Limited time....but still....

After 'sunbathing' session during the basketball finals with the girls on Sunday noon, by Sunday evening I was already in Changi airport - on transit to London then to Ireland.

Wow! Its a really huge airport. I thought I didn't have sufficient time to go and check in at the other terminal thank god I managed to arrive just on time. What I loved most they have this internet counters/kiosks everywhere FOC usage. Excellent.The other thing is, I could make local calls from the public phones to any local numbers. So, I called my cousin and spend nearly 40mnts talking to her. I love the airport. And before boarding , I managed to do some 'window shopping'.

Reaching London at 4am was another experience. Had to do a lot of walking before getting to the right terminal. Then at 9.55am, I left for Cork. I guess, its not fair, all this while, this trip has been really, really smooth from the booking of the tickets till I reach Cork. The moment of thruth arrived. I was questioned for about 30m minutes at the Immigration - which I believe its their procedures. Well, I was damn scared. Serious. And the worst part is, when that was done, I went out and found out that my bag was still in London! Arghhh!! Double scary situation ! I should have expected this to happen.
Alhamdulillah, now, I'm here at one of the CC checking my urgent emails and updating this. Weather is cold between 0-10C. Windy.

I am having a great time here. Something that I have never dreamt off.

We won again!!!

Alhamdulillah! This year, we won again. We managed to win the PPM Southern Zone for the 2nd year in a row. All the games before the final was quite easy for us. However the final - started off with we losing to TKC in the 1st half, but without giving up and full of spirit, we managed to fight and keep scoring non-stop in the 2nd half and prevented them from scoring more.

Below are all the scores for the games:

vs SBPI Selandar 49-10
vs MOZAC 50-17
vs SMAP (Labu) 42-10
vs SBPI Mersing 73-8

and final
vs TKC 50-29

To all my basketballers - the real journey begins now
To all the supporters and SRIKANDIs- thank you very much for coming all the way and you support and doa
To R2v Team - we've got a long way to go.

Some of the photos are here

Note: I'm updating this from the MAS Golden Lounge - on my way to Ireland.

Training, wedding, meeting, playing and flying...

Things have been moving really, really fast this past 2 weeks. I felt like, before I close my eyes last night, I was still in STF coaching the girls, went to the HM's daughter wedding , brought the kids out for an outing. Came back to KL, had a management meeting yesterday and today,opening my eyes, its already Wednesday. Oh yeah......we had a lot of discussions during the meeting yesterday, and I feel quite guilty as there are some things that needs to be put on hold until I return. Not good...not good... I just hope to finish other stuffs that I could offer to do before I go on this long leave. This is the first 'unplanned' long leave I have taken since I work with this company. But I did apply 3 weeks prior to it...

Yes! Long leave. I'll be away from work from this Friday till 3rd of April. I just finished packing this morning. Well, not totally done yet, maybe about 90% of it. I needed to pack 2 bags. One is for my coaching trip to Selandar on Friday, Saturday and Sunday where the girls are being tested on what they have been trained for the past 6 months. This bag will also contain all the emotions of related to the basketball tournament. Nervous, tense, adrenaline rush....and not forgetting , my coaching skills (oh! there's a lot more to learn!!). High hopes, Insya Allah, they will be able to go to final on Sunday and win the trophy again this year.

The other bag, which is triple the volume, will hold my clothes and things that is needed for my Ireland's trip this Sunday, right after returning from Selandar. Hana will help to drop me off at the airport straight from Selandar.I will be going for about 8 days on a semi-formal visit. Therefore, I need a totally different set of clothes - minus the short sleeve t-shirts, track-bottoms and sport shoes. Err...well....not the sport shoes, I prefer those to others actually.

This trip....hmmm...other than the totally opposite temperature differences and environment, it will also affect me differently. It has been almost 1 1/2 years since my last overseas trip. The weather itself plays a big role in creating new feelings, new emotions, new memories - hopefully. To say that I don't have any expectations at all, that's a total lie. But I just have to tawakal to Allah that things are supposed to be better, Insya Allah. As I remembered my last visit to the UK, it gave me a total new strength and hope. I can only hope and pray for this one too.

