tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35253556593228930292024-03-19T18:08:47.646+08:00Single in KLI write of the people I love, places I love and love itself...Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-77875070477201768142022-05-08T10:08:00.002+08:002022-08-19T09:02:39.495+08:00Six Years LaterHey you.. <br /><br /><div>
The last time I wrote anything in here was in 2016. We've crossed 2020. Wawasan 2020 and all. Did I leave you in the same state that you are now?<br />
<br />
Whats changed? Is it me or is it you that is now seeing life differently than five years before?<br />
<br />
Has life been treating you well?<br />
<br />
Have there been more laughters and more love in your life than when I left you before?<br />
<br />
What have I missed? I would love to hear about them. <br />
<br />
I still remember reading about your children, your heartbreaks, your joy and your many reasons ----<br />
<br />
And what have you missed? If you are a tiny bit curious.<br />
<br />
A lot. A lot has happened. To me and I believe to you as well. <br />
<br />
The last five years has changed me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I moved to Johor Bahru about five years ago for work but I'm still a KL girl at heart. You can't take me out of KL. </div><div><br /></div><div>I parted ways with my best friend, and I miss her so very much. I can't even remember what happened to us that we're no longer speaking to each other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, I just wonder how everyone is. Where everyone is. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have many stories to tell. Even if no one is reading blogs anymore these days, it's okay. I just need a space for my thoughts, my experiences, my stories to have a home. To read back and chuckle in the future. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're still around, tell me, how have you been?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<br />
<br /></div>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com0Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia1.492659 103.7413591-52.491383064997535 33.4288591 55.476701064997542 174.0538591tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-25928082144211514772016-02-15T21:43:00.001+08:002016-02-15T21:43:35.664+08:00Great ExpectationsThe thing about expectations is that without meaning to, we create our own heartbreaks through expectations.<br />
<br />
If anything at all, over the years that I have been laying low, what I have learned is that serenity comes when you trade expectations to acceptance.<br />
<br />
Right... who am I kidding? I've gone all Confucius and Lao Tze.<br />
<br />
I keep hearing my friends telling me not to have any expectations, especially when it comes to relationships. They say to have hope, but never to expect. If we do not expect anything from anyone, we can never be disappointed.<br />
<br />
And I understand the point that they are trying to make.<br />
<br />
But how is that even realistic? How can we not have expectations?<br />
<br />
So I say go ahead. Set those expectations as high as you want them to be.<br />
<br />
BUT<br />
<br />
Never allow your world to fall apart when the subject of your expectations couldn't pull through ask how you had hoped it would be.<br />
<br />
As for me, the simple truth is that, sometimes, we expect more from others because we would be willing to do that much for them.<br />
<br />
But if you do have expectations, then expect for great things to come to you. That is the only way to go...<br />
<br />
<br />Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-39494228592186773292016-02-14T22:57:00.002+08:002016-02-14T23:00:03.580+08:00To Have But Not To Hold<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People say when you want to begin writing, it's always best to start with something that you are familiar with, something close to your heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Throughout my life, I've been blessed. Blessed to have learned courage, loyalty and perseverance from the small group of friends that I have around me. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's start with someone I knew way back from 1998. When Maggi was our staple diet, and hanging out at the veranda at the back of our dorm room was our favourite past time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She shall be referred to as Ms. JB, as in the city Johor Bahru, because she hails from Johor Bahru and a big fan of the JDT football team and because I am not that creative enough to come up with any other name. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I admire her love for her Mr. K and wish that I am as strong as her. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She loves deeply, and is loyal to Mr. K even after so many years together and being so far apart from each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From her, I am beginning to understand that love does not mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes. I think that is true love. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I envy that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The commitment to make the relationship work despite being in two different cities; to trust, and to make each other feel important without having the advantage of seeing each other often, to make each other laugh and to share the details of each other's daily life is not something that can be achieved easily. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But then again, distance doesn't matter, when they are loyal to each other. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm a bit rusty in the writing. It'll get better, I hope it does...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cinta</div>
