I love bank holidays :)

Its a bank holiday Monday today. Somehow or rather, its such a good thing waking up on a Monday morning knowing that you don't have to go to work... A plus bonus is that the weather today is so beautiful - there's sunshine!!! It has been a while waking up on a Monday sunshine morning - thus, i'm such in a good mood today.

As usual, I've kept myself busy just lazing around at home with a good book, while sorting out much needed laundry. This time around I was washing up Baby Bubbles' baby clothes - ok lah, it sounds a bit silly but most of Baby Bubbles baju are from sale racks & outlets and I felt more comfortable washing them up first before she/he can wear them. Baby clothes are so cute & since Baby Bubbles will be a winter baby, I've got her/him loads of fluffy warm sleep suits, with matching fleecy hoods & boots. My mummy instincts have definitely kicked in big time- I got tears in my eyes just looking at those cute tiny sleepsuits!

Also, have started working on my reports... finally. Didn't quite have the time during the weekend to start it off because I was busy out & about with Hawari in London. We went on this duck tour, which was really good. Its like a tour of London's Westminister area by road and then straight into river Thames on this special amphibian bus- quite cool la... especially when the vehicle plunged into the river part, I was quite impressed. The friendly tour guide was very funny explaining the touristy sites along the way. Here's some pics from their website:



After that, we went to Malaysian Hall for yummy nasi campur. Orang kat Malaysia Hall sampai dah kenal dah - asyik muka I je yang melantak nasi - the pregnant minah with all the lauk on her plate! Ada ikan keli, OK.... mana lah tak melantak gila! heheh.

Alrighty... have to continue writing me reports... (yawning)... though rasa macam mengantuk la plak... Hmmm...I might take a break and have a nice walk outside for a while to get some fresh air. Better enjoy this summery day while it lasts- its going to be our last holiday until Christmas!

Am I bovvered..?

I just had to post this latest photo Hubby took of Boboy...


Boboy to the world: "Face bovvered? Am i bovvered? Does my face look bovvered? I AINT BOVVERED!"

Rainy Sunday

I slept really early last night as it was raining & miserable. It could have been worst but Hawari came over to cheer me up. We went to watch Bourne Ultimatum, which was good and shopped a bit. I broke my vow to not shop for clothes anymore, but got tempted with Primark's latest autumn collection, which features a lot of the 'bubbles' top or 'smocks' as they call it. Its mostly 60's inspired empire cuts, which is kembang at the tummy area- fits perfectly for pregnant mommies like me :)

As Hawari left around 7.30pm-ish, the rain just kept pouring. I guess summer's officially over then- not that it was a noticable one anyways. I called Hubby but he malas nak layan as he was already tucked in bed. So, made myself a cup of hot Horlicks and then turned on Baby Bubbles lullaby music. By 8pm, I was in dreamland already.

At 5am today, I was wide awake. But still the rain hasn't stopped pouring. Made myself another cup of hot Horlicks and turned on Baby Bubbles lullaby music... and again dozed off till 12noon.

Though my day didn't seem all wasted lah kot... I managed to almost finish up on my reading while in bed. I know I have to do and update my quarterly reports soon. Workload is beginning to lighten up nowadays, so I have no more excuses to not complete my reports. Hubby has been reminding me of how I need to buck-up and catch up on my charteredship application. I know he's worrried that with the baby & all, I might just put it off completely. I know I really have to get myself focused again. This charteredship was the only reason why I moved half the globe, leaving my friends, family and a 5-months-bonus job.

But today so susah lah... the horrible cold wet weather makes cuddling in bed under the warm duvet seems so inviting....

My nasi lemak craving....

I'm on AWW today - a Friday off once in 2 weeks, complimentary of my company. I was planning to spend the day to start off my charteredship report writing, which is far due! However, had to entertain Julie, my letting agent, who came by this morning to inspect the house. As expected, everything was OK on my part of the house but with bad reviews on my housemate's room and his quite the disguisting bathroom. Don't wanna talk about it here coz it will just make me sick. Let's just say that I'm counting the days till 6 November...

