Last day of 2009!

Ok....I'm starting to freak out here! It's the last day of 2009 and I'm just not ready to step in 2010 tomorrow. First time ever I feel so freaked out about stepping in the new year. Usually it doesn't effect me that much. Not sure why it does so much this time around. Probably it's because I feel like there's just so many things I fail to achieve this year. Need more time to achieve them somehow but it's not going to happen because today is the last day! haha! Time's up!!! So I have to move the unfinished business to next year and do my best this time around to make it all happen. With God on my side, hopefully it all will.

Hmmm.....let's see what were the things that made me happy this year. There were plenty of things that put a big smile on my face. Small things....big things......But what I love the most and remember the most right now would be the thing that happened during the month of Ramadhan. I think that was the most memorable one of all. The one that really really touched my heart. Why? Because whatever happened on that day and the days that followed, changed me a lot. It made me think about my future too. I can't really share here what it was, because it's kinda personal. I think somehow God answered my prayer on that day because I did asked God for it the day before and He gave it to me on the next day. It was something that I wanted so much in a long time but only to find out much much later that it was something I can't have right now or maybe ever. I was only able to borrow that happiness for a short period of time. And I figured it was just too good to be true for me anyways. No matter what, it was the happiest few weeks of my life, in a long long time. I wonder if I will be happy like that again next year.....I guess, I'll keep hoping that it will come my way again someday......

The second most memorable moment in 2009 would be when I got featured in the newspaper.....yup, TWICE!! hehe...It was something that I never expected in a million years to happen to me. It was surreal. Suddenly all the pain, all the frustrations just went down the drain. Came the rainbow and sunshine. It was beautiful......such a beautiful moment in my life. I shall treasure it always.

I also received a lot of gifts this year from friends and family. Gosh.....those gifts were so meaningful to me. I can't tell you how blessed I feel about them. And it makes me want to give back to others. There are a lot of things I want to do for 2010 and most of them involves helping people in anyway I can and also my own way of doing charity. I always thought that I'm too poor to give.....boy was I wrong!! Nobody is too poor to give out anything.....there is always something that we can do or give to others. I believe it so! Actually, we all should believe that. The world would be a better place if we all share and care about each other....right? :)

No doubt there were plenty of bad times.....but this time around I don't want to mention them here. It will only make me sad. I will just write them down elsewhere probably on a piece of paper and throw it away. Am letting it all go......far far away......

My new year resolutions are quite simple really.....nothing that's impossible to achieve. I got them listed down already and am determined to make it all happen. I want to concentrate on my health, career and family......and of course I also want to be a better Muslim.... :)))

So here I am......gonna say goodbye to 2009.....one of the most memorable year of my life. A year that has taught me so much about love and life. Year after year, there will always be something that I learn and gain from. Hopefully 2010 will be filled with loads of good things that will keep coming my way. Whatever challenges that I have to face next year, hopefully I can deal with them wisely. Peace of mind is also what I am after too. I am training myself to be calmer and less temperamental.....eheheheh.....whatever it is, I am aiming to be a better person....so help me God....I remember a friend once told me...."there is no perfect action, only perfect intention". :)))

Happy New Year 2010!!!!!! All the best of luck to all!!!

Barbie dolls....

During my recent visit to Kuala Lumpur, me and my family had the chance to go to the Pavillion. Right before we went to watch Avatar the movie, we looked around the Christmas decorations there and we bumped into this cool exhibition. BARBIE DOLLS!!!! Lots of them!

Gosh, if I was 10 years old, I would be so excited looking at those beautifully dressed up Barbie dolls. What I would do to own one of these dolls back then.....but of course I don't feel the same way about them now. They are pretty, YES.....but, I'm a bit phobic when it comes to having dolls in the house......don't know why it just scares me having them around. Like as if there is some evil spirit trapped inside them waiting to be awaken hahahaha.......me and my imagination!!!! LOL!

Act like a lady, think like a man....

Started reading this book today. What an interesting and enlightening book indeed. There were so many questions I wanted answered and I got them answered today from this book. It's written by Steve Harvey who is also a comedian. I first heard of this book when I saw him in the Oprah show. I think its a good read. :))) Finished reading it in one day.....coz once I start reading it, I just can't stop!! It's so interesting!! I love the way he writes or tell the story....simple, easy to understand, and has examples too. So it's so easy to get what he is trying to say or convey. I wish I knew all this when I was younger.....it could have saved me the trouble I went through dealing with men!! hahahaha.....

