tagged - encore! j'ai faim!

Spank you SeaDemon for tagging me again - and this time on FOOD, glorious FOOD!

Allez-y...

NAME 5 FAVOURITE FOOD THAT YOU FEEL LIKE HAVING NOW

1. Freshly baked herb rolls dipped in olive oil & balsamic vinegar.
2. Asam pedas ikan sembilang (multiple personality kan, up there I'm so very de non-melayu) with cincaluk on a bed of hot white rice...
3. Black Pepper Crab at that Jalan Imbi seafood place.
4. My very own version of Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich.
5. Laksa Johor. The one my auntie makes, and not any other.
6. Greedy me - Ikan Bakar Tip Top in front of Hyatt JB (formerly located at Tepian Tebrau) - sorry eh I add one more item...hehehe...

NAME 5 FOOD YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FOR BREAKFAST IF YOU COULD
1. Nasi Lemak with Otak Otak at Jalan Storey, JB.
2. Laksa Sarawak of course - can't remember the shop in Kuching but the nyonya one lah. Aiyo my memory so bad.
3. The Big Breakfast at La Bodega Deli - sauteed mushrooms on the side. Orgasmic.
4. Paper Thosai at Shahjahan, Keramat Permai.
5. Nasi Kerabu from the kakak at Setiawangsa Food Court.

NAME 5 FOOD YOU WOULD MOST LIKELY BUY FOR BERBUKA TODAY (tomorrow that is)
1. Big Apple Donuts? If I go to The Curve.
2. A Whopper - sorry la macam weng sikit my taste this time.
3. Singgang Ikan Tenggiri from Kak Ina at my office. I foresee tomorrow to be a long day so I might be late and no 1 might just as well be beyond my reach.
4. A McDonald's Foldover - if I were to be TERRIBLY late and don't have any other choice :(
5. A big buffet at Shangri-La if SeaDemon is generous enough to treat me there. (I don't know what else to write lah... I know this is jawapan yang tak relevant with the soalan)

And I wanna tag:

1. Zaza
2. Ardy
3. DNAS
4. Theta
5. Meandmylife

Bon appetit!

an iftar invitation

Since I cannot blog (and that kick-ass entry is dying to come out from my list of posts) I'd like to take this golden platinum opportunity to invite my friends who read this blog to come over for an open ticket iftar at my humble residence.

Well actually I'm dying to try out a few dishes which I haven't done in a while and with just Ali and me at home I don't think it's economical to cook for two. Not with the list of menu I have down here.

Things I want to make:

1. Chicken Parmesan
2. Ox Tail Asam Pedas (challenging, siut!)
3. Bruschetta Primavera (Spena, I want some of your mozarella shreds)
4. Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Beef Bacon (again)
5. Sirap Bandung Soda

Stop salivating. If you're interested send in the dates that you guys are available. And no Zaza, air tickets not included. Hee hee.

take five

Will not be able to blog these few days until next week because:

1. Annual Report is going for print and Mr Somebody wants to change this and that. The freaking layout at the very last minute!!

2. Very busy with my gift baskets.

3. Crazy client wants corporate website copy urgently. And tonnes of comments on my current copy. Am I getting dumber? Am I losing my touch? Or is the client just a moron? He IS a moron I think.

4. Coffee withdrawal symptoms. Bulan puasa, kan?

5. Too much food for buka puasa (finally got to eat the daging salai masak lemak - thanks to the lovely Guile) and the sambal ijo!!!!! SD - please watch your diet after this OK!

Good night all. And I had this one kick-ass piece to post actually but... ARGHHH.. it really has to wait.

yakiniku heaven

I just got back from my paper thosai place - read my sis' comments on my blog and went to her Flickr. She is one helluva photographer by the way.

Just to share with you Zaza's take on the Japanese grilled beef delicacy, Yakiniku:
...and I said I wanted to go vegetarian. Who am I kidding?

ladies who lunch laugh

Two days of buka puasa outside has left me tired, bloated, and uncomfortably full (not to mention the indigestion - where's my Ginger Eno???).

