Weekend Bulletin

Friday Night

Hubby took us out for JAPANESE!!! It's been a while since I had Jap with hubby (since he totally hates Jap food!) and he was nice enough to take us out - after much pleading & whining!

Next, was deciding which Jap food outlet we should go to. Of course, if you ask me - I'd say "Equatorial Kampachi" ANYTIME!!! But that would be beyond our budget for this month. So we decided to try out "Sakae Sushi" @ Subang Parade!

This place is quite hi-tech...it has a monitor at each table where you can click on the mouse to order your food. Then they also have a Hot Water Tap for you to re-fill as much green tea as you want.

Seriously if you really want to be stingy or on a highly tight budget you order 1 Green Tea and refill until your drink doesn't turn GREEN anymore!!! hahahhaha

So I was content with the sushi selection on the conveyor belt (Just like Sushi King but tastier) while Hubby and my bro ordered their portions. I would have enjoyed and eaten more (especially since I was HUNGRY and CRAVING! >>Ladies you'd know that this is a very BAD combination!!) but I had to be the dutiful mother to Aemir and keep watch that he doesn't slide underneath the table (no baby chair!!sob sob) or his fingers don't get stuck at the conveyor belt or that he's not picking every plastic cover on each plate and poking at the contents, and he wasn't pouring soy sauce on himself, or playing with the wooden chopsticks and throwing them on the floor!!

AARRRGGHHH....that was exactly what I was struggling to prevent but FAILED!! AS you know kids are to quick with their hands.....so the tempura sauce spilled, the ice for Hubby's drink spilled, my tea cup almost broke and chopsticks were flying all over the table! At the same time I was trying to eat my sushi peacefully ...... but you can IMAGINE!!!

One hand holding Aemir (who's struggling to get free), and the other hand eating with chopsticks, mouth chewing, leg pressing against the diaper bag so that it won't fall, etc. ALL MY ABLE LIMBS WAS ON ALERT!!

In the end I gave up and waited for Hubby and bro to finish eating so SOMEONE can takeover from me. I think both were incredibly tired and gobbling away...while I watched (SIGH)!! To say the least I was finishing up the leftovers......POOR ME!!! :)

Then, my bro was kind enough to take the bill while Hubby & Aemir wandered off - either to MPH or ToysRUs!!

Saturday

It was a very very NORMAL day for us! Sat at home and struggled to solve the RUBIK'S CUBE!

Yeah you know that 6 sided cube with different colours on each side? I'm sure every household had them at 1 stage when it was THE CRAZE!!!! If you didn't own one, you'd have either held one or played with someone else's.....

This was all inspired by Will Smith's latest Movie "The Pursuit of HappyNess".

There we sat and tried and tried but when we were almost done, the next move will cause us to JUMBLE up the colours again!! It's quite frustrating.

Hubby said that when he was little he managed to solve the puzzle and so he was trying to prove his point. I recalled that I tried colouring the squares to look as though I did solve it or peeling the coloured stickers and placing them where I wanted it to be - AT THE CORRECT SIDE WITH THE CORRECT COLOURS!!!!

I gave up UNTIL I saw Hubby with a print out of the SoLution! Yeah....that's the wonders of the Internet. He printed out the methods of changing the cubes in order and so we tried AGAIN!!!!

The instructions weren't EASY.....very comprehensive....but we kept trying anyway!

At 5pm we visited the RYAN TWINS! So small still and Aemir was absolutely curious who these tiny beings were. But he also tried to play Big Brother to them - trying to give them their pacifiers when they cried and helped out Liz when she was changing their pampers!!

Sunday

Aemir had Gymboree!! He was very excited from the moment he got up and his favourite word is now "Pampers" (pronounced as : pam-pursh). I love listening to him say that word and everything is "Pampers" now - even if you ask him his name he'll reply "Pampers" (with a grin)!!!

So off we sped to Gymboree and that's the beginning of Mama's Exercise Session. It's very tiring running after him, singing and then encouraging him to do all the tasks, then carrying him and flinging him about. Thank God this time Papa was around!!!

It was Hubby's first time attending Gymboree and he was a bit BLUR!!! But soon came in sync with the programme! HE WAS SWEATING!!!

Aemir kept climbing here and there and even attempted sliding down HEAD FIRST!! Hmmm....a bit too brave!!! But all in all he always enjoyed 'Parachute Time' and "Bubble Time"!!! I love it too because I get to sit down!

By the time PLaytime was over, we were all knackered and THIRSTY!!! Had a drink and Starbucks and went back!

Aemir was fast asleep when we arrived home......and both hubby and I continued with our Rubik's. When Aemir got up at 3.30pm, had his Late Lunch and thereafter we went to TESCO Shah Alam. IT WAS CROWDED!!!!

We took whatever we wanted, paid and left!!

On the way back we detoured to the carwash. This would be Aemir's first time in the car while it was being SNOW WASHED!!! IT was a great experience for him and you can tell that he was totally amazed from the expression on his face! Everytime the guy sprayed water on the window, Aemir will squint his eyes - as though the water hit him!!! hahahhaha...

After dinner, we sat down to solve our Rubik's again and Hubby finally solved it (2nd time round)! So I got some tutorials from him and tried doing it myself. It took me about 2hrs to solve it and I WAS HAPPY!!!

By then the Carling Cup Final was on....Arsenal v Chelsea......Results speak for itself on espnstar.com!!

That was our weekend....very fulfilling one and I wish there were more of such meaningful and useful weekends to come!!!

QUALITY TIME IS VERY IMPORTANT WITHIN FAMILY

SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES EVERY TIME YOU CAN!!!

Legalising FireWorks

For the benefit of those who had no time to read yesterday's papers, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA) pleads to the Government to legalise fireworks and fire crackers only during the festive periods!

His reason being:- it's a mockery of the legislation because there is no such enforcement in place!

