Agoda Responded to my Blog...

Ok, I would have to say that I am slightly impressed that someone from Agoda actually posted a comment on my complains. But asking me to send an email to the same email address that did not give me the answer that I wanted is neither here nor there...

So Agoda, if you can help me and value me as a customer - I will wait for your feedback on my blog...just don't get my hopes up then let me down again...I have enough people in my life who do that.

Agoda Sucks Big Time!

Now, obviously, some companies do not value customers. And they never see the value of turning a disgruntled customer into a happy one. Agoda falls in both categories...

I have been booking with Agoda probably since 2006. While their service then wasn't all that great, it wasn't bad either. I like the convenience of being able to book hotels online. Being awarded points is a bonus.

Now recently, I was "reminded" by Agoda that I have a USD37 worth of points to redeem. So I browsed and picked a hotel in Cameron Highlands. Once I wanted to confirm, then only I realised that the points did not meet the minimum requirement. Now isn't that just shitty? Why the hell did they remind me in the first place???

And when I complained, did they do anything to appease me? Their response was so blase, they might as well just ignored my complaint.

Well Agoda, since I'm so bloody insignificant, I will take my business (as well as my family and friends) elsewhere. If their motto is Go Smarter. Go Agoda, I would say, Go Smarter. Go Elsewhere

Happiness is...

...when someone welcomes you home from a long day at work...

...when you find money in the pocket of a jacket you've not worn for quite some time...

...when your favourite chocolate (Cadbury Flakes) is now available in a grocery in PJ...

...when you work for a nice (and cute) boss...

Still Missing You...

Last Saturday, 24 Oct 09, was the anniversary of Nala's passing. Did I forget? No. I just didn't realise Saturday was 24 Oct.

Maybe some might think that having Kyle now, I've forgotten about Nala. How could a mother forget her own daughter. One that loves her mum without any condition, one that always sides with mum, one that licks away mum's tears...

Nala - it has been 5 Hari Raya's without you yet I still feel the pain of losing you like it happened yesterday. I hope it is better where you are now and I pray one day we could be together again...

Excuse me, that's none of your bloody business!

I'm in a rather foul mood today coz a colleague of mine asked me a totally inappropriate question. And when I subtly told her it's personal hence I didn't want to talk about it, she persisted and angled the question another way! Hellooooo! Which part of it's personal didn't you understand???

Although I was trained in Mass Communications, majoring in Public Relations, questioning people (for my articles, not on personal questions) has never been my strongest suit. Simply because I'm not a busy body. I don't have to know what's going on in other people's lives. If they choose to tell me, fine and good. But I will never EVER cross the line and ask something so bloody personal that would drive them to blog about it!

Materialistic Mother in Law

Was at my mother in law's for Raya, could not escape it as travel plans to Kuantan was cancelled after all. As she was bragging about her new bungalow, (whose mortgage is paid by her 2 grand daughters, not her!) I could not help but compare her to my own selfless loving mother. My mother in law even told my mum how she prayed to God in Mecca just to get the house. That she can do but she can't help pray so my hubby can get a job?

I wonder how she could give birth to my loving husband, thank God her genes skipped a generation...

I need rehab!

Yeah, it's bad. I'm in too deep and I don't know a way out. It's like being in a quicksand. The more I struggle, the deeper I get. I tried loads to wean me off 'it' but to no success. So I will attempt to go cold turkey but I know it's just wishful thinking. But if you get an invitation to play games in FB, pls just accept it. It's easier to be my enabler...

That's why he's the one

Yesterday hubby sent and picked me up from work coz I was too weak to drive on my own. So while we were stuck in the horrible jam, he played a CD, with a song dedicated to me...

NOW AND FOREVER (Richard Marx)
Whenever I'm weary from the battles that rage in my head
You make sense of madness when my sanity hangs by a thread
I lose my way but still you seem to understand
Now and forever I will be your man

Sometimes I just hold you
Too caught up in me to see
I'm holding a fortune that heaven has given to me
I'll try to show you each and every way I can
Now and forever I will be your man

Now I can rest my worries and always be sure
That I won't be alone anymore
If I'd only known you were there all the time
All this time

Until the day the ocean doesn't touch the sand
Now and forever I will be your man
Now and forever I will be your man

So for those who have always wondered what I saw in my guy - this is one of the many reasons. Within his tough exterior and demeanour - lies his soft version, only for me to see.

