Journal for Two

Losing Weight....

2012-05-15T19:36:00.001+08:00

When i couldn't wore my tailored sarong kebaya, i was upset. Nowadays, post-wedding, i just don't have the commitment or motivation to lose more weight anymore.

All that is so trivial when compared with my sister and my family's current battle. Taking care of my sister means trying to educate myself about nutrition and healthy eating habits, and i eventually educate my family (elder sister included) about nutrition.

My elder sister has been eating healthy. She drinks a blended smoothies of beetroot, apple, and carrot on empty stomach every morning, religiously takes her supplements of COQ10, Executive B, Folic Acid, Spirulina everyday, and stocks the fridge with apricot, berries, and kiwis.

But i guess when you have cancer, the intake of healthy fruits and vegetables have to be a thousand times more than a healthy person. This is an expensive lesson that we learned slightly too late.

Two weeks have gone since i last saw my husband. And i have, without any exercising effort, lost one kg, apparent on my waist, tummy and thigh. The secret? A lot of walking from the hospital car park to the ward, alternate days groceries shopping, leg exercises for my sister.

Also, lost of appetite that result in me snacking on berries for dinner and just nibble my sister's hospital food for lunch....

Those Two Words

2012-05-15T19:16:00.003+08:00

These two words, i find that if you do not know the meaning, may sound absolutely not life threathening. But when you found out just what it really mean, the world as you know just ceased to exist.

Palliative means you have incurable cancer. Palliative care means pain management as your cancer progresses, and the doctors are not focusing on curing you.

Metastatis means secondary cancer. that is just a way to say it to soften the blow. it actually means that your cancer has metastatize, broken away from its main tumor, travelled in your bloodstream or other bodily system and set up camp in other organs.

Words, often can be deceiving.

Dear readers, i apologize that my blog has taken on a sombre and morbid mood. But i've always known that life is not a bed of roses. Whenever you are happy, cherish the moment and be grateful, and always know that life is a circle. When there is an up, there is a down to prepare for.

I just never had a premonition that i have to prepare for this.

Importance of Being Learned

2012-05-14T15:43:00.000+08:00

My sister has been hospitalized for two days when i realized that we cannot just sit idly by and leave all healthcare provision to the doctors and nurses. When my sister was hospitalized for mastectomy in 2010 and pleura metastatis (pluera is the outer lining of the lungs, and metastatis stands for secondary cancer) in 2011, we just mostly visited her in the hospital and provided her with lunch and family time. I know you would think that "we have jobs" is just an excuse, but truly when you have a 9-5 job and deadlines to meet, it is hard to commit to a sick relative. All we could do was just be there for her, and she was rather understanding and she was healthy and in good spirit. She was back at home in less than two weeks and life was back to normal for all of us.

However, this time it seems a little severe. Realising that she really couldn't move anything below her waist and she can't exactly have the mobility to even sit straight on her bed, let alone merely walking to the toilet, we realized that this is a big "uphill".

So i researched online about bedsore preventions and exercises for the bedridden patients. I found a YouTube link that i found useful.

Exercises for the Bedridden Patients video is done by a mother-daughter team in the US. The daughter, Kayla is diagnosed with leukimia and both mother and daughter are so committed to fighting cancer by establishing a non-profit website (www.freehelpforcancer.com) for patients and caregivers worldwide to learn from: from nutritions to hospital visits to mental therapies.

I spoke to the doctor, requesting for a ripple mattress for my sister and asked the trainee nurses to help reposition my sister every two hours.

And now you are back

2012-05-08T00:01:00.001+08:00

Life isn't all made of sunshine and you dont always lie on a bed of roses. The Almighty will throw a monkey wrench into your otherwise perfect life to test your faith, to rise against all odds, to overcome obstacles, and ultimately triumph over adversity.

It's not my marriage but it is my sister.

As some of you might have known, my elder sister was diagnosed with the big C in 2009. She had breast cancer at a tender age of 34. She underwent chemo, mastec, and radiotherapy. She was given the all clear in 2010.

But in 2011, she had relapsed where it has now made home at her pleura, the outer lining of her lungs. We fought back with radiotherapy. Once again, we breathed a sigh of relief when cancer packed out and left us. She looked forward to planning my wedding and in fact, she was my major contributor, running all around during the wedding, making sure everything was perfectly executed.

