tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63456258514059780292024-03-05T20:32:18.211-08:00anything but teacheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-53339412585395867252012-01-09T18:46:00.000-08:002012-01-11T01:09:03.948-08:00Diet Pyramids<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2KiAEQMoQ1OW3ZVtS5BsEx1sWAq8CGqBB-rwdIXUBBUGtatV8AYcM4J2kNlbFKgVpdvX8Cu4USnvldahRk3AIJdq9IyYWr4575Wnu62mlyw9uicPbJep2lKxdLHoAkz3tcQBxwpuYayG/s1600/Med_pyramid_flyer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2KiAEQMoQ1OW3ZVtS5BsEx1sWAq8CGqBB-rwdIXUBBUGtatV8AYcM4J2kNlbFKgVpdvX8Cu4USnvldahRk3AIJdq9IyYWr4575Wnu62mlyw9uicPbJep2lKxdLHoAkz3tcQBxwpuYayG/s320/Med_pyramid_flyer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696294913436557074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgRCI3AxKMY0GYxNN5FGs1oaa6W1z50qKcV1ibZzEoS4NR7PCqfFqMnrYuwl-RnQr-6RfvO2SPVsaDn-fXXTYTx5L9or9s7wLAKSJLXc9fDrgUOAROj90L8VZpX12vlv1tklMcfkFB0ZW/s1600/Asian_pyramid_flyer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgRCI3AxKMY0GYxNN5FGs1oaa6W1z50qKcV1ibZzEoS4NR7PCqfFqMnrYuwl-RnQr-6RfvO2SPVsaDn-fXXTYTx5L9or9s7wLAKSJLXc9fDrgUOAROj90L8VZpX12vlv1tklMcfkFB0ZW/s320/Asian_pyramid_flyer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696294764922077858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS22PV1w6lRFoY0r3m_qUusqkuDQPt0eXuZcuzVsp7GKk9a1wO1RN90i6J8U_DRPtCMw-AtWbbqIH7prIoqASsVqbeAwJ0MRy7L7WyQTN0M7H5w7qjp0fZ2GtTyYTczIIC7FOp8JEOyMtb/s1600/African_pyramid_flyer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS22PV1w6lRFoY0r3m_qUusqkuDQPt0eXuZcuzVsp7GKk9a1wO1RN90i6J8U_DRPtCMw-AtWbbqIH7prIoqASsVqbeAwJ0MRy7L7WyQTN0M7H5w7qjp0fZ2GtTyYTczIIC7FOp8JEOyMtb/s320/African_pyramid_flyer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696294389569571746" /></a><span >Always have heard of Diet Pyramids, but never heard off of the Asian, Mediterranean and African Diet Pyramids. And not surprisingly they all have many common items. To begin with all starts with physical activities. This I would guess is the most difficult thing to start with. As for the rest of the items of consumption in the pyramid, they are somewhat similar : greens, beans, legumes, poultry, fish, meat, etc. But the thing that struck me as unique was the African Diet Pyramid as they have broken the classification of greens into many sub categories and included something called "tubers"...aptly named after the physical look of these vegetables or root products. </span><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >source: <a href="http://www.oldwayspt.org/">http://www.oldwayspt.org</a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >The eager me says, just follow any of these pyramids and I will on the way to a healthier me. Afterall, there's nothing that you can't get here in Malaysia. But it all boils down to commitment. As it is my daily breakfast staple has been alternately with oats (no sugar / milk) and buckwheat porridge (again, no sugar / milk) with 2 slices of wholewheat breads and a cup of coffee. But the nagging fact is that I am not getting enough of the other good stuffs like greens, beans, nuts, etc. Now where do I start? </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-87446802073058032292012-01-09T01:21:00.001-08:002012-01-09T01:36:50.628-08:002012<span >The one thing I want to do this year is to spend more time blogging. What about? Hmm....just about anything that hits my mind. This is not a resolution, really. It's more of a MUST to do item. </span><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >To start with, I think I'd like to talk about death. Yeah, sounds morbid, doesn't it? But that is the reality that has been hitting my company's intranet. Todate from December 27 to today (Jan 9), there has been 7 deaths ranging from the company employee to fathers and mothers who have sadly passed on. Sounds troubling. Deaths ranging from unknown diseases and probably old age. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >But to look at it from the positive sign of these demises is the gift that Allah All Mighty is giving the living ones. The gift that we are still breathing, eating, sleeping, walking, defecating, smiling, talking, thinking etc etc etc and blogging ...means that Allah is giving us another day to enjoy and appreciate this life He has bestowed on us the living. So, Alhamdulillah for this. For anyone out there who is reading this, regardless of race or religion, this is my message: take the time in every day to thank the One that created us and the world around us as we know it. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I know I will, insyaAllah. </span></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-84397601757178170512011-08-15T19:58:00.000-07:002011-08-15T20:42:24.351-07:00Ramadhan 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: Allah's has given me another opportunity in this short life to enjoy this blessed month, to seek His Forgiveness, to seek His Compassion, and to seek His Many Bounties </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: For sahur, a bowl of cereal, a slice of bread & 3 dates goes well with my delicate tummy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: For iftar, a bowl of oats, topped with dates & fruits keeps me full till after the tarawih prayers</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: Allah has put a sense of peacefulness in my heart as I prepare for iftar for my family</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: Despite the busy schedule, I have 20 minutes a day for reciting the Quran and guide my 11 year old with his Muqaddam (yup, still in the junior series)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: When I see my husband every evening, he's all smiles, despite all the worries he's shouldering</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: My 4 year old managed to last 9.5 hours fasting! But I guess the water in the fridge was more tempting, ;)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: