Who Moved My Cheese?

"Life is no straight and easy corridor along which we travel free and unhampered, but a maze of passages, through which we must seek our way, lost and confused, now and again checked in a blind alley. But always, if we have faith, a door will open for us, not perhaps one that we ourselves would ever have thought of, but one that will ultimately prove good for us."

A.J Cronin

I know my mum was very disappointed when I told her that I will not be celebrating Christmas either in Kuching or Penang this year. I decided to have a quiet X'mas in KL - to rejuvenate, re-energise and "reshape" my body, mind and soul. Huhuhu ... sound so holistic. In actual fact I was having the time of my life, indulging in sinful luxury of sloth -"eat, sleep and shit" - just like Jimmy Hiew will described it. 4 days into the lazy mode ... now getting out of bed already felt like hard labour. So much of the idea of "reshaping"... makinlah I "out of shape". Oh I am so going to Hell!

All my half-read books. As of today, just finish the first 2.

Many people will think I might be out of my mind - celebrating X'mas all alone. Just imagine yourself celebrating Hari Raya - far away from home or sebatang kara. Anyway, one thing I am proud of being "Mie" is that I can choose to celebrate either Chinese New Year, Christmas or Gawai Dayak (Harvest Festival) so I'll make it up to my mum next year CNY. I have to admit though that I really miss my Gina and little Maegan. Especially when my mum relate to me the story when Gina mispronounced "Grandma is tired" to "Grandma expired" and how she tried to help my sister Florence putting Maegan to sleep, ended up being the one sleeping.


I have good reason for a "Silent Night" Christmas this year. I have come to a point in my life when I found "my cheese" is depleting and if I don't start playing "Scurry" and "Sniff" then I will ended like Hem when my cheese moved. I started noticing it when I found myself kept "procrastinating" applying for Masters. Then the dilemma of doing it locally or overseas. But yang paling-paling need my special attention - do I want to settle down? (I do, I do, I do, I do -Mamma Mia!)

Honestly 9 years ago, I made a 10 -year master-plan for my life ending 7 September 2010. Part of that plan was did my Masters and settle down with 2 babies (hehehe) before age 33. But then of course, sometimes many things never go as planned and I did have my lowest moments which affect that master plan. Unfortunately during those meltdowns, you just didn't have the energy to review the changes and execute alternative plans and so I ended up asking myself last birthday ... what next? But you knowlah ... typical "Mie" ... I will think about it next year (just like the line in Gone with The Wind)

I haven't drafted the next decade plan yet. But I am definitely not going to lead my life AUTOPILOT. Kena travel lah tahun depan ... kena test international market pulak (bak kata si Jethro and Emel).

Avatar - Best Movie in 2009?

Initially, I had no intention to blog about this movie at all .First, because I never anticipated to watch this movie. Secondly, sci-fiction was never my cup of tea after 1993 (the year I suffered a long, hot fever - which totally transformed my liking from everything scientific to everything artistic... ke I baru blossom into a woman huhuhu ) and finally, lately other than Jerry Bruckheimer ... I rarely associate the quality of films based on who's who in Hollywood, not even Mr Spielberg. I prefer to watch the movie first and form my own opinion ... of course, marketing-wise ... James Cameron will still draw audience to the cinema, but will they watch it again?

Well, Guy Next Door got 4 free tickets for the pre-screening of this movie yesterday at GSC Pavillion... u know after spending more than RM 600.00 on dad's platinum CIMB credit card beli barang hantaran. So I told him yesterday ... "make it a habit" hahaha ... We went together with Sam and Mr Energy Saving. Realising that the official release of this movie is tomorrow (17 Dec) in Malaysia I don't want to miss the chance to be one of the first people to blog about it ...

Sam's comment : "I think this movie will easily be the best movie for 2009"
Mr Energy Saving's comment: "I find this movie interesting. Maybe because I seldom watch movie kot." Hehehe

As for me, suffice to say I didn't came out from the cinema "starry-eyed " or neither was I moved by it. I was definitely very impressed with the 3D effects and photorealistic CGI. It was as if viewers were part of the movie... seriously ... there was a scene when the Na'vis (a sentient humanoid race on a lush jungle covered satelite of Polyphemus called Pandora) were riding on an ikran (a pteranodon-like mountain banshee adapted for flight) doing the sky-diving .... I was really, really "gayat" ... That's the wonder of modern technology in movie making, using streoscopic cameras to stimulate human sight!

Like Lord of The Rings, Avatar also introduced new fictional language - the Na'vi language, devised by linguist Prof. Paul Frommer of the University of Southern California. It has a vocabulary of about 1000 words, its phonomes include ejective consonsants (such as the "kx" in "skxawng"- try to pronounce that!) that are found in the Amharic language of Ethiopia and some of the Maori's in New Zealand.

Both Sam and myself agreed that the Elvish language of the Lord of The Ring sounds softer and romantic huhuhu!

And I was wowed by Neytiri facial expression - especially the pained expression when she explained to Jake Sully that in Omatikaya's tradition - when a male Na'vi is a declared a man, he could get himself a woman and start introducing the Na'vi females to him. Cover line lah ...

There was also a part when she was crying hysterically after her Hometree was burned down by human, the part she felt so hurt after finding out who Jake Sully really was and of course, the part when she cried when her father died. I never felt so move by an animated character before hehehe. Should see how Sam mimicked the Na'vi hissing ... if his skin colour is blue (with his cute "fangs"), he'll pass as the Avatar.

What really put me off was the message and dragging storyline. At first, I thought the director might hit home run when he introduced the character Jake Sully, a former US Marine who was wounded and paralysed from the waist down which through a genetically-bred human-Na’vi hybrid body known as Avatar, enable him to walk again . I was hoping that the director would expand the Jake Sully's Avatar character "who appear to be real but do not exist in the physical world".

