In Loving Memory of a Colleague

I just recently lost my colleague to a road accident last Friday (27/8/2010). I received the shocking news by sms on Saturday noon and was too late to go to his funeral. This was a real shock to me and I know it will take a while for me get over this especially being in the office where I expect to see his smiling face around.


It seems that my dear friend, Prabu Saminathan was heading home on his motorbike that Friday. He left the office late at 7.30pm and crashed into a car that did not signal before it turned in front of him. He was thrown off his bike onto the other side of the road in front of an oncoming truck that rolled over him. It was just awful and tragic!


Prabu was a lovely gentleman! He was always smiling (his signature smile) and was always a happy soul. He was never upset or angry and and has never been rude or mean to anyone in my few years of working with him. The 15th of this month, September he would have been celebrating his 27th birthday. It really is sad to see someone wonderful taken away before he could experience marriage and children and so much more life has to offer him. I guess God wanted him by his side while we down here miss his presence so. The first day back at work after his passing was so hard for all of us in the office. The ladies were in tears and many of us could not bear to walk pass his table. Even now every once in a while the image of his happy smiling face would crop up in my mind and I would feel sad.

In a way we should reflect at how life fleets by. We do not know when it is our time to go and we should really live life to the fullest. I intend to spend as much time with friends and family as best I can from today onwards and try to grumble less about my shortcomings.

May you rest in peace Prabu Saminathan.

A Day At The Orphanage

A few of my ex-school mates got together and discussed how they could give back to the community. I was very keen to go for the discussion but time did not permit it. I really wanted to get involved so I volunteered to buy the various basic necessities for the orphanage for my share. I also asked my colleagues if they wanted to donate any money to help purchase these necessities and was overwhelmed with the generosity showed. I managed to collect a good sum which bought the orphanage quite a lot of stuff.

I bought a few bags of laundry detergent, loads of toothpaste, bleach, floor cleaners, toothbrushes, cordial, garbage bags, anti-bactirial multipurpose cleaners and tons of milo. Seems that the youngest kid there is 3 years old and the kids do not drink milk (have not been used to it) so the best alternative option packed with vitamins and minerals was Milo, which I am sure the kids love. See the picture of the stuff I bought in my car boot below.

Then on Sunday the 8th of August 2010 I headed down with a boot full of stuff to meet my friend, Suriani (who spearheaded the whole project). Some of my other ex school mates were already at the orphanage (Fatin, Jazlinawati and Razlin). Suriani and I picked up some fried vermicelli and cake she ordered to treat the kids to tea at her mums house. And off we went to visit the Centre for orphans and the poor of Saidati Khadijah in Gombak.

The children were all waiting for us. They were in similar clothing. Girls dressed in baju kurung and boys in baju melayu which are traditional malay costumes worn by malays. It seems that they had just returned from a wedding they were invited to by a local big shot in the area whose daughter had just gotten married. Since we thought the kids has already feasted at the wedding the tea would be just nice. However the kids really enjoyed the food and were coming back for seconds and thirds that we got a bit worried that the food was not enough. However the children did not complain.

This is the only sign board that shows that there is an orphanage in the vicinity. Below are the chicken nuggets, chocolate cake and fried meehoon (vermicelli) we provided the kids.


After eating the tea. the children arranged themselves into 2 groups which is a norm in the muslim society, where the girls and boys do not sit together. The principal of the centre gave a speech about being thankful for the things that were provided and then requested us to stay on to see the kid perform. 2 boys sang for us whilst the other boys strummed on the guitar and clapped a tambourine. I must say that there was talent showed there and I really liked the song although I have never heard it before. Sad to say I don't really listen to the malay local music at all and hardly know the music nor the singers.

I have no regrets going to the orphanage and I admit I felt emotional towards the end when the kids thanked us for the tea and got party packs. The hugs from the caretakers were so genuine and heartfelt that made me melt. I believe this orphanage is one of the lucky orphanages that is taken care of by the community. I note this because as we were leaving 2 vans dropped by bringing more food for the kids.

