Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Tagged

momster tagged me. I bet n.i. looks forward to this posting. *grins*

1. Bekas kekasih saya adalah:
*mengambil masa yang agak lama untuk berfikir disebabkan ada beberapa orang*

2. Saya sedang mendengar:
pengarah-pengarah sedang berbincang.

3. Mungkin saya patut:
balik ke rumah dan berehat.

4. Saya suka:
Melancong bersama anak saya, terutama sekali ke tempat yang mempunyai banyak peninggalan sejarah.

5. Sahabat-sahabat baik saya:
adalah mereka yang menerima saya dengan seadanya.

6. Saya tak faham:
kenapa orang berbelanja lebih dari kemampuan.

7. Saya kehilangan:
sabar apabila orang bertanya soalan yang sungguh tidak relevan seperti bila anda hendak berumahtangga.

8. Ramai yang berkata:
saya sombong dan tidak mempunyai perasaan.

9. Makna nama saya:
Azam and girang.

10. Cinta itu adalah:
sesuatu yang sukar untuk memiliki dan apabila sudah dijumpai, harus dijaga dengan seikhlas hati.

11. Di suatu tempat, seseorang sedang:
sibuk bercerita tentang lawatan ke safari semalam (anak dara saya). Antara haiwan yang dilihat adalah singa bersama 2 teman wanita, ‘antelope’, harimau, monyet, anjing laut, ‘penguin’.

12. Saya akan cuba:
sedaya upaya untuk tidak perlu pergi ke sebuah bandar Eropah berdekatan dengan banjaran gunung Alps untuk selama beberapa minggu atas urusan kerja. *dikemaskini – saya mendapat alternatif lain dan tidak perlu pergi. Gembira sekali*

13. Ayat SELAMANYA membawa maksud
infiniti (perkataan kegemaran anak saya).

14. Telefon bimbit saya:
Ada 3 (1 PDA/Blackberry, 1 kegunaan rasmi dan 1 peribadi). Saya sudah lama tidak membeli telefon kerana syarikat saya membiayainya dan boleh ditukar setiap tahun. Tetapi saya jatuh cinta dengan E63 berwarna merah dan membelinya pada tahun ini.

15. Bila saya terjaga dari tidur:
saya memandang muka anak saya.

16. Saya paling meluat apabila:
orang bertalam dua muka.

17. Pesta/Parti adalah:
sesuatu yang diraikan bersama orang yang bermakna didalam hidup anda dan tidak perlu berlebihan.

18. Haiwan yang paling comel yang saya pernah temui ialah:
koala di Sydney Zoo.

19. Peringkat umur yang paling menyeronokkan bagi saya ialah:
mestilah sekarang kerana saya rasa saya betul-betul menikmati kehidupan, terutama sekali di samping anak saya.

20. Hari ini:
saya rasa amat mengantuk sekali kerana saya hanya dapat tidur 4 jam sahaja semalam.

21. Malam ini saya akan:
Menonton tv.

22. Esok pula saya akan:
Datang ke pejabat walaupun hati saya teringin untuk pergi membeli-belah kerana gaji akan masuk.

23. Saya betul-betul inginkan:
Untuk berhenti kerja dan duduk di rumah menjaga anak saya, sambil membiarkan simpanan saya membuat pulangan yang cukup untuk membiayai kos pembelanjaan kami.

24. Ketika saya lihat wajah saya di hadapan cermin pagi ini:
pedulilah segala jerawat dan kedutan. Saya tidak mempunya masa untuk berfikir semua itu terutama sekali pada hari kerja.

25. Pusat membeli-belah atau arked permainan:
Pusat membeli belah.

26. Makanan Barat atau Jepun:
Barat.

27. Bilik yang terang atau gelap:
Bergantung pada aktiviti, betul tak?

28. Makanan segera adalah:
cepat dan ringkas.

29. Ayat terakhir yang anda katakan pada seseorang?
See you soon honey.

30. Siapa yang anda mahu tag?

inah, Jane, Hunny, Fizzy dan juga sesiapa yang rajin nak buat!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Of half naked men and brand

AC & H


I always wondered what the fuss of the above clothing was. In fact, when I first passed by one of the shops, I thought it was an exhibition place or studio as the building was somewhere in a back alley and it had a queue in front. When I got closer, I saw a half naked man striking a pose at the porch, confirming my suspicions that it could be a studio which exhibited live models.

