SuNfLoWeR.cOm

MC sdn bhd

2009-01-06T17:13:00.003+08:00

2009 is going to be a great year in my career. I did not have any New Year resolution this year except on the career front, I'm going to follow my passion. By hook or by crook, I'll have to make it happen. Oftentimes, I'll use the excuse of no time to follow through with things I wanna do due to career and life demand. Oftentimes, I find the stress level getting more and more ridiculous and difficult to handle. This year, things will change.

Many successful people around us will be spouting about passion in what they do. Just watch Oprah show and you'll see world's celebrated carpenter, gardener, chef, stylist, fashion designer, and many more normal people like you and I, who loves doing what they're doing and are very passionate about it. Not all of them will be world renown about whatever they are doing but there is one guarantee for each and everyone of them who do things they love and passionate about, they'll be much happier and contented than most people in the rat race.

I started in such a gungho manner yesterday, meeting many people and rushing here and there for appointments, making calls to set appointments while waiting for the traffic light and all the adrenaline feels good.

Today however, I'm on MC sdn bhd. The sinus attack since early morning is almost unbearable. I called mom and when she heard my voice, started telling me to do this and that to ease the problem. Thanks Mak. I did the clarytin, I did the honey and lime, I did the balm... I still make some tissue paper towkey very happy. I can't make calls with a voice like this so only managed to do some follow up email to a few people. When I called hubby, he mentioned the words MC to me. So OK lah. I'm on MC sdn bhd today, sdn bhd because I take it upon myself to be on MC as per Dr.hubby's recommendation :) hehehe...

I have some plans today but it has to be put on hold for a while and it can be quite frustrating. Instead of being hard on myself which will not do the passion-happiness agenda any good, I'll have to make some changes to my plan. I'll get there insyaAllah. When I was in the university, I wanted to complete my studies one semester earlier so I can find a job earlier and have a lot more choices than if I waited to join the job market with throngs of fresh graduates all attacking the job market at the same time.

Despite some repeat papers, despite the economic situation in the year 1998, I made it. I completed a semester earlier while many of my friends still struggling with assignments and examination. So despite some setback, if we changed plan accordingly to suit the condition and situation having in mind our ultimate goal and vision, insyaAllah we'll make it. I'm feeling better from my sniffles already so tomorrow will be another new day :) Ops Career with Passion on the way...

My Laptop and the Desktop

2009-01-04T00:14:00.003+08:00

My brand new laptop Dell Inspiron 1525 was delivered on 27th Dec 2008. I thought how thoughtful of them to deliver it on a weekend. I have my reservations about the model of my choice initially because there are some reviews about the noise and heat but decided to purchase anyway since Dell has a return policy. Other than the noise and heat, the rest of the reviews are good so I decided to take my chances.

Another reservation I have is on Windows Vista. It has been like 2 years it was out in the market and yet we still hear negative comments about it. And Windows 7 is said to be on its way but I'm not holding my breath because Vista was delayed many times before. Besides, if I have to upgrade, I'll upgrade. I need a laptop now and Windows XP downgrade rights option is not available with Inspiron model. My other choice is a Vostro 1510 model that has the Windows XP downgrade rights but the specs selection was not as impressive as Inspiron.

I have not fully explored all the features available in my Vista Ultimate version and has not use it on heavy duty stuff yet so I have no comment about the performance. One problem that I discover is it can't install Yahoo Messenger properly. It will either freeze halfway or freeze at 100% which can be so frustrating. I managed to download Yahoo Messenger full installer which is a few points older than the direct web installation version but I have to make do with it for now. Just google Yahoo Messenger and Vista, I'm sure you can find a lot of forums discussing about this issue.

As for the aesthetic part, I have no complaints so far. Here... take a look at my desktop. I love the uncluttered look and I love how it make my portrait photo looks great on landscape view. I'm one proud photographer :) Please excuse me... I'd like to continue admiring my desktop :D

Sg. Congkak Rendezvous

2009-01-02T07:42:00.004+08:00

Normally, when I moved to a new place, I'd explore it looking for good photography opportunities. Have not been able to do much of that lately. It's nice when we finally have the opportunity to do so yesterday. I've never been to Sg. Congkak. I've explored quite a bit of Hulu Selangor area but not Hulu Langat. Sg. Congkak is a good starting point. Here are some photos.

The nice cool water...

A lot of people, especially kids having fun.

Green canopy...
It is a loooonnnggg river so you can choose your favorite spot. You have to walk further up if you don't like a very crowded area and it is a flat, tarred road suitable for family of all ages. It is relatively clean and has acceptable facilities but I wish for Batu Caves changing and shower place. It will make the experience so much better.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T01:17:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year!!!!

Definitely a new beginning for me not just because of the new year. And this year, I can wait for the countdown with hubby :)

Our initial plan is to celebrate at KLCC with a movie as a starter. But there's no movie that interests me at all. There were quite a number of horror movies which is a big NO for me. We finally ended up at home. Still hoping to see the fireworks, we walked to a nearby field. There were quite a number of people with the same plan it seems. But, we only managed to see the tip of the fireworks at KLCC and the leftover smoke. A lot of building and trees obscuring our view.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed hubby's company and the anticipation of the fireworks. Hopefully we can have better view next year.

