King of all fruits

They are back!
It's durian feast everywhere!!!

Durians have always been my best favourite fruit of all time. I will never for sure resist any offer of it, indeed will be longing for more. My late grandpa owned a big durian orchard back in Melaka and my photographic memory reveals the sight of durians scattered around the kitchen area everytime the season came. All waiting for his grandchildren to come home from KL, to attack and finish off the King! Fantadelicious!!!!! Since he passed away in 1985, the orchard was somehow left unattended, but recently has been in the care of a relative back in Melaka. She is the one responsible , making sure the place is not breeding any wild animals (if u know what I mean) and no trespassers too especially during this season. Yesterday Abah and Mak took their Volvo home to Melaka, did their part in the orchard and drove home with the trunk full of durians. Hehehe...cant imagine the smell of it! Call me crazy but I somewhat love the smell....

Once they arrived home, I was notified and of course rushed to Abah's house (7 minutes away from mine), and lavishly helped myself choosing the best Kings. Pakcu and family were already there and were in the midst of finger-licking-good. Took home with me six durians and a few bunches of rambutans too, passed some to my in laws and the rest was totally ours! After I left, Makcik came over to have hers and this morning Pakngah and the whole gang made their grand entrance at Abah's house for the durians. Very unfortunate that I couldnt join them in the durian eating feast.

These are the ones left...as at this moment of typing this post.

Only three left, durians from Atok's orchard

What happened to the rest? This was what happened to the rest of the superlicious Kings.....

The first portion from today alone

The second portion from today too

Here's to the King of all fruits...

PS - Smell my fingers....i love it! It's durian all over. I burp durian too! Hehehe...

Baby, I love u

Sitting here alone, at wee hours simply brings back the sweet memory of my first meeting with dear hubby 17 years ago, back in 1991. I was only 17 years old, anticipating for the adult life to come (ops...shouldn't have been too excited about it, regrets!), just finished high school (yeay!), already sat for SPM exam and clueless not knowing what to do to kill time. Walking around, I passed by a bakery shop in need of an assistant. Walked in and I offered myself for the job, not knowing what I was getting myself into. Later found out that the lady boss was desperate for a cashier as the old one had just resigned to balik kampung. Feeling sorry for her (cant believe I actually felt that!), I agreed to take up the job with only RM280 monthly. Being a 17 year old girl who probably had never imagined to own such money, it was a big WOW for me back then. After all, I just needed to occupy myself with some teenage fun while making money. Well, I can't be sure now - how is being a cashier fun? God knows....but it certainly was back in 1991, especially after a month working there.

One morning, an ordinary guy walked in, self-serviced himself to a cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie with a copy of NST. Well, he was just another guy, another customer. Paid and left once he was done with breakfast. After weeks, a regular he became, we exchanged smiles, that was it. Still the same coffee and apple pie for breakfast on daily basis.



Months passed by, from merely smiles came the brief conversations. My indulgence at that time was the HACKS sweets, I was suffering from coughs, if I'm not mistaken. Took a lot of it. I even had to store them in my bag all the time. I think, he was a close observer. One morning, he walked in as usual and presented me with a small box of gift. Surprised? Yes. Flattered? Yes too, yet didn't act like one, had to stay cool ok....and play a little hard to get, of course. Just unwrap it girl and so I did. It was the box of a light bulb!!! What? A light bulb? Trying to say 'U light up my life'??? Wait...lets not jump into any clumsy conclusions, be optimistic Shera. This guy had class, can't be a light bulb for sure. So, I opened the box, feeling a little apprehensive of the sight of a light bulb though, and revealed the content of it. And I.....I smiled exposing my two dimples. Hihihi... How thoughtful he was. It was a box full of ......HACKS!!!! Maybe for weeks of supply! Now, that's flattering. His first gift for me....My cough? I wished it lasted for months, but it did not. The magic of HACKS....filled with love.....



After Hacks, came sunflower seeds. As a matter of fact, I was addicted! I'm sure some of you share the same issue once the devil seeds landed in the mouth! Can't put a stop to it! I could recall spending so much buying it from 7-Eleven, just next door. Surely I'd touched the soft spot in him that I guessed he finally took pity on me, well...a 17 year old girl earning so little, yes, so little and yet helplessly spending it on seeds? Then again, as thoughtful as he was, supplies came in right away!!! Bravo....



Sunflower seeds were still coming in....

Until one day, we had a mundane argument. Seriously, it was just an act of trying to bermanja a bit which instead ended up with a rather big fight. I, then was holding a pack of sunflower seeds, fresh supply from him, still intact in its pack, when out of anger and rage, I threw it onto the floor! All scattered all over. OMG, that was my supply for the day! Ahem...he bought me another pack! That one I ate, thrown into my throat.

Blessings in disguise - the devil seeds and the stupid fight that day brought us together on 3 January 1992. Only then, after episodes of light bulb, Hacks and sunflower seeds, roses made its first emergence between us.

For better or for worse, take your pick darling, I've made mine :-)
.......Baby, I love u.

Today's inspiration

HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight, and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!) 3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's! 4. Enjoy the simple things 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her! 6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

5 in 1 birthday party....

As mentioned, yesterday was the 5 in 1 birthday party for everybody born in June and July....
Happy birthday Mummy, Ala, Marlin, Ijat and Dan. Semoga semua panjang umur, sihat, murah rezeki dan dirahmati Allah selalu. We love u all.....

Food??? Scrumptious......yummy.......Thus, bloated and heavy I was, tucking myself to sleep at 12am....Zzzzzzzz. Yes, never got close to the baskets of clothes (TO DO list). Believe it or not, I even dreamed of more food!!! And gained some extra grams today (kg is too unbearable...hahahaha).

