We are watching Opera!!

This was the conversation between John and I on the way home from work last week...

John: Hey, we're going to watch Oprah!

Michelle: Okay...(in my head I was wondering, is Oprah Winfery hosting her talk show here?)

John: Is next week good for you?

Michelle: Should be fine, but is Oprah in Brisbane??

John: Yaaaaa...Like as if you didn't know??

Michelle: Oprah Winfery is in Australia?!?!?!? 

John: Nooooooo laaaaaaaa!! Why would we want to watch The Oprah Winfery Show?!?!?

Michelle: Huh?? Then??

John: Phantom of the Opera laaaaaaaaa!! 

Michelle: Oppsies!! *laughs uncontrollably thinking what an idiot she was*

John and I will be watching Phantom of the Opera on 25th April 2008 (which is the NZ day public holiday too!)...woohoooooo!! 

The white mask, the stalk of red rose and Andrew Lloyd Webber...I make sure I got it right this time around!!

International Food Festival

Tomorrow is our annual International Food Festival at our college. 

All students and staff are invited to cook a traditional dish of their culture. 

Gosh, cooking is not exactly my cup of tea...last year I fried mee-hoon which I swear not to ever do again because I was up until 1am trying to fry so much mee-hoon for 2 billion people, I had mee-hoon everywhere in the kitchen, it nearly killed me. It is at times like this when I desperately wish I was at the comfort of my own home where I can just pick up the phone and ring good-old-grandma! "Hello, po-po ar, I need some food for my 28 classmates for International Smiling Day (or some whatever celebration)" My grandma would just whack up some fried mee-hoon in less than 1 hour (she makes it look so super easy!!) or head to the markets to pick up some fresh (yummilicious) sponge cake...OOOoOoOoLaLa...!! 

Anyway, back to reality...I'm here thousands of miles away from good-old-grandma...a decision has been made, I'm making some KUNYAKU JELLY!! Heck if that is not Malaysian...siapa kisah?!?!?!? As long as I bring some food, which in this case...Asian food!!

Speaking of KUNYAKU JELLY, I had my moment of glory with it...As not many of you know, I taught in a kindy before I started college back in those days. During Teachers' Day, one of my students' parent bought me a super huge box of pretty looking yet yummy tasting KUNYAKU JELLY!! Such a moment pride, when I looked into the super huge box of shiny, colourful jelly staring at back at me...woahhhhhhh...such a not-too-bad cikgu I was!! I remembered hogging the box of jelly home and smiling from cheek to cheek bragging to my grandparents what I model cikgu I was to deserve such a lovely gift (I also had a total of 1 million photo frames, a few clocks and a few bouquets of flowers...okay I stretched the truth a bit, but seriously I had so many photo frames, it was not funny!)!! I can't believe I actually thought for a split second that I was a model teacher, hahahahhaha!! What subject did I teach?? ART!! Hahahahhahahh!! Well, that is what you do when you are 17 okay - think of yourself as invincible!! At least I know my self-esteem was all along on track, hahahahha!!

Anyway, back to the subject, I made some KUNYAKU JELLY...

Present for Someone Special...

John's birthday is around the corner...

Michelle doesn't know what birthday present to get him *scratches head madly*

I've got a few ideas:

1) Lomographic Fisheye Camera #2

He's into photography, I thought he might like a special camera which captures picture in a fisheye view. It's pretty cute, I like it. Now except, it uses film and knowing John, he wouldn't really like the idea.  

2) Tripod

He did say he needs a tripod BUT who in the world would dream of getting someone a freaking tripod as a birthday present?? Not me, therefore I'm not keen! But if all else fails, I know what to get la. This would be my fall back plan. 

3) Electric Guitar

This is a little over my budget but I think I might have a fat chance of fall for it! The fact that I will be leaving him here in August, he will be left all by himself and if he there is something he would invest his time on, I'd rather it be an electric guitar! Well, he's no pro at it...he can play the acoustic guitar and now he would like to learn electric. Hence the super idea for an electric guitar! He does have a few good musically inclined genes (as compared to yours truly!). Then again, would he invest time in sharpening his skills or is it just a hangat-hangat tahi ayam kinda thing??

4) Crumpler Laptop Bag

Okay, John does have quite a collection of bags. Does he really need to add one more to it? I don't think so. But this would be an easy present coz I know exactly what he wants and where to buy.

Well this is not too bad actually...I've got a few ideas...I just have work out which one to pick. I hate making decisions, but I'm a big girl now I better start having a mind of my own!! 

BBQ stinks!

Okay, barbeque sticks! As if you didn't know that yet!??!?!?

Today as part of my job description which includes "...and other relevant responsibilities given", I had to barbeque! For the first time in my life, I had to cook a massive lot of onions to feed hundreds of hungry students. And so I got right into it by ripping open a 1kg bag of sliced up onion and shoved my hand right in to grab a few hand-full of onion for the flaming hot pit. Now this was at 12pm okay. The time now is 11:30pm and I swear my hand smells like some disgusting body odour of some random person who's forgotten to shower for daysssssss!! 

I do cook occasionally and therefore fiddling with onions is no big deal to me. BUT seriously, my hand had never smelt this bad before! I am not kidding you, the smell of my hand makes me want to puke! Ewwwwwww!

Note to all: When (need be) to deal with large volume of chopped up onions, please do not attempt direct contact with any part of your skin to avoid vomiting sensation (you will thank me for this warning!). 

MH140 left for KL from Brisbane at 0015

Dad has left for home...no tears at the airport, very well done on my part!! =) In fact this has never happened before. I would usually flood the airport whenever I leave my parents or vice versa. 

HOWEVER, there were a few tears on the way home...

Text message from dad to Mich:

4got 2 fill the immigration form thats why took so long. Take care n love u! 

Text message from Mich to dad:

Do you need to fill a form? Returning home wad, oh actually have 2! I forgot 2 mention! 2 happy that all 30 kg luggage were through, he he! Have a safe and comfy flight home. See you in August! Love u lots! Muaks! If ur hand still bleeding, please ask the air steward for a band aid. 

Text message from dad to Mich:

Ok, bye n love u, nite nite!

Text message from Mich to dad:

Opps, no one 2 cover blanket 4 me 2nite! Nvm, 4 more months I'll be home! Love u lots! =)

Text message from dad to Mich:

(>"*<)

  (-,-) zzzZ!

(")-<')

sshh ..it's me putting a blanket on you, so that you won't get cold, have a warm & good nite sleep! Sweet dreams ~ love daddy.

Text message from Mich to dad:

Ha ha! Thank u! :) I'll sleep tight now! Good night! :)

Text message from dad to Mich:

Hope teddy will do a good job 2nite.

Almost boarding. Will sms u on arrival. Love u. Nite nite!

Yes, daddy's girl I am! For as long as I lived at home, or whenever dad's around, he tucks me in bed. I would crawl into my bed and after I've fallen asleep, he would sneak into my room and make sure all 4 ends of my blankie touch the 4 corners of my bed so that I would be tucked in warm and cosy. 

p/s: I love you dad!

Body Piercing?

21/03/2008

Mom: Dad's going to Brisbane next week.

Mich: Yay! I get to have dad for a week!

Mom: Ya, please don't fight...

