense, I stopped to accompany Cici who were not feeling very well and had to go back down after the third (I am not tired ok, just lazy). Hehe. The view again… amazing! We ended the trip in Wonosobo, staying in a very low budget hotel; PARAMA. Joji demam at this point. Felt sorry for her, and all I can do is be as motherly as possible and took care of her so she can at least enjoyed the rest of the journey at her pace.

Wonosobo-Dieng
We started the second day with a new driver, Titus as our guide, and were off scaling Wonosobo and Dieng. Visited Telaga Menjer, Telaga Warna, Candi Arjuna and Banjarnegara. We also managed to watch a half hour history of the volcanoes’ site at the theatre. Had not so nice lunch, checked out and rush to Borobudur.

Borobudur-Magelang-Jogjakarta
Unfortunately, the borobudur was closed when we arrived, so the sunset view plan is cancelled and off to Magelang and had a very nice dinner, with o God, I forgot the name, something tauhu, kinda like our Tauhu Bakar in Johor Bahru but bigger portion and lots of tahu (then again, Indonesia is very generous with their food portion, all large, made for two). We spent the night in Mbak Adwi’s hometown home, which is the best place to rest for me throughout our 5 days backpacking journey. Ibu Mbak Adwi is so tiny but a very powerful hardworking old woman I ever met. The house is huge and immaculately tidy for a one person living in it. I was so happy; I slept like a baby in the living room, in front of the TV. Yeah… me and tv, inseparable.

After a good night sleep, we had another new driver, and off to Jogjakarta. On the way, we went back Borobudur and to Magelang to scale Ketep Pass, planned to see Merapi mountain from a top, unfortunately, it was raining, we can only see fog from the peak, few pictures snapped, a bowl of noodle soup and a jagung bakar later, we off to scouring the rest of Candi and Beaches before finally went to long awaited Jogjakarta. Arrived very late in the afternoon, managed to visit Mbak Yuni’s friend, Mbak Adwi’s brother and finally spent the night at Mbak Adwi’s cousin’s home in long awaited and the very final town in our trip itinerary, JOGJAKARTA.

Mbak Indah, Mbak Adwi’s cousin took us cruising Jogja town at night, we had supper in a much dimmed lighting café at the roadside where most of University’s undergraduates always hang out. Had a very nice pulut bakar and Nasi kecil? (similar to nasi lemak), yes I ate both. Gosh! The great entertainment for the night, a man dressing like a warrior dancing with his very loud Indonesian traditional music on the road by the café… the highlight of our very tiresome day indeed. Unfortunately, I didn't capture it on camera, I am such a bonehead in the camera capturing area, I tend to not quickly snap a good moment as I usually captivated too much by a certain moment I tend to rely it on my brain to capture it in my mind, which is a no-no lately when the memory have been down to 2MB. Gosh! anyways, gave the guy Rp1000 and off to cruising Jogja again before heading home for a good night sleep.

The next and the very final day of backpacking, we finishing off with a ride on a horse carriage, visited the famous Kraton and shopping spree for souvenirs at the Malioboro. It was crush time before catching the 4:45 pm flight (another 4:45). The purchase again all go haywired and I hadn’t had the slightest clues what I bought. Let just say, I ended up not giving anybody anything as souvenir… hehehe.. (Again, to my defense, this is not an attempt to ask for forgiveness for not getting you guys anything ya…)

After a gruesome long drive climbing up hills, mountains, winding road for five days, the only time I remembered breathing is when we landed back at Mbak Yuni’s house. But it was all worth it. I fell in love with Jogjakarta. I think I can settle down there. ;-)

The return
Phew… the trip was awesome huh. I hope I do justice with the story telling. I wouldn’t want to write the names wrongly and have the wrong memory written in here but I do have to put this in writing so I can have this in written as another proof of my attempt to scale the earth and witnessing amazing place starting at our very own Asia. I know I have a LONG way to go, but this is a heck of a start. I fell in love, fall out of love, met a lot of good people of Indonesia starting with Mbak Yuni. Their hospitality is ridiculously amazing, I felt weak with all the care and aid bestowed upon us, Joji and I. Thanks also to Mbak Adwi, Cici, Teteh Felis, Hanny, Corey, Jersey, Mbak2 lain yang aku lupa namanya.. maaf ya, for being so friendly and made us feel so close to home and smiling at all time. I apologize in advanced should your visit to our country won’t promise a first class service equally to what we received in your homeland. I cherished the friendship and forever have you all close to my heart. Thank you for the amazing journey I will never forget.

