//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> Random Thoughts of a Lioness: August 2004

Random Thoughts of a Lioness

The reward of conformity was that everyone liked you, except yourself.

Name:

This is me. Like it or not. 'I have long since come to believe that people never mean half of what they say, and it is best to disregard their talk and judge only their actions' - Dorothy Day, 1952

Monday, August 30, 2004

The Colour Palette

Gosh, I didn’t know choosing the right colour for such a tiny apartment could be so tiring!

Since dear Jack has finished with the ceiling (bless him!), it is time to paint the walls. I have had this plan in my head that my apartment will be a mixture of colours, and each room would have a different theme. Unfortunately, with the flooring and furniture I decided upon I guess the only room that might be slightly different would be the study room *sigh*. I am putting my foot down on that particular room – no built-in cabinets, no fancy curtains – just a place where I’ll have my books, computer and a daybed.

After the showing Aboh my apartment (he likes it by the way!) and what would be T’s apartment in 3 month’s time, we decided to go paint shopping.

To match everything else in the house, I had to decide on something cream-ish or brown-ish. All the colours John should us were of the same shade. Ve-rry boring ones. Buster and I couldn’t agree on any of our choices and things got a bit tense. He prefers ‘safe’ colours *rolls eyes* while I refuse to have my home to look like a hospital. Aboh said he couldn’t help much for his eyesight may not do the colour justice. >*It’s ok Aboh, it means more than enough that you came along..*.

Thank goodness for Wendy. She came in and realised that I was almost in tears looking at what they call ‘Bali Shades’ and asked me what I wanted. At this point, she told Buster not to say anything about my ideas for the bedrooms. Told her I always wanted something peachy and in a few seconds, she showed me the nicest shade of cream with a tint of peach. I was sold. The study room is now going to be white with a fade shade of green, while one of the walls in the dining area will be of a darker shade of brown (seahorse or something). It took us almost three hours!!

Left the shop feeling more excited and can’t wait for the next one month. For now, the cans of paint can wait in the car while I cook chicken rice (again?) for the family.

Now, where does IJ keep her rice cooker?

A weekend getaway

The weekend came and went. The round of activities were tiring, although I am glad we managed to slot in so many things.

28th August:

AWARD CEREMONY

Woke up early and refreshed after a wonderful sleep at IJ’s. She prepared us breakfast (hehehe) and off we went for T’s ceremony. Had to resort to another route since most of the roads were closed, but ended up at the bank sharply 5 minutes before nine. Not bad at all! The ceremony started at half past, and since most of the seats were taken, Aboh and I had to sit in between the scholars and a family whose dad was sleeping half-through the speech. He was even snoring, hehehe!

I was so proud looking at lil T going onto the stage to get his award, although he ended up second last this year. It amazes me to see the students with CGPAs of 3.98 and A Levels of 4As. It makes me feel so very small compared to these brainiacs. The HR guy reminded T that it is his final year and he needed to either maintain his performance or buck up to join the ranks of those in the higher GPA. I believe he will. He has proved to many that he made the right choice to stay in Shah Alam despite whatever everyone else said. Go T!

THE WEDDING

Left after lunch, and got into the next ride. Anticipated a massive jam due to the long weekend, and true enough – we were at a snail’s pace between Seremban and Melaka. Made it to JB at about 6 p.m., just in time to get ready for the wedding. On the way to Pulai Springs:

Buster : Does the signboard say Kuala Lumpur?
Me : Err, Danga Bay there..and..
JBT 1881 passes through the turning
Me : and Kuala Lumpur as well…*whispers softly*


Needless to say that we spent the next half an hour looking for a turning. We finally arrived an hour later than the invitation, but fortunately the dinner hadn’t started. Apparently, the bride and groom were caught up in traffic too!

