M-I-C... see you real soon!

How come when I go away on business trips, I always manage to make a family trip out of it. I guess so far I go to "not boring" places as Homer puts it... (ye ke?)

And I guess I'm lucky to work with a bunch of people (yes, one of them is my boss) who insist I bring the babies (big and small) for a site visit in Macau, when they found out I brought them with me to Hong Kong.

We didn't win anything.. since we never went to the casino.. but I have to say, Macau's Venetian is HUGE.. bigger than its' original in Vegas. Crazy, right.. they're planning to replicate Vegas' strip in Macau.. I wonder if the clubs will be as "hot" as the ones in Vegas. And speaking of Vegas, G-boss have ruled out any possibility of me going for our annual meeting/training there.. Dang! I've missed out on that trip for 3 straight years.

Got tomorrow off and we're going to see Mickey Mouse speaking Cantonese. Imagine that. Can't wait to see Ni-Mu's reaction when she sees her "kiki-mouse".....

-kiki-mouse-L

Do I still need a helmet?

What does one do when they suddenly have some free time and feeling adventurous?

Unlike Subby Hubby's comment in the previous post, not everyone has the luxury of having affairs with two of their bosses..

Today, I plonked myself on Mr. Ninen's chair and let him do his magic.

45 minutes and 2 chinese teas later, my reflection stared back at me .. There I was, sans curls and 3 inches of hair..

I LOVE it...

Mr. Ninen of course loved it too.. but then, he says that to all his clients.. So, can't really take his word.

*******

So here I am, typing.. and every 3 minutes; I sneak a sideway glance to see my reflection (yes, again and again) on the wardrobe mirror.

Funny, at times, I look like I'm wearing a helmet.. and at other times, I'm loving the new do ...

Whatever it is, I am officially no longer able to sport the beehive ala Amy Winehouse. I wonder if the thick black eye liner effect can work with helmet-ish hair..

"They tried to make me go to rehab.. but I won't go.. go.. go.."

Okayyy, definitely won't work.

-my-helmet-needs-some-highlights-L

You don't know me... or do you?

I'm one complex woman. Really.

I'd like to think that I'm highly intelligent, but to date, I have no inkling on what MENSA stands for.

I'd like to think I'm tech savvy, but I still have problems creating charts from my excel files.

I buy those hard cover marketing / sales books, but I find myself drawn to the racks where pictures of Britney, Katie Holmes, Posh Becks are splashed in a collage-like manner. (..and bought those to..)

The good thing is, I know I am complicated, hence the title of yours truly's blog.

I am everything rolled into one quirky ball, the good, the bad and the ugly... but a BALL nonetheless. I do distinctly remember Barney (yes, the purple dinosaur), singing.. "if you have a ball, you have the greatest toy in the world!" .. So I guess I am the greatest toy in the world!

I forgot why I started typing this entry.. Looking back, it could have been the beginning of a very deep insightful composition on the complexity of human nature. But I've lost track of my thoughts and now it's just another account of a spaced out gal who's been watching a lot of imaginary dinosaurs, monsters and people dressed up as the alphabets on TV.

*sigh*

-not-a-shopping-complex-L

My solecism...

A long lost friend once told me that people do stupid things. And there's nothing we can do about it.

I asked him, "Have you done lots of stupid things?"

He answered, "Yes, many.. "

I asked again, "Do you think I'm making a stupid mistake now?"

"Yes.." He said , his eyes bore into mine. Pleading. " I don't want to be your stupid mistake"

That was 10 years ago.

I saw him today, as I was walking to the car, my whole life in tow.

He said hello. I smiled back, "Hey! Look at you.." . I wanted to say so many things, but just couldn't.

I wanted to tell him, he was right.. people do stupid things .. but he was not a mistake per say, because I learned so much from him. Seeing him again today, reminded me how much I have grown. Without trying to make him appear like a mere object ... he was useful after all...

-there's-always-something-somebody-can-do-L

Wanted...

I'm looking for a part time baby-sitter. Preferably someone who can make their own way to my place. If anybody knows of someone that does this kind of services, let me know.

The other option is to find a drop off nursery.. Any recommendation for Ampang area?

-stretched-out-L

Life is a stunt!

I am huggable.
I am adorable.
Made 100% to be cuddled, played with, loved.
Most importantly I am here to love without ever judging you.

Unconditional.

You dress me up, adorn me.. you even gave me flowers

And now I'm strapped at the hood of the car, going 100 kph!
Bugs splattered across my face, my beautiful soft fur is now splotchy .. almost a rag.
Whyyyyyyy????

.
.
.
.
.
.


My version of what those "poor teddy bears used as part of wedding car ornament" are thinking...

Poor teddies! Every single time I see teddies on any of those lavishly decorated cars, I kept imagining the horrors it must has gone through... It's like, so you think you're gonna be hugged and loved.... you're wrong!!! I'm gonna strap you up and let you have a taste of life in the fast lane!!

Kesian Teddy... I'd give you a hug but....

-i-love-ted-teddy-roooooo-L

I'm still here..

My.. my.. just realized how long it's been since I last updated this blog. I don't even know where to begin.. Isn't it scary how today became yesterday, and yesterday became last week, and last week became last month? Time is a funny thing.

And what, pray tell, have I been doing all this while.. BUSY.. doing I can't remember what anymore ..

All I know is that there has been a lot diaper changing, cos Ni-Mu had a bout of diarrhea.. going over endless invoices, cos it's the end of 2nd quarter.. and of course lots of making up in the "buying" department. I've forsaken my shopaholic self, and now she's back with a vengeance!

But amidst all this, I'm a woman with a goal.. To achieve this goal by end of this year I must -

1) Cook dinner every day. We spend waaayyyy too much on food. An average of 2 dinners at Chilli's every week is inexcusable.

2) Stop buying white shirts/tops/dresses. I have too many .. Other colors are permissible, I can't "kill" fashionista-L, can I?

3) Not charge anything to the old credit card.. Seeing my bank account shrink should scare me silly plus, cash is the way to go right?

On the bright side -

1) I've almost cleared my credit card. "Almost" being the key word here.. I should've never taken up that bloody "on the phone loan".. for people like myself, it's a total scam... and now I have to pay the remaining stupid loan....

2) Ni-Mu is helping out by refusing to eat her proteins... She actually prefers vegetables.. go figure! I had to sneak her chicken bits underneath the carrots and green beans. Veggies are cheaper than chickens, right?

3) The whole of Malaysia's on sale now. So basically I'm getting my stuff cheaper... (Okay, I'm not sure whether this should be categorized under "the bright side" but 50% off gotta mean something!)

And on the high note -

1) A designer cum boutique owner in KLCC actually came up to me last week in Zara's changing room and asked me whether I got my dress at Pucci, and whether it is still available. *gasp* I can carry off 99 ringgit dress as Pucci! Beat that! I normally don't make a big deal out of this.. but this woman is a designer in her own right.. I even have some of her stuff. To top it all, she showed me a beautiful Pucci jacket that she had just bought!

2) I'm grateful that my silver lined jelly-ish tummy is what it is... Did you all see that "Sextuplet" docu-drama? That woman is brave indeed!

-striker-L

GST

Short for Great Singapore Trip...

No surprise that Ni-Mu loved the Zoo... Suffice to say that she was completely knocked out! And went crazy at the gift shop.. (ke mana tumpahnya kuah kalau tak ke nasi???) ..

But the greatest surprise is the fact that I... yes, the shopaholic that I am DID NOT BUY anything while we were there!!.. Bear in mind that the Great Singapore Sale was ON!

Kenapa? Tak percaya ke??

I don't believe it myself...

-am-i-cured?-L

Is it really 6/6?

Today I turn thirty three
Wish I can go for a shopping spree...

But then..

When will I ever be debt free?

Ah well.. Happy Birthday to me!

The skinny on skin

I hate people with great skin.. And I'm talking about the skin all over our body... you do know that skin is the largest organ in our body, right???

After having the baby, I have managed to get back to my old size.. and before my friends roll their eyes.. yes, we're talking really old size.. like before I was married.. And I'm really ever-thankful for that.. (I thought my mom's genes has forsaken me.. ..) But my skin.... arghhhh my skin!!

To put it bluntly, my tummy area looks like one of those cotton shirts that needs ironing. When I button up my pants, the creases around my belly button magically turns into some flower-like decoration .. While Heidi Klum, Denise Richards even Britney Spears seems to still be able to parade around in a bikini...

Well, at least I can pretend that I'm a beautiful package, with a ribbon in the middle!

Care to unwrap me?

A year wiser? Really?

He's no zombie... he's my husband. Oookaaayyy, maybe he IS a zombie.. at the very least, acts like one from time to time.

