OLYN AND MORE

1/3 way

2012-01-21T17:55:00.002+08:00

having mashed potatoes and coffee for breakfast...coz we don't have bread...huhu..

anyway...4 months have passed...how time flies...9 assignments, 2 exam papers and one week to do absolutely nothing but go to london, have fun with sis and continue having fun in liverpool and maybe manchester? lets see...

other than studies, my sosial life has not really been..aa...flourishing? i've yet to go to any pubs or clubs for simple drinks and live music...i've not dated for like a hundred years since coming here...i've not travelled alone (which was of huge irritation to han...hehe)

i've made friends with about everyone in class, close with some, but not have d chance of actually going out with them other than for studies or dinner at one of their homes...sucks i know...o well...i still have 8 months to repent...maybe i could start tonight? lets see :)

feeling alone

2012-01-12T23:08:00.002+08:00

you know the feeling of being surrounded by people, but feeling alone? i go through that quite often these days, especially at home. weeks and weeks without classes were torturous, except for the times when i was somewhere else, on holiday.

you see, its not that im not close with my mates. they are superb individuals. but they seem to have a life of their own and its hard to penetrate or to be part of it. its good i guess in a way, where i get my own space. i think.

one is very very reliant on skype. im not exagerating, but she talks to her buddies back home from the minute she wakes up, till just before sleep. i do talk to her, if we were walking to the shop or if we met in the kitchen. thats it. wonder if i shud just cancel internet...if i was that desperate, but then, i wouldnt be able to blog..huhu.

second one is a vampire. metaphorically speaking of course. she sleep during the day, and awake the whole night. so i get to meet her in the kitchen at night, or when she gets bored of studies, she'll come dance in my room. hehe.

its not that im complaining, im just feeling lonely. grrr...

semester 1...almost there...

2012-01-12T18:58:00.002+08:00

its been 4 months now since my arrival...how time flies...i've just submitted my 8th and 9th assignment for d semester and it feel gooooooooooooooddddddd......

next up are 2 exams; one is open book with many many calculations and limited time...i guess for this test, its all about speed...so i need to start timing myself for the past year exams...second one is the classic exam where you need to memorize, but since this is masters, memorizing does not get you anywhere, without case study examples for every definition and purpose of all d titles in supply chain management..hehe...basically there are 11 chapters, with about 7 to 10 mini titles for each chapters which makes it about 77 to 110 definitions, formulas, graphs and case studies to remember...die...

i've done my note...doing d mind mapping thingy...n hoping to God that my brain would remember all these...shites! after the 20th, im free!! rewarding myself with Jamie's Italian then :)

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T04:39:00.002+08:00

2011 came and went...

As a reflection...I was going through my diary few hours ago on my 2011 resolutions, I am proud to say that I have achieved all of what I wanted to...I became Senior Manager...checked! I am in UK doing my Masters...checked! I am a proud owner of a property...checked! I am better at my .... checked! I didn't actually write anything about relationships or weight loss hopes last year, surprisingly...so I guess its OK then, that I didn't achieve both? Or was that why I didn't? hehe...let's see if I did it this year...

Anyway...I look forward to 2012...I am officially then 1/3 of a century old, I would have completed my Masters by then, InsyaAllah, and who know...maybe Mr. Right? My list this year is simpler...maybe because I'm here, away from home, with nothing much to do but study, travel (if I had extra pennies) and pray to God...(see why I love it here so much?)

Though its a quiet night here at home, don't know much about what's happening in town though, probably full of them drunk Englishmen, I'd just like to say...Happy New Year and may all our wishes for year 2012 come true!! Amin...

London!!

2011-12-28T18:41:00.004+08:00

London...this was my third time here since my 3 months in England...and I still get to see things for its first time...this time, the major events were the Winter Wonderland and London Boxing Day!! at Oxford Circus...

I went with Ada and Shabz this time...all thanks to my hard earned pay...we stayed at Aldgate East, with Ada's friends, who were the most gracious hosts I've ever met...during this stay, I learnt 2 things...jemaah Subuh (yes, I've never done one my entire life, except during orientation, which was a forced thing) and the meaning of welcoming unknown sisters to your home, even though you have plenty others under one roof...during our stay, there were about 18 others in the house...murah rezeki my hosts...

We went on 24th...put down our bags at Aldgate, bid hello to all in the house, and we started our trip to London...since its first time for both Ada and Shabz, I brought them to Westminster, so that we could cover quite a lot in one stop...I also wanted them to get used to reading the maps, so they'd be independent when I'm not around...then we went to good ol' Bayswater for prayers and lunch at Oodle Noodle...yummmm...then I bid them goodbye, and headed for my London MARA friends at Winter Wonderland! We had soo much fun on the rides and had many many chats with the friends that came along...Ada and Shabz joined us later during the day and enjoyed themselves too :) For dinner...we had halal KFC at Aldgate...yummmmmm

Second day...was Christmas! So we were all set out on foot to the Tower Bridge and Tower Palace...just about 10mins walks from home...was simply awesome...we walked on to London Bridge, headed back home for prayers and such, and headed back out to check out the most interesting looking tower...the 30th St Mary St Tower (which we renamed Egg Tower) Had the best dinner at Red Dragon...a Chinese buffet at Aldgate, to show our appreciation to the host...

Third day was the start of Boxing Day!! I managed to wake up at 5.15am, woke up the others and headed out right after Subuh...the sucky part was that the tubes were all down due to the Tube Strike, so we had to wait till 7am for the first bus to come...and this was after walking all the way to Liverpool St (about 30min walk from home) We were pretty surprised at how little people were at Oxford at 7+am, and our first target was House of Fraser...and the shopping began! I think if I continued past 4 that day, I'd ended up with broken ankles...we went home crazy exhausted that we slept from 6pm till the next morning...hehe...

Fourth day...second session f Boxing day at Harrods and John Lewis on Oxford...I got the oh-so-famed plastic bags from Harrods and a little something for my future baby...I can always hope right...no wrong in that...went back home that night, feeling sated and happy :) Now comes study week!

muller vanilla yoghurt

2011-12-22T07:05:00.003+08:00

i love yoghurt...one of the many sweet things i like, which makes me teeny bit less guilty of indulging every now and then, especially at only 43p for 4 cups...this is of course the lower class ones, from tesco, or only 69p for 6 cups from asda...anyway, i've seen many people grabbing this yoghurt everywhere...they sell at 63p per cup, and seem to stockout on their vanilla and chocolate flavours all the time...i always say to myself, vanilla and chocolate flavoured yoghurt?? can't be right...or...they may taste like custard, just like how frozen yoghurts (vanilla and chocolate flavoured ones) could somehow taste exactly like vanilla and chocolate ice cream...

tonight, my lower class ones were sold out at tesco, and i was faced with these vanila ones, sprinkled with dark chocolates...being my food addict self, i said to myself...this is it...i need to try this! even my tenant loves them, they can't be too bad...right...?

ok...how do i put this...vanilla yoghurt tastes like HiCal Vanilla Milk which has curdled because someone left it outside the fridge for a week...yups...exactly like that...and since its 63p per cup which is about RM3, i took it all in....n now i feel like puking and my tummy is revolting and curdling and making weird sounds...disgusting!!!!!

having themselves recognized even by wikipedia, id bet on muller's other flavours...but never again vanila or chocolate or if they had coffee flavoured ones...errkkk....

good ol' manchester

2011-12-19T21:23:00.003+08:00

ive been to manchester before, thanks to a cousin nearby, who had graciously driven us around, when mak was around...and another time, with some of the kids here, to meet some company reps, for work at the manchester uni...

so why should i go again?

well...im glad i did...went to manchester yesterday with ada and shabz...we ticked most of the things we had in our little checklist, but covered all that was important...lets see...

Old Trafford was amazing...withstanding 2-times bombed, and its 1958 tragedy, I am now a pledged MU supporter...I'm sure Ayah would've enjoyed this trip, being an MU fan himself :)

Lunch at Curry Mile was definitely worth every penny...We had the lunch deal of 8 pounds, for a 3 course meal...This was the second starter...Had huge papadams before that with various chutneys, and Lamb Curry and Briani Rice for main course...

Manchester University Square...Business School...Looking very prestigious...

The famed Manchester Christmas Market...We went to 3 markets...International, German and French markets...Gorgeous stuff and loved the way everyone was enjoying mugs of warm juice, mulled wine, and coffee with pancakes and hot dogs (not the typical American ones...these are authentic hot dogs that made even myself salivate..) I had only macaroons though...safest bet :p

single and available...whats the point in that

2011-12-15T22:40:00.003+08:00

common questions to oneself at this age...why am i single...when am i going to have children...

though at this era, where everyone thinks that being single at 32 is kinda normal (see what i mean...the 'normal' word needs to come with 'kinda') i am somehow living in the past, where i believe that at this age, i should be home with my 3 kids, baking some pies for tea to welcome my hard working husband home from work...that's what i had in mind, well...maybe about 10 years ago...(well, to be honest, that's still something i look forward to) the weird thing was, when it came to men, when i was 22, i never really thought about them...i was happy in my own happy world, surrounded by the lovable bardaques in uni...doing foolish things, not caring at all to look around for a guy, not that i need to look around anyway, since i was taking a course with 10 girls to 90 guys odds...i was practically swarmed by them everyday for 5 years!

then came my working days...again...similar statistics, but this time, it improved a bit, coz this was when all the dates and bf's came along...none stayed long enough though, to answer the questions...

come to think of it...what have i been doing these 10 years?

well...i was talking to my housemates (who are a century younger than me, by the way) about what we could and have achieved in our lives...one of them is very serious about it...wanting to change the world sort of person, the other one was being cute about it...but kids nowadays, especially the ones here (im not being judgmental about kids studying back home, but these kids here are truly different...something you need to see for yourself to agree) are of a different level of maturity...they are not afraid to tell you their opinion in life, they love to argue about politics (believe it or not!) and they are survivors...

well...back to the topic...while talking to them about what ive achieved, i then truly believe that god is fair in his weird old ways...i may not be married and having kids and all...but i have achieved so highly in my career, i have travelled so much around the world that i could relate to almost everyone about everywhere, i have met so many people, i have lived in so many places (partly thanks to my dad, who uprooted us every few years...thanks Ayah), i have a wonderful family and awesome circleS of friends (notice the 'S'...i have my UTP gang, school gang, bagpackers gang, UL gang, liverpool gang, SMEA gang)...these are some of the hundreds more things i need to be thankful for in this life...

sometimes people forget their blessings...i hope i never will...but i still want what everyone has, and im sure god will give it to me one day...like mom used to say...my guy is walking towards me now...its only time that ill meet him :)

busy approaching the holidays

2011-12-12T03:56:00.003+08:00

i went through quite a bit the past week, but didn't have much time to blog about them...yours truly had been really busy, trying to settle the last bits of assignments due, last one by tomorrow, which is now safely printed and filed to be submitted tomorrow morning :)

anyway...its december! we have been expecting snow for few weeks now...but theres been hail and rain and hail and lotsa wind, that broke my fav umbrella (its free from my school, but its something money can never buy u see...) ok..back to what i did last week...aside from my 2 crazy assignments...

we had winter dinner! well...was supposed to be called christmas dinner, but we twisted it a bit to that...dinner was at red hot...yummy food...i wouldnt really call it halal, coz they do serve pork, but all others (chicken, beef n lamb) are halal meat...so...bedal...dessert was excellent too...the function was organized by the Liverpool Malaysian Society (thus explaining why they took the effort of finding halal dinner)...it was simple; short speech after dinner by mr. president, secret santa wrapping the nite...but everyone had great food and lotsa photos :)

i also went to the winter jamboree...this was organized by the university student committee...many good performances from various clubs..i must applaud the malaysian 24 drum club for their outstanding performance...and the hindi club for a very very catchy dance routine, which got us clapping and dancing and calling out for more!! food was so-so la...nothing to shout about...but i do need to point out that the minced pies are superlicious...need to learn how to make them pies...yummm

soo...these were all between tummy pain on wednesday and writing a 10,000 word report and another 2,500 word report...huhu...multitasking...something which im proud of having, coz im a girl! :p next up...3 more assignments to finish before going down to london for christmas!! :)

HAIL!!

