Since it is the last day of the year, I think it's a good enough reason for me to post my last blog entry for the year.
"Stole" this from Mel. Looks like I have been a bad sister since I did not make it into any of her list. And yes, you'll find some similar answers between the two of us.
What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Went on a flight for more than 4 hours!
Did you keep your new years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not do any resolutions last year... coz I know I'm not disciplined enough to keep them. Thinking of starting one again... but do I still have time before the year ends?
Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES! Jenuka-kah gave birth to a sweet lil' girl!
Actually, many close pals gave birth this year! Phew! Let's see...
1. Congrats Althea & KC. They had Rowanne in March.
2. Congrats Shai for Radley.
3. Congrats Reny & Azim who had baby Adam Rayyan in August.
4. Congrats Sofie on her new baby boy just recently.
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Mum. Missing her much.
What countries did you visit?
Bangkok, Thailand; Melbourne, Australia; and Singapore.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
More money? More love? There's always plenty of space for both.
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
11.11.2009 - Sob
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Turning into the big three-oh!
What was your biggest failure?
Still cannot adjust my body clock to day and night.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Very minor ones. Still very much alive :)
What was the best thing you bought?
Several this year. Sinful spending.
1. Baby Minimomo
2. Baby Instax
3. Baby Mini - got it cheap thanks Sugar Papa Faiz! Haha!
4. Baby Arena (gave up for adoption to Mel)
5. Baby BB
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
MELISSA HO TS'AI LIN. You finally grew up! (Note: A bit more growing up will be highly appreciated).
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Thankfully, no one close crossed that line just yet.
Where did most of your money go?
Unnecessary stuffs which I don't really need but must have like the gadgets, shoes, bags, yada-yada.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Booked my Melbourne trip in March. Got real excited till September!
What song/album will always remind you of 2009?
Cannot think of any at the moment.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder? A little bit of both.
Thinner or fatter? Definitely fatter. My spare tyres are going for an upgrade!
Richer or poorer? Way poorer... judging by my sinful spendings the whole year!
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spending more time with mum. Take mum for more holidays. Take mum to more badminton tourneys. Take mum to some nice makan place.
Will be doing more of those with Mel next year. Oh wait! That's my very first 2010 New Year resolution!
And wanted to paint and do more crafty work. Will do them next year. Oh wait! That's my second resolution!
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Lazing and bumming around.
How did you spend Christmas?
Woke up late. Drove to Penang for a high school reunion thing.
Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Myself... hehe... going online...
Did you fall in love in 2009?
Did not. Oh wait? Did I? Nopes.
How many one night stands in this last year?
Hahahahahahaha... ya' think?
What was your favourite TV programme?
I have plenty. Chuck. Desperate Housewives. Private Practice etc.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Gladly... no.
What was the best book(s) you read?
Plenty. I'm easily satisfied.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Taylor Swift. Love her songs.
What did you want and get?
Wanted a lomo camera. Got Baby Minimomo.
Wanted a polaroid camera. Got Baby Instax.
Wanted a personal lappie. Got Baby Mini.
Wanted a new phone. Got Baby Arena.
Went bored with new phone. Gave up for adoption. Got Baby BB!
What did you want and not get?
PSP / DS - Nah... love to have it but won't spend money on it. Will be so underutilised by me.
What were your favourite films of this year?
Honestly, cannot remember. Just watched Alvin & the Chipmunks 2 last night.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was working and turned 30 working.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I did not book mum and Mel to the Perth flight instead of Melbourne and they both made it with me to the trip.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
According to my mood.
What kept you sane?
My family and friends. Thank you oh so much!
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Grew out of that. But there are a few couple of cuties this year kan?
What political issue stirred you the most?
The entire political scene is like a big haha joke.
Who did you miss?
Papa... and then Mummy...
Who was the best new person you met?
Met a few. The biggest and loudest I can remember... haha... you know who... guess lah!
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Don't take anything for granted. Any day can be the last so always treasure everyone and everything around you.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Cannot think of any at this moment.
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
A friend sent this to my email today.
2010 Year of the Tiger: Chinese Zodiac Horoscope Forecast of Your Life, Love and Fortune
The Goat
Graceful and optimistic, kind and easy going, would describe a Goat personality. They can also be petulant and discontented, likely to throw the towel in at the beginning of a problem. They can be charming without revealing their true feelings. The Goat is very talented and imaginative and can turn his hand to most creative pursuits.
Forecast for 2010
The Goat likes balance and moderation in all areas of life and the Year of the Tiger will ensure that he/she discovers new aspects and strengths of him/herself he/she didn’t know he/she had! For the artistic and creative Goat, 2010 will bring offers, opportunities and encouragement, leading to new projects and job offers. If they can remain adaptable, open to change and focused, this year could have long lasting positive implications. Study and developing specialist skills is also highlighted for this year. For those wishing to change jobs or find employment, there may be many frustrating moments and it won’t be easy. But then, out of the blue, a job offer or an opportunity will present itself. Be ready! September to November will bring the best chances for work related success. May to September will have outstanding moments for making new, special friends and enjoying the company of loved ones. All Goats need to be aware that the Year of the Tiger is not the time for taking financial risks. If in doubt or worried, they need to be sure to get the advice of a professional.
Interesting Goat Facts
Zodiac Stone: Emerald
Special Flower: Larkspur
Best Hours: 1-3 pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue
I received this recently from a friend in an email. Because of recent events in my life, the sentiments really homed to my heart. Therefore, I thought that I would like to share the story with you.
When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle;
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough;
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class, and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided. 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends, and favourite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.'
So...
'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical check ups.
Take your partner out to dinner.'
'There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.
'It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Thank you to all my family and friends who were there for me during my times of sorrow. Both my sister and I really appreciate your best wishes and kind thoughts.
Will jump back on the blogging wagon again soon - I hope.
I have updates from September till now, good news, nice news and sad news as well.
Oh well, will do so when I am more in a blogging mood...
Just acquired my latest baby this evening. I'm lovin' it!
Meet my NEW instax mini 7S white!!! YAY!

