Follow your heart and fly free..

Goodbye 2010

2010-12-31T06:26:00.000+08:00

Today is 31st December. The last day of year 2010. I was up from 4.30 am and could not go back to sleep. I guess I am a bit panicking that I am about to enter a new year tommorow. So many things I have not acomplished for this year yet. It is like having those unmet KPIs at work. Well, I want to be more productive today! I always love what Robin Sharma says in his book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferari, "what would you do today if is your last day on earth?"..simple but it has deep meaning isn't it..It help us to look at the brighter perspective in life. Instead of grumbling and bitching about life, the people around you or any negative circumstances, DO something or a lot of things to make yourself a happier person. After all, God did not create us to be a sad person. So, let's get our happiness juice flowing today! Let's do the little things that we have postponed for so long. Let's just BE HAPPY today! It is the last day of 2010! cheers all :)

Cinderella Ballet Concert

2010-08-23T22:16:00.000+08:00

We were at KL PAC, Sentul yesterday evening to attend our niece, Katelyn's ballet concert. The theme was Cinderella. One of my favourite stories when I was very young. Poor Cinderella has to put up with her step-mother and her two step-sisters. Of course, it has happy ending when Cinderella finally can be together with the prince. We really enjoyed ourself. Little Katelyn was really cute. She was one of the 'bubbles' in that show. You know, when Cinderella was washing the floor, the bubbles appeared :).

It was my first time at KL Pac. It is situated at Sentul Park, off Jalan Ipoh. It was easy to find, if you know where HSBC is at Jalan Ipoh, KL Pac is just at the opposite of HSBC. It was quite a large area. The first thing you will find there is an old antique buliding. I have no idea what they want to do with it. Then you will see the art center itself sorrounded by huge garden. According to their website, they also has Yuritei Japanese Tea House which is 2 minutes away from KL Pac. Inside KL Pac, you can find cafe and bar as well. A friend of mine invited me to go for a musical show at KL Pac this weekend. It is called The Reluctant Saint Musical. I think I should be able to go.

KL highways

2010-08-21T09:54:00.000+08:00

I was basically everywhere yesterday (Friday), driving my vehicle. I was using few major highways in KL.

Lets see;
from Seri Kembangan -Cheras (MRR2)
   Cheras - Puncak Jalil (MRR2 again & Bukit Jalil highway)
   Puncak Jalil - Klang (KESAS)
   Klang- Jln Imbi, KL ( Federal highway-i was tempted to use NKVE here)
by this time it was 5pm already and I needed to get to Hartamas by 6pm, so..
   Jln Imbi- Hartamas (SMART Tunnel-because it's just next to Jln Imbi & KERINCHI Link)
and I manage to reach Hartamas at 540pm with all the traffics! (It's Friday evening and fasting month!)

It's amazing to think of how many highways I have to use everyday. I must say I am thankful with the existence of all the highways. Though the toll fare can be expensive, I am more than willing to pay rather than getting stuck in a jam. I have no patience with bad traffic jam. Unfortunately this fasting month created massive traffic jam. Time management is crucial here. Either I leave KL (where I am most of the day) before 4pm or after 7pm. Ah well, lets hope for the best.

Movie night

2010-08-20T00:31:00.001+08:00

Have u watched this movie Salt? Angelina Jolie is the heroine here, as usual, she is really into her character. She is so beautiful and sexy, I can't believe she actually gave birth to three children. Not to mention that she has other three adopted children. A lady would kill to have a body like hers.

Jolie was like jumping, kicking and killing furiously in this movie. She is so fierce. This is a American/French action-thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce. Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, who is accused of being a KGB sleeper agent, and goes on the run to try to clear her name. If you like spy stories, this a must watch movie. Ohh by the way, Tom Cruise was initially secured for the lead, but the script was rewritten later for Jolie. Thank goodness for that. I just dislike Tom Cruise. He can't act! so 'kayu'..sorry Tom Cruise...

Brisbane, here I come!

