Phew!!!!

My goodness!!! Where do I begin? It has been a busy busy couple of weeks for me.

First, on December 18th, Jim did his angiogram at the hospital. Got off work early so that I can be at the hospital with him. I was a nervous wreck!!! Luckily, the nurse said that everything looks fine. We didn't get to see the doctor coz he had an emergency surgery to attend to at the hospital. Jim had to rest for the next 7 days so that the spot where they insert the "thingy" (I don't know what it's called) into his artery could heal properly. Jim has a follow-up appointment on December 28th with the doctor... *Err, for those of you who don't know what an angiogram is...It's where they put a camera/something thru the artery in your thigh and go up into your heart to see if there is any blockage.

Then, December 20th was Aidil Adha. I had to work that day since I was going to be off on Christmas eve and the day after Christmas. Obviously, being in the US, the raya atmostphere was zilch. Just as well coz that was the last week for the dental office where I work was open. So, I tried to finish as much as I can that week.

After that, of course was Christmas...We were over at Jim's parents' on Christmas eve to exchange gifts... Remember that surprise gift I got for Jim? Now that Christmas is over I can tell you what I got for him. It was a plaque with a signed picture of Gale Sayers. Those of you who don't know who Gale Sayers is.... He is one of Jim's favorite football (American football to those of you outside the US) player. He used to play for the Chicago Bears when they won the Super Bowl in 1985. I'm glad Jim really like the gift. It is now waiting to be hung in our computer room where all his sports memorabilia are...

Christmas day, we were over at my sister in law's from about 1pm till about 10pm. We played a game called ..err you know what... I forgot the name of the game!!! But it's a game where you answer these questions and the other players try to guess what your answer/opinion is. Jim won... Then, the rest of the night we did karaoke. I was really pleasantly surprise to find out that my mother in law has a very nice singing voice. Yours truly croaked like a toad singing for the rain...;-) I admit, I can't sing a lick, even if my life depends on it...LOL

I had the day after Christmas off but I didn't do much of anything, just tried to recover from all the food that I consumed on Christmas eve and day. I was a total PIG!!! No wonder I had a tummy ache all day long...

Thursday & Friday was back at work, this time for the software company I work for. Since it was the last 2 days of the year for me, I tried to finish everything that I can. Boy, it was hectic... I'm still reeling from all the numbers that I had to work out on those 2 days. Oh, on Friday morning, I chatted with Abg Id & his family on Yahoo. Nice chatting with you guys..;-)

Also, on Friday Jim had his follow up appointment for his angiogram results. The appointment was supposed to be at 3pm so I got off early from work to take him to the appointment. When we got there, the receptionist said that they don't have his appointment on the computer. Boy, we were pissed. They managed to squeeze him in between patients but we had to wait for 1 1/2 hours before he was called in. Even then, I waited for another hour and a half hours in the waiting room before he was done. I was in a bad mood by then but was really glad that Jim is okay.

Hemm, I'm having the in laws over on New Year's day. Am trying to decide what to make. They usually like it when I make Malaysian dishes. I'm thinking of making kurma ayam along with papadum. Haven't made that for awhile now. Am also thinking of making my mom's speciality...daging hitam manis. It would compliment the kurma very well tho I could never make it quite the way my mom did... Which reminds me, I need to go grocery shopping tomorrow...

Well, I better finish tidying up the house.... but before I go...

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!! Please be safe...

"Coach Carter"

I saw for the first the movie "Coach Carter" on tv last night. The movie actually came out in the theaters in 2005 but I never saw it, not even when it came out on DVD. I have to say that it's a pretty good movie.

When Jim first put on the movie, I wasn't too interested to watch it coz I figured it's gonna be just like any other "teacher doing good things" kinda story. At first, memang like that then as the movie progress, it started getting better. Samuel L Jackson played the main character, Coach Kent Carter who coaches a high school basketball team in California.

Anyways, if you haven't seen the movie, I would recommend it....

"Simpson Movie" & "Superbad"

Saw both the "Simpson Movie" & "Superbad" over last weekend. I think I like "Superbad" a little better than the "Simpson Movie". Like what Homer said at the opening of the movie, "Why would you pay to watch something that you get for free on tv?"...

Happy Birthday Li

Happy belated birthday to my cousin, Li (Raja Azli) who celebrated his 41st on December 25th.

Happy Birthday Deen

HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY TO MY LIL SIS, DEEN (Raja Nor Syazleen).

Another Christmas Party

The software company I work for (my other part time job) had our Christmas party at the Texas Roadhouse this past friday. Everyone was there except for one of the owners.

In the picture above, clockwise from bottom left, are: Scott (sales), Chase (support), Landon (software engineer), David (owner/sales), Lee (owner/developer), Todd (support) & Richard (support). Not in attendance is Dr Stapley. Yours truly is not in the picture since I was again the photographer.

We all had fun at the party....