Baby still in the box.

Baby out of the box!

Baby with the film.

Baby on her own.

Baby - beauty shot.

Another beauty shot of baby. This is the model. Hehe...

Mood settings.

Mood setting guide.

Baby... please focus.

My first few shots, in order from left to right. Haha! 1st 1 shots so tak jadi coz I was taking myself in front of the mirror and the flash went off! By the 3rd one, I knew better... Hehe...
So now I have 7 more films to go coz, 1 box got 10 films, and I don't have spare till the next 2 week. Cannot wait to get snapping away!!!
Next entry I may post up my babies... Hehehe...
Lots of thing's been happening the past couple of weeks. But then again - nothing much also la.
First - Congrats to Shai and Dr Bad on their newborn son - Radley! He was born late July 2009!

Also visited Althea and her baby girl Rowanne.

Then, early this month, was down in Malacca with some old friends to attend an old friend's wedding.

Pulled an all-nighter here coz going to the clinic during the day did not have a satisfactory outcome. Caught my fever and cough bug here too I guess. Still currently suffering the aftermath of it. Koff! Koff!

This weekend, spent Saturday watching the game with mum at home. Too bad. No Malaysians in the Finals tomorrow.

And before I pen off. Some random photos of Baby Friski Ho. She's really getting bigger, friskier and much much more mischievous!

Sigh...

Oh! And will be on the road for the next 2 weeks! Bring it on!
And Melbourne next month! YAY!
Decided that I need to distract myself from all the resentment I am feeling at work. So, was talking to mum about the house. I've decided to move out from the master bedroom into my bubblegum room a.k.a the current guest bedroom.
A bit of history.
The current guest bedroom was originally intended as my bedroom, thus the room was thought of, bed and drapes bought, bubblegum pink painted on one side of the wall.
Nearing towards the day we were about to move (about 3 years ago)... I was arguing with my sis about whose room will be the default bedroom should guests come over to spend nights. I told her since I have sacrificed my room for this purpose at the old place, I reasoned out that this time, it should be her turn. Plus she's the youngest, plus she's at the moment not footing any house bills so - no say lor. Obviously, she retaliated lor. After some heated argument, my mum cannot tahan so she said that SHE will move into the downstairs utility room, master bedroom to become guest room.
Where can master bedroom turn to guest bedroom. Got attached bathroom sommore!!!
Hence, t'was decided at that time that I will share the room with mum. And as usual, the sis got her way... and her room.
Let me tell you, not easy to share a room with a very critical-to-everything-you-do-and-own mother.
- She says I'm very untidy. Well, my level and tolerence to how my stuffs are kept is way different from her. By the way, have you seen my sister's room? Must. Take. Photo. One. Day.
- She says I'm occupying most of the room (I use the room more than she does anyway)
- and bla bla sommore
After 3 years, I think I shall start thinking again to have my own personal space. A cousin of mine was telling me, "How often do guests come around anyway?" and well - that's true.
So was hinting to mum about my 'move'. It was either she or me to remain in the master bedroom. Well, of course I will leave the master to mum, unless she wants me to have it (tee-hee-hee).
So, I told her the current queen-sized bed has to go lah! I wanna put my nice Meldal day bed into my room.

