Ray Of Hope For Azalea: 05/01/2005

Friday, May 27, 2005

Winner American Idol 4 ...Carrie Underwood!

The result is out. Carrie is the winner of American Idol 4. My prediction hit 1 out of 4. I predicted in Nostradamus AzaLea the finalists would be Carrie, Vonzell, Mario and Anwar. Mario left, Anwar lost the battle halfway, Vonzell is quite good sitting at no. 3 position, and of course the reigning tiara goes to Carrie.

I must say that it was a neck-to-neck competition this year. Bo Bice is a strong competitor, infact he was more consistent than Carrie, and a more professional singer and performer. Carrie has got a superb voice but a “wooden” performance. One thing that is certain is that Carrie has never been in the bottom three. Not even once while Bo have had his experience on the verge to be voted out. And during the finalists selection, he was not a favourite of Simon, it was a split decision, but I am glad he made it through. Despite the so called “conspiracy” on mixed up on the toll-free numbers and Paula Abdul’s affair, it was overall a good season.

I wouldn’t have minded if Bo had win anyway. I felt both of them fit the title of American Idol. Perhaps Carrie can go on making albums that suits the listening pleasure of America and sell it more than other Idols but Bo can go ahead and make an album which he likes. Clive was giving him a promise that they will do an album together.

Malaysian Idol is starting real soon. Hope we can have talents as good as AI.

But first thing first, I am going to Cherating tomorrow, can hardly wait !!!!

12:01 PM | Permalink |

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Meeting 9 to 5

Today has been a MEETING day. I was in operations meeting this morning from 9.00am - 2.00pm. And in the afternoon I had to attend another presentation from 2.30pm - 5.15pm. So, that concludes the whole day of just attending meetings.

It is a major difference from my previous job assignment where I was required to sit in front of the PC all the time. Meetings, walking around or socializing simply mean my tasks will not be completed.

Yup, I transferred from marketing research to product marketing. Now, I have to get used to attending meetings.

That figures out why my other colleagues in product marketing can have that extra strength to work late until 8 or 9 pm while I was already burned out by 5.30pm when I was in research.

Half of their day gone attending meetings, they have to finish other tasks even if that means taking a few extra hours.

And all I did was sitting in front of the PC, doing secondary researches, databases and competitive analysis from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

I hardly went to meetings before. Nope. Nada. Zilch. My brain must have been exhausted to the max.

But being in either dept has got it's own advantages. All in all, that's what working is all about.

5:53 PM | Permalink |

Friday, May 20, 2005

Me & My Allergy

I have no allergy to medicine. At least not with all the medicines that I've come across.

Enough said bout that, I do have allergy to something else. I am allergic to MSG (mono sodium glutamate) . Once I consumed food that contains MSG, I will scratch away. It is like my body has an MSG detector.

Which is good in a way coz it will keep me inform on the food that might have hidden MSG in them. I can still eat Maggi Mee or Mamee Snacks and certain "jajans" but without the spices and seasoning in the small sachets that came with the packaging.

Cheezels is the nastiest of all. Of course Ajinomoto is a definite No No. I have to be careful when dining outside. Even Pringle's and Mr. Potato, I have to eat sparingly. And they are my favourites *sigh. Campbell's canned soup, I just stare and walk pass the shelf.I even have to skip the delicious Japanese rice crackers. One serving still ok, two , i'll regret in few minutes after that.

So, what is MSG?

Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer and an additive for foods. It used to be that monosodium glutamate (MSG) was used primarily in Asian foods but its use is now widespread. MSG looks like white crystals (eg; Ajinomoto) not unlike that of salt.

These crystals are the sodium salt of glutamic acid and contain L-glutamic and D-glutamic acid. It is made by a fermentation process using chemicals to free the glutamic acid from protein. MSG can be made from corn, starch, molasses or sugar.

MSG can be found not only in canned soups and flavored crackers and chips; it can also be found in frozen treats like ice cream and yoghurt, soda pop and just about anything else. So if you are sensitive or are allergic to MSG, it is very important to read the food labels carefully.

To add on my list, I am lactose intolerant. I can't drink milk without having stomach ache after that and series of toilet visits after that.

The kind of milk that I can drink is lactose free like Enercal. Ya, the one that costs RM25 for a small tin. And it increases your appetite like mad. Oh, well, I have to pass that.Even Anlene lactose free is a No, No. Hmm, might be bcoz they are not 100% lactose free. Daisy or Marigold Hi-Lo, one glass max. Not more.

Funny thing is I'm ok with milk-based food. Cheese, yogurts, yogurt drinks, lassi drinks, I can have them generously. Except to watch out on the cheese calorie count.