I soon left for KL with my husband, working alongside my husband an our team in our humble agency, managing big and small projects. Since moving to KL, i came back to Penang thrice. First time was during CNY, then by myself, and another time to attend Zailin's wedding. And all those time, she did mention she have bad backpains and was wearing a lumbar brace to provide better spinal support. But despite being in pain, she still worked and always in good spirit. She always tells me that the house is now more sombre now that I've moved out and she enjoys my company when I'm back. Whenever i made her laugh, she would say "My back hurts but damn that was a good joke you cracked".

I do have a trailing thought that i made the right choice of taking the first step of self reliance and flexi hours. Having worked in an MNC with flexi hours and big paycheck has made me not being able to compensate for working in a true KL-style rat race where staying late in the office is the name of the game. Moreover, it gave me the flexiblilty of coming back to penang and taking care of my family when situations like this arose.

In retrospect, i was right.

So now i am back in Penang, duration unknown. Cancer relapsed again in the form of bone metastatis. Cancer now set up camp on my sister's spinal cord, compressing her spinal cord and broken it. I am now her current primary suppport. My mum isn't strong mentally and physically to care for her. Emilia and my eldest sister have dayjobs. Now that my husband has given me the greenlight to do everything possible to care for my sister, husband will take up majority of my tasks. Whenever there is an urgent need he can't do, he'll call me and i'll execute it in Penang. Nothing too heavy and time consuming so far.

I'll write more about this as i journey on.

Star Struck

2012-03-11T15:38:00.003+08:00

Moe has a strict rule about his staffs taking photos with celebs and artists that he manages. Especially Dato' Siti. How can one resist having their photo taken with Dato' Siti? After much pleading (through countless smses at fly fm's conti, in front of Dato' herself), Moe succumbed and i have this photo!

Dato' Siti and I at Fly FM before her interview.

So i asked Moe "Bee, pasaipa you bagi i ambik gambaq with Siti?"
He said, "At the end of the day, you are my wife. How can i not fulfill your wishes?"
Brownie points for mr.hubster!
We feel absolutely blessed and truly grateful for the opportunity to work with Malaysia's songstress and entreprenuer Dato' Siti Nurhaliza.
Moe is the PR manager for Dato' Siti's English Album "All Your Love". We are currently promoting her second single, "Remember You" featuring Sean Kingston and the activities includes radio interviews, meet-and-greet sessions, and magazines/newspaper interviews.
It had been a busy week for us as we arranged five radio interviews, 2 meet-and-greet sessions, and more magazines and prints interviews to come!
Meanwhile, do enjoy the photos taken from Detik Indah.

Siti's interview with Mix FM.

JD and Dilly from mix fm

Dato' Siti's PR team

JD,the lucky caller that JD managed to hook up with Dato' Siti, Siti herself, and Dilly.

JD, Siti, and Dillly from mix fm

DJ Shac from Era fm

DJ Shac from Era FM with Dato' Siti

Dato' Siti during her era fm interview

Dato's interview with @20 zon era

Recording PSA for Era fm

The last leg of today's interview--exclusive interview with murai.com

murai.com.my interview

Murai.com.my interview

comelkan?

Recording PSA for hitz

interview with murai.

DJ Shac from ERA with Dato' Siti

See the full gallery on Posterous

That Wedding Hantaran by Melting Bites

2012-03-11T12:51:00.002+08:00

Hantarans are betrothal gifts and the exchange of gifts are performed on the day of the solemnization. In Malay tradition, betrothal gifts are to be discussed and confirmed during merisik. The betrothal gitfs are normally presented in beautifully decorated trays and have the usual suspects of creatively presented sirih junjung, tepak sirih, bunga rampai, mas kahwin, wang hantaran,and wedding rings. Other gifts that are included in the trays are the holy Quran or Tafsir, prayer mat and veil, perfumes, leatherware, apparels, handbags, gadgets, or other presents to the bride or groom's liking.
Traditionally, the bride will reciprocate the groom's gift with two additional trays. For example, if the groom's family decided to present the bride with 5 trays of betrothal gifts, the bride's family will reciprocate with 7 trays of gifts.