2011-12-06T00:41:00.003+08:00

i was walking gaily back from class and suddenly got hit by hail! haha...it hurts, but was amazing nevertheless...can't wait for snow...(picture of my window, full of them hail...)

those moments

2011-11-30T08:55:00.002+08:00

its cold, its very late, im kinda hungry...these are the moments when i miss home...at home, there's always food in the fridge...usually some dishes mom whipped up few days ago, but too much was made for the amount of us who ate at home...it was usually just me n mom anyway, na was away in college, nita was running late from work...i'd sneak in quietly into the kitchen, put everything in a plate n ate...even cold, d food was yummy, coz its mom's...hmm...pms kah ini...

Warwick Castle!

2011-11-28T02:11:00.004+08:00

i loved it! my first real life castle in my entire life, and it was soooo amazing...aside from the effort put in by the company who runs the castle, by bringing the rooms in the main area alive, its the whole castle area itself...the river avon running behind the castle, the well-kept gardens surrounding the castle, and of course the towers...ive not done that much workout since i got here, so it was pretty amazing...we managed to cover every spot in the castle, even around the gardens...

me and ada brought our own food for this trip, and we saved a bundle...but if anyone wants to go, there's plenty of food around...there are carts selling baked potatoes, fish and chips, soup n buns, and even proper restaurants selling all the roasts u want...and its not too pricey either...the toilets are amazingly clean, considering the amount of people that comes to this place...plenty of tissues and water and soap...this castle was actually built in 1068, and rebuilt in few hundred years later, to turn it into the stone castle it is today...it was owned by the earl of warwick, and has seen many famous people visiting the castle, including king henry, winston churchill, queen elizabeth etc...i do wish, however, that they open up more of the sections for everyone's view, and not just for those who paid more for extra tours; such as the dungeon tour, merlin tour and the princess tour...wonder what's that about...

anyway...i loved the whole thing nevertheless...we picnicked near the main castle for lunch and by the river at the end of the day...before hopping onto our bus back home...

it is 1 muharram today...wishing all muslims, happy new year and may this year be a blessed one for all...ameen...

1st destination: warwick castle

2011-11-24T07:42:00.003+08:00

after working so hard, with assignments and part time job, i am going to start my traveling! first destination is this weekend to warwick castle! can't wait!! ill update later with pictures :)

o yaa..i forgot to mention...i did get d part time job i mentioned in my earlier post...i had to call up alumnis in US and canada for fundraiser campaign...i made the uni $2750 in only 4 days! not bad aye...next assignment for d same job would be in feb...lets see what i could do between now n then for more travel money...

my beloved sponsor

2011-11-24T07:34:00.002+08:00

i feel the need to express on my blog (though ive done so in FB) of how privileged and impressed i was with how well MARA treats its scholars...we were summoned to london for a weekend with the sponsor, and were provided such great rooms, great food to eat, plus the talks really got most of us motivated to study hard for the country...terharu sangat..its been a while since ive felt that special, knowing that there were only a small number of us chosen ones...i now know for a fact that i am trully blessed...alhamdulillah...

half class

2011-11-08T02:39:00.002+08:00

i had a class today, cut half way, coz the building had gas leakage...scary huh? tapi sangat seronoks!! :)

Busy Raya Weekend

2011-11-07T04:41:00.004+08:00

we had more than raya this weekend..i start my weekends on friday, but this week, i had a part time job interview..ill know how i did tomorrow so wish me luck!

saturday was busy..trying to finish the never-ending report..i just cant seem to finish it and its driving me crazy! i hope to finish bit more tonight and tomorrow, and be done with it by wednesday for printout and submission...arggghhh...i managed to do some during the day...

anyways...saturday, 5th nov was Guy Fawkes day, so we had quite a huge celebrations here in liverpool after 7pm...some spots had bonfires, but our spot had a 30minutes display of fireworks...i always love fireworks, so it was awesome..they had it at a famous lake nearby, but not near enough to walk, so we took a cab..coming back was a bit of a nightmare, coz we were stranded in a danger spot (toxteth) for almost an hour, just for taxi to pick us up..there were some dangerous looking kids around, throwing fireworks to random people..sheeeshh...as if there is any sense in that!

sunday...i woke up early to prepare nasi lemak, as our raya meal for breakfast..then went off and took d train with some of d kids from college to manchester! they held a career fair and raya haji..it was pretty awesome, even though quite small, but most of the booths were held by its own CEO's, which I am quite surprised and pleased, sooo worth coming all the way...i went back on my own, coz was done by 2pm...had a quick lunch at d station, and choo-chooed back to liverpool...

i had an hour of rest, got dressed for raya, and went to the al-ghazali centre for the MSC raya celebration..food was awesome as always :) many many picture were taken, of course...

i had fun, my feet n knee hurts (its been a while since ive worn heels), n my bed's calling out for me...goodnite peeps...

Travel Plans in UK

2011-11-05T06:59:00.002+08:00

i made this..red are places I need to go to, though I don't have contacts...whites are the places I'm going to, where I have friends (or my housemates have)...greens are done! so many places to go to...so little time...

i'm lucky?? yes!!!

2011-11-01T07:56:00.004+08:00

yay...i'm lucky at last! i found GBP 5, on the way back home from class today..i'm gonna keep this note till i die!

u know, i've never been so lucky in my life...i've never won anything; not in contests in the papers, not in lucky draws, not in anything if it has anything to do with luck..seriously..it got to a point, that during my work days in proton, we had a family day..there were about 50 of us, and we fell short of 1 gift for the lucky draw..guess who didn't get the gift...yours truly of course...

anyway...i think my luck's gonna change from now on! woohoo....

And you're OUT!

2011-10-20T22:52:00.002+08:00

strike 3 and you're out!! hehe...that should've been my call, but the most recent boyfriend got caught, chickened out, and said the magic words...if you've been reading my blog, well the reason i started this blog in the first place was when i broke up with my first boyfriend cum fiance...then BF2 came and went, BF3 came and went, BF4 came and went, BF5 came and went and eventually this one (by the way, BF3 and 5 were online BF's...I don't know if that even counts)...

this one was just another shock...all lies...supposed to be divorced with a son, turns out he has 4 children that i managed to find out about...i don't know if he's still married or whatever, i tried getting the story out of him, but he just quit the relationship based on my questioning him...hehe...i'm pretty sure i had my reasons for asking, don't you think? anyway...all the best to sucky liars like him...may the lightning strike you one day...ameen...

no worries about me...somehow with this breakup, i'm fine...maybe coz i pretty much prepared myself for the worst with this one...many versions to a story, got rumours of him having 2 wives, always too busy for anything, didn't even come to see me when i went for a major operation 2 months ago, never called me since i've relocated...see what i'm losing here? anyway, i pity the family, so its a good thing we broke up...he's not worth the effort of being a third (or maybe fourth) person...

lets see who's next...?

New Chapter

2011-10-17T01:41:00.003+08:00

i believe this is THE day for me to put up a new chapter in my life...though it may seem bit odd that only after a month plus of relocating and parting from my loved ones, would i declare it as such, but well, this is my life after all...suka hati lah yer...something happened this morning, and just few hours ago...i won't share it this time, but i have to say that whoever feels that i've changed how i treat you...serves you right! i was contemplating to open up a new blog, but i figured, i should just continue with what i have...at least when my grandchildren reads it later, they'll get the whole picture in a click...anyway...

ehem ehem...new chapter...yours trully recently moved to good ol' LIVERPOOL!! i was getting pretty tired of working like a dog (Beatles anyone??) so i decided, with a huge nudge from my bestie Nik (dearie...without your help and encouragement, i will never be here) to try my luck at applying to all the uni's that offer what i wanted...about 6 i think, and i got a thumbsup from 4 of them...that was the easy bit...the hard part was the money...how do i come here...savings? naa...im a shoppaholic and a travel freak...too busy spending, plus my pay sucks, so savings is out of the question...so we tried our luck at British Council...for some reason, i got rejected right when i applied...one night, while staying up doing work (my daily 16-18hour working ritual) i decided to check out MARA...and there it was...first day that they're offering scholarships for postgrads...seriously, ini bukan cerita dongeng...and here i am :)

it wasn't so rosy, the prep i had to go through coming here...blood and tears were shed along the way, and a lot of pain too...but it was all worth it...Mom was my hero through thick and thin, and was here supporting me till just last week (and she still is, from back home)...its good timing too, that she went back, i must say, since its freaking cold here right now...

so...here i am...starting a new life and chapter...pray for me!

Warning to All Ladies in Pursuit of Life Long Partner

2011-02-07T21:13:00.004+08:00

Some may think that what I'm about to share is shameful. I've been through too many things, I don't even blink when you talk about any types of failed relationships. At this age, everyone knows how aunts would hover over you on marriage, as much as they can. Their starting lines ; 'We're concerned' 'You're a pretty and successful lady, men are so dumb nowaday' 'Are you OK? You don't look too well...' yada yada. And there's always advices here and there, especially on how I should work on it, how I should be open to everyone, don't be picky...

You know what? I don't have a lineup of guys, just waiting to be picked. I don't just sit and look pretty, awaiting for my knight to come. I don't appreciate anyone's concern and advices on how to look for men. In fact, I feel like slapping anyone that even comes near to starting a conversation on how to...

Among my friends, I'm proud to say that I've dated enough for 2 to 3. I've tried speed dating. I've dated all races of Malaysia and more. I've even signed up on matrimonal sites and dating sites. Latest I signed up for was OkCupid. First look at it; very promising. Just after a day of signup, I got 4 emails already. I was open; I said Hi back and so forth. I even went out with few of the guys who seemed nice.

Then came Mark Davidson; a man who had lost his wife six years ago, the only son to a Scottish lady, and he lives in London. Dad had passed away, and he is conveniently without children. He's 47, pleasant looking and he knows how to speak to a lady. We started with emailing then came the daily calls and love emails. Within a week, he fell in love with me, I'm sunshine to his otherwise dead soul. I didn't believe this, its impossible for anyone to fall that quickly. He had a funny accent, unlike the Scottish, English or Cockney accents I'm used to, with my customers. This was one of the second thing I sensed wrong. A month goes by, and his mom called, to know how I feel for him. She was coughing, so I told my concerns to Mark. He was in Iraq for business at that time, and tried to provide her some money to go to the hospital, but couldn't coz he couldn't find any banks in Iraq. Third bull. He asks for my help to wire her GBP2000. Thanks to my genius instincts and acting skills, I acted as if I wanted to help him, so i asked him for his hotel details, so I could locate a reliable bank around the area. And in that moment, his friend decided to help pitch in. He was conveniently in London.

He continues to call and email me love letters, and I started to fall for him, even though deep in my heart, I know I should be cautious coz of what had happened. Few weeks pass, and he decided to take it to the next level; to meet mom and proclaim his love with marriage. He decided to come over. Confirms for today, 7/2/10 to fly over from London, and landing at 10am. I asked for flight itenary; he keeps on stalling, saying he's so busy, coz he'll be leaving the office for a month to be in Malaysia. I wanted to book his hotel, he says he didn't want to bother me too much. I didn't want to think too much, so I let it go. This morning, I checked with KLIA on arrivals, and his flight was supposed to arrive at 7am. He didn't call till 10am, saying that he thought I was in Penang, so he took the next flight to Penang, from KLIA. Upon arrival, he was stopped by customs, coz he brought in GBP40k (initially the custom officer said GBP40, but when I told her its ridiculous to stop someone for that amount of money, she change to add the thousand) and expired license for business. I asked to speak to the custom officer, and he asked her to call me. She called using her mobile (which would have been expensive, and no one would do that for a total stranger) and explained these offences. I got so annoyed at how she is unable to explain thoroughly, and how she keeps insisting that she didn't need to help, but felt that she wanted to, since she pitied Mark. After many attempts at getting her to speak (I even said sorry for raising my voice; he asked me to, since she wouldn't speak to me, and I was risking him being deported forever) she finally put a price of RM10k for compound payment. This is when I confirmed that its was all a frame up. I spoke to him about this, and he went crazy and said I was forcing him to report to embassy, and he won't be able to come back to Malaysia, and I was destroying what we built. I told him to go ahead do whatever he wants to, and I will call Penang customs to verify her existance. I did, and found out that it was all a drama. She doesn't exist in the office, there is no such thing as a customs retaining room, and they never detain anyone for those 2 offences. Customs would only detain the cash and whatever things not declared.