I personally feel that this is an attempt to increase the death tolls during the festive periods. Already, the Police are doing the best to catch roadusers that are breaking the laws with Ops Sikap, in an attempt to reduce the number of road accidents during the festive periods. Now one fella decides to legalise burning of firecrackers.....might as well legalise drunk-driving during the festive periods too!

Indeed firecrackers are symbolic during festive seasons and to celebrate a joyful year ahead and it creates a better festive mood, especially during Chinese New Year. But has this fella thought about the consequences of burning fireworks and firecrackers?

Aren't the reports about children losing their fingers and toes and scarring their faces, and even houses flaring up in flames as a result of irresponsible use of fireworks, a deterrent to legalise such activities?

Honestly, what is he thinking? Even labels to warn adults/parents of responsible burning of these fireworks are not enough. Sometimes even through no fault of the parents/users of fireworks, the item itself can self-explode (due to unforeseen circumstances). In a word - Fireworks are HAZARDOUS!!!

This should be thought of thoroughly before allow Legalisation of Fireworks!! The Government must have had a very good reason for the ban of Fireworks (PUBLIC SAFETY!!!)

Introducing "The LOVE Bear"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

If you haven't noticed, this whole month has been about "Love" and "Prosperity" - all in conjunction with Chinese New Year (which is around the corner)!

But TODAY, it is of course, due to crude over-commercialisation of 14th February, is indeed Valentine's Day! I dare say that many people have been brain-washed by the Valentine's Day commercials that they think that they must go out for romantic dinners & romantic getaways, be showered with hundreds of red roses, receive boxes of chocolates, have champagne/wine with strawberries dipped in chocolate (I wonder who'll have THAT today.....) etc...just to show their love and affection for their partners/spouse!!!

Every since I got married, I can fully vouch that our lives, love and commitment are no longer measured by any of the above. For those hopeless romantics (let's not deny there aren't any out there) who still thinks that receiving 100 red roses from your partner on this ONE DAY means he will love, honour and cherish you through bad hair days, mood swings, stretchmarks, babies, toddler tantrums, horrendous traffic, pimples, sagging boobs and demanding careers is sadly mistaken!!

Honestly, don't you think that it would be a pretty sad state of affairs if we only took ONE day out of 365 days in a year to declare our love and commitment?!! So what happened to the rest of 364 days? Just be content with what you have and any declaration of love need not happen because you think you partner can read your mind? I'm afraid NOT!!!

In reality, we ALWAYS want some declaration of love and gratitude for every act we perform - be it - cooking for your partner, filling up petrol, doing the laundry, putting your child to sleep, doing the household chores, taking out the garbage......It doesn't matter what you do, I bet you need some encouragement from your partner for doing such a thing. A "Thank You so Much, Darling" or "That's very kind of you!" or "Oh how wonderful..." would be enough as a sign of love and gratitude from your partner, wouldn't it?

But, unfortunately, we sometimes FORGET that people, our loved ones, need such exclaimations once in a while for them to feel that they have a purpose on Earth! And that what they do have not been taken for granted and all that they have done have been appreciated by all receivers. Certainly, the issue of sincere and insincere exclaimations ought to be considered. Let's save that for another BLOG!

Today We Celebrate Our Love.......(rings in my ears)

This morning I was humming to the tunes of "Now and Forever", "I Will Always Love You", "End of the Road", "Saving all My Love for You", "Because I Love You"........

and to be Greeted by Tatty Teddy on my Desktop!

Tatty Bear from the "Me to You" Collection has always been about LOVE. I've always thought this cute grey-coloured and adorable-looking bear has all the expression, mood, emotion and pose for every occassion. And its figurines, cards and products are almost always very personal......Too bad I hardly find Tatty Teddies around Malaysia (except maybe Hallmark) unlike in UK where every Carlton Cards or H.M. Samuel Shops would have a section dedicated for this "Love Bear".

So for those thinking of expressing their declaration of Love to their partners/spouse, do so with a Tatty Teddy!

Click on http://www.tatty-teddy.net/index.php to find more Me To You products.

Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!!

To my Dear Hubby,

See You Tonight!!

House-Husbands

In Today's conversation, we sat and had a women's forum on House Husbands. Do you mind that your Husband stays at home minding the household chores and the kids? Do you think that in a traditional Muslim home with traditional Muslim values this is achieveable?

Does this picture seem wrong to you?

How about this?

And this??

Coming from a family with everything TRADITIONAL, I certainly would find it strange if my husband were to be seen doing the chores that I (as a wife) should be doing.

Certainly, we do sit down and complain about our husbands not lending a helping hand in the kitchen, or with the household chores, or changing the nappies, or minding the kids; but when they start controlling everything that we're so used to doing, wouldn't you feel out of place?

I definitely wouldn't mind my husband helping out at home with the chores....ONCE IN A WHILE and I certainly would be THE HAPPIEST WOMAN if he decides to do EVERYTHING! BUT I wouldn't feel the same way after 1 month of that happening. To me, it just seems wrong!

Stereotypically, the MAN is THE PROVIDER of the Family and the WOMAN is HOUSE MANAGER for the entire part of the marriage. Now women have gone out into the corporate world and have decided to be at par with the men. Most women would think that: Why can't I do what the Man can do?

Yes. I am one of them. Although I do complain and I'd love to taste some GENDER EQUALITY in my life, but in reality, this can NEVER HAPPEN! WHY?

Well, women are born with maternal instincts for a reason. Women are made to have own assets as huge as mountain and to have wombs to hold a 3-4kg foetus and to have genitals which look like 2 pieces of squashed bun put together (just use your imagination) - all these for a reason. And for that same reason, men were born with paternal instincts (if they have any), to have hairy chests and legs (err....perhaps this may apply to some women), to have facial hair as thick as the Amazon forest, and genitals the shape of pisang emas!