Yesterday, we had buka puasa at Marche, The Curve with the STF buddies. It was supposed to be an STF thingy - girls from my batch but mainly because the organiser is yours truly, it turned out more of an NSSC do. Well, let's face it - once a gangstress in school always a gangstress. I bet most of the baik2 girls were quite hesitant to join because I disclosed the attendees list on the Yahoo egroup. Oh well... Two of our married friends brought along their adorable hubbies plus kids. I bet the hubby must be doing the tsk!tsk!tsk! watching us blab about boobs (or the lack of it) and other unmentionable things.

Food-wise it was good, not great -- that's always the case at Marche, innit? Better than normal days probably because I was damn hungry. Downside is that you have to pay for beverages (I had dragonfruit juice, rockmelon juice and a bottle of H20) - my bill came up to RM61.

Today had buka puasa at the Kg Warisan clubhouse with another group of sisters - cuppacake, dore7n and ayu. And oh, all of us brought the kids along (altho' I only brought Ali sebab tak larat nak bawak the little hurricane Yunus). Out of the 4 of us, 2 are officially divorced and 1 is on the verge. 1 is happily married (yes, you cuppacake - maybe it's because of the cupcakes that you make!). That made cuppa the minority. Hahah.

OK I'm not making light of this being divorced / married thingy ok but it's overwhelming how NOW of all times, a lot of my friends are facing issues circling the Big D.

Is this all purely coincidental? Is this some kismet sh*t, written in the stars, some sort of constellation movements messing up with our lives?

And I just found out that by some screwed up twist of fate my life has some creepy similarities with Guile (the time we started blogging, why we blogged, the day we finally ended things...)

I'm off now for a supper/early sahur of paper thosai (or as SeaDemon would call it - DOSA heheheh).

And I will think about all this while I munch on that bloody delicious piece of crispy, buttery crepe.

the perfect love affair

I've been wearing my gold maryjanes (my sister has a similar pair, too!) for the past year and it just gets better. It feels like the first date everytime I slip them on. Yes ladies, I'm a Crocs convert, I wear my Crocs at almost every occasion that I can. In fact when I travel outstation I will have a shoe bag in my hand luggage to keep my pumps and will only wear pumps when I go into the board room. I know I keep getting second glances from the makciks at the JB office sometimes when I forget to change.

A downside on wearing Crocs is that I am uncomfortably short. Yes, short - almost midget short on bad days :) I've been wearing heels all my working life and when I don my Crocs I feel so bloody inferior. Hee hee. There's one time an office mate, upon seeing me with flats for the first time remarked, "Kenapa eh today you look like kanak-kanak ribena?"

I've been wanting to get the Crocs Sassari for the longest time (even before they came to Malaysia) because that way I can look 2 inches taller AND not worry about hurting my two feet. Plus, I can slip 'em on at the office and no one would know its a Crocs. Or would they?

So today at KLCC I bought a Sea Foam/White Sassari! I usually wear a 7 but because you need a really snug fit for this one I settled for a 6. It fits like a glove!
This is by far, one of the coolest shoes that I've ever bought (my 3 pairs of Nike trainers are crying their eyes out in the shoe closet right now) - the Sassari is a sleek retro wedge that is absolutely feather light. I am so in love. Crazily.



And oh, for my baby maryjanes I bought it another Jibbitz - the big red and pink flower with Rhinestone... bling bling, baybeh.

Now I'm lying in bed, and this perfect love affair is just too sweet I almost forgot I'm fasting!

Next up, Charles & Keith!

my first ramadhan, reborn

Last Ramadhan, I remembered during one buka puasa I was sitting at the dinner table with tears streaming down my face, straight into my plate of rice. Can't really recall what exactly happened but it was an argument with The Ex.

The scene haunted me yesterday - it was the first day of Puasa and I had to face the fact that it's my first berbuka puasa being a single mom. In the morning I didn't think much of it, but later during the day (maybe plus the hunger pangs) I got a bit sad thinking about it. Not so much of The Ex, in fact, not at all. It's just the fact that berbuka puasa has always been a family ritual at my parents' house.