Somehow, the plot twisted into a love story - the same formula in the movie Titanic which later turned very environmental.

I think the message of Avatar should be that - we shouldn't be afraid to show who we really are, in the real world. U know ... the concept of Avatar itself - a representation of ourself like in the Yahoo Messenger and Sorority Life on Facebook, which actually never exist in the real world. Sometimes I wish I was really Misz Donna - my Avatar in Sorority Life. Sexy, have $3,000,000.00 in bank, have 4 boyfriends (which I bought), got 11 rides including a private jet and a hummer and my wardrobe full with designers brands..

Boy was I really put off by "save the jungle" message! So the anti-climax ... anyway, for the adrenaline junkie ... the movie might save your RM 10,000.00 to buy a SOL parachute for a paraglide hehehe ... gerenti gayat!

Cuti- Cuti Malaysia (Overture)

Hello everyone ... lama tak update blog nie yer. Jangan khuatir, penulis tak ke mana-mana. Cuma sekarang busy banget dengan tugas-tugas rasmi dan tak rasmi sebagai PTD, ejen insurans bertauliah (harus highlight gitew), Inspektor Perumahan (ala-ala Gerak Khas), photographer kenduri kawin dan yang terkini dalam my resume ... penari Cuti-Cuti Malaysia hahahaha!!! Thanks to Datin Zaitun ...

Biasalah menjelang hujung tahun, ramai lah sedara mara dan member-member I dari "oversea" yang mengunjungi Hotel ForTUNE Park. Hujung tahun jugak baru i terhegeh-hegeh nak fulfill my insurans kuota for year 2009 and submit final sales untuk naik sebagai Agency Manager untuk CNI business I. And nak dekat-dekat hujung tahun jugaklah ... I tiba-tiba nak buat kerja-kerja kebajikan sambil bekerja. I bukak balik 22 kertas siasatan pemajuan tanpa lesen, get blessings and consent from my Timbalan Ketua Pengarah to assist in facilitating the victimised purchasers and hasilnya .... akak jadi ala-ala Inspektor Aliza dalam Gerak Khas and bekerjasama dengan Commercial Crime Bukit Aman ... tak sangka, its a syndicate!

Whatever it is ... 2009 is a good year for me in term of personal achievements. All I need to do is just give it a thought and sweat. More stories coming so stay tune!

P/S : Lupa nak citer pasal Auntie Lisa kan ???

Pisau Cukur

After "Setem", this was another Malay movie that I think worth my every "ringgit". Although some bloggers condemn the "kegedikan" two actresses - Maya Karin and Fazura in this movie as Bella and Intan (the Gold Diggers) but to me ... I likee ... Personally I terlalu ingin watch this movie because of Maya Karin ... because to me, dia pandai betul buat facial expression ikut scene or mood. Plus, my kind of humor, bukan lawak slapstick like Senario but witty punch lines, drama queens and segala yang "double meaning".

We (me and Guy Next Door) dragged along Mr Energy Saving, a pure Chinese by birth, who watched nothing but Chinese, Japanese and Korean dramas, just to see his reactions. Kalau dia tak ketawa means movie nie fail lah by One Malaysia standard.

After the show, tiba2 Mr Energy Saving pun dah pandai mimicked ... "Oh My Dior", "OH My Prada" or "Oh My Gucci" ... kira Bernard Chauly dah boleh penetrate lah Chinese market.

Anyway, I won't comment about the storyline .... to me sesuailah dengan tema movie. But I nak comment lah on cinematography and set dia. Bernard, tau lah tak naik kapal untuk filming movie nie tapi set kena gahlah sikit. Macam adegan ballroom dancing ... cover lah parquet floors tu dengan floor coverings yang grand sikit. Or stage tu buatlah grand-grand!

Satu lagi, I wonder whether you pakai high definition camera tak for this movie. Aaron Aziz (who's usually HOT) macam tak hensem pulak dalam movie nie. And baju2 actresses yang gempak (masa The Making Of) itew macam tak menyerlah ... mcm baju sewa pulak ...

Another one, kalau atas kapal, and kapal bergerak dek tu kena patutnya berangin and brighter, contohnya ... tgklah movie Titanic yer!

Overall ... I enjoy the movie ... and Bernard, I have an idea for the Part 2. Kalau nak ask Rafidah to call me. Bayaran consultation can be negotiable hehehe

Dream Dream Dream

A short conversation with one developer friend on my way to a meeting made me decided to spare some time today to day dream. Although I am comfortable with my current job, position and the pay ... my inner self kadang2 meronta-ronta nak join balik the private sector. Anyway, sometimes listening to my developer friends relating how soft or competitive the housing market today can be a pushing factor too.

But recalling an article on Datin Freida Pilus, the founder and Chairperson of the Sri Cempaka Schools, on the Edge last Monday, I was quite inspired, perhaps motivated that a former civil servant could be Woman Entrepeneur of the Year 2008. Sacrifice her 13 years of service to open a private school in 1983, just because her sons started schoolling and she was dissatisfied with the conditions in national schools plus realised that there was a potential in private education ... look at her now! Gaji sebulan pun dah boleh support pencen 20 tahun hehehe.

At least she shortlisted her dream to only ONE whereas me ... sekejap nak jadi chef, sekejap nak jadi photographer, sekejap nak jadi entertainer (yang nie confirm angan2 mat jenin). The truth is I really want to be a modern and professional ginger farmer. Original idea patented to my mum.

I bought this book 2 weeks ago at MPH mid valley. I remembered when my dad returned from a working trip to Australia many years back he bought me some cream and beauty products from lavender after visiting a lavender farm. So I was really amazed that we can create many by-products from a plant like essential oils, perfumes, creams, soaps etc etc.