<br />Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-29261688454991106962014-06-06T15:35:00.005+08:002014-06-06T15:35:46.024+08:00To See If It Fits<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.700000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>“He was like the flesh and blood equivalent of a DKNY dress.You know it’s not your style, but it’s right there, so you try it on anyway." -Sex and the City-</i></span></span></blockquote>
<br />Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-77528074916006825182014-03-20T17:34:00.000+08:002016-02-14T13:22:11.287+08:00100 Days of Happiness # Day 1I was tired of feeling sorry for myself over the whole break-up phase that I was going through. Yes so he broke my heart. But like a dear friend will always say ' nobody dies of a broken heart'. I'm still breathing.<br />
<br />
I've passed the bawling my eyes out phase, the missing-you-wish-you-were-here phase, the anger phase and finally the phase where I am just exhausted of being sad.<br />
<br />
So I'm embarking on a 100 Days of Happiness project. To remind myself to be thankful for the many other wonderful things that life is sending my way.<br />
<br />
Happiness is a choice. I need to remember that.<br />
<br />
Day #1<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkQAVb6m4pC-QTkOz0cv9x4gVrk1_cvMdOfwqHSqJZB-vhMKAQStx-GJy29AVFTRv4v-NnKGxhr1ITDDDdkoObA2ZNAG6xP2xkGPWHQzAdJuWV92uhT5bH8fOC3D12xso_d0N5upt8Nc/s1600/Clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkQAVb6m4pC-QTkOz0cv9x4gVrk1_cvMdOfwqHSqJZB-vhMKAQStx-GJy29AVFTRv4v-NnKGxhr1ITDDDdkoObA2ZNAG6xP2xkGPWHQzAdJuWV92uhT5bH8fOC3D12xso_d0N5upt8Nc/s640/Clouds.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">A short work trip to Kuching. As the plane flew me home, I was happy and contented to be up in the clouds. </span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-82397210558787604062014-02-27T16:15:00.000+08:002014-02-27T16:37:52.307+08:00Write My Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“I believe in writing your own story.” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7056690.Charlotte_Eriksson" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Charlotte Eriksson</a></blockquote>
<br />
People write for a number of reasons.<br />
<br />
We write to share our happy moments, to laugh at the eccentricities of life and sometimes..to let go of the pain inside.<br />
<br />
Sometimes we write for ourselves, putting our thoughts into words and sometimes we write for others, hoping that they would read between the lines.<br />
<br />
Today, I write because I need to find myself again, to rekindle that passion and I write because I want to remind myself that its's always darkest before the dawn.<br />
<br />
I refuse to end this chapter on a negative note. Allow me to chase that morning ray. To see beyond the darkness. I want to write of happy endings because I used to believe in happy endings.<br />
<br />
Would you be willing to read what I have to write?<br />
<br />
Excuse me while I go chase that morning ray or that mythical end of the rainbow with the pot of gold.<br />
<br />
Wait for my story..as I will be reading yours.<br />
<br />Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-61706361613484544232013-01-06T20:00:00.000+08:002013-01-06T22:47:04.979+08:00Weekend in Colour #1<p>A good friend is moving to Dubai to start a new job. I decided to give her a collection of digital memories of her and her son because she couldn’t bring him with her just yet. I hope she likes them. </p> <p>A bit rusty with the camera. It’s been over a year since I last fiddled around with it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XdZ_i3ac_7c/UOmJKwRNwMI/AAAAAAAAAfo/clE6RrPOuyc/s1600-h/Selected%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Selected" border="0" alt="Selected" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4nkbKlu5n-M/UOmJLwuQdeI/AAAAAAAAAfs/rWBY8Cwexko/Selected_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"></a><em><font size="2"></font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">Canon EOS 60D, Lake Gardens & Alhambara Putrajaya</font></em></p> <p>How was your weekend? Hope you had a good one. </p> Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-17048518458659100822013-01-03T13:51:00.001+08:002013-01-03T13:56:47.894+08:00Happy Endingku<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:96b7e733-ee74-42d5-9245-12d9a3b46688" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="218c38d5-1215-4948-9118-67af5d91f14d" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q97TctSsHAc" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SaPhp9maa1g/UOUcfM6gJ0I/AAAAAAAAAek/0yW6TmdZq2g/videoed0f58d85911%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('218c38d5-1215-4948-9118-67af5d91f14d'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/q97TctSsHAc?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/q97TctSsHAc?