He's gonna be 32 tomorrow.. BIG deal, I'm a good one year ahead of him, yup.. I was already walking and have had many childhood milestones before he came to the world! In so many ways, he's yet to achieve some emotional and sociological yardsticks, which sometimes just makes me wanna really ...... argghh! OK, let's not go there, it might just be used in court one day..

And he (still) dares to question my decisions ... Get it through that head of yours.. (like that bloody knife!).. I am always right, have always been .. and will always be. It's one of the many unexplained reasons, why we're together. I guess it's God's way of balancing out this crazy world.

Do I sound overly condescending? Well, I guess that's because I promised myself to be REALLY NICE to Homer tomorrow .. since IT IS his birthday.. So I just gotta let it out today, get it out of my system, you know what I mean?

So here's to you Homer, act less like a zombie.. we both know how I can't stand people who lacks consideration for others.. u-huh... yessirreeebob.. you know what I mean... and you might just surprise yourself (and yours truly) on how much you can gain (as in wisdom... not weight, okay?) when you're true to yourself.

32 years and more to come! And please do NOT wear that mask tomorow when I take you out...

-so-not-zombie-L

Another confession..

Confessions of a Drama Mama..

This is my story, I may get a lot of backlash by spilling this out but I just gotta do it.

"Mandi tak basah, makan tak kenyang, tidur tak lena".. literally and figuratively hits the mark when it comes to explaining motherhood.

How do you clean yourself while having a tiny person screaming and banging on the shower screen... How can you truly enjoy food when every other minute you're making sure that tiny little person is eating their share of food and entertained... How do you have deep sleep knowing that a tiny person relies solely on you to comfort them..

I cannot recall the last time I had a great shower.. or a nice soak in the bath. Tried having that on my last business trip, but my schedule was just jam packed, I ended up enjoying the toilet seat more.. and look at how long I raved about that. Which reminds me that I no longer have privacy during nature's call, yep, she follows me there too.

I order the same thing everytime I go to Chilli's - Triple play, because.. Firstly, Nimu can eat the chicken crispers; secondly, they're finger foods so it is easy to just pick up and gobble down; thirdly, I seriously don't remember how it tasted in my previous visit... It's like, "hang on.. didn't I like the buffalo wings? it was good right? maybe i should just order that again and remind myself how it was..". And this happens EVERY time we go there. And really, it happens every single time we eat together, wherever I am, I just don't remember how the food tasted.

Even with Nimu sleeping through the night since she's 3 months old, I don't sleep like I used to. Just before I sleep, I worry about things I should have done .. like that small plate in the sink.. or her bottle, then I'd go out and clean the damn plate and bottle, then I'd realize that the clothes have been dry for the past 2 nights and I really should take them in and fold them... the list goes on.. which in turn manifest themselves into nightmares. I'd wake up all sweaty because my laundry just won't leave me alone!

I'm a magazine junkie, and I've a pile of InStyle that I haven't gone through, let's not forget books.. Ambitiously, I bought two last week.. only to take them out of the bag last night. And I swear I bought at least four in the past 6 months or so, but I have no idea where it is now. I guess this will explain my "not been shopping" but actually has bought gazillion new outfits..

There! I've said it! In as much as I love the fact that my baby girl can't let me go, or needs me to feed her or cries for me when she wakes up in the middle of the night ... that little part of me misses the time when it used to be all about ME....

And how do I handle "Motherhood"? With MIXED feelings .. the good, the bad and the ugly all rolled into one .. making me the "DRAMA MAMA". All I know is that I'm going to give my mum a trip to the spa for Mother's Day... after all, I'm sure she went through the "Mandi tak basah, makan tak kenyang, tidur tak lena" - phase.

To everyone who can relate to this entry, Happy Mother's Day! To Homer, happy golfing! (Homer bashing welcomed, although I have taken the "lantakla" attitude which to me is considerably more than the "whatevaaaa" stand point )

-dang-i-have-to-wash-the-dishes-now-L

My name is L...

and I am a shopaholic.

About a month back, I told my friend that I haven't shopped for a long time, and she was shocked.. so was I. I told her, "yahhh.. I haven't bought anything for like a month! WOWser!". Shortly after that conversation, she called me up and said, "L.... you know in that bag where you put the bubble machine, I found a receipt from MNG totalling up to RM250 dated 2 weeks ago!! "

It struck me.. I've gone beyond shopaholism.. I'm now a shopaholic in denial. Seriously, I completely forgot about that particular buy.. How could I? I've even worn that dress! And really, I didn't mean to lie about it.. I've also realized that I have a shirt that is in it's paper bag, still nicely wrapped with sugar paper!

And yesterday, while helping soon to be the most important woman in Petronas (she will! she will!) find a glitterati outfit to perhaps the biggest wedding of the year, I found myself trying on stuff and buying a Pucci-look-a-like dress... in the first store we went to!

I need help.

But I can't cut up my credit card.. or my ATM card.. that's just crazy! And so I have a mission.. I'll get my friends to buy stuff... should really call Mrs Vice President and get her to buy funky clothes for her pregant self, found lots that can fit her at Innai and maybe Brave-Lawyer-Gal and Entrepreneurina, for new power outfits.

If I can't beat this... I'm taking everyone down with me!

-I-refuse-to-be-alone-L

Has it been that long?

Have you ever felt like you're living in the Twilight Zone? *cue music*

Well, I've been there and back.. hence the long silence.

All I know is this ..

... I no longer have privacy, even in the bathroom, my mini me will be there.... sometimes kissing my knee.. I love her to bits.. but really, this is becoming a bit ridiculous!

and oh, by the way.. I am sooooo tired, even with the last minute break away from KL, I am still spent. Was that only 2 weeks before? It seemed like ages ago that we were up at the highlands.. And I'm probably the only person who goes up there and came back with no flowers.

And now I'm entering another twilight zone.. but I will return, you can count on that!

-bag-changing-L

Time after time.

The thing about time is that; it's ever changing, always in a hurry to move forward, sometimes, leaving us mith a messy past that can't be undone. With that being said, we always say we must live for today... but think about it... even today, "time" has changed.. I'm talking about how it was before and how everything is right now.

When I was younger, I worry about having my picture taken while holding a cigarette... and that picture being distributed spreading the rumour that I'm "wild".

Nowadays, kids have to worry about having their nude photos posted on the net.

Time has definitely changed.

Can't blame technology, after all, it's all about getting better, smaller, faster.. moving on with time, right? Could it be that our creations are becoming our enemy?

But didn't someone say that we can always learn .. even from our enemy?

-feeling-philosophical-L

Things I discovered this past week

- I am not that weird after all, so does this make me normal?

- Drive thrus are not just for fast food anymore. I got a DVD while waiting for my turn at a Mc Donald's drive thru. I drove away with Mc Chicken meal, milkshakes and a copy Little Miss Sunshine. Kinda perfect don'cha think?

- My hands look old and there's nothing I can do about it.

- Even when I try to sleep early, I can't.

- And yet, I still have not finished my collection of "must-reads".

- I haven't cooked for the past 2 months.

- .. lot's more of "I haven't.....".

Time is just swooshing by. And yet I am still here.

-sleepy-L

Tagged!

It's been a while since I played tag.. and even after being tagged, I'm like a sleepy giant .. *huh?*

What can I say, you can thank Blabs for now, weird L is coming out .. thank goodness for the rules .. (cos I just realized how many weird stuff I do on a daily basis)

"People who are tagged should write a blog post of 6 weird things about them as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog."

Weirdy-weirds...

1. According to the MRI scan I had a few months ago, I have fat deposits in my brain. Unusual but not dangerous, according to the good doctor. I guess my brain wants to stay warm and have a little bit of "cushion" in case I bang my head. God... I can never get rid of my fat-fatsssss!!

2. I read car plate numbers, not out loud, just in my head.. And not just on obvious ones like KAR 1505.. which reads "karisos", or BAD 8011 .. "bad boyy". I'm talking about any plate numbers that I come across, for example WNQ 8230 will be "wink bzzo" or WLY 412 becomes "wooly eyez". It doesn't matter whether it made sense or not.. I just spell them out.

3. Before I decided to take the plunge, I've had my fair share of boyfriends/dates. And from there, I came up with this L-Dating-Formula. I will not date anyone whose name starts with "A" or has "A" in his intials. When my friends wanted to introduce me to someone, my first question would be, "Does his name starts with an "A"? and my next question would be, "What about his middle name?". Why? All... I mean every single guy that I've dated prior to the BIG discovery of "formula non A" , their names or their middle names started with A.

4. I MUST have my KFC with tomato ketchup. Once, I yelled in one of the KFC outlet in Shah Alam for not having ketchup and got the manager to buy a bottle of ketchup for me. Hey, it's not my fault, they don't keep track of the ketchup inventory. And yes, there are people out there who eats KFC with ketchup whom are above 5 years old!