He called twice after that, but I decided not to pick up. I just wanted to break clean off this sick drama. I don't know why some people would do this to anyone, but I do hope this wouldn't happen to any of my friends and relatives. Do be careful.

Kuala Lipis

2010-12-28T15:11:00.004+08:00

growing up as children of an army officer; constant change of schools, change of houses, change of friends, discipline, spoiling and pampering of course, and very broad perspective and experience of life. all in all, i had 6 schools, one of which i attended with the infamous Siti Nurhaliza at kuala lipis. yup, this city girl used to live in a town which you could drive through in 2 minutes, attended a majestic clifford school, all fresh air and aplenty of oxygen. Mak had wanted to come back to reminisce the past for quite a while now. we decided last weekend was a perfect opportunity to do just that.

going to lipis, we stopped by raub for their famous fish head curry. that was yummy. we had 6 hotels to choose from; we picked centrepoint hotel, but when we arrived, the exterior was too scary looking (god knows how they ranked 1st on tripadvisor), we decided to try 2nd ranking on the list; plaza hotel lipis. the place was clean and ok for the price i guess. only rm120 for a family room. anyways, my family has a way of making a place interesting. we went around the city, lipis now even has a new township, which we went through as well. going through the camp we stayed for 1 year brought back so much good memories with Ayah. Our schools were also still so gorgeous, and we even found the shop we used to go to.

for dinner, of course we went to the rest house on the hilltop for their good that food. still good food there as well. for dessert, since we didn't have much to do, we ended up in karaoke which was fun ;) next day, we realised we've covered everything the day before, so it was just lazing around day for us. on the way back, we dropped by raub for traditional pahang food of tempoyak and sambal hitam. lunch was pretty expensive, but all was delicious, if not really spicy.

we arrived in kl by 3, which just shows how near lipis is, to kl. i dont think we're ever going back, but if we do want to, its so nearby, there wouldn't be any issues.

France o France

2010-12-25T13:37:00.010+08:00

my latest travel was to france, about 3 weeks back..we went to toulouse and marseille, and got a heavy wiff of snow at paris for flight into and out of france..

toulouse is an aerospace city; most of the people here works for airbus and there are many many other aerospace companies are here as well, to support this huge industry. i arrived about 1/2 a day before my CEO did, and i had a great time walking around, hopping in and off the metro (like any european cities, the system is fantastic) i managed to shop few handbags, no magnets were found here, since its not exactly a tourist centre. went to the pont neuf (landmark of toulouse - try google toulouse, and this would be the first thing you see on screen), capitole, canal du midi, st sernin cathedral and found by accident, the galleria lafayette (i like...)

foodwise; not at all a problem, being french, they love cheese so much, i can find cheese pizza, cheese tarts, cheese croissant in every cafes. i naturally love all the bakes in france, so i enjoyed quite a variety of the breads as well. carrefour nearby even has a halal section, so no issues with missing chicken and beef or getting over-whelmed with fish :) and what is france, of course, without chocolates.. i bought almost 20 chocolates and few cheeses to bring back home, and even the french approves of this being the best souvenir coming from france.

then he came, and work was non-stop. journey down south was great, however. we went to marseille for a meeting, but olyn being olyn, i made sure i enjoyed every bit of that as well. it was a 4hours drive down, and we saw beautiful landscape all the way; windmill, browned fileds, snowy patches, old houses and cathedrals, vineyards...all so gorgeous. first view of marseille at the customer's site; hmm...why did he say this was a gorgeous city again?? then when meeting was over, he decided we had plenty of time before night-fall at 5.30pm, so we headed towards sea.

marseille is absolutely breath-taking. its a port city, very old and it managed to retain most of its original beauty. we managed to hop onto the city tour tram, which you can take near the dock. the tour was the heart of the whole experience. we saw the mouth-dropping sunset from the sea side, we went uphill to the famous marseille cathedral or the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure. up here, you can see the whole of marseille. reminded me of barcelona, without the sagrada familia in the distance. such a densed city with very well maintained old architecture.

after nightfall, his wife decided she wanted to put a footprint into spain. being a good hubby, and an obidient employee (yours truly) we convened, and headed further south into spain, into girona (the nearest city to france) that took another 4 hours. we had supper there of this weird looking but yummy tuna pizza and black squid paella (of course) then headed back home to toulouse, to arrive at 2am. france being france, all shops are closed, even the petrol stations. fuel was enough, but got us into trouble with returning the rented car, since we breached the contracts of returning the car with a full tank, therefore they charged us max..huhu..

all in all, this was yet another fun trip, with of course a not-so-fun side of it (80% of it, since its work work work) but i dont mind at all, coz i got to travel :)

im doing great

2010-12-25T13:18:00.000+08:00

my last posting was about how hurt i was about him. just few days after, i found out so many things beyond my comprehension, that had helped me to heal almost instantly. imagine this;

3/12 : he says im his love
6/12 : he asks for a break; coz he had no choice but to get married coz his mother is dying, and he needed to get married to family's choice OR find another hindu girl to get hitched
12/12 : he changes his relationship status 'in a relationship'

sucks huh? again, i take this as a lesson learnt; once a playboy and a liar, always will be, so you should always avoid getting your heart into the situation with these types of people. another lesson learnt is that YM contacts are not trustworthy; you may say that its not applicable to everyone, but it is possible i think to actually put a 90 percentile accuracy to that assumption. yet another lesson learnt is to avoid getting in love with someone who hates his own family.

by the way, sharing is caring right? id like to share that you should avoid this guy; ravin charan suri. he's a teacher, very much loved by his students, but definitely not a good guy to get your heart into. good friend? maybe, but who knows right?

me? im doing great now. my heart is yet again tucked by a certain someone :) ill share more when im sure of this.

heartbreak chapter 3

2010-12-08T23:22:00.004+08:00

dear diary,

my heart is hurt again. when people ask me if its not as bad as before, i thought it wasnt, but somehow it is. this time, urs truly got dumped, and reminded to get a grip. get a grip! can anyone ever imagine getting slapped twice in a day like that? i know it was the shortest relationship of mankind; 1 month of dating, 2 months of being a couple, 1 week of love declaration then suddenly the news. i knew i was asking for it when we started this friendship. i think twice of the same song is enough for me to learn to never ask for the same type of trouble in the future.

have i had enough of love? yes n no. i hate to give up, yet first thing that comes to mind when reminded of him, was to never get into one ever again.

this time, the cut is deeper somehow; probably the age factor, probably the ego factor, probably because this time it wasnt me doing d cut, probably because this time, i did too much; i cooked, i drove, i helped so much, i loved his friends, i respected what he does to d kids he loved and taught. i dont know.

i was reminded today of d silver lining. i would love to believe so, n i hope for it soon. i pray for myself, and hope for the prayers of others.

love,
olyn

from bad to worse

2010-07-31T03:05:00.002+08:00

sheesh...everything's getting bad for me...i think i need to muhasabah diri...maybe i did something wrong, that's why everything is screwed for me now...

today's my boss's last day...i thought i'd be happy, but i'm upset...this is too nuts...doesn't make sense that i don't have anyone anymore to lean on or to act as my shield...

my most trustworthy engineer is resigning...i have another engineer to help, he's great, but he's new...my work is now gonna be my work, my boss's work and his work...im freaking screwed...

i don't know if i'm strong enough for this...need to get away and think straight...last thing i wana do is have a family reunion...and that's tomorrow...im supposed to wake up at 5.30am, its 3.12 am now, and i can't sleep...

maybe i shud take monday half day off...maybe ielts results would cheer me up, maybe not...at least its the most promising thing for now...

very unhappy...

suffocating

2010-07-28T19:46:00.003+08:00

i'm tired and hungry...but i chose instead to lock myself in the room...sometimes this mind and body and soul just cant take too much...work is hell, and will always be hell until i could figure out how to better manage i guess...so for the time being, i cope...

you know how wives can nag to hubbies and the hubbies, tired from work needs to listen and tolerate? i know how that feels guys...i felt like digging a hole and stuffing my head into it...especially when this happens when i was damn hungry and was stuffing my head with the first scoop of food...i couldn't dig one, so i left and locked myself in my room...no..i dont have a wife...i have a doting dependent family who gets upset over some dumb family reunion happening this weekend...

kenyir was relaxing...i need more of that...maybe i need to just get away...work and trying to understand my family needs may be too much for me now...

better facility, better worklife?

2010-05-20T15:11:00.002+08:00

yes and no...yes, if the facility is for the manufacturing line, which is the skin, the bone and the heart of the company...and when it is a 'must-have or else die' condition...for example...u sign a contract with a customer, to bake and sell bread, only to realize later that you don't have an oven...makes sense?

no...when you know for sure that this facility would only add up to your current headache...for example, a device which could haunt you day and nite...the company blackberry...honestly, i am looking forward to the features it may have...if u knew me better, im the type who'd only buy a phone for the functions of calling and messaging...the rest...is luxury (monetarily), which i'd rather put aside for my hobbies...

the thing is...the yes is usually a no, and the no is usually a yes...get why im stressed?

bread craze

2010-05-15T12:21:00.001+08:00

easiest bread on earth - take 3 cups of flour, 1.5 teaspoon dry yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, and whisk this together (as much as you can anyway) add in water slowly, while rubbing, till it gets into a gooey mess (this is about 1.5 cups later) cover the bowl with clean cloth, let it sit overnite...next day, scoop it up and smother it with more flour...put the lump into a cloth full of flour, and let it sit for another 2 hours...then bake and eat it with butter...this is french loaf, ladies...

great day

2010-05-12T17:31:00.002+08:00

its been a while since i've actually said in sincerity that i had a great day...every time my customer asks me out of courtesy how i'm doing, i'd say out of courtesy that i'm doing great...no, in actuality, i'm not doing so great...but who wants to know anyway...

anyway, bitter aside, today i had a great day...this is sincere, seriously...we had a company-wide gathering today to talk about the company achievements for the 1st quarter...for all the work we've done, increment was announced (minimal, but syukur alhamdulillah), and i had few surprises myself...

hard work pays, i now believe...i was awarded future leader for the 1st quarter 2010! for that, i got myself a signature pen, a hamper, and a shaded (and branded 'future leader') parking lot...how cool is that? aside from that, there's also another surprise, which i don't intend to mention here, as reward for my hard work :) great day indeed...

latest misses

2010-05-12T00:33:00.003+08:00

watching julie and julia this evening made me realize how much I miss writing and how long i've neglected cooking...well almost...most i did recently was baking french loaf, which by the way turned out perfect...have it with pure butter, right out of the oven...yummm....

i've been a busy bee...work has been both good and bad to me...good in sense that i travel on company's money, i go to 5-star dinners on company's money, i am well loved by the bosses and i have a kingdom (as my ceo had put it; he was referring to my office :) ) bad in sense that they love me so much, that they want me to do everything, regardless i'm merely human, i only have 2 hands and 2 young boys working for me (which in fact are great guys who learn so fast, but still, boys) and i think i'm losing hours and life for work...

love life...hmm...very dry season...

family life...well, mom's with nita at mekah right now, performing umrah...got a call from mom about an hour ago, with a worried note in her voice, asking if i was alright...she had a bad dream of me...hmm...not something u'd want to hear from someone in mekah...gave me the chills, and contributes to about 70% of why im still awake, crapping...other than that, all is well with them at holy land, alhamdulillah...

i'm still not done with the pom-poms...kinda worried, coz i just got news that i'm shooting off to china in 1.5 weeks...i have no idea what that is about, though, since somehow the bosses decided to keep it a secret until they announce it tomorrow at the assembly...am i gonna be exiled there? sent for another 'special' mission which would lead to a pile of work when i get back home? let's see what happens tomorrow...

i'm still awake...my online bf has gone to bed, so i don't have anyone else to talk to but you...but nothing else to talk about for now...sigh...is that all in my life right now? i should be worried...

love,
olyn

ps: happy mother's day mummy dears...especially my mom, kak dudi and zai, my 3 fav moms in the world...

worst dates

2010-02-05T22:58:00.002+08:00

still on the subject of the heart, i just realized that ive dated quite a bit...some were awesome, some were so bad, i cant even describe...well, i am describing it now though...here are my top 4 worst dates:

4. he was a friend, but he asked me out for a date...im fine with that...had dinner at a&w, which we paid separately (turn-off) and went to watch a blockbuster action movie, which he slept through halfway (coz its past bedtime!)