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Stumbled across this song a few months back. Wanted to share with you but I kept forgetting. </p> <p>Asked my colleague to listen to it this morning. She liked it so much that she immediately added it to her ‘wedding song’ list. Bummer, there goes my song. </p> <p>How adorable is the name Abdul & The Coffee Theory?</p> <p>Best heard with eyes closed and imagining yourself running across a meadow with leaves floating around you. </p> Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-19439399873396113102013-01-02T18:55:00.001+08:002013-01-02T21:45:41.344+08:00Small Things<p align="justify">Over a new year’s breakfast of <em>nasi lemak</em> and <em>roti bakar</em>, he turned to me and said, “I don’t notice the small things.”</p> <p align="justify">For reference purposes now and onwards, the friend shall be referred to as Master of the Universe, because…well, he’s all about being the one in charge. A very complex character he is, indeed. </p> <p align="justify">He continues to add, “I don’t notice whether you’ve just had a haircut, or the smell of your perfume, or…well, you know, things like that. ”</p> <p align="justify">I rolled my eyes at him. No surprise there. </p> <p align="justify">Personally, I kind of like the small things. It warms the heart to discover if someone were to notice or remember the small things about me…. like how I very much prefer books over flowers, that my favourite scent on myself is vanilla and that I like the colour blue, that I prefer hot chocolate over coffee, and that my favourite song is Dia by Maliq and The Essentials. </p> <p align="justify">It is the small things that sometimes makes us smile mid-stride, the cause of the unexpected chuckle, or maybe, that sudden burst of laughter that gets your colleague from the next cubicle wondering if you have just lost your marbles. </p> <p align="justify">Like the time my friend from Jerantut sent a picture of a magazine article entitled 30 Teknik Bebas Stres Paling Efektif, in our BBM group, with the comment ‘No 1 yang paling utama ialah, CARI PASANGAN HIDUP, majalah iSihat, Sekian.’ I couldn’t help but burst out laughing because the issue of marriage and finding your partner has been a standing friendly banter between the three of us. </p> <p align="justify">I like the smell of my man wearing my favourite perfume of his, or when I catch the same scent in the midst of nowhere and I like when someone uses a photo I took as their profile picture. I love late night drives with someone who knows me well enough, to share conversations about how the day has been and laugh over silly incidents. I like it when a man holds open the door for me, because a man holding open a door for a woman is so rare nowadays. </p> <p align="justify">I like hearing my favourite song being played on the radio. Yes, I may own the CD but nothing beats the excitement and giddiness you feel when your song is playing over the airwaves. I like going to bed and knowing that I can sleep in the next day. I like discovering inscriptions written inside old books, it’s like discovering some part of history, a glance into another person’s thoughts and I love reading funny, thought provoking and quirky musings of other blog writers. </p> <p align="justify">It may be the small thing that someone does, or the small things about that someone or the everyday things that I find to be heart warming. I am all about the small things and sometimes, when I read between the lines of your writings and musings, I notice the small things about you too *smile*. </p> <p align="justify">p/s: Hoping that 2013 will be kinder to you and me. Have a great year ahead.</p> Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-55245273544367837642012-12-31T15:43:00.001+08:002012-12-31T15:43:11.059+08:00The Reason<br />
<div align="justify">
There we were, two people, sitting at the mamak opposite my
house, on one rainy Saturday evening. One is single while the other is not. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
The conversation flowed aimlessly from one subject to another,
then he said, “you know, things happen for a reason.”</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
A rather ambiguous statement. Bordering between the negative
and the positive, depending on how we want to look at it. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I went to bed that night thinking hard. Remembering everything
that has happened and everyone that I have met and trying to figure out the
reason why. There are an abundance of quotes over the internet on it. They say
that sometimes a person comes into our lives to serve some sort of purpose, to
teach us an important lesson or maybe to help figure out who we are or who we
want to become. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Like the friend who is constantly cheering me on, to keep
dreaming the dreams, and turn them into a reality. Or the boss that has become a
mentor, teaching and guiding me to be the best that I can be and eventually has
helped me figure out where I am headed. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
And sometimes the things that happen to us may seem, at that
point in time, horrible, painful or unfair but in reflection, we will come to
realize that without overcoming those obstacles, we would never know our
strength, will power or heart.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
Why do I know you? Why do you know me? Why did I do that? What have I learned
from it?