Ginger root, is widely used in Asian and Western countries, either in its original form as a delicacy, medicine or spice OR as essential oils in cosmetics or aromatherapy (massage).

Hmmm .... should I make the sacrifice?

Unforgettable - Royal Charity Gala Night

Once again, I have to thank SP Setia for the invitation to their Unforgettable-Konsert Amal Diraja (whom they were the main sponsor) at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centere. The concert was to raise funds for the Alzheimers Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM), featured 66 world-class musicians from 10 different countries under the lead of New York-based conductor, Eugene Pook. Sesuai sangat dengan akak yang selalu lupa-lupa sejak dua-menjak nie.

Co-incidently, that night was the 64th birthday of His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, DYMM Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj. Another royal guests were His Royal Highness Dr. Raja Nazrin Shah and Tuanku Zara (santekkk sekali macam model). Hence, the Royal Charity Gala Night. Nasib lah I tak berhias cantik2 malam tu, kalau tak sure lah jadi birthday present to the most eligible bachelor for the night. Teringat kisah time terima watikah from the Sultan late father. Semua tak berani nak senyum kat the late Royal Highness masa ambik watikah takut - "Beta berkenan".

I have always wanted to watch a concerto or live orchestra playing classical pieces from Bach /Pachebel (my personal fav) or scores from famous movies like Beauty and The Beast, Titanic or Phantom of the Opera. Been planning to watch a few shows by the Malaysia Philhalmonic Orchestra, but haven't met the right companion for that. Anyway as I was savouring the symphonic magic of the night how I wish that my parents could afford to sent me for a musical lesson so at least I could play one musical instrument. So far the only musical instrument that I learned to play formally was the recorder (a type of flute).

Then suddenly I heard a familiar sound that usually add some drama or liven up or act as a climax to a score. "Ting Ting Ting". Laaa ... kerincing. Nampaknya ada jugak musical instrument lain yang I tau main. Kalau main kerincing pun boleh jadi world-class performer so I pun dengan bangga boleh lah anggap diri i world class musician hehehe

The orchestra played to scores from Phantom of the Opera, Star Wars and some pieces that I am not familiar with. There was also a solo performance from award winning violinist Jessica Lee and Estee Pook who sang to New York, New York and a Mandarin song. Anyway, throughout the night I was waiting for Sean Ghazi. And his vocal performance to Bridge Over Troubled Water, Semalam, Hujan Di Tengah Hari, Unforgettable and Sway memang tak mengecewakan. Tapi if I had a say to the selection of vocalists ... I think the organiser in the future should consider Farhan AF4.

When Sean told the audience that "tonight was magical" because for it will be the first time that his own song Semalam be played by 66 world-class musicians assemble ... I could understand his feelings. I think it is every singer or vocallist dream to sing to an orchaestra and LIVE in front of say 3000 audience. I remembered singing "How Do I Live" accompanied by a 3-piece band (piano, bass guitar and lead guitar) to a live audience at Hyatt KK.

My feelings that time? Excerpt from Sean Ghazi's speech ... "barulah terasa Malaysia Bolehness and some Syok Sendiriness"...

However the highlight of the night belongs to Datuk Razman Hashim, Deputy Chairman of Sunway Group. He really wowed the crowd with his down to earth performance and rendition to "Piece of My Heart". Kalah Sean Ghazi (seriously) ... sampai tak sedar I cheered so loud for him. Sorry Sean, kadang2 lelaki lebih tua lebih berpengalaman ... auwww

My Heart Must Go On

This year some people that I truly love and care about had gone to be with The Lord, but none of these passings had such traumatic effects on me like Well's sudden and unexpected demise. As I was in my mourning state, I recalled this words of wisdom on Datin Tiara's blog ... "DANCE as though no one is watching you. LOVE as though you've never been hurt before. SING as though no one can hear you. And LIVE...as though Heaven is on Earth."

Live ... as though Heaven is on Earth ... hmmm ... cantiknya ayat nie. I remember as I was talking to Well's friends and families in the hospital, they all said good things about him. Even my last known living memory of Well I could conclude him as a great man and friend. Hmmm ... as for me ... belum tentu lepas the 7 Deadly Sins (yang first- glutonny pun dah tak lepas). A clear direct access to Hell! OMG.

But if we really think about it... that is if you are not sure that you got yourself a place in Heaven, why not live as though Heaven is on Earth. Start counting our blessings, not our problems, set aside some time to Day Dream and believe that you are born for GREATNESS ... hahaha. Nonetheless I am thankful that I still live to enjoy this life, make it more meaningful or live to tell you my stories.

Trip to KK (23 Oct - 27 Oct 2009)
"Embrace Each Moment With Enthusiasm"

I have always regarded Kota Kinabalu as my fourth home (after Kuching, Penang and Kuala Lumpur). I should be as I spent 5 years exploring and discovering my "womanhood" there huhuhu. There were time, especially when I was so stressed out, that I felt like boarding a flight and go hiking at the foot of Mount Kinabalu or snorkelling at Manukan Island in that "itsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini".

I did that when I was a student in UMS. There was a cheap room and boarding about few kilometres from Kinabalu National Park (RM 10.00 a night for room without heater). I remember going there with Geh Wyn, Kar Yew and Arthur during exam week. That very night Geh Wyn had stomach upset and went to the loo to do his business. By the time he got back, he told us that his rear end was all numb from coldness ... (but that time my mind was wondering on something else that might went numb too). So kesian hooo.. we were too "poor" to get ourselves room with heater.

Oh yea, back on the trip. After the wedding, I extended my stay until the 27th Oct (Tuesday) for photo taking sessions, a makeover (body, mind and soul) and of course, jalan-jalan cari makan (cheap and fresh seafood).

The photographer in action...

The models ... the one on the most right still admiring self taken pictures of her eyes. Sudahlah Suna ... memang ndak nampak bah matamu tu.

