Phone? I was asleep in the bus...

Woke up earlier than usual to meet Sayang. As always, I slept in the bus. I woke up just in time to press the bell and alight @ Bugis Junction. Phew!

Checked my mobile. Missed calls. Sayang requested our meeting be postponed to 2pm. I had lunch @ McDonalds before going up to Kinokuniya Bookshop. Walked around browsing thru books. Couple of hours to kill before I made my way to the MRT station. I managed to read 'Asterix & Obelix' comics too! =)

Met Sayang in Paya Lebar for an hour. Supposed to meet Minah in the evening. Instead helped out to relief a tuition class in Woodlands. Took a long stroll to the bus-stop. Hmm... when was the last time I watched the movies?

Blog Makeover...

Earlier this month, I changed the layout of my blog. Painstaking task. With lotsa help from Makcik, I got it changed. Phew!

I got the Geocities account free, courtesy of my Dad who... nevermind, long story. Whatever it is I didn't like the idea of having those pop-ups on my screen. But the fact that I'm a HTML idiot where webpages are concern, I live with it.

So while Minah & Makcik had changed their layouts countless times, I have only changed twice.

Thankfully, Blogspot has become more user-friendly now. With introduction like PhotoBlogger, and more importantly without the pop-up ads, I finally am making the transition.

In due time, I will bid adieu to Geocities. Rest assured I will let you guys & gals know about it. In the meantime, let me figure out all these jargon... HELP! =P

I'm Sergeant for many reasons. Kihkihkih!

During my JC years, I was much involved in a youth club. Without fail, I would travel from Yishun all the way to Paya Lebar to meet up with the committee. We held trips, camps, Hari Raya functions, etc. That was also the time when one boy - Fahd - started calling me 'Sergeant'. The nickname got hooked to me like Velcro. Now, the youth club is no longer around. Still keep in touch with them though I have not met them for ages.

Quiz: What's Your Stress Style?

My result...


"You're a Sergeant, and crisis is your middle name. You don't shy away from stress — in fact, you thrive on it! In a tough situation, your attitude says "We can do it!" as you roll up your sleeves and get to work. No whining or foot-dragging from you — it's action, action, and more action.

The problem with automatically taking control is that some situations may turn out better if they're left to work themselves out. A light touch is sometimes best. You can't always force stress to bend to your will (a fact that can be another source of stress for you!). And being the kind of person who eats stress for breakfast may mean you go hungry when life is flowing smoothly. So try allowing yourself to loosen up a bit, and enjoy the ride."

Ah... so now we know. =)

Stay with me, sswwaay with me

During yesterday's class, EW reminded us that we have approached 'mid-term'. Kinda disbelieving but it was true. Most of us shifted in our seats when EW asked "So have you all read half the textbook?" Somehow I started finding the ceiling interesting. =P

Managed to watch 'Singapore Idol'. First round of 10 contestants with the same panel of 4 judges. My guesses were as good as Ain's or even the judges. Jessie, David Yeo & Oli got voted to the next round. Yay! =)

No "The Apprentice". Even "The O.C" was replaced with Olympic in Athens. Sigh! Not really the kind of Thursday I was looking forward to. But... I have Makcik's STC vcds. Think I will go and watch Disc 2 now. Ciao!

Mathematical Marriage?!

I read Makcik's blog yesterday. She had written and addressed a topic, which I believed is of quite a concern amongst the people of my age - marriage.

Personally, it all boils down to instincts or gut feeling. While I feel very happy for my frens' marriages including Makcik's upcoming wedding at the end of this year, in no way do I feel pressurised to follow their footsteps. Insya'allah when the day arrives, I will. At my own time. For the time being, I'm not setting up queue stands for the next 2-legged creature called 'Man' to come calling.

None the less, I did wondered if there was a scientific, logical explaination or theory to a perfect marriage as opposed to my idiosyncratic view (I strongly think otherwise) just like Yin vs Yang, Logic vs Feelings, the other side of the coin.

Today while I was surfing the Internet, I came across this article. Hahahaha! =)

Have a wonderful Wednesday! I'm off to meet Sayang. =)

Which God/Goddess are you?