The wedding went well. Gorgeous and Hepsy looked so radiantly happy. I am glad that Buster finally met my best guy pal and hit it off quite well. We said our goodbyes to them and left when the dance floor started to fill up. Plus, I think he was a bit too high to even realise by then! *laugh*

29th August

Checked-out right after breakfast and went to see Chair and Mel. They have just gotten their second son, who is as adorable as Aliff. I actually let Mel put a 2-month-old baby in my arms and surprise, surprise – he fell asleep. Big accomplishment for yours truly. (I have this phobia of babies below the age of three months) *Yay for lion3ss!*

Left for PD, and got caught in a jam. Finally reached there after lunch, and since everyone else were either at the telematch or sleeping, we opted to take a nap. By five, they managed to drag us down for a round of football and lemang (and ubi kayu, sambal ikan bilis, rendang..etc..etc..). Went for a swim in the sea right after. I know, not a smart move after all those food, but it was worth it. That side of the beach was not populated and still clean for PD’s standard. Jiji and family had a bbq that night, and after stuffing ourselves with lambs and squids we left for KL. Daddy followed us back since he had to work the next day (plus I think he was getting bored and felt slightly out of place with Acu Lan’s family). I wasn’t allowed to sleep in the car, just in case Buster was sleepy. So there I was, yapping away to keep him awake!

No doubt I was out flat as soon as my head hits the pillow. But it was a good weekend.

Friday, August 27, 2004

Memories, all alone in the moonlight..

I am back in PI tonight, having a sleepover in my previous home (which is now Abang's). Since the guest room is being occupied by Aboh and T, I opted to take the comfy sofa instead of the extra room. With the soft breeze blowing from the balcony and the familiar sound of night time in this place, I look back at the reasons why this apartment was, and still is a place I love so much.

Although the decor has changed a great deal, the familiarity of it is still the same. IJ said I looked so 'at home' in this place. I guess I was. Except from the master bedroom, I roamed around the apartment looking for traces of me that I have left behind. I finally smiled when I saw the kitchen, and the drapes in the other two rooms. I guess Abang & IJ don't spend too much time in these areas, they decided to keep everything the way it is *grin*.

I still adore this place. Once they move to IJ's new place, I will have no reasons whatsoever to come back here. *sigh* Hey, maybe I do. Maybe I could come to visit Ammar & Shaz. Maybe just to have Micheal's roti cheese. I dunno. I guess I'll find a way *cheeky smile*. What I do know is that Pandan Puteri will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been since my college days, and will continue to be.

Guess I'll go to sleep now with a smile on my face, reminiscing the memories with the dim ray of moonlight through the slightly ajar sliding door.

Thursday, August 26, 2004

I am giggling..does it mean it's time to eat?

I have this habit of finding every little thing funny when I am hungry. And during a briefing this morning, I couldn't help grinning and holding my laughter when I mispronounced a word. The candidates must've thought I was crazy.

The office is getting more empty today as most people are on their leave. With school holidays on and the National Day around the corner, most people are taking the opportunity to have a break. *I am still hinting to NSL to get Cruella to approve my leave for Monday*. I love the school holidays because 40% of the vehicles in KL just disappear into thin air. It is a breeze to go to work or anywhere else (Although that wasn't the case today, but I'll write about that some other time). The major setback however, would be the amount of people - especially young-kids-who-can't-wait-to-become-adults, are here in KLCC. Them plus the Arab holiday makers who fill up this place like ants to a glass of sirap bandung. It's a good thing that I don't take my lunch anymore, cos I don't think I am up to the long queues in my fave eateries. But I so feel like Kofta Wrap today *sigh*

Can't wait for Friday to come. Aboh will be in town for T's event. The kids are on holidays. The house is empty up till Monday. I get to see Gorgeous and Hepsy. We'll be in PD for half a day on Sunday. I will hopefully be on leave next week. Sounds good so far.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Of Double Standards and Cracked Highways

Cruella left the office at 1600 hours, simply because she was feeling tired and bored? Call me emotional, but what the ****? This is the same woman who complains about us being in the ladies or pantry at 0800 hours. Gosh, talk about double standards!

Spoke to Aefy yesterday..after months of missing each other's call. My dearest friend is expecting, and she is due end of next month! She is hoping that it'll be later so that she'll get exempted from celebrating Eid in Riyadh due to her confinement. Fat chance, mokcik! *evil grin*

Dragged my lazy ass to the courts last night. Definitely not that fit any more. Stopped after an hour of whacking the balls to all directions due to shortage of breath. *Note to self: Don't miss any more sessions.*

Plan to meet T later to visit what used to be my kitchen. Jack says all that's left are debris and broken tiles. But it'll all pay well in the end *fingers crossed*.