5. Once in a blue moon, I'll have this menacing stray eye lash that pokes my eye ball. It just won't curl out - straight like a needle, and it feels like I'm having a tattoo done on the inside of my eyes. It's so painful that I actually pulled it out with a tweezer (the hair, not the eye ball of course... now THATS really weird). So now whenever the stray lash returns, I just pick up a tweezer and .. "aaddoooiiIIIiii... b#b$... aaaaarrggg" .. its done.

6. When I travel, I MUST sleep on the side that is nearest to the TV. It doesn't matter that I sleep to the left of Homer at home, but when we're not in our bed, I sleep nearest to the TV. In a situation whereby the TV is located across the bed, right smack in the middle, I will sit on both sides of the bed, squint my eyes.. to determine which side is closer to the magical box we all call TV. I don't know why.. and it has nothing to do with getting the audio balance or anything.. I just need to be nearer to the TV.

So there, 6 weird things that you never knew about me. I have others but I'd rather die than write those out. Now it's someone else's turn.....(and I've been so busy, so I hope you guys are not tagged yet.)

1. Dade-Ghost
2. Miss Ketchup (I wonder if she eats KFC with Ketchup?)
3. The Young Retro Diva
4. Buaya-man
5. X-man
6. Subby-Hubby : you write on my comment.. okay??

-all-weirded-out-L

Java Jazzzzzzz

..

Really, I know almost nothing about jazz, in fact when I was at the Jazz fest, a 5 year old girl put me to shame. She was telling us how bummed out she was that she missed Jeffrey Osborne's show. And all I could think of was, "hmmm.. I wonder if he's related to Ozzy?". I didn't say that out loud of course, or I might just be stoned to death by the throngs of jazz lovers at the Convention Centre.

Okay, so we went to Java Jazz, I'm not a die hard jazz-erina.. but I do love music in general, the experience, the sounds, the way it makes your body sway and groove.. and of course, the musicians (wink*).

But this trip was extra special, it was intended to be a "girls only" weekend, with lots of shopping, bargain hunting, eye candy hunting, a little music... spa-ifying.. You get the drift. We meant to go on Friday night to catch Sergio Mendez, but Mangga Dua drained us out. Went to see the band at HRC instead.. heheh.. signs of becoming a groupie.. I think .. yesss!

Our groupie-ness came into effect when with sheer luck and a little bit of perseverence in trying to find a local designer kebaya top in a very unassuming mall brought us to a corner where some shoes were on sale.. There she was.. all in black, hair big as ever.. (to match her *erm* chest, I guess) walking and laughing!!

Chaka Khan

It's a long story.. and one that I will be telling over and over again to my friends. But since I'm not really coherent right now due to extreme pill popping over the last 5 days, I am unable to re-live that episode of my life.. I'll go straight to the big ending.

We had our picture taken with her while screaming, "Malaysia-lah!".

Our trip, as they'd say it in Jakarta.. "SUKSES dong!".. it even includes bumping into Glenn and what else.. more photo opportunities.. too bad we missed his and Marcel's gig. And oh! Krispy Kreme.. how can I miss that one out?

And now I have to lie down. I just had my wisdom tooth taken out. Please do not assume that if I don't write in the next couple of days, I've grown less wise.. I'm planning to make big bucks with the little critter.. (yes, I took it home). Tooth fairy, come by tonight ya?

-I-can-still-eat-KrispyKreme-cos-it's-so-soft-L

That black guy..

Whilst Brave Lawyer Gal's predicament for the day is the fact her milk supply has seriously depleted itself, mine was more of a superficial one.

Have you all been following American Idol? Did you happen to catch the audition rounds where a young black man with Calvin Klein's underwear model looks (with voice to match.. ), which I was so sure will be on top 12.. was not even in the top 24.. Does anyone else, other than my cousin remember this guy? He's like really young and is adopted by a Cuban family or something like that..

He's just so beautiful, I can cry.

-bimbos-day-out-L

Not just Wednesday

I woke up with a kiss on the cheek.

Then he walked to the other room.

I got up and sat on my ordinary throne. No warm seat, no water fountain sprays.. no dryer.

Crawled back into bed.

The lights came on. Homer and Ni-Mu holding a paper bag.

"Happy Valentines's Day!"

Happy. Happy.. Happy..

I've been a mean grouch (with reasons..) lately.. I'm sorry Homer.. And of course, I am your Valentine.

-celebrate-love-and-all-that-comes-with-it-L

The throne..

So, I was in Taiwan last week to see my boss, introduce clients.. yadda..yadda.. It's nice to start travelling again.. and at the risk of sounding utterly selfish, be away from my usual routine. I'm sure all mothers understand this, even if it is just for work.

Taipei 101 was impressive.. although I think our Twin Towers looks so much more magnificent.. (Malaysia Boleh!).. but the one thing that really made the mark for me
during this trip was "the throne" .. Yup.. the shiny white porcelain bowl and it's magical fountain.....


Warm air dryer.... !!! and oscillating function...

Needless to say, I enjoyed every moment on it... plus heated seat...

-missing-my-throne-L

The dating game.

Don't you just love a public holiday in the middle of the week? And the best thing is that today is Friday!

Okay... I can't hold it in.. I'll just spill..

I . Had . A . Date . Yesterday .

Yep. Burnt out mom was finally asked out by this guy who probably thought to himself, "If I don't ask her out.. someone else will .. "

We nearly missed the movie because of my circumstance.. you know, dropping off Ni-Mu.. etc, but we had a great time.. the movie was a little violent for my taste, but, definitely something worth seeing since my whole work industry had mixed feelings when it was released in the US... plus, Leo diCaprio is just so yummy with his South African accent!

It's just been so long and I just loved the attention.. right up until we had to to the toilet after the movie.

He was smiling at me as I walked out of the corridor. And I caught a glimpse of us on the glass panels of some clothing shop.. We look great together .. Eventhough I was a tad bit overdressed (or was it "underdressed"..?) ..

God.. it was so good peeing just now.. and at the same time.. I farted too... hahahahaha.. best giler!

My date was officially over. Homer's back. I don't know whether I should cry or kiss him... I guess he was just being honest to me .. well, as long as he keeps it up.. there will be no end to weird dates for me..

And true to himself, he spilled coke all over my food and dress during lunch.

-you-owe-me-another-date-mister!-L

And how was your weekend?

Apart from the faulty sound system, the concert was GGRREEEAAATTT. They just bring back old memories when life was less complicated.. And the whole trip up to Genting was like a walk down memory lane. I'm talking about walking through the foggy wet and (surprisingly!) chilly weather, it's like I'm transported back to the good ol' days at uni, walking through Vicky Park getting to yet another lecture on European Political History.

What a weekend!

And then came Monday.. blearghhhh! Talk about killjoy.

My ever fickle client drove me nuts asking me why a certain shipment has not arrived and wanted me to do something about it. I am not the Custom's General's crony, nor do I know anybody in KLIA customs. And after having a big bru-ha-ha with one Fedex officer, my client told me that they've decided to just wait for the shipment arrive the next day! What the f*#k??!!?

I've always been very accomodating to them .. why do they have to harrass me like this?

On the homefront, Ni-Mu has learned a new word.. "go.." . She would reach for my bag, loop it through her arms (ala datin), walk to the door, and say, "..go! ...go!". As in, "let's go!". So now, I have included in her daily schedule, a short walk to the pool and back. Which translates to more frizz to my hair. I know.. I know.. I'm way too obsessed with my hair..

All I can say is, unless you've walked a mile in my shoes (or don my hairstyle), you'll never know how overwhelming all this can be. Homer always say I complain way too much, but for me it's not complaining.. it's telling people how I feel and maybe, just maybe, I'd get some compassion. I know my situation is nothing compared to those who have lost their homes in the recent floods..

but I'm just saying.. I am here, and I am talking to you... Indulge me a little.. We all go through phases.

-the-frizz-phase-L

Up, up and awaaayyyy

I'm making a trip up to Genting tomorrow.. (or more fondly known to my fellow Singaporeans as "J"enting). Gambling with this old girl's ability to lip sync with Boyz II Men, pretending I can still remember the words to their songs. Wooohooooooooooo..

I know to some of you think it's just a lame old group.. but this band of men, was THERE for me.. And as much as I hate to admit it.. when I'm feeling sad and any of their songs comes up, tears can just roll.. Yes, I'm sappy and can cry my heart out. Sue me. I dare ya.

I love you you Durs, for thinking of me when you had that spare ticket.. and I love you Elaine, for loving your sister in law!

-i-like-men-L

Yezzaa?

As I took a breather by our drying area, I heard a resounding, "YES! YES!". Myyyy... someone's doing it right, I thought .. Then I heard some illegible gurgles.. and more loud YESses.. hehe .. and to think I thought our apartment block is filled with unadventurous people..