3. went out with a guy, first time, he talks about his ex...second date, he talks about his ex...third date, he talks about his ex...fourth date, he talks about a girl his family is matching him with...what the hell was i thinking??

2. a cousin introduced me to her close friend...we chatted a bit, and after few months (slow) he finally asked me out...he asked me to choose a place, so i chose bora ombak...maybe the place was overwhelming, maybe i was too chatty, maybe the music was too loud or maybe he is plainly stupid, but right after that date, he kept mum...n that raya, he asked for forgiveness...not!

1. it was a double date with my cousin, sweet of her n hubby to match me...this guy was about 5 years older, i was working in proton at d time, he was in perodua...so in terms of topic, shouldnt be problem rite?well...he picked me up with my cousins...didnt say a thing to me...we went to a food court, got seated and my cousins got up to order (and to leave us to chat) he went after them leaving me alone!

heartbreak

2010-02-04T21:28:00.002+08:00

its funny how at this age and after all ive been thru, i could still manage to make myself hurt in the heart one more time...i mean, come on...it was only 2 times that we've met (and 6 months of contact through phone and web), but this dainty heart of mine just had to stroll along and stumble...my crushes started in college, yeah...i have many many crushes...i may look like a dork in college, nose in the books and all, but hello, i have needs too ok...i dont even know now how to differentiate between crushes and love anymore, thanks to old age, and too many romantic movies (damn i love those) i guess...i thot i was in love with this latest one, well, maybe still am, especially after he has confessed 3 times that he is...but u dont just disappear after saying those kinda things do u? im confused...hmmm...maybe im a lousy kisser? naa...cant be...with these amazing lips?? (who else would say this if not me) anyway...ive chucked him out (well, not entirely, to be honest, we're still connected in other ways) and am waiting for my next interest...bored now, not knowing when and who and how...sometimes i wish i could just purchase one from jusco and be done with it...life just has to be harder though so u could have better stories to tell ur children...imagine saying to them...i bought ur daddy in jusco keramat...so not romantic...now i feel like i need to go shopping...

kemaman short hol

2010-01-31T19:53:00.004+08:00

went to ganu recently to see a friend getting hitched and to accompany nik to her friend's wedding too, both in the east...headed to kemaman on friday morning, arrived for lunch, only to find all the restaurants closed for friday prayers...we didnt get our tong juan stuffed crab, but went instead to mesra mall, and that was where we got the idea for our nites in kertih; karaoke...huhu...first nite; 3 hours, 2nd nite; 2 hours (had to leave coz of zuree's birthday celeb at noname cafe; min's bro's cafe that makes the best drinks in the world; you create it, he'll make it) i had teh o peach suam...yumm...

anyway, aside from karaoke-ing, n lepakking with the guys, of course we went to andy's wedding; he is like he is, and even met up that nite with the rest of the gang for the celeb..its been years since ive seen guys getting hit by eggs n bucketful of water like what zuree got; pure fun :p but we were on our side; the peace corner (with nik, huda, faizal and andy with KFC in hands, across the parit), no eggs in the face please (although i did get a little on the head) other than that crazy nite, we had satar, sotong goreng and kepok at aziz satar (of course), sunset dream at awana (of course) breakfast at haiping (of course of course)...i love kemaman all over again...

singapore quickie

2010-01-25T19:28:00.003+08:00

had a weekend getaway to singapore to meet a friend... had fun at the night safari, a restful weekend at the parkroyal (quiet hotel, hidden amongst the trees at beach road) and good food at usman and zam zam restaurant (both at arab street) no shopping this time, hopefully in the next one...nandre non the above...;)

2009-12-31T00:25:00.000+08:00

please ignore the previous post..that proves mental stress and hormone instability could dominate and change anyone ... :p

down

2009-12-26T00:17:00.002+08:00

dear diary,
ive not been feeling myself since last night...lately, this feeling comes quite often...at times like this, i sometimes feel like getting into my car and driving off to somewhere far far away, without a care of whether i had a penny in my wallet or if i brought along my phone...2 weeks ago, when no one was home, and i was on my way home from working on a weekend, i almost drove on to ipoh...but damn my conscious mind stopped me from doing so...i exited rawang and went back home...is it the hormones? will something really big and ugly happen to me if i finally relented and followed my heart? i dont know what i want actually...my heart is a lost case, thats for sure...my mind is going nuts sometimes, even at work nowadays i feel like throwing a tantrum...why shouldnt i feel that way? butt ugly uniform, work like a dog, lousy food, getting calls from customers on my holidays on my own phone (no...d company only provides phones for d bosses, but i need to take those bloody calls anyway)...forget about getting into d car...now i feel like hitching d next plane to nowhere...fuck this life...

merry christmas everyone

2009-12-24T20:54:00.002+08:00

moving on

2009-12-18T00:18:00.000+08:00

now that i've done what i was supposed to do last month, i can now move on to other things id like to talk about...

London, England

2009-12-16T22:52:00.006+08:00

last but not the least, london...we stayed at bayswater at the hyde park whiteleaf hotel, which was more asia than london, but such a strategic area...there're 2 metro stations here, baywater and queenway, and its walking distance to the main gates to hyde park, kensington palace, and we even stretched ourselves to walking all d way to buckingham..my love for london, is honestly, primark..london bridge was not d famous bridge we all sang our hearts out for...tower bridge was d beauty...weird...harrods was expensive, maybe i should go again during sale...anyway, i loved wetherspoon fish and chips, i loved princi, i loved big ben, i loved london's underground daily pass for everything underground and double decker...we also checked out cheaper and more handmade options at camden town (where punk originated i suppose) and portobello market...so...enjoy d rest of d pics!

tower bridge or london bridge? hmmm...

at camden town...huhu

big o' ben

buckingham palace...we waited for d queen but she didnt show up...

hyde park...d most beautiful park ive ever been to

at portobello market on sunday...they said its better on saturdays

from paris under d english channel n into london

Paris, France

2009-12-16T18:24:00.006+08:00

next in line was paris...it was a love and hate experience here...i love the nite scene here...i hate d people tho...they're painfully unfriendly...i was warned, but i didn't buy it, till i experienced it myself...we did meet 2 very helpful people tho...d nite we arrived cold n tired, n not understanding paris's metro system, and at d grande palais area, where we met a pretty chinese girl, whom we think is not a local...n of course, paris is not short of beautiful places to visit...eiffel was magnificient, especially at nite (but tiring due to d 3 hours we had to endure to go to d top), disneyland was magical, louve is gorgeous, notre dame was unique...hop on hop off here sucks big time tho and very expensive...we should've just taken their route map n take d metro which was fantastic!i love love love d free breakfast we get at d hotel; Belfort hotel; huge buttery croissant and thick coffee with butter and jam..i'd come back to paris for that...enjoy d pics...

disneyland paris!!

notre dame

arc de triomphe

eiffel ku

at grand palais

Barcelona, Spain

2009-12-16T16:22:00.006+08:00

barcelona is definitely a destination for shopping and modern art...and i loved how modern everything is here, so opposed to rome...we stayed again in d best location at la rambla at welcome inn, where all the excitement is...surrounded by gorgeous boutiques (zara was my fav there), good paella and tapas bars, carrefour which we adored, because of the 69 cents chocolates, and 29 cents 1.5L mineral water, and not to mention d 79 cents gorgeous cheese we had with crackers for picnic and one of d best pakistani briani we had in d trip...i loved d apartment we stayed in, coz we had a fully equipped ikea kitchen, where we hav our breakfast and the only place i could cook...even d hard rock guys here are soo friendly, u get addicted to buy so much...here, we experienced a lot of gaudi magical touch of sagrada familia and park guell, picasso, barri gothic, d famous olympic stadium, and surrounded by world's most handsome men (in saza's and my opinion)..enjoy d pics...

my favorite market in the world...

after picasso..i didnt quite enjoy his work..maybe im not artistic, maybe he's jus exagerated

at the olympic stadium

park guell

familia sagrada...gaudi is weird, but magnificient

Rome, Italy

2009-12-16T15:40:00.015+08:00

my favorite europe destination so far...rome...the food was superb (think about it..this is where it all started; gelato, pizza, pasta, the world's best ever hot chocolate, coffee!!!), the hotel was reasonably good, stayed at i didn't quite like the rain though, old italian men adored us...hehe...and the places we went to was breathtakingly beautiful and out of this world..imagine everything you see in da vinci code..yes, vatican city, colloseum (well, this was from jumper :p), palatine hill, pantheon, roman forum, galleria borghese, spanish steps, piazza navona, trevi fountain...i couldn't believe i was there, until the second day or maybe the third day...im blessed...we stayed near termini station at montestella hotel , took d metro a LOT and on the hop on hop off (which was the cheapest in d trip) italians are not bad, not as friendly as texans (the friendliest human beings), but not as haughty as french (i'll elaborate later) but the men are such gentlemen, you'll melt (if you like men) enjoy the pics!

at d spanish steps

at the roman forum...my fav place in rome

at colloseum

me n nik at d roman forum..i love this pic

having a bit of breakfast before pushing our way through termini; best tuna sandwich

travel bug bit me

2009-10-29T23:37:00.001+08:00

looking forward to my long long holiday...will update more once im back...

my nephew nik's wedding

2009-10-26T21:25:00.004+08:00

2 days back, i went to my 2nd cousin's son's wedding at klang..ive never met them before, since they are from my mom's dad's side (kelantan side) anyway, apparently, the groom (supposedly my nephew) turns out to be my junior in uni!what a small world..the food was gorgeous, the hospitality was excellent (we got a table next to Selangor Temenggong family) and we had good company (the best man was so friendly) its a great feeling; to finally meet your long-lost family..

movie buff

2009-10-26T21:16:00.002+08:00

have u ever been to the movies and found that ure the only one in the entire cinema? luckily i went with my 2 sisters..we almost ran back out, but the movie was so gorgeous, we stayed till d end..guess what happens when the cinema's all urs? this...

sagad's wedding

2009-10-26T21:11:00.002+08:00

this is one of the weddings id remember for a long time..it was absolutely gorgeous..sagad did a great job in selecting his pelamin designer..congratulations sagad and jo, may you live happily ever after...

praise to allah

2009-10-26T20:55:00.001+08:00

somewhere along the journey to kl, from kuantan, while driving :)

mee rebus gear box

2009-10-26T19:58:00.003+08:00

as i was passing through AU3 from work today, i saw the 'sup gear box' stall that me and my family had been to. the soup is flavorful, but.....considering that we paid minimum of RM15 per bone, the meat is NOT ENOUGH, marrow is NOT ENOUGH, and i guess, in conclusion, the soup is not worth the price.i love sucking the marrow...yes, its not entirely healthy, but its a delicacy, so it should be excused of its nutritional values to the human body. we found another place that sells similar straw-slurping concept, but only this is in the form of mee rebus with lamb gear box. this is the only dish id recommend at linda onn's mom's chicken rice shop, coz the only malay chicken rice i could accept (other than my mom's) is nasi ayam mancongkam. the mee rebus, is delish, and very generous; with 2 pieces of large gear box and plenty of meat to bite into..its a must try at only RM9!

and the city

2009-10-25T23:21:00.003+08:00

we used to love to think of ourselves as the girls themselves in new york, all glamour and full of life..i think the writer was excellent at picking the 4 characters; like it or not, they represent most of the girls i know; successful, happy, dramatic..im just done watching the movie again, this time on cable, and i love it again and again..id like to think myself as more of carrie..used to want to be more like charlotte, but who am i kidding, seriously..hmm..i wish i had more courage to splurge like her though (again, who am i lying to?)

great movie

2009-10-23T22:48:00.005+08:00

been a while since ive watched a good movie..well, maybe just about a month ago; the proposal was definitely a thumb up! latest i watched last nite was 'the private lives of pippa lee' and it was absolutely superb..a must watch

Me again..I'm fine thank you

2009-10-18T23:06:00.003+08:00

Olyn has a new toy. Its simple, but powerful, and its way past time she bought it.