If you read my other "Christmas Party" blog, you'd notice that the dental office I work for have all girls except for Dr King. And, if you notice for the software company there are all boys except for yours truly....kinda funny huh?

Anyways, I love working for both offices, different kind of problems & fun. Here's hoping that I will still be working for both offices when the next Christmas party rolls around....

Salam Aidil Adha

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha. Maaf zahir batin.

Christmas Party

We had our annual Christmas party at the Landmark Restaurant last night for one of the offices that I work for. All employees were invited to bring a guest with them. Jim was supposed to go but he wasn't feeling so good so I went alone. Turned out one more person came solo too...;-) Anyways, it wasn't a big deal since we all know each other and most of the guests.

The restaurant is pretty nice. It is located in downtown Mesa so it's not too far from my house. Of course it being almost Christmas, the restaurant was decorated with Christmas lights and trees. They placed us in the Roosevelt Room which had pictures of President Teddy Roosevelt all over the wall which I think is pretty cool since my alma mater was Roosevelt University...

The food was awesome! They have a Salad Room which has an abundance of choices (the clam chowder is very good!) for you to choose from. Yours truly, being the seafood lover, piled on a bunch of shrimp on her place like there was no tomorrow...;-) For the entree we had a choice of salmon, prime ribs or chicken. I chose the salmon. I should ask them how they make the crust on the salmon coz it was really good. Dessert was cheesecake..yummmm

After dinner, we did our white elephant/gag gift game. I brought a license plate that read "I am driving this fast coz I need to POOP" and a book title "What your poop is telling you" as my gag gift... Weird gift huh? Well, for some reason or other, my office seems to be fascinated with poop and fart jokes, hence the gift. Btw, my gift isn't the most "disgusting"....we had a fart horn and a poop kit in that mix too... I ended up with a "What TV Personality are You?" book.... I haven't read it yet, it's still on the kitchen counter where I left it last night.

Anyways here are some pictures from the party last night....

Group pic, clockwise: Dr King, Kiersten (Dr. King's wife), Marty (Melissa's hubby), Melissa, Aubree, Mark (Aubree's hubby), Maggie (Valerie's sister-in-law), Valerie, Kriston, Linda, Leo (Linda's friend), Stevie, Sly (Stevie's hubby). Yours truly is not in the pic since I was the photographer.... The lighting in the room was really dim hence the dark pic.

Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix

Christmas came early for me this year....Though Jim & I don't celebrate Christmas, we still ecxhange gifts with each other and his family. Anyways, I picked the DVD "Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix" and the book "Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White Home" as my gifts...Yes, yes, we picked our own gifts but we also pick a "surprise" gift for each other. I can't tell you what my surprise gift for Jim is since he reads my blogs...I'll tell you after Christmas..if you are nice ;-)

Anyways, both the book and DVD came in the mail yesterday...Woo hoo!!! Jim is suppose to wrap my gifts for me to open Christmas eve with his family. But, I can't wait that long so I decided to watch the DVD last night!!! Ha ha ha... Jim can wrap the gift when I'm done ;-)

You guys know by now that I am a Potterhead (I scored 93% on the "Are You a Potterhead" quiz) ... So, needless to say, I loved this movie. Obviously, the book is much much better but the movie is pretty good. Man, how those kids have grown!! I think I have a little crush on Daniel Radcliffe....he he he...

Okay, back to work for me...Be watching the movie again tonight when I get home....

Happiness is.....

I had dropped off Jim at his doctor's earlier this morning and went to Lee Lee's asian market to do my monthly "asian" grocery shopping... As always I would go down each aisle to see what new stuff they have...

I am almost out of my "white coffee" cappucino so that is one of the items on my list of things to buy. As I got to the spot where the coffee normally is, something caught my eyes. It is the "Tongkat Ali Ginseng Coffee"...Wow I couldn't believe my eyes...

Some of my friends had said that the coffee is pretty good and also with the khasiat tongkat ali, it's even better ;-). So, I got a package...my water is boiling in the kettle right now and we'll see just how good this coffee is....

Oh, another thing I found at Lee Lee's today, though I did not buy it, was pomelo. What the heck is pomelo? Well, buat kata orang Ipoh, it's limau bali. It's a citrus fruit which looks like an oversized grapefruit. I used to eat this fruit when I was younger.... Cicah dengan kicap gula & cili padi...sedap...

Err Nida, if you read this, remember "Pomelo"? What the heck ever happened to Pomelo? Sorry guys, just an inside joke with my best friend.... And, Pomelo, if you ever read this... drop us a line will you... wonder if you are still kicking out there somewhere....

Okay my kettle is whistling to me....time for me to enjoy my Tongkat Ali Ginseng Coffee.....ha ha ha

Happy Birthday Mummy

Today would have been my mom's 62nd birthday but alas she was taken too soon from those who love her very much. Though she is no longer with us, she will always be in our heart and thoughts....