****

Babies have an innate ability to press the remote control. The TV volume was at its loudest, in fact it said 100! For those who has never had the opportunity to watch PHDC (that's Playhouse Disney Channel), you should know that there's a lot YESses on the program.. I suppose it's meant to instill positive reinforcement..

****

Well, at least our neighbours would think that we are adventurous and making out like rabbits..

-boink-boink-L

Dr. House in the house!

Why does everyone look so great at the Golden Globes?
Because they get complimentary colonic irrigation prior to the event.

Okay, I'm just assuming the above, only because my hero, Hugh Laurie mentioned it in his acceptance speech. I don't know why, but I'm just drawn to English humour. Witty, intelligent and just brilliant! (Gosh, as I'm writing this, I'm even thinking with an English accent .. melampau or what?)

I'm loving House so much right now that I wouldn't mind him breaking down my multi layered personality and hear his interpretations of my cluttered life.

.. so is there anywhere for me to get this colonic irrigation that everyone's talking about? .. and HOW does this thing actually work? does the pipe goes to where I think it goes?

-people-in-hollywood-are-scary-and-never-have-fat-bulges-L

Holy Pants!

Still in the mood of ushering in the new year, I've decided to cleanse anything and everything my capricious mind decides to focus on at that particular moment. Being born in to the sign of Gemini .. (yes, the twin thing) I have to admit I have a rather disturbing dual.. even multiple personalities. With that said, if anything does happen to Homer, I blame it on one of my "darker" personality.

And so last night, I decided to venture into one of the many drawers in our wardrobe. It is aptly called "BIG SCARY UNDIES" .. these truly are big scary undies.. brings a whole new understanding on the word "underPANTS", they are so big, they are in fact .. PANTS! It doesn't stop at just the size of the garments.. the horror of its colour is just enough to send yours truly to fashion house of shame. You know what I mean.. pale blue, pale peach (yuck!) .. I'm even too embarassed and a little bit nauseous to continue..

But in my defense, those were bought in the period of el-preggo, and post partum.. where I was taken hostage by the abominable snowqueen, and ordered Homer to go to Carrefoure and get "cheap-big-ass-cotton-underwear-so-I-can-just-throw-them-out!". A year on, there I was thinking to myself.. I actually fit in those???

And so while I threw them into a trash bag, I felt a sense of relief.. my underPANTS are gone.. Then I heard someone groaning in frustration.. none other than my little pitter-patter Ni-Mu..

Great! In my fervor of getting rid of big scary underpants, one had managed to find its way on to her hands. Her head has gone through one of the leg openings of big-ass-undies, she was screaming her head off and was determined to take it out herself. I don't blame her, blue is definitely not her colour.

I should really start baby-proofing the apartment.

-shopping-for-undies-L

Curly-wurly-fuzzy-woozie..

Curly locks looks amazing on my avatar picture but somehow did not have the same effect on the real me.. I know.. it IS a computer animation representation of one self.. I mean, where else can you see me with a smoking-hot-cellulite & stretch-mark-free smoking body in bloody lime green bikini?

I am seriously having second (third, fourth, fifth, sixth, gazzillion-th) thoughts on my new 'do. Argh! Where's frizz-ease when you need one?

-frizzer-L

Just another day..

As I write this entry, I have that damn Jon Secada's song in my head.. you know.. that dang "lentok" song. But this entry has nothing to do with with the song.. It had everything to do with how we marked the new year.

Last year, I remembered being very tired and vaguely hearing the booms of the fireworks while I trying to sleep, and hoping that Ni-Mu won't wake up. 2006, what a year.. vivid moments, some good, some bad and some really ugly. And now it has packed itself and made way for the new year. 2007 is here, I have big plans... but just as the year started.. I'm feeling so exhausted.. I ushered the new year fighting my sleep.. just like any other day.. how can I carry on my big plans feeling so lethargic with life?

So what did I do? Like any other girls.. I went to see my stylist, having a specific look for 2007 (layered bob, loose the highlights and options for a darker look).. I came out with the ultimate messy poodle look. I'm still getting used to the new me.. sometimes I love it.. sometimes I hate it. Change can be difficult.. but with so many things changing all around me, I'll be taking it in my stride..

Viva la rocker chick hair... Viva la 2007... Viva L!

-2007-L

PS is da bomb!

Did you all know that you can find really nice dresses at Petaling street? My God .. beyond the tackiness of some of the stuff they display on the outer side of the clothes shop, you can actually find some real gems inside. Forget Zara, Mango, Forever 21 (okay.. you might still see wandering in these shops..) or BCBG (although they do fit me like a glove..).. The stuff in PS is crazy cheap!

I've been on a buying spree.. and with my impending Bandung trip (business, this time) .. I'm a little bit concerned. But hey, I can't help it if my wardrobe needs a little updating. Perhaps I should just concentrate on spa-i-fying myself..

If you don't hear from me before the coming new year, you can safely assume that I am meticulously sorting out my credit card bills.

Hoping for a banging 2007!

-shopaholic-L

Wonder if anyone has done this..

I don't think I've heard of reviewing a restaurant based on its child friendliness policy, but I guess since I've already thought about it, I might as well write a lil' something .. for all the parents out there.

If you ever have to take out your young child out alone for either lunch or dinner, you know what I mean when I say, it's gotta be childproof, willing to take "tweaked" orders, child seat and most importantly, staff who will not frown when they see your kids throwing stuff down on to their squeaky clean floors.

With that said - dinner last night was great because .. not only did this restaurant have everything mentioned above.. the staff even played with Ni-Mu.. and to my utter joy.. asked whether they can take her off my hands while I finish my lovely sizzling tofu dinner in peace!

Cozy House Great Eastern Mall ROCKS!!

You may want to go there when there's less people around (long queue is inevitable during peak hours), so go for either early/late lunch/dinner..

..*bl**dy h*ll*.. In the short time I wrote this, Ni-Mu has managed to reach for the aqueous cream tub and plastered it all over her body (again!).. arghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

-clean-up-on-bedroom-2-L

Time heals all wounds

Last night, I caught up with Subby Hubs at Suzi's. It's been ages since I was last there. It has changed somewhat.. no one looked familiar.. except for the Western food ladies. I was so looking forward to their maggie goreng, but alas, it was just too dry..

And then I saw him. The guy who broke my heart, years ago. He looked good, clean .. sober. And the funniest thing is, the pain is no longer there. I actually had to really think hard what happened between us, and even when I did recall the things he put me through.. I felt .. nothing.. no heartache, no anger..

So Subby Hubs and I started to talk about how we do tend to forget certain things and move on with our lives, and when something awakens the memory of long lost stories.. we're reminded of how much we've grown since then and .. how it changes your perspective in life.

He was just a table away, I know he's looking at me but whenever I tried to lock eyes with him, he'll look away. I just wanted him to look into my eyes and see who I've become. This is one person, whether I like to admit it or not, shaped me to who I am today.

-I-need-more-time-L

I am 17, going on 18..

Today will forever be remembered as the day I turn 17 again..

I decided to take little Ni-Mu out to Carrefour to get some stuff. Because she's having a slight fever, and I am recovering from a cold, it had to be a short trip, so I just went out with my jeans, black tank top and I slipped on a pair of pink flip-flops. No make up

Decided to get an ice cream cone after I was done, so I was just hanging around in front of F.O.S while finishing my ice cream, Ni-Mu conveniently sleeps in her stroller. A group of young malay boys came and started to make conversation with me..

"ooi. kaklong makan ice cream sorang jer? tak share ngan adik langsung.. tak baikk.."

erk?

"lepas ni buat aper? tinggal kat mana? mlm ni kalu tak buat aper, jom la join kitorang kat NZ"

waaaa...

I just smiled and said, " erm.. tak boley la.. kena jaga adik.. "

"alaaa... mlm pun kena jaga adik ke?"

ha..ah...

"you sekolah mana? "

asrama..I replied

"oo budak pandai.."

no-laaa

"oii.. cakap omputehhhh.. mesti english dapat A1 nih.."

I just couldn't believe it! I'm being chatted up by young "kutoids" as I would call it, back in the days. And actually "layan".

"aikk.. habis ice cream terus nak blah? takut mak marah ke?"

ha-ah..

I just didn't have the heart to tell them that the "adik" they're referring to is my baby girl, and the supposed "girl" they were chatting up, has stretch marks all over her stomach and upper thighs!

Have I discovered the fountain of youth? I have been gulping down Tylenol cold syrup this past few days.. or could it be due to my short stint of SKII facial cleansing regime? Whatever it was.. It's great to know that I can still pass off as a schoolgirl..

-nama-saya-L

Waga-mama

My boss was here about 2 months ago for a short meeting and this was the first time we caught up with each other since I gave birth. We went for a Japanese dinner, since we both love to stuff ourselves silly with sashimis and not pay for them.