Time to get ready to leave..after all, it is not like Cruella is around to check attendance. Don't think the drive back home will be that kind eventhough it is school holidays. Not with MRR2 closed - much to my dismay. Sometimes I wish they think of alternative routes more seriously before they build lousy, cracked highways.

I guess I'll be in a better mood tomorrow.

Monday, August 23, 2004

Baby Blues

Congratulations to SM and EllyB..count your lucky stars for this wonderful blessing!

*Buster says not to jinx anything by mentioning it, but I am so happy for them*

For the first time, Monday ain't all that bad.

I decided to follow my heart. It has been forever since I've told myself I'd do it. No more waiting. No more stress and frustration of putting what I want as low priority. I forgo all his promises of paradise and turned to another guy. The new man..and he is a God sent.

He knows exactly what I wanted, and how I envision things are. He says all the right things, knows how to make me agree with his ideas and suggests all the right places to go. And whenever we meet up, he never fails to be at the designated spot at least 10 minutes earlier with his unfaltering smile. How could I not like him?

It is so easy for me to give in to his suggestions, although some are a bit too..err..advanced to the traditional ol' me. Some of them are things that I would have never imagined! Oh, but I do put my foot down on certain things that is over my boundaries. Some principal should still be adhered to, even for someone like me. I realised that not only am I entrusting him with my heaven on earth, but most of my hard earned savings as well. *worried frown*

The best part is, Buster likes him too and is behind me on this. Maybe not a 100%, but near enough. For him to trust another guy with to come even within a 10-foot pole to my home is totally not him. But then again, he had won over Buster's respect with his soft-spoken demeanour.

I decided that today will be THE day - the start of it all. And I really hope he'll deliver as he promised - the beautiful home I've always dreamed of.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

I Drove All Night..

Going through a lousy week, what better way to unwind than going back to see your loved ones. Not able to last another day in the city and since the new highway is now opened (PLUS free of toll for the time being),I managed to charmed Buster into allowing me to drive good ol' TicTac home!

Armed with Sun Moulin buns and Ribena, I left the office right after work. Since Nadsy wanted to get songket for her wedding, I had company for the trip. The highway was surprisingly empty for a Friday. Managed to make it to KT in six hours INCLUSIVE the various toilet breaks, roadside stop due to rain and McDonalds supper. Not too bad for two girls driving at night..hehe. *No, Buster, I couldn't make it in four hours like you would have :)*

The weekend went by really fast, especially when Saturday was filled with shopping in the pasar and going around town for keropok, songket, air nyiur, more food..and the list goes on. I conjured up so many excuses to leave when Sunday came. We had to finally, after one last round at the market and brunch with the family. The trip back to KL was somewhat more relaxed. And we had sooo many pit-stops that Buster was thinking of forbiding me to drive via the coastal road after this! *grin*

In Marang:

Nadsy : Ooh, ooh, I think I saw a shop selling all those raga stuff.
*lion3ss steps on brake and made an illegal turn.*



In Kerteh:


lion3ss : I'm hungry, any plans?
Nadsy : Ooh, let's stop for that famous nasi sup tulang.


In Kuantan:

*Phone rings*
lion3ss : Oh sure Lan, and make sure you serve us good food for tea!

However, the drive through the highway later on was a bit slow. It rained cats and dogs, and there were so many accidents on the road. Poor Nadsy had to stop a couple of times due to the heavy downpour and strong wind.

One last stop in Genting Sempah for McDonalds (again!) and we were back in the city. It was a good break. And yes, I am feeling so much better now.

I guess going back home is always the best therapy.

Thursday, August 12, 2004

I don't suffer from stress..I am a carrier..

I am still in the office..I am a freak by Bro's standard.

Aunt Flo is back in town, go figure.

Buster is out of town..again.

Tennis is postponed due to work commitments by all parties.

I have a killer migrane.

I miss my best friend, big time.