Happy New Year 2009 and may the year brings better opportunities for a better life.

Penang Holiday

2008-12-29T00:22:00.002+08:00

I've been to Penang numerous times for my training but it has been quite a while since I went to the beaches. The last time I went to the beaches was way before the tsunami.

So, for a short holiday trip with hubby, I suggested we go to Ferringhi. Finding a hotel was quite a challenge since it was a last minute arrangement considering the school holiday and end of the year holiday trips for many people. It was even reported in the newspaper that many tourists decided to come to Penang due to uncertain condition in our neighboring country up north.

I was quite surprise when we received online confirmation of our hotel booking. I almost didn't believe it but I'm very thankful. I hope I can do all the nice things I did during my holidays here before. Now I can share those memories with hubby :)

It was quite unfortunate the weather was cloudy so no nice sunset. Nevertheless, the view is still amazing.

Hubby and me :)

Look at what we saw on the rocks. There were about four of them playing around the rocks quite far from the beach so I couldn't take a better picture.

The mouth-watering deep fried ice-cream. Yummyyy... I first tasted it with my friend Ton last time. We like it so much. I SMSed her about having the ice-cream with hubby. She envied me :)

It's a looonnnggg way up. I didn't remember it was this long.

The view is worth it. The last time I came, it was quite hazy.

There are many biggg... spiders on big webs up on the Penang Hill. I didn't remember this either. So I had many new experience too.

I can't share everything I've done and eat with hubby due to the limited time so there will definitely be a next trip. Hubby has deep fried ice cream in his mind for a few days after. The same thing Ton and I experienced :) I've googled for the recipe but they're not convincing enough. Anyway, I'd give it a try one of these days. The worst thing that could happen is a melting ice cream in a hot oil.

Till next time... Salam Ma'al Hijrah

The First Time We Knew Each Other

2008-12-28T23:41:00.002+08:00

Today, 3 years ago, hubby introduces himself to me. The scenario was friendly and quite normal. I thought he would be just a passing acquaintance. I mean, I've past the age of 30, I've met a lot of people at work, off work. How or why should I even think this would be different? There's no reason at all. Who would've thought we'd marry each other? The thought never ever crossed my mind at that time.

Till now, we still talked about the first time we knew each other. We're still kinda awed by the mysterious ways we're fated together. If you've been reading my blog, you probably have some idea of my opinion on men in general. Hubby's not spared from my vocal opinion about men. I know not all men are bad... and I didn't mean ALL but hubby kinda take it personally. He even distanced himself for a while. He probably thought why bother with this lady. Let her live in her own world.

Then, he kinda make it a mission to change my opinion. There were times we debated about some issues but most of the time, he just became a friend. A good friend. I really appreciate his friendship and the intellectually stimulating conversation. Three years down the road, here we are :)

May we always have this wonderful friendship and the intellectually stimulating conversation. I like the fact that we can have a comfortable silence enjoying each others presence. I also hope we will have great conversation right up and past our golden age. Luv u hubby.

Amazing Night

2008-12-25T23:09:00.003+08:00

We're very lucky to be able to stay in a place where we have amazing night view from our balcony. It's almost like when your plane is landing and you're admiring the lights you saw outside the window, glittering like little stars on earth... not on the sky.

Tonight, as I finished loading our washing machine with clothes, I turned around to find another truly amazing view at the back of our condo unit. In between two tower blocks, I saw Genting lights as if it was a floating city on the night sky. I have stayed here for months and never saw this view before.

I wash clothes at night quite often but maybe at other times the sky wasn't as clear as tonight or I could be rushing that I didn't bother looking up and out. Such a pity isn't it. But tonight, I'm very lucky. This photo I took didn't do any justice to the amazing view I have but I can't wait to blog about it. Immediately after posting this entry, I'm going back to our drying area to admire the view. Good nite :)

Because of the Clothes

2008-12-17T16:02:00.001+08:00

WARNING HAZARD! Mushy entry. May cause gagging :D

A staff who has attended one of my training few months ago saw me at the office yesterday. She's attending a different training. Here's a snippet of our conversation.

Staff1: Kak Sue, why are you soooo... slim?
Me : Huh! *feeling really, really surprise* No lah.
Staff1: Really! You look so thin. What happened?
Me : Can't be lah. The weighing scale don't lie.
Staff : *still having a disbelief look on her face* But you look so slim. Maybe because of this clothes you're wearing.
Me : Yeah maybe.

I smiled and rushed off to find the caterer because the food allocated for my class was not enough.

Later in the evening, excitedly relate the above incident to hubby while we're having dinner.

Hubby: Maybe something is wrong with her eyesight.

Me: *just look at hubby one kind*

Hubby: Sometimes, when people say something they actually mean the opposite.

Me: *give hubby the look* OK. I'm not going to tell you similar stories in the future.

Hubby: Don't be like that. Everyone needs a second opinion. A second opinion is good.

I make faces at him and he keeps on teasing me about it.

Much much later after midnight, I woke up due to some allergic reaction. I started sneazing and my nose was blocked, stuffed and I had to blow and it didn't help very much cause despite blocked, it still drips. Applying some balm didn't ease the congestion either.