As we're waiting for our orders to come in, he looked at me and said,"You look HOT L! Waga-mama..!". I gave him a puzzled look, and he continued on saying, "aww, come on.. wakaii-mama.. you know what I mean, are you half-Jap or what?" ..

ahhh.. Wakaii-mama, literally translates to young-mama.. so I assume, he was trying to say I'm a hot -mama la..

I never gave it much thought 'cos this boss of mine loves to tease people (sometimes inappropriately.. I was once told that he has been sued for sexual harrassment once..). And not that I've noticed head turning whenever I pass by a group of guys.

But today, I felt like a waga-mama, it could be slimming effects of my pencil pants or it could be the fact I was not lugging my stuff-everything-I-can-bag, but a teenie shoulder bag. I definitely turned a few heads.. (maybe they're gay, and were just checking my outfit.. but still heads turned!).

Made me feel good..

Then I went downstairs and saw that Guardian was having discounts on Mamy Poko diapers.. Oooh.. must buy, I thought to myself (funny how our "must buy" list changes from that hot lip stain from Bobbii Brown to super dry diapers..).

And there I was, strutting to the carpark, and somehow turned into a non-head turner. It was the diapers.. Why is it that when we see a woman carrying a diaper she's just a mom, and if we see a guy carrying them we think .. aww .. great dad. I wonder what guys think when they see me carrying diapers?

Is it just me or have I actually blogged about this?Am I having a strange case of deja-vu?

God.. I'm waga-mama and losing it. Hurrah for the weekend!

-cough-cough-L

No more hoping..

People keep saying that, "In life, nothing is certain." Forrest Gump said, " Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." And quoting that famous phrase from Heidi Klum's Project Runway - One day you're in, the next, you're out.

So what's new? Nothing surprises me anymore. Men and women behaving badly, husbands cheating, wives lying, backstabbing friends, colleagues pulling you down, parents ignoring their children, children snubbing their parents. It makes you wonder why life can be so cruel.

But then you hear of wonderful things like, "Adam has cut his first tooth!", "I've been promoted" or "Mmuah mama..".

A few nights ago, while watching Oprah (don't roll your eyes.. she's only the best girlfriend ever..), something struck me. We always hear people saying, "I hope...." or "We hope.." but the guy who was interviewed said something profound, "HOPE is not a PLAN". And he's right, hope is not a plan. It may sound harsh, but the reality is; we all should be thinking what we are going to do about it rather than hoping it'll get better.

So for today, since I'm feeling lousy, I'm not going to hope I'll feel better. I plan to go out and get something from the BCBG sale.

-retail-therapist-L

Someone once said..

You can't please everyone. There will always be someone who is unhappy with the decision that you make. So stop beating yourself up whenever you hear anything bad about yourself. Get over it! Life is not a competition, the object is to live it to the fullest. If you've made a mistake, learn from it and never put yourself in that situation ever again.

That someone was me. At the age of 16, I was trying to make sense to a good friend in a time of her need.

I've always been a good listener, a source of kind words when people are down, a shoulder to cry on , someone to go to for a good conversation. I should really try a career in counseling.

Which brings us to a certain someone whom I chance to meet yesterday. Let's call him Mr. Mystery. He's in trouble; caught red handed doing something he promised he won't do to his wife. As it is, he has broken a lot of promises, and admitted that he's hurt his wife greatly with his "stupidity". His wife is furious, and is coming close to calling it quits. He, on the other hand is really sorry and doesn't believe that it's the end of the road for them. "It can't be.." he said remoursefully, "I love her.. She is my rock.. she's everything".

This is what I told him.

"You have to take responsibility for all your wrongdoings. And make sure she knows you're making the effort. If you still love her, tell her.. show her.. never for one second make her think otherwise. Even when she pushes you away, stay close. Make it known that you still want her. You have already admitted your mistake. Ask for forgiveness, go up to her and convince her that you're worth her time.."

"But, she's always so angry.."

"She has all the right to be angry, you said you want her.. need her.. that means taking her with all that she's got.. angry or not.. This is the person you cannot live without, right?"

"..yes"

"Then. why hesitate? Why give her time to think otherwise?"

".. I don't want to be in her face"

"Like it or not, you're already in her face with all your mistakes.. "

"I don't know what to say.. or do.. "

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself.. stop feeling anything for yourself, if you want her back.. Everything is about her now.."

"I don't think she'll feel differently.."

"Have you tried? Have you taken her out? Have you had a heart to heart talk? Have you told her how miserable you are that you broke her heart? Sacrificed anything for her? Spun a fairytale romance? Share her pain? Flowers? Gifts? Take some time off, spend it with her, pamper her, make it known you'd go all out for her? How can you say you don't think it will change anything if you haven't tried..? It's not like she's gone out to find a divorce lawyer.. Why think of defeat before even entering the battle?"

"She looks so hurt.."

"All the more reason for you to treat her wounds... Look, she didn't throw you out of the house, there's a good chance you can win her back. But before that, let me ask you.. Do you really love her, did you mean it when you said she's you're everything.."

"...."

"You've got to know what you're fighting for.. If your heart and soul believes in the cause, the battle is worthwhile, and if you win this battle, you will forever remember the route you took to win her back.. and hopefully remind you how much you'd go through for her. Remember, she's had to go through a pain that you could only imagine.. So don't question yourself if you have to stand up to a little prick here and there..."

"..."

"You think you can do that?"

".. Yes, but she keeps bringing it up.. "

"So? Keep on telling her how sorry you are.. and if you don't want to apologize anymore, tell her you're doing everything you can .. really tell her what you've been doing to make it easier for her.."

"I don't know.."

"Look, Mr. Mystery, it's up to you.. you wanted a woman's perspective.. I'm giving you one. At times like this, any woman just wants to be assured that you're worthy of her. And if you say you can't live without her, then you show it to her. No one said it's going to be easy.. You've hurt her.. Stop thinking that just because you've apologized and admitted to your mistakes, you're off the hook. In fact, you're never off the hook. People consistently work on their relationship.. In your case, you've got to work harder."

".."

"Make it work, Mystery-man.. You can't let someone like her slip away."

Any other advise for Mr. Mystery?

-should-start-a-dear-L-column

My girl..

It's hard to believe that a year ago, she entered the world, and now she's playing with bubbles.. She's achieved so much.. my heart could just burst. As each day passes, she'll learn new tricks and true to her nature she spreads joy to everything and everyone she touches. At a very young age she has even shown that she could learn from her mistakes and became aware of the dangers surrounding her.

In many ways, she's like her mother; vivacious personality, headstrong, determined and undeniably perceptive.

We had a party for her yesterday and she played the part of host to perfection.

I'm proud of you, baby. And thank you so much for all your smile, hugs and kisses.

-mumsy-L

What's new pussycat?

Nothing much really..

.. although, I did get a new phone .. yes, I'm now in the know. Hooked myself up with a 3G phone and therefore consider myself officially "hip and happening". My first video conversation was with 3 ah-bengs whom are obviously friends with the guy I bought the phone from.

.. my second video conversation was with Sing-Sing gal, while having lunch .. with each other! Yes, we are that dense. Irregardless, I'm sure the waiters still thought we were "cute".

-i-can-see-youuu-L

I am guilty..

I am guilty of the following -

1. Saying "I love you" to a complete stranger, one carefree night where I was privy to wearing a US$100,000 necklace in my plunging black dress...

2. Alowing myself to be immersed replying work mails, while little Ni-Mu emptied a whole tub of aqueous cream all over her face and body. Her skin is going to be sooooo soft for the next week or so..

3. Not keeping track of our Astro bills which led to the service being cut off and us watching regular TV.. which led to me being hooked on bloody Bawang Putih, Bawang Merah.

4. Being too lazy to update this blog, eventhough gazillion-jillion things has happened. Hmm, perhaps blogging is becoming a little bit (needlessly) complicated.

.. And many more since my last entry.. what can I say, I've been a naughty-yummy-mummy. So in the light of the joyous month of Syawal.. I'd like to wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya (..yes, guilty of not wishing all of you too..) and obviously being guilt-ridden.. Maaf Zahir Batin.

-acquitted-nevertheless-L

Misty eyed..

And so the haze is back with a vengeance. It's so bad, that I can't even see the infamous "Savannah" construction, which is just a few kilometres away. For once I can imagine that I'm living on top of some mountain, surrounded by rolls of mist..

On a more happy note, we celebrated Mrs Bono's birthday over the weekend and stuffed ourselves silly. It was wonderful to see Mr. Bono happily snapping pictures of guests coming in.. kissy-kissy on the cheeks with the birthday girl.. and still clicking away during the dinner .. and maneuvering himself around the house as she opened up her prezzies, getting the best angles.