It was only much later when I was asked to find such brand by someone (it happens I’m a personal shopper for friends for a mere teh tarik and roti canai as commission) that I realised the place was actually a shop!

As one enters, one cannot help feeling how inadequate he or she is surrounded by gorgeous looking sales assistants. The ladies are tall, slim and slender with hour glass body whilst the blokes have well toned figure. The guys take turns to be a model at the porch, displaying their asset for the benefit of us ladies. Oh, one of the girls will be a photographer using a Polaroid camera and customers are welcomed to take a picture with the bloke.

Interesting eh? *grins* Of course, the young lady wasn’t impressed when she saw that, not when the girls went goo-goo ga-ga to get their hands on the poor chap.

My only reservation about these places is their concept of using very dim lights. I couldn’t see the items and where I was going, especially when they were crowded. Yet, I think the atmosphere helps customers to spend more than necessary as it makes them ten times gorgeous upon trying their clothing. Unfortunately, I have yet to be fooled by the whole thing and still dont understand why people keep flocking.

However, if you need some stress reliever or just to “cuci mata”, feel free to drop by. Just have fun with all those eye candies and if you are bold enough, take a picture with the half naked bloke. I wouldn’t be surprised if women pinch his ass.
*lol*



Thursday, July 23, 2009

It's raining

It’s raining.
It’s pouring.
The old man is snoring.
He went to bed and bumped his head and couldn’t wake up in the morning.

And so it was. For the past few days, rain seemed to have taken the city, with occasional sunshine which was not enough to keep us jolly and for us be able to wear our frocks without hesitation. Whoever brought back the legging style, I’m sure most of us are thankful to them. The young lady is able to wear her dresses and skirts without feeling chilly. All girls (and women) want to be chic and the legging is definitely a solution during these times.

My routine has been somewhat off. I thought I would have trouble keeping myself occupied but boy was I wrong. Everyday there is something to do or people to meet. I suppose it was a good thing to be staying put. I managed to meet the Godmother, Mrs Dior, the lady with 3 heroes and one heroine (which ended up with ice cream treat for the kids) and a few others.

Thus, the blog was slowly drifting away, tucked in the corner of this mind of mine. I realise I dont have much to write whenever I’m on a break. Obviously I cant be a writer who often takes long holiday in a French chateau or beach villa in a middle of nowhere just to get their creative juice pumping. I suppose the daily (and dull) routine helps my idea to flow better. Or perhaps I perform well while under pressure (yeah right).

Despite the so-called hectic schedule, I still managed to squeeze some shopping time. One book shop was closing down, with 50% discount at a minimum. We came back with two bags of books! An Enid Blyton – The Family Collection book was only £2.50 (was £10).

Ah, I must admit that I have to stay away from MD. I usually end up with something each time I pop in. The last time I went, I grabbed 3 items of clothing. To be fair, they were 70% less, thus a good bargain. I must admit I no longer have the energy to show up at a store at 6am in the morning during sale season. I did that once just to prove to friends that I’ve tried that. *grins* I guess I’m lucky to be able to find something that I like even after the shops had their sales for weeks already, although I dont think it’s a good excuse to be getting an item each time I visit MD. (can you blame me when they are marked down seriously low?)

The sun is out now and I suppose I should take the young lady out for awhile. Perhaps strawberry milkshake might do the trick
.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Twilight books

Someone asked about the price of Twilight books. So far, the cheapest collection I managed to find was from WH Smith at £38.40 (was £60). The books are hard cover, thus pricier. (my fellow bloggers/regulars, appreciate your comments here. Feel free to share if you have seen better price).

However, the ones that I got were paperback. The price was £6.99 for two books. I have yet to see paperback version for Breaking dawn. If the remaining two books are bought from the same place, it’d be £12.99 (buy one get one free. The hard cover format is £12.99, paperback £6.99). I think online will be cheaper as seen from
here . The total amount will be under £10 for two books, instead of £12.99.