My 15 year old will be sitting for her trial exams while fasting</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: For my dad who's still going strong at 75, despite his knee aches, he still performs the tarawih </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: For my mom who still managed to put up a feast for iftar last Saturday. She amazes me. I pray and hope I will be able to do the same for my kids in the future...insyaAllah</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: I have contributed what I can in the name of Allah for charity and hope in years to come will be able to do more</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: my MIL's have been somewhat "nice"...hopefully no hidden agenda ;)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: For the somewhat nicer weather in the evenings which makes the tarawih prayers a breeze</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: Malaysia is still quite a nice peaceful place to live in</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramadhan: there are millions of Muslims around the globe who are able to fast despite the problems their countries face (political instability, weather, famine, etc, etc, etc)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah for this Ramdhan: Allah has and will keep on giving His Manyfold Bounties to the ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah this Ramadhan has been better than the last and InsyaAllah, the next will better than this....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Ramadhan is surely beautiful isn't it? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >
<br /></span></div><div>
<br /></div>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-35946457436455671382010-07-21T02:56:00.000-07:002010-07-21T03:07:31.730-07:00<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Haven't blogged in the longest of time. Friends complained....but fell on deaf ear. Hmmm.....am getting good at giving excuses. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Perhaps this is because, I am just sick and tired of the office politics that goes around here. So much so, I have been updating my resume. Funny how people update resumes only when they unhappy....(or is that just a simple fact?) Have been updating and updating and still not quite done. Am I a perfectionist? Not!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Now, I have to excuse myself (for real). Just received the audit report. Upcoming...shall write about auditors...</span>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-25832910399882175792010-04-06T19:14:00.000-07:002010-04-07T18:03:32.028-07:00Meeting with the OfficialsYesterday, I had a meeting at one of the Government agency. The meeting began at 2.45 pm and lasted 2 hours.<br /><br />There were 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Government</span> officials, while from my company there were 5 of us. The meeting was Chaired by the Government <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">official</span> and it started with some funny comments and informal conversations. But as the meeting went on, I realized that the Chairman just loved to repeat himself. I figured it could be his age or he just loves repeating. And I also realized that the moment me and my colleague looked down at the papers <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">in front</span> of us, he would ask us if we had problem. (Though my colleague and I were just scribbling messages on the paper) So each time he called out my name wondering if everything was okay, I would have to quickly think of some items to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">discuss</span>. This game went on for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The last 15 minutes, they served us the guests tea and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">kuihs</span>. What a relief that was.<br /><br />My conclusion about this meeting? They have lots of time to repeat what they've said. They loved making jokes on services providers like us. The meeting was not even supposed to be chaired by a person of his title. This meeting was not even necessary. It could have been done via a couple of emails. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gossshhh</span>....At the end of it, I was tired beyond words....cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-36599873980943504772010-03-24T01:55:00.000-07:002010-03-24T02:15:57.006-07:00GirlfriendsI can't seem to recall when was the last time I met this old schoolmate. Maybe it was during one of the festivals I think when she visited me with her darlings, big and small.<br /><br />I must say I was pretty ashamed that I had to text her asking if she was still working at the old place. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hmmm</span>....friends need to know other friends workplaces...just in case. Anyways, upon confirming, I asked if we could meet up for lunch. And despite of having to drive at 110 km/hr, I made it to her office within 12 minutes but parking my car took longer than that. Calling her, I complained about the parking and there she was at one of levels, holding two spots just for me..<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lol</span><br /><br />And there she was. I used to call her "Momma C". I've known her since we were both 18 and she was always in charge and had full control of things. Though we've grown into motherhood and I sooner than her, she'll always be Momma C to me, she's the thinker, the resolver.<br /><br />I only had about an hour of her lunch time. But just in that 60 minutes, we exchanged notes as quickly as we would put on our shoes. Into our conversation, we pulled in other people of importance in our lives, our dear friends, our family, our jobs...ow, just about everything that matters, I guess. Maybe this is what set us women apart from men. We get right to the point and out.