To my friends who are....

To My Friends Who Are...........SINGLE
Love is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you just let it fly, it will come to you when you least expect it. Love can make you happy but often it hurts, but love's only special when you give it to someone who is really worth it. So take your time and choose the best.

To My Friends Who Are............NOT SO SINGLE
Love isn't about becoming somebody else's 'perfect person.' It's about finding someone who helps you become the best person you can be.

To My Friends Who Are............PLAYBOY/GIRL TYPE
Never say 'I love you' if you don't care. Never talk about feelings if they aren't there. Never touch a life if you mean to break a heart. Never look in the eye when all you do is lie. The cruelest thing a guy can do to a girl is to let her fall in love when he doesn't intend to catch her fall and it works both ways...

To My Friends Who Are............MARRIED
Love is not about 'it's your fault', but 'I'm sorry.' Not 'where are you', but 'I'm right here.' Not 'how could you', but 'I understand.' Not 'wish you were', but 'I'm thankful you are.'

To My Friends Who Are............ENGAGED
The true measure of compatibility is not the years spent together but how good you are for each other.

To My Friends Who Are............HEARTBROKEN
Heartbreaks last as long as you want and cut as deep as you allow them to go. The challenge is not how to survive heartbreaks but to learn from them.

To My Friends Who Are............NAIVE
How to be in love: Fall but don't stumble, be consistent but not too persistent, share and never be unfair, understand and try not to demand, and get hurt but never keep the pain.

To My Friends Who Are............POSSESSIVE
It breaks your heart to see the one you love happy with someone else but it's more painful to know that the one you love is unhappy with you.

To My Friends Who Are............AFRAID TO CONFESS
Love hurts when you break up with someone. It hurts even more when someone breaks up with you. But love hurts the most when the person you love has no idea how you feel.

To My Friends Who Are............STILL HOLDING ON
A sad thing about life is when you meet someone and fall in love, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and that you have wasted years on someone who wasn't worth it. If he isn't worth it now he's not going to be worth it a year or 10 years from now. Let go.....

TO ALL MY FRIENDS.......
My wish for you is a man/women whose love is honest, strong, mature, never-changing, uplifting, protective, encouraging, rewarding and unselfish.

Nine words that women use

The real definition of words women use:

1.) Fine:
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2.) Five Minutes:
If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.
Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the footy before helping around the house.

3.) Nothing:
This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end with fire.

4.) Go Ahead:
This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

5.) Loud Sigh:
This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6.) That's Okay:
This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7.) Thanks:
A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.

8.) Whatever:
Is a women's way of saying F@!K YOU!

9.) Don't worry about it, I got it:
Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to #3.

car trouble again

What is it about me and cars?? I seem to encounter more car problems than my fair share. Just this morning, as i was going to work, dad informed me that i could not use the car... Something is leaking... i think he said casket... we tried to get the car towed.. but all towing trucks were busy!!!

I had to cancel clinic and informed everyone... and thank GOD!, the car was fixed, or i would have to cancel tomorrow's clinic in KB.

I am not happy with one of the administrators in one of the hospital i am working in. People should really cut other people some slack... and... we should work together to make each other's life easy, instead of hard...

I guess, some people just enjoy making other people sweat... and feel miserable... I shall, however, will not let it bother me...

walking down memory lane...

Happy National Day everyone. We are officially 24 years independent on our own... To reflect, we have to be fair and say much had changed, and is constantly changing.. However, the speed of change is something else to be spoken of!

Anyways, tomorrow would be the official 'house warming' ceremony with few invited guests. Mostly family members and new members from the surrounding neigbour and community. I am not sure how that one is working out yet!

And so, I had made it an agenda to clean up my room, a bit, as I know there would be guests that would be interested to go around the house and have a peep! ;) I have to say, my room look gorgeous :) Plus with the bedding I had only worn twice before... Its something I put on for special occasions :P and this is pertinently a special occasion!

Cleaning the room means looking around the room for stuff that needed clearing.. I was also updating pictures around the room :) I found a nice picture of me and kak lin when we were much younger, on a road trip to Kuching :) She probably would like that.. I shall add that detail.

While looking and sieving through materials of pictures and letters of long time ago, while i was still a student in the UK, I bumped into many things. Amongst it were letters, cards and postcards people wrote to me. It all look so cute now. How people think different things are important... and they update you on what is and what is not, depending what they feel is best for you to know ;)

I also stumbled upon a few christmas cards from a few friends in the course... and i think i will write them as i have their address. I hope that it is their permanent address... and i hope they get the letter i am going to write and perhaps post it soon. I procastinate sometimes... and things don't really get done!

Anyways...

• Happy 24th national day people!!

• I have a nice room ;)

• I am going to write at least 3 letters to friends around the globe ;)

lunch 'date'

I had a meeting in the headquarters today, and went through a bunch of boring work that needed checking and updating! Needless to say, i was bored to death, and was yawning away... The fact that i did not sleep a wink did not helped!!! Others were equally bored, however, plodded on :)

I made plans with Burt for lunch. We had been trying to have lunch for a while now, but have not managed it. I was lucky he was free, however, we did run some errands afterwards. I did nothing and stayed in the car though :) so not much trouble for me...

Burt is on a diet, and he looks great. He thinks he needs to tone up his muscles... and so, i bet he would be doing just that soon... and will achieve the look he wants. I have never been body conscious, but being healthy should be a good reason to start losing the excess weight!

So, after lunch, Burt drove around to do his errands... and me... tired yet full, was in a reclined position in his passenger seat. Next thing you know, i woke up and was already in the hospital's car park and its quarter to 2 pm!!!

I DOZZED OFF in the car, while Burt ran his errands. I met Burt on MSN and enquired if i had SNORED! Luckily i did not... I would have been mortified otherwise :P

TIPS:

• Do not have a heavy lunch.

• Do try to sleep the night before a lunch date, regardless it being with your friend!!

• Sit up straight in the car and strike a conversation to refrain you from the temptation to close your eyes!

Its been raining a lot lately. Roads are wet. People looked a bit miserable on the roads as well as they had to go slow. More and frequent bad accidents are happening along the highway.. and the police are on alert!

It does not help that the radio is BORING! and the music played are 'sleepy' notes. Not to mention the news imparted are sooo boring as well.... one can't help but fall asleep while driving, especially when one has not been sleeping too well!!!

