One third espresso, two thirds steamed milk and a portion of chocolate. Care to try?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Office chat
Me : I need to see the doctor. (with a serious tone)
Ms Argentina : Are you pregnant?
Me : *chuckles* What makes you think that? I dont even have a husband!
Ms A : Well, everyone else in the department is either pregnant or trying to have a baby. Besides, you dont need a husband. *smiles*
By now, we both laughed out loud.
Sometimes I forget I work in such an open culture.
Eid
Forgiveness is something we should all practise. Not just for Hari Raya but every day.
We should celebrate it and embrace it as an essential part of our lives.
There is nothing so bad that cannot be forgiven.
Hurt will never heal until you forgive.
If you are at war with others, you cannot be at peace with yourself.
You can let go and forgive. It takes no physical strength to let go, only courage.
Forgiveness is the single most important process that can bring peace to our souls and harmony to our lives.
Forgiveness is not something we have to strain ourselves to do.
Forgiveness helps you move forward.
No one benefits from forgiveness more than the one who forgives.
Give yourselves the gift of forgiveness today.
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." Mahatma Gandhi
Our Eid.
The night before Eid, I already made plans to work late as our report was due on Friday. Up until I found out that Eid fell on Friday and it seemed impractical to stay late (I had many errands!). So I mentioned to the boss that I could stay until 9pm but he told me to leave asap (it was 730pm). Told me to have a good Eid and not to worry about the report (he still had other team members on site).
So I went back, rushed to the stores and got the ingredients needed for our dishes. The nanny and lil went out earlier to get our meat and on their way back, they dropped by at the mosque for 'takbir' or Eid recital.
The next day, I gave lil time off from school (which I later found out that they do give one day off to all muslim students and staffs. Cool!). We went to perform Eid prayers. Lil was overjoyed to wear her baju kurung (a traditional malay dress for ladies) and to see the Malaysian crowd. After prayers, we headed to Chinatown to meet a good friend (she's here on holiday). She helped us to buy some more stuffs and carry them home. By 3pm, I started making rendang. Lil slept as she only had 7 hours of sleep (her usual would be 10-11 hours).
At 7pm, we left to a friend's place for her open house. Her family helped her to cook whole day (quite amazed with the number of dishes and guests). Got back by 9pm and I continued cooking until 2am! Called mom before I went to bed (it was so hard to get hold on her for the last few days. Busy with raya preparation). Woke up at 630am and continued cooking. By 10, everything was ready. First group of guests arrived at 1045am.
Menu include rendang, pulut kuning (yellow sticky rice), lamb curry, soto (rice cube, with soup and shredded chicken) complete with bergedil (potato + minced meat cake/balls).
Most friends made it. Even Mrs Rock and Mrs Dior loved the soto (they are great cooks, ok? I was so worried my food was not at par. Hehhehe). Most importantly, our party truly reflected Malaysia. Malay, Chinese, Indian. Also, I had my colleagues from European and South America continent. Would have had guests from Down Under and New Zealander but they couldn't make it.
Anyway, like I said, it was a good party.
Ps: My colleagues fell in love with lil. She was such a great host!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Blogging
*smiles*
Only two people know the existence of my blog, best friend and another good friend. One is too busy with work whilst the other has more important issue than reading my blog i.e. getting rid of his cancer.
Which is why best friend gave the best statement ever. People can think on their own, do their analysis, to make judgement. They dont need to read blog to do that, especially from someone they have never met in their entire life.
ps: This kind of reminds me of Kak Teh's entry a few months back ie about women blogger lie. We cant change their mindset, right Kak Teh?
pss: Raya was awesome! Tiring (I made a few dishes for 30+ people) but awesome.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Salam Hari Raya
Rindu dan sepiku bermusim di rantauan
Kini syawal kembali tengah halaman
Fajarnya menghimpun saudara tercinta
Dan wajah ceria ayah dan bonda
Dalam suci lebaran
ku rindukan sinar dan harapan
Anak kecil berlari
Jangan sampai hanyut tak bertali
Miskin kaya tua muda bermaafan
Di bawah sayunya gema takbir hari raya
Senyum tawa sanak saudara
Mewanginya bunga rasa
Kusyukuri nikmat Tuhan Maha Esa
Sekuntum lebaran mekar di sukmaku
Kupetik harumnya di Hari Raya
Dearest readers,
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a blessed Eid Mubarak. May you have a wonderful time with your loved ones.