One thing I know, I have to help my girls win first before 'switching' myself to the Ireland mood. And for the past few days, my colleagues have been complaining that I am smiling continously - does not matter what situation I'm in. Hey!! No complaints!! That is much more better than showing my 'sour face' and being grumpy!! Don't you think so?

I don't know when my next update will be.....and from where......

Stulang Laut memories

I'm soooo glad to be back home - back to my beloved apartment, my bed and most - my precious streamyx ;-) Not that I didn't like sleeping in the dorm-its just that, if possible, I need my internet connection every night now. Yeah..like some of my officemates said - I'm romancing my Streamyx. hehehe.

My previous coaching trips to STF were the usual routine ones but this time, it was different. Instead of only the girls, the Cagers were also there, trained together. On the day I arrived, the Cagers were scheduled to have a friendly match with the Foon Yew's team. And, the best part of this, other than to learn and enjoy the game, the game was held in Foon Yew Stulang Laut.

This covered court, brought a lot of memories to me. This is where I played my first MSSD basketball when I was in form 2.This is where we trained for MSSM when I was chosen to play for Johor.Hmm...it was also where I had a crush on one of the chinese boy who had their training together with us. To think about it back - it was funny...coz he could not even speak BM!! He just smiled, and that made me.."tak larat"! Younger days....
It looks almost the same - other than the new roofing and benches for the supporters, the rest are the same.
Then, we had to wait for the bus outside the school. The best part of this school, it faces the seaside. Just cross the road.....and that is the beach. Well, the view is not as beautiful compare to PD (PD is the nearest comparison that I could think of). But, with the salty sea smell, it is still a beach.
On the other side, we could actually see Singapore. 16 years ago, there were always students practising their 'surfing' skills as that was one of the co-curricullar activities offered in that school. But now I guess, no more. Couldn't see any on that day.Maybe because of the pollution because the beach looks really dirty now.Maybe other reasons.
I reached home today, had the extra energy to go through my old school days albums, and found this. (Sorry for the blur image as I don't have any scanner). It was taken when I was in form 2, 19 years ago , with the same background. We just finished our game and was waiting for the bus.Hmm..... I did look thin. But, its not fair to compare a 14 years old to a 33 years old.hehehe...


Hmm......maybe I should get a scanner and scan the old photos just for the fun of it.

Basketball week

Last night I went and visited an old, good friend who came back for holidays from the UK. I might not be able to meet them after this as my schedule is going to be tight - so last night was an opportunity. We had a great chat about everything - the past , the current and the future plans. Updated them a bit about what' s happening with my life now as they are always concern with me.Very nice family. What I can say is, after knowing me for so long, they are really happy to see me happy.

I couldn't sleep last night. Slept at 12 and woke up at 2am and woke up again at 4am.Don't know why.And now here I am at 5.30am -writing. Maybe I was hungry? Maybe I slept more than I should? (well, I don't really think this is the issue) Maybe I'm missing something, somebody? Maybe I'm missing you?
And I wasn't planning to write anything here, but since I can't sleep, and I won't be able to have access to the internet until Sunday, hmm....I could just write something, anything. (Yes!! I am missing you, dear!!!)

The NSS Club has sort of moved on - meaning emails are flying around among us, majority of the members.Eventhough 2 of them chose to either keep quiet or not that 'IT savvy' to check their emails despite of working with an IT company.I can say that, we do have plans for the future. Plans to travel, to shop, to climb some mountains to prove to the world- yes, we can also do it! Well, let' s see how things are going to work after this. Hopefully it will happen like most of us are hoping to.