Iklan Tahun Melawat Sabah ...

Datanglah ke Sutera Harbour Resort ... anda akan dilayan dengan "baik" oleh life guard ini.

Years ago ... nobody appreciate the view here except for me and Suna over a brunch at Wisma Merdeka. Nah ...now got waterfront somemore.

I still don't get the meaning of the fish statues.

That night we had dinner at Kampung Air ... look at all these fresh seafood!

I tried Mantis Prawn in Penang few months back and was told that it's hard to get the "big" ones in Peninsular Malaysia. So when I saw this in the aquarium ... ooo la laa...

I never miss Oyster Omellete whenever I am in Penang. But nothing can compare with this Kampung Air Oyster Omellette ... heaven!

If I craved for soft shell crabs, I normally go to Japanese restaurant. But here ... the crabs are freshly catch and fried for you!

The flesh of the steam garoupa ... ooo heaven. In KK, jangan lah beli sea bass ... keluarkan lah duit makan garoupa, red snapper or kalau nak lagi kelass... big white promfret!

More stories on my trip to KK I will feature in my next entry ... KK Jalan Terus! Hmm harus cerita pasal Auntie Lisa.

Cuci The Musical@Istana Budaya (31 Oct 2009)
"Appreciate And Support More Art"

At first I was not really enthusiastic about this musical as most of the casts are not penggiat teater. I guess that's what most people think too when Datin Seri Tiara decided to staged Puteri Gunung Ledang the Musical. Unlike Cuci The Musical, at least I had good feelings about Puteri Gunung Ledang the Musical and even sort of like imagining and visualising the score, the plot and the magical moments months before watching it live on stage. Nonetheless, for its maiden debut, Cuci the Musical is entertaining, exceeding my expectation and worth my every Ringgit.

I might be quite "bias" in my judgement by comparing Cuci the Musical with international production like Mamma Mia and the sold-out Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical. Quite honestly for I had the chance to watch all three musicals ... I think Cuci The Musical can be better than Mamma Mia without that some "dragging" ad libs .. more witty and humorous punch lines like ... "Jojo 1-4-3" , "Pisang Jojo jugak yang sedap" or "it's a joke, it's a joke" and of course ... that fantastic solo performance by Adibah Nor ... (OMG!) ... I so love the chemistry between Awie and Adibah Noor. Seriously, Mamma Mia's props assemble and storyline was not as grand and magical like Puteri Gunung Ledang but sometimes what a good musical needs are creative storyline, witty punchlines, catchy numbers, practical stage props and some DOT DOT DOT lines(geddit?)

Me and Jett had a very "intellectual" conversation that night. With the growing number of good local musical productions plus a good venue to hold it, perhaps big companies should consider sponsoring or investing in our local talents and support our performing arts scenes. If Indonesia can be proud of their local bands, Thailand with their internationally acclaimed movies, and the Philipines with their vocallists ... perhaps Malaysians should rival in the form of performing arts - musicals, theaters, dance performances?

It will not only create hope and opportunities for our local talents but also for future generations. You see, not many people are born with excellent academic ability. Some are visual learners, some are listening learners, some are emotional/touch learner. Unfortunately in Malaysia, most parents see performing arts or any form arts as not a suitable platform or basis for a bright future. So like the HSBC ad, the child had to suffer in silence pleasing their parents who support their education. Oh yes ... there was a point in my life I wanted to be like my idol Sudirman or Anita Sarawak (excuse me, we have the same full lips) ... singing to a LIVE band on "Tragedi Buah Epal". But my mum said,"Mun sik mauk sekolah tinggi jadi doktor, kawin jak kau". Hehehe ... my mum didn't say that. Else lama sudah I elope to Lombok.

Looking at Adibah Nor, perhaps I might have a chance. Boleh jugak berkenalan dengan Hans Issacc hehhe.

Thanks Jett, luckily in the end we all went to see juak that musical. Yalah, never judge a day by its weather right?



Trip To Kuching (6 Nov -8 Nov 2009)
"Make At Least One Person Happy"


I knew I made one person the happiest! Kazen sanggup picked me from the airport in these bare essentials. Just for the Burger King's Mushroom Swiss Burgers.

All Well, Ends Well...

At about 3.30 pm today, Bro. Wellington Edward (Well) ... my senior in Kolej DPAH Abdillah Kuching and PTD batch 2/2004 had left us to meet the Lord after battling Tubercolosis Meningitis for 2 weeks. Words can't describe the heart wrenching final moments when the life support machine was switched off and his beat getting slower and slower until the monitor showed a straight line.

I couldn't hold myself that time as I had refrained myself from crying since Monday, the day I got that Facebook message from White, call from Sara, and sms from Kazen Davidson about his condition. I had not met him for more than 17 years but we caught up about each other from Cousin Jimoh and White. When Cousin Jim asked me to update about him, followed by a l'ong distant" call from White and later found out that fellow Collegians whom had been smsing with him before Saturday were kept in the dark of his status, I decided to visit him at the hospital.

I was so happy to meet Sis Carol Billy, bro Well's first cousin at the Sungai Buloh Hospital. I also met fellow PTD friend Barbara and created new friendship with Handrian, Paul and Mizi(Well's PTD friends). The two nights I spent waiting and praying in the hospital, suddenly I found myself conversing in Iban to all Well's family members. Even during the prayers sessions with fellowships from the St Mary's Church.

I am never a religious person, but yesternight ... I prayed real hard. That was all that I could offer .. prayers. Barbara and Handrian had been helping the family on administering everything in KL. So at the very least, I offered prayers. And for a while, there were glimmer of hope when his heatbeat improved.

