Leaving Thumbprints

Energise

2010-02-22T18:21:00.003+08:00

It has been a while since anyone updated this blog. The site has been too quiet for far too long. Perhaps it is time to resurrect this site before it gradually fades into non-existence.

Maintaining a blog is not easy, for me at least. Thinking about what to write was always a constant challenge, but I think the main problem was my lack of discipline. I like to procrasinate, do last minute jobs and my interest in new things tend to wane with time. I lost count of the number of incomplete projects I carried out over the past few years. There're also a lot of things I meant to start doing but haven't quite got through the thinking stage yet. Someone once said, 'a person is judge based on his actions and not his thoughts' or something like that. I think I have been in the 'thinking' mode for far too long.

What better time to change these bad habits than right now? I'm currently living in a new place and doing a new job. It's somewhere I've always wanted to work and in a field I've always been interested in. When the opportunity came, I was hesitant because it meant leaving my comfort zone and away from family and friends. It may be nothing for most people, but to me it's quite a big change. It'll be a challenging year ahead, out of my comfort zone, huge learning curve but rewarding in career and life experiences (that's what I hope anyway). Well, the way I see it, it's either I embrace the change and challenge or indulge in self-pity and regrets. The choice is pretty obvious. So if I have already started making this change in my life, why not other changes?

Of course, it'll be easier to do it together with other thumbprints who could lend their helping fingers to re-energise this blog again. Five fingers are always better than one.

Till next time,

daisyboo

Langkawi!!

2009-07-10T11:59:00.005+08:00

Came back from Langkawi last week and have yet to post anything about it...

Procrastinating again... I'm actually thinking that this bad habit of mine is now becoming bad to worse...

This is going to be a lazy post... not much words... but lots of pictures.

Enjoy....

Beautiful right?? Don't be jealous k?? Oh.. the beds was so so comfy.... felt like i was in heaven!!

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

Upcoming Events

2009-06-14T09:38:00.003+08:00

One of the perks of working in the retail line of this business is to get the opportunites to go for seminars.

CPE (Continuing Pharmacy Education ) we call it. They are programmes, seminars or workshops to reinforce our knowledge and update us to newer results of recent clinical trials or findings. *(or brainwash us into selling more of the products by the company sponsoring the trip - which i think is the MAIN purpose.. haha)*

These workshops usually last for 2 days.. and the beauty of it is... u get to stay at 5 star hotels.. eat great food at the price of nothing !! Yup... it's absolutely freeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

You seldom get these 3 words in a sentences right? 5 Star hotel, great food & free!!! But it's happening !!!

I'll be going for one end of the month! YAY!! It's been awhile since i've been to one. And it's going to be held in The Westin, Langkawi... Can't wait!! Air tickets and all have been paid for.. all i need to do is to pack up and go!!!

Well.. something to look forward to.. although there will be some studying going on, but it's just going to be a day of work... i still get time to rest & relax. Probably visit thier SPA for a relaxing treatment... Oh... to walk along the beach at sunset... hm... sounds really nice right?

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

Road trip!

2009-06-05T23:27:00.004+08:00

It's Queen's birthday on Monday - long weekend!

Going for a 3 day trip to a small coastal town called Mallacoota with a few friends. It's just over 500km from Melbourne and surrounded by a beautiful national park. Can't wait to get away from city and immerse ourselves in nature for the next few days. We're going to stay in a cabin-style accomodation (I think) that is situated by a lake (if I remember correctly). There's gonna be lots of bushworking (I hope) and other activities (that we have yet to plan). First stop tomorrow - Information Centre to see what we can do there. Apparently there's a good walk up a peak that gives a good view of the surrounding lakes and coastline. There's also gonna be lots of eating because we went a little bit excessive with food, as usual.

Everything's all packed and organised. Hopefully the boot's going to be large enough for all our stuff. Hopefully the weatherman's got it wrong this time about the rain and wind that threaten to accompany us this weekend. Hopefully we'll start on time tomorrow (knowing the history of our previous trips). Hopefully I've remembered to packed everything I'm suppose to bring.

Irregardless, it's gonna be a great road trip! Roadtrips in Australia are fantastic. The roads are generally good, maps are reliable, there're information centres almost everywhere with a wealth of local information and it's generally pretty safe. It's a huge continent with lotsa interesting places to visit - the coasts, quaint little towns, lots and lots of national parks, the great outback etc. The distance is one thing to get used to - it's a pretty big country after all- but the journey is very much as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Thumbs - daisyboo-

PS Momochin: I actually left instructions for my cousin to collect daily ingredients for me - "wu yao ke jiu" liau

Chicken a la carte

2009-05-27T20:59:00.003+08:00

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Came across this short film a while back that illustrates an example of the socioeconomic inequalities that exist in many societies today - inequalities that are avoidable, unjust and often a matter of life and death.

Around 1.2 billion people around the world live in extreme poverty during this period of great affluence and modern technological advancement. These people struggle every day for survival, suffering in dignified silence that go largely unnoticed.

It is difficult to imagine what opportunities exist for the children potrayed in the film (and elsewhere) if they are denied the basic headstart in life - health and nutrition, adequate shelter, education, to name a few.

We don't have to look too far to witness these inequalities, there are plenty behind our backyard - the urban poor, rural and indigenous communities, illegal immigrants etc

- daisyboo-

BABY NAMES....

2009-05-20T09:51:00.002+08:00

Names….what’s in a NAME ??

Both Hubby and myself have finally chosen a name for our darling baby gal….HALF NAME actually…haha !!

~ Kristen ~

Canggih ?? Sophisticated ?? It’s sounds nice and besides…not that common…so it’s confirmed !! :)

Kristen origins from a Latin word, meaning ‘ follower of Christ’. Thought that would be meaningful…although we didn’t checked it out whether was is a Catholic name. It goes well with hubby’s surname too….and like what * Momo Chin* says….it’s K…in the middle….just nice.