2010-08-18T00:44:00.000+08:00

Hooray! yayy! I am so excited today. Eric and I managed to book AirAsiaX flight tickets to Brisbane next year. All in- the flight ticket is about RM600 per pax. RM 662 per person to be exact. This fare price to Brisbane is so much cheaper compared to the normal fare. We had so much fun when we went to Melbourne last year. This time around, we are heading to Brisbane for 10 solid days. Ohh, I am so going to work hard before going for this holiday. An extra points to motivate me to work harder!

The trip is going to be at the end of May to early June next year. I googled about Brisbane weather and it should be cool with low levels of humidity. The overnight temperature in the city can drop to 12 degree celcius. By day, temperature rise quickly after sunrise and reach about 21 degree celcius. Great, I don't need any winter clothes. Less clothes to buy.

There are so many things I want to see and do in Brisbane and South east Queensland. I can't wait to roam around the city, go for whale-watching, lazying around at their lovely parks and how about spending a day or two at Gold Coast?

Looking at the currency now, the rate is much better compared to when we were at Melbourne last November. Now is 1AUD=2.86 MYR. I hope the rates will be better and better. Maybe it's a great idea to start buying AUD now.

Koala, you wait for me.....

Death March-Sandakan

2010-08-17T00:54:00.002+08:00

There was a write up in The Star today regarding World War II in Sabah. An Australian historian, Lynette Silver wrote a book ' Blood Brothers' as a tribute to World War II heroes during the Death March, Sandakan-Ranau in 1942-1945.

I was at Kundasang early this year for a short holiday. Running out of places to go, the three of us (my husband, my sister and I) decided to drop by at Kundasang War Memorial. It was opened on 17 August 2009. Such a nice garden it was but what really attract my attention was the history behind memorial garden. When you have the opportunity to go there, try to read up on all the articles which has been put up nicely by the staff.

In 1945, when the Japanese started to realise that they may have lost the war, the prisoners were forced to march, in three separate marches, from Sandakan to the village of Ranau in the jungle, 250 km away, under the shadows of Mount Kinabalu.

On 28 January, 1945, 470 prisoners set off, only 313 arriving in Ranau. On the second march, 570 started from Sandakan, but only 118 reached Ranau. The third march which comprised the last of the prisoners from the Sandakan camp contained 537 prisoners. The march route was extremely tough. The Japanese soldiers shot the prisoners who were unable to walk. The prisoners had to march through virgin jungle infested with wild animals. They took nearly a year to complete.

By the end of July, 1945, there were no prisoners left in Ranau. Only six Australians of the 2400 prisoners survived the "death march" - they survived because they were able to escape from the camp at Ranau, or escaped during the march from Sandakan. No British prisoners survived. Of those who died, most were never found. The survivors manage to stay alive because they escaped into the jungle where they were cared for by the local people.

Let us say a prayer for those souls who perished during this march.

Footbinding

2010-08-09T04:04:00.001+08:00

I cant sleep, still wide awake at 3am in the morning. Probably I took a nap in the afternoon. So I decided to read the current novel I am really into. It's called 'Snow Flower and the secret Fan' by Lisa See. It was such a heartbreaking story which takes place in 19th century China when girls had their feet bound. At that time, bound feet were a status symbol, the only way for a woman to marry into money. Women in these era were basically not allowed to have want they want. They were not allowed to express their thoughts or show their emotions. The more tiny feet they has, the better chances of them marrying a richer family. In this novel, the writer talk about 'nu shu', 'women's writing' – the only gender-based written language to have been found in the world. It was in one remote county where the women developed their own secret code. The writer has done a brilliant job on bringing the readers to such a realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history which touches many hearts. I am curious to find out more on her other novels, 'Dragon Bones', 'The Interior', 'Flower Net' and 'On Gold Mountain'.

It was very interesting to read more on footbinding. It had been practiced on young girls and women for approximately one thousand years in China. The process of the footbinding can be very eerie. The broke the girls' toes and binding them underneath the sole of the foot with bandages. Infections were very common and some died of septic shock.

