Anyways, here’s what I learned about finding love while house hunting with Sarah:

(a) Having standards is a good thing – be firm of what is not negotiable for you

In love, as in real estate, you need to know what you want because after seeing so many possibilities, you tend to get sidetracked of what it is that you like/dislike. For instance, Sarah was set on a fully furnished studio apartment, at most 2km away from her campus to be paid at most AU$200/week. And so the search began, and not many fit the bill. Of course there were ones that comply 2 out of the 3 criteria and we also saw other options as well.

She was disheartened that she wanted to settled into this dingy place, to which mortified me. And like love, when you’re disheartened, you loose hope and lower your standards. You settle for the second, third or even the fourth best. Sometimes you just need to hold on a lil’ bit longer for something you want to come by.

(b) Location, location, location

Sarah thinks that 2km is fine to walk to and from campus, and like love, distance matters. Not many people can do the long distance thing; I for one cannot. It’s fine if he’s two states away but two continents? I’d rather not.

(c) Size matters

Regardless of what they say size does matter. I, for one, do not want to live in a shoe box. I need the space to envelope myself into after a tiring day.

Same goes with men; if they’re not the right fit, discard them. And it’s not only physically (height, width or the other kind of size) but also emotionally as well. If he just came out from a really bad relationship, no. If he’s a work horse, maybe. If he’s emotionally available, yes.

(d) Negotiation skills is not only important for shopping

In real estate, you negotiate a lot with regards to moving dates, house rules and rent with your landlord. Same goes with love; negotiation is the key to happy relationship. If you feel… unsatisfied somehow with your partner don’t just leave them there flailing on the curb, do let the person know what you want and it never hurt to ask for it.

and most importantly (e) Finances matters!

In both situations, you would not want to pay more than what you can chew. Any situations that would leave you broke, is never a good deal.

Hmm… I guess my trainers were right. You can learn everything from knowing the ABC of your personal finance

Like, brownies ala mode from Secret Recipe. Or listening to Mat playing the guitar. Or or being amused by Riz’s cute little antics.

Too bad that you can’t have all of the things you wish for in the jiffy.

So, another wishful thinking would be winning Gisele Jaquenod’s contest.

I just love her Birdie designs. They’re immaturely cute and yet very worldly. Crossing my fingers on that wishful thought that I would win

If you’d like to join in the fun, here’s how to do it:

What you can win:

• A custom MOO minicard design,
• printed in 100 MOO minicards,
• printed at MOO, and mailed to your mailbox!

Important Guidelines:

• The design includes front and back of the minicard.
• You get up to 3 revisions of the design.
• The design can include your logo (if you already have it), and/or your name and information, and/or illustrations custom made by me.

How to enter?

(you have to complete all of the following -except the 4 that is optional-)

1. Subscribe to the Blog via RSS or email!
2. Post about this contest on your blog using the banner above, and LINKING to this post with the guidelines.
3. Come back here and leave me comment with a link to your post!
4. If you use Twitter, retweet about this Contest in Twitter to get twice the chances (and remember to leave me your twitter username in the comment)!!
5. Only 1 entry per person!

Upon hearing the last word, my sensitive coyote ears perked up. Automatically, my mind reeled into concocting on ways to take advantage of this newly acquired info.

I started to observe the guy; quiet and a bit reserved, was what I deducted during the morning session. Hmm… that MIGHT pose a problem; he may not comply with the preposition that I’ve devised 10 minutes after his personal introduction in class.

But before I could present this proposal to him, I needed to confirm a few facts; to which God had help answered during morning break. THANK YOU LORD!

And now all I need to do was to approach the victim target

I waited for him with a lot of patience after lunch. As soon as I saw him, I rushed towards him and blurted out “Azri, I WANT to carpool with you. Boleh tak?“

***

Right away I called Yuyu.

“Yu, habis my resolution!”

… and she reacted with an evil laugh >.<

*Sigh* Please tell me HOW to be less brazen with the boys? I tried and failed on the 3rd week of the new year.