What could have been..

Thanks to FB (that’s Facebook to the uninitiated), I found my batch mates from my flying days. Out of 30 of us, only five still remained with the airlines. All of them save one are now Chief Steward/ess. Which makes me think, I could have been one too. Instead, I have been everywhere, done a lot of things, did my degree and somehow still not satisfied with what I’m doing. Maybe I was best suited in the service industry. That was my forte, I enjoyed serving my passengers. Do I regret leaving the airlines? Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t really know for sure. What I do know is, life never turned out the way you planned. I will not play the “What If…” game. That will never get me anywhere. All I need to do is to take a deep breath and be happy where I am now.

Obsession Ain't A Good Thing

I've never been great at handling addiction. Be it food, or games, people or movies... When I was 'high' on "Lord of the Rings" (LOTR) the movie, I have been known to splurge good money on the action figures and other memorabilia. I saw the movie countless times in the cinema until I could recite the dialogue word for word. Heck, I was busy stalking cinema goers at most TGV cinemas (KLCC, 1U, Sunway Pyramid & Klang), trying to pry their LOTR ticket stubs out of their grubby hands that someone actually brushed me off with a dollar! Then I started seeing stubs everywhere and thought nothing of sticking my hand into the garbage bin as long as it meant I was one stub richer...

Then when I was enamoured by Mawi, I bought tickets to see the concert each week. I spent money again voting for him. Bought magazines that featured him and drove to KL one weekend just to take pictures with him...Thank God it ended when he married that floozie.

Now when I thought the worse was over, someone introduced me to Farm Ville and Farm Town, a game in Face Book. Before I knew it, I was busy harvesting at wee hours of the morning. As I don't have access to Face Book at work, I've been known to call my hubby to "harvest" my crops for me, lest they go to waste if I don't do it on time. On weekends, my housework would revolve around my 'crops'. I'd have a timer so that I knew precisely as what time my crops needed to be harvested. Still don't think I'm a basket case?

Just wait till you get an invitation from me to join Farm Ville and Farm Town...

Wake Up Call

Had lunch with the guys today and one of 'em brought along his friend who was in a coma & suffered a stroke. He's ok now but walks with a limp and does not have many friends due to his low self esteem. He used to work in Corporate Banking but now is under Admin. Asked my friend if he was married and my friend said no.

I immediately stopped feeling sorry for myself and counted my blessings. Yes, finances may be a bit tight now but at least I'm healthy. Hubby may not have a job but he loves me (in his own weird way) and helps me around the house.

So help me God if I start being whinny again...

VIP Treatment

Knowing I'll be immobile after the operation, I knew I needed hubby at the hospital to help me out. And the only way he can do this (hang around 24 hours a day) is for me to have a single room. Alas, all the single rooms were fully occupied. Only the upgraded (read-expensive) rooms were available. Ok, I had no choice. It's either cough up the extra dough or share a room with a perfect stranger. My recuperation period will be compromised if I didn't. So I said yes and boy, it's worth every penny! Newspapers were delivered in the morning (I could choose what I wanted), meals came with your choice of drinks (either soya bean, apple or guava juice or the usual coffee, tea or milo), ice cream for dessert (ok, it's not Haagen Daz or Baskin Robbins but which hospital ever serves their patients ice cream?), physio therapy was conducted in the room, I had limited Astro channels, individual air cond, different sheets, a comforter...the list goes on.

The best part was - upon being discharged, the nurses did everything for me - I didn't have to pick up my own medication from the pharmacy, I didn't have to go to the discharge counter and sign a bunch of papers...

So - apart from the pain of surgery, this was the best experience I ever had in a hospital!

I’m going under…

Yeah, have been guilty of not updating my blog but to those who either hear from me (via sms / over lunch or dinner), I guess you know what’s going on in my life. To cut a long story short, I will be admitted to Selangor Medical Center tomorrow – for a minor surgery involving my knee. I’m not worried so you shouldn't too.

