Is it a good time to buy a house? A simple look at real estate investment.

Recently my husband and I, we started discussing about moving into a bigger house.  We bought our current house about 5 years ago when we decided to settle down. Back then I remember the property price was rocketing as the economy was getting better. The houses you thought you could afford were going beyond the original market value as the economy was steadily improving until the end of 2009. In 2008, the Housing and Local Government minister Datuk Wira Chor Chee Heung said that there is a long way to reach the property bubble in Malaysia. According to him, the property prices were rising as a result of initiatives and measures taken by the federal government due to the land cost, building materials and vibrancy of the economy. Anyway, by the middle of 2009, some of the housing developers were facing difficulty selling their units as a result of a sudden gloomy economy condition which resulted in poor sales. I still remember when my husband told me that there’s this condominium selling their units for a discounted price, somewhere around the Cheras area. I was in awe. It took me a while to grasp the whole idea of finally owning our own house. My dad has always been a man who constantly reminds me how important it is to own a house than to rent one. He always says when one rent a place the money spent is actually lost without any returns compared to owning a house which appreciates with time and when sold you actually make good profit, which you can always invest in another house.  Purchasing, owning, managing, rental or sale of property for profit is what we call property investment but somehow it is not for everyone. Normally most of us would only house-hunt when we need to which could be due to a change of career location or for an upgrade. Now that we do own a house and thinking of an upgrade ourselves, looking at the prices I think I’m going to faint. I mean, for the size of our house being a condominium unit, to my surprise we can actually sell it for double the price we bought it for. Of course it makes you wonder how come? Well the whole area appreciated with time and being on top of a hill doubt as the “Little Genting”, the condominium is overlooking the beautiful view of the city of Kuala Lumpur which is amazing at night with all the lights. Plus with all the renovation done from the kitchen cabinets to the sliding door for the bathroom to separate the wet area to the dry, some of the units can be viewed as worth the money spent.  Since the property prices are incredibly high right now selling our house is definitely the right move as you have no idea how long the economy could sustain before the bubble bursts. And when it does, all the property prices would also drop which would mean selling our house would be difficult and not to mention the profit we might not make.  SO it might be the right time to sell but is it the right time to buy? It’s definitely a risky move. We are thinking maybe we could sell now but wait to buy the next property hoping by next year the price just might decrease. But can anyone be certain of this economy situation? Is it that predictable? If it was I’m sure everyone would be into property investment and make millions. 

Who makes the best pizza in Malaysia?

Pizza might have originated from Italy but today everywhere you go there's a pizza joint which everyone goes to. I mean who doesn't like pizza right? I love pizza. The first time i had it was when i was 18years old, can you believe that? It was so embarassing to admit i haven't had one when friends talk about having pizza for dinner. I grew up in very traditional indian family where my dad only acknowledges spicy curry and rice being "food" and the rest garbage. Gosh... you have got no idea how i longed to taste that cheesy piece of pie. I know what you're thinking, well dad don't let you eat why not you buy one when you're out and try em' out. Sadly, i grew up in a kampung and that means no pizza in about 30km radius. I had to travel 40 minutes to 1 hour at least to a pizza joint which is to the nearest town, and to see the look on dad's face when i ask for permission to go into town. "NO!" was the usual reply. Dad was too conservative, that he thought if he didn't put those strict rules (I'd say a leash) then as kids we would be spoit like others, wondering around lepaking and smoking while our grade fall behind. I always thought the more you try to restrain the untamed horse the more it would rebel, well i did my share of rebelling but lets save that for another day. So where was i? Yes, no pizza joint near my place. I told myself when i'm out for college, then I get to do anything i want and so tried all the things and food i never got to try being in a restricted home. And boy... the juicy, cheesy pizza, that smelled so fresh and buttery was just amazing. 

I must say the first time i had one was simply from a bakery near to college so it felt like i haven't tasted the best yet. But i challenged to try all the different pizzas and decide for myself which one was 'THE ONE'. SO who's next on the list? Pizza Hut. Yes, so i headed for Pizza Hut one fine day and tasted their famous Hawaian Supreme. To compare to the bakery slice i had, Pizza Hut had a better pizza. Maybe it could have been due to the freshness of the pizza slice compared to the one from the bakery, which might have been on the shelf awhile before i took a bite. SO how to judge? Nevermind i thought. Let me visit another pizza joint to compare properly. Where do i go? Dominos Pizza. I must say, Dominos Pizzas were more cheesy and the best was the option for the customers to custom make their pizza by choosing the type of crust they want and add any other element to make them more tasty for example adding cheese on their already cheesy pizza or increasing the topping to make em' more compact depending on your tastebuds. That for me took the whole pizza to a different level. I know, i know... sorry i'm from the kampung remember? Anyway, after years of only choosing Dominos Pizza finally my husband and i, we decided to explore another joint, Papa Johns. Ok, i must say, the first bite i took, it was deliciously satisfying. Even though we don't have the option of custom making the pizza, but then truth is they didn't need to be, as they were simply superb the way they were. Adding anything else extra would only spoil the original taste. I can still remember how they smelled... when you open the box with a huge green pickled chily sitting inside to add the smoky chily smell and of course you can eat em' too. And the only other thing they give extra is a small container of butter. I suppose for you to dip the pizza before each bite, but i choose Tabasco sauce and chily flakes anytime. YUM!! Gosh my mouth is watering already.

