Selingan: Eca Pede - Jamilah Jamidong

This is for my MJFC friends yang turun ke kota mencari cinta.

Selingan: Stevie Nicks - Edge of 17

Just like the white-winged dove, here's Stevie Nicks looking like Princess Leia out of a Stephen King movie.

24: Season 7

I've just watched 24 Redemption. It's a made-for-tv movie to pacify 24 fans in between Season 6 and 7. It won't be long now until Season 7 airs.

The Namesake

I first read The Namesake about 3 years ago. A dear friend had given me the book for my birthday. Even since reading A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, I have always had a fascination for India and imagined it to be a magical place. The Namesake is no different, except the story takes place between Calcutta and New York. I love, love, love books that makes me cry. And cry I did when I read the book.

I got lucky today when one of the movie channels played the movie. I loved it! It also helps the fact that I have not read the book recently, so I got to watch the movie with suspended judgement. The only disappointment was the actor who played Gogol, the namesake. Remember Kumar of the Harold and Kumar Goes to blah, blah, blah movie fame? But don't let that put you off, the rest of the cast gave superb performances and the scenes in India are truly magical.

Just don't forget them tissues as cry I did again this time round.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

For those of you who are a huge fan of the Confessions of a Shopaholic books, you'll be pleased to know that it will be able to watch it in all its techni-colour glory early next year.

As for me, I will be at home watching sex and the City reruns.

Selingan: Project Pop - Bukan Superstar

Once in a while I come up with a list of people that should be locked up. This song is dedicated to all you twats out there who has ever graced my Hall of Fame. Go on, you know who you are:

"Kamu bukan superrrrrrrr,
Kamu bukan setarrrrrrrr,
Kalo digabungin kamu bukan supersetarrrrrrrrrr......"

Wind of Change

Not one to follow US politics - Congratulations to President Obama just the same.

Project Stylissimo!

I am currently working on a secret project with my MJFC pals.

Watch this space!

Selingan: Gita Gutawa - Bukan Permainan

Just saw this on Astro Ria today and loved it.

End of Syawal

Whilst we should all feel blessed that we have lived to celebrate another Syawal, it is always a relief, admittedly, that it is over too. I haven't had much rest nor quality family time since the first day of raya. Eventhough we purposely kept the raya-ing to a minimum, but every weekend there is always one open-house invitation to another.

We, however, did not organise any open-house event ourselves. Simply I didn't think I could cope without my senior maid who conveniently went home for 1-month leave, what with the baby, work, weekend commutes to Bandar....the list is long. So we kept it simple and for the few that came to our house - it was those that really mattered and close to our hearts anyway.

...and now for that quality time.

p/s the maid's back too.

The shop that must not be named

I don't know about you, but I hate it when shopkeepers/salespersons are on a permanent bystander mode. It's even worse when they just don't seem to have a clue about the products that they are supposedly selling.

We chanced upon this baby's clothes shop in KB on our way to The Early Learning Centre (or something along the line) to buy some toys for the boys. Since The Early Learning Centre was closed, we decided to check out the baby's clothes shop just 2 doors away - conveniently the shop didn't have a name nor could I find any shop sign.

Anyway, of course this being Brunei, instead of being greeted we got the standard cold hard stare from the 2 ladies (in black, i might add) behind the counter (score: 1-0). Oklah, maybe they needed a bit of warming up. So we browsed around the shop - admittedly they do have some nice stuff - and then I asked about the size of some baby socks. I didn't realise that my question had posed a challenge to their mental capacity as it took a few exchanging glances between them and a dramatic pause before I finally got a response. The response was *drum rolls please* "Those are for babies." Really? I was actually thinking of getting some for my grandma. Doh!! Wrong answer!! (Score: 2-0).

Through gritted teeth, I decided to hazard another attempt for Round 2 of Mastermind - this time with the nail-biting, "Do you have this in size 6 months and above?" Tick...tock...tick...tock... *Cue: bales rolling across the shop with sounds of crickets in the background.*

Let me tell you that while this mind-blowing exchange took place, the ladies were sat behind the counter the whole fucking time.