I recently downloaded SKYPE... and it has been interesting. I have met a lot of weird people.. and i mean that... People randomly wanting to call you.... People randomly wanting to have a chat... and i figured out how to call people as well ;) I am liking it :P

work update

I had almost given up on work... not knowing if plans would proceed.. It does not really matter much to me, if it had not proceed, I probably would have liked it better, but, we all evolve, as so do work.

We had a meeting this afternoon, and it was good. Things were moving forward as planned. And it appears that I may be moving to the new premise soon. Probably not in March as anticipated, but sometime this year.

I had also voiced out issues regarding manpower, as well as resources, budget and other safety issues. It seems that these were listened to with intent, and I hope, I will not be facing much problems.

Now, we wait and see...

On a personal note, I am feeling confused. Confused enough to worry, confused enough that tears dropped, confused enough to lose sleep over it... I am working on not being confused. If you are wondering what I am confused about, well... its a 'me' issue!

It has been a while...

It has been a while... the blog has been quiet. life, however, kept on going on... days changing to weeks, regardless... and here we are now.

Thank you for the encouragement to write... Under normal circumstances, I would have missed writing... but, the break was good. for me.

I have been thinking hard, what should i write.... so, here is a list:

• My car. My car is 7 years old... not very old... but it has been having problems with its gearbox for a couple of years now. and finally, it has decided to call it quits. It can be repaired, of course, however, that would need an obscene amount of money. I had been told to sell it, and of course look for another car. I am currently thinking this over. In the meantime, i am using my uncle's car. Thanks to him, i get to work.
  

• Chinese New Year. Its the year of the rat this year. and apparently, its generally good for everyone. Not that i believe in it much, but, it is quite reassuring to know that everything will be ok.

• Sister's birthday. My sister turned 29 just a couple of days ago. It was celebrated a day early at a BBQ at a cousin's.
  

• Marsya's and Alisya's birthday. The girls turned 2 and 1 respectively. They are sooooo cute. Marsya is now beginning to talk more.. and she appears to know and enjoy more.. its such a nice developmental stage :) i love this exploration of language stage ;)

• The move. As of now, there is nothing much about the move. Everything seems to be slow. People are still not aware of this and that. and budget is not approved yet and bla bla bla. I dont really care now... it happens, it happens. It doesn't... its not really my problem.

• 'Blind' date. I met this guy i texted with several times for breakfast at his request. He even paid, which was nice. But, i really did not have anything in common with the guy. He appears to be nice and all, but, the heart really did not flutter!

• Love online. Someone said to me to see if i can find love online. Maybe i did. hmmm...
  

That's it folks. Lets see if i would blog often now...

untitled

I logged in several times... and I have been to this same empty page several times... I want to write... but nothing is flowing...

Thoughts I have are negative... I could not write anything that is suitable for public consumption.

I don't want to write about mundane stuff... though i have been guilty of that on more than 1 occasion...

Hence, I am officially taking a sabatical from blogging... until i feel better...

work...

It looks like January is going to be a busy month for me. Attending meetings almost everyday of the week, next week and a couple of times per week till the end of the week. I just hope that it would be useful and beneficial to all involved!

You know how meetings are... They run all the time, people spun stories, promises are made... but not everything are done as claimed. and it would eventually turn out to be a waste of time! I had the pleasure of attending a couple of meetings in my work life that was absolutely brilliant, but meetings like that don't come along often!

On top of that, I will be moving to a new premise probably in March. Suggestions made are considered and will be instated as soon as money is available. I now wonder who will help me run a big space like that!

Looks like 2008 is going to be activity packed. Would i like it???

New year's resolution

What is one thing that people always talk about at the change of the new year? Without fail, they like to talk and ask you about it... read the title... "What's your new year's resolution?", "Did you keep your resolution last year?", "Are you changing your resolution this year?"... and more...

I heard it on the radio... I read it on blogs.. I read it in facebook and friendster.. I was also asked several times... and what is my answer? I do not believe in making new year's resolution.

I used to make one (or several, as it was), as i was growing up. I used to make up and change things until a few years ago, when i realised that its futile... Why? because

• you don't keep it.
• you struggle to keep the not important resolution.
• you wonder how you can keep it.
• you worry about what would be a good resolution this year, because you want to be original.

Instead, i make little oaths to myself. Something achievable anything through out the year. And i give myself a time frame to complete it. An example would be,... I have a temper. Its bad and short and explosive. When i was much younger, it was much much worst! I remembered in Uni, when i was really mad, i used to slammed the door. It freaked my house mates... and i realised that it was a bad thing to have an uncontrolled temper, that controlled you...

It must have been October-November 1996, i made myself a promise that i would control my temper... and i had a plan how i was gonna go about it.... and i managed it... my temper is much better, but i won't boast how great it is..

I have not made any new year's resolution for a long time. the same will happen this year. However, i had plans on how to improve myself ot my work... i'll share if its achieved...

What is going to happen...

I just had a look at this building i was supposed to relocate to.... huh! sounds like news... well,.. that is because i have been keeping mum about it until now. Its not that BAD (fingers crossed!) I was a bit apprehensive before my move to KB... and i am so now, with this move... but, if things were moving to a better direction, why not.... I'll embrace it, even if i am apprehensive about it.

Anyways, I started the new year by attending a wedding of a family member in KB. I don't even know this girl... and we are supposed to be cousins!!! I attended because ... I dunno... what possed me...

I was waiting in the heat, though the food was nice, the fact that i waited for the bride and groom, and finally seeing them and thinking to myself "Who the hell is that!" and.. "I have never seen those people in my entire life"..... so... why was i there????

That just really got me really worked up. I mean... why should i attend a 'family's' wedding when i don't even know her... Why should i attend that function, when i have never seen her at any of our functions... Come to think about it, I have never even seen HER parents visiting MY GRANDMOTHER even during raya..... and we make a habit and tradition visiting my grand's brother (the bride's grandfather) every 2nd day raya!!!

If i can list things i hate... its soooo easy! and it'll be long... its been a few days.... I am still feeling angry and upset with myself for attending that wedding! ARGH!!!!!!

Happy New Year!

Its 6 O'clock and i was woken up by my regular alarm to get up!! I had an early night last night, so it wasn't too much trouble to get out of bed.