Maybe with me recuperating at home, I’d be able to update all the good and bad news since I came back from Bandung…

Wish me luck for tomorrow!

A year older...

Today is my birthday. While I will not divulge my age, suffice it to say that this is one of the birthdays that has kept me tossing and turning in my sleep. Anyway - am having lunch with my dear friend, who made me birthday cupcakes. Will upload the pictures later...

Love Don't Cost a Thing

While some husbands may shower their loved ones with diamonds and pearls, mine did it with a card. And you know what? It's more that enough for me....

Has it been that long?

Today is my 14th Wedding Anniversary but truth be told, it feels like only yesterday that hubby and I tied the knot.

As a “treat” for our Anniversary, he drove me to work so I may “snooze” in the car. We then had breakfast at his favourite nasi kandar joint. After which, he took the lrt/komuter home.

A friend who saw us together said we looked good as a couple and that he was “cute”. I guess it has been such a long time since I saw him that way. What I do know is, I fell in love with him because he was generous (to a fault), he respected the elders (Wah loves him to death) and that he loved me unconditionally.

While things may not be so smooth financially right now, I would always remember what Abah said to me once when I was ranting about hubby. “Imagine he’s gone from your life, how would you feel right now?” That stopped me cold. Yes, I know I can survive alone but he is such a big part of my life that I would not want to imagine him being gone.

So to my hubby, Happy 14th Wedding Anniversary and let’s celebrate it in Bandung!

Bandung, here I come...

Finally, after pondering on whether I should go to Bandung or not, I booked a reasonably priced hotel for my upcoming trip next Sunday. Nothing fancy but no eww factor. Having been with the airline, I have been accustomed to a certain standard when it comes to hotels. If I feel I have to be fully dressed (with shoes) before I could lay down on a bed (on top of the covers), that's definitely a no-go.

Why am I going? Apart from running away from the office (am taking 4 days off, WOOHOO!), I'll be looking at plus size clothes that I'm going to sell via the internet. So I won't be shopping for myself, I want to see if this could be yet another avenue I could make money from. Wish me luck!

Blind spot

Have you always turned a blind eye when it comes to your family? My hubby does. He has this irritating brother and everyone (with the right mind) can see that. But when I complained about his distasteful remarks in a family function, my hubby brushed it off and said - "He's my brother".

I think my hubby is oblivious when it comes to his family. They can treat him like shit and he will just take it. An example - I wanted to spend this year's Raya in Kuantan since my brother is not coming back - his daughter is facing SPM this year and the exam date is close to Raya. So I shared what I thought was good news. Never having a "kampung" to go back to, I've always looked forward going to Kuantan. The last time we did, hubby didn't follow since he couldn't take leave. So imagine my frustration when he said, "but Mak wants us to celebrate Raya with her this year at her new house".

After a day of retaliation, hubby agreed to follow me to Kuantan and said Mak is ok with it. One of his nieces said - "We don't really care where you spend Raya, as long as you don't take away our Nenek."

He doesn't realise that he is no longer an important member of his family. He lost that 'privilege' the day he married me and can no longer lavish his family with cash and gifts. He doesn't see that and I feel sorry for him. But most of the time, I just feel like hitting him on the head...

Out in the open...

Last weekend, after taking my mum for a spot of shopping, I told her the truth. She took it well and I explained I only kept her and abah in the dark to spare them the worry. Didn't want it to affect their health and all.

My mother, unlike you know who, said she felt sorry for my hubby and I and wished I had told her earlier so she may pray for our fast recovery.

All I can say is, after keeping the secret for so long, it felt so good to have it out in the open. No more walking on thin ice. No more lies to cover the first lie I told. And another plus point - it may push hubby to be more active in his job hunting...

Any ideas?

I have to come up with a name for a loan product, targeted towards women entrepreneurs. Any suggestions?

Sacrifices I Made...

