It happens, but all ends well..........

It's one of those things that has to happen to U no matter what you do........

Huh? What am I talking about? Heheh......my working trip to Bali, that is.

Yup! I was away outstation for work last weekend, from Sunday nite till Tuesday. Overseas....Bali, Indonesia, to be exact! I went there on the invitation of the Menteri Besar of Terengganu. He wanted us to have a better picture of the architecture and landscape which has impressed him so much, so as to unable us to incorporate those ideas into the Kuala Terengganu Airport which is currently under construction. At the same time, for us to get some inspiration from the beautiful architecture and landscape that is Bali .

I didn't dare talk about it earlier to anyone since I wasn't sure whether I would actually be able to go with so many paperworks that needed to be done before we could actually fly off. Everything was finally settled and ready to go only on Friday evening, 8th of September.

I was excited about the whole trip since this is only my 3rd trip overseas on government service since working for the past 21 years! But, my excitement was shortlived, at least at the initial stage of the trip, when my bag did not arrive with me. In fact, about a dozen other passengers too did not get to claim their bagage because of failure by the bagage handling people in Malaysia, to load up the bagage when, we were told, the bagage carousel suddenly jammed up. Terrible, huh? How could they make such a mistake! And, to make matters worse, there were no more flights via MAS to Bali on that day. The next one is at 9.40 am the next day, arriving only at 1.00 pm. Uurrgghhh!

Gosh! What am I suppose to wear for work tommorrow? What am I gonna wear to sleep tonite? What about my toiletries? And make-up, and undergarments? My contact lenses could last only a few more hours. I need my contact lens solution. My glasses are in the bag! Gosh! I cudn't think! My mood dwindled immediately after that. Even when the local travel agent put a garland of flowers over my head, I couldn't get excited. Even though I was hungry, the food did not look d least bit appetizing. The hotel was a lovely place, my room was nice, but, my mood was already in the pits. I just lost all interest.

All I could think thoughout dinner is where to get my emergency supplies of things I mentioned earlier. Would I be able to look for a decent, comfortable blouse for work tommorrow? Will the shops still be open, in time for me to get those things? Where do I go? I AM in a foreign land I have never been before!

God tests you in many ways, but if you are patient and show faith in Him, He will show you the way. During dinner (we had to have dinner 1st because dinner was already served when we arrived at the hotel, and I was travelling in a group, so I had to follow the majority), I silently prayed, hoping that everything will turn out OK.

After dinner, together with a colleague, we dashed to the nearest supermarket. With less than 30 minutes before the shop closes, I am surprised, but thankful that I actually managed to find just the right blouse suitable for work that fitted like it was made for me! LOL! Not only that, I also managed to grab a new comb and some basic make-up!

For sleeping, a colleague lend me her kaftan. I was also given a new collared T-shirt by a Yang Berhormat who accompanied us on our trip, upon knowing of my predicament. See, all you need to do was be patient and have faith, and things will turn out okay. *smile*

I had a great time the next day going around the airport and a few resorts in Bali, taking in all the beautiful architectural details and landscape, till my camera run out of batteries, in my new blouse *wink*, but my pants were d same ones I wore yesterday....but, hey, U can't hv everything, can you? LOL! *wink*

Bali is a beautiful place to visit if you are into buildings and landscapes. They sure have such lovely buildings, and most were detailed in carvings. Even McDonalds had carvings! Even with so much carvings, they were all tastefully done! At nite, the scenes were even more beautiful when the lights on the buildings were lit up, creating mysterious feelings.

All in all, despite the initial set back, the visit was an eye opener and very inspirational. I thank Menteri Besar Terengganu for the kind invitation. I hope I will have more visits of this nature. *wink*

I've got it framed......

I was in Penang on 20th August, 2006 for work. I managed to squeeze in some time on my last day of work to drop by Tammy's to pick up my framed piece which I had earlier sent by PosLaju. It is my Trellis piece, by The Workbasket which I had completed some time back.

This is the 1st time that I sent a piece to Tammy by mail for framing without choosing the colour mounts and the framing. I left everything to Tammy and her husband to decide. The only criteria I requested is that the mounts be in either green or purple/purplish pink to match the colours of the stitched piece. The rest, I had to leave to Tammy and her hubby to choose for me, hoping that I will like the end results.

I am quite particular, or, you can call me fussy! LOL! about the way how my pieces should be framed. Usually, whenever I go to Penang for work, Zarina would pick me up after I am done with work for the day, and we would go to Tammy's for me to choose my mounts and framing. Later, when the framing is all done, Zarina or Niza would be so kind to bring them down for me whenever they are down in Kuala Lumpur to visit relatives. Thanks, Niza and Zarina!

This time, since I was going to be in Penang for work, and I was driving up, rather, my hubby was going to drive, I decided to try to send my stitching ahead of my trip so that I can bring it back with me to KL.

Heh! I must say that I was kinda `nervous' and `anxious' to see how my piece was going look all framed up, LOL! since I had no inkling at all as to the exact colours of the mounts and the design of the frame. I had to trust Tammy's taste! LOL!

So, what do U all think (see right photo above) ? Not too bad, huh? *wink*

BTW, while I was there (at Tammy's) I also managed to pick up another chart! *grin* - a hardanger chart by Cross N Patch called Christmas Star. I just could resist it since I saw a completed piece done by Tammy and it is really gorgeous!

I started on it a bit, just couldn't wait! LOL! when I came back from Penang, but has since put it on hold while I try to finish off my JE SAL. I can't wait to come back to it so that I can have this lovely piece all framed up on my wall! *wink*

How time flies..............

I started out on the JE SAL with Barbara on 1st July 2006, although I only actually managed to put in the 1st stitch on July 2nd, due to some unforeseen circumstances.

Earlier, Barbara and I agreed on a 2 month period to complete the piece, but since I was sitting for the promotions exams, the infamous PTK, in August, Barbara was considerate enough to put on hold the SAL for two weeks.

Not discounting the two weeks of no stitching period, it has been more than 2 months since we started on the SAL. I am usually a fast stitcher, but, lately I am way over my head with work, that by the time I get back home, I am mentally exhausted. To add to that, without a maid, I had to do the household chores first before I could sit down and relax to stitch. Usually, by the time I am done, I would be too physically exhausted, added on to being already mentally exhausted! LOL! Not a good combination to sit down for a stitching session! I would end up going to bed early! LOL!

I really must apologize to Barbara that I cannot proceed with this piece as fast I usually could. It is one of those period of time when things just simply gets too hectic. I am hoping things will slow down a bit in about a month, but I doubt it very much because a number of projects that I am currently managing have to be tendered out before the end of the month, or latest, before the 1st week of November. That is work, and U have to work to live.

However, I am still hoping to get this piece (JE SAL) done before the end of September. I am hoping taht I will be able to catch up on my stitching during the weekends, but, so far, it has been 2 weekends that I have had to work over the weekends since I started on this project.

I will be working again come this weekend. Another weekend stitching time off my plans......but, I am kind of looking forward to work this weekend because........... heheh.....I am not telling! *wink* I will only tell about my work after this weekend, because, if everything goes well, it is going to be work of a different kind......at least for me.......*grin*

For now, here is my progress photo.....