Don't get me wrong,  until i step my foot in Italy I know I haven't tasted the real pizza yet. Once in a while we try making our own pizzas. The art of kneading the dough with the right amount of ingredients sometimes seems like a rocket science hard to master. But my husband does it well... with all the topping we like and a whole lot of cheese...and baked using pizza stone in a oven, suppose that's the closest we could come to a wood-fired-oven you see in Italy. The taste? Simply delicious. Anyway, apart from the three pizza joint i tasted from i must say i still choose Papa Johns. But my journey is still continuing, i would like to try other pizzas like Canadian pizza which also allows customers to add extras on their pizza,  Sarpino's Pizzeria which offers a wide range of pizza to choose from, Yellow Cab Pizza which i haven't heard anyone recommend though, and finally Vivo pizza. So let the game begin. :)

Is Bioethics Necessary?

Before we begin to answer the question, ‘is it or is it not necessary, we need to ask more questions, relevant questions to unravel the basic knowledge of what exactly is bioethics? We might be familiar with the word and have heard it mentioned in the news or perhaps in some research papers. But how many of us actually “know” what bioethics is? Well, I’m asking because I’m constantly questioned by friends, family and people I meet especially when mentioning my chosen field of research for my doctoral studies. “SO what do you actually research in bioethics? “, is also another common concern.  They ask with such worry that gives you the impression that you are simply wasting your precious time as the outcome is nothing but a pile of rubbish that no one would find use for. I still remember the comment my former boss made when I raised interest to pursue this field for my PhD research.  “Nisha, ethics or bioethics no need to waste time to study, it’s simply a skill you pick up as you conduct research, why don’t you choose a ‘more important’ research like chemistry, biomedical science or others?” I was completely heartbroken to hear my boss, a senior in the workforce feels so niggling about bioethics and to make such a comment that bioethics is not important in comparison with other pure sciences was even more unacceptable.  Then why, is there bioethics?

Bioethics is more of a pursuit to reflectively examine the moral and ethical issues surrounding the research of medical and health sciences. It also helps monitor and regulate proper health care facility and overall maintain a fair public health policy. Bioethics is troubled with issues involving basic human values for example the rights to life and health and also if certain developments in healthcare institutions, life technology and medicine are done properly with the experts involved, performing their duties with moral and without any selfish goals. Lately we are overwhelmed with the amount of research conducted in the name of science and medicine like stem cell, but in the course of finding a cure or treatment for devastating diseases scientists tend to overstep the ethical boundaries of animal and human rights especially when their research and experiments utilizes animals, human embryos or humans as test subjects. Some of these researches might offer the possibility of easing the suffering of patients but without a bioethical committee or review board overlooking the rights of the experimental subjects (this includes patients, test subjects, animal or human and also donors) there is a possibility of breach to the code of ethics where the involved parties’ rights might be violated.  Therefore it is vital for such committee to analyse each and every research, if they are worth conducting without any form of controversies. And by doing so we ensure all the parties are well informed of their rights and the risks involved unless it’s an animal then you need to get the proper bodies to grant consent. There are so many ethical issues we are faced with when we start digging about immoral research such as women treated as commodities for their egg and embryo donations, using human test subjects without attaining the necessary consent, ill-informing these human test subjects of their rights and risks throughout the experiments, the violation of basic rights of the embryos which are destroyed while extracting stem cells, the animals which are used as test subjects which are destroyed in the process of securing data and many others. If there isn’t an ethicist or bioethicist then this type of discrimination would continue and the future of mankind is questionable, as one day our fundamental value would be at stake. SO is bioethics necessary? Yes!!

Bioethics has brought over substantial changes in terms of standards for conducting research, and treatment for the sick. Based on the theories and explanation, healthcare professionals now recognise that patients have the right to know what is being done to them and the choice to refuse if need be. Ultimately every scientists now understands that any participants in their research have the same rights and the review board have the authority to evaluate the proposed research on the same basis and that eventually becomes universal. 

Motherhood or ambition: the impossibility of attaining both

Motherhood is a sacred journey and it is quite common for the general public to look at mothers with this noble spark in their eyes.  As a woman, I feel it is truly a blessing and an accomplishment for one to be given the opportunity to be a mother to a child. It is also considered as near to divinity and the highest and holiest service assumed by mankind as quoted by Howard W.Hunter. But who were we before this position resumes duty? When we attend a party how are we introduced? I mean normally if you’re married you’d probably be introduced as a wife to so and so. Unless you have your own story and achievement to brag about along with future plans and goal, then all of a sudden you are interesting, you are successful and proud to hang with. I mean, it’s sad but that is how the modern culture perceives you to be acknowledged. Let say you got pregnant while in high school and decided to be stay-at-home mum while you boyfriend or husband worked, and you attended the same elaborate party with people mingling, introducing themselves to guests and making small talks when your turn comes, how would your introduction be?

“Oh, hey I’m Brenda. I’m a stay-at-home-mum and I have 2 kids at home, one’s 4years old and the other 7. And gosh this is like my first time out to a fancy dinner after a long time.” All of a sudden the light just seems to be 3 tonnes dimer to your new friend. He or she might be a high-flying executive at a local investment company and being completely unaware of how to respond to you. “Oh err..hi Brenda, I’m Cindy. I am an investment banker at Pearsons and Brothers. Have you heard of them?” Brenda looks impressed. “oh wow, yes I have.  My husband says it’s a pretty successful company with millions of investment deals that people sort you after. You must be smart to work there.” Cindy couldn’t help but smile with pride, but then slowly walks away with an excuse for a drink. 