Amazing 'Race'.

Went out to meet my fren during the peak hours. Got stuck in traffic jam. Our plan was to go to Toa Payoh to check out the handphones there. Apparently cheaper there. In the end, no new phones bought. We met up @ Plaza Singapura and had dinner in LJS. Rarely eat in LJS. The only food I like there are the fries, the chocolate pie & the shrimps. Can afford not to eat the breaded fish or chicken.

Anyway, took MRT home. Alighted @ CCK but decided not to take the LRT. Spent the next 45 minutes walking home. Kinda miss taking these long walks. Used to be weekly affairs few years back. Nah, I'm not a health freak. Long given up exercising the day I graduated from college. Err... half a decade ago?

It's the time-out sessions that I seek. I suppose it's akin to what some ladies experience while they sat down on the beach, gazing out to sea enjoying the cool breeze... yes? Thoroughly enjoyed the cool wind. Yet I reached home drenched in perspiration. At least, I got my knots straightened out. =)

P.S: Hmmm... come to think of it. I'm craving for dinner in Little India again. When was the last time I went there? Hmm... Dearie, when are you free? =P

Sat @ home & be a good gal...

Watched the Olympics table tennis. Just to see if the Singaporean lady - Li Jia Wei could get a bronze. She didn't. In my opinion, she was too keen to have a fast game. Her opponent on the other hand, did the opposite. Well, better luck next time.

After dinner, I started channel surfing. In the midst of watching CSI Miami on AXN, I switched now and then to watch the National Day Rally given by our new PM. In fact halfway thru, I even gave the rally a miss to watch CSI. PM kept mentioning about a changing Singapore, different post-war generation, etc. Almost no end to changes.

It was only when CSI Miami ended that I switched back and watched the rally to the end. Wow! His first rally and so many good offers. My mum said he's being too generous. Hahah! Well, I'm sure many ladies are happy with the good package.

Back to tv. Watching 'Men in Black 2'. Good night!

I have an intellectual personality

You are highly analytical. You gather information before taking decisions, which must be the right one. Otherwise, you will be very disappointed by
your performance. You are always calm and in control of your means. Your clothes are conservative and your home is sparkling clean. And, it goes without saying that you are punctual and attentive. In short...you are a born leader.

Did this quiz and am stunned! The analysis doesn't sound like me at all!

First, You are highly analytical.
To a certain extent, yes. But I'm the type who go for guts.

You gather information before taking decisions, which must be the right one.
Duh! It's part of my decision-making process. Accurate info at least.

Otherwise, you will be very disappointed by your performance.
Nope. Once I made my decisions, no regrets. Not the type to be worried-sick with sleepless nights and all that lame stuffs.

You are always calm and in control of your means.
I will agree to this. The first and only sentence that makes sense!

Your clothes are conservative and your home is sparkling clean.
Let's just say that my room is a big mess and my clothes are smart-casual.

And, it goes without saying that you are punctual and attentive.
Hahaha! My close frens will object to this statement. I'm attentive but have no innate sense of time!

In short...you are a born leader.
Where necessary only.

Come to think of it, this analysis reflects more on Makcik - analytical, sparkling clean home & born leader characteristics. Surprisingly, Makcik had a different analysis! All I can say, this quiz sucks!

Piano tuner?!

Uurgh! Had my Wednesday planned to meet Sayang for lunch. Then mum told me to be at home for piano-tuner to come! Excuse me?!

I'm supposed to stay while she goes up JB with her frens. Told me last minute and assumed I was free. She can't because this is the only day her fren has a car. With each passing minute, my blood pressure went up. Why did she agree in the first place when she knew piano-tuner is coming?! Can't she go JB another day by bus?

This morning I called up the company and requested that the piano-tuning appointment be postponed. Lady said "Ok". I even told Dayah about it. Then @ 11am, the piano-tuner appeared at my doorstep! Huh?!?! My lunch appointment is at noon and this guy is here?! He said nobody called to inform him. Aaaarrrggh!

Sorry Sayang for having to cancel lunch with you. Next week ok? A quarter to 12 and piano-tuner is still in the house. And yep, I'm not gonna be Miss Nice anymore next Wednesday.