This year (well, more so last year), unlike any other year... there was no great family do, no get together amongst friends, no crazy texting "Happy New Year". This time round, the change of year is just another day!

A few weeks back, i was listening to the radio. Though I dislike the DJs, they raised something worth sharing. They were saying that we should list down things we are grateful for, happy that it happend in 2007. As I was listening to the radio, i tried to list my own 5 things, but it was so hard.... so let me try again.

5 things that i am happy for that happened in 2007:

• I lost some weight. Now the problem, is losing more, or maintaining the loss!!!
• I managed to maintain a savings. Not much but enough to furnish my new room.
• I purchased a nice big TV for myself. My first own TV, excluding the one i share and purchased with friends in UK.
• I read books :) Though I should make more time for it.
  
• I am happy i am in KB... away from things... and able to breathe and savour things around me though its hard work and exhausting!!!

So, there we have it... that took an hour, mind you, to figure out.... To list things i am unhappy about in 2007 would have been easier...

To all, Happy New Year. Should you decide to list things you are grateful for, I wish you great ease, than the time i had to go through.

I've been tagged...

I have been silent for a while... a lot have been asking questions. I have no reason, other than i was lazy, overwhelmed at work, emotionally 'unstable' for a while.. hence, i had been de-stressing through working like a mad woman in the clinic, stitching and watching Korean DVD. A good cry, and 'prying' into someone else's life had always made me feel good and re-focus back to my own reality!!!

i have been tagged to write a lot. One is on first love by Twinkle... however, i am postponing that as long as i can.... i thought about it.... I can't yet write about it without being emotional and tears pouring down my cheek.

Therefore, I am going to reply to the Tag i got form Burt instead. Before that....

• I would like to congratulate young family members that had gotten their results and passed with flying colours.
• I would like to congratulate the 2 newly wed people - sarul and diana. Of whom is yet to give me a picture of their wedding for framing!!! I'm feeling their present is un-needed!!!!
  
• Conratulations to those that had realised love, fell in love, is in love (That would be everyone!!!) and will joint hands in faith (Sabrina)!
• Thank you to Haslin for the wonderful gift. It proudly sits in my room, near the 'Main" attraction spot in my room, the TV!

I would like to apologise to others that i had:

• misled
• hurt
• waited ages for a blog entry

Without waiting long: Here are the Tagging rules;

1. Each blogger must post these rules.
2. Each Blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things post these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and read your blog.

Eight random facts/habits about me ~

1. I am afraid of going bald.
2. I toss and turn in bed before i wake up in the morning. Its such an ordeal!!!
3. I don't have many people I call friends...
   
4. I am reserved. I rarely open up to people.
5. Despite popular theories, i have had only 1 boyfriend!!
   
6. I just realised my secret desire to be a 'pampered' housewife.
7. I hate ONIONS and TOMATOES!
8. I want companionship!!! Someone i can talk to and hug freely!!!
   

These are the people tagged:

1. Iskiness
2. Balsy
3. Twinkle
4. June
5. Haslin
6. Adeline
7. Wardah
8. Anyone else that seems to be reading this blog entry!!!

I would like to wish everyone

• Selamat Hari Raya Haji
• Merry Christmas
• Happy New Year
• Selamat menyambut Tahun Baru Hijrah 1429

Pictures of cross stitches... project delayed for 6 years!

This project was meant for my niece; Hannah. It was supposed to be finished just after she was born and now she is almost 6 years old!!! I shall never live this down. I had plenty of reasons why it wasn't completed sooner... and its all REAL!! None of that excuses mentioned in Twinkle's blog entry!

I kept it in a box for at least 3 years thinking would be moving house soon. I was misled. Then, I only had backstitching to do... I completed all the back stitches in 5 days i think.

So,... Haslin and June... This is proof 1!! More to come...

I took picture of the details :)

The charms were easy to add...

cross stitching

I was invited by 2 of my friends to go to a bookstore not well known to people. This book store offered books of different ranges, particularly romance. However, other genre are widely available.

I browsed through the shelves... i was tempted... but there weren't anything i was dying to get. As i was about to give up hope, i spotted a stack of magazines.... and lo and behold... a stack of cross stitching magazines...

I was immediately in cloud nine. I looked through several magazines and found a few charts that i was interested in stitching. The lady charged a dollar per page - scanned with colour. To some that may be a bit steep and perhaps it is... but its better to get charts you wanted to stitch than buying several magazines with nothing that holds your interest. In the end, it probably is more economical!!!

Anyways,... my 2 lady friends were not quite convinced that i stitch... and i stitch quite beautifully and neatly!!! I take pride in my work. They required proof of my work... hence,... in the next few blog entries, you will probably see me showing off my work just to prove to some friends what i am capable of ;P :) All in good fun :)

reflection on work...

When do you think one can be free... to have time to one's self to do want to do what one want... to have one's agenda without being interrupted?? In my experience, you won't have that chance, however, one should seize every opportunity available to carry out tasks or fulfill one's demanding social calendar to one's best ability!!!!!

Often also, you cannot please people no matter how hard you try. There are always things that are unsatisfactory. However, i personally believe that you have no one to please except yourself. If you had done a good job - it should be enough. we should not find approval in others.

These thoughts of wisdom was a result of a meeting i had this afternoon. Meetings always made you reflect back. Not all meetings are bad :) :P i believe in "Good Attitude" and responsibility towards work commitments. ;)

Busy...

Dearest (especially Burt and baby) people...

I have been busy lately.

1. I have a cousin's wedding to attend, hence, i drive up and down KB just to be there.
2. December is generally a busy month at the clinic... and so... been occupied with work.
3. Moving house is not that easy... i have many boxes to unpack during the weekends.
4. I have friends to visit and see...
5. My house is at the ulu, and so, i take every opportunity in "TOWN" when i am there.
6. Another cousin is getting married in February, and i am getting ready for that.
7. I have patient's new schedule to prepare for next year!
8. I am tired.....
9. I have nothing to write, though i have been tagged to write about 'my first love' and 'music'.

And so... i hope every stays calm... I shall blog soon... and i hope very soon...

Shall i blog about music? my first love? or just a meaningless forwarded email?? or a questionnaire?

locked in the toilet

I told my patients that i would not be taking any leave end of this year... hence, attendance to the clinic has been super good! I am always full.... justt enough to clear my table before the next patient walks in... sometimes.... i dont even have time for that.... the patients are already knockinng on the door.... but.. it has been good.