<br /><br />Lunch was simple but wonderful. Exchanging of ideas were great. To tell the truth, driving at 110, wasn't actually to beat the time. But rather an anger that had built up that morning. Having lunch with Momma C changed my mood. Thanks to you :):)<br /><br />Girlfriends are rather unique. They may not be related. But somehow, they're connected.cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-10047771154285171092010-03-19T01:43:00.000-07:002010-03-19T02:19:14.668-07:00<span style="font-family:arial;">I find it rather offensive and of poor taste that people do the following on facebooks and blogs:<br /><br /></span><ol><li><span style="font-family:arial;">are very specific on the dates they missed their periods</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">take photos of their pregnancy test kits and display it on their blogs. I'm sure you know where the test kits have gone to, before the result is displayed on the little window, the hygiene factor</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">people who post themselves with their spouses on their beds looking dazed as though the photo was taken right after their bed workout</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">photos of spouses snuggled together on their beds</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">employees who slam their colleagues on facebook, whereby the slammed colleague is also on the facebook. Ahem...where's the integrity here? Is that person worth being a friend on the facebook? And a whole bunch of other friends commenting on the same post</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">office politics</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">people who swear that their friends will diminish from the face of the earth</span></li></ol><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Hmm...i mean, those are very personal stuffs, personal opinions, personal beliefs. I strongly stand by the fact that these social marketing tools are meant for social use. Not office, not in bedrooms, not in politics (where ever that applies).</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">It is after all SOCIAL, remember?</span></p><p></p>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-81816783851676536652010-03-16T03:26:00.000-07:002010-03-16T03:27:17.379-07:00Bottled UpBottling up feelings, making assumptions and not being able to get through to people is very frustrating and hurtful.cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-15440703371368690812010-03-05T01:40:00.000-08:002010-03-11T06:05:18.824-08:00The Boss That I Had<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I've been away for quite some time from my musings, mainly because the pressure of work and the decisions that I've been forced to make. It is quite ironic that while we ponder of what to decide and how to convey, others have already decided for you. I find that simply outrageous. But outrageous it may be, it has been decided, like it or not.<br /><br />So here I was caught in a very unpleasant situation, between two people I admired and have worked with. I secretly wished that this situation happened say 20 years ago and I was in the center of 2 gorgeous hunks..mmm...that would have been an incredibly wonderful experience. Sigh....20 years later it was a tug of war between 2 individuals, both in the range of 50 year olds. While I had to disappoint one, the other seemed like a hungry tiger. Just waiting....<br /><br />Tomorrow will be my last day serving the boss whom I have been with since Nov 2001. The boss who made me laugh and frown, angry and sad, who also made me work late. I still recall a situation on January 5, 2007. I was expecting my third baby and was due anytime. He insisted that I should be the only one drafting a letter to the CEO of one of the biggest investment company. Till to date, I don't understand why it had to be me. But there I was really really pregnant working till 10 pm that night. But I did ask him though "what if go into labor?". His reply was "I will take you to the hospital, even if it means you mess up my Benz. But you need to complete this letter". He really doesn't know what it means like to have a baby, typical of men. The next day my gynea gave me a week long medical leave. And exactly a week later on January 12, 2007, I gave birth to a beautiful girl.<br /><br />This boss also had the welfare of his staffs close to his heart. On two occasions when our bonuses were good, he ensured that a portion of it was kept away for staff activities. One year we went on a trip to Pangkor Island and the following year we flew to Tioman Island. I must say that those were some of my best vacations. Though I was in the organizing team, I had so much fun. Unfortunately, those bonus payout years have long left us. But the memories are still vivid. Imagine going on rounds on jet skis, banana boat rides, midnight boat rides, snorkelling, island hoping, endless hours spent in the water (both the sea and the pool) and all those freaky but fun telematches. Sometimes, it's just simply fantastic to get away from work and from home. Just good to let your hair down, literally.<br /><br />Of course, there were times too that I wondered what I was still doing at the office at 5.30 am. Where was the practicality of working 12 hours non-stop. I simply hated the last minute preparation that had to be done. Weirdly, I keep asking the same question year in year out, but this trend has never changed, much to my disappointment. This year, I shall break that trend.<br /><br />Well, so many things have happened professionally, that is. I must say that I had grown too to a much better position and have been able to gather lots of experience. Times were good and times were bad. But life goes on. Yes, in a way I am sad to leave this boss behind. At the same time, I am kinda looking forward to better times with the new boss. Hmmm....expectations are running high...