"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....

Reign Over Me

Jim & I were over at Chris' (Jim's sister) today for a late lunch with the family. On our way back from picking up the pizza, Chris & I decided to stop at Blockbuster and rent the movie "Reign Over Me".

The movie starred, Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Liv Tyler and a few other popular actors. It's about a man (Don Cheadle) who ran into his college roommate, Adam Sandler, who lost his wife & 3 daughters on 9/11. He rekindled their friendship and helped his friend (Sandler) work past his lost of his family.

It was a pretty good movie. A little long and the middle part of the movie kinda got a little boring for me but alll in all it's good. You might shed a few tears at the end.

You Kill Me

We saw the movie, "You Kill Me" earlier today. We thought it was pretty good. It's a dark comedy starring Sir Ben Kingsley, Tea Leoni, Luke Wilson and Bill Pullman.

Ben Kingsley played a drunk assassin who slept thru his last job. His boss told him to get sober so he moved from Buffalo to San Francisco where he met Tea Leoni, Luke Wilson and Bill Pullman. A few "events" ensued and......

The movie is pretty good especially if you like dark humor....

World Series '07

VS

Tonight is the start of the World Series between the Colorado Rockies & the Boston Red Sox. Which team will win? Jim thinks that the Boston Red Sox will since they won their last World Series 4 years ago. As for me, I don't really care though it would be nice if the Rockies win since this is their first time in the World Series....


UPDATE:
Oct 24: Red Sox won 13 - 1
Oct 25: Red Sox won 2 - 1
Oct 27: Red Sox won 10 - 5 *Looks like the Boston Red Sox is going to win the World Series this year
Oct 28: Red Sox won 4 - 3 BOSTON RED SOX WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!

1408

Jim & I just finished watching the movie "1408" starring John Cusack & Samuel L Jackson. It's a horror movie based on a Stephen King book. Though I am not a big fan of horror movies, I do like Stephen King's and I think this movie was pretty well made.

Those of you who knows me know that I watched the movie behind my pillow(s)..penakut...he he he.

John Cusack (used to have a big crush on him when I was younger *wink*) was good in it and so was Samuel L Jackson, though he did not have a very big role in it.

John Cusack played an author who writes about haunted hotels. Samuel L Jackson was the manager at the Hotel Dolphin where John Cusack stayed in room 1408 which supposedly is haunted.

Pretty cool (scary...to me anyways) movie...Watch it....

** Other recommended Stephen King's movies..

- "The Shining" (both the movie with Jack Nicholson & the tv version with Steven Weber are good)

- "Pet Cemetary"

- "Cujo"

- "The Stand"

There are a few others which I can't think of the titles at the moment

How My "Sons" Wake Me Up in the Morning - A Depiction...

Jim sent me this email and it somewhat of a true depiction of how my two "sons", Sammy & Tiger, would try to wake me up in the morning, though it's a guy in the video and the last bit isn't true...at least I don't think so...he he he

J.K. Rowling outs Hogwarts character By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National Writer

* I read this on Yahoo news a few minutes ago. What a surprise....

NEW YORK - Harry Potter fans, the rumors are true: Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay. J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, outed the beloved character Friday night while appearing before a full house at Carnegie Hall.

After reading briefly from the final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," she took questions from audience members.

She was asked by one young fan whether Dumbledore finds "true love."

"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause.

She then explained that Dumbledore was smitten with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated long ago in a battle between good and bad wizards. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," Rowling said of Dumbledore's feelings, adding that Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down."

Dumbledore's love, she observed, was his "great tragedy."

"Oh, my god," Rowling concluded with a laugh, "the fan fiction."

Potter readers on fan sites and elsewhere on the Internet have speculated on the sexuality of Dumbledore, noting that he has no close relationship with women and a mysterious, troubled past. And explicit scenes with Dumbledore already have appeared in fan fiction.

Rowling told the audience that while working on the planned sixth Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," she spotted a reference in the script to a girl who once was of interest to Dumbledore. A note was duly passed to director David Yates, revealing the truth about her character.

Rowling, finishing a brief "Open Book Tour" of the United States, her first tour here since 2000, also said that she regarded her Potter books as a "prolonged argument for tolerance" and urged her fans to "question authority."

Not everyone likes her work, Rowling said, likely referring to Christian groups that have alleged the books promote witchcraft. Her news about Dumbledore, she said, will give them one more reason.