The backstitching for the center pot, bottom shelf, is fully completed. I targeted to finish the backstitching for the 2nd shelf this weekend, but, looks like it's not gonna happen.......

Did you ever dream that someday...............

Malaysia's No. 1 singer, Siti Nurhaliza, got married on 21st August 2006. A grand reception was held on 28th August 2006. Never mind that she married a divorcee with 4 children ranging in age from 18 to 8 years old, and that he is 19 years her senior in age. That is not the reason whyI am putting up this posting. Rather, when I look at photos of the `akad nikah' (solemnisation of marriage) and the grand wedding reception with guest ranging from royalties to cabinet ministers, I cannot help but think...think about how some people have just got it made.

Siti Nurhaliza started out into the music industry at a ripe age of only 16, eleven years ago. When she started out, did she know that one day she is going to be so successful, that she will be Malaysia's No. 1 singer? She only won 2nd place in a local singing competition, yet, she was the one that got things going her way. I cannot even recall who won 1st prize! Maybe because she came with a package? Good voice with good looks to boot?

I am sure everyone started out into whatever business they venture into with hopes that they will become successful. You want to be the most successful enterpreneur. You want to be the richest man. You want to be the most intelligent. You want to be the most famous. Noone goes into something without wanting to succeed, but, how successful you actually become, depends on how hard you work for it.

Some say that sometimes luck also plays a part in your success. True, to a certain extent. A saying says, "Being at the right place, at the right time, and meeting the right people," is having luck on your side. But, you cannot depend solely on luck to make you succeed in something you venture if you don't work hard for it. You have to work hard for what you want. Nothing comes easy.

Did I know, as a child, that someday I would be able to fulfill my dream of becoming an Architect? I started drawing out floor plans even at the tender age of only 6 years old. They were not perfect floor plans, but they were recognizable. You could make out the living room, dining room, the kitchen and the bedrooms. I even drew out the doors. At that time, I did not know what an Architect is. I only knew that when I grow up, I want to design my own house.

When kids at that age change what they want to become when they grow up as they grew up, mine never changed. It was always to design my own house. Later, I found out that what I wanted to do - to design houses - is actually to become an Architect.

My dad's ambition was to become an Architect, but alas, his talent in the field of art wasn't enough to get him entered into university to pursue architecture. He became a lawyer instead, and a good one at that, but, deep inside, he never fail to hope to one day become an architect. When he realised a daughter of his had talents to draw better than he did *wink*, and was very much interested to become an Architect, he got excited. But, my parents never forced any of us, my siblings and I, into anything we did not want to. They let us decide what is best for us.

When finally I graduated with a Degree in Architecture some 21 years ago, my dad was the happiest dad around. *grin* Well, ok, all parents are happy of their children's success, but, my dad was especially excited that I fulfilled a dream of his to become an Architect. Although he, himself did not become an Architect, but to have a daughter of his carry on his dream is a dream come true enough for him.

I wish that I would someday become a famous Architect in Malaysia for the beautiful and unique buildings that I designed, but, after 21 years already in the field, I am not sure that I can still someday become that famous Architect who designs the most beautiful buildings in the country.

I have designed many buildings in my 21 years of service, big or small, but, being in the government, you don't get credited directly for your work. At the end of the day, if a building is recognized as being beautiful or unique, it will be known as the building designed by the government.

However, I still hope that by the time I leave the service in the government, I will have at least one big building to my name, so that one day, my son can say, "My mum designed this building". *smile*

Getting there.........

I did not get to stitch much on the JE SAL this week. Whatever time I had, I spent part of it frogging coz I kinda got the colours mixed up - the shades of blue and yellow, since they are so close to each other. It is one of those weeks where you simply just can't progress much on anything. *sigh*

Here is a progress photo anyway. I did not post a photo last week since I was away for work for most part of last week, and when I came back, I was down with the flu. I still have not fully recovered, but I am definitely feeling much better! *smile*

I managed to put in about 2 - 3 hours of stitching time today, so that quite kind of made up for the lost stitching time during the last two days. *grin*

I hope to put in more progress by the week's end. I have to catch up, considering Barbara is way ahead of me on this one. I guess it's hard to `compete' when your work tends to take you away from town most part of the month, not that I am complaining. LOL! *wink* I love my work, but, sometimes, it just stresses me out when I have too many things to do, but so little time to do them all!

Am I giving up on this SAL? Me? Give up? Certainly not! *grin* Although Barbara said that she is already starting to see the beginning of the end, slow as I may be, I'll get there! LOL! I might not get to the finishing line 1st, but I am definitely finishing it, one way or another! *wink* You can count me on that one! I am certainly not going to let this piece become a UFO! LOL!

What a week!

I am zonked out tired this week and it is only Wednesday!

I haven't had time to recuperate properly from my flu last week. It had been a hectic week last week. In fact, it has been a hectic month this month of August. I felt like I did not have time to catch my breadth properly after completing one task, before the next task at hand has to be handled or taken care of, so that they can be settled before new tasks arrive.

I was working in Penang last week starting from Sunday, 20th August, and didn't get back to KL until Wednesday, 23rd August. Without taking a break from my travels, I was back at the office on Thursday, 24th, to catch up on paperwork left untouched during my 3 day absence. I think my body retaliated. I am not as young nor as strong as I thought I am, although my spirits are high. Came Thursday evening, after work, my whole body suddenly started to ache all over. I could not even pour a glass of water without aching some parts of my body. By 10 pm that nite, I started to run a temperature, my throat hurts that even swallowing my saliva was too painful, my nose started to run, and my body ached so much that even stirring in my sleep hurts.

My body just told me to take the much needed break! I slept all day Friday. Woke up only for a quick shower and a quick breakfast which I could hardly swallow. Took a slow drive to the clinic, fell asleep at the clinic while waiting for my turn to be called in. Went home, slept again. Woke up when my hubby came home with lunch. Hardly eat it, and was back in bed till past 7.00 pm!

I could not remember a time in the last 10 years that I had it this bad where I practically slept all day, oblivious to the happenings around me. All this while, as I slept to regain strength, my son played all day in the room, only once waking me up to ask permission to watch the TV. Usually, when I am at home with my son, he would be calling out to me for attention every 10 - 20 minutes, wanting to show me this and that. I think kids understand when a situation calls for them to be behave, not that my son hasn't been a good boy before this. I thank God for his good behaviour.

I thought I had fully recuperated after a rested weekend from my sleeping `overdose' on Friday, but I soon realised that I haven't fully recovered when I had to attend meetings back to back all day since Monday, and today, my body is starting to ache again. My throat hurts, and my eyes are watery. I need a break! I hope I can recover fully with a break coming up tommorrow, it being a holiday in celebration of our National Day. I need to. I have a very important meeting coming up on Friday.

My leave for Friday got cancelled for this meeting. My plans for a 4 day weekend just got thrown out the window for this meeting, so, I'd better be well for the meeting. I need to get better. I hate feeling sick. Not much gets done when you are not in the best of health.

I am not making any plans for tomorrow. Except for the usual household chores that needs to be done, I intend to take it easy. Hopefully spend some time stitching, clean up the house a bit..at my own pace. The house sure needs cleaning up! I think I have neglected it for far too long! LOL!

To all Malaysians, SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI MERDEKA!

