.: Christmas 2013 Giveaway :.

To share the season of giving, here are a list of Christmas giveaway!

Ho!Ho!Ho!

.: Trilogy :.

A little late to join the bandwagon.

I have completed the first two, and in the midst of reading the third book.

Speaking of books, aren't we all excited for the coming Big Bad WolfBook Sales!? I know I am! :)

.: Scenes From A Movie :.

Girl crosses the busy streets at night. Im haste of avoiding fast approaching traffic, her bright orange left sandal slipped out and was left in the middle of the street. Girl could only wait at the opposite end as traffic was approaching.  Boy from the opposite direction witnessed the whole incident, and with charming chivalry,  rescued the ill-fated sandal from incoming vehicles and brought it into the hand (or shall I say feet, in this instances) of the damsel in distress.

Sounds like a scene from a good ol' romantic movie.

Grateful and appreciative girl thank hero for his deed. Friendly, brief chats were exchanged; but not phone number. Reckon is a wise thing for girl to do, so perhaps the brief encounter of boy and girl will be just be what it will be; a brief encounter.

But I couldn't help but have this feel-good feeling that perhaps, no matter how remote the likelihood be; that this could potentially be the beginning of something. Something magical. Oh well.....

.: Roaches :.

I never really like 'em roaches.

Just the other night, while watching an episode of Breaking Bad (I'm late at joining the bandwagon), and lo and behold, a big Bad roach decided to join me.

I shriek and called my husband to the rescue. He got rid of it. And I continue to turn back my attention to the TV.

Later that night, I asked him how he got rid of the cockroach. You see, the husband has this annoying habit of disposing the roaches deaf bodies into the toilet bowl. And for some reason, the roaches tend not to go down in spite of being flushed (resilient even at death). He, knowing why I asked, replied "In the tpilet bowl, where its swimming and scuba driving".

Tsk, my husband's humour!

.: CS Lewis : To Love At All :.

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”

C.S. Lewis - Four Love

.: Tamagotchi :.

So, Joel, who is now eight (already!), was talking to me about his new toy Furby. He also mentioned that he has downloaded the app on his IPad.

"I can feed my Furby and play with my Furby on my IPad" said Joel, with enthusiasm.

"Oh wow! Just like a Tamagotchi!" I said.

And Joel gave me a blank look.

"What's a Ta-what-go-chi?"

It was then I realised that it's been almost a decade and a half ago of the Tamagotchi era, Joel's parents have probably not even met each other at that time!

Oh boy, I am THAT old huh?

Image : Wikimedia

.: Broken Hearts :.

I know you’ve lost someone and it hurts. You may have lost them suddenly, unexpectedly. Or perhaps you began losing pieces of them until one day, there was nothing left. You may have known them all your life or you may have barely known them at all. Either way, it is irrelevant — you cannot control the depth of a wound another soul inflicts upon you.

Which is why I am not here to tell you tomorrow is another day. That the sun will go on shining. Or there are plenty of fish in the sea. What I will tell you is this; it’s okay to be hurting as much as you are. What you are feeling is not only completely valid but necessary — because it makes you so much more human. And though I can’t promise it will get better any time soon, I can tell you that it will — eventually.

For now, all you can do is take your time. Take all the time you need.

Broken Hearts, Lang Leav

.: On A Lighter Note :.

The husband and I were walking in a shopping mall after our church service one day.

A persistent credit card sales person came up to us and as if we’d like to apply for card. We politely decline. Not willing to give up without a fight, he throw his sales pitch

“Sir, apply for card today, get free holiday for you and your girlfriend!” he said with full of enthusiasm.

I looked at the person with a grin and turned to my husband and said out loud “Since when you have a girlfriend?”

A turned back to the sales person, who was obviously momentarily shocked by my comment, and I said to him “I’m his wife!”

Thne I proceed to tease the husband out loud, who at this time was shaking his head, about his girlfriend, leaving behind a very amused sales person.

Well, it’s just one of those playful-mode days I have! :)

.: Dear Empty Void :.

Sometimes, I don't know whether to laugh or to cry at what life throws us. We muster all the courage and will to step out from our comfort zone, and then we get the complete opposite of what we expect to get.

It's disappointing and frustrating really. And it's pretty difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, that you'd feel like turning back and going back to comfort zone, where all is safe and sound.

This isn't a ranting blog. But I suppose it will slowly become one as I have nothing but this empty void of cyber space to vent out all that I have pent-up inside.

If only I can learn to let all things go and let Him just take over the wheels. Obedience is something I have yet to master. It's very difficult to be obedience when you have your mind set on how some things should or should not be done.

I want it all back. I want the simplicity and the uncomplicatedness that I once had. Why did I let that all go? Why did I change all that I was comfortable with in exchange for unchartered territory?

So many questions, but yet, as I look back, things wouldn't have been the same if I haven't done what I did. So no, I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

.: G6 Plus 2 :.

So, the cousins will meet again this weekend. This time at Bukit Tinggi over a hearty BBQ.