Mich: Don't worry, we will not! 

27/03/2008

Mich: Dad, can I please get my belly pierced?

Dad: Better not...

Mich: Give me 3 good reasons.

Dad: Let me have a think about it first. 

Mich: Okay, now tell me why?

Dad: 1) Because you are normal - normal people don't do abnormal things 

Mich: But I want to be an individual!

Dad: 2) You don't want to deform yourself intentionally

Mich: But piercing is not deforming oneself, it can heal back if you decide to take it off. 

Dad: 3) Why would you want to inflict pain on yourself?

Mich: It's not going to be painful! Even if it does hurt, I would be the one bearing the pain!

Dad: Better not la...Your mom won't be very happy about it.

Mich: Ish (and pouts and sulks!)!

Dad's usually my partner in crime, but guess he's not big on body piercing. I would understand why he would object to a tattoo, but piercing?!?!?!?! I nearly managed to convince him when we walked by a jewellery shop selling belly rings. I nearly succeeded but in the end went home without a piercing yet again! ISH!

Anyway, dad's going home in 2 days...maybe I can get my belly pierced next week? *evil grin* Hahahhahaha!!

We haven't had any fights so far (sorry to disappoint you mom, hahahahah!!), just ongoing debate on belly piercing which heats up once in a while within the week. 

*I wonder why would a 24 year old seek permission from her parents to get her belly pierced? Pretty strange, but that's just me, welcome to my world!* ^_^

Does your boss bake?

Girafeee the sore neck giraffe!

Lay-by not so bad afterall

I've finally picked up my lay-by dress!!

I've waited one long week before I can call it MINE!! 

What's best is that I took advantage of the 25% off...WooHooOoOooOoooo!!

I refunded and repurchased (the sales person taught me the trick!)...

Was the wait worth it??

At least the 25% off made up for the anger burst from last week.

Will I lay-by again??

...Erm, don't think so!!

Lay-by

Lay-by, you basically pay a holding deposit on an item you want but don't really want to pay for it yet. In simple words, you cannot afford but cannot resist wanting ownership of the item. I call it, cheapskate way of shopping!! I have always been against the idea of lay-by. To me, if you cannot afford it, don't buy it!! 

Today, I became a victim of lay-by and I am so totally pissed at myself!! Why?!?!?! Because, the dress looked stunning and the moment I tried it on, I know it's going to be MINE regardless how much the tag says. As I was about to pay, someone told me to put it on lay-by (and he knows I'm totally against it, but somehow he always thinks I have no money, hence he always suggest lay-by!!). Why?!?!??!? "Just put it on lay-by la, nest week when you have more money then come and pay for it!" And, and...and I can't believe I succumbed to it!! I freaking wonder why?!?!?!? I have the money to pay for it...the dress is not that pricey after all. But why did I freaking listen to someone else's opinion - which isn't even beneficial at all!! What's the point of getting the dress next week when I want it NOW?!?!?!??! And to add to it, to lay-by an item, you have to pay an extra non-refundable $5 for service fee and the most important thing is that I WON'T BE ABLE TO WEAR THAT DRESS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

Please just SHUT UP the next time you shop with me. If you opinion will not be beneficial, please just shut up!! Heard of the saying, "if you have nothing good to say, say nothing"!?!??!?!? This is when this saying come in real handy!! 

Shopping tip: Never bring a cheapskate shopping with you!! SUCKS!!

Michelle the Addict!

I've been shopping madly these days and it's becoming a problem. I acknowledge the problem - I'm a bargain sucker and my adrenalin pumps whenever I see SAVINGS!! Although some things (most things actually) I buy, I don't need them, they are more just to soothe my addiction. I'm addicted to bargains!! How can I not buy these shoes when they were discounted from the original price of $149.95 to $99 and now, final reduction 50% of the reduced price?!?!?!??!?! Tell me how can anyone resist?!?!?!?!? As a result, over the past 3 weeks, i purchased 5 pairs of shoes!! Clothes bargains were equally as bad!! Cutest pair of shorts from Sportsgirl, from $59.95 down to $29.95. As a result, I bought a pair in White, a pair in Mint and another pair in Yellow!! I also bought a few dresses. One of them, the best bargain among the lot were from $99 down to $70 and 50% off the reduced price. To my *surprise* *surprise* at the checkout, the dress was down to $50 and %50 off $50 makes it $25!! I also bought singlets from Giordano to wear as layers and they were from $25 down to $10!! All these bargains are seriously driving me insane!! I buy and buy and buy and get soooooooooo hyped up when I see the discount tags being thrown in my faceeeeeeeeeee!! Please don't get me started on lingerie and pyjamas!! I'm a serial shopper!!

Michelle: Hi all! My name is Michelle and I'm a Shopaholic.

Shopaholic Anonymous: Hi Michelle! We welcome you!

Second month of 2008...

Lots happened in this fresh new 2008:

1) Edison Chen and Cecelia Cheung Scandal

This I personally think is stupid! Why is the public so concerned over some fellow's personal life that it has been known as the 9-11 of Hong Kong's entertainment industry?!?!?!? What about spending the time and effort finding solutions to rectify our filthy environment?? Is there any positive impact for speculating scandals as such?!?!?!? It's their business, their problem!! Too bad, too sad for them!! 

2) The passing of the great "Happy Fruit" of Hong Kong, the late Lydia Shum

This I feel a little upset. Afterall, I grew up watching "Happy Fruit" in TVB movies, talk shows, reality programs and game shows. I'm sure TVB fans will miss her laughter and most of all her very cheerful and bubbly personality. She left behind her 20 year old only daughter and I do sincerely hope she remains strong through this whole mourning process. 

3) Queensland is flooding

From drought to flood! Not easy being the weather man here in Queensland. Changes from one extreme to the other. One minute we had farmers committing suicide as their crops dry up and die and the next we had people drowning and being swept away by the flood waters. Not complaining with the down pour of rain as the level of water restriction will stop rising and that would mean we can clean ourselves better when in the shower. 

4) Interest rates rise (again!)

This is not funny at all. Everything is rising in price - interest rates, fuel, groceries --> necessities!! But we've not heard of this one very important thing rising - our wages!! How would an average income earner cope with this?? Only God knows!!

Valentine's Day 2008

No flowers, no chocolate for me this year (not that I fancy being part of the victims of overpriced florists!)...

We only managed to book for a table for dinner at SONO last night - was a disaster!! Not the food but we argued over some mundane shit - as we do!!

Dinner was (as usual) good with a very tensed atmosphere as both head-strong people were not prepared to give in - welcome to our world!!

This afternoon however I had my surprise(!) I had lunch delivered to me at work. I had my favourite Chicken Namban, Taro milk tea with herbal jelly (slurpsssss!!) and a box of variety of 4 beard papa dessert! Yummy-dooooo-dahhhhhh!! 

Got picked up from work to get home (although home from work is only a mere 7 minutes stroll up and down the hill and up again), and was given a stalk of origami rose, hahahha!! Apparently, someone learnt to fold it on You Tube!! They do teach you some useful stuff in the cyber space these days!! For those of you who didn't manage to buy any overpriced roses for this occasion, perhaps try You Tube!! =)

My Addiction

I have quite a serious addiction ---> SHOPPING!!