Was watching episode 10 of Desperate Housewives' Season 5 (while folding clothes, I always have to watch something while doing housework)- when Carlos got his sight back and noticed how Gaby's closet seems to be void of designer clothes, shoes, handbags and jewelry. He then realised just how much Gaby has sacrificed for him. So when Gaby came back with the base ball signed by Lou Gehrig, which she sold earlier to make mortgage payments, what Carlos did later just choked me up. He sold it and with the money, he bought her a beautiful designer dress...

Now, my closet was never filled with designer wear and I have no illusions of hubby doing something like that for me. He didn't even get it (he can be quite moist) when I made him watch that scene.

What I'm trying to say is, sometimes you sacrifice something in life, for the sake of love. If you hope that your other half (or his dysfunctional family) is gonna notice, think again. It's just you against the world, kid...

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Thanks to Izza, hubby and I saw the long awaited chick flick! To not spoil the surprise for those who have yet to see it, all I can say is, the movie is quite different from the book. And although Isla Fisher is lovely, I pictured a different Becky Bloomwood in my mind, as I did Luke Brandon.

So girls, you can’t really shop like Becky so why not live vicariously through her? Go watch the movie and enjoy!

An open letter to my in laws

It has almost been a year since your brother / son was retrenched. He has been applying everywhere but no luck thus far. So from a double income, we have shrunk to a single income, mine. I love your son / brother so this is just a temporary setback. But do you know how many wives leave their husbands due to this setback? What if it’s your daughters supporting their unemployed husband? Wouldn’t you be concerned that your daughter is shouldering the financial burden alone?

I’m not asking for financial help. Though I know you can afford to, what with the Porsche, BMWs & Merc lining up in your garage. How you can afford to buy bungalows at a time when everyone is hit by the economic downturn. How when your son was hospitalized, you were holidaying in Langkawi. How during Raya, your best crystals were used for guests. How you can spend RM200K on renovation alone. How your son and daughter study overseas. How you can afford to quit your job and become a lady of leisure.

No, this is not about money. All I want is for you to acknowledge that even if I’m a bitch of a daughter / sister in law, I have been a supportive and loving wife. Would it kill you to say – “Thank God you are working?”

I know I shouldn’t need your acknowledgement or appreciation. God knows I’ll never get it from you. But as I need to focus on the positive, I need to unload my bitterness and get on with my life. And hopefully, it would be without you in it.

Kyle's My Good Boy

Was watching "Bolt" today while doing my housework (folding clothes, mopping room etc). I have no illusions that any of my furkids have super powers but I do wonder if, should they get lost, would they be able to find their way home? I lost Nala once, we had just shifted and it wasn't until 11pm, (she was missing since morning) did we find her again.

I let Snuggle & Fluffy out on weekends, confident that they know the area like the back of their paws. But not Kyle though. He's my baby boy and until I know he can find his way home, his domain for now will just be the inside of our house...

Pleasant Surprise...

It was 7pm, I was resting on my bed watching something on Hallmark when I received a call. "Hi Puteri!" I was jolted out of bed. "Sharm!"

We've kept in touch pretty much via sms as both of us weren't doing so well with emails. But I last spoke to Sharm when she and Sumi came back late last year. Talking to Sharm on the phone made me just want to pick her up from her place in Klang, hangout at a kopitiam, have kaya toast and talk about everything under the sun...

Sharm, Sumi and Jan will be coming back for Christmas and that's 285 days away...here's looking forward to that!

Kyle in a box...

Kyle has been with us since 7 June 2008. From a tiny furball, he has ballooned to a hefty 5kg. In this picture he can still fit in the box but can't do that anymore.

Totally my baby, he comes to me when he needs cuddling but hates it when hubby picks him up. He would meow and it would sound like a motorcycle running!

He prefers to sleep in bathroom due to his thick fur (he's Persian) and sometimes he will push hubby off his cotton pillow coz it is cooler than mine and directly underneath the aircond...

No more secrets

My brother finally came clean with my parents and his kids on his work situation. As he wanted to do it in private, both Lan and I stayed away from our parent's house. I texted him yesterday, asking what was our parent's reaction to the news. He said "Ok, no one fainted."

