Halal

This is my side of the story - 5 days in Tawau

14th - 18th May made me lose 2 kilos. Not a healthy way to shed some kgs. My colleague Ms. J and I was on hands and foot organizing the Halal Expo. The big deal is it was to be launched by the CM and some big guns from Johor and our State.

Day one was booth set up and we have to face digruntled shop owners whose entrance was supposedly blocked by our booths. Hello people, we bring in the crowd for you. The next day was exhibitors entering and prepping their booths and like we've anticipated ada yg sampai merajuk terkena location depan this huge pillar, can't do much but gv discount skit lah. Another butik muslimah fr KK needed some models for their fashion show so I managed to get 2 pretty ladies from the adjoining Promenade Htl for her. Last minute booth additions, requests etc but we managed to sail through it with the help of our event contractor's excellent team.

This was only my 3rd visit and the longest to Tawau but I am impressed on how cooperative and accommodating the people here were. They've have made our job in an unfamiliar venue, much more easier what with some last minute details and requests..

Oh and as a norm to everyone who visits Tawau, one must make their way to the markets for their fresh and cheap seafood, keropoks, periuk belanga, kain-kain and tudung-tudung etc..peluang yg ada kami tidak tinggalkan, walaupun terpaksa selit-selit masa. So on one of the visit there this caught my eye and tickled my funnybone.Sila baca lengkap dengan slang tempatan.

This was the emcee, he was good in entertaining the crowd. Made them laugh and participated in my quizzes. See how eager they were waiting for to win the prizes..
The Eastern Plaza, venue of my expo has just opened it's doors to the public therefore I need to create some crowd pullers to create hype and get as much visitors as I can. Since this was a Halal themed event, I called upon Kompang Nur Falah, Nasyid Nurul Amal Luasong, Ag. Aziz Gambus Bongawan and Senibudaya Tawau to perform. They were a hit! Fantastic showmanship from Kompang with their formations and energetic beats. Nasyid was harmonious and modern, 4 adik beradik yg amat talented. Ag. Aziz Gambus has the most peminat, they performed some beautiful dances and get the spectators to participate on-stage, berjoget lambak tah bisdia org2 Tawau.

In between these main shows, there were some stage product demonstrations and fashion shows. So I can safely summarize that the expo was a success, the exhibitors were happy that they made some sales and future sales. My only regret was our hard effort was not witnessed by our boss and the main committee. I didn't see any videography taken nor their official photographer taking memorable shots, i sure hope I'm wrong PLUS Ms. J and I was not even offered a ride to the airport by the main comm group who have chartered a bus eventhough we were going back on the same flight..terkilan sungguh.
The Chief Minister's visit to the booths was smooth sailing despite the expo hall being a tad too sempit for comfort. Sayalah orang yg paling nervous at that time.

In one of the food category booth. I like their publicity and promotion gimmick. Clever. They had the most visitors apart from the Lintah booth.

On the flight back to KK, I sat next to this granny..cool kan? She immediately reminded me of my late Granma coz she smelled of antique wooden furniture, just like the ones my Granma used to have.
I'm exhausted, didn't sleep and eat much. We worked from 8am - 9pm. We were given room without breakfast bcoz the rate was too expensive. My meals were mainly half-eaten coz perut sudah masuk angin and too anxious to eat. My brain won't shut down when I wanted to sleep. My mind just went on overdrive and lived on adrenaline the wholetime I was in Tawau. Begitulah gayanya saya when handling an event, tak kan aman sampailah habis and successful. This is the satisfaction that I derive from events that I do that some people might not understand, at the end of the day everyone smiles and say thank you to you. Made great friends, had a "rollercoaster" of a good time. Balik rumah conked out with a smile on my face. Puas...

Kopi time

It's been raining since mid morning. With the cool air outside plus the air conditioning inside, the only thing that keep on popping into my conscious mind (besides an extra layer of shawl to keep me warm enuf) is a hot cuppa kopi O and roti kawin..