Well's mum was trying to be strong, but somehow occasionally she broke down. His dad seemed has accepted his fate. Sis Carol looked exhausted thus, I tried not disturbed them much with questions ... they needed space to breathe and said their prayers too.

Collin came, Sara was there. I had to hold Colin hard for strength. Even to that final moment, I still hope for a miracle ... Why did he have a special place in my heart? We had not spoke for years!!!

It was in 1990 and I was a freshie in Kolej Abdillah. So during the orientation, all freshies were asked to get signatures of all prefects or else we will get punished. As I was "disoriented" on where or who to start with ... a friendly face approached me and said ..." nun that girl is Carol Billy, go and approach her". Sis Carol's signature proved hard to get though she was the first person I knew. If I am not mistaken, she had me, Sara and Agnes sang as a band. Sara holding the broom pretending to be a guitar, Agnes on the pail mimicking the drum and me, the lead singer holding the water heater.

I often came back to him again later, asking who's who. Believe it or not, he was the last person to signed my prefect list. (Sigh!) Unfortunately, when the orientation over ... we never spoke, though we occasionally bumped unto each other 3 years later.

When I spoke to his colleagues and PTD friends ... they all related to him as a jovial and joker.

Funny, as over our many accidental meetings in Kolej Abdillah ... I couldn't remember he ever smiled at me again nor he ever joked around. I wonder what went wrong.

I was so sad to finally meet him again but with his life hanging on life support. However, the memory of our first meeting kept playing on my mind as I whispered to him last night "brother Well, everyone send their love and please come back to meet them".

(cry...)

Dear Well, if I could replay our first meeting again ... then this time I want to tell you ... "nun Jesus Christ there, go and approach Him". And don't worry, He won't make you sing to get His signature. Just show you love Him.

Rest In Peace and May The Glory of The Lord Be With You. Amen

My Best Friend's Wedding

Sorry lah yer for the late update. Banyak halangan dan rintangan yang perlu I tempuhi semata-mata nak update blog nie. First balik dari KK, body ache all over selepas diurut oleh Auntie Lisa masa buat rawatan resdung. Tido pulak selalu lambat (pillow talks kan) but bangun pagi awal sebab the sun rise earlier in KK ... Pukul 7 dah rasa macam pukul 8 ... ala-ala daylight saving pulak hehehe.

Anyway, my trip to KK this time was twofolds - to attend Niejah's wedding and to unwind after a stressful Taskforce Meeting after Deepavali. Furthermore, Niejah kira pembuka tirai untuk bekas gadis-gadis Litar Lumba "Karabau" Formula 1 Kem Paradise, Kota Belud yang semuanya (kecuali Helena) masih Young, Single & Searching. Percaturan dan spekulasi selama lebih 9 tahun oleh media tempatan dan antarabangsa on who's gonna be the first di kalangan gadis-gadis litar tersebut yang menamatkan zaman daranya telah terjawab pada Hari Tamu Kota Belud 2009.

Niejah's wedding was mix-match between modern Bajau/Malay tradition and military protocols. Ada acara nyanyi2 memuji "kesantekkan" pengantin perempuan, acara tutup-tutup muka dengan kipas sate, acara jelingan di sebalik tabir pelamin, acara jalan bawah pedang. Hebat-hebat ... selama nie I yang mendambakan "jalan bawah pedang" tapi akhirnya Niejah jugak yang dapat. Huhuhu.

Personally I pun sedih that my best friend dah jumpa "best friend" baru (and roommate lagi) though jauh di sudut hati I know it might take all her willpower untuk mencintai "best friend" baru sebelum ini. Bayangkan 6 bulan I elak jumpa dia so that masa-masa yang terluang dapat dimanfaatkan untuk mengenali dan mencintai bakal suami. Tambahan pulak time tu dia tgh kursus G3. Only 2 weeks sebelum wedding I culik Niejah for a day at the spa untuk memanjakan kulit supaya ia mulus dan bersinar-sinar supaya suami jadi geram hehehe.

Niejah to me bukan setakat best friend tapi macam first cousin rapat lah (nak kata makcik atau kakak adalah aku kena maki nanti). Kami sama-sama datang ke KL sebagai "perisik" in 2002. And as women dalam dunia yang didominasi oleh lelaki ditambah pulak dengan "askar-askar" nie pun tak kurang hebat dalam bermain dengan hati dan perasaan wanita, I dengan Niejah memang back to back lah cover each other dari anasir-anasir jahat. Kini tiba giliran Yahya Rizuan untuk melindungi gadis "genit" Kota Belud ini dan "mengisi malam-malamnya yang sunyi" selama ini. Auwwww ....

Sebagai "seorang first cousin yang rapat" I memang tak mengharapkan "grand wedding" mcm Datuk Siti Nurhaliza's . Cukuplah hendak dilaporkan di sini disebabkan kenduri kahwin Anijah anak bongsu Pak Miril, Tamu Kota Belud 2009 kurang mendapat sambutan kerana semua pengunjung berduyun-duyun nak tgk Niejah kawin. Julung-julung sekali nie hehehe

Sehingga mamarazi merangkap penyanyi kenduri kawin yang diimport khas dari KL terpaksa naik atas kerusi nak ambik gambar. "Bergagar" jugak kepala lutut masa nak tangkap gambar Niejah dengan lensa zoom itew ... hehehe. Kebanyakan gambar I dah upload dalam Facebook kalau nak tgk. Sebelum berangkat pulang, I sempat jugak mendedikasikan sebuah lagu untuk pengantin baru dari Kumpulan Spider- Relaku Pujuk (walaupun pada ketika itew ada seseorang tgh emosi terganggu nak ke Taman Sierra). Sebenarnya lagu itu ada maksud tersendiri antara aku, Nijah dan Wan ... betullah kata orang ... time bertunang memang banyak dugaan. Yang pastinya segalanya telah berakhir dengan "kebahagiaan" dan "kepuasan" (hehehe ... ni dah diconfirm malam tadi)

Sepanjang perjalanan pulang ke KK, I mengambil peluang merakamkan keindahan tempat-tempat menarik di Kota Belud dari kenderaan empat roda yang membawa rombongan Che Kiah ke KB. Leka mengambil gambar tiba-tiba kedengaran suara Farid berkata "alamak, ada kepala orang pulak". Sekali I tgk kamera I, I dah rakam keseluruhan "the culprit" motorist yang mungkin tidak menyedari telah mengganggu penggambaran kami hehehe. Tiap kali tgk gambar nie ... I mesti nak ketawa terkenang reaksi Farid.