So now the question is, when do I reveal my secret to them? How I could not say anything when I feel angry about my in laws not acknowledging the fact that I have been carrying my hubby for almost a year now? How this is not the first time? How I feel upset that they have never been thankful that I chose (and still do) to still stay with him? How I have to bite my tongue each time my mum praises my in laws? Oh, to have it out in the open...what I wouldn't do to have that...

When you are the the receiving end...

My immediate boss has always been telling me that our Head of Dept isn't such a bad person and I should learn to ''connect" with the boss. That is, until the boss was pushing my immediate boss. Suddenly it was OK to snap at the boss and walk out of the boss' room...

Moral of the story - don't assume you know the situation until you are faced with the same scenario...now who's having the last laugh???

Rain, rain, go away

Who would have thought parking my car at Dataran Merdeka would make a runner out of me...it has been raining heavily since 3pm yesterday and I told myself I should go back sharp at 5:45pm to avoid any unforseen incidents (car park turning into a swimming pool). But as my boss was giving out tasks to complete, I was focused on the research I had to do that I didn't realise it was already 6pm. Suddenly someone said "the river is at its brim, go back!"

I quickly switched off my PC and hurried out of the office. Walking towards Dataran, I could see the river next to it almost overflowing to the street. That made me sprint to the basement parking lot. Syukur Alhamdulillah, it was still dry. Panting in car (due to the infrequent running activity), I drove out quickly and headed towards the old train station as I guessed Jln Parlimen & Duta would be flooded...and I was right...

Am just glad that I escaped this time around. Now aren't you glad you're not working in KL?

First Flea Market Experience...

Thanks to Izza, we signed up for a flea market in Shah Alam today. We were there since 9am (me & hubby) and seeing the organisers still struggling with the banners, we left for breakfast after paying the fee of RM30 per booth and booking a prime spot. Izza showed up around 10am and by 12noon, we melted under the scorching sun. Wanting to give up by 3pm, Amelia dropped by and bought a bag (RM10), Azlan bought a mug (RM2), which almost paid for the booth. Then by 4pm, a teenager, who was also a Spawn fan, bought hubby's action figure for RM120. Not bad for spending almost a day out. We finally packed up by 5:30pm but not before running into my first cousin and his wife. I can't remember how long ago I last met them...

Will we take part in future flea markets? If they decide to have it again at Dataran Shah Alam, they should start at 6pm and end it at 12midnight, that's when there's a huge crowd...

Tribute to Nala

Yesterday would have been Nala's 13th birthday. Seeing the reminder on my phone, I realised just how much I missed her. How each time she would welcome me home, even though she's sleepy. How she used to lay claim her spot on our bed. How she would lick my tears off my face when you-know-who made me cry. How she would curl up in my arms and we'd both fall asleep. How she'd listen to me pouring out my grievances and seem to understand. How she'd play catch with me. How she used to lie down on my Harry Potter book when I wanted to read it. How she'd keep me company when I watched LOTR for hours. How she used to sulk when I had to be away in Stockholm for work. How she'd be on my lap when she's sick and vying for some TLC.

Nala, though you are no longer with me, you will always live in my heart. I could not ask for a better daughter. I know you are in a better place now and I hope to be with you again one day.

Everyday is Exactly the Same

To cheer myself up, saw the movie "Wanted" on DVD. Not really a fan of Jolie but I think James McAvoy is such a babe. *stop rolling your eyes Sharm & Sumi* Sure, he's no Ralph Fiennnes but still adorable in his own way. I think I fell in love with him when I saw The Atonement" but that's another story. I love the theme song and feel it sort of reflect what I'm going through right now...