The pic above is taken in a kopitiam and that person have left the building. This image stuck a nostalgic chord..my late grandma used to drink her cuppa kopi O just like this! Out of the saucer. Aduih terus terkenang kisah my childhood spent with her every weekend. Masih ada lagi orang minum dari cuit like this rupanya ya..

Bad air..

A lot to do with bad air. Since Friday I've had upset stomach and feverish. The chills and lethargy persist until today, Monday. Not helping is the fact that it's my time of the month again. And tomorrow I'll be leaving for a training in Mid Valley. This is another gloomy cloud causing the bad air that is surrounding me. How can he not understand that I'm trying to reduce the cost for me to go this bloody training, even after detailed breakdown and explaination / justification in writing? I didn't want to be his representative in the first place, nobody in this whole organization wants it but it has to be dumped on someone's shoulder right?

I have done my part to educate myself so that I can understand perform this position better. And a measly RM25.00 difference in the room rate cause havoc in his mind. See I'm not entitled to a room more than RM200. Because it is RM225, then it meant that I am abusing the company's fund and benefits. Why I chose this particular hotel? Because it is in the same building as the training venue. And this will eliminate the cost of taxi fare to and fro. Nowadays, taxi from Bukit Bintang (where our regular hotel is located for officers like me) hardly uses the meter and hardly wants to take passengers in the peak traffic time. So this will not only save the company some money but also will not put me in a frazzled state of mind first thing in the morning. Airfare pun I did internet booking okay...not through the regular travel agent which already saves us at least 50%. Does he have something against me? Does he always think the worst in my actions? It is really bugging me.

This is definitely not the cause of the "bad air"...only they can put the smile back on my face. Kalu ikut ayat Whimsi, gambar2 yg menyejukkan hati..

Spotted on Val's Day

Not this year hahahah..hubby just got back from outstation so instead I got this rrrrrrrrred shirt. The bouquet I ordered to be delivered from my BIL for his GF.
Our Val's day was spent wondering strolling along in Wisma Merdeka, Centre Point & Warisan Square with Benjy..just a relaxed day for us. We did enjoyed watching people with bermacam-macam ragam.
Remember those days when you were sooooo in love that you just HAVE to wear matching shirts?? So in Cinta la tu..kikiikikik not me!
Found this at Popular Bookstore..quickly hollered for hubby hahahahah
What-d-hell?? New trend is it? Fashion victim betul

'MAYA ANGELOU'S' BEST POEM EVER

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
enough
money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
something
perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour..

A WOMAN SHOULD
HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a past juicy
enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her
old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
one friend who
always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a good piece
of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her
family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
eight
matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for
a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a feeling of
control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD
KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit
a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend
without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN
SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK
AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her
childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she
would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live
alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to
go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a
charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs
soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Fresh Ideas

Colleagues and I went for hotel inspection the better half of today..all at 1B. Saw Mercure, Novotel, 1B Grand Ballroom and Tune Hotels. What struck me the most about Mercure and Novotel is their fresh modern design and bold colours usage on the walls and carpets. I like their attention to small details in the fittings and decors. And the most obvious feature in both is the see-through screen wall / window that separates the bedroom and bathroom...bikin tambah anak ni.

Mercure KK, Deluxe Room. U should stay in their Super Deluxe OMG, but it's really meant for COUPLES ONLY and ironically if those who are there to indulge in a forbidden escapade, the view of the room will be facing the mosque hahahahahah..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx3BgvL-9RH0LMP9L4ZsDrwzQmqJp59l5nHYIWSGxtPRKZ5piyRVU8mY6VdakSIwpiRa4ElKP3VPIrC4Gyfsg85bCUcWjvi6qik57YfylYMQr_hniEht2YyFCqQRNuJpz7E463b97EBM/s1600-h/Mercure+Deluxe+Room.jpg">
Mercure rooftop covered swimming pool, cool eh?
At the Novotel bar, all their coffee tabletop will have these intricate whatchamacallit..and it is different on each table. So unique and eye-catching. Bravo for the designer, I like this idea. Imagine if you're seated with other people and in awkward silence, this will definitely be a good conversation starter.
And you know me, I loooove red and the 1 Borneo Grand Ballroom has RED chandelliers! The walls are in red as well and they have deep red tablecloth with organza overlay. Very dramatic. I had visions of a decadent masquerade ball organized here or someting like a bourdoir themed dinner party with plush and rich coloured decors. But my pathetic 2mgpix hp cam is not doing any justice to my impression lahh haiya..