Footbinding was first banned in 1912, but some continued binding their feet in secret. Wow, can you imagine if we still have this footbinding custom now? I can't, it is so barbaric...

I am back again-Part 2

2010-08-07T14:40:00.006+08:00

I am back..

My last blog was on 18th april 2009. I am no sure how to begin my blog again. Where to start from where I left last year. I read my last few posts. I feel like deleting them. But then again, I choose to think that I am stronger than that. So, I left the old post untouched.

I believe everything happen for a reason. I believe my darling angel is in good hand now. God will certainly takes good care of her. I miss her so much and it was still a heartbreaking moments for me most of the times but I am growing stronger and stronger each day. I have shed every single tears I have for my angel. Now, I m commited to pick up every pieces of me and start living again on a positive note. When people says ' time does heal your pain', I truly understand that now. The pain has lessened as the days goes by.

My gratitude to all of my family members and dear friends for being there for me and eric. I really appreciate your support and love for us. I love you all and thank you again.

This song from Enya is playing in my head now. I love it. It reminded me to appreciate what I have now. Continue to smell the sweet smelling roses along my life pathway. Just being in the moment..Peace and love to everyone.

Wild Child by Enya

Ever close your eyes.
Ever stop and listen.
Ever feel alive.
And you've nothing missing.
You don't need a reason
Let the day go on and on.

Let the rain fall down.
Everywhere around you
Give into it now.
Let the day surround you
You don't need a reason
Let the rain go on and on

What a day, what a day to take to
What a way, what a way to make it through.
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child

Only take the time.
From the helter skelter.
Every day you find.
Everything's in kilter.
You don't need a reason.
Let the day go on and on

Every summer sun,
Every winter evening.
Every spring to come
Every autumn leaving.
You don't need a reason
Let it all go on and on.

What a day, what a day to take to.
What a way, what a way to make it through
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child.
What a day, what a day to take to.
What a way, what a way to make it through.
What a day, what a day to take to a wild child.

Cloth diapers

2009-04-18T22:51:00.010+08:00

I am doing more research on cloth diapers. Thanks to Faye and her sister, Dena for introducing me to cloth diaper and of course before that, Eric keep on mentioning about it.

I read Dena's blog and managed to get few shopping sites for clothing diapers. My favourite one is this MiaBambina. You can get a lot of info on cloth diapers from their website. The other day, Eric and I went to this place called The Baby Loft at Desa Parkcity. They have a lot of baby's stuff but I just wanted to check out the cloth diapers. I ended up buying one cloth diaper and two inserts only. Obviously it is not enough but I just want to see how does it work actually. The one I bought was from Bumwear, one size diaper which can be used until your baby turn 2-3 years old.

Last week, while I was waiting to see my customer at one of the hospitals, I came across this leaflet on cloth diapers. It's from Baby Sasha N Mom.Good job on leaving those leaflets over there actually. I brought back one of the leaflets and checked out their website. Brenda, (did I get your name right?) you should do that in every private hospitals, leave the leaflets especially in front of O & Gs' and paeditricians' clinics.

So back to cloth diapers, I am still trying to understand more on how to use it, how to wash it, the benefits and the cost involved.

In a nutshell, if you use cloth diapers for your baby;

1. YOU ARE BEING ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY!

2. Cloth diapers are healthier for your baby. Disposable diapers has been shown to contain synthetic chemicals which some can cause cancer and other diseases.

3. Using cloth diapers is cheaper.

From MiaBambina:
Cloth diapers (3 years) ~ RM 1200-1800
Disposable diapers (3 years) ~ RM 3500-4000

From Baby Sasha N Mom:
Cloth diapers (3 years) ~ RM 1020
Disposable diapers (3 years) ~ RM 3844.80

This calculation is for one baby. If you decide to have more than one baby, the savings you can have is just remarkable..(cloth diapers can last for one or more successive children).

4. Finally, cloth diapers are just so cute and adorable. This is the one I bought from The Baby Loft :). It look simple but still so adorable right? So much better and different from our 'lampin' from the old days.
Enough said about cloth diapers, I should go ahead and buy more of those cloth diapers.