<br /><br />Monday will see a new beginning for me, right or wrong. I shall take in the new portfolio positively. Here I come Mr.....<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-14862435949601107882010-01-15T21:10:00.000-08:002010-01-15T21:19:36.529-08:00<span style="font-family:verdana;">Quite ironic that we moved away from the neighbor with Great Wall of China to a place where the neighbor has built or rather is still building The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Forbidden</span> City for his family and his dog/s. Talk about running away from sickening neighbors. I'd welcome any constructive ideas on how to mitigate this situation....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-51896311917612667592010-01-05T22:58:00.000-08:002010-01-05T23:11:46.315-08:00Good ol' Villa de KinraraMoving houses could be a daunting task. No matter how much preparation is done, it will never be enough. <br /><br />I finally moved out from the house that I had lived in for the past 14 years. I still remember vividly the very first time I stepped into that house. It was November 14, 1994. Just a day after my wedding reception at Century Park Club. I was thrilled at the thought of having a new home, a new life with the man whom I will share the rest of my life with. I remember walking through the house going through every room and creating wonderful dreams together with my husband. It was such a joyous moment. Life was much simpler and preparation for the house like kitchen cabinets, grille works etc was less costly then. Nevertheless, it took us about 9 months to move in from the date of my first visit since we had to wait for the Certificate of Fitness and to complete all the other works. By the time we moved in I was 4 months with my first child.<br /><br /><br />Settling in with a growing tummy was another challenge. But Alhamdullillah, my husband was very helpful. We made a pact. He cleans the house while I cooked and ironed clothes. Cooking was a breeze but ironing the clothes brought tears to my eyes. I have always and will always hate ironing :(<br /><br /><br />We took our own time in getting things for the house. Many months passed before we even got our first couch. In fact I remember going couch-shopping with my 40 day old daughter. Changing her diapers in the car and walking in and out of furniture shops. We looked around until we found a set that we both liked. The sales lady told us that the fabric was waterproof (and I challenged her for a demo!). We bought this set. This happened in the first quarter of 1996.<br /><br /><br />Since then, many things have happened in that house. Many happy moments, sad moments, depressing moments, angry moments, all that emotions etc. We had two more children while in this house. The wailing and fighting of the children. The falling, the rushing to the clinics and hospitals in the middle of the nights with contractions, sick children, husband and myself. The trophies from school. The waiting at the door for the children to walk home from school. My daughter’s accidental somersault down the stairs. The tantrums from all the members of the household. The helpers who were good to us, the helpers who ran away. The helper who put my 4 month old girl in her pram and walked to God knows where, but thankfully came back home. The neighbor who saw this but only informed me after the helper ran away. The neighbors who stole our parking spaces, our sweet mangoes. The neighbor who blasts old Chinese opera songs. The neighbor who replaced the fence between our house and his by placing a replica of the Great Wall of China. Now that was the breaking point. The point that brought the need for us to find a new home. Plus maybe the fact that the house is getting smaller or rather the children are growing, not forgetting the tones of stuffs (unwanted mostly).<br /><br /><br />For 14 years and 4 months, this house held the breaths, voices and thoughts of my family. January 2, 2010 was a momentous moment for us as we moved out to our new house. That couch that we bought in 1996 followed us despite the wear and tear. And yes, it is still waterproof. What we left behind? Hmmm…..there’s just so much of junk, thanks to my hubby. As I emptied the rooms I couldn’t help but wonder where and when my husband bought or brought the things he had. What is left behind are all his numerous computer peripherals, books, books and more books, electrical gadgets, the list goes on. My stuffs? They were just mostly the kitchenware & clothes. I’m planning to giveaway my books to the libraries. The kids had their share of toys, books, clothes as well. I went through my eldest daughter’s clothes and picked out many items still in excellent condition to be handed down to my youngest. Funny that I used to get Sommerset Bays, East India for my eldest and now I am putting them into family re-cycle bin for my youngest.<br /><br /><br />Anyway, we now officially carry our new address. At this house. I didn’t have the time to visualize my future as I did with my previous home. We were just all too busy with our work, being year end and needless to say, preparing the new house for occupation which practically took months. What started out as a “within the budget project” exploded along the way. There are just many things that I wished I had done or prepared differently, that could have saved me money. Ironically, despite all that we have done, there is still a long way to go before it can be close to perfect. Just as before, we shall take our own time to get what we need.<br /><br /><br />Nevertheless, I thank Allah that all is well. I know that this new beginning in a new year at a new home will be an uphill task especially adjustments to the house, the neighbors, the environment, etc. But I shall take it as a challenge. I now visualize that my three children will grow up beautifully and successfully in this new home. I see them getting married and I see my grand children running around. Since they now have rooms and bathrooms of their own, festive seasons will not be a problem, as it is now at my parents. I hope to spend more time cleaning the house instead of leaving it to the helpers and I definitely want to spend more time with my brand new oven. I would also need to teach my children that they need to take care of their own bathrooms ;).