God made us DIFFERENT and we have different roles to play in our lives as well!

You certainly cannot expect your Man to work during the day and come back to do the household chores (cook, clean, iron and take care of the kids). Although women have a knack for doing all these chores after work, Men (sad to say) just do not have that capability!! They may in fact "Work Smart" in the corporate world but Women (proud to say) are the Champions at dividing their roles and responsibilities both at work and at home! Thus, wouldn't it suffice to say that Women should get better privileges and benefits from their employees for being excellent at their Jobs!!

Anyway, back to the issue - expecting your Man to do the household chores after work is really asking for too much from the fella. It's enough if both of you do the chores together but you cannot expect him to be doing it everyday - especially if only the husband works!

You'd be amazed at how many women these days who are stay-at-home wives/mothers and they do NOTHING except take care of themselves (i.e. go for spas, facials, salons, manicures and pedis). I call them Tai-Tais!!

Tai-Tais are women of leisure. They spend on their husband's hard-earned cash and all day long they'll spend their time beautifying themselves, having hi-teas with their friends, shopping, or perhaps just sitting at home and gossiping with their friends (over tea or on the phone)! But usually these ladies are about 40 and above (where their husbands are CEOs of multinationals and millionaires or billionaires already). However, these days we have the Wannabe Tai-Tais!!! These are the 20 somethings wannabes.....who go around spending, spending, spending without a care in this world!

So wat happens to the household chores and the kids? Errrmmmm....MAIDS!!! Yes they are God's (being their husbands) Gift to these Tai-Tais!! Some demand for Maids so that they can go through their daily routines without having to care about cooking, cleaning, ironing and (to a certain extent) the kids! They'll DIE without the Maid!

Who'll do the dishes? Who'll do the cooking, the ironing, the cleaning? And for those extremists, who's changing the diapers?

AAARRRGGGHHH.... Just frustrates me that these women gets away with ordering their husbands to PROVIDE PROVIDE PROVIDE! And what do they give their husbands in return? For most, they'll devote their attention to the husband when he's around (attending to his EVERY NEEDS)...but for some, this is their answer:

"I'm tired. All day I've been stuck at home - Take me out!"

"I've already given you kids"

"I want more...I want this and that ..."

(amongst the ones I can think of)

Just notice how ungrateful these women can be. Don't they understand that they too have a role to play while the husbands at work?

Oh well....All I can say is that husbands with such wives should voice out their concerns. Do not be afraid to say "No" to your wives (I can THAT ALL THE TIME!!hehehhe...) Lay all your problems on the table, give her the full picture of how hard it is to PROVIDE these days....Not everything is about HER!

Hmmm..........have I gone on a diversion and swayed away from the TOPIC?

Home Alone

Day by day I'm beginning to realise that Aemir's getting naughtier and more mischeivious and NOBODY CAN CONTROL HIM!!!!

I know what you're going to say - "We pamper him too much" - Perhaps we're partly to blame for his attitude at the moment but I'd rather blame it on Latch-Key Syndrome.

I do envy parents (mothers) who do not have to work and become a stay-at-home mother to their children. At least they get to spend more quality time with their kids and monitor the kid's progress. They also get to instil some discipline at home, teaching them right from wrong, and to listen to instructions (orders). Mothering is indeed a full-time job for some mothers and I do wish I get to spend more time with Aemir.

At the moment, instilling some discipline at home is tough. We're only home at nights and perhaps 2 hours from the time he wakes up in the morning (or even less). So by the time we return from work, around 7pm, he starts his fussing, crying and tantrums - basically seeking our FULL attention (until his Bedtime)!

To say NO and scold him is kinda UNFAIR. The child wants some quality time and perhaps wants to show-off his new tricks to his parents, but all they can do is sit watch news, read papers and/or sleep. Sometimes all our energy have been used up on work and there's just not enough to go around entertaining him (which means running after him, carry him (12kg now!!), teasing him, playing with him).

I don't blame him for throwing tantrums when we don't give him attention. He's been stuck at home the whole day with 2 maids (whom he sees EVERYDAY - perhaps he's gotten TIRED of looking at them), no where to go except downstairs (to the playground or around the park - if the weather permits), limited space in the condo for him to explore and this goes on 5 days in a week!

If I was him, I'd be throwing tantrums as well!

But you'd be amazed at what sort of tricks he can show you every day. Once it was somersaulting from the back of our Japanese chair, head first and rolling up front. Next it was switching on and off the computer, the TV and the light switch. Another day it will be "I'm a Doctor" Day, he'll put on his stethescope and check everyone's heartbeat or come out with a cotton bud in his hand to put ointment on your toe (bec he's got a cut on his and that's what we do to him), or he'll take a torch-light and check your ears (just like his doctor would).

Or he'll run around the dining table, hoping you'll notice him and play Catch with him!

It's saddening to see him cry and struggle when you leave for work and when you return home, he'll run to you and give you a BIG BIG HUG, salam and kiss! Awww....

These are the times when I wish I'm a stay-at-home Mother!

Marriage Counsellor

Have you ever been a victim of cheating spouse?
Have you ever cheated on your spouse?
Have you ever counselled someone who's cheated their spouse?
Have you ever counselled someone who's been cheated by their spouse?
Have you ever counselled someone who's cheating on their spouse?
Have you ever been pursuaded to cheat on your spouse?
Has someone ever urged you to cheat on your spouse?
Have you ever pursuaded or urged someone to cheat on their spouse?

As Allah s.a.w is my witness, I have never done any of the above.
I've only heard stories/ real experiences from a third party of the Cheating/Cheated Spouses. This is a Story of "What if" that should happen to me:

SCENE 1: The Victim
If I were to find out that my spouse was cheating on me with someone woman, the first thing I'd do is to confront him with the situation. Before that I shall do my own personal investigation about "the other woman" - who, where she lives, what she does, how they met, when it started.