My colleague and I have concluded that I shop out of boredom. 

There's nothing much to do here in Brisbane, therefore I shop. 

Shopping becomes a comfort thing because I link that to my shopping-Sundays in KL with my family. 

Each time I hit the shops, I spend money. 

Spending too much money unnecessarily is worrying...becomes a problem...an addiction problem!

p/s: Myers is having crazy clearance sale...50% off already reduced shoes, discounted lingerie from $5!! Hurry, check it out...sale won't last!!

Lesson No. ONE!!

Lesson No. One: Never lift up the cover of a covered toilet bowl in public toilets!!

I always get bitten...always bitten and never shy, that's me!!

Disgusting art work of mother nature is what I see each time I lift open covered toilet bowls in public toilets. Each time I remind myself never to let such mishap happen again - "If the toilet bowl is covered, leave it and move on to the next cubicle!" But over and over again, Michelle thinks to herself, "Aha, covered toilet bowl! Means some clean freak covered the bowl while flushing!" Wrong AGAIN!! How many times can one be wrong??

Folks, if you never get anything from reading my posts, please at least get this one in your head. A friendly reminder to all: NEXT TIME YOU SEE A COVERED TOILET BOWL, MOVE ON TO THE NEXT CUBICLE!!

Home Alone

What do I do when I'm home alone??

• Tidy up my room
• Blast the music
• Watch "Raising Helen" half-way
• Out to dinner with friends
• Paint my finger and toe nails
• AND I DON'T WANNA GO TO BED KNOWING I'M HOME ALONE!!

I think I'm so very spoilt to the core. I don't like being home alone and I think it all boils down to laziness...At least when he is at home, he does the cooking, cleaning, washing, bringing me water, passing me the remote control, bringing in the daily mail, empty the bins, bring in the wheelie bin, tug me in bed and turn off the lights!! 

I don't wanna go to bed because I don't like switching off the lights and walking into my bed in the dark!!

It's been decided...

I'm sick of Brisbane, it is time to move on...

Here is the plan...

I will be moving back to KL for approximately 2 years to further my studies in Managerial Psychology and at the same time (hopefully) gain some work experience in the field of corporate training/HR. Once my two years is up in KL, I'll probably be so irritated and agitated by the politics happening that I'd wanna escape the country. I will then return to Australia and hopefully start a new chapter of my life in my favourite city, Melbourne!! =) 

Sounds like a good plan?? Ahhahahah, that's the ideal plan...so let's all keep our fingers crossed, and hope for my reality to unfold the way I desire!

The tentative date for this plan to take action is set to be some time in mid September, and hopefully hit the books in November. 

As part of my performance review last year, my boss promised that she will try to persuade the Marketing Director to let me go on a marketing trip to Hong Kong (yay!)/East Malaysia (boo!). My boss has recently told me that the trip could take place in September. Grrrrr...every time she talks about the trip in September, I feel so darn guilty!! (I obviously have not told her my intentions). I'm suppose to give one month's notice, but because my boss is so nice to me, I've decided to give 3...and that will not happen till June. Looks like I'll have to feel the guilt for the next 4 months. *sighz*

Torn between two lovers...

Last month, I applied for a place to study at TAFE to study Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology. I rang both TAFE and QTAC prior to applying and both advised that chances are really slim as the waiting list for students wanting to study this particular course is really long. Being stubborn, it didn't really bother me what their advise were. Paid $150 and applied for it anyway. 

A week after applying, I didn't think much about it. Went home to Malaysia for Christmas holidays. While in Malaysia, I realised how much I missed home and longed to be home with my family. As such I explored options for me to go back to Malaysia. Went to check out a couple of study options as well. Narrowed down to going back to work and studying at the same time. Proposed the great idea to my family and surprisingly, they couldn't be more pleased. More research were done and I found myself really keen with the idea that I could return back home to study in the comfort of my own home! Perfect! Time was great too. My parents were very encouraging. I left Malaysia very light hearted (usually it's the complete opposite - as I leave Malaysia balling my eyes off!), knowing that I will return soon after I settle my stuff in Brisbane. 

Returned to Brisbane with the greatest plan of the year. I find myself thinking more about going home each and everyday - not a day passes without entertaining the thought of being a student again back home. The timing was set for me to go home around about September this year. Everything is almost confirmed and settled. 

Two days ago, received a letter in the mail. First thought: "unsuccessful application from TAFE". Ripped open the envelope and it said, "CONGRATULATIONS!" and I went "Oh, shit!!" Now I am torn between two lovers!! It sucks to have choices!! 

At this present moment, not finalised but take a peak on what my thoughts are:

Advanced Diploma in Applied Fashion and Technology : Masters in Managerial Psychology

                                                                                             40 : 60

                                                                             Hobby sake : Practical 

I need to make a decision by the 21st January 2008. Hopefully by then I will not regret my final decision made. 

Michelle went Snorkeling

Last weekend, my family and I made a trip down to Pulau Pangkor which is an island off the coast or Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia. We took a coach there via Lumut and then by ferry across to the island. There is not much to do there besides sleeping and playing by the beach. No proper shops, no clubs, no nothing...a very low-key tourist destination. The only highlight of the trip is that I went snorkeling! Was it worth it? No, because the fishes were all like ikan bilis and the corals being so sharp cut me everywhere. Would I go snoekeling again? Yes but definitely not Pulau Pangkor.

Farah's 23rd on the 23rd of December 2007!

Last evening we celebrated Farah's 23rd Birthday on the 23rd of December 2007! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY FARAH!!" It was an awesome party which Farah had organised. I truly am greatful for such a fun-loving and genuine friend. Farah was my saviour during the boring Uni days - we'd meet and bitch and gloat and sulk! We have so many similarities which proved the saying "birds of a feather flock together". The only two things that we differ are probably, the BRIANS and the BURPS, hahahaha! Farah is very intelligent and a serial burper.

Anyway, at some point during Farah's party, I had this sudden urge of coming back to live in KL permanently! For a while, I couldn't decipher which part of me passed the thought on to my brain, leading me to think of coming home. But you know what, I SERIOUSLY DO MISS HOME!! That is it! Nothing complicated and nothing sophisticated, I just miss home...I wanna be here, in this place which I am totally familiar and have friends whom I grew up with to do things with me, to listen to me, to chill out, to have fun, to party, to dance, to laugh. I miss being myself in my own home. I always say "home is where my heart is" and my heart is here, therefore my home is here. I want to come home to Malaysia...the only place which will forever be home to my heart. Should I, or should I not? Will I regret my decision? This is a freaking HUGE decision.

I was telling one of my friends that I am 24 now...and gee time is ticking!! I am 24 and I have not yet achieved all the things I wanted to achieve in my ideal life!! I don't want to be wearing a bagage of regrets in later days, feeling guilty about the "what ifs" and the "if onlys".

Michelle is in a serious dilemma!

Tis' the season to be silly!

And I've finally started packing after continuos shopping which almost gave me a nervous breakdown! I am still shopping despite the inner voice stopping me. Anyway, as Christmas is now only days away, there are lots of bargain everywhere, which I freely admit I gave in to temptations. I seem to get better and better at justifying the things I buy as presents...*Surprise* *Surprise*

One suitcase full of chocolates another full of things for under the tree! 