Anyways, after Julie left I was quite hungry. Suddenly teringin pulak nak makan nasi lemak... so I thought, OK lah have brunch first, do the report and then reward myself with a good break in the kitchen to cook up a mean nasi lemak for dinner. So, to keep my tummy (and hungry Baby Bubbles) occupied for the day, I made a simple egg-mayo sandwich, with apples for dessert and coffee. But the thought of nasi lemak was still haunting me... even the sandwich (which was usually a favourite) rasa tak sedap!

In my attempt to curb the devilish thoughts of nasi lemak, I tried to keep myself busy with filing my work and browsing through the net on tips and guides to complete my report.... but soon I was finding myself google-ing on sambal nasi lemak recipes... which then brought me to a blog featuring a photo of a scrumptous plate of nasi lemak, sambal with kacang and ayam kari and suddenly my Baby Bubbles can't stop kicking. So, I finally succumbed (at 3pm, just 2 hours after my heavy sandwich meal) and head straight to the kitchen.

By 5.30pm, I was all done- nasi lemak in the rice cooker, sambal in the kuali, kari ayam, timun, kacang and telur rebus all ready! Dengan rasa tak malu and tersangat excited, I managed to wallop 2 pinggan non-stop.

Now, feeling so heavy and sleepy.... alahai.... zzzzzzz.....

I'm officially 6 months...

... pregnant today.

Oh my, time passes so fast already. I remembered complaining 3 months ago that I wish I have a proper baby bump so that I can start shopping for maternity wear. Today, as I slipped on my summer dress I was quite surprised to see how fast my bump has grown. I can't see my feet anymore if I stand really straight - so I have to be careful the next time I board off the train/ tube and remember to MIND THE GAP!

I can also begin to recognise Baby Bubbles routine now by the kicking. In the morning Baby Bubbles wakes up at 6.30am, then before my morning Milo at 10am. Petang by 4pm Baby Bubbles is already kicking to go home from office and at 9pm sharp, kicking frantically again demanding for the nightly dose of Amy Mastura's song "Satu Dalam Sejuta" followed by a series of baby classical piano music until dia tertidur sampai pagi.

I wish Hubby was here to feel Baby Bubbles' kicks though...

Anyways, here's me, the mak buyung, at 6 months:



People say that you can tell a baby's gender by the shape of their mummy's bump. Hmmmm... what do you think Baby Bubbles will be?

Good news & bad news

The good news is that recently UK has lifted the requirement for pets from Malaysia to undergo compulsory 6 months quarantine, given that they would have to be micro-chipped instead. Alhamdulillah, this means that Boboy would have no problems when he enters the UK coz we were more worried of how he will cope in quarantine than anything else. All he needs to do is get the microchip in him (he shouldn't feel a thing, considering how much insulated fat he has!), wait 6 months at home and then take the first flight to London :)

The bad news is that we couldn't get him the chip as soon as we want (so that he could come to the UK with us in February when I'm returning home). All because just recently, he got into a nasty fight with the neighbour's cat and had his face injured... again. This time around, he got a minor eye infection and had to take antibiotics. He will need to have a cooling off period post-medication before the vets can put in the chip.



Boboy, boboy... sabor je lah kannnn.... Now we'll have to figure out something to come home again just to settle him sometime in April. Hopefully masa tu Hubby ada business trip or something.

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY

Hubby left this morning and as usual it was very difficult to say goodbye. I was trying really hard not to cry in the train on the way to work this morning.... When I got back from work, suddenly the house feels so life-less. The room seems to be so quiet and cold - all's left is just Hubby's t-shirt on the bed. I miss him so much now :(

"BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY"
The smell of your skin lingers on me now
You're probably on your flight back to your home town
I need some shelter of my own protection baby
To be with myself and center, clarity
Peace, Serenity

I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry
Don't cry
Don't cry

The path that I'm walking
I must go alone
I must take the baby steps 'til I'm full grown, full grown
Fairytales don't always have a happy ending, do they?
And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay

Like the little school mate in the school yard
We'll play jacks and uno cards
I'll be your best friend and you'll be my Valentine
Yes you can hold my hand if you want to
'Cause I want to hold yours too
We'll be playmates and lovers and share our secret worlds
But it's time for me to go home
It's getting late, dark outside
I need to be with myself and center, clarity
Peace, Serenity

Hubby's coming to town!

