Blabs in May

• I am back with my long lost interest: Novel reading! Yay :) am reading Eclipse (okay, it's definitely NOT because of Edward Cullen, no no) It's actually because of Kristen Stewart I think. Her acting, I mean. Don't really fancy the way she did it in the previous two movies. But I definitely can't wait for Eclipse to appear in the theaters this June! Hopefully she would show more passion on her face for Edward (c'mon girl.. I need to see the LOVE on your face! If not, I can't trust your feelings towards Edward since Jacob pun you layan gak!). I will have to complete reading the book by then.

Hmm.. I guess I'm not really his fan because I dislike his role in Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire. Sorry Robert.

• Since I'm alternating between Sg Buloh and Kajang every week, it seems that most of my stuff are redundant right now. Face cream, deodorant, shoes, facial scrub..Since I usually missed them out in my list-to-bring, I have them all to be more than two. Really cluttering up my dressing cupboard. I guess what I really need in extra quantity is workblouse!

• Husband and I are going for a short vacation this weekend (aptly mentioned as 2nd honeymoon =D)  before he leaves for his overseas assignment for a few months. I am not really in the mood to pack things right now, thanks to the when-will-it-end cold.. It had me awake for a few nights already. Sigh..

Where will our next stop be?

• There is a huge possibility that I will be joining my husband for a couple of months during his overseas assignment period. That means I might be spending raya there. Well, the not-so-nice part is that I can no longer help my mom in the kitchen like I always do on every malam raya. The good part is, both of us will have to spend raya on our own! No squabbling over whose place that we will beraya at, yeahh! Fair and square (though in our implied understanding, it has been finalized whose place it is.. =\) Tapi for the coming years.. terpaksa la beralah bila perlu.

• Since I am mostly not at home (read: Sg Buloh) nowadays, I am trying hard to recall all the advice & nags I got from my mom and maktok. Yerp, they were absolutely true in most of the things they say (besides that I might marry an old man if I keep singing in the kitchen! I kept singing cuz I was so hopeful that it would be Norman KRU, haha) Hopefully I will be a great wife (read: great, not good ya. To be a good wife has a different meaning (doormat?)) and a great mom one day as well. Let's pray for little toddlers to come our way soon :)

 It's kinda cool to be like Marge.. minus being a housewife. But I prefer my kids to spend their time like Phineas and Ferb do!

• Hm, did I ever mention I rarely buy shoes and handbags? Well, that statement is currently not really applicable. I have two unused handbags, not knowing when and where I will use them. And oh, I have three unused, very pretty stilettos. One pair is wine red, one brown and the other pair is silver. Any upcoming wedding I could dress up for? Sometimes, I guess I just wanna own the shoes for the sake of having them in my possession, not really because I wanna wear them. Duhh. From whom did I learn to do this!

• The nikah video plus the official photos from my solemnization and wedding reception are not out yet (some of my aunties are already asking for the photos! Arrghh..) I guess if you guys have difficulty viewing the photos tagged from my uncle and aunty's FB albums, I suppose it's due to their privacy setting. Can't do much about it, so please wait for the pics as patient as I am :)

• Oh yes, can mineral water bottles be recycled? Do we in Malaysia have the facility to do so? If yes, where? I've checked KPKT's website and found not much of info on recycling. I have a pile of mineral water bottles that I keep here behind me at my cubicle. My friends have also been 'generous' enough to place their empty plastic bottles here. So much in helping me achieve this year's resolution - to GO GREEN!

• Ah, UTP Alumni AGM will be held on May 15th, Impiana Hotel. Our dear Rector will join us, so I've been told :)

I wanna immortalize this here!

I'm glad you loved it :) Happy birthday sayang~

A story of my marriage day

Alright, I did mention before that I wanted to post something about my wedding. For my friends (especially Zamila and Ziad!) whose weddings are gonna be around the corner, I hope you will enjoy reading this post :)

Now where do I start…? Oh yes. A few days before solemnization.

I had 2 days to complete the work for Bangkok project before I left the office on Wednesday to go on my annual leave (yes annual leave! Marriage leave was for honeymoon :)). It was a hectic 3-day leave, where I cramped everything that was not yet done:

• Having my bridal spa (I excluded manicure and pedicure. Didn’t want my henna to look faint) at Cendana Spa, Section 7, Shah Alam. I found out about this spa through a few bridezillas’ blogs :)
• Fetching the tailor-made scarf for my red kebaya jubah (this was supposed to be the attire for cake cutting, tapi last minute thinking, malas nak tukar baju during reception, hehe and the dress ended up to be the attire for outdoor photo shoot, which we have not done yet) 
• Completing my personalized VIP gift bags (I already completed 51, but when Mr. Fiance told me his group might be big, I decided to add another 19 paperbags) 
• Completing the hantaran for the groom. 4 were completed like 2 weeks before. The other 7 were done that Thursday night, just right after my photographer paid me a visit to discuss on the solemnization and reception arrangement. Thanks Mom and my sisters for the helping hand :) 
• Last-minute shopping for the wedding bedroom
• Decorating the room like I planned it to be

Thank God I didn’t have to make the bunga rampai on my own, thanks to Mom, Maktok, Auntie Rahmah and Auntie Lin. I definitely could not do it all by myself without their help.

