painting

i love painting

it's like giving a new life to old things
it's like giving colours to a somewhat dull thing

it's a good destress activity
repetitive movements helps to clear our mind
and when we see the end result ... we'll feel happy

it's addictive, once started ... may not want to stop
it's like play time for us adults

for this one year, I've done a lot painting & learnt alot about painting for
me and dear (and some family members and friends)
have covered painting almost every nook and corner of a house ... you name it
it was a fruitful and full-of-satisfaction experience
will always remember those painting moments

yesterday, we painted from sun rise till sun set
and yet I didn't feel tired at all ....
such is the wonder of painting =p

cannot sleep

I cannot sleep because my long awaited holidays have just started...
There are many things to embark on, many missions to accomplish, many matters to settle ...
Not to worry as I'll face them head on...
Nothing is impossible. Impossible is nothing.

if you asked me ...

if you asked me ...
what do I want most now

I will tell you ...
I want my mummy back
even just for a day
so she can be the happiest mum around
for her daughter

if you asked me ...
what do I want most now

I will tell you ...
I want my mummy back
even just for a day
so I can hug her all day long
and tell her how much I love her

reviews for this year, plan for next year ...

As we draw nearer to the end of December 2008, many people have start reviewing what they've done in 2008.
And many of us would have already have plans for the next year.

No matter what your plans are, never give up no matter what .... just start believing in yourself and someday they (your plans) will come true.

A battle is not lose until you lose your HOPE
(this one I say one)

I love reading others' post reviewing their past year and plans for the following year .... because it will force me to think ... think of what I've done (or have not done) and plan for my coming years.

Give yourself more 'me' time ... for that 'me' time is what makes you YOU.

my 'sisters'

Some of my 'sisters'
Glad to cross path and have you all in my life ...
Glad to have you all share my laughters and tears.
I do not know how to thank you all but I just want to say 'thank you very much' from the bottom of my heart. I just want to let you all know I'll always be here for you (i know it's cold but I need to get it out from my heart)

projects + projects = more projects + pening

I've sort of upgraded myself =p hehe
instead of just dealing with projectS at work, I'm now working on projectS on projectS outside work.

The best part is, coincidentally, all the projectS (the one inside and the one outside) due the same time.

Why is life all about projectS?
Didn't we left that particular subject of 'PROJECT' at school (or some say at U)

ok, enough of talking for today...
let's get back to projectS
(finish this pile of projects before the next pile staggered on)

10 quotes for 10 days

some quotes I received via forwarded emails ... very meaningful
thought of sharing

where to begin?

I've many thoughts .... many things to say
However for some reasons, I do not know where to begin...

wishbone

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. - Josh Billings

one of my 2009 resolution : to have wishbone =D (and maybe Milo as well) =p

I'm think I'm a lucky girl

There's this one thing that I've always thought of buying for myself but 'mm seh tak' (not willing to part with $ ). In the end, I didn't even bother about it already as I figured it wasn't necessary although nice-to-have.

However, somehow sometimes the things I've always wanted will come to me.

Trust me when I say I've never ever hinted (whether outspokenly or subtlely) to anyone because I believe in getting things via my own means.

This is one of the many instances

Thank you very much Liang and Lily for the beautiful gift and wishes =D

ps. the lesson of the story : be careful of what we wish for!

some of my favourite animals

girafee and baby elephant ... my all time fav besides doggie. Perhaps it's the way they look and their nature.

it's just a month more ...

it's just a month more ...
30 days more ...
720 hours more ...
43,200 minutes more ...
2,592,000 seconds more ...

Life ... oh ... life

There were many things that happened to the people around me ...
to say that they don't a little affect me is lying

Sometimes I do not know what to do ...
Although our lives are full of the unexpected, we'd still move on.

Life .... oh .... life

Tagged by anehoic

Do you think you're hot?
No, the chinese sinseh say I'm the 'cold' type

Upload your favorite picture of you.Why do you like that picture?

it brings back fond old memories .... and tells a thousand stories.