I am all for naming and shaming - however the shop did not have any signs nor name anywhere in sight. Alas, one quick look around the shop and we quickly ushered the boys out the door....of course no shopping bag in hand. Take that, you silly cows.

I can't believe it's Sunday already...

*shucks*

eXtreme stupidity

Me & Laukong were watching the Travel & Living channel when we happened upon this programme called eXtreme Gourmet. I must say it's the crappiest show I have watched on the Travel & Living channel. Basically the presenters travel to different parts of China and eat the local "delicacies". It's one thing to try the strange and the weird, but it's another to make such condescending remarks. It's so disrespectful and undignified. I mean where's the cultural learning in that? Plus the whiny lady presenter is so super annoying. Please, I hope you choke on the bull's penis.

New Evidence Found!

I have been busy updating my Incriminating Evidence. I forgot what a pain it is uploading jpg files on blogger but the result was worth it. And no, no handbags this time. I won't be taking any credits for the items either (am only the photographer). Check out for yourself ;)

Selingan: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps

I'm dedicating this video to Justy, Nips, Lulu and Mac who came by for sungkai yesterday. I haven't seen them since a week before puasa. How I have missed them. It was lovely to catch up especially with Laukong back as well.

Pixie-licious

Doesn't she look absolutely fabulous???? Looks like I may have to make that trip to the hairdresser's again - trouble is from the last trip, I may end up looking with a crew-cut instead!!

Selingan: Zoe - Sunshine on a Rainy Day

One of my favourite songs from the 90's. Unfortunately it was a one-hit wonder. But good God, did we really used to dance like that???? Oh how we loved lycra! 

Enjoy - if only for the tragic comedy of it. "Makes my soul trip, trip away!!"

Back to reality

I start work tomorrow...nuff said.

School's cool but snoring's so last season!

Yesterday marked another major milestone for me - it was my boys' first day at their new school, particularly second born as it was his first time at school. I was forced to leave 2 crying boys, and no matter what you never get used to that. It was heart-wrenching to leave them like that.

Laukong also arrived home. In an ideal world, this would mean that I will finally get a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, the return of Laukong also means his notorious snoring has too - sadly with a vengeance as it kept the baby (READ: me) awake!

*Sigh* Here's to many more sleepless nights. Welcome home, Laukong. *Chink*

Living Vicariously: Sunset Boulevard

Happy Mating, Anus!

We bade bon voyage to my sister yesterday to find a Korean "mate" (haha!!). Happy mating, Anus.

On our way out, the rest of the family decided to eat (all the crying made us hungry) at the newly opened Delifrance near the arrival area. Apart from hardly anything available from the menu, service was really slow. At one point, I was confident that by the time our orders came, my sister would also return back home with her Masters degree.

While waiting I managed to find some amusement in this annoying girl with a whiny voice who had more cake on her face than Delifrance had on their menu. I was itching (read: dying) to do an impression of her (I am not called impersonator extrodinaire for nothing) but couldn't as it would have been too obvious in the already cramped restaurant. However, my wish became a reality as soon as we got home much to my baby sister's (yes, there's more of us where we came from) amusement.

Justy/Beauty, will do a repeat performance for you when we next meet up!

Mating Season in Konglish

As I've mentioned a few blogs back, my sister will be going to Korea to do her Masters. I thought I'd share with you an e-mail she received from the University regarding her arrival and orientation. Please read carefully, and pay particular attention to item no.3. Have fun reading. I did!

Dear Fellows

There's a few days left to see you. I'll arrange somethings you are wondering.

1. Dormitory

I already told you can stay from the date you will arrive here, and until on 29th August, cafeteria in the dorm will not be run, and you can eat out near the dormitory.

The fee of Domitory includes meals (breakfast & dinner) in the weekday. You have to pay when you eat lunch or meal in the weekend.

The room of dorm is used by 4 people, equipped with basic furniture such as bed, desk, closet.

Only bed sheet to cover a bed is supplied to you.

You can bring personal quilt,, pillow, towel or buy in the Mart which is very close to the dorm.

You can check the room through the webiste - please check NO. 1 dorm

* If you do not want to stay the dorm I prepare for you, please let me know. I have to assign the rooms to the whole students by tomorrow morning. Once the room is assigned to you, it cannot be changeable nor cancelled.