"Vacancy" & "4:Rise of the Silver Surfer"

We saw both these movies, "Vacancy" & "4: Rise of the Silver Surfer" this week. All I have to say is that both movies sucked...bad, especially "4:Rise of the Silver Surfer"

"Vacancy" is a thriller/slasher/horror movie starring Luke Wilson (I do think he's cute *wink*) and Kate Beckinsale. Though I consider both of them good actors, this movie just doesn't do it for me. They played a couple whose car broke down in the middle of nowhere (haven't this been done so many times before?) and had to spend the night in the only motel available. While watching movies in their room, they realized that the movies shown was actually taped in the room they were occupying. The normal thriller/slasher stuff ensued after that and then blah, blah, blah and more blah....

"4:Rise of the Silver Surfer" is the sequeal to the "Fantastic 4" movie starring Ioan Gruffudd (Mr Fantastic), Jessica Alba (Invisible Girl), Chris Evans (Human Torch) & Michael Chiklis (The Thing). Though I wasn't too impressed with the original movie, this sequal is even worst. It looked like the producers/writers threw in a few lines (stupid lines, that is) just so that they can have a sequel. Yes, there were a few cool special effects in it but that doesn't mean anything if there is no plotline and the acting was so bad. Neither of the actors, Julian McMahon (Dr Doom) & Doug Jones (Silver Surfer) included, were very interesting.

I definitely would not recommend either of these movies....

Wedding

Congrats to my cousin Hazel & her new hubby, Alex on their wedding. Moga bahagia ke anak cucu.

Happy Birthday Ali

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY to my youngest cousin, Ali (far left)

Colbert announces presidential pursuit - Jake Coyle

NEW YORK - Stephen Colbert has announced his candidacy for president on "The Colbert Report," tossing his satirical hat into the ring of an already crowded race.

"I shall seek the office of the president of the United States," Colbert said Tuesday on his Comedy Central show as red, white and blue balloons fell around him.

Colbert, 43, had recently satirized the coyness of would-be presidential candidates by refusing to disclose whether he would seek the country's highest office — a refusal that often came without any prompting.

Shortly before making the announcement, Colbert appeared on "The Daily Show" (the show that spawned Colbert's spin-off) and played cagey, claiming he was only ready to consider a White House bid. He entered the studio set pulled by a bicycle pedaled by Uncle Sam and quickly pulled out a bale of hay and a bottle of beer to show that he was "an Average Joe."

Colbert said his final decision would be announced on a "more prestigious show," which turned out to be his own.

"After nearly 15 minutes of soul-searching, I have heard the call," said Colbert.

His recent best-seller, "I Am America (And So Can You!)," allowed him to mock the now-standard approach to a White House run, complete with a high-profile book tour.

Colbert said he planned to run in South Carolina, "and South Carolina alone." The state, one of the key early primaries, is also Colbert's native state. Earlier this week, South Carolina public television station ETV invited Colbert to announce his candidacy on its air.

Exactly how far the mock conservative pundit planned to stretch his impression of a presidential candidate wasn't clear. Colbert rarely breaks character on camera, including at his memorable speech at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner last year.

The Comedy Central host has often mobilized his fans ("Colbert Nation"), encouraging them to vote to have a Hungarian bridge named after him, for example, or to vandalize Web site Wikipedia.com with his version of "truthiness" and "wikiality."

Colbert said he would run as both a Democrat and Republican. He earlier explained the strategy: "I can lose twice." He claimed three running mate possibilities: Colbert-Huckabee, Colbert-Putin or Colbert-Colbert.

Minutes after announcing his presidential pursuit, Colbert welcomed CBS political analyst Jeff Greenfield to ask how he had changed the race.

"This is going to be one for the books," said Greenfield.

A spokesman for Colbert said he would be unavailable for further comment Tuesday evening.

In a guest column for Maureen Dowd in Sunday's New York Times, Colbert wrote: "I am not ready to announce yet — even though it's clear that the voters are desperate for a white, male, middle-aged, Jesus-trumpeting alternative."

Happy Birthday Asrolf

HAPPY 36th BIRTHDAY to my cousin YOF (Asrolf), my partner in crime when we were younger.... he he he

Arizona Diamondbacks

Last night the Arizona Diamondbacks lost their 4th and final games in a best of 7 games series against the Colorado Rockies (1-5, 2-3, 4-1 & 4-6) which means that the Colorado Rockies will be in the World Series against the winner of the Cleveland Indians vs Boston Red Sox series.