Just when I thought that I'm going to spend another weekend bored and miserable amidst the horrible summer weather, Hubby called to tell me he'll be taking the first available flight to London besok for a meeting on Monday. Hoorraaayyyy!! I can get to see Hubby again. Even Baby Bubbles are all excited kicking frantically when Hubby called. Yes, my baby has started to kick... I noticed Bubbles loves doing it if I listen to music or when I'm doing my pre-natal aerobics DVD... dia pulak yang seronok- especially the scoop-scoop roll bit.. hehe..

I've gained quite a lot of weight and from the books I read, I really need to get good exercise. So, I've started walking to work, instead of taking the company coach from the rail station- its a good 15minutes walk. Balik kerja pulak, if the weather's not too bad, I'll go to the gym and swim... but if the weather's horrible, I'll stay home and do my Davina McCall Pre-Natal Workout DVD... Yoga doesn't seem to work for me lah. As soon as I start the yoga DVD warm-up, the part when the instructor says "Relax, inhale deeply and close your eyes, imagine the sound of the sea..." I started yawning. By the time I realise it, I'm already sprawled on the mat, tertidur half way through the DVD dah!

Anyways, I'm packing my stuff- meeting Hubby in London besok petang and spending the weekend with him. He's returning to KL on Tuesday night. I know I won't get to spend much time with him coz he'll be busy working, but at least its comforting to know that he's near.

Graduation

Hubby and my best friend Vas and her husband (Shasi) were here in the UK last 2 weeks. We all had a great time, jalan-jalan London and went up to Manchester for my graduation. The weather was not being too kind as it rained most of the time- only the odd sunshine on some days. I was so happy during my graduation because I have my loved ones with me on that special day...





Hubby left home on his birthday while Vas & Shasi continued their honeymoon up to Glasgow/ Edinburgh and then to Paris. It was really sad when they had to head back home last Friday... I really missed their company.. counting the days till I get to see them again, and back to the reality of being here alone in the UK.

Well, err... technically, I'm not really alone.. coz err.. yes, I'm pregnant- 21 weeks to be exact. Carrying Baby Bubbles (our baby's temporary name for now...hehe) for 5 months already has been a real eye-opening experience for me. It kinda changed me a bit now... I'm obviously more emotional than usual.. hehe... but I'm learning along the way. Its a bit difficult going through the pregnancy alone without Hubby & Mama on my side, but hopefully things will work out in the next couple of months. In the meantime, I'm coping with some good books - thanks to Nina and Mama, which are helping me loads.

Work, work, work...

I'm so exhausted. My boss is going on holiday next week and I've been assigned to finish all outstanding work by this Friday. So much to do la... Hubby's been working late in KL too. We rarely get to talk as often as we used to, which sucks coz I really miss talking to him. Even Boboy's feeling the pressure - Mama said he's been waiting at the door all day long for Hubby to come home and take him for a walk, sampai tertidur-tidur depan pintu. Ever since Baby's gone, Boboy has been in depressed mode lately. I think he could sense that he's losing his loved ones one by one- first it was me, then Baby, then soon Mama & Hubby. Kesian-nya dia... if only he knows that we are trying our best to bring him here in the UK, it won't be so bad.

OK, I'm starting to blab nonsense... I'm practically falling asleep already.... looks like an early night, again!

Summer Cleaning

I'm keeping myself very busy this weekend - mostly to keep my mind off from things that have been bothering me lately. I've also been very naughty starting back something that I'm not supposed to touch again ever. So, I'll occupy myself by cleaning the room - a major overhaul I'd say.

I'm going to file my bills and letters, store my winter clothes, clear off junk from my drawers and closets, clean and organise my toiletries & make-up, change the bedsheets and start 'vacuumming' the carpet.