Rest in Peace

Al fatihah dan takziah to our EDCAM whose beloved wife just passed away on the 1st Feb. She died because of lung cancer. What disturb me the most was when I was told that in the beginning when she was sick, they went to a specialist centre and was diagnosed and treated as tuberculosis. But after some time it still persisted and then went to QEH and was told it was not TB but paru-paru berair. So my point is, how come a specialist centre gave the wrong diagnosis?

This is not the first such case I heard. One was straight from my friend who almost went for a surgery after a series of meetings with the specialist. But before she submit herself to the surgery, went for a second opinion and was given antibiotics and advised to eat more vegetables, she got better. So what happened there?

Now can't we even trust the specialist? Hard earned money wasted and unnecessary treatment / pain to go through.

Happy Birthday

A sudden flash of inspiration whilst reading a friend's blog. A normal birthday celebration is to wish that person Happy Birthday and yadda yadda yadda..give presents, sing the standard song, have a merry party with a bunch of friends or family. The birthday boy/girl on the other and will be waiting in anticipation of what his/her friends or family will do for him ie..surprise party, cakes, gifts yadda yadda yadda..BUT...

How many of us will stop and think of the mothers who have endured 9 months plus of heavy belly, morning sickness, backaches, labor pains, the excrutiating contractions, NEEDLES, confinement, years of lack of sleep and worries to bring this prescious birthday boy / girl into this world??? The birth process..before we enter the world..and who pushed us out with all her might so that we can see the light of day..who treated us bagai menatang minyak yang penuh. Sounds more like a tribute to Mother's Day pulak kan, but I think, we should not forget this most important factor especially on our birthday. Hmmmm maybe I'm getting mellower by the years, maybe I'm biased because I'm a mother myself??...hmmm Dulu kalau birthday saja ingat mau celebrate yeehaa party saja eheheheh.

So here eventhough my birthday is a long way to go..I would like to dedicate my birthday to my Mum and my Mak-in-Law...who have endured so much for me and the man I call my husband.

PYT..poor young things..

In this age, peer pressure is by far, on a different level as compared to 20 years ago. What I saw yesterday was disturbing and frankly scares me to think what are the challenges will my sons have to face in their time. I'm not talking about the Pretty Young Thing that is smiling so sweetly to my pitiful lens but the PYTs sitting behind with the i-don't-give-a-damn-what-everyone-says attitude. Seen still in their school sports uniform merrily brandishing the cigarette stick. I found out from a direct source who knows them, that these girls are only 14 years old. Hanging out with friends at a coffee shop is one thing and nothing bad about that but...girls whatever or whomever made you think that smoking at such an early age, acting supposedly adult-like and acting fearless is cool is so wrong. You are still a child and you do not know what the world is all about yet. So stop the act and act like your age.

Welcome 2009!!

1st of Jan 2009..new law says that all people seating at the back must wear seat belts..

What I hope to achieve (or at least do) this year..
1) Lead a healthier lifestyle by eating healthy.
a. Cut down on the fatty cholesterol building carcinogic sugar rising artificially enhanced food. Because more people are dropping like flies at tender ages lately and I don't plan to be one of them..Nauzubillahmizalik..
b. Exercise, exercise, exercise...

2) Tambahkan bekalan utk the afterlife...

I want to keep the list to a minimum but easily achievable for this year because frankly I keep on forgetting what was the resolution I made the previous years.

No countdown this year as we were happily in oblivion in our dreamland long before the clock strike twelve heheheh..no life you say?? Hmmm lemme see long ago at this time I would be crushed in smelly wet bodies in a badly lit room with deafening noise pounding my eardrums, overly charged drinks, smoke filled room and drunken strangers that would come and give you unwanted bear hugs..