Then I will need to get rid of the old cupboard currently used to store bed linens, and get a full length mirror-ed sliding door. 3 door cupboard if possible. Something like this?


Will also need a dressing/accessories/make-up table. I have a chest of drawers dresser (lid opens to a mirror) which I paid a bomb last time so will re-use that.
Then, need a small work space. May need a new set of table for this as I am planning to leave my Vika Amon table to mum for her desktop sewing machine. I am so kind.
Planning to get this corner unit, if there's no other better (and cheaper) option.

RM549
Or a combination of these 2 units.


RM220 + RM499 = RM719 (nice but a bit too pricey)
Then, must also have shelves. Maybe like this.

or something like this?

How about this storage solution?

Or this?

Many of my friends knows that I keep lot's of treasures (some called it rubbish - esp my mum) so I need all the storage space that I can get. May need to pay these in installment.
Well, may just wait for the HP loan for Atos to mature before I can think of starting another installment plan. Unless, I suddenly get a big bonus and a super-duper salary raise as the cherry topping on the yummy chocolate sundae.
Sigh...
Many things bugging me lately.
I'm...
1. feeling demotivated.
2. feeling under-appreciated.
3. feeling underpaid.
4. on a heavy household commitment (thus not simple enough for me to "pack-up-and-go")
5. needing more $$$ for both family and myself (being the almost-sole breadwinner is taking it's toll).
6. needing more time-offs and holidays.
7. always feeling peeeeeeeeeeved at lil' things, and getting very very short-tempered.
and many-many more...
ARGHHH!!!
Been using my faithful ol' baby dopody for the past 2 years. It's still serving me well (even though the original stylus snapped 2 pieces in like a week, and the rm20 one I bought with a 'built-in' pen lasted me from the 1st week till now). Don't think I will be selling off baby dopody, as I still very much love using it. Will probably still use it as a GPS receiver. Haha!
I started using a mobile phone in my uni days when I first moved to the Cyberjaya campus. Was there earlier by a week to prepare for the freshie's orientation, so safe to say we were the only living souls in Cyberjaya (not counting the Bangladesh and Indonesian labourers) at that time. Public phones around the campus were still not connected then which forced my dear father (God bless his soul) to get me the cheapest mobile brick he can find. It was a Motorola something. But believe me, it's a brick! Comes with 2 batteries, one slim (which is almost as big as baby dopody now) and another powerbrick (which is like almost double of baby). Tried Google-ing for a picture but looks like it's an ancient thing right now (which it is!) and am lazy to scour through the pages. Passed on to my sister when I was done with it! Haha!
My mum's boss had a bunch of Phillips mobile phones which he got cheap and generously gave me one. Was loving this phone so much. Has a jog dial and everything, plus the battery can last me for a week without charging! I can go away for a few days without bothering to bring a charger along.
Then one day my Philips got pick-pocketed out of my bag at the Central Market LRT station (damn the pickpocketer) and so I was left with no phone. Had to revert to my old Motorola brick set for a while before getting myself a new phone. Was using it for some time, while looking around for a cheap and fashionable phone to replace it.
My uncle just got the 1st Sony Ericsson mobile phone which was small and cute, and the 1st one from the brand which has a built in antenna. Saw me using the powerbrick and decided to give me his phone (thanks uncle!) - claims that the screen and buttons were too small for him. I said thank you (and sighed in relief that I did not need to fork out money I did not have for a new phone then).
After using it for a while, the phone started to get buggy and hangs a lot of times, which prompted me to trade it in to my first small Nokia phone which is as big as the powerbrick (haha!). Forgot the model, but I remember it being the 1st executive phone in the Nokia range, where they had the mobile wallet to keep all your account passwords etc. Was using it for a year when I got bored of it haha so decided to look some more.
Flip phones then came into fashion and I traded in the Nokia for a Samsung flip phone. When I decided to change that (you realise now the story's getting shorter indicating my laziness to go into long details plus I kinda forgot the whole story already) the phone somehow 'knew' and decided to go under my car tyres, coming out working fine but with a cracked screen. Changing the screen will cost me easily for a new phone so decided to keep it in archive (still have it with me now) and my mum sponsored me with a new Samsung slider phone! The first phone that costs over RM1k! Thank you mum.
Peer pressure. Enough said. It was the time when I go to meetings and when the next meeting is scheduled everyone in the room will flip out their pda phones and start typing in. I tippity-tap on my old faithful Samsung slider phone for the calendar to include the meeting in. Peer pressure.
Then... was walking in One Utama one day when I just randomly said to mum, this year I think I want a dopod for my birthday present. Or any kind of pda phone at that time. Was prepared to save up and pay for it too. But mum says that if I want it too badly she'll get it for me for my birthday! Yay! But was feeling very guilty coz the phone really really was expensive so I told her this sums up to 2 years worth of birthday present. No need to get anything for me next year. So happy I love my mum! Muaks!