Isn't it wonderful to know that at least you're a supermodel to someone...

-misty-hazy-L

Soulmate..

I came across this while clicking the time away yesterday and the entry got me to thinking about it. Deep inside all of us want to believe in the concept of soulmate. I once heard a very interesting remark on this - "I don't believe in soulmates but I believe that once you've found that special someone, you work hard to make the relationship work. And vice-versa." Even a non believer believes in the notion that we all eventually will find that other person that essentially can complete you.

Remember that line from Jerry Maguire?

You complete me.

Can there be any other 3 words that so succinctly describe someone's gratitude in making themselves whole?

I'm not saying that all of you singles out there are running around half complete. I've been there.. And I truly believed I was complete (complete neurotic and complicated person..), but the search was on.. and it doesn't necessarily mean that we're always in search for the sensational person who can treat you like the goddess that you are. The search was on to find things, activities that'll make you feel complete, even just for that split second.

With that said, I'm not saying that it's okay for those who has supposedly found their other half to go out and search for things that'll complete you further.. Because in this case, you should be searching for something that will complete the both of you, like that diamond ring or the latest offerings in the golf setion. As long as it does not affect the precarious balance which you've been working so hard for.

And so, do I believe in soulmates? ..I do, the foolish romantic that I am.. but I also know we all live in the real world, where romance is but a lilliputian island surrounded by harsh waters.

But still, I have found mine.. there I've said it.. Would he say the same?

-soulful-L

To the left.. to the left..

When I was single, my aim was to lead a strong, confident, fulfilling and independent life. I made it a point to be mobile (i.e, have a car) and buy my own place in anticipation of leading a somewhat "Bridget Jones-ish" lifestyle.

I could actually see myself singing "All By Myself" on New Year's eve and eating tubs of ice cream while watching dvd's. And how I vowed to migrate by the age of 32 if there's nothing left for me here to explore.

Well I'm 32 now, and if you ask me whether anything has changed since my archetypal singleton dream... all I can say is .. Not really.

Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother, nothing can beat having little Ni-Mu around. In fact, I now foresee us singing a duet "Just the two of us" instead of "All by myself" .. (okay .. maybe more along the line of Barney songs..). And then of course, there's Homer. God bless him, but I can't fight the feeling that we girls must always watch our own backs.

The saddest thing is, in as much as some girls work so hard in getting their lives together.. there'll always be some other people that deliberately shuts them down. Society tries to make women believe we are nothing without our traditional support system. And it makes me angry.

I was talking with an old friend last week and she was just getting over a relationship. It pains me to hear that even after going through a harsh break up in a manner that I don't even wish for my enemies, someone told her that perhaps she could have behaved differently (read: forgiving) she would still BE in a relationship.

The point is, she did not want that kind of relationship. She was like me, and I knew she was already slipping so far away from her old self. She's on her final stage of her break up. And so we celebrated by singing to Beyonce's latest "Irreplaceable.." (or at least we tried..)

-irreplaceable-L

Random things that made me smile ..

- a guy wearing a t-shirt that said "I GOT SOME LAST NIGHT" winking at me while we passed each other on the escalator.

- Bumping into an old friend that kept on complimenting on how fantastic I look, and I was not wearing any makeup!

- Tried on a pair of skimpy shorts, and bought it, realizing how great my butt looked in them and then finding out that it was "small" size. (alright.. this one will make make me giddy with happiness for the next couple of weeks.. at least..)

- a phone call from an old acquaintance, whom I thought would never call again.

- how great my lasagna turned out, considering it was my first time baking them in the convection microwave.

-still-smiling-L

Nawaitu...

It's that time of the year again... No water, food, sex, among other things... during daytime. Food and sex.. no problems.. I can think of it as one of the many ways I can lose weight, and it's not like I sneak to Homer's office and "do" it at the emergency staircase on a daily basis...

But the water bit.. Did you know that I drink 3 bottles of 1.5 litres water everyday?? It's gonna be tough, especially when I didn't fast last year.. (due to pregnancy)..

Ramadan Mubarak!

-might-start-tomorrow-L

Why we can never..

form a "sisterhood of the traveling pants"..

By "we", I mean my dearest group of friends..

- at one point or another, one of us would pregnant.
- our size fluctuation rivals the stock market.
- we may have lost all the "baby weight" but the body structure is a different story.

And so, I am proposing the formation of the "sisterhood of the traveling sarong"

One size fits all!

-tra-la-la-L

I hate the haze.

Last night, I could see clearly KL's skyline.. It's been a while since I saw my beautiful city in all its splendour and its beautiful lights. This morning, it is still clear.. and I gave a silent pray that the haze has finally made its way out of the system.

I mean, the view from my place is not fantastic or anything, I can see the ongoing construction of a new highway, the low cost flats nearby and the monstrous development sprouting a few kilometres away. But at least, I can see them and take them all in as part of my surroundings.. Seeing things clearly means I won't step on shit and drag them everywhere unknowingly, spreading the stench.. Not that the haze was that bad that I can't see the pile of shit.. but you guys know what I mean..

Even when things are not as picturesque as we'd want it to be .. I'm sure everyone is glad that the haze is gone right? It even makes me want to thank last Friday's flashfloods cos it means washing away the haze..

This entry is mundane, just like my morning.. but I just needed to get it out..

-clearer-is-better-L

W.O.T.Y

And so with one proclamation, the little girl is someone's wife.. with that single action, she's now a "Datin". She looks so happy. I pray that she will not be forsaken by her man, and wish her all the happiness that she has long dreamed of.

As she slips the ring on to the groom's finger, I can't help but see the tell-tale mark of the previous band. And I thought to myself, he used to build his life with another, he promised to be true to her, but it was over. I wondered how she's taking all this, and wished her all my best as she begins her new life.

Love is truly blind, to quote a song, "..it's like chocolate cake, like cigarette.. I know they're bad.. but I just can't get enough...".

I can't really say that I know the little girl well, but by association, I know her ups and downs and in a certain way, I feel close to her. She certainly always makes me feel good about myself and even with her stature, she'd still come up and say hello to me in the open air car park while I was walking back to my car.

She's so optimistic about everything, and in the rush of having our pictures taken, she said, "welcome to the club..!" .. I corrected her and said, "..No, you, welcome to the club.. It's not easy you know..." To which she replied in her giggling girlish manner, " tau..."

Many happy returns, and semoga bahagia hingga ke anak cucu..

-ushered-L

Bad day? Have a drink..

A couple of days ago, Subby Hubby was having a bad day, and he really needed a break so I invited him to come over to our place. At around 6.30 he called to say that his car wouldn't start, apparently he left his headlights on. Homer went to save him while waiting for the service guy to come with the new car battery.

An hour later the guy called to say that he's already on Jln Ampang so we all towed little Ni-Mu into the car (since she's still wide awake) and made our way back to where his car was. We thought his woes would come to an end, but lo and behold, the service guy called to say that he had a flat tyre and so he had to wait longer.. Bad karma or what??

When the guy finally came (there were other issues.. believe it or not..), we left so we could have our dinner. Subby Hubs then came back to our place for some finger licking good chicken.. (What? You all thought I'd cook?? ..), and after gobbling down the chicken he looked at us with a huge grin and said,"Guess what was the service guy's name.."

Tom Yum! (This is real, I've seen his business card)

Nope. It's similar to your favorite drink..

Huh? Diet Coke?

Close. You guys ready? His name is Pepsi... Pepsi Chin. Here's his card..

*imagine all three of us laughing while we peeked at the card.

Okay, It was very mean of us to laugh at someone's name, but we just couldn't help it..

From now on, when subby hubby has a bad day, I'll tell him to have a Pepsi...

-cosmo-poh-li-tan-L-ha-ha-

What's new pussycat?

I've just been reminded by Subby Hubby on the lack of updates on the blog, and I have to admit that time haven't been on my side. Although, I can still find time to buy lingeries from La Senza (meeoooww), 2 pairs of shoes and more clothes since my Bandung trip. My credit card has never been more exhausted!

So, PGL the musical is back, and this time around I was determined to go (missed the last one), I was dropping hints big time and Homer came through.. hurrah! He listens after all.. We saw it last Sunday night and I'm proud to say that the artsy-fartsy-pants in us is still alive and kicking.

My favorite scene has to be when Sultan Ahmad came out singing how great it is to be King. Note to self, must ask Pat whether Sultan Ahmad has a penchant for Michael Jackson.. From where we were, it looked like the King of Pop himself was dancing on the stage.. Anyway, judge me all you want, while everyone was going ga-ga over Stephen Rahman Hughes.. I thought the King was great.. Adlin Ramlie, that is.. Hang Tuah has never been really top of my list..as like many other female population out there.. the bad boy thing is just so hard to resist..