I was happy & sad when the Diamondbacks lost last night. I was sad because I live in Arizona and would like to see them win another World Series. I was HAPPY they lost coz they made such a big deal when they won against the Chicago Cubs (my favorite TEAM!!!) in 3 straight games. They were making fun of the Cubs fans since we haven't won the World Series since 1908. Can I say KARMA!!! Coz the very next series they (Diamondbacks) lost!!!!

One thing I find interesting is that I live(d) in all three cities where the three teams call home. I lived in Wheeling (surburb of Chicago, Illinois) when I went to Roosevelt University and Jim & I got married in Chicago. 5 months after we were married, we moved to Arvada (surburb of Denver, Colorado) while Jim was doing his post graduate studies at the Colorado School of Mines. Then in late 1999 we moved to Mesa (surburb of Phoenix, Arizona) where we still live now.

Though we live(d) in all three cities, the Chicago Cubs remains my true team. I can see why Jim loves the team since he was born and raised in Chicago. As for myself, I first fell in love with the team when I was doing my A-Levels in Holland. The main reason was that I liked the little Cubbie that they have for their logo. I thought the Cubbie was really cute...Then when I came to the US to further my studies I get to follow the team even more since I was studying at Southern Illinois University. I got to really love the team when I started going out with Jim.

We would go to their games every year. When we lived in Wheeling, we would take the el-train down to Wrigley Field (home of the Cubs). We would sit on the bleacher section and watch them play. Sometimes we go home reeking of beer, not because we drink them, but coz some fans behind us would be so drunk that they spilled beer on us. There is nothing compared to the experience of watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

Then, when we moved to Colorado, we would go to their games when the Cubs come over. And when we moved to Arizona, our dreams would not have come any better since the Cubs have their spring training at Hohokam Park just 8 miles down the street from where we live. We would go to their spring training games every year as well as during the regular season when they come to play the Diamondbacks.

Life is sweet for me where the Cubs are concern...Only one thing would make it perfect...winning the World Series...Lets hope that 100 years will be the longest since they won their last World Series...

GO CUBS!!!!

I Am America (And So Can You)

Jim & I were at the mall earlier today and bought this book, "I Am America (And So Can You)" by Stephen Colbert. For those of you who don't know who Stephen Colbert (shame on you!!! he he he) is, he has a show called "The Colbert Report" which airs nightly on Comedy Central (channel 51). Just by noticing that the show is on Comedy Central explains that his show is meant to be a joke. He makes fun of the right-wing conservative Republican talk shows like Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly.

I am on the 4th chapter of the book right now and have been laughing my head off since I first read the inside jacket...Get the book if you can...

Nostalgia...

*I received this email from a friend and thought I'd share it with you, my fellow bloggers...

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE 1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's

First, we survived being born to mothers who had no full time maids/cooked food/cleaned the house while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate cheese , sweet dishes and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking .

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a local bus/train was a special treat. We drank water from the tap and NOT from a bottle. We would spend hours on the terrace under bright sunlight flying our kites,without worrying about the UV effect which never ever effect us. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate pastries, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because...... WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours repairing our out dated bicycle and scooter out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms........! WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were never given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, we made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them! Cricket League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

And YOU are one of them!
CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good and while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!

PS -The big type is because your eyes are shot at your age

Salam Aidil Fitri

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri & Maaf Zahir Batin to all my family, friends and fellow bloggers. Kalu ada yang terkasar bahasa, terusik hati etc Yin hulurkan tangan mohon maaf. To those yang balik kampung tu, please drive careful...better later than....

Tahun ni raya kat US la nampaknya. Insya allah ada rezeki tahun depan Jim & Yin balik la kot. Panjang umur kita jumpa la nanti...

Britney vs Diana

In a recent interview Britney Spears had likened herself to the late Princess Diana. I burst out laughing when I heard her say that coz that is the most unrealistic comparison between the two. Yes, both are famous, have 2 sons and hounded by the papparazzi all the time but that is where the similarities end.

Britney is a train wreck waiting to happen. Well actually, it already happened. She is a selfish, no talent, drug & alcoholic "famous" person. With the prospect of losing her sons, which she now already does, to her ex-husband, she still thinks of herself. Maybe because she was so used to having her way that she thinks she is above everyone else.