Ok... so the conclusion is, if you buy separately (not the collection as I mentioned in the first para), the total costs for the books if purchase online is £16.98 (excluding delivery charges) and £19.98 if you get them from the store. I am unsure how long does the offer last.

By the way, you might get them cheaper elsewhere e.g. amazon but please take note of the delivery charges. Some may waive if the total costs exceeds certain amount. I hope this helps you, ms anonymous.

Ps: Will reply to comments soon.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Dangerously hot

A few days ago, I came across this article, what's wrong of being selfish?.
There were many things mentioned which I could relate to. Perhaps the article reminded me of the ideas I shared among friends. Most importantly, the highlight of the article was about making choices.

Whether getting married, remain single, having children or not, work or being a SAHM, all of which we are entitled to. Yet why do we keep getting criticised for the choices we make?

Worse of all, the ones who love to criticise are females. Sigh… If you must know, your comments don’t fall under constructive feedback. It just reflects how narrow your world must be.

I have worked with a few (giant) companies and more often than not, I see that the ones who dampen our spirit are ladies. Men don’t care whether you are married or with kids, as long as you deliver, you get the recognition. It is often the female bosses who are harder to please.

Now, back to the choices, why is it difficult for people to understand for being single? There is nothing wrong for setting the bars high or wanting the right man (note right, not perfect. Those only exist in movies or fairy tales). As for enjoying the honeymoon period longer ie postponing pregnancy, it probably helps to bond a couple stronger. You get to do more adventurous or wild things now (hey, there is no limit once you tie the knot). As for the number of kids, why on earth should this matter? Seriously! Some of us enjoy having the quality of life with our loved ones. Perhaps some are wise to know the rising cost of living, in particular, education. Thus, having two kids suffice, unless you are one those who think scholarship continue to exist by the time your kids reach university.

So to those who are having a hard time, don’t let them get their way. It gives them pleasure when they find you irritated by the comments. Be happy with the choices we make.

Life isn't one size fits all -- different things make our lives fulfilling.

On another note, I think werewolf is kinda hot. I wonder when the new movie comes out, I will scream like those teenagers when they make their appearance (as mentioned by IDB). Jake sounds deliciously sexy but based on the picture, somehow I want Paul more. *grins* Hang on, is it legal to fantasise boys?

Picture taken from eonline.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Oppss.. I did it again!

We thought it’d be a quiet weekend. There was no plan in place, except for the movie trip. The cinema has kids special on weekends and during school holidays of which they screen movies aired a month or two before at a low fare. The movie was The Secret of Moonacre and we both quite enjoyed it. Not bad for £2.50 (for both of us).

At around mid day, I received a call from the girlfriend. She was at the shopping mall at West End and asked if we were free to join her. Who couldn’t resist (window) shopping, right? After bribing the young lady that she’d get new books, we made our way to see her.

I couldn’t believe that we spent half a day there! Of course, we had an hour of coffee session but still, half day at the mall? Darn!

Anyway, can you tell me how one can resist when this:

and this:

were on offer at buy one get one free?
Of course I had to get them.

Now, if only I was smart enough to get the other two books to complete the saga, which were on sale as well.

Oh, I am also in love with Massimo Dutti. Their cutting and style suits me a lot!

updated: If only I knew that I should have read New Moon first! Yes, I have finished reading Eclipse last night. *smack her head many times*

Ps: Ms B promised the young lady that she’ll get the pixie collection by Enid Blyton. She hopes the Book People has them and it’ll mean she saves up to 70% of the original price.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Her diamonds...

Oh what the hell she says
I just can't win for losing
And she lays back down
Man there's so many times
I don't know what I’m doin'
Like I don't know now

By the light of the moon
She rubs her eyes
Says it's funny how the night
Can make you blind
I can just imagine
And I don't know what I’m supposed to do
But if she feels bad then I do too
So I let her be

And she says oooh
I can't take no more
Her tears like diamonds on the floor
And her diamonds bring me down
Cuz I can't help her now
She’s down in it
She tried her best and now she can't win it's
Hard to see them on the ground
Her diamonds falling down

-Her diamonds, Rob Thomas –

LHM asked for my opinion about the song, whether I feel it’s a sad number.