<br />
<div align="justify">
But at the end of the day, I think it all boils down to this;
the person and voice inside us. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
The reasons can only happen should we allow it to happen. It
can only happen if we open our minds…and our hearts, to changes, to allow them
to become a part of our lives. And letting them be who they are, and for us to
be who we are. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I may not like some of the things about my friend who was
seated across from me. Like how he likes to boss me around, or how he can
sometimes be such a grumpy old man (not literally though) but hey, then again,
it was the things he said that made me write again. Maybe that was his reason.
</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
I know you have yours. We’ll figure it out eventually, as we go
along. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Have a great new year’s eve. We’ve been this far, have we not?
:-)</div>
Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-67973834565982763032012-12-25T17:15:00.001+08:002012-12-25T17:16:38.499+08:00Is Happiness a State of Mind?<p> </p> <p align="justify">Three years ago I made the difficult decision to switch careers. I thought I would be happier. It was a huge step up with exciting opportunities, and it was, or still is. The new job gave me the opportunity to travel more in the past three years than I ever did before. I met new people with a wealth of experience and drew inspiration from their successes and stories of life. </p> <p align="justify">But somehow, being honest with myself now, I feel empty. Not depressed or I-will-never-laugh-again…just empty. I don’t know whether it was because of the choices I made or maybe, just maybe, it was because of the big void that <a href="http://single-in-kl.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-cried.html">Pak Syed</a> left. I’d rather if it was the former than the latter.</p> <p align="justify">I think I was happy three years ago. I remember laughing a lot more. Reading a lot more. Writing a lot more in this blog of mine. Seeing a lot more movies and having the time to do things that made me happy. </p> <p align="justify">I think I’ve tried everything to feel that same euphoric feeling and the giddiness I’ve felt three years before. Spent more time with friends, had positive quotes tacked to my corkboard at work…but nothing. I even bought boxes of cupcakes because I saw this poster once that said “You can’t buy happiness but you can buy cupcakes. And that’s kind of the same thing.” Still no butterflies, only more weight added. Yes, I think I’ve gained at least 8kg from comfort eating. </p> <p align="justify">I don’t regret making that decision. Standing at that crossroad and choosing that certain path. But….I can’t help but to keep on wondering, if it was right, then why do I feel empty inside?</p> Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-80670343627538468502012-08-23T16:54:00.002+08:002012-08-23T16:56:25.236+08:00The Color GreyCuriosity got the better of me. How many Shades of Grey are there anyway?<br />
<br />
50 Shades of Grey turned me 50 Shades of Crimson. And it comes in a trilogy pack.<br />
<br />
Now I'm wondering how did it ever get past Internal Home Affairs. They must have missed it or have been misguided by the title, thinking it might be a tutorial on getting the perfect 50 Shades of Grey?<br />
<br />
Have you read?Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-70590204756013153542012-08-22T16:29:00.002+08:002012-08-22T16:32:54.865+08:00Never The Same Again<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I'm a bit rusty on my writing. Haven't written a decent entry in ages.<br />
<br />
Between then and now, much has happened to me, and perhaps much has happened to you too. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Walking side-by-side with <a href="http://single-in-kl.blogspot.com/2009/06/shower-time.html" target="_blank">my friend K</a>, talking while browsing through the bookshelves at MPH over at The Curve yesterday evening, post-rendang and nasi impit overload, she said something to me which I kept repeating in my mind till now. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'You are never the same person again'.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A simple sentence with seven simple words. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With that, she has managed to summarize the meaning of the past two months of my life for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I lost my father late June this year. He was never sick. In fact, a few hours before he left us, I was having dinner with him and my mother at home, discussing where to go for breakfast in the morning. He later left for his kopi session with his buddies at the mamak opposite the house, and I went up to my room. A few hours later, my mother knocked violently on my bedroom door, telling me to take my father to the clinic. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got in the car, my father was still strong to walk himself to the car, drove off with him in the passenger side and my mother at the back. He complained of chest pains and a mere few minutes later, he was no longer with us. He passed away in the car, with me and my mother with him. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I knew he was no longer breathing as we got to the clinic. Don't ask me why it was the clinic and not the hospital, I guess at that point in time, I couldn't think straight. My mom was still hopeful, praying hard that he will be okay. I didn't cry. I think I just stood there like a statue. Staring at my father. I went on auto-pilot mode after that. Making the report, going over to the police station, calling my family and my father's friends.I had a lot of help though, when I got home in the van jenazah, the house was ready. Furniture was already moved outside, stacks of Yassin at one corner, plastic chairs arranged outside the house....for all that, I couldn't thank my neighbours enough. </div>