Tak Perlulah aku Mengelilingi Dunia…

That is at least after my recent trip to Indonesia and after watching the most amazing movie called Laskar Pelangi. This might sound unacceptable to some, but after 12 days travelling from Jakarta to Middle Java and back, enough to make me fall in love with the nation, well, that is another story.

As for Laskar Pelangi, it was certainly different from the normal cheesy Malay/Indo love theme flick shown one after another. Even though Love also being the big part of this feature, the story about those Belitong kids keeping up with education and modernization with two feet held firmly on the ground manage to make me cried few times (although trying hard to hold back). Andrea wrote a beautiful story that the movie might not capture its best, but a very good job indeed. Kudos. Every scene touch my heart dearly. Even cooler that Nidji were chosen to write the movie’s OST. The song is so poetic and equally beautiful, enough to give me goose bump every time I hear it.

Laskar Pelangi

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mimpi adalah kunci untuk kita menaklukkan dunia
Berlarilah tanpa lelah, sampai engkau meraihnya
Laskar pelangi...Takkan terikat waktu.
Bebaskan mimpimu di angkasa, raih bintang di jiwa
Menarilah dan terus tertawa, walau dunia tak seindah surga
Bersukurlah pada yang kuasa, cinta kita di dunia
Selamanya...
Cinta kepada hidup, memberikan senyuman abadi
Walau hidup kadang tak adil, tapi cinta lengkapi kita
Laskar pelangi…Takkan terikat waktu
Jangan berhenti mewarnai, jutaan mimpi di bumi
Menarilah dan terus tertawa, Walau dunia tak seindah surga
Bersukurlah pada yang kuasa, cinta kita di dunia

Selamanya...

Maafkan bila ku tak sempurna II

Finally got the chance to watch Ayat-ayat Cinta on TV3 (or was it TV9?) although the DVD were always there in the rack. Anyways, in the tradition of movie made based on a novel, there had to be changes all over the place to fit into the two hour viewing pleasures or otherwise we’ll have to wait for two days for the ending. My advice to those who happened to be into it, go read the book, much much better perspective. So, what do I think about it? Being an emotional person myself, I had to shed a tear or two, well; there are few moments worth being teary about and ponder upon. This kind of movie always made me INSAF for a while, made me wonder if there will ever be a FAHRI for me out there (although there are few things I can’t agree with J) and will I ever be as close as AIshah being the bigger person? Mmm…

And while watching that, I was also preparing for tomorrow’s makan-makan with close friends with mommy and Siti, Siti is the mastermind anyway. I just went along with it. Why? Not that I am not a good hostess. One thing that I will never be excited about is the idea of cooking! I just am too lazy ok, not lazy, well, I am just not into it (just like guys can be NOT INTO IT sometimes). I can help with the preparations or tidying up, but cooking, I am just… uninterested. So, what will that make me? I wonder sometimes if that a reason God haven’t found a Jodoh for me, you know, human nature… bla… bla… men will like to marry someone who can cook ya? take care of their food etc. *sigh* And there was a question, “dah tu kalau hang suka satu2 makanan tu takkan tak nak belajar membuatnya?” Well, I can buy it right? Or pay someone to do it for me? I do cook a little bit though; sometime in a blue moon; when I Really, Really into it. Rarely, but I tried and will try it again, just don’t push me… please…

Then again, maybe it’s just me.

Perhaps I do need a pusher, not the illegal kind, the motivational kind. Believe me when I said (as you were being told more than once), I am the most DEMOTIVATED person in my world at least. I am still waiting for the day; I got inspired and eventually do something about it. It will be more amazing if one particular individual can find their way to my miserable so-called personality and change that about me.

Geramnya...