The choc birthday cake

Marlin and nieces and nephew

Ita and nephew and nieces

Two generations - aunties and nephew nieces

Birthday boy and birthday girls BBQing

Satay, BBQ chicken, fried rice, fried vegetables, watermelon

My hubby accompanied by his best buddy!

One busy weekend

Make way, make way.....it's one hell of a busy weekend for me!!!!

Today's TO DO list :

10am ~ Esya's swimming class , I might as well have my ME time swimming too...
12pm ~ TESCO, shopping for food stuff for tonite's BBQ
3pm ~ Rombongan to my tailor for baju Raya (2 cars full of women..hihihi)
7pm ~ The BBQ adventure begins...it's everybody's birthday : Mummy, Marlin, Ala, Dan, Ijat
11pm ~ If not exhausted will fold clothes (4 baskets full...one week's laundry...oooohhhhh)
1am ~ If not sleepy prepare three in-house-trainings reports - due on monday!

Tomorrow's TO DO list :

Morning ~ MUST do housechores - mopping, laundry, cooking
12pm ~ Esya's homework
2pm ~ SPM & PMR Headcount for Panel meeting next week (a real headache I'm sure)
4pm ~ Nap....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
6pm ~ Mark students' essays.....maybe go sleepy again...hahahaha
7pm ~ Dine out....no energy left to cook dinner
9pm ~ Prepare two paperworks, to be presented and submitted on monday
12am ~ With some peace of mind (hopefully).......Good nite people

Phew.....I'm already overdose with things to do!!!
Well-planned? Of course.....
So organized??? HELLOO......AS IF!!!

I've got a STAR

Today, the day when I am six once again....

As I gracefully walked in, entering the ever crowded staff room at work this morning, I was taken aback by the sight of a bright yellow star placed on my table. What is this? It couldn't be there for no reason since it wasn't there the last time I left work last Friday. Has somebody dropped it? Try dropping money too the next time. I'd never wonder why and how...hahaha! Promise! It was a perfectly designed star though. Laminated. Wow..Somebody had really put a lot of effort for the perfection of it. I sank into my seat trying to figure out, well, got nothing better to do for the next 10mins back then. So, no harm really....

Then, it struck me! OMG!!! Uuuhhhh....Don't tell me....I couldn't help smiling away, feeling proud of myself. Like a six year old girl, I proudly and childishly announced to my other colleagues nearby, telling them - Hey, I've got a STAR!!! I've got a STAR!!! Wanna know something? I'm among the very few (3 maybe out of 150 staffs)who received this bright shiny yellow star on that particular morning. So, what's the whole deal?

U may have a good laugh at this...Recently, in the effort of making the staff room looks more welcoming and inviting (ie - tidy...imagine the eyesore), my HM unofficially launched a sort of competition among teachers for the tidiest workstation (table that is). Hehehe....and we call ourselves teachers! Mind u, we, teachers of the 2000s cum clerks have tons of paperworks and documents to handle every minute, on top of the core business of teaching and looking good in front of the students, no matter how. So, just imagine the mountains of papers, books, even rubbish involved in the whole process, resulting in a rather unnecessary mess at our respective tables. To cut the long story short, the tidiest table would be awarded with a STAR (the one I got...hihihi) when the committee in charge go around inspecting, of course unannounced. And the usual me have always made sure to leave my table tidy and neat every time before leaving work. It's kinda habit that I'm used to - sincere and without any specific intention. Merely for the pleasure of my eyes actually. Just another of the few good habits of mine.

I was proud of my unintentional 'achievement' and guess what, the star really brought back the little girl in me. I was amazed and intoxicated - how the little star had made me feel inside. Simply said, proud and overwhelmed. Just like a six year old girl getting one for her ABC, 123 victory. Wow...I actually went around talking about the star I've got. No arrogance (maybe a bit la..), just pride, and a little of adrenalin rush....hahaha.

This reminds me of the smile my eldest daughter always wears every time I mark a star in her exercise book for her achievement, great or otherwise. It sure makes her proud and motivated. The same rule applies to me, a 34 year old lady. Sometimes we just forget how a small token as such could make one's day. I'm 34, not 6, but it made my day alright!

So, people, acknowledgments and rewards are important, come in any forms. Hence, compliment and acknowledge those who duly deserve it! Start with hubby (maybe they should start first :) ), wife, children....see their smiles.

I'll let the STAR stay there for the whole week and will remove it on Friday, as if I've not gotten any yet. Let's see if I'll get another one next week. hehehe....i'm so motivated now! I'll reach the stars....

PS - If taking home into consideration, I wonder if I deserve a star...imagine that!

Cents for thoughts

I'm, at the moment, in the midst of finishing my reading of MERCY, now at page 137 / 449 (gosh! a lot more to go). This one revolves around life, love, relationship and marriage - also a merciful murder of a terminally ill wife by her most devoted husband. In my reading pursuit, there came some elements in the story that are so philosophical yet somewhat I find are profoundly true. I would love to share them, and mind u, I'm only at page 137!!! So, surely there are more to come....

So, here are some cents for thoughts :

* It's never fifty-fifty in a marriage. It's always seventy-thirty, or sixty-forty. Someone falls in love first. Someone puts someone else up on a pedestal. Someone works very hard to keep things rolling smoothly, someone else sails along for the ride*

* Husbands and wives spend less than four waking hours together*

* Women use twice as many words in the course of a day as men do, maybe because women were garrulous by nature, or because it took twice as long to make men understand what was being said*

What say u? ......