This visit has encouraged me to want to give back more. Our next drive will be to provide this orphanage with mattresses to replace the old ones. Also we are trying to get the rest of our ex-schoolmates in our batch to donate clothing, toys and books for the next visit. I do hope we manage to move them to act. There are many centres around Klang Valley that would benefit from us. If this is a success, I hope some of the batchmates that are outside of KL and PJ would spearhead a few other projects for Orphans and Unfortunates in their area.

My On-Going Project

Eversince the delivery of first child, I have been battling weight issues and not been very good at losing the weight but as of this year I am fed up of this state and am making the effort. So far I have been controlling my carb intake for the past 2 months and am noticing a bit of weight loss. Eversince my office relocation, I have been missing my 10-15 minute walk to and from the office which helps a bit. So instead I have replaced this with walking up a few flights of stairs at the office and when taking the kids at daycare.

I also try to cut off my sugar intake by taking only one cube of sugar with my only one cuppa coffee a day (which I notice I only take at work). I had the intention to go back on the cabbage soup diet again (where I noticed good weight loss within a week) but I just can't get pass having no meat for the first few days. I love to have some meat in my meals and would not mind having only meat for my meals. Maybe I should just try the Atkins diet which promotes meat and fat. So far I have not been very strict with the type of diet but just reducing the quantity of intake, especially fattening stuff andf eating more vegetables and fruit.

I do hope I meet my target by the end of next year (its gonna be a long process as I have quite a bit to lose) but I will persevere.

Office Relocation

My office has relocated from the middle of Kuala Lumpur City Centre to Bangsar. This means a shorter journey to work and so I get to work 15 minutes earlier. I love the fact that I do not need to take a 10- 15 minute walk from the lrt station to office anymore as the new office is linked to the lrt station. However that means I no longer get the daily exercise I used to which is not a good thing. I was thinking of taking the stairs up to the office instead of the lift but so far that has yet to happen.

Today is the second day in our new office. Situated now in Menara UOA Bangsar, we have a more modern office since the building is brand new. I like that I have a bigger table with more arm and leg space. There are less shops around within walking distance which is a bummer. I am also trying to find food stalls that serve healthier alternatives to the typical fried food. I need to eat more fruits and vegetables. Already I am missing the food options I used to get at KLCC.

Well there are always pros and cons to things and I need some adjusting to. Give it time and if we move elsewhere I might have just the same grumbles.

Premium Beriani Lamb Shank

Two nights ago, my hubby takes away 2 portions of lamb shank beriani rice from Insaf in Kuala Lumpur. It was so delicious and I wanted to eat more but had to control myself. The rice came with a portions of vegetable acar (pickle) and cauliflower and dhal sauce. The lamb shank was cooked with beriani spices and the gravy was superb. However this is a once in a while indulgence, unlike normal chicken, beef or mutton beriani , 2 portions costed RM60.00. So the next time I'm having this will be at the end of the year. Currently trying to control my portions to lose weight. Need to get to the gym but have not found time. Feeling the difference, maybe I should chart my diet efforts. Targetting to get down to 45kgs by end of the year.

Signs of Love

Just lately I have stumbled across two nice surprises that brought a smile to my face. Firstly while clearing my daughter's messy table where she does most of her artwork and colouring I came across a scribbled note on the notepad. She thinks her mummy's pretty...so touched! Then again all children would think that way. I'm just so happy that she sees me that way despite me being lot a heftier weight than I was before.


My second sweet surprise I came over while clearing up my son's school bag. I felt a bit bad because I had been nagging him before that about homework. All the big hearts melted away the anger.


I am hoping that I find more little surprises in my next clean up.

Delicious Treat

Last Sunday I met up with some of my old classmates at Delicious @ Dua Residency. The ambience of the place is nice and quite family like. We shared amongst us the 'corned beef chilli padi pasta', 'duck confit pasta', 'Oxtail pasta' and an 'Antipasti platter'. All were extremely yummy! However the highlight for me was the dessert - 'Blackforest Cake in a Cup'!!!

