It’s embarrassing how much I’ve let this blog slide. It’s partly because I’ve been so caught up with life, and partly because when I’m not caught up with life, I’m just incredibly lazy.

Let’s fast forward through the details to where I am right now, shall we?

Family:

Ah, we’re grand. BabyGirl is just so amazing, and she makes me laugh every single day. I think the best time of the day is when I get to cuddle her at bedtime. Of course, that might be just because it means I get to go to bed soon after too (see above re: being lazy).

I’m so incredibly proud of The Niece. She’s completed her GCE A’s, and she’s about to embark on her University journey. She’s worked so hard the last couple years, and she’s accomplished so much. I do miss the little girl she used to be, but I adore and am so proud of the young woman she’s become.

The Nephews are brilliant too. The oldest one is now taller than me! He simply towers over everyone, and he still hasn’t stopped growing! And the three monkeys are just…well, they’re a handful and a half, but oh, how I enjoy having them around! They’re all really intelligent and charming in their own ways. I know that as Fun Aunt, I don’t play favourites, but I confess to being partial to Godson. 

Partly because he’s Godson, obviously! But also because he’s the one who enjoys hanging out with me the most, he’s the one who’s most generous with his cuddles and kisses. They’re all such wonderful individuals, each smart and hilarious in their own ways, and I’m having a ball watching them grow and learn.

Friends:

It’s a shame that I don’t get to see my friends as often as I’d like. Damn you, life! But the great thing about the friendships I have is that neither time nor distance can drive a wedge between us. And what time we do get to spend together is pure quality.

Bella and Misstsy are amazing. Earlier this year when I was going through a really rough patch, all it took was one text, and they were rushing to the rescue.

Teh-Tarik is getting married! Well, she’s not having a wedding, she’s having a solemnisation. But really, same difference, no? I’m so very glad for her and D; to see them come this far is nothing short of wonderful.

I’m really excited about this year too – looks like I’ll be able to see both Nekowife and Doof! This makes me oh-so-happy, for I’ve missed them both more than I can express. Even though Neko and I chat nearly every day, it’s just not quite the same.

I don’t get to see Sof as often as I’d like, but as we joke, seeing each other once a year seems to be our quota! Went out with her a couple weeks back for brunch, and spent a lovely Sunday afternoon with her.

Shoes and Kay also need a shout-out in this section. Who could have predicted, all those years ago, when I started teaching Shoes’ daughter Kay, that seven years down the road, not only would Shoes become one of my closest friends, but also that I’d develop a really fun friendship and find a kindred geek-spirit in Kay? Not I, that’s for sure!

Work:

I can’t believe that I’ve been working here for almost two years now. Sometimes I still feel like a complete rookie, though! It’s nice when people tell me that I’m doing my job well, but most days, I just don’t believe it. Impostor syndrome? Perhaps. But I shall continue to keep my chin up and soldier on.

Plus, these days, in this industry...I'm really glad I still have a job! And one that I actually enjoy, with colleagues I actually like and with whom I enjoy hanging out? Even better!

School:

School’s out for summer; school’s out forever! Well, at least for as long as I choose not to go back to formal education. My enrolment in the school of life, clearly continues.

Graduation is in July…but I've decided not to go. Don't think I want to take that much time off family and work commitments, plus, it’s hella expensive! Besides, not spending the money to fly all the way there just means that I’ll have more money to spend to see Doof and Neko…

Oh yeah, speaking of which, I passed! But…I’m not going to believe it until I’m actually holding that piece of paper in my hands…

I guess that's all for now...hopefully I'll remember to update this thing more often!

In the meantime...life is pretty awesome. XD

Happy Easter!

What a lovely Easter Sunday. Spent with family, as it's meant to be. Went to Easter mass with the clan, and all of us came back to my place for lunch. And what a lunch it was! Ayam buah keluak, Babi buah keluak, salted egg crab, pineapple salt fish curry, roasted pumpkin...I'm so stuffed now!

Thanks to the Mother Goddess, who slaved for hours to prepare and cook everything. 

Worth abstaining 40 days for.

Lots of chaos with the kids, as always. They are such blessings, and fill our home with laughter and fun.

Happy and blessed Easter to one and all; may you be filled with joy and peace.

And lots and lots of cadbury creme eggs.

Methinks I'll have one more now.