Yep, that’s my car. Yep, I am pissed off. Some nerve people have doing that during Hari Raya, while we were visiting friend. Grrr. What’s worse is when you will be blamed for this for the rest of my life, the “what if?” symptom throughout my pathetic life.

*sigh*

Salam Lebaran kembali

Selamat menyambut Aidil Fitri tahun ini. Semoga keikhlasan kita dalam bulan Ramadhan diterima Allah yang Esa.

Maafkan segala makan minum dan tingkahlaku saya ye bang.. ops sorry... tingkahlaku saya ye kawan2, adik2, abang2, kakak2, makcik2, pakcik2, tuan2, puan2.. dan semua yang lain.

Insya Allah... semuanya selamat...

Got this!!

Just got tagged with this... pretty cool. meant a lot.. thanks UYA! And here's what I visit regularly:

1. Adik
2. Atik
3. Tasha
4. Temah
5. Andrew

Enjoy.. and have the blessed remaining days of RAMADHAN...

??

IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...IN LOVE.. NOT IN LOVE... IN LOVE... NOT IN LOVE...

P/S: not quite sure, it's all so blur...

Salam Ramadhan

Ubadah Bin Somit ra. meriwayatkan bahawa Rasulullah SAW bersabda:

pada suatu hari ketika Ramadhan hampir menjelang: "Telah datang kepadamu bulan
Ramadhan, di mana Allah melimpah ruahkan di dalamnya dengan keberkatan,
menurunkan rahmat, mengampuni dosa-dosa kamu, memakbulkan doa-doa kamu, melihat
di atas perlumbaan kamu untuk memperolehi kebaikan yang besar dan berbangga
mengenaimu di hadapan malaikat-malaikat. Maka tunjukkanlah kepada Allah Taala
kebaikan dari kamu. Sesungguhnya orang yang bernasib malang ialah dia yang
dinafikan daripada rahmat Allah pada bulan ini."

Semoga ibadah di bulan Ramadhan tahun ini lebih bermakna, kepada rakan-rakan Muslim sekalian, ampun maaf dipinta dan semoga bulan mulia ini kita mulakan dengan hati sebersih-bersihnya agama. Insya Allah...

As for guide--> http://www.islam.gov.my/portal/puasa.php

Islanded and back...

People, I am back from the long awaited vacation down in Perhentian Island, staying in Senja Bay Resort; supposedly to get away from lots of stuff going on in August. Really glad I did it (Thanks Iza!). It all went down to Iza fulfilling the four days with Open Water Course and Tasha and me satisfying time with eat, sleep, soaking the sun and dip into the very clear ocean water along the Long Beach. It was like being in another country when surrounds with all those Mat Salleh… Occassional meet with locals caused us joy. Funny!

To sum it all up, I am happy, not too tired with all that mini jungle trekking and faux swimming… but I am contented…

p.s: O yea, I apologize boss for not picking up the phone…

Maafkan bila ku tak sempurna...

Just when I thought I faced everything there is in life, last Friday definitely a wake up call. In split seconds, the doctor saw the huge lump and decided I need an urgent Lumpectomy. So I did. I was on the operating table last Saturday, undergone the operation. And now am waited anxiously for the lab result on Thursday. Hopefully it will be nothing serious that could lead to radiation etc... Insya Allah...


Ya Allah, I feel so small sometimes in this big old place... forgive me for not spending more time with you...

Sex, NYC and Fabulousity

I did have something to blog prior to this entry. Something about seeing fairytale Beauty and the beast in the Musical and later watching the reality show; the apprentice all in the same week. It was like a jolted from a dream back to reality in a time machine.

Anyway, the thing I am about to enlighten is so much more worth telling, it is so marvelous I even relive the same experience in my sleep with me as the main character…

It began with the gruesome hour of standing in line for free tickets redemption to the most awaited show of the year. Never mind the pain later inflicted while heading to the train that gave me an ugly big bruise in the thigh, SEX AND THE CITY is definitely became my flick of the year, heck, and my life… O yeah, spent time watching it with my girlfriends made it even more awesome!