Looking forward to that!

.: Lover Of My Soul :.

Jesus, Lover of my soul

Jesus, I will never let you go

You’ve taken me from the miry clay

You've set my feet upon the Rock, and now I know

I love you, I need you,

Though my world may fall,

I'll never let you go

My Saviour, my closest friend,

I will worship you until the very end

Worship you, my Lord

Until the very end

 

 

.: Hola & Ciao :.

G'day y'all.

I know, its been quite a while, since the last post, which also started with "it's been quite a while". The long gap between post only means that I do not have the time to spare, or that my mind is to blocked up to think of anything to type, or that I'm just lazy or a combination of each.

I have been on, yet again, another emotional roller coaster rides. So much so that I am so immune to such spells and I just know it's a matter of weeks before I come out, alive yet again, from this phase. I blame it on the hormones, or alike to that. Whatever.

It's nice to be back home now, waiting for my all-time-current-favourite-series "Suits" to download so that the Husband and I could watch it later on (not thanks the the slow internet speed). The Husband is on a long week break, so he is pretty much lazing around at home, but most unfortunately, like most weekdays, I already have my nights for the week planned out - meeting with old time friends, movie dates with other friends, birthday celebrations and company's buka puasa events. So, even tho the Husband has more time to spare this week, I have none on my end to spare. 

But I am so glad we took a short vacation on Friday up the hills to Cameron, in spite of my busy schedule. I love the cool and fresh air, and we pretty much took our leisure time up there, catching up with each other, reading a book and enjoy the fresh air and vegetables and strawberries. 

I have so much bottled up, as usual, but just can't express anything in words right now. So I'd prolly sleep it thru and hopefully all negative thoughts will subside and be replaced with new, happy thoughts.

Til the next time I type again,

Ciaoz 

.: Money :.

"It is good to have money and the things that money can buy; but it is good too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."

George Lorimer

.: Stick, Stones and Broken Bones :.

 

Gonna catch this tonight with the sibling.

It sure looks like much fun! :)

.: Giveaways :.

A couple of awesome giveaways that you might enjoy :)

http://www.misskatv.com/



http://www.misskatv.com/





 

.: Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend :.

*sweeps and wipes off dust from dusty ol’ blog*

Hello all,

I know, it’s been a while.

I honestly have no excuse not to update my blog more frequently. I thought that the ½ day off every Fridays (half-day Fridays!) would mean I have more time to do more things. In a way I have – I have done spas and facials and massages and shoes-shopping and clothes-shopping and furniture-shopping and grocery-shopping and karaoke-sessions and even just plain ol’ curling up in bed with a good book. Yeap, that’s how I spend my Friday afternoons. Such bliss isn’t it?

I have also been organizing our wardrobe (dubbed Project Narnia) and have donated away a big bag of old bear wearable clothes to Jumble Station at USJ 1 just the other weekend. It’s now 93.496736% complete, with a few more drawers to clear. Main reason is so that I can fit more clothes that I plan to shop in Bangkok. Ok, I kid, I kid! :)

I have been lusting for a trinity ring. It’s actually been a long while since I wanted to one and in fact, I have already purchased a GIA loose diamond from Wah Chan during one of their many sales and a really bargain price.

I am now searching relentlessly for a nice design. I have seen a couple run-of-the-mill designs which I thought are quite nice, but isn’t exactly what I was looking for. Also, there are a couple of over-the-top designs that looks really great too, but I don’t think I’d model OTT well.

Here are a couple of designs that I like for certain bits and pieces here and there, but until I find my dream-design, I shall proceed lusting and dreaming.

Source : Hearts on Fire

I loved this design the moment I set eyes on it, it took my breath away (both the design and the price tag that comes along). It's simple, yet elegant at the same time. It will be the design I will pick if I can't find any that suits me in the end, my back-up ring so to speak



Source : Hearts On Fire

Fell in love with this baby alongside with the other Hearts on Fire design when I walked into Habib Jewellery, but after browsing thru more sites, realise that it's a tad bit too simple.

Source : WhiteFlash

Love the unique heart-shaped prong that holds the diamonds, but not buying the fancy designs of the ring itself, just OTT for my liking.
 

Source : Jeweller

Love the design of the top most ring, where the split curves then meet. Reminds me of the infinity symbol.

 

 

.: Malaysia, Tanahairku :.

In view of the very much talkabout coming 13th General Election of my beloved contry, my tanahair, I believe I need not spam you with anti-BN or anti-PR propagandas (as if getting spammed silly everytime one logs in to Facebook is not enough!). Instead, a few excerpt from a few good articles or opinions written, either pro government or pro opposition, that is worthy to share. Food for thoughts, if you like.

I am a 3rd generation Malaysian. I've sung Negaraku every Monday for 12 years in school and I know the Rukunegara by heart. All my family is in Malaysia and I do not have any affliations to China. I don't even know how to read and write in Chinese and my Cantonese is atrocious. I only love one country. This country. And if it comes down to it, will only shed blood for one country. This country.