So after tossing and turning and change place with hubby and change again hoping a different sleeping position would help, later I decided to just stuff a tissue paper at the problematic nostril. All the while, hubby can't sleep too with all my fussing around. Despite the disturbance and the tissue paper, before we finally dozed off somewhere around 3....

Hubby: I love you.

Me: *big smile* I know now you really love me since you say that despite the tissue paper in the nostril.

Hehehehe... That's a very sweet moment. Hubby can tease me all he wants about my 'slimness' as long as he continues loving me no matter what :)

I'm very much the professional at work today. All prim and proper minus allergy. But the warmth and sweetness of the early morning incident still envelopes and make me smile.

Luv u too hubby :)

Wanna gag??? Don't say I didn't warn you :)

Fresh update as I went to the pantry to get a hot drink while writing this entry. I haven't told hubby yet. Another comment made by my previous participant who attended a different training today.

Staff2: Sue, are you pregnant?

Me: No lah. Maybe just the clothes.

Sigh! OK no more baby doll blouses at work. Corporate look is a YES!

Mini Night Picnic

2008-12-15T22:03:00.001+08:00

I'm at the airport now waiting for hubby & blogging via gmail mobile
from my handphone. I brought him homemade spaghetti, hot milo, tapioca
chips & fruits.

We're gonna have mini night picnic in the car on the way back :) As I
was packing the food, it kinda reminds me of mom who would always fuss
on us. Now it's my turn :)

--
Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com

9 Months

2008-12-13T22:53:00.002+08:00

Nine months ago, my life changed forever. I'm still adapting to my new life. Hubby and I, we've gone through quite a lot of hurdles. Looking back, it really feels like so much has happened. We still have a long way to go but for now, I'm thankful we managed to overcome all the challenges the best way possible. Hubby's outstation again. Oh... he's online. Tataa... we're gonna chat :)

One More Day

2008-11-23T22:05:00.003+08:00

One more day is the topic in Oprah today. If you have one more day, who would you want to spend it with and how would you spend it? Thank God I only watch it half-way. Otherwise, I'm afraid this 'Ratu Airmata' would start sobbing just as the rain stopped. My emotion has been quite fragile this past few days.

Anyway, back to the topic, I would want to spend it with my grandparents. Both passed away when I was still very young. I don't have the chance to really get to know them. I want to hear stories about my mother from them, I want to hear stories about their childhood from them. I'm sure they would have grand tales about their growing up hardship, the Japanese occupation, my grandfather's travel, and many others.

Everyone who have lost their loved ones interviewed in the show today wanted to spend their day doing ordinary every day things like having breakfast together, talking to each other and tending the garden. I've heard often enough for people to say, on your deathbed you'd want to be with your family and friends and not your boss or colleagues. Yet, how often have we put aside the ordinary little things because we're too busy with work.

I know it well when I was busy with too many trainings. I know very well too how doing simple ordinary things can be a luxury with hubby. Yeah... a LUXURY in caps. Like waking up in the morning and enjoying our breakfast without having to rush to work, cleaning house together, do our grocery shopping as if that's the only important thing we have to do for the day so no rush to it, window shopping, watch tv and dvd till we're bored and many other things. It's hard :( I know it would be difficult. But knowing and experiencing it is two different thing. Sigh!

Facebook style... * Sue is missing hubby!

The Verdict Is Out... It Is Called Grey Area

2008-11-23T11:30:00.006+08:00

Frontpage news in our local newspapers...

Fatwa Council deems ancient form of exercise from India 'haram' - The Star

Yoga Ban: Don't question fatwa, says Council - NST

Majlis Fatwa haram yoga - Berita Harian

Yoga diharamkan - Utusan Malaysia

How misleading it was. Is this called responsible reporting? If people did not read the full content, they would not see the IF CLAUSE in the fatwa.

PUTRAJAYA: The National Fatwa Council has declared that yoga is haram (prohibited) in Islam and Muslims are banned from practising it.

Its chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said yoga had been practised by the Hindu community for thousands of years and incorporated physical movements, religious elements together with chants and worshipping, with the aim of "being one with God".

"Because of this, we believe that it is inappropriate for Muslims to do yoga.
The council is declaring that practising yoga, when it comes together with the three elements, is haram," he told a press conference here yesterday.

He noted that while merely doing the physical movements of yoga without the worshipping and chanting might not be against religious beliefs, Muslims should avoid practising it altogether as "doing one part of yoga would lead to another"”.

Muslims, he said, were discouraged from practising yoga even as a form of exercise as it would ultimately lead to worshipping and chanting, which is against Islam.

So, it is OK to do the physical movements BUT... and I don't like this statement "doing one part of yoga would lead to another". How do they know? Isn't that pure assumption? There are Muslims who have been practising it for years without succumbing to the temptation of worshipping and chanting.

As for the comments about Singapore and Egypt, read here for another view.

Anyway, what's the point of ranting about it anymore. As for me, Allah and I know what's my 'nawaitu'. I will decide what's best for me and despite the verdict, it is still a grey area with an IF CLAUSE. So why worry No?