Thank you for sparing your time to read my blog, whether you leave your comments or purely passing by to read my rambling thoughts.
Special wish to Kak Ruby, Kak Teh, Simah and Fizzy. Thank you for your encouraging words and prayers. Also, Uncle Lee and D. Thank you for dropping by.
Warm regards from both of us.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Zakat
The fact that I am able to pay zakat shows that I’m fortunate enough to be able to support both of us. Some single mothers struggle. I wonder how they cope. Strange enough, why is it when a divorce is finalised, men start to ignore their responsibilities? I mean, if you hate your ex-wife so much, why must the kids be penalised? Why shouldn’t you contribute part of the expenses? In fact, even how bad things turn out between you and the ex-wife, the least you could do is to show some respect to her for being the mother of your children. Even if the ex-wife asks for divorce, I’m sure on that ground alone, the ex-wife is entitled to some gratitude, more so if she’s taking care of the kids.
Some ex-husbands are decent enough to contribute not just the children’s expenses, but also the ex-wife’s until she remarries. I even heard that some of them actually pays the zakat for the ex-wife. These men show great respect to the divorce issue and deserve a pat on the back.
But who am I to talk about religion and responsibilities?
But you know, it just baffles me that when it comes to divorce, men can turn their heads. They use whatever rules in our religion to get away from paying alimony to the ex-wife. Some find excuses to delay child support.
I wish single mothers have more strength and courage to speak up for their rights. I wish men live up to their words even after separation. I hope they remember that there are kids involve.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Choices
Thursday, October 04, 2007
A night to remember...
When I was younger, I never recalled of having these romantic dinners, you know, the type that takes your breath away. Maybe I did. But I guess what’s important is not the setting, it’s who you spend it with. It’s the companion…And it was Mr Big.
People often mistake that affection can only be expressed with physical gestures. Personally, I feel more intimate when I could spend hours talking to someone close to my heart. And we had a few hours of talking. From our careers, life, future, our past and emotions.
One of the things I asked Mr Big was whether I was coping being a single parent here. His answer amazed me. He said, “frankly, it doesn’t matter where for you are a strong person, capable of raising your girl by yourself. London, KL or wherever, you will do fine.”
And as a dear friend, he wants the best thing in life for me. “You have been through a lot and you deserve a good man. Someone better than me.”
Sometimes the best thing in life is already in front of you. It just comes in a different package. It’s there for you to take and cherish but maybe in a different way. Maybe this is why Mr Big is in my life.
And now, he has left…once again taking a piece of my heart..
But you know what…somehow I think I’ll be ok. More importantly, I know I am happy. For I know that no matter how far, no matter how long, I’m always close to his heart and vice versa. For I know I have a true friend whenever I need one….
Monday, October 01, 2007
When friendship becomes more...
"Every girl who's been in love has their own Mr. Big.Tall, dark, impossibly handsome, (used-to-be if not still) married, successful type. Owh, just your type."
My Mr Big will be in town. Best friend passed some (well, more like loads!) of stuffs back home for me. I feel so bad that he is carrying them. But that’s him. The occasional things he does for me are awesome, the ones you cant forget easily.
Best friend has always been good in giving the great advice. Live life to the fullest with no regrets. I have no regrets with my past. It shapes me today, be it good or bad. I think I’m a better person now than before. I try to appreciate the small things in life.
But some things, well, the good things that you MIGHT have missed, keep coming back to you, keep haunting you, that YOU should have done something about it.
Well, this Mr Big, is someone close to my heart, without me putting down my walls. Yes. I can not and shall not let down my fences. Best friend thinks I’m capable of doing the impossible, of not letting my fences down. The last time I did, I almost gave my heart away. And it took me some time to get over it.