AVATAR

This is one movie that I would love to watch again! I went to see it today for the first time at GSC Pavillion, Kuala Lumpur, with my family and it was so AWESOME!!! This action adventure science fiction movie is breathtakingly beautiful in it's storytelling and special effects. The special effects is just stunning! The flora and fauna looks so magical, it's like being in another world. I even believed it too. Feels like they were so real. If only...LOL :).

The actors played their parts well, and I have no complaints whatsoever. And I love the ending too. It's not always that I get to see a movie where the ending is great. But this one really delivers. I was really satisfied :) It's definitely a feel good movie. One that might get you teary eyed too in some parts....I know I was!! hehehe.....can't help it. :) All I know is that this movie is worth every penny you spend on the ticket! So for those who have not watch it yet....GO GO GO!!!!!! :D You definitely want to watch it on the big screen! Yup!!

Christmas presents from Sandi!

Wooohooo!! Got my Christmas gifts this year from my dear friend Sandi in Maine......she is such a darling! Even though I don't celebrate Christmas, I would be getting gifts and a handmade card too. I got some for her as well except that it might be arriving a little late this year hehehe...... :). I'm always behind schedule but only because I want to make sure that I get all the things I prepared for my loved ones in good order. I don't like to rush things hehehe....*excuses, excuses for being late again* LOL!

The vase that you see there in the photo is actually plant base. It's not ceramic. It's made from a fruit called gourd that has been treated and dried and then painted. Decorated too at the top part of it to make it look extra special. I love the color.....the green metallic color looks gorgeous!! The balsam fir aromatherapy bag is so fragrant. Something from Maine that I will remember by. :)

Thank you Sandi for these lovely gifts....I'm so blessed indeed. :)

Homegrown chillies!

The price of chillies these days have gone up!! So my Mom decided that she would grow them and see how it goes. I was so thrilled to see them growing so beautifully and recently they grew so big and turned bright red!! I think over the years we have tried to grow them in our garden but it never really gotten as big as this!! This would be the biggest we ever had. Funny how simple things like this can actually make me so excited sometimes hehehe..... :)

Heavy rain.....

It's been raining quite heavily these days.......it's freezing cold! But what I miss most during these raining days is that I can't cycle in the morning as I used to. It rains every morning here.....throughout the day and sometimes till night time....and continues on raining till the next morning. I miss cycling! Urrrggghhh! :(

The weather has been pretty crazy these past few months.......when it gets hot, it's really really hot and when it rains, it pours!! It really does pour! I wish it would be more balanced but who am I to control these things hehehe......I can only ask God for good weather in future and ask Him to keep us safe from the bad weather. :)

It is rather cozy here.....no need to keep the fan on high volume or switch on the air conditioner.....because the weather is cool and nice....I get to do my work comfortably in my studio. But sometimes it gets too comfortable that I feel like dozing off to sleep! hehehe! I'm just enjoying the rain now no matter what.....I just wish it doesn't rain too much because I don't want the place to get flooded. So far everything is under control and I am happy that the trees in the garden especially the big ones are getting enough water from the rain. Alhamdulillah........

Banana pancakes

This is how I make my banana pancakes or in the Malay language we call it "lempeng pisang" :). Since I can no longer take banana fritters or "pisang goreng" because they are deep fried, so I resort to eating bananas as it is or cook them this way. There is no oil or fat included in this recipe. So it's safe for me to eat it hehehe..... So here is the process of making the banana pancakes....it's very simple and cheap to do at home. Especially if you grow your own bananas at home like my Mom does hehehe.....

First we cut the bananas into small pieces and mash them till they look like the pictures above. If there are any seeds in it, be sure to take them out.

Then you add in a pinch of salt.....some flour....flour is added a spoonful at a time into the mashed bananas and mix them up slowly.....be sure not to put in too much flour otherwise it will harden. I don't even add in any sugar, because if the bananas are already ripe, it is already sweet to the taste.

When the batter is done.....you scoop up one big spoon full of the batter and pour it onto the non stick pan.....no oil or butter is needed here to line the pan... Once one side of the banana pancake is done, you flip it to let the other side cook.

This is the end result!!! Yummy!! Best eaten when it's still hot! :)

Feeling good.....