2009-04-18T00:30:00.007+08:00

We found the place. It's at Jalan Cerdik, Taman Connaught. It was just a small stall next to the roadside. The verdict: the food was good. Worth going.

2009-04-17T17:21:00.003+08:00

I just came back from my booth duty. Damn tired. One thing for sure, I didnt have to worry if suddenly I was in labour. The convention centre was full of O & Gs. My gynae was not there though, he was busy making money instead of wasting time there :P. I had coffee during tea break. Niceeee..I realize long ago that caffeine can make me happy wakakaka. I think they had this study recently saying drinking coffee appears to lower the risk for stroke among women. What is the subject population? p value? am not so sure...

I'm trying to file my tax return. It seems that every year I bought books and magazines worth more than RM1000 but I can only claim up to RM1K. When can these people increase the tax relief for books and magazines?

Hungry now..I have this The Popular Food Guide in Malaysia in front of me now. We are going to fetch my sis later and then we will try to locate this place serve charcoal-hokkien fried me, loh mee, yee mee and charcoal everything. Taman Connaught here we come!

2009-04-16T05:03:00.000+08:00

Its 5 am in the morning. I was up from 330 am and couldnt sleep since then. So here I am in front of TV watching Prison Break. I thought I have given up following Prison Break series but I dont have any other series to watch. I finished watching Lipstick Jungle Season 1. Not exactly my kind of show but it was ok lah. For these kind of girly show, I still prefer the old Sex in the City. The handsome Mr Big (Chris Noth) and the confuse Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker)...and dont forget Aidan (John Corbett), he's so cute. The shoes were gorgeous, this Carrie Bradshaw has a collection of Manalo Blahnik. I really hate one character though, that old Russian guy, whatever his name. I remember I used to stayed up till dawn watching those series (not to mention skipping from work :P). I used to love watching The Gilmore Girls as well. Its about mother and daughter's realationship. The small town they live in is just awesome. Hmm, so obvious that I waste too much of my time watching DVD eh..Ok back to my Prison Break before its time to leave for office.

2009-04-12T22:12:00.000+08:00

This weekend was really havoc. A very tiring weekend. I was in Putrajaya since 830am in the morning on Saturday till later this afternoon working my ass out. I was working last saturday as well. Arrgghh...work work work. I never feel this stressfull about work before. How to get more sales??? The big question is, will I still have my job after I finish my 60days maternity leave? Hmmm, I should find something happy to do for now. Like hot milo and Desperate Housewife.

2009-04-10T21:40:00.000+08:00

I had my check-up today. My gynae is a sweet and talkative guy. He is a nice gynae, although, I can sense that he's trying his best to convince me to go for a C-section birth. You do the math, averagely 6-8 hours versus 45 minutes, of course Ceasearean delivery saves a lot of every gynae's time. If I decided to take epidural, it will cost RM 1K extra apart from the other usual charges. Ouch! I have to start my visualization process of having an easy delivery from now on. If there's one thing I learn from reading 'The Secret' is 'powerful visualization does help'...Visualize, visualize, visualize.....

Here I am again

2009-04-08T15:58:00.000+08:00

Hey, am back! I stopped blogging in my miserable website few years back but I am here again. I have to register for this new website though because I can't recall my damn password/ID for the old one. There are a lot's of major changes in my life in these few years; apart from changing company (after working there for 5 ++ years), being married (24 Dec 2007) and now in my last trimester of pregnancy. Well, to be exact, hubby and me only have about 1 month to prepare for our little angel's arrival. I am excited and scared at the same time!!! Excited to hold and see her for the first time and scared of the labour pain. I am not a big fan of needles, cuts or whatsoever. I really really wish eveything will go smooth with the delivery.

Today is a wednesday. That means cheap movie tickets. I managed to buy online for Fast and Furious 4 at Sunway Pyramid. Thinking of what to eat for dinner already. Piglet! Ahh well, maybe I should go and finish my tau foo fah now. Until then, ciao..