Me? Aquamarine?

Went to Makcik's blog juz now. She was down with coughs but it looks like she is on her way to speedy recovery - blog revamped & updated, her old self in normal mode.

I did this colour test and got this result...

you are aquamarine #7FFFD4

Your dominant hues are cyan and green. Although you definitely strive to be logical you care about people and know there's a time and place for thinking emotionally. Your head rules most things but your heart rules others, and getting them to meet in the middle takes a lot of your energy some days. Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it. Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Aquamarine? Personally find the colour pale. Whatever it says about me... hmm, what say you?

'Midnight' story 2

For fun, laughter, peace and joy... I went online to check my bank account. As I predicted, honorarium was still not credited. This time, I emailed the Centre Manager. Nearing evening, I received 3 calls from the centre. First call was made by the admin gal to verify my bank account number. Next 2 calls were from the Centre Manager himself.

By the end of all calls, I hung up my phone shaking my head and laughing! What is this guy up to? Is it his fault, or should bureaucracy be blamed?

He finally assured that everything will be settled by end of this month. =)

Where money is concern, bureaucracy and company policies can complicate things further. I have worked in the finance department and yes... when people are in need of money, at times I had wished I could pluck those cash from trees! Gotta understand that people are not born equal. Good learning experience for me as I got to see both sides of the coin.

But the biggest joke goes to the Centre Manager. Just his luck that I happened to do Internet Banking on that day. Peace! Hahahahahahah!

'Midnight' story 1

Thank god for Internet Banking! I came online to actually check a particular bank transaction that I've made last week. Just to kill 2 birds with one 'click', I checked everything else. Oddly enough, no money deposited for the tuitions given in May.

Called up the Centre Manager and informed him. The following conversation ensued...

Me: "Just to let you know that my honorarium for May has not been credited into my bank acocunt. It's suppoz to be on the 23rd right?"

CM: "Yes. What's the date today?"

Me: "23rd June..."

CM: (after a long silence) "Hmm... perhaps you can check it again later? It could be hmm... that the money will be credited by midnight."

Me: "Midnight??"

CM: "Yes. It's 23rd today and it may not be credited at this time. Perhaps it will only be credited later at midnight."

Me: "Ok. I will check it tomorrow and get back to you. Bye."

I seriously wonder if there are anybody else around here who thinks likewise as him. Definitely not the banks.

To be continued... after midnight =P

"I'm worth a lot"

I came across this a long time back in Makcik's blog... but last month, Minah emailed me the same stuff.

Today while going thru the folders in my Hotmail account, I came across it once again.

Woman - worth a lot
In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question "What kind of man are you looking for?"

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking, "Do you really want to know?" Reluctantly, he said "Yes."

She began to expound... "As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself. I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of any man...or woman for that matter.

I am in the position to ask, "What can you bring to the table?" The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money. She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "I am not referring to money. I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life."

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain. She said "I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

"I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked...believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

"I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don't need a financial burden.

"I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

"I am looking for someone who I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy.

"God made woman to be a help mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself."

When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face. He said, "You are asking a lot."

She replied, "I'm worth a lot."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Oh bummer...

I was suppoz to meet Selena for the tutors' briefing. Had missed it last Friday because of camp... and missed it today because I slept through.

My bio clock is topsy-turvy! Aarrgghh! I was on high alert mode last night with the hot weather and my pet bottle of Pepsi. After uploading my camp pics and updating my blog, I still wasn't sleepy.

Long-lost chat fren came online and we chatted all the way till 9am this morning! Not a problem for him since it's only 9pm his side... a BIG problem for me! Dayah woke up and even offered to heat up pizza for me. She thought I had just woken up.

Logged off and headed to bed.

Woke up at noon. 3 hours of sleep? God, please help me go through this week. I have classes to teach. =( Called Selena to arrange for another briefing, showered and heated up pizza. Yummy! Ordered Pizza Hut's Super Monday offer... I got full from eating the Spicy Drumlets, Nachos, Breadstixs & bottle of Pepsi. After eating vegetarian food for 3 days, all meats taste sweet!

Back from IYC.

It's been a long while since I last attended a camp. Last camp was... hmm 5 years ago?? I was given the opportunity to attend the Interfaith Youth Camp this time. Considering that I'm so free nowadays, I registered.

It was unlike any of those training camps that I attended during my school days. Our 'campsite' was smacked in Downtown East itself! Our 'tents' were the NTUC chalets - air-conditioned and equipped with proper beds, cupboard, toilet, TV, dressing table, fridge and Xbox console. It wasn't a training camp too heeheehee =)

Throughout the 3 days, I enjoyed myself. Got to know about other faiths - Baha'i Faith, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism & Catholic. Learnt the beauty of Islam even more during discussions. Visited various places of worships. Never have I felt more 'purified', physically or spiritually.