Well, anyways, the 2 years is way over and I am planning to get a new phone soon. Paying it myself (unless I get a kind soul to sponsor me) and was since yesterday doing research and net-hopping on the latest phones in the market. Didn't want to end up in a dopod-htc issue (which I am still upset... grrr...)
Started off my list earlier this year with...
1. iPhone - Overrated. Not planning to go near it. It's pretty but not worth my RM methinks.
2. SE Xperia - Drool. Nice. But with almost a RM3000 price tag, sigh... one can only dream.
3. HTC Touch HD - Similar to Xperia, both the features and price tag.
4. Samsung Omnia - Love it but don't think so.
Yesterday, was looking at...
1. Blackberry Storm
2. Nokia N97
3. LG KM900 Arena
Budget and looks wise, I'm all for the LG!
Check out the product video.
At the launch, it was mentioned to be retailed at RM1,899 so I hope the price will be more OK when get in a month or two's time.
Right now, waiting for sponsors to come pouring in or a durian runtuh!
Alternatively, I request for ang paus for my birthday this year. It will definitely help into the payment of the phone... Haha!
Sorry! Was very distracted with various things. But will update more soon. Right now will have to wait till my lappie is up and running properly la... As I am typing right now, the new HDD is getting partitioned, Windows to reinstall, softwares to reinstall, emails to reconnect, and everything else sighhhhhh won't be able to work properly till late tomorrow!
My next updates will be pictorial... Since a picture paints a thousand words - nuff said! Haha! Plus my photos are everywhere but in here (the current lappie I'm using)...
So... toodles!
P/S - Movie day with Ms Lee today! We are going to be 17 Again! Hahaha! Syioks!
My personality is...
The Steadfast Ally
What it means huh?
I am...
Easy-going. A good listener. Patient. Reliable. Loyal. Sensitive to Criticisms. A team player. Steady. Predictable. Understanding. Friendly. Calm. Patient. Stable. Consistent.
My strengths...
You are a peace maker. You are patient and empathetic and good at reconciling conflicts. You are good at making others feel like they belong. And you often come across as sincere. You are full of common sense. You are dependable and you provide stability to any relationship you are in. You are realistic and practical. You do not like conflicts and you are usually compliant towards authority. You are even-tempered and loyal.
Dating Advice for The Steadfast Ally
- Be more open to change. The Steadfast Ally usually resists change and takes a long time to adjust. If your date suggests an activity out of your comfort zone e.g. wakeboarding, take up the challenge, and broaden your horizons!
- Be more direct in your interactions. You have the tendency to be openly agreeable even when you inwardly disagree. When you are in a relationship, be more direct and share your concerns and doubts so that your partner knows how you truly feel.
- Show more initiative. One of your strengths is stable, practical and predictable. Hence sometimes, you might come across as 'boring'. Surprise your date by showing more initiative e.g. arranging a picnic by the beach, or a weekend getaway at a nearby island resort.
- Be less sensitive. As you are an empathetic and sensitive soul, you tend to also be very sensitive to criticism. And sometimes, you might even hold grudges. Try to keep an open mind when you think your partner is criticizing you. Sometimes, he or she might not even be aware of what he/she has just said!
If you are dating The Steadfast Ally
- The Steadfast Ally's greatest fear is loss of security. Sudden changes in lifestyle would trigger their sense of loss of security. So, if you would like to introduce some changes to your dating routine, do it gently as not to 'startle' The Steadfast Ally.
- Flattery and buttery is not going to work for The Steadfast Ally. Express a genuine interest in them. Only praise them when you truly mean it. Express appreciation when they have taken the initiative to do something special for you, especially when they have stepped out of their comfort zone to do it.
- The Steadfast Ally dislikes conflicts and arguments. They enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Try to be less pushy and confrontational, and draw them into a calm and peaceful discussion. Else, they might stonewall you.
- If you are dating Ms. Steadfast Ally, be sure to have a plan for the evening. She is usually easy-going and would like her guy to take the lead. If you are dating Mr. Steadfast Ally, be clear of your expectations, as he works best with clearly defined goals.
I was reading the drama which happened earlier today in Ipoh. One thing in particular caught my attention.
"The situation turns ugly in the House. Pakatan rep Thomas Su (Pasir Pinji) ridicules Ganesan by offering him RM50 and shouting ‘Go and die’ in Cantonese.Erm... I'm no law-practitioner but isn't tearing up our Ringgit Malaysia breaking the law? Our taxpayer's money is being used to pay the salary of these people - the supposed law-abiding leaders of the rakyat?
BN-friendly independent state rep and deputy speaker Hee comes to Ganesan’s defence by snatching away the money and tearing in into pieces."
I am also don't normally write about politics but this was just to hard to resist.
Sigh... so the drama.
Mum, Mel & I organised a mini dinner and had some friends over. Ms Lee and family, as well as Mel's classmate and her sister.
What was on the menu?
1. Ikan Cili Sumbat
2. Fried French Beans with Mushrooms
3. Sambal Udang
4. Sauteed Eggplant
5. ABC Soup
6. Coconut & Gula Melaka Jelly
Sorry, was busy helping mum in the kitchen and cleaning the house at the same time to bother taking photos. But I'm sure Ms Lee will upload it in Facebook soon! Haha!
Anyway, Ms. Lee came by with our newest member of the family!
Welcoming TINY into the family!