This afternoon, i had an autistic patient comin to the clinic. We were going to work on language, particularly counting and more vocabulary in sentences. He wasn't in a good mood for the past couple of weeks, and had to do therapy outside therapy room. He hides behind mummy's back just to avoid me.

I was clever today.... Since KB had much changed... i brouht him for a walk around the hospital.. counting.. holding hands... and looking around... we still achieve my goals, but executed differently. I somehow managed to get him into my therapy room and started to do work.

Then,... "I need to go toilet" he said... and so we ran to the public toilet. I supervised from outside... giving verbal instructions. "Sit on the toilet", "Are you done?" "Flush the toilet" then comes.. "Open the door"... and.... pull.... pulll.... pull.... and then... scream.... the door wouldn't budge...

"SHHHHHH. Calm down. Listen. Sit and wait" (he is not ood at waiting... post 5 seconds, he is up again!) he locked the door from inside and didn't know how to unlock it.

i had to quickly run to the next bunch of men... and asked them to help me open the door from inside. The boy... was already screaming. making him understand help is on the way is not easy. I have to keep my voice up just so he can hear me above his screams... then.. "Shhhhh. I'm coming. Lets count. 1 2 3..."

Needless to say, the door opened... and he rushed out. I was gonna hug him because he ot me worried... but he had not washed his hands... so that was first. "wash your hands" and "say thank you" then we walked off.

I finally gave him the hug in the clinic... and we talked a bit about how he felt. I had plenty of words...

I told the mum what happened... Mummy smiled. She said... He's locked h imself iin the car once. But he was able to follow instructions as the windows was clear. Mum understood that he is unable to follow instructions! Thank god!!

Anyways... Next time any of my kids wants to go to the toilet, we run like the wind... but doors are AJAR!!!

its easier to diss other people's flaws than to think and reflect about yourself... Plus, i find it a good sport! :P I am not particularly mean, but... truthfully... its a sport everyone enjoys... the tongue lashing :) My specialty is often 'sindiran'. (the mind does not think too well at the moment as i can't think of the equivalent English word!!!)

I see no harm in giving honest opinions especially when asked for it. I usually do not save or reserved the option of going safe, slow or even 'nice'. In my experience, when you express empathy and/or sympathy,... people often feel they are understood and do not take the high road to 'reinvent' them selves or make a wrong, right...

Opinions are exactly that... opinions... however, facts of life, and rules that need to be obeyed are something else... Example, when i say to a patient that he/she should seek counselling or even report to the police of abuse happening at home to him/her and his/her children... I expect it to be followed. However, when it is not, I can't help feel disapointed. I won't mask the feeling of disapointment to spare the other person's feeling as I, feel it is wrong to subject yourself to such a torment, what more innocent children!!!

I especially hate hiprocacy... that just makes my blood boil. You say something to one person but as soon as you turn you back, you say and act something else... I do not tolerate it... But somehow, that is going beyond the scope of this entry.... back to it...

It is also nice to have the option of expressing one's self... say towards a group of friends. I feel that if you can't express your truest opinions and thoughts to the people you love or trust... what is the use of having them? be alone. be a hermit.

Plus, when people are in the heat of expressing their opinions, people are often thoughtless (of which i am) and... what ever was said should be taken with a pinch of salt... However, the validity of such opinions remains logical, credible and resonable. minus the heat!!!

Anyways, no one should force their opinions on others, regardless it being THE BEST opinion and SHOULD be followed. However, the person giving the opinion reserves the choice to be disappointed with the stupid person who asked for it but did not follow it in the first place. My opinion that is :P hahahahahaha...

Translation

A lot of people think translation work is easy if you are fluent in the languages you are translating! WRONG!!! Its a lot harder and complex than just translating.... especially when you are translating into a more formal language than the normal 'slang' we use everyday.

I find using proper Bahasa Melayu everyday a challenge. What more using Bahasa Brunei. and when i have to write reports in Bahasa Melayu, i cringe and always ask if we get the alternative of writting it in English instead.... Its not that i am not fluent in Bahasa Melayu.. i think my skills are acceptable, and my standard malay is pretty impressive... however, using Bahasa Melayu in a formal, business setting is different from speaking it.

Often, words you rarely use when you speak are needed when you write to express yourself eloquently and politely. Often, my boss would say... "Your Bahasa Melayu is horrible" or just laugh it off and asks me to re-write it again.... She often would also give guidelines... and words she thinks is important to be used. Yesterday, we had our routine monthly staff meeting. I handed her a letter i wrote in Bahasa Melayu and she said my usage had improved. I smiled. It was a lot of effort :P

I just finished translating and reading through passages that needed to be done for a book i am collaborating in. It felt like my head had split into millions of pieces... i can't feel my head... everywhere i press.. i feel pain... i don't even know if the sentences made sense or not!!! But i hope it does, because i can't do it any more... I had been doing this since early this week... and its a torment... i cannot live with a pounding head! simply cannot.... its not negotiable!!!

With that done, i have several other pieces of work that needed me using Bahasa Melayu... Thank god i had sense to purchase DWIBAHASA kamus early on in my professional life!!! But today, tonight... I'll stop here and take a break... start again on Tuesday!

What does love mean?

This was forwarded to me by a friend.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:


"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8


"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4


"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5


"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6


"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4


"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make ! sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7


"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
Emily - age 8


"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)


"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"
Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)


"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7


"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6


"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8


"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6


"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5


"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7


"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4


"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4



"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7


"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6


"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8


And the final one --

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just s at there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry"


When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. All you do is simply say the following small prayer for the person who sent you this.

God bless all my friends in whatever it is that You know they may be needing this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

Seven deadly sins

I read Burt's blog and he had this... and i decided to take it... hehehehe... the results don't lie :P I am memang pemalas :P My family can vouch for this,... though i can be hard working when i want to... take the quiz and see for yourself, what you are...

Greed:	Very Low
Gluttony:	Medium
Wrath:	Medium
Sloth:	High
Envy:	Very Low
Lust:	Very Low
Pride:	Low

Take the Seven Deadly Sins Quiz

Growing old...