We are still in the midst of finding the Chinese name…..been slacking on it since we both are ‘bananas’….
Got some help from colleagues and friends who knows the mother-tongue…
It’s HARD…..not too mentioned, we have to translate it to Cantonese since Hubby is a Cantonese. All the pronunciation sounds weird in Cantonese.

I was thinking of :

Su Lynn ( NOT Su Lin – too Chinese )

Don’t know what it means….but I like the LYNN – sounds more English…and not too Cina…. Hahaha….

Our daughter ( Yes….doctor confirmed it again recently during my 8th month check-up that it’s a GIRL !! ) will be the First Girl in the THAM family. So, there isn’t any Chinese names to follow ….
We get to pick ANY NAMES that we like…..sounds easy enuff huh ??

Maybe my mum n ah ma can help – should ask them soon before the baby pops !!

Anyway…..if anyone has any idea….do drop a comment or two yah….

Love ,
~Prettilly Auntie

Names Names Names

2009-05-14T17:03:00.002+08:00

I had always wondered how my name came about. According to mum, it was my grandmama who actually named me.

I love my name.. and think there's great meaning behind it. But whether it reflects the actual person.. hm.. i would like to think so...

*grins*

Since one of is going to welcome her little girl soon... thought it would be nice if some of us could give suggestions of names for her..

Whether or not our dear ~prettily aunty~ uses it... it will depend on her...

But our main purpose here is to list down a few names .... giving her other options in naming her precious...

1) Kendra ... ( i really like this name... and it goes well with Tham right? haha... and it's in the middle... so your kid won't be called 1st or last aphabetically)

2) Emma ... (one of my fav as well )

3) Grace ... is another all time fav... hopefully she grows up graceful and beautiful...

Hm.. can't think of any at the moment though....

Hey girls... any other suggestions???

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

Artsy fartsy smanchy....

2009-05-12T18:39:00.033+08:00

.... whatever that means *shrugs*

I've been making cards.. quite a lot lately. Been therapeutic. Takes my mind off things that I shouldn't put too much attention to and shifts my attention to be more creative & hopefully make the people who purchased or received my cards --> happy :)

This is not going to be a post with many words... rather, it'll be one with many pictures. Hope you enjoy it :)

~ Artsy*T

Being PREGNANT !!!

2009-05-12T10:47:00.002+08:00

Being PREGNANT !!!!

8 months now and still counting …..

Pregnancy .......what a wonderful thing !!
It’ s a beautiful process ….imagine a tiny human being…alive in YOU !!
How GREAT the LORD is….what an amazing creation !!

These words have been on my mind since the day I found out that I was expecting with my 1st baby.
Both Hubby and me are blessed with a baby girl…all things PINK and PRETTY !!

The past 8 months just zoomed passed. Praise God , it has been quite a smooth pregnancy. No morning sickness , not much of cramps and no cravings. I also didn’t put on much weight…..only about 5kg up till my 7th month….was kinda worried about the weight but the Dr said baby is in the correct size n is healthy. Thank God for that !!
After all…the baby’s health matters the most….
Already…the baby is my priority ( of course Hubby Dearest is still very important and dear to me :) ) Each time we go somewhere…Hubby will always make sure I hold on to his hands… carry my bags ( I like to take lots of things whenever we go out etc like ‘pindah rumah’ …..chauffer me around ( my car mileage has been stagnant for quite a while since I no longer drive that often )…..and list goes on…
Shopping , my fav past time ….revolves around baby stuff…..no more clothes for daddy and mummy…it’s all for the BABY NOW !! You should check out the clothes that I have bought…the hair ribbons and headbands ….the stockings n mittens n booties….all so pretty and lovely !!!

As the due date draws nearer, I’m getting more anxious…can’t wait to see my baby gal !!
I pray that my little darling will be healthy, fully-formed with all senses intact….pray that she will grow up to be taller than the mummy ( thanks to daddy’s genes ) and pretty like the mummy ( haha…. :) ) Most importantly, pray that she grows up to be wonderful person, with both inner n outward beauty….

Wish me " A safe delivery !! "

~ Prettilly Auntie ~

Oops, I forgot about the title

2009-05-09T21:11:00.008+08:00

When one forgets the username and password for this blog, there're 2 options she can think of: rummage her mailbox to look for them in one of the hundreds of emails, or ask her friends.

Which one? It has always been her policy to find the solutions herself before asking for help. But then hundreds of emails....... hmmmn....Maybe ask her friends? But then, sure kena one!

Thank goodness she has been lazy at deleting her emails.

Come to think of it, this probably reflects how 'often' she updates this blog and how 'blur' she can be at times. And she's still pretty blur after all these years.

For some reason this morning, she makes the effort to turn up 10 minutes early for a lecture, only to find the lecture theatre empty. Ahh, maybe it's the wrong street (after all Queensberry + Bouverie St sounds alike). So she went there, only to find the room empty again. "Maybe it's the wrong floor and maybe it's a good idea this time to check the venue in the computer lab". She found it finally and the class was right next to the computer lab.

There was also the airport story - nothing dramatic. It was one of those cases where a sequence of events led to the outcome - I think they call it the "Swiss Cheese" model where you stack multiple slices of cheese side by side and failure occurs when the holes are momentarily aligned. So she turned up 4 hours early to the airport (to catch a free ride) and decided on early check-in. She took this budget airline for the first time and assumed budget arline = budget counter check-in. And of course the computer system had to break down that morning, resulting in a long long long queue. She's got 4 hours, nothing to do - why not join the crowd. So after ~1.5 hours later when she was nearly there and could actually see the signs above the counters properly, it strucked her that she couldn't see the name of her airline. She found it eventually -few counters away, just opened, a totally different queue - much much much shorter.

And her stories go on and on......etc etc etc

It's neverending.... like how she forgot to put in a title for this post a few minutes ago.....

thumbs - *daisyboo*

My Dates on Weds n Thurs

2009-04-17T12:36:00.004+08:00

Ten...ten.. ten...

My dates on both Weds n Thurs nights. AMERICAN IDOL!!!