Well, she was named "Tiny" with the previous owner coz she was the smallest runt in the litter. Very very very small!
I thought how cute it will be to then rename her to Baby-T! You see kan? Baby-Tiny = Baby-T?

See above the leg size in comparison with my mum's (not middle) finger? And she has a stump of a tail, which in the photo makes her look like she has a bunny tail.
Oh well, my sister Mel is not very keen on the name Baby-T, so now it's back Tiny. After Google-ing, thought about using Miki instead... where Miki means...
Miki : small (Origin : Inupiaq)

Then thought maybe mum will confuse and start calling her Nikki (my previous woogie - sigh...) so for now, we're kinda sticking to Tiny till we agree on a better name...
Any suggestions?
Few quickies before I get sucked into the week's craziness!!!
Quickie 1
I have a new baby! My Mini Baby!!! Thanks F for the "present"! Me loving it! Cheap! Cheap! Hehehe...

Quickie 2
Now I'm getting interested with a new baby (I hope!) - was helping TH & LH with a wedding last weekend and the couple had this cool idea of getting a polaroid camera taking photos of guests on the spot and the guest can then stick the photo and write some wishes in the guest book prepared. Very very very cool idea.
So now I am so obsessed with this!

The FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S instant camera! I think it costs less than RM300! Will go find out more info. Can I put this as one of this year's wishlist?
Photos will come out in cute little polaroid films like this!

Even more excuse for me to start on that scrapbooking project I abandoned ages ago!
Quickie 3
Guess what has landed in Malaysia?

This was taken in Mid Valley old wing same row with Teppanyaki. I heard there's also one in Berjaya Times Square. Anyone had one lately? Hehehe... and the donut craze rages on...
[UPDATE] All sold!
Selling these off too... I don't think I wanna start collecting them. These are for the bigger kids. Girls, preferably.
[UPDATE] All sold!
I think I went overboard on my recent purchases. Need to let go some if possible. So, if you wanna get 'em off my back, lemme know. Can buy for soon-to-come babies, or friends who wanna get cheap presents for their pal's kids.
Fisher Price goodies.

Fisher Price - Little People - Lil' Movers SUV (Ages 1-4)
Sold!

Fisher Price - Pooh Babies - Bumble Along Pooh (+18m)
Sold!

Fisher Price - Sesame Street - Giggle & Go - Vehicle Pack (+18m)
RM50

Fisher Price - My Pretty Learning Purse (6-36 months)
RM80 - Reserved!

Fisher Price - Little Superstar - Bop 'n Beats Drum Set (+6m)
Sold!

Fisher Price - Little People - Baby Farm Animals (1) - (Ages 1-4)
Sold!

Fisher Price - Little People - Baby Farm Animals (2) - (Ages 1-4)
Sold!
So - lemme know. Drop me a comment if you're interested. And if you know me personally - e-mail or call me! Hehe...