My parents wanted me to accompany them to "beraya" to their friend's house which is about 20 mins away at 90 km/hr. This was their high school friend and her name is Dk Damit, though she is more popularly known as Dk Small. I like the popular version better. and she lives up to her name.

My parents promised to met up another friend 'Amin" at the petrol station at Lumapas. However, this friend, not knowing where lumapas was, he stayed at the Limau Manis's petrol station... We waited and waited... only to find out her was still there... needless to say, we were going up and down the roads for a hour. We were late by 1.5 hours!!! (I had a headache!!!)

I was eating away and te parents and their friends were chatting and discussing and remenicing old times... things they did.. fun they had... they alsoo exchanged words and news such as whom is where... how everyone's health is... and whom had died, why and where...

It came to the soberring topic of aging. The lady (Dk Small).. she was saying that in her area, there are not a lot of the old people now. Most of them have died... and that leaves her and her siblings to be the "elders" in their village.

She also said that she had never imagined or visualised herself to be in such a position. Time flies too fast for her to realise it, then... it just happened.

It was as if, she changed from a youth having fun, to an aging old-ER woman instantly!

It didn't stop me thinking.... One day... I will be growing old... and would be one of the elders... what then???

Funny things about being a Speech Language Therapist...

A friend emailed me this :) I love it... read on...

TOP TEN REASONS TO BE A SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPIST (SLT)

10. We have ways of making you talk
9. We know what the name of the little thing that hangs in the back of your throat is called
8. SLP is more than just lip service
7. [wil/`vtutraenskraib]
6. You're always analyzing your friend's speech
5. You think it's cool to hear someone swallow
4. Someone has to help Cindy Brady
3. We like to hear ourselves talk
2. You know how to say "larynx" correctly
1. You can legally brainwash people by making them repeat the same phrase over and over again

TOP TEN REASONS TO MARRY AN SLT

10. Get your mother in laws hearing tested free
9. Translates pet talk
8. Uses appropriate sign language - except when driving
7. Early diagnosis of dementia
6. Unlimited thickening fluids
5. Steady income - for weeks at a time
4. Free oral-peripheral exams
3. Good vocal hygiene
2. Knowledgeable in tongue-thrust remediation
1. Can distinguish women from cross-dressers based on pitch, intensity and intonation patterns

TOP TEN REASONS TO DATE AN SLT (MY FAV top 10!!! HA HA HA HA!!!!!! Its so wrong... yet so funny!!!)

10. We'll prove that doing it slow makes it smoother
9. We can make you scream in all the right ways
8. One hour sessions are our speciality
7. We'll teach you how to make the "OH" face
6. We know how to get your strongest muscle up
5. We know the value of frequency
4. We love intensity
3. We know how to swallow
2. It's all about tongue placement
1. We do it orally!

YOU MIGHT BE AN SLT IF....................

10. You casually drop the words "diadochokinetic rates" at parties to impress your friends
9. You are the only adult you know who still plays with bubbles on a daily basis and enjoys it
8. You write your child's first words phonetically
7. You get excited about flavoured tongue depressors
6. During informal conversations with friends, you often interject "good speech!" or "nice talking!"
5. You take dysfluency data during speeches and sermons
4. Children seem to gravitate to you during social events
3. Instead of saying to your friends "What a cute baby!" you say " Does he vocalize in two or three syllables?"
2. You can recite the Ling 6 sound test backwards
1. You make casual eye contact with people's mouths during casual conversations

at the hospital

I went to the hospital, bringing our housekeeper, to see the skin specialist after she had done something to her skin to aggrevate an allergy - creating such ugly and worriying rash, spreading through out her body... I just left her prescription at the pharmacist's window, waiting to be billed.

It was a busy day, and it took a while. All seats were occupied. I didn't really have much choice but sat in front of this lady and her daughter. They looked unkempt. I am such a snob that i looked down on them... thinking how they didn't take the effort to dress up, like the lady didn't clean up well... her dress weren't pressed properly.. her scarf did not match and more horrible thoughts....

As i was sitting there... I looked at the lady and her daughter closely. Having said they were not 'properly' dressed... i noticed the kid had more discipline than other kids properly dressed (beautifully and more expensive) in the hospital at that time. She sat properly, quietly. She hugged her mum, because she gave her a sweet from her tatty bag.

The lady and her daughter exchanged glances, hugs, kisses. it was genuine. It wasn't one of those hugs kids give you because they want something in return!!! I was humbled... I quickly appologised (in my head)... I realised I was a snob.. judging the exterior without knowing what's inside...

I am sure the lady would not want to be in a situation where she is not at her best... where she cannot give her children the best,.. but i suppose, that was the best she could afford at the moment... I felt so ashamed of being a snob. I never did realise i could be one of those people i loathed to be!!!

I then was forced to think back to my childhood... Though I wasn't as 'poor' as the lady and her child appeared to be, but i was far from being affluent. There were times, I wanted things but was too expensive. There were times i wanted to join in school trips, but knew it would be a ridiculous thing to ask. But all these times, I never had a friend saying to me... I am sorry you are poor and unable to join us....

To the lady and daughter at the pharmacist... I am truly sorry... I learnt a valuable lesson... You made me realise, there are always things within ourselves that we can improve and change, if we take the time to reflect... Thank you..

you know...

Recently, I have relocated to a new address. It is far away from where i used to grow up in. Readjustment is a necessity not just for me but the whole family, including extended family members. We are no longer free to make plans at a whimp's thought. I have, and so have the others, know we now live deep within a village...

You know you live in a village when:
1. You leave the house at 6.30 am but still gets stuck in traffic on your way to work every morning.
2. People drive insanely slow on the roads.
3. You think your heart will explode from driving at 50 or worst 35 km/hr on roads leading to the main roads / highways.
But others are blind to your hardship.
4. Road users just exited their lanes though they see your car fast approaching. And when you are behind them, they drive
at a ridiculous speed of 20-40 km/hr when you were going 80 km/hr.
5. You no longer drive fast. Instead you drive constantly at a speed not exceeding 80 km/hr to reduce consumtion of petrol,
hence budgeting your needs.
6. You do not feel the urge to move from the house unless something major happened - its too far!!!
7. You are no longer invited to impromtu activities as it takes you more than 30 minutes to just get to Gadong on a non-
busy day of normal traffic flow.
8. People on the road home recognize your car and hoots or waves at you.
9. People realise your family's car activities, and stare as your car moves up and down the lanes passing their houses... and
you think... God! Tongues are going to wag!!
10. You wake up on morning, and the air outside is much cooler, and there is peace and an element of serenity to the
surroundings.
11. You see monkeys, squirrels and cows everywhere.
12. You see different kinds of the bug variety and bigger mosquitoes.
13. There is mist linggering around the trees even at 7 am.
14. When it rains, it pours. HEAVILY!
15. The roads are not looked after properly by the authority.
16. You dont go home late as the roads at night are dark and it gets freaky.