Sports Day

My eldest just had his sports day last Saturday and this is the first ever sports day I have attended. I brought my daughter along to see her brother run his little obstacle course and she was so excited. She wanted to see his school for ages and will be joining her brother in that school soon (2012) so I thought it best to ensure that she likes the school. Anyway we were there by 8am and the kids were all lined up ready to go to the field.

The race Hazim ran was going around 2 hula hoops, running between a few cones and around one more hoop and then running all the way back. His team was yellow ( Kenari) house and they won first place. Watching all the little fellas run was so adorable.

After everything and we finished at 9.45am, the 3 of us went off to eat roti canai. It was a good day and I am so proud of my boy!

Getting ready to go to the field to run. All in sports tees and lined up with all his classmates.

The parents tents which I did not sit under because I wanted to be close to the course to cheer on my son.

Ready to run!!!

The Cheerleaders!!!!

Proud sister cheered him on!

Getting the medal (His team won 1st place!!!!! ) Hurray!!!!!!

Fish and Chips

Just celebrated my birthday which was yesterday! Had a good breakfast with my youngest sister, then went to have Fish n Chips at Fish n Chippery. It's not that easy to find fish and chips that remind me of the fish and chips in UK but this came close. The portions were large and chips were served with malt vinegar. I had the promo set of fish and chips, mushy peas and a drink for only RM18 which I feel is a fantastic bargain. So anyone interested please do visit the Fish n Chippery at Solaris Dutamas.

Writing

I have not been doing calligraphy for a long time and so my attempts are not that good. Need more practice. Anyway, here is the latest I've worked on. The words are not my own but it was a nice poem to practise my work.

Now I need to find calligraphy pens to practise with. I only have one with 2 nibs that I can find. So this is one on my list of 'What to get myself this year'.

I should smell like a cherry??

I did a quiz on Blogthings titled 'What fruit should you smell like?' and my result is:

You Should Smell Like a Cherry

You are not as you seem. Most people think that you're sweeter and more innocent than you actually are. In truth, you are a total wild child. You just keep it all on the down low for appearance's sake.You are happiest when you're plotting and scheming a bit. You can't help it, you have a devious mind!You are good at charming people and getting what you want. You are naturally popular, and people just always seem to love you.

Really???? Huh???

Whatever it is I do love eating cherries though...

My First Award

I received my first award from Pinkilili who writes Sandals and Snowshoes who is currently my only follower. Thanks so much dear. I believe I am supposed to list 10 things about me, so here are my 10:

1. I am the eldest of 3 girls in my family
2. I also am a mom to 3 beautiful children
3. My favourite colour is dusky/dusty pink, which was the colour of my main wedding outfit
4. My all time favourite fruit is the mangosteen which is now not very easy to find in Malaysia and I'm thinking is now the forgotten fruit
5. I learnt ballet and the piano but never finished and am not talented in either ....sigh!
6. I love to draw but have neglected that arty side for ages. Favourite medium is watercolours.
7. I am not a good cook but I can now say that I have accomplished cooking a sunny side up egg perfectly after many disasters
8. My favourite ice-cream is vanilla or anything vanilla based. Don't like chocolate ice-cream at all but I looooove chocolate.
9. I have never owned a Barbie doll and have never liked playing with dolls.
10. My zodiac sign is Aries and my chinese zodiac sign is the Tiger so SUPPOSEDLY I am fiery and fierce ....NOT!!!!

9 years have passed in a blink of an eye

My hubby and I just celebrated our 9th year wedding anniversary a few days ago. How time flies!!!! I have known my husband for about 5-6 years as friends before finally dating and marrying him. I know it does not count but you can say our friendship is in its teens (after all your husband should always be your best friend).

