Picture Perfect

Everybody dreams of a picture perfect life. A happily ever after.
Graduate and your the man.
Got promoted and your extraordinary.
Married and your perfect.
Have kids and your complete.
Who does not want to be sleeping on a bed of roses?

Unfortunately a perfect life, leads to a BORING life.

People say you got to have some spice in your life. Their right but I say you have to have some 'bumps' in your life. How else are we going to learn and mature for the better.

In a marriage course that I attended, the facilitator ask the class..who in here has not had arguments with their future spouse? If there is a couple here who has not had fights before please leave the room cause if you haven't then you've not understand each other yet. Please come back when you have.

Happy and sad, love and hate goes hand in hand in building a person. The difference is how a person overcomes the situation. The next time you feel that your stuck in a rut- think positive, nurse your battle wounds, dry up your tears with good quality tissue, toss out the bucket of rum flavoured ice cream, put your chin up and turn the other side cause the......

BEST IS YET TO COME.

and that's how you live life.... fall and get up again...

no regrets.... just life experiences..

The Time of the Month

(Yes I can't find what other topic to blog about so please excuse my forwardness...)

It's the time of the month again for every women to deal with-PERIODS. I still remember when I was younger expecting to have my first period, just like any young girls I was scared. I'd have so much question in my mind like 'does it hurt', 'will it be flowing out like water from the pipe','how painful will it be', 'I am afraid I might leak out my skirt', and so on so forth. Nowadays it's more like 'Ok stand back nobody mess with me or they're gonna get it' kinda look or worst in action or the fragile mood 'Oh no that puppy lost it's way...I think I am gonna cry'.

Besides the mood swings, for me I tend to eat a lot before periods. I have cravings of everything that pop's in my mind and that is scary. I would feel all bloated up before periods and I get so over paranoid with my weight...pity my husband have to hear..'Do I look fat..seriously...you better tell me the truth or I'll punch you on the face'....hahaha but not that brutal-lah. But the over eating doesn't happen to me on every pre-period time..if this month I crave for food next month I wont.

The worst is my tummy gets bloating so many people think I am pregnant and I get even more paranoid...argggghhhh. Once when I was in high school one of my guy classmates came and forecast that I will have my period in 3 days just by looking at my gut. Well that's a gift you get when your living with many sisters.

When my period comes my tummy shrink just a little and this time I feel like wearing sexy clothes as long as it curves my body right. Yes this is why women are women.

Then there is the which pad should I buy/use? moment. So many brand, so many scented kinds, so many colours, so many beautiful packaging...heck buy them all at less I have a whole year supply. Whatever goes your way.

Whatever our moods or our choice nevertheless periods are a great excuse for us to indulge in chocolates...mmmm chocolate and red wine....and pickles and limes and so on...

Be warn thou, when before and during period refrain yourself from drinking cold beverages cause it may give you bad effect on the womb area as we age. Better yet practice drinking hot, warm or room temperature drinks to prolong your womanly health...hehehe

Best yet...HAVE A HAPPY PERIOD

Contemplation

Last Sunday mass reading, the 34th Sun In ordinary time year A, got me contemplating on alot of things of my pass. Its the year end reading and of course we are encourage to rethink back on our doings towards other and towards God.

I though about how many people I shared my shoulder with, how many I helped when no one else want to lend a hand, how many times I ask for forgiveness, how many meals I prepared for the hungry and so on and so fort....I though about how many people I hurt with my lies and gossip, how many have I scolded, how many have I ignored to pursue my own happiness, how many have I not say I am sorry....

People say it's ok we are not perfect but each day we are given by God to redeem ourselves to become better people for others and yet we take a different opportunity...we take the opportunity to make ourselves better, ourselves richer, ourselves prettier, ourselves fatter, ourselves successful. There is nothing wrong with success as long as we don't lose sight of God., lose sight of Love.

We live in a world were the better you are the greater your respect but their wrong. It's not the success we have that is important but the love to others is. How can we make the world a better place if we think only for ourselves. Mother Theresa says it best....God does not want us to be successful but He want us to be faithful.

I may have hurt more then I help many but at least I know I did and I did it whole heartedly.
Get ready for a better you from me.