Mummy,
I love and miss you very much. I wish that I could see your face one more time.... I hope that you are happy where you are now and insya allah we will meet again, some day.

Al-fatihah

P/S The picture above was taken on my 3rd brithday

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

What if you had one more day with someone you'd lost? That is the question this movie, "For One More Day", is trying to answer. The movie is based on a book by Mitch Albom, a sportswriter/author who also wrote "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "Five People you meet in Heaven".

I really like the movie tho you do have to kinda pay attention coz it has a lot of flashbacks. Get ready with some tissue at the end of the movie... I do recommend this movie just like I would recommend reading/watching "Tuesdays with Morrie" & "Five People you meet in Heaven".

P/S Mr Albom, if by chance you ever read this blog, I really love your books. Keep up the good work!!!

MRSM Taiping Silver Jubilee

To all MRSM Taiping alumnus,

Our ANSARA/ACT commitee is organizing a silver jubilee celebration on July 19, 2008. The venue is not yet confirmed but is tentatively decided it will be at the Sunway Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur.

I am trying to spread the word around to all our ex-students, so sesapa yang baca blog ni, please la spreadkan to your fellow alumni or if you know any MRSM Taiping alumni. For more information, please visit http://www.actorg.net/.

Hoping to see many of you there...Jim & I will definitely try to be there.... Insya Allah

For your consideration...

1. Just because you have a big ass truck/SUV does not mean you should take over 3 parking spaces especially when there aren't much parking spots to begin with.

2. If you are in a long line at the foodcourt, don't wait till you are at the counter to decide what you want to eat. You should be able to read the menu even if you are at the very end of that line (if you can't then go have your eyes checked, you just might need glasses).

3. If you ask someone a question, give them the chance to answer coz they (just might) have an opinion other than you.

4. Don't ask someone out to lunch (or anything else) if you don't mean it coz they might just accept your offer. Who's screwed now?

5. If you are afraid of getting minor dings and dents on your new car, buy a less expensive car. That way you won't take up 3 parking spaces just to "protect" your car.

6. If you call someone's house and the person answering the phone ask who you are before handing the phone over, don't say "Kawan (friend)". Of course you're a friend, don't think an enemy would call you up... Also, the person you're calling might not want to talk with you (for one reason or another) so it would help if they know who you are...

7. If you want to tell a lie, make sure that your "facts" are correct.

8. Don't be a judgemental hypocritical shit if you yourself is not a saint.

9. Don't act like you know-it-all when in fact you don't know crap.

10. Why do people buy big gas guzzling cars/trucks/SUVs? Are you trying to compensate for something? *Hemm*

THERE YOU GO, 10 THINGS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION....

My Hero, Weird Al Yankovic

It is to my utmost devastation to announce to all of you, my blog readers, family & friends, that I have rediscovered ..... Weird Al Yankovic!!!!! This happened last night when I went searching for the lyrics to the "Jedi Song" (please refer to blog posted last night). By the way, I did mention to you guys, at one point or another, that I am a geek/dork/nerd, right? If you have been reading my blogs, I'm sure you have figured that out by now ;-)

To those of you unfamiliar with Mr Yankovic (who isn't?), he is a singer/songwriter who does parodies of popular/famous songs. The first time I heard of Weird Al Yankovic was when I saw the video of him singing the song "Eat It". He was dressed up like Michael Jackson and doing a parody of Jackson's "Beat It"... Oooooo, I thought it was hilarious... I was in high school then so that kind of stuff was funny to me, and sad to say, it's still funny to me now...he he he.

Anyways, with school and other life pursuits, I slowly forgotten Weird Al Yankovic. Until last night, that is..... When I got home, I went searching for the lyrics to the "Jedi Song" which I heard on the radio on my way home from work. And to my pleasant surprise, and to Jim's annoyance later on, I discovered that there are a bunch of his parodies on YouTube. I have been playing Yankovic's parodies on YouTube all night, hence Jim's annoyance with me. In fact, at this very moment I have "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" on....again, bare in mind that I am a dork/nerd/geek. ;-)

So, there you are...my hero, Mr "Weird" Al Yankovic.....

The Jedi Song - Weird Al Yankovic

I was on my way home from work today and had the radio on Mix 96.9...I had the volume pretty low so when this one song came on, I thought it was "American Pie" by Don McLean which is one of my favorite songs... So, there I was singing along, off key of course, when I started to think, "I must not be over my flu coz my singing is so bad that I'm not saying the same words as the song".

I turned up the volume and realized that instead of "American Pie" by Don McLean, it was the "Jedi Song" by Weird Al Yankovic... I haven't heard this song for a long time and since I love the Star Wars movies (I'm a geek, I know I know), I started singing along (again, off key of course). So now, instead of the "Monster Mash" song (please refer to blog from this morning) which had been stuck in my head since last night, it's the "Jedi Song" that's making its home in my spinning head...he he he. Below is the YouTube clip of the song with the accompanying lyrics....ENJOY!!!!!!