Being parents to 3 beautiful children, we of course had to plan our anniversary carefully. Thank goodness to an angel of an aunt of mine who babysitted our kids we were able to celebrate it this year. We have not really celebrated the past few years so this time it was better planned. Dinner was home cooked (that's always the best anyway). As both of us love meat, for sure dinner was Steak!!! We bought 2 generous portions of Angus Grain Fed Ribeye steaks to grill and with it we had vegetables and chips. Hubby did all the cooking because he's a much better cook than I am. The meal was 11 on the scale of 10. It was heavenly!

Later we went to watch a movie, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. We both enjoyed the show however after knowing that the re-make of 'Clash of the Titans' was coming soon, Percy Jackson seemed to be more a teenage flick. We had about an hour to kill before the movie started and so we went to have some drinks. It was so nice to be chatting and laughing away without any distractions. No kids screaming for attention, crying kids to comfort or telling off to be done. I really miss chatting with my husband which when I look back was how things started off for us. We got to know each other through endless conversations over the phone.

Movie finished close to midnight and we could not believe how tired we were. Plus the fact that both of us were working the next day was not comforting. However it was a lovely night and I look forward to celebrating more anniversaries with my pride and joy of a man, my lovely husband!

Football

I got to watch my eldest, Hazim play football yesterday evening. He has been going for football practice only a few times and his dad usually brings him there. So on my day off I told myself to make the effort to be there to see him play. There were many kids on the field from probably the age of 4 to teenagers around 15-18. All being trained at different levels. My son is at the beginner's level with a group adorable little fellas around his age. It was such a cute sight to see them chase the ball around.


Here is the picture of the group of kids warming up. Before this they ran around the field 2 rounds but my Hazim ran only 1 round and walked the other. I hope he will develop better stamina in the future to run the full 2 rounds. Hopefully he's more sportslike like his dad but if takes after me, I'm hopeless when it comes to sports.


Then after the warm up, the kids practiced going around cones and kicking the ball into the goal. Hazim got a bit distracted and soon a group of little boys were basically foot deep in a puddle of mud (Hmmm! Mud seems to be more fun to them). I was at the side of field wishing I could tell him to stop playing with the mud but then what fun would that be. Boys and mud, its just happiness through and through.

After that the kids were split into two teams and played against each other. Hazim opted to be the goalkeeper which I think was not a good idea. He was so bored since the game was more at the other goal than at his goal. He ended up playing with the cones, talking to the bigger boys playing behind him and when the game finally moved towards his end he actually called out to the players to "shoot the ball to me!". Shoot the ball to the goalie, I think my son has not grasped the concept that he was supposed to be defending the goal. Aargh! the antics of my child that bring that big smile to my face.

Here's my little footballer.

Tea and beautiful jewellery by Nishi Murli

I have always thought myself as a simple person but what girl/woman does not love beautiful jewellery. Last Saturday, my cousin arranged a small tea function and invited a quite well known jeweller named Nishi Murli to introduce her wonderful designs to the ladies attending. She brought with her a few of her beautiful semi-precious stone collections of which I liked more than just a few, I liked many. I attended with my little girl who also loved almost all the necklaces and bracelets on show. She really is a girly girl. Does she take after me, maybe a little... I remember my mum telling me that I never liked wearing pants and always preferred dresses and skirts. However I think she's more like her aunt (my sister in law) who is very ladylike in every way...unlike me.

Anyway I did bring my little camera to snap photos of the jewellery in hope to expose Nishi's collection to more people. I think her jewellery is just gorgeous and simple and can be worn to brighten simple outfits most effectively. According to my cousin, she has quite a following in India, Dubai and Jakarta.

I had a hard time controlling myself from buying anything which was so difficult especially since I had my eye on 2 or 3 necklaces. I tried 2 of them (one in the picture below and the one on my daughter). I also love the gold chain with the knot with hanging stones below it in the picture above...lovely isn't it?