Best friend thinks I’m strong enough to enjoy the moment without falling. She reckons I should enjoy the moment and just spend time together. After all, a girl only gets to be pampered once in a while, and it’s good to spend time with someone you care, someone you can be yourself with.
It becomes clear to me that maybe I’m not meant to be with anyone. Maybe I’m meant to have meaningful relationship with good friends, people who care and want the best thing in life for me. After all, part of my success is due to their never-ending support.
Mr Big never showers me with gifts. He gives something more valuable. His time. The last exam I had, he was there for me most of the time. Being the chauffer to see my study-mates, download/print stuffs from work, etc. He even took the time to spend "teh tarik" supper the night before my exam. For a person who has a senior position in a large company back home, I truly appreciate his gestures.
And you know what….the only person who can make me go back will be him.
Ps: I seriously need mental and emotional help. I have to stop watching Grey’s Anatomy.
Pss: I think I’m going to hate GA season 4. Meredith and McDreamy breaks up. Darn!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Open your eyes - Snow Patrol
And I won't waste a minute without you
My bones ache, my skin feels cold
And I'm getting so tired and so old
The anger swells in my guts
And I won't feel these slices and cuts
I want so much to open your eyes'
Cause I need you to look into mine
Tell me that you'll open your eyes [x4]
Get up, get out, get away from these liars
'Cause they don't get your soul or your fire
Take my hand, knot your fingers through mine
And we'll walk from this dark room for the last time
Every minute from this minute now
We can do what we like anywhere
I want so much to open your eyes'
Cause I need you to look into mine
Tell me that you'll open your eyes [x8]
All this feels strange and untrue
And I won't waste a minute without you
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Shopping pleasure
Let’s talk something lighter..like fashion sense. Hehhehe..
Ever since me and my girl watched “The Devil wears Prada”, we have been eyeing all those nice stylish clothes. I think I do have some fashion sense but I just choose to be comfy (translation= wear something practical, especially when you are out with kids).
So, I have been trying this 100% soft wool Zara coat. We hang out at Zara almost every weekend (it’s 5 mins walk from home. Good excuse to spend your Sundays.) It looks like one of those nice coats worn by Andrea, slightly swirly, mid length, very soft and silky smooth texture. Just love it. I told myself I should definitely get it.
During my effort of not shopping until month end just to get that lovely jacket, I splurged myself last Sunday on a very smart Austin Reed suit. I didn’t plan to get a suit. Even if I do, I usually go for Zara, which only cost 1/3 of Austin. But this place had discounts and it so happened that they had my size (US size 2!). Plus, the suit was on sale. I got mine for almost the price of Zara Women suits. That’s a bargain!!!!
When I got home, I kept asking myself, why of why did I get that suit. Well, that’s until I wore it yesterday and my oh my, it was a good investment. People complimented the way I look. It just makes me stand out among the crowd (something like that lah, I’m not a babe to begin with).
You cant go wrong with nice suits. Always buy the wool ones. It makes you look and feel good, like a power suit, especially when you have to deal with those arrogant bankers.
Anyway, I have to watch my spending now. I still have that coat in my list. Also, boots (maybe I should get 2 pairs, the other is the knee high boots. Great when you wear skirts).
I seriously need that bonus… Perhaps I should take my friend’s advice. Join an investment bank or private equity house. Then we can fly to Milan just to shop.
Dream on girl…. Hehhehe…
Ps: Somebody made dinner for me over the weekend. It was really nice to be pampered. *smiles*
Pss: To someone, thanks for the tips and recipe but I didn’t have to prepare after all. *winks*
Friday, September 21, 2007
The crime that shocked our nation
Al-fatihah to the lil Nurin.
Please read more here:
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20070921073921/Article/index_html
http://kakteh.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 14, 2007
Ramadhan
Had parents-teachers meeting this morning and was told that lil has EXAMs this year. Parents are expected to be more involved with their child’s progress and do simple things ie read books before they go to bed, ask them to count whenever we go shopping etc. I’m more stressed out about this than lil of course. She thinks school is fun and stress-free. Well, it should be. Just that being a mom makes me more paranoid about education.