With that information I can cross-check on whether my spouse is telling the truth during the confrontation. I'd like to find out the reason behind this sudden change of heart. Doesn't he care about the family anymore? Doesn't he love me anymore? Doesn't he realise the consequences of his actions?

Throughout all this, I hope that both parties can sit down and talk about it like humans. Let's hope there weren't be too much shouting and name-calling.

Next, it's decision time.
1. For the Cheater to leave his current family, get better and return to his family after that; or
2. Seek marriage counsellors/Attend counselling sessions.

If the Cheater choose "the other woman" than me,
1. either give permission to marry 2nd wife and keep me as the 1st; or
2. divorce.

I suppose the decision-time is the hardest especially when there are children involved. It's hardest for them than it is for the adults. In the first place, the spouse didn't think about such consequences faced by the children before he acted/decided to cheat on his wife. If it's hurting the wife, it's hurting the children even more.

Scene 2: The Cheater
Usually when one cheats on their spouse, they tend to be very selfish and only think narrowly - their own satisfaction (if it's purely sexual), their well-being and instant happiness (if "the other man" provides better) etc.

They forget whom their cheating on - not only the husband, but also the children. They would have neglected their family and not playing their role as a wife and/or mother. That's why we hardly ever hear about wives cheating on their husbands.....just because women tend to realise the consequences of their actions first before pursuing another relationship. When men cheats, it's usually purely sexual and physical.

But in this case, if I were The Cheater. I'll try not to get caught! Hiding numbers and msgs in the handphones are just too common. I'll hide it in my head! "The other man" must have the following qualities:
1. Handsome, Kind, Caring, Sexy
2. Graduate, Career Man, Loves Children
3. Tolerant, Faithful, Happy-go-lucky
4. Diligent, Street-wise, Patient, Honest, Smart
5. Earns a handsome salary (to provide for my lavish lifestyle)
6. Good religious background
7. Listens to me (most of the time)
8. Good enterprenuerial skills (good soft and hard skills)
(oppss....that all sounds like my husband! Why should I cheat then?)

With "the other man" I must have some 'chemistry' with him and the relationship will not only be sexual or physical. He must have the intellectual capacity for me to interact with him. I can't possibly go out with a "moron", then I'll be one if that happens!

Scene 3: The Counsellor
Counselling "The Cheater":
First, you should never cheat on the spouse!
Find out reasons why that person needed to cheat on their spouse.

In this case, would any reason be valid? Perhaps if the husband was not providing financially, emotionally, physically for the wife, then perhaps it might be a good reason to find another man who can. But in the first place, why marry that 'loser'?

Advice The Cheater to stop seeing or having any contact with "the other man/woman". Reconcile matters with the spouse. Seek counselling if they're encountering problems at home. If The Cheater still loves the spouse, then The Cheater should be willing to do this.

Don't confess to cheating yet. Let the marriage counsellors do their job. Otherwise, more problems will crop up.

Counselling "The Victim":
This is a little bit tricky.
If The Victim has not done his/her personal investigation on "the other man/woman", you must do it for them. If you have proof that a particular number has been called many times from The Cheater's phone, then call that number. Disguise yourself to find out about the person on the other line. This should instill some fear in "the other man/woman" and it's sure indication that someone has found out about the affair!

If the Victim has done his/her homework, then get then to confront and talk about the situation together. Yelling, screaming and throwing things is not necessary - at the expense of the children (if any). Try to do it when the children are not around (if you still feel the need to scream and shout) - just be considerate when you live in flats/condominiums .....walls can be thin!

Next get them to visit a marriage counsellor.
Your job should stop there.

If they decide the marriage is over, then get them a good divorce lawyer! (hahahhah....)

Counselling "The Cheating":
Hmmm.....if you're "the other man/woman" and you find out the person you're with is already married, you can play a role and advice them to stop this vice.

If they have a sob story - i.e. their husband/wife is not treating them right, doesn't love them anymore, can't talk to them - they're most probably LYING!
Do your own homework before pursuing a relationship with this person. Find out who they are, what they do etc...don't just believer everything that comes out of their mouths.

Do you want to be a Home-Wrecker?
No matter how rich that Cheater is and how well he/she treats you and how tempting the 'gifts', sex, attraction etc...may be....it's just WRONG to ruin someone else's life at the expense of your happiness. Most likely you will find another person like that but UNMARRIED!

Scene 4: "The Pursuasee" (one who's been pursuaded)
You call that person you pursuaded you to cheat YOUR FRIEND?

No true friend would come up to you and ask you: "Haven't you ever thought of cheating on your spouse?"

Even if that friend is a Cheater, he should never pursuade you to do the same. As a good friend, he should advice you NOT to cheat and instead work out the problems you have in your marriage before thinking of cheating.
Lay out all the CONS of Cheating....Sorry but there's nothing "PRO" about cheating.

In the first place, why are you so naive to believe that Cheating is OK? Think about it....how many people will get hurt as a result of your selfish actions. Do you really want to hurt the ones you love?

Even if you've LOVED (in the past tense) that person before, I'm sure a good reasonable person would not intentionally hurt that person you've loved before.

Think before you Act!

Scene 5: "The Pursuader"
Why do you have to get other people involved in your vice?
Do you think that everyone needs to Cheat on their spouse?
Do you think you're setting a good precedent/example for others to follow?

If you Cheat, do it at your own time. Brag about it all you want with your friends but NEVER pursuade them to do the same. That's just wrong!!

Don't sway them with the wrong reasons! They might have had a good family relationship going but for your pursuasiveness to cheat on their spouse.