From my previous post, it looks like I didn't make it..Its been almost 4 months now..I'm fine, and that was just my fear of getting the H1N1 virus by going to the US..hehe..Silly me..

Anyway, months have passed..I've changed department, I've relocated into my own room at the office..Happy bout that, but of course, as human, who is ever satisfied? I'm figuring out how to work with no phone, no internet line, and few more stuffs from the construction of my room, still visible in the room...sometimes it just makes you wonder how it survives all this years..Maintenance is too occupied, IT is too occupied, and I've been back and forth into my old department, checking my email..If I didn't care less, I'd just sit back and do my work without caring a damn about the 30 to 40 emails a day I get..Crap..Anyway, thank you for this opportunity..(?)

I've not been focused on my work..Maybe lack of interest? No...I'm very interested..No focus of what to do first then next? Maybe..But I'm hoping with this new toy, I'd get more geared up and ready to charge..Let's see..

That's work..Life-wise, I'm not doing too bad I guess..Looking forward to few things..Will talk more in the near future..

2009-07-07T23:04:00.001+08:00

im going away for a while...there's good and bad to this...bad; i could get really sick, good; i get to travel...but anyway, i can't wait! ill update often, i promise...

getting younger and wiser

2009-06-23T22:01:00.003+08:00

i always wondered how itd be like reaching 30...to be honest, nothing much has changed, thank goodness...i was 20 for 10 years you see, and well, besides being wiser in many ways (n more patient, i think), maybe there is also this itch now to live life to the fullest...one of the latest things ive added to my 'to do' list is to donate blood every year...ayah used to say that we could gain weight doing that, but i'll try first, coz im sure there's a blessing in every good deed that you do...hope u dont mind ayah...;)

what else has changed...hmmm...i care less about what people think of me...i do as i please, as long as it doesnt hurt anyone in d process...at this age, petty things like pleasing others is beyond me...i just dont give a shit anymore sometimes, so please dont take it to heart...not intentional, its just that my mind may be occupied with more important things...

somehow, some of my behavior has become younger, thanks to d crowd of people i work with now...theyre all mostly fresh grads, n were close, so i guess d aura is strong enough for me to absorb...turned back time? possibly...

i work hard, but i wont hurt myself anymore...moderation is key to everything successful, even islam emphasizes that...i realise this during d birthday weekend i spent holidaying in singapore...what holidays can do to you...holidays after that didnt quite change me, but last time i was away from work so long (after my op in 2005) i started wearing contacts, chopped off my hair, and began to wear makeup to work...next holiday in november, a long one; wonder what i'll change...

bloody monday

2009-06-22T19:47:00.002+08:00

how can your monday get any worse, you think, by just being itself? well, my bad day started on d road this morning at 7.40am, when i saw a body, lying lifeless on the road, covered in blood-drenched white cloth..innalillah...drive safely peeps, and do whatever it takes to wake yourself up, even if it means 'drowning' (dont la do it literally plak) yourself in hard core caffeine...

6 months In a Jiffy - continued

2009-06-21T16:00:00.011+08:00

i remember now...few things after downloading pictures from my phone and camera. lets see:

11. last weekend i went to a grand grand wedding at d sime darby convension. my cousin's wedding i think (i didn't really know her, im more of a companion to mom) id like to marry here anyday...

12. went to a simple, classy and one of the most perfect wedding of all times; han's sister's (sarena) wedding at bora asmara, at kg. penchala. only 50 were invited, and when ure included in that 50, u know ure special...

13. at office there's only d 3 of us lady engineers and we're really close. one of us got half-hitched (engaged) to her man. congrats oli!

14. went to a weekend getway to pd with saza. with no plans whatsoever.

15. few picnics with mr. haziq as chairman, and this yr we found an even better spot; tasik asiajaya ( is that what its called?)

16. tanjung jara; unveiled, with parv n nik. gorgeous. honeymoon anyone?

17. mahsuri theatre at national theatres with runiz, nizam and om

18. lastly aishah's birthday at mcd with my trifle and kak aini's cheesecake for dessert.yummy! that's aishah on d left n oli (d newly engaged)

ala...that's it? not even 20? damn...should get more life..

my cuppies - baby shower

2009-06-21T15:39:00.003+08:00

yes, im still baking those little suckers...im addicted, and loving every moment of decorating them...these were for a friend's order yesterday, for her friend's baby shower.

makan-makan

2009-06-21T15:20:00.003+08:00

for this weekend, we tried out 2 new places - lunch of padang food at gombak (ill update later the name) and last nite dinner at sate station at kampung pandan. both excellent, but not so cheap.

the padang food, for example, but plate consisted of tunjang, begedil, 1/4 portion rice and ulam with sirap limau was rm7. but here, u could ask for a superb glass of avocado drink, so rich and yummy for only rm3.50.

sate station sells its sate at rm0.70 per piece, but for the ambiance, i dont mind paying extra. u'll feel like you're stepping into a grand open house (i felt like giving out salam when i stepped into the area). you have a choice of either going into d tradisional (but grand) malay home, and sit cross legged and eating on low tables, or in the lawn, where you'll be greeted with fresh laid tablecloth and clean beautiful lawn. kids love it there, outside in the open (i didnt particularly like the screaming of them though; they were too at home) besides sate, their specialty is mee rebus and apple juice with asam boi. anyway, d waiters are really well trained, and u could see that d owner is very detail even to food presentation..a must-try! if u're not sure where it is, call them at 03-9284 6607 or ask me :)

6 months In a Jiffy

2009-06-19T19:54:00.003+08:00

what has been occupying my time all this while? i wonder too, actually. there's the same habit of not doing anything after work till late nite, and hopping into bed early (but sometimes late, still not doing anything so significant). there's all those nites, of course, that i go to gym, and coming back flat, and straight to bed..well...which leaves me to only my weekends, which has been nothing but busy busy busy.

january...ther was hanoi..february..hmm..cant rmmbr..d following months...still cant rmmbr...may initiated d birthday month for d geminis in my family...my sis nita's was on 27/5, then there was my cousins' birthdays on 4/6 and 5/6, my birthday on 6/6, nik's birthday on 7/6 and mom's birthday on 8/6..a colleague's birthday on 12/6, and today's nell's birthday!! see what i mean? anyway...this month is definitely a pokai month...for my ##th birthday, myself and saza went to singapore to join nik on scotts. that was an excellent weekend indeed. this birthday, i got myself crocs in singapore, i love shopping there for its branded stuffs..i wana go again, jomm saza..and i got many many lovely birthday presents from my loves...thanks guys..

apparently, since i dont hav much of a memory, ill jot 10 stuffs that i rmmbr;

1. went to my first big bad book sale..nik brought me, it was superb, and i cant wait to go again!
2. my cooking business was on hold from january till just recently
3. im kinda in an air asia shopping spree now..im not gona tell yet where im going, wait n see
4. ive been working like a dog, every penny in my account is beyond halal
5. ive been working out, im just half way done, another half year to go to reach my stars
6. ive been dating few people like im 18 again, n im loving it
7. im happy now, dunno why, maybe just the damn adrenaline
8. found the best looking bakery ive ever seen - the bread shop
9. my condo is almost 2 storey high already, another 15 stories to go to reach my floor
10. i had d best looking gym instructor in my gym

oo well...i tried..hehe..ill write more sense in my next post, i promise...consider this a warm up ok...:p

Im Back and Staying

2009-06-19T19:48:00.002+08:00

Dear Blog,

Its been about 6 months since the last time I've blogged. Very unfair of me to treat you this way. You've been a kind companion when I was alone, and you've always been a good listener through my ups too. So I pledge, to continue this writing of mine, so that my passion of writing would not only left bound in my diary, but also shared with everyone. You have 1 person to thank to, for making me want to write again, and that is Huda, who had commented on my last post on Hanoi, just last week. Love you Huda, and love you my online diary.

Hugs & Kisses

First 2009 Travel Spot - Hanoi

2009-02-01T10:35:00.004+08:00

This city is full of surprises. First surprise was the way everyone loved to horn each other, but in a way, its pretty convenient, considering the motorcycle-dense city and so many others trying hard to cross the road, like us, but in another, its kinda disturbing that they still horn each other even at 3am in the morning. Secondly, Hanoi is beautiful, because of the friendly children excitedly saying 'Hello' to you, if you look like an outsider and I adored the architecture. Sometimes you tend to forget that you're actually in Asia. Thirdly, Hanoi definitely offers beautiful openings to other places surrounding it. You can see padi growing on every inch of available land, so you can expect a cooling green scenery just about anywhere. Here goes my version of Lonely Planet:

Currency - USD or Dong. Currently, USD$1 = RM3.58, D4200 = RM1. From Malaysia, however, only few money changers have Dong (one in Ampang Park), and the rate is better in Vietnam itself, if you change you from USD, USD$1 = D17500.

Where to stay - We stayed at APT Hotel aka APT Guesthouse. Its a simple budget backpacker hotel, with fresh sheets and fresh quilt, clean room and bathroom (with face towel, batch towel, shampoo, toothbrush,soap, comb), with cable tv, well-stocked fridge and a heater we discovered only on the last day. :p Only USD20 per nite for double occupancy. Or stay in any of the hundreds of hotels in the Old Quarter. You'll be minutes away from the Hoan Kiem Lake (on foot- save on cab fare) and you can go shopping just outside the hotel at the nite market and the bright and lively shops surrounding you.

Where to eat - Breakkie - If you stayed at APT Hotel, however, do expect the same breakfast everyday; of eggs and bread with butter and strawberry jam and coffee (its free, so we didn't mind). If you ate non-Halal food, however, you could indulge Vietnamese's famed Pho Bo or Pho Ga and Pate Sandwiches (that made me salivate) at almost every corner of Hanoi. Or you could try out the cafes near the Hoan Kiem Lake, for their huge sandwich you could share for less than $4. Lunch and Dinner - Every corner or for Halal food, check out Nisa Restaurant and Tandoor Restaurant. Bit pricey (that's why we opted for Maggi lunch more and treated ourselves to gorgeous dinners) but absolutely delish. Nisa is where you could taste halal Pho Bo and Pho Ga. Yummy.

Where to go -
1. Hanoi - Old Quarter for shopping, Hoan Kiem Lake for a beautiful scenery, and the North Western part of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Mosoleum (I don't know if this is the right spelling), President's Home, One-Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, Water Puppet Theatre, among others.
Packages we took up with APT Travel -
2. Halong Bay; unbelievable, and deserving of its status as the World's Natural 7 Wonders of the World, only USD$57 for a VIP 2 days 1 nite (on board). Food was the most fantastic seafood during our whole stay.
3. Huo Lom and Tam Coc; a day trip from Hanoi city, only USD$25, another unbelievable sight seeing. After visiting the original 2 Kings Temples, we were off on our own bicycles for hire of about RM20 to the restaurant (about 45min ride through the padi fields, the village and mountains!) A good buffet lunch, and a 2hour boat ride through Tam Coc (which means 3 caves) Do beware, however, that on your way back, the you'll be offered to buy some souveniers on board. Not bad a deal, actually, so go for it! And put aside a few dollars for tips. If you don't, they'll ask for it anyway, but its well-deserved anyway.
4. Perfume Pagoda; a day trip from Hanoi city, only USD$23, we may have come in the wrong season. Its more recommended to go in Spring, when the surrounding Peach Blossom blooms in full. However, the boat ride was most enjoyable, and do take the Cable Car to the Pagoda; its a long way up, but do walk down from the Pagoda, so that you could walk through the beautiful mountain scenery. Again, put aside a few dollars for tips!

What to buy - paintings...lots and lotsa paintings. I bought 11 ranging from oil, water and tapestry. Expect very detailed work of art.

Overall Budget - Without shopping and aside from flight, you only need about RM800 for food, lodging and all 3 tours. Nice huh?

