DING DONG DING DONG

Wedding bells are in the air. It is that time of the year again when wedding cards just make their way into your home even before you can open the front gate.
This phenomenon has been as consistent as the haze year in and year out that some people I know dread it. To be able to celebrate the nuptial of a happy couple should be a blessing for all instead of all these complaints. However, one cannot help it when there are almost 20 (!!!) invitations in October alone. And that is only October..there are 2 more months counting before 06 finally comes to a close. This is a true account I heard from one neighbour.
In the olden days, one could delay the giving of ‘ang pows’ until they were financially sound to pay. But try doing that now! What will people say? Even if you cannot make it to the dinner due to some other prior appointments, out of courtesy, the red packet still has to go. Imagine the aforementioned case above: 20 invitations X RM50 = RM1000. that is a mega hole in the pocket.
Well, I do have invitations but bless me, they do not exceed 3. I take it as an opportunity to gather with friends and be merry. To all the newly weds, wishing you joy and happiness in your new life as husband and wife. To the others, start saving now. ;) you might not know when the next invitation is coming.

DO NOT DELETE FICTION FROM YOUR LIFE!

according to a report by British Psychological Society,

the more fiction a person reads, the more empathy they have and the better they perform on tests of social understanding and awareness. By contrast, reading more non-fiction, fact-based books shows the opposite association.

isn't this good news for fiction lovers? let there be more fiction lovers out there! dun just read because you are forced to, read because u love reading. think of all the things u can discover through a book. the places u get to travel to. the emotions u get to feel. a plethora of unexplored territories and realms. in the process, you will get a better understanding of yourself too. do not get left behind and be ignorant, it is never too late to read!

BETA

be·ta
n.
1. The second letter of the Greek alphabet.
2. The second item in a series or system of classification.

why oh why is it not alpha and i am stuck with beta? BETA BLOGGER. no new template. no music sharing. God knows what more i haven't discovered yet. maybe simplicity is the way to go for me. (oklah i am trying to console myself here)
but the contents count more right? never judge a book by its cover. all that glitter is not gold. yeah yeah, how true, how true.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.
outside, the clouds are rolling in. thunder is heard in the distance. the sky has already turned into a shade of gloomy grey. drizzles have started falling onto the roof.
in the room, the curtains are billowing blown by the gentle breeze brought by the drizzle...but WHY THE HECK CAN'T I FALL ASLEEP? isn't this the perfect weather to catch a siesta; a nap; forty winks or whatever reincarnation of the word you can come out with.
the snooze has always eluded me. oh, will i ever get my siesta when all the shops close in the quaint streets of spain? que sera sera...
even the mild flu cannot help me to get my break. blame those two blokes who made me stay on msn till 2a.m. for this flu. the typical symptom of lack of sleep.

my joie de vivre

The simple things in life tantalize the taste buds or will revolt a person’s appetite. One man’s meat is another man’s poison. Well, I will say a little junk will do no harm. All these are bought in just a trip out to the local 7-11 store (only once in a blue moon ok)...my favourites especially Loacker...i can taste it in my mouth liao. Do they make your mouth watery? They are indeed tempting. But i will test my will with them; so far so good. They are all still in their original forms except the Vitagen. Hey, that is healthy!
The blue sky is back so no worries…jogging will resume to burn those unwanted fat! Rejoice for the return of clear blue skies! They will last, they will last, they will last…fingers crossed.

BIG BONED

love missy elliot!! check out what she said about big boned women. how true! go girl!
taken from the star, monday, october 2, 2006.

“I like to eat. That’s how I stay true to my body shape,” she says in her leisurely southern drawl. “A lot of women out there, they’re not necessarily overweight.”

With a low chuckle bubbling from her like warm chocolate, she adds: “Where I come from, we call it ‘big-boned’. Even if we lost weight, we’d still be big.”

“Everybody can’t be a size zero,” she proclaims, earning her the immediate respect of plus-sized sistas everywhere. (yo-yo, me included)

THE REAL ME

i was so free that i decided to continue with the personality test after i had finished the first one. the results are really addictive right? i mean they are all so positive! how can u not be overwhelmed by them? here is the second part of the results. unbelievable! if so, why am i still single?

The Real You
Here is the analysis:

You've got great self-confidence and you're full of charm. Most guys who get to know you will be attracted to you. You are far from sweet and proper; your intriguing personality fascinates them. Most guys find it easy to fall for a girl like you.