Nishi's assortment of necklaces and bangles

Me (with a lovely gold and white pearl knot chain) and my sunshine

My little princess wearing a gorgeous gold knot and pearl chain

The tea function was quite a success and hopefully there will be more functions like this to come. Maybe with Nishi's jewellery again or maybe with other ladies doing business showcasing their products. This is a good way to assist businesswomen in their endeavours as well as raise publicity for my cousin's restaurant, Enak KL.

Important 2010 resolutions to start working on

On the way home from work yesterday I was reflecting on the things I need to focus on this year. Here is the list I managed to come up with:

• Eat healthier to lose weight
• Get better skin products
• Must exercise - any form of it (swimming, jump ropes, walks)
• Less procrastination
• Read more books this year - target at least 15 books
• Get that sewing machine out of the box and work on developing a creative hobby
• Be more patient with the kids
• Have more family based activities
• Treat myself to at least 1 expensive gift

Let's hope I get all of the above done!

2010 Aries Horoscope

According to Shine from Yahoo my 2010 overview is as follows:

Year 2010 Overview

A lot of last year's difficulties, if you think about it, boiled down to a lot of fiddly little details getting in the way of you realizing your dreams. Let's be honest about it, Aries: struggling with the small stuff just isn't your style. In the next year, you'll find that a lot of these pressures ease off, to the point where your biggest issue may be other people's ability to keep up with you!

The months surrounding your birthday will bring more than the usual amount of Spring Fever. You'll be facing an urge to bust loose from your limitations and, properly handled, that energy will push you to new highs as far as you General satisfaction with life. The summer will find you speaking your mind more with those who are closest to you. You may not have been shy about expressing yourself before, but it's as if you needed to find just the right words.

In the past, knowing what you want out of life and getting the co-operation of those closest to you haven't always gone hand in hand. That theme will carry on throughout much of the year, and will come to a peak again in December. At times there may be frustrations, but if you keep a level head, you'll probably find that those around you really are on your team, ultimately.

Year 2010 Career

Brace yourself for big changes in your work and money life, Aries! This is the year when a lot of your past potential and promise come out. Two eclipses in your career sector (one in January and one in July) will set the stage for a major shift. Some of this will be the fulfillment of things you've been working on quietly for some time, and part of this will simply be thrust on you by circumstance.

Either way, change is good, and will lead to a greater sense of long-term fulfillment on your part. Pluto also continues its long-term travel through your job zone. Pluto is a planet that demands a deep and committed response, whether you thought you were ready for it or not. This isn't at all necessarily bad or difficult news. No one is every 100 percent happy with their work and money life, it seems, and that basic sense of mild ongoing dissatisfaction can be what propels you towards greater career heights. June and July may see you seriously contemplating a change in direction as far as what you do for a living. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities.

As far as actual cash on hand, the news appears to be more good than bad -- especially in September and October. The last year probably wasn't too comfortable (but lacked any serious shortages). The next year will provide stability. No big lottery wins, in other words, but lots of chances to get smaller expenses in line. Keep an eye on the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves.

Year 2010 Romantic

There's a lot of activity in your love life this year -- you'll be a little like a Ram in springtime! Most importantly (and regardless of what state your romantic life is in now), Saturn in your house of committed relationships is going to have you closely questioning and examining any partnerships you may currently have. If you have nothing on the go like that now, you will still find that your attitude towards long-term commitments is likely to undergo a lot of change. You will likely find you take the entire subject more seriously -- or the subject will take you more seriously!

If there is an existing committed relationship, your partner is going to be a valuable source of grounding for you this year. Old issues will be bubbling to the surface (especially in September and October) that may prove to be a challenge. More likely, though, what will be challenged are your preconceptions about that other person in your life, what they mean to you, and what responses this should draw from you.

As far as the potential for new romance (or injecting new life into an existing one), July and August bring new life. If there was ever a year to find new love on summer vacation, this is it!

Regardless of the state of your love life, you'll certainly be drawing a lot of attention this year. The first three months of 2010 will find your stock rising with others. If you're looking to develop something new, January through March is your best time to be in circulation. Chances are excellent that love will find you.

Hmmmm! See how it goes