Art Work Progress

The mummy reports on her stitching, and the son reports on his artwork..... what would the daddy be reporting on? The weight he has lost in the last 6 months? *wink* I'd get envious that I he has managed to lose weight since joining the gym way back in 2004 or something like that, but I have lost none, not even 500 gms, LOL! even though I am always totally zonked out by the time I get home from work and run around getting the household chores done! *grin* But, of course, my hubby helps me out too with some of the chores. I wouldn't have been able to do everything myself. Thanks, hubby! Muahhhh!

But, the point here is that household chores DO NOT make you lose weight! LOL!

Anyway, back to why I am posting this post in the 1st place is to report on the progress of my son's art class. Typical of me to digress too far off topic! LOL!

It has been almost more than a month since I last reported on my son's art work progress. I wasn't too happy with some of his work and complained to the taecher since I did not see any progress in the last three classes that he attended.

I was assured that I will see some progress in d next few classes. Her explanation? They had just taught him water colour painting and that takes time - you know the colour mixing and all. I suppose I hv to agree with the teacher since I did notice that his crayon pieces are nice, but his pieces in water colour needs a lot of work on it. Oh well.....patience..patience.... patience.....*grin*

Anyway here's some progress for the record.

Slow, but, making progress....

After almost two weeks of no stitching, I finally picked up my stitching again on Monday nite. Felt the needle funny between my fingers! LOL!

Anyway, I managed a little bit of stitching on my Joan Elliot's Stitch-A-Long (JE SAL) piece on Tuesday nite and last nite spent close to two hours working on it. I am feeling a little bit frustrated that my progress is a little slow. Guess I need to get back into the swing! *grin*

I also did some stitching on my frog project. I want to finish this off so that I can mail it out to Tammy's in Penang to have it framed. I haven't actually decided how am I going to transport back the framed piece to Kuala Lumpur, since most of the time I fly to Penang for work. I dn't know about restrictions in bringing a framed piece of art work on board the plane, especially with the latest developments with regards to the bomb threats on board flights into the United States from the UK.

I am thinking of trying to get some mail delivery service like DHL or something do the packing for me and transporting it back to KL. That way, I am assured of my framed pieces arriving intact, and I can safely send all my exclusive stitched pieces for framing, without having to bother either Niza or Zarina too much to bring them back for me each time they come to KL.

Exams and a bookmark

I took a 2 weeks break from my stitching to prepare for my exams. How did I fare? Hmmm.....I hope I did ok. No, make that, I hope I did great! *wink*

Well, I am just glad that the exams are over. It had been a really long two weeks, especially the few days before the first part of the exams. My son got sick 4 days prior to the exams, running a fever up to 40 degrees, compounded with a bad cough that affected his sleeping. All this despite taking medicines prescribed my the GP.

It was only after the 3rd visit and a change of medicine did the fever and cough subsided, but it was not after I had to go through a night of anxiousness when at 2.00 am he ran a temperature of 39 degrees. I had to bath and sponge him for close to an hour before the temperature finally went down, and my exams were to be at 8.00 am!

I hardly slept a wink after sponging him. I was now anxious about the exams, and worried that I might not be able to drive the 1 hour distance to the exam center in Bangi, due to extreme exhaustion from lack of sleep. Also, I was worried that I might ran into panic attack and not be able to remember what I had studied due to sleepiness. *gulp* I prayed that everything will be fine.

I made the drive, albeit slowly and sometimes, I cud feel my eyes shutting, but, thank God, I arrived safely, and my son is back to his chatty self since last Friday. *grin* I sat for the 2nd part of my exams without any unexpected events today, except for the fact that I wasn't sure if I had answered correctly! LOL!

Now that the exams are over, I can now go back to the normal routine of work, not that I haven't been busy with never ending metings and discussions during those times, only I took some time off to do some group studying in between my hectice schedule. I can also go back to my stitching which I have missed so terribly......*wink*

As a comeback from my 2 week absence, I thought I'd put a photo of a hardanger bookmark I made for Ee Koon as an appreciation for her time and patience in teaching and opening up a whole new world for me in the art of hardanger. I mailed it out by registered mail and it arrived the next day, just in time before she departed for Hong Kong.

It is an amaturish start and finishing work, but I hope Ee Koon wudn't be too critical about it. It is a simple piece, though I couldn't make out how to do the square edging that it called for. Instead, I got creative and did the buttonhole edging instead. Not too bad for an amature, huh? What do U think? LOL! *wink*

Ainul's Baby Banner

This is actually an old piece which Zalita, or better known as Cheeze, Azie, or some may know her as Lilo, and myself did as a present for Aida's daughter, Ainul.

I was browsing thru my webshot album and realised that I have yet to post this on my blog and decide to do so, just so that I have a record of it, since this blog is more often updated than my webshot album.

I had enjoyed stitching the piece (the ballerina teddy bear), and I am sure Azie and Cheeze had enjoyed stitching their piece too, and we in turn, hope that Ainul will grow up to know the aunties that had put in the hours to do the piece! LOL! *wink*

I finished it using pink cottons that I had previously bought from Quilt Gallery. Will we be seeing it hanging on Ainul's wall when she gets a room of her own, Aida? *wink*

JE SAL progress report

I promised a report on Friday, but cudn't post it because I was in a state of shock! *wink*

Anyway, not much progress actually. Did not stitch much last week. Spent most of my free time between doing household chores, studying. It's hard when you get to my age (eerr....what age wud that be? *wink*) when what U just read in the morning, you can already easily 4get by the evening! LOL! Guess I'll just have to keep on reading, huh? *wink*

It's a slow progress. I will be taking a break from stitching for two weeks until after my exams are over on 15th August. Can't wait!

A sad day.......

It is a sad day for me yesterday, and I am still feeling sad today......

I was in Penang yesterday for a project briefing. On our way to d airport, we stopped
by for lunch at a gerai ikan bakar (grilled filled). The driver had parked the car across the street from d restaurant. We sat not too far inside d restaurant, and only went in for a quick 20 minutes meal. When we came out, the car window had been smashed and my laptop and a colleague's handbag stolen. Her handbag had contained her car keys, land title (she had wanted to drop by the land office to do an ownership title change) and her plane tickets. Luckily she took along her purse and handphone into d restaurant.

Also together with my laptop bag were my note padbook containing information valuable to me in managing my work. I also had the latest issue of Cross Stitcher and a Fench XS mag I bought at d airport. That's doubly sad for me.....*wink* Kidding!

I only got back into KL past 8 pm after making a police report, and after d incident, I was feeling traumatised all day. I lost all interest to do anything else after that.

M sad that this has happened although I know it's all fated. I am a very careful person, and would always doubly check the car each time I leave the car to make sure that I had properly locked it, and especially if I leave anything inside d car, to make sure that it is well hidden from sight.

Yesterday, everything was beyond my control. The car was not mine. I had informed the driver about the notebook, and he had said that everything will be ok. I had hidden the laptop the best I could, but, again, it was not my car to insist on this and that to make sure that the laptop is safe and the car secure.

There are a 1001 ways that I cud have done to avoid it from happening, and all these ways are racing thru my mind all evening yesterday, last nite, and even today even as I type this posting, but, it was fated that it was going to happen no matter what I did. Am I just trying to console myself in my attempt to make my guilt go away?