Set aside the O so fabulous “labels for rent” and the real labels flaunted around the beautiful NYC, I was drawn and still am moved with whatever Carrie Bradshaw and the gang brought on screen and eventually to my head. Among others that also got me thinking is:

1. While Cliché is overrated, I think it is always what a girl need. I won’t mind a dozen roses every now and then, a constant reminder of love assurance in writing won’t hurt and an old-fashioned on bended knee proposal will always, always be a perfect deal starter.

2. Those avant-garde and runway fashion dresses and such that did not make any sense, will always found me bring it if I had a chance to get my hand in it, well IF I ever in the RIGHT town.

3. And finally, yes, LOVE does exist and falling into it once in a while and eventually into the one that sticks will be super amazing! Now I become more anxious to one day to have that moment with a significant other and me.

Last but not least, perhaps a love letter to sum up the feelings I have for SATC…

Dear Me,

This may be weird that I would write (or type) a love letter or
some sort to myself but doesn’t it always have to be about me? (Samantha) and to
persistently believe that there will be the ONE for me out there (Charlotte); To
finally have that one as my very own family, the one I could go home to after
working hours (Miranda); all that and with the support of a fabulous friendship
that lasts a lifetime (CARRIE), with the happy ending in the end. All the above
will be the greatest gifts a girl can have.

Yours truly,
Yours truly.

The Malayneum Chronicle

It's been a while...

Since then, I constantly complaining about how my International passport is expired this December and only two pages filled and just two out of four stamps are foreign, yet, no holiday plan overseas got realized again.

Since then, I still am evaluating my purpose in the workplace with less and less enthusiasm to follow through the system, the bureaucracy and the stubbornness of my mind to be driven to labor fulfillment. Yet, no action done to change course of my corporate ladder climbing to success.

Since then, more and more fairytales got the best of me and when one of those dream of others came true, it only kept me wallowing on my fate and caused me verging on desperation, totally humiliating!

Nevertheless, these past months had seen me appreciating Malaysia as a whole, well maybe not the whole lempeng, but I tasted the good portion with a dip into a very delicious curry. Glad I am able to appreciate the country and all in it despite the hatreds and chaos being provoked, life should be endured, seriously, with a slight taste of humor along the way, in line with fuel and other’s price hike that is…

And so here it went

* The trippin’ vacation….

Be it a planned one or a business with pleasure opportunity, me, ma, sis and gangs manage to explore places and food for joyfulness. Johor brought back memories with a food feast moment as a good reminiscence, Malacca was a historical exploration with me appreciating history, Tuah, Melayu etc, I guess Port Dickson never boring, when one took their mommy hiking in the recreational forest hill this time and Penang with it’s very confusing road, an amazing road trip and a definite food haven for all penangites to be proud of. It was all now very close to my heart. Now, I can’t wait for my next adventure in Perhentian Island, well, more like relaxing by the sea reading books since I am terrified of water. Minus the adventure my friends will be experiencing (scuba diving and snorkeling) hope I’ll get the rest much needed for.

* The entertaining Malaysian…

With the ever irreplaceable legendary P Ramlee (who always remind me of my father), a Musical number brought us all back down memory lane definitely worth the time spent. P Ramlee The Musical managed to give me goose bumps and unending smile. Another movie by khabir Bhatia managed to get me to the cinema and watch another Malay movie, SEPI. Despite friend’s warning of a teary affair, not one drop of water coming down from my eyes. It was entertaining though… really.

So, despite me wanted to be American or Australian or whatever-ian, I am glad I am here, as a Malaysian in the homeland of Malaysia, But, if one foreign opportunity knocks, I am out of here… in a split! Traitor! Hehehe…

What else? With the recent office gossip about me among others? I guess I am contented for now.

Idol Updates

The final 12 of American Idol hopefuls were battling it up, for the first week today. I thought they are all wonderful, with a few of them kinda play it very safe. The theme was the ultimate selection that I would be the happiest if I were one of the contestants:

“Songs from John Lennon and McCartney Song book”

Who can ask for more than that? And the best to me tonight; Carly Smithson with Come together, Brooke White singing Let It be and Michael sang Across the Universe. Superb! I can just lost in it...

… Nothing’s gonna change my world…

seriously, any takers?