In the books, its called "nesting instinct"... ;)

I miss you too, sayang.

My 2 weeks trip home went so fast, its unbelievable. There was so much to see and do (and eat!) but so little time. To all my friends that I could not get to catch up, I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you guys one day, I promise.

However the one thing that I did not regret was my time spent with the love of my life, Boboy. Every single spare moment I had (before I had to rush out of the house again to settle stuff) was spent with him.

We'd go for walks around the house:

catch cicaks or play hide & seek:

or just cuddle up. Even Hubby was sometimes jealous of how much attention Boboy got while I was at home. Every night, I made sure that Boboy gets a place next to me on my pillow and we'll cuddle to sleep:


When I was packing on my last night in KL, I cried buckets knowing how much I'll miss my Boboy. It will be a very long while until the next time I'll see him - in fact, I don't even know whether I will get to see him again... I was really sad. Boboy couldn't understand why I was crying and why I was packing up so much stuff. He even made it difficult as he refused to get out of my luggage that night. Hubby had to force him out of the room sampai Boboy merajuk malam tu sebab kena marah.


The day I left, Hubby told me that Boboy was as if looking for me. He'd go around the house, searching every room hoping that I was hiding behind the door. And yang paling sedih sekali is that until now, every night Boboy will climb up our bed and lie on my pillow, as if waiting for me to come home and cuddle him. He'll wait on my pillow till he falls asleep... Hubby said he really misses me.


I miss you too sayang. I'm sorry we have to do this, but I promise that we're doing our best to work something out so we can be together again, OK. Hang in there - Mama still loves you no matter what.

I will get through this....

I asked for strength,
He (Allah) gave me difficulties to make me strong,
I asked for wisdom,
He gave me problems to solve,
I asked for prosperity,
He gave me brain and brawn to work,
I asked for courage,
He gave me danger to overcome,
I asked for love,
He gave me troubled people to help,
I asked for favours,
He gave me opportunities,
Hence.. I received nothing I wanted,
But, I received everything I needed.

A toast to the bride & groom

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I would like to start off by saying congratulations to Vasantha and Shasi and how proud I am to be part of this special day. It meant so much to me to watch my best friend marry the man of her dreams. My journey half the globe to be here tonight is all worth it- just to see them hand in hand with sparkles in their eyes and glows on their cheeks to show how much they are in love and happy together tonight... (sigh).. OK, enough of the jiwang-jiwang bits.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

As the maid of honour, I was told to say a few words about the bride. Obviously, this proves to be a daunting task- as one can never ever able to describe Vasantha in only a few words. I have known Vasantha since we were in BBGS for nearly 20 years ago. At school, Vasantha excel in her studies, especially Maths and Add Maths, and was active in sports. She is definitely one that would not go unnoticed because we could always identify Vasantha's loud laugh and beautiful smile wherever she goes. No wonder she made the perfect cheerleading captain at our school.

As far as I could remember, we have had lots of good times. It seems like it was just yesterday that we were spending whole weekends at each other's places - staying up all night gossiping or doing mini facials or watching romantic films, wishing Brad Pitt would galantly walk through the door.

Over the years, careers changed, apartments changed, boyfriends changed - some friends married and started families and others stayed single and continued the search. With all of the variables, one thing was always constant - the deep friendship Vasantha and I shared with one another and with our dear group of girlfriends.

Vasantha was my confidante, my support, my maid of honour. No major event has happened in my life in the past that Vasantha has not been by my side. She has always been one that I can lean on and one that I can rely on. Vasantha's kindness and sincerity, her grace and most of all her patience have made her the person she is, whom I greatly admire and respect.

To Shasi,

Not only are you a lucky man, you are definitely a brave one too... hehe. I am happy for you both - your personalities completely complement each other and the love you have for one another is evident. So Shasi, I ask you from the bottom of my heart - will you please take care of my best friend, Vasantha, and treasure each moment you have together. Share each other's hopes and fill each other's dreams.

On a final note, congratulations Vasantha and Shasi on a wonderful future ahead together.

3 days to go...

