V-day

I have a series of herb plants surviving on our kitchen balcony. We've a small outdoor opening area where Sylvia loves hanging around balancing herself on the border and sometimes sun-bathing - yes, it's summer and cold. There's parsley, basil, chilli, thyme, dill, butter lettuce, spinach, rosemary and cat-nip bought by dear beloved courtesy to Sylvia. But that doesn't stop her from harassing thyme and parsley. This morning before 8am she was already out my bedroom door and as soon as she sees me going to the bathroom, she mew all the way. Geez, it's not even morning yet! So while I was watering and caring for my herbs, she voluntarily 'gomol' the catnip and the pot fell. She stopped, looked at me - knowing well I'll raise my voice at her - and gave me the it-was-an-accident look. I can't bring myself to say anything. Instead, I picked it up again and she 'gomol' heartily. Yes. I've a very gentle-soft spot for her. After all, she never fails to brighten my day =)

My boo has been very busy lately staying up and waking up early. With his major review just around the corner, it's heart-breaking sometimes to see him working so hard. But good at the same time. Last night, I made home-made burgers and there's a quarter leftover which was on a plate and now it's not. Sylvia has been playing with it. She has a liver condition making her unable to digest food properly. So she can only eat food prescribed by the vet. But that doesn't stop her being so fat! I bet she's fatter than mowkie.

Uncle Borhan calls everyday this week. I hope everything goes well when they all are here.

I'm so hungry right now.
He has a meeting.
I should have brought an apple with me.
Ok he's ready.
FOod here I come!

Oh our vday celebration? Hhmm.. I don't know. We almost forgot (though both refuses to admit..hehe) it's today, actually. Will tell you about it soon.

Lucky Strike

Yeah so I heard. Most of my life actually.
Lucky to have this and that. Lucky to be here and there. Lucky to get this and that. Lucky in love and life.
Little do they know decisions I made are mostly made up to satisfy her.

Anyway, that's besides the point.

At the moment we're having trouble setting up internet at home. Grace has arrived and contently in my former room. Nisa and her parents, Aunty Khairul and Uncle Borhan will be arriving this Sat morning. Clipsal 500 starts on the 20th. Can't wait! We went for the Symphony under the Stars event 2 weeks ago. The fireworks sure shocked us to life! Met Anthony. The event was beautiful.

I know I promised to post the 'love' of our life soon. As soon as we get everything set-up. I am having these baking urges again. Maybe it's the weather. It's been surprisingly cool for summer. He had been heading to work with a jacket lately. I am currently on the search for a BBQ set. Living here, it is almost essential to have one (and also to make our courtyard look presentable hehe). Maybe I'll head off for some serious search after meeting with MWA next Monday. Right now, I can't seem to take it off my mind. Wish me luck! No, wish us all luck. hehe..

Sacrifice

Maybe I should go back.
Will I suffer? Sure.
That'll be my sacrifice to him.

whom by the way, works hard for my dreams.

Yay!!

Now let me just clarify first that although I've lived here for few years, all I've heard was Magill being the "rich people" area up to the hills. Not the eastern suburb. Up til Mamat mentioned it, and seeing the houses in front and surrounding areas of our new place. I did not choose the property, it chose us. Really!
Also, when Burnside Village does not happen to sell Myers, David Jones or Target merchandises. With Villeroy and Boch, Bracegirdles, Seed, Portmans, Sydney Street in Burnside Village. I reckon I would not have to step foot at Rundle Mall anymore. There's also Burnside Market with Angelakis seafood outlet, Pasta Deli, Coles, Bakers Delight, Gourmet food, cheeses and such, fruits and vegetables, Lenards, the Tea cafe and massive arrays of cafes. Not to mention the essential post office, banks and cinema. All less than 5 minutes walk from our door.

So yes, my NY resolution to do less shopping is not going easy for me. I'm pretty certain I've burnt a hole into darling fiance's pocket.

After multiple visits to various shopping outlets for home deco, we're almost done and will soon be planning a house-warming party. We still need a bit more touch-ups here and there especially for the spacious courtyard. So far, I am loving the place, the neighbourhood and people around us. We've got people coming in on Friday to install the phone line and waiting for Neil to get back to me about the oven. Then, we'll be set.

Tick-tock tick-tock it's already February.
I'll update more when the internet has set-up.
Right now, I've to buy some flour to make red bean paus for Ruitin's Chinese New Year party tomorrow.

We have a new love.
I'll post it soon!