INSPIRATION AND TRANSLATION

Melting Bites was my appointed wedding and hantaran decorator. To tie the hantaran theme to the wedding theme of "balls, balls, balls"--a constant reminder for Moe that his balls are now chained *just kidding*, Melting Bites proposed to use disco balls and christmas balls and fresh flowers for the hantaran project.

Melting Bites proposed to use fresh pom pom flowers that has been dyed in blue as the primary flower for the hantaran. I was not sure whether my mother and my Chinese relatives would love the idea as those flowers are normally used for prayers, but the decoration were a hit among my family members and friends. Reason being, they have never seen a real flower that has been dyed blue.

Apart from the flowers and the balls, i wanted the gifts to represent a marriage of two culture. Therefore, Melting Bites have chinese gold nuggets mixed in a tray with ferrero roche to signify prosperity, topped with the malay's "bunga rampai" on top of the three-tiered tray.

The marriage of two cultures. Bunga rampai with gold nuggets.

REVIEW
Melting Bites are one of the easiest wedding vendor to work with. Their creation is top notch and they are very affordable. The idea of marrying two cultures in the wedding hantaran, marrying the wedding theme of blue/white and balls are seemlessly translated in their work. I was, and am still very pleased with their creations.

My fruit basket.Look how big the roses bloomed!

iPad gift for Moe.

The sirih junjung that i love so much

The wedding ring

Prayer mat for Moe.

Bunga rampai, gold nuggets and ferrero roche nicely decorated on a three-tiered serving tray.

Locitane gift set for Moe

See the full gallery on Posterous

If you are a Penang bride-to-be, do consider Melting Bites for your wedding cake, hantaran, and reception decoration.

The night before nikah where Melthing Bites stayed up all night to decorate the hantarans. This is only a portion of fresh flowers used on that day.

Mimi from Melting Bites with another half of the fresh flower portion used for the hantaran

See the full gallery on Posterous

Up Next on That Little White Wedding Dress

2012-02-28T20:47:00.001+08:00

Visit this blog every Saturday for my wedding reviews, for inspiration.

Let us girls stay connected :)

That Bridal Henna by Ashrani

2012-02-26T09:31:00.001+08:00

In most countries, henna is seen as a way for women to beautify themselves (as jewels).

'Mehndi is the application of henna, the staining substance from the leave of caca tree that is native to our region, as a temporary form of skin decoration for a ceremonial use. In a Malay wedding, the bride will be adorned with intricate henna designs and it is typically applied the night before the wedding in a ceremony called "Majlis Berinai".

The Temporary Tattoo Road Taken

My hunt for the bridal henna artist started three weeks before my wedding. My best friend Atikah, who got married a week before me, hired Ash as her henna artist. We exchanged contacts and confirmed her as my henna artist for my wedding.

Easiest discovery :)

INSPIRATION AND TRANSLATION

The design is based on this google image i found. I like the pattern on the design, especially how the flow stops at the wedding ring.

Review

Wide selection of Bridal Henna Fashion: Armed with an iPad and a thick folio, Ash gave me a wide selection of bridal mehndi pattern to choose from. From floral prints to abstract desigs, you name it, she has it!

Flexibility: If you already have a design in mind after conducting your own research, fret not as Ash can also draw the design for you. You just need to give her the weblink to your design. She also travels to your house to adorn mehndi decoration on you.

Artwork: As a skilled mehndi artist, Ash is very precise in the application and can make the most complex of patterns at a very short time. Although the mehndi pattern on my hand is not as intricate, the fine-line work looks amazing.

You can drop me a comment if you need Ash's handphone number.

That Personalized Mineral Water Idea

2012-02-18T14:47:00.001+08:00

H20.

The thirst-quencher that is often times blindsided by hosts. Elderlies and children might not fancy that iced mango juice served by the caterer. And what out-of-towners (OOTs) bag would be complete without a couple bottles of water?

The personalized mineral water project was the last DIY project i had on my wedding watch. It was November when i realized that we might need to have normal H20 for the guests, especially those who do not drink refreshment provided by the caterer.

See the full gallery on Posterous

It took me, Sinn Wee, and Emilia two days (two hours after work) to complete a hundred personalized water bottles. Look at us hard at work at the production line!