Crying Can Make You Healthier

2008-11-12T23:01:00.004+08:00

We all know a good cry helps to soothe our minds. Now doctors are discovering that tears may help to heal our bodies, too. Roger Dobson reports

It makes nine out of 10 people feel better, reduces stress, and may help to keep the body healthy. It's also free, available to almost everyone, and has no known side effects, other than wet tissues, red eyes and runny makeup.

Extracted from 'How Crying Can Make You Healthier' reported in The Independent UK

That's good to know. I needed one today. Someone really tested my patience today and it has been going on for quite some time. She's bitchy. I told her so and she has been perfecting her bitching skills ever since. I shouldn't be surprise actually. Just say a lot of prayers and shed a few tears to release stress and hopefully everything will turned out fine?

I listened to an audio seminar to block off unwanted noise and were reminded of a few things. Among them:-

* We only have one life. How do we want to live it?
* Are we survivors or winners?

What's your answer? What's mine?

... .gone to think....

First Formal Education

2008-11-06T20:51:00.003+08:00

We normally have lunch in the office. Sometimes we eat at our desk in-front of our PC or laptop and sometimes we have a luxury of gathering at our resource room chit-chatting and reading newspaper while or after having lunch. The topics of discussion can vary from work to economics to artist to politics and family. Recently a colleague told us the antiques of her six year old daughter. It was really funny and reminded me of my first formal education. What a huge gap it was as compared to what children nowadays have to go through at kindergarten and school.

How's your first formal education go? Do you still remember?

I had a really short stint in kindergarten. My mom decided not to continue sending me there because after some time (I don't know how long exactly), I only knew how to spell from A to F :) She said we spend more time playing than learning. Anyway, during my time, kindergarten was more of a luxury than a necessity.

I don't remember much about my time at the kindergarten. I remember we have singing sessions and in one of them I belted 'One Way Ticket' that must have sounded like Greek because I don't know English 'sepatah haram' back then. The only thing that makes sense must be the chorus that contains 'One way ticket to the ...' I still don't know the lyrics of that song until now :D Singing is never my strong point. Dancing will be more of my type hehehe...

I still remember I don't like the rice porridge provided during recess time. I told the teacher I'm not eating the porridge, it smelled like 'fart' hahahaha... I remember I have a favorite batik matching blouse and skirt that I always wore and I also remember abah dropping me off on his motorbike. Was it his Vespa? I can't remember whether he already uses his Vespa then or did he got it much later.

When I was in Standard One, I was quite clueless to the lessons taught in school. I remember we have exercise books with big squares where we have to write 1s for full page, and 2s on the next page, 3s and so on. Similarly with alphabets. I love the feel and smell of a new book, I always lose my pencil and ended up having to write with black color pencil. My exercise book was ugly with smudges from the color pencil.

I love to read or the thought of being able to read ever since I was young. I would look at our text book and read out loud based on the pictures on the book using my imagination. I haven't a clue what was written on them. Be it Malay or English book. I can finally read the Malay books by the second term I think because the spelling session with the vowels make sense to me so much so that I proudly pronounced 'Dutch Baby' as 'dootch babai' to my mom showing her I can already read :)

My father was a fan to Majalah Gila-Gila. He kept them all and what once a material for scribbling and doodling for my brother and I, became my best friend. I read them all and would get frustrated if I couldn't find the continuing series. I can't remember the name of the series I love to follow but the hero only have two front teeth. If I asked mom, she would say either my brother or I tore the pages of some of the magazines and maybe it was thrown away. I do remember Tan Tin Tun and Dan Din Don. I learned chess from Dan Din Don.

English was a mystery to me. There were no rules. I always got scolded by our 'Cikgu Teacher' during reading session. She always pinch the back of my hand for writing mistakes. Back then there's no Sesame Street or Barney to help us with our English lesson. When I first heard English on TV I asked mom why watch Chinese movie. Suddenly one day, as if I got a revelation, I can smoothly read a paragraph in class. I was elated when Cikgu Teacher praised me. I even have few extra friends who must have thought this girl is so 'pandai' can read English already so better be friend with her.

From then on, I started reading all the English books out loud at home, whether I understood the meaning or not. I may have mispronounced some words but I love the fact that I can already read. I remember 1 pink and 1 yellow book about a girl living in Toa Payoh and I love reading the two books. After that I became a voracious reader. Anything that has something written on it, will be read. I have to thank Cikgu Teacher Jaswant Singh for that. For some reason, I remembered her name tonight. She has long straight hair and she wore glasses. I can't recall her face though.

Nowadays children already have to learn big numbers of summation and subtraction and know how to read at kindergarten. My colleague's daughter already feel pressured to pass her kindergarten exam. Children have to grow up faster now. I pity them.

Our Open House

2008-11-01T22:45:00.004+08:00

It's a hot night tonight. It has not rained for the past few days and while this could be a blessing to those who lived in flood prone area and even I never like a gloomy rainy day but after a few days of heat, I'd welcome some rain.

It feels like I have been working the whole day today. It's for a personal project and I'm still torn between two options. Probably writing or ranting would clear up my mind for a while.