Now I'm surrounded with the people I love the most, comfortably and peacefully who loves me unconditionally..syukur Alhamdulillah..

Customer's always right..

Went to the Biggest Hypermall for the umphteenth time. Hubby's not feeling well but he had promised the boys for jalan-jalan and to the fun fair. So we had dinner at
(Both pics above are courtesy of Azlena's blog and that's her kid with the burger)..

The key word and point for this entry is "CUSTOMER SERVICE"..

1) This particular restaurant has a very good promise and potential by looking at its interior design and menu..it looks very inviting and enticing..BUTTTT
1.1 - once seated you have to crane your neck to get the waiters to notice you..

1.2 - They have set up the steak knives in advance at each table. This poses some kind of danger to families with small children dining. They should've only change the to the necessary / sharp cutleries after customers have made their orders.

1.3 - The waiters must know what to recommend and speak up clearly to the first timers who doens't know what to order from the long list of "good things to eat".

1.4 - The burger was dry

1.5 - The signature root beer float was "tawar" / tasteless and flat. I'd rather have A&W rootbeer.

1.6 - The Coney Island Dog was mediocre..

1.7 - The waitress waiting for us to fork out money to pay the bill should've waited at the table and not wander off and had a merry time cit chatting with the kitchen staff and forget about the customer who was looking at her waiting for her to come and get the money.

2. 1 Borneo has very smelly toilets / washroom, wet ponding floor and insufficient cubicles in the ladies. I do not wish to part with my 30 sen to pay for this. It will never fail to give me a stressful time to bring my boys to the loo. Imagine walking pass the washroom and be greeted with the horrible smell of urine wafting out until few feet away and to top it off, it is located right next to an eatery. I'm embarassed for the tourist who have to come here and find this.

3. Declaring itself the Largest Hypermall..but it doens't even have a baby nappy changing room. Or at least a separated corner in a clean washroom for mothers to prep their babies.

I have placed my complaints online to their website. I hope they got it and take it seriously into consideration as I believe I'm not the first one who have voiced this out.

Anticipation..

Couldn't sleep last night, I was too excited just thinking about our programme this coming weekend. So I packed and did some house chores till 3am. Sedang mengambil approach buang yang keruh ambil yang jernih..don't want to dwell on negativity...life is too short and there's nothing more I can do to make the situation better anyway.
Will be doing these..






Will be dining here..

Our refuge for the nights..


And finally after all the hardwork, I shall reward myself with bliss..

I just don't want to hear it anymore

Sometimes work can be really frustrating, especially when I have put so much effort in organizing (higher up instructions), made sacrifices (weekend with family and expenses incurred to accommodate, arguements with the other half, hardship at many peoples' cost) just to show commitment to the company...and then the higher up decides not to go...and made allowances for the others to follow suit with lame reasons like sis-in-law's wedding, heading the rombongan meminang of a relative, Uni registration in KL (seriously?), sons' circumsition. I don't blame those who have no desire to participate because frankly, almost everyone feels the same.

In the first place it wasn't the staff who wants this but the bigger boss(es?). And then when the time comes, they bail. How can a leader be so irresponsible? Can that person be called a leader having this as an example? After almost all tactics used to try and get him to come, all that was said was "Don't cry and weep for those who doesn't want" something like that lah...So many things went through my mind at that exact moment..If the leader show his commitment and support, naturally his followers will gladly commit.

I'm deeply dissappointed. And I cannot take anymore excuses that started to come my way just to excuse themselves anymore. Because I know it is very hard for me to go to this programme (leaving my commitment at home) and I know that those who have confirmed will be making sacrifices in their own way too.

Toughen up

(This movie is really good especially for us women folks (sad that it didn't make the Hollywood BOxoffice)..if after watching this doens't get ur juice running and make u go to the nearest self defense class, I don't know wat else to say)

After reading a friend's blog entry about educating and training oneself with self defense skills, memories came flooding. I too had seen the insides of the police station one too many times. I'll share the story but first, just to let you know that I was trained in martial arts and competed with a gold medal to prove in sparring (back in school days). I was an athelete and I considered myself quite fit. And never have I imagined myself to be a victim of violence.