Recommended? - Very much, especially for the young and simple, and for scenery lovers like me. I would love to come back, for Sapa and Hue next time. This is my first travel where I actually interact with other travelers; carpenter couple from Alaska, mother-son travelers from US, weird but happy-go-lucky guys from Palestin-Israel-Thailand (God knows which one's the truth), father-daughter travelers from Indon, couple from Sweden, a family from French province Canada, 2 very cute guys from Japan, 2 very chatty volunteers from India and 2 gorgeous girls from Australia.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-04T21:05:00.003+08:00

I forgot to wish everyone - Happy New Year!!! 2008 was fantastic...I did a lot of things this year that I'm proud of, and I'm happy to say way to go girl...

I changed my job, fresh start into a whole different thing, met new fantastic people, got a boss who loves me, got people working with me and respecting what I do...I'm blessed :)

I bought a house! Even though its not gonna be done till 2011 (crossing my fingers that it will finish on time) I am now officially a home owner...huhu...I love my Symphony Heights...

I got my Nik back and I'm ever so grateful to have my Saza back into my life in full swing...Missing my other jetsetting and busy bee bestfriends, but I'm grateful to know that they're safe and always close to my heart...I'm loving my KL friends breakfast sessions, impromptu after work sessions with the few groups of friends I have from uni, from past work place, from school...one could never ask for more...

I joined a gym again at last! Lets see how this goes this time... :)

I opened up my mind and enjoyed myself tremendously with new people...

I went to Bangkok (again), Bandung and few local travel hotspots this year...Didn't get to go to Hanoi, but going to this month!

I am free of all those damned credit cards!! I know this is not something people would share, but I am so bloody proud of this fact, coz I consider this to be one of my biggest and best achievements of all time...2009 starts with a clean record...

New Year's Resolution? I do have them but I don't feel like sharing them here...For me its something of a privy and if I achieve them, I'll share them OK...Have a great year ahead!!

Foody Blog

2009-01-04T20:49:00.004+08:00

Hey peeps...

Do visit my newly launched blog 'Olyn Bakes' here to support me and my baking business...For those who doesn't know me, I'm Olyn, and I've been cooking for 20 years...I'll be very happy if you could comment or suggest just about anything. Cya!

Luv,
The Busy Bee Olyn

Happy at Last

2008-11-30T17:57:00.002+08:00

I am happy at last...coz I know my boss loves me and coz I know I love what I'm doing...I feel contented each day, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I report back to my customers that everything is going well and dandy...Past are my resentful feelings of getting hitched beyond my will from what I do best; technical Engineering thingy's. Thank you God, for giving me a high everyday at work, when I do my rounds, and everyone reports that they have done what they're supposed to do, without me badgering too much upon them...I am forever thankful, as well, that my future plans are going as they are supposed to, and I am hopefully one step into the line I'm supposed to be, to be able to soar to even higher heights...Keeping my fingers crossed...

Thank You

2008-10-28T20:57:00.004+08:00

This year Syawal, open house is the main agenda every weekend to the last drop! Last was yesterday. I had a wonderful time eating here and there, furthest destination would be Bangi. Thank you everyone for your invites, InsyaAllah I will do my best to make one next year. Halal makan minum. See you next year or earlier OK? Selamat Hari raya!

A day after Deepavali...Post Holiday Symdrome?

2008-10-28T20:30:00.002+08:00

Happy Deepavali to all who celebrates this beautiful festival of lights, and Happy Holidays to all others!!!!

A day after yesterday (today) however, I took half day leave, and many things happened.

Firstly, a bit of whining. Bear with me. I took leave, actually, due to my beloved Savvy Baby, who needs the extra attention of replacing its rear wheel spindle. I was called to come, at 8.00am and the procedure should be done in an hour or so. Yeah, I know I should be thankful that it WAS over by 9.15, but what's with the attitude la?I am very punctual, so I arrived by 7.50am, and I waited without a blink of irritation to 8.00am, to find that I was asked to come back at 12 noon. What the heck la kan...Yours trully DEFINITELY DID NOT give in, and was on the edge of screaming, but patiently and gently explained that she took only half the day off, and it's NOT possible to come back for another month or 2. So they said, OK, maybe they could do it after all (????) Anyway, I was grateful, and asked for the nearest mamak stall to lepak in while they do their work. They courteously showed me the way, and I walked happily to the food kingdom, only to find that the guys were trailing me behind, for THEIR meal as well!!!Get why I'm pissed? Anyway, all ended well on time (well, if they started straight away, I could drive back home at 8.30 kot!)

Secondly, gratitude to gentlemen on earth. Especially to truck drivers who always have the time to give me and my gendermates way onto the road. Kudos to you guys.

Thirdly, I felt like choking a certain someone who had asked me to back to the office just because they forgot the keys to the office. I don't mind the hassle, but to scream at ME for your own carelessness? I think that's just plain unfair man...

Fourthly, I must stress that I'm really beginning to worry about my youngest nephew. He didn't say much today, except 'Gi tak comel hari ni' (yeah, they call me Gi...don't ask why) but whatever..hehe..The thing that worried me was the fact that he thinks he's beautiful today, after wearing MY tudung...ayoo...

My Latest Obsession: My Nails!

2008-10-13T17:13:00.003+08:00

Check out these home manicured and buffed nails! Not bad aye for an amateur...I use Body Shop's Nail Block, and swear by it. Only RM19.90 for shiny, well-groomed nails. Its been 2 weeks and my nails are still oh-so-shiny.

Raya and Beyond

2008-10-13T16:34:00.004+08:00

Its the mid of Syawal already, and a lot of things had happened since my last entry. Lets see...

Cherating was something I really needed to just let go, and free my mind from the constant stress I go through daily now at the office. As I always say, it is much much easier dealing with machines and computers than dealing with people. What do I do? I manage people to ensure my projects run as smooth-sailing as possible. Try that for a change...Anyway, as all of our earlier trips here, we chose to stay in a simple chalet, right on the beach itself, so that we could hear the waves day in and out, and get to lepak on the verandah as long as we want. Myself, with a book and the wind from the sea. Such bliss. And what is a trip to near Ganu without the delish kepok lekor, satar and otok-otok, and not forgetting Hai Ping! I felt like staying there forever...

Wonder what's with the mouth...Na (with the mouth and Mak dearest) Not posing, I can assure you...This is what the beach can do to you...day dream away...

The one and only crab that agreed to pose for the camera...Others were too shy

On the verandah...Jealous tak?

Lily, my closest cousin (other than El :)) gave birth to another beautiful baby boy, Rayyan Iskandar. I wish you only the best my dearest, and may baby Rayyan grow up just her his mother; smart and beautiful inside out.

Baby Rayyan, sleeping soundly in Mama's arms

Ayah's family came down from Ipoh just last week, to visit us in our humble home. We had great dinner (prepared by Mak; yours truly was at work, and joined after) and chit-chatted till almost midnight. Its been a while since we gathered like this, almost 2 years, since Makcik Shikin got married, and all of us had such a great time. Nenek is not quite well, but still very chatty throughout the night. They left back for Ipoh the next day, and we promised to visit.

Raya Day Two

2008-10-02T20:43:00.003+08:00

I'm back in my sarong (yes, I live in KL all my life, and I wear sarong just like any kampong girl you can think of) after a long long day of entertaining guests (family jer, friends InsyaAllah in 2 weeks time OK) and serving them with my family's specials. Pakistani Beriani and lotsa lotsa cakes. We have this thing, my sis and I with cakes. We had Brownies, Cupcakes, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake and Fruit Cake. Weird? Maybe...huhu...Some of the other stuffs that has happened...

Did you know...apparently, in the 70's, the word 'kinky' means that you're stylo milo...huhu...My sis got that from an aunt...I couldn't stop laughing..woohoo...Na is kinky...Na is kinky...

I had food from 4 houses in a row...felt like being bullimic last nite, but too tired to walk to the toilet, so just slept off with the extra fat I gained in a day...

My 2nd nephew is a nutcase...He just HAS to say anything on his mind especially about other people...Its kinda hard to write up on what he says, just that I need to get it out of my system...hehe...I love you anyway baby...

That's it for now...Tomorrow I'm off to Cherating! Later aligators...

Selamat Hari Raya!!

2008-09-30T14:52:00.005+08:00

Dearests...Happy Eid Mubarak to all of you...May your Ramadhan have been a blessed one and may you have a wonderful month of joyous celebration...You deserve it...Drive safely for those going back home and to those going for your holidays...Makan berpada-pada yer... :)

Smocking Couture

2008-09-30T14:43:00.002+08:00

Think its too late to shop for that breathtakingly intricate smocking couture dress for your baby princess? Check this out then. I know the designer personally, and I can assure you that she's not only great at smocking, but a wonderful artist and a great mom to one of my bestfriends, Han.

Selamat Berpuasa

2008-09-14T12:12:00.002+08:00

One last word from me for the day...Sempena berpuasa ni...jangan bukak mulut masa mandi, jangan 'ter'telan air masa berwudhu', don't think naughty thoughts (huhu), and stop checking out that yummy guy with the cute ass (woohoo) You may do these however in 2 weeks time :p

Selamat Berpuasa loved ones...

Janda Baik

2008-09-14T11:38:00.005+08:00

What more can you ask? Trickling cool water all over you, you live in a Kampung-style stilt house, beside the clear clean river, no traffic jams, fresh air, free local fruits...Is this heaven, you may ask? Well, maybe, but you don't have to wait that long to experience what I experienced at Zaini Guesthouse in Janda Baik. My huge family (including the aunts, cousins, the works) had a weekend getaway, a week after Bandung, and we had a lovely time there...The hosts were a newly-wed couple; Fred Suria (she's the beautiful French I was telling you about) and Zaini and a troop of his family as cooks (the best Kampung cooked food, using fresh ingredients from the surrounding area!) We're planning our next trip already..If you're into this kind of adventure (separate baths; but very clean and beautiful, bathing in the stream for countless hours, minimal electricity, cool air without fans and air-conditioning) jomm!

My verandah

The view from my window

Ada gaya rappers tak? huhu...Nita at hard work...feeding us all durian from the orchard

BBQ at nite...had lamb, fish, chicken with the best marinade I've ever tasted; secret recipe definitely

My stilt home from the river...Lawa kan?

My sisters

Olyn Missing?

2008-09-14T11:32:00.004+08:00

Yup, she's been missing for a while...OKla...for a very long time...been up to the nose with work work and work! There shouldn't be any sort of excuses, she knows, but the little time she has, especially during Ramadhan, has made it impossible for her to not just lie back and read her new books...Olyn's reading...Eat Pray Love and Tuesdays with Morrie...2 books? Yeah...that's how she is...Too excited to read one book after another...So, peeps, bear with her OK, coz you know how crazy she is about writing (Oh yeah, by the way, when she's not typing up into her dearest blog, she's updating her Little Black Book) OKla..more stories after this..Promise!

Bandung

2008-08-30T16:30:00.014+08:00

Bandung was something else. Not that I'm saying it in a bad tone or anything, but I have imagined it to be so different. Well...I blaim the ability of my mind to fantasize too much I guess. I went there with another 8 cool peeps, 4 of which I'm very familiar with, and another refreshing 4, are colleagues of Nik's. Very easy to get along with. They stayed for 4 days and 3 nites. I, however, had the misfortune luck of a non-confirmed employee, who can only take 1 day off, so I stayed for a nite shorter than the rest (thank God for weekends). Nevertheless, still very happy with the 1 day extra of leisure, away from work. huhu.

Arrival at Bandung - Bandara Husein Sastranegara Bandung Airport. Don't you just love how artistic the Indonesians are? I love their airport's name.
Nurul posing at the lobby - Sukajadi Hotel. Easy access to good Sundar food, just 2 doors down. We had our first lunch there, then rolled up our sleeves and went down to business - shopping!!!
First day of total retail therapy. I bought 4 tops, a jacket and 2 shoes in 1 evening. This is Rumah Mode at night. Very beautiful, price of clothing not so bad, but I prefer Mode Plus for more branded items choice. But here, do check out its cafe for its yummy Avocado Blended. Nice...

At the Atmosphere; happening restaurant with the works

In front of the hotel entrance

On the way to Tangkuban Perahu...Took us a few hours gak...

Tangkuban Perahu and the mountains surrounding the area...Lawa kan?