* If there is anyone to use a guest house I said before, please let me know. I have to ask for that.

Single room - 30,000 won/ a day/ 1 person

600,000 won/ a month/ 1 person + deposit

Double room - 50,000 won/ a day/ 2 persons

1,000,000 won/ a month / 2 persons + deposit

2. Allowance

I know you will get allowances from NIIED through us. I think until you can get the first monthly allowance it will be take some days or weeks because there need to be a procedure. Therefore, please prepare the money for you to spend for about a month in case of need. I'll let you know how you can demand the monthly allowance later.

3. Korean Mates

There are many Korean volunteers who want to help you learn Korea's culture and be friends with you.

I'll mate him/her with each of you, so most of you can see your Korean mate at the airport. In case the arrival time is too soon or too late, he/she can't come to meet you.( I'll find the other way in such a case. )

You should come to the dorm by airport bus & local bus with the help of your mate. I hope you and your mate enjoy the first journey from the airport to the dormitory.Because you cannot help being helped from your mate a lot, especially for the first week, please try to give a favor just like your mate do.

4. Orientation - 2nd September 11:00 middle auditorium in University

You will participate the orientation which will held for all the foreign students in University.

There will be undergraduate students, graduate students and language school students.

You can hear general information about University from this, if you have any question about graduate school, you can ask the staff of graduation school team directly.

About academic policies of Korean language course, you will hear after that.

There also will be a level test on that day.

5. Special program - from 3rd September to 12nd September, 10:00 ~ 12:00

According to the level test, this special program will be run.

You can learn basic Korean language and experience Korean traditional culture.

You know, this is just special program. FYI, the regular course is run for 4 hours a day from Mon to Fri.

Still, there are few people who didn't send the exact flight schedule to me.

Please let me know as soon as the flight schedule is fixed.

Have a good trip.

Hell Yeah!

I bought myself some DVDs today. I have been so out of touch with movies lately that it's good to catch up on movies that I have missed at the cinema. A good one that I watched so far is HellBoy II: The Golden Army. It is definitely better than the first HellBoy with plenty of new characters under the direction of Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth - loved this though I found it scary). Luke Goss of Bros fame did a great job playing Prince Nuada (he was equally impressive in Blade II as well).

Style Note: Love Selma Blair's haircut.

Living Vicariously a Reality for the Day

I had such a fun day today. For a change the "photographer" gets to be photographed with many thanks and love to Justy's daughter, Lulu. She took lots of photos of me and the kids. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Oh, for a change my vicarious living was a reality today too - I may have been all dressed up with nowhere to go, but at least my outfits were captured in good old technicolour! Haha! *Click! Clash!*

Living Vicariously: A Lovely Gray

It's been raining a lot lately.

Selingan: Tarkan - Kiss Kiss

Dedicated to my wonderful friend, Justy. Love you loads. *Muah, muah*

Lucky Number Slevin

I finally got to watch one of the movie channels for a change (the default channel at home is either Cartoon Network or Playhouse Disney), and chanced upon Lucky Number Slevin. It turns out to be a pretty good movie with a pretty smart plot.

Oh, and Josh Hartnett in a "kamban" was a bonus too. ;)

The Witches of Eastwick

The Witches of Eastwick came over despite my attempts to avoid the visit. However, I was was saved this time around as it was only a day trip.

East Meets West: Wah! So Big the Excitement!!

Just when I thought it wasn't possible - both Josh Hartnett and Shawn Yue will be in the same movie!! I can't wait to watch "I Come With The Rain".

...But it looks kind of scary though. Eek!!
I wanted to put the trailer here but somehow Youtube disallowed the embed feature, so you will have to make do with the trailers of the last movies I saw each of them in:

Wicker Park Crap movie. Dianne Krugger was rubbish. But still loves Josh Harnett. *SIGH*


Invisible Target Andy On is in here too! But he deserves a separate blog post. *Watch this space*

Kimba the White Liar

Does anyone remember Kimba the White Lion? This was way before Simba couldn't wait to be king. It was my favourite cartoon (apart from Thundarr the Barbarian) when I was about 5 years old. I remember watching it religiously after school. My mum would even record it for me on VCR.