I can't really say much on the male population.. I suppose they're also intrigued by dangerous women.. so the Puteri would be a great combo "lemah-lembut", looks to match, mystical powers and to top it all off, she wears a bustier all the time! (ala pussy cat dolls but with sarong instead of hot pants..)

Dang.. I should go back to La Senza and get those bustiers with matching garters... hmm

-dangerously-L

Bandung ..

Not to be confused with "Air Bandung" or "Mee Bandung".. which you'll never find in this quaint city. Although I can't really say much about bandung except the fact that it is dotted with factory outlet stores.. and I mean .. seriously dotted! After all, we really did spend much of our waking hours scouring the "F.O's" pronounced 'Eff-Oh' by the locals.

Didn't do much of sightseeing.. but that was never part of the agenda anyways. All I can say is that.. it was a great trip for the gals and would've been hell for the hubsters...

Ni-Mu's Stuff - 600,000.00 rupiah
L's obsession - 500,000.00 rupiah
Homer's stuff - 200,000.00 rupiah
Beautification of L - 350,000.00 rupiah
Souvenirs (which consist of more clothes or kain) - 400,000.00 rupiah

The look on the bell boy's face as he loaded our shopping bags onto the hotels cart as it stumbled out of our rented car at the end of each day - Priceless!

The bone picker story..

So here's how the story goes, I rsvp'd for a function and managed to get my mom to baby sit little ni-mu for tonight. The obvious choice for a partner would be Homer.. and here I thought, "hmm.. perhaps a little walkabout and cosy dinner afterwards..". It would be nice to just attend a launch for something that we can't afford to buy (yet.. hopefully) .. get dolled up, watching people.. etc.

But instead, Subby Hubby will be accompanying little ol' me. Apparently, Homer said he'd feel uncomfortable. As I recall, the last time when we went into a posh boutique, he was the one who tried on all the watches.... I think its obvious that he doesn't want to be seen with ME.. his short, non-flat stomach wife.

But hey.. I can't complain.. Subby Hubby is VERY good looking.. and we can snicker and laugh the whole night long..

-underappreciated-L

Lately...

Things haven't been so good lately, first I got sick, then there was that nasty diarrhea after eating undercooked cockles at Penang Village, and again last night my temperature shot up. With everything else going on in my life, work or otherwise, I just feel so helpless .. you know.. like why bother keeping up when you end up drowning in a heap of mess.

For once in my life, I really don't care what happens, I've been trying and working and talking and giving in. I felt as if I'm running in a circle, even when I tried to do something differently, I'm the one who gets the brunt of it. Don't you just hate it when that happens?

But then, that's life.. I've just been faced with setbacks. A little bit bruised, as they say. The time will come when they will appreciate me and know what I had to go through in trying to make things work.

Sometimes I wonder if whatever I did was wrong.. or whether it affects other people, but then I reminded myself that no one else will protect me like I can.

On a more cheerful front; me and the girls are going on an all girls trip to Bandung for a little S&R (shopping and relaxxxx .. mmmm) .. So Bandung people .. the question is.. are you ready for us???

-wheels-on-the-bus-goes-round-and-round-L

Her name rhymes with Tiara..

Little Ni-Mu is crazy funny.

This morning while I was checking my work mails, I put her down on the orange mat near me, with her noisy toy piano. I finally got used to replying mails while listening to the various unfinished nursery rhymes (obviously, she smacks on the toy that it keeps changing its tune..), when suddenly all is quiet.

As I turned my head, I saw my little precious taking the edge of the mat, munching away happily. She looked as if she's eating a giant orange..and gurgled,"mum-mum?"

I felt like showering her with oranges.. (but then realized that I could be jailed for endangering a child's life...)

As the world steadily goes on in its chaotic manner.. I am blessed to have someone who can make me smile with just a bat of her eyes.

-lucky-L

Again on life..

Life is playing tricks on me.. sometimes it feels like time had stood still, sometimes it leaves me behind, empty handed.. eating dust, but the one thing I hate most, is when it moves ever so slowly as you eagerly wait what's next for you..

I've been waiting.. and waiting.. sometimes patiently, most of the time not quite .. for something I can't quite describe but I know it'll make my life complete.. You know what I mean? And so, its true that life is a journey and as you pass by each junction, you pick up pieces that hopefully fits in this jigsaw puzzle we call life.

Wishing that the piece I picked up today will guide me through.

i-am-somebody-so-hear-me-roar-L

Hey, look.. it's me

Tonight, I smiled, laughed and cried. And in truth, it felt wonderful .. for that 150 minutes or so, my old self resurfaced. That person who had no care in the world.. enjoying herself, alone in her little apartment.

As I tucked the DVD back to its sleeve, I realized how much my life has changed. But I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that little part of me is still within and could somehow show herself as she listens to her little precious peacefully dreaming the night away through the baby monitor.

It's true that life can never be perfect, but at least, there are perfect moments. Let's not ever forget that.

-constantly-reminding-self-L

What goes on in this head of mine..

While people are humming and singing to themselves the latest hits like; Hips Don't Lie .. I have permanently in my head a humdinger from one the shows on Playhouse Disney channel.

My name is Shanna.. It rhymes with banana..
And this my friend, is Shaaannnnaaaa's Shoo--ooow!


Although, I'd have the lyrics changed to entertain little Ni-Mu, and it goes something like this

My name is Naiara.. It rhymes with tiara..
And this my friend, is Iaraaaaaa's Shoo--ooow!

And now, I'm obsessed in finding things that rhymes with people's names.

Sad, I know.. but Subby Hubby and I had lots of fun thinking up of things that'll rhyme with his name, sadly we could only come up with "Loofah". Poor guy.. well, at least that's much better than what rhymes with yours truly.. "Cheese"..

-yummy-cheesy-L

What marriage?

I'm not a cynical person, but I have to say, everytime I hear someone say, "Well.. I/She/He married you, didn't I/She/He ??"; I get a little pang of fury. So, just because at one point of time, one decides to take the plunge with another, we're meant to feel relieved and having a sense of euphoria?

Key word: "at one point of time"

Yes, we should feel like we're on cloud nine when we know that this is the ONE, the ONE to have and to hold, through bad and good times, till death do us part. But it's definitely NOT just about that instant .. It's about being in a team, unfailingly with each second that goes by. Marriage is not a trophy that you can lift up and say, "We did it!" , in fact, it should just be, "Been there, done that.. Now for OUR next move..." From here on, is where the real award kicks in.

Everytime you do something that makes the other happy, you deserve a medal and for each sincere sacrifice you'll go further ahead in the pursuit of happiness. For each time one holds back from hurting the other, then both can claim themselves as a clear winner; you for putting another before yourself and her for having someone who truly cares for her heart. This, ladies and gentlemen; as you can see has NOTHING to do with, "I married you, didn't I?"

Today, Homer and I celebrate our 4th Wedding Anniversary. I often (okay.. more than often) ask him why he loves me (notice it's "love" and NOT "married") and he'll always have some wacky answer, like, "reason no#3652 : because you say, I'm on camp Anniston!" (And I said this with conviction and much fervor!).

Here's to many more wacky reasons ...

-reason#1-L

All in a day's work

I believe I wrote in one of my posts that ironing helps me to calm down, provided that the mood kicks in. So just now, I decided to iron Homer's shirts to calm my nerves while watching Japan vs. Croatia match. Surprised? like I said.. I don't hate football.. in fact during my uni days, I actually followed the EPL religously. I mean, you gotta admit.. a woman can always have some fun watching 22 fit and athletic men running around in shorts, right?? If men can objectify women, so can we.

Homer would've been proud of how worked up I got with the game.. to the point of cursing in Japanese. Righto, back to calming my nerves. I was ironing one of Homer's work uniform that he had to wear in a recent conference and at the back of the shirt it said, "Reduce Uncertainty To Maximize Recovery". Huh? Was my first reaction.

Then it dawned upon me, let's for one minute take it out of the context of his work. This can be applied in our everyday situation. Think about it. When we have everything out in the open, as in laid out so that all is transparent - then you have nothing to fear and in fact, nothing to lose and everything to gain. In other words, if one is open and truthful; you project to other people your principles and in turn, you will get the most of what you want from people around you.

Applied on football, it will be something like, get as many goals so the team is certain to maximise their chance of winning.

Applied on everyday life, getting people to see the real you so that they in turn will be true to you.

Well, it kinda made sense when I was ironing.. more psycho babble next time I iron... don't hold your breath though..

-iron-lady-L

All I can say is..

Dolce .. Dolce .. Dolce!

Who is the hunky player on the furthest right in the bottom picture? Homer a.k.a my world cup trivia guy is away on an all boys diving trip.. Can anyone help me with this.. And now to check when's their next match. Finally my reason to watch the cup of life .. Subby Hubby, drooling time.. how abourrit??