Question: Will I have space for some clothes?

Hint Hint: Not having space for clothes is not my biggest concern as the lesser necessities I bring home, the more reasons for shopping, muahahhahah!! 

Time of the year...

9 more sleeps to Christmas 2007 and I think I have completed Christmas shopping this year. I've seriously lost count of how many boxes of Lindt chocolates I've purchased! Gawd I wished people would just put in their requests for their presents. It's brains numbing trying to figure out what goes with who...phew! I don't even know if I have a present for each person but I've had enough! Enough of the hustling and bustling around in the malls and about. Tough luck if you miss out!

I'm currently overdose with Christmas dinners/gatherings/drinks/lunches. I've had one almost every single night for the past week and again, I've just about had enough! One last one before we call it a year (here in Brissy at least). Christmas lunch with the remaining colleagues on Thursday before I fly out on Friday. 

I've never felt this tired...I'm so tired that I cannot think straight, concentrate, and focus! Gawd help me! I just need to stop and rest! Although admittedly, I'm not doing as much physical work (which explains the weight gain), but mentally I'm freaking not coping! The brain is moving like 100 miles per hour and the heart is pumping 10 million times a second! I think I've had enough this year. 

I'm just so waiting to go home to my family and milk all the attention I possibly can in the world!! 

p/s: Market has finally concluded this week for the year! Will be a well deserving 3 weeks break for us before we reopen for business again next year! 

Christmas Lights

My first year witnessing Christmas lights in the suburban areas of Brisbane. We chose to visit the Calypso Court street which were winners from last year's best Christmas street. I have never seen so much so colourful lights in my life being lit in a residential area. It was fantastic!! Somewhat a magical moment. While I was there, I felt like I was lost in one of the Christmas movie scenes. Amazing! While we were on the way there (which seemed forever, because we took a longer route), Andrew mentioned about how much energy is used yearly for such events, and I was thinking to myself, so much about carbon emissions and green house gasses blah blah blah...wonder when will some smarty pants voice to put a stop to such activities. As society becomes more extreme in the things we do, ever wondered what would life hold for our future generations if more bans and restrictions are implemented?

Whatever the future holds...take each day as it comes...treasure what you have today as tomorrow may be different. 

Btw, only 10 more sleeps to  Christmas 2007!! =)

Conversation

Pepe: Haven't seen you in a while! Heard you're seeing someone. Who's the lucky girl??

Dodo: Hahhaha, what lucky girl? 

Pepe: The girl you're currently dating, dumbo!

Dodo: Oh, same old...

Pepe: YOU MEAN THE GIRL WHO CHEATED ON YOU MORE THAN ONCE?!?!??!? Gee, you're a REAL dumbo aren't you??

**God, please help some people who constantly leave their brains in the pantry!!**

Do you make my eyes roll??

It annoys the shit out of me when people do everything revolving around the subject, MONEY! Gosh, I know money is important, but when everything you do revolves around it...it can pretty well be SAD!

A: I'm really sorry that I scratched the car bumper
B: Never mind, we will worry about it when we SELL the car next time!
**Yeah, yeah doesn't matter if I break a bone in me, as long as the car is still able to maintain a high price!**

A: It feels like I've just swallowed a fish bone
B: You okay?? If not I'll BUY a bottle of water.
**Fine, whatever! Do I need to really have swallowed a fish bone before you can buy me a bottle of water??**

A: What would you like to have for dinner?
B: Maccas $5 meal!
**Well, yeah of course. Won't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out why!**

Some people are simply shocking with their money. The things they do and say. Gosh, they can be in denial all they want, but I truly think it's DISGUSTING! The more you give the more you will receive, guess some people just cannot grasp the idea!

You can tell so much about a person by the way the person views money. The way some people react to money is really pathetic. Somehow makes your stomach churns and sends your eyes rolling. I wish people who are like that take a good look in the mirror and realise how much discomfort your filthy habit has caused the rest of us who are trying to live in this world peacefully!

Today I Saw You...

Today I saw you from the corner of the coffee shop. I was sitting at the corner of the shop having fruit toast and butter when I suddenly saw a familiar image past my sight. I knew it had to be you. I have not seen you in the longest time. Each time while walking by myself, I would always steal some time to think of a possible chance of us crossing paths. I cannot remember the last time we exchanged smiles. Almost as if I could not remember how you looked physically. This familiar image was suddenly very fresh and sent shivers down my spine. I secretly hoped you recognised me but also having the fear of false hopes, I just kept to myself and had my eyes followed every inch of your foot steps. Suddenly, you turned, we engaged in eye contact, but I quickly broke it by blinking away as if I never noticed your existence. I cringed, not knowing what to do, dropped my knife and felt like a complete fool! He had a big smile plastered on his face and I could sense that he was walking towards my table. As he came nearer, I managed to put on a oh-what-a-coincidence smile on my face, under my skin, I knew every cell was jumping with excitement to have him noticed me. It has been years...it ended up with I-love-you-dearly-as-a-friend on the surface kind of relationship, but deep down when he told me he had a crush on this other girl, my heart felt like it has just been stabbed. This was the guy who put the idea of "soul mate" into my head. We once were lovers, but broke up and became best friends. Like as if becoming best friends with your ex works?? Total bullshit! Never before I had my feelings altered for him although the person who proposed for a break up was yours truly. "Young and naive" did not make sense to me before, did not even know of an appropriate time to put them in use. Anyway, he was approaching and in no time, I was in his arms! We hugged and he said something along the lines of "can't believe it's really you..." I was just melting and a stood there like a tree trunk! Not knowing what to say or how to react I just replied, "Gosh same!" By now I felt like a total idiot for deliberately avoiding eye contact with him when our eyes met. What a fool! As I was on cloud nine enjoying his presence and his familiarity, something happened...

Someone was constantly tapping on my shoulder. Who could it be? It was supposed to be a "you and me" moment and nothing should interrupt. By now I am almost annoyed by the tapping on my shoulder.

I turned over and opened my eyes and saw this person who does not even resemble an inch of the person in my dream. It was then that I realised...it was only a dream after all.


**Ever after, forever and ever, till death do us part, soul mate, true love...these will only ever be perfect in our other world**

Okay, I'm off now...going SHOPPING...*WooHoo!*

My dad...

I love my dad to bits...he's my all time partner in crime! My dad's always to the rescue whenever I get into trouble with my mom. Eg; my mom goes bananas whenever I spill drinks on the floor, and knowing the clumsy me, I do it all the time. My dad always helps me clean up my mess to avoid us two having to live with "naggy-mom" for a day, ahahahhah!

My Mom and I...

Miss my mommy...if mothers were flowers in the garden, I'd pick my mom! She's the best! I'm 23 and I still have everything prepared for me at home. I should really be embarrassed, but I figured, I should be thankful that I have my lovely parents to pamper me every second of my life! =) *Thanks mom!*

Cutie Pie...

This is Emily, my tiny-winy cousin...

Updating this blog was definitely not one of the many resolutions I have for 2007. As you can tell, this blog has been neglected for quite some time.