I have completely forgotten about Kimba - until I came across a blog. It goes to show how my completely random my train of thoughts are when only I can link Kimba with a blog. 

Anyway, in the blog the author described the love story behind this particular newly weds. Plenty of oohs and aahs followed until I sussed out that this love story was actually her own. It had me laughing (and secretly guffawing with glee) simply because, yes, I can be that nasty (this might seem a tad inappropriate amidst all this "Blog Against Hate" movement. But hey, this is my blog and I'll bitch if I want to. Ya-dah, ya-dah, ya-dah). 

Anyway, I do recall a chance meeting with the said author whereby she gave me a dirty look. Funny thing is, I don't even know her (well, now I do - still picking out those darn daggers that she sent). However, I do know her husband so that may explain things a bit. Eh, so big oso the insecurity, meh? Get over yourself, you married guy - romantic love story included. I'll give you that.

Note to self: Must try blogging in third person and pretend this is not my blog. May as well put this vicarious living up to the next level. Guffaw!! Guffaw!!

Living Vicariously: Tea Party

Cuppa tea, anyone?

I've been waiting for this for over a year....and it's finally here!! Wooo-hooo!!!!

Unfortunately I'm stuck in KB with a flu - again!! Boo-hoo!!

Breaking Bella - The End

I've just finished reading Breaking Dawn....and I only have one word for it - FALOI!! Yes, that's right. No need to spell check. It is so FALOI!!

Go!! Team Jacob!!

Breaking Bella

I've started reading Breaking Dawn. I'm only on Chapter 4 and Bella is already making my blood boil. She's such an annoying cow!

Go! Team Jacob!

R.I.P. Uncle Bernie

Selingan: 30 Seconds to Mars - From Yesterday

One of my favourite videos. Enjoy.

Note: Jared Leto has a better hair-style than me.

Living Vicariously: Little Britain

I have succumbed to the fact that I live such a sad life. By the grace of the internet, I have found this really cool website that allows me to create an outfit from a virtual unlimited wardrobe. I may not have much of a life but at least I can look ultra fabulous anytime of the day in the virtual world.

P/S Dear Laukong, I am sure you will approve of this new-found hobby of mine. It doesn't cost you a cent. Yours Truly, Your Ultra Fabulous Half xxx

Highlights from Bandar

Just came back from spending 5 days in Bandar. Silly me forgot to bring the router, hence no internet, no updates. So here are the highlights instead:

1) I went to the first wedding invitation in, like, a really long time. I had some fun identifying fake designer bags. *Bi-otch*

2) I went to watch a movie at The Mall in, like, a really long time - The Dark Knight. *Loves Christian Bale*

3) I went on a DVD marathon (Penelope; Because I Said So; The Young Guns II; St Trinians; The Goonies) in, like, a really long time. *Loves Penelope (READ: Loves James McAvoy)*

4) I bought a pair of high heels in, like, a really long time. *Loves the long-legged look effect*

5) I now weigh 54 kg since, like, a really long time. One wishlist checked! Now I just need the ride. *Note to self: Must maintain weight without going through child-birth*

6) I met a ghost from my past since, like, a really long time - almost 10 years, more like. She has not changed. *Speechless*

7) I cried a happy cry in, like, a really long time. *Congrats to lil' sis who is not so little anymore on getting a scholarship to do her Masters*

Phew! That's quite some highlight in, like, a really long time!

Haircut 100 by Edward Scissorhands

I finally had some "me" time today and went to get a haircut. I've been meaning to get my hair cut in the style I have seen in a magazine. So off I went and showed the hairdresser the picture and left fate in her hands.

Of course this being in Brunei means that when she was done, my hair looks NOTHING like the picture in the magazine. Oh, don't get me wrong - I know that I can't expect it to look 100% like the picture, what with different hair texture, Caucasian vs. Asian hair, blah, blah, blah. But I can now become the sixth ring on the Olympics logo or rather someone-put-a-bowl-over-my-head-and-used-it-as-a-mould haircut.

Oh well, at least I got my fringe - sort of.

P/S The in-laws and a cousin are here.
PP/S Dear Laukong, your brother dropped by too and graced us with his presence. I am beginning to conclude that he was born absent of manners. Yours Truly, Your Socially Correct Fabulous Half xxx

My Miami Vice

E X H A U S T E D: Lost Panda Found!