<br />
I never imagined that I would lose my father so early. He was only 60, having celebrated his 60th last April. There was still a lot of things that I wanted to share with him.<br />
<br />
Losing him has affected me deeply. Like K said, I am never the same person again.<br />
<br />
I'm okay. Just in case you were wondering....<br />
<br />
I eat, shower, go to work, see friends, listen to music, still read romantic novels and watch what my friends are up to on Facebook.<br />
<br />
I miss him and wish that he was still still here. There is not a day that he is not the first thing on my mind when I wake up in the morning.<br />
<br />
I wrote about him once <a href="http://single-in-kl.blogspot.com/2009/10/dia-garang-sangat.html" target="_blank">here</a>, if you still remember...<br />
<br />
Selamat Hari Raya Abah...<br />
<br />
Al-fatihah<br />
<br />Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-47009371435810336292012-08-22T15:42:00.003+08:002012-08-29T15:46:29.628+08:00Happy Eid and I'm BackI had one of those moments when my heart skipped a little faster than the usual and a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach when I couldn't locate my blog on WordPress and Blogspot changed its layout.<br />
<br />
Yes, I think it is safe to say that I'm back to blogging here and that I have no idea how I am to retrieve my old posts from WordPress.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I hope its not too late to say <b>Selamat Hari Raya</b> and hoping that your Eid was filled with much love and happiness.Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-57701081705121687492012-01-28T10:57:00.000+08:002015-05-29T18:19:23.445+08:00Once upon a Summer's Day[caption id="attachment_370" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Lavenders in Kaikoura"]<a href="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/lavender2.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-370" src="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/lavender2.jpg?w=1024" height="240" title="lavender" width="320" /></a>[/caption]<br />
<blockquote>
Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can.”<br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3502.Alice_Hoffman">Alice Hoffman</a>, <em><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/4030671">Practical Magic</a></em></blockquote>
Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-50125940608442996922012-01-28T00:01:00.000+08:002022-05-08T09:33:16.971+08:00In Living Colour<p style="text-align: justify;">There are many kinds of friends and people that I have in my life. There are those who are my best friends for life-till-death do us part kinds, those after work coffee buddies whom I meet once in a while to de-stress and rant about the office, and then there are those who hold a cameo role, appearing rarely but nonetheless, making their presence known and heard.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have a few of these people in my life. I see them very rarely, but during those rare moments, they have never failed to make me either stare in amazement, cringe, roll my eyes or secretly wish I can stab them-repeatedly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have a friend, whom I’ve known since we were 15. Whenever I cut school, I would go over to her house to hide out and we would listen to Feminin (yes, they were the rage back then if you must know) and talk about the boys at school. We were so close that if we aren’t together, we will be hanging on the phone…sometimes not even talking. Just holding on to the phone, listening at nothing at would only start to talk if there was something that crossed our minds. But school life ended and we parted ways. Me to UPM and she chased her dream of becoming a singer. Well, we’re still friends now but not as close as we used to be. We talk, meet up once in a while and exchange life stories.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So I texted her a few weeks back. Asking her how she is, since she just went through another breakup to which I had spent countless and endless hours of texting, trying to calm her down. My “Hi babe, how’s it going? Are you ok?” was met with a short reply – “Hey, check out my video yah? (insert video link here)”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hmmm…okay…what is this? A game of Blue’s Clues? Find the clues in this video to get your answer ;-)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Or did she just confuse me as being one of her fans? Maybe I should’ve asked for her autograph.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then, there is this guy. Who I rarely see. Very interesting character and perhaps well on his way of being sued for sexual harassment one of these day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">His idea of breakfast talk is “you hebat tak di ranjang?”