It's been about two weeks now since I started cycling. It's great! I'm loving it a lot! The best thing about the whole idea is that my heart beat has lowered a bit. It was quite high when I first started to exercise seriously every morning. I'm also trying my level best to cut down my coffee intake everyday. It's been a struggle since I love drinking coffee SO much. Addicted I am to it I must admit hehehe......but I know I will soon be able to decrease the intake as I continue my mission to lead a healthier life. I used to drink coffee before I start exercising hahahaha......but not anymore now.....I take a glass of glucose instead. The caffeine makes my heart palpitate....and it hurts sometimes. The pain makes me more driven to stop drinking it.... :(

I do feel a lot better now......my sensei was right......I do need to exercise more....I have to push myself no matter how lazy I feel in the morning to exercise....I gotta do it for my own good. Nobody can do it for me....it's do or die! I gotta be strong in spirit...gotta be motivated to do it. The bicycle helped a lot.....with it I can go to the park at anytime I like....I can even participate with the free aerobic dancing that's held at the park every morning......plus "poco-poco" and tai chi as well if I wanted to....

For me....it was never entirely about looking good....it was more about feeling good. I guess I was tired of feeling so lousy everyday....I wanted to get better, feel healthier than I was before. I realize that merely taking care of what I eat or drink and taking my medicine alone will not be sufficient in achieving my goals in getting better.....I still have to move it move it and move it I shall everyday. :)

Am thinking of doing skipping too.....hmmmm......I shall get one of those ropes soon! :) I haven't done that in years! That would be a fun thing to do as well.....hehehe.....I read somewhere that skipping has a lot of benefits to our health.....it improves our reflexes, balance and posture. It makes us more vigilant and alert, therefore increases our attention skills. It strengthens the bones and increases our stamina and endurance. It will tone your muscles in the arms, legs and abs too......so that would be good for me. Yup! I will do that! Anything that will make me feel good.....I will give it a go! Wish me well! :)

My blue Raleigh......

Yes! Yes! Yes!!!! Finally! I finally got to buy a new bicycle!! Wooooooohooooooooooo!!!!!

I was trying to find one since I moved back to Alor Setar. There is a park here which is nearby my neighborhood where it's so nice to take bicycle rides. I thought to myself, wouldn't it be lovely to get me a bicycle and ride it there when I'm here. And so I did it this morning....I went to the bicycle shop not far from my house and had a look at the bicycles that was on sale there. There were quite a lot of variety there to choose from but not in the color that I was really looking for. I was hoping to get one in white color. In the end, I got one that is quite close to my heart....the frame was soft blue in color and some black here and there. So, I was quite happy with it since my favorite color is actually blue. So the only thing that was white was the basket! LOL!

The minute I got it home, I tried to ride it......gosh!!! I almost tumbled over! hahaha! Can you imagine how long it has been since I last got a ride on a bicycle???? It was about 17 years ago!!! So I was a little wobbly riding it in the beginning.....but after a few try I was riding it like the wind! hahaha!

I used to ride the bicycle when I was in my teens. Back then I rode it to school everyday. It was an experience I'll never forget. Rain or shine.....I rode my faithful bicycle to school. But those memories was one of the best memories I had when I was in my teens.

One of the reasons why I decided to buy this bicycle in the first place was because I wanted to use it as a form of exercise. I read somewhere online about the goodness of people riding it for health reasons. It's a good workout especially for people with blood type B. So it's perfect for me :). Plus it's fun! I don't like to do workouts at home. I prefer to go to the park and exercise there. Do some brisk walking as well if I can. It's definitely a stress reliever for me. Riding your worries away they say hehehe...... I really hope this new item in my life will bring me loads of joy....in fact I'm sure it will! :)

Action taken!

Alhamdulillah....so thankful to God...yesterday the guys from TM came over to fix my internet connection. The action was only taken after almost two weeks of suffering....hahaha.....I admit...I should have done this earlier. But I was too busy with work and busy as well with the trip to KL which was done twice in a period of two weeks, things just got in the way of it. But I was so relieved that they finally came to help me out with my internet problem. I was beginning to give up on it already...LOL! But alas....it was sorted out and now I can surf the net with no more worries. I think this year alone there has been so many problems with my PC and internet connection.....I have actually lost count of how many times it gave me trouble! LOL! :D But in the end it always gets sorted out.:)

I was thinking......thinking of getting myself a bicycle....hehehehe....been thinking a lot about it for the past few months. I have taken an action on this if I am not mistaken a month ago as I visited a bicycle shop in Jitra. But to my disappointment they didn't quite have what I was looking for. I've always wanted one you know. I used to cycle a lot back in the days when I was younger....and still schooling. I used to cycle to school everyday. It was really wonderful. I love feeling the wind on my face....as I cycle away. It was such a joy. I think anyone who have had the experience can relate to what I've just mentioned...hehehe. And I'll bet you can agree with me on how great a feeling it is to cycle at the park....under rows of big shaded trees.....with the cool wind blowing on your face and hair.....it's magical. I hope I don't sound too exaggerated here....hehehe....but that is how I feel about it especially when it comes to cycling at my neighborhood here in Taman Lumba Kuda. It is just wonderful here. The best place I know so far that I can go to and cycle my worries away hehehe.....if there was any! LOL!