Around this time last week, I was cleaning the house and slaving in the kitchen for our open house. Hubby wants to cater some of the food but after careful consideration, I figured I can handle all the cooking. I can still smile when I remembered hubby's response when I told him I'll be cooking. "Biar betul!" in such a disbelief tone hehehe...

I rarely cook since we're married. Normally we'll finish work quite late and by the time we reached home, both would be famished. The thought of waiting for another hour or so till the food got cooked was just unbearable. So eating-out it is. But, I also know my cooking is acceptable. No one has been poisoned so far. I know I have never cook at a large scale before but there's always the first time right? And normally my first attempt worked.

It's risky no doubt inviting people to your house and there's a risk of not enough food to serve but I'm adamant to give it a try. There's food backup just in case. Then hubby thought my food backup was still not enough so he bought more backup for my food backup hehehe... The fried chicken, chicken fingers and nugget were a hit so thank God for hubby's extra backup. My second boss went into the kitchen wanting to know how we marinated the chicken. We also cook fried mee as an addition in the late afternoon. We have other plans for the mee actually but I thought that would be too much. Thank God I hired a very competent helper to help in the kitchen. Otherwise, I'll have no time to mingle with the guest at all.

I envisioned myself looking perfectly made-up in my stunning kebaya greeting and entertaining our guest during our first open house together. All the food would also be ready by the time our first guest arrive.

Reality check: I still wore the blouse and pants worn while cooking in the morning and the main dish was still not ready when our first guest arrived. Yikesss!! Lucky they're family so everyone got into the kitchen to help. Anyway everything turned out quite well. The rice was a bit soft and the jelly should be sweeter but other than that, the food were OK. Some of my friends praised lavishly after being well-fed so I'm one very satisfied cook even though I don't have enough time to 'meng-anggunkan diri' :D

I cook a lot of things for the first time last week and I just googled most of the recipes too. Everything has to be cook at a large scale. My only limitation was we don't have that many big pots and pans. I bought some for the occasion but still there were not enough large containers to mix and store things. Next time, I'll know what to borrow from relatives :) Last week was a really tiring but enjoyable week.

I learn many things.

1. I need a bigger frying pan
2. I need a lot more big containers
3. Ketupat and lemang were not people's favorite after going to so many open houses
4. Because of item 3., 2kgs of meat would be enough for the rendang
5. 2kgs of Basmathi rice was more than enough. Maybe next time I should just cook 1 to 1.5 kgs.
6. 2 packs of minced meat were enough for the spaghetti sauce
7. 500gms of spaghetti would be enough. Buy another smaller pack just in case
8. About 3 kgs of chicken would be required for the fried chicken
9. We used 2 packets of chicken fingers and 2 packets of nuggets
10. I need another bottle of chilli sauce. The tomato sauce was not a favorite at all
11. The mee packet bought at Tesco and Fajar wasn't good. If I'm not mistaken the brand was Mi Ku or something like that.
12. We need lots of rugs and towels in the kitchen. It gets messy and wet easily during all the chaos
13. I need the container where people put water to wash hands
14. We need a bigger mat
15. There are few other things we need but the most important thing, cooperation and lots of love :)

Many little things and a smile from hubby from across the room meant a lot during those busy moments. Not to mention the foot massage afterward :D Heavenly.

News of the day: Fatwa on Yoga... Let's do Kejora Instead

2008-10-30T13:19:00.001+08:00

I'm sure many Muslims who has been practicing yoga waited for the official fatwa in abated breathe while the Muftis get a crash course on yoga before they make any decision. I have attended several yoga classes led by several Chinese instructors and apart from 1-2 who said their ohms after the class, there's nothing during the exercise session that suggested the presence of Hinduism elements.

While it would be nice if the Fatwa said 'Yoga is not Haram', it wouldn't bother me much if they say it is. I will probably have a tough time explaining to other Muslims why I still continue attending my yoga classes (when I got the time to go actually). But haven't the same fatwa council said smoking is Haram and yet we see Muslim men, and women included, smoking away like chimneys endangering not just their health but their loved ones from the second hand smoke.

If some people insisted Yoga originates from Hinduism, why don't we change the name to reflect a modern Yoga that focuses on health and not religion. Probably we can use Kejora instead since Jalan Alor got to keep its name :) Then I can say I'm going to my Kejora class hehehehe...

Another Love Of My Life

2008-10-19T18:42:00.004+08:00

This is another love of my life :) He is so adorable. How can I not love him... he is so sincere, so nonjudgmental and he gives back as much love as he receives. No questions asked, no filters and no layers of pretense whatsoever.

Adik, Mak Sue misses you very much!

The One

2008-10-18T23:44:00.001+08:00

The One.

It's a romantic comedy shown on TV tonight. It was heart wrenching watching Michael Blake struggles with his feelings towards Gail throughout the movie. Bill, Michael's best friend, has a phrase for what Michael's going through... proximity without intimacy. It must have been torturous for him to keep his feelings like that. My heart goes out to him whenever he makes a blunder. I have the tip of my tongue at the back of my front teeth, willing Michael to make the declaration of his feelings towards Gail.

Gordie, Gail's fiance, is a nice guy with a temper and self-centeredness that may exist in each and everyone of us. How well do you know your other half? That is the question that brings a sweet ending to the movie.