My dear friends, we are the same. It doesn't matter what our ethnicity is. We are Malaysians. We went to the same school. We played the same games. We enjoy the same amount of public holidays. We have the same memories. Most importantly, we share the same home. Neither of us are more Malaysian than the other. Neither of us should be made to feel that way.

Our parents, our grandparents, perhaps their views were marred by differences as they did not grow up together. Perhaps they felt distrust because they were not privileged like us to live in times of better integration. Perhaps they've told us things, from their point of view. But it doesn't make them right. We should know better. We've lived it and we are still living it. We know we can trust each other. We are friends.

- Facebook : Amelia Tan -


If we want to ‘ubah’ for better, it’s better to start with ourselves. If we are unwilling to get out of the walls of bigotry we unknowingly build around ourselves, our families and our communities; there will always be politicians who tell us nice ideals and sweet promises. We always talk about unity, equality and harmony; but how many Malays, Chinese and Indians are willing to agree to close down religious and vernacular schools, knowing well that these are hampering national unity effort? How many parents are willing to encourage their children to mix with other races; or to read texts of other religions to gain a better understanding of other religions? How many of us are willing to accept if our children marry person from another race; and convert to another religion? Once we have changed ourselves, a new generation of politicians will then come up; hopefully to push for positive ideals such as real care of the environment, real gender equality and real nation building….

- Facebook : Kok Mun Tang -

.: The Lifestyle Circle KL (TLCKL) :.

I was one of the privileged 15 to have attended the first The Lifestyle Circle KL (TLCKL) hosted by Bioinfinity & Lipstiq.com. It was just for women filled with fun events such as beauty demos, health talks, dance sessions filled with prizes and goodies to be won.

I arrived early at the venue, Paradox Art Cafe a cozy lil place at The Oasis, Tingkat Bandar Utama (just a stone throw away from One Utama). I love the ambiance of the place, a great place to sit and chill in the morning, or hang out with your girlies at night - there's a small stage for unplug performances.

Anyways, upon registration, we got our first goodies bag (yes, there's many more goodies bag to come), wrote our resolution as a woman for the year and then headed over for some light finger-food breakfast of sandwiches, cakes, coffee and tea at a designation "hall".

The event started with a short introduction by a very delightfully sweet emcee, Elfie Jane.

She then begin to introduce us to Jayne, Marketing Manager from Bioinfinity who will then gave a short talk about "Sexy Stuff with Bioinfinity". Jayne did a great job in explaining and educating most of us on the importance of having strong pelvic floor muscle and how the Vibrance Kegel Device (VKD) by Bioinfinity will help women achieve just that. Should you be interested to know more about this, you may read from their webpage here.

After the serious educational talk about our much-ignored pelvic mucles, we lighten the mood by learning this new dance move called Dance N' Attitude, also known as DNA. We unleashed the Pussycat dolls in all of us when the very sexy Baby G from Celebrity Fitness taught us some really seductive dance moves. They don't call it DNA Seduce for nothing! It was a fun forty minutes workout as we tried out those moves and I must admit that tho Baby G does the move so effordlessly, I am just born with two left feets and stiff backs. It was a good, sweaty workout nonetheless!

After some cooling down time, we proceed with the next event which is beauty tips and tricks by Evie with the theme ingredient - honey. We prepared Oatmeal Mask (oatmeal + yogurt + honey), Honey Lip Scrub (brown sugar + honey) & my personal favourite Banana-Choc Hand Treatment (bananas + cocoa powder + olive oil + honey). What I love about this beauty tips lesson is that firstly, we are using natural ingredients and secondly, these ingredients are readily and easily available. It was good to 'play' with our food and beautifying ourselves at the same time!

The next event was a skit blitz where the participants of the day was divided into groups of five and come out with a short skit (be it a song, poem, skit) using the 10 keywords handed out to us. We brainstormed and went first (I was in Team 1). After watching the other four teams performed, I knew our chance to win was very slim because the other groups did a fantastic job. It was hilarious and entertaining all in one. All is not lose tho, we did get a RM50 Villa Manja spa voucher each!

As all of us were famished from the all the dancing and all the skit, we proceed to have lunch prepared by The Paradox Cafe. The spread of lunch was lovely; garden salad with spicy dressing, pasta, roasted lamb, chicken sausage, fried popcorn chicken and fluffy mashed potatoes. We gobbled down our food while we watched a special never-seen-by-public-including-medias screening of I Eat KL, a romantic drama comedy of three women, Sabrina, Kiki & Meg, set in the heart of KL (duh!). The series revolve around friendships, relationships, fashion (spotted a gorgeous Sereni & Shentel) and of course - food! 

Honey Ahmad, from Fried Chilies Food Network introduced to us herself and the show (which I absolutely love, btw) and I can't wait to catch it on HyppTV in April!