I am sad.........I hope my mood will pick up for the better today. I need to. I need to get back to my studying. I need to concentrate.......*sigh*

A piece by Paula, Doris and Nik! *wink*

A quick note on this one.

The piece is designed by Paula Vaughn, stitched by Doris, and I may add, at a very fast pace! LOL! And the finishing is done by me! *grin* How's that for a collaborated piece of art? LOL! *wink* Although I can only take credit for the finishing, I am, never the less, proud to be a part of this lovely piece of work, albeit a very small part. I hope I had done justice to this lovely piece with my humble finishing work.

Doris had met up with Paula on one of her annual trips to the United States (how I envie her!). She met up with Paula last year and Paula had kindly presented her a book featuring beautiful pieces of flower designs and had asked that Doris stitch at least one of the designs from that book.

Doris had lovingly stitched this beautiful piece and had asked me if I would do her a favour to finish it off into something that Paula could use and keep. I told her I'd be honoured.

Looking at d piece, despite the flowers being kind of a fushcia colour, I decided on dark green as the main colour for the cushion cover, picking up from the lovely greens of the leaves. I figured it would bring up the stitched piece more than if I had gone ahead with a fushcia coloured cotton. I think I made the right decision. Don't U think so? *wink* I think it really brought up the piece and did justice to Doris' lovely stitched piece and Paula's beautiful design.

I hope both Doris and Paula will love the finish product, as much as I had enjoyed finishing it for Doris.

Do send Paula my regards, Doris, when U hand deliver the piece to Paula in August. You think U cud get Paula to give me an autograph copy of the flower book from which the design had come from? It wud be a nice momento for me. *wink* Now how's that for a hint! LOL!

Did I just say it was going to be just a quick note? *grin*

I've got the jitters!

Yup! The jitters are back!

The exams are two weeks away, and I can't help but feel the jitters all over me! LOL! It's like as if I am sitting for my Malaysian Certificate of Examination (MCE) some 25 years ago! LOL! This is crazy! And this is not the 1st time I am sitting for this exam. I sat for it last year in November, and passed, thank God.

I know that I should already be thankful with the results I already got, but I am resitting the papers again to improve my results, and further more, I had encourgement from friends, and especially my hubby who is taking the exams for the 1st time this year. He has to attend the whole course which is a week long, which includes assignments, public speaking (malay and english) and paper presentation. I wish him luck. I wish us both luck. I have confidence in my hubby. I wish I have confidence in myself too! LOL! But, M sure, with encouragement from friends and family, I should be doing ok, if not great! *wink*

Anyway, friends, do wish me luck! Wud sure appreciate it! Thanks! *smile*

A very slow progress.....

Yup, I can't seem to make fast progress on this piece. I think it has got to do with the fact that this design has so many shades of blue that is so close, and when stitching at nite, it can be quite confusing.

I spent last Thursday nite stitching for an hour, but spent the last 20 minutes of that 1 hour frogging it because I kept getting confused with d close shades of blue and miscounted! LOL!

I can't wait to move on to the saucer and cup next to the center tea pot, but the use of mostly whites in the cup and saucer also slowed me down coz, when stitching at nite, I can't make out if I had stitched the whites or not! LOL! My eyes are getting old! LOL!

I have started on the border a little bit, and that helps to show for some progress, and motivated me to keep on going, because the borders are quite consistant in design.

I think it has been a long time since I did a pattern that calls for so much detail. I know this piece, when completed, is going to be a very pretty piece. So, I am hoping that all my `hard work' will pay off just to see it completed.

I am glad that I am actually doing a Stitch-A-Long (SAL) with Barbara on this piece, coz it keeps me going. I think if I was doing this piece alone, I'd probably.....only probably *wink*, that I might just give it up, because of the confusing shades of blue. I guess that is the reason why Najwa gave up on doing it.

I am not giving up this piece, right, Barbara?

How time flies.......

My last posting was more than a week ago! How time flies! You know the saying "How time flies when U are having fun"? But, no, I wasn't having fun!

I had a bad sore throat on Thursday and it affected my overall general health. I couldn't sleep well, waking up every couple of hours with a coughing fit. I was glad that the doctor gave me medical leave on Friday, coz if I had gone ahead to wrok, I would have looked like a zombie! LOL!

I spent the morning on Friday, stitching and the afternoon to sort out and organize the guest bedroom since my mum is in town. I have been wanting to take leave so that I can clean up the bedroom and organize things around, but work in the office has been so hectic, that there was no way I could take a leave of absence from work. But, as God would have fated it, my body needed to rest, but no way would I be able to be take leave with my present work load, unless I got to be too sick to come to work. Nope, I did not fake the sore throat. LOL! I just woke up on Thursday morning croaking! LOL! I think I was already too stressed out! *grin*

This week is no different. It's been hectic, with meetings that last till past 6pm almost daily. I have been coming home so late, all tired out, I can't even lift a needle. My stitching is just staring at me. My JE SAL with Barbara is not coming along as fast as I had hoped it would. Barbara had just posted her progress and I am no where near her progress. *sigh*

I hope to catch up on some stitching this weekend. I hope I will hv some free time to myself to do some of my own things. I know I won't be having much time of my own in 2 weeks time bcoz I plan to resit my PTK Ujian paper this coming August, not because I did not do well, but because I just wanted to improve the results. Wish me luck!

She's done it again!

huh? Who's done it again?

My former maid, that's who. Yup, even without her anymore in our company, she has managed to create havoc and turn everyone's life topsy turvy!

Yesterday evening, my MIL and SIL's maid ran away together, leaving the kids ranging from 3 yrs old to 11 yrs old to fend for themselves. My in-laws had gone out on a movie date earlier, and had told her maid to prepare dinner (I was spending the nite there), but said that she and her husband won't be back till after dinner.

I guess they seize the opportunity to act their plans out as soon as my in-laws left for the cinema because according to my son, the maids were still around at 4.30pm. My in-laws left at 4.00 pm. Tea was laid out on the table.

It was only realised that the maids were missing when my 3 yr old niece woke up from her afternoon nap and started crying out for the maid. My 6 yr old son, upon realising that the maids were missing, went upstairs to inform Pak Chu (the uncle) on what had happened.

My 11 year old niece was upstairs on the computer while my brother-in-law was getting ready to go out. His (my BIL) maid (she helps him with his nasi lemak bizness) was downstairs crying her hearts out upon realising that the other 2 maids had left..errrr..ran away while she was in the shower.

Next, my son called up my hubby (in Kuching) on the phone to tell him that 'kak Siti dan kak Maria dah takde. Baju semua takde' (The maids are gone, and so are their clothes).

I am so proud of my son. Despite being only 6 years old and there being two other older cousins around (my 11 yr old niece and 10 yr old nephew) and a 35 year old maid who just burst into tears upon finding out, when they did nothing, he took charge by informing my BIL and calling up his abah to report on what has happened.

Later when I arrived at my in-laws house that evening, I managed to chat up with my BIL's maid. I asked her if she knew anything of what had happened prior to that day. According to her, my SIL's maid had received a letter from my former maid (they are related) about a month or so ago. It seems that my former maid had outlined a plan for them to run away. She had told them that she has jobs for them, and that it wud be no problem at all to get them new passports and identification papers. She will be waiting for them as soon as they execute their escape plan. Why didn't my BIL's maid tell us? She was scared. She also said that she came to Malaysia to work, and is not looking for trouble. If only the other maids think the same way. *sigh*

My SIL's maid has been bringing her clothes to my MIL's house little by little each day in preparation for an opportunity to ran away. They have been waiting for the right time and day. Can you imagine what lies they have been living in, and how much we have trust in them? How could they live with themselves, espeicially when a 3 yr old child is involved? Have they no campassion?