Anyway, this little bub is my new cousin back in Malaysia. I thought I'd introduce this little angel to all you readers out there. Her name is Emily and she is our new baby at home. Mom sends me picture message of her every so often and each time I receive a picture of her she looks different than the last time. She's such a cutie. Although I've only spent around about 3 weeks with her last time I went home, it feels like I've known this little bub forever and I miss her so much. When I went home couple of months ago, she was just learning to lift her neck and all she did was sleep and feed, sleep and feed, sleep and feed. Now this little darling is learning to imitate facial expressions and rolling around like a Rollie-Pollie-Ollie! Gee she's cute!

Happy New 2007!

And so 2006 came around for a bit and left. Now, welcome 2007! I've gone back to KL and back! It's been a week since I've arrived back in Brissy...nothing much has changed except the year and the degree of my home sickness. I've been back here a week but I'm still missing home terribly. Mostly miss spending time with the two most special people in my life and miss being pampered and spoilt rotten. My brief 3 weeks trip back was really good. Well spent with family doing the things we love - shopping and food! Gee I think I'm starting to miss having a car too. It just makes things so much more convenient. My parents were most of the time home with me while I was back in KL. We went places, did the shopping (I started the day I arrived!), visited friends and family, well almost the whole deal. I must say this was the shortest time I've been home for. I usually stay for about 2-3 months, but now that I'm working, guess I don't get the luxury of doing so anymore. Well at least 3 weeks were better than 3 days.

The year 2006 was a memorable one. Highlights being first job, first retrenchment, 23rd birthday, new addition to the family, great colleagues...nothing to complain about I'd say. This year however, I welcome the year believing that it'll be better than the last. I have personal goals and ambitions that I want to achieve and I do hope and pray that wisdom be with me as I embark this new year. No great resolutions whatsoever, but just keep my family safe, keep my ideas growing, keep opportunities coming and may everyone enjoy this great year! Live life to the fullest! *Cheers!*

p/s: To the friends I met back in KL, I really am thankful and happy that we all managed to take some time out to meet. We might all look (a bit) different now that we've grown up (a little), but deep down inside we're all still very much the same. Same old bunch of silly little girls...Girls just wanna have FUN! =)
To those that I didn't manage to meet, please do accept my apology! I totally didn't mean to not meet, but just that I didn't have the time to do so.

I'll upload some pictures as soon as I find my SD card reader thingy.

Droopy EyEs...

I have a strong feeling that I will take over my dad's droppy eyes! I have a choice to take over mom's or dad's...but dad's I think they'll be! Reason being that I rub my eyes so constantly and too darn hard...I give no mercy whatsoever rubbing my eyes! It's really a bad habit that I should wean myself off! The only time I do not touch my eyes is when I'm asleep. Besides that it's quite a trick for me to leave my eyes alone. Don't suggest rubbing chili on my hands, because I'd rather rub my eyes and leave them to sting than having to leave them alone! Gosh I'm weird!

Burnt...!

I've been out in the sun for a couple of hours during the weekend. The sun wasn't exactly very fierce (as compared to other worse days)...was a good 26-28 degrees, I reckon. Didn't think it would burn any part of me. Gee was I wrong! I had this itching sensation on my shoulders yesterday and today it has transformed into what we call a "painful" sensation as it's starting to peel...eeeeeeeks!

Oh dear Sun, have mercy on people living in Australia, I beg you...please!

5 days...!

I'm going home in *five* days! Omg, can anyone tell I'm ecstatic?

Hope poor John recovers by then. John's been sick...I'm guessing it's overdose of junk food from last week, early morning shifts plus excessive workout from the new Nintendo Wii! Mind you, I'm also recovering from sore muscles after being hooked onto the new Wii! We played vigorous action games like tennis, bowling, golf, boxing, fishing, table tennis, billard and lots more all from the comfort of our living room! That is really a very clever invention from the Jappies! *thumbs up* Anyone considering getting a set of Wii, I'd say go for it! It's worth every penny and most of all it's fun! As John says, "they're turning us into kids again!" Yes...again indeed!

22 Years of My Life

Highlights of 22nd year as ME.

- Celebrated it at home with best Alison, mommy and daddy (on the phone)
- Got Australian permanent residency visa
- Earned first full time pay cheque
- Lived on own money (for the FIRST time!)
- Owned first set of office suit
- Bought first pair of court shoes (own $$)
- Started first full time job (from miss receptionist to office administrator)
- Experienced first (and hopefully last) job retrenchment (at 22!)
- Stayed in the garage for the first time
- Attempted 4 job interviews before being offered second full time job
- Moved to the city for the first time
- Had 1 haircut
- Addicted to Nintendo
- Flute is my new toy
- No lanterns for the first time
- Celebrated CNY away from home for the first
time

Lots of firsts and lots of fun being 22. Tomorrow marks the beginning of my 23rd year of my life. It is exciting. The bigger the number grows, the more responsibilities seem to cling to you. It's just a number...to be honest, I don't think I feel any different from 16. It's just that the bigger your number grows, the more doors you can open and the more things you see. That's all!

Dontcha?

Don't you wish your girlfriend was HOT like me??
Don'tcha?
Don'tcha?

My boyfriend: I wish my girlfriend would stop coughing...seriously!

Oh peace be with my throat. I've been coughing like a mad woman, it almost makes me feel a little embarrassed by my thundering cough.

It's one thing after another...

That is what makes life interesting, I guess.

STUPID COW!

The so-not-worth-it shot with what I'd call a stupid city cow has left a deep deep scar on Miss Ixus 55. *Let's all pout our lips in memory of the flawless cammy which I have kept so well for the last six months* I HATE THAT COW! I'm gonna kill it and have it cooked well done! Except that it's not REAL living cow. Darn it! My heart felt like (and it's still feeling) it's just been stabbed and ripped apart the moment I saw it slip off my hands and landed on the rough surface ground. Not angry at anything else but that COW! If only that stupid cow did not attract so much attention! Not that it is any green or blue looking cow. It's just an ordinary lifeless ol plain jane black and white cow! Like any other cows! **Frustration beyond explanation!** I just wanna KILL that freaking cow! Enough said, I officially hate cows from this moment on!

I know myself too well that I'd probably end up laughing at myself one month later when I read this post for being so emotional over a non-living thing. But this is not just any ordinary thing! This is one of those things I have which I truly love and treasure. Besides, I have a reputation for having my things well kept. This is just a disgrace! STUPID COW! Slaughter it! Hmmm...maybe this is more than just an accident...it's a CURSE! Yes, I really think this could be it...a CURSE! The last Ixus I had slipped off my hand as well! Oh no! This is more serious than a COW story. This is a curse!

Off to find a potion to end this heart wrenching curse!

BTW, just FYI, my heart is still aching...

Dancing like no one is watching...obviously the camera caught my childlike nature (can't really help being childlike when the skirt was purchased from the children's department!). *WiNk*

The SKIRT!

Notice the SKIRT (not the rose), is a new addition to my casual wardrobe. This week I've got 2 skirts, a pair of blush pink 3/4 jeans and a black summer top in my shopping bag. *Note to self: No more shopping this week, please!* The skirt, I got this skirt from the CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT! I liked it the moment I set my eyes on it, didn't really care if I were shopping in the little ones' department, I had to put it on. Having picked up a skirt from the kiddos department, you'd probably think I'd need the largest size they've got there?? Well, you're wrong! =) Somehow this makes my tail wag a little knowing that I can actually fit into a size 12 for children. Now, I wonder...are Aussie kids just big or am I small?? I definitely won't be considered small, considering my love for food and the size of my frame. So kids, you better watch those sugar intake and fatty fries you put into your mouth!