The event ended with yet another (this time in a nice PINK) goodies bag filled with loads of stuff which I absolutely am delighted with. Oh, another thing to note, Fried Chillies have recently published the #1 Issue of their free handbag-sized booklet called "Makan" (and it's FREE!). I flipped thru the articles and I am surprised to see that my favourite cencaluk being featured! I miss my fresh geragau that my grandma use to get nearby her crib in Klebang. Such nostalgic memories...... I digress.

Anyhows, it was an absolutely fun morning and I had a great time. I hope that I'd be invited back to the second TLCKL, really am looking forward to it! :)

(pics updated later, if ever)

.: List Of Projects :.

A list of on-going & completed projects throughout our married life.
So proud of myself ourselves.

On-going Projects/KIV Projects

• Project Moo-Moo
• Project Wallaby
• Project Narnia
• Project Greenfield
• Project Turf

Completed Projects

• Project Spring
• Project Masterpiece
• Project Umbrella
• Project Scribe
• Project Casa II
• Project Casa
• Project Castle II
• Project Castle
• Project Downhill

Abandoned Projects

• Project Island
• Project Prince

.: Winter Blossom Giveaway :.

Winter Blossom Giveaway

.: Things That Happen At Jellystone Park :.

Had this habit of calling my husband BuBu, and when he asked me what is a Bubu, I replied “Oh, that’s Yogi bear’s sidekick!”

And because the poor husband has been devoid of any awesome childhood cartoons (his He-Man doesn’t cut as awesome), I had summarize the whole Yogi-Bubu-Jellystone Park-Ranger-picnic basket storyline to him.

His reaction after the whole narration plus a short clip on Youtube was “Who’s the bad guy?”

“There is no bad guy in this cartoon.” I said, to which he replied “I don’t get it.”

You see, in his world of black and white, there’s always a good guy and a bad guy. Shrugs.

Anyways, today, I was testing my whatsapps (it’s been a lil wonky of late), hence I send him “Dummy” (private joke when he asked me to send a dummy msg to test out his phone over the weekend).

His replied was “I’m at Jellystone Park”

Randomness from the husband on a Monday morning.

Happy April Fool’s day y’all!

In the words of Mark Twain - the first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year!

.: Books I've Read In 2013 :.

1) 50 Shades Of Grey – E. L. James

2) The Best Laid Plans – Sidney Sheldon

3) Morning, Noon and Night – Sidney Sheldon

4) Never Look Away - Linwood Barclay

5) Where Are The Children? - Mary Higgins Clark

6) The Wood - Harlan Coben

7) Cross Bones - Kathy Reich 

8) Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - Lisa See

Ok, so I know I've said that I would take a hiatus. I can't help it, honestly. When I picked Sheldon's book on Saturday, I was hooked and read from cover to cover in 3 solid hours. It was that good. Then I picked another Sheldon's book on Sun after dinner and completed it before bedtime. Reading is addictive, and going cold turkey over it may perhaps be a bad idea. It sounds like it's wrong to be reading, but given the circumstances, I need to allocate my 24 hours a day elsewhere. Priorities have to be given to my 2013 goals! Anyways, #12booksin12months, that's all, I promise *cross fingers behind back*. Ok, fine. I promise to try to limit myself to that much. *smirk*

.: Good Decision :.

A good decision is based on knowledge not numbers. -Plato-

.: Time Travelers :.

Hi. I’m Ted Mosby. And exactly 45 days from now, you and I are gonna meet. And we’re going to fall in love. And we’re gonna get married and… we’re gonna have two kids. And we’re gonna love them, and each other, so much.

All that is 45 days away.

But I’m here now, I guess because… I want those extra 45 days. With you.

I want each one of them.

And if I can’t have them I’ll take the 45 seconds before your boyfriend shows up and punches me in the face, because… I love you. I’m always going to love you, until the end of my days, and beyond.

You’ll see.

 

Ted Mosby, The Time Travelers (Season 8, Episode 19) of How I Met Your Mother

.: Leadership :.

.: These Shoes Are Made For Walking :.

A colleague was trying to explain to me about oil well capacity. Knowing that I am new to this industry and know like next to nothing about oil wells, he tried to illustrate it using an example:

He typed this in our Microsoft Lync “It’s like a car engine.”

Before he could finish typing, I replied “Erm… I know nuts about car except that it gets me from point A to point B”

He replied “……”

And then continues to type “In that case, it’s like shoes….”

Now we’re talking the same language. Haha! :)

.: Torn :.

I am, yet again, feeling a lil down.
Torn between taking it easy and pushing to the limit.
It’s always the same, age-old personal dilemma.
Oh, what should I do?

Now playing: Just Give Me A Reason

.: Freedom Of Choice :.

Freedom of choice is what you got,

Freedom from choice is what you want.

 

- Devo, Freedom Of Choice -

.: Just Give Me A Reason : P!nk & Nate Ruess :.