Year 1998..I was ending a relationship with my then BF of almost 1 year. I didn't think we will have a future. Because lately I realised that there was something amiss about his character that I couldn't put a finger on and all of my friends have warned me against him. I actually sacrificed my best friend-ship to be with this man. Of course I thought I was in love and that alone is enough to make me blind to his flaws (worst thing is I make excuses for him). He was a well educated man, in law no less, with a bright future ahead. He seemed sincere and serious enough to me. We talked about getting married after I finished studies bla bla bla.. I even wrote a bloody letter to my Mum about him (gosh was I so gullible, and I never talk about my love life with Mum let alone own up that I have a BF)..ok now u have a general idea of how it was going. All my friends started to stay away from me because all of them hated his obnoxiousness and most of the time I was with him.

So..cut the looong story short, I landed the axe over the phone and e rushed over to my apartment to demand explaination. He brought over the things that I gave to him and burned it. Then..he slapped me hard on the face, twice. And ran off. The only thing I can do then was to scream curses at him as he sped away. After that incident, he started stalking me, and my good (male) friend always keep me company whenever I wanted to go out. I was so scared. Even my housemate was scared. After 1 week i think he called me up and talked nicely and ask me to return all the things he gave me. I asked my friend to accompany me as my house mate was not home. My friend waited for me at the basement parking lot so as not to fuel my ex's anger. My ex got out of his car and we exchanged heated words and he shoved me against the car. Security guards started to come around and I said better to end this quickly and both of us went up to the apartment. As he waited outside, he snatched my handbag and held it as ransom. When I came back with his stuff, again I was caught off guard with a hard slap on my cheeks but this time I wasn't gonna let him get away with it without a fight. Fury came over me but all my martial art skills never came through..it was just pure adrenaline and anger. And I how was I , such a skinny tiny girl can even come close to hurt this tall and fit b#*@!rd, none of my punches landed on him. It only gave him an opportunity to kick me in the stomach and I "flew" few paces behind and hit the pillar..tried to hit me again with a video tape, but I blocked and got scraped by is steel watch. After that he ran away. I stood there shaking..and rushed back into my apartment to calm down and collect myself.

When I went down to my friend at the basement, I saw his car was rammed into..obviously by the sick b#*@!rd. The door of the passenger seat was totally crashed in. It was witness by the security guards. We went to report at the nearest Police station and the detective called that sicko in. He was interogated like a criminal..the detective really did justice to me..and it was done right in front of me. At first he was cocky and denied everything but after 1 hour he cowered down like a timid mouse. I chose not to press charges for some reasons and he agreed to pay damages. And guess what, his ambition was to become the Chief of Police! Maybe no more coz now he has a police record.

Year 2001..I was a victim of snatch thief. As I was walking just a 2 minutes away from my home in Luyang. The man was driving a pick up truck and apparently was lurking awaiting for a lone pedestrian. The lane was really quiet, not many cars pass by. I didn't even notice it was cruising behind me untill it was too late and all I saw was a hand reaching out to pull my handbag hanging on my shoulders. Mind you I was a "correct" pedestrian, I walk on the opposite side of the trafic, my bag was away from the road. He managed to grab the strap and drag away while is other hand was steering te pick up truck. I held on to my bag and because of that I fell on my back (twisted around) and was dragged on the tarmac until the strap broke. Then he stopped and looked back at me as if wanting to come our of the truck and make a grab or hurt me or something. But I screamed on top of my lungs to get my neighbours attention. Oh and this happened in broad daylight. But being in my neighbourood, who minded their own business and nobody was hanging outside, no one came to my aid. Thankfully my scream scared off the thief and he sped off.

Wat happened to me? Large piece of my skin on the back was scrapped off my the tarmac and I bruised my shoulders. I limped back home and called my aunt who brought me 1st to the police station and lodge a report then to the hospital. I was wearing only tube tops and sarong for 1 whole week.