You really care about other people's feelings and are quite serious about the issues that affect your life. You are sincere, and your concern for the well-being of others makes many people want to be your friend.

You are a bright, cheerful and bubbly person. You are thoughtful and considerate, and like to have fun. Everybody feels comfortable around you because of your pleasant nature. When you walk into a room, people's eyes are likely to be drawn to you because of your charm.

Guys see you as being a thinker and a careful person. They will be really attracted to this quality in you, but you need to learn to speak your mind, otherwise people will find you too shy and quiet. Learn to relax and lighten up--it's okay to have fun sometimes. When you learn to develop your fun-loving side, guys are going to flock to your side.

Your boyfriend believes that you are a strong and independent person. Your confidence and cheerfulness make you an attractive person to be around, but sometimes you need to pay more attention to what other people, including your boyfriend, are thinking.

is this really me?

thanks En for this. haha...i dunno whether to laugh or be awed at the results of the test. take this personality quiz and judge it yourself. mine is as below. it makes me feel good knowing that i am such an ANGEL (muah!!!...i help u). if you believe in the results, so basically what you read here will be a path to knowing me better.
am the person described here?

Your view on yourself:
You are intelligent, honest and sweet. You are friendly to everybody and don't like conflict. Because you're so cheerful and fun people are naturally attracted to you and like to talk to you.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:
Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.

Your views on education
You may not like to study but you have many practical ideas. You listen to your own instincts and tend to follow your heart, so you will probably end up with an unusual job.

The right job for you:
You have many goals and want to achieve as much as you can. The jobs you enjoy are those that let you burn off your considerable excess energy.

How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.

OUT OF STOCK!!!

it is official! the meringue cookies in the tin have vanished in 2 hours! gobbled up by a group of sweet tooth teens.

"yes, the cookies were a bit sweet but they were addictive as well!" said the group, "do add more choc chips next time, please."

so am i a happy baker or what? it will definitely be one of the cookies for the coming CNY. might be more creative and add some colours and others ingredients. any suggestions?

TEENAGER

teen.ag.er [teen-ey-jer]
-noun-A person between the ages of 13 and 19; an adolescent.

thank you for giving me this opportunity to know this group of special people. knowing them has enhanced a great part of my life and let me learn more things about myself too.
it is really a privilege being able to work with them. watching them morph into their future self is really life's greatest gift.
everyone who will; is in the midst of; or has already gone through; should know that is one of the most important journeys one will survive. you go through your teenage years like a piece of sponge, ever willing to absorb whatever is poured on you. but remember to sieve through and emerge as the full bodied untainted winner.
thank you for sharing your growing up years with me. i hope you will realise how much you all matter to me.

Dear xxx,
My sincere thanks for your kind email.
Your thoughts about my work are important to me and I am grateful for your interest.
May love be your guide in every moment of your life.

Paulo Coelho
www.paulocoelho.com.br
www.wariorofthelight.com.br

The above is a reply i got from Paulo Coelho whom i wrote to when i finished reading The Alchemist. i extended my heartfelt gratitude for his genius. well, i am sure that is a preset reply...but it is better than nothing. at least i know i am heard. well, someone can try sending another message to PC and see whether it is the same reply.
*unlike a local institution which i wrote to and got no reply.

me BAKING!

Just out of the oven.
Before going into the oven.

i got into the kitchen today and baked! that is because i tasted a piece of very nice coffee flavoured meringue given by a colleague last week. it really melted in my mouth.
so i went online and got my recipe here.
it looked easy enough. so, after much consultation with siew, the work started. everything went smoothly and it turned how it should be in the photo above.
however, the lousy mini oven that i have here made me confused with the temperature setting. so it was put to too high in the beginning. luckily it was adjusted after 10 mins.
ok, the end result? it is not as heavenly as the one i got, but my own handmade meringue is still ok. still edible, does not melt in the mouth as fast as i wanted it to be. just ok. a bit too sweet. anyone interested to try the above mentioned recipe please cut down the amount of sugar by another 1/4. this will not be my last time making it. it is really easy plus yummy.
some 'lucky' teens will be the evaluator tomorrow. hehe.