I remember when I was young, my parents weren’t that fussed on my education and achievements. Guess they weren’t worried, compare to the attention they gave to my younger siblings. But you know, it’d be nice had they showed some concerns or interests, regardless how well I perform. It’s just about giving emotional support. I’m sure they know I could perform well but giving that support will give an edge.
Got a text from MJ, said he has meetings in London in 2 weeks time. Hopefully we can squeeze time for dinner. I’m so tempted to ask him to bring kuih raya but knowing he likes to travel light (especially when you are business travelling with lots of things in your mind), I rather not. Looks like I have to let go my pineapple tart and London almond cookies. Hmmm, unless I go nuts and browse for recipes, make them over the weekend. I barely have time to cook, let alone baking cookies!!! Dream on, girl.
I’m hosting iftar tomorrow. Just among few friends. Actually, it’s more like a request as 2 of them will be away next week, so this week is convenient for them. The challenge is to make ayam percik (chicken grilled with coconut milk), FIRST time! I just feel like eating ayam percik these days. I sure hope I have a good recipe ie something easy to follow with high success rate. Heheheh….
Might have iftar with McDreamy next week. He said we’ll try to make iftar together. I promised him to challenge myself with his homeland’s dishes (still browsing recipe for this too. But I know someone who is willing to email me her own recipe. Thank you dear!)
Hmm…all these food talking is hazardous during fasting month. *wink*
Ps: I wonder when Grey’s Anatomy Season 2 dvd will be out here? Should have bought them while I was back home…
Thursday, September 06, 2007
One person in the whole world..
About five years ago, MJ quoted me the above. Until today, I still hold this statement close to my heart.
For the past few weeks, my emotions have been on a roller-coaster. There are things that frustrate me but I try to keep an open mind and heart. I know I cant please anyone. I’m used to being a nobody. No matter how much I tried to be somebody, it always fails.
But in the company of a few people, I feel I am somebody. These people make me feel I’m worthy, someone significant in their life. They make me feel appreciated. They make me feel that I have achieved a lot in my life. They make me feel beautiful.
I miss these people dearly. I’m always myself whenever I’m around them. The Dragon Lady, Ms Alchemist, MJ, McDreamy and most importantly, my lil girl. Each of them plays an important role in my life. They were there during the difficult times, when I really needed someone the most. Be it being on the phone at midnight while I was on my way to send my girl to the doc, rushed to Bangsar for coffee/dinner when I was feeling down, be my chauffer to meet my study group while I was doing my professional course, photocopied exam materials after work for me and my friend so that we could use that time to revise, for taking care of me and my girl when I fell ill and unable to do anything.
You may know many people in life, family or friends. But how many of them will be there for you when you need your spirits to be lifted?
I miss KL but I miss London more. I miss our cosy flat. It’s a humble place but yet full of happiness. My angel’s laughter and smiles. Reminds me of the bond we share, the love between a mother and a child, a child’s trust and patience.
I may be only one person in the world, but I may mean the whole world to some people. And to these people, thank you for being the whole world to me….
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Friendship
No clouds in my storms
Let it rain, I hydroplane in the bank
Coming down with the Dow Jones
When the clouds come we gone, we Rocafella
We fly higher than weatherAnd G5’s are better,
You know me,an anticipation, for precipitation.
Stacked chips for the rainy dayJay,
Rain Man is back with little Ms. Sunshine
Rihanna where you at?
You have my heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
May be in magazines
But you'll still be my star
Baby cause in the dark
You can't see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
Because
[Chorus]
When the sun shines, we’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)
These fancy things, will never come in between
You're part of my entity, here for Infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart
Because
[Chorus]
When the sun shines, we’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)
You can run into my arms
It's okay don't be alarmed
Come into me
There's no distance in between our love
So go on and let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more
Because
[Chorus]
When the sun shines, we’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella(Ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)
It's raining
Ooh baby it's raining
Baby come into me
Come into meIt's raining
Oh baby it's raining
Dedicated to a dear friend, MJ. Thank you for your friendship for the past few years, for being there when I needed someone to lift up my spirits, for bringing out the best out of me, for valuing the bond we shared.... Tonight brought me back to memory lane.. and even when things have gone better for me, I wouldnt be where I am without your presence in my life. Thank you for making time for me today and I hope our friendship remains strong even when we are miles apart...
ps: Love the new car! ;-)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Missing you...