Powerhouse in small packages

Lil' Champs (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa) has ended down in Bollywood land, nevertheless I won't mind watch the repeat shows all over again (Channel ZEE, ASTRO). These Bollywood kids can certainly bring down the house with their powerful range of voices (Weird how I wasn't really keen with those local singing talent shows) To my defense, I think those Indian kids really really talented in singing all those long melodically challenged Indian songs. I salute y'all. This has been my newfound interest on the tele!

Laugh all you want... I enjoyed it very much, because the show made me smile, cry and wanna dance all night!

Find all about it here

The new squeeze...

Yep.. introducing this guy in my life right now, well, at least for a few hours every day or every other day. Isn't he's a cutie?

Funny Side Up! Wayyy up!

I remember when my friend used to call me a joker among our clan of friends. Those who surround me these days will be wide-eyed with disbelief when they hear and see this. But I think I have that gift once (or maybe I still have, I just don't realize it? i dunno...), making funny remarks most of the time, have them laugh out loud till they cried. What a memory.

Watching LAST COMIC STANDING making me wish I am one of them, proving I am actually funnier the rest of the world. What a way to living life huh? Make people laugh ALL the time. A remark made by one of the contestant gave a good wake up call, “it’s either suicide or comedy man”. And he was an accountant, the parents made him have a secure job, don't we all have that kind of parents? (I used to want to be an accountant so much once), and I thought I am the only stuck with my job.

I wanted so much to blame someone or something for me behaving this boringly, the appallingly stressful work life perhaps? I am instantly depressed the seconds I step into that building. The only thing that gets me going is the fact that I still need to dress up to go there. Being fashionable and having good sense of humour, what a great combination of the essence for a rocking personality to have at this moment huh? Yes indeed.

Or perhaps… with the unforgettable words of John Lennon's sang beautifully by David Archuleta today in the American Idol, maybe I can just stand up and preach this…

“You may say that I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one”

When all fails...

…there's always music to heal my soul. And while I didn't take leave this year for Grammy, the repeat telecast was just as sweet. From the first serenade by amazing duet of the late Frank Sinatra and Alicia Keys, to the next performance and awarded winners, the show definitely worth glued on the sofa for three hours (as if that was the first time I am a couch potato...) Anyway, all the performance was awesome, with 50th celebrated to the the max! A mixture of legends and new breakthrough artists made Grammy this year the most amazing event to remember. (Now I sounds like Grammy host or something...)

My favorites won, from the ever so controversial big winner, AMY WINEHOUSE to my hero Foo Fighters, Alicia Keys and my man, Michael Bublé, the Grammy certainly made my day... my awful stressful day at work. I am glad I am still sticking to what I liked best. MUSIC!

With five Grammy under Amy's belt, Rehab made me sounds like I might be a perfect candidate… for this:

"They’re tryin to make me go to rehab
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black,
but when I come back
You wont know, know, know"

And I am off… to never never land, dreamin of my making my next acceptance speech. SWEET!

H.E.L.P

People said “kawan ketawa senang dicari, kawan menangis seorang diri”, or something like that. And judging by my colleague’s/friend’s looks when I try to whine and whimper, I know they are tired of it. Peribahasa was derived from experience and when old generation brings that about to say about something or someone, it really is true. Sad as it sounds (especially to people like me) it is about time to hold any grievance to myself. All of sudden me being in peace about these things now is backed up by all the magazines this month which astonishingly ALL talked about stress management and be happy with ourselves. Even weirder when one of article that mention about ways to handling it and how people wrongly beat it before became an eye opener for me (I actually read all the articles this time). The article mentioned that talk about our bad/stressed-out day to colleagues or friends and by crying our lungs out behind close doors are actually a no-no. It won’t help diminish our anxiety; instead it only prolongs the grief further. Guess I have been doing it all wrong; no wonder I have lesser friends these days (well, plus me less hanging out with them lately) and more stressed out than ever. Anyway, suppose I have to be careful not to whine and rattle on about my dreadful days to others from now on, better start to learn to keep things to myself and diverted myself with something else I am at my happiest (yet to find what it is).