It is a wonder sometimes how your body tells you on things that you didn't know of unless you have consumed them. And hopefully, next time you want to eat these food, you will remember what it will do to you.

Like the saying " Once Bitten Twice Shy". But in my case it is normally " More Than Once Eaten, Regret Later".

Ha ha. Stubborn girl.

12:47 PM | Permalink |

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Cahaya - Kris Dayanti

Azalea is currently listening to :

Cahaya - Kris Dayanti

Dosakah aku
Bila dicintaimu
Bila jalinan hati kini mengerahku
Tapi haruskah diriku pasrah
Diriku mengalah

Memang cinta tiada bermata
Kisah cinta kan sedih juga bahgia
Ku ini terjerat kernanya
Sesal lepaskan dia

Jalannya cinta menodai hati
Aku dicinta jalinan tiada pasti
Dan aku tak harus terkalahkan
Dan diriku terabaikan
Kuikuti jalannya hati

Memang cinta tiada bermata
Kisah cinta kan sedih juga bahgia
Ku ini terjerat kernanya
Sesal lepaskan dia

Ohhh...Dan aku tak harus terkalahkan
Dan diriku terabaikan
Kuikuti jalannya hati

Hmm..bunyiknya macam cinta tiga segi or the lady is leaving her married lover. Beautiful but sad song.

2:19 PM | Permalink |

More About AzaLea

I got this questionnaires from a dear friend's Friendster.

Here's my version:
1.Fave nickname?
Azalea

2.how old are you ?
27 going 28

3.which school did u go to?
Form 1-3, Sri Aman Girls, Form 4-5, MRSM Muar

4. Which U did u go to?
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. I am a local. Huhu

5. Which faculty did u studied in?
Faculty of physics & applied sciences. Major: Chemistry

6.What did u graduated in?
BSc. Chemistry

7. Where are you working at currently?
TM Net. A huge deviation from my degree

8.when is your birthday?
On the 10th of every September

9.status ?
status quo. Married ..eheh

DO YOU??

10. smoke ?
Nope.

11.drink ?
Lots of plain H20

12. cry when you are jealous ?
I dun cry over jealousy. Just spank him.

13.hurt yourself when you felt you hurt your loved
Nope. I Simply apologize

14. hate yourself ?
Nope. I’m thankful for who I am but I do envy some people

FAVOURITES??

15. perfume?
Ralph Lauren’s Romance, Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea, Cartier’s So Pretty

16. food ?
I like anything that is served hot & tasty

17. places?
Switzerland .No. Seriously. Home :) .No place like home

18. show(s) ?
CSI. All three of them. Tru Calling, Apprentice, Cold Squad

19. songs ?
depends on my mood

20. movies ?
Thrillers & Horrors

21. seasons ?
Malaysia’s . Hujan emas di negeri orang….I’d like to see & touch real snow *sigh

22. ice cream flavours ?
Vanilla & with almonds or pecan in them

PREFER??

23. skaters or surfers?
surfers. Not that it makes any difference to me

24. coffee or tea ?
Coffee. Ice blended. Rhumba. Nyummie…

25. pink or blue ? Both colours are nice.
Reminds me of a girl and a boy

26. shower cream or soap ?
Shower cream. I like to be lathered in lotsa foams :D

27. Cinemas to DVD?
DVDs. At the comfort of my own home.

HAVE YOU EVER??

28. hug?
Ya. Loved ones & stuffed toys

29. how many diff people have you kissed ?
I’ve kissed lots of kids & babies.

30. love someone till you don't mind dying for him?
No point dying over somebody, I just live and die for ALLAH. Others I offer love & affection

31. showed attitude to your spouse?
I’m a mere human. Some nasty attitudes tends to get released at moments

32. run away from home ?
Nope. Home is where the heart lies

WHO IS??

33. the last person you called ? My hubby

34. the last person who text you ?
My manager. Huhu

35. who are the people who can always cheer you up?
My hubby, family & my beloved friends

ASK YOURSELF??

