Christmas Cheer

?It has been a quiet Christmas compared to last year when my family and I celebrated Christmas in Singapore, which was followed by much partying with friends, also in Singapore.... But what was more important was that I celebrated it with the most important people in my life, my family and friends, although some of my friends are away overseas... Big Hi to PP, Chil, Zam, Little Sophia, Sheryl....

Here are some snap shots of was it was like celebrating Christmas in Brunei...

Our prego mother, Nor Sharon and her hubby, Jefri. Sometimes I wonder which one is pregnant.... hehe...

Before you start wondering, no, its not wine, only sparkling grape juice...

Even Kimmy our Balinese girl, although allegately got bitten by a monkey, had the holiday cheer in her...

Here's our Christmas tree this year, and its real and from our garden!!!

My nephews were so excited with their pressie that they ripped it in 2 seconds!!

Best of all, here are some of my fantastic pressies!!!

December Babies

I do apologise for my absence in updating my blog. With my recent venturing into the banking line, it has somewhat surprised me. Although this is only a part-time job as a Customer Service Adviser (CSA), I am beginning to grow into it. The staff has made me so welcomed, that, although it has been overwhelming, trying to learn everything from scratch, their friendliness made things easier and for me to blend in to a whole new environment.

But for this moment in time, I would like to wish all the December babies a very happy birthday with many many more to come. I hope I have not left out anyone in particular, and if I did, I am so sorry..... blame it on my age!!!

Happy Birthday to All!!

Ak Amal (Left)
Saifol Bahrin (Right)

Ahmad Jefri (Left)
Mrs Paula Mah (Right)

Yazid (Left)

Sheryl (Right)

Ladies...

Hello to all my lady friends....

Some of you may have already heard of my existing business, and to those who havent... well... read on...

Matahari Spa has come up with some new massage ritual such as the re-energizing massage which is catered for women who would like to have a quick massage of 45 mins. It starts of with a hot towel on your back and shoulder to loosen your tense muscle while stretching your back. A special massage gel which is completely water-based taken from the extracts of Lavender, GrapeFruit and Rosemary, which is light, absorbent and does not leave any sticky feeling, is massage on your shoulder, neck and back. Once your back is completed, you lie on your back and a cold cotton soaked with witch hazel covers your eyes. The energizing gel is used to massage your shoulders, arms, head and face with acupressure. And to end the ritual, the Energizing Facial Mist is sprayed onto your face conclude the whole treatment. All this for only B$20.00!!!

Other treatment includes our Coffee Invigorating Ritual, Aromatherapy Massage (Relaxing, Rejuvenating and Refreshing) and Foot Reflexology soak in Cleopatra Milk Spa.

Do call our friendly team at 2230188 for an appointment. We are located at Kiulap just above Baiduri Bank.

Its all about the food!!!

One reason why I have not been updating my blog is because of the endless makan treats that I have been receiving. Those not in Brunei, let me remind you of what you have been missing.... hehe...

One of the most popular dishes... the Fish Head Curry, followed by sizzling japanese beancurd with salted fish, butter prawns, deep fried spiced chicken and of course, one not to be missed, yam in the basked with mixed seafood..... yum...yum...

Apart from the food, the company is the next important thing.... hehe...

Who says teachers can't have fun!!!

Recently we had our staff annual dinner with the theme, "Happening 60s". This is what teachers do when they are out of the school compound!!! Have fun.....

Flower Power & her pimp

60s Cheerleaders

Bond & his ladies

"Ms Donna"

My Other Family

For the past 10 years of my life, I sold my life to a school. It has been an interesting experience and I tresure all the friendships I have made throughout my years in this school. Friendship especially with my students who had made my life a roller-coaster ride. Teachers who makes my life colorful both in school and outside school.
The next few weeks, there will be lots of dinners and functions.... and I will post it out soon when I have the time...

A Year Older....

They say age is just a number... but it sure is creeping up on us!!! Whether we like it or not, each year we add on a year, and scarily a kilo too!! BB was just telling me that the pants we bought beginning of this year can't be worn anymore. Even our conversation are now slowly morphing into a different level. It starts from:

1. games & toys to
2. family vacation to
3. boyfriends & girlfriends to
4. parties to jobs & colleagues to
5. blood pressures & cholesterol level and
6. God knows what after that.

It's scary but such is life. No sense in regret as like one says, no point crying over spilled milk. We learn to adopt to our surroundings and we learn to take risk. As we embark on our journey called life, each year will be slightly different and we give a toast to each and everyone who already have added another candle to their "low-fat" cakes and also to those who will be adding one more candle soon, including yours truly. Happy Birthday to one and all....

Here are some of our latest recipients for November birthdays.

Our very own DJ Fida

Mrs Pregos (Nor Sharon)

Back to Our Roots

How much do we know about our roots? How far back can we remember of our ancestors? Can we remember what they wore during those times back in the 40s? 50s? 60s? That was the dilemma we had when Sujee & Meilan decided to have the party on this theme. At the end, with some imagination and a whole lot of rummaging into our closet, it turn out to be an interesting party with lots of Japanese-style photography... photo here...photo there...

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, someone, whose name I shall not mention, but bought her car only few weeks ago, decided to ram her car up a shoulder and caused a heartbreaking dent at the side!!! I wonder who this person is......

Food Glorious Food....

I have been told that my eyes are bigger than my stomach... well... I suppose that goes for the rest of my friends and the whole of Brunei too... It seems that at every meeting, even for just half an hour, a whole array of scrumptous food awaits us and we eagerly look forward to it.... though secretly....