Like many reality-show freaks out there.. i'm kinda proud to admit i always look forward to these 2 days since JAN. Watching it at least twice per episode.. hm.. i think my mum beat me to it... she watches it 3 times....haha...

Although i haven't been like crazily in-love with any particular contestant like last year.. (u guys know who right?? oh.. DAVID COOK's still the best!!), i still have my favourites....

Hope these contestants would be the final four...

Disco week next week... *feeling a lil' anxious for matt & kris*

How will they do... 2 will be eliminated next... argh.. hope it's not both of them...

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

(pictures taken from americanidol.com)

Rainy Days

2009-03-26T14:57:00.002+08:00

It has just started to rain. And as usual, I’m getting sleepy, wishing that I was in bed.

Changed my current status in FB; trying to make this day as productive as possible. This seems to be quite fruitful till now. The rain has come… my customers have gone. And I’m feeling the soothing and sedating effects of the rain & wind.

*Yawn…*

Sales have been pretty slow for the past 2 month, feeling the pinch of the economic downturn now. Hope bad times like these would not drag on too long. “Have Faith!!! Good times will soon come. Persevere and we will reap the fruits of our patience and hard work.” The phrase which keeps playing like a tape recorder in my mind, reminding and motivating me.

*ganbateh ne…*

*Fighto! Fighto! Fighto!*

Was buried in paperwork and long-winded customers since this morning. Just made a cup of coffee and enjoying the calming effects of caffeine in my system. Life’s simple pleasures.

My blog entry…

Hope it doesn’t sound too relax..making you sleepy reading it. haha

thumbs – MoMo*Chin

It's been a while

2009-03-22T16:55:00.002+08:00

It's been a while since any of us posted any article up here. Momo's the most active, I guess, compared to the rest of us. But even the most active can get disheartened if nobody else contributes.

I know I have been slacking too but I guess I felt 'lazy' seeing just Momo and myself posting. Momo has more perserverance than me-lah :P

What I want to say is, it doesn't take a lot to create a blog, but it also doesn't take a lot to cease its existence. It takes collective action to keep it running, not just on the effort of one person.

We agreed to post anything at all that happens in our daily lives. So, it doesn't have to be earth-shattering news or discovery, dearies, it can be whatever you see on the way to work, how you felt that day, what you did at home (cook, wash, etc), where you went/is going, what movie you watched? It can be anything. Or just a photolog. You can just post pictures. At least it keeps the blog alive.

I have 2 blogs to upkeep, this and my personal blog. It is a little daunting to find interesting things to write for both sites but if each of us are willing to contribute, then I guess it makes the other contributors feel more intrigued to write too. And no, it's not right to blog from work or write during work. You have internet connection at home. Write it at home. Don't use the excuse that you don't use the computer at home. It's whether you want to contribute or not. If you don't have internet connection at home, why not compose the post first, save it and then upload it in the office. That only takes a few minutes and will not jeopardize your career. Some are luckier and am able to blog from work but ah well, life is not fair, ain't it? :P

Will we all take the time to continue this blog? Or will its existence cease slowly but surely in the near future?

~Artsy*T

Self-Improvement

2009-02-24T19:05:00.003+08:00

As we grow older, there are times when life suddenly seems so monotonous. Everything seems to revolve around chores, work, obligations and commitments. So much so, that everyday happenings seems to be a routine. A day passes and everything just seems the same. And we go through these daily routines, feeling empty, tired and restless but safe.

Safe because, we know that tomorrow will be the same. Nothing new and unexpected.

Do we still take the time to make changes to ourselves, to make improvements so that we will be a 'better' person when everything is the same?

Do we go the extra mile in our work, in our relationships and perhaps for strangers?

Or do we just go by every passing day, the same person as we were yesterday?

Just a thought to ponder.....

To me, self-improvement is essential.... to do that we need to know how to self-motivate.(and probably a push from friends around us) Improve for yourselves and not for acknowledgement of others.

It may just be the hardest thing you will ever need to do. But eventually, wonderful things would unfold, especially when you least expect it to be.

My resolution of the year :
To learn something new everyday, be it small or significant. Probably jot down in a journal or diary. Anyone want to join me???

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

SMART ALEC

2009-02-12T15:07:00.001+08:00

Let me introduce a new vocabulary which I’ve learned over the past 3 years in my current workplace.

*drum rolls*

PHARMIST!!!!

Somehow there are just a group of people who thinks that the person dispensing medication in a pharmacy is called a 'PHARMIST'.

Been called ‘PHARMIST’ a lot lately.

Somehow it’s really getting on my nerves when someone calls me that although it was a good laugh when I 1st heard it.

So I’ve made up my mind to correct the next person who calls me a pharmist…

Oh for goodness sake!! I don’t want to be known as a pharmist.

This is just a presumption how this word came about:

Person dealing with chemical stuff : chemist
Person dispensing in a pharmacy : pharmist

What do you reckon? Guess there are many smart-alecs in the world huh….

*winks*

So as a warning… no one calls me PHARMIST k??

thumbs : MoMo*Chin

BIRTHDAYS !!!!!

2009-01-30T19:55:00.004+08:00

BIRTHDAY shoutouts to both DAISYBOO & PPJAY !!!!

A new year has come... and the number 3 is coming nearer too.....

Time for new resolutions and time for reflections.

Have we gone wiser in a year? What have we learn in the past year...

Will turning the BIG 3-0 make any differences?

Life as it is are made out of different phases...

Being Children, teenagers, young adults, working adults, wives and now mothers....

I guess all of us are at different phases of our lives ... and yet being the same age.

Shows how different our paths and visions are...

Makes me wonder how would it be in 10 years to come...

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

From cuppa to nadda :P

2009-01-02T17:17:00.003+08:00

Why the title?