-mama-mia!-L

Situation vacant

I believe I'm doing all my girlfriends out there a favour by putting this one out.

Urgent
Situation Vacant: Attentive partner

Job description: Maintaining healthy emotional connection between partners, creating loving and caring environment within the alliance.

Must be mature, intelligent, caring and dependable. Work available on contract basis, ending 9th July. Extension of contract can be negotiated. Football junkie need not apply, interested individuals may submit their resume via email.

***

I don't hate football, it's just that sometimes it makes me feel a little less important.. ya know what I mean?

-dispossessed-L

The Devil Herself...

The little girl ran into her mother's room, crying... " Mummy, am I a demon???". Puzzled, the mother came to her little girl and asked why she said that. "There's this boy, who shares my birthday and he's eevilll.. and he has the mark 666 on his head", the girl sobbed. She smiled and said, "..no, rizu-chan.. you're my little angel..". As the sobs dies down, the girl asks her mother if she could just confirm that she's really not the demon by checking that she has no such mark on her head. No such symbols seems apparent, confirms the mother. The little girl walks away, relieved, but ...

She just can't help but wonder if..

Today, eerily.. she wore all black .. frilly skirt and v-neck top combination.. walking knowingly how good her bum looks as the frills sashays itself.. The devil herself is out celebrating.. but nothing over the top.. As she might just blow her cover. After all today is special.. O Six O Six O Six .. She's turning 32, not too young, not too old but most importantly.. not too shabby.

Will the mark presents itself?
Will the demon surface?

We'll just have to wait and see..

Now, where can she find an all red leather pants and bustier with matching red whip...

Happy Birthday you devil.. you..

And by 'you' .. I mean 'me'...

OMENista-L

Have you ever felt really alone?

Last night, it struck me. I felt that I was all alone in this big bad world. I'ts like I swallowed an astronomical self pity pill or something like that. Everything is just not right, the bolognaise sauce I made was too salty, the baby gagged on my boobs, and Homer just couldn't keep awake.

Cue that pathetic Backstreet Boys' song, Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely...

Last night .. I was the epitome of Loneliness. Lonely L..

The thing is, if everything(one) else is zippidy-doo-dah-top-of-the-world shape, then what the f*#k is wrong with me. Can't be the baby blues.. , PMS .. nope ..

Just one of them days I suppose..

-trying-to-snap-out-of-it-L

Let's all sing..

Happy Birthday to youuuu
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuu
Happy Birthday dear Homerrrrrr
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuu

A year older and hopefully wiser,eh?

-wise-enough-L

How's life?

If life is a drama, and the life we're talking about is mine, then what does it make me?

A Drama Queen.

Things have been ... how shall I put it.. surreal.

Ready for the story?

Last 2 weeks, I blacked out .. in the bathroom, while preparing for my precious Ni-Mu's bath. I can't say how thankful I am that I wasn't bathing her at the time and that Homer is already home from work. It was an exceptionally rough day, to say the least. I don't even remember the drive home nor filling the small tub with water. The next thing I know, my mom was next to me, asking me to wipe my face.

So alarmed was Homer that he actualy called 999 for an ambulance, which incidently came later than my mom who actually had to hail a cab to get to my place. I'd hate to think what would have become of me if it was something really serious. Once I'm in the emergency room, they strapped all kind of nonsense and poked me here and there to figure out what was wrong.

I've been having the flu, haven't been really eating and under stress so I suppose it was a sign from my tired little(?) body telling me to slow down. But you kow how it is, when everything happens at once, you just get sucked into the vortex and the next thing you know someone tells you to wipe your face.

The doctor said that there was something wrong with my ECG reading and told me that I have to stay the night so I can be monitored. All I can say is, that night, I wished for it not to be true, that I was just having a nightmare, but sadly I'm yanked back to reality. I blacked out .. for a good 20 minutes.

And so I was put through various tests the next morning, they even made me run on a treadmill at 30 degrees angle! Are they nuts?? I haven't been on a treadmill for a good year!

In any case, I'm glad to say that all tests came back okay, but I still haven't gone through my holter (some machine that records your heart rhythm for 24 hours) report with the doc. That'll be tomorrow at 11. It's been a long wait.

So many things up in the air, I'm feeling a little bit hard to breathe.

-waiting-to-exhale-L

Splishin' and a splashin'

I had to go to Penang over the weekend and we decided to make a holiday out of it. Little Ni-Mu travels great in the car, except for the occasional tantrum wanting to get out of her car seat and being a little bit "jakun" when breastfed at the back seat. I swear, the guy parked next to us at the rest stop probably think I was flashing him ... I'm sure I made his day... they ARE nice-ish.

Believe it or not we didn't get to really spend that much time together, I ended up having to do more work than expected, but we managed to eat that excellent goreng pisang from Tanjung Bungah.. crispy outside and soft inside plus, we got ourselves to Waterworld and had my siput judi (or was it judy? .. it's one of those really spiky siput).

But the best thing was we got upgraded, thanks to Homer's crankiness and non-stop calls to the hotel's front desk, and got ourselves a nice big jacuzzi tub in our bathroom!

There we all were.. The "Michelin" family.. It was hillarious, Homer kept telling Ni-Mu not to look directly at you-know-what, while she looks on at the two of us like we've gone mad or something. And so after Homer got over the trauma being nude with his little girl, we all sat ( and perhaps frolicked around ) in the tub with Ni-Mu happily splashing away between the two of us. Bliss...

A family that bathes together stays together, right??


-missing-the-big-tub-L

That damn ad!

I have a confession. My hair is falling out.. yessirreeee.. I no longer want to wash my own hair cos everytime I do, I fear that our shower drain may clog up and bath water would flood the whole apartment. It IS that bad. And so, I've resorted to going to hair salons and clog up their drain.

It doesn't help that I keep seeing this ad on how to know whether your hair is damaged or dry. The thing that bothers me about the ad is this - the dang experiment says that if you cut your hair and drop it in a glass of water and oil, you'll find out the condition of the hair. If it stays in the oil layer, then your hair is dry and if your hair drops down to the water bit then your hair is damaged.

The thing is, there's just 2 outcome isn't it? Either the hair will stay in the oil bit or the water part.. so either way your hair is screwed. What the f*#k??

O' thy beautiful locks with blonde streaks .. keep up your strength, this too shall pass....

-baldy-L

Is it really today?

All around me, people are embarking on a new journey; Mama and Papa Mido is preparing the arrival of Baby Chin, Super Lawyer Gal is moving on up, Subby Hubby finally gets a job which is in line of his study, K-devi has gone on a self discovery trip, Sing Sing Gal struggles with her own personal conflicts, Homer discovers the joys of being his real self in his home coutry, even little NiMu has learned a few tricks showing her nature as each day goes by.

Me?.. yes, moi ..

I feel different today, I just realized that in the past months I have changed. Perhaps its the sudden workload, perhaps its the emotional turmoil within me and from all the people around me, losing myself and re-discovering it all again with my little NiMu. As I write this, I wonder if I'm making any sense, I wish to find my pillar of strength but I don't know how to. And so, I look at the people around me ..

Well, sign me up on a trip .. I want to journey on..

On! On!

To Mama an Papa Mido, the baby will rock the boat, but you guys will do great! We'll be seeing you sailing through.. Can't wait, NiMu will have someone to bully ;)

-good-luck-me!-L

o' la la

It's funny how eventhough I've never met any of the wonderful people reading the blog, I kind of feel close to them. Yes, I'm talking about you.. You all know the highlights (even lowlights.. ) of my life and all the needlessly complicated things I go through.

Well, that's what life is all about ain't it? Being around family, friends, blog-friends, yadda-yadda. Sometimes I wonder what else is out there, and then I'm reminded that life is a series of challenge.

And what's the challenge for today?

1. Fitting into my old pants.
2. Resisting buying clothes from British India.
3. Getting my client to confirm a huge order.
4. Be a good girl. (Cos have been feeling naughty all week)

-amazing-race-wannabe-L

An open letter part 2

For those who has expressed concern over my open letter,

It's true, I can no longer trust as easily as I could before. I thank you for the kind words, and I am happy to be surrounded by people who cares so much for me. But it's not what people think it is, the letter masks a series of events around my life and those only those in the know, truly comprehend the situation.

I'm just happy that you all cared.

-thankful-L

An open letter

To whom it may concern;

Trust is a fragile entity. Remember the story of "the boy who cried wolf?". The trust has been broken and no one believed him when the wolf really did appear - he lost his sheeps, and it wasn't funny at all.

If people trusted you with their life, it's truly an honor; only a privileged few gets this type of validation. "I trust you" can sometimes be stronger than "I love you" And in that few seconds of judgement lapse, it is gone, broken, leaving the other person at loss for words.

I trusted you. Past tense.

-broken-L