This is normally how the general people see everyone else. Your college achievements, career and jobs become your only sense of introduction that people relate to and somehow “motherhood” which is the most daunting responsibility that is selfless and also glorious isn’t recognized. My oh my, what a world and cruel civilization we live in. I am a doctoral student at a prestigious university in Malaysia and I am researching about the moral and ethics of medical research and hoping one day would be a part of a governmental or non-governmental but definitely reputable committee that would help ensure the ethical environment of both the medical research but also in terms of the future of patients through proper regulations of public policy, I am also a wife, to this amazingly funny stand-up comedian Kavin Jayaram a.k.a Kavin Jay a.k.a Grumpy from the Really-really Late breakfast show with Papi and Grumpy on Redfm but utmost  I am a MOTHER.  Being a former lecturer with INTI International University, I took a long and hard look at this new role I will be taking in a few months’ time. I realized there’s a lot to prepare and expect. Reading “What to Expect when You’re Expecting” alone isn’t enough.  Here I am, love to teach, conduct research, write brilliant papers and above all I wanted to be the mother my child needs. I knew my husband would support me with any decision I was to make. I thought of going back to work right after my maternity leave to share the finance of the household but the thought of leaving my daughter with a babysitter or even a day-care centre frightened me to my bones.  After the news we heard with babies winding up dead due to unprofessional care by this so-called-professionals it was definitely a no-brainer to decide to turn to reliable family if not yourself for child care.  I must say, this is a delicate matter but being old , the family aren’t that helpful as they need help most of the times themselves, so go figure.  So I did the noblest thing any mother would do. I resigned from the job I loved.  But before I did, I wondered, what would happen if I one day decided to resume my career where I left off, truth is there’s simply no such thing. I can’t go back to work, not even to my old job with 3 years gap in my resume.  What would the future employer be looking for in a candidate, a smart, with good references and of course with current and up-to-date experience. My absence from workforce for 3 years would only make them wonder what I have been up to and believe me when I say motherhood isn’t a job recognized. The fact that stay-at-home mothers who work under constant stress and pressure with a fussy, tantrum throwing toddler who refuse to eat or follow your rules, but somehow you use all your knowledge from how-to books and other mothers advices for all sort of problems and issues from ill and unwell child, food to enhance growth, visits to the paediatric doctors to ensure a good developmental milestone achieved,  and not only you succeed with all these daily struggles but, still maintain a clean house with healthy home cooked food, and unfortunately those aren’t qualities to hire a candidate for a job.  What a bummer. So knowing this, and trying to make the best 3 years of my stay-at-home time with my baby, I thought why not go back to school, I mean study.  I have always been a lecturer and a doctoral study would not be seen as an absence but as a comeback to the academic world with a umph and a whole lot of knowledge and credibility as an educator with quality.  And finally here I am still in my first year of three but managed to raise this kid to my best knowledge of how and managed to witness all the wonders of child caring like first tooth, first word, first crawling, first step, and all the other beautiful moments like the tight hugs and dancing but not only that I am also in the midst of writing my second article but this time for a journal unlike the first one which was a chapter for a book.  I can’t exactly say it’s easy but gosh with a little help from my maid who’s amazingly patient I guess motherhood and ambition can be attained and yes at the same time, at least for me but it just needs some sacrifices, if not money, then time and sleep.  But thanks to my hardworking husband and helpful maid and family I am on this beautiful journey. I can’t deny the many times I fell of my cool wagon, with no or low self-esteem being completely stressed out thinking that I’ve made the biggest mistake but Kavin always makes sure exactly what to say to lift my spirit and ultimately motivate me to keep going. And the icing on the cake, our daughter always choses me between the two of us, sorry papa no hard feelings but then too bad for me, no vacation for three years. So is it worth it? HELL YEAH !!

Perfect Lillies: Sewing? Is it just another hobby?

Perfect Lillies: Sewing? Is it just another hobby?

Sewing? Is it just another hobby?

How many times we, ladies end up in the fitting room trying out a dress, that looked so flawless on a mannequin but somehow doesn't on us? I mean, the low-cut neck just too revealing on our petite build while the sleeves are just too tight due to our untoned arms with the huge ruffles that makes your upper body look completely un-appealing. You just keep looking at your self while thinking, maybe if there weren't this ugly ruffles or maybe it was sleeveless instead plus the fabric was much soft and silky maybe it would fall-off our body adding this dazzle we are so helplessly looking for. What should we do? Keep hunting for this amazing dress that might be just a myth after all, or should we approach a seamstress and request for a dress made for our build? Maybe the later seems more reasonable but have you any idea how much they cost these days? Simply unbelievable, compared to the affordable H&M dresses. So, what should we do? I used to dread  my mother's complaints how i was not interested in sewing even with a sewing machine lying in the house. My mother was a different story altogether, being a housewife she found sewing to be a great way to fill the time not to mention all the experience that made her a very capable tailor. You have got no idea how WRONG i was!! Today being  in my 30s, married and a stay-at-home mother i realize mother was RIGHT!! So, i got myself this awesome machine with almost 20 stitch patterns and decided to make use of all my old clothes that's filling up the cupboard and train myself to sew, of course i still remember some of those lesson learnt in school but to simply rely on those memories itself to sew one needs room for mistakes. So old clothes are the best indeed. How do you think my blouse look now? Hahaha... i know, if i were to give someone else this blouse they would've been happy but instead i decided to cut and make a pair of leggings for my daughter. How does it look? I can't say they're stunning but then it's useful wont you agree? Instead me buying a new one, i decided some old ones for my sewing purpose makes my daughter the right model. 