Hmm....I will only be back in town on Sunday and back to work on Monday.The rest of this week I will be bringing my girls for the JB Open Basketball Competition and preparing them for the Southern Zone tournament next week. Oh! next week is going to be another exciting week . Starting from Friday till Sunday morning- my girls will be playing in the annual tournament. And right after the finals on Sunday (Insya Allah), I will be flying out in the afternoon ......oh! I can't wait for that moment.

A new room....a new mood

The above is the new arrangement for my bedroom. After a major 'super-duper spring cleaning' yesterday, I am very satisfied with the results. Without the cleaner's help- I would die doing all that. Now, my bedroom is a complete all-in-one room: with my PC just next to me (which you can't see here), the hi-fi set connected to the DVD (wooohooo..I figured out myself. An achievement!!) and connected to the TV. I managed to re-cycle all the small cabinets that I have (obviously no budget to buy new ones). Now, playing DVD will be more real - with the powerful sound system. Sorry neighbours - I might not hear if the you guys were to knock on my door - oh..as if I care.

After having instant noodles for lunch and dinner yesterday, today, I went out for lunch with Hana at Ikea. Its kind of a monthly lunch thingy at Ikea- just because of the 'bottomless' coffee/cappucino/espresso at the price of RM3.00!! I could just sit down there for hours and have at least 4 cups of either one. And with the yummy, irresistable Daim cake...the combination is just excellent.

Usually we would sit down there for a minimum of 2 hours. But today, it felt different. A bit bored for both of us. She was tired as she just finished her gym session. But for me, with only 2 cups of coffee, I felt my mood was just not there.

And after accompanying her for some groceries shopping, both of us went our own ways. Before heading to the car park, I dropped by at Borders. My usual fave books are the cook books ( which I have a pile of it but yet to be experimented...hehehe). But today, I ended up buying the 3 for 2 books. I just feel like reading something. Not the usual magazines, but stories which is light and maybe true stories.And I got myself these. Oh..I'm also flipping thru the Ikea mag - just incase I found something interesting and cheap for my newly re-arranged bedroom.


I can't wait to meet you dear!! Insya Allah. Talking to you day and night, makes me miss you more every single day....

Vrooommm.......

When things happen, it will just happen. Sometimes there is no explanation for it. Well, I can't write long as I have a lot of things happening in my life lately. Some of the confirmed ones are:

- I'm getting a 'cleaner' to clean my whole apartment tomorrow after pending for nearly 6 months
- I'm agreeing to rent one of the room in my apartment (that explains the super duper spring cleaning effort)
- I've just been given new work responsibilities in the office- which I think its a challenge
- My girls are almost ready for the tournament. Only needs a few last minute touch-ups
- I'm going for holidays !!

I'll write more in the next few days.

VMY 4- Selandar & Ayer Keroh

On Sunday, the R2V team went to recce Selandar and Ayer Keroh in Melaka. This is for the coming basketball Southern Zone tournament on the 23-25th March. We needed to know where the location of the schools and the other courts that the team are playing at, the house that myself and Hana is supposed to stay and to get accomodations for the coaches.

We left early at about 8.15am and after about 2 hours drive, we picked up K.Leha -a Srikandi which is our tour guide for the day.

At the end of the day, we managed to achieve all our objectives -thanks to K.Leha.

More pics here.

I wanna hold your hand

Anxious or stressed out?

Reach out and grab your husbands' hand. In a study published in Psychological Science, scientists concluded that holding a man's hand - any man, apparently, but it works best with a spouse - can provide relief.

James Coan, assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at The University of Virginia, who led the study, said : "Hand holding is second nature for kids when they're under stress...This can also work for adults. We found when you are holding a hand, any hand, the parts of your brain responsible for mobilising your body into action calm down."

The study, done on 16 married women, also showed that the happier the marriage, the greater the benefits.

That explains why I'm under stress lately - no hands that I can hold or allowed to hold. I need some hands please!! ;-)

The photo above was taken from here ; which also has more to read about the topic .