When was the last time you ate pizza?

No idea, really. I'm more interested to know when will I get to eat pizza again? =p

The last song you listened to?

Don't know much - a duet English song

What are you doing now besides this?

Singing along to some chinese songs

What name would you prefer besides yours?
Zhen .... that's how my dad call me or
Noi .... that how my mum used to call me
(what am I saying?? these are my names)

People to tag

Keef
NDC
Koze
Chai Yee
Judge Dredd

Who is number one? a close friend (who's very much in love) =p

Number 3 is having a relationship with? number 2

Say something about number five? someone I meet yesterday morning at LRT station

How about number four? a close friend who seldom sleep when we go for trips =p

Who is number two? number 3's dear

New shoots, new beginning

supposed to do the tagged by anehoic ... but lazy to think =p kekeke

so some pics taken from dear's garden =D

storm in a mall

Mines shopping centre has just been hit by a storm ... run while you can!!!

can I have more hands?

Work is filling to the brim and the best part is that
they all like to come hand in hand (together in groups some more)

Can I have more "hands"? literally and laterally *wink*

Quesera sera ... what will be will be ..

A friend of mine has reconciled with her boyfriend after a year of separation.
They were separated due to unforeseen circumstances. No 3rd party involved.

The guy is from outstation and has big family business to look after…. Which explained why he has to remain in his hometown.

The girl is a ambitious career lady who wants to pursue her high flying career in the city.
Another reason for her not willing to let go her career is due to she’s contributing to her family fund.

They had talked about marriage before but they couldn’t come to a conclusion.
During then, they are not able to see eye to eye on the sacrifice that either or both parties have to make.

When they contacted each other lately, they realized that they are still very much in love with each other.
They realized that they are meant for each other and both had actually made their career as their priority for this past 1 year.
Now that they have been through so much and yet still very much in love with each other, they came back together …. For they were meant for each other.
Now that both parties has grown more mature & understanding & able to compromise, they have each take & give.

Sometimes, we turn and turn in search of love but we may not realize the one that were meant to be together were here all around.

The other day, I was told that next year will be a good year of marriage for her & him.
I’ve got to know that they will register their marriage on 09/09/09
So I’ll be expecting a red bomb from you next year =)
Like they say “Shi ni de jiu shi ni de”
(roughly translated : if it were meant to be yours, it’ll be yours)

a fun walk, 2 pieces of nice batik, a good laugh, a scratch knee, a bowl of nice meehon and 5 beautiful lights

16/11/08

I've got myself
1. a fun charity walk
2. 2 pieces of beautiful batik (due to item 1)
3. a good laugh (at myself)
4. a scratch knee (falling of the pavement - lead to item3)
5. a nice bowl of meehon (due to item 1,2,3,4)
6. 5 beautiful lights for new home (after visiting 5 shops and found out that the best deal is just right in our garden)

things happened for some reasons ... don't you agree? =D

Wedding photos

Many people want the bridal house which have the best gowns, best photographer and best-of-everything, and yet when they had gone through the trouble searching for the best, they have another worry, they are afraid that since so many people feel that that’s the best, they may wear the same gowns or gowns are not available on their wedding day.

And after they have got what they want, they had difficulties choosing the allocated ‘posts’ as all the photos are very very nice and like their tag line : marriage is only once in a lifetime …
They end up wanting all the photos taken and needless to say, there’s a price to pay.

The wedding portrait is just the little beginning of a beautiful journey together …. Sometimes, couple may have the most perfect and beautiful portrait but it may not guarantee a perfect marriage.
While it may be a good to have the best of everything, sometimes there’s beauty in imperfection.
Somehow, I always believe that there’s always always beauty in imperfection(s).