If you don't Cheat but just love to sway them into it....ARE U SICK? I think you need counselling. Do you like seeing your friends suffer in relationship problems while you laugh behind the scene? I definitely think you're SICK to even think about doing that - no matter what your reasons are - e.g. for revenge - ruining people's lives is VERY WRONG!

There are other ways to "get back" at people.....(but of course no way is the correct way!)

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Please do not Cheat or be pursuaded to Cheat on your spouse!
Think carefully before doing so.
Think of all the people you're going to hurt in the process.

Think think think...God gave you BRAINS for a REASON!

SEEK HELP if you fall in any of the categories (Professional Help is ADviced!

888888888888888888

LOVE YOUR SPOUSE

REKINDLE THE 'OLD' FEELINGS

TAKE TIME OFF TO BE WITH LOVED ONES

LOVE YOUR CHILDREN

SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE

**Disclaimer: All advice is of personal opinion only and should not be followed strictly. I have not experienced any of the above. You should seek professional counselling or professional medical help if symptoms persist.

Ladies, How often do you change?

Greetings all.....I've decided to take a few minutes to pen down my thoughts and "get back to writing" [I quote]! Time flies and it's already 25 days into the New Year. I do hope that 2007 has been kind to you as it has been to me (so far)!! I recently read my Chinese Horoscope and it said that 2007 will bring me Wealth (hmmm...I wonder how much?) but Health-wise, I have to watch out for unexpected bugs. Surprisingly enough, I am in the midst of recovering from an asthma attack, cough, and cold....very very bad combination! So I suppose these Astrology readings can be quite true - or just mere coincidence!!


Enough said.....I know the Title of this Blog can strike as "Gruesome" but Fear not...I'm not touching on that aspect (Oh you 'dirty' scoundrels!! Is that all u can think of?!!)

Ladies, How Often Do You Change YOUR HANDBAG?!

It is a well-known fact that Ladies (in general) can't LIVE WITHOUT A HANDBAG. And their collection grows every week, month or even day (depending on your level of shopaholic-ness and $$$). Handbags come in various shapes, sizes, designs, and functions. So I find it a bit strange if a lady comes up to me and says she only need ONE HANDBAG!

That's ridiculous....if you follow the etiquette and dress-code rules strictly, you will find that you need particular bag for every occassion. You can't go to the market with an evening bag, nor can you attend a formal function with a casual tote bag.

That's why there's brands like COACH,BOTTEGGA VENETTA, TOD's, CHANEL, GUCCI, FENDI, MIU MIU, PRADA, MARC JACOBS, DIOR, BRAUN BUFFEL ( just name it...there's plenty)...even the likes of STUART WIEZTMAN and FERRAGAMO. Thanks to them we have a selection of handbag designs, shapes and sizes for EVERY FUNCTION!

Having said that even SAMSONITE and DELSEY are improving their designs to cater for different tastes and needs. You'd be surprise how functional and cute these bags can be; especially their Make-up Bags!

Anyway, back to my question...I'm sure with many kinds of bags to suit different occassions one would have to change their handbag ever so often, BUT HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE YOUR BAG?

Have you gone through ONLY ONE BAG throughout your daily routine for ONE WEEK, ONE MONTH?

I've only just discovered today that I've been using my Miu Miu bag for more than 3 weeks and it has done me justice EXCEPT that I can hardly find my things with ease anymore.

Are you in a habit of dumping many things in your bag and upon carrying it, it feel like a "gold sack" (hahahah that's what you'd like to think!)

I certainly am one of those people. It starts out with barely nothing but the usual - 1 wallet, 1 handphone, 1 coin purse (depending on the wallet) and 1 packet of tissue (always). Day by day there'll be a bunch of receipts from my purchases, my diary, my namecard holder, my lipstick/lipgloss, my MAC, my sanitary pad, my inhaler, my camera, my discount vouchers, sweet wrappers, biscuit crumbs from my son's Baby Bites, wet wipes.....(PHEW!!!)

So you can imagine my handbag literally 'growing' from all "My Collections"!!!

Through my busy schedule I just can't find time to clean up the mess...It's been Pick-up-N-Go routine for 3 weeks and I think it's about time I sort out what I need from my handbag before I find a RAT in it!!! YIKES!!!

This is also because I haven't been invited to any Formal Function and there has been no need to change my bag. My Miu Miu also suits daily/casual/office attire so I haven't been breaking any of the dress-code rules. I've taken it to the market, the clinic, the office, the mall etc....

But now I think it's TIME TO CHANGE!!

Let me know if you've experienced this and are you in a habit of changing bags often? Do share your stories with me.

p/s: my husband exaggerates that I've so many bags and change it so often and now we have to find MORE SPACE to STORE my bags! hmmmmm.......He hasn't seen the Contents of my Miu Miu!

Oink Oink 2007

HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Thanks for those who highlighted the fact that I haven't been blogging in a while!!

I didn't realise it has been THAT long

and....I haven't even submitted an entry for 2007!!

Shame on me (i know I know)

My most humble apologies....I've just been incredibly busy but I promise that I shall write longer and update you with all the NEWS, GOSSIPS, and HAPPENINGS on MY Side of the World!!!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE STORIES

COMING SOON

Dark Clouds Begone

If you've been following my blog, you would know of a 'particular' person whom I have a personal grudge against - not because she's done anything to me, but because her actions and attitudes towards others(i.e. belittling her subordinates, status conscious etc.) have an impending effect on me that I just cannot accept such foul attitude from a person!

Ever since she joined us, there's been a "dark cloud" hanging over us (pardon me for the obvious innuendo). The working environment has been rather uptight, stressful, hypocritical, politically-divided etc. In short, not a very friendly place when you walk in - especially when you walk in on her 'screaming' at her staff!