This time, this space

Then we took off
I stare into the open space
The darkness, the emptiness
And I start thinking

I think about their relationship in the past
I think about their future
And what they have now

I wonder how my presence mean to her
And her eyes speaks
Then I stopped wondering
And I think

I visualize her again
Shining and glowing
She looked happy
So happy
And I think
I think

I think about things we've spoken about
Our late night talks
Before our minds shut down
And the ones unspoken of
I stared into the darkness
And I think

It's dark
And it's late
I'm still thinking
Til my head hurts

So what lies ahead
is unknown of
And my last words to her
Be strong

Awal Muharram 1429

So we heard the news today.

A new Muharram. A new beginning.

Last year on this new Muharram day, we got engaged.

Lasting and happily engaged.

Today, on this year's Muharram day, another good news broke in.

And hopefully it will be as lasting and as good,

as the last.

=)

Ya Allah, di awal tahun hijrah yang barkah ini, muliakan dan sayangi saudaraku ini. Bahagiakan keluarganya, sihatkan tubuh badannya, berkati rezekinya, kuatkan imannya. Beri kenikmatan ibadah padanya, jauhkannya dari fitnah. Suburkan benih keislaman pada keturunannya dan masukkan dia dalam syurgamu tanpa hisab. Amin.

- taken from Abg Zul's sms at midnight last night.

Resolution

Is it too late to think about my resolution 2008?
Hope not.

So here goes:
2008
- get married *cross fingers*
- eat healthily (veges and milk everyday) + drink more
- visit the gynaecologist
- make money + save money
- try on more new recipes
- move house
- try reduce the size of wardrobe (hence, no more shopping clothes, bags, shoes unless I need to)
- take personal health more seriously (hair, skin and face)
- love more, think less
- get to at least one place I've never been to before

Yesterday we were at the movies and I finally found the shop with my facial products. So now, no more having to stock up in KL. Even their facial treatments are here! Yay!

Today

It's been a rather busy day today. I scrubbed the bathroom in the morning, then dear Mamat called informing he's back and updating his sister's new life, also their new life as a family. So good to hear them again. Went for 2 appointments and made kebabs for dinner. These kebabs will have to stay once a week in our summer menu.

Just coz I absolutely love it!! =)

Sorry b, I'm lucky you're not so much of a fussy eater. Coz I definitely can be sometimes. I've still not found the perfect bought cheesecake. They say Michell Pattisserie has the best mango cheesecake. Does no justice to me. Still bit too much cream than cheese. Maybe I should not be such a lazy bum and make one, instead. If Mama hears me complaining like this, that's exactly the phrase she'd use right now. And I use the same ones against myself, eh. Truth is, if I make one now, I'll tend to finish it up very fast and at this point of the month before the big big day, is completely a no, no, no. As someone wise and famous say, the best cheesecake should satiate you after a piece but crave more 10 minutes later. (if only i remember who said this, i'd quote him properly)

Aunty Bedah gave us huge amount of lamb chops yesterday from qurban the other day. Now I'm truly occupied with new recipes.

Tomorrow's another big day.
*wink*

Ultra Degreaser

Due to the mess I geniusly made in the kitchen after frying off those chickens for dinner, I've decided to clean the oily stove and mop the sticky floor. The last time I mopped, I've placed the multi-purpose kitchen cleaner bottle right next to our laundry goodies so this time, when I reached for the kitchen cleaner bottle - which is next to and very similar to our Preen Ultra De-greaser Clothes spray bottle - I had successfully made our kitchen stove and floor extra shiny with the clothes spray. Good grief.

I smiled at the little girl in the truck.
And she smiled generously back.
I smiled at the busker guy singing and playing his guitar.
And he smiled generously back.
Realizing how long those smiles stayed on my face today.

When words don't work.
A gesture muscles won't hurt.
The world needs smiling strangers =)

Love In My Tummy

It's so hot tonight.

I'm actually a little excited with the groceries we bought today. Am thinking of pistachio souffle, own marinated lamb kebabs, lemon-garlic dory on spinach, and some other summer salads recipes I've found lying around in my room. Unfortunately after we got back, he's full from subway sandwiches we had at the market. I actually dreamt eating subway in my short afternoon doze this afternoon. It was too hot not to.

So here I am, feeling unmotivated to move an inch. Hot and bothered. With Erik to accompany me. Good thing we've loads to catch up with.