SEPI by Kabir Bhatia

To have watched and enjoyed CINTA years back, also directed by this supertalented Kabir Bhatia, I just had to see SEPI on last Wednesday. And...???? It wasn't as good as CINTA, but for all it is worth, SEPI is far far better. This heart-felt romantic film depicts three different stories of love and loneliness, in which later are brought together in a life-changing incident. I personally cant stop admiring the brilliant cinematography, beautiful script, the scenic sets, also the superb casts. Believe it or not, I had tears over the hilarious Afdlin Shauki, who has proven that he is just as funny even without any single props in hand. As for Pierre Andre, I had always labeled him as just another actor. But in SEPI, I have to admit, he's a real talent and I simply love his character, very convincing. Tony Eusoff, the ever famous TV commercials hunk, who would have thought that he could sway the viewers far better than his persuasive acts in commercials. And Baizura Kahar, a potential talent in the making. I somehow just hate the wig though. And Vanida Imran, being one of the greatest, to find her savouring and loving every word of her lines, she's excellent. By the way, she's also gorgeous in SEPI, especially when wearing the Camelia flower in her hair. I now wonder how Camelia smells... Nasha Aziz, FUNNY, HILARIOUS !!! What a character!!! Splendid acts. Eja, however, I think she plays the same Eja as in her other movies, barely distinguishable.

Overall, what I love most about SEPI is the fact that viewers are not crowded with unnecessary details like most Malay films do. The plot is rather simple but focused and emotionally compact, truly effective. SEPI is undeniably outstanding and has taken a different lead to where our Malay films should be going. A great Malay movie which is hard to come by nowadays, and I reckon that u go and watch it for yourself.

PS - I later recognized the different SEPI (loneliness) interpreted in our lives...mine to say the least.

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

I'm now very diligently catching up with my reading which I have somehow abandoned for quite some time due to life circumstances. After the series of Shopaholics, to sit, relax and enjoy a book seems almost impossible now. Nevertheless, when there's a will there's always a way.

A zillion thanks to a dear gorgeous friend of mine, Anna Maria who presented me with this amazingly beautiful book PLAIN TRUTH by her favourite author, Jodi Picoult for my birthday. I have to admit that I'm too far behind time with Picoult's work. Yet, never too late.

The novel offers the insight into an Amish community, which I have almost nil knowledge about, particularly an Amish girl who is being convicted of a murder of her newborn who later has to deal with the modern civilized legal system outside the box of her own world. That was what first moved me into reading it. I've never really known much about the Amish except the fact that they are miles away from any modernization and this book is no doubt my best opportunity. True enough, what I learned about this protective, rural community is by far interesting and engaging especially their way of life and beliefs. Reading Plain Truth has made me realize how one can be very fragile yet standing strong as long as we adhere to our faith and what we believe in, and nobody can take anything away from us regardless what may come. Upon finishing my reading, I felt for Katie, the Amish girl and I admire her for her courage, standing brave, self-composed despite what she is forced to face in a world very alien to her. Also the unconditional love of a mother who willingly takes a bullet for her child given any circumstances. I'm never good at reviewing a book, but to recommend this to readers out there, I know is what I will do.

Here's a little something by the author :

Katie Fisher is Amish. For eighteen years, she has grown up in a community set apart from the modern world by lifestyle and belief. It is a community fiercely protective of its way of life. To turn your back on it is to lose everything - your church, your home, and your family. So in the middle of the night when the baby comes, Katie does the only thing she knows how to do in times of stress : she prays. She falls asleep, exhausted, and when she wakes it seems her prayer is answered. The baby is gone. Her father need never know. But faith alone cannot help when the child's body is found.

I'll start reading another of her work tomorrow, MERCY. And later am thinking of buying Picoult's MY SISTER'S KEEPER, highly recommended by my sis-in-law. Then, I'll know whether or not I should sign up for Picoult's fan club.

Wentworth Miller aka Michael Scotfield

Oh man....
Prison Break Season 3 is officially over !!!!!! Huahuahua....what am I supposed to do now on Monday nights???? Daydream??? 'Nightdream'??? Alright, though Season 2 is still showing on ASTRO, Thursday nights, that definitely isn't enough for me. And I'm pretty sure it is reaching its season end too. I just have this urgency to savour Wentworth Miller a.k.a Michael Scotfield twice a week! The more the better, and this now??? Ooohhh, wrong timing, seriously.

How sad.....My world is tumbling down on me!!!!! Oh God, I need to buy the DVD....sooooonnn.

Hey, a little mundane gossip - people say he's gay, used to date Luke McFarlane. Dude, like I care...

ps - my bookings for monday nights coffee are now open...anybody?

My YUMMY Weekend

It's only on weekends that I would normally have the ample time to cook....Other days would be the regular food - rice, fried vegetables and another simple dish of chicken or fish. This weekend was a YUMMY one...and I really feel bloated, overloaded, fat but....no regrets!

Saturday, lunch :
i. rice
ii. lauk tempoyak the Negeri Sembilan version (with petai, pucuk ubi, pucuk mangun, pucuk labu)
iii. fried ikan kurau

Saturday, dinner :
i. rice
ii. chicken masak lemak cili padi
iii. ulam pegaga
iv. sambal belacan

Sunday, breakfast / lunch :
i. nasi lemak with the red spicy sambal, fried anchovy, boiled eggs, cucumber
ii. hot nescafe...

Sunday, tea :
i. french-toast
ii. hot tea
iii.slices of moist choc cake (bought from Secret Recipe)

Sunday, dinner :
i. fishball soup noodles

Despite the tiring hours of continuous cooking, I'm satisfied....and truly delighted to see my children and hubby enjoying the scrumptious (ahemm....) meals deliciously!!!

So, what's cooking next weekend?

ps - hubby just suggested lamb chop...just how do i do that? recipe books please...

SHE-RA, the hero!!!

Nothing beats the love and care of a Cikgu...