36. how's your life nowadays ?
I am happy & content. Waiting for my live to be complete

37.what's in your mind right now ?
My bed. Badly needs to have a nap

38.Who annoys you the most ?
Selfish people & hypocrites

39. what do you think about your love life right now?
Couldn’t have been better. I’m blessed

40. who's your favourite person to crap with ?
My cubicle mate. Haha Guess who

41. will you survive without love?
Definitely not. Love makes me blossom

42. what will make you happier ?
Workwise: To quit my job & start a business, Personal life: Children …lotss of them

43. Got any plans for tonight?
Nope. Just another nite of doing the wedding stuff. Besides CSI Vegas is on air tonite

44. Fave song?
English: Sunday Morning by Maroon 5. Malay: Cahaya by Kris Dayanti

45. What are you doing?
Doing this rite now

46. Single or taken?
Taken. He he

47. Are you afraid of getting hurt?
Yes. Emotionally more than physically

48. Are you afraid to hurt the one you love?
Yes. Although I sometimes do that subconsciously

49. Do u think 2005 is a good year for u?
Started quite well. Hope it gets better

50. What song is stuck in your head right now?
Lonely, I am so loneelyyyy…..Catchy tune..hehe

51. Who do you dedicate that song to?
Nobody. Just there for no reason

52. What's your current mood right now?
Restless and sleepy

53. What lipstick colour do you wear?
Rite now is brown. I like earth shades

54. Why is love blind?
Because there’s no telling whether you’ll fall over looks or personality. Sudden crushes are due to looks but knowing each other for some time will lead to falling for the personality. Depends on individuals

55. What's your fave colour?
Lime Green

56. What’s your fave shopping place?
Any shopping malls is fine with me

57. Where do you like to shop for shoes?
Panache & Shoe Connection

58. Where do you like to shop for accessories?
Bonita & Axxess

59. Where do you like to shop for bags?
Any where is fine as long as they’re good

60. Where do you like to buy shakes?
Don’t fancy them. McD’s are quite ok though

61. Where do you like to shop for outfits?
Total Woman

62. Where do you like to shop for scents?
Fragranceonline.com or Sasa

63. Where do you like to shop for stationery?
Err..I no longer buy them. Get free from office

64. Where do you like to buy toys and gifts?
Toy City, Memory Lane, Lovely Lace, Bonita

65. Where do you like to watch movies?
Berjaya or Pyramid TGV. Very comfortable

66. Where do you like to shop for makeup?
Maybelline, Loreal or Revlon corners in any Guardians or Watsons

67. Where do you like to shop for toiletries?
Hypermarkets & Pharmacies

68. Where do you like to shop for cds/dvds?
”Local” DVD shops. RM8/RM10 each. Buy 5 free 1. Sssshhhh….

69. Where do you like to shop for groceries?
Tesco or JJ

70. Where do you like to shop for books?
Popular & MPH

71. Lastly, where are all these shops located?
Around Klang Valley & KL

Feel free to use or put them in your blogs. Go ahead, knock yourself out.

10:30 AM | Permalink |

Monday, May 16, 2005

Waiting to Break Away!!

Countdown 12 Days More to My Breakaway!!

Legend Cherating Here I Come...

I am physically here but my mind & soul are not. Been some time since we took some time off for a holiday. It might be a normal trip to Cherating for some people but I've never ben there so I'm really looking forward to the trip!

12:58 PM | Permalink |

Friday, May 13, 2005

Self Diagnosis Pressure Test

Attached are non-animated pictures. They are use to relate to your pressure level.

If you see them moving, then that means you have pressure. The speed of the moving is the level of your pressure.The higher that moving speed, the higher pressure you have.

Most children and old men only see static pictures and not moving. That's because they have less pressure.

If you see the pattern moving in a slow motion, that means you have a bit pressure at this moment.

Test yourself regularly with these pictures to know yourself better.

Sometimes, it is good to have a appropriate pressure to push us to do better, but too much pressure can cause us to the end of the edge and resulting sickness.

Please calm yourself if you see those patterns are moving in fast pace.

P/S: Copy the images and paste and enlarge them in Word so you can focus on each separately.

8:49 AM | Permalink |

Thursday, May 12, 2005

From The Corner Of My Eye

Have you ever felt that you saw something or someone from the corner of your eye only to turn and look straight at that moving object and find there's nothing there?

I have.

Infact I have experienced that more than 3 times. I would be watching TV or reading magazines when I will notice some movement near me which I cannot see properly unless I turn my head and look straight at it. And in all encounters, when I turned to look, there was nothing there.Hmmm...

It looks like a white moving thing, sometimes, it almost look like a figure running and disappear immediately when I turn to focus on it. It's not really scary but not ordinary either.

I wonder if my eyes were playing tricks on me. Or probably the lights or the swaying leaves out on the streets.

But seriously I am not too sure. Sometimes it makes my heart skip a beat.

Especially when at that point of time my mind suddenly remembered on incidents that happen to people who are gifted with sixth sense. They most often that not, see supernatural things through the corners of their eyes.