I am not saying that Princess Diana is perfect...she has her flaws too. But for Britney to think that she is like Princess Diana is such an idiot thing to say. I don't see her volunteering for any good causes or visit any of those poor unfortunate people. All she cares about is booze, drugs, and/or sluty outfits. I think she is hoping that the judge would have her ex-husband take custody of the kids coz then she won't have any responsibility for them. She can go out and have a good time getting drunk and have her vajajay photographed by the papparazzis.

I am just venting here...I feel that a lot of celebraties are clueless with what's going on with the rest of the world. To them, they are the center of the universe and the rest of just just revolves around them....

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs lost their bid to the World Series last night when they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 3 straight games in a best of 5 series (3-1, 8-4, 5-1). As always, the Cubs fan had high hopes for their favorite team and yet again the team disappoints them and the curse of the Billy goat lives on. The last time the Cubs had won the World Series was in 1908 and that was almost 100 years ago!!!

Both Jim & I are big Cubs fans, Jim even so since that was where he was born. Every year we would go their spring training games which happens to be not far from where we live in Mesa as well as during the regular season when they come here to play the Arizona Diamondbacks. Every year we would hope that they would do well and be in the playoffs but every year they disappoint us. This year looked like they might be able to make it since Lou Piniella took over as their manager and yet again they disappoint us. The Cubs players have more experience than the Diamondbacks and still....they disappoint us. As a true Chicago Cubs fans, Jim & I will still root for them no matter how bad they do. Lets hope next year is our year. It will be 100 years after all.......

"Knocked Up" & "Bug"

We saw both "Knocked Up" and "Bug" over the weekend. I really enjoyed "Knocked Up" (Katherine Heigl & Seth Rogen). The movie is really funny and I couldn't stop laughing. I recommend this movie for anyone who wants a laugh.

As for "Bug" (Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr.) it was an interesting movie. I did like it though towards the end of the movie, I got a little disgusted. Certain part of the movie is a little confusing but all in all it is pretty good

The Visit

Elaine (my cousin Yof's wife) came over for a visit on her way to Malaysia on Friday, Sept 28. She was only able to stay for one night coz the next day she flew to San Diego to visit some of her friends there before flying back to Malaysia on October 1. I was really happy to see her. It felt good to have one of my relatives come to visit us.

"The Office" vs "Grey's Anatomy"

Tonight is the premier of 2 of 4 of my favorite tv shows, "The Office" & "Grey's Anatomy" (the other 2 shows are "Heroes" & "Lost") and this puts me in kinda tight situation. You see, last season "The Office" was on at 7:30pm on NBC (channel 12) and "Grey's Anatomy" was on at 8:00pm on ABC (channel 15). So, we would watch "The Office" on channel 12 then switch over to channel 15 for "Grey's Anatomy".

This season both shows will be on at 8:00pm. Also, for the next 4 episodes, "The Office" will be an hour long episodes instead of their normal half hour sitcom. So, here is my delima...which one do I want to tape while watching the other? If I ask Jim, I know what his answer would be....watch "The Office" & tape "Grey's Anatomy"....

Elektra

I saw this movie on channel 27 (FX) last night. I really like Jennifer Gardner in "Alias" and "13 going 30" but this movie did not make any sense to me. Maybe I am just not familiar with the comic book on which the movie was based on. The movie did not explain why she did what she did and why those villains wanted the "treasure"... On the flip side, I did enjoy watching how rip Ms. Gardner's body is... wish mine is like that.... *laughing hysterically*

Disturbia

Finally finished watching "Disturbia" the other night. The movie was okay, I wasn't too impress with it. It was an updated version of "Rear Window".

5 Great Jobs you can do From Home by Joe Taylor Jr.

Clogged interstates and expanding suburbs have pushed commute times in some cities above the two-hour mark. Meanwhile, school schedules, extracurricular activities, and rising child care costs have placed greater burdens on working parents. For many adults, working from home offers both a cost savings and a quality of life improvement that the entire family can enjoy.

Before you take the plunge into the home-based job pool, consider what sort of education you'll need to gain clients and do the best job for them. An online career training program may be the shortest path to your work-at-home goals. Thanks to new technology, you can bring your work home with you--and keep it there. These five careers offer enjoyable job duties, flexible hours, good pay, and no commute.