See the full gallery on Posterous

INSPIRATION AND TRANSLATION

My inspiration behind my personalized mineral water bottle is from the Wedding Bee. This personalized mineral water template also comes with a cute Marriage Facts in lieu of Nutrition Facts.

Having a readymade template saves me time. A little change of name and date here, a little change of fonts there, a little realignment of the labels in between and voila! Off to the printer my label goes. *home printed by the way*

For another personal touch, i made dove tags out of navy blue felt with the intention of printing "thank you" labels, but that did not come to fruition. Still, a nice touch.

At the wedding itself, the personalized water bottle was distributed at the main table and VIP tables. We had a crate left after the Upacara Makan Beradap, enough to go around for friends, yay!

Oh and we stole a bottle ourselves too *smiles*.

The personalized mineral water bottles just cost RM0.50 to RM0.60 a bottle (mineral water bottle, ribbon, label, and dove tag), since the label is printed at home using normal A4 paper. An A4 paper can fit three labels. If you worry about condensation and would like to serve your mineral water chilled, you can laminate the labels using clear scotch tape.

Or you can send it to a proper label maker to save time but it might cost more. But trust me when i say it is a fun project to do with your friends and bridesmaids.

Alternatively, you can order your personalized mineral water from Wedding Cottage.

Death By Mahjong

2012-02-15T16:52:00.001+08:00

Photo Credit: Wan Nor Rashidi

Happiness is defined by having a partner who helps to develop your abs by cracking jokes. I 'm contend that my husband is a funny man, as evident in the picture above.

On another note, his tenacity as well as thirst and hunger to achieve all he could in life before it expires has inspire me to be the best i can ever be in my life. It's 48 hours in 24 hours, in our line of work now.

Husband, you inspire me to do and to be the best i can be for myself, for my health, for my wellbeing,

A toast to us. Foerever and always.

Happy valentine's day, mi amor.

That Photo Booth-Guest Book Idea

2012-02-10T18:42:00.001+08:00

The reason why photobooths are fun and a highlight of any wedding is the fact that the hosts give a chance to the wedding guests to be in the spotlight as well. Guests would feel appreciated and will have a lot of fun posing for the camera.

There are many zany ways to have a photo booth at your wedding. You can have crazy props and cool backdrop. However, those may take more planning and more money. With a little creativity, having a photo booth-guest book idea will not break your budget.

INSPIRATION AND TRANSLATION

Take a leaf from my DIY wedding project, The Photo Booth-Guest Book idea. This couple from Wedding Bee was the inspiration behind my Photo Booth-Guest Book Project.

This couple's photobooth was set up indoor in one of the rooms provided by the hotel. Props like feather boas, moustache, crazy shades, and colorful wigs were used to help create cool photos and help guests to loosen up. The mini whiteboard was a last-minute addition but proved to be a hit among the guests. The white backdrop was a blanksheet of white seamless background paper purchased from a photo supply store.

My translation for my wedding for this Photo Booth-Guest Book idea was two whiteboards, markers, whiteboard eraser, a photographer, a laptop, wifi, and guests.

The tropical flowers at the hotel's garden acted as a perfect garden-beach wedding backdrop. Two whiteboards were used instead of one to shorten the message-writing time--while one whiteboard is being used to be photographed, another whiteboard can be used by the subsequent guests to pen a message.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Sinn Wee was the photographer at the photo booth. One thing that is cool about this idea is Sinn Wee instantly uploaded these photos on Facebook and tagged the guests on the Facebook album. That way, your guests will have a photo of themselves specially taken at your wedding and this serves as a keepsake your guests will keep for a very long time.

This Photo Booth-Guest Book idea also gets a cool point for the crazy poses and out-of-the-box messages from your guest. There were countless timeless candor captured and i love browsing these photos on my leisure time.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Another added advantage that this idea has over the traditional guestbook is you can put a name to the face of the guests. This is especially useful if you struggle to remember who Uncle Kassim and family is.

The cost breakdown for the wedding was only RM40 for two whiteboard markers that comes with whiteboard pens and erasers.

See the full gallery on Posterous

That Magic Moments Captured by Official Photographer (Detik Indah Photography)

2012-02-09T14:57:00.004+08:00

A good photo is a photo that tells a story by its composition, evokes emotion by its exposure and gives meaning by its subject...