Although it’s good to get the best of everything for your once in a lifetime event, try to stay on the ground and do what’s within means.
Yes, I know I’m saying this and yet once upon a time, I had wished to take very beautiful (natural) wedding photos.
Nevertheless, I think I’ve got a reasonably good deal ….
But it’s not because I’ve done a lot of homework to find the best-in-everything bridal house … It’s not because I will not settle for the second best
I think it’s because I’ve not set a high expectation …. And let nature takes it course
Sometimes things turn out best when we least expect them.

Now you tell me, what can an average Jane like me expect? =p Hehe

Ps. I wonder whether there are ‘they’ who have not at one time or another fallen for the golden phrase ‘It’s once in a lifetime’? (not applicable to those N/A categories ok =)
For I was one of them who vowed not to fall prey, but ended otherwise … under unforeseeable circumstances … but that’s what life’s all about

Somehow, this post was inspired by 'someone' (let's say not really close) who keeps comparing and wanted only nothing but the best-of-everything.

Everyone is getting married

Just in this 3 months, I’ve many relatives & friends getting married.

Starting from
2nd Nov 08 – my cousin wedding
8th Nov 08 – my school mate’s wedding
29th Nov 08 – my colleague’s wedding
6th Dec 08 – my cousin wedding
20th Dec 08 – my school mate’s wedding
20th Dec 08 – my ex-colleague wedding
26th Dec 08 – my ex-colleague wedding
3rd Jan 09 – my cousin wedding

Is it the age? the time(year) and trend? the parental pressure? the peer pressure? or just plain coincidence?

11% or 8%

Fill form if you want to continue 11% EPF contribution - Form KWSP 17A (AHL)

wouldn't it be better if it's the other way round?

let's take a walk down memory lane

I found an effective way to relieve stress ... well, at least it works for me
looking back at old pics ... old good times ...
and those somewhat crazy things that we do ... that bond us together

Let me bring you to a walk down memory lane =p lol
You'll better better thereafter ... and you'll be caught smiling to yourself, trust me
(cause that's what I'm doing now) =p

outside & inside Penang national park

the guys doing 'those MTV' style

at a kolam air panas ...somewhere

at langkawi 4 season hotel

look at the 2 torch bearer =p

on langkawi island tour

i like how we spread out like a fan =p

the beach near where we camp

my kawan kawan

Don't ask me why I go rebut with the kids to take photo with these friends.

Perhaps I was deprived of these times during my childhood =p lol

yup, I'll do exactly that

I used to have a to-do-list to remind myself of things that need to be done each day.
(useful especially for forgetful people like me=)

I do have a office list & a personal list (for obvious reasons)

However, I spotted a 'very mischevous' addition to my list (which I left lying on my table) that particular day.
It was just a simple gesture, some simple words, but they deliver a whole new lot of meanings.
I couldn't stop myself from capturing the 'moment'
Yet I caught myself asking myself "Am I loving my loved ones enough?"

I think the person who has added to my to-do-list may not feel enough love from me =p LOL
From that particular day onwards, I'll do exactly that ----> love dear dear more =)

almost burn a tikus

I almost burn someone's wireless 'tikus' by putting an AA 4.5 watt battery to a mouse that requires only 1.6 watt battery.
(and I left the wrong battery inside for about more than 12 hours)

What a smart Alec I'm! =p muahaha

Do you dare?

Sometimes we can make money speculatively. But the questions lies in ‘Do you dare?’
Ok lah, maybe another question is “Do I have the available cash?”
Have a look at the price of 1 oz of gold over the past few days / weeks below.
From this bird-eye overview, it’s easy for us to say we buy at the lowest and sell at the highest and make a hefty sum in just a few days

However, if we put ourselves in the shoe at that particular point of time … let’s say on the 9/10/08 or 23/10/08
1. We may have limited resources of RM3500 – enough just for 1 gold coin.
2. If we have purchased the gold coin today, what if starting tomorrow it goes down further?
3. What if we don’t buy today (and missed the opportunity), and starting tomorrow the price shoots up higher?
4. What if I buy today and the prices go down further? And I don’t have cash to average down my cost?
5. What if I sold when I think the price is high but it went up much higher the following day?
6. What if I didn’t sell and today’s price was the highest ever it could get in this year?