My MIL hardly leaves the house with just the kids and the maids. But, I suppose, after more than 9 months of working with us, WE tend to TRUST them, but, sad to say, they do not reciprocate. People like these, you can never trust them, no matter how long they have been with us. It is sad........

My MIL is a very nice women, never has she ever risen her voice to the maids. She treats them well, I can be certain of that. I don't think my MIL overworks the maids. There isn't much to do in the house, and anyway, with my SIL and BIL's maid also there, all household chores are spread out. In fact, my SIL's maid spends most of her time in front of the TV while she takes care of my 3 yr old niece.

They have ran away. Are we to blame? On Sunday, the Immigration Department Foreign Workers Division director Alwi Bavutty said that employers would be blacklisted and could only hire new maids if their appeals were allowed. He said that, "There must be something wrong with the employer for his maids to run away or if he has to change them so many times," he said.

Has Alwi ever had a maid? Has he had no problems with them? Maybe, by virtue of him being the Immigration Dept's Foreign Wokers Division Director, he can get the best maid from any country that wishes to send their people here to work.

How could he think of blacklisting my MIL when all she did was to treat the maids well. Is the action (to blackmail) justified? I think Alwi should not make a blanket statement (to balcklist), but should look at it case by case.

I treat my maids well, yet the last one gave me so much problems. She was trouble from day one. Remember that she lied about she being here to work in a restaurant? She also lied about praying. She lied too about doing a certain chore, but never actually doing it. She is forever acting. If ever there is a BEST ACTRESS award for foreign maids, I'd nominate my former maid, but, then again, why would she deserve any awards? I was constantly under stress throughout the 6 months she was with me.

She is still giving us problems till today despite us terminating her contract with us 3 months ago, and despite her not even being in our presence. Am I to blame for her behavior? If Alwi so much as want to penalize us for something we have no control over, than give us the right to lock up our maids in the house just to ensure that they do not run away, but, of course that would be so inhumane. But, is penalizing for something you have no control over a very humane and considerate thing to do? *sigh*

I hope that one day Alwi will get a taste of the same medicine that he prescribed to others, only then he will feel for us and understand what we have to go through with problematic maids sent to us by irresponsble agents.

If Alwi can gurantee us that we will always get 1st class maids, but it is us that cannot work with these 1st class maids, only then can he apply the penalization on us. But 1st, get us the 1st class maids.

A productive weekend!

When my hubby said that he had to work last weekend, and compounded to that, it is to be outstation, my 1st reaction was "Oh no! Can I cope without him?" It will be the 1st full weekend that I will be very much on my own since we have been without a maid.

We had agreed that he would babysit our son while I go for the Stitcher's Meet at Chatters on Saturday, and there was the swimming lesson on Sunday. I also hate cooking just for myself. I felt cooking just for me and my son is not worth the effort. U know, the preparation part, the cooking, and later the cleaning up? I might as well buy. My son is happy just eating kuew toew goreng kerang, nothing fancy. Love him for that! He is just like his abah! Not too fussy when it comes to food. But, my son is also not too adventurous when it comes to food. Hmmm..is that good or bad? *scratching my head*

Anyway, back to my weekend story, my hubby was worried that I might get bored just staying home. Men! They just don't understand that women cannot get bored staying home if they have loads of household chores to do! LOL! But, as it turned out, I had a very productive and satisfying, albeit, tiring weekend!

I told my hubby when he told me that he had to work on the weekend that Allah wants to test me, and see if I have the strength and courage to handle things on my own, to prepare me for the time when he might have to work outstation for longer periods of time. Well, I managed to do my usual household chores and more, alhamdullillah, thank God! I hope I had passed the test!

Anyway, back to my weekend report, besides the Saturday event that I have reported earlier, I thought that I wud have some time to myself on Sunday to start on the JE SAL, but, alas, it was not meant to be!

Usually my hubby takes my son 4 his swimming lessons on Sundays, but with him outstation *sob*, I had to take over the man's job. *grin* We left at 11.30am in time 4 his 12 noon class. I decided to bring along my hardanger, hoping that I will be able to put in a few stitches. M glad I did, coz I found a fairly shaded spot by the wading pool, where my son was having his lessons.

I actually managed to finish the piece I was doing! Hardanger is such a mobile hobby coz all I needed to bring was 2 colours of thread, a scissors, hoop and, of course the piece to be stitched.

I managed to stitch for about half an hour when I had to stop coz it started to get too hot, and also, one of the kids, a boy of about 10 yrs old, started doing a kick in d pool, and splashing water
everywhere! LOL!

After class, we had a quick lunch at A&W b4 proceeding for a haircut. Got home with just enough time to get my son to take a short nap before I recvd an sms from Doris asking if it was ok for her to come over to drop off her Paula Vaughan piece.

Doris brought along so many lovely books and charts by Paula, all autographed by her personally. I especially like the book on flowers. Doris said that she has an unautograph copy and wud sell it to me.

Of course, I saw the piece done by Doris whch she wants me to finish it into a cushion cover or something. It's a really nice piece! I hope I can find a suitably nice cotton to match it, and I hope I can do justice to the piece!

After a chat and showing off my stitching room, Doris left with her hubby and doter. It was nice meeting up Doris again after almost 2 years!

I finally had some time after getting my son to bed at 9.00pm to put in some stitches on my JE SAL. I only stitched till 10 pm coz I wanted to watch CSI NY and the JE SAL piece was too big for me to work in front of the TV, while trying to concentrate on the CSI investigation, and me, investigating my charts! LOL!

I decided to work on my hardanger again, hoping to finish another small piece to `show-off' to Ee Koon the next time I see her.

BTW, I spent practically the whole time watching, rather listening to the AF concert, frogging my hardanger! I miscounted and miscounted 3 times! I almost gave up! LOL! I think I was
concentrating on the concert more than my hardanger!

All in all, it was a very productive weekend, though very tiring, coz I was not only doing my usual household chores, I also had to take over some of my hubby's chores. But, as Jo would agree with me, better sakit tangan dan badan, than sakit hati, having a maid who just stresses U out! LOL!

It's D day!

Huh? What day? Heheh....the day to start the Joan Elliot Stitch-A-Long (JE SAL)! Finally, the long awaited time has arrived! However, I did not start mine until Sunday, 2nd July coz I had a very busy Saturday.

In the morning, as usual, I was at Bangsar Village for Aiman's art class. Met up with Ee Koon for my 2nd class on hardanger. Wow! I learnt the cutting part! It was `scary'! LOL! *wink* Ee Koon, cikgu yang garang! *WINK* She gave a small 'scream' when I almost wanted to cut the wrong thread! LOL! heheh........but, coz M such a good *wink*student, teacher Ee Koon cooled down......no lah, Ee Koon, gurauaje....*grin* U are a good teacher **smile*, and M a fast learner, or M I? *wink* I have advanced a little bit more since the 2nd class.