This morning at work, ie school, when assembly was in progress, I was suddenly alarmed by a prefect of a girl student who just collapsed and whose face had turned real blue. She was short, almost out of breath. She was immediately taken in into a classroom, laid on the tables and when checked, I could clearly tell that she was indeed gasping for air. Her chest was pumping hard, lips blue, face deadly pale. As a few other of my colleagues were attending to her, I just stayed aside, watching and praying. Later, we learned that she has been suffering from a heart failure for years now and is in fact in the waiting list for a heart transplant which was supposedly due last year. A teacher called for an ambulance instantly. The nearest clinic is only 5 mins away but considering the critical stage she was at and time taken for the aid to arrive, we decided to drive her to the clinic instead. So, I volunteered to drive accompanied by another teacher and a few students.

We hit the road. The usual traffic slowed us down, I put on the hazard lights to no avail. I stuck my hand out, trying to signal demanding to be put through the heavy traffic, it failed too as it was a single lane, so of no help really. I was really praying hard I would arrive at the clinic on time and be saved from being responsible for anything bad that might happen to this sick girl. Just between my prayers, minutes later that I could hear the ambulance siren, making its appearance at the crossroad. But I was on the other side of the road, so how lah? There was no way I could make a turn. Then, like a thunder came the superwoman in me. I walked out of the car, pulled up my kain and crossed over to the other side and like nobody's business, I stood in the middle of the road, frantically waving and shouting for the ambulance to stop, in my gorgeous red floral baju kurung and high-heels (luckily no DKNY handbag). Wow, the ambulance did slow down (of course, what choice was there?) , but the driver was rather confused with the whole incident. It eventually stopped and the driver looking puzzled insisted that I make way for it to proceed - SAYA NAK AMBIL ORANG SAKIT LAH, he said. OMG...at that instant, from the look on his face, I swore to God that he could have mistakenly taken me as the one who actually in need of medical attention (mental???). Beautiful lady, ahemmm, but a fuse up there is a little bit haywire!!!! Hehehe...I shouted like mad to the driver that the sick was in the car I was driving.

So, once convinced he steered the ambulance and parked next to the road divider. A stretcher was pulled out of the ambulance and we transported the sick girl from my car to the ambulance, in the midst of the heavy traffic, in the middle of the road. Off they went leaving me by the roadside. My colleague accompanied her. I set back in the car feeling 'phewww'.... and drove back to school. I had a minute to actually recall and analyze what I just did to save the child's life. Never had I imagined that I would risk myself that way, especially in one of my best office attires (at least it was my best appearance if i got knocked down). Well, something I would do for my family but here, she is not family. Just another soul....

Then, something which I just read in Readers Digest (June issue) flashed before my eyes. There's always a hero in us, just how intense it is that makes one a hero and others not. Guess mine was quite intense at that moment of time. So, I consider my brave risky act was heroic, so what!!! I suddenly thought of this - A parent would move mountains and take a bullet for her child. Well, I am a mother, also a teacher who has just moved a mountain and taken a bullet to save a student's life! Hahaha....May God save her....

Once upon a time...

Down the memory lane....the nostalgic NKOTB 18 years ago.
I melted to the ground upon seeing these guys on TV back in the 90s. I remember video-taping all their clips from entertainment shows, buying the posters and magazines (Galaxie was my best favourite), daydreaming of them, bla...bla...bla...
Come to think of it, wow, how could I make a fool out of myself back then? Hahahaa....anybody else in the same boat? Please come forward and save me this pleasant humiliation....

Here's one of the best stuffs they had...STEP BY STEP. Hey y'all, check out the dance moves. At that moment of time, it wooed every teenage soul alive!!!!



Now, they are back !!!! Check them out. Joey, Jonathan, Jordan, Danny & Donnie - gorgeous! Now that they're all grown-ups, so are the models in the clip. Excuse the video - too much of exposure of everything...........!!!!!!!!



P.S - Hope I have better grip of myself today! hehehehe....

Flattered but no thanks

This I have to share....

For the past five years, I have always been the 'lucky one' to be selected out of the other 160 colleagues (note - options aren't limited) for the job of Master of Ceremony for most of the events held at workplace. Well, flattered at first but over the years, I don't seem to be anymore. It's quite a burden to carry on the shoulders as the smoothness of such events is solely my responsibility. To be accountable for that, I think I prefer to sit back, sometimes fall asleep (zzzz....hehehe) and enjoy the events. I can't take a slip, that's my issue. Not a perfectionist but any slips when running an opening or closing ceremony would reflect the image of the organization and I'm tired of having to worry about that. Plus I have to stay ALERT and be QUICK throughout the 'mundane' ceremony. At times too afraid to even take a sip of the drinking water. Pressure...pressure, oh no!!!!!

So, the next one is on the 28th June, Saturday. A big one involving the District Education Department. I foresee the whole of next week (Mon-Fri) would be a no-gossip-week for me. Everyday is script writing, script editing, finalizing and what not, on top of other core businesses to run. Boy...I'm out of breath and stressed out already!

One of my colleagues cushioned me with comfort (thank u, appreciate it), I am bestowed with such trust and faith for my capability. It worked, I feel better now, no complaints anymore but....I desperately wish there's somebody else out there who can do the job. There's one indeed, but she's heavily pregnant. The truth is, as at this moment, also next week, I'm just physically and mentally exhausted, that's about it. Otherwise it's fine, my pleasure....MC ke, MC Hammer ke...anything!!!

Guess what, this morning over coffee, I crazily asked people around if they would like to take over my hot seat as the MC next week. Hahaha...stupid enough of me to do that. Of course, who would commit such suicide? It's suicidal...suicidal..oh yeah. So, u will definitely see none other but ME, babbling away with my other partner in crime....