My new babe

introducing my new precious. it better be because i paid through my nose for it. it is sony ericson's k800i
finally after more than three years of samsung t100. it is going to be another 3 years before i look for another hp i hope...keep my fingers crossed. i guess i got the long awaited omen during the tyre puncture incident. i was so scared that my 'ancient' phone would fail me and i would not get the help i needed. that was the sign! a blessing in disguise you can say...but the blessing is more to the handphone shop owner heh?
i am still tunneling through the nook and cranny to make the best out of what i have. still haven't found time to even install the software (!!!) yet. but i am sure i will have loads since it is a one week break this week.
yeah, happy deepavali and selamat hari raya.

home is where the stomach never goes empty

how can one not get fat staying at home? only been home for just the 2nd day and already noticed a bulge forming around the waist line. food is prepared three meals a day without fail. and let's not forget titbits and desserts which will turn up miraculously without being called upon. yeah, this piece of dodol is actually begging to be put in the mouth. it smells good. i guess it is once in a year thing when u only get to treat your tastebud to this concoction of coconut and sugar. while eating, do not forget to thank those who stood in front of the big dish churning and turning non-stop to come up with the perfect texture.
well, i am off to grab a bite now.

Sometimes, what you are looking for far and wide might just be there right in front of you.

*i have finished reading The Alchemist and it won't be my last.

the most wonderful book i have read

To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation.

Reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho pained me (without regard to those irritating, persistent mosquitoes which keep stinging me while i was reading). it made me wonder about my Personal Legend. do i have one? if i think i have, do i have the guts and desires to pursue them? are there any omens that will guide me as seen in the story? will i be able to find the Soul of the World and interpret it?
(this is coming out from a person who has surpressed dreams and is too cowardice to leave the comfort of her present life to realise that destiny)

oopps.....

yes, shoot me. i am guilty of eyeing CRISTIANO RONALDO.
i think he looks gorgeous! a perfect specimen of the male species. he makes my heart throbs, my knees go weak and all jelly goey. just the mere sight of him will do...and the latest news is, he has just broken up with his gf who is older than him. so there is hope for me across the globe. amen!

HORROR! FLAT TYRE ON HIGHWAY!

deeparaya exodus should have started now...but am glad that i escaped it as i started early in the morning when the road was still misty and foggy.
but horror! all of a sudden the car was swaying slightly and i turned off the volume of the radio. ok it did not sound smooth rolling at all. reduced speed to 60kmh and switched on hazard light.
a sight ahead : ulu bernam rest area. saved. i was so near tm! drove in and parked the car. got down...yes, a flat on the right rear tyre! so what do i do?
follow the steps to change a tyre?
well u know how it goes....for others that is....but for me.....i have an ancient handy (phew, which still worked after several tries) and i just called DAD.better solution, no? at 8.30am. and reliable rescue came 10 mins later. of course i got my hands dirty as well lah, who do u think got the spare tyre out from the car boot and the punctured tyre back into the boot?
save for all the jacking and screwing of nuts, i was back on the road in no time. wasn't i lucky to have HOME so near?
now all there is left to do is a hole in the pocket for a brand new tyre. the old one is totaly useless as there is a very visible cut on the rubber. i have no idea what caused it. no point pondering. just glad that i was all right, problem solved, and the warm thought that DAD was around every time u need help. ;)

DINING WITH PARROT FISH

pretty mou? i saw a lot of parrot fish when i was in redang and i was awed. it was the first time i saw such a colourful fish and i was immediately attracted to it. i LOVE colours!
they are common about coral reefs around the world.
and guess what, two parrot fish are on a plate, in the kitchen now. just out from the freezer. and later...taaaadaaaaaa...will end up in the frying pan! have u tasted parrot fish before? they are nice! even grandma sings praises for the fish. its meat is not as fine as others fishes, so there is something to bite into. yum yum
oh, and the fish loses its colour once it is out of the frying pan. in chinese, they call it 'hoi tai kai'...which means underwater chicken. dun ask me why. i think u can buy this fish anywhere in the world. if you haven't tried before, give it a go.
u might like it...enjoy the colours before u eat it, and enjoy the texture when it is in your mouth.

kill two 'birds' with one stone.