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I splutter hot tea all over the table. Who ever uses the word ranjang anymore these days?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Oh, and he gave me the middle-finger as he sped away in his brand new mini cooper as I stood waiting for a bus late one evening.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pgthggshhhjkss…..</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The girl I wrote about some time ago also made a comeback. Remember <a href="http://single-in-kl.com/2009/06/30/speechless-in-kl/" title="Speechless in KL">her</a>?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was in my car one morning, idling and warming up the engine. I saw her driving past in her black MyVi. I looked down, hoping she didn’t see me and quickly shifted the gear, wanting to drive away JUST in case she saw me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">She did. And what were the odds of that happening to me?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">She made a U-turn.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Drove up to the side of my car, rolled her windows down and asked</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Kau ni bila nak kahwin ni? Umur dah berapa”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm beginning to wonder what is with her and her obsession with my status?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes hi, Good Morning. Kau sihat? Dari mana ni pagi-pagi? Oh..hantar anak pergi sekolah. Besar dah anak kau… Ok lah bye</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Shoot, I wish I had given a better comeback. At least she skipped the weight issue this time around. Thank god.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, whoever they are, and for whatever reason they exist in my life, I just realised that they add colour to it. Yes, I admit annoyance was the initial feeling but when I sat down, and thought about it, I found myself smiling and chuckling.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I think I can still handle those bizarre once-in-a-blue happenings.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">They are who they are. And I am who I am.</p>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-38936328559395866182012-01-26T01:28:00.000+08:002022-05-08T09:35:50.201+08:00Looking back and moving on<p style="text-align: justify;">I’ve deleted a few lines and a number of words as I attempt to breathe life back onto this small space of mine. I sat staring at the monitor, watching the predictable rhythm of the cursor as it blinks, thinking of how I can recap 2011 in twenty words or less or more. Perhaps more.</p><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/stock-photo-17065865-new-year-crossroad.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-337" height="199" src="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/stock-photo-17065865-new-year-crossroad.jpg?w=300" title="stock-photo-17065865-new-year-crossroad" width="300" /></a></p><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Emotionally, 2011 was a stable year. No major heartaches or heartbreaks but also not a single date. But I think I was ok with that. I’ll consider 2011 as a buffer year from the years of mis-match making attempts by friends and family. Nonetheless, I still believe in the age-old of happily ever afters. I am Cinta, after all.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I survived the moving office to Putrajaya, got used to the long commute and sometimes long drive between home and the new office. I finally got my diploma in translation and managed to whizz past my first semester with the assignments and endless presentations and exam as a post graduate student in University Malaya. Not too bad I say, though there were times when I think I forgot to breathe.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">2011 was also a good year as I was fortunate enough to have the means to travel to New Zealand’s South Island, twice in the same year. I hopped in a car armed with a GPS and guide books and drove the width and breadth of the country. I hiked through a mossy forest, saw the seals in Kaikoura, inhaled the sweet scents of lavender, listened to the sounds of nature at the Pancake Rock Blowholes in Punakaiki, stared in amazement at the glaciers in St. Josef and watched my own reflection at the lake in Wanaka. I was in Christchurch a week before the big earthquake in February happened and came back a few months later. I saw how beautiful and busy the city was before and witnessed the eerie silence of the city after. Christchurch will never be the same again. I counted my blessings at the greatness of Allah the almighty.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was and am lucky to have friends who so willingly handed over a paid luxury holiday at the Pimalai Resorts in Krabi, spending three days experiencing what it was like living a life of the privileged. I couldn’t thank them enough.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I shrieked with shared happiness as a friend landed a job in Dubai, and another found her other half and soul mate. Wedding bells soon to be ringing and a trip to Dubai must be planned.