3 days of vegetarian food (luckily I eat more veg now)... was a tad too much for my digestive system though. =P Unfortunately, I didn't spend much time in my room. Within the 2 nights, I slept for 3 + 6.5 hours. Completely missed breakfast on the last day. Well, I wasn't alone. =)

I brought my digicam along and took photos at every given opportunity. On the last day of camp, my rechargeable batteries went kaput. Had to resort to normal ones as I didn't bring the charger. Check out the pics!

We came as strangers, we left as friends.

What is wrong with the ROUTER?!

Yesterday, Dayah & I had trouble connecting to the Internet from the laptop & PC. I thought the ISP was doing its monthly maintenance so simply leave it at that.

Today the same problem occurred. I sent SOS sms to my IT savvy members... doubted any of them would response past 11pm. Within minutes I dashed from the dining to my room when my mobile rang. Wow!

My fren guided me over the phone to make some checks. Finally concluded that the problem lies in the router. Unfortunately, my fren is not that experienced to give 'technical help support via phone' where wireless routers are concerned. Sigh!

An important note was raised though. Bukit Panjang had a major blackout a couple of months back... to cut the story short, my wireless router has to be reconfigured for blockage. =(

Right now, I am typing away in the study room. The cable modem is connected straight to my laptop and there are wires (AC adapter, USB port to digicam) all over the floor. At least, I'm still on broadband! =P

Selamat menjalankan ibadah Umrah!

Woke up early this morning to accompany parents to airport. Weather was dark, windy and raining heavily. Bbbrrr! How nice it would have been to sleep!

Left the house at noon. Dad's fren drove us there...

It was still raining when we arrived at the airport. Lots of my parents' frens were there to see them off. Cik Idah, Cik Ani & families were around too. I was slightly shocked to see one of my Mum's fren - Cik Jun. They were best frens during school time... Dayah and her 2nd son share the same birthdate! Though the last time I saw her was in 1995 when grandma passed away, apparently they still keep in touch. My memory of Cik Jun was very different from view... hence the shock. =)

Mum insisted on taking photos using her manual camera. Place was congested with so many people, yet we managed to take group photos. After that, salam my parents and they checked into the airplane.

Dayah & I joined Cik Idah, Cik Ani & families for lunch @ Geylang. They were craving for Mee Kuah. They drove us home after that and it was still raining!

Now, both of us are slackening in the house. Two more days before I leave for my camp. Gonna start packing some stuffs... Arios!

Mini Family Gathering

Phew! My relatives left half an hour ago... Feeling tired but happy actually.

My parents leaving for Umrah tomorrow noon. Cik Ani (Nanny) and Cik Idah called this afternoon saying they wanted to come to my house. Cik Ani actually cooked dishes from her house, got my cuz Zal to drive her and Shasha to my house with Asam Pedas, Rendang, Sambal Goreng, Peria and marinated chicken wings. She arrived @ 6pm. Within 15 mins, Cik Idah and family arrived with home made Chocolate Cake. Wow! What's the occassion?!?! Much later I found out that Cik Ani missed having dinner with us. Hence the dishes. And her back was aching, yet she cooked. I'm very touched by what both did.



Nursya, Afiq, Shamin, Ira and Shasha got hooked to my 'Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004' on my laptop. We had dinner after Maghrib prayers... but those children dashed back to my laptop as soon as they finished. The adults took time to eat. Cik Ani cooked a lot! She was kidding that we could refrigerate the Rendang and eat it with bread for the next 12 days that my parents won't be around. Hahah! =)

The children congregated in the dining hall. TV was on... watching 'Heartlanders', 'Man @ Forty' and bits of 'Anugerah'. Air-con was on. 2 jars of cold mango juice served for them.



The adults stayed put in the living room - fans blasting away, TV on but none watching attentively. Teapot of green tea served for them. Mid-way, Dayah had to go out cos we ran out of sugar! My mum prepares green tea with sugar... no wonder the teapot was empty within minutes. But I like it this way too!

Gonna recharge the batteries of my digicam now. Cheerios!

Gonna b a long boring week...

Yep! Makcik is leaving tonight for one week holiday trip... Sayang is leaving tonight for 2 weeks' trip to Israel... my parents are leaving this Wednesday... Dearie has been quiet...

I will be away for a short camp this Friday. In the meantime, I'm gonna be bored to tears. Hmmm, perhaps I should get that haircut I've been delaying. Another shopping trip to Mustafa Centre for my camping stuffs? Kihkihkih!

More Neon Tetras in Plan.

Slept earlier than usual last night as I had relief tuition from 1pm - 5pm. Got up, showered, got ready and then my stomach grumbled. Stomachache now?! Luckily the place was in Bukit Panjang itself... I finally arrived @ 1.30pm. Sorry!