        

Anyway, so what's next? Right now i decided to alter my considerably new dress but just too big for my fit into a skirt nonetheless. I'm excited. Unfortunately didn't take the before picture but right now too early to take the after picture too. So, patience people... will show you soon.Alright then...just to share to all of you, i will write an article soon about the ABCs of sewing. Gosh, i know i am a beginner but that is exactly what i want other beginners to know. Anyone can sew (maybe not those gorgeous party dress or those complicated saree blouse) but simple shorts, blouse and dresses.

Gosh, it's hard keeping an up-to-date blog...

Hey there... gosh it's pretty hard to juggle a whole lot of stuff...and still maintain an up-to-date blog.. I mean who am i kidding, when i see how some poeple tend to keep their blog going like some-sort of a diary i must say I don't have that much drive to keep my blog updated that well. The most i could do is talk about stuff that i find important in sharing, which doesn't happen that often. I know, i know.... i've been gone a while, and i thought screw this blogging, but truth is most of our lives (these days at least) we tend to Google anything we're about to do... Example: wanna cook steak, well we Google for recipes, wanna buy something online, we Google for the best deal, wanna wish someone 'happy birthday', we Google for wishes or quotes that we can forward to people... You name it, first thing you do, You GOOGLE! Well, thats how life is... SO i am one of those person who do use the Google alot to search for anything, but then i realize i hardly or never put up anything people can use... I mean i take but i don't give back or share... How can you give back? Well easy share beauty tips, recipes, how-to-do certain things which allows people to view and learn the next time they Google something... SO here's my temporary pledge (hahahahah... please dont judge me... i dunno how long i got thing inspiration going for..before it burns out)..

So lets all make a simple pledge, from now on lets share, post up anything we learnt and perfected over the years and make someone else's life better and happy... YAY!!!!

Kashaani Rhea Kavin

If i remember clearly...24th December 2009 was our engagement so it means we've been married for 3 years and the On 24th January 2013 we got a beautiful angel Kashaani Rhea Kavin.. Isn't she the most cutest darling you've ever seen? Life hasn't been the same since then. Let me share my experience of going to labour for 1.5hours. Yup you heard me right... an hour and a half. I got the contraction pain at about 5pm on 24th January. My husband was in Singapore for a comedy show. Hey what can i say, i thought she wont be out till 30th January. Then the pain was getting more and it made me go poo poo.. i thought maybe its just something i ate. After that i saw some blood which confirmed the labour since i had Braxton Hicks once before. My in laws rushed me to the hospital immediately and when i reached there it was around 7.30pm. The doctor checked and said i was only 2cm dilated and wiggled her finger inside me to help the process. The wiggling caused my water to break. And the pain became more intense and i felt like i wanted to push already but the nurses claim i need to wait longer before i am fully dilated. I kept telling them to check again and when they did, they were surprised that i was 4cm dilated within 20mins. Then they asked the nurses to help push me to the delivery room. I asked for epidural but because i was too far dilated they couldn't offer me. I must say... my daughter couldn't wait anymore...at 9.10pm my daugther was born. 

 

And this is her being one month plus. 

My journey...

After my mother's 1month prayer was done, end of May 2012  we found out that we were expecting.  

I kept  telling my husband that my period was late and he wasn't that bothered. He kept saying maybe it's just one of those days but truth is i never have late periods. It's always on time. SO i bought a test kit and tested and there's the result. What do you think?? I was so sad at that moment.. the 1st person i wanted to share the news was gone. It seemed not fair. I wanted her to enjoy everything in this life including the honour being a grandmother but she never got the opportunity to feel how it feels like to be a grandmother and hold and play with the own grandchild. Life isn't fair. Mum, meet your granddaugther.

And this is me being 9months pregnant..people keep telling me that i got a smaller tummy for a 9month belly...well that doesn't mean it's going to be less painful.. is it?? But i must say, the whole journey it was so beautiful.. no word and ever describe the exact feeling. Love you darling...

A story you like to know...

I know my last post was dated May 2012.. but the one before that was dated December 2011..I mean wow, it does look bad with me keeping time or track of time. But truth is after 2011 ended...the start of 2012 was just normal until something really unexpected took place that it took a turn for me.. which i tried hard not to think about it completely. The start of March 2012, my mother took ill.. she was already diagnosed with kidney failure due to her long time battling with high blood pressure. But sometimes people say, when you got people standing strong with you battling the illness it seems alot easier.. as you know they will always have your back no matter what. But somehow due to some unforeseen circumstances, my mother was taken really ill that she was admitted in the hospital. I was shocked and rushed immediately to her. She wasn't looking good. I was completely crushed. I knew my mother needed me now more than ever.   Being a working person myself, i put my mother before everything.. I thought if i loose my job, so what? I can always find another one..but if i loose my mother? I couldn't complete that thought... So for what seemed forever, i traveled back and forth from KL and Ipoh and attending overnight to my mother in the hospital. My husband was very supportive and came over to help as well. One fine day.. to my surprise, i ended up in the hospital with an epileptic seizure. The first attack. I knew it was due to the stress and lack of sleep i was in taking care of my mother. That night i was admitted myself, my mother's illness took a toll for the worst. The next morning I found out from a casket guy that my mother had passed away. I  was devastated! I immediately checked out of the hospital and rushed to see her. I was so sad that they had already wrapped her up with the cloth. I couldn't even see her. Then we started to attend to the necessary. 