Cos Momo*Chin and Artsy*T were supposed to go out for a cuppa about an hour ago, just because. But they were both enjoying time at home and are too lazy to move their butt out of its surrounding coziness and so hence the title :P

Maybe we've both been out of the house too much, even on our off days that we appreciate the time at home and are reluctant to get out. hehe... Well, I've got hot chocolate and marshmallows in my crib now Momo*chin, so can save on Starbucks. Just head on to my crib. Bring finger food... HAHA..

Oh, I met PpJay and her hubby earlier this morning in IKEA! Lovely suprise :) I saw her from the escalator and thought she saw me but she didn't (!) so I jumped up from behind her... hehe... scared PpJay a little :P She only has eyes for her hubby, that's why she couldn't see me.. haha. Had lunch with them too and managed to catch up a bit :) Thank God there was not that many people in IKEA's restaurant today (or maybe we are a bit early..not sure).

Mr. PpJay was quite the joker... Mr. Artsy told her about this show called IP MAN and pronounced it I-P MAN. So, innocently Artsy*T having no idea what this show is all about went, "you guys going to watch I-P Man?''

To which Mr. PpJay said, "you think Internet Protocal Man, meh? It's Ip Man."

It was hilarious. Ip Man is the name of Bruce Lee's shi fu (teacher). All the time, I had no idea what this movie was about and thought it was I-P man...HAHAHAHAHAHA. Well, at least I provided laughter. For those of you who lived in the crevices of a cave the last 30 years or so and do not know who the heck is Bruce Lee, you can click here.

-_-"

Anywho, just a short update. Not much creative juice on what to write and I guess this is not the most interesting read.. :P Will be back after charging the brain... heh.

Artsy*T

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-01T09:02:00.004+08:00

GoodBye *2008* ... Welcome *2009*

Hey partners in crime... Happy New Year... Wishing everyone a eventful and prosperous new year !!!

Before we start off our new year... what about we recap events which has happened in year 2008.

I'll put up a series of questions and our next blog entry would be based on those questions k??

Everyone better post yeah... or else...

*evil grin*.....

1) Most memorable event in 2008.

2) Most disasterous day in 2008.

3) Most embarassing day in 2008.

4) Most shocking news received.

5) Most memorable thing about each of us in 2008!!!

So post yeah.... cheers...

thumbs : MoMo*Chin

TWILIGHT

2008-12-12T10:27:00.003+08:00

Went for a movie with sis n ES last week. And from the title, you can guess what we watched.

Oh GOD!!!!

What can I SAY!!! AWESOME !!!

It’s like the greatest love story ever.

The show first caught my attention when I was watching ‘E’ on TV. The buzz surrounding this show was unbelievable. Thus the eagerness to watch the show…

Reaction after watching :

*dreamy eyes……*

EDWARD CULLEN !!! I’m so so so enticed by HIM.

His expressions and actions… arghh…. His fascination of Bella!!! It’s mind-blowing.

I think Robert Pattison actually did a fantastic job in being Edward. The range of emotions he showed… from being really funny to an intense and furious man. However, what struck me the most was his ability to portray Edward’s vulnerability. Aw…. It was so sweet. ‘I don’t think I have the strength in me to stay away from you…’ How sweet can you be…. He just melts you.

It’s just not Robert Pattison alone, but I think all the actors & actresses did a fabulous job. The emotion and intensity of each characters and the story translated to the screen successfully.

The only disappointing thing was, THE KISSING SCENE between Edward and Bella!!!! I was already at the edge of my seat, gripping the seat handle because of the severe intensity and passion when it was censored. It sucked!! Such a crucial part!!! How could they…. * sigh *….

Oh… and the sparkling body. (not going to elaborate…but those who watched the film would know.. found it a little ridiculous though…)

All in all it’s not your typical action-packed vampire movie, and it’s not the typical happy-ending love story either… it’s just something different.

Can’t wait to read the book… I’m going to get it. I’m certain that the book would be loads better, providing the depth of the story that only the book Twilight can give..

*trembling in excitement*

Just the thought of being able to understand each character in the perspective and insight in which the author originally meant it to be…. Argh…. Can’t wait…

Will be waiting for their sequels, and without a doubt, I would get better and better…

p/s : Artsy, I think u’ll like it!! Not sure bout the others though.

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

Leaving the Angst

2008-11-22T15:48:00.004+08:00

Great news!!! There has been lots of activity in our blog during the past week. Really active i would say.. Yay !!

*clap clap* A round of applause for everyone.

However, having said that, from the past few post, most would have realised that it has somehow become a crossfire btw 2 of my dear friends. With all the angst, like Artsy said, it's probably unhealthy for both the readers and writers of the blog.

I would actually beg to differ.

Our main reasons for creating this blog was to share laughter, recipes, ramblings, advices and etc.....and most of all to document our lives. And what is life without ups and downs? Disagreement and fall outs are completely normal among friends right? So what's so unhealthy about saying what you feel, quarelling and disagreeing. To me, bringing it out into the open is much healthier. This is life. And life is not like a bed of roses.

Maybe, from here, both of my friends would realise thier own weakness and thier strengths. From here, they would be able to learn graciousness and the other empathy and sensitivity? From here, they would understand that there is more to be learned between each other?

At the end of the day, i believe that, 2 of my friends still loves each other dearly and that this problem will become joke in the future. That's the confidence and faith i have in them. I hope that they too have faith in each other. And i hope, with this post, it would bring closure to this episode.

Relationships are easy to build, but keeping them needs plenty to effort, time and sacrifices.

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

Angst

2008-11-20T18:16:00.003+08:00

There definitely is a lot of angst in this blog lately.

Not very healthy, I guess, for the people writing it or for the people reading it.

*shrugs*

Well, Aunty, you are right. It is not your fault. It is the fault of higher management who doesn't know how to appreciate their existing employees. Employees, whom they say are experienced and were the longest in the department. Like I said, if you have prior or even relevant experience in this industry that we're in now, itwill make the bitter pill a lot easier to swallow. Heck, I will even understand it.