Giving her the benefit of the doubt, as a friend, she can be a nice, loyal and good friend. As a colleague, she is intolerable. She's just not a Team Player - and she can never be one. She always wants to RULE and does not give anyone else the opportunity to SHINE!!! Anyone under her has to listen to her every needs and worries...and has to report directly to her and will be at fault if anything goes wrong (she won't claim liability for anything even though it might be her fault!)

From my perspective, I could never find a good-side to her no matter how hard I looked. Everything she did or said comes out WRONG and critical of anyone she hates! When she hates a person, she tries and infect others to do the same. Such vengence she has for that person can be so great that the entire firm is affected. How can one person have such a dual character and personality (I dunno)?!!! I do know that wherever she goes, whatever she does tak diberkati.

It's been 2 days since she left and you can tell the office mood has changed dramatically! Her staff are smiling and they don't look so stressed anymore. It is more 'peaceful' without her shouting her lungs out. No more sneaking around to chat with other staff....etc..

I do hope that her absence will have a tremendous effect on the firm and everyone will work better in the coming New Year and our shortcomings will be lesser.

--She has LEFT the Building--

reactions

I think I've been getting this a lot lately! Hmmm...have you ever received a call from an unknown number or a number that you've not installed in your handphone.....and when you pick up it is someone you never thought you'd hear from again?!!!

I received such a call today. Like any other annonymous calls this one caught me by surprise. Although I have a very good memory of people I've come across in my life, I pretended as though I didn't have a clue who this person was. So I probed and asked further until her identity was revealed.

This was a girl whom I went for religious classes with. Our houses used to be infront of each other and we went to each others' houses after school to play almost every day. We lost touch the moment I started boarding school. I never heard from her or heard of her until a few years back....

I thought I saw her go into OE (a jewellery shop) but I wasn't too sure until her friend called out her name. She looks the same, as skinny as ever (how I hate that)except that she's grown somewhat more beautiful and well-groomed than I remembered her. And sexy too!! Of course I didn't bother introducing myself then as I heavily pregnant and looking somewhat disshevelled.

Now she's got my number and finally decided to call on me to catch up. Few years back there were rumours that she was dating the prince....and I wasn't too sure if they got married or not, but I got confirmation from my sources that they did and the princess wasn't too happy about it!!!

So my questions to her in our short conversation was kind of weird:

I asked, "So are you married? Any kids?"

As though I was 'fishing' for information that I didn't already know. In fact I am a doo-doo in a sense because I don't bother intruding into other peoples' affairs. It's their perogative of whatever they choose to do. I shall not interfere!

So we decided to meet up end of the week since I'll be back in JB. I bet she looks ever-so gorgeous and different compared to me....but I do want to know the truth of whether she did end up marrying him or not!

===> just wanted to hear from the horses mouth!!

Although being myself, I am quite suspicious when someone calls me up out of the blue intending to meet up. I always fear that they want a favour out of me or they need some assistance in something. To me, it can NEVER be a casual meeting up or catching up with friends (with the exception of a few of my dearest and closest friends!!!)

So, we'll see how things go and I shall definitely update you!

---CHEERIOS---

disrespect

Once upon a time I had a profound respect and admiration for a particular "MENTOR" (let's call this person "M"). For obvious reasons, he had stature and wherever he goes people will look up to him. Nobody dares says "No". Nobody dares question his decisions - whether it was correct, wrong or not the very best decision he's made. In short, people were afraid of him. And to to lose respect for M is considered sinful because not only was he wise, most of the time he is correct!

It was glaringly obvious that my respect for M was tremendous. Everything he asked me to do I did. Everything I did as instructions/advise from him, has been for my own benefit and I did them out of love and respect for him. Through that I have succeeded till today. I wouldn't dare question him nor correct his decisions because they are usually good decisions and ever since I could remember he has been my No.1 MENTOR...UNTIL....I found his mentoring skills a bit too harsh and forceful.

The whole idea of mentoring is to "guide" the mentee to make good decisions and abide by good examples set by the mentor. It is a relationship that should have mutual respect for each other (be it the mentee respecting the mentor or vice versa). Thus, at the end of the day the mentee himself should decide on his own whether to embark on that job or not. So mentoring should be about guiding and not forcing a decision on the mentee nor is it about deciding for the mentee!!

In this case, I find that M was being selfish because he took 2 mentees overseas out of pretence that the whole purpose of their trip was to have meetings with clients and secure jobs in that country. Neither of the mentees thought that they would be gone for more than 2 weeks because after all, families, friends and loved ones were left behind just for M.

M didn't think about the needs of his mentees or those of his dependants before deciding to overstay his business visit. Out of the blue, M disclosed to his mentees that their trip will be extended for another month!

Although frustrated and surprised by M's decision, the 2 menteess didn't dare question him nor did they rebel. They kept silent but behind M's back, they quietly poured out their anger to each other and (some) to their dependants. Neither of them could voice out their displeasure and bail out on M (also because M had their air tickets with him).

I find this very disconcerting and a very selfish act on M's part. Mentees may have had plans with loved ones for the coming New Year, Birthday, or Chirstmas but none of these mattered to M.

When they tried to discuss this with M, M gave an ultimatum they can't refuse. This was very unfair since the mentees too have their own careers, job and life to handle. One of the mentees faced a problem of unhappy clients and unpaid job if he follows M's decision. The other will face a problem with his loved ones for 'abandoning' them in their time of need.

It didn't occur to M that many many people are relying on his mentees' return and mentees will face hardships in every aspect of their lives - just to please M.

Having said that, M's reasons for extending their stay is very valid and such an opportunity will may never crop-up again. It's a matter of devotion to God Almighty if they stay and embark on a pilgrimage they'll never forget.

I, for one, do not object to embark on that pilgrimage but the timing is just not proper. The arrangements, the preparations, the circumstances and priorities just do not suit the occassion.

So do you think these mentees will ever speak up?

Do you think they'll discuss this inside out?

Do you think they'll keep silent or protest?