And I thought, will I be able to berbuka puasa sans tears this year? Will it be worse? Will I long for the presence of a male figure at the dinner table? The companionship?

So right before buka, I braved the hideously crowded Setiawangsa pasar ramadhan with a mission - to find the Melaka asam pedas stall which without fail will show up every year at Setiawangsa. I couldn't find it. I looked everywhere. My favourite Murtabak Johor stall had a queue that I don't even dare to attempt. So in the end suffice to say I berbuka with the bibik and my youngest, Yunus (I allowed Ali to break fast with The Ex outside) with keropok lekor (influenced by DNAS), roast chicken, mango salad, air tebu and canned peaches. No thoughts of any male. No regrets.

And most importantly there were no tears.

tagged? moi?

Merci beaucoup monsieur SeaDemon for devirginizing me on this Tag thingy. Never been kissed tagged before.

5 Things In My Bag
1. My gift basket pamphlets
2. Promotional flyers from a friend's business
3. 101 80's Hits MP3 CD
4. Marks & Spencers White Peach Hand & Nail Cream
5. My leather name card holder

5 Things That Are In My Wallet
1. Very little money
2. ATM & Credit Cards
3. Claimable receipts
4. Photo IDs
5. Condom (hahahah!!!) ... NOT!!!! gotcha! Business cards of the last 5 people I met.

5 Favourite Things In My Bedroom
1. My laptop
2. My king-sized bed yang sangatlah comfy
3. A stack of my favourite magazines
4. My Chanel lipsticks
5. My furry handcuffs... NOT!!! Hehehe... I wish I had one though.

5 Things I Wish To Do
1. Inspire more people
2. Be a millionaire
3. Quit my job and start my own business
4. Be happier
5. Marry the right man (SeaDemon, I copied you... but it's true!)

5 Things That I Am Doing Now
1. Typing lor
2. Thinking about how fast time flies
3. Thinking about how proud I am of this person
4. Wondering if I'm going to survive tomorrow's puasa (hehehehe...)
5. Trying to sit up straight (I slouch!)

5 People I Would Like To Tag
1. DNAS
2. Spena
3. Guile
4. Zaza
5. Nachos - since you don't have a blog, you have to START ONE because I TAGGED YOU dammit!

an inconvenient truth

Remember the birthday party?

Here are some snapshots. I wasn't really in the mood for anything and it showed - my pics were all crappy. Plus didn't have time to shoot a lot since was too busy talking to Bade's mother. Biasala, my PR with the senior citizens has always been quite good so it was non-stop talking la for her. Yes, The Ex is Bade's cousin. THE Bade of KL Menjerit and Gangster fame. But I was so ashamed to admit that I've never watched any of his movies, except for KL Menjerit halfway.

Anyway, the birthday do is for Citra and Albab, Erma and Bade's adorable kids.

Albab in black. Citra too tiny cannot see even.

The lovely Citra.



I so envy Umie Aida's body. Altho you can't really see in this pic.

Lolly the Clown - Ali is secretly terrified of this monster. So is her mom.

My little Ali Potter.

And I should really go to bed right now - it's way past my bedtime. And the bed seems so big, empty and cold.

Hahah. Just my attempt at a sob story for you guys...

should i...

... wear a t-shirt that screams "I am divorced" ?

It's amazing how productive the past 48 hours have been for me. My hamper partner and I finished 30 date (as in kurma) gift baskets to be delivered Monday. Went to Nilai 3 for some procurement activities. Went to Tesco Kajang and Carrefour Jalan Peel (whoever would've thought that there'd be one there!) for more stuff... Chatted on Stickam ( I need a webcam, please!) at night with a few friends... All this on Saturday.

On Sunday went for lunch with Hanazie at KLCC - and found a top at Zara that will either make me look like I'm dressed like I'm on the prowl for a new man or like a "tong dram (according to Ms Hana)". It's a very iffy dress - it will either make me look gorgeous or downright tempayanish. It's a KIV for now but I have a strong feeling that I will be rushing off to Zara before the week ends.