Above anything, I wanted to meet Mr. Fiancé for the last time before becoming Mr. Husband. But there was too little time to spend, so we just had to forget the idea.

I couldn’t really sleep that Friday night. But I was indeed tired. The dais was not ready, the house was still in a mess and I thought of accompanying my Mom and Ain to stay up until everything was done. But then Mom asked me to go to bed, so I did.

Waking up on that 20^th felt weird. I don’t really know how to label that feeling. But it felt kinda uneasy. I called Ozal (who just arrived from Arau that morning) into my room and asked him to give me a hug. Unconsciously, I was sobbing quietly. He comforted me to calm down. I grabbed my towel and went to have my bath. When I got out, the makeup artiste has already arrived. She began her work as soon as I was ready. Chitchatting with her took away the nervousness I had. By the way, did I mention I loved what she did to my face? Yes I really do! I highly recommend her.

Later then, my videographer and photographers came. Not long after they start recording and snapping photos, my good friends came into the room. I was excited by their presence but kinda didn’t really know how to greet them in excitement. I guess the exact word to describe me was ‘slightly frozen’ (Afterall, Mom always reminded me to be a well-mannered bride. I guess I did well :))

From upstairs, I heard the marhaban group started reciting Yaasin. I couldn’t really predict what was happening downstairs. I told myself to shake it off and just relax. My room was being swarmed by increasing number of friends and families. It was nearing 11 am, and my Dad asked me to text Mr. Fiancé to proceed to my house from the nearby mosque.

So, it was time for me to go downstairs. Descending the stairs slowly allowed me to give a few gazes at the guests. After I got myself comfy on the dais, the groom’s side started to enter the house, placing the hantaran in front of the dais, just opposite my hantaran for the groom. My palpitation was softened when I saw my Dad and family members around. Mr. Fiancé entered the door and made himself comfy in front of Imam Yusof. And then, the ceremony began.

Auntie Rokiah Ramlan was the moderator of the solemnization. She did a really great job with her splendid speech containing the elements of adat Melayu like pantun and kiasan. My thanks to her for handling the ceremony just like how I wanted it to be.

Imam Yusof took the crowd’s attention with some words of wisdom. Mr. Fiancé then volunteered to read the marriage sermon written in Imam Yusof’s notebook when Imam Yusof said it was afdal for the groom to read it himself. I felt proud of Mr. Fiancé for being so confident :) Then the real trembling came, when it was the time for the solemnization. All I can think of was reciting selawat over and over again. Thanks to Farina who constantly reminded me what to do before the event started.

With one lafaz, I became the wife of my dear Mr. Husband. Alhamdulillah everything went smoothly. After Mr. Husband performed the prayer, he came to the dais and presented the dowry together with the ring and the bangle. We exchanged the gifts: 11 trays from me and 9 trays in return from him.

And so, the day was spent with greeting families from both sides, taking lots and lots of pictures (thanks to Ariff, Darshan and Uncle Shahrin of course!) and yup, who could forget nasi minyak as the menu of the day?

And of course, I wanna thank my friends who made the effort to come (Dib, Fatin, Shafaf, Aween and Yatt) and the awesome uncles, aunties and cousins who made the day so memorable. Special thanks to my sister Ain, for being a great coordinator for both the solemnization ceremony and the wedding itself. I’m forever indebted.

To my dear husband, welcome to our new life :) Have fun on your birthday tomorrow. I just want you to know that I love you :) very much! Can't wait for our 2nd honeymoon soon~

Last but not least, congratulations to Shafaf on her marriage last weekend!

A post-wedding note

Writing with a different status now. I'm a wife! 

Well, I don't really know what to say actually. Just that I wanna express my thanks to families and friends who came and celebrated the wedding together. Personally, I really enjoyed all the three events; Nikah, Reception and Bertandang; and I hope all guests who came had a great time as well, if not, great dining :)

If friends were to ask me which of the three I loved the most, I would say the solemnization day was the most memorable and hmm.. I don't know how to say, it's kinda hard to put into words, but it was an amazing day for me definitely.

So, here are some of my fave moments of the 3 days :) (Official photos are not out yet. More pics in FB of course. Credits to Auntie Ju & Uncle Shahrin)

Getting ready for solemnization. I was fixing my stockings :)

After solemnization ceremony. Mr. Husband fitted the ring to my finger :)

Mr. Husband pitied my sweaty face, he brought along some facial tissues in his hand!