Sneak Preview

AiYaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa........ so many events to cover, so little time to blog. My weekdays and weekends are fully booked till X'mas. Huhuhuhu. Not going to complain, better than having lonely days and lonely nights ... Plus my "online" time are well spent in Pet Society and Sorority Girls on Facebook. Thanks to Guy Next Door and Son GoKu ( Mr Energy Saving), they are real darlings! Kira now I dah ada Setiausaha Sulit, Bodyguards, Drivers, Escorts and "Sorority Boys" to shop, attack and slap my rivals hahaha ... aduina, so adik-adik gitew.

Nevertheless, these are some pictures on the coming entries. Guess you all boleh agak lah apa citer2 yang akan disensasikan. This time, the pictures mesti lah highlight blog ownernya. Yes, because I am worth it!

Mie in my Bollywood Punjabi Suit for Deepavali.

Mie The Photographer... enjoying the breeze in Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu.

I could hear Amber Leigh, my niece,shrieking voice in my head if she see me in this so PINK baju kurung worn on Niejah's wedding in Kota Belud... "Auntie Mie... why you wear pink!!!! I don't want to friend you." Hmm... what to do, pink is auspicious for a wedding though it doesn't do justice to my V&C body. Hehehe Mana tau, next year Auntie Mie pulak kawin hehehe, HARUS highlight gitewwww...

Uncle Raja

I had this video for quite sometime but haven't had the time to edit it ... enjoy!

G ... Kekasih "Gelapku"

I have no intention to blog today but after forgetting to pick up my car from car wash which means terpaksalah naik teksi to work tomorrow, I think I need a place to pen my thoughts and unwind. This rare syndrom people is wat we call "Agnesia" ... Agnes juak dapat nama.

Tapi heran jugak ya, setelah bertahun-tahun, sindrom Agnesia ini kembali menghantui diri ini setelah Si Yoyop "mentioned" anak Encik Manogaran. Huh? Siapakah gerangan nya anak Pak Manogaran ini? Pernah kah "dia"menakluki hati ini atau mengisi mimpi-mimpi di malam hari? Macam pernah kudengar nama itu, tapi di mana ya!

Kulemparkan pandanganku ke jendela yang dihiasi dengan pemandangan Kuala Lumpur yang berjerubu. Sejerebu otakku di saat ini ... Tiba-tiba, satu persatu imej-imej bagaikan "flashback" memenuhi mindaku ... Aku dapat merasakan senyuman terukir di bibirku tatkala menghayati saat-saat itu.

Ya! Persis bait lagu Dayangku Intan dan Ramli Sarip ... " andainya dapat kuulang semula, suatu zaman yang bernama remaja". Kenangan di kala remaja memang hebat belaka. Biar saja kunamakan si dia sebagai "G".

"G" sememangnya antara teman-teman lelaki yang paling akrab dengan ku. Andai kata adalah kelas atau kuliah kami yang diambil bersama, takkan sahlah pagi di kelas itu tanpa kami menyanyikan lagu "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai". Antara kenangan-kenangan terindah antara aku dan G adalah apabila "G" tiba-tiba tak dapat dikesan apabila "black out". Masa tu selalu jugak lah black out kat bilik kuliah di Kampus Tuaran. So bagi mengatasi masalah tersebut, aku selalu berpesan bagi "G"... "G, kalau black out senyumlah seluas-luasnya supaya I boleh mengesan you". Yelaa, kalau black out, hanya giginya saja yang kelihatan.

Satu lagi kenangan terindah adalah apabila dia berjaya membeli sebiji kapcai hasil bagi tuisyen kat jiran-jiran dia kat area KKIP. Kami round KK-Likas-Menggatal-Tuaran-Inanam-Telipok selepas Merderka Celebration kat Tanjung Aru Beach sambil menyanyikan lagu "Shake Your Bon Bon" oleh Ricky Martin. Sungguhpun begitu, kadangkala hati ini merintih kerana dia akan memakai helmet full face yang hebat tapi wanita cun ini diberikannya helmet buruk. Tapi kadang2 tgh malam bila lapar dia suruh orang panggilkan (time tu tak semua orang memilik h/p) for a chapati or tosey at Sri Latha.

"G" walaupun setinggi 6' tapi dia takut sungguh dengan jarum. When we were in 2nd year, I terpaksa menemankan dia jumpa doktor untuk dressing luka akibat accident atas alasan, jika apa-apa berlaku kat dia I hendaklah uruskan "mayat" dan hartanya. Hmm, sebagai seorang sahabat yang setia, aku hanya mampu berkata "G, kalau hartamu setakat kapcaimu sahaja tak payah lah ko buat pesanan terakhir".

Tapi apakan daya ... "chenta" kami terhalang oleh kasta dan jenis darah yang tak serupa. Dia seorang anak yang taat dan akan menurut kata ibunya. Kalau "Meenachi" pilihan ibunya, "Meenachi lah pilihan G.

Anyway on a serious note, I met up with G again 3 years after we graduated and I started to work in Kuala Lumpur. "G" by that time was working with one multinational company in Penang as an engineer and driving "Proton Wira Executive". So, on Deepavali 2002 we planned to meet and catch up for old time sake.