WMN 30+ PREFER YOUNGER MEN

yeah! is this news or what? hey, i did not make this up ok! it was in the star (17.10).

women of this age found it hard to find men of the same education level, economic status or age. most who fit this criterion were already married anyway.

i am going to be one of those next year....age wise...but mentality ...hmm....younger guys are not bad also kan? still guys...more energetic...vibrant...youthful...but senstivity is the thing missing i think.
but also in the report is more than 30% guys said it was economically not viable to get married because of the cost!! horror! so how am i going to leave singlehood?
just keep on being independent and scare all the men away....and trick those younger ones to come to me hahahahahahahaha

I MISS SENSORY TOUCH

facials are not the same without the special touch from Florence and the trusted products. sob! why am i not blessed with good skin?the dreaded marks, pimples, pores, etc..sob! sob!
what makes a good facial treatment?
i tried another last week and i compared it to sensory touch's. sensory touch- 95 marks. last week's- 60 marks.
sensory touch deserved the 95 because they provide good ambience, good products, good therapist, good price (cheaper!) and good results. the lowdown is...it is no longer in malaysia!!! why? just when i thought i have found the right one for my skin.
last week's facial was quite dreadful but i awarded it more than 50% because there is some result after that. but during the whole process, i was wishing the pair of hands would have changed into Florence's. the cleansing was done in quite a rush manner and the skin felt being kneaded left right, front back. it was uncomfortable being moved so much. i thought it was supposed to be pampering and gentle on my sensitive skin?! sigh...shall i go for second time? do i have any other choice in this small town?
i plan to go for facials every month now...read that we should go to improve skin condition.
will think about it....but in the meantime...beauty sleep comes first.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

FIGHT BREAST CANCER

a bookmark i get from MPH when i bought THE ALCHEMIST by PAULO COELHO.
i agree that everyone has the responsibility and needs the awareness to prevent it. do take your time to read the words printed on the bookmark.

THE QUEST FOR PERFECT STILETTOS

what will a woman do to find the perfect pair of shoes? i have never thought i will search from one shop to another, from one city to the other, just to find that pair of shoes i wanted so much (one that i already have in pink). i have to settle for the pink first because that was the only colour they had in my size. the black pair cannot be abandoned from thoughts due its practicality and functionability in any events. hence, the search. plus you dun have to pay through your nose!!
and i got this second pair at 10% discount ( i know it is not much) and left with a big grim on my face. love that these shoes do not have too high heels (they are a killer. agree?) and make the feet look slim and dainty. comfort factor? err.....does it matter? they wrap the feet when you put them in, as you walk from block to block and your feet swell they eventually become tight (as of all shoes right?). but who in the right frame of mind will walk blocks in stilettos? these stillys are meant for show gurls!
so now just bring your best foot forward and draw the attention. i got them when i walked from floor to floor in klcc!! these shoes are perfect!!

Do I Qualify as a WORKAHOLIC?

how does one qualify as a workaholic?
- work till midnight at the office and set a camp there?
- all that is to think about are datelines and work?
- work first, family and friends second?
i think i can come out with more but i dun think you want to read about it.
i want to label myself one...but i dun work 24-7. i dun have a desk to call a working desk. my mind is not only cluttered with work. and yet, i cannot be IDLE. is there such a curse?
leave me idle for a few hours and i will feel depressed and hopeless. i will lament, "MY LIFE IS SO MEANINGLESS!"
i just need to have something to do! read a book, go somewhere, catch a movie, work, eat (big sin), arrange the room, throw things out, have a mission, blah blah blah.
i just cannot be idle! i will be depressed. numb. blank. worthless.
so...can i call myself a workaholic or you can think of a better name?

i am dying to watch 'the devil wears prada' but fate has it that the neighbourhood cinema is not even showing it after nationwide release 2 weeks ago. okok..i am a self-profess fashion and gossip addict. just reading about the amount of clothes one can wear for free is already taking my breath away. is there any better job than this. yeah the job that million others girls are dying for to quote from the book.

i am not really fond of the writing in the book though (what do i expect from chick lit anyway) but i am sure the movie will be a kaleidoscope of colours and humour.

in the meantime, i will just have to wait for someone who has it on dvd or take a longer journey to the city to catch it. what a sacrifice.

err...anyone who has a vacancy for a job similar to Andrea's, do feel free to call me. i am sure i will do a good job as i am sure i am a capable multi-tasker and am patient to handle all those orders from hell.

(size 0 not included)

This photo will be added to yahoo's timecapsule. just a momento of a trip to a sandy white beach where i tried snorkelling for the first time. footprints were left but soon the tides would wash them away. that is life i guess.

MY OWN SPACE???!!!!...ESCTATIC

gosh.....it's so easy.
just gather your guts, your thoughts, your determination..., think of a name, and here i am.
writing my first posting in a space i called my own. but er.....
what will the theme be?
this is just going to be a place for me to escape from the realities of life. yeah...call me a dreamer.
i like to imagine myself travelling the world soaking up everything like a sponge.
reading a book chilling out...flowing with the emotions....
enuf of babbling...welcome to my zone whoever you are...and thank you....