There are too many ‘what if’s to consider and I’ve been through that many many times that I’ve understood that it’s never good to be greedy.
It’s always better to take the profit 1st, have the available cash flow to capture the next opportunity especially in volatile market.
I try not to hold on long and because we will tend to be taken for a ride in the cycle.
At times, I realized we will be back to where we begin if we refuse to let go just because of a few more dollar.

Once I was surprised to find out that while I was selling around the 8th to 10th of October, there were about 100 gold coins sold.
I remember reading somewhere that people generally buy into the market due to 2 things
1. They are optimistic that it will go up
2. They don’t want to miss the ‘good’ thing / ‘good’ opportunity
I couldn’t agree more.

When times are not so rosy (maybe I should just say BAD),
we are all affected in one way or another,

however, if we think further, we can be affected in good ways….

Selling buying
29/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2809 2724
28/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2787 2702
24/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2759 2674
23/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2714 2629
22/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2896 2811
21/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2967 2882
20/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2949 2864
17/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2983 2898
16/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3123 3038
15/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3123 3038
14/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3108 3023
13/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3195 3110
13/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3151 3066
10/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3334 3249
10/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3362 3277
9/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3294 3209
8/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3206 3121
8/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3223 3138
7/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3142 3057
7/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3156 3071
7/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3166 3081
6/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3033 2948
3/10/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3034 2949
30/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3244 3159
29/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3140 3055
26/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3146 3061
25/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3184 3099
25/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3160 3075
24/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3150 3065
23/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3169 3084
23/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3192 3107
22/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3085 3000
19/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3055 2970
19/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3094 3009
18/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3170 3085
18/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 3210 3125
17/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2825 2740
16/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2830 2745
15/09/2008 GOLD MAPLE LEAF 1 OZ 2840 2755

Vicious cycle

Sometimes, this could be how the business owners tend to react.

Let’s take a small business for example : a vegetarian economy rice stall at a food court
Let’s say other things remain constant such as taste and quality of food (still remain average), rent and fixed costs remain constant.

When business is not doing that well, the tauke will be tempted to charge more (add a 20 cents to RM1 here and there). The underlying reason, number of customer (volume) dwindle but still need to pay rent & fixed cost. Thus he’s charging each customer more to cover the fixed costs.
To illustrate : Fixed cost = RM2000 per month.
Number of customer = 500 per month (as compared to 1000 per month)
RM2000 / 500 customer = at least RM4 each customer no matter what (as compared to RM2 each customer)
Meaning, the 500 customer will have to cover at least the fixed cost of RM2000

When the tauke increase price unscrupulously like this, customer tend to avoid frequenting this stall.
As days goes by, the number of customers dwindle further …. And to save the business, the tauke will charge the remaining customer more.
The tauke may try to give lesser rice or use lower quality raw materials to cut cost. This will affect the business further.

Due to the lower volume, tauke cannot finish selling the food he cooked for a day. In order not to waste, he’ll keep and cook for the following and following day(s). This will lead to further customer reduction as customer can tell when food are not fresh and lower quality materials are used.

This vicious cycle will continue until one day when either party cannot stand anymore.
Why do I say either party?
It could be the tauke could no longer sustain his business to even cover his cost.
It could be the group of customer had no other choice but to frequent his stall … due to convenient or because the stall is one of its’ kind in the area (for eg. Vegetarian food)

This story was INSPIRED by a vegetarian economy rice stall in a food court near my office.

Tuesdays with Morrie, Wednesday with Su

I’ve just completed a book which I very much wished I had read earlier.
However, it better NOW than NEVER.

It helps me to recover from my grief.
It helps me to understand what my mum have gone through emotionally (and physically).