And the story of one of my ex-colleague who saw a figure in white dress with long hair that reached the floor in the washroom for Disabled. She saw "it" from the corner of her eye and decided not to enter. It was 6.00pm.
Or when I saw one of my junior in MRSM running around in the toilet at 1 am in the morning with the lights off only to return to the room and saw her sleeping soundly in her bed. I was going to turn on the toilet lights when I saw her making laps in there. All from the corner of my eye. A figure that looked like her.

I hope it's nothing. Probably my astigmatisme has gone worse and I need to have my eyes checked. It' s when you relate the incident to something that is supernatural that will cause goosebumps. Or maybe it's a sign to show that "they" are around. It is that similar feelings when you suddenly felt cold for no reason or when you felt someone was standing behind you when no one was actually there. An unexplainable "presence" feeling.

Whatever the logical explanation is, I'm not going to think too much of it. And you shouldn't too.

1:43 PM | Permalink |

My Test Results Are Out

I posted Patience Is The Heart Of Virtue on my visit to gynae. Been calling her nurse couple of times to know my beta-HCG blood test and pap smear results. Yesterday, I got the news I've been waiting restlessly for. Alhamdulillah, my pap smear looks normal and my beta-HCG in blood is 2 (in order to start a safe pregnancy, the count should be maintain <5).

It is amazing how a good news can turn around your day. Despite the fact that I have to be in the crisis meeting from 9.30am - 3.30 pm, suddenly the ordeal is not too taxing. I am delighted and so relieved that everything is back to normal. Feels like the grey heavy clouds are passing and the ray of hope looks more promising.

10:44 AM | Permalink |

Friday, May 06, 2005

A Letter For My Ma On Mother's Day

Ma,

Merenungi wajah tuamu yang semakin hari semakin uzur meniti usia, wajah yang penuh kasih sayang membesarkan kami 3 beradik tanpa rasa jemu dan marah walaupun tugas sebagai ibu dan ayah diletakkan di bahumu seorang. Dalam kudrat yang tidak seberapa dan kelembutan seorang wanita yang bernama ibu, dikau sebenarnya yang menjadi tunggak keluarga, tiang seri yang teguh berdiri menaungi kami yang pastinya akan rebah dan bercempera jika tiada kekuatan kasih sayangmu.
Terima kasih di atas pengorbananmu selama ini, dari saat lahirku hingga kini, tidak pernah kurasai kasih sayangmu berkurangan walau sekecil zarah sekalipun. Diri ini mampu berdikari dan bernafas dengan lega di dunia yang fana ini semuanya kerana mu. Juga abang dan adik yang kini sudah mempunya karier masing-masing. Tidak mungkin kejayaan ini hadir tanpa kecekalan hatimu memberikan pendidikan dalam jerih payah.

Ma,

Tidak mungkin ku lupa tangisan di malam hariku di sekolah berasrama menangisi nasib keluarga kita, cuba untuk memahami mengapa kasih saying dan perhatian seorang ayah begitu tandus dalam hidupku dan betapaku merindui mu dalam kejauhan, tapi aku kuatkan semangat demi untuk berjaya dan untuk berbakti padamu.
Dan tidak juga akan ku lupa, bagaimana dirimu menangis setelah aku mendirikan rumah tangga kerana ma merasakan keadaan akan berubah dan aku tidak lagi tinggal bersamamu, tapi percayalah tiada apa yang akan berubah malah kasih sayangku terhadap ma bertambah mekar setiap hari.
Walau segunung emas dan selautan permata, pastinya tidak akan dapat membalas segala jasa dan kasih-sayang ma pada kami. Aku cuma berharap untuk menjadi seorang ibu persis sepertimu kepada anak-anakku nanti. Harum sungguh kasih ma pada kami dan walaupun jarang diungkapkan dalam kata-kata, ketahuila ma betapa kasihnya kami padamu.

Ma,
Entah mengapa setiap kali menyebut namamu dan mengingati dirimu, kolam air mata ini pasti bergenang dan air mata ini terlalu mudah untuk mengalir. Cuma satu harapanku untuk mu ma, untuk melihat ma bahagia meniti hari tuamu bersama kami dan sentiasa dirahmati Allah dan dimurahkan rezeki. Ku doakan dikau sentiasa berada dalam keadaan gembira sentiasa dalam lindungan Tuhan dan dikurniakan kesihatan yang berpanjangan.

Selamat Hari Ibu Ma dan Terima Kasih di Atas Segala-galanya.

Sentiasa Mengasihimu,
Azalea

3:57 PM | Permalink |

Happy Mother's Day (2nd Sunday of May)

MOTHER - My MA

I appreciate the many prayers

you've whispered during the worst moments in my life,

and the many hopes for my success

in all that I dreamed of.