1. Database Administrator
As businesses of all sizes rely on complex customer relationship management systems and information technology networks, a growing army of freelance database administrators provide the same level of technical support once enjoyed only by Fortune 500 companies. Meanwhile, more large companies now allow database administrators to work from home. Many database administrator jobs require flexible hours and on-call scheduling, which also makes them ideal for working parents who want to make more time for their kids. By earning a bachelor's degree in information technology and passing a certification exam, you can start earning $60,000 or more per year as a home-based database administrator.

2. HR Recruiter
In a tightening economy, it's crucial for companies to find the right team members as quickly as possible. With a typical job search costing as much as one third of a position's annual salary, more businesses hire professional recruiters to speed up the hiring process. While some recruiters travel to meet with potential candidates individually, most recruiters perform their work online and over the phone. Many HR recruiters start their careers as associates with larger agencies, earning $41,000 or more per year. By getting an online business degree specializing in human resources and building experience and a portfolio of successful placement, a home-based recruiter can even go solo, working from home exclusively.

3. Graphic Designer
Now that high-end graphic design workstations cost less than $4,000, many talented graphic designers can easily set up home offices. Whether telecommuting for an employer or working as a freelance professional, a home-based graphic designer can often earn more than $38,000 per year. Competition for graphic design jobs is still intense, so a degree in digital graphic design and a solid portfolio are essential to landing a home-based job. For the home-based student, online graphic design degrees are also available.

4. Medical Transcriptionist
A growing number of medical offices have discovered how to reduce their overhead by outsourcing transcription of patient records. After completing the required medical administration training courses and certification exams, home-based medical transcriptionists can earn $27,000 or more per year. Communicating via dedicated fax and internet lines, doctors and nurses send sensitive and urgent information to transcriptionists, who turn those notes into consistent data for hospital and insurance computer systems. Medical transcriptionists with a background in sales and marketing can usually expand their practices by training and hiring additional transcriptionists.

5. Customer Service Specialist
Airlines started using home-based customer service specialists a few years ago, in response to consumer backlash to overseas call centers. Banks, insurance agencies, and credit card issuers have followed suit, opening up new opportunities for people who love to solve problems but who prefer to work from home. Courses and degrees in business and customer support can prepare you for this home-based career. Employers pay for dedicated telephone lines and often provide reimbursement for headsets, computers, online degree classes, and other customer service necessities. Most home-based customer service specialists earn $27,000 or more per year.

Look Before You Leap Into Working From Home...
Though the benefits are many, working from home in any of these five careers can pose certain challenges. For instance, you'll need to teach children not to disturb you while you handle customer calls. Veteran work-at-home professionals reveal that it took some time for household members to realize that they work at full time jobs that require concentration. Also keep in mind that most employers and clients will expect you to have a degree, training, or both in your chosen field. Still, the benefits of working from home far outweigh the disadvantages. Americans are uniquely suited to telecommuting jobs, and online career training programs make learning job skills easier than ever.

Tagged - yet again..he he he

Nin tagged me this time, so here it is...

5 Things In My Bag
* 2 wallets (1 "big" & 1 "small/slim")
* keys - 12 work keys on a big silver ring (ala warden jail), 6 house keys (mailbox, storage, pool, 2 frontdoors, backdoor) on a Petronas Towers glass etched keychain, 2 car keys on a pewter Malaysian flag keychain
* insulin "kit"
* lipstick/lip gloss
* compact powder

5 Things That Are In My Wallet
"Big" wallet
* 2 pics of Jim
* some RMs ("Ringgit Malaysia" for those of you not familiar with Malaysian currency) from my last visit to Malaysia
* membership cards: Barnes & Noble, library card, grocery stores (Safeway, Fry's, Basha's), Petsmart, Blockbuster
* frequent cards (e.g. buy 9, the 10th is free): Paradise Bakery, Whole Grain Bread Store, Panda Express, Taco del Mar, The Good Egg
* insurance cards: health, auto, dental/eye

"Small/Slim" wallet
* driver license
* cash & coin
* 1 each debit card & credit card
* water punch card
* a couple of receipts that I need to get reimbursed for from work

5 Favourite Things In My Bedroom
* tv set and vcr/dvd combo player
* exercise bike
* complete set of winter village on the shelf along the wall
* shelves of Archie/Veronica & Betty/Jughead comic books
* puzzles - jigsaw, crossword, logic

5 Things I Wish To Do
* clone another me so that I could finish all the things that needed to be done
* get some rest
* win the lottery so that I don't have to work anymore - yeah in my dreams!!!
* retire
* be at home with my 3 boys

5 Things That I Am Doing Now
* listening to Yahoo Music Launchcast
* replying to this tag
* enjoying the peace and quiet in the office before everyone else comes in
* going thru my to do list for today (too many of them and not enough time to do them all in)
* staring at a bird perched on the saguaro cactus outside the office window

5 People I Would Like To Tag
* Deen
* Sofia
* Wan Chik
* Mawan
* Idham

Ramadan

Selamat berpuasa everyone....