But your 5 years experience is in another, totally different industry. Do you actually get that? Sometimes I feel you don't and that makes me sad. But you have your right to defend yourself. And correction, I don't have a few years experience in this industry. I have 1 1/2 years experience. I don't like inflating my years of experience or my know-how. Whatever's the truth will be the truth.

I don't know how this can resolve but yes, I've also learnt a hard lesson. In fact, I am on the unjust end of this hard lesson... but then, you may beg to differ. No more being so kindhearted, especially in work. I will still refer people, I guess, but I think never to the same department. And only if the person has relevant, said experience. To think I was the one who encouraged her because the people in my department is nice and I also want her to work in a comfortable working environment. Come to think of it, I did help you get a part-time job before when we were in our college days ,didn't I? Maybe you don't remember it already .....

Prettily Aunty, if you want me to feel better, maybe you can try to make yourself more 'useful' in the office. I'm sure you can see that most of us are busy up to our necks. Some of us are already suffocating. Instead of blogging from work or taking naps, or closing your laptop way before work ends, maybe you can offer to help us with our work. Administrative kind that shouldn't be too difficult. Then maybe, I say maybe, I will feel a bit better.

Sorry how I can be brutally honest. It's my big mistake. You are in a way kinda innocent to be caught in this crossfire as well. I know that but I'm only human and it's difficult for me. Probably you will never understand how I feel as you can be quite oblivious to all this sometimes. You may be angry but think about this, if you can.... put yourself in my shoes. How would you react? What would your feelings be? Think of all this and then you would have learnt empathy.

Could be that I have to learn graciousness & you, empathy?

oh, the irony of it all... stupid you-know-who!

Artsy*T

A lesson to be learnt !!!

2008-11-20T15:44:00.000+08:00

One of my closest friend has now became my foe……at work…..How irony it that !

It all started out when this kind hearted friend of mine helped passed my resume to her boss….and I’m hired within a month. To make matter worst, I’m given a position higher than my friend who has been working there for a few years. I supposed my 6 years of experience in another industry wasn’t sufficient for me to earn the new title in my career ??!! Perhaps, the HR in the company and the boss DIDN'T know how to value their existing employee before hiring new hires. Whose fault is it now ??

Overjoyed that I found a job, I am also dismayed that how this opportunity has tarnished my friendship with my gal friend. Nothing that I say can ever make it up to her. Seeing her at work is so awkward...we hardly talk, we don't smile...we are like total strangers. Should I resign?? So to resign or to continue working , is the ultimate question !! But I need the job….who else is going to hire me who’s now 2 months pregnant ?

I concluded ….NEVER EVER work in the same company as your close friends, OR STAY ( renting an apartment ) with your close friends…..all the good will , will just back-fire.

I’ve learnt a hard lesson ( so did my friend )….always knew about that philosophy, but didn’t adhere to it….now ‘I kena’ !!!

To my friend : Thank you for recommending me the job when I needed it most.

I pray that Someday…things will smoothen out….and

All the best to me.....to keep surviving in this new work place till at least the baby is born ….( hopefully…. )

Yours truly,

Prettilly Aunty

Hush Little Baby, Don't you Cry....

2008-11-18T14:40:00.000+08:00

Harlow !!

It’s Tuesday afternoon and I’m blogging at WORK….how cool is that !!
I’ve finally got INTERNET at work…it’s such a necessity !! So Crucial that life would be in a standstill if there’s no INTERNET….too ‘kua chuang’ already, right ?? I’ve read thru all the past post….so many things have been happening….to all of my frens and to ME too !!

Now I wonder…how fast we have all grown….
Me……Prettily Aunty….the 1st to be Mrs Somebody
Then, Poo Poo Jay ……2nd to tie the knot
Next in line ….Artsy*T
( When will it be for MoMo Chin and DaisyBoo??
Having said that, no pressure on MoMo Chin and DaisyBoo, good things are worth waiting for…thats what we always say…let fate plays it part…. )

To Artsy*T – Don’t stress….you will be BEAUTIFUL BRIDE on your wedding day….and it will be wonderful !! All brides GLOW on that one special day….so enjoy !!

If you think that’s not fast…..wait till you read the next line….

Prettily Aunty is going to be a MUMMY !!! ~ cold sweat running down the forehead ~
Me….a mummy!!!! Can you imagine ?? Me ?? A MUM ?? I can’t even take care of myself …
After reading DaisyBoo’s stories of her 2 cute and demanding nephews…..i begin to wonder, am I ready to take on this new role ??

Barely 8 months being Mrs Somebody, haven’t got quite accustomed to, I’m now thrown into the weird and enchanting world of pregnancy !!
So how have it been, you may ask ??

It’s quite NICE……I can get away with eating as much as I want to…and not worry about putting on weight. I can be the PRINCESS at home ( as what my mon-in law says ~ hubby to carry the heavy stuff, take care of me, don’t do too much household chores… hehe  ), Sleep all day….and just say…I’m TIRED , Baby need to rest !!!!!

All right, all right…..that’s the nice part…..dun get jealous .

The not so nice part…..i get ‘NIGHT SICKNESS’ ! U heard of that before?? Weird, but it’s true.
I barely eat 2 tablespoon of rice, that’s it….yucks….
Then I keep going to the loo every 1 hour , for the whole day !!
Smell....Ughh !! YUCKSSS……hate the smell of Liquid Detergen-Dynamo, Shower Cream, Make-Up, my hubby’s cologne …even my condo smells weird….like the wall paint started to smell different !!! I might end up sleeping on the road….
Not to forget, the back ache, knee ache…..no more heels, no tight bras and tight undies……
My * properties* have grown in size and it’s heavy !! And it hurts!!
My tummy is bulging a little…..but I always have a tummy….( Nicole Kidman says….Tom likes my belly…..bet she’s wrong about that )

Baby ( or should I call it Foetus )….i’ll call it Baby….it’s cuter…..is 2 months old….
Can’t wait for the 1st trimester to be over…
Till then, pls pray for me…that both mummy and baby is healthy !!

~will post the ultrasound scan in my next post !