How well do I know hubby? We're still discovering each other's quirks and fancies. How do I KNOW he's the one? That's a little bit more complicated to explain but in a gist, he stood up through flying daggers and zingers to discover the other side of me. Before I met hubby, I was always skeptical when people say you'll find someone and you'll know he's the one. I was like.... yeah right! then how come so many marriages ended up in divorce when they have accepted the other half as 'the one' or else they wouldn't get married to each other. Right??!! May our marriage has Allahs's blessings as long as we live and if you're still looking, you probably wouldn't believe me either but you'll know if he or she is 'the one' :)

Whenever you stare at him while he's asleep or when he's not looking, you're just glad he has become part of your life and you'll go through life's journey together. Yikes... I'm going so mushy tonight. Must have been because of the warm and fuzzy feeling I got from watching the movie :D

Of Being in Control... and Not

2008-10-18T19:21:00.003+08:00

One of the thing I dislike so much is of judgmental people and those who backbites. I'm not perfect. I'm human too... thus I may be guilty of the same mistake but I'll not do it consciously. I've always subscribed to this saying, "Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you." But then, how can you make people realize that? How can you make people believe in the same principle as yours? I'd say I may have better luck watching the grass grow than change people.

Below is an article that is said to be the 90/10 Rules by Stephen Covey. I have read this passage before but I can't recall from which book. Anyway, it is the message that is important. I should practice it more often especially while driving :)

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react.

We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? By your reaction.

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react.

You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home. When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? ... Because of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is “D". You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.

Why? Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

It still hurts when you found out how judgmental some people can be or of what people has been saying behind your back BUT... those are the things that you do not have any control of. As for the things I CAN control, I'm glad I have my conscience clear. And as for the things I CAN control, I'm about to make a dramatic change in my career. It's scary and exciting at the same time. Isn't it great? That we have a choice :)

Selamat Hari Raya 1429 Hijrah

2008-10-04T23:13:00.003+08:00

I still remember how it was during Hari Raya last year. That was the most challenging Raya for me. So many things has happened since then. This is my first Raya as a wife. Alhamdulillah, it went very well :) We celebrated at hubby's kampung. I was part of the ketupat crew and got the 'tender' for beef and chicken. I was wearing my wrist watch when we clean and wash the chicken. I'm sure the CSI team can still find a lot of chicken DNA on the band of my wrist watch :D

I have a small family. Hubby's big. All the food is cooked at a large scale. Almost like a 'kenduri' scale. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was tiring but everyone seemed to be in the festive mood and enjoyed the gathering. The children were running all over the place and it can be quite overwhelming for someone who normally have her peace and quiet but it was fun getting to know my little nephews and nieces. They are cute. Cute nieces and nephews means I have to prepare more Angpow this year :)

We also have a special invitation to an open house hosted by Puteri Gunung Ledang hehehe... This is the time for us to relax and unwind.

The waterfall

This is us :) You can also find Duyung Ledang Muslimah if you were at the open house but hubby said his hands were too wet to take her photo.

The other guests...

The path

On something not so nice, I discovered the ugly side of human nature. Rubbish were thrown all over the place all the way to the waterfall despite the many rubbish bins provided. Sigh! I have some pictures but decided not to waste my bandwidth by posting them. I take it upon myself to collect and throw rubbish found along my way. Hubby has to help in which he asked since when does he become the member of Malaysian Nature Society hehehe... I told him I already subscribed to the family membership so he automatically becomes a member :)

There's another thing. It's like getting a jolt with a bucket of icy water. I can only do so much, say so much, hope so much... the rest is up to Allah. It's my fault. I have always respected other people's privacy. I expect other people to respect mine too. But this time I break my own rules... to receive a painful lesson. I'm not going to make it a habit. I've learnt my lesson. No matter what other people say or do, I'd like to say I have my conscience clear. I prayed everyone will have a blessed Syawal.

Eid Mubarak... Kullu ‘aamin wa antum bikhairin... Minal ‘aaidil wal faaizin.

Fight for Survivorship

2008-09-21T00:00:00.000+08:00

When it matters, we have to fight for what's right, what's ours and what's fair. We have to do it irregardless of the consequences. Because you see, sometimes no one will do it for us. No one will think of our well being. There's an instinct in each and everyone of us to fight for their survival... which may include their small nucleus family or the whole clan of their relatives. But, if you're an outsider or perceived as an outsider, the first thing they'll do is to cut you out. Isn't that what we learn from all those reality shows?

Sometimes we keep our silence to assess the situation. Sometimes we keep our silence to not stir the water. But sometimes the water has got to be stirred or we wouldn't know what would surface from underneath. It could be a treasure, it could be danger.

Hey that rhymes! :) Why am I being so philosophical tonight? Maybe because hubby is not around and the night seem so quiet and empty. Sigh!

Of Being Single vs Married And A Tiring Weekend

2008-09-16T13:58:00.001+08:00

Hubby has to work last weekend. He complaints about being tired having to work on weekend and this week he's so busy there's no way for him to take replacement leave. I told him I'm tired too... there are a lot of things to do at home over the weekend. I bought a dish rack because the one we have is too small. I broke a bowl and a jug already. So I rearrange all the plates and containers and pots and pans from all our kitchen cabinet and on the new rack..