An action will be taken on that matter hopefully by tomorrow.......I can't wait to check out some other bicycle shops here and see if I can find myself a bicycle that I can be comfortable riding on. I hope there is a wide choice of colors I can choose from as well......I was thinking of getting a white bicycle.....or dark blue....or a red one! Lovely!! Yup! But still I am hoping to get it in white color. I wish I wish it will come true! LOL! I sound so silly sometimes hehehe! I guess I let the excitement get to me......oh well....I need it anyways....it's fun!!

Till then....can't wait to see what I will find tomorrow......

2 more months to go....

Gosh....has it been that long???? I haven't blogged much for quite sometime here.....due to the internet connection problem these past few weeks. I'm getting so fed up with my Streamyx broadband....I have gone to TM and called up their customer service....so hopefully things will be running smoothly soon enough. Not being able to get connected everyday is a huge problem for people like me who does business online. I think most people who are in the same shoes as mine can relate to this problem. But luckily for me there is a decent internet cafe nearby my house where I can go to and check my emails there every now and then. But still it doesn't really solve all my problems.....as there are certain things that cannot be done there. Oh well....I am just grateful to be able to do what I can with what I have right now. Just be happy about it :)

Well, these past few weeks have been quite a ride....a challenge.....a mind opener too. I surprise myself everyday with the things I come up with and come to the realization of. Experiences do make a lot of difference in one's life too. They can change you....A LOT!!!! I have been blessed to meet with so many different types of people over the past few months since I moved back to Alor Setar. Most of the interesting ones are friend's of my Mom's. All of them are very fascinating people and their experiences and wisdom have definitely opened my eyes and heart too. I am a different person now then I was a few weeks ago......but I only want the good changes....not bad ones...hehehehe I am only thinking of how to improve myself these days. I wake up in the morning thinking of what are the differences I can make in my life and others too, to make our lives better.....and go to bed wishing for my dreams to come true. It's always great to do that everyday.....something to wish for....even if they don't come true, the thought of those wishes makes a lot of difference. It does make me feel so good inside. Keeps a smile on my face....and that's important!!

Time sure flies fast.......in just a few more days we will be entering the month of November.....then December.....then....jeng jeng jengggggggg.....it will be 2010!!!!!!! Oh my gosh....how time just pass us by so quickly these days. So far I have only accomplished just a few of my 2009 resolutions. Been thinking a lot as well about what my new year resolutions will be like next year. Every year I try my best to fulfill them all.....but alas....not all is possible.....it's the effort that matters.....and that's important to me. To make that effort!!! Making a difference!! What I intend to do next year will definitely be something that will not only surprise others who know me.....but it will also surprise me!!! hahahaha.....I love doing something that will keep me on the edge....things that keep the adrenalin running high......the excitement of trying or doing it is so fascinating! I am a person who gets bored so easily....so in order not to get bored with the usual routine....I will add in something new in my everyday life so that it will add some excitement. It may be small....to small for others to notice perhaps....but I don't care, as long as it is something new and makes me happy. :)

It is always good and beneficial to add something new in our lives every now and then. To be able to learn something new.....or create something new each day is so wonderful for our minds.....it will keep our minds working!

34th Birthday.....

Nothing much happened today.......not much of a celebration.....I turned 34 today....yup, 34!!! Yikes! I'm sooooooooooooooooo not loving it.....feeling so old...

I was really hoping that this year I would be celebrating my birthday with a big big smile....but instead I didn't smile much today.....didn't even get a birthday present from my Mom....or from my close family members.....the only one who gave me something was my Makndak....got a really pretty brooch set from her.....so nice and thoughtful of her.... :)

They say that, it's actually not the gifts that counts....it's the thought....oh ya....did I mentioned I didn't even get a birthday card?????!!!!! Yup....didn't get one at all.....so ironic....maybe next year I should make one for myself.....a really big one and post it! Then when I receive it, I will pretend to be excited! LOL! So pathetic huh?

Hmmmmm........that's all I have to say about my 34th birthday.....I did wished for something good for myself this year......wish it will come true....I wish I wish!!

Is it love or infatuation?