P/S Not sure why lately, I have all these "weird" songs stuck in my head...1st it was the "Spiderman" theme song, then the "Monster Mash" & now the "Jedi Song"....hemmm, I wonder...

A long, long time ago,
In a galaxy far away,
Naboo was under an attack.
And I thought me and Qui-Gon Jinn
Could talk the Federation in
To maybe cutting them a little slack.
But their response, it didn't thrill us,
They locked the doors and tried to kill us.
We escaped from that gas,
And met Jar Jar and Boss Nass.
We took a Bongo from the scene,
And we went to Theed to see the Queen.
We all wound up on Tatooine
That's where we found this boy.

Chorus: Oh my, my
This here Anakin guy
May be Vader
Some day later
Now he's just a small fry
He left his home and kiss his mommy goodbye
Saying soon I'm gonna be a Jedi
Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi

Did you know this junkyard slave
Isn't even old enough to shave?
But he can use the force they say
Oh, do you see him hittin' the Queen?
Though he's just nine and she's fourteen
Yeah he's probably gonna marry her, some day
Well I know he built C-3PO
And I heard how fast his pod can go
ANd we were broke, it's true
So we made a wager or two
Well, he was a pre-pubescent flyin' ace
And the minute Jabba started off that race
Well, I knew who'd win first plac
Oh yes, it was our boy!
We started singing

Chorus:

We, we finally got to Caruscant
The Jedi council, we knew would want
To see how good the boy could be
So we took him there and we told the tale
How his midichlorions were off the scale
And he might fulfill that prophecy
Oh, the council was impressed, of course
Could he bring balance to the force?
The interviewed the kid
Oh, training they forbid!
Because, Yoda sensed in him much fear
And Qui-gon said, "now listen here!
Just stick in your pointy ear,
I still, will teach this boy!"
He was singing

Chorus:

We caught a ride back to Naboo
'Cause Queen Amidala wanted to,
I frankly would've liked to stay
We all fought in that epic war
And it wasn't long at all before
Little hot-shot flew his plane and saved the day
And in the end some Gungans died
Some ships blewup
And some pilots fried
A lof of folks were croakin'
The battle droids were broken!
And the Jedi I admire most
Met up with Darth Maul, and now he's toast
I'm still here, and he's a ghost
I guess I'll train the boy
And I was singing

Chorus:

Monster Mash

Halloween was over a month ago but for some unknown reason as I was watching tv last night, trying to break my fever, the "Monster Mash" song came into my head and never left..... This is what have been singing in my head all night.... For those of you who want to sing along, I've accompanied the lyrics at bottom

Monster Mash - Bobby "Boris" Pickett
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash

From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes

They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the monster mash

The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man
Dracula and his son

The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The Coffin-Bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"

They played the mash
They played the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
The played the mash
It caught on in a flash
They played the mash
They played the monster mash

Out of his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twish?"

It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
The monster mash
And it's a graveyard smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash

Now everything's cool, Drac a part of a band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mas was meant too
When you get ot my door, tell them Boris sent you

Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
The monster mash
And do my graveyard smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash

Al Fatihah

Our depest condolences for my best friend, Nida, whose dad had passed away on November 26th, 2007. Moga Allah tempatkan dia bersama orang2 yang beriman....Al-fatihah

Tag Time Again!

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night.
Last night?...Hemm, no one I guess... except for maybe "Chuck" from the show "Chuck" on channel 12.

2. What were you doing at 0800?
Asleep...Demam ma....

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Still asleep, until I got a phone call from work saying they needed some reports for our staff meeting this afternoon

4. What happened to you in 2006?
Ayo, I can't even remember what happened last week, ni pulak last year....Celebrated our 10th anniversary I remember that one...;-)

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
Just 5 seconds ago... "TIGER!!!!"

6. How many beverages did you have today?
So far 3 - milo, & 2 glasses of water

7. What color is your hairbrush?
Red & white

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
Groceries...demam2 pun masih pi beli grocery...

9. Where were you last night?
In bed at home

10. What color is your front door?
Beige

11. Where do you keep your change?
Purse, pant's pocket, under the sofa cushion, my big Cola-Cola piggy bank...

12. What’s the weather like today?
Winter is here so a little chilly even for Arizona

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Sticky Chewy Chocolate Chip from Swensen's

14. What excites you?
Having my boys around me...

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
Yes and no...depends on my mood at that time

16. Are you over the age of 25?
Err, yes.

17. Do you talk a lot?
Depends whom I'm talking with

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
Heck NO!!!