It wasn't the same from that day forward. My best friend was gone forever. I had no one to talk to. I mean yes i have my husband, but it wasn't the same. After all the prayers was over, the next one wasn't for a months time. I thought to take my mind off the lost, a vacation would help. So my husband and i, we decided to go to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It was already a trip bought through the Groupon when it was in promotion.

It was a nice get away.. We both enjoyed the trip..  going to the foot of the mountain and seeing it so close, and did other activities like walking through a hanging bridge which my husband was terrified off.. and so was I.  On the way back we were late as there was a landslide that cause the road to be closed for clearance and we were scared that we're gonna miss our flight as we didn't anticipate such an event. And the taxi driver suggested another road but apparently it was further and to make it in time he started driving very fast. I felt like i left my heart at the foot of the Kota Kinabalu mountain.. I started praying hard to god to bring us safe to the airport and while at it..i also asked that i wish i was pregnant. I felt like he was listening and i should take advantage of the moment. And to my amazement I found out that I was pregnant after coming back from KK. My husband and i, we were speechless. I felt it was a miraculous moment being in Kota Kinabalu and that the spiritual energy gave what i wanted and wished for the most. 

And with that i shall end today's post.. catch me on the next. 

Disappearance Act.. Now You See Me... Now You Don't

Gosh, i know what you're thinking. Where have you been? Wait...who am i kidding...who is actually taking time to read this boring blog? Sad but true.. when you have something unorthodox to say, then people get really interested to read. "Unorthodox? Like what?" Being lesbian or being married but fantasizing about other men or a threesome. Now those headlines would definitely catch viewers and readers and it'll definitely keep my blog going..Hahaha... Sorry to disappoint you, whoever you are..but unfortunately if i were to write those things..even if it's just a story i created to escape those routine everyday life..i'm dead sure people i know, or know me would completely believed it to words as though it's my own life experience that i am sharing..Come on la.. who in the right mind would share something this private on blogs? Gosh... i can't begin to imagine...

But sometimes i wonder..What if i start writing some romantic stories just to give the benefit of being able to throw ourselves in those moments that we have forgotten due to hectic life. I remember when i was 17, just after my SPM examination with so much time in my hands, my aunt gave me a paper bag full of romantic novels to read. That's when i knew, the power of words and writing. The emotion you could feel by just assuming you're the character the novel is about. But gosh i must admit, i was completely naive back then..when i read those slutty scenarios and some dirty moments, it was literally obscene to me almost like watching porn.

           
I threw the book away..only to go look for it after a few days. Hahahaha...Sorry to say..some books that i threw, i never picked them up again..way to slutty for my liking..but some books have just a little touch of that magic to keep you wanting more. Hey don't judge me.

So should i or should i not start writing a small romantic story??? 

Have you ever felt like you might have married the wrong man?

I know what you might be thinking right now... Oh my god, Nisha.. what happened? Nothing! The thing is sometimes when you're arguing with your husband and in so much anger, you probably have this question come flying. I guess every marriage has to go through this period. I'm glad somehow i did have this episode, which is embarrassing to admit though. I felt like i cheated on my husband. But then after we made up, the anger subsided then all the thought just seemed ridiculous. That's when i knew. This is it. No matter how angry you can get with your better half and you probably feel like you want to kill him at that moment*not literally though* somehow when he says the perfect thing, you just realize why you chose him in the first place.
      
Having to talk about this, i started looking back in time. Where i was 8 years ago. I was 22 years old, studying in University, met an adorable man who happens to be my savior. Not only did he safe me physically but also mentally and emotionally. I am and will be forever in debt for that. But today i am married to another man who happens to understand my independence and freedom and loves me for who i am. I still remember the dating period. It was sweet. Being a gentleman, he puts me first, calls me to say hi, pulls out the chair for me, lets me walk inside next to him while he walks at the edge of traffic, allows me to have my favorites, and on and on... Yes.. today we're married. These things on the list has reduced... he forgets to do some of those stuff... but i guess it doesn't matter. Like that skeleton... you can die waiting for the perfect man whom we believe does not exist. And even if he does exist and he looks like Homer... THANKS!! But NO THANKS!!! i rather not... I decided to accept the fact that my husband isn't perfect *he doesn't think so* He's just normal just the way he is. .. but he's real and there for me.


So i guess what i'm trying to say is that cut the men some slack. Clear our heart. Let it go. Life's a journey. It's not a fairy tale..We shouldn't waste our time thinking of what if... since we got something sweet and nice working here, all it takes is a little more effort from both parties. You just need to make some adjustments. I know what you're thinking. Adjustments? Why? But i hate to tell you this, no partnership will ever work without some sort of understanding and adjustments. Only then it would work smoothly. Otherwise you'd end up fighting and arguing..why? because adjustment is compromising..