P.S - Would the flu and terrible cough do the trick? Hehehe....not good.

Goodbye little ones

Just late this evening, my girls and I had to say goodbye to our little pet tortoise, releasing them to the nature where they belong. I still remember vividly the day i bought them (it was a pair) three years ago. It was a Saturday, I was dressed in my green maternity top and a white pants, was pregnant with Alyana at that time. Love at first sight (hehehehe...) and couldn't resist the temptation to have them in my house simply because i knew Aleesya would love having such little moving creatures to play with. Back then they were 50sen coin in size, really tiny. I guess, given the love and attention, plus the smelly green pallets, they have grown big and healthy (do they naturally ever get sick? dunno!). Today they could easily hide my palm.

There was this one day, i think a few weeks after having them at home, i left my condo unit at around morning and came home at about 8pm. Before leaving, we would always wave goodbye and that was my routine check if they were still safe and intact in that small oval glass container i put them in. Funny though that i walked in that night, not noticing anything unusual about the tortoise. So, took my bath and got dressed and...OH MY GOD - THERE IT WAS CRAWLING OUT OF MY ROOM!!!! How on earth did it get there? And since when? Morning when i left the house? OMG, it survived the whole 10 hours without water, wandering around my unit, spot checking? Hehehe...i had the shock of my life. I figured out that it crawled out of its 'sanctuary', fell onto the floor and decided to kill time wandering around, looking for food in the kitchen maybe. The better half however stayed on...good girl....

So, the past three years of keeping them wasn't that much of a trouble. The only torture i had was the changing of water every two weeks especially after accommodating them in a bigger 'unit' i.e. a big sized aquarium (well, we moved into a double-storey unit, bigger too). And to do JUST that, i had my two-week-maintenance routine turned into a monthly routine over the years. I have to admit, it was painfully dreadful to clean and maintain the aquarium especially as i was the only one responsible for it.

So, after three years of deteriorating love, care and attention (so terrible of me!), my hubby decided to scream on behalf of these unfortunate creatures - 'TOLONG, LEPASKAN KAMI, LEPASKAN KAMI. KAMI TERSEKSA' was what i had to surrender to. Who wouldn't if this is the painful cry which i had to withstand for two consecutive weeks, on daily basis! Plus, i don't want to be held responsible for any dengue cases in my vicinity. So, it was time. Back to the nature, little ones. So, i 'packed' them up and we bid farewell. Looking for a new home was not a task at all. There's this beautiful lake just a minute away from my house and that's where their new home is now. What saddened me was the idea of them having to split up, now surviving as an individual after so long being together. It must be lonely for them....

We'll miss u.....but please don't swim and crawl back to the house ok, i know it's just a stone's throw away! Just don't....


The pair...one is bigger than the other.


Saying goodbye...farewell. Their new home...beautiful and 'spacious'

Depression again?

Here's to another depressing day!!! Sh*t, haven't I had enough? Been there, had that and still ain't enough??????????

Tell me - why is it life too much to handle? It's a time bomb sort of life if u wanna know. I am just too tired to be the one standing invisible as if i don't matter at all despite the life sacrifices put in all these years. For God's sake, haven't I done good enough to deserve due respect and appreciation? Hish....they can be so bloody damn mean and heartless!

Some people can be so selfishly self-oriented that their very own lives are all that matter in this world. Twisting and manipulating are no longer an acquired skill but nature. Simply throw anything to their faces and they will effortlessly manage to take control, have the upper hand and make others look stupid! As long as their necks are off the hook, who cares? It's always a matter of survival. Whatever it takes, regardless. At times to the extend of hurting their loved ones, also jeopardizing whatever good there is. Sure, 'We gotta do what we gotta do!' Yeah, right! Heck...Screw u!!!!! Then do as u wish. I am no idiot!!! My silence signifies my wisdom and maturity in handling sh*t that happens. And i have said far than enough. Truth is....i am just giving up, that's it!

I sometimes wonder if care and respect to these people has indeed ever been meaningful... Now, apparently, given the sh*t i'm thrown into, actions do speak louder than words. Hence, i'm pretty sure that we all live in two separate worlds where care and respect differ in so many ways. In my world, care and respect is sacred and fundamental, u know....

So, what am i gonna do about this? Let me tell u. Being nonchalant as i've always been where such matter is concerned, thank God that i have the capacity to just shut down, sleep tight and dream sweet to another day of delight. But beware - once the door is closed, it's closure for sure. It's the end of the road. Kiss me goodbye! So don't play play hah!!!

ps - come to think of it, these are indeed the things that colour my life! so, maybe, i just need it every now and then??? hmmm...i rather have the black and white version, less tension.

The Shower Lesson

To all married couples,
A must watch, a lesson to learn (really huh?) - enjoy!!!

Fuel oh fuel....

As much as it was predicted by many, the fuel price has increased again.......this time by 78 sen, to my disbelief!!! What's happening really? First was the food shortage and now this. What's next?

I was driving home from the zoo with my hubby and children when roads everywhere were flooded with cars at 6pm. We took it as the usual post office hours scenario only too much to bear. Later, we sensed something was amiss - every petrol pump we passed by was amazingly crowded and cars were queuing up, occupying the left lane the most. It was then when the radio presenter mentioned about the announcement by our PM of the fuel price that was a no shock at first, until the mention of 78 sen effective midnight!!! Well, we were too busy entertaining the animals at the zoo, not otherwise though, to keep ourselves abreast with this latest news. Anyway, 78 sen???? That's so ridiculous!!! So, as a normal human being with rational mind and excellent mathematical skills (upon calculating the cost after midnight), my hubby quickly made a turn at TTDI and joined the unnecessary 'fun'. So, full tank we had.....