Since I went for Raya shopping on Saturday and dish rack hunting on Sunday, there's not much weekend left. I managed to wash all our laundry except for the old curtain which always has to wait in one of the laundry basket and then I'll have more laundry to do so I have to prioritize and let the curtain keep on waiting. At least our laundry basket of work and day clothes is totally empty. If I have more time, I wanted to arrange our books and files but I don't have any energy left. So some books and files are still in the boxes. I also want to mop the floor and rearrange my wardrobe but I'm not a superwoman. All that has to wait for my next cleaning session. Sigh!

If I'm single, I'd be contented for successfully doing all the laundry and having the plates and pots and pants more organized in the kitchen. One weekend I'll do this and another weekend clean up something else so I won't be overwhelmed with house work. Despite staying alone, everything got dusty quite fast. Unlike if you're staying in a kampung, there are no trees to stop the dust from flying into the house. There are a lot of laundry to do too.

I just wonder now that I'm married, would hubby notice the dust under his table instead of a more organized kitchen; would he wonder how come there are so many unfolded dry clothes and not notice the empty laundry basket; would he notice the books and files still in the boxes and not the new decorations on the dining table; would he notice the unswept floor and not the new flower decorations on the wall and aorund the house; would he notice the watermarked bathroom wall and floor and not the shining wash basin?

Hubby has never complaint so far but who knows what may go on in his mind.

Dear hubby, we are both tired. Just in different ways :) I do know how it feels when we have to work on weekend. Even if we can take replacement leave, it still didn't feel the same. There's a different atmosphere around us to let us know we're not supposed to work on weekend. I'd still choose being tired cleaning house over tired working on weekends :) We'll wait for Raya holiday to rest yer.

Who's da MAN? He's da MAN!

2008-09-16T12:41:00.001+08:00

Zaid
Resigned because of principle... a rare gem in UMNO - he's da MAN
For criticizing Muhyiddin - in this case, NOT da MAN. But maybe... he's only suggesting Muhyiddin resign to show people do resign because of principles which are not in line with government's action.

Muhyiddin
For voicing out what's obvious - he's da MAN

Hishamuddin
Too late in voicing out his unhappiness over ISA - NOT da MAN.
Or maybe the reporter interviewed him too late is it? Hmmmm...

Ahmad Ismail
For his remark and refusal to apologize - definitely NOT da MAN

Syed Hamid
For all his contradicting statements - NOT da MAN.
Opppsss... will I be ISAed for this?

Koh Tsu Koon
For being so sweet about people tearing his picture - I can't decide whether he should be categorized as da MAN or NOT da MAN

Pak Lah
For hanging on a very very thin thread despite whatever's going on around him - NOT da MAN

Najib
I better not say. Don't want to get blown up.

Feel free to continue the list in the comment.

Thumbs Up for Mufti Perlis

2008-09-15T14:47:00.002+08:00

Arrest first. Complaints later. That's what happen to Teresa Kok. After she's arrested under ISA, more people came forward to make a police report against her. What is this???

The Mufti's comments below covered everything. So what are you waiting for? Release those held under ISA immediately!

Mufti Perlis: ISA tidak diperlukan untuk bela ajaran Islam
15-09-2008 01:01:12 PM (Oleh ZIEMAN)

PETALING JAYA: Mufti Perlis, Dr Asri Zainul Abidin hari ini menegur tindakan kerajaan menggunakan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) dalam isu agama dan mengheret pengendali laman web Malaysia Today, Raja Petra Kamarudin dan Ahli Parlimen DAP Seputeh, Teresa Kok yang masih ditahan di bawah peruntukan akta itu.

Ketika ditemui di Damansara Kim sebentar tadi, Dr Asri berkata, Islam dibina dari hujah dan dasar yang jelas, dan Islam juga tidak memerlukan ISA untuk membela ajarannya.

"Jadi tidak ada alasan untuk menahan orang dengan tidak memberi peluang membela diri. Ini adalah satu tindakan yang salah. Sekiranya orang itu mempunyai kesalahan dari segi hukum agama, buktikan dari segi dalil-dalil agama.

"Cara kita tangkap orang guna ISA atas kesalahan agama tidak akan menghilangkan salahfaham terhadap Islam. Seharusnya diperjelaskan dulu apa kesalahan itu. Kalau misalnya orang itu menghina Islam atau menyeleweng, buktikan dulu berdasarkan Quran dan hadis.

"Perlu diperdengarkan pertuduhan itu kepada orang yang dituduh itu. Mungkin juga, ia hanya satu salah faham. Yang penting perdengarkan dulu hujahnya," kata Mufti yang terkenal dengan kelantangannya mengeluarkan idea yang berani dan telus itu.

Kata Dr Asri lagi, "Islam bukan agama yang bacul. Perbuatan ISA kerana kesalahan agama seolah-olah menggambarkan orang Islam tidak mampu berhujah, terus tangkap orang. Mereka akan kata mereka benar kerana kita takut berhujah dengan dia."

Beliau juga turut mengingatkan betapa bahayanya tindakan ISA.