I suppose I'm in no position to decide for them but I still do not agree to M's method of mentoring!

Lucky Lucky Lucky

Lunch Today was the odd wandering around town routine instead of stuffing my face with FOOD FOOD FOOD!!!

I didn't know what to have for lunch so I went to the bakery next door to grab a sandwich and wandered off to F.O.S!!! I thought I'd get Aemir more track pants for his park outings (to prevent him from grazing his knees again!) and at the same time I found myself 2 simple Tees to wear for my weekends at home.

I was happily scouting around the store...even decided to get my dear niece a nice frilly top and a matching frilly skirt for her birthday.

As I was queuing at the cashier, a tourist infront of me was paying for his purchase and his total bill entitled him 3 flasks. He immediately refused saying that "I have plenty of them at home. No thank you."

The cashier looked at him in awe....I just smiled. Then he turned to me and said " Unless you want them"

I hesitated for a while but looking at the shiny flasks before me I thought "WHY NOT!!!" So I thanked him profusely and shyly said " Ok I'll take one!"

The cashier looked at me in awe (pulak)..."Why don't you take all 3?" (in Bahasa)."Erm...bolehlah"

Actually I didn't want to seem greedy or show that I'm such an opportunist. But that is such a great opportunity and I'd be silly to turn down something like that!

So today, I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world to be queuing infront of that tall blonde-haired guy. All I could think of was, "Thank you thank you thank you...."

It's such a rare incident and I happily walked out with 3 flasks (black, orange and red)

But I'm just as generous as that guy that I gave 2 away to the staff. Hmmmm....actually why did I open my big mouth?! (come to think of it...)

Well I did it out of sincerity and hopefully my sincerity will be paid off one day. May the flasks be taken care and appreciated by their new owners......

So I'm now a new owner of a black F.O.S flask!!

NOW... That got me thinking - Would a local/Malaysian do something similar?

Would a local/Malaysian refuse the free gifts?

I think NOT! I do not blame our locals for acting that way because it is instilled in us to accept whatever that comes along our way. I, certainly, am not ashamed to say that I would not have declined the 3 flasks even though I have 3 more at home - Just because I can always present it as a gift to someone or I can give it to my nieces/nephews for them to bring to school. In fact, before I accepted the flasks I didn't think I needed it but when offered I immediately thought that I may need it in the future - perhaps for my own use or for my son.

Would you call that being greedy or making use of a rare opportunity?

Whatever it is, I came out of F.O.S benefiting from my own purchases because my purchase certainly didn't entitle me to even one meezly flask!!!

Back to my question, Why can't Malaysians be not so kiasu? Why do we think we need everything in the world when we actually have enough?

Perhaps that should be a New Year's Resolution for 2007 - DO NOT BE SOOOOOO KIASU!!

This resolution should definitely applies to me because I'm a self-proclaimed "treasure-keeper" (for lack of a better word; which simply means I LOVE keeping unnecessary JUNK!!!) Truly I find that somethings (in my case, usually ALL THINGS) are worth keeping for memories-sake. I feel that to give it up,to part with it would cause me to lose that part of the memory that I wish to remember forever.

But of course, everyone knows truly well that one's memory fails you as you grow....so why the heck am I still keeping JUNK?!!!

Only God knows....now I have to find a place to keep my new Junk!!

STOP

This is one of those days that I feel I should be entitled to declare today a public holiday for myself!! The body's aching, the mind's gone totally numb, the clock is ticking wayyyy too slow, I'm dreaming, caffeine doesn't work anymore, keep looking out the window every few minutes, keep looking at the clock every few seconds ....blah blah blah...

All I can think of right now is:

"Wouldn't it be nice.......?"

And guess what jingle comes to mind.....Not sure if you've heard it but when I was in Australia last it was such a catchy tune that my sis and I were singing it everywhere we went.

Heard of the Cadbury jingle which goes like ...."wouldn't it be nice if the world was cadbury, dada dadda lalala.....wouldn't it be nice ...."

Admittedly I don't actually know the full lyrics of the ad but we love the tune and we'll keep humming it or adding our own lyrics to the melody! Hmmmm....

Wouldn't it be nice to just stay at home and relax?

Wouldn't it be nice to watch TV all day long?

Wouldn't it be nice to lay in bed after 7.30am?

Even after 10am?

Wouldn't it be nice to have breakfast at 10am in your jammies?

Wouldn't it be nice to take a bath whenever you feel like it?

Wouldn't it be nice not to touch the computer for more than 48hrs? (don't think I can make do for longer)

Wouldn't it be nice if I can shop all day long at my own pace?

Wouldn't it be nice to get presents from loved ones (no special occassion attached)?

Wouldn't it be nice to have a long warm bath now?

Wouldn't it be nice take a scenic drive alone?

Wouldn't it be nice to have a picnic lunch in the park?

Wouldn't it be nice to have a water fight?

Wouldn't it be nice to jump on a trampolin?

Wouldn't it be nice to blow bubbles and catch them?

Ahh.....splendid picture perfect of my "Wouldn't-it-be-nice Day"

Faces of 007s

Was driving towards the cineplex when my hubby received a call. Before you know it, we made a detour to collect some documents from a colleague of his. In the midst of peak hour traffic, I was grumbling to him that we can't make it to the show on time ....afterall it is James Bond!

Honestly, I'm not a crazy fan of James but since there've been re-runs of his movies everyday - from Sean Connery, to George Lazenby, to Roger Moore, to Timothy Dalton, to Pierce Brosnan and now Daniel Craig.

It's a whole month of Bond Galore on Astro with all the Bond girls parading their booties and boobsies on screen, it's no wonder men and women the same are queuing up for the lastest Bond flick "Casino Royale".

James Bond's character has been played by 6 actors and they each gave the character a unique personality, adding spice and originality, and James continues to be ageless, charismatic, sophisticated, unstoppable, witty and in a class of his own.