Love , Prettily Aunty

Life's Unfair...

2008-11-14T12:42:00.003+08:00

Triggered by a friends 'unfortunate' incident.... I decided to google that particular phrase and this caught my attention :

“The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way.
Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school.
You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating......
and you finish off as an orgasm.” ~ George Carlin (american stand-up comedian)

Funny huh?

I've gone through my fair share of unfairness. But what can you do about it? You can sulk, grumble and cry about it for a short while.. but please get on with life after that. When faced with bad situations, you have 2 choices; to suck it up, move on and learn from it or you can dwell on it and waste your life away pitiying yourself.
I'm proud and happy that all my good and close friends are those who triump over obstacle. Although there would be tough times, but i'm confident most of them would pull through. And besides... there are always great friends and family around to help....
Oh.. and always remember to be grateful for all the lucky things that you've got!!! And probably u'll find that life is not that unfair afterall...

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

a short story....

2008-11-12T17:54:00.003+08:00

Two small boys got their results recently. By my standards, both did well, but since they're only in kindergarten (I'm not even going into that) - who cares really.

The little one will be awarded the "Best Improvement Prize" in his class and will be receiving this on stage in front of all his schoolmates. Immediately after school, the bigger brother called his grandpa and informed him that his "didi" will be receiving a trophy and he has none. Grandpa's response? "I'll give you one." And so, both grandpa and grandma went to the shop and ordered for him a trophy that says, "To KJ, for being a good boy..... From grandpa and grandma".

-daisyboo-

Gift of Insult

2008-11-08T23:55:00.002+08:00

Came across this Zen story the other day.....

There once lived an old master whose reputation extended throughout the land as a formidable warrior who has yet to be defeated. He attracted many students from all over, all eager to learn from him.

One day, he was challenged by a young warrior who was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. This young man possessed both the strength and ability to exploit an opponent’s weakness.

The old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two faced one another in battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. The verbal insults lasted for hours, but the old master merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself and left after knowing he was defeated.

The master’s students gathered around him and asked, "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"

"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"

It got me thinking…..

Insults are not the most pleasant thing to receive and one of the most hurtful. Similar with a lot of things in life, we cannot control the actions of others but we can control how we deal with them. To quote Spock, “Insults are effective only where emotion is present”. Reacting to insults only serves to give what the other party wants. Why react negatively over some senseless remark when all it does is provide grief or anger to ourselves and instant gratification to the other? Besides, it reflects more on the behavior of the insulting party than the recipient. As the wise master implied, when one does not accept the insult, it belongs to the person who carried them.

The young warrior, in all his eagerness and arrogance to prove his strength, was so focused on finding the master’s weakness that he had failed to see his wisdom and learn from them.

Perhaps some of our country's MP can learn a thing or two from this....

-daisyboo-

Weddings

2008-11-03T19:08:00.002+08:00

Weddings. A union of two souls. Joined as one to live life together in unison. Beautiful garden wedding, lush greenery abound, perfect crimson red roses and white ribbons adorn the arch. Your perfect, dream wedding....

*snap*

Let's come back to reality here. Yes, it is a union between two souls but boy, it sometimes sure doesn't seem like it. It's more like a union of two families!!

I am in the midst of preparing for my wedding. There seems to be more and more things that needs to be done and time is really drawing near! I only hope that I will be able to pull through unscathed and emerge beautifully....

Already work is piling on me. There are more and more work to be done, more responsibilities on my shoulders. I pray that I will be able to handle both work and wedding in as best a way as I possibly can.

thumb ~ Artsy*T

Indiana Jones......

2008-10-31T13:34:00.002+08:00

MPH had thier warehouse sales last week. Mum n sis went there for a visit hoping to pick up a few of their favourites at a price much lesser than usual. And my GOD .. it was really darn cheap.

Requested mum to buy the book titled 'THE POWER OF NOW' for me. (wanted to get it some time back) According to them, there were mountains of book and of course ... many book lovers swarming to buy them at prices which are 30-40% below the retail price.

Was a pity that i didn't go, well.. was a little too lazy to go when i had the time actually. Feeling pangs of regret now.. *Sob-sob*

Mum got 'The Adventures of Indiana Jones' as a gift for one of her students. It comprises of 3 different adventures - Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom and of course ... The Last Crusade. I've always love all the the Indy movies and was quite sure it would be 10 time more exciting reading about it than watching it.... *anxious*

I'm already into page 20 and thought that i should take a pause to post an entry b4... i have no time for it!! haha...

5 mins break's up.. going to make coffee.

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

uh-hem... RECYCLING

2008-10-24T19:41:00.005+08:00

*grin* ... hm... let's post something serious today..

RECYCLING !!! Came across something really interesting about recycling in the net. (triggered by a customers not wanting her purchases to be put in plastic bags)

Did you know…

· 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.

· 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.

· 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3hrs.

· 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.

So think twice b4 simply throwing away stuff k?

Major resolution next year (but can start nowlah) : The recycle more... if i can do it... so can u.. lets try to use Mother Earth resources carefully. ( i know i know.. lame right? but true mah...)

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

Birthday Makan @ Pasta Zanmai

2008-10-24T11:39:00.022+08:00

Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE NOT-SO-YOUNG ONES!!

Welcome to the club MoMo & The Pretty Aunty. It was very rewarding to meet up with u guys after a long day of work :-) Had a change of venue from BBQ Plaza to Pasta Zanmai as a few of us were not feeling too well.

I shall let the pictures do the talking as they always do best!

Pasta Zanmai located in 1 Utama . An Italian & Japanese fusion.

We were simply spoilt for choice. MoMo & Artsy did the ordering whilst Pretty Aunty & I were (not taking pictures but) busy examining our cameras.

Ta da.... Quite a good spread huh? Miso clamp soup (the soup have not arrived at the time this picture was taken), beef curry pasta, chicken katsu pasta and Agedashi Tofu. I luurrrrve the soft and smooth Agedashi Tofu.