In the meantime... while he's tuning my piano, I did this quiz. =)

Your True Sign Is Taurus

Patient

Stubborn

Possessive

Self-Indulgent

Greedy and Generous

Determined and Deliberate

Lover Of All Things Luxurious

Comfort Seeking and Comforting


What's Your True Zodiac Sign? Take This Quiz :-)

Patient? Perhaps... juz dun push my button.

Stubborn? I admit. It's my weakness & strength.

Possessive? Of what may I ask?

Self-Indulgent? Am I?

Greedy & Generous? Huh? that's contradicting. I'm not that weird.

Determined & Deliberate? Aww... thank you =)

Lover of All Things Luxurious? Who isn't? I accept cheques, Masters, Amex...

Comfort Seeking & Comforting? Yes. I seek comfort in my bed after 1 whole day out at work/play. =p

My legs are aching from TOO MUCH sitting!

Woke up @ 6.30am in a daze. Pleasse let me sleep! I don't remember agreeing to accompany Mum. If I were to follow my heart, I would have screamed. But followed my head, dragged myself out of bed and showered instead.

Reached NUH @ 8.30am. Other than those admin clerks, not many souls were up and about yet. Aiyoh... Registered, sat down and waited. Few minutes later, Mum was called in. I sat down and continued waiting. Sigh! Needless to say, I spent half my day waiting for Mum to finish her check-up. By the time she was done, it was 12.30pm and I had eaten 1 BBQ chicken pau, 1 packet of Kit Kat cubes & munching on my Cadbury's Roast Almonds chocolates.

Went to the Day Surgery Centre to look for Cik Ina. Then we went for lunch - her treat. The NUH is huge. The layout is mind-boggling. Perhaps I'm too used to SGH's layout. =) We came entering through main building. We left at dunno what wing or entrance.

Rested at home for a couple of hours. Then left to meet Yus & Minah @ BP McDonalds. Sat again and talked. Yus is quitting his job and doing a different line - teaching. At first glance, I thought Yus looked bigger than usual. Observed again and realised he's putting more weight. Later on, Minah said he's been going to the gym too. Hahah!

Minah & I walked around the plaza after that. We separated for a while to do our errands. Then met up and headed back to her house. Her mum's Roti Boyan is really good. Eaten with Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis... set my mouth on fire! I'm a sucker for spicy food but my mouth and nose can't stand it. Thank goodness it wasn't too spicy or I would be eating in tears. =)

Gonna watch the Olympics swimming events now. Good night!

STC... that's supposedly me!

You Are Most Like Carrie! You're quirky, flirty, and every guy's perfect first date. But can the guy in question live up to your romantic ideal? It's tough for you to find the right match - you're more than a little picky. Never fear... You've got a great group of friends and a great closet of clothes, no matter what! Romantic prediction: You'll fall for someone this year... Totally different from any guy you've dated. Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You Most Like?

I did the quiz for fun, laughter, peace & joy. Rarely watch 'Sex & The City' myself. Hmm... Makcik, can I start borrowing your vcds? =)

Who am I?

Quoting the following excerpt from a book I'm reading...

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the things I do you might just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed - you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great individuals and, alas, of all failures, as well. Those who are great, I have made great. Those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a human. You may run me for a profit or run me for ruin - it makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Any guesses? =)

A Lil' About Me...

THINGS I'M CURRENTLY USING/READING/CONSUMING

Shampoo: Pantene

Bags: slingbag bought in JB.

Tshirt: currently wearing Giordano V-neck

Shoes: dun wear shoes in the house

Socks: none. stopped wearing the day I ended JC life.

Toothpaste: Colgate

Computer: DELL Inspiron 4150 laptop

Wallet: St Valentino

Pencil Case: Billabong dark blue

Pens: ballpoint pens. err... Pilot & Red Leaf?

Watch: 1 year old Casio. dun like leather straps.

Magazines: used to buy Cleo. I read any mags that I touch.

Chocolate: Ferrero Rocher & Cadbury's Almonds.

Chips: Hot & Spicy..... I'm terrible with names.