1. Personally I think the best Bond goes to Sean Connery who potrayed the character superbly with class. Sean made Bond seem absolutely irresistible, charming and mysterious at the same time. With every Bond episode, although he may have aged a little, one couldn't agree with me more when I say he's even more attractive as he ages!! (right ladies?!!!)

He's starred in 6 films: Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You only Live Twice (1967) and Diamonds are Forever (1971) and unofficially in Never Say Never Again (1983).



isn't he "delicious" to watch?

2. Next was George Lazenby and we know why he only starred as Bond ONCE!! This Australian lad had no previous acting experience before acting as Bond and I find him just to be a mediocre Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"(1969).

Should trust me when I say "tak steam" langsung!!!!

Watch it and believe it!

3. He was followed by Roger Moore. You'd always picture him as The Saint but never James Bond!!!(at least I would anyway) Although I must say, even though he didn't potray Bond as a character with class and spohistication, Moore did bring about the witty and humourous side of Bond and movie-goers would agree that he was funny as Bond! Needless to say Moore just wasn't as tough as Sean Connery's Bond.

He starred in 7 Films: In Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983) and A View to Kill (1985).

He was the un-secret- secret agent, everywhere he goes everyone knows his name!

4. Timothy Dalton was a more controversial Bond. He introduced the "dark", serious and hard-edged type of Bond, which most audiences do not like. This Bond had less time for ladies (weird)!! He was unlike the smooth, suave character Sean and Roger potrayed. Although he was the closest thing to Ian Fleming's Bond in the book!

Timothy only starred in 2 films: In the Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989).

"Fleming's Bond"

5. After 6 years without any Bond films, Pierce Brosnan made an explosive performance in Goldeneye. Pierce Brosnan played a similar Bond like Sean did - smooth, has a way with the ladies, has witty comments for every occassion and showed also the "darker" side of Bond - proving that he's not invincible.

Pierce, who was the closest next best Bond, unfortunately only starred in 4 films: Goldeneye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002).



2nd Best Bond - Not too tall, Not too built, yet still Irresistible!

6.

The latest James Bond - Daniel Craig. Many people were surprised by the choice of the next Bond. He got the role from the likes of Hugh Jackman, Clive Owen and Joseph Fiennes. Many critics have doubted his ability to play Bond but indeed in this year's latest Blockbuster "Casino Royale", Daniel has proved to audiences worldwide that he is capable of potraying James Bond including his charm, wit, sophistication, toughness and humour. Indeed we saw also the softer side of Bond....which I must say is not typically Bond.

So Daniel surprised me with his acting and his stunts. I must say he's the "Destructor Bond". I've never seen a Bond so destructive.

All throughout the movie he's destroying a truck, a car, a building and even Venice!! I supposed that complements the softer and lovable side of him.

Craig's the Hot Bond with the Hot Bod! **yummy**

I do not want to delve too much into Casino Royale for the benefit of those who haven't seen the film. Do head down to the movies...It is rather mesmerising and the humour is uncalled for.

Enjoy the movie................folks!

Black + White Uniform and....

Everyday I see them.

Everyday I wait and wait until they decide to let me go.

Everyday they cause me to hate driving.

Everyday I fear I might hit them.

Everyday their faces change (young, old and new)

But one thing remains....their black and white uniform and that MOUSTACHE!!

Ever noticed that our Malaysian Traffic Police most often than not wears a moustache together with their polished black and white uniforms? What is the deal there? Is that part of their uniform? If it is not mandatory why do they opt to keep moustaches?

In my opinion, perhaps it is their way to look fierce on the roads - which will hopefully keep those tyrants and offenders on their toes while on the roads.

But do you fear these traffic police with or without their moustaches? It doesn't make much of a difference to me because when you're driving at 80-100km/h you hardly notice the moustache or even the face of the traffic police. If not for their noticeable black and white uniforms, waving hands and whistles, perhaps most of them would have been knocked down by many drivers.

It should be mandatory for them to wear their luminous trench coat/rain coat (with or without the rain) which makes them even more noticeable; especially those "brave" traffic police that stands too close to vehicles while directing traffic at T-junctions!!

Not to say that I have no respect for them at all but today's YOUNG traffic police can be quite dumb! I'm not sure whether they know the traffic flow of KL roads for them to be stationed at strategic positions directing traffic in hope of easing traffic congestions. Instead, the traffic flow and congestion worsens because of them!! In that case we'd rather opt not to have a traffic police there to guide traffic and maintain using the traffic lights during peak hours.

They do do their jobs but as a result of lack of traffic flow study, they are the cause of most traffic congestions in KL. For example, the junction at Berjaya Time Square on Jln Hang Tuah. Traffic police usually allows traffic from Puduraya to move along (at least about 15-20 mins) and during that time traffic along Jln Imbi, Jln Sultan Ismail, Jln Bukit Bintang and the rest has build up. So drivers can get stuck in a standstill situation for at least 40 mins before their lanes are allowed to pass. It is quite silly really!!!

Some drivers even have time to drop-by the nearest ice-cream vendor by the roadside and finish off eating that ice-cream in that 40 mins of dull waiting.

What do I do? Inspect buildings around me, watch pedestrians cross the road, keep a look out for strange characters on the road, clean my side compartments, touch-up my make-up or sing a-long to tunes on the radio!

That's why during peak hours it is important to have GOOD Music on the radio - be it classical, jazz, blues, rock, or dondang sayang!!! Something must KEEP ME ENTERTAINED in that 40-60 minutes of standstill!!!!

And that's how I spend my time during my way back home.....observing our traffic police is just one of the things!!

By the way I think they look odd wearing long sleeved uniforms!! Don't they get HOT!!

~~~~Travel Safe Home with.....Patience and Alertness!~~~~