I got this article from the newspaper long time ago, can't remember which newspaper it was though......perhaps it was The Star since I used buy those a lot once upon a time hehehehe...........I would like to share this article with everyone, what Dr. James Dobson wrote about the difference between love and infatuation. :)

I've always used this as a guidance whenever I was in doubt. Sometimes I get confused of what it is that I'm feeling.....was it really love? Or just an infatuation? It can get pretty complicated........but once you know it, you can never go wrong.... We have to know it, believe in it and practice it......not just saying it.... :)

"Is it love or just infatuation? Or, as the joke goes, is it love or just something that I ate? There is a way to tell the difference. Infatuation is based solely on emotions, on how you're feeling, whereas love is an act of the will. Today we'll look at two of the four distinct areas in which love differs from infatuation.

First, love is patient. Love can wait, wholly accepting the character of the other person in the relationship. But infatuation is in a big hurry. Because, infatuation is based only on emotion, there an impatience about it....those wild emotions may not last long. They say love is blind, but it's not true. Infatuation is blind.....you see only the idealized version of the other person, not the real thing, warts and all. When you're in love you have your eyes wide open, wanting to learn all you can about the other person.

Second, love is kind. When you're in love, you give and give and give. One goal of marriage should be to see which person can out-give the other. But when you're infatuated, you let things slip. You remember the major holidays but forget her birthday. You start to grow tired of giving and you demand your own way.

The third difference between love and infatuation is that love is not jealous. When your relationship is based entirely on emotion, you tend to be easily threatened and influenced by many outside variables. Both parties often become possessive and insecure. Because genuine love emphasizes the welfare of the other person, however, it's less jealous and possessive and easily threatened.

The fourth difference is that love does not act rudely and ill mannered. Infatuation soon forgets good manners but love continues to show respect.

How can a woman tell when a man genuinely loves her? When he shows her respect and she feels more like a woman after they've been together. He protects her dignity and she does the same for him.

So love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous and does not act rudely. If your relationship has those four characteristics going for it, you have a solid foundation toward a lasting marriage."

- by Dr. James Dobson

Juno

If there was a movie that I wanted to see over and over again right now, it would probably be JUNO. It's a comedy about growing up and the bumps along the way...hehehe! I know I'm a bit late ...outdated? I got to see this movie this month a few times on Astro and I must say that I fell instantly in love with the characters in it.....it's just such a cool story and the messages in it was what touched my heart. My favourite song in it would be "Anyone Else But You" that was sung at the end of the movie. Michael Cera and Ellen Page sang it, and it was so cute....nicely done!

Watch the video of the song here:

Birthday gifts!!!!

Received gifts from Sandi today!!!!! Yippeeee! Wow! I think this is the best birthday gift I got so far this year :) It came in a big box all the way from Maine! I also received a box full of magnets that spells out my name....those are so beautiful!!! Love them!

I've never seen such a huge eraser before....the one from Mastercarve...wow! Huge! Hmmm I can't decide what to do with that one yet! But there are a lot more of smaller sizes that I can experiment on.... :) I also received a lot of clear stamps and ink pad. Love them!!!

I was feeling really down today......very very down, due to a certain something that happened in my life recently.....was feeling so bad but was glad that these gifts put a big smile on my face today. I am so grateful to have friends who are so thoughtful and loving......never even met them in person, but it feels like I've known them for a long long time. I'm so blessed to have friends like them. I can't thank God enough for them and for all the good things that keep coming my way...... :) Alhamdulillah!

First day of fasting.....

Today is the first day of the fasting month......so far so good....hehehe.....the weather has been really good too. What I am trying to say is that it's been quite cool over here the past few days.....not too hot because it has been raining quite a bit. So it helps!

I am still not well.....coughing and coughing......but there has been some improvement though ever since I took the antibiotics from my second visit to the clinic. So I'm hopeful that eventually I will get better. My mom on the other hand got infected too and have been coughing as well for the past few days. We've haven't been getting enough sleep at night because of this. There are times when I have to take lozenges during my sleep so that I won't cough that much. Luckily I didn't get choked at night with the lozenges in my mouth hehehe.....hopefully I will feel better soon.

I want to wish all Muslims around the world Happy Ramadhan! ;)

Bunga teratai.....

When I was staying in KL I always miss the chance to see the water lilies bloom. My mom will always be telling me stories about them, and I will feel a little sad for not being able to be there and see it for myself. But now that I am here, I get to see them up close and personal whenever they bloom.... hehehe.....they are just so beautiful!!!

Anak kucing.....

Found 3 little kittens at the back of my mom's house today.....SO CUTE!!!! The mother was very protective of them....wouldn't even let me near them.....so I had to take the pictures of them from a far....huhuhuhu......the kittens were so adorable!!! I love looking at baby animals.....they are just the cutest thing....the kittens are so small...still haven't opened up their eyes yet....