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
I'm sure I did at some point in my life...Right now I can't remember their last names

20. Do you make up your own words?
Yes, especially when I talk to my boys and my niece, or not want Jim to know that I said something bad *shh*

21. Are you a jealous person?
To a certain extent, yes.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
Aziatul Aznin...he he he

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K'
Kriston

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
Melissa

25. What does the last text message you received say?
"Are you coming into work today? from Scott yesterday

26. Do you chew on your straw?
Yes, especially if the glass is empty

27. Do you have curly hair?
No, but I can make it curly if you really want me to

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
Back to bed

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
Err...don't wanna name names he he he

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Strawberry jello

31. Will you get married in the future?
Err am married now & plan to stay married with him for a long time (Insya allah)

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Watched a marathon of Harry Potter movies last night....Yes I am a Potterhead....he he he

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Of course!!

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
This morning.

35. Are you currently depressed?
Occassionally....yes

36. Did you cry today?
No. Why? do you want me to?

37. Why did you answer and post this?
Tagged by Nin and I love doing tags

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
Sofia, Wan Chik, Idham, Deen, & Mawan

Adventure at Chuck E Cheese

We were over at Chuck E Cheese yesterday afternoon to celebrate Karsen's 2nd birthday. For those of you not familiar with Chuck E Cheese, it's a pizza restaurant with arcades. Parents do have lots of birthday parties there since it does cater to kids.

Karsen throughly enjoyed herself. She went on most of the rides but I think her favorite was the "hamster" tunnel (like the one they have at McDonald's). Jim & I were a little surprised that she was able to climb up the stairs to get to the "main" tunnel. She enjoyed playing by herself until a couple of older kids started to harrass her. Well, they didn't really harrass her. They wanted to play with her but instead of picking her up under the arms, they tried to pick her up by her neck. Boy, did we panicked...We know that the older kids didn't mean to hurt her but since it was so loud in the restaurant and the tunnel is up above everyone, the kids couldn't hear us yelling to them not to pick her up by her neck. My father-in-law ended up telling one of the employees to go up and get her down. Karsen doesn't seem too effected by it since she went on to play...The adults were the ones who got a little panicked..he he he

Anyways, I am glad Karsen enjoyed her birthday. Jim made her 2 t-shirts, one with the picture of a golden retriever on the front with the caption ,"My mommy & me love golden retrievers" on the back and the other with the picture of a cat with the caption, "My daddy & me love kitty cats"...

Boy, I think I'm still stuffed from all that pizza we had yesterday......Burppppp

Anniversary

Here I am on the morning of my wedding anniversary, jolted awake from my deep sleep for the need of a glass of water. Jim is fast asleep with my 2 boys...Or is that them I hear behind the computer room door? I can't fall back to sleep...might as well since I will need to get breakfast for the boys and get ready for work soon...

11 years, that's how long we've been married. We've been together 13 1/2 years...We met when we were both studying at Southern Illinois University. How so long ago it seems but it felt like yesterday to me.

I remember our wedding day so well...It was a freezing cold winter day in Chicago...on a late Friday afternoon. It had been raining sleet and snowing all day so the streets were slippery. The day before was Thanksgiving so Friday was a busy shopping day for everyone. After driving a couple of times around the block to park our car, we found one right across the street. We trudged thru the snow to the Muslim center near downtown Chicago. Though I had my coat on, I was freezing my heine off since I was wearing my white baju kurung wedding dress. I had lifted the hems so as not to get them dirty from the sleet and snow hence exposing my legs and the wind was blowing up my dress...brrrrr *wink*

With my brother (Lyon) & sister (Deen) and Jim's family & relatives around us, the Imam of the Muslim center married us in a simple ceremony. My brother was one of the witnesses, the other was one of the clerks at the center since none of Jim's family (beside Jim, of course) is Muslim. After the paperwork were signed and we had some cake...we were off to Graziano's for dinner... It was a quick simple ceremony but I will always treasure the moment. The moment I became Mrs. James William Pergo Abdullah.

I do have to admit that these past 11 years weren't always easy. We have our ups and downs but in the end I know that we love each other and no matter what we will be together. At the end of the day, I know that I have someone whom I love & care very much and that that feeling is reciprocated by Jim. I am happy to say that I did find my soul mate, my partner in life, my friend....

JIM,
MIELE FELICE DI ANNIVERSARIO. TI AMO MOLTO E SEMPRE VOLONTA. QUI E A MOLTI ALTRI ANNI DA A VENIRE...
(Happy anniversary honey. I love you very much and always will. Here's to many more years to come...)

Pic 1: About 2 months after we met at Southern Illinois University
Pic 2: The Iman and us on our wedding day
Pic 3: Our sanding ceremony in Malaysia the following April '97
Pic 4: This is us now...he he he

Happy Birthday Karsen

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TO OUR LITTLE NIECE, KARSEN ANTOINETTE CATTELINO!!!

Lots of love & kisses,

Uncle Jim, Aunt Yin, Sammy & Tiger

Pic: Karsen, her Daddy & Mummy (in yellow) during Aidil Fitri '07

Facebook

Addicted, I am so addicted to Facebook!!! I signed up on Facebook back in October of this year after a few urgings from family and friends. At that time I was already on Myspace, Friendster, hi5, Ringo...etc so, I wasn't too keen on getting on another "social" network. After a few more urgings from one of my cousins, I finally broke down and signed up.