The same Pri 4 boy was again by himself in the class. Last week's lesson with him was dreadful as he was so quiet. Gonna be different this time round and it did! =) Rasyid finally talked. Phew!

Next class was a group of Pri 6 students. Would have loved to play games with them but abandoned the idea. Gave them mid-year revision paper instead.

Once tuition was over, I lingered around Bangkit. Stopped by the pets shop and bought neon tetras for Dayah. 3 for $1! Goodness... with the $4 I spent on 2 cardinals, I could have bought 12 neons!

Headed to Minah's house. Her mum and brothers were leaving for a function but she was staying put at home. Watched 'Plan' on her new dvd player. A funny story.

Beautiful full moon as I left her house. Tried to capture a picture of it but it turned out smaller and blurred. As good as the digicam is, it cannot beat my eyesight (God given). Now in the midst of typing this entry, I'm beginning to panic. Why? Because I don't know if I have work in Woodlands tomorrow. It's already too late to call and confirm. Sigh... I will just sms Leili and set my alarm for 7am. Good night!

You don't tap wallets on keyholes... sigh!

Went out to meet Makcik @ 5pm. Alighted from bus 190 @ Orchard... but after a while, I started to wonder if I was supposed to meet her there or in Raffles. Hmmm, my brain's asleep.

Smsed her, no reply. Called her and she replied "Orchard MRT station". Phew! While waiting for her to arrive, I had a packet of Kit Kat cubes.

Went up to Popular Bookshop and browsed thru books. Makcik called again. To meet her @ Mark & Spencers' Paragon. She took the bus from office and was already in Takashimaya SC. I walked thru Wisma, entered Takashimaya, stopped by Delifrance, bought Turkey Ham & Cheese croissant and crossed over to Paragon. All these walks are making me hungry...

I sat outside Mark & Spencers eating my croissant. Another sms from Makcik - held back in TSC shoes section. Just as I was about to reply, she appeared. Presto! =) She bought her toiletries @ 15% discount. Left Paragon and entered TSC (again...) to have dinner @ Delifrance (yes, again...). Makcik had her tuna sandwich meal while I had Deli Potato with Orange Juice. Makcik wondered that I didn't mind the place. Well, it's a different order! =P

Dropped by library. Then waited for Pakcik who was in town. Went Makcik's house. When we arrived, hansem boi was asleep. Within minutes, he was up but moody. I played with his remote control jeep and hansem boi chased after it. Hahaha! Hansem boi was making lots of sound effects. Maybe he longs to join us in our conversation. =)

Went frantic when I realised it was already 11.25pm. Must chase last bus 963 or I will have to take the cab home. Salam everyone... Hansem boi had his shy smile when I said goodbye. Then he said "Thank you" and salam me. Sssooo cute!!!

Managed to catch the last bus home. Reached the front door and took my purse instead of my keys. *Slaps forehead*

Watching 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' on Channel 5 while eating home-made Fried Rice now. Bye!

Neon? Cardinal? Tetras still!

Made an effort to wake up very early this morning as I had relief tuition. Well, supposedly! Reached the centre @ 9am. Selena, Minah & Akbar were there but no students around. Hmm... I got into one of the classrooms and switched on the air-con.

Half an hour later, still no students. Not a soul. Had they forgotten? Were they informed? I spent another half an hour calling up their homes. 2 were away for camp, 1 has withdrawn just last month. The 4th student could not be reached. And I am up early morning doing nothing!

I had thought of going to Woodlands Library once tuition was over. In the meantime, I helped out Minah with her bundle of T-shirts. Amazingly Minah was hungry... @ 11.30am. =P

Akbar, Minah & I left for lunch @ 12.30pm. Lunch treat from Minah for helping her out. Went to Banquet and had Mee Poh dry. Thank you!

Akbar and Minah headed back to their office after that. I headed home. My dump bag weighed a ton, killing my left shoulder. Cleared out all rubbish, then left for Woodlands Library.

Read up books on freshwater fish - Characins in particular. Dayah has a small tank of Tetras. She has been keeping fish eversince I brought home a plastic bag of fishes in a small pail from the Crocodile Farm. Unknown to both of us, there was a pregnant fish in that plastic bag. Within 3 days, her collection grew in abundance. Dayah said she accidentally flushed down some fry while changing water, some got eaten up by other fish and eventually all her fishes died. The pail was left overturned for quite a long while. I guess she was not prepared then.

No more pail of fishes now. She has upgraded to a small tank, 30cm by 14cm, of Neon & Cardinal Tetras. At a glance, they look the same - neon stripes. Look closer and one will notice the difference - only cardinals have red underlying stripes from head to fin. She has one pregnant fish now. Just hoping that Dayah gets a plant for it to spawn soon. Gotta put those Tetras in another tank after that. They are quite avid egg-eaters!