But then again, we are only here for a few weeks and it is fair that her father gets to spend time with her.
I miss you too my love... Please know that I am looking forward to have our usual 'coffee' bonding.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Emotional attachment
As much as I miss my family and the surroundings, deep inside, there are things that I will miss badly here. Things that you do with your loved ones. For me, it’s about hanging out with my girl, her enjoying her ice-cream or choc cakes or lollypop and me with my mocha. Such simplicity.
Or perhaps, I have an emotional attachment with this place.
I am good with disengaging my emotions with my closed ones. You have to be fair. You don’t have to agree or disagree. Just be fair. That will maintain the harmony (and the mental state of my own). Partly because I have to be there for others whilst no one wants to be there for me. So I disengage my emotions, believing that it is the best policy to maintain good relations.
It is something that I don’t want lil to inherit, which is why I always allow her to express her emotions and explain why she feels the way she does, even if it involves being upset with me! I know some mothers couldn’t tolerate with it. They get very sensitive when their children do not listen or obey them. Contrary, I believe my relationship with my girl works best when we communicate.
Perhaps this is why I always find peace in her and McDreamy.
Ps: Sorry for the depressing topic. I should have stick to my original plan, “the fabulous life of sugar daddies”.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Coffee lovers
Read the full article here:
http://www2.oprah.com/omagazine/200708/omag_200708_coffee.jhtml
Cheers to us coffee lovers!! Unfortunately, I didn’t notice whether it helps to boost your libido. Lucky huh? Otherwise, we’ll have lots of horny people in the morning (and the blue pill will lose its sales). LOL!
Ps: Legs are silky smooth. *winks*
Pss: trying hard to persuade McDreamy to watch Harry Potter (unlikely tho).
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Pre-holiday
Our flight back home is next Friday. Mrs Rock is also going back and she’s inviting me to see their new casa, 5 bedroom condo. They just got the keys last week (Mr Rock went back earlier). Very close to my dad’s place, so I’m pretty sure I wont miss the opportunity. They’ve been asking me to buy a unit opposite them so that we can be neighbours. Well, if I was earning equally, I would have bought one. Mr Rock already holds a senior position with a bank back home. Of course they can afford such casa.
Work wise, it’s been hectic. We have a deadline this Friday but I fell ill a few days ago. The project manager insisted that I should go home. Work can wait. Huh??? I cant remember whether I had similar treatment back home. I guess when you can demand fees in millions, you can manage clients’ expectation. I’m grateful that I don’t have to go to Germany this time around. Enough of travelling for the year. But since I have visa to the States, some Directors are keen to book me on future States-based project. (trying hard to avoid it of course.)
I still have some more shopping to do. Will get it done tomorrow night and this weekend. The sales assistants in Espirit even know our names. Heheheh… Obviously me and my girl love their design. Hoping I can squeeze a movie or dinner trip with McDreamy before my flight next week. Might be able to wear this nice dress which I bought a few months ago. It was £150+ but got it on sale of course. I hardly wear dress, maybe bcos of the unpredictable weather here and constant travelling by the tube. I hate ruining my shoes, which is why my flat Bally shoes is highly utilised (same goes with my boots).
My friends think I’m too nice with people who are mean to me. Sigh.. How can I make them see how I see things? Sometimes you need to think of the bigger picture, the long term effect. Also, karma!!!!! As far as I can see, bad things happen to people who have been mean to me. Seriously. Plus, why do you want to waste your energy moaning, complaining or worse, get even?!?!? Move on people. Enjoy the sunshine. Dress yourself to kill for your date (note to me of course! Going to get those legs waxed before I wear that dress of mine. Hehhehe…)
Now, where is that shopping list….?