Bright Up Your Day

Unexpected bouquet of flowers always brightens anyone's day. The delicate arrangement on the bud of flower, the velvety feeling of the petals, the sprinkle drops of water that gloss and sparkle in the sun, the rainbow colour of nature always carve a smile on anyone's face. The problem is we don't get them as often as we love too.


Others may not understand us as well as we understand our self so why wait to receive, go purchase them yourself. I did just that. Well anyway I just could not resist buying a few as I walk pass the corridor of the mini market last Sunday.

The refreshing green chrysanthemum and sexy pop out pink of roses, caught my eyes. Together they make great combination and great contrast to any room.

I could not find for the perfect vase so I settled to place them in an old coffee bottle instead.

The flowers made not only me but others brighten up as the walk pass it. No matter what your feeling happy or sad...go get some flowers to brighten your day. Don't need to be good in arranging these days the internet can teach anyone anything. Don't need a pocket full of cash to buy some too. All you need is you to brighten your day...

Fried Chicken

There was a story Rinto told me long ago but now he forgot that he told me before. Anyway he told me about the fried chicken incident that happen to his group of friends. As young men this group of friends were working odd jobs and collecting money just enough to pay rent. 3 times a day meals were not a priority as long as they have enough money for cigarettes and for fun.

One day when everyone just got their pay they decided to have fried chicken for dinner at home together. So that night they enjoyed their rare meal, finger licking good, and slept. Being boys they woke up late only to be surprise and awaken by the good smell of chicken soup. So they got up kind of quick and dive for the prepared brunch. Suddenly one of the friend said out loud to the others ...'wow who is so kind to have bought chicken for this meal'...then the chef of the day said ...'who said I bought the chicken, this soup was made from the left over bones last night'...aaaaaaaaahhhhhh yuck.....

Breakfast at home

Todays breakfast is rice with green beans sausages...hopefully will last me till afternoon.

and a glass of lukewarm water with honey and apple cider in a tiger beer glass..hahah..

Something bugging

I've been happy and cherry these few days must be the retreat having an effect on me. Things has been going great yet I have the feeling something bad is going to happen. From the back of my subconscious mind I feel something is bugging me

Can't put a finger on it just yet but I pray it's not something worst. There is a saying here that to much laughter might just end you up with tears. When ever I remember the saying I get myself prepared. Prepared or not whatever comes will just hit me like a train. I need to pray.....

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today

there be peace within.
May you trust God

that you are exactly

where you are meant to be.

May you not forget

the infinite possibilities

that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts

that you have received,

and pass on the love that

has been given to you.

May you be content knowing

you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones,

and allow your soul the freedom to sing,

Dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Leave it upon God's Hands

Sometimes we can't have everything we wan't just because other people have them. What we have around us, family, friends, cars, education, gym privileges, that little Chanel dress...etc is all parts of building the person we are today. Getting what we want may not help us, it may also fail us in life.

First thing is first if we want something, we got to pray for it. Leave it upon God's hand to let u have it or not. Cause we don't know what will happen tomorrow and only He does. It's up to Him to give.

Just like yesterday, I was worried about my driving test, I prayed that morning for guidance, protection, strenght, wisdom and whatever it is I leave it upon His mighty hands. I took a bus at neighbourhood, apparently bus don't pass as often as before anymore. Although my dad called me half way while I walked to the bus stop to give me a ride I said no thanks and prayed deep down God send me a bus. 20 minutes later the bus came. With the guidance and protection of God I made it to the driving test center. After taking time to do the mock test and some revisions I took the test and passed. Others came in and fail their test and that was the 2nd attempt for them. I must say it wasn't that hard but the questions where purposely misleading at times.

Another time was when I was young, seeing my parents fight all the time made me think if I would ever have a good relationship with anyone in the future. So I prayed for a good relationship and partner. Years past and now I have a wonderful husband. Although we have just been 1 year married and have been together for 11years now of course I still worry about unpredictable things...any girlfriend and wife would, I continue to pray for guidance

Living life is not easy poor or rich. Although outside life is great but inside we cry alone at night...I was like that I tell you I was a wreck...suddenly broke down and cried but I learn to get through it with God's strenght.

I learn to let go of my problems and let God handle them. Although my experience that you have read are not so incredibly wow-weee, I wan't you to try, whether you believe or deny Him. If your ever having a bad day.... leave it upon God's hands sincerely.....