Everyday is Exactly the Same - Nine Inch Nails

I believe I can see the future

Cause I repeat the same routine

I think I used to have a purpose

But then again

That might have been a dream

I think I used to have a voice

Now I never make a sound

I just do what I've been told

I really don't want them to come around

Oh, no Every day is exactly the same

Every day is exactly the same

There is no love here and there is no pain

Every day is exactly the same

I can feel their eyes are watching

In case I lose myself again

Sometimes I think I'm happy here

Sometimes, yet I still pretend

I can't remember how this got started

But I can tell you exactly how it will end

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

I'm writing on a little piece of paper

I'm hoping someday you might find

Well I'll hide it behind something

They won't look behind

I'm still inside here

A little bit comes bleeding through

I wish this could have been any other way

But I just don't know, I don't know what else I can do

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

Letting Go

Today I did the hardest thing I thought I never ever have to do. But looking at my almost non-existent savings, I knew I had no choice. So I calmly told my weekly helper that I could no longer afford to pay her and asked if she'd be ok financially, she said she could manage as my house was not the only one she's cleaning. I explained that times are really bad and once our financials are in order, would she like it if I were to call her back. Thankfully, she said she would love to come back. So it's settled. One less thing I have to pay for. But I really feel bad...

7 Pounds

Yesterday, Fatin, hubby and I watched 7 Pounds, courtesy of my editor friend, who normally has complimentary tickets to give away. Starring Will Smith, the movie kicked off to a slow start, which I think made my tired hubby 'snoozed' for a while.

I had no idea where the movie was headed but thought it strange an IRS officer would go through such lengths to audit. Suffice it to say that the movie picked up its pace and I didn't feel it went as long as two hours. Not wanting to spoil the movie for those who have yet to see it, all I can say is it's one of Will Smith's best efforts. Can't compare it to "In Pursuit of Happyness" coz I haven't seen that yet. Moral of the story, don't look at your text messages while driving...

Time flies when you'e having fun...

I had a pretty good week coz a certain someone wasn't around. Also, with the de-cluttering that I did, I found loads of stuff I've been missing. So if time permits, I will start a new blog on stuff I wanna sell...see if you like anything and let me know, ok?

To go or not to go?

In the spirit of de-cluttering my home, I’ve decided to sell my flights to Bandung & Bali. Wasn’t even thinking of making money. Maybe sell it at 50% discount of what I paid and the buyer would also have to pay the fee to change the names. Or so I thought. After scrutinising the tickets, I saw, to my dismay, that no name changes are permitted. Damn. I know I shouldn’t go, I know I can’t afford to but passing up a paid flight to Bandung is really too hard to bear. I would still have to pay for hotel, transportation, airport tax & food. Don’t even get me started about shopping!

My dear friend, who is the editor of Cosmo Mag, gave me a brilliant suggestion. She said I should take orders from my friends on what to buy, pay upfront, of course. Stay in a budget hotel and tapau food from home. That’s the problem you see, food is damn delicious and dirt cheap in Bandung…

So what should I do? Should I go?

Why I'm not a fan of Facebook

My dear friend currently working in UK texted me this morning that our mutual ex-colleage and his wife is also in London. Bewildered that she actually kept in touch with him, I quickly texted back on how that happened? She then said he saw her on facebook and left a message. Hmm, have never liked facebook. Don't really care if people think I'm outdated, just because I don't have facebook. What happened to my friend is proof enough, why I don't and should never have one...

Online Flea Market

I used to love going to flea markets at Mont Kiara and The Curve, hunting for any Lord of the Rings memorabilia or cutesy cat stuff. I haven't done that in a while and for good reason. So when I discovered that my colleague has been buying clothes online, that sort of gave me an idea. What if I sell my stuff online?

It will take a while to set it up, mind you. Sorting stuff I wanna sell or donate. Then taking pictures of it, posting it online. Taking note of the size of clothes am thinking of selling, maybe a short note on where I got it. As at now, I have about 4 boxes of saleable clothes and I haven't even begun digging onto hubby's treasure trove.

So give me some ideas. What should I name my site?

It worked!

Remember how I tried to reduce my electricity buy buying a new ceiling fan? I'm happy to report that after a month, my electricity bill has been halved...

Good on me :)

De-cluttering my life

I apologise for my short hiatus, wasn't in the mood for writing. As per "The Secret" mantra, I promised myself that I'll never focus on the negative, on the bad news, on what I did not want. Hence why there was not update on this blog. But even after 2 weeks of "visualising" the positive, I could not get myself out of the vicious cycle.

So I guess I needed to purge. Which I did, to those closest to me. Do I feel any better? Not really. Being hit with three bad news consecutively was draining me down.