 At the dais during the reception @ Seri Selangor Golf Club

Making entrance during reception @ Putrajaya

We already came back from our trip to Bali. It was a great vacation (and great dining too! I must have put on some weight I guess..) All pics are still in the camera and I haven't the time to upload them yet)

To my friends and family members whom I missed during the reception, I am utterly sorry for not being able to meet every one who came. But I am definitely happy that you guys were there :) thanks for coming.

C R E D I T S  T O:

Mak Abah

Ain, Aishah, Ozal

Maktok

Farina

Uncle Mansor, Auntie Lin & family

Auntie Rahmah

Auntie Rokiah Ramlan

Uncle Osman & Auntie Che Yah

Pakcik Hashim

Auntie Ju

Auntie Ain

Mona Shamili

Mak & Ayah

Along, Fiqah & Ain 

These last few days

The date is drawing near. I am feeling a lot of things.. well, am not too sure what they are actually. I guess the appropriate word is 'butterflies'. I am at the meeting junction of joy and sorrow.

A lot of things I went through these past few weeks. Emceeing with Mr. Fiance at a friend's wedding (letih!), two back-to-back overseas assignments, performance review, completing all my wedding to-do-list, dealing with wedding vendors who always miss the time, etc.. Nevertheless, I am glad that everything planned was properly done, and I definitely couldn't have done it without my parents, siblings and Mr. Fiance himself. Oh yes, many thanks to my wedding planner as well.

Shopping for the wedding happened everywhere I go. Seems like I couldn't stop from grabbing nice things. From KL to Miri to Jakarta and to Bangkok, I bought something back for the wedding. I am kinda excited, because a lot of personal touch is being given for this wedding. I'll tell about it after the wedding :)

In the end, all that matters is that we will be together, finally.

Dear friends, hope to see you guys at the wedding :)

To Mr. Fiance, many happy wishes for our big day :)

Just a thought..

At times we need to look into the past.. to appreciate what we had, what we are and what we have now..

Whatnots out of boredom

It's the 10th day of February and I haven't posted anything? Wow..

Well, I don't really have much things to share for the time being. It's just that these 2 weeks somehow are the times I really wanna pass. Performance review cycle, and at the same time I won't be in Digi's roaming area, and all the final things that need to be settled before the big day (banyak lagi ke..? Maybe..) I'm not tired of it actually. It's just that I hope everything will go as I planned.

You see, I plan a lot. But I do have flexibilities in my plans. It's just that when the plans can really go as they should, I don't like it when it has to change without a strong reason. Nevertheless, I adapt very well. Even if I have to fake it.

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If anyone were to tell me that they were lonely, they definitely have no idea that I am very well versed at it. But I kinda like it. Among the things that I really appreciate is solitude.

Hmm.. I don't really like to be called 'a people person'.
______________________________________________________________________________

Oh God.. It's just so empty.

It's just me, the TV and my laptop in front of me..
_______________________________________________________________________________

Maybe I should update my wedding page.

Oh yeah, to friends who have gotten my invitation card, please tell me okay. And yes, save the date!

Susah la nak cakap..

Among the millions of Malaysians whom are being quite concerned about what is happening recently in the country, I am definitely one of them.

I don't want to mention whatever things that have happened, but I am wondering, where is our direction is moving towards 1Malaysia?


I am not trying to give a suggestion (apa la yang 'budak mentah' can give as a suggestion??) but this is what I think.


Everybody's talking about 1Malaysia presently. Yes I do believe that it is widely accepted, since the goodwill of this campaign is obvious - to strengthen national unity, what more in a country like Malaysia, a nation of heterogeneity (or does this kind of statement only come from a 'budak mentah' like me?) But not everyone can conform, especially to something being kinda 'enforced'. 'Enforced' like "Hey, we are a multiracial country. To ensure harmony between the races, we must do (1), (2), (3).. Or if you don't do this, you are not helping to realize 1Malaysia." I think that's tough. Not the exact approach.

When the word 'acceptance' is highlighted, some may question, to what kind of extent should the acceptance be? Tolerance of sensitivity differs from a person to another. Not everyone is ready to tolerate and accept. But I think, anyone, and I mean just about anyone, can be enticed and persuaded to accept. It is just how the enticing and persuasion come about.


1Malaysia is way more than just visiting friends of different races during their Hari Raya or CNY or Deepavali. It's way more than just admiring the diversity in cultures of the races. It is way more than just hollering '1Malaysia!' side by side with our Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Kadazan and Iban counterparts.

Whoa, this looks tough, doesn't it? And after all the things that happened to the religious centers, it looks even tougher!