*sigh*

Friday, August 06, 2004

Reasons to be smiling as the weekend approaches

1) I get to spend time at home, sweet home *misty-eyed*

2) T is probably coming over. *Mental note: Hide evidence that I've practised BB*

3) Plans for The Village and Catwoman *hopeful yay!*

4) Food, glorious food! *wipes drool off keyboard*

5) I get to spend time at home, sweet home *No, this is not a typo*

It's almost five. Time to pack and leave.

On Days Like This..

I am really not asking for much.

I just want to be able to plan my time without having to change it at the eleventh hour at others' fancy.

I just want to be appreciated sometimes, as an equal member of the household and not as the lesser, younger addition to it.

I just want to be able to be home throughout the weekend, since for now that's the only time I have there.

I just want to be able to feel the sense of belonging again, not living like a nomad.

I just want to be able to have some own personal time, without having to worry about doors being opened, kids jumping on the bed, complaints from the BW, and other matters in the house.

Will he understand that I am not trying to be pushy nor immature, and definitely I am not trying to act immature?

For I am not. I am just trying to be normal.

I am just trying to be ME again.

Thursday, August 05, 2004

A Place To Call His Own

I'll be taking T to see the crib this Saturday. It's one of the nicest and definitely cheapest one we've seen on the market. People has been asking why would T need to shop around for a property when both his brother and sister are around and are ever-so-willing to provide him a room in our apartments. Well, the parents think differently. Mama and Aboh have been asking us to look for an apartment for T so that once he graduates, he'll learn to live on his own. (Although he has mentioned that he'll still be in our homes for free food and TLC, hehe) But according to them, it has to be around my area so that they'll get to be with both of their kids whenever they visit (Abang would have to drive to us now, muahaha!)which I reckon will be quite frequent once Mama retires this December.

Back to the apartment, it is cosy, spacious and slightly larger than ours. Is is cheaper because it is on the ground floor, and the setback is that it is 2km from where my place is, which means T still needs to drive to get his free meals, haha. Nothing is signed and sealed yet, but the plan looks good. Can't wait to have T nearby! *fingers crossed*

Jiji made a comment to Buster that it's not a wise decision to invest in another place when T can stay at either mine's or Abang's for free. She mentioned the financial burden on the parents, a wee-too-early commitment for T. I got a bit defensive when I heard this and remarks like "Easy for you to say, you don't have to live away from your hometown!", "Just because you can stay in the large house your parents own right smacked in the middle of the city!" and "She doesn't have to pay RM900 a month to someone she doesn't know for an apartment with only the most basic necessities" were uttered. But then I realised, she is after all an accountant who does mean well really. And it is not her fault if she gets to stay with her parents up till now. I know I might have done the same if mine was here as well!

Tuesday, August 03, 2004

When The Going Gets Tough, The Though Goes Shopping

It is that time of the year again..

When people line up in front of the mall 1/2 before it's opening hour..

When you spend your money senseless..

And swipe the cards faster and more often than KTM Commuter trains..

Yup, it is the Mega Sale Carnival again..and I haven't been shopping myself!!

There are so many occasions these two months. August alone will see about 5 birthdays of close friends and relatives, and another 4 in September PLUS two weddings that I won't be forgiven if I don't show.

So last weekend Buster and I braved ourselves to finally roam ALL the shops in OU and managed to get 4/9 gifts needed. Not too bad! Saw the HP pumps I wanted, but it wasn't on sale in HP itself. It was 10% in some of the other stores, but funny enough it was listed as New Arrival. Yeah right, I have been eyeing it for months!

There are so many things I wanted to get for Buster and myself. With the promise of the bonus and miniscule increment the I-want-everything side of me already has a mental picture of the shopping bags would bring home but looking the financial and other plans I guess the more practical side of me took over. *Get the presents first, put aside the money for the trip to JB, pay off credit card in full, etc etc*

One joy about getting gifts for some of these people is that delightful smile you see on their excited faces when they open the presents. A priceless moment that'll make you forget your own wants momentarily. *bliss*

Oooh, but I still do wish sometimes I just let that slightly selfish side of me takes over - especially when that particular black handbag stares me right in the face everytime I pass it! *grin*