So after watching one of Oprah's show, I decided I needed to de-clutter my home. And donate or sell what I don't need. And hopefully, that would be the change that I desperately needed...

Rooster Outlook for 2009

Rooster Overview
Get ready for an outstanding year. Aside from the Snake, the Rooster has the best prospects in the year of the Ox. This is the kind of year you have been waiting for, as everything seems to go your way. You have been diligently working towards some long term goals that finally come together this year. Your relations are felt at new levels, as you find a sense of satisfaction that you may not have experienced in a long time. Things you may have thought not possible will become a reality for you in this positive year.

Rooster Rating
72% (10 favorable and 2 neutral months)

Rooster Career
Determination and diligence are two key aspects that put the Rooster over the top this year. 2009 is a year that you should promote yourself: Your ideas and your talents will be highly regarded and you will be recognized for past and present efforts. Give it your best this year and seize any opportunity that presents itself. This year will certainly be a landmark for years to come, as you will remember it as one of your most productive times in your life.

Rooster Relationships
Domestic matters will fare well for the Rooster this year. You will find comfort in the support and encouragement of family members and friends alike. Seek advice from your seniors, as they may provide information that opens doors to areas that are not known. The social life for the Rooster is a busy schedule. You will enjoy the company of others in many social functions and parties. Romance is highly favorable for the unattached Rooster, so flaunt your feathers.

Rooster Health
Health issues are minor for the Rooster this year. Though exercise and diet are not an issue, you may have a problem maintaining the discipline of a steady routine. Take the time to get the exercise you need and everything should work out fine for you. Being somewhat of a risk taker, you may want to try something new that holds your interests. Consider surfing or parasailing to indulge your fancy.

Rooster Wealth
This a great year financially for the Rooster. If you have any available funds, you may want to reinvest it in your work. This could prove to be highly favorable and you will reap the benefits in your return. One key issue is your spending habits. Make sure you don't spend the money before it is in the bank or this could pose a problem with your budget. Receive professional advice for any large investments in areas that you are unfamiliar.

The first man in my life

Today Abah turns 71. Being the only girl and the youngest in the family, I’ve always been Abah’s favourite. My childhood memory of him was me climbing into his lap after his prayers. I remember feeling secured and loved in his arms.

I think I have a picture of Abah and me, I was still a baby and my hair was growing while Abah was losing his. Needless to say, I’m the spitting image of him, down to my toes, just like Marissa is with Lan. No DNA testing needed.

Once I bumped into an old friend of Abah’s whom I’ve never met. He has never met me either. But immediately scanning my face, he said – “You must be Cikgu Mokhtar’s daughter.” To which I replied, “How did you know?”

“You’re the female version of him,” was his simple reply.

Abah, I may not say this often. I love you and you’re always been my moral compass. Back in the day when you were the principal of Princess Elizabeth School for the Blind, and I was too young to understand, I resented the fact that you refused to accept hampers sent to our house by the contractor who put up new fence at the school and routed them to the visually challenged children instead. Being a child myself, I was tempted by the scrumptious goodies packed up in shiny coloured semi transparent plastic. I still remembered what you said, “the contractor completed work for the school, not for our house. Thus the children deserves the hamper, not us,” was your explanation.

If only more people were like you…Happy Birthday.

Do I look like a cat to you?

I was having a conversation with my sister in law, when we somehow steered the topic about me getting pregnant. She said she could not do it again and wondered if I planned to do the IVF. I said sure, if I had the money, anything was possible. She then said something totally unexpected, even for her.

“If you have triplets or quadruplets, can you give me one?”

Hmm, should I dignify that with a response?

My dear Hani, I hope to deliver my baby or babies (here's hoping for twins, boy and girl!) in SMC, not in a box or under the stairs...

Birthday Wishes...

Happy Birthday to my brother Lan & niece Marjan...

Lan, you've always been more like a friend than a brother to me. I still can't over the fact that you have a one-year old daughter, who's the spitting image of you. I wish you nothing but the best in life and that you'll get what you've always dreamed of.