MoMo & Artsy. Wasted, didnt manage to capture photos of the chefs in the open kitchen. We could actually observe the chefs preparing our pasta from where we're sitting.

... while trying our best to finish up the food, we continued posing for the cameras. All four of us brought our cameras!

Yes, Artsy - It's the AFTERMATH. If you look closely, there are still several pieces of chicky which we were considering to take away.

Birthdays arent complete without the birthday cake. We headed off to Starbucks and decided on something light. All four of us shared a piece of the chocolate cake.

The birthday babes sharing a light moment. We got crappier as the night went by.

We called it a night at 10.15pm. The nite was such a blast! How I wish it was a Friday.......

~Poo Poo Jay~

World Animal Day

2008-10-24T08:30:00.003+08:00

Some awesome pictures from Bostonglobe in conjunction with World Animal Day sometime early this month. Makes you think about the amazing diversity of life on our planet and the complete disregard we have at times.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/10/world_animal_day.html

-daisyboo-

My nephew and I

2008-10-17T10:17:00.006+08:00

Interestingly, it appears that my nephew and I are in the same boat.

It’s that time of the year again in uni when one’s bogged down with assignments and exams. I’m not looking forward to sitting for 2 stats papers with a full on block subject scheduled exactly in between. Bad timing....

Apparently, it’s also that time of the year again in kindergarten when exams are drawing near. I’m not sure when exactly, but considering the extra studying my nephew’s doing at the moment - soon. Not too sure how many exams but the usual suspects come into mind – Malay, English, Chinese and Math.

My nephew’s only 6 years old.

Already he has learnt to spell many words, do 2-digit math and all sorts of other stuff I first learnt in lower primary school. I vaguely remember my kindergarten days but exams were never a part of it, I think. No excessive homework, tuitions or parents comparing their children’s results with one another just to see whose kids are 'smarter'. There’re also stories of kids being punished for not getting full marks in their exams. Apparently, 95% is just not good enough anymore.

It’s becoming increasingly and scaringly kiasu nowadays, to the extent of getting part of their childhood robbed from this incessant level of stress.

I understand the importance of literacy and numeracy skills, but it’s becoming too academic oriented and too much of rote learning. Sometimes I wonder how much a kid understands what he has learnt through memorisation. I also wonder if the emphasis is on the actual promotion of learning through stimulating interest/curiosity or on a ‘forced’ kind of learning just for the sake of getting good results. Results are not the end of it all and certainly not a good indicator of a kid's learning, especially at this age.

Anyhow, looks like both aunty and nephew will both be busy studying for exams..... poor sayang.

-daisyboo_

Port Dickson Trip

2008-10-16T16:55:00.007+08:00

*uh hem...*

I seem to be the most ACTIVE blogger in this site. Hey.. Partners-in-Crime! Blog more k?? I don't want to b the only one contributing and implicating that i have nothing else to do than to blog. I hope none of u guys are actually bored with wat i wrote... (even if bored also must read and give feedback yah...)

As i promised earlier.. will post something regarding the PD trip i took earlier.

It was a really short trip.. just stayed one night in a 3 bed room apartment in Glory Beach Hotel. Just went there to rest & relax as some frens were having thier holidays. And we thought it would b a great time for a small gathering topped with a BBQ 'feast' and a 'Boozing' session.. Overall nice trip.. i'll upload more pics in FACEBOOK. But will share with u guys wat we ate during the BBQ lah...

Looks good?? haha..... tat's just the start. After that.. we are all eating charcoal coated sausages, chicken wings and such. Such healthy food huh....

And for drinks.... BEER... of course....

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

So NOT blog Savvy !!!

2008-10-14T21:54:00.003+08:00

Harlow !!!!

Yeah !!! I'm finally in BLOGSPOT !! Thanks to Artsy*T.....i found out that our blog page is http://www.leavingthumbprints.blogspot.com/. So blur and not computer savvy at all....and mind you it's the 21st century....i must be living in a coconut shell ......instead of leaving thumprints !!! Kakakaka.......

~prettily aunty~

Join in on the bandwagon

2008-10-12T23:20:00.001+08:00

It's that time now.

*grins*

It's finally that time of the year for 2 people very special to me to blow the candles and join in on the bandwagon of fun!!

(We are forever 25, aren't we? Well, except for the delusional few... shrugs...you know who you are :P )

*haha*

A Shout-Out to MoMo*Chin and Prettily Auntie on your respective birthdays :

Here's wishing you both lots of happiness & laughter, great health, abundance opportunities and God's blessing and guidance as you journey in life :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY girls!

thumbs - Artsy*T

p/s : I wonder if Prettily Auntie ever drops by..... sigh... and PupuJay... where for art thou?

The Desire to Get MARRIED….

2008-10-10T13:11:00.000+08:00

* yawn.. sleepy again... *

Nah.. not me…haha… (just in case anyone was wondering if tat’s me.. ) For me if I still look like I’m 25 on my wedding day, I won’t mind even getting married when I’m 40.

*grinning* - got excuse to buy really expensive anti-aging supplement n cosmetic?

Haha.. but till then I probably would have to for-go the thought of having children of my ownlah. Maybe adopt lor.. no choice.

By now you guys must b wondering if I’m not the one having the desire to marry, then y this post right? Haha.. tat’s bcoz… *drum roll…..*! He proposed !! Maybe not… was just jokinglah. He did not propose. It’s just that i watched 2 movies which has to do with weddings few days back. Made of Honor & 27 Dresses. Watched them back to back summore. Please don’t ask me y I watched them back to back… coz I really dunno the reason as well…let me see...prolly bcoz these are the ones available that doesn’t involve a lot of brain function and no violence? Or is it bcoz of SeXy Patrick Dempsey & super ChaRMinG James Marsden. hm.. i wonder. They are both typical, simple, happy-ending type of love stories…. Well and yes.. I did cry, no surprise right?