This whole parenting thing has really taken its toll. Thanks to sleepless nights for a month now, I have panda eyes.

So if anyone is looking for a lost panda, there's one here ranting on this blog right this minute.

Surprise!

The in-laws are here!! No time for spring cleaning!! Good-bibe!!

E X H A U S T E D: Out of Office

Fever and flu have gone full blast. Taking medical leave now.

Will be back soon - if still alive.

E X H A U S T E D: The Return

I woke up yesterday morning with green snort and some phlegm which are always sure signs that I am on the road to recovery. However, as I work the night shift for Kasturi, my snort started to get runny again and my voice starting to disappear.

I...A M...R E A L L Y...R E A L L Y...R E A L L Y...E X H A U S T E D.

I am starting to fear that Kasturi might just fall off my arms in my exhaustion one of these nights, or I might just drop dead, or both.

If Everyone Cared...

Love this video. Never fails to make me cry everytime I watch it. I hope it inspires you as much as it inspires me.

...Amen I, I'm alive.

E X H A U S T E D

I came down with a temperature last night. The flu has been hanging around for the past week already but it has yet to come out full blast. Even the fever last night I could tell was not the worst yet. No doubt it came from all the sleepless nights.

After having it rather easy with the boys, Kasturi has turned out to be a nocturnal baby. I should have expected this as she was most active midnight onwards during the last week of my pregnancy. I am so exhausted that I am almost reaching breaking point and nearing hysteria.

Where are you, Laukong, at times like these?

Will wonders never cease!

OMG!! Just got off the phone - the in-laws are coming! And they're staying over!!!! Must spring clean PRONTO!!

Go Broadband!

Go to hell, I mean. Go Broadband isn't all that it's hyped up to be. We've tried it in all the districts except Temburong (at this rate, wouldn't count on it either) and the verdict is as follows:

Tutong = non existent (I'm not exaggerating)
KB = shite (have to reload pages repeatedly and if that fails restart the router)
Bandar with the exception of Jerudong because it's near the DST tower (how convenient) = crap (more page reloading)

...e-Speed must be having a laugh at this minute.

The Last of the Great Spender

Dear Blog,

It just occurred to me (well, been suspecting this for quite a while now) that I have a cheap husband. I mean I take pride in the fact that I finance 99.9% of my obsessions (i.e. handbags and shoes). However, it would be nice to have Laukong lavish me with gifts once in a while - afterall, I am a girl. Case in point, I have asked Laukong to give me a "push" present after Kasturi's birth - I tell you it's not everyday he gets this sort of request from me, especially now that I have given birth to HIS long-awaited princess. Well, Kasturi is now over 2 weeks old and Laukong's flight back to Nigeria is tomorrow, and I still don't see any sign/signal/giveaway that he has any intention of buying me any.

His standard excuse these days is we need to save up for the house (at this rate, I expect we should be able to pay for our house CASH!!). Ok I agree - but up to a certain point. We have already created a savings account for that and it's accumulating interest like no one's business (Alhamdulillah) as we speak. So what's the point in having that account if we can't enjoy the rest of our spare change? That excuse is really starting to get old with me, especially when he's been spending A LOT on electronic gaming stuff and vintage guitars. Ok, so you say it's his money and he's entitled to buy what he likes.

...so in that case, I foresee a quick shopping trip for yours truly in the very near future sponsored by...who else? Yours truly of course! It's my money and I'll buy whatever I want too. But then again, so what's new with that?

Yours Truly,
The Last of the Big Spender
xxx

Express Yourself!

I've not been much of a breastfeeding mum when I had the 2 boys. However, with Kasturi I am determined to breastfeed for as long as I can. I am taking the term "Express Yourself" to a whole new level. So come on girls! Express Yourself!

All Grown Up

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in parenthood for me. For the first time my first born slept in his own room with my second born. We have been talking and planning about this for quite a while now and he has finally plucked up the courage to do it.