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also learned how to bake a cheesecake from scratch and met a lot of new people. In real life or virtual from this blog of mine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Most importantly though, I welcomed my first niece into the world early in 2011. She’s a bundle of joy a ray of sunshine for the whole family. I couldn’t ask for more.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But it wasn’t all smiles last year. Of course there were those moments of gloom. But lets not dwell on that.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The only regret I have of last year is that I didn’t write often.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What will 2012 bring?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Only the best that life has to offer…. And maybe my other half. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Oh, and happy new year to you. This will be great year for us. You and me.</p>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-91609027190575377782011-09-13T02:28:00.000+08:002022-05-08T09:39:18.414+08:00Too Small of a Plate<p style="text-align: justify;">I believe that we all have those moments when we feel that life is pulling us in different directions at one time. Those time when you feel like your head is about to explode and you wish that there are more hours in a day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is one of those moments for me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The next few months will certainly be a challenging uphill battle. The office is moving to Putrajaya in a few weeks and we’re in the midst of packing. Apart from that, I’m to start attending my postgraduate class in UM tomorrow. A.full.day.of.class. The last time I sat in a class the whole day was 11 years ago. That long. I doubt my bottom is up for that nowadays. It’s the age thing.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It doesn’t stop there. I took up a Diploma Course in Translation with the Malaysia Translation Association and Dewan Bahasa Pustaka early in the year which was scheduled to end early this month. Was being the operative here. Was supposed to and currently, not happening as planned. Pushing a few classes back because of a few holidays, I am due to attend three more classes every Saturday and exam for this particular course will be somewhere in December.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Two different courses, work and life.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">i.can’t.breathe.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Too much on this little plate of mine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Wish me luck!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>p/s: maybe I’ll meet The One on campus? ;-) A girl can dream.</em></p>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-46545325456423359732011-09-07T19:40:00.000+08:002012-12-31T11:45:27.939+08:00#2 Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/istockphoto_7274585-questions-and-answers-signpost1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-329" title="istockphoto_7274585-questions-and-answers-signpost" src="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/istockphoto_7274585-questions-and-answers-signpost1.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-5273917739432584352011-09-06T23:16:00.000+08:002012-12-31T11:45:27.943+08:00Current Thoughts1. When will I ever be able to finish the stack of books that I keep on buying but never have the time to read?<br/><br/>2. I need to go to Tesco and buy a paper shredder.<br/><br/>3. When will he reply his email.<br/><br/>4. Why don't I like Pavillion and keep going to KLCC although the former offers better choices.<br/><br/>5. I don't want to get my colleague's flu.<br/><br/>6. Can I finish the assignment for my translation class on time? Still in post-raya mode.<br/><br/>7. Should I try out that online dating website which Shanty (a colleague) has been pressing me to do?Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-55566572186664422642011-08-24T14:14:00.000+08:002012-12-31T11:45:27.946+08:00#1 Wordless Wednesday<a href="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110824-061534.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full" src="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/20110824-061534.jpg" alt="20110824-061534.jpg" /></a>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-32378904060969140832011-08-23T01:22:00.000+08:002022-05-08T09:46:35.113+08:00I Sat There Listening<p style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes I just sit and wonder what they say about me. I just wonder. I wondered as I sat listening to them judge others.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My FairyGodmother always reminds me not to care what others think. That I should do what I want to do, regardless. But being the Capricorn that I am, I tend to over analyse situations and read too much in between those lines.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do they see me as a hopeless romantic? That I see the world all roses and cream when they say that it is a scary place where the big bad wolves prey for its victims.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I just sit there, and I listened to them say how we shouldn't do this and we shouldn't do that . Or maybe we should not do anything at all?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Don't take risks in life, become social recluse and let life go by as we sit by the window and watch.