In the evening, after my son took a short nap, we were on our way to Chatters. Raelised that Chatters is just a short drive away from my house! LOL! *duh* When I got to Chatters, the class was well in progress. M probably the only non-tatting student there, or, shall I say, yang menyibuk! LOL! Admired all the lovely tatting pieces did by Faizon. Did not chat much with Faizon nor Emily coz they were buzy tatting along, but managed to catch up with Mona, whom I have not met in months, maybe a year already!
At 6 pm, everyone packed up and left, except for Mona, Azie, Jo and myself (and, of course my son too) for we went shopping at a car booth sale.....heheh....at Linda's car, in front of Chatters! I didn't buy any (this time around, and not yet! *wink*) coz, as usual, I prefer to browse and sleep over it! *wink* Maybe the next time Linda comes over to my house?

It was good to meet up with Faizon, Emily, Mona, Jo, Linda and Azie.Wish I had more time to get to know Faizon and Emily better. Maybe the next time.

BTW, here's another progress - my frog project. Looks like this is gonna have to take a back seat for a while now that I have started on the JE SAL.

WIP and a piece of art

Just a short posting because it is getting late..well, by my definition it is late! LOL! Yup, it's almost 1.00 am, and I am still tapping the keyboard. It is about the only time at home that I can update my blog - when my son is fast asleep. I can think better. My flow of thoughts doesn't get interrupted every 5 minutes! LOL!

Anyway, here's a peek into the progress of my "NO FROGGING ALLOWED" project. This photo was taken a few days back. I have progressed just a little bit more, though not much. I got distracted by my latest craze - hardanger! LOL! Simply could not put the hardanger project down coz I keep wanting to try out new things/stitching even though I have not learnt the whole method yet from Ee Koon. Ilmu belum cukup! LOL! But, already eager to advance! LOL!

I am meeting Ee Koon again this Saturday. Hopefully, she can pull herself out of bed just slightly earlier than last week so that we, rather, I will have more time to learn! LOL! Jangan marah, Ee Koon! *wink* Will post more progress as I learn more from Ee Koon.

In the mean time, here is a snapshot of my son's latest artwork which he produced during his 3rd lesson. The title says ANIMALS. Yup, that's a dog and a peguin. *proud mummy smiling* Though he hasn't quite got the shape right just yet, as a mother, I am still proud of his work, none the less.

Hardanger is in!

ok....I think I have gotten into another craze.....this time it's hardanger! I put the blame on Ee Koon *wink* for getting me into this 'mess'! LOL!

Ever since that one lesson at a corner of Starbucks, Bangsar Village, I am smitten by the hardanger bug! I just can't seem to think of anything else..eh..work is the office is only slightly affected! *wink* LOL!....I even dreamt about it last nite! LOL!

Such is my craze that I actually braved the lunch hour bumper to bumper jam to get to Haby's at Ampang Park! Well, actually, hubby drove! *wink* Thanks, Dear! Love you for braving the bad traffic just for me! muaahhhh!

You see, I just had to get some more perle cottons to satisfy my hunger for more hardanger! LOL! I was running out of the ecru perle I bought at QG the other day. I have even put down my "FROGGING NOT ALLOWED" project for this latest craze!

I wanted to finish my frog project by the 1st of July so that I dn't have any other pending projects, except for the BUZZ RR, when I start the JE SAL. Well, looks like my plans just went down the drain! Opps! *grin*

Did I just started another craze? *gulp*

I met up with Ee Koon, later Linda joined us, at Starbucks, Bangsar Village today. I had a quick lesson on hardanger! Yipee! *jumping up and down in happiness!* *LOL!

Margaret did not joined us though she met up Linda at MPH MV. However she smsed me asking how much damage did I do shopping at QG (they are having a sale). LOL! Well, Margaret, not much, really. I was being a good girl coz I had teacher Ee Koon with me..eerrr....Ee Koon wud not make a good example when it comes to trying not to shop! LOL! BUt, today, she behaved! LOL! *wink*

I only bought a piece of 22ct pink/rose coloured evenweave (really lovely!), one ecru perle no. 5, one light green perle no. 8. That's it! Honest! *grin* They are all meant 4 my hardanger class with Ee Koon!

We sat at a corner of Starbucks and the class began! I think we kinda `disturbed' d lady seated at d next table with our excitement, well, at least, my excitement! LOL! coz she got up and left! LOL!

I did not manage to complete doing everything while at BV coz my son was getting restless, so, Ee Koon gave me 'strict' *wink* intructions on what to do and what NOT to do! LOL! Yeah, like do not cut the fabric until I have completed all the kloister blocks, and she will teach me d rest in the next class, which is when? Next week? Gosh! I have to wait that long! LOL! *wink* My hands are itching! LOL!

Anyway, for teacher Ee Koon's info, I have completed what is required and awaiting 4 the next class. What do you think? Am I a good student or what? LOL! *wink*

An artistic talent in the making?

My son loves to draw, especially of dinosaurs and animals. I want to encourage this interest, considering both my hubby and I are both artistic/in the creative line, but seeing that his drawings are sometimes hard to understand, we decided to enroll him in an art class.

He has attended 3 classes so far, and it looks promising. Athough he was apprehensive the first time I sent him there, seeing so many unfamilar faces, but he seems more relaxed now, though he is still shy....ehem..like the mom! LOL!

I hope to post progress of his works here, hopefully, something for him to read in the future, when we are long gone.

The Trellis is done!

I finally completed it on Saturday, 17 June, 2006, after putting it down temporarily to work on the Nature's Alphabet. I am now ready to start on the Joan Elliot Friendships Sampler Stitch-A-Long (SAL) with Barbara, scheduled for commencement on July 1st, 2006.

Can I last that long without stitching anything? Definitely not! LOL! I am just itching to work on something! So, guess what? I started on yet another new project! LOL!

Linda said that this is my secret project. *wink* It's not, actually. *grin* I just wasn't ready to tell yet, coz I wanted to work on it some more 1st before I start blowing the horns! LOL! *wink* Anyway, this is what I have done so far. I am mixing a few different types of flosses. The frog is done using DMC, the circle around the frog is using Wildflowers by Caron, and the writing/wording will be done using Six Strand Sweets.

I hope to complete this before the 1st of July, if only I can work more often on it. We'll just have to see, won't we? *wink*

Think before you speak.........

There is so much that I want to write, but I have so little time on my hands. *sigh* So, what's new, huh? LOL!

There has been a lot of hype lately at the MYS board, and some members are starting to shy away from posting messages at the board, afraid that they might say the wrong thing and get 'apprehended'. *sigh* I believe critism and comments are good, but it is the way the messages are worded that sometimes it hurts the person being critisized/commented.

The members at the MYS board joined the group for the passion that we share, at the same time, to be able to make new friends and learn new things along the way. In order to learn, we ask questions, and opinions and ideas are put forward, to be shared together. Not everyone think alike. We come from different backgrounds and we think differently for our mentalities are different. We are, after all, unique human beings, an individual with a mind of our own.

We cannot expect everyone to think in one straight line for it will only make the world a boring place to be. Our thoughts are like branches of a tree. Complicated, but not necessarily difficult to climb onto. We just need to know how to tackle the branches in order not to break it. We thread carefully and with caution.