Kenangan nie memang I tak akan lupa sampai bila2. I dah grand2 sampai kat Penang Airport and tau apa "G" pakai to pick me up? His old kapcai. Nasib lah I bawak back pack. Apa lagi both of us pain the city red dengan lagu Shake Your Bon Bon. "G" brought me to meet his mother and family in Farlim, not far from my grandparents home in Ayer Itam. Pressure jugak nak tunjukkan "kesolehahan" iteww... So masa Deepavali eve, me and "G" pun tolong mak dia buat kuih untuk Deepavali. Now I know why his mother love him so much ... tapi sayangnya masa itew hati ini sudah dimiliki orang lain yang tiada unsur Bollywood.

Cuma sedihnya... masa Deepavali Day he didn't come to pick me up at my house as promised. I called him over and over tapi tiada jawapan. Helmet buruk dia pun dia tak pernah datang ambik that after 6 years my auntie balik2 sindir "your friend's helmet, dia tak mai ambik kah". Funny jugak, if he didn't want to see me again say so ... tapi apa salah I? Kari I tak cukup masin ker? Dhal i tak sedap ker? I pun inginkan penjelasan.

I only knew the real story 2 years later. He contacted me via my email explaining to me that on that Deepavali night his mother felt sick (mum got diabetes) and fell into a coma. Few days later she succumbed to her illness and passed away. He was too distraught to explain to me as he only think about his mum.

Actually I dah lama tak contact "G", I still have his handphone number .... eh BTW suhaila, bukan nama bapak "G" is Sugumaran kah? Yang anak Manogaran ni siapa pulak?

Deepavali Financial Spending ...

Deepavali or Diwali is drawing near and so is my Bollywood spirit. Maybe because I have more Punjabi or Singh friends this year (Tuan Pretam, Bhupinder and Gurdev), so mood instantly lift up everytime I listen to romantic Hindi songs compared to a more fast beat/modern Tamil songs. Nevertheless, my heart still belongs to Surya (wink wink ... click here).

Every year, I will do my Deepavali shopping at Jalan Tun Sambathan area but yesterday tiba-tiba nak check out what Jalan TAR and Masjid India area have to offer. Last year's Deepavali I wore a pink Punjabi suit, this year .... mcm nak try saree hehehee. Auntie Pakiam said, I have enough layers already at my midsection to show off a saree. Contrary to most people believe that only slim people look nice in saree, Autie Pakiam said saree looks nice on voluptous and curvaceous people auwwwwwwwww ... Teringat ngan Celina (the 3R host) during our Toastmaster's Installation Night 1999 ... she panicked and shouted "Oh my belly, oh my belly" on stage when she realised that Shamla tied her saree in a belly exposing fashion.

It was quite a sight when I entered one shop, next to the Madras Textile and saw few Chindian (Chinese-Indian) couples and Malay ladies choosing Punjabi suits. So 1 Malaysia. I was also mesmerised for a second when one Chinese lady emerged from the fitting room in a "banana leave green" (hijau pucuk pisang) punjabi suit. "Santekkkkk" sekali .... Unfortunately, most of the selection of Punjabi suits in that shop suits darker skin tone and less urban. I actually don't like too much glitters in my Punjabi suits as I want it to exude elegance. Simple is more maa ... I did check out few other shops ... unfortunately, mostly not to my liking.

So I took the LRT and head to Jalan Tun Sambathan via KL Sentral to check out the shops there. I frequent two shops in that area ... Jothika and Aarthi. Both offer urban, modern designs ... less Bollywood or Kollywood so sesuai nak bawak ke ofis. This year (again) I found the right Punjabi suit at Aarthi. Tapi takleh lah expose dulu ... yang pasti "santekkkk" hehehe. The saree I reserved for Puvanesvaran's wedding lah next year. Still don't have the gut to wrap myself in a piece of long material, exposing my one pack hehee. No pics from Jalan Tun Sambathan, too cramped with people and weather was hot.

By the time I finished shopping, it was already 5 pm and all the walkings has made me so hungry and tired. I was undecided between my cosy home or Aznul's open house. Yelah, he never miss to invite me to his "exclusive" open house but I pulak never fail to miss all his open house hehehe. So I text him ...

"Aznul, lauk ada lagi ker?"

Within seconds, "Eh, you kat mana? Datanglah ... lauk banyak lagi". ... hehehe save lah my dinner tonight. I sebenarnya nak sangat try lauk pauk Minang dari Padang/Bukit Tinggi especially that Gulai Bukek, after Aznul featured it in his blog last year. Hebat sekali open house Encik Aznul Nizam kita ... siap ada Tengku-tengku lagi datang hehehe. His friends whom I only know via his blog - Brian and Ayie were there too. They are so friendly ... we all chat like dah kenal lama pulak.

Haa ... the yellow gravy is the Gulai Bukek. Aznul said, you should eat it with Nasi Impit like you eat Nasi Impit with kuah Masak Lodeh. But faham-faham je lah ... when you are hungry, everything looks so yummy. Ayam nak, rendang nak, nasi also nak ... Gulai Bukek is made from all the innards of a cow. Sekali rasa like Gulai Masak Lengkuas ... quite famous among the Lahad Datu Bugis community. To me its like the Minang version of Bak Kut Teh (usually made with a pig innards). But typical lah of Asian, jantung, limpa, lidah, kaki , and *tooot* semua boleh makan one ... beza halal and haram only hehehe. Banyak jugak lauk pauk at his open house, siap ada home made satay lagi ... nyummm

Thanks ya Nul for inviting me ... tahun depan jangan lupa jemput lagi and dijamin tak akan sesat next time hehehe. Biasa lah akak kan jarang masuk area-area kampung kat KL nie ...ahaakkkksss.