Just Give Me A Reason : P!nk & Nate Ruess

 

Right from the start

You were a thief

You stole my heart

And I your willing victim

I let you see the parts of me

That weren't all that pretty

And with every touch you fixed them

Now you've been talking in your sleep oh oh

Things you never say to me oh oh

Tell me that you've had enough

Of our love, our love

Just give me a reason

Just a little bit's enough

Just a second we're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

It's in the stars

It's been written in the scars on our hearts

We're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

I'm sorry I don't understand

Where all of this is coming from

I thought that we were fine

(Oh we had everything)

Your head is running wild again

My dear we still have everythin'

And it's all in your mind

(Yeah but this is happenin')

You've been havin' real bad dreams oh oh

You used to lie so close to me oh oh

There's nothing more than empty sheets

Between our love, our love

Oh our love, our love

Just give me a reason

Just a little bit's enough

Just a second we're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

I never stopped

You're still written in the scars on my heart

You're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

Oh tear ducts and rust

I'll fix it for us

We're collecting dust

But our love's enough

You're holding it in

You're pouring a drink

No nothing is as bad as it seems

We'll come clean

Just give me a reason

Just a little bit's enough

Just a second we're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

It's in the stars

It's been written in the scars on our hearts

That we're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

Just give me a reason

Just a little bit's enough

Just a second we're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

It's in the stars

It's been written in the scars on our hearts

That we're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

Oh, we can learn to love again

Oh, we can learn to love again

Oh oh, that we're not broken just bent

And we can learn to love again

I just love this song, in every aspect.
Love that it is just in such a simple tune, with just a simple piano at the start and the beat of the drums (and perhaps a bass?) midway.
Love that the two voices harmonises so well to produce such lovely duet.
Love, especially, the lyrics to this song (which is written by the two), because, like so many things in life, nothing is completely certain.
In this song, the female version (by Pink) is deliberating if there is something not quite right with this relationship. Is she over thinking it? Is she reading too much into it?
As for the male version (by Nate - from Fun, if you can not already identify his unique voice) is convinced that there's nothing wrong, perhaps he's being oblivious? Or ignorant?
In the end, there's no clear conclusion.

Just listen to the song and let me know what you think.

 

.: The Bug Caught Me Again :.

Just when I thought my health have been improving, I caught a cold bug and was knocked out since Tuesday with a recurring fever. Just when I though things are getting better.... Sigh. Perhaps some things will never change, will they?

.: Battle To Lose :.

I came across a Lipstiq.com article the other day, that tug a string across my little heart. The topic written by the author is something close to home; being fat. However, unlike the author who claims to be fat but perfectly happier, my story is of a different light.

I was and have been on a chubby side for as long as I remember. When I was younger, back in primary school; I was constantly being teased by my schoolmates of my weight.

“When you walk, you wobble like a penguin!” exclaimed one girl.

“You’re so fat; you’d surely be last in a race” laughed a boy in my class.

Back then, I didn’t really care. Yeah, so I was fat, but you talk funny, I replied back to the girl. “I may be last, but you run like a girl!” I tauntingly replied the boy, sticking my tongue out.

I truly didn’t care, the words that they say didn’t hurt me one bit. Not even when my mom, who gives the disapproving glance as I reach for the third, fourth, maybe even fifth slice of pizza. Hey, I was a growing kid, I remembered saying. Its baby fat, she will lose it when she grows up, a few relatives or friends would console my mom whenever she complained of my weight.

In between stuffing cookies into my mouth, I would nod in agreement. I did think that I would turn, one day from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.

Life was beautiful or - la vita le belle as they call it - for me. That was until I hit puberty back in secondary school; and before I know it, everything has changed for me.

I became more self-conscious of my own body image, and while many of my friends are dealing with their own insecurities of body weight; none has as huge of a problem (pun intended) as I did. While they are constantly complaining and saying out loud that they are fat and need to lose weight; when they barely have an inch of blubber on them; I remain quiet as I look disappointingly at myself.

The slight saving grace was then when puberty hit, my height accelerated, so that was when I was at my slimmest. But being still pudgy and all; it really didn’t matter as I hated my body and myself more than I ever did when I was at my roundest.

That period of my life has been the darkest ever. On one hand, I put on a brave, happy face when I am around people; but when I am alone, in the comfort of my own room, I turn into my own biggest critic. I have this constant, nagging feeling that I am not good enough or worthy enough and no matter how hard I tried, I am still not happy with whatever I have achieved. From weight-issues it developed into self-worthy issues. It got so bad that I had such horrible, dark thoughts of my ownself. I said and did things to myself that was harmful, not only physically, but physiology as well.

It really didn’t help that my very own mom, whom I thought was supposed to have loved me for who I am, went against me and with my alter-ego dark self. I had no one to turn to and often had to deal it on my own. I am sure that she meant well and only wanted to encourage me to lose weight, but I took it very negatively and hated myself more than ever.

Of course I have tried, but without much permanent success to lose weight. The exercises and the diets showed short term effects, but the weight crept back when I revert to my old ways.