I sincerely hope that our administration leaders and politicians (come one guys, you have great access to the rakyat through your blogs and ministry websites and the whole internet!) please don't just say "I condemn the act of this and that.. bla bla bla", please do something. And that 'do something', please make sure that it is doing fairness to the people, not more act that show the shallowness in prompt thinking. Stop politicizing. It only creates racial and religious and political tension. I read some politicians' blogs with the comments from the citizen. I think we have done our part in voicing out our concerns (that was what you guys wanted us to do right? Voicing our concerns?) Why can't you guys take heed? Is it because complaints have gotten boring (and that's why you made the decision to do something fun like chasing artistes?) I know it is not easy to satisfy everyone, but I guess collectively the rakyat have more or less the same concerns.

You have been, or wanna be elected. So, show us your credibility, man.

and oh, I think the issue over government servants' KPIs and whatnot is overrated. Too much publicity. Boring baca. Tak ke mana pun. Government servants pun jadi lagi fed-up.



P/S: Really hope to see Malaysia doing better in next year's Transparency International Corruption Perception Index rank. 2009: Singapore ranked 3rd best, we are ranked 56th!

A step into late 20s

Whoa. I'm 26!

I still feel like I'm this 19 year-old girl when I am at home, really. However, I always feel older than my peers. Like 20-something going 30. Maybe because I was born in January. Does any January-ans feel that? I dunno. Maybe I am an isolated case.

The only thing nowadays that made January no longer my loved month is that I have ACD assessment in January. Well, last year and this year, with the dates being almost the same. No at this point of time, I can't entirely put my head in for the assessment. It has somehow affected my productivity for the first 2 weeks of the month. Can't say that I didn't prepare earlier, I started like 2 months ago, but not that consistent anyway. Preparing for ACD isn't the same as preparing for SPM, which in the latter case, whatever I read I can recall and fix the jigsaw puzzles perfectly. Now, I have to say that it is quite, or very, difficult. Telling my parents about it won't be of any help. They are not awed by work difficulties anymore, especially my mom, who has been busier lately after getting her doctorate. Boring.

A friend who is gonna get married a few weeks after me told me that she's planning on a long hiatus after marriage. Well, I am not so sure of that. I do think of how I can actually have some extra dollars (dollars ye, not just ringgit) from other things apart from my monthly wages. A career is what I wanna keep for myself, and what I am doing now is not too bad at all.

26. What's there in an age? Maturity? Higher wisdom? Better understanding? Higher fear of God? Higher income? Slower metabolisme? (Hey, not yet!!) Change in status?

Yep, this year I am getting married, in fact it's 9 weeks from now. How time flies. How I have grown. What a wow..

After this, life planning would be much more exciting, since I am not going to do it alone. I am looking forward for that. No, I'm not just another bride who thinks too much about the wedding preparation. I am more concerned about the essence of marriage. Some friends tried to bring me into the thinking that I should not let the individualistic thinking disappear when I am married. I dunno about that. They can say I'm blinded by love. They think they know me too much. But as far as I am concerned, I have never been blinded. I'm very fine actually. Trust me. And I can give assurance that no one knows me that much.

All the best wishes for you on your birthday, Sharifah. Expect changes everyday. Because changes are the constant thing in life you'll encounter. You can never say no. Face them with a great head on your shoulders, and with a good heart too.

First post for 2010

I'm 3 days late to welcome 2010. We're in January again! Time sure does fly fast.

Whenever the new year arrives, people will surely think about their resolution. Actually, unlike 2008 where I had hard targets for my resolution (and achieved them all! I was really happy :D), I had none for 2009, and I am actually thinking hard of what kind of achievement I want to accomplish in 2010. Put aside personal targets like getting married, going for honeymoons and stuff (it's not for public to know anyway), I am hoping that my new year's resolution could somehow contribute to a better well-being of the environment. Although my contribution may be at the smallest of the smallest scale (1 out of kerzillions of people around the world!), I am very sure that many friends out there share the same aspiration too.

Among the things I have started to do (to be environmental friendly):

• I am now using salbutamol inhaler that contains no CFC (I just got to know the type I used before contains CFC!). I was feeling really guilty when I found out about it. Imagine I have been using the inhaler that contains CFC since I was 6!
  
• I don't throw away old batteries into the waste bin anymore. I am collecting them so that I can place them into the batteries recycling bin. I think Dayabumi has one.
• I try to take the ERL whenever I have to go to and fro KLIA. At least I would feel that I have taken part in the campaign to reduce CO2 emission into the atmosphere. It is a liberating feeling I must say.
  

Those are the things I start with. I don't really know how to gauge my achievement for this resolution. But I suppose I could constantly ensure that my effort is continuous. Perhaps this is a little late to start the awareness within myself but hey, there is always a point to start :)

Happy new year to my friends, and let's put in endeavor for a better world to live in.