Laukong and I were on standby all night (well we were on the night shift with Kasturi anyway) leaving our bedroom door wide open and a mattress ready in case first born changes his mind in the middle of the night. Turns out we didn't need the mattress. He slept through the night on his own. Even second born didn't wake up in the middle of the night asking for his "auntie".

Dear First Born,
Well done for sleeping in your own room. You really have grown so much. It seems like only yesterday that we did the night shift for you, just like we are doing now for Kasturi. We are so proud of you.

Lots of love,
Mama & Babah xxx

Lady Has Arrived

After much waiting (read: telling baby to get out soon on a daily basis) and anticipation, Alhamdulillah, we finally welcome our precious princess "Kasturi" on 26 June 2008 at 05:50. Of course, Laukong was well chuffed as he has finally gotten his long awaited princess (6 years says he). Of course, I am still waiting for my "push" present from Laukong for a job well done (hint, hint). Of course, Laukong also did a great job as my birthing partner.

Speaking of new arrivals, our second maid just arrived. All credit goes to the in-laws for her recruitment. She came looking like some Sheila on 7 groupie wearing skinny pants and a baby T. At that time Justy and Nips were over to visit Kasturi, when Justy pointed out that her panties (brown at that) and butt cleavage were showing. A change in outfit soon followed. To top it all off, yesterday I almost gave birth to my uterus when I saw her wearing a T-shirt that read "FUCK YOU". Nope, none of that F*#@K YOU censored version shit. The shirt actually spelled out FUC-fucking-K YOU!!! When she turned around, the back print actually showed a drawing of the "finger". She got an earful from Laukong with his "pakaian kamu tidak sopan" pep-talk.

Looks like this is going to be an interesting journey. Score: 2-0 (big fat zero for the in-laws)

Lady in Waiting

I am starting to get nervous and restless about the pregnancy. I have already started my maternity leave 2 weeks ago and I fear I may have done so rather prematurely. The clock is ticking and after so many false alarms the baby shows no sign of entering the world just yet.

However, the thought of going back to work is not an option. I am absolutely EXHAUSTED. The commute would have been just too much and I reckon the sight and thought of the same old pathetic issues would probably put me straight into labour.

I am past 38 weeks now - which means a new record as the 2 boys were both born at 38 weeks. Hrmmmph....

The Last of the Great Pretender

Laukong arrived today - it's amazing how that has improved our well-being at the in-laws. Yesterday the broken pipe in our bathroom got replaced with a new one after being out of order for a month. We came home to find that our bedroom was spick and span clean. Normally when we go out, the room is left as is - i.e. a complete mess full of scattered toys and what-not courtesy of the 2 boys. The bathroom was clinically clean - not a smear of shit in sight.

...I rest my case.

What's Cooking?

Congratulations, David Cook! Woo-hoo!

Spooks & Spalr

24 Season 7 won't be airing until a while yet (January 2009) - not sure why it's taking so long as it feels like it is a long time since Season 6 was aired.

But anyway, while waiting for Jack Bauer, there's a great alternative courtesy of BBC Entertainment on Astro - SPOOKS. I've been following Spooks since my time in Nigeria. It makes a good contrast with 24 to see how the Brits deal with terrorism compared to the Americans. Also, it doesn't hurt the fact (says she) that the hero - if you can him that - is a bit of an eye candy. *SIGH*

To Laukong

For the first time in years, I've been listening to the radio for the past few days on my commute to work and back. I heard this song today on my way home (after a L'oreal moment of a day, I'll have you know!). It is my favourite Mariah Carey song given a breath of fresh air by one of the top 3 contestants from American Idol. Just when I thought no one could top the original version - this one takes the cake.

Dear Laukong, I am dedicating this song to you because you will always be my baby...and whether you like it or not, I'm a part of you indefinitely.

Much love,
Your always fabulous other half xxx

Ode to Mothers

To all mothers out there - Happy (belated) Mother's Day.

Had a productive day at work today - but that's not to say that I like my job. It just goes to show that when I put my mind on things and focus, I do a pretty darn good job (albeit reluctantly).

...But one thing's for certain, I love my job as a mum!! And no, no salary required.