I am sure the sister-hood has more to add to the list... Its not a complaint... its a re-adjustment after 30 years living around Bandar Seri Begawan / Gadong area where its about 5 minutes away from each location at one point in our lives to this.. its a big change... but a change, which i am sure everyone agress, we all are making constantly. Living far has taught some of us to plan the day ahead well... also manage time more wisely... so, yeah... something good always happen out of things / events.

Some pictures of the kids while they were in my room, enjoying each other's company as well as watching Harry Potter and Barbie :) as well as drinking Soya Bean and eating 'keropok'.

I have internet connection at home...

We just got connected at home... We have a land line... and we also have espeed.... YEAH!!! cicilised at last :P

Tonight, my younger cousins are sleeping over. 2 younger girls from my paternal side and 1 boy from my maternal side.

Hannah is my niece. She is 5 years old. Azra is my cousin. She is 6 years old. Syahmie is my cousin. He is 5 years old.

The girls rarely meet the boy. and when they do, they go crazy!

Each girl claim to be the love of Syahmie. and the poor boy, just stood there... I am not quite sure if the loves it, or just pretends to stand it. He gets more hugs and kisses than i do!

Funny things the kids says:

hannah: Why do girls like boys? Because they are cute!

Me: Azra, Why do girls like boys?
Azra: Because they are girlfriend and boyfriend.

Me: Why do boys like girls, mie?
syahmie: because they are pondan!

Hannah: Why do girls wear sexy clothes? Because they want boys to like them kah??

;) I hope you like it :)

I talk to all of you soon...

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

Dear readers,

I will be taking, yet another leave. This is my last day of work and will be back to work on 5th november 2007. However, in between, i will still have sessions in Tutong Disrict. Why? otherwise, they would be seen next year as my schedule is full... kesian jua kan.... nevermind... its just a day.... i do not mind... plus... i am sure, during my working hours, i have been fiddling my thumb or doing something unsubstantial... hence, this is like a "balas balik waktu kerja" supaya gaji yang kita dapati HALAL! ;)

ANYWAYS.....since i won't be patroning this blog for a while, i would like to wish all readers Selamat Hari Raya... I know i have said this earlier... but I like this to be the last entry i write in until i come back ;)

Have a good Raya... DRIVE SAFE PEOPLE... (It does not hurt to drive slow! I do! I drive 80 - 100 km/hr from bandar to KB!!!)

cinta is love...

I was blog hopping... something i do not do often... and i came upon this site http://cintaislove.wordpress.com

I read the first entry, the one he has currently is titled 'Someone' and i was like... WOW!!!

I often hear Dj Jenny on kristal name dropping, however, i never go and read his blog until today. Something drove me there...

He started the blog because he wanted to express his love for his 'Ayu', a work colleague, (whom also happens to reselbles one of his old crush that had died several years ago in a car crash) whom is engaged to another, but whom he belives he is in love with, and hence, the journey of him and AYU begins.... the drama is heart wrenching.

A lot of people are hooked to his blog / site because they want to know what happened... and what his reaction to it is...

A lot more female readers i believe patrons his site.... however, the odd, men are there... leaving footprints as proof that they do read actively as their counterparts.

I am lucky, ZUL (the blog owner) just recently started writing... but he wrote frequently. and comments are aplenty... but... i read through all of them... word by word! it took me a couple of hours, including interruptions (sorry folks) from friends and family on MSN and Yahoo! Messenger.

Just last month, Zul came to his senses, and figured that AYU is not the deserving one... after many comments and advices from blog readers. many are emotional... but, all were taken in good stride! I like his attitude.

At least one reader i know of, fell in love with him and wanted to know him more seriously and was devestated when this feeling had not been reciprocated as she anticipated... and the drama is all there for all to see and read.

However, Zul, being a ladies man, managed to get this reader back to the comments page... though she is not as active as she used to.

Zul also made many good friends through his site... I like that as well...

The recent blog entry, 'Someone' was like a love letter meant for someone, a girl he knew before Ayu, but only now realised he LOVES her.... He had not confessed his love... after Ayu, an emotional roller coster, he needed rest. but, he also stated several reasons why he is delaying it, and i suppose it makes sense.

I will definately patron his blog. I know its sappy... and its someone's personal life... and its kind of intrution of privacy... but its an interesting read...

If i have someone that loves me, just a tiny fraction, as he loves so deeply, i would be a happy soul... and i said so on his comments page, waiting approval.

happy reading people...

MORE POSTS

Actually, during my drives from Bandar to Kuala Belait, every morning or evening, ideas to write on the blog comes aplenty. but when i get my laptop out to write... ideas are drained from my thoughts...

however, do check this space... i am sure somthing is sure to come round.... another entry will be added in today... hopefully.

Selamat Hari Raya

I actually thought I have my temper in cheek compared to my earlier youth. However, occasionally, temper rises and snaps before i can control it. This is one of the few things i have to constantly check on... and this will be a life long ambition...

and so... Things to do:

1. Check temper
2. Smile
3. Eat less
4. Don't think
5. Start saving

SELAMAT HARI RAYA TO ALL - FAMILY, FRIENDS and READERS OF THE BLOG.
MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN SEGALA SALAH DAN SILAP PERTUTURAN ATAU TULISAN.
UMUR PANJANG KITA BERJUMPA,
UTUK YANG TIADA, KITA DOAKAN SENTIASA DIRAHMATI.

Hari Raya

What is the meaning of Hari Raya to the people of Brunei Darussalam. I had a conversation with a friend whom brought this topic up. He said, he misses the old times where he went from house to house either on his own or with family and/or friends and just to drop by people’s houses and said hi!!