Healthy Mut

Even the dogs are healthy and cukup makan...these I took between the retreat center and the at the orphanage next door..Don Bosco Orphanage

Clarice was trying to get the dog to look at my camera with her foot...

I know...cute kan

Puppies wrestling


Cute again

This one look like a St. Bernard..excuse me look here puppy

And the dogs there have big heads. And every time the orphanage bell is ringing the dogs all join howling like a choir..

Weekend Retreat

I was away for the weekend for a church retreat on bible in the family life. It was 3days and 2 nights of fun with the Lord.

During my stay I manage to capture beautiful pictures with my cell phone camera, I forgot to bring my camera. Anyway everything came out beautiful

I have publish my pictures in all my blogs so feel free to check out my other blogs-stylekita and amy's art diary.

Picture here are Mt. Kinabalu, Steps to the church, the Garden at the retreat center.

Stuck!

If your coming from Donggongon to KK every morning around 7am this is what you'll be in...STUCK in a jam.

Normally it would only take around 15 minutes to reach the city but during week days let's just say please tune in to your favorite radio station.

Luckly it's not as bad as it looks. Just hold on to your seat and sing alittle song and you will be on your way slowly.

Brunch is served.......

Our most favourite Sunday brunch spot has always been the coffee shop cum bakery along the Lintas- Kolombong Highway. We love brunching there cause it caters many things we love.

One of the things I like about the place is you will never know what they've decided to make. Just like the French loaf top with chicken potato curry with onion and tomato bind together with a layer of melted cheese.

My old time favourite is the fried chicken. It is so juicy, a little bit spicy, crunchy and the most beautiful part is the size. One is just enough. They also have chocolate slice cake, pandan slices, egg tarts, nasi lemak and even kon-lau-mien (a noodle dish normally and originally serve with pork).

There so many to choose. It's a great place to bring the kids and believe me it's like a toy store. Rinto love having pork buns ( picture) and the pork noodles.

I forgot every time to find out the name of the shop but it's right next to a clinic along the highway, I know it's around the Iramanis area( if I am not wrong )...if your there on weekends don't forget to have some chives or spring onion bun loaf. Its like savory loaf...although you don't see a line buying them the buns disappear as soon as they come out the oven. When you get to buy some, store them in an air tight container and reheat them in an oven for 10mins before cutting them in two and spread whatever spread you desire.

Finally me driving-stage 1

Finally I started my driving class again...after all these years of cowardness I have decided to face my fears. I pray this time I will be better. I don't mind paying the fee and I don't mind the duration for the class but I mind waking up early.......but then again it's a great start to a better me...

I know it may look late for me but it's better late then never....around the bend and over the hill...the hill section I hate the most....haiya.....

Somebody stole the mouse....

I found it lying in Alan's bed.

..my it rest in peace..

When I came to the computer early this morning, I wasn't so surprise the computer mouse went missing cause it was giving me and the rest using the computer some problems lately. Yes I've tried cleaning it, clearing of the dirt or dust from the wheel, no different.

I knew sooner or later somebody was gonna take it off and have it replace but no new mouse was seen anywhere. I intended to get a new one soon as I got my pay this month unfortunately there is a little bit delay with my pay. I knew also my brother, big Alan, would have taken the mouse off cause he gets irritated easily...hahaha.

Not surprise but more furious I remain calm before reemerging each cupboard for an forgotten mouse...I thought I seen one laying around somewhere.... mouse or no mouse I must update my blog.

Thank God I didn't have to wait long just as I was blogging my brother Oliver came and handed me a new mouse..thanks Oliver

For The Time Being...

For the time being our bedroom has ceiling 'ornaments'..hehe

My husband has sports for this whole week

and he needs his jersy dried for the next day.

Luckily the material dries of fast- semiauto fast.

Amen to that.

Cute Photo

Rinto's 29th birthday.

Blowing out the candle

with the help of cute

little Bubu, our

1 month old puppy.

Our Unforgettable Day

Sorry I am Not Available on Thursday Evenings

Many people know I volunteer to help out in a class at Stella Maris Church, Tg. Aru every Thursday. Some seen me while attending the class and some may know from my husband Thursday routine...

rinto's friend :-'mari minum dulu(come let's go for a drink).'
rinto :-'Hari ni hari empat sia mau ambil bini sia di church, lain kali ja
(today is Thursday I have to pick up my wife from church).'