Visit to the Vet

We took Sammy (back) and Tiger (front) to the vet this morning for their annual check up. I am happy to report that both Sammy and Tiger had lost some weight. Sammy now weights 13.4 lbs (previously 16.8 lbs) and Tiger is now at exactly 11 lbs (was 11.2 lbs).

Both are in good health though Sammy has a little bit of plague on his teeth. The vet also prescribed some medication for Tiger's waxy ears. All in all, they are both healthy and well.

They are now happily dozing, Sammy by me on the floor in the computer room and Tiger is by his daddy on top of the sofa in the living room.....

Ten Ways to Lose Friends and Alienate Coworkers - Caroline Levchuck

The people you work with can make a bad day better. They can even make a less-than-thrilling job tolerable. However, if you get on the bad side of your coworkers, they have the ability to make your work life miserable.

Read on for some surefire ways to test the boundaries of your on-the-job friendships.

1. Eat stinky snacks.
You may be the most likeable person in your office, but your popularity will definitely take a dive if you begin bringing in overly aromatic foods. If your lunch involves microwaving anything containing fish, leave it at home.

2. Make endless meeting requests.
Learn how to determine when it's absolutely necessary to schedule a meeting (and for whom attendance is absolutely necessary). A tendency to request too many meetings will irritate your teammates as well as making it look like you cannot move ahead on a project autonomously.

3. "Reply to All" all the time.
Don't make your coworkers' lives more complicated by hitting "reply to all" on every single email. Also, if you have a beef with the author of the email, don't air your grievance to the entire recipient list. Discuss your problem face to face.

4. Pump up the volume.
Be aware of the volume of your voice, as well as how loud you listen to music. Avoid using speakerphone unless you're behind closed doors. Also, check the volume on your computer the next time you watch a video on YouTube. The content could be offensive to a cube neighbor.

5. Be the office boozehound.
Socializing with the people you work with can be great for business. Make certain, though, that you keep a close eye on your alcohol consumption. Your coworkers will definitely lose respect for you if you start slurring your words or, worse yet, falling down.

6. Take super-long lunches.
Every now and again, it's fun to take a leisurely lunch out with your coworkers. However, if you do it every day -- or even every week -- people will notice and probably grow resentful.

7. "Borrow" magazines or newspapers.
If you're a "Brangelina" watcher and your colleague's issue of In Touch arrives announcing their separation, you may be tempted to take it. Instead of snatching up the magazine, deliver it to the recipient and ask if you can browse through it when he's done with it. If you cannot wait, go buy the magazine yourself. After all, tampering with the mail is a federal offense.

8. Use your manager as a referee.
It is inevitable that you are going to clash with your coworkers from time to time. Resist the urge to seek support from management every instance. Rather, try to problem-solve yourself -- it could help you gain important managerial experience.

9. Avoid attending company gatherings.
Not everyone looks forward to these events and, in fact, some folks avoid them altogether. This isn't good for your career or your work friendships. You're missing out on bonding with your work buddies, whether it be over a silly scavenger hunt or an ant-infested picnic. Your coworkers will begin to take it personally if you never participate.

10. Always have the last word.
When you do have the inevitable disagreement with a colleague, it's important to make your point. This doesn't mean you always have to have the last word. Learn how to voice your opinion and move on -- and let someone else have the final say once in a while.

Blades of Glory

Jim & I watched this movie last night. It is one of the funniest movies I've seen so far. Will Ferrell (Elf) and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) were hilarious. Definitely watch it if you can...

Labor Day

Today is Labor Day so I am off of work along with most other Americans. What did I do? Absolutely nothing!!! Having 3 jobs (1 full time, 2 part times)have left me exhausted and on my days off, I just don't feel like doing anything but catch up on some rest. Anyways, now that I am somewhat rested, it is time for me to start on the other job every wife has... housework!!! They don't call it Labor Day for nothing....