Same goes with the way you want to make comments to opinions and thoughts or ideas of others. Thread gently, or someone might get hurt, even if it was well intended. Yeah, some might say that why beat around the bush when you can just get straight to the point? Tak payah la bahasa bunga bunga. Sheer waste of time. Afterall, the message is the same, might as well say it directly. So some people say. Yes, like it or not, it does make a differnce to how the person being critisized or others too, might take affect to what you just said.

There is nothing wrong in putting words nicely so as not to offend anybody, even if the end purpose is to just explain or clarify. The person is not hurt, the relationship is preserved. Everyone is happy, a win win situation, right? *smile*

Kita orang yang beradap. Kita harus pandai cakap berlapik. It is not always what you think is right for you will be right to others. One man's meat is another man's poison. So, never assume tht when U make a comment or critisize, that the other person will not get hurt by what U say, for U think that they will know tht you are just being an open and direct person. No matter how happy-go-lucky a person you are, there is still a part of you that is sensitive and can be easily hurt by the smallest action of others.

I always believe that never do onto others what you do not want others to do onto you. Meaning, if you do not want to get hurt, don't do things tht will hurt others first. Thread carefully, for you will never know when the branch will break. The wheel is always turning. Today you might be at the top, one day, the wheel will turn and you will be at the bottom. Think b4 you utter a word, for words cannot be taken back once said. Terlajak perahu boleh ditarik, terlajak kata, buruk padahnya......

Help!

heheh.....sorry to get you all panicking! *wink* Actually, I am the one who is in a panic state! LOL!

I am suddenly swarmed with work, I feel like sometimes I am not breathing! LOL! I am way over my head with work! I am like running from one meeting to the other, grabbing a quick bite 4 lunch, before rushing off to the afternoon meeting, and then continuing with another one after that one, ending till past 7 pm!

At the rate things are going, I think I need more than 7 days in a week! LOL! I am so mentally and physically exhausted, I can't watch programs on TV from start to end, without falling asleep midway through the program! LOL!

I miss spending time with my son, cuddling him, hugging him, playing with him. I am too exhausted to entertain him, so he is left playing very much on his own these last few days. *sad* You have to remember that I am still without a maid. There are the household chores that still needs to be done when I get home, regardless of my state of mind and body. Dinner has got to be served (bought whenever possible), cleared and cleaned up. My son's homework still needs to be looked at. His school things needs to be ready for tommorow's school day. *sigh* Those are responsibilities I cannot afford to shirk, no matter what.

I also I miss my stitching (ok, I miss my hubby too, but he is also busy with work! *grin*). If only I could just put in a few stitches a nite, it would make me feel so much more less stressed out! LOL! *wink*

Anyway, I am glad that last weekend, before my week started getting hectic and `out of hand', I managed to complete Linda's BUZZ RR, in record time! Well, ok, MY RECORD time! LOL! Yipee! It took me from weekend to weekend! I can't remember ever doing a piece of this size that I got done in less than a week! Wow! I am overjoyed! *grin*

I have since gone back to working on my Trellis, and hope to get as much done b4 the end of month as I had promised Barbara that I will start a SAL with her on the Joan Elliot Friendship Sampler. Can't wait!

Thank you, dear Pengarah!

Remember I posted here earlier that I was busy a couple of weeks back doing the script and voice over for the Power Point presentation for my Director's farewell?

Well, I thought, I would put it in record the Pantun that I did for her. I wish I could put up the Power Point presentation too, but that would take up some juggling on my part to understand how to do it, and I am simply naive sometimes, or shall I say, duh! LOL! *wink* when it comes to figuring out this computer thingy! *grin*

Anyway, here it is. BTW, my Director's name is Nur Haizi. I wish her all the best at her new place. Her star seems to always shine brightly. She went up the promotion ladder quite fast in her carrier despite being still quite young. I hope my stars would shine as bright, if not brighter, as hers someday.

Orangnya berasal dari negori
Disebuah tempat bernama Lengging
1954, 28 April
Berbapakan Abdul Hai beribukan Azizah
Cantuman nama, lahirlah Haizi
Seorang puteri yang dinanti-nanti

Bertemu Wahab cinta bersemi
Restu keluarga membawa bahagia
Dikurniakan putera dan seorang puteri
Melengkapkan istana keluarga bahagia

Sudah banyak tempat berkhidmat
Dari pendidikan ke projek turnkey
Di Bangunan am singgah sebentar
Sebelum melangkah kecawangan terkini

Dari sekecil projek tandas
Sehingga projek serata dunia
Khidmat diberi penuh dedikasi
Pastikan projek lancar sempurna
Tepati janji kata dikota
Pastikan pelanggan berpuas hati

Pengalaman diperolehi sumbangan diberi
Menambahkan ilmu menyakinkan diri
Dihormati, disenangi, mudah didampingi
Bergurau senda mencuit hati
Itukan adat kita berkawan
Namun, tetap tegas arahan diberikan

Sungguh cerah masa depan puan
Dilantik pengarah cawangan bangunan AM
Menyusul pula Presiden lembaga
Kini menanti Cawangan Arkitek

Seberat–berat mata memandang
Berat lagi bahu memikul
Demi tugas ditempuhi jua
Meniti tangga menuju kejayaan

Selamat maju jaya kami ucapkan
Salah silap harap maafkan
Terima kasih kami hulurkan
Semoga kami tidak puan lupakan

Walaupun sudah dipuncak yang tinggi
Segala ingatan simpan dihati
Panjang umur ketemu lagi
Dilain tempat dilain hari

Thank you, Puan Haizi, and all the best!

Linda's BUZZ RR

I started on Linda's BUZZ RR on Saturday, 3rd June. I was happily stitching it, and was almost 1/3 done, when, oh my gosh! I suddenly realised that I stitch the opposite of Linda! I do my X with this stitch / first, and then \, but Linda does it the other way! *cheeks burning hot and turning beet root in frustration!*

I contemplated frogging. Hmmm..it will set me back by a few hours to frog, and then, it will take me a few hours more to stitch them again. Hmm....I am no longer in the mood to stitch........ I took a break. I had Kit Kat..well...not really! *wink* But, I did take a snap in frustration! LOL!

When I woke up 1/2 hour later, I decided to sms Linda to ask her if I shud frog or go ahead. She sms me back that it is ok. Phew! Thanks, Linda! I really appreciate that. I hope Linda honestly didn't mind.

If she had asked me to frog, of course I would have to, *grin* but I think I wouldn't stitch on it again, at least not for another week! LOL! *wink* You know, the feeling when you are frustrated or not satisfied with yourself or ashamed of your mistakes? You just want to 4get about it for a while! *grin*

Anyway, after the sms reply, I was on it again and stitched all evening, until it was time for me to prepare dinner. I am about 1/2 done with the stitching. There are plenty of back stitching to do, which I hope will bring out the design nicely. Can't wait to get done on this so that I can work again on my Trellis, b4 proceeding with the Joan Elliot SAL which I will be doing with Barbara at the end of the month.

Just a note, after stitching Nature's Alphabet on 28ct evenweave where progress is slow, I felt like I was practically zooming on Linda's piece since it was done on 14ct aida! LOL!

It's finally here!

huh? What's finally here?