Adorable couple...posing at the many many natural bongsais you may find at Tangkuban Perahu

Volcano...You can see the smoke coming out of the mountain..

Nasi Timbel - Sundar specialty recommended by a friend...cocok skali dengan tekak saya Pak..

Saza being all sad to leave Bandung..hehe...at the back you can see Bandung's largest mosque

The place to get your taste of Nasi Timbel...setap!

At Dago Valley, another very exclusive restaurant everyone must check out...Food-wise, we're not so sure, coz we went for the coffee and dessert only...yumm..but bit pricey

In conclusion...I am so going back there for more shopping...I don't think I'd shop for clothes anywhere else from now..

Carbonara Yumm

2008-07-13T21:11:00.002+08:00

I should have more faith in my sis from now onwards. Last night, I had one of the best Spaghetti Carbonara ever! Its not her recipe, most definitely, but it was basically perfectly coated with the creamy, yummy sauce, with just the right amount of salty beef (she forgot to buy beef bacon and we - being Mak and I, suggested that she fried the beef we had with teeny extra salt). Its from Martha Stewart, and this proves that her recipes are safe to try. Cost for overall cooking - RM30. Cheap aye, for 8 plates! Try this!

Social Contract

2008-07-13T20:17:00.002+08:00

Some forget, some do not know, and some just don't care. Do you really not care? I'm extremely worried. Read this.

Hats Up!

2008-07-12T22:05:00.003+08:00

What type of a driver are you? Are you the kind who, if given way, would pass with your hands high up, to show how thankful you are for their kind gesture, or is the type who'd keep a straight face, and move on like nothing had happened?

I was in the car with sis, after a short pasar malam trip, where we were putting up our hands after another, coz of the traffic, when she related to an incident that happened with my mom's friend. Something like this...

Friend: Yan...you kenal ke orang tuh? Siapa tuh? Kawan Olyn ke?
Mom: Siapa?
Friend: Yang tadi you angkat tangan tuh...
Mom:Erm...tak...dia kasi jalan tadi...
Friend: Ooo...ingatkan kenal td...

Hehe...weird...no wonder lesser people are saying thank you's nowadays for simple courtesy...For your info...yes...it's good manners to say thank you...no..you don't even have to shout it out, hoping the other kind driver to hear...a simple nod (and a smile if you have any) and a hand gesture (not the finger dudes) would do...You'd make someone's day, and you'll feel good...Trust me...What goes around comes around...Have a nice day!

Back in Gear

2008-07-11T23:27:00.001+08:00

I'm happy again...after all the thinking and confusion, fate had answered, and I now know where I'm heading to for the next few years...Thank you God for your all your blessings and direction...

Green Getaway

2008-07-03T21:08:00.002+08:00

I can't wait for this trip...It would be about 2 weeks after the Bandung trip, and only my family (cousins and aunts and all...the Zubaidah clan) will occupy this 3 acres land for the weekend...huhu...Ayah used to organize these kinda trips, and I guess having his blood, my elder sis is organizing this beautiful one-nite stay...I know its gorgeous not just through the web, but we got to peep in on the way back from sending off my lil sis to Pahang last weekend...I mean it...its gorgeous, especially if you love natural landscape and appreciates the tradisional feel to this place...We had tea with the owners (beautiful Fred Suria-she's French, and her hubby Zaini) and she toured us around the compound, and told us her story. Her story reminds me of one from a story book...This is a place where you could just sit back and finish up your novel or bathe in the cool clean river Janda Baik is famous for...Jom gi Zaini's Guest House nak? It's sooo lawa...

Just Friends?

2008-07-02T23:10:00.003+08:00

Have you been through this? You get to know a guy...They start messaging you every night...They start calling you baby, darling, dear etc...They talk intimately with you...They keep on asking for your photos because they love to see you...And in the end they say you guys are just friends... Is that actually normal? I wonder if its just me, being easily swayed by simple affection, or it really is an act of insanity on their side...If that is friendship, I wonder how it'd be like with their loved ones...

Confused

2008-07-02T22:37:00.003+08:00

I am seriuosly at a junction.

One part of me would love to just pack up and go somewhere far away from this superficial life; go travel like the female nomad whom I know is hiding beneath this layers of crisply ironed shirt and pants. I have so many places to go to, it makes me sick to be reminded that without this job, I could never do so...

Another part of me would just like to quit, and cook and sell all my goodies...Seeing people smile after a bite of my creation tops any kinds of worries and sickness in the world...

Another part of me would just like to settle down! I'd love to feel resposible over myself and my loved ones...building up a family slowly, spoiling my hubby and my cute children...Going out with them..Mana my guy nih??

Another part of me always dreams of being an Ir. maybe partly for the sake of making the most of what I've achieved so far or maybe because it is what's expected of any engineers to achieve in the end, or maybe because I know that this choice is one of the most logical choice I have in life; considering I have a family to take care of...

And lastly, another part of me would love to study overseas, just like I wanted to 10 years ago...

You see how confused I am right now? And how much I want in life? At this age however, I wonder if its not too late to be thinking of these choices...

OLYN BAKES

2008-06-22T17:44:00.001+08:00

P. Ramlee The Musical

2008-06-15T16:58:00.002+08:00

I finally got to go to the highly acclaimed theatre...This is what I think:

1. Saloma (Liza Hanim) and P.Ramlee (Musly Ramlee) gave me goosebumps when they sang. They were awesome. Firstly, they look just like the real stars...Secondly, Musly sounds almost exactly like P. Ramlee and Liza Hanim in her own way had such a beautiful voice...I'm sorry she had to start off her career during the reining days of Siti Nurhaliza...She's so good.

2. I loved the choreography...Its like watching a Broadway...the crisp efficient moves were flawless.

3. I loved all the other casts as well...Chad, Atilia, Melissa Saila...But Emelda was a bit of a disappointment...but still not too bad for a first timer.

4. The songs were just too bad though...When I went to this theater, I'd expect the producers to use only P. Ramlee's original songs...However, I think there were just about 5 songs of his...pity...coz I'm pretty sure the legend had produced hundreds of beautiful songs. The newly composed songs are pretty lame...The producers used the same 2 songs over and over, and just changed the lyrics to fit to the occasion. The worst parts of it was that these songs are melodiously non-original...Try listening to the song 'Reflection' by Christina Aguilera in Mulan and 'Pulanglah' by Misha Omar in Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam...Kantoi...Its a real pity because out of all the scenes, the scenes that really touched me were the ones when P. Ramlee sang his own songs...sigh...

I'd definitely list this theatre as one of my favorites. Thumbs up to the Malaysian local theatre. You guys are world class...

Kids nowadays...

2008-06-15T16:51:00.003+08:00

This is my niece, helping out her Bibik with the dishes...I swear...she did this all on her own...the chair and all while her Bibik was at the back doing something else...hehe...comel...

Birthday June

2008-06-15T15:55:00.007+08:00

Its been one hectic weekend after another...The previous trying to find the perfect gifts for everyone, and just last week, was the weekend that everyone (other than the ones celebrating it) feared. It turned out fantastic of course, thanks to everyone that organised so many things.

Lets see...my birthday was a Friday...I took leave, but no, its not entirely for me, but to bake 300 cuppies for order...This is the most I've ever done...It was great, it was hell, it was fantastic, and I was welcomed into one of the most beautiful homes I've ever been to (my gracious customer) I got many many gifts from evryone as well; shoes from Mak, MP3 Player from sis 3, a jewelery box from sis 4, a watch from sis 1, a silver Ziziano bracelet from Han and a mani pedi session from Nik and Saza..huhu...I'm pampered...

An angel in Norway ordered and delivered a Pods & Petals Giftlab cake to my doorsteps...thanks Zai...It was delicious!

Saturday was Nik's birthday, which she, Saza and I celebrated manicuring and pedicuring at Bangsar...I have gorgeous nails now people, and I can't wait for next month to go for my monthly pedicure now...Who can blame me? Its sooo addictive...That night, me and Mak shoots off for Genting, to join my lil sisters for a nite over there...They have Click 5 concert to go to, and we just felt its better if we joined in the fun (this is actually the long story made short...its actually a very long story, and I don't think I'd share it here) Sunday was Mom's birthday, and we had a great half day in Genting, and the rest, downtown in KL..Dinner was at Mak's fav...Tarbush...Yummy as always...

Olyn is all smiley coz she's feeling like a princess

Nik and Saza are happy too

To top off the day...a Banana Split at Baskin...yummm

Nik posing with her cuppie I made

At Genting..having a stroll after breakfast...sigh...

Its a Monkey Plant!! We found this while walking that morning, just by the roadside...Gorgeous kan..

The Durian Ice Cream not to be missed...Check this out at Restoran Yik Kee...same row with Hotel Seri Malaysia...creamy and not so sweet...

A Tribute to My Friends

2008-06-01T19:32:00.002+08:00

I don't know if anyone else in the world is as blessed as I am when it comes to the truest of friends. Its been a while since I've cried nearly to puking, but I had just that last night. I know I shouldn't (especially when it comes to 'those' reasons), but it just came and wouldn't stop. To make things worse, my plans for theatre, which I've been looking forward to since April, after Tiara Jaqueline announced that there'll be a second show of P. Ramlee suddenly went down the drain due to some technical errors. This is a tribute to Nik, whom rescued me from my miserable depression last night, without even an act of self-righteousness. She lives about 20km away, yet without hesitation, she quickly dialed up another friends, and we were off to Bora Bora for a good borak-borak session. Thanks a million deary, may Allah bless you and I'd like you to know that you are always a part of my prayers always. And you too sweethearts; Zai, Han, Loady, Parv, Saza and Norleen. Love you guys to bits.

Superman Strikes!

2008-05-25T12:25:00.003+08:00

I had the weirdest dream last nite...I dreamt that I got hitched by Superman...hehe...awesomely nuts...and the funniest part of the dream was thinking happily inside, that yay...I'm hooked up with a man who can actually carry me around and fly me and bloody handsome ok...yay...but it struck me later (this is normal for me...I'm such a thinker...) that it may not be as bubbly as I thought...it may indicate:

1. My Mr. Perfect is non-existance

2. I am going to actually get a Mr. Perfect (huhu...keeping my fingers crossed..)

3. I will get smaller and my partner will eventually get to carry me around...haha..

4. I am marrying Faizal Tahir? eeewwwwww.....

Any dream analysts out there? Help me out here will ya... :p

Gemini Fever

2008-05-24T15:38:00.004+08:00

Tangan kiri dan kanan saya sangatlah gatal kebelakangan ini...hehe...This is because June is around the corner, and it is one of the most feared month of the year for everyone around us Gemini's and ourselves...I have basically 5 birthdays to celeb (you guys know who you are) and gone are the plans of buying new shirts and shoes for myself...But Mom gave me a brilliant idea...She's buying me shoes for my birthday! Yay! So I'm definitely checking out Pedal Works again for those cute shoes that Nik paraded me a month back...They're not just cute, but they're perfect for feet that are bigger than your average Malaysian size (I mean sizes 9 to 12!)I'm a size 9 myself, and I used to hate shoes till I found my these...Go check it out yourselves, at Subang Parade...suke sgt...:')

Bee

2008-05-20T20:23:00.003+08:00

My family just came back from a trip to Taiping yesterday..I didn't go along, coz I realize how tired I am, and how much I need a 'me' time and how much my car needs my attention..As I washed it last nite, it dawned on me how I've neglected not just myself, but everything and everyone around me..

Mom is sad currently, at how much I spend more time outside the house than on her bed, talking to her while she paints away like I used to..My friends reminded me yesterday of how old my last post was..I found my luggage from Bangkok still unpacked..The last cooking I did was just cupcakes for Han, no new discoveries for months now..My wardrobe is musky, coz its been a while since the last time I bought Mr. Hippo and my fav Glades wardrobe freshener in Lavender..I haven't bought a new shirt or new shoes in months..I havent hugged my nephews and niece in a while..I havent been to a spa in months..I havent done any exercise in weeks..sigh..how time flies, and I didnt even do anything much to remember the days by..