More often than not, I tend to like a song because of its lyrics and not of the tune. Take a song by Mr Mraz for example, I fell for the song and made a post way before it became a hit.

Of course the topic for today isn’t about him, but on Mr Thomas.

The song brought me down to memory lane, to a time when I cried so bad that it was literally sucking my soul out. On one occasion, I broke down to a friend and until this day I still remember his words, “why do you cry for someone who doesn’t deserve your tears?”

Tears are precious or as the song goes, diamonds. They are too valuable to be wasted on insignificant things. It hurts people who care for us to see us in pain, when they know we have much to look forward to. As much as they want to help, sometimes it is best to let us be and feel our pain. Let it pass through.

These days, I still cry but I reckon they are mostly on happier thoughts. Err... do you think it makes sense to cry when a nice pair of shoes is sold at a ridiculously good bargain? *winks*

Have a good weekend friends!

Ps: Ms B is looking forward to Ghost finale. She got hooked on it while on sick leave (she curses her brother for suggesting this series), watched season 1 and 2. First it was Zack Imran, now Romeo
.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Of fights and showing up

DEREK: "I was a jerk. Sometimes boyfriends can be jerks, but it doesn't mean you stop talking to them... You get that I'm saying I'm sorry, right?"
MEREDITH: "You yelled at me for no reason, and then you walked away. And now you show up here."
DEREK: "Of course I showed up. Why wouldn't I? You don't trust me?"
MEREDITH: "I do."
DEREK: "Okay, well this is how it works. You fight sometimes and somebody apologizes."
MEREDITH: "Well, how am I supposed to know that?"
DEREK: "You've never done this before."
MEREDITH: "No, I've never done this before."
DEREK: "From now on, you can expect that I'm gonna show up. Even if I yell. Even if you yell. I'm always gonna show up. Okay?"
MEREDITH: "Okay."


We were late. We thought we could reach there in time but my timing was off by 10 minutes. As we reached the platform closer, I asked her to search for him. We both spotted him, dressed casually in his jeans instead of the usual suit. The young lady ran towards him while I tried to keep my pace. He gave her a hug and a quick peck on her cheeks. It was a beautiful sight to see how comfortable she was wrapped around his arms.

Then he looked up and our eyes met. It was the moment that I knew how much I missed him. I knew it was a hassle for him to come here as the travel route was not ideal. Despite it took him more than one stopover and not being able to come here immediately after the conference which left him spending an extra day in the historical city located in central Bohemia, he didn’t seem to be bothered. All I could see was how happy he was to be here.

We were not spared from the usual misunderstandings and again, he reminded me why he was here. At that moment, I felt it was a scene taken from the above and I couldn’t stop smiling. The guy who asked me to stop watching Greys as my emotions correlated to the episodes was mirroring a similar scene.

By now, he has safely arrived at his destination. All I could think of was those silly fights we had and how I wish I can have them over and over again.

Strange enough, it is raining cats and dogs as I am writing this, making it more difficult to not miss him.
..

Friday, July 03, 2009

All or nothing

“Look, we’re here, aren’t we, so why not just enjoy it, leave all the other stuff at home. There’s something to be said for the occasional treat – we dont have to put up with each other’s nastier habits.”

“You sound like a bloke.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s usually men who compartmentalise their lives. Women are supposed to be all or nothing.”

“One’s compartment’s better than nothing.”

The next best thing – Sarah Long

***********
The moment I read the above, it reminded me of the conversation that I had with a girlfriend of my ability to put things in a chest of drawers. At home, I am a mother to a loving and thoughtful daughter. At work, I am a dedicated and career driven person.

And then, there are some occasions when I feel the need to be a woman; to be swept off my feet by the swirl of romance. Be it coffee at the park and watch the kids playing around, lunch in the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, candle-light dinner complete with desserts.

So I enjoy the moments and place them in the drawers. Whenever I need to be reminded, I take them out and let myself be carried away. Sweet surrender...