<br /><br /><br />The wailing, fighting, running and falling, laughter and tears have all begun. Indeed, I just love coming to a place called home.<br /><br /><br />Goodbye Villa de Kinrara (the nickname we had given to our ex-home). I pray that Allah has better plans for us all.cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-65563946531481169542009-12-23T01:48:00.000-08:002009-12-23T01:59:56.766-08:00Diehard Football Fans<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">People are just the weirdest creature created. They come to work. But most often than not, they are just there physically. Most often than not, they are always elsewhere mentally and emotionally. I guess the same goes for me as well, but at different spaces of time. I think there should be on and off buttons somewhere in the system. </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><div align="justify"><br />Here are some people who are sitting nearby talking about football. Liverpool, Manchester United, and whatever else there is in the British football league. I’m not against football. But it’s just that to discuss this topic at great lengths during work hours are indeed something that’s unnecessary not to mention totally unimportant. Here I have some colleagues who are emotionally entangled with their football teams during this football season. It’s like a life and death situation. The emotions they go through when their team gets defeated and the elation they feel when their team wins. And this doesn’t just stop there. There will be threats and tantrums from the winning and losing teams. And don’t forget the sulking session. But even more amusing is the fact that some working professionals are seriously considering placing this whole favorite football club into their KRA/KPI and are also pondering of including this topic in interview sessions. So, if you don’t know your interviewer’s favorite football team, then don’t bother attending the interview.</div><div align="justify"><br />Gimme a break! We’re talking about a game that’s been played thousands of miles away. What’s even more preposterous is that these guys and some girls here even make suggestions like which players can be transferred out or who can be kicked off from the team and the list goes on. So, what’s wrong here? I mean we’re talking about a team of players who do not even know the existence of the people who are commenting on them and couldn’t care less about their opinions. Talk about diehard fans! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">But I keep a distance from entangling myself with these diehard football fans. Let's just say that they never listen, nor do they want to accept any logical explanation about being diehard fans. The most I did as a fan in my teenage years was collect posters and hung them in my wardrobe. Pretty lame, you say?</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></span> </div>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6345625851405978029.post-645723395169623962009-12-15T01:59:00.000-08:002009-12-15T02:01:54.492-08:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Today I’d like to dedicate this post specially for my wonderful friend who introduced me to this BLOG WORLD. I hope you are a coffee lover too.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">My friend, I will be talking about work today. It has been quite a chase lately with deadlines to meet. I am sure you’d know what I am talking about, though our fields of expertise are worlds apart. There are just so much of things to do before the much awaited event to take place in January 2010. Some say that this is not my forte, which I do agree to an extent. But regardless, I think doing event management is somewhat exciting and does meet the adrenalin rush. I do strongly feel that with the right people, right attitude (which is most important), anyone can do event management given the resources needed. What makes me interested in event management, you ask? Hmmmm…..it’s the color, the arguments, the expectations, the people who claim excellency, the taglines, the themes, the concoction of anger, smiles and disappointments…these are the ingredients that makes event management exciting. And the best part of course comes at the end of an event, when everything goes smoothly and the event sponsor is all smiles. However, not all ends well as there are always grunts and grumbles behind those masks people wear. But you know what’s even worse than that? It is when the event sponsor does not even utter a word of thanks for job well done. To my understanding, any event that does not have a catastrophe or casualties or no show can already be considered a successful event. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">My friend, the last event that I managed, was a successful event, regardless of whether the product sold like hot cakes or otherwise, but the event turnout was more than expected, the food was good, the event went as smoothly as a sail. Our partners were so impressed. I only got to the food as the café was closing, tired from being on my toes from 2 am. As the people around me raved about the event itself, I was too tired by then. All I could do was smile and said, thank you.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><br />My rounds of thanks ran through emails to all those who were involved. But not a word of appreciation from the one person, whom I most expected. My heart sank. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">So, come what may, my January 2010 event must be as smooth as baby’s bottom.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div>cheryl Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063254537047139907noreply@blogger.com2