Ode to Laukong

Dear Laukong,

I got the shock of my life when I got your office autoreply that you were on leave. Good job you called on Friday night and came clean. It's funny how in my last blog I was having shopping withdrawal symptom, only to find that you are currently in NYC. It's not often that I get to envy you, so savour this rare moment as I wish I was there in NYC too. Anyway, have lots of fun and enjoy your time out. I hope you come back feeling refreshed.

Say hi to my friends Christian L and Diane vF.

Much love,
Your Fabulous Other Half
xxx

I dream of...holiday - shopping holiday, to you!

I haven't bothered updating this blog lately because every time I try to, my Internet connection crashes. It's funny, but I don't seem to have this problem with every other website that I surf.

Anyway, I haven't been feeling too well lately. I am just so physically tired these days. Everything seems to take 10-fold the effort. I cannot wait to go on long leave...am having shopping withdrawal symptoms too (not that I haven't been buying stuff lately - but that's a whole other blog entry). That definitely does not help - I'm craving for handbags!! Must...resist....temptation....and....urge....(even Soon Lee kantong seem rather attractive at this rate - not!!!).

F8

Call it the effects of deprivation from not having internet connection (boo to you, TelBru!!) for the past week. I have decided to leave my fate in the hands of the "magic 8 ball". Yes, ladies & gents - yesterday I bought myself the infamous 8 ball.

Life, mine in particular, has been rather dull and depressing lately, so I decided why not add a bit of humour and stupidity into my daily life. You should try it too - for B$15 a pop, it's a fabulous cheap thrill!

Dear TelBru

Dear TelBru,

If you were a person, I'd call you a daft twat.

Much hate,
Not Really Your Customer

Last night, Matthew, I was a disgruntled TelBru customer

..for there was no internet connection. Shesh!!

Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be the Dope Queen

I had a meeting first thing in the morning. My thoughts have not changed since yesterday. The meeting merely confirmed that a twat will always be a twat, and that work's still a bitch that barks at you and bites. But we're not going to talk about work today (I'll have you know it took me years of practice to shut off work once I am home).

I have been actively playing Dope Wars in Facebook. Really, I log on to Facebook daily (when I have internet connection) if only just to play Dope Wars. Yes, I am more than capable of leading such a sad life! But hey, it's my way of escape and winding down. Actually, I have been rather good at Dope Wars - so much so that I have been crowned the Dope Queen by Nips & Justy (as evident on my birthday cake made by the lovely Lulu). I am officially a Cartel General with an estimated net worth of more than 200 billion, and currently working hard towards making my first trillion - if only real life was this easy.

Smack the money maker, people.

Much snort,
DQ xxx
(no, I don't sell ice-cream, bi-otch!)

Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be Judge Dredd

After a week's leave, I woke up this morning with a feeling of dread. The answer was simple - I hate work. The journey to work did not help either. The usual traffic jam in Sg Liang gave me ample time to mull over what a drag of a day I was going to have.

...Actually, it's not work that I hate so much - I have never (I don't think) been known as the lazy sort nor shy away from hard work - it's actually the job. It has become such a dreary routine with the constant whinging of never-satisfied people. If I can at all be honest about it, I think the novelty and challenge wore off as soon as I got on seat. Let's just be frank here, I was never the "people's people" type anyway. It's amazing how I've managed to end up in this career. I can blame it on a few things:

1) The scholarship that I got meant that I have no choice but to work for the hand that sponsored.
2) Being the first-born meant that I have the (delete as appropriate) responsibility/ burden/ yoke to support my parents and my siblings - so needed to earn from day one upon graduation.
3) Blind ambition.

...then the curse of loans begets me and the balls and chains have been locked. So what started off as striving for a fancy car and all the bells and whistles that come along with being a young professional (says she), my goal is now to be financially independent. Admittedly my priority has changed - I guess, I've changed. Having kids has truly changed my perspective on life. I no longer seek trigger happy moments but rather longer-term contentment - now that's happiness at a completely different level.

So what's the point in waking up everyday for the next, say, 25 years of my life dragging my feet out of bed and dragging myself to work? To top it all off, leaving home for work while the kids are still in bed, only to come home after a long day with the kids already asleep. Is it really worth it to sacrifice my family just so I could ensure that my kids will lead a better life? But what is the definition of a better life anyway, I ask you? To be able to effort all the finer things in life that our parents could not provide us? But where does work/life balance fit into all this? Leave it to the maid to play the role of mum while I'm at work earning a living? I don't think that's the way I want to live my life anymore.