I have since then, and even until today, been carrying the physiological scars of being overweight. Although it’s a vast improvement of where I have come from, there’s still a long journey ahead for self-love. I don’t longer hate myself or am disgusted with my body anymore, but I have yet to learn to love myself and my image.

As much as I envy the thin and healthy; I equally envy those who are not up to society’s standard of ideal bodyweight, but they are comfortable with their own skin. They ooze confidences and don’t shy away from wearing great outfits, while I tend to shy away from clothes that reveals my flabby arms or bodycons that reveals my curves-of-the-wrong-places.

You might say that I am blessed to have married a man who loves me for who I am, inside and out.

You may also say that I am blessed to be surrounded by so much love and care from friends and family alike, whom, in spite of not knowing my inner struggles, becomes my pillar of support and strength.

One might even say that I am blessed to have a great job and a cozy place I’d call home; and that I should focus on all the things that I have achieved rather than dwell in my shortcomings.

I honestly wish I could, even to this moment, when I reflect back, I really, really wish I could. I do not strive to achieve perfection, but I just want to be strive to be a better version of me now (version 2.0, if I must say so); be it relationship-wise, career-wise even physical-wise.

Whatever it is, I hope that I will reach a stage where I can honestly look at myself and love what I see. But until that day come, I will continue this little struggle to shut the little negative voice in my head.

.: Shareholders :.

.: March :.

It’s been a crazy Feb month – the month indeed went as fast as it came.

It’s already in the first week of March ; close to about 20% into the year.

I felt like Christmas was last week, New Year was over the weekend, and Chinese New Year was just yesterday. I have barely put down my Christmas décor, put up my CNYs, and now, I have to take them all down again (including the Christmas tree which is holding my CNYs decors).

There’s just so much to ramble, but maybe I shall do it some other day through some other avenue.

Am looking forward to the family vacation with the cousins to Maxwell Hill in two weeks time.

Am also excited over the Bangkok trip with my ex-highschool friends.

And am even more to celebrate my Tigger’s joyous day come Nov! She has trustingly asked me to be her emcee for her wedding dinner, which I reluctantly agreed. My reservations come not from the fact that I don’t want to do it, but it’s coz I don’t believe I could do a good job. I am not sure if I will be a good emcee, but if she & her fiancée have such strong faith in me, perhaps I should too of myself. Anyways, I gave her the option to replace me should she find herself a better one, but if I have to do it, I promise to put in my best-est effort for my best-est friend! :) *finger’s cross that I don’t trip on stage or accidentally curse*

There’s plenty I want to do. And as always, there’s so little time. The time ticks the minutes, days, and years away. I just feel that the someone has to relook into the law of the universe. Somehow, the older I get, the faster that time passes by, so fast and so much so that 24 hours to me 10 years ago is different from the 24 hours now. It's some sort of conspiracy I tell you.

Anyways, that's all for this Friday rambles.

Have a great weekend y'all! :)

.: Bangkok, Baby :.

I'm so excited, coz our long awaited plan to Bangkok finally crystalise with the besties.

 

It's gonna be a hen's night, minus the bride (sorry Tigger)!

Gonna go around and paint the town BRIGHT RED! :)

 

 

 

.: Life's Full Of Little Pleasures :.

 

la vie est faite de petits bonheurs

.: Defying Gravity :.

I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down..

- Defying Gravity : Wicked -

.: Someone Like You :.

Regrets and mistakes, they’re memories made
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

- Adele : Someone Like You -

.: Did You Know? #1 :.

A leap year is a year that holds an additional day i.e. Feb 29. According to the Gregorian Calender, the earth rotates 365 97/400 days i.e. 365.2425.

Hence, rule of thumb is that if the year can be divided by 4, it is a leap year. E.g. the year 2004.

Exception to the rule is that if it’s dividable by 100, and not by 400, it will not be a leap year. E.g. the year 2000 is a leap year, but 2100 is not a leap year. This is to adjust for the extra 0.0025 days we add on every leap year.

However, this is still not accurate as the earth, according to John Herschel, takes 365.24219 days to make a full rotation around the sun. Hence, to drop year 4000 to be a non-leap year. This rule, however, has not been official adopted.

.: Overcoming Stage Fright :.

I must admit, I’m pretty proud of myself of this personal achievement.

From someone who gets anxiety having to do a presentation or public speaking or speech in front of a crowd, I must say, I have come a long way since.

I was “compulsorily volunteered” to take part in a singing and dancing competition ala American Idol style early December last year. The theme was “Movie Night” and after a couple of brainstorming sessions with the rest of the colleagues, we came out with a medley of Double Trouble (soundtrack of Harry Potter) and I Put A Spell On You (soundtrack of Hocus Pocus).

We had a professional choreographer who helped us with the dance moves, and after countless of after-working hours practices and back to work after that for me (bad timing, tight deadlines), we were off to perform. To sing and dance! On stage! In front of all my colleagues of Kuala Lumpur office! Competing against others (more experienced)!