Now, what amazes me is the fact that we Malaysians are very responsive and quick when our financial state is concerned, or maybe at stake? I can't be sure anymore. Imagine I was stranded in Uptown Damansara for almost 30 mins, in a bumper to bumper, almost static traffic! People were driving out to fuel up at 9pm! What else could it be? My hubby had to find alternative routes to escape the terrible traffic and failed to find one as it was EVERYWHERE! The only breather we finally had was the NKVE via Kota Damansara toll and right up to Shah Alam.

So, we reached home at 10pm, I quickly bathed and rushed out to the petrol pump for my tank then. Wow, it was worse. At 10.30pm, cars were in lines stretching up to 2km long! At every petrol pump there is within my immediate vicinity. Two had closed, out of fuel supply I'm sure. So, I drove around only to find something a little less stressful and joined the fun. Had my Jodi Picoult with me and I started reading to kill time. Believe it or not, the waiting was worth 12 pages of the book! After almost 25mins of waiting, I finally drove home with a full tank of petrol.......and I literally uttered ALHAMDULILLAH....

And frankly, I can't wait for tomorrow to come to see the review and comments by us, the consumers, the people of Malaysia regarding this matter. I understand that it's a global issue but....hmmm....I have so much to analyze and reflect now!!!! Yeah...as if I don't have any other better things to do...hahahahah!!!

Size and beauty...

I have more to add on to my birthday presents list. Had a finger licking Kenny Rogers roast chicken for lunch yesterday, courtesy of a good friend after a swimming session (or rather slimming session???, can eat after, guilt free!). This evening, my sis-in-law presented me with a gorgeous expensive kain for baju raya cum birthday present (kain worth RM260!!!!)....black with purplish embroidery. Really nice....And I think this is gonna be the most expensive baju I have ever owned, the material plus the tailoring. Ops, not really, just remembered my three baju pengantin that cost me a fortune and now end up hanging in the closet. U should know why....hahaha. But to my surprise, last April I managed to fit into the baju again for AWHILE and actually wore them for my bro's wedding!!! Glad....happy....proud....was what I felt with my achievement. Hmmm...great things never last (oh dear must it end????). I have gained another 2kgs and definitely all the baju are history all over again. How sad....sob sob sob.

I sometimes wonder, how is it that some women can still keep their figures even after multiple births? An effective diet plan or simply the running about raising the children? Please oh please...I really do hope it's the latter.

It's indeed a dangerous thought whereby one's self-confidence is at stake when appearance is concerned especially to women/mothers. So, to boost my confidence, I used to reassure myself - it's nothing but their higher metabolic rate that they're blessed with while others are not, which is partly true among other factors of course such as constant exercise and eating right, something I can't take credits for. So, higher metabolic rate sounded more convincing to me!!!

Many a time when looking back at my photos taken in my 20s, I do wonder if I looked better back then. So, this is where my husband comes in and being victimised to clear the doubts. What do u think was his immediate reaction? Funny though that he truly and honestly, and convincingly believes that my 30s looks better than my 20s....Oh man, how's that true when I have always thought otherwise? That's when 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' makes real sense to me, hehehe....Or, maybe the maturity contributes to my 'better looks' today! or maybe a pinch of bitter sweet of life......or could it be the glow and radiance of being a mom and a wife....Everything that is, I suppose.

Being 34, a wife of 7 years and a mom of 5 years, I have come to believe, regardless of the size we bear, so long as the world is ours, beauty is what we are. Well, at least to the eyes of our children and our loved ones, and thank god they exist! Hahaha....

(***However, I have to give credits to Olay Total Effects for doing its wonders on my skin).

Shera is 34

Yesterday, 31st May 2008 marked my 34th year of living and breathing, syukur Alhamdulillah dengan izin Allah swt. Having achieved what I have today, there's so little to complain about, yet so much to be thankful for. My long healthy life, loving and wonderful family and friends, my little-to-complain-about job (I did say LITTLE earlier, right?) are among the other blissful things I am blessed with. I'm just praying that better things are ahead of me so I could share my little life with the people around me, making a difference in their lives and thus hopefully will bring about the deserved happiness that I have been wishing for.

So, anything great for my 34th birthday?

First and foremost was the beautiful and thoughtful birthday wishes from family and friends which have brought me to realize that there are indeed people who have me in a special place deep in their hearts despite the shortcomings I may have. Well, I'm talking about a lotttt of shortcomings....

Next, was the special birthday dinner by my hubby at TGIF, of course with stomach stuffed with Mushroom Chicken Mushroom, REFILLABLE iced-lemon tea (lots of it) and two enthusiastic and over-excited daughters singing the famous birthday tune with balloons in their hands (better that than the TGIF version), what more can I ask for... And I have never witnessed anything more adorable and cunning than my youngest daughter 'clowning' away in a restaurant and FLIRTING with the TGIF staffs !!! What a shocking encounter.

Last but not least is the wonderful book written by Jodi Picoult entitled Plain Truth which I will only lay my hands on once I am done marking my first set of exam scripts (hah? thought there's abundant more????). That's a promise. Hahaha...can't wait, really. Million thanks to the ever gorgeous Anna Maria for the book (we'll see if I am a Picoult fan-to-be).

To all, thanks for the blissful life you all have given me....

My birthday wish

I'm turning 34 in just less than 2 hours' time....What would I wish for my birthday this year? Well, I'm praying that life will treat me great in the years to come. I wouldn't ask for anything else in exchange of what I have now, hmmm...maybe a lil' bit here and there but they are comparatively insignificant at the moment. I'm surviving though. Happiness is what I wish to be blessed with as happiness simply signifies life is complete. InsyaAllah....