I am a silent reader to Detik Indah blog, and equally a silent stalker on their Fanpage. So when we decided to tie the knot, Detik Indah is the ONLY wedding photographer that came to mind. I remember these were their images that made me really eager to have them as my Official Photographer:

See the full gallery on Posterous

THE SCENIC ROAD TAKEN

Detik Indah was fated to be my official photographer. No really, fate dealt a big black spade for us.
When we inquired for the quotation in June, Diwant, the principal photographer of Detik Indah Photography told me that they were unavailable on the 10.12.2011. We were so crestfallen. Think about it, we could have actually inquired for any Penang-based photographers, but we really wanted Detik Indah Photography. Our hearts and minds were really set on Detik Indah Photography, we did not even bother to look up for other photographers, KL or Penang-based.

Two months before the wedding, the spot became available again, and now at a special lowered price! Without any hesitation, we said yes!

Since Detik Indah Photography is a KL-based wedding photographer, we provided Diwant with his own personal room, not to mention a personalized Official Photographer sign to boot.

The Review

Photos: The dress. The moments. The environment. The small details that make a huge impact. Those decorations. Were all captured beautifully and beyond expectations. Kudos!

Customer Service: We are very happy with Diwant's fast turnaround time. In less than a week after our Penang reception, more than 70 of our official photos were timely uploaded on their facebook album This made it possible for us to share our special moments captured by our Official Photographers with our guests and those who could not attend our wedding. By the time of our wedding reception in KL, every family members and friends have already seen the professionally captured photos of our Penang reception,
making us happily retelling every fresh moments vividly with everyone.
Detik Indah even wrote a personal post about the wedding in their blog, and uploaded our slideshow in DetikIndahTV. We are very happy and truly honored to have such treatment given by Detik Indah
Photography.
Integrity: I'm happy to report that Detik Indah Photography are very easy to work with. Everytime i have a question, my SMSes to Diwant were replied as fast as I could typed. Diwant is also very helpful in dispensing advice. He is also one of the most frank and honest photographer--he doesn't overpromise and under delivers. There were moments of of my divaness and his frank photography advice and opinion brings me down to ground. Having integrity is important, Detik Indah did not give me last minute stress.

For more information about Detik Indah and their beautiful work, visit their Facebook page.

See the full gallery on Posterous

That Ombre Wedding Cake

2012-02-08T15:45:00.001+08:00

Trivia: Do you know that the bigger the piece of cake the bride and groom fed to each other, the larger the number of children they will have in the future?

One of the highlights for our wedding is our wedding cake.

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A wedding is never complete without a wedding cake. It seems that the grander the wedding, the bigger the cake gets. The significant of the wedding cake is the cake-cutting ceremony. The bride gets to cut the cake aided by the groom. They would feed each other a piece of the cake from that first slice of the wedding cake. This symbolizes their commitment to one another and also the promise that they would provide for each other.

Judging by the cake slice we cut and fed each other, we will have a small number of children. Preferably two.

Back to the cake.

The Icing Road Taken

The selection of baker was the easiest. Melting Bites is my choice selection because i simply love their cakes. Every occasions we celebrate, it is their cakes we ordered from. The road to selecting our wedding cake began in November 2011. Our wedding cake was a three-tiered wedding cake, but purposely designed by Melting Bites to look like a five-tiered wedding cake. Rainbow cake is a popular butter cake and it has always been a praise-winner among guest. Since the wedding theme is blue and white, Melting Bites came up with the idea of an ombre blue cake, a spin off from rainbow cake.

The design of the cake was proposed by Melting Bites. Tired of the same wedding cake design she was requested to make, Mimi, the owner of Melting Bites, proposed several new designs she deemed suitable for the occasions. Out of the three designs she proposed, we chose this sexy wedding cake design.

Doesn't it look like a woman's sexy lingerie?

The Review

The wedding cake tasted as marvelous as it looked. The butter cream isn't as sugary sweet as most wedding cake i have tasted. A lot of the guests asked for seconds. My sister-in-law actually commented on Facebook that this is by far the best wedding cake she has ever tasted.

If you are in Penang and is looking for an affordable baker who does not compensate on the quality of your wedding cake, look no further. Melting Bites should be your prefered choice.