I appreciate the kind wishes

that would make me so happy and fulfilled,

and the gentle words of encouragement

that were meant to strengthen my quests.

I appreciate the moments of sorrow

you experienced during my failures,

and the little gestures of kindness

that always made me feel better.

I appreciate your acceptance,

your ability to understand,

and the sincere friendship

that always gave me such security.

I appreciate the wisdom

of all the lessons you taught,

and the meaning behind the words

"unconditional love."

I appreciate all you've done

every word and gesture.

I know you've been the best there is

a mother beyond all compare.

For all you've done...

thank you, Ma.

For all that you are...

I love you.

This Mother's Day wish also goes out to all mothers and mothers-to-be out there. Happy Mother’s Day!

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." -- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -- George Washington (1732-1799)

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." --Author Unknown

3:41 PM | Permalink |

Thursday, May 05, 2005

I Am Brooding (Dark, Dark Life)

I am absolutely brooding! Find your soul type at kelly.moranweb.com.

Is it placid darkness or just a quiet calm style that sets you apart?

Virtues: Appreciation for deep thought is important, and no, I don't mean "Deep Thoughts" by good ole Jack Handey, though that must be widely loved. Humor-- light and dark-- is a staple, and absolutely necessary is your art. Literature, music; it's all important to your self expression.

Aspirations: There's a wide range of possibilities for any thoughtful person. Especially common would be artistry; writer, painter, composer; even the comedy field could use some help. If you're interested in politics, maybe a professional cynic would suit. ;) I'm sure you'd like to express your views openly (not limited to politics, but thinking in general) as your views of the human race are vast and intricate. Socrates would be proud.

Quirks: The peppy and preppy, the superficial and the artificial.

Factors: What you need is your downtime; peace and quiet. Relaxing with a good book, listening to some music. Thinking is a big factor, be it sophistic or plainly dark.

Future: As you continue to develop your views, self expression is inevitable. An outlet career aligning with your views would be ideal, and you may even enjoy a family to settle down with. Until then, I'm sure you'll develop your studies and talents to their fullest.

9:54 AM | Permalink |

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

I am Busy , Busy, Busy

My "kerang" (shell) in action

The "kerang" (shell) from back view

The "kerang" (shell) from front view. You can put basically anything in them, from fabrics, shoes, perfumes, chocolates, Quran, Shirts

.It comes in 3 sizes. Daddy , Mummy and Li'll shell (depending on what you want to put inside them)

I am busy, busy, busy. Doing my other profession :) I have a passion for doing wedding favors and hantaran. I have been doing some for office mates and relatives. For those who are unfamiliar, wedding favors or hantaran we call back here in Malaysia are gifts that brides and grooms exchange during their weddings. They are nicely decorated since it is for the very special wedding occasion. Basically, the things that a bride or groom prepare for each other depend on each other's preferences and agreement; it could range from fabrics, shirts, perfume, toiletries, make-up sets, cakes, cookies, towel and can go as high as PDA's, mobile phone, and even car keys. It is not really a compulsory but it has become a tradition for Malay weddings.
The pics above is an example of one I did for a friend few months back. Pic is courtesy of Sis Sue

I have 3 pending orders with me now:

1. Aqus’ cuzin wedding – 10 hantaran and 100 bunga telur (egg flower?)
Deadline : 25/5/05
2. My sis’ engagement – 9 hantaran
Deadline: 5/06/05
3. An office mate’s wedding – 3 hantaran
Deadline : 5/06/05

The most challenging thing is I need to finish all the wedding favors before 28/05/05 because we are going to Cherating for a vacation from 28/05/05 until 30/5/05. By the time I come back, it will be too late to finish everything with other preparations and weddings to attend. So let’s see, I have roughly 3 weeks more..errkk hurry up ila!

Anyway, for anyone who would like to order any wedding favors, hantaran and bunga telur, I do take orders. Mostly as a part-time hobby to keep me busy after work, while watching TV. Price is very affordable rather than buying off shelf from Sayang You or SSF. I am not an expert but you can share your ideas on how you like them to be and I’ll try my best. I wish I can post all the pics here soon but I do not have any camera phone nor a digital camera. *sigh..now where’s that bonus they’re talking about??

I plan to take up fresh & artificial flower arrangements soon. Need to go for the classes. I plan to have a wedding hantaran, hampers + florist business one day. My passion for office work is diminishing. By having a part-time hobby at least I can take my mind off work. You can call it my “moments of sanctuary”.

10:24 AM | Permalink |

Ray Of Hope For Azalea