I think I need to really sit down and plan my life..I don't want it to end like this..I dont know how and when the time comes when it'll be too late to do anything..Any of you guys feel like this sometimes? Maybe we should sit and put our heads together and make a list (a fav as always)so that nothing is left out..A plan is a plan..Shouldnt be too perfect, but at least nearing the perfection that we wold like to achieve..My number 1 item on the list would be:

1. To achieve something BIG before the big 30 comes to town..huhu..

Any clue as to what is BIG? You guys help me with this k?

Colbie Caillat -

2008-05-20T20:18:00.001+08:00

my current fav...enjoy this guys...

April and May of Happiness

2008-05-19T21:27:00.009+08:00

I'm sorry...I've not been very consistent these few months...Work should never be an excuse for not writing, but my hands are tied, I'm just helplessly busy now...Not just with work, but with life...Yup, I have a life...hehe...so much so that Mom is starting to ask about my whereabouts lately...Its been awhile since she's asked, coz I've not been this happily busy for quite some time...As always, let the pictures tell you the story of Olyn and her life... :)

A lil art ashtray for Mr. Y. Lawa tak?

Baby Girl of a colleague...I helped drive ur mommy to the hospital, therefore I self declare that I am your Godmother..hehe...such a beauty...you should've seen how she was sleeping in my arms...

Breakkie with the girls...always a fav...

Farewell Zai...Haziq posing beria after he got used to the idea that this Aunty will keep on mengurat him till he falls for her as well..hehe...

KL while driving out on the AKLEH...breathlessly heavenly...

Miz Parviano with her blink blinks...Nicely girl...

Miss Nik and Tungkai...drinks anyone?

Yours trully...

This is what happens when Olyn watches too much AFC...Bread Pudding with Choc Chunks...Yumm...Nnt I figure out a recipe...I just campak this and that in, without measuring...

Ganu Sokmo

2008-04-29T22:10:00.003+08:00

This is waaayyy overdue...I had one of the most relaxing weekend just recently, with my mates at Awana Kijal Temasik...For your eyes only...We should do this more often la gang...Thumbs up for the return of Miss Event Organizer!

Chess anyone?

Nik against the sunset

Lina...awat menyenget sgt?hehe..

Saza against the sunset gak...jiwang kawan2 saya ni..:p

Saya di Teluk Cempedak

Finger Twin

2008-04-29T21:54:00.002+08:00

Did anyone see Friends, when Joey thought that having a Hand Twin is fantastically cool, and tried making money out of it? I just discovered that I have a Finger Twin...My own nephew. I always find that my fingers are inconveniently chubby...But when I found my twin, I think its pretty cool...hehe...sama kan?

March Gone in a Wink

2008-04-05T14:22:00.007+08:00

Dear Blog,

Sorry I've not updated in you for a while, but that's just because I don't really have time for myself, like I used to in the month of Feb. Feb was blissfull...aahhh....I miss you Feb...However, March was awesome in a fast-track way...

I've started work in a totally different environment...Work literally starts at 8, even though deep inside you know that you should enjoy the Monday Blues bug that seems to bite you ever since you started work years ago...At this place, bugs or no bugs, work is work...No more time for that 'Oh...I had an incredible date' or 'Oh...my bed's calling me for another visit' or 'I must try that recipe I got from Nigella'...I now enjoy NOT looking at the clock anymore, only able to when its past working hours(or only for lunch at 1)...I have a lunch and dinner grouppie already... ready at 1pm to go drive out for better food than the canteen spread or lepak after work for good food at a well-recommended restaurant...Basically this group is all out in pursuit of good food, just like yours truly la...I like...huhu

So far...I'd really recommend William's Kelana Jaya, a very buruk looking gerai, with menu like Chicken Ala Kiev, Risotto, Ratatouille, Lamb Shank Nasi Goreng Ketam, Mee Raja, Peach Iced Blended, Longan Ribena and lots more (menu changes daily, due to stocks available) and you could expect the pricing of Chilli's. Nell brought me here once, and another visit here recently confirms that this place is definitely worth mentioning. When you want to order, ask for William himself. He'll recommend the best dishes they have to offer.

The election came and went with a slap on the face. I wish the best of luck for my dear country. Yours truly went to do her bit, but to no avail.

I'm still in 'the' age group with lil sis..woohoo...longest line though :p

A dear friend got married just recently to a guy who has been waiting for her hand for ages. That's what I call true love. To be able to endure hardship of waiting without a time limit, and to commit to her for as long as she wants it to be. And I'm sure she's very much in love with him as well, by the way she tells about her husband to be then. Congrats Hazreen and hubby...May you live happily ever after...

That's me, Hazreen and Hubby, Han and Saza

Lawa kan?Someone was showing off her new baju from Arab...:)

I had the most amazing time with my friends from school. School = St Mary's Girl School KL. We didn't get to gather as many as we wanted, but managed to meet up with 15 at the Rain Nuddle House in the Pavillion. It was the one of the most precious 3 hours of re-introduction of oneself (because most of us can't even remember who was who, looking at how so much has changed!) I now have friends in various banks and huge companies, gorgeous stewardesses and very successful business women of late 20s. How amazing is that? One of the girls had the liberty of bringing with her the school magazine, and that was how we searched for everyone's past photo.Cuba cari I...huhu...I'm definitely different, so different that most of them couldn't even recognize me...Sabar je la...

I stayed with Nik and Saza in the Palace of the Golden Horses 2 weeks ago. The rooms were huge! Nik got us the room for free, thanks to her sis and her vacation package :) But it was a short and lovely stay, coz all of us had things to do the following morning, and we checked in after work. We sneaked out in the middle of the nite for a chic flick (27 Dresses) and had a teh tarik session with Han at Pelita till 4 in the morning...Its been a while since I've stayed up like this...So much so that yours trully got sick the following day, till Tuesday...I'm alright now :)

Huge bed, fit for a Princess

Baby Haziq had his first birthday party at his grandma's place at Batu Caves. We had good food and definitely good company, coz most of his Godmothers turned up of course, wearing their Godmother badges (courtesy of Aunty Nellie) Most importantly, Haziq loved our presents and I think he had a good time as well. Let the pictures explain further :)

Mokcik Nik happy bebeno..hehe

Bes kan Aunty Olyn and Aunty Nik bought you?

Baby Hana is barely 2 months, and her mother, who happens to be my bestfriend from school, Shikin, threw her a Kenduri Akikah at their place few weeks back...Hana is so adorable, and she slept soundly in my arms for so long...Introducing, a new addition to Olyn's babies...Baby Hana!!

Handfull ain't it, this month? This weekend, however, I'm utterly free as a bird, so free that it's already almost 4pm and I've not taken my bath yet...huhu...I need to freshen up now...

xoxox

Olyn

2008-03-23T21:33:00.002+08:00

What can be better than to have an adorable, giggling baby, first thing in the morning, to cheer you up for the rest of the week? Nothing beats this...I love you Haziq Danial...Thanks for picture Zai dearie...

New Job vs Old Job

2008-03-05T22:25:00.003+08:00

I've just started my new work about 3 days ago...I realize that as a normal human being, I tend to compare the current and the previous. I think this list should do justice to both the places :)

5 things I miss:
1. Previous surau...I miss lepakking with the kakak2 surau, chatting away like nobody's business, and when a dose or two wouldn't hurt because all the bosses were men :p
2. My desktop...argghhh...I dont have any now...typical engineering office...I guess I'll be buying that White Dell after all
3. My uniform...I hate to have to think of what to wear the next day...arrgggh....too much effort....
4. Gtalk....aaaaarrgggghhhhhhh
5. My gorgeous office...*sigh*

5 things I'm happy with:
1. Parking right inside the gates, just because I deserve it :)
2. Friendly and curious people around me, and not as many names to remember
3. A huuuuge table
4. I can wake up wee bit later than before, and drive without (I mean zero) jam and toll!!!
5. The work is awesome..Haven't started just yet, but I know now what I'm supposed to do and learn...woohoo...

5 things I'm unhappy with:
1. Starting all over again; work, knowing people
2. Only 1 internal cafe, unlike 5 last time
3. I feel dumb; coz I know nuts about aircraft; I used to feel so much more superior
4. No work for now; boredom kingdom settling in...
5. Having to walk to the other side of the factory just to solat...more pahala, I know, but ayoooo...

Sawadeekaaaappp 2008

2008-03-05T21:24:00.013+08:00

I had a blast last week (well..by now, itsalmost a month ago)...running around one of the busiest cities in the world, Bangkok! This would be my 3rd time there, and everytime I go there, there's always something new to do and shop. Went there for a quick shopping and tour visit from Wednesday to Saturday, had one of the most relaxing Sundays, and started my new job on Monday. Hectic kan?

Suvarnabumi International Airport...majestic

We stayed in a modest Bangkok City Suite Hotel, Petchaburi Road Soi 1 (do not let d name fool you..hehe)which was clean, new and not bad at all for the price and location. We were very near the Bo Bae, Ratchathewi BTS Station, Siam Square and MBK Mall, and very very near Petchaburi Road Soi 7 which is a road densed with Muslim Halal food and Bangkok's largest mosque(one of the requirement of dear mommy :)) We reached Bangkok nearly nite time, so we only had time to go handbag shopping at MBK Mall...Dinner was there too ( ada Halal food at their food court called The Fifth Food Avenue, a very plush food court, kinda reminds me of Starhill's Food Stadium back then) and we couldn't resist trying McD's Cheesy Fries and Milo Float later that same nite.

Ronald McDonald Siam...sawadeekaaapppp

Next day, we hopped onto the BTS and onto the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat ride. This is bloody cheap and very much recommeneded. You pay only about RM10, and you get to go on and off the boat as you please along the famous river from 9.30am till 4.00pm. We hopped off only at the Ratchawongse Pier to go shopping at Sampeng (my family went nuts here) and Pahurat, and another time at the Maharaj Pier for the Grand Palace tour. I didn't go for this one though, been there once already, so I lepakked at a cafe just outside the palace gates while the others were in. No Halal lunch here though, except for a murtabak stall at the pier. Not so badla...Still can survive..We had dinner at Petchaburi Road Soi 7, at a simple restaurant there, with a recommended spread of Tom Yam Campur, Lidah Goreng and Omelette Ketam...sedap giler, tapi ketuk kau2 punyer...takpela...just a one time splurge for really good food...Next on the agenda was Patpong...don't like...so expensive to shop :p and so many Super P**** outlets!!haha.

Happily on the boat

Wat Arun

Posing over kat Grand Palace

The opposite of Grand Palace...I think this part looks really colonial and cozy..kan?

Next day, we went straight to Bo Bae (on foot from hotel, along the way, we walked through their morning wet market...menarik...) and bought lotsa clothing. You can get really cheap lingeries, skirts, jeans, tops etc etc...anything to do with clothings under the sun...We found a mosque there and voila! Halal Food!!After, Jim Thompson's was a good stop as well...I love his house and the cafe they built in the compound...another small splurge for good environment and Thai tea (actually I don't really like the tea...too strong for me) We went on to a Gem Factory for a short tour and shopping...I only bought a silver pendant here..lawa sangat! That final nite, we lepakked at Siam Square for a last-minute shopping at Little Siam...nice clothing range they have there...much better quality than Bo Bae, definitely, and they have Boots and a milk outlet called the Milky Plus...I had a Blueberry Milk..yummy...they said that Hard Rock was somewhere in this place, but we didn't know till we came back :(

At Jim Thompson's...This is one part of his house

And lastly, on the Saturday, where would we be if it wasn't at Chatuchak? We were there from really early morning till about 3, and we only managed to cover about 1/10 of the ground. We sadly left that nite to reality, back in KL, where we have to go back to work, my mom goes back to her paintings and lil sis goes back to watching her TV...

At Chatuchak, the craziest huge market I've yet to conquer

My Look-Alike???

2008-03-05T20:08:00.001+08:00

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

Adam's 1!

2008-02-24T16:13:00.005+08:00

I was dead tired yesterday. Had 2 orders of cuppies, one for a friend and another for a nephew who turned 1 amounting to 80 pieces. We had good food, good family getogether for tea yesterday, and this is what I came up with for dear Adam. Happy Birthday big boy!

Haikal n Yours Truly

Me cuppies

Big Boy Adam n mommy

Na and Cousin Akmal