That's all for my moment of glory for fitting into a kids size 12.

I've not been very well since last night. My throat is killing me and I naturally I feel a bit sick. My body's aching and my throat is totally sore. I'm pretty sure we're got some sort of virus trapped in the walls of this place. Not being a 100% today, we decided to come home for a rest after being out for lunch and my little shopping trip. Came home, turned on my lappie and dived into Friendster. I tell you, I'm sure I'm such a Friendster b!tch. But admittedly, why wouldn;t I?? It's been pretty informative. It announces to you, or rather my friends freely advertise their personal life on Friendster, either way I thank the person who created it! Anyway, it's a good place to keep yourself updated with friends getting married, got married, having a baby, making babies, advertising their skills in capturing a self-portrait of themselves, changing partners, etc. While on Friendster, I had this sudden feeling that I miss everyone at home. Like literally everyone. I miss my family (thank God I'm going home in 2 1/2 months time), classmates, school mates, friends, acquaintances etc. Then I got into chatting with Lin Lin and Bee Voon (two very dear friends from school days) and reality just hits reminding me that things will never ever be the same ever again! And Bee Voon mentioned we should really organise a reunion thingy but how much would a reunion help when all our mates from school have been scattered everywhere around the world? Oh well, I guess the moral of the story is that we should really make an effort to keep in touch with people around us. In the end of the day, it's always better to have some treasured memories than to have no memories at all.


Dia jauh di seberang
Kasih tak mungkin kekal
Yang jauh asyik teringat
Yang dekat tak terpikat
Tak kenal maka tak cinta


That is just one of the many parts of a malay song which I can never forget because it's so meaningful and so true...

It translates...

She who is far away
Love can never last
Those who are far away are always remembered
Those close to us always neglected
Not very close therefore not loved

Now it probably wouldn't be as meaningful to you as it is to me. I heard this song on my way to the airport during the very first time I left KL for Australia to study. I remembered how my little cousin (not very little anymore after 4 years), was so angry after he learnt the fact that I was going to leave KL for another country to study. He was just hugging his teddy I got him for Christmas and refuse to even look at me the whole entire day (even at the airport). We just balled out eyes out on the way to the airport in the car and my great friends Jhane, BeeVoon and Alison were at the airport to send me off. Goodness, my heart ached so badly when I had to leave my family and friends behind the terminal gate! From then on I really hate goodbyes because I can never handle them without tears!

Long Story Short

Oh, so much happened over the last month. My life is somewhat proving itself to be more "lifely", kickin' and exciting! *Big smile*

After a brief Melbourne-get-away in August over the EKKA holidays, I have had in mind to "migrate" to that city which (in my opinion) has more character than the one I'm currently in. Melbourne was what I had in mind and I thought the timing was perfect for a change. Anyway, having said that, I'm still in Brisbane at the moment...to cut the long story short, I was offered a position at a college for international students. Doesn't take a genius to figure, I accepted the offer since I've been looking at going into the that line here anyway. And so to make up to my mind for deceiving it that I was going to move to Melbourne, I moved to live in the inner city of Brisbane instead. I would like to think that as a trade off. Well at least I'm now 10 minutes walk away from the city and 5 minutes walk away from work! What a pleasure! Life's sweet! =)

Three weeks into working, my boss threw me into deep sea as she announced that she'll be away for a 3 week holiday! Great! First week was as crazy as it can get. Second week seemed better...Third week...smooth as...!

20th October 2006 marks a special day in my family's calender. Warm welcome to my new little baby cousin sister, Kai En. The name was not decided upon her arrival, but as you could have guessed, her big cousin sister was too eager to welcome her arrival. Sent some flowers home with a little soft toy for new baby girl and grandpa told the delivery man, "Sorry, here no have Kai Ern!" Good one, Grandpa! Justin to the rescue, reminded my grandpa that it was for the new bundle of joy! =) And so the flowers were delivered safely to its destination.

Today, 26th October 2006 marks another special day in my family's calender. Warm welcome to another new baby second cousin sister! How cool is this! A baby boom happening! Welcoming new arrivals every week?? I'm totally impressed by the timing! Congratulations to KFC and Karen for the arrival of Little Missy Lee and congratulations to Munhon korkor and wifey for the arrival of Little Missy Wong!

One month from today, Jhane will turn 23, 3 weeks from today, I turn 23, add 2 more day Karwye turns 23! I'm loving the month of November! Start saving those loose change ready for big pressies! And most of all, see you in KL in 2 months and 3 weeks time!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is a very special day. A day where we celebrate my special man. Thank you for giving me all your love and all the fun you've shared with me. I truly appreciate our special father-daughter relationship which cannot be replaced by anyone/anything else in this whole wide entire world. I thank God for such an incredible being like you. You feed me, you love me, you clothed me, you pamper me, you please me, you care for me, you respect me, you carry me through, you stick by me, you cheer me on, you listen, you forgive, you sacrificed, you fix things for me, you pull my hair up, you tie ribbons for me, you buy me girly stuff, you drive me around, you play with me, you encourage me, you praise me, you keep me safe, you give you everything I desire...you're just incredible! And for all that you have done for me, I'd like to thank you and I'd like you to know how so very much I love you and how so very special you are to me! To the very special man in my life, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Daddy, I wish you happiness and good health and you will have many many many good returns and many many many special birthdays more to come! I love you daddy! -XOXO- mich.

Trinity...

TRINITY...Presenting my latest creation. Lately, I have learnt and loved the new hobby of designing and making my own beads. These freshly baked handmade beads were put together as a mobile charm for funky, cool mobile phones! It can also be put together as a keychain or a decorative charm.

*Trinity can be purchased upon request. Please email or send me a message for further information*

Happy Birthday, Malaysia!

Tanggal tiga puluh satu, bulan lapan, lima puluh tujuh,
Hari yang mulia, hari bahagia,
Hari kita menyambut merdeka!

Mari kita seluruh warga negara,
Sama sama menyambut hari merdeka,
MERDEKA!

Bulan lapan, lima tujuh, tiga puluh satu,
Hari mulia, negaraku merdeka!

Selamat hari jadi ke-49, Malaysia!
Semoga negara aman damai selalu!!!!!!!!!!!!
(So patriotic!)

When "IT" stops flowing...

stag‧nant 
–adjective
1. not flowing or running, as water, air, etc.
2. stale or foul from standing, as a pool of water.
3. characterized by lack of development, advancement, or progressive movement.
4. inactive, sluggish, or dull.

mo‧not‧o‧nous 
–adjective
1. lacking in variety; tediously unvarying: the monotonous flat scenery.
2. characterizing a sound continuing on one note.
3. having very little inflection; limited to a narrow pitch range.

boredom 
–verb (used with object)
1. to weary by dullness, tedious repetition, unwelcome attentions, etc.
–noun
2. a dull, tiresome, or uncongenial person.
3. a cause of ennui or petty annoyance: repetitious tasks that are a bore to do.