Sadly, their mother took them away to another location later in the afternoon probably because she was afraid I would play with her kittens....... :( So, tak dapatlah nak main dengan anak kucing tu lagi.....huhuhu....I'm actually allergic to the cat's fur, but still I like looking at the babies because they are just so cute.....couldn't resist it....hehehehe.......

Back in Alor Setar for good!

Arrived in Alor Setar yesterday evening....took the Mara Liner bus at 12.00pm.....arrived around 6.30pm. I think I was the only one in the bus wearing the surgical mask to protect myself from getting infected by the Influenza A. I must say wearing it can get pretty stuffy at times. But I didn't care and keep it on most of the time. People looked at me like I'm some kind of a weirdo.....hahahaha....the other passangers only kept their mask on at the Puduraya bus station....but once they board the bus they immediately took them off. They must be thinking it's safe to take them off on the bus. So positive thinking hahha....I didn't want to take any chances, so I kept them on.

Today I went to the cybercafe nearby my house.......and the owner was the only one other than me who wore the mask. The other people there who were using the internet service didn't. I must say people are just either too lazy to wear it or the mask sold at the pharmacy are out of stock! hahaha....the mask is kinda expensive though.....

Gosh there is just so much of work to be done......I have to prepare a room for me to turn it into a studio....then I have to unpack all the boxes I brought back from my apartment in KL.....I am not well either....the fever is gone but the coughing is driving me crazy.....I hope to get well soon....as there is so much to be settled.....I don't have much time.....I only have about a week to get it all done and then start taking orders from customers.

My favourite cream puff

Love love love eating this if ever I visit Sogo......there is a bakery at the ground floor called Four Leaves that sells this cream puff. It's super soft and yummy.. ;)

Siti Nurhaliza

Was not feeling well for the past few days......feeling kinda scared as well about the Influenza A H1N1, so I decided to go and have a check at the hospital. Went to Hospital Pusrawi with my aunt for the check up....alhamdulillah the test came out negative and I'm only positive for Influenza B hehehe.....so I got my medicine and was heading back to my aunt's place in Keramat.....but we decided to stop by at Setiawangsa's Jaya Jusco to get our food supply.

Little did we know that today Siti Nurhaliza was dropping by at the shopping complex for a small lauching of JJ's cute little teddy bears. I didn't buy any, I was just there to see her in person hahahha lol! It was worth the wait......as she came and made and entrance I was so star strucked hehehehe.....this is the first time I get to see her in person. She was so beautiful......she even sang songs for the audience.....LIVE!!! And boy can she sing!! But I must say I only know her old songs....the new ones I'm not familiar with....and I think the audiences are not familiar with it either.......hehehehe...but it doesn't matter....as long as she sings it well, we don't care hahaha....

She seemed pretty nervous on stage....I thought someone like her with all the experiences of singing and performing on stage for years and years would not have that problem anymore, but looks like she still has it....but I think it's cute how she handled it. hehehehe

I didn't bring my digital camera along with me so I only had my humble camera phone to take the photos......obviously it's not that clear but at least I got it heheheh.... ;)

Last day at Sri Penara

Well I guess today will be my last day at Sri Penara.......I looked around the place, took some photos of the surroundings....was thinking to myself, whether or not I will be missing this place?? The place where I've spent about almost 5 years of my life there......a lot has happened there....lot of good and bad....all experiences that has thought me to be who I am today.....I've changed so much over the years....the experiences I had there taught me so much. I suppose wherever we go in life we will pick up new experiences along the way...

I'm definitely glad I won't be staying there anymore....one of the many reasons why I wanted to leave Sri Penara so bad before August was because I wanted to avoid staying there during the fasting month. You have no idea how bad it can get during this time of the year over there......it's FIREWORK MADNESS over there!!!! I just don't know how the people there can stand it....I know they hate it as well but nothing much has been done to over come the problem. The kids there just love playing with fireworks all day and all night. I think if I live there a few more years I will probably get major hearing problems! hahahaha!

Whatever it is.....I know miss it I will not.....but I will miss KL though....and the people I love there.... :)

Huge catfish at Pakndak's house

Maksu and I went to Pakndak's house to pay him a visit......didn't know that he has some catfish in that big pond he has at the back of his house. He told me that there were a few of them in it and were quite big in size.....in fact they were already too big to be eaten....I wanted to see how big they were and boy was I in for a surprise! hehehe.....