At first, I didn't see anything different in Facebook than the other social network I am on. Then, one day I received a "gift" from my cousin...Ooo, I was happy *wink*. From that day on, I kept finding new applications that I can add to my profile and I am hooked...big time, he he he... I've also reconnected with a few old friends, (mainly from high school), and made some new ones...

So, for those of you on Facebook, go ahead... poke me, soak me, spank me...and don't forget those drinks, ice creams & cakes....I will try to return the favor as often as I can..... and, watch out for those panty raids and water fights... *evil laugh*

Of work, home and life

Hubby: How much is in the bank right now?

Wife: About $____ right now. Will have more at end of month when I get paid.

Hubby: How much will be in there at end of month?

Wife: About $____ after the mortgage, car payments and insurance.

Hubby: Is that all?. I thought you have 3 jobs?

Wife: Well, I work 3-4 days at office A, 1 day at office B, and a few hours at office C

Hubby: That's not 3 jobs. I thought when you said you work 3 jobs, you are working about 120 hours a week.

Wife: What the fuck????????

Death Proof

Pretty ladies, muscle cars, ultra violence and Kurt Russell...if you like these, then "Death Proof" is the movie for you. Quentin Tarantino directed this movie about 2 groups of 4 girls who were stalked by a former stuntman (Kurt Russell) with different consequences. For me, it was a little too violent but it being a Quentin Tarantino movie that is pretty normal... Remember "Pulp Fiction"?

When this movie was released at the theaters, it was shown with the movie "Planet Terror", which was directed by Robert Rodriguez, as a double feature. We decided to just get "Death Proof" first to see if we like it before renting the other one. Well, Jim liked "Death Proof" while I just scratched my un"itchy" head and hid behind my bantal busuk...

So...you are on your own this time.....

Honeybaked Ham & Turkey

The staff at the office where I work got a nice little surprise from our boss/owner today. Since we did quite well last month and Thanksgiving is this Thursday, Dr K decided to get everyone a honey glazed ham from the Honeybaked Ham Co. Since Jim & I don't eat ham, Dr K got us a honey glazed turkey instead...Isn't that sweet of him?

The staff were really surprised and pleased and I wouldn't blame them. They did work really hard last month and our production (A/R) shows it. It's always nice when your hard work is acknowledged. Of course, I knew about the surprise since I was the one who went to buy the hams and turkey ;-)

Since we are going to have a whole turkey at my sister-in-law's on Thursday, I guess Jim & I will be enjoying our turkey for dinner tonight...Woo hoo...I don't have to make dinner....he he he

Pic: Honeybaked ham (top right), Honey glazed turkey breast (bottom left) from the Honeybaked Ham Co.

Thanksgiving

Turkey, stuffings, mashed potatoes, candied yam, string bean casserole, gravy & cranberry sauce, & pumpkin pie.....yum!!! I can't wait for this Thursday to come. Thanksgiving is here again (thursday, November 22, 2007) and the feasting season starts...

As always, we are having Thanksgiving at my sister-in-law and her husband's. Jim's parents and little niece will be there too. This year I am in charge of the desserts so I'm bringing a pumpkin pie and a french silk pie. Pumpkin pie is part of the traditional Thanksgiving menu but since I am not too keen on it, I decided to bring the french silk pie too. That way we all can have our dessert and eat it too...Though mine will come with a shot of insulin....he he he

Another Thanksgiving tradition is the football game (American football, I mean, to the rest of you not in America). As always, the Dallas Cowboys and the Detriot Lions will be playing but I am not sure which teams they are playing against this year.

Thanksgiving is the time for family and being grateful for what we have. So, what I am grateful for this year? I'm grateful that I'm alive, in a fairly good health (except for a few things that I can't avoid), to have my hubby & 2 boys who love & care about me very much, and my family whom I love and miss a lot.

To all of you out there, have a Happy Thanksgiving and for those of you who are travelling, please be safe...


P/S To Bro Joe & Kak Zaharah, selamat menunaikan haji. Mohon maaf sekiranya ada yang terkasar bahasa or menyakitkan hati. Have a very safe trip.

Happy Birthday Apan

Happy 5th birthday to my youngest nephew Apan (Raja Muhammad Arfan Arifshah)

Aunty Yin & Uncle Jim love & miss you very much

Pic above (left to right): My brother Lyon, my nephew Aman, my dad, birthday boy Apan & my sister-in-law Syarah

Spiderman 3

Spiderman, Spiderman

Does whatever a spider can

Spins a web, any size

Catches thieves just like flies

Is he strong? Listen bud

He's got radioactive blood

Can he swing from a thread?

Take a look overhead

Hey there! There goes the Spiderman

In the chill of the night,

At the scene of the crime,

Like a streak of light,

He arrives just in time!