Stagnant, monotonous and boredom...three words which best describe ineffectiveness and lack productivity.

Stagnant, monotonous and boredom...three very familiar words lately.

Stagnant, monotonous and boredom...wonder when will they go away??

Whinge...

If the sky is your limit, why then am I limitted to doing so many things?
If you are all that you can be, why am I still me?
If there is a will, there is a way, where is my way?
If you should reach for the stars, why am I reaching for the earthly necessities?
If all that you should do is believe, then why am I not believing?
If there is a light at the end of each tunnel, then I think my tunnel has no end...

I wish my world is not painted with shades of grey...

8:30pm...driving around, looking for a bin...

And so it was 8:30pm, we were driving around looking for a bin. Great! Why is it so freaking hard to get rid of unwanted goods = junk?? Driving...STOPPPPPP! Construction site! Surely there has to be a bin around...*peeps*...*neck stretching*...*eyes narrowing*...spot it! And along we it, we spotted a padlock sitting nicely like a smile beeming at us on the gate entering the contruction site too...definitely a no, no! We don't want to get caught trespassing. Keep driving...driving...up slope...come on Barina...keep pumping fuel...keep driving...FOUND ITttttttttt! A BIN!!! Whoops...no, don't stop...it's a chanined up bin! *What the...!!* Continue on second gear, keep driving...keep driving...StoPPPPPPpppp! BIN! Heck, it's contained in a 4 feet high wall...another *What the...!*-experience. Keep driving...suddenly a jerk in the car and a sharp change of direction, Mr Leonard found a BIN! Well done...a bin that had a chain around it, but we've decided to be uncivilized if by all means this bin is also chained, we were just gonna leave our treasures on the ground next to the bin. But wo, wo...we got lucky! The chain was somewhat for decorative purposes, it had a chain around the bin but the padlock was (fortunately for us) undone! Finally we began our operation...doors opened, four removalists hopped out the car and our operation begun! Throw, throw, throw!! Never have we experienced such satisfaction in disposing our garbage before! It's nuts here in Brisbane...can someone please explain what is the logic behind locking up bins and not sharing space for trash to stay in a place where they belong?!??!?!? Such an experience! If disposing your trash in a bin is what you ought to do, then why do we feel so bloody illegal disposing ours?? Another strange-but-true expereince!

I'm at work just like any other normal, working, responsible adults! Well, except that my work gives me so much free time yet I have to look busy! So, I decided that I should go online and do nothing but at the same time do something so that I look like I'm working really hard! Get it?? Currently, my facial expression is so serious like as if I were preparing some financial budgets for the decade...Truth is, it so contradicts with my mind! I have the doing-nothing-but-pretending-like-doing-something syndrome!

Anyway, while having that syndrome bugging me all morning, I received a pretty hilarious email from mua DadaDadaDadaDadaDaDarDee! Well, feel bad for my grandpa but the way my DarDee puts it...ahahahhahaha...evilicious!

My Dardee to me...

My next project will be an Arowana or Golden Dragon Fish!! This project will have to delay slightly as RM1400 of my money has gone somewhere to Yamaha. So it won't be this month but maybe next. KFC friend the workshop next to the Setapak police station one have a golden one for Rm1500 but yet to see it. He wanted a red but his friend got him a gold one from JB so he ask me if I am interested for Rm1500, and naturally I will say see first.

So how is the job market & since Alvin is no more working there it's not practical to go so far as transportation will kill you. And where is Alvin going? Is there any vacancy there? Seems to me the job market is only luke warm after all you have being looking for a job for quite some time.

And John is he jobfull or jobless? Seem that the whole jink gang is out of job at the same time. maybe you can all call yourselves "The Jobless Gang" very funny.

Latest up-date KFC with Miss Kelantan & your mei yee and family smashed the Accord! Feedback from your KFC is that they stop at the traffic lights and a Mitsubishi Chariot came smashing into their back. That's not all, the best part is that the car belongs to your kong2 and KFC managed to persuade your kong2 to go make a police report, that's not all, the super best part is that your kong2 license has been expired since 2005. So you just imagine what your por2 has to go through or rather going through. Yesterday when we were there for dinner his face was blacker then my tires cos my tires got some mud stained but I think if not also cannot compare with his face cos his face was like completely matte black. So he is going to produce his drivers licence to the police again today again to the police. I think they will summon him and he will jump higher.

Shall up-date you tomorrow.

Thanks & Love you

Your best onn tap.


Eric

What can I say about my Dardee, or rather my family!

Index (my family's lingo...)

"Project" = My Dardee has ongoing projects from time to time. It's funny, he invests lots of time, effort and money into his "projects". And gets very proud of each and every one of his handy works!

"KFC" = Kow Foo Chai (Little Uncle), sometimes I get confuse coz my Mommy works in KFC and have a KFC at home too! No wonder I'm always confused...!

"jobfull vs jobless"?? - That's just the way my Dardee expresses his creativity, by altering words! And no wonder my England so power la!

"Miss Kelantan" - My uncle's wife my Kelantan.

"kong2" - Mommy's Dardee = my Grandpa

"Por2" - Mommy's Mommy = my Grandma

"Blacker than my tires" - An expression that means "worse than"...

"Onn tap" - Some strange nick name my Dardee gave me since I don't know when!

Okay...not too early, not too late...the time is just right for LUNCH! Lunch time! Me Ciaoz!

So imagine you're a busy girl with one thousand and one things to do??

At least I've managed to achieve a few things on a day that I'm supposed to be sick and in bed...Yes, indeed it's a working day, that's why workers are entitled to sick leaves! Because you do fall sick once in a while although you're physically well, you'll have to pretend you're not...you just have to force yourself to fall sick, be it mentally or physically. If not you'll have totally no time to run errands for yourself!

Done:
Finally got a PR visa label stuck on my passport
Applied for medicare card (although I swear not to ever speak to people by the name of Kristen ever again!)
Picked up a few things from Sportsgirl
Called Astrid
Arranged for a time to call Astrid
Called mom

More things to do:
Continue to respond to selection criteria (damn selection criteria!)
Deserted clean clothes waiting to be folded
More clothes waiting to be ironed
Freaking messy room needs urgent attention
Make up needs to be removed
Ear phones still missing
Tonight's dinner menu - plates and cutleries??
All jeans and winter clothings need a swim in the washing machine
Extra health cover(in case I break some parts of my body, I won't need a loan to fix it up!)
Vacuum cleaner is starving (Ages ago since I last sucked up dirt in the living room!)
Book for accommodation for Melbourne trip
Buy toothpaste or maybe I can try using bleach

Sigh! I really wish life could be simpler! Damn selection criteria! It's really sucking too much energy out of me!

I'm not actually doing anything, but I feel so uneasy and stressed up?!?!? What the efff is wrong with me?!??!?!

I think I need a break!