Bear with me.
While my mind can't stop visualizing what and how I'd make these new recipes I've got hold of. I guess it's this feeling that I love. Almost like a surgeon playing back in their minds the procedures they'll go through performing surgery (okay, too much Grey's Anatomy here). I see it as a performance. Perhaps that's why I love long and complicated recipes. It's not much about inventing and stumbling across new ways and ideas - like most chefs out there. I also love the quiet time pottering around the kitchen when everyone's busy with their daily activities. There's something there not quite I could comprehend yet. Not to mention the love and attention to every detail when making them. I love baking bread. That's my escape. From the rest of the world while they spin around and turn over. Just me in the kitchen with a buzzing pre-heating oven. So when the process is over, and it turned out to be crappy, I'd be lying if I say I won't be frustrated. Of course I would. Nevertheless, don't mind at all making them again, and again and again. Absolutely engrossed in the process, finding out what went wrong.

At the moment, yes this is what I enjoy doing. So Mama said she was just like me when she was my age. Except she already has me toddling around making a mess. As for me, maybe someday I'll get over this. One day I'll know how to make many recipes that it's no longer a curiosity to me. Or I'll get distracted by something else along the way and forgot completely this deep interest of mine.

Right now, I'm on my toes waiting for the next time he'll be hungry and asking for food =)

Happy bday, Abg

Yesterday as usual he stayed home while I was having bout of cramps. Last day. Yoplait Elivae does help a bit. Been eating them every morning for bloating prior to today. Lufee got back few days ago and she lost a luggage. Poor thing.

As I was lying around watching Jamie Oliver on Ten, I realized he has a number of hens for their eggs at his home. Just what I want to have! But of course not in the near future. And he talked about lambs just how Papa said it to be long ago. So it's true. No, not that I doubt Papa for one bit! It's just interesting to see other people with the same view. Especially when everyone else's crazy about spring lamb.

I have been thinking about roasting and stuffing turkey since last Christmas. Well, actually since Christmas the year before, when there were only Meen and I around the house. To get a small turkey is almost impossible at the time and also last year. So maybe I could start looking for one now. Or get people over to share. Hhmm.. definitely not in the near future either!

Happy 20th birthday, Abg!
Yes, 20 years old. And one day. His bday was yesterday. I wonder if he feels that way. Then again, maybe not. Nope, definitely not. And I love you the same. Well, maybe not as much I did when you were 3 all cute and cuddly. But still. No, I didn't like you when you were born. You were supposed to be a girl. And I was comfortable being the only child. Apple of everyone's eyes. Spoilt and all. And yes, it took me time to adjust. And yes, I hate you the most when you were in high school. Acting out and think you're tough. Despite all that, I can see that soft hearted young man. And I can still see it. So now I don't care what you do or think, you're still that little brother of mine with a huge heart and I know we'll take care of each other no matter how crazy our worlds turn out to be. Happy 20th bday.

and.. we're BACK!

Oh dear.
Where do I start.

We got back and both were down with flu. Well, actually I was then he got it from me. Got mine first day in Brunei. Then the internet was out. Dear Rachel got it sorted out. Not having checked emails and blog for close to a month is no joke. I wonder how she survived it when we were gone. It was tolerable when I was away though (my hourly activities were scheduled by dear mama the right moment I stepped down to KL) but I miss blogging dearly. What can I say, it's my world =)

GC was crazy fun. I've pictures of us doing Scooby-doo (being the chicken-shit I am, it was traumatic enough - though Meen agrees with me, it is scary - coming from the deathly roller-coaster queen, maybe I'm not that of a chicken-shit) and I'm almost certain, that was a kiddie coaster ride (and I know Renae would beg to differ - jst cause she went on it, too). Him, being the next roller-coaster king I've ever known of, went on many rides that would only occur to me in my dreams - as nightmares. Since we're on the GC page, not to mention Surfer's Paradise and the beaches. As for now, no beach can compare to those we went in GC - to me, the least. Being a rather no-big-deal about beaches, I can say, GC beaches were alive and strong that day. And I absolutely LOVE it. Oh and not to mention the shopping we did =)