His Hari Raya experience cannot be more different from mine. I remember going to people’s houses with my sisters and some neighbours.... but we only went to houses of people we knew. We did not knock on all the houses in Ong Sum Ping (that is where we used to live as children), just because we can. Anyways, if my parents had known, we would have been dead meat anyways. We even asked for permission to go to neighbour’s houses... often making an appointment and planning when we can go over (talking over fences and asking our parents for permissions to see if it was ok to do so).

We did not even minded if we did not receive any “green packets”. We were happy with cakes, and keropok udang and acar. We were also very happy to be served soft drinks. Often, when we received ‘green packets’ we kept the contents to buy school supplies for the following academic year. So, how is my Hari Raya, the same with the children nowadays experiences?

Then, we never call people later than 9 pm. We do not even visit people’s houses later than 11 pm. But, the trend nowadays is to go and knock on people’s houses and talk till the wee hours of the day! I do not appreciate being kept up when tomorrow is a working day.

Hari raya is supposedly a month to celebrate our victory against demons within ourselves, give us a pat on the back for being able to resist temptations and devote ourselves spiritually. However, people now mistake the term to be something else....

Yes it is good to visit relatives. It is good to have a small feast to celebrate. Yes, it is even good for children to know their neighbours. However, how is it good going to people’s houses only because they have an open house, but do not visit them on other days? How is it good, to stuff yourself, after detoxifying your body for a month only to pollute it again? How is it good to teach our children to go to houses of people we do not know just so we can collect money so you have more to spend???

My Daemon

By popular demand, i took the quiz, and this is my daemon ;) I like it :) but lets see if you think this is me... and so... it goes without saying... click on the questionnaire, and answer the questions.... YOU have 12 days to do so... :) It'll be exciting... and so.. Haslin, June, Burt, Adeline and Family members... i am waiting :)

Appraisal

Its that time of the year again where all government servants are appraised for their year’s work. Often, it is your superiors that carry out the appraisal. However, the issues of how fair it is... raises its ugly head annually.

People are appraised according to several headings that existed within the standard form to be filled in. That includes time and general management and how well you carry out your daily tasks.

But not everyone receives training on how to fill in the form correctly. If you think about it... its subjective to interpretation. Example, a boss that comes to the office at 7.30 am daily and yet his subordinates arrive to the office at 7.50 am would not be pleased and would given them lower marks in that area. Whereas, a boss that arrives comes to the office at 8 am, and his people at 7.50 am would tend to give them higher scores in the time management slot.

Another issue with time is, how do you give parents that need to go out during lunch, and often during afternoon working hours Vs single workers that do not leave the office early, fairness in the time management slot.

Again...How can a boss that does not do any work appraise a hard working worker?

Freaked Out

I was cleaning my room, and emptying my book boxes when I came across several books I bought from the book fair several years ago. It was in English and something about Islam and it was produced and approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Plus the fact that I bought it for 50 cents per book wink

And as it happens, one of my sister is dating a Caucasian, and so I thought it would be a good book to give him... nothing that deep to get him make a sudden decision but something to give him an opportunity to know the religion, so he does not get shocked. Anyways, an insight is good for any religion.

He came to the house with my sister and I handed him the book. He thanked me and I said read it... and left it as that.

Fast forward to several hours later, I was looking for a book... a little book. It was entitled “Convert to Islam”. It had gone missing. I freaked out for a bit, but eventually I wasn’t so worried, because it was a small book, and was sure I misplaced it. It was a book meant for another friend whom had already converted to the faith... Until my sister called....

Her boyfriend was worried he was given the book. He was like... ‘and so... I have to convert now’ (not an exact quote of speech). He he he.... poor boy! He must have freaked out.

I quickly called him to get MY book back.... but he was not available, and so, he returned the call. I wasn’t sweet about it either... I was adamant I must get the book back, and he seemed like he was more than happy to return it... hahahaha...

Anyways, there is a good but easy read book written by a westerner in English. I’ll get you the title for those of you interested. George Negus wrote it.

I am exhausted.... Ramadhan is always my busiest and packed of all months... and because the working hours is shortened, you can only get so much done... plus, work means talking.... the whole morning... the throat does get tired and dry. the brain exhausted, the physical drained...

news update:

1. Azhan informed me that he just got out of the hospital on home leave. He will be back in on Monday. Any updates, you all will know. Any well wishes will be sent his away as soon this is published.

2. For those of you that are unaware, and probably because i have been keeping it on a low, only because it is nothing THAT important to advertise, and this is information to family members abroad especially... we started to sleep in the house. My room is the most messiest because of all my boxes... and i could not keep them away because my cupboard are still in the process of being modified... so i have to wait a bit longer. The parents (dad especially) is very worried! Anyways, i cleaned it up well... and it is spacious :) and last night, Nenek Bini slept at the new place, in my room, on the new bed purchased especially for her.... she loves it!!!

3. Baharin has been promoted to Act. Lt. Col. And he isgoing to Nottingham end of this month. I know i do not meet him that often, but i know i will miss him much :) *HUGS* however, i wish him all the best :)

4. EJOY (anak E suan) recently got a job. And rumours is that he is going to be posted to KB :) Yeah... a friend! finally! however... i am worried about where to keep him... i mean... space!!!

5. Marteen, friend of Long's and SDL... He is leaving brunei soon... and so, we will miss him :) He has been good, though i have not been seeing him for a long time what with his extensive travel plans... I wish him all the best in his studies... Rumours has it,... he is returning in December... I wonder why *wink*

Before i end, i would like to wish everyone...

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT RAMADHAN :)

I have been feeling tired these past few days and was sleeping during lunch... which i rarely do..... I was wondering why that is... only to realise that i have been packing, loading and unloading some of my things into the new house... also.. i have been attending the New Youth Ship; youth of brunei's training on the days i was in bandar....

My uncle and i don;t have TV Brunei (kuala Belait).. the birds have been picking on our aerial.. and so we have bad reception. We didn't even know if we were fasting today... i found my sister on line and she told me... and that was at 10 plus at night (last night)!!! sigh... i am so tired... i was a fool enough to book a full clinic today!

i recieved a text message from Azhan... it started nice... only to find out that he has been admitted into the hospital. The hospital i am working in.... I went to visit him as soon as i found out... he was asleep, or so i thought, but woke up as soon as i gave him salam. We chatted non-stop for an hour plus.... I came to visit him again after work... his sisters and aunt/uncle came as well.... I am sure many more of his family members came... i am also sure he is absorbing the love and attention :) Despite being unwell, i admire his will to get well. He was all smiles... he eat everything despite unworking taste buds... he sits up, even when he feels tired...