GOSH...Gosh, how long have I been gone?? I suddenly feel like I've somewhat dissapeared from the face of the Earth over the last few years. Work has been the craziest thing that has ever happened! I've been the crankiest pot boiling around and things seems to be spilling everywhere! Every little thing seems to be pulling my hair! When I try laying the sticks straight, they just somehow break the line! You know, I feel like I've not had a rising sun for the longest time...I miss springing off bed once the alarm goes off, stopping by the belcony for a what-a-lovely-day thought before rushing up the bathroom for a warm warm shower! Somehow you just know it when you'll have a fantastic all-good day! But these days, I not only snooze till my phone's battery runs flat, I drag myself along with my towel up to the bathroom and then scare myself by the refelction I see on the mirror, thinking "goodness, this girl looks terrible!" And when you begin to sense something like that, you'll smell danger just around the corner. It's days like that when you realise your favourite undies are still sitting in the laundry basket, your stockings have ladder running up and down more like snake-and-ladder (embarrassingggggggggg...*warning to all girls, please do not wear holey stockings coz if you get caught it'll be totally EMBARRASSINGGGGGGG!*), your clothes are not ironed, and to add to that, even mascara doesn't seem to behave! They clum up and swishy swoosh on your lids making you look like a freaking Cleo Patra! Oh NooooOOoOoOoooOoo!

Well, basically I've just enlightened you with my very routined boo boo days lately! Moral of the story: You just know it! You just know it when you'll have a boo boo day because...because even your toe nail won't behave!

Wondered where have I been?? (I'm out of the closet now...!) Anyway, last few weeks have a quite a roller coaster ride at work...Things have been happening at a pace which seems rather hard to keep up with...All in all, my workplace has been pretty dramatic and we were at a stage where we just had to be ready for whatever that's coming...One day, I get news of promotion, next day the company is shrinking, following day, company is buying another entity, and so on and so forth...Everytime I was called for a meeting, it would only make me cringe...not knowing what was going to happen. Anyway...I've decided what to do...not exactly an easy decision as I've been working with very very nice employers and colleagues...nevertheless, the most sensible thing to do at this stage, I guess is to leave and to move on...Sad, but life has to go on...The employers were so nice that upon receiving news that we're leaving, they actually contacted a recruitment officer to come and have a chat with us tomorrow, just to hopefully help us get our desired jobs as soon as possible. According to the GM, it's the least they can do as a token of appreciation...to me, it's really a bonus! *sigh* My first employers and they are really setting the standard too high for my next...*sigh* But anyway, I'm not discouraged, I see it as at least I've had a go with these nice people! =)

BLACKCURRENT...Purple glass beads and hand-painted teardrop beads. Ladylike and gentle...reminds me of olden Anne of Green Gables days...

MUSHIE...Another earth coloured creation! I seem to have a thing for earth coloured clothings and accessories lately! Could it be winter blues?? Anyway, Mushie is made of coffee coloured pearls look-alike, brown glass beads and fresh water pearl pieces. Slightly different wirework to extend the length and to give it a more "dangly" effect! Mushie is also a good match with Brownie! =)

BROWNIE...measures up to my waist. Combination of brown glass beads of different sizes. Can be worn as a long necklace, twirl it up and make it 2 layers, or even as a bracelet. Miss Versatile! =)

*WARNING*
Do not proceed if hungry! =)

BLUE CORAL...A gift from me to Su Ann.

Jhane, we have loads of good food here! Come and visit me please?!??! and I will make sure you won't regret your stay! *WinK!*

SIEW MAI experts at work! =)

RED BEAN CHINESE PANCAKE ready to be served...yummyz!

RED BEAN CHINESE PANCAKE...The cook?? John Tan! =)

LAKSA...Yummy or what?!?!? It doesn't only look good...the taste was simply delicious! *droolinggggg!* Home cooked laksa! The cook?? Alvin Goh! The paste?? Prima Deli! (Dick gave us 2 packs of Prima Deli laska paste before he went back to Spore...now, we've proven it for you...Prima Deli works!)

And I'm eating it...yummy! =)

Boon and Gwen (obviously) can't wait to eat, while Andrew and Vania were busy capturing the sight of the super-sized pizza!

John's Birthday Dinner...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN BOY!

SPOT THE GOOD LOOKINGS...And the award goes to the CHEONGS! *CheeRs!*

THE CHEONGS...best people on Earth...my best friends! =)

ALISON...I truly miss this aunty! I miss our late night tomyum outing la...And I miss driving to your place at random...I miss annoying you too, ehehhehehe!

THE NEWLY WEDS...Cow-Moo-Chai and Cow-Foo-Chai! If anyone of you see this good looking couple on the streets of KL, stop them and shout them coffee...coz they're officially Mrs and Mr Lee now! *yay!* =)

SHANNON NOLL LYRICS

"Lift"

I know you're hurting
Feels like you're learning
'Bout life the hard way
And it ain't working

Seems like forever
That you've been falling
It's time to move on
You're life is calling, yeah

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

[CHORUS]
Cause I know how hard it can get
But you gotta lift
You gotta lift
And sometimes that's how it is
But I know you're stronger
Stronger than this
You gotta lift
You gotta lift

When you can feel your
Whole body's aching
What's left of your heart
It won't stop breaking
You gotta let go
You took a hit
Time to pick up now
Move on from this

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

[CHORUS]
Cause I know how hard it can get
But you gotta lift
You gotta lift
And sometimes that's how it is
But I know you're stronger
Stronger than this
You gotta

Lift yourself up above all the hurt
Don't give it
Wipe your eyes and remember
You're better than this
Let them know
That they took their best shot
And missed
C'mon and lift

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

[CHORUS]
Cause I know how hard it can get
But you gotta lift
You gotta lift
And sometimes that's how it is
But I know you're stronger
Stronger than this
You gotta lift
You gotta lift

Pick up now...
Pick up now...

AWAY FROM HOME...Away from home can be quite difficult at times. Different environment, different people, different games...I sometimes feel like I'm playing on a field with many players but the thing with many players playing on the same field is that every individual leads their own game and can sometimes get so caught up that I feel like I'm playing all by myself. Somehow, family can never be replaced by any other things/creatures/persons/beings...a family will always play together as one and will never forsake each other. That's the most beautiful thing I've leanrt from this thing called life! Anyone can just come and go in your life, but family will always stick together as one and join hands in whatever circumstances.

Many things have been happening at home these couple of weeks...good things though, which I'm really, really happy and glad for and about but I think I could be happier if I were there to witness. First stop, my dad finally got transfered back to work in KL =)(which is really a prayer answered!) after like 5 years of working away from home at this tiny little boring place called Ipoh. Next stop, Cow-Foo-Chai finally tied a knot with Karen! =) Karen's a very simple minded and nice girl from Kelantan. My family drove 6 hours all the way to Kelantan to ask for her hand in marriage from her parents to my uncle and then a month later drove all the way up there again for the big day. I called back couple of weeks before leading up to their wedding and everyone at home was so excited about it! I can't wait to go home to do my part as a niece, to serve tea to the newly weds and to officially call Karen "Cow-Moo-Chai"!

I'm probably going through a phase...a phase where I am really questioning myself of this decision to stay here away from home. Staying here is not at all a bad idea really...I learn to be more independent, develop a stronger character and see things from a wider perspective. But the question is, where exactly is home for me?? Home to me is where family is, a place where I spend most of my time and a place where I have poeple supporting my dreams and walking the walk with me. Well, nowadays I spend most of my time away from home and family, and practically no support whatsoever. So, now you tell me did I just make a sane decision or am I insane??