KL was allright. Not as hot as it is here. As mentioned, there were not an hour wasted. I've made lasagne 3 times (and one time in brunei) that now I don't think I can eat any, molten choc pudding (couple times), cinnamon rolls (for dear Ma), Christmas fruit pudding (for dear Mama and Raya Haji) and roast chickens (for Papa and Adik's friends). Oh and brownies before I left for GC again. If not for these requests, I've evidence to show the number of times I stepped in the kitchen. It's amazing I know how to turn on the tap there. The very next day we reach KL, we went to meet Shamsu. Our designer. Where we met Leya's mom and sis there. Only to learn Leya just got married over the weekend! Leya's 2 years my junior where we spent time organizing school sports day and multiple arts and cultural events. So when I heard she got married, I assumed it was with her high-school sweetheart (just like I had imagined her, years back). To dear sweet Leya and Ashraf, may the new light and stage of life shines strong on you both with warmth, love and good-spirit - unconditionally. Then the days following on that continued with multiple arrangements, decision-making, planning and appointments to be filled and addressed to. Also not to forget, deaths. He has one, on his side and mine on Papa's side. I didn't get to see arwah when she was 'nazak'. She was bed-ridden suffered from stroke if not mistaken. For at least the past 5-6 years. I was in college the first time I visited her. And by then she had been bed-ridden, unable to speak for couple of years already. My memories of her when she was healthy were very short but precise. After that long of suffering, if God does not want to make her well again, I pray He take her with Him, and place her in a much better place and condition than she is at that time. So He took her away. I hugged her daughter and met her husband. He remembers me =)

I didn't get to meet Papa til few days after I arrived in KL. Then we flew to JKT. Where water can rise at any time. We stayed in a hotel suite that I wish I'd able to enjoy it, relaxed. With million things in the palm of my hands (quite, literally), I kinda wish we have one more day extra just to relax. But, of course not. We made friends and arrangements with the textile guy and he bought us satay padang. Like Adik said, "Kak, I feel like a millionaire here". Indeed, we were =)

Then to KL again then to Brunei. Where all my physical and emotional level almost drop to zero. I got sick and was not too eager to go around, though it is my first time there. I didn't even feel like checking-out the great Empire Hotel (where my family stayed). Meen and I we stayed at Suc's house. It was good to see her again. She's got a new guy now and I hope and pray this time it turns out well for her. We talked and touched about love and relationships, one of the many I miss about her. Oh, I did get to taste Ns Katok, though. Courtesy of Shahrin. Other than that, I wasn't so much in the mood to discover Brunei. Quite frankly, the moment I saw her, beautiful in her traditional dress - all red and teary eyed first we met (and cried when we left) - I had made my decision. She's the reason I'm here. And she's all the reason. No matter how crazy my mind and physical condition were, I'm not gonna fall down right now. Not while in Brunei.

Therefore when we reach ADL, everything falls down for me. So I lay on bed, sleep. Get re-charged for the following months ahead. If only it's not too hot around here. And guess what? It's cramping-time again. Ouch!

The trip this year-end was filled with new beginnings, crazy laughter, deathly ends. New faces, long-timed friends. Oh and I forgot to mention the friends I met whom are safely married and some with babies. It's a crazy, crazy world out there. So HUGE, filled with many, many stories.

So 2007 has closed.
It's our first new year celebration here.
This morning I woke up and the flu bug is getting better for both of us. Though I'm still with scratchy throat. But that'll go off soon. My ears popped few times and I hope that'll be the last. It hasn't popped yesterday. My nasal-ly voice has also disappeared.

Maybe it is a new beginning.
And it'll be a good one =)

Merry Xmas

Just as I blogged about not knowing where to stay in GC last entry, little did I know on the other side, darling fiance was making arrangements and booking accomodation for us =) Great minds think alike, eh? heee..

I am in a dilemma.

DW, SW, MW.

We've not enough time to go to all three, we can only choose 2.
So. After some researching and asking people around, we've made our decision especially after dear Renae called from work (then got interrupted by her boss!). I hope she's fine now. hehe. That girl is so crazy! Marissa's leaving for London next year for work and they're meeting up for holidays in Vietnam, Thai and Msia somewhere late May/June 08. So guess what's gonna happen? =)=)=) Can't wait!!

Now we've bought tickets and such, all I've to do today is shop for mama. Sigh. Quilt goodies, foot lotion and scrub, choc drinks and sunscreen. Yesterday we planned to go Harbour town but instead head off to West Lakes shopping centre. got Suc's pressies and more GC items.

Whoever invented credit cards, are a lifesaver to me right now.

*not sure when will be the next time I blog. If I don't, then have a Merry, Merry Christmas everyone!!

Nomad on Board

Latest update:
Excited and tummy-cramp (%#%@!!!!!)

Besides that, we've been around viewing people's properties and buying things before the weekend. Only after Chenyi left on Monday night, I realized we've only few days left before our holiday!! *yippee*

Things checked:
1) Brunei trip - all arranged and booked (re-confirm w Mamat if he's escorting us from airport)
2) Jakarta trip - tickets confirmed and to be picked up. Need to update list to buy.
3) Gold Coast trip - more sunscreen!!!
4) KL trip - don't even start. Mom's lotions, goodies, Daya's choc drinks, Mama's quilt stuff etc..
5) Korea trip - tickets booked and need to confirm. Update to buy list.