Moral of the story..all those martial art skills I've learned didn't come in handy when I was caught off guard and overpowered. I believe now that I have to live and breathe self defense skills so that it becomes natural to me and I do not have to think to respond to my defense, not just take lessons and take things for granted. I think the best is the street fighting skills much like the one in the movie Enough will do me much better. And ladies, most of the time, our attacker will be much stronger than us. So there are specific skills that can be learned to overcome this situation. I have heard of such classes now available at Likas PLaza. I forgot the name but I will search for it, I think I've seen it's advert in Breeze magazine.

We must not take our safety for granted. It can happen unexpectedly and at the time we're at our most vulnerable. Fit or not fit, if we're mentally and technically prepared, we shall survive. Hey we don't have to fight them off to the death, just buy enough time for us to flee for safety.

Eyes wide shut

I'm never gonna get enough zzzzz's..been away on leave for 3 days to take care of baby Ariff..he got Bronchialitis apparently contracted from the nursery coz i found out most of the babies there were sick too..sigh..that's the cons of sending your kids to the nursery..and i understand why the poor babies eventhough sick were still sent to the day care..when i was working in the hotel, it was not easy to take leave and being in the private sector means u have tons n tons of workload and deadline, plus your boss for sure will not be so understanding..so i guess the parents didn't have much choice but to depend on the day care to take care of their child..so 3 days i spent quality time with my baby..during then he learned to stand and let of his hands, crawl, play tag, reach the armchair and everywere else and many other wonderful things...growing stuff that I will definetely have missed out on..I counted out of 24 hours, I only spend 5 waking hours with my children, count from 6.30am - 7.30am plus 6pm - 9pm..heartwrenching to think of this..after work and feeling so tired, putting up with 2 boisterous toddlers is a real challenge of keeping your patience and sanity..and their selective hearing when you say NO is so so trying on ur BP..it's quite normal for the neighbours to hear my "falsetto" and "chorus"..usual song would be "Benjy Nabil NO!" followed by some smacks on the buttcheeks..and within 5 hours of spending time together like that, I would normally feel remorse at the end of the night when I put them to sleep and they would say I love you Mummy..

Lain cerita, don't know wassup with me and security guards this week but I encountered one funny fler again in another bank, he was actually leaning at the counter with his eyes shut! I had to ask him someting so woke him up, answered me in a daze, then went away to stand in the middle of the room. I went pass him again and i saw him sleeping while standing still!!! Kesian pun ada, mau ketawa pun ada. He's mastered the skill of stealing nap time while standing up! LOL! OK that and I noticed he was wearing high heeled shoes..gawd, how much he is suffering standing all day in that..whylah put so much torture on ur feet brader? Maybe he has a taller wife and don't want to tenggelam berdiri di sebelah bininya kan?

Blogger's Block

My mind just go blank whenever I try to do an entry..maybe its the hunger pangs..last nite our house had power failure AGAIN!!! Twice!! Last month alone it happened at least 8 times..u can check with the power supplier of the state for my call complain record..so fed up lah..this has been going on for years..the thing is only a few houses in my street was affected..they keep on telling me "Masalah talian la tu"..my BP will hit the roof everytime they give me this excuse..i mean for years this has been happening, can't you solve this once and for all??????????!!!!!!!!!! We pay every month and at least you do the decent thing to provide us with good service..DUH! Cannot tahan la like this.

Month of the Hungry Ghost

The topic has nothing to do with my thoughts right now..but just a coincidence that this is "That" month and Sharon and I were talking about death this morning. I'm sure that you will normally hear after someone has died, the relatives would say that before that person died he acted strange, made weird requests, generally would do something out of the norm. Popped up in my mind, did that person have an ominous feeling that death is around the corner? If so, if he have acted against his weird urges would fate be otherwise? What goes on in her mind when she just suddenly decided to have a full makeover (if she's an old person definitely it's not in her routine la kan), would that made her think that a horrible fate is awaiting? Logically no one will think about dying (if reasonably healthy). The thought of dying is always pused to the back of our mind. It's always oth people dying, but we never thought about ourselves or immediate family n close friends right.