"Sekiranya ada aliran-aliran tertentu dalam kerajaan yang tidak setuju dengan pendapat satu aliran yang lain, adakah ruang ISA juga akan digunakan? Pernah berlaku dalam kerajaan Abbasiyah yang berpegang pada aliran Muktazilah ketika itu. Dia menghukum orang daripada aliran lain termasuk Imam-imam besar seperti Imam Ahmad juga turut dihukum.

"Kalau di zaman ini, mereka yang kendalikan agama itu dari aliran lain maka mereka yang dari aliran lain itu akan dihukum tanpa memberi peluang membela diri. Ini juga tidak sejajar dengan konsep keadilan dalam Islam," kata Dr Asri lagi.

Dari segi politik Islam atau siasah, kata beliau, kerajaan berhak menahan orang dan beri tempoh siasatan (14 hingga 30 hari) bergantung pada keperluan. Tapi kita tidak boleh hukum 2 tahun tanpa diadili. Ini zalim.

"Tuhan yang Maha Adil pun buat mahkamah di akhirat untuk setiap orang dibicarakan. Keadilan ditegakkan di dunia dan di akhirat. Tuhan yang Maha Adilpun memberi peluang untuk kita jawab kesalahan sedangkan Tuhan berhak buat apa saja. Jadi macam mana kita boleh tangkap orang tanpa memberi peluang mereka membela diri?," jelas beliau.

Kata Dr Asri, isu agama turut membabitkan sensitiviti agama lain. Tapi dari segi mempersoalkan identiti Islam seperti laungan azan, itu tidak boleh.

"Namun jika ada sungutan tentang bacaan-bacaan yang panjang sehingga menganggu orang awam, ulamak Islam juga tidak benarkan. Bacaan yang kuat tanpa keperluan atau kuliah agama dengan menggunakan pembesar suara sehingga menganggu ketenteraman awam, itu tidak perlu. Itu sudah diputuskan oleh ulamak-ulamak dari dulu lagi.

"Agama itu terhad. Azan itu azan. Begitu juga kuliah agama untuk diperdengarkan di pembesar suara, berpada untuk sidang yang mendengar sahaja," jelasnya.

Dr Asri juga menyentuh tentang peranan Jakim.

"Jakim berperanan menjelaskan isu-isu agama dan juga yang menyeleweng dari agama. Bukan sekadar menyokong seseorang dihadapkan tanpa bicara. Badan itu juga hendaklah bebas dari percaturan politik. Perjelaskan ketentuan peruntukan orang yang menghina Islam seperti isu Raja Petra. Itu bersifat politik, biarlah diuruskan oleh orang politik.

"Kalau hendak diikutkan yang menghina Islam, ramai lagi yang patut dibuat aduan. Jelaskan dulu apa yang perlu dilakukan?," soal Dr Asri.

Beliau juga meminta kerajaan memikirkan soal ISA ini sedalam-dalamnya.

"Seandainya satu hari nanti kerajaan bertukar rupa dan kalau berlaku pertukaran kuasa. Terlalu ramai nanti yang tidak boleh bersuara dan ISA mungkin diguna seluas-luasnya. Besok, bila kena pada kita, apa kita nak buat?," kata Dr Asri yang akan menghadiri Tazkirah Tarawih di Stadium Kota Bharu pada hari ini.

Beliau yang juga akan memberi ceramah di Kompleks Islam Lundang esok, sempena pelancaran Tabung Serambi Mekah yang akan dirasmikan oleh Menteri Besar Kelantan, juga mempersoalkan bagaimana pemimpin yang gagal kendalikan parti yang kecil mampu kendalikan negara yang besar.

"Takkan nak tunggu ada rusuhan atau kekacauan. Ketika itu sudah tidak boleh dipulihkan lagi. Sekali kekacauan tercetus, susah untuk dipulihkan.

Menurut pengamatan beliau, keadaan ini berlaku kerana pemimpin politik menganggap kedudukan politik itu seperti harta rompakan.

"Mereka bermati-matian untuk mendapatkannya sekalipun terpaksa menggunakan belanja yang besar kerana pulangan atau keuntungannya juga besar," kata beliau.

Jelas beliau, saluran politik digunakan untuk membina kekayaan diri. Inilah hasilnya bila kerakusan ini berlarutan. Tidak ada setiakawan dalam politik, musuh memusuhi, berpuak-puak kerana fikirkan survival politik masing-masing bukan survival rakyat yang dipertanggungjawabkan.

Yang paling ketara sekarang, pemimpin politik bukan sahaja gagal membawa rakyat keluar dari kemelut yang sedang dihadapi malah menjadikan keadaan lebih rumit.

"Bukan sahaja mereka gagal menyelesaikan masalah tapi mereka pula yang menimbulkan lebih banyak masalah lain," kata Dr Asri.

http://mstar.com.my/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_64137214-c0a85062-158d9550-7b1c6ecd

Isyy... isyy... isyy...

2008-09-13T22:53:00.004+08:00

My respond after watching the first few minutes of prime time news...

Because she's in danger????

Can't the police take her under protective custody? No need ISA right!

Because he's a party member and the party has punished him????

Isyy... isyy... isyy... He didn't just speak within the party right? He speaks for the whole world to hear. Isyy... isyy... isyy...