Spiderman, Spiderman

Friendly neighborhood Spiderman

Wealth and fame, he's ignored

Action is his reward,

To him,

Life is a great big bang up

Wherever there's a hang-up,

You'll find the Spiderman!

I love the Spiderman theme song. When I was younger, I used to sing that song, especially when the show comes on tv. Now that I am older (much, much older), I'd catch myself singing that song, and it would put a smile on my face. If you ever catch me smiling for no apparent reason, most likely that song is playing in my head...he he he (weird, I know, but it makes me happy).

Now, onto the Spiderman movies....I love the first 2 movies (the 2nd one being my favorite) but the 3rd is a little dissapointing. As always the special effects were awesome but the plotline is a little too "busy" for me. There were too many things going on at the same time, too many villians (haven't they learned from the Batman movie with George Clooney?) and too many subplots. They should just have one villian and keep the rest for the next sequel (if they plan on any).

If they really want to have more than one villian, they should just have the Sandman (Thomas Hayden Church) & Venom (that black substance thingy from outer space). The Eddie Brock (Topher Grace) & Gwen Stacy's (Bryce Dallas Howard) characters seems like an unnecessary addition.

Anyways, the movie is still pretty cool so watch it if you like the franchise but if you want to avoid any major headache, I would not recommend you see it.....

Oh my freaking head!!!...

I Now Pronounce you Chuck & Larry

Adam Sandler & Kevin James playing a gay couple...hilarious, right? NOT!!! Don't get me wrong, both Adam Sandler & Kevin James are great comedian but this movie just simply sucked. It doesn't know whether it wants to be a comedy or "drama". There are certain parts of the movie that was funny but most of it was just plain not funny though I did laugh coz of how unfunny it was.... Don't waste your money on this one...just wait till it comes on tv 3, 4 years from now.

P/S: A note to Adam Sandler, I do miss the funny stuff you do on Saturday Night Live (SNL). How can we forget the "Hanukkah" song? Hilarious!!!

P/S #2: For those of you who watch "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" on MTV, she has a tiny wheeny role in this movie.

The Wizard of Oz

After all this years I finally watched the movie, "The Wizard of Oz" with Jim last night. They showed it on TBS (channel 16) and another station last night. Why they ran it on 2 different channels at the same time, who knows....

I do have to say that it was a cute movie tho kids might be a little afraid of the wicked witch. Of course it was a "fantasy" movie...you know, the flying monkeys, changing colored horse, and a talking scarecrow, lion & tinman.

Talking about kids who may be scared watching this movie, Jim told me a little funny story about him and this movie. I guess he was about 7 or 8 years old at that time when he first saw this movie. He was so afraid of the wicked witch of the west (you know, with her green face, crooked nose, long chin and the hackling evil laugh) that he turned off the tv and stuck a note on it forbidding anyone to turn it back on.

He is still afraid of her now, (silly, I know but I'm still afraid of Freddie Krueger too *wink*) that one day a few years back he actually had a nightmare about her. He was asleep while I watched tv in our bedroom when all of a sudden he started to yell out loud, "Witch!, Witch!".

He was shaking and sweating. After I woke him up, he told me that he dreamt the witch was after him. Of course, I made fun of him a little but then years ago I dreamt that Freddie was chasing me so I don't tease him about it too much...he he he

Anyways, if you've never watched "The Wizard of Oz" go see it....

*A little trivia ~ In the original book, "The Wizard of Oz", Dorothy's slippers were made of diamonds. But since the movie is one of the first to be filmed in color (Gone with the Wind is the other), they made her slippers out of rubies to show off the color.

"What's Your Fantasy Island?"

What's Your Fantasy Island?

My Result: New Zealand

Rugged. Adventurous. Both! When you head on vacation, your fantasy island is the wild and diverse country of New Zealand. A curious and courageous spirit, you don't need — or necessarily want — a lot of pampering when traveling. Not one to lounge on a beach chair most days, you seek out challenges (on holiday and off), especially when there's a chance to hone a new skill or test your mettle.


You tend to relax by doing — be it bungee jumping, hiking the backcountry, or hitting every museum a city has to offer. Like New Zealand's varied terrain — glaciers, beaches, cities, and mountains — you can entertain even the most rambunctious friends. For you, there's nothing better than letting go of convention and heading off toward a new, undiscovered sunset. Ramble on!

Take this test >

"Which Grey's Anatomy character are you?"

Which Grey's Anatomy Character Are You?

My Result: Dr. Miranda Bailey

Yes, Ma'am! You're always cool, calm, and very much in control, just like your Grey's Anatomy match Dr. Miranda Bailey. You don't worry about what other people think, and you know to trust your instincts. After all, someone has to be in charge, and it's a good thing someone as smart as you steps up to the plate.



Though some people may think you go a little overboard, you often know the best way to get things done, and you sure aren't afraid of a little dirty work. Without you, where would we be?