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to scream. Wanted to scream from the top of my lungs and tell the two to just let others lead their life they way they want to. To let them write their life history, and their life story; every sadness, every laughter and every tears and make it public should they decide to.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I didn't. I just sat there instead, quietly seething and wishing that I could have said what I wanted to say.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the day went on as usual and at the end of it, I am still a hopeless romantic; I choose to see the world and the people in a multitude of happy colours.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">That's not so bad now is it?</p>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-57813471285658900082011-08-16T14:13:00.000+08:002012-12-31T11:45:27.948+08:00Mencari Cinta<p><a href="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/4585225-looking-for-love-human-searching-for-love-with-heart-using-abstract-search-engine.jpg"><img style="background-image:none;border-bottom:0;border-left:0;padding-left:0;padding-right:0;display:block;float:none;margin-left:auto;border-top:0;margin-right:auto;border-right:0;padding-top:0;" title="4585225-looking-for-love-human-searching-for-love-with-heart-using-abstract-search-engine" border="0" alt="4585225-looking-for-love-human-searching-for-love-with-heart-using-abstract-search-engine" src="http://storyofcinta.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/4585225-looking-for-love-human-searching-for-love-with-heart-using-abstract-search-engine_thumb.jpg" width="172" height="172" /></a></p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>"All our young lives we search for someone to love, someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance to a song of heartbreak and hope, all the while wondering if somewhere and somehow there is someone searching for us." </p> <p align="right"><em>The Wonder Years</em></p></blockquote>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-54188565347661383552011-08-14T10:59:00.000+08:002012-12-31T11:45:27.945+08:00The Notebook #1<p> </p> <p>I laughed till it hurt, and months ago I thought I’d never laugh again.  </p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>If you don't look like an Abercrombie model, then don't expect me to look like a Barbie. – <em>The Notebook</em></p> </blockquote> <p>But I don’t expect much, a Craig David lookalike will do. </p>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3525355659322893029.post-70701450944560370272011-08-14T10:35:00.000+08:002022-05-08T09:50:13.863+08:00Food for Thought<p align="justify">I hope its not too late to say Ramadan Al Mubarak and may the blessings of Ramadan be with you.</p><p align="justify">I have yet to bump into <span style="color: navy;"><a href="http://single-in-kl.com/2009/09/04/que-sera-sera/"><span style="color: navy;">the girl</span></a></span> with the strawberries sewn onto her <em>telekung</em> this year. I wonder how she is.</p><p align="justify">Ramadan has always been a special month for me. There is something in the atmosphere that makes you want to slow down the hectic pace of life and be with family and the people that matter most. More importantly, it is a month of reflection and of religious observance, a month of serenity and a chance to show gratitude for all the blessings in life.</p><p align="justify">Which is why, I was taken aback quite recently by an icy cold rebuff from a lady in pink during a corporate <em>iftar</em> event a few nights ago.</p><p align="justify">I’ve never been a fan of any ‘<em>majlis berbuka puasa’</em>. It’s quite a hassle, queuing for food, jostling for space in a crowded restaurant and rushing to the surau located miles away, but work is work and organise one I did last Thursday.</p><p align="justify">Due to the unexpected overwhelming response, and which I am very much quite embarrassed to admit, we ran out of food by 8pm. Be rest assured that no one starved but we just did not have enough for any 3rd servings.</p><p align="justify">Upon deciding that we had better personally apologise to everyone at the table, and explaining that more food was coming, my colleague and I made our way to each and every table, smiling and apologising profusely. Everyone took it quite well actually, for which I will forever be thankful to them for understanding but a certain lady in pink, who works for a certain private TV station, with her arms crossed, sat back and slowly but enough for everyone at her table to hear her say, <em><strong>“in my whole life, I have never been to an event this bad, never. This is the worst, the worst”.</strong></em> And that came from a person who visited the buffet table three times for the past half hour.</p><p align="justify">I guess that she had every right to say what she said. At the end of a day of fasting, who wouldn’t be angry when there isn’t enough food? Right?</p><p align="justify">But I guess I was just surprised at her remark because, I thought that in this blessed month of Ramadan, we would be a little more tolerant of any shortcomings, and a little more forgiving.</p><p align="justify">Whatever it is Kakak in Pink. I humbly apologise…but if you look at it on the bright side. No food was wasted right? :)</p><p align="justify">Ramadan Al Mubarak to you kakak in pink. Hope to see you again next Ramadan…</p>Cintahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04683406517121752573noreply@blogger.com3