This year alone, I have attended one too many functions and all with food at the end. Some of which are pleasing to the eye with an interesting "localised" taste to it. For example, the one on the left is called "Panna Cotta Cempedak" topped with Raspberry, Cranberry and Strawberry, a summer-ish dessert.

Main courses are something to be reckon with. Like the follow picture on the right, "Tandoori Masala Burung Puyuh", aka Tandoori Masala Quail... yum..yum...

Then there are the chinese dishes which piles you up like there is no tomorrow. Those who have never been to a chinese wedding before are in for a surprise. Be warned that the first dish that comes your way is not the end!! Its just the beginning followed by 7 more dishes after that!! So don't pack it all in on the first dish!!

To end, I present to you my favourite dish of all time.... Yam in the Basket and I could not care less what is inside, be it seafood, buttermilk chicken or prawns, or whatever... I'll eat the fried yam alone....

So have I made your mouth watered???

Childhood Memories

How far back can we remember of our childhood days? Somehow or rather, trying to remember where I put my car keys or wallet few minutes ago poses a challenge whereas reminiscing on my yesteryears is not a problem at all. I guess at our younger age, stress was just a word and nothing more. As we get older, we cling onto our memories of the times when the air was clear, the memories were fonder, lifestyle were simpler and tv channels were 3 the most!!!

Wedding Bliss

So far this year, I have attended 3 weddings already and to each its own. First wedding was an inter-racial one with its first few ceremonies in Brunei then Singapore. One of my very best friend finally got married and it was a beautiful wedding... from a more family oriented banquet at Hua Ho Mall in Jalan Muara to a more casual, relaxed get-together at the Pantai, Empire Hotel & Country Club, followed by a grand traditional Malay wedding at the Malay Village in Singapore.

Few months after that at the end of September my sister got married. This drove me almost to the brink of insanity!! Mainly due to assumptions on what everyone was doing which infact no one knew of it!! Only after a group meeting with those concerned, it kick started and more or less, the rest was history. Everything went fairly well with a slight hiccup from the father of the bride as he was feeling abit under the weather. Overall, a beautiful wedding and one to remember....

Few days ago, another wedding. This time, an old and dear friend of mine whom I have known since childhood. We practically grew up together, went to the same school, and had our fair share of drama... "the brick to the ear"!!! Now a married woman, I am so happy for her..

Cheers to Sharon & Jefri, Liza & Mike, Cyndi & Alvin...

What Were You Thinking???

Something to Make You Smile

This is what happen when you don't put away your things properly!!!

Did You Know This???

Celebrities

First it was Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe. Now its Britney Spears and Kevin Federline who are now divorcing. Ok Ok... I admit that I am a Britney buff... Whatever anyone says, I still think Britney is my kind of gurl!! She has wat it takes to be a star. Her songs are totally cool... and those shrugging away.. don't pretend that you don't know at least two of her hits!! And her videos.... all I can say is... if my karma allows me to be reborn again... I will be the next Britney!! And I am sure my "friends" can vouch for me... wink...wink...

Speaking of stars... I have my fair share of meeting a few of them.. Let me share them with you and let the photoes do all the talking.....

Celebration

It comes once a year. Some look forward to it whist other dread the day of bingeing and last minute decoration. No matter how prepared you are, there will be just that one little section that has been left out. Be it the green packets, touch up on painting, undecided arrangement of the furniture or whether there is enough food.
Even the open house concept has been misconstrued. It use to be a pleasure to invite family, friends and acquaintances to the house. But now, it seems more like a chore to get enough food and drinks, jazzing up the house or apartment, cleaning and clearing the endless collection of paraphernalia. Instead of invitation, we get questioned on when should friends come to the house...
After all the chaos of ordering or cooking or baking numerous delectable delicacies and a make over of the house (which infact was the fairy lights that made the difference), the sense of achievement is so gratifying. Friends and family come in, filling the house with laughter and excitement. The latest gossips on who's marrying who, who's going out with who and who dumped who are the highest priority on the gossip agenda.
So, in the hoo-ha of the celebration, at the end of the day, we carry with us the treasure of friends and families and it seems worth all the effort..

Close Call

Yesterday on my way home from work, I decided to top up my fuel tank. It rained heavily earlier in the day and continued to drizzle till then. A car was infront of me and was driving at a moderate speed of about 75km/hr. Since the road was slippery, I decided to just tag along behind. Nearing the fuel station, we had to go through a traffic light. It was green and this car infront of me decided to slow down.... And I was wondering what this driver was trying to do. I could not overtake as cars were zooming at the fast lane typically trying to avoid the amber light.

All of a sudden, the driver in the front halted completely as soon as the amber light came on!!! What the @?#%??? I immediately stepped on my brakes and had to swerved my car to the side to avoid ramming into the back.

Only then did I get a good view of the driver!! Woman!!!! I then realise what she was doing. She slowed down waiting for the amber lights!!!Not that I am against woman drivers, but why is it that everytime I get funny drivers, its woman!!

The other day, it was at the airport. The first two cars infront were women and I found it amusing how they try to feed the ticket into the machine. The first car over-shot the machine and after much discussion, told the back passenger to slot in the ticket... after 10 mins!!! The second car... again another woman. She got her car at the correct position but decided NOT take out her shade. So instead opened her car door. The only problem with that was, she parked too closed to the machine and could not open the door fully. I was almost on the floor with tears in my eyes when I saw what she did. She got her little son out of the car to slot in the ticket!!!

Lord!!! I raise my case!!

Now in Business

I've read blog after blog of friends and wonder to myself.. when will I start one.
I suppose now is a good time to share my thought and intimate secrets... well.. lets not go too far.. I suppose sharing pictures of family & friends would do no harm.... And ultimately exploring my skills on the internet.... Lets see how it goes from here...
Enjoy...