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.

4 Steps to a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

* With Thanksgiving only a little over 2 weeks away (November 22, 2007) I thought this article might help. This article was taken from the GoodHousekeeping website.

1. Start early. Think it's impossible to avoid last-minute kitchen chaos and stress? Think again. GH (GoodHousekeeping) will help you get it all done in advance by doing a little preparation each day. Starting November 8, we'll provide daily to-do's, smart ideas, and practical how-to's.

2. Plan your menu. Browse GH recipes for quintessential Thanksgiving recipes, like out Classic Roast Turkey, and twists on the traditional, like Sangria Cranberry Sauce or Sweet Potato Stew.

3. Take kitchen inventory. It's time to clean out your cupboards and your refrigerator to make room. Use our too-it-out guide to determine which foods have overstayed their welcome. While you're digging around in your cabinets, make sure you have all the gadgets you'll need for Thanksgiving. From electric carving knives to stain-resistant tablecloths, get GHRI-recommended picks.

4. Give thanks. It's never too early to show a little gratitude, and it's never too late to start a new family tradition. Tell us what you have to be gratefull for this Thanksgiving, share the ways you'll give thanks on the big day, and get ideas on how to make guests share theirs.

Adventure in babysitting

Jim & I babysat our little niece, Karsen, today. My mother in law whom usually babysits her while her parents are at work had a doctor's appointment today so we are the backup babysitters.

We really enjoyed having her over. She will be 2 at the end of this month (her birthday is a day before our wedding anniversary) and learning to talk. She really loves animals (her parents have 2 dogs and a cat) so she wants to play with Sammy & Tiger whenever she comes over.

Tiger is a little afraid of her so he would hide in our bedroom but Sammy usually comes out and stares at her. Sammy gets a little jealous when he sees her with me. Like today, Karsen was napping beside me and Sammy gave her a "dirty" look before settling himself beside me to nap too. She would cry out ,"CAT!!" whenever she sees him and tries to pat him but Sammy usually stays at a safe distance away.

The picture above was taken about a year ago when Karsen was about 10 or 11 months old. I can't believe that she's going to be 2 soon. I remember when she came home from the hospital about a week after her birth, she was so tiny then. She was born 6 weeks early so she was really tiny but you wouldn't know that if you see her now, she is tall and quite active. Jim & I just love her to pieces....and would gladly babysit her anytime...

Better half

Melepaking

I woke up this morning at about 5:30am with Sammy on my chest purring to his heart's content. I have been awake for about 3 hours now and have not done a thing, not even taken my shower (phew)!!! I just feel like being a lazy bum today. Nothing on the agenda today...no work, no doctor's appointments, nothing....

I guess I could start working on our little patch of soil on the back patio since it has started to get cooler now. Need to plant my tulip bulbs so that I can have my little tulip patch by spring. But guess what? It's not gonna happen today coz I am doing absolutely nothing!!! I have been playing this game called "Plant Tycoon" on my computer so I guess that will be my little garden for now...he he he

Well, nothing much to write so I'm going back to tending my virtual garden...See ya later....

What Will Matter

* My honey emailed me this and I thought it was very sweet... I love you very much Jim!!!

What Will Matter by Michael Josephson

Ready or not,

someday it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises,

no minutes, hours or days.

All the things you collected,

whether treasured or forgotten,

will pass to someone else

Your wealth,

fame and temporal power

will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned

or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations,

and jealousies will finally disappear.

So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans,

and to-do lists will expire.

The wins and losses

that once seemed so important

will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from,

or on what side of the tracks you lived,

at the end.

It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.

Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will it matter?

How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought,

but what you built;

not what you got,

but what you gave?

What will matter is not your success,

but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned,

but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity,

compassion,

courage or sacrifice that enriched,

empowered or encouraged others

to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence,

but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew,

but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.

What will matter is not your memories,

but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered,

by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.

It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

Happy Birthday Elaine

HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY to my cuz ELAINE!!! Sorry, terlupa that it was on October 31....