(Article above was taken from Herworld March 2007)

The "Not So Single" Club

On Friday evening, a group of us had a 'gals' night out' at Micasa hotel in KL. Myself, Fynne, Dalie, Mimin, Hana, Rina, Dayang and Mum. We invited a few more who are within the 'reach', however some of them were not able to turn up due to work or other commitments.

It was really interesting , fun and havoc, to meet old friends again. Some of us have not met each other for the past 16 years (since STF). We shared secrets. We laughed.We walked down the memory lane. We reviewed our past and current lives.We contributed advices which we all know it depends on the person whether to take it or not.

Each of us had really interesting lives - despite of the images that we have to portray to others. But in a nutshell, eventhough we have different lifestyles, we all turned out to be strong and patient in our own areas, and managed to overcome/ still trying to overcome the challenges in our lives.

Thanks to the organiser, Hana - the hotel was excellent. Love it so much. But I think after this they might ban us from going there as we were quite noisy in the room ;-) Rina -for the excellent 'upgraded' mee goreng, Fynne for the advise, Mum - for being patient to be bullied most times, Mimin , Dalie and Dayang for the attendance - away from their kids and responsibilities as mothers.

We are thinking of doing this as a regular meet - maybe monthly or once in 2 months thingy. Oh..and we are thinking of a name for the group. Hmm....does the 'Not So Single' club sounds ok? Or maybe the 'Cleavage Club' is better?

All the best to all of us! May we meet again soon, Insya Allah.

Another interesting version of the night can be found here

Happiness = Weight

Bought the new Women's Weekly magazine this month. One interesting article that I came across was ,

Does money = Happiness ?

It says, ' Research shows that those who put much value on external goals such as money, fame or status are bound to be less happy and well-adjusted.'

I don't know about that but what I know is I want happiness more than money and money can't definitely buy happiness.

What I do know now, I'm seriously in L.O.V.E. with a person whom I might not meet again. But alhamdulillah, he has been very supportive, given me strength and teach me to enjoy life, and be more positive. And how do I know about this? Hmmm...let's say this is my maths equation of happiness :

Happiness = weight. (the happier I am, the more weight I gained even though my eating habits are consistent!)

I need to go on a diet now!

p/s: Anybody wants to volunteer to be my personal trainer and dietician please?

New home

Got this from Postsecret

After looking for quite sometime
I have had my eyes on a few
But for now
Only one that I'm really falling in love with
The important thing is not so much on my feelings towards it
But whether my so called 'new home' would be loving and caring enough
To accept me as its new owner
And to love me as I am
And that is the place I definitely call 'home'

Remake your life

Last year, one of my F5 player, gave me a special book. The title is "Remake Your Life When a Relationship Fails". She actually hid it in my bag without me knowing about it until I return home. And after finding it, I really was not interested to read it until yesterday.
Flipping thru the book, this is what it contains:

When a relationship ends,
it seems the world is a dark and forbidding place
You will soon find it is not,
that you can start again
It might not seem easy,
But there is a whole new world waiting
Try to relax, to take things easy as they come;
do not let frustration and anger overwhelm you
Remember the good things;
let the bad memories fade away

Treat the bad things as a lesson and
learn from them, and move on
Take solace in the words,
deeds and companionship of your true friends
Do not brood or dwell on the past-
just look to the future and its possibilities
You are a free agent:
The world is yours to do with as you wish

Immerse yourself in life,
in work in happy pursuits
Break out - remake yourself,
entertain yourself, indulge yourself a little
Learn to take new
and exciting risks with your life
Go places, see new worlds,
explore, expand your horizons

Make new friends and acquaintances,
but never forget your true friends
Change your career,
allow your mind to be stimulated
Do not hold back
give of yourself to others
Treat your mind and your body
with new pleasures

Take the time to improve
your health and wellbeing
Free your mind of troubles;
find a new calm in your world
Grow to understand yourself,
your limits and your abilities
Do not let the old experience deny you
the pleasure of a new relationship

For you can be sure that,
with a positive attitude,
new relationships will develop
And the sadness you feel,
be nothing but a dim memory