We won second place. I was especially overjoyed, but even more that it was over (finally). I must admit, I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. I was worried that I will be loomed with sleepless nights and butterflies in the stomach, but it wasn’t really that bad. So when it was over, I thought “phew, over and done with”.

Little did I know, just short of two months after, we had to do the same number again for the same competition but at Asean level. With last minute notice, our participant of 8 was cut to 4 people. We had 3 days to prepare and make necessary arrangements for costume and make-up. It was pretty stressful, so we decided to keep the same moves.

When it was all over and done with for the second time, we couldn’t believe it when they announced us as the 3rd place team, beating the 1st place contender.

The fun and the participating cash vouchers were great, but what’s even better for me was the fact that I have overcome my fear of performing on stage.

.: My Current Addiction :.

Am currently hooked to this. Currently in level 32.

.: Did You Know? :.

So, it was thought out by a fellow blogger, GoingKookies, to blog out interesting new facts and general knowledge, and I thought, that’s a good idea. So, I will be doing a DYK? blog series! This should be fun! :)

.: The General Malaysian Lacks General Knowledge :.

If you are one of those who listen’s to Mix.FM “Battle of the Sexes” while jamming (not the Bob Marley sort) in the car on the way to work, you would cringe at the lack-of general knowledge of the Malaysian population in general, regardless of sex.

I must admit that I myself too, lack much in this aspect, hence, I will be making it a point to learn something new every week – one new word & one new fact. And because I am taking a year hiatus from any serious reading (will relook into doing #12booksin12months, but we will see how that goes), this should be a good alternative to keep my mind jogging.

Speaking of which, #run365 is doing well, with me clocking in approximately a marathon’s distance length in the past month and a half. I have yet to start C25k, but will do so in due time. The runs are getting much easier, and tho my speed has slightly improved since day one, it's nowhere near a seasoned runner speed. Having said that, I am proud to say that I am still in track of my #run365 goal. I have also notice a considerable improvement of my health, evidenced by the fact that I do not fall sick as easy or as severely as I did in the past. Yes, there was the occasional sniffle here and there, but did not develop into something too serious. Now, if only I can start losing weight too! :)

.: Detoxification :.

The husband asked if I’m completely detoxing myself from books for the year. Aside from 50 Shades of Grey - which I personally don’t get what the hype of this book is all about – aside from the explicit descriptions of each ‘acts’, I find this book not as well written as that of my fav authors – I digress, I have not touched a book since the beginning of this year.

 

I explained to him that in order for me to execute #run365 or even to kickstart it, sacrifices of such have to be made. If I were to be in a situation where I had to choose between exercising or cuddling in bed with a good book, it’s no brainer which will triumph. With that, I have to try to abstain from such ‘temptations’ and hopefully, when the exercising becomes a habit instead of a consciously-made-choice, only shall I return to my first love – my books. In the meantime, the bookshelves shall keep them safe for now.

 

And oh, my favourite series Suits is back again! Woots! Woots! :)

.: I'm A Ninja :.

So, I got this top a couple of months ago at a bazaar at MMU while attending Yin's graduation.

It says "I'M NINJA" and I just adore this top coz it was just too cute! (it's handmade, so it's definately one of a kind - or so I think!)

Source : Summer Treehouse

Anyways, whenever I wear this top, I will go to my husband and say "I'm a .... NIIIIN - JAHHHH!" multiple times till it annoys the crap out of him (wifely duty completed!)

Today, he had a ninja joke that he wanted tell me, and before he could tell me his joke, I interjected and told this to him :

Kath : Dear, guess what! (whispering tone) I'm a... niiiin - jahhhh!
John : Uh-huh! Really? I don't believe you!
Kath : Did you see me do that?
John : Do what? (started laughin as he saw where I was goin)
Kath : Exactly!

The very few rare moments where the husband actually gets the joke! :)

.: A Tour Of My Workplace :.

.: It Is But, Just A Number :.

.: Living In The Moment :.

My current feel-good song on repeat mode! Love it! :)

If this life is one act
Why do we lay all these traps
We put them right in our path
When we just wanna be free

I will not waste my days
Making up all kinds of ways
To worry about some things
That will not happen to me

So I just let go of what I know I don't know
And I know I'll only do this by
Living in the moment
Living our life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
Living in the moment

I'm letting myself off the hook for things I've done
I let my past go past
And now I'm having more fun
I'm letting go of the thoughts
That do not make me strong
And I believe this way can be the same for everyone

And if I fall asleep
I know you'll be the one who'll always remind me
To live in the moment
To live my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
Got peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home

I can't walk through life facing backwards
I have tried
I tried more than once to just make sure
And I was denied the future I'd been searching for
But I spun around and searched no more
By living in the moment
Living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
Got peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home

I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
Just taking it easy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
I got peace in my soul
Oh, wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
Oh, easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
I got peace in my soul
Oh, wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment

.: Financial Stewardship :.

The typical stereotype of an accountant would be “Oh, you are an accountant? Must be kiamsap (stingy)!”