My ultimate happiness = Family + Career + Friends + Financial Stability

SHOPAHOLICs by Sophie Kinsella

I am now in a dire need of just sitting and reading a novel which seems very much impossible as I always have problems when it comes to choosing a book to purchase. I was at a bookstore this evening, so determined to buy a book but failed miserably!!! I left the store empty-handed!!! This is my weakness - What is good and what's not? Heck, how can we know unless we are done reading it? I am not a risk taker when it comes to book purchase. In summation, I'm indeed a very choosy reader. However, I have read a number of great books, which I would spend every minute reading to the last page. At present, with life revolving around family and work, I have changed in my reading selection. Light-readings are now my better preferences, simply because I refuse to complicate myself trying to remember and link every detail of the story. I already have enough reality details to deal with!!!

So, my last few books were amazing and I ended up buying the whole series of it right after my first reading! Because it was so good and funny, I actually made a point to finish every book in 2 days tops, getting on with the sequel of it afterwards. It's called the SHOPAHOLIC series by Sophie Kinsella. Well, apparently that sort of books seem to be my cup of tea nowadays. I smiled, giggled, laughed and somehow reflected on myself whilst reading it, though some parts are so ridiculously funny but they are very close to the reality. So, here's a suggestion - if u need to just sit and relax, and laugh a lil' bit here and there, try these books. U can purchase them at RM32-34 each, can be found in any MPH bookstores.

Some I know do not favour the series. But I simply totally luurrrvvveee it !!!! So, post me a comment if u had the chance to read it.

Here's the link for more details :
http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/

My list for the holiday

School holidays are indeed approaching in 2 days' time...Hmm, I wonder if I should get down to marking exam papers straight away or practise some procrastination (not that I have dropped the habit..hehehe) and hold on to it to the 11th hour and have fun in the meantime? One tough decision. One thing for sure, I will spend my mornings swimming, 3 days a week. That I have abandoned since a year ago when I moved to this new neighbourhood. As opposed to my previous condo where there was a pool, always available 24-hours, now I have to trouble myself packing my bag, driving to Pusat Akuatik, looking for a car park, having to shower in a small, confined cell after a long swim (with cramps that I now experience a lot!) and finally struggling to put my jeans on. Too much to ask? Maybe.... Having said all that, I learn to live with it. I just need to adapt and of course, no more complaints afterwards.

But do u know what's the best part of it? Going for a swim with some friends, later have coffee and gossip a little bit. That would definitely make my day. We all need diversions especially after juggling between house chores, family and work commitments. So, coffee with friends is just what we need at the end of the day. Of course, it is not akin to the moments spent with hubby (different purposes what!), but I find this coffee thingy is the best therapy for career women, or is it the gossips? Heck...what can I say.

So, I guess that is just what I'm going to do this holiday, among other escapades!!! Here's my list :

i. swimming - 3 days a week (monday, wednesday, saturday)
ii. coffee moments - twice a week (tuesday, friday)
iii. karaoke - sunday
iv. facebooking / blogging - every nite to the hearts desire
v. marking exam papers - whenever the urge arrives (hahaha...)
vi. usual house chores - whenever the urgency is evident
vii. family moments - every minute (minus all of the above)

To all fellow teachers out there, have a great holiday....

Are we there yet???

Syafiq, my hubby saw this food review on Jalan Jalan Cari Makan this evening and it definitely excited him to try it out. Sotong kangkung, tauhu bakar and sotong goreng tepung, yummy!!! All served at Makan Inn, Sri Hartamas. So, finding excuses like 'U malas masak ke malam ni?', 'I don't feel like eating rice tonite', we decided to make our way to Hartamas at 9.30 pm for dinner.

The place called Makan Inn (did he get it right, I'm not so sure), certainly didn't ring the bell at all since I used to go to Hartamas ages back to dine with friends. Well, maybe it's new, I reassured myself. On the way there, Aleesya (my eldest) asked, "Where are we going, Ayah?". "Makan" he replied. Not long after that (10 mins, I think), "Are we there yet?" Aleesya was curious. "Not yet." Again she asked the same question in every 10 mins or so, and got the same reply over and over again when she finally got pissed off and said "Tak nak kawan Ayah!". Hehehe...she was bored, I guess.

What actually happened was we were already in Hartamas, searching endlessly for Makan Inn, making countless rounds and still couldn't find the place. Then Alyana (my youngest, at the moment, hehehe) made her verbal appearance "Nak atan (makan)". OMG, whenever they insist on eating, no doubt at all they are actually hungry. And Ayah being Ayah, was so persistent looking for the place despite us all starved to death. Another round was made for the last time. Finally, after 20 mins, Ayah just gave up and made his way to Uptown instead.

Aleesya questioned again, "Where are we going now, Ayah?". "Makan, kakak", said Ayah in great disappointment. "Oh not again...!!!", Aleesya was so frustrated that food was still not in sight despite the 40 mins drive. She in wonderment later replied,"Oh, tadi Ayah's friend takde ye? Takde dekat shop ye?" Very cynical she was. "Yesss....", replied Ayah trying to manipulate his daughter and successful!!! Way to go, Ayah!!!

So, we arrived at Uptown (just went there last nite) and we ordered straight away, with my little girls' eyes half-opened (it was already 11.00pm). Syafiq bumped into Shawne, an old friend of his, and told him of his Makan Inn adventure. Guess what! Shawne told us that the place did exist, only it was 8 years ago!!! Hahahaha.....

Trying to prove himself, Syafiq convincingly mentioned to me that Maria Tunku Sabri appeared chubby and puffed in that evening show he saw. "It couldn't be some 8 years ago, right?", he said and I somehow agreed and approved of it all. So terrible of me!