Hahaha, his great for being a good sport.The ride home together gave us time to make small talk.
I join RCIA when I was 24 for confirmation class. I join because I wanted to get married so my interest then was just to join and get the paper. Little did I know God had other plans for me...

Living between separated parents there are times I just felt I have missed something. I was very negative on myself. I felt un pretty, I felt my height was not normal, I was not perfect for anyone, I was timid. Fortunately I found myself with great company. I have friends who are chain smoker, do drugs, clubbing underage, drinker and so on but they all protected me from all the things they did. They advice me not to follow them. So I stayed out of some of those things.

As a child I prayed often for protection and guidance and He answer my prayers without even me realising it, till now. I always have this guilt for not completing my confirmation sacrament before but now it seems even sure that He has a plan.

When I did complete the class in 2005, I had a different view of God then before. I was full of encouragement by Him. The moment the priest anointed me with the holy oil my heart felt like bursting for joy, in fact I did a little dance that no one else saw...hehehe. The feeling was magnificent. That day change me to be better for GOD.

So the next year I came back and this time I sat in front of the class as a facilitator. I wanted to give something back to God for the goodness He gave me. I can say now that without my class I think I will be lose cause the truth is, an hour a week with God is not enough. We can say we prayed but do we really pray? We can say we attend mass but do we go early? We can say we donate money to the church but does it comes from the heart? We can do so many earthly things for the church but the most important thing we are ask to do we don't even acknowledge - spreading the good news.

I read in the papers over the last weekend an article about ANNE Rice the Vampire writer(I use to love reading her books). I was surprise to find out that she was a Roman Catholic before turn atheist and rediscovered God again after Hurricane Katrina. How wonder full it is, I thought to myself, that God called her back like the parable of the prodigal son. See how God works in mysterious ways. He calls each and everyone of us, we just need to listen and open up our hearts.

I was no angel then and I am no angel now. I am just an ordinary person being rescued by my Father in heaven. Thinking back I used to cry alone alot and have sudden breakdowns because of my past memories. Now I am free cause God has taken the burden of my shoulder and is walking with me. I still am fun crazy like before but to a limit.

I found God every Thursday in the eyes of my friends attending the class. You have those eyes too but you just don't now it yet. I pray for you that you find your answer to your sadness, your loneliness, your drunkardness, your emptiness and your problems. I pray you do.

You don't have to be voluntering for the church to be close to God, although we do need more help. You just have to work what God has given to you - Love -
Love thy neighbour.

Hard to say Goodbye

As a child you never thought life would be difficult. The word difficult does not even exists in your childhood vocabulary. It wasn't long when trouble came to our family.

My parents separated and remain separated until today. I was 12 then and my youngest sister was barely 2 years. I was so in denial in the beginning and did not understand what was going on. I remember thinking it was only a game my parents played to scare us or test us. How naive I was to think so.

At that time I have just continued my studies in a private school together with my other siblings. It was with the friends in the school that I knew separations and divorce was a common thing. I slowly swallowed the facts. Life made us 4 siblings closer.

Divided by sea, our mum now lives in Kuala Lumpur. Although its only a 2 and half hours flight away, its hard. Its hard to say hello when you know soon you will say good bye, its hard to enjoy the gifts and the meal when you know you will miss them dearly. Everything my mum gave even if it's the smallest or the least important I will keep them cause to me the gifts she gives reminds me of her and the time we should have been together.

We are bread in two different world, that's why we, the children, decided to live where we were brought up. The worst feeling I have is thinking of her all alone. She works like an ant, none stop, wakes up bright and early, comes home late and tired, repeat the whole process again the next day. She had to love what she does, cause it fills the loneliness inside of her. To know and understand what she feels inside is unbearable to me.

Never in a year we would not see each other cause she will find time to see us or to get us there. Every time she comes, we can't wait and every time she goes we dread the day. I was 12 when she first came to visit and cried terribly when she left. Now at 28, I still have the sadness and the tears but I don't cry so much, just tears gather in my eyes plus a sleepless night before she goes back to KL.

When the time comes.....and even thou I will see her again...it's hard to say goodbye....