Okay that's a lie. Gold Coast trip, we haven't booked any accomodation yet, haven't bought any theme park tickets and have no idea how we're going to survive (considering my effortless attempt enough to watch my spending this month!) So for that trip, cross fingers for us. Hmm.. to be absolutely honest with you, I don't actually mind accomodating myself at the lovely beach. Do we need warrant for having an overnight at a public beach?

Anyone know?

Double celebration

8.30 am and I'm wide awake.

Mai's bday last Thursday we had some cake and dinner. Prior to that I wanted try on some recipes from my books but we were so busy with home arrangements and visa applications. On that day itself I had to drop-in at the immigration and head off to Prospect for another house inspection. Luckily on Friday we were not too busy to help Mai prepare her picnic bday party for the next day. By the time she reached here I was still in jammys so we left a bit late but managed to get hold of most things for her. Poor girl was so nervous no one would turn up or if people wouldn't enjoy themselves but excited all together. Oh and also Luke's engagement party is on the same day as her picnic bday celebration. So I managed to bake cakes for both events.

The next day (Sat) we got dressed early, head off to the botanics where Luke (without his reggae head-gear this time) and the lovely Kathlynn held their engagement party. It was supposed to be as hot as 37 degrees but it turned out to be 34 so it was allright under the shades and windy trees. There were lots of people obviously and food. Near us there were also a newly wed couple taking photo shoots sessions with her bridemaids and men, and flower girls. Lovely.

By the time we reach home I was already feeling tired from the excitements, then we left for the beach with Mai. Met some of her colleagues, took pictures, took a short stroll at the beach then headed back to her place. Went to her friend's (Girish) beautiful apartment (with a pool table!) then head back home. Reached home only to find myself too tired to sleep! Despite sleeping so late last night, I managed to wake up unusually early today and talked to dear Lufee before her flight back to Singapore. Oh and Chenyi is coming over tonight!

Arranged few things with Suc (oh gotta go get her wedding pressies) then I'm gonna take a shower.
Kate and James gig?
This coming Thurs.
We'll see.
*yawn*

right kind of wrong

Sometimes it has to be wrong to be right.

dearie, i know you're happy with Donny.
he is "the one", indeed.
i trust when you say what you say.
i hope you get what i mean.
i wish i am there with you now.
i hope you choose the right path.
i wish you both well.
heck, i wish you didn't have to go through all this.
yes, this is the reason i left too.
and also many more.
i hope you'd find your own self-development.
i hope this makes you grow and be stronger.
i know soon you will get through this.
it sickens to see you so depressed and sad.
i hope i cushioned your broken little heart.
like you did when mine fell apart.
ans i'll be here for you, when your world twirls around.

We're not gonna take it

why do they talk when we don't bother with their lives?
like they say, "kita buat hal sendiri pun, dia nak kata"
haiya.. kita tak cara pun pasal org lain..
maybe that's why.
coz we didn't bother.

sigh

the veronicas?
hell, i like this version better.
turn up your volume and blast it!

She

She said today.
I have found someone to be and live with.

and I want to mark the day.
After so long waiting.. =)

Sunday

Unlike on Friday (where everything's been planned for weeks beforehand), today was more of a spontaneous activity. While waiting for the event to start, we browsed through the Sunday Market at the Festival Centre foyer. Instead of having the event in the park, they changed the venue to the John Bishop buiding so lucky for me (forgot to put sunscreen on). The first song they played (Elliot Fisk) was a song my beloved fiance had been playing for months to end. Good for him, he got this chance to see and hear the real people play. The event ended at 5 so we went to the outdoor cafe nearby to grab some food. It was so hot so we just sat under the shade after our meal while the band was playing some music for that night's show. Then we went to the lake near the park and watch these swans and ducks flocking around, flapping their wings. They came so near to us so trusting that we won't hurt or catch them. Good birds. And beautiful too.


Oh and here are some pictures from the bar and from "Echoes of Spain".

The Crowd

Actually I managed to capture a 10 seconds play from this but can't seem to be able to get it uploaded here (not that I try enough, yes, I've been so lazy).

*Mama called. We're changing the month now.

Marking the Day

Today marks the day Kevin Rudd won the election.

And also confirms our date.