Hmmm....Don't tell me that TV3 actually aired a show from 8 years ago?

Anyway, with stomach full of sotongs of various types, we were one happy family, heading home. I am glad somehow that in the process of Makan Inn-no-where-to-be-found, we had our quality time spent in the car, with loads of laughters. Being so naive and innocent, I'm sure, our girls certainly know how to light up the moments with their most adorable acts and what not. Ibu and Ayah love u both so much....muahssss!!!

Happy Teacher's Day

Greetings to all teachers out there...

I had always thought that this special day is in the honour of being a guru to a child. Children running up to u, wishing u with a sincere thankful smile Happy teacher's Day, teacher. At least that was what I anticipated last nite. Too bad, reality bites. That's not the case at all.

One thing for sure, we are just another human being in the children's eyes. Another being they see everyday. Nobody special, just another being!

I'm relating this to myself as a teacher. This morning, I walked passing by a crowd of children, entered classes and sat in there for at least 35 mins each, an hour the most, hoping to be noticed on this special day. Well, it was just another day at school. Students wished Good Morning and went straight back to their own business. And I? Of course, I smiled, disappointed. Being the optimistic one, I sought comfort --- It's exam day. They are too busy to even remember such a mundane day.

Do we have a special place in their hearts? Have we touched them in any way at all that reminds them to at least utter the words of Happy Teacher's Day or a thoughtful Thank You, Teacher? I wonder. Obviously it's not the presents/gifts we hope for, but a sincere greetings that comes from the heart is the most valuable and precious on this day. Something we, teachers seem to have given up hope for. So, another day of school had past and ended, as usual. The only sunlight we all teachers shared to brighten up our day was our own Happy Teacher's Day smiles and wishes.

Cents for thoughts? My colleagues and I discussed this over coffee this morning with disappointment and frustration, realising the fact how the children can be so indifferent nowadays . Is this common in Malaysia? I don't know. Fellow teachers, please share, what say u?

To us all,

Forget the speeches, the presents
and the fact
that you may in fact be doing things today
that make you wonder
if it is indeed a day in your honour.
Celebrate the fact that in spite of it all,
you still want to remain a teacher!

Mak cakap CIKGU macam Maggie,
Makanan rutin time susah,
Ayah cakap CIKGU macam D'SEEKERS, menakutkan
Atuk cakap CIKGU macam ASTRO, macam2 ada,
tapi saya cakap CIKGU macam L'OREAL,
kerana dirimu begitu berharga.

Happy Teacher's Day....

Regrets regrets regrets

This is the day! The day which I wished never come by....

Have u ever regretted committing something small yet BIG that would most likely haunt u miserably? Oh Gosh!!! 'Not knowing is the best', I should have just held on to that. Stubborn me!!! Now that I've unveiled things I shouldn't have, my life is apparently more tormented by the fact that I could never put 'the thing' at rest. It had past me long ago, so I thought. I had finally brought the jolly zest back into my life, well, not until a week ago. Why? Simply because of my stupidity along with my itchy hands which couldn't leave it at that and it had to do it, and it did it!!! Regrets...regrets...regrets...

What's done is done. All I need the most now is self-control and definitely nothing else. It's difficult as I don't share 'the thing' with any living soul. Something I shall carry with me to the grave...hmmm, sounds bloody damn serious, doesn't it? Sure it does and it is indeed! So, I’m alone here (my choice, really)…sob sob sob.

This is all going back to those years which had significantly affected me as a person, very positively, I may say - I had found my inner strengths in which I never knew I had, also the capacity to take control of the worst situation. I was a woman with perspective and focus, I knew what I needed to do. Alhamdulillah, there's always a blessing in disguise. I am what I am today, defined by the worst episode of my life. Guess what? I love the 'me' today - focused, optimistic and bla bla bla....(anything synonymous to it, hehehehe).

Phew....that does it! It's good to let it out of the chest. I feel a whole lot better now that it's all out in the open. Still, no one knows about what I had terribly done. But it's ok, I'm fine for now. Regrets? Almost gone...almost, not entirely though!!!

I pray hard to Allah swt to give me the strength to put things behind me after tonite, as I desperately need it so I could live my life peacefully. I really don't want to go back to what I have been doing for the past one week. We'll see, but I know somehow the devil in me will take at least 5 mins of control over my life!!! Hish....back to square one. Shera Shera...

Happy Mother's Day

Yes, it's the big day again for all mothers in the whole wide world. But do we get a break? NOPE !!! They say being a mom is a round the clock job. Couldn't agree more. Daily routines - breakfast, laundry, lunch, cleaning, dish washing, bla bla bla are never an exception even on such very significant day. That's just what being a mom is all about...enjoying it? Heck, do we have a choice? But Allah swt has granted us all with this miraculous unconditional love and devotion. Yes, we complain, scream, at times simply give up but to put a stop to what we are doing, don't think so. Deep inside there's nothing more satisfying than to satisfy our loved ones and THAT keeps us going and standing strong. Here's to all moms out there....HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! (not too late I hope since it's already 11.20 pm)

A friend emailed me this and I would love to share it.

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Happy Mother's Day!!

p.s. To my hubby,
Thank u for making my day today. U'll never know how much it meant to me!

I Welcome Myself

It had never crossed my mind that I, one day would be knocking this door, where make-thoughts-public is concerned. Heck...why stay behind when people are actually enjoying doing it! I might as well go for it and venturing isn't bad at all. Being a career woman, a wife and a mother, I certainly need some outlets to channel whatever is left of my energy at the end of the day, when the children are soundly asleep and hubby is chatting away with neighbours (his nightly routine now...at least I have no worries anymore!). So, here I am. Cheers to blogging, Shera!