Take this test >

"Which Sports Car are you?" Quiz

I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

MADD (Mother Against Drunk Driving)

I went to a party,

And remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mum

So I had a sprite instead.

I felt proud of myself,

The way you said I would,

That I didn't drink and drive,

Though some friends said I should.

I made a healthy choice,

And your advice to me was right,

The party finally ended,

And the kids drove out of sight.

I got into my car,

Sure to get home in one piece,

I never knew what was coming, Mum

Something I expected least.

Now I'm lying on the pavement,

And I hear the policeman say,

The kid that caused this wreck was drunk,

Mum, his voice seems far away.

My own blood's all around me,

As I try hard not to cry.

I can hear the paramedic say,

This girl is going to die.

I'm sure the guy had no idea,

While he was flying high,

Because he chose to drink and drive,

Now, I would have to die.

So why do people do it, Mum

Knowing that it ruins lives?

And now the pain is cutting me,

Like a hundred stabbing knives.

Someone should have taught him,

That it's wrong to drink and drive.

Maybe if his parents had,

I'd still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mum

I'm getting really scared.

These are my final moments,

And I'm not prepared.

I wish that you could hold me Mum,

As I lie here and die.

I wish that I could say, "I love you, Mum!"

So I love you and good-bye

Women over 40

* I received this email from a friend of mine and just can't resist to share it with you. To all the women over 40, I salute you. For the rest of us who are not quite there yet (I'll be one in 4 years...), just remember that better things are about to come our way...he he he

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about women over 40:

60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS)

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think. If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting. Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it. Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off that you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her. Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?", here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!

Femmes & Fellas, forward fine, fun, fabulous, fancy-free female friends over 40.

" Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're still here we may as well dance."

"Which Superhero are you?" Quiz

Your results:
You are Superman You are mild-mannered, good,
strong and you love to help others.



Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

No Pavement Markings!!!

I don't know what it is but people tend to be stupid when they drive on roads without pavement markings even if they've driven on that road before...

Okay, this is what made me go into this little tirade. Every summer and into the fall, Mesa (suburb in which I live) will repave the roads. They do this at different blocks (sections) of the city depending on how badly the road needs it. The process usually take a few days since they normally do it within a few mile radius. They would block and pave a stretch of the road then move on the another stretch of the road. While they are doing this, they would leave the newly paved road without lines/marking until they are done with the whole block/section of the road. After the whole block/section is done then they will put the lines on the roads. Most of the roads in Mesa have 4 lanes with a middle median/lane for left turns.

So, this is what I don't understand....why can't people drive the "normal" way when there aren't any lines on the road? The width of the road hasn't change with the repavement so the lanes have the same width now as before they were paved. People tend to either hog the lanes by driving down the middle of the two same lanes or swerve left and right between the 2 lanes.

Are they so dependent on the lines that they can't even drive straight? or stay in their own lane? I wish they would pay attention to their driving....

And people...you need to HANG UP & DRIVE!!! You are not that important that you have to talk on your cell phone while you drive. You might not think of your own safety but I would like to arrive at my destination in one piece!!!!

7 Great Ideas for a Healthier Workplace

* I know I have this particular problem when I am at work. I tend to go out to eat for lunch and snack on junk food. Luckily, the office I work at now supplies us with healthy food to snack on which is a good idea considering that we are a healthcare facility...he he he. I saw this article on the Yahoo Food website and thought I'd share it with you guys...

Eating well at work has never been so easy or delicious. Employers are doing more than ever to encourage and reward healthy behaviors. Financially, it makes sense: for every dollar a company invests in wellness programs, it saves an average of $3.14 (in health insurance, sick leave, etc.), according to one study. So, how can employers—all kinds, sizes, in various settings—help their staffers to eat and live well? Here are some creative ideas that will inspire you to initiate positive change in your own work world.

1) Ditch the vending machine and replace it with a refrigerator to save energy and get rid of a tempting junk-food showcase. Stock the fridge with water, 100% fruit juices and other healthy beverages.

2)Recruit a "moving" crew: Each week, invite employees to gather at lunchtime for a brisk 30- to 60-minute walk. Spend the second half of lunch hour back at the office, enjoying a healthy meal together.

3)Stock healthy snacks at the office, such as fresh fruit and nuts.

4)"Turn off" together: Make it a company policy to power down the switchboard for an hour at lunchtime so that hard-working staffers can take a peaceful yoga class or enjoy a mindful meal.

5)Call in a healthy caterer instead of ordering pizzas to sustain your team during seminars or late work nights. Offer fresh wraps, salads and sandwiches along with apple slices, bottled water and homemade cookies.

6)Demand change: Join together with other employees and rally to bring local foods and healthier choices to the company cafeteria. Your vote matters, so find that comment box at your work café and use it.

7)Send in the farm: Once a week, call on a local farm to deliver a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) "share" of fresh produce. From the bounty, employee volunteers can prepare communal lunches for the entire staff.