After the mini shopping expedition went with Ayu to take Ali and Adian (why am I the only one with a name not starting with an A) to KizSports & Gym at Great Eastern. We tucked the kids away there and went to Starbucks for the usualy beeyatching session.

Then I had to do a bit of a National Service. The Ex asked me if I would accompany him and Ali to his cousin's daughter's birthday party.

When he asked me, all I could think of was my dad's words the night before I went to court: "Don't shut him out, he's still family. It's ok if there's no jodoh between you two, but don't shut him out completely."

So I said yes.

Before I knew it, there I was at The Ex's cousin's place in Melawati sitting a table away from him watching Lolly the Clown making balloon animals. It was funny because it was the first time that I met some of the relatives - I thought, baru nak berkenalan, if only they'd knew that I'm no longer with The Ex...OH heck, by next week everyone in the family would know. And I thought, this is it, this is my last public appearance together with him at HIS side of the family's gathering. His closest family should be ok but definitely not extended family la kan?

There were some awkward moments at the party, which I shall not elaborate here. And I'm sure this Hari Raya will bring loads of awkward moments too. But oh well, I'm happy.

Here's to another fun week celebrating Ramadhan!

the effects of emancipation

1. Ever since September 1st 2007, I've been addicted to coffee. Ok, this coming from a person who was allergic to coffee when she was younger. I still remember a POUNDING headache coupled with extreme nausea after drinking iced capucinno when I was walking around with my then boyfriend (first BF mind you) at Harvard Square, Boston on a hot August day in 1993. Totally spoiled my date!

Today is 7th September and I've been taking a cup of coffee every day since the 1st.

2. I've regained my wicked sense of humour. Someone once mentioned that I should be a stand-up comic - like Rosie O'Donnell (i know la i tembam macam dia k) before. Then during the turbulent times in my marriage I became a very blah Plain Jane. Lost my sharp tongue and ability to rib-tickle people.

This evening during the department's balance scorecard meeting - when everyone's energy level is all sapped out and unable to use any part of their brain (past 7pm ok.. puhleaze):

Boss: So how can we leverage the strength of the Group and win more bids?

(deathly silence)

Boss: How? Cross utilisation? Cross selling?

(deathly silence)

Me: CROSS DRESSING! That's the only cross-ing I'll do at this hour!

3. My kids love me better because I've become a happier mother. The dancing / singing sessions with them are baaaaccckkk!!!! More smiles on their faces!!!!

4. You'll see less of my MERAJUK episodes. I finally realized that I was easily sucked into being merajuk because of the stress that I was in before. A mix of self-pity, self-hatred and angst towards my Ex. As a result, SIKIT-SIKIT nak merajuk. No promises that I will lose the merajuk part altogether, ok! You know I'm manja wattt... That's why you likey likey me so much watttttt... (ok enuff enuff)

So far so good.

And I can't wait to take on the world.

emancipation (part 2)

Yesterday was my hearing at the Mahkamah Syariah. The night before, the Ex was making such a big fuss over going to the hearing (i will be busy with an event, he said) So this officially getting divorced thing is a non-event I suppose? But anyway, the night before was bad. He thought of every reason imaginable to not go to court... and I was practically bawling my eyes out.

So what I did was call my dad. Yes, my dad. The person who me and my siblings (well at least my sister, kan Za!) will always avoid eye contact with. Sobbing uncontrollably I told him, "You know tomorrow is my court date kan. He doesn't want to go!!!!" And then I handed the phone over to the Ex. I felt like a child. But desperate people take desperate measures.

I don't know what my dad told him but the Ex went, "Ok, ok... "

The Ex then told me, "If you want me to go to court, pick me up at the office after subuh."

"What time?" I asked.

"After subuh la. You mean you don't know what time subuh is?" Insinuating that I selalu termiss my subuh prayers la tu.

So at 6:30 am on Thursday 6th of September, I'm in the car waiting in front of his office. He made me wait a good 15 minutes before coming down.