Confession of A Shopaholic

After months living like a pauper, I decided that today I should do some financial spending hehehe ... Women best secret weapon against stress, aging and boredom. Glory be to the Lord too that after almost a year, I finally manage to get myself out from "the hardcore poor category" (at least now di atas paras kemiskinan).

My destination today was Mid Valley's Megamall and The Garden. Waa so long didn't come here to do actual shopping! Anyway, so sad that despite everyone shouting One Malaysia ... The Festival of Lights mood seemed sombre and gloomy. Overshadowed by Chinese Mid-Autumn Mooncake Festival and Moslem's Eid-Al-Fitr. I noticed not many stalls selling Indian goodies this year too. Huhuhu apa sudah jadi! Hopefully Christmas will bring many many Season Greetings ... too bad coz this years festive seasons are so close to each other.

Nevertheless, this stall owner impressed me. Own by a Punjabi family, selling Indian sweets and goodies (look like Northern Indian's) like Jalubi, khalwa .. this lady owner speaks Hindi, Tamil, Cantonese and Malay fluently. I love listening her chatting her way entertaining her multi racial clienteles, urging them to taste her vast selection of goodies. I love some Indian sweets, mostly the milk based variety ... As if knowing that I frequent Brickfield or Jalan Tun Sambathan area, she asked me to take her card and visit her shop next time - Jesal Sweet House. I will definitely will!

Her milk candy with almond slices and gingerish aftertaste ... oh! How shall I describe it ... heaven! Soooo ... Punjab, the land of milk and honey ... As I was savouring each bite, I could here this song ringing in my ears .. "Tujhe deka to i janna sannam ..." a song made famous by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. So kuch kuch hota hai ...

After paying for my milk candy, something attract my attention! Huhuhu ... Playboy playmates? OOOooo ... this is delicious! Not want to miss a nice "subject" I quickly took out my Ix's (yea yea me and mie ol buddy snapping nice shots again).

Oh yea ... the Nigel Barker in me started working babeh! Okay strike a pose ... yes that's right!

Great! Now smile for mamma ... that's right! Perfect!

Ooo ... this model is so profesional, following my lense. Though I was not using my DSLR. Yes... you are so "pandai" girl. Bloggers will make you famous, not some amateur photographers hehehe!

Next stop was MPH bookstore. Collecting my renewed member's card. So far, am very happy being a member of MPH. Maybe because they always give great discount on best selling titles. However, if i need a free read ... I still prefer Borders. They do have reading lounge for members in MPH but its embarassing to ask the customer service people to unwrap a book and not buying it where as in Borders, most of the books are unwrap so we can take our sweet time enjoying and reading it. It's true, some people said that who wants to buy a used good. But not everyone can afford a good book everyday and have you been to the National Library?

Suna, I just wish there is a Border in KK during our uni time with all our craze and crave over Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood ... hey why are our favourite authors start with J. Will there be a Jaime Kim? But first, Jaime Kim need to experience and master that juicy and steamy scenes first huhuhu. My taste of book these days ....

Hahaha ... so theological and controversial. I love Dan Brown ... no matter what! MPH members got 20% discount for this book.

My next stop is Jaya Jusco. I need airtight containers for my Bryggkaff Mellanrost (I think it means medium roast coffee in Swedish) and Earl Grey teabags. My mum has this wonderful habit of brewing fresh black good quality coffee in the morning, to start the day and later in the afternoon for tea time, the sweet smelling Earl Grey tea. So whenever I miss my mummy, I make myself a nice cup of fresh coffee or treat myself to a tea party of Earl Grey with scones, strawberry jam and cream.

For your information, I am suffering from a severe "Crocs Attack". I just couldn't get enough of these Dutch clogs inspired sandals after reading about it in a travel photographer blog on how these sandals solved his problems for an easy to clean, fast drying, durable, comfortable and hygienic footwear for all his travels. The first time I saw this sandal on Ida's eldest brother (who works in the State), I automatically labelled him as a person in dire need of a serious fashion lecture. Perhaps from someone like Olpic? I was like ... who the hell invented this fashion disaster footwear. But now I am a "convert". The black Mary Jane on the left is my new third pair. I have another purple Mary Jane with spider Jibbitz (love you Tom) in the car. Emel's had a Nemo Jibbitz ... so cute.


My face needs pampering so I stop at the Body Shop to get my Aloe Protective Restoring Mask. So far, I think Body Shop products suit my skin and my soul ... against animal testing, community trade, natural ingredients and love our environment policy. That is why I drive a "green" car hehehe

All these "trans fatty acid" food from all the open house has caused my body to loose it's shapely curves ... hahaha ... I know what you are thinking Suhaila! So I had no choice but shop for a new attire at Marks & Spencer huhuhu ... gambar plastik dia jer la ye.

Highlight of my trip to The Garden@Mid Valley was joinning the World Pink - World Without Breast Cancer Campaign. Can you identify which picture is mine? Saja buat diva pulak when I have no smaller change hehehe ... as shown in the photo below ...

But of all my spendings today ... the one that I am most satisfied is a lifetime membership to D'Aura Spa - One Stop Centre @ South City Plaza. Finally I found a spa that offers facilities like a clubhouse, not heavy on the pocket and various treatments to choose from. Plus, it boast to be the largest spa in Malaysia and very, very near my home. This spa was featured recently in Harian Metro.

I don't like spas that bundle expensive packages and force us commit to it. Whenever I need a treatment or two, its either RM 58 each or RM 118-150 for 5 treatments. I can bring my friends over to entertain and unlimited usage of the facilities provided. They can also use my card for members priviledges. Hmm... guess what, I am treating Nijah to a private bachelorette party cum wedding spa treatments this Wednesday. Oh I just can't wait ...