[In the Morning I AM]
stonez & bit moody

[All I Need Is]
family & frens

[I Am Afraid Of]
animals & pests... when they crawl on me. Eeeuuuw!

[I Dream About]
for now, my OWN ROOM! future, earning the 5 'C's. =)

[current Mood]
calm. home alone!

[Current Clothes]
tshirt & pants

[Current Music]
Chak De - Hum Tum

[Current Book]
Rereading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens - Sean Covey

[CD's Currently In Player]
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004


LAST PERSON...

[you hugged]
Hansem boi... few weeks ago

[you kissed]
Dad... months ago

[you talked to]
Mum... hours ago


YOUR FAVORITES

[drinks]
iced Milo, teh sarbat

[album]
none. stopped buying the day I got to know Kazaa. you know?

[shoes]
I'm into sandals.

[animal]
none

[tv show]
Friends, The Apprentice Show, The O.C, CSI.

[fruit]
Durian


ARE YOU....

Understanding: yep. may take a while though... hehe

Insecure: nope

Friendly: mmm, I socialise. but I don't just say "Hi" to any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Smart: time and again, tests have proven that I am. *winks*

Moody: rarely

Childish: me? nah... i'm playful

Independent: yep

Hardworking: i can be

Healthy: I am. just recovered from a blocked nose. but doubt I'm as fit as I used to be.

Emotionally Stable: yep! I trust my guts most.

Difficult: to those who don't understand me.

Bored Easily: nope

Responsible: if I make it my business, yep.

Trusting: I don't trust people at the drop of a hat.

Patient: yep


WHO DO YOU WANT...

To Kill: nobody

T0 actually see naked: hahaha nobody I have in mind for now.


WHICH IS BETTER..

Coke or Pepsi: I drink both occasionally. Cutting down on soft drinks.

Pink or Blue: Blue!


10 IMPORTANT THINGS IN MY BAG

1. wallet
2. Motorola handphone
3. Nokia handphone (hopefully can get new one in 2 weeks?)
4. house keys
5. a packet of tissue (rarely used them. juz in case someone else needs it)
6. water bottle
7. monthly bills
8. memo pad (for doodling, scrawling, scribbling last minute stuffs)
9. a black ball-point pen
10. Clorets cool mint

Steering off...

Makcik smsed me this morning to say that she was on medical leave. Again?! Poor lady has got a sore throat. Woohoo! Such music to my ears! Unfortunately her fingers typed just as much while I was chatting online with her. To think she was sick... =P

I'm hardly my normal self when I'm sick. Most of the time I will be lying on my bed sleeping. No TV, no radio, no surfing the Internet, etc. If possible, I would even close my bedroom door to shut all noises. That's sick. Well at least that's how my family members know I am anyway. Unless I'm lying sick in bed, I won't stay put at home. Heehee! Despite any illness, I have common symptoms - fever, blocked/stuffed nose, headache, vomitting. Irksome but tell me, how can I be myself in that state?

I got to know Makcik. I got to know Minah. Their definition of 'sick' changed mine. They can be sick and still go out to shop, to dine, to play, to watch a movie, to walk, to talk, to enjoy! Wah! I want to be sick like them too! Hahaha! =)

Perhaps with age, my body has got stronger. Or maybe it's due to their indirect influence, but thankfully I rarely get full-blown sickness now. So... the next time you see me at home like a potato couch watching a Hindi movie on vcd with a hot mug of cereal and a blocked/stuffed nose, beware... I'm sick! =p

Makcik, your items are safe under lock & key.

Went to Outram. The agency had wanted us to come down to give our feedbacks. Needless to say, I commented from the logistics, coursework, materials, communication right up to the teachers and students.

Left the place around 3.45pm and couldn't stop by MayBank. Sheesh! I had forgotten to bring my book. Found myself doodling on the tissue papers while waiting for Makcik to arrive from work. Ordered 20 pieces of nuggets with hot Milo @ McDonalds. Took my own sweet time to eat. By the time Makcik arrived, I had long finished the cup of hot Milo and too full to finish the nuggets.