.... till I balik Malaysia!!! Tak sabarnyeeeee.....

OK, I haven't been updating... reason being I was so busy at the office, working late nights to finish up before I take my much deserved 2 weeks off. Boss kept me running here & there to meet some deadlines and by the time I reach home, I'm so dead tired.

I've packed most of my stuff and counting the hours till Friday for me to board that flight home...

I miss home so much.... I got so obsessed that when I stumble upon the video below, tears start to flow okay.... habis emo tau...



Cepatlah, dah tak sabar nak balik ni......

When Taurus and Cancer come together...

....it's usually a very good combination. They are two positions apart within the Zodiac, and such Signs tend to share karmic ties and a deep mutual understanding. These two particular Signs have much in common: Both prize security in a love relationship above almost anything else; both tend to be nurturers (Cancer is emotionally nurturing while Taurus loves to spoil their lover with sensual delights, gifts and good, rich dinners). They're both quite domestic and love a quiet night spent at home with their partner

The Taurus-Cancer partnership tends to be a happy one due to this mutual enjoyment of the security and comfort of home. They love a solid home base, a strong relationship, nice possessions, good food: all the comforts of domestic life. Theirs is often the ideal family that people of other Signs strive for, with strong ties between them and a relationship that is family-oriented rather than toward the outside world. Their only major problems arise when Taurus insists on having its own way and Cancer responds by sulking. Taurus must understand Cancer's emotional sensitivity, and Cancer needs to rely on open, honest communication rather than emotional blackmail.

Taurus is ruled by Venus (Love) and Cancer is ruled by the Moon (Emotions). Both of these celestial bodies vibrate with feminine energy. Cancer often keeps emotions bottled up and simmering inside, which can lead to occasional outbursts. Thus, Cancer is attracted to Taurus' open and honest nature. As the Moon controls the tides of the Earth, quietly affecting all life, so does Cancer, manipulating behind the scenes. Cancer tends to be sentimental, and both partners prefer to enjoy each other rather than socialising with large groups.


Taurus is an Earth Sign and Cancer is a Water Sign. Water and Earth are compatible as tangible, physical entities. As a Water Sign, Cancer is born to nurture an Earth Sign like Taurus. In turn, Taurus tends to have a more stable view of life than Cancer and is less prone to emotional turmoil; therefore, Taurus can help Cancer stabilise their feelings. Both Signs must be careful in this relationship, however: Taurus may tire of Cancer's mood swings, and Cancer may in turn feel that Taurus is insensitive to their needs.

Taurus is a Fixed Sign and Cancer is a Cardinal Sign. Taurus has Fixed habits; they won't change an opinion once it's formed. This can provide Cancer with an emotional foundation, as Taurus is entirely dedicated to the relationship. In turn, Cancer can bring new inspiration to the relationship and start new projects that Taurus will enjoy taking over later.

What's the best aspect of the Taurus-Cancer relationships? The steady, reliable team they make. Both Signs are dependable and nurturing, strongly oriented toward domestic life together. A mutual love of home and security makes theirs an ideal long-term, family relationship.

Can't wait...

I'm counting the days till I'm going home... yeay!!!

Can't wait to kiss & hug my Boboy...

Can't wait to see Hubby and Mama...

Can't wait to hear the latest Malaysian happenings with my best friends...

Can't wait to dig into Burger Ramlee special, ikan keli goreng sambal and yummy cendol....

Can't wait to feel the sand and sea and the fresh breeze in Tanjong Jara Resort...

(Sigh)... 15 days to go... Can't wait!!!

As I turn 30 today...

... I realised that time passes so fast

... I wish I could celebrate it with Hubby, Boboy & Mama

... I realised who my true friends are

... I thank God for giving me the best 30th birthday present ever

Boboy Bodek

Saya tengah emo, OK??!!

"Kata-katamu hanya mimpi
Disiang hari
Kemarau panjang berpanas jua
Berteduh tidak"




Hmmm... kalau dah terasa tu... apa lagi, talipon lah & pujuk... benci ah!

>:(

Nak gi merajuk ni...