Melting BitesAddress:

	3838, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (hadapan balai polis), 19600 Penang, Malaysia. Bayan Lepas, Malaysia

Contact Number: +60174759676

Email Address: meltingbites@yahoo.com

Blog: http://www.meltingbites.blogspot.com

Bored

2012-02-05T22:47:00.000+08:00

I'm so bored today. I have things to do, proposal to be done but I'm pretty stumped. I'm hungry too. Too lazy to cook or to eat out.
In the first two months of the wedding journey, i feel superbly dour today. I guess honeymoon period is over. And there is a way to relive the wedding! Hehe. I've created a new blog in another better platform. It is still in the works. Just started it this evening.

Once that site is up, I'll let you guys know ya?

Ala' Jamie

2012-01-30T00:34:00.003+08:00

In KL, a good wholesome meal can cost RM40 per couple. In a hawker's stall, expect RM10 for your meal, but the food can't hold a candle to Penang's hawker's delights.

In the spirit of living frugally and for the fact that eMMoe loves to cook, we prefer to cook our wholesome at home. Breakfast are normal cereals, lunch would probably be last night's dinner, or sometimes we eat out when time is of the essence, and dinner would be our proper meal.

Cooking is theureupatic.

Recipes are optional.

Ikea Meatball, Salmon, and potatoes with lingon beries.

Spaghetti ala moe.

Moe's dried beef curry.

Bubur pulut hitam ala me.

Beef soup with toasted bread.

Hubby's Low Key Celebration

2012-01-17T20:30:00.000+08:00

On hubster's birthday, the Talent Harvest team surprises hubster with a birthday cake in bed. The initial plan was to have a surprise dinner at In House at Publica. But Moe sprained his knees. so we have to bring the surpise to the house.

The next day was makan makan kat umah in-laws. Where i had the opportunity to see my in-laws bird nests' nests which was pretty awesome.

And yes, i have two boxes of bird nest for CNY reunion dinner :D

Shoes Shoes Shoes

2012-01-17T18:25:00.000+08:00

You see, one thing i like about one of our talent, Iz's photoshoot is the elevated amount of glam of his props. Everything was over the top. It was as though i had just walked into a backstage of a runway show.

Iz's pair of spiky Louboutin.

Fly high

Real taxidermist faret (i really dunno how to spell)

It's as though it is sleeping

Another real fur. Fur is murder!!!

Me and His Highness

When hip hop meets pop in a high fashion manner.

The gang for the photoshoot.

Moe the John Keats

2012-01-13T21:31:00.000+08:00

As i was cleaning the room, i found a sheet of paper. It was actually a song Moe wrote for the wedding. Nothing too romantic and I'm sure he can do better but here's the lyrics:

With you I don't know right from wrong
And i can't even sing this song
None can compare to you my love
Even if i searched lifelong my whole

Dear I'm not sure what i've done right
To get to have you in my life
Coz even in the darkest light
You're there to bring me light

I didn't get down on one knee
Did nothing traditionally
I could never be at peace
Till baby you said yes to me

To move a mountain i had tried
Failed i broke down and cried
How could i not say yes to you
When you were always by my side

Now we could brave the river Nile
Even walk a thousand miles
We could swim across the oceans and the seas
You make me laugh, I'll make you smile
Plan our lives both yours and mine
Hand in hand we'll touch the skies
Together, as we walk down this aisle

We've put or differences aside
All those fears we locked inside
It doesn't matter anymore
Coz today you are my bride

Now we could brave the river Nile
Even walk a million miles
And sail across the oceans and the seas
You make me laugh, I'll make you smile
Plan our lives both yours and mine
Hand-in-hand we'll soar the skies
Together,
As we walk down this aisle.

Ain't No Production Girl, Ain't No Model's Inc

2012-01-13T02:53:00.003+08:00

This is just from a day's observation.

I decided waking up at 5am on most days for call of duty isn't my cup of tea. Thank God I'm not working for a production house.

I also cannot be a model. I can't imagine having to kiss a guy over and over again from different angles, or be in the pool looking hot and wet and jovial when I'm in fact have to do number two.

If that's the case, I can't be an actress too.
So what can i do?

I like pushing papers. Give me proposals, executive summaries, contact reports, minutes, storyboards, checklists, planners, I'll do it!