I was scared when I saw them as he threw in some fish food in the pond.....quickly a few catfish came to the surface and there was a big splash as they were trying to eat the food......gosh they were HUGE! They gobbled up the fish food like a vacum cleaner.....in just a few seconds all the fish food were gone! You can see from the photo above how big their mouth are hehehe...... :D

Rasanya kalau ada anak kucing terjatuh dalam kolam tu mesti dah kena telan hidup-hidup oleh ikan keli tu hehehehehe...... lol! ;) So scary laaaaaaaa.......

In the paper again today!!! Yay!! ;)

I was in Alor Setar for a few days.....was about to leave for KL today when my aunt got a message from her friend telling her about my article in Utusan Malaysia was out today. I was surprised as I didn't expect it to come out so soon. I could see how happy my mom was today.....hehehehehe....... It's never an easy road/journey for artists like me.....it's never easy to please our parents.....only those who have gone the same journey as me would understand this. I am really looking forward for the journey I will be making soon in life and the adventures I will be experiencing at my new working place.....I know it will be wonderful and I will make sure of it!! :) Chaiyo! Chaiyo!!

Utusan Malaysia -pullout - MODE/Keluarga (Cover)

Obses kad buatan tangan

Oleh NOOR FAZRINA KAMAL

WANITA kreatif... Noor Azlina Abdul Samad yang menghasilkan kad buatan sendiri dan dijual melalui laman web.

KAD menjadi medium pengantar isi hati dan memberi lebih pengertian sama ada daripada penerima mahupun yang menerimanya.
Walau bagaimana eksklusif kad yang ada di pasaran tidak akan sama nilainya dengan kad yang dihasilkan sendiri setulus hati.
Sejak di bangku sekolah kita telah diajar menghasilkan kad sendiri untuk memberi penghargaan kepada ibu, bapa, guru dan sebagainya bagi memperingati tarikh-tarikh tertentu.
Namun apabila usia menginjak remaja, lambakan kad ucapan di pasaran menjadi pilihan untuk menyampaikan isi hati kepada orang tersayang.
Melewati paparan demi paparan di internet menemukan penulis dengan satu blog yang penuh dengan kad buatan tangan menggunakan tajuk, Lin Handmade Cards.
Secara peribadi penulis amat kagum dengan individu yang memiliki kreativiti dalam menghasilkan sesuatu kad seperti itu. Cakaplah apa saja jenis kad sama ada hari lahir, ulang tahun, ucapan tahniah, simpati, perayaan dan sebagainya semuanya boleh dizahirkan oleh wanita kreatif ini.
Noor Azlina Abdul Samad K., 34, tidak pernah membayangkan bahawa kad menjadi sumber pendapatan beliau.
Pada awalnya, wanita yang selesa membahasakan dirinya sebagai Lin ini hanya menghasilkan kad sebagai hobi.
"Daripada hobi bertukar kepada perniagaan," ujarnya pendek sebaik memperkenalkan diri kepada penulis pada satu sesi fotografi yang diadakan di pejabat Utusan Malaysia, baru-baru ini.
Wanita berkacamata ini mula serius menghasilkan kad ucapan sejak tahun 2007 selepas beliau meletakkan jawatan sebagai eksekutif pentadbiran di sebuah syarikat swasta di Kuala Lumpur.
"Kebetulan ketika itu kesihatan saya juga agak terganggu, jadi dari menyusahkan syarikat kerana selalu mengambil cuti sakit maka saya mengambil keputusan untuk berhenti kerja," katanya yang berasal dari Alor Star, Kedah.
Bermula daripada itu, Noor Azlina tercari-cari kerja yang membolehkan dia menyesuaikan masa dengan keadaan dirinya.
Kalau wanita lain memilih membuat kuih atau kraf tangan yang kemudian dipasarkan melalui laman web, berbeza pula bagi Noor Azlina.
Beliau menggunakan kreativiti yang dianugerahkan Tuhan untuk menghasilkan kad-kad ucapan menarik dan unik.
"Pada peringkat awal saya cuma menghasilkan beberapa keping saja dengan rekaan yang berbeza. Harga yang dikenakan juga murah walaupun saya sedar masa ia tidak setimpal dengan kreativiti, masa serta tenaga yang dicurahkan untuk sekeping kad.
"Namun demi memenuhi permintaan pelanggan yang mahukan sesuatu yang unik dan dibuat sendiri saya cuba penuhi selagi terdaya," jelasnya yang beroperasi dari kediaman sewanya di Apartmen Penara, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Kuala Lumpur.
Noor Azlina turut menunjukkan kepada penulis kad-kad ucapan yang dihasilkannya, sekali pandang pasti sukar untuk percaya ia buatan tangan kerana hasil akhirnya terlalu sempurna.
"Memang saya seorang yang begitu teliti dan tidak akan puas selagi tidak menghasilkan sesuatu kad dengan sempurna.
"Tetapi bukan mudah untuk menghasilkan potongan sekecil ini ia menduga kesabaran serta ketelitian yang amat tinggi," ujar graduan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Seni Lukis dan Reka dari Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor.