And when you do take that effort..and compromise.. everything else will fall into place. You would probably feel like it's all meant to be and that you're perfect for each other...and at that time, yes you both are perfect man and woman...but for each other. You might not argue anymore.. cause you understand each other so well. I know i have a lot to work for.. to reach that level, but at least i acknowledge that i am not perfect either.. and before we start pointing fingers for blame.. we should look at ourselves too.. So i guess this is sort of like my 2012 New Year's Resolution... to make effort and compromise....and also to reduce this stubborn inches off my waist...

Why is it so hard to make friends after 30??

Hey..first of all i know it's been so very long since i last posted something here. I really don't know how people do this on regular basis... gosh sometimes when your day is so hectic, you look forward to coming home from work to some rest and peace of mind.. and when i get home.. i just get really lazy especially blogging... hehehehe... excuses...excuses... yeah..yeah...yeah... what's new? Hehehehe sorry.. can't help it.
    
Anyway..lets come to my question in hand. "Why is it so hard to make friends after 30"?? Why? Really? I mean i know when you're in school (either primary or secondary including tuition centers) you get to meet a lot of friends in those venues. It's easy. You guys have so much in common.. you play together.. you joke around.. it's as easy as ABC.. And when you go to college or university, some of your good school friends either decided to follow (as you have probably discussed earlier) you or decided to stay in touch whenever you come home for a visit. Then you complete your studies...and head to the working life.. You realize some of your genuine friends are still around, through the hard and the good times.. But of course sometimes they fail and fall-out-of-friendship... So...now that you're working... you meet some friends in your work place. You take that coffee break, talk about work...and of course gossip... hehehe and movies, life...husbands, wives.. and so much more.. You go out for lunch and share the rest of the stuff too..
                    
Annual dinners, team building events.. and you're simply inseparable... you adore your friends because you realize he/she knows you as well as yourself. Your husbands or wives might not even know you that well. Why? Because these friends are not judgmental and they're sincere. No matter what you guys discuss it's between the 2 of you and it stays between the 2 of you. Now that's a true friendship.
Ask yourselves.. How many  of us are blessed with such friends? Or how many friends do you have? Imagine  you got many friends but they're not genuine or sincere but if you have 1 genuine friend that makes up for everything. It's that simple. But sometimes when you're married... especially if you're a woman, you realize most of your female friends are either married and went their separate ways with their husbands or they moved to different states to work..but mostly married and moved away. Truth be told. So you end up alone. I don't know how these men manage to stay friends with their primary school friends..still... even when they are working... I should salute them... they're good... but i guess there are other issues..lets not talk about it..
Anyway... since my husband is in the entertainment industry...sometimes i get some alone time.. well.. alittle too much for my liking... he goes off to S'pore and other places for comedy shows and work too... I get bored at  home. I do have one really good friend but how often can you keep calling the same friend out on a week... especially when sometimes she's busy with work... so times like this, i wish i had other good friends i can call to come over for a slumber party (stay over) or go out for a drink... or dinner... just hang out... talk girlie things... When i thought well i can just make new friends... i realized it's not easy. Where do i meet them? When you're Christian or Catholic you can meet friends in the common Church they go to. So where should i go? Dance class? Cooking class?? Hmm.... sounds nice but really?

So how do someone make friends after 30? Anyone?

The Journey..

I know what you're thinking... "really? Isn't it too early to have this talk?".... yea... this time i gotta agree with you. It is kinda early to talk about this, but somehow when you're at that turn-point you can't help but to ask where is this life is leading to.. Hmmm i wonder, what if i took all the opposite directions, what if i chose the other option than the ones i have chosen all my life...where would it have landed me.... somehow i feel like there wasn't much that would've been different looking at how my life turned out....i guess... or would it? Don't you have that feeling? Like instead taking the bus, you decided to drive or ... instead of having dinner alone, you decided to call a friend.. or instead of doing engineering, you did performing arts to begin with... would you have been the same? I suppose i'm questioning all the choices i have ever made? Was it meant to be? Being Hindu, it doesn't help as i'm suppose to say that they're meant to be as Hinduism believes in karma and consequences... so it's only rationale to say that life made me choose these choices and today have landed me where i am.. bummer...



Even though my choices landed me here... what would i call my life?? Perfect? Awesome? Sucks? It does makes you wonder..... should i remain sane, optimistic or should i be a little crazy and insane on my choices?  Right now i'm at a cross-road...and i'm thinking hard, should i do this or not? Would it lead to where i am hoping it would or would it be awful and it's too late to change anything because i'm way deep and it's not the direction i want to be in... I need some advice... i'm thinking if i should my do my phd... truth is it isn't all the confusion, just that the choice of field seems a little "new" to me... a little out of my comfort-zone too.... so should i do it? will i regret it later? would i need to consider a new career then? Would that mean i would have to struggle a little to get there like leave the current job? I know any phd study wouldn't be as easy as saying it... 4 years of hard-work.. i guess it isn't easy when you're on your own... nothing is...

I wish i have people to help me... to share the thoughts... get ideas... I wish...


This is so true.... don't you agree? I must say i only got like 2 really good friends whom i can truly rely on time of need. That doesn't mean that i'm not friendly just that i realized the worth of some and decided it's not for me. I'm not selfish either... just that when you got friends that constantly expect things from you but do not engage in any other selfless activity then you know your true friends.. That's how i learnt. The hard way.