Would I know that I'm going to die when I suddenly have the urge to have a family reunion? or when I decided to wear a lace kebaya to work? It gives me the creeps to think about this..I'm not ready yet.

Anger Management..whooshaahh..

1) When u have nothing nice to say, just shut up.

2) When u are angry or upset, refrain yourself and save other innocent people from taking the brunt of your steam.

3) Do not say things that you don't mean and will regret later because to apologise is much harder than just shut your mouth.

4) Please recognize the other (innocent party's) effort to remain diplomatic.

5) Bear in mind that other people have their own problem too maybe bigger than yours

6) Exhaustion will cloud your judgement. Stay away from people. Just go to sleep.

Anyone who wants to add to this list and release some steam in a safe way..you're most welcome to do so.

Friday..Day 1..

Bro-in-law is my designated driver for this 2 weeks..and he's already late picking us up to send the kids to school n me to work. I undstd that being he being single and not used to wake up early everyday, this might be a problem sikit lah. Benjy needed to be in his school by 7.30am for field trip. Came 7.30am still no sign and a call later told me that he just woke up..boy this will be a loooong day. So he finally arrived and Benjy n Nabil was already at the porch impatient to get into the car which was still at the gate, I was rushing to get their bags and lo and behold little Ariff decided to run (in his walker) to join his bros outside..the only thing I saw was his feet up in the air and the walker pinning him face down. I litteraly threw everything on the floor and dashed to get him..Ariff!!! Kesian he got a tiny cut on his upper gum. I can't describe how I felt. I just thought how can I let that happen.

Obviously I was really late to reach the office and after 2 days of absence atending a course, piles of memos and such was strewn all over my desk. Time to sort it out. I thought I was going to work lunch as well but had a nice treat by the sports club (ladies only lunch) at the Brass Monkey..the lunch buffet was good..and true to myself, indulge in glutony..I eat a lot! (pic taken frm Whimsical's page)

Then I had to go to this butik kain and pay the installment for the materials I kept (booked)..really a mistake, it was a verry expensive impulsive purchasebut I fell in love with the kain at 1st sight. But their credit card machine acted up so I ended up taking longer than necessary there. Then Hubby asked me to go to the bank urgent errand..have to find transport again..

By the time I really sat down on my chair, it was almost 4.30pm..and I still have tons to do. Then called my BIL just to double check that he will be on time to fetch us he told me that the car broke down. Weak battery he said. Thank God it was fine after recharged and BIL picked up Benjy 1st then I..Mum called and told me she's having a dinner function that means I will be alone at home with the kids and she didn't prepared any dinner, which means I had to tapau lah. Did a quick shopping of wedding gift for a friend, diapers and dinner then off we go to fetch Nabil n Ariff.

At home, quickly bathe the kids, feed them, I bathe then BLACKOUT! I was so bloody annoyed with SESB coz this was the 2nd incident this week. The funny thing is only a few houses in my street yang kena..my next door got light. I poured my frustration (not so pleasantly) to the customer service staff..I didn't care to be polite anymore..to bad she had to bear the brunt. Anyway she had a book of standard answers to angry callers prepared by the company so that's her work hazard la kan she had to tahan my mouth la (sorry girl I was too tired already). BIL was stuck at home with us and he was entertained by shadow shows courtesy of my sons hehehe..luckily the blackout didn't last till 1 hour.

From my chronicle, I realise what a difficult life a single mother must go through. For this 2 weeks I'll try to be as patient and nurturing as I can. For me at least at the end of 2 weeks my husband will come home. Salute to all Single Mothers out there. And to my Mum, although garang, still bear with us with so much patience.

What a day..TGIF!

I received a news this morning. It's good news but also I'm dumbfounded to the state of numbness. Blur now. How do I go through 2 weeks? I just can't think right now. This demands so much from me as a wife and mother..and it's definitely going to inconvenient other family members as well. I hope they can bear with us. I know today my body and mind will not be one.