Berkongsi minat dengan rakan di Internet

Menurut Noor Azlina, Malaysia masih jauh dalam penciptaan peralatan untuk menghasilkan kad buatan tangan berbanding negara seperti Amerika dan Eropah.
"Menerusi Internet saya mempunyai ramai rakan di luar negara yang berkongsi minat membuat kad. Melalui laman sembang kami bertukar idea serta teknik untuk memantapkan penghasilan sesebuah kad.
"Saya cukup terharu kerana ada di antara rakan di laman sembang yang sanggup menghantar peralatan termasuklah kertas yang tidak boleh ditemui di Malaysia.
"Lebih teruja jika kad yang saya hasilkan mendapat penghargaan daripada rakan-rakan sekali gus menjadi motivasi untuk saya menghasilkan kad yang lebih menarik," katanya yang memasarkan perniagaan kad ucapannya secara dalam talian.
Seperkara yang membuatkan Noor Azlina terharu dengan rakan-rakannya di Internet ialah mereka tidak langsung lokek berkongsi ilmu dan idea.
Sebelum mendapat kamera digital yang dihadiahkan oleh ibu saudaranya, Noor Azllina menggunakan pengimbas untuk mengingati teknik setiap kad yang dihasilkan.
"Memang payah, adakalanya kad yang dihasilkan menggunakan jemeki mencalarkan pengimbas, imbasan juga menyebabkan sukar untuk melihat bentuk kad secara dua dimensi. Kini baru saya sedar kamera digital amat penting untuk perniagaan saya ini," katanya yang cenderung memilih motif flora dalam hasil seninya.

90 kad pertunangan tugasan pertama

Lin berkata, kalau di zaman sekolah dulu dia menghasilkan kad untuk ibu, bapa serta saudara maranya sahaja, namun kini dia turut mendapat pesanan kad untuk undangan majlis pertunangan dan perkahwinan.
"Tugasan pertama saya ialah menghasilkan kad untuk majlis pertunangan, kebetulan pada masa yang sama saya juga menerima tempahan untuk kad perkahwinan.
"Bayangkan saya perlu menyiapkan sebanyak 90 kad yang setiap satunya memerlukan kerja seni yang amat teliti dalam tempoh yang singkat.
"Namun segala penat lelah saya terbalas apabila pelanggan amat teruja dan berpuas hati dengan kad yang mereka tempah," ujar Noor Azlina yang telah menghasilkan lebih daripada 100 jenis kad.
Bagi memastikan rekaannya menepati cita rasa pelanggan, dia mengambil inisiatif menghasilkan mock kad sebelum menzahirkan kad yang sebenar.
Proses mencari idea bermula dari melayari internet dan memilih bentuk motif seperti yang dimahukan pelanggan.
"Saya pernah menerima tempahan kad ulang tahun perkahwinan daripada seorang isteri. Dia mahukan kad yang apabila dibuka di dalamnya seperti mulut ingin dicium dalam bentuk yang paling seksi.
" Proses untuk mencari bentuk mulut sahaja memakan masa, selesai memilih saya akan menunjukkan motif kepada pelanggan agar motif tersebut menepati imaginasinya. Kemudian saya harus fikirkan bagaimana hendak memastikan mulut tersebut muncul dengan menggiurkan ketika dibuka penerimanya.
"Setiap kali selesai satu langkah saya akan mengambil gambar sebagai rujukan di masa akan datang. Memikirkan teknik pop up ini betul-betul mencabar minda," katanya yang dalam perancangan membuka kelas seni untuk kanak-kanak di kediaman ibunya di Alor Star, Kedah.
Kesukaran dan cabaran yang dihadapi membuatkan Noor Azlina hampir serik menghasilkan kad dengan teknik pop up lagi.
Namun pendirian itu berubah apabila bapa saudaranya memperkenalkan satu laman web yang mengajar dengan terperinci cara membuat kad pop up.
"Menghasilkan kad pop up memerlukan kita banyak berfikir dan berimaginasi. Proses menghasilkannya juga amat teliti. Memang memakan masa namun puas hati apabila melihat hasil yang sempurna," kata Noor Azlina yang berhasrat meluaskan pasaran kad ucapan kreatifnya ke luar negara.