The Comedy Event of Asia : KINGS & QUEEN OF ASIA

Hey people..just thought of sharing this news with you guys. Kavin might not be performing but hey i'm a comedy supporter and thought of doing a little marketing for the show (why not right..hopefully someone would do for Kavin too), well i consider it as a part of my responsibility..who knows one day it would be for my huband Kavin directly. 

So this is the flyer they have been handing over...if you didn't get it, well here you go. Have a look. This is like a meeting ground for all comedians from all parts of Asia... Hmm maybe i should just correct myself... Since there's Korea within the Asean region..i must say maybe Koreans, they don't have any sense of humor.. cause apparently they're not involved in this comedy event. So we got Paul Ogata a Japanese but born and raised in USA,  Sugar Sammy an Indian but born and raised in Canada, King Vivek an Indian but born and raised in Hong Kong...hey i dunno bout you guys but isn't there a pattern here??? Seems like comedians are made once a family decided to migrate to a different country and the process screws up their children..and wallah you got some great comedians..but i guess we can't say the same for our own  Harith Iskander and Joanne Kam, the only queen of the show..but i some people constantly get her confused with some drag queen... hey i do not know this for sure..just heard someone mention this.. so be the judge of it yourself...and keep yourself free on 18th & 19th November (KLCC)..come over and i'd guarantee it you'd enjoy it to the max... I have seen all of them perform and i must say they're really good... don't miss the chance....

The Comedy Event of Asia : KINGS & QUEEN OF ASIA

Hey people..just thought of sharing this news with you guys. Kavin might not be preforming but hey i'm a comedy supporter and doing a little marketing for the show, well i consider it as a past of my responsibility..who knows one day it would be for my huband Kavin directly. 

So this is the flyer they have been handing over...if you didn't get it, well here you go. Have a look. This is like a meeting ground for all comedians from all parts of Asia... Hmm maybe i should just correct myself... Since there's Korea within the Asean region..i must add guess they don't have any sense of humor..Hehehehehehe cause apparently they're not involved. So we got Paul Ogata a Japanese but born and raised in USA,  

Finally the decision made.

Gosh... it has been way long since the last time i posted something. Guess it's not as easy as i thought it would be. Trying to multi-task (as my previous post) does seem like a difficult task to do right about now. I'm no goddess with many hands...still, even with a couple of extra hands i don't think it'll be sufficient enough to accommodate what needs to be done. I hope time slows down a little so that we can all make it for our datelines..My husband (thank you baby) is the only one who seems to be following as he was the one who reminded that it has been a while since i have posted anything... hmmm... true..anyway now that i'm back (at least for now) i guess i should tell you what happened so far. The last time i posted, it was about a dilemma, if my husband should leave his job and accept the Astro co-presenter opportunity or should he stay with his engineering job? Finally... you wanna know what happened at the end????

He decided to answer the true calling of his career and accept the Astro position. Congratulations baby.. I'm happy for you. I hope more recognition will come your way with this opportunity. So make the best out of it.. I'm your No1 fan... always 

As much as it was a relieve for both Kavin and i, but once he tendered his resignation, his precious engineering company started to counter offer and yup it was a damn good deal..so bee, you better make it in Astro..hehehehe..not that i'm worried or anything. I'm glad he got a chance to prove to himself and the world that he really got what it takes. I love you so much bee... so you go tiger...Anyway since he already signed the Astro contract, the shooting for the FOOTBALL OVERLOAD has already started.And i thought of sharing something from the show. 

Nope it wasn't just this picture but actually a video of some of the orientation that he had to endure just to prove he's worthy. And boy it was painful to watch, even if it was little funny... bee only a little...i mean it...but hey it's week 2 and it's still on with Kavin in the show, so guess he did a job well done. Congratulations bee..a little too late maybe..but just thought you should know. Anyway..my internet connection sucks big time and its so bloody hard to upload this video. 

Hey.. it worked..!! Finally!! YAY!! But this isn't the loyalty test..it's week 2 show.. so what..you can check it out and leave a comment. I must say i'm proud of my honey pie...way-to-go baby.. 

HELP!!! Decide for me.....

Ok...Have you ever been in a crossroad? Forced to make a decision that might change your life? How do you know the choice you made IS the right one? What if you made a mistake? Can you still go back and un-do it? I guess if you're SUPERMAN, maybe you can change it.. turn-back time and all.... or if you got some-sort of time machine..GREAT!! but since i'm just an ordinary girl next door... I know i couldn't NEVER un-do it...no matter how hard i try. I'm simply impossible.. SO... how to decide???

Adrian Jalaludin & Kavin Jay 

Anyone with any suggestions? Well...basically the situation is THIS: 

1. i'm working... i got commitments (car loan, personal loan, study loan, phone bill) to settle
2. i'm earning average..that if i don't plan my expenses, i end up 'tight' for the month
3. my husband wants to quit his 'day-job' to focus on his "comedy future" (inconsistent pay)
4. He's considering quitting as he's been offered a position as a 'presenter' in some FOOTBALL programme in ASTRO (it only pays half as his current day job)
5. He assures me that his other "freelance" emcee job or standup comedy shows would make up for the lost amount ( i would like to agree)
6. He got commitments too (car loan, house loan, phone&internet bill, maintenance bill)
7. Both of us travel an hour to get to our jobs (traveling expenses)
8. He believes that with his ASTRO opportunity, there would be more "recognition" meaning becoming famous meaning more opportunities (maybe)
9. In the meantime, based on previous experience (once before in 2010 when he got retrenched) he also tried  the full-time comedy thing which was more difficult than said (Feb-July no shows-apparently it's low tide) 

Ok...now tell me .... what would be the best advice to give? I mean i understand about ambition more than anyone else as i have ambitions too. I definitely don't want to stand in the way of my husband's recognition and fame. But judging from the previous experience it back-fired!! That there were months he got no shows at all... then we depended on my salary...(which isn't as much to cover the entire family). Right now, things seems to look better... but i can't pretend what happened, didn't happen.. Or the fact that i'm traumatized... I don't want to ever go back to that feeling of insecurity... Its horrible!!! The un-known...