I cried reading the book at the food court, on the LRT because it reminded me so much of what we have been through as a family.
It reminded me of how much things we are missing in the puzzles of life.
It reminded me of the emotions, the helplessness and the tinge of sadness we feel all the time.

I started with the expectation of a light & easy read but what I didn’t know it was a heavy close to heart issue presented in a light & meaningful ways.

Sometimes the best story are told just as they are. And they touch lives with just that.

happy

happy ... today is friday

happy ... weekend is coming plus a monday holiday

happy ... going to MPH warehouse sales

happy ... going to have new grass planted

happy ... that I get to be happy

happy ... I'm just happy

I never had green fingers ... don't believe? see for yourself

Then ... when I didn't have green fingers
see if you can find how much my little plants have grown =) happy matching !!!


Now, when I still don't have green fingers
The only thing I have ... perseverance and passion for nature, i think =)

ps. if you're wondering why there is no grass .... we are having a plant grass project =)

thank you very much ah dear for all the 'cangkul'ing =) I promise I won't curi tulang ok? =p muahahaha

See how much this leaf has grown too =p

4 lessons from 2 lost umbrellas

KNS !!! I lost 2 umbrellas in 1 day.

Lesson no 1 : Don’t hang your umbrella on the LRT railing … because you’ll tend to forgot all about it before you realize.

Lesson no 2 : Don’t sleep while in the LRT … you’ll be too rush when it reaches your station that you forget about the umbrellas you hang on the railing.

Lesson no 3 : If it’s gone, it’s gone.
But I choose to look at it this way. Since it’s the rainy season, I’ve actually provided 2 souls umbrellas to keep them dry and warm during the rain. I’ve done a little good =)

Lesson no 4 : never post clumsiness and forgetfulness like this on your blog … you may tend to get some scolding for being a carelessly careless girl =p xoxoxo

happy marriage

http://www.mywedding.com/blogs/mywed/2007/12/ideas-for-a-winter-wedding-wonderland.html

I stumbled upon this great article here

Happy Marriage
Every relationship requires a strong platform to achieve true and lasting happiness that can overcome adversities and challenges.
Below are some pointers to share which we have learnt during our marriage preparation course.

1. Love one self
Every individual has to love himself before others could love him.
When someone loves himself, with any failings and weaknesses that one had, he or she will feel at peace and confident with him or herself.
This will be a strong platform for a close relation with one's partner.


2. Love your partner
A healthy relationship is built if couples truly love one another.
Feelings of love usually conjure some romantic emotions but love is an emotion that has its ups and downs.
If couples truly love each other, comfortable with the thinking and habits of one another, possess the same hope and aspiration, the relationship will not be devoid of any deep and lasting love.
It is also important for one partner to express his love for another.
Tender words of encouragement and support with love will help built trust and respect between partners.


3. Making quality time
We usually give more time to important things.
At the onset of the relationship, couples automatically allow more time to be together. However, after getting married, and have children and bogged down by daily routine and work, time together become limited and far and between.
If couples do not spend time to be together, there is a possibility that the relationship will grow apart.
Allocating time together means giving up some other activities. However, it is an investment that will result in happiness and reap good rewards.


4. Communicate between partners
A good and effective communication is important in any health relationship.
Having good communication will enable you to tell your partner about yourself and your desire.
With communication, you and your partner can understand each other better.
A good communication will enable a person to express oneself openly and sincerely on matters close to the heart.
It also requires a person to hear what the partner has to say without maing judgements.


5. Argue well
Disagreement in marriage is normal.
It is important for couples to accept that each of us have attributes which are unique and different from our partner's.
A couple who can argue well need not worry when they do not agree on anything.
A good argument provides opportunities for both partners to understand each other better, share their feelings and as a result strengthen the relationship when they come to a solution.