Makcik has been very busy lately. Busier than ever. I was smiling when I saw her. Boy, she looked tired! Later on, Pakcik fetched us. Pakcik looked more tired and more worried than her! Talking, joking and laughing but I could practically see other things on their minds. Aiyoh... Get enough rest both of you. Don't faint on your big day. =)

Dropped by Civic Centre to return Makcik's library books. Then entered Causeway Point to do a little shopping. Came home and house was dark and empty! Huh? Where did they go?

Much later I got to know that Mum had dropped by Beach Road to buy Ain's dinnerware for her new house. To reduce the hassle, they drove straight to Ain's house. Mum helped Ain to arrange the dinnerware in her cabinets. Then they had dinner in Teck Whye.

Fasting month is approaching. Yet to come... but I'm already beginning to wonder. Hmm... how's our Raya Outing gonna be like this year?

Singapore, U R 39 years old!

Second day of being a potato couch. With ZeeTV & STARplus, by their powers combined... it's making my life a spinning headache with pandabear eyes.

I sat down to watch 'Hum Aapke Hai Kaun' from 3pm. According to the guide, the show was supposed to end @ 6pm. Let's just say the show stretched itself. =P Didn't mind as there was Madhuri Dixit. =)

Took a shower while Ain cooked. Completely missed the National Day Parade. Then we both watched 'Singapore Idol'. Hahahaha! There are a few who could sing. But those who can't, they were clowns. Those contestants went in and out of the audition room with a Never Say Die attitude literally, despite being turned down by the panel of judges. One 'entertainer' stripped himself down to his briefs while shouting to the song of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs". Another contestant jumped about while singing "Lemon Tree". Hmm... did he think those judges were toddlers? But Ain & I cracked up out loud when we heard the contestant who whispered "Careless Whispers". When he talked, his voice was ok. When he sang, we could hardly hear!

After all that, I think I'm gonna wait till the finals before watching 'Singapore Idol' again.

Yakkity yak *sniff* yakkity yak...

Parents left for trip this morning. Enjoy the break! I dozed back to slumberland after bidding them goodbye, in the living room's sofa. Heehee =P

By the time I was 'conscious' again, both my sisters have left. Hmm... when did they left considering that I'm near the front door? Anyway woohoo! Home alone! Eternal bliss, peace & harmony for me! Kept myself on a strict 'diet' of hot drinks in the hope to cure my blocked nose. Switched on the tv and was practically glued to it from afternoon till evening. Watched 'Deewane' on Zee TV and 'Laila Majnun' on Star Plus... plus bits of 'Dragonheart' on HBO. Believe me, 2 Hindi films are more than enough to burn 1/4 of your day! Finally left to meet Renu in Causeway Point.

I think the pretty lady has lost more weight. We had dinner @ Delifrance. Place was not crowded. Right after we made our orders, we saw a long queue behind us. Hahah! Looks like we never fail to bring in customers everywhere we go. =)

Dinner was pretty fast but we continued to sit and chat till 10.30pm. It was only when we heard the sound of shutters coming down did we left Deli and headed to McDonalds @ Civic Centre. Ordered 2 cups of hot Milo and continued our talk. We have not met for so long though still keeping in touch via sms and phone calls. So many things to talk about, really! We left @ 11.15pm... for her to chase her last MRT and for me to chase my last bus.

My blocked nose is much better now. Alhamdulillah!

I *sniff* hab a beri *sniff* bad cole

Have been sneezing out loud and hard for the past few days. No runny nose but worse, blocked nose! Urrgh! No fever, no headache... just the irritating itch on my nose.

Parents are going for a short trip up to Terengganu over the weekends. Dad told me about it weeks back. Kept asking if I was free to join them. Told him I was... and now he told me that his frens couldn't decide if they are going or not. Sickening!!!

I was watching tv when Dad came and talked to me. Told me that he was waiting for a call from his fren. If his fren decides not to go, then I can start packing for the trip. Blew off my top. Seriously, why would I care for such fickle-minded people?! Big shot is it?! Shouldn't have bothered to inform me earlier if this is the outcome. In the end, I said "Forget it. I'm not going. Can't even make up their freaking minds."