Marjan,
I look at you and sometimes wish I could go back in time and re-live my life all over again. Since that will never happen, forgive me if I were to live vicariously through you. You're young, you have your whole life ahead of you. Never stop learning and always practise the secret. I have high hopes for you and I know you won't disappoint...

Forgettable Anniversary?

Today is my parent's 46th Wedding Anniversary. As usual, I sent sms reminders to both my brothers. I called my parents early morning, hoping to be the first to wish them.

Guess what, both abah & enda even forgot it was their anniversary!

Halfing Princess with her elf...

My niece, Puteri Marissa Balqis, who is just over a year old was hospitalised last Friday night due to high fever. We visited her on Saturday and as expected, she preferred Mz's attention as opposed to mine. I didn't mind though, I find her fascination with Mz rather adorable. He looks good with a baby in his arms, perhaps one day soon, our own baby will be the center of our lives...

Meanwhile, Mz and I were laughing at the thought of sharing with my niece, (when she's all grown up) of how she used to idolise her uncle when she was very young. Am very sure she'll deny it..perhaps why I decided to immortalise it in this blog?

Close encounter

Anticipating traffic will be heavier than usual as the school holiday has ended, I left my house earlier than usual - 6:15 am compared to 6:30am.

Mz's routine is to accompany me, make sure the furkids are not under the car, kiss me goodbye and wait till I drive off.

Today, while I was making myself a sandwich, I heard him exclaim, "Allahuaakhbar!" Thinking he had a hard time trying to get the furkids away from the car, I thought nothing more of it.

Once I was in the car and reversing, I was surprised to see Mz already locking the gate and before I drove off, he was already in the house. Again, he exclaimed, "Allahuaakhbar!" Where's my morning goodbye kiss, that's what I'd like to know...

Anyway - once I reached my office at 6:50am, he called and explained, which gave me goosebumps.

Something supernatural was outside the house, which explained his weird behaviour. And I'm glad I don't have the gift to see it as he does...

Buying to save...

After delaying the inevitable, I finally bought a new ceiling fan to replace the one that has been out of order for a number of years. The push factor was my electricity bill almost came up to RM300 and although we have attempted to minimise the use of aircond, this is the only logical way to bring down our electricity bill. Will wait for next month's bill to see if our theory is correct...

My 2009 Wish List

As I review 2008, I realised I went through a lot. I will not list them down as it would only attract more of what I do not want.

So, what I've decided to do is have a list of the things I want and put out positive thoughts , ala "The Secret" style...

1. I want to get pregnant and have a beautiful and healthy baby.
2. I want my husband to get a job that he likes and pays extremely well.
3. I want to have an understanding boss that guides me in my work.
4. I want my family to be healthy.
5. I want plenty of cash.

It seems like a lot but I have faith that if I believe, I can attract all the things that I want. Hubby once said, when I was crying in his arms, lamenting about all things that went wrong in our lives, "Allah will not test us with challenges that we can't face"

When good things happen, that is also a test. I hope that will be my challenges this year ...

Happy Birthday Yvonne!

I got to know Yvonne back when I was working for Ericsson. Everyone simply loves her. I do too. You see, when she knew I had problems with my own mother in law, she suggested "adopting" my hubby so I could have a mother in law that I could love!

So dear Yvonne, I may not be writing you much email but I think of you all the time. This year, on my vision board, apart from visualising for a baby, a family business and abundance in cash, I hope to be able to visit you in US and Sharm and Sumi in UK.

Here's to better things in 2009!

It only lasted a day

Yeah, call me fickel minded. I changed the title of my blog after just one day. I thought it was way too negative. Can't have such negativity in my life - else I'll wind up attracting things I do not want. Must be thankful, count my blessings and attract good things into my life...

Not the C word

Yesterday I brought my mum to HKL for a follow up, after her major operation in Oct. She had a tumor with the size of a baby's fist growing at the lining of her brain and it was successfully removed. My only worry was the biopsy report, which the doctor will share with us today.

I'm happy to report that the tumor was benign and should it recur, it would take 5-10 years. If that were to happen, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. As for now, I'm just happy it's good news - a positive way to start the new year :)