Of course, I still would like to make a living (hey, I've got my pride), but at the same time I want to be more in control of my life and family too. So here's my wishlist:

1) Earn a living doing something that I want to get out of bed for.
2) Do something that allows me the flexibility to spend time with the kids.

But I guess, there is a light at the end of every tunnel. I have read and seen so many inspiring stories about working mums who can achieve both. I guess it's a matter of me finding the guts to take the plunge...of course notwithstanding achieving that financial independence first.

Name that Idiot - Bitch oso you!!

It has been such an awful week - work-wise that is. My hit list has trebled from this week alone. If energy was powered by morons, the oil and gas industry would collapse from bankruptcy in a second.

Oh well, my consolation is that it gets my creative name-making skills up a notch or two. So here's introducing:

1) Pinhead
Description: An alleged highflying finance expat. He has earned this name not because he reminds me of that terrifying character from The Hellraiser (he wish!!!), but because he looks just like a pinhead. Toothpick skinny with a small head - yes, you catch my drift.

Crime committed: An absolute twat of a wanker with the inclination to end his e-mail that he is pro-Bruneianisation. But he forgets that people actually reads the WHOLE e-mail content which illustrates that he actually has no regards for the cause.

2) J.M. (Janji Manismu) - this one's for you Theory
Description: An esteemed leadership team member of the HR community.

Special ability: Disappearing act and diminishing accountability.

3) Dayang Budimah
Description: A colleague from the another department who is the female version of our beloved SEAGAMES mascot "Awang Budiman" (big head, small body - except this lady doesn't have the heart nor brains to match her colossal head).

Crime committed:
1) Giving me the silent treatment and pretending that I am invisible - unless she can see through walls (I've only just noticed this recently after repeatedly being given the cold shoulder).
2) Sore loser because she didn't get the lead role - someone needs to tell her that Awang Budiman doesn't get medals and can never win because he is just a big, fat, fucking mascot and you are not even one!!
3) Fashion faux pax (contributed by Theory) - being seen in public wearing the short-skirt-tudung combo. Accordingly to eye witness account, it was a truly sobering experience.

On another note, coaching is proving to be a skill I have yet to master. My patience is running thin with this youngling I'm supposed to coach. It's okay if you can't fix stupid (credit to Justy for this quote), but I can't stand inconsistent delivery. I don't know if it's laziness or "I'm so great that ideas are pouring out from the part of my body where the sun don't shine" attitude. Whatever the case may be, I guess this is a learning opportunity for me (hear me out, I'm having a Confucious moment here).

Tacky is the New Cool...and We Love It!!

Went to 2 dear friends' (Justy and Nips) farewell party straight after work. It was a 70's/80's themed party. So of course yours truly, being the self-proclaimed 80's queen that she is, dressed the part (must say it was courtesy of Hua Ho Tutong for stocking up some tacky - bordering to dodgy - 80's-esque selection of clothing).

We had some photo shoot sessions that would put Maria Arshad and Noreen Noor to shame. If only Mama Juwie was around to witness the event and feature us in the "poster meletup" of URTV or Variapop (Variasari on a bad day).

The grand finale of the party was of course the much anticipated KTV moment. Theory managed to stock up some "Melayu Gemilang" karaoke VCD's (Shima, Sudirman, Francissca Peters, DJ Dave - you get the picture). We took turns taking centre stage in true Bintang Mutika-style (yes, shift from camera 1 to 2 while singing and distancing the mic when hitting the high notes - amateurs, please take note). Syed Rahmat (bless his camp soul) would have been proud.

Unfortunately, I came home to a couple of in-laws waiting for for me and (almost) dampening a lovely night of cheesy fun.

Bad Apple

My Macbook has failed me on Thursday. Turned out that my hard disk crashed. I had to get a new hard disk installed, and sadly unable to recover whatever lost files I had in my previous one.

Bad Apple! Bad Apple!

p/s Do I see a Macbook Air in the near future? Hint: My birthday's coming up.

Happy New Year, 2008

Happy New Year. Happy New Me.