Until then, I do still need help by the way: (heard this recently on radio… just happened to be so appropriate…) Talking about irony.

HELP by The Beatles
Help, I need somebody Help, not just anybody, Help, you know I need someone, help. When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody's help in any way. But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured, Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors. Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being round. Help me, get my feet back on the ground, Won't you please, please help me? And now my life has changed in oh so many ways, My independence seems to vanish in the haze. But every now and then I feel so insecure, I know that I just need you like I've never done before.	Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being round. Help me, get my feet back on the ground, Won't you please, please help me. When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody's help in any way. But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured, Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors. Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being round. Help me, get my feet back on the ground, Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, oh.

Double dose of S-P-A

Went to Kelana Jaya and took mom to a SPA beauty house for a good one hour aromatic body massage that she really deserves last week. Siti have the same treatment and I decided to have the facial treatment at a promotional discounted price. And by 5pm we were rejuvenated, refreshed and are totally satisfied with the whole experience. I will get that massage later. Soon I hope, soon...


Back at the house next day, a letter with "Urusan seri Paduka Baginda" on the envelope was in the mailbox addressed to Siti. One good scream later (we are one loud family) Siti rushed to see what was it, and as what we have guessed, it is from the S.P.A. yes, the government sector. And guess what? She got the government job offer... mom was smiling from ear to ear, she just gulped and in her mind, saying (yeah, I am the mind reader), “I have to take the offer now or mom will be so devastated”. And she did... she’s just waiting for the second letter now (for the exact date to report for duty). Hmm, that sounds like she’s being sent to Afghanistan for war or something.


All I can say to that is, welcome to that part of the jungle out there sis... ONE particularly called the government sector...

yikes! (Whatever that represents...)

The death of the young Hollywood star

It's like an epidermic... one after another young Hollywood star is dead, only last week I heard about Brad Renfro's gone, which is tragically unfortunate. Then it's Heath Ledger... Lots of talk about him being depressed since the dramatic portrayal of the JOKER for the latest Batman Franchise, "The Dark Knight"... but, my theory is I think he has been depressed since Brokeback Mountain, and that's based on my personal thoughts which I rather not said loud and offended anybody (if it will).


Anyhou.... it is definitely tragic... two hotties down and hopefully the rest will stay sober and love life more.

REST IN PEACE...

For more juicy Hollywood Celebrity Gossip, here ~~> Perez

Muharram 1429H and counting

Ok, so I was envisioning about 2008 and what will the future brings, then I realized 1 Muharram worth more of contemplating. And to get things started, we got the news Atik is confirmed to further studies in Australia. She’s fulfilling my long lost dream, and I am so proud of her. Among all the fuss and excitements for the preparation, then only it hits me! She’s about to leave us for 1 or perhaps 4 years… I am going to lose the loyal company slash motivator slash confidant slash prodigy slash dentist on call slash etc you can call a best friend with! Well, at least for the next 24/7 times God knows how many days… but still…

Huwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Siti and I are preparing for the worst now. The house will become less noisy because of fewer people to argue with and any equal activity that sisters do… I hope Siti and I will get along well everyday, since no third person to turn to when we happened to be upset about some thing… hehehe… God help us!

Wow. I just don’t know how to react to that. I just hope this good news is the beginning of for more good fortune from 1st Muharram 1429H and beyond for her, for our family and yes, for all Muslims around the Globe.

Insya Allah!

So here we go again...

Enter yet another year eh?

What has it brings so far? Now that we are going into the 2nd week of January 2008?

Well... of course with style and more of Ms Jones to come and conquer....

Ms Jones kickstarts the year with:

· Attended a very funny pantomime called Aladdin:


… staged in KLPac... which happened to be our favorite spot to chill lately... pretty cool way to unwind after those busy, very busy days at work. Thanks a zillion again to YTL...

What else? The truth is... not all style after all... I am stuck taking care of all the mayhem in the office... plus same old same old... very... typical old familiar routines....

*sigh* --> p/s: what a way to start the year...

O yeah, check out the new video on the right pane... a current fixation to my ear these days

2008… still all good… and I see a bright future ahead of me… heh!