But u guys have to agree with me that both their weddings in the end of the show really were magical right? One on the rooftop held at night and another by the beach. Made me think of what kind of wedding I want. The night wedding looks really romantic and magical right?

* hint..hint...*

Which gets to my point… don’t you feel that brides nowadays are more interested in the wedding preparation and having their dream wedding then to look forward to their marriage? It seems that they are more excited about the WEDDING than the idea of being MARRIED to someone u love right?

Something to ponder.. *hm…..*

Time for my coffee break…….

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

The day she turned ......

2008-10-07T16:35:00.001+08:00

Organised a ‘surprise’ birthday dinner for a friend, Purpledot recently. It’s the kind of routine surprise that isn’t really a surprise but everyone pretends that it is after years of conditioned learning.

Come to think of it, the whole birthday thingy is pretty standard every time, it’s beginning to look like a protocol. Very scary…
- Send out a mass email to the usual crowd to discuss when, where, who (to ask) and what (to buy).
- Together, shortlist a number of venues (including websites whenever possible – for a more informed decision) and presents.
- Vote for your preferred choice and the item with the highest votes will be selected. We believe in democracy (and if the place turns out crap – it’s nobody’s fault).
- Nominate the persons-in-charge of restaurant bookings, calling people, buying presents and cakes.
- Always remember to inform the birthday person early to make sure she’ll be available on that day. Try not to call on the day before the actual day.
- Birthday cakes are pretty standard and usually from a particular cake shop, unless inconvenient to do so. Always rotate different cakes for every birthday, depending on birthday person’s preferences.

Yah, very routine but it works, it’s easy and efficient.

Venue this year was nowhere fancy but food was quite good, reasonable and near my place. Everyone acted casual that evening like it’s just another dinner with the usual crowd plus a few others. Card writing was done right under her nose, this time ‘protected’ by an oversize menu. This is usually a cue for the birthday person to shift his/her gaze away and acted as if it’s a normal part of any dinner. Entrée, main meal, write card, desert and coffee – pretty standard. Desert was a beautiful chocolate + cream + liqueur + strawberry birthday cake from a nearby café that tasted pretty good. Of course, when the waitress brought her cake out, she was sporting enough to act surprise...... one of those priceless Mastercard moments.

(*in whispers*)
Purpledot turned 3+0 that night.

But if you asked her, she’ll tell you that she’s 21 + GST...
GST is fixed at the annual inflation rate. So in a way still getting older, but still 21. Go figure.....

Oh, we’re the same age, by the way. Remember ya

-daisyboo-

First Day at Work after a Short Break....

2008-10-03T19:37:00.000+08:00

* feeling lazy *

It's a day after the Raya Hols and i'm sure plenty of ppl are still having fun as they have most probably taken a whole stretch of annual leaves so that they will start work only next week....And me... I've already started work. *pouting* Well i shouldn't b grumbling right? As i had a nice getaway to Port Dickson.. but somehow, i still feel.......

* feeling really envious*

It's been so long since i really had a long long break... hm... let's see .. i think the longest was CNY. I guess in the working world, we don't have such privileges anymore huh? Hm.. except for uh-hem u know who u are lah har... haha...

Well, it's pretty normal to get really lazy when u have to start working after a long break.hey.. i just only had 1 day offlah.. (and i'm toking like i had like 3-4 days off) but then again.. the trip to PD made me feel that this holiday was a long one although it was just 1 and a half day. Hm.. i'll blog bout the PD trip with pics in my next post lah. Lazy to upload the pics lah.. haha... but enjoyed it though.

Being lazy n it being Friday again... It's manga day for me. I've already read all the mangas i've anticipated and now... i'm back to lazy mode again... Until.. i remember wat XC told me, "there's this manga which is really funny n nice, try reading it and i bet u'll like it.."... So i was like wat the heck.. lazy to start doing my paperwork... read manga lah... and guess wat... was really hooked to it. The title... 'Kimi Wa Petto'. Brilliant ! It's has bits of humour n romance in it.. story which doesn't really need much of brain usage. But it's touching though... nice... I LIKE.... hehe... Everytime i read i think to myself.. how come real life romance like this don't happen to us ah... sobsob... i know i know.. kinda childish right? hehe.. but then i'm sure some of u guys feel like me deep inside hor? haha...

Well.. anyone interested in grabbing some tissue n getting into some sobbing mode... well u can always check out the drama or even the manga if u like! Recommended if u like love stories like me. hehe.... the pic's above !

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

First Post.....Change of Daily Routine

2008-09-22T15:08:00.000+08:00

Hm.. my 1st entry..

* yawn..i'm so sleepy*

First post and i'm talking about a change of daily routine. Kinda boring huh? Compared to thumbs' statement about our (mis)adventures and stuff it does sound kinda boring right? But what the heck, a change in daily routine could be fun & interesting too right?........

Since last tuesday i've changed my daily breakfast to Oats instead of coffee. This is due to a very terrible bout of diarrhoea on tuesday.. I hate having food poisoning.. not only bcoz u have to run in and out of the toilet upteen times but ur precious little opening gets really sore as well. haha.. i do sound disgusting right? but i'm sure most of u experinced it... well.. i guess pp-jay will know it all too well... i'm so much better now, and feeling the benefits of the fibre in the oats. PP-jay... u should also make it a habit to have oat for breakfast.. really helps ler..

First post = toking bout sh*t.. interesting leh..

It's friday again...

*really anxious*

cos it's manga day... naruto, bleach, one piece all releases today!!! can't wait..

thumbs - MoMo*Chin

Ta-daaa!!

2008-09-17T23:19:00.000+08:00

So we finally have our own blog!!

*I'm so excited*

A couple of friends, a recent rendezvous, awesome fellowship over steamboat dinner, coffee and lotsa makan, laughter, ramblings, emails flying across continents and boom (!) --> this blog is born :)

This will be our avenue to connect, share our lives and laugh at what we are or had gone through. This shall be our outlet of expression.

You are welcome to join us on our (mis)adventures, or not.

thumbs - Artsy*T