I won't go to the details of my hearing but suffice to say it went on very smooth. I didn't even have to say a word. He admitted that he has lafazed. The judge was very diplomatic or maybe he just pitied my pathetic appearance - I had puffy eyes from wailing the night before, wore my black tudung mawi and the kampungest baju kurung johor I have and I had no makeup on. Only lip gloss just in case I bump into someone I know. (i didn't wanna look too drab la kan)

And by the way, if you happen to attend a hearing at the Mahkamah Syariah - don't cross your legs when you sit. I didn't know this and the mamat polis had to tegur me politely, "Cik, tak boleh duduk macam ni..." I sorang je ke yang tak tau this court etiquette ni?

But anyway, it took only a good hour for the whole thing to be over. I even drove my Ex back to the office.

And honestly, I felt so different for the rest of the day. Happier, liberated and for once did not have to think about reporting for duty every 2 seconds.

To top it all off, had dinner at Italianni's with The Girls to end the day - I won't call it a celebration but oh well, somewhat of a teeny weeny celebration la I suppose.

We giggled, gossiped and gushed - Dalina even spotted this cute (mature) guy who was actually walking by and looking at us sampai nak terpatah leher dia.

I felt strangely younger. Maybe that feeling automatically comes once you're single again.

making the wrong choices

I find it perfectly okay to take a wrong turn sometimes. That's what makes us human, no? Looking back, I so wanna list out the things that I did wrong. Maybe it will give some insight to singletons out there, but maybe it won't. Ah, who cares, it's my blog so here goes:

The first thing I did wrong was to get together with my Ex (sekarang dah boleh panggil Ex, ok?) right after I broke up with my college sweetheart. Yes friends, it was the rebound thing that I succumbed to. I was definitely, so on the rebound ok - that means I started this new relationship without getting over the old relationship. There were still issues. I just needed a new boyfriend to show college sweetheart that HEY, I'M MISS THANG AND YOU'RE NOBODY. I used my ex as a temporary source of comfort, rushing to coupledom like there's no tomorrow. But I did love him, it just started out on the wrong foot.

The second thing I did wrong was to glorify my Ex to the family. I realized his flaws, and tried to hide them. I always have positive things to say about him, hoping that one day those half-truths will all come true. I am a firm believer that if you want something so much, it will happen one day. I wanted him to be the man I want him to be. But he was not and worse still he did not even attempt to be.

The third thing I did wrong was to be the man of the house. I loved him. I pampered him. I ran the show. I became comfortable wearing the pants. But at the same time, I was not completely running the show - he dictated the way I think and the way I had to live. But oh so subtle he was that I was duped into believing that I actually made those decision. And in the end, I'm the one who's at the losing end.

So friends, I've said it. The wrong choices that I made in life. Let's hope it doesn't happen to you.

emancipation (part 1)

I'm relieved - not happy, not overjoyed, not jumping up and down. Just RELIEVED. I think I've become a normal person once again - why? Because I finally dread the thought of going to work tomorrow morning. I'm finally thinking - MONDAY, how I wish tomorrow's another weekend in my own Neverland.

Ever since "the plague", I've been using work as an outlet for me to forget what's going on in the real world. A form of escapism, if you must. Drown myself in annual report drafts, CSR presentations, newsletter articles, BD presentations, company events, random bloghopping and what-have-you. It is the only place where I am in control of things. (Except when da boss is in a bad mood la kan). And I liked being at work.

So why the sudden change?

On Saturday, September 1st 2007 at 7:01 pm, he finally let me go.

That makes this my first blog entry as a single mother I suppose. I will refrain from using the phrase "first OFFICIAL blog entry" cuz I don't know whether to call it official or not. For me, it IS official because he HAS said it. But we are going to court this Thursday and things might just take a different turn. Nonetheless, a lafaz is still a lafaz. I am no longer someone's wife (and for personal reasons shall not talk about how I feel about that right now, in a different entry maybe...)

So is this Mak Jan/MJ/J Lo title official or no, then?