Heheh....my L*K Stamp-it! That's what's finally here! LOL! *grin* Yup! I sent it for framing all the way in Penang when I was there on holiday..well, only my son and I were on holiday..my hubby came to work! *grin*

Ina brought it to KL when she was here last week on holiday with her kids and hubby. I am sorry I had kept her and her family waiting. We had promised to meet at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Ticket Counter on Sunday, 28 May, since they were planning a day out there. Little did I know it was going to cause so much trouble for Ina.

The Lagoon was under massive renovation and there was no direct route to the ticket counter. I didn't know that I had to enter the parking lot in Sunway Pyramid in order to get to the ticket counter. Usually it would not take me more than 10 minutes to get from my house to the theme park, but 20 minutes had already passed, but I still could find the way to the ticket counter.

I had to make 2 U-turns b4 I finally found the way to get in! By then, I had already passed the entrance to the parking lot again. Another U-turn would have caused more delays, and Ina had smsed me saying that her kids were already getting anxious to get into the theme park. I felt really bad. I started feeling anxious too! LOL!

The only way is either to make another U-turn to get into the parking lot or give the car to the car jockey. The parking fee for jockey service is RM8! I knew that I was only going to be there for hardly 10 minutes! I contemplated, but I had to decide, and I had to decided fast! Another U-turn would cause a further 5-10 minutes delay. The phone rang again! Oh no! That's it! The jockey it is! LOL!

I made the necessary payments and, with my son in tow, ran all the way to the end of the shopping mall to teh lift lobby. Did I tell you that the girl at the information counter told me to take the lift UP at the end of the shopping mall, and not DOWN?

Well, I got into the lift after making my 100m run, LOL! and in panic, just pressed the next 3 floors going UP, only realising that there were no 3rd floor! LOL! I was supposed to go DOWN 3 floors, not UP 3 floors! LOL!

OK, down came the lift, and another dash across the parking lot, the temporary metal bridge, before I finally saw Ina with my precious framed piece in hand and her kids already in an anxious mood! *gulp*

Like another Touch-n-Go episode, as alwyas, like it never ends whenever I meet Ina, LOL! *wink* I got my framed piece, she handed me some goodies from Penang, thanks, Ina, a quick hi, salam and apologies, and she was off into the park, and my son and I, back to the car! LOL!

I honestly wish to apologize to Ina and her family for keeping them waiting way beyond the time that I promised. I truly am sorry. I thought it wud be easier to meet at the theme park since it was so near, but alas, it became so far, at least in terms of time.

However, I wish to thank Ina so very much for bringing down my framed piece. I really do appreciate it and can't thank you enough. Hugs!

Hope U and your kids had great fun at the park!

If only not for the buttons.......

I would have finished this piece completely! *sigh*

Yup! It's done! Well, ok, about 98% done! *grin* I am missing the Mill Hill Tulip and Hare buttons, which I have no idea yet how to go about getting my hands on them! LOL! So unlike me not to plan ahead! *wink*

This piece is special in more ways than one. This is my 1st piece worked on evenweave. This is also a Stitch-A-long (SAL) with Ina. It is also the 1st piece that I have done which has so many specialty stitches in one design, and also the 1st piece using my newly bought superframe.

I had enjoyed working this piece, although I must say that I had my frustrations sometimes when I couldn't get the specialty stitches to look as nice as they should have been. I dare say that this will definitely not be my 1st and last work using evenweaves, although it would not be so soon! *wink*

I hope to get hold of the buttons very soon so that I can have it finished completely and sent out to Ina for framing.

the Fickle Minded one....

When I first organised this RR, little did I realise that the the initials of the participants, Azie or Lilo, as she is known to some people, and Zalita, or Cheeze, as she is known at the MYS board, when put together would make up the initials to my name - NAZ.

The RR was organised because all 3 of us were born in the month of June and we are all Geminians. Geminians are known to be fickle minded, which we sometimes are! LOL! and we thought it would nice to do an RR together as a token of our friendship.

It was only later that Azie noted that our initials would make up my initials! Talk about coincidences! LOL! Thus, the RR was arranged such that it would show up my initials even more prominently! *grin*

I love working on this piece, and hope that Azie and Cheeze had also enjoyed working on my piece as I had on theirs.

BTW, Happy Birthday Azie, who celebrated her birthday on Saturday, 3rd June, and Cheeze, who will be celebrating her birthday on 12th June!

The fever is back!

Or is it really?

I watched the Konsert Prelude on Sunday, 28 May, (wondered why they had it on a Sunday and not Saturday? Since it ends so late, makes getting up for work at 5.15 am the next day quite a task! LOL!) and feel that there isn't going to be much to look forward to this season.

For one, last season, at the Prelude Concert, I already had my `eyes' on Aidil, who I think is kind of good looking, though does not have much of a singing talent. I was already set to watch the diaries, if not for anything else, but to just see how this guy is doing, and if he had a chance. My hubby had his vote (not that he voted! LOL!) for Akma. That's good enough to keep us glued to the TV from 8.30 - 9.00 pm each day, though my hubby only watches the diaries if the camera focuses on Akma. Hmmmm......should I be jealous? LOL! *wink*

This year, after the Konsert Prelude, I still couldn't decide if I liked any of the kids, and whether it would be worth my time watching the diaries. Although, I must say that Haziq, though the 1st time I saw him, I was not impressed, but, after his performance that night, I hoped that he would be one of the chosen ones. Hooray! He is, but still, I wasn't impressed enough to make me want to watch the diaries. I'll watch it if there is nothing else better to watch on TV. *grin*

I had hoped that Shaz and Lynn be included in the 12, but, I guess, my judgment is wrong when it comes to understanding the world of entertainment. *sigh* I am surprised that Amirul, who I think fumbled with his songs during the prelude concert, got in. I am also surprised that Nora got in, but not Lynn, who I felt fared better in delivering her song. Oh well, it is, after all, Akademi Fantasia, and so, we have to be prepared with more surprises and disappoinments.

I wasn't too imprssed with Farhan too. First, I thought the name is kind of odd for a girl, and two, she looked a little bit `mengada-ngada' when the astro crew delivered her the good news as being one of the 20 to perform at the Konsert Prelude. But the night of the prelude concert, her rendition of Route 66 got me impressed, but she was at the bottom of the popularity chart and would only get be able to get into the academy via the judges, and she did! Congratulations to her! But, I think she has a lot of things/hurdles stacked up against her.

She is not a favourite among the general voters. She is constantly at the bottom two of the chart since entering the Akademi. She does not have the looks that will attract the voters to want to vote for her. She has only her good vocals to keep her in. It has been proven last year that good vocals will not necessarily make you a favourite among the voters. The majority of voters lack maturity to judge the kids for their talents, rather going for the 'looks' and so called 'aura', which still amazes me to this day.

Last year, I felt that Idayu had good vocals, and would at least make it to the finals, but, alas, she does not have the looks nor the aura to attract voters to vote for her. She was kicked out at the 4th concert. A pity really, but, she has proven that she still has the talent to make it. Her song is currently being played at Radio Era more often than Amylea's (2nd place) or Yazer's (5th) songs. I really like the song and love the way she uses her vocals to the fullest. I hope that her star will shine brighter.

Ok, back to the current AF4 kids, since there are none (currently *wink*) that I am really impressed with, I think I will just keep a look out for Haziq, Diddy and Farhan for this coming concert.