So hubster, dump me more paperwork yang ko memang tak suka nak buat. You go out there and do your thang and I'll be at home doing my thang nekkid!

Born a writer, always will be.

Tippity tap tap.

Kyoto Protocol Counting Down for 8TV Anniversary

2012-01-08T17:14:00.000+08:00

Kyoto Protocol, 8TV's mascot (Pao Pao), and all 8TV hosts celebrating 8TV's 8th Anniversary on January 8th 2012.

Heboh satu kampung that Kyoto Protocol got the prime countdown spot when there were bigger names such as The Azenders and The Kartel Family.

With Zher from 8TV Quickie

With Michelle for an interview with Melodi.

One of the big star of the moment-Reza Salleh.

Update soon peeps. Gotta get back to work.

Leap of faith will be the best decision i've ever made

2012-01-06T12:29:00.004+08:00

Although we have been married for 27 days now, we only begin to really settling into the married life. Two weeks into the marriage we were still apart. I was still serving my remaining days in an MNC in Penang.

So what is next for us? This was the question i had for months before the wedding. Ultimately, i made the choice of leaving my comfort and security of MNC to work in a company my husband founded. Friends were supportive, but family took a lot of convincing.

Isn't it unhealthy to see your husband 24/7? Can this dream of growing a company organically possible? Can the company make enough to support a growing family unit?

What made me took this leap of faith?

Moe does not work in a 9-5 job. He leaves the house at nine and probably comes back at 3 am (like last night). If i work in another company, we just won't be seeing each other at all. At this stage of his company where demands for his service is higher than he can handle, i need to step in and help my husband, where i contribute to PR aspects of the company. We are newlyweds who had just ended the long distance relationship, therefore; cultivating our marriage, being supportive of one another, and have the same life goal is important.

My biggest obstacle so far is to change my perception about money and the value of a paycheck. I had to give up a fairly hefty paycheck that came with working in corporate America. But ironically, in return, I've been able to afford a better lifestyle. With the big paycheck, I had very little time for leisure, so to compensate I spent a lot of money buying things I didn't really need.

Being our own boss give us the flexibility to create our own hours, so I have much more time to spend on activities we enjoy.

Also, because I am so conscious of how much our business makes, I've learned to budget my money better. I cook rather than order out. I jog outdoors or swim rather than pay for a gym membership.

Basically, I make better use of my time and money.

P/S: House still needs a major deco work but at least the kitchen is functioning :)

2011, you've been great!

2012-01-02T11:08:00.001+08:00

I'm not ultra religious, but i know without the blessings given by Allah, 2011 wouldn't be a great year for me and mr.hubster.

I feel humbled to know we are in your grace, yang Maha Esa.

Here's the last photo for 2011.

Happy new year. Let us start 2012 with a renewed spirit.

I bid goodbye to corporate Amedika!

2011-12-30T14:07:00.002+08:00

I'm so gonna miss you, my cube!

Me leaving Altera is a bittersweet moment for me. This place thought me the American sense of entitlement and privilage. When i was a freshie, i pulled the long hours for peanuts. There were no work-life balance and i couldn't even afford to have a life outside of work. I can't even pay for a car.

In Altera, it gave me the first step in my life as a working adult. I bought my first car, i had stocks, i had flexibility in working hours, no punch card system, i saved on gym, i had good ol' pretty decent paycheck, and great benefits.

I had the opportunity to work with people across the engineering departments and across geographical radius. It also gave me the work-life balance i so sorely seek.

With springs in my steps, I'm bidding adieu and Thank you all for the friendship. I'm so proud to be an ALTERIAN.

Hubster, can we have a dual monitor for the soho?

Lots of hugs and kisses and signing off for the last time from my cube *sob sob*

Farewell

2011-12-29T10:16:00.000+08:00

So many fun times, such a big family. I'm going to miss you all.
Thank you for 3 years of my career as a technical writer in Altera.
More update soon.

Where We Became Man and Wife

2011-12-26T01:22:00.001+08:00

Alhamdullilah, we are now uinted as man and wife.

*Smile*

Commemorate the day i became married by adding a whimsical touch of a feather pen.

We officially became Mr. And Mrs. Moe Nasrul.
Update soon.