Friiiiidaaaay!!!!

And what a glorious Friday it has been, too!

I cannot turn on my old laptop at all. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do? To get my files out. Please don't suggest throwing it out; I've already thought of that. I need to get my files out somehow.


BUT. I have a new toy! The Sony Vaio CS316! In red! Isn't she pretty?!?
No, I'm not using her just yet, because I don't have the password for the wireless internet just yet, and I'm not going to bug the Dadman for it. He just said he'll get it for me tomorrow, so it's all good.

I was at the store, and I was looking at the display pieces. I couldn't decide between the sweet pink one and the "noble brown" one. The brown one would have matched my camera, but the pink one was oh so sweet.

The lovely (and rather cute) staff who was assisting me said he'll check if the red is in stock. Meanwhile, I'm still standing there feeling torn between the pink and brown. He comes back, saying "OMG we like TOTALLY have the red in stock! And I'll show it to ya mmmkay?"
Well...ok, maybe not quite in those words.
So he brings out a box, and pulls out a laptop...and...and...

Love at first sight.

Plus, I got the carry case (also red!) and a bluetooth mouse (red!) and a 4gig thumbdrive (not red.) thrown in as well! Oh, and an upgrade to 4gb ram! For free!

*sighs happily*

Helped that salesguy was kinda cute too. I know his name, and I know where he works. *crafty smile*

As if I hadn't spent enough money, I then proceeded to complete one item on my list.
66. Buy a diamond ring for myself.

It's pretty. I like it. Even TehTarik knew immediately, when she looked at a few rings I'd picked out, that this was the one I'd decided on. It had, according to her, my name written all over it!


Today I give thanks for:
The person who invented cup noodles.
Yes, sounds like a lame thing to be thankful for, but cup noodles have saved me from going hungry many many times.


Happy moments of the day:
- chocolate chip cookies. I had quite a few today. Nom nom nom!

- laughing with my colleague

- shopping with TehTarik

- getting a nice pretty LBD

- setting my eyes on Red, and falling in love.  TehTarik saw my reaction and knew immediately that I'd lost my heart to it

- completing #66 on my list.


--

Tomorrow, I work in the morning. Get a manicure after work. And go for my colleague's son's wedding dinner in the evening.




Life, my friends, might be what happens when you're busy making other plans...

but every day, in every way, it's getting better and better.

3 Days In

Wow, it felt good waking up late today! And not having to go to work.
Met up with TehTarik at West Mall for a late lunch. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as crowded as I'd thought it would be. Ended up buying stuff at Watsons. TehTarik and I agreed that even if you don't need anything, you can walk into Watsons, and find something that you do need/want. The good thing about spending money at Watsons is knowing that you're not wasting money - that is, if you're getting toiletries, and not some of the rubbish that they do have. After all, things like toothpaste and cotton pads do get used! Unlike shoes..*eyes shoe cupboard guiltily*

Found this little booth at West Mall that sells OPI nail polish for far cheaper than nail salons do! Of course, we ended up getting a bottle each. And went to her place and painted our nails.

Did you know that Pastamania does delivery? I didn't, but I do now!
*burp*

Semi-watched a couple of movies: The Darjeeling Limited on dvd, and another one that I can't quite recall right now.

I did say I only semi-watched it.

Finished watching the movie just in time to catch Whose Line Is It Anyway? and as always, it was a great laugh. I love the rapport between Colin and Ryan.
Gotta admit, I don't quite find female comedians as amusing...

Left her place shortly after to meet up with Yvonne. Hadn't seen her in ages, and it was good catching up again. She's another person whom I admire a lot, for her positive outlook on life.

Happy moments of the day:
Joking with my mum and BabyGirl before leaving to meet TehTarik
Finding a really nice OPI nail colour
Cuddling BabyGirl and tucking her in, and getting a kiss
Watching Whose Line
Hanging out with TehTarik and Yvonne

Today's Thanksgiving:
I am thankful for my sister, who is the epitome of courage and optimism and determination.


Just heard this song on the radio, and this line always stands out for me:

You can't please everyone, so you gotta please yourself


Only three days in, and I'm having a great year so far. I feel the same way Bunny does, so I'm going to quote her here:
"All in all, 2009 has been great so far. Sure it's only the beginning, but I think it's an indication of how things are going to be for the rest of the year. And you know what? I like it. "