SO HELP ME DECIDE FOR ME..!!! Should my husband Quit his job or stay???? 

Multi-tasking...

Gosh... i wish i was a 'goddess'... wondering what i mean..? well the other day i saw this picture, it was for my Bioethics Class that i teach in INTI.. it was hilarious..But now i wish i was one.. more hands means more tasks to complete... sigh

Sometimes life is too mediocre..that you wish for many unimaginable things..some way too weird to even  think about it... Anyway.. where am i going with this, well since i like to write, i started this blog, i thought since i like to write this would be the best platform to sort of try how it goes.. It's not enough that you like to write...you need to be able to write too... What you think don't matter at all... visitors should read and like how and what i write..now that's meaningful...if you simply claim to have the passion to write...but people can't make out half-of the things you write... then i guess i should quit...right? So tell me people... do i have what it takes? Any flair at all?? Or do i suck, big time??? Let me know... i truly appreciate it. Keeping a blog isn't as easy as it seems.. time is always against me. Any ideas how to manage time? Don't give me the time-table bullshit... i got 2 word for you...DOESN'T WORK!!! how disciplined are YOU?? I know i'm a lecturer but sorry students.. even i hate it to follow this ridiculous time-table... Anyway.. i guess as long as you're an employee, you can argue as much as you want but at the end of the day, you're still following it.. 

Food...it's all about mouth watering food.......

Hey there.. here i am once again...Well as the topic suggests this one gonna be about food. I don't know about you but i have grown to love food and appreciate cuisine that i never tried before. I must say I used to have some curves on me...damn they're gone now.. :p hahahhahaa.... well truth is when i met my husband i was slimmer and  he spoiled me.. he started introducing me to pretty good food... i think i never knew food can be soooo.. gooood... aaahhhh really i mean it. First we used to go to the common fast food joints like KFC, McD and Dominos..but come to think of it..we ordered alot of those only when we're having those lazy days at home..those lazying-in Saturdays or Sundays... but when we actually do make plans.. being a person who loves to try out new things, both my husband and i, we tend to go far out... i Google for interesting places where people compliment and suggests us to go like those food blogs and we just make it over there and try out the food. 


One of the many places we're been, is NEROFICO in Damansara Heights. I must say i do like the concept. It's cozy and still elegant for a nice romantic dinner for 2...   The first time i went there was to watch my husband perform. Hahahaha... they have this JAZZ and Comedy concept for the entertainment. Kavin Jay was invited to perform and it was a blast. He did so well that they decided to appoint him as their "own" resident comedian.. Two thumbs up baby...you rock!!!


Since this place is so famous, you can see alot of expats. They love the food and definitely the atmosphere. Their menu is pretty much Italian... if you like the pastas.. the Italian salad..the pizzas... YUMM!!! simply mouth watering.. Oh..don't forget to make reservations before you go... then you'll know you will have a table... sometimes walk-ins might not get a place and must sit at the bar.. Check out their website for all the information and the directions of how to get there..there's even a map..The price, well i would say it's pretty affordable..for a nice romantic dinner at least... I'm sure you men wouldn't mind spending abit for your pretty little girl-friend... 

The Atmosphere in Nerofico 

Besides Nerofico... the other place is THE SHIP in Bukit Bintang. I think this one might be quite common among Malaysians.. The food is great.. Apparently they have the best steak in town..so they claim..not that i would know...:p hahahaha... Otherwise the other western cuisines are simple great.. The sizzling lamb chop... pretty good i must say..the only problem for me, was the portion was way big for me...  i had to donate some to my trusty husband..hahahhaha... 

THE SHIP

LAMB CHOP

The only limitation would be the hassle trying to drive there...remember it's Bukit Bintang so there's a crowd of people...walking all over the place..and too many cars too... try to get parking at places like Pavillion or Lot10 and walk..that's alot better than driving in the madness jam. But remember if you do park in Pavillion, there's a small problem too... let me share my experience.... Kavin and i went there for dinner, had dinner and decided to call it a day around 9.30pm.. when we reached Pavillion, we realized it's closing time.. so all the shoppers were also leaving at the same time.. once we reached the parking valet machine, WOW....the queue was horrible... it was like a long snake-queue... with almost 20 people queuing there..in each level... it look so long for us finally to pay up and...it didn't end there... everyone was leaving at the same time that the parking lot was jammed HAHAHAHAHA!!! terrible... so my suggestion is...leave later... :p


Well..besides going out for nice dinners, some times Kavin being the "husband of the year" tends to lavishly spoil me with extravagant meal that he cooks himself... yup you heard right... He cooks!! And boy they are good...yum yum....!!!  This is his attempt at making roasted duck. Just look at it...simple mouth watering....hahahaha... well that's it for now...till then bye... and wipe that saliva...you're drooling... hahahaha

ROASTED DUCK