Firstly, this is a stereotyping statement. There are many accountants out there who are not by any means stingy or frugal, quite the opposite really. Heck, there are even handfuls that I know who are not very careful with their money (albeit poor financial management).

The reason for this post today was that last night, before bed, the Husband & I was having this conversation (ok fine, it’s more like I couldn’t sleep, so I wake up the poor Husband and talked to him). We were talking about our childhood, and he told me stories of how his parents had been very very careful with their money as they didn’t have much. You see, both his parents are teachers (government servants) and hence of a slightly average income. They did not live in poverty of course, but there are many little luxuries that they are denied of. For e.g. trips outstation/overseas, eating out or eating at fast food joints, etc.

For my family, we too didn’t come from a rich background. My dad started from the bottom of the ladder as a clerk, equipped with a basic diploma, to be where he is today. As for my mom, she was a small-town Malacca girl that was travelled to KL to find a job that would support her and her younger siblings.

If you know the both of us well, you would know that we are very prudent with our money. I would like to think frugal slightly bordering stingy, but I suppose some may beg to differ.

The reason I am the way I am, is really because of my parents. They have taught me the value of money at a very young age – and tho I didn’t understand at that time, and perhaps have wailed and cried my lungs out a couple of time when they didn’t get me what I wanted, I now take that as a very precious lesson. My parents do not believe in spending money unnecessarily – why pay RM100, when you can pay RM10 for an item that provides the same function at an equal quality, if not better? They also believe that you should always do your research before making a purchase decision, to get the best quality at the best price. For e.g., you’d be surprise to know how much we could save from doing a lil research, and with the help of Uncle Google, you literally have all the info you need on your fingertips. My own add on to this is the concept of “opportunity & time cost”, which I in turn tried to educate my mom on.

As for the husband, his values are instilled to him at a very young age. Until this day, he remembers the lesson that his dad taught him on compound interest – one of the 8th wonder of the world. He also learned from his mom on the power of savings, but his on add on is the power of investments, where your returns is twice as high (or even more) than the normal put-in-FD mentality.

With the two of us combined, we sync very well in terms of financial management of our household, namely because we both have the similar sense of value, which is a good thing. On the other hand, I was putting up this challenge to The Husband to relook into our spending/saving habits and also looking into it on a long-term basis. In short, we went to bed without a conclusion, but it’s definitely a thought that I will revisit soon again.

When I was having this conversation, it brought tears to my eyes, telling my husband the stories of my maternal grandpa’s struggle as a kid living in poverty. My grandpa is unbelievable frugal and up to his dying days, he was still thinking about saving a couple of dollars.

I know that in the end, money isn’t everything. It is very true, but even the Bible tells us that we must be careful with our spendings i.e. practice good financial stewardship. What are your thoughts?

The wise store up choice food and olive oil,but fools gulp theirs down. Proverbs 21:20

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish. Luke 14:28-30

.: Giveaway :.

A giveaway that would be a delightful pressie to win for the new year~
Check it out at her blog : http://azlina-lin.blogspot.com

.: Hen's Night :.

Reminising of my hen's night makes me appreciate my crazy friends more and more each day!

"I ride bareback!"

"Depends on the mood!"

Ohhhh.. just can't wait til my Tigger's turn! :)

.: New Year's Resolution :.

Ok, so it’s the New Year, which usually also marks the time where new resolutions are made. I one am not a big fan of new year resolutions, because, for me, it’s usually a goal made at the spur of the moment, and I would be so gung-ho over it for the next couple of days (or weeks, if the hype last that long – read here on my (lack-of) attention span ) and then, it just dies – like my pet Wamu that I abandoned in Pet Society (read here for more on Wamu ).

However, last year, I have, subconsciously, set a goal for myself and with that; it has become last year’s new year’s resolution. My goal was to read at least 50+ books in a year. And then, Bridget introduced me to this #52booksin52week , and with that, 52 books became my target. I am proud to say that I have achieved Year 2012 resolution, as I completed the last book right in the nick of time, on New Year’s eve. I must also add, that this is on top and above my sudden addiction to watching TV series as well (read here on the number of series I have watched for the year! )

This year, after giving it much thought, I decided to focus on my health. If you have already known, I am really prone of getting sick, and I believe that this is partially caused by my unhealthy lifestyle. So, I decided to embrace #run365, which, personally for me, is to walk/jog/run for a minimum of 365km in Year 2013. I know the distance is easy-peasy for some, heck, it’s like running 8 marathons, which I know many of my friends do, but for a couch potato like myself, I hope that this goal is a motivation and an achievable target for me to work towards to. I am planning to use a combination of methods and advise of this programme called C25k , which stands for (Couch To 5km), which is a designed for a couch potato like myself to running at least 5km without collapsing! A site recommended by my besties on the basics of running!

I know as an full-grown adult, I should not rely on others to push me to achieve this goal, as I personally feel that all these should be self-motivated (*winks at Ben*), but a little encouragement would be nice! :)

So here’s to #run365 ! Cheers! :)