Yep. I was harsh. To the wrong person. Sorry! But for goodness sake, the trip's tomorrow and those people are still deciding at the eleventh hour? Troubling my Dad who still has to fetch them, if they are going.

Well, none of my biz anymore. Replied to Renu's sms and accepted tomorrow's date.

Troop of monsters? So?! (Part 2)

The agency's promise to get back to us never happened. Not that it did matter to us much because Mum & I have long decided not to teach anymore. Sickened by their lousy work etiquettes. No professionalism at all. Still, all materials are still with us. So we had assumed that they will call us to tell us to return those items. Didn't happened.

Finally my mum's fren called her and told her the entire story. Apparently the agency had called my mum's fren 2 days ago. Requested that she covered our classes... just like that. She demanded that they gave her the coursework by night for her to prepare her lesson or she would not teach. As usual, they told her to come an hour early. Once again they arrived just in time for class to start, unprepared. My mum's fren had experienced this nonsense before as she had taught the Pri 6 classes. So, she left them to manage their own mess while she went up to her class and started teaching. Hahaha!

Right now my mum has start wondering if we would be paid for that one class we taught. Well Mum, they had better not mess with me.

Tailor-made Baju Raya...

Went out with mum in the afternoon to pay a visit to the seamstress' house. Mum felt that I had grown (vertically that is) but the aunt looked at me and said "Grown? Is it? I don't think so." Awww... thank you! =) For the benefit of doubt, she took my measurements again. Passed!

Weather was scorching hot but mum & me were having blocked nose. I gladly welcomed the bottle of fish crackers and hot cup of Teh-O. Let both ladies talk while I browsed and read 'Jelita' magazines. Before I know it, I had emptied the bottle of crackers. Aunt went to refill it and they continued their chat, I continued to read... and munch.

Mum has always make it a point to deliver our cloths to the seamstress during the June holidays each year. To allow ample time for the seamstress to sew our clothes before Ramadhan comes. Last year was the only exception that my family bought and wore ready-made clothes. Our clothes were not ready as the aunt had to look after her hubby post-op. This time round when we came, all our baju kurungs were ready. Woohoo! =) Baju kebayas in the making...

Mum has decided to get the same seamstress to sew our clothes for Ain's wedding. But in the meantime, we are waiting till Dad finds a colour that he likes. His is the only one that has to be ready-made. So once Dad gets his, only then can us ladies start searching for ours. And people say women are fussy... as if!

Headed to Jurong Point nearby after that. Bought dinner @ Banquet. Entered John Little to look around while waiting for Dad to fetch us. Mum said he was arriving in 10 minutes. Let's just say... if we had boarded the bus, we would have reached home way earlier. Genie, I wish for a car! =P

Dinner @ Tambuah Mas Restaurant.

Just back from a family dinner to celebrate Dad's birthday. Initially Dayah & I wanted to buy a new Brauns shaver for him. But considering that he has a shaver that is still in good condition, we changed our minds.

Had our usual order of Tahu Telor, Rendang Lembu, Sup Buntut & Kangkong Blachan. In addition, I ordered Ikan Pepes for the family. Dayah had her plate of Nasi Kuning while the rest of us ate those dishes with plain rice.

It seems like everyone in my family is not a foodie person (other than me). Ain didn't eat much - dieting eversince her last medical check-up showed that she has high body fat. Dayah has never been much of a gal to eat rice. Dad had his normal measly portion of 1/2 plate of plain rice. The rest of us finished our portions. I finished my rice too soon. Would have loved to request for more rice to eat with those dishes, but dropped the idea on second thought. Cos of my dessert - Es Chendol Kacang! Yummy!

Dayah & I exchanged looks. 5 adults and struggling to finish our orders. Pathetic but what the heck... as long as everyone is full, that's all that matters.

We left the restaurant @ 7.40pm. Dad drove us to Grandpa's house to catch our Maghrib prayers. Slightly drizzling by then too. Despite old age and the mild stroke he suffered years back, Grandpa is still persistent in living on his own and working! He's one tough old man.

We got back in time to watch the re-telecast of 'Anugerah'. Light showers and breezy night. Hmm... good night, sleep tight. =)