6. Touch everyday
Touch generates intimacy. This is important for every living thing.
Research has shown that without touch, many animals and mankind will die at infant stage. Touch can lower the level of blood pressure and stimulates the production of "opiates" and "oxytonin" in the human brain - the two which are important to create closer ties between partners.
Touch can result in a feeling of confort and support as well as being protected and carressed. Touch calms a person and more importantly create happy feelings.
Many realise that even though sexual desire has its ebbs and flows, the need to be touched and carressed is there forever.


7. Accept change
Time moves and every individual will go through change.
This will keep a relationship alive.
Life also changes and often not according to how we want it to be.
Change gives ooportunities to individual to grow and be intimate. At the same time, it can create difficulties and problems.
This means a person has to adapt to new things or situation.
It is also probably means letting go some things that he or she is comfortable and safe with.
In a successful relationship, couple must learn how to adapt to the changing enviroment.
They must accept the fact that change is a part of life and they will help as well as give support to one another.

Do you know a girl?

Do you know of any girl who bring the guy she likes to buy adult diapers they very 1st time they went out together?
and then grabbed 2 packs some more?

I know of one
but she claimed that was because the guy wanted to follow her to buy her 'GROCERIES' =p

do you know of any girl who refuses to yum cha at Coffee Bean with the guy she likes because she doesn't believe in spending RM10 over for a cup of coffee but jump at the opportunity when the guy insist to treat her? talk about 'o ba sang'ness or kiap siap'ness of the girl

I know of one
but she claimed that was because she doesn't want the guy to feel bad having his offer rejected.

do you know of any girl who refuses to let the guy send her back to her home even though it was already about 9.30pm? She insisted he stopped at the bus stop 1/2 km from home. She even attempted to get herself off the car about 4km - 5 km from home.

I know of one
but she claimed she needed to get some stuffs from the sundry shop and visit her colleagues at the clinic where she work part-time.

do you know of any girl who brings the guy she likes to play swings at the playground? not to mention they are way overage.

I know of one
but she claimed it was the best free amusement park that could make everyone happy.


Do you know of any more 'do-you-know-of-any-girl' girl, please do share with me .... =)

Come experience Doze-YOGA

We have heard of Hot Yoga, Laugh Yoga and even MYoga.
Unconsciously I have also came up with my own Doze-YOGA =p

This is all it all started ...

As we lay down at the end of our usual yoga session to do our breathing exercise ...
I ventured into Doze-YOGA .... a totally new experience where it helps my whole body to relax thoroughly.
As Nita (my yoga instructor is counting INHALE 2..3...4) her voice will slowly fade into the background. Now I hear our own breathing unconsciously and my body start to relax.
At times I'll feel incidents playing in our mind just right before that famous 'TWITCH' we often feel just right before I fell into deep sleep.

In Doze-YOGA, at some point, I will experience AWAKENING (with accompanying EMBARASSMENT) ... lol

Sometimes, Nita will gently call my name to bring me back to her YOGA class instead of me deviating to my Doze-YOGA in her class. (I bet she's checking on me each time ever since I've got a bad reputation for Doze-YOGA)

I've tried many times to not to let myself venture into Doze-YOGA, but the more I try, the faster I deviate...lol. Oh ya, sometimes when the twitch come ( like falling down the stairs / falling into the drains) it is even more obvious to Nita and those around me that I've deviated into Doze-YOGA again...
my reaction : venturing into Laugh-yoga pulak =p

Oh... just in case if you're wondering, I'm always in front row of the class, just right in front of Nita which explain why I'm so easily caught red handed. (yup, you're right ... due to the kiasu mentality I have that if I paid for the class, why should I hide myself behind and straining to see what she's doing. It also helps that there are not much competition for the front row spaces)

Doze-YOGA anyone? =D
I can start a free lesson =p muahahhaaha

latest bangkok street fashion

Bangkok street fashion ...

Now these are the real what we called 'bangkok-street-fashion

couldn't imagine we actually have the GUT =p lol

talking about what we gals are capable of =p