I want to shower... and if i can... i want to join Sembahyang Tarawih in KB... so tara for now...



This is a picture of the Youth Leaders of Brunei from (L) 2004- Fakhri, 2005- Meela, 2006-Billah and 2007 - Badar (Picture courtesy of Fakhri (www.sseaypbrunei.blogspot.com) from his blog

eating alone

Lunching alone has been my daily routine since I moved to Kuala Belait a year ago. It started and was meant to be a temporary measure, but, it has been since, a more permanent part of living away from things you know.

I used to eat alone in the clinic because I could not find a lunch partner. Even if I do eat out with someone, it would be my uncle (like twice a year), friends from Bandar whom was on a visiting service for that day, or my Aunty Nor, whom happens to be in Kuala Belait with her CLMV GROUP of people.

In Tutong, nothing seemed to be the different. I still eat alone, while reading a magazine or a book. However, I do not eat in the clinic, I eat in the canteen. (When it is opened) I used to eat out with a friend whom used to work in the army based here, however, he has since moved, and I am back to eating alone.

Why do I eat alone? Its not that I enjoy eating alone... in fact, I used to hate eating alone, what more cooking for one. Sometimes I rather not eat or cook. However, I can’t starve myself just because I don’t feel it.

1. Often, I eat just because I have to. I do not go far from the hospital, opting to buy what ever food they have within the premises, despite the ‘erm’ taste to it. If I am eating alone... why drive all the way only to be your own company most time... I eat so I have energy for the afternoon session. I eat because I do not want to have gastric. I eat because munching sometimes gives me a bit of pleasure that is often unavailable when you don’t have any one to converse with.

2. The people in my working environment are mostly married ladies with their own family, or if they are single, they have an in filterable social circle. I find it hard to ‘mingle’ with them, as I suspect it may be difficult for them should they be in my shoes. However, I do know, I would bring people out for lunch rather than leave them behind, alone, and be miserable!

3. Like what Anthony is experiencing (referring to the blog title: are we that unfriendly) it is hard to make friends... even if I am local, eat the same food, speak the same language, and/or enjoy the same activity. Why is that?

4. Lunch used to be a time I spent with my friends or family members and exchange news of what had happened or what has been going on or what they are thinking. It’s a time we spent eating but also talking.... but me? I am left to be on my own, not that I do not enjoy some peace and quiet or is afraid of my own company... but... humans are designed to be communicative.... even monkeys eat in groups and ‘act’ accordingly!

I don’t feel sorry for myself... far from it... however, I would love some company... to talk to... give my brain a bit of an activity... give me the chance to interact with people whom are not patients or wants me to do work... but... someone whom would just talk, discuss things... or even just a friend to play board games with...

If I can’t find anyone to talk to till the end of this year... I wonder if I should seek a second job just to occupy myself...

magazine reading...

I went to see my Chinese Acupuncturist last night with my sisters. While waiting for him to finish with his client, I took a malay magazine and started reading. (As always, I read from the back – it’s a habit. But its not bad. Regardless, I read it cover to cover!)

There were several interesting articles in the magazine, even if it was from October 2005! As I was flipping through, I saw this article written by this man - I always liked his opinions on life.

One woman asked him why it was difficult for women to find the perfect men to which he answered that men do not understand what women want. He added, man thinks by pulling their pants down and revealing their underpants, and walking their moonwalk, they would be attractive to the opposite sex. NOT!! STRIKE 1.

Then... there are men who would stare at a women’s chest, like a COME ON, from them without realising it’s the opposite of what women want!!! STRIKE 2.

The lady then persistently asked why men do not just ask what the ladies want... he then answered... men have their egos. By asking... you are reducing the vitality of their manhood... (An insight to me!)

He then classified that there are 6 types of men.... of which, when I read out loud to my sister, she laughed and smiled. (Let me try to write them down from memory)
1. Men whom are nice aren’t available.
2. Available men are hideous.
3. Available nice good looking men are gay.
4. Nice, responsible and okay looking men are married.
5. Available nice single men don’t have money.
6. Available nice single men with average income thinks women only want them for their money.

What do readers of the blog think? Perhaps, someone should come up with 6 classifications of women. And why it is equally hard for men to find the ‘perfect women’...

bicycle

I was driving home from work, late Saturday afternoon, when I noticed a group of people going home at the same time I was. The only difference is that they were cycling home.

I drove slowly past them. I tried to look at them closely. It was interesting. Some of the workmen had different helmets on for different types of work, example, a hard hat for work and a bicycle helmet for cycling.

Some of the bicycles even had a basket in the front where they kept their extra hat. Others just hung it off one of their bicycle’s handle.

It was even interesting to see that their bicycle is just one of those normal bikes you could get in the bike shop. None of those top class or very expensive ones. The colours are also just very normal, nothing that spells fancy.

I then smiled to myself.... Kuala Belait is different...

You do see some people cycling to work in Bandar... but just a handful. Even the contract workers are driven. You also don’t see cyclist wearing protective helmets like they do in KB... unless they are one of those people who do own the complete cycling gear and is into it as a sport... they are excluded from this observation.

I smiled to myself... I was thinking... Good... Excellent... They are environmentally friendly and is good healthy exercise. Then... I smiled further.... they are different. It feels as if I was looking into cyclists driving up Victoria Road in Edinburgh. I miss home...

1. They are saving energy and also saving the environment by using this activity as part of their routine. They government should give people more incentive to carry this out.
2. It just proves that you do not need a fancy bicycle to get you moving from one point to another, as long as your practice safety! How many of us own expensive bicycles, yet can’t seem to remember the last time you used it, and is sadly collecting dust at the back of the garage?
3. The land transport department also should look into properly documenting or outlining proper and safer options for cyclist should WE want to encourage this activity as part of BRUNEI’s way of saving the environment as well as promoting healthy living. It is also realising the vision of the Minister of Energy, as he recently spoke in his speech, to reduce the usage of unnecessary energy.
4. I wish I can cycle – I have poor balance, and can never seem to be on the bicycle long enough for me to even move properly more than 50 cm. However, with training wheels, I am good *wink*