***

That was 5 weeks ago and I have to say, I still can’t believe that I actually approached him on the first day itself. 5 years ago, I wouldn’t even dare.

The good thing that came out of this were getting to know him, going out shopping with him and actually found out that we were in the same school for a whole year (he came to SAB for Form 4, I was in Form 5 then)… and to tell you the truth, I can’t even remember the bloke

I think I’m gonna miss him when training period is over

Just look at you, leaning against that wall and lighting the place with that winning smile. I see that I’m not the only lady’s attention that you have caught – almost every female set of eyes are glancing and stealing peeks at you.

Maybe, just maybe, when your gaze settles on me, we lock eyes in that tunnel-vision effect like in the movies, you’ll come sit down beside me, and we’ll…

Oh! Now you spotted me trotting along with my girls.

You smiled and said “Welcome”, echoed by your friends.

You showed us our table and recite the house’s specials that by now you know by heart. You jot down our order and walked away towards the kitchen.

Mid way, your friend bumped into you and you joked around. At that moment, I was turned off, because you have that accent that annoyingly irritates me.

Well, as long as you hide that accent around me, I’ll be okay. I intend to come by again. The food is sinfully good.

(Duration of crush: 1 hour max per visit)

Stuck in line at Starbucks, I curse for my own silly decision to get coffee during the weekend morning “rush”. Of course, that was before I realized that you were lining in front of me.

I swear that planet Earth ceased rotating when I saw you – with that air-blown jet black hair, lean body beneath that vintage tee and ripped jeans, with that crisp clean scent of CK One that makes me giddy, always.

You’re at the register now, still scanning the menu board – thirty seconds and counting. Seriously? You have been to Starbucks, haven’t you?

I mean, yes there’re a lot to choose from but most people stick to what they used to. And they order it fast.

It was a nice save when you turned around and said “Sorry” when you notice me looking at my watch and tapping my foot impatiently. More importantly, you heard the angry grumbling that came from my stomach, demanding that Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin.

OMG! Can you just pay the barista already? You don’t have to empty your pockets for loose change.

I think my tummy hates you now.

(Duration of crush: 5 minutes)

Another work day finished, another work week done. It’s a rainy night in the city and I had just been dumped by my girl for her out-of-town boyfriend.

The train was empty with only few people inside. I guess they didn’t know what they’d miss to not want to brave the thunder and lightning.

Because there you were, gliding through the doors. You, with that familiar sleek copper hair and fair skin that would make Edward Cullen wept in envy.

As the train lurched, you look around like an adorable lost lamb before deciding to take one of the seats opposite mine.

Your gaze caught mine and you smiled. Smiling back, I was excited to see that you’re about to start a conversation with me – and at that moment your phone rang and the train came to a stop at the next station.

I bolted out as fast as I could.

I’m sure you were shocked to see a girl my size could have that agility. But I’m sorry; I truly am, for wanting to laugh at your choice of a ringtone.

I think I laughed too much now. Thank god there was no one around.

Now I need to call my colleague to relay the happenings of what we now call “The Gorgeous XYZ banker and the tacky Dangdut ringtone.”

p/s: I’m sorry that we couldn’t keep a straight face when we met you at that training session in SC.

(Duration of crush: 2 minutes)

Is it just me, or has this all happened rather quickly, this 2009 thing?

The Good Things That Happened This Year

I made new, wonderful people this year under not so good situation. Despite only knowing them in a short period of time, I think they are great friends to keep. I miss them already and do hope to see them soon.

I reignite the romance back in the relationship that I have with my collection of books and learnt to love a few more that I haven’t had the time to flip, what more to indulgently read through. The perks of being unemployed was that I had the luxury of reading.

The Batu Pahat clan is definitely growing bigger. This year, we have additional babies to play with and new in-laws to learn about and love ^_^

I survived being unemployed for 6 months. I can proudly say that I was and still able to clear my monthly expenses without help from the parents. Lesson learnt this year: Prudency + Savings = GOOD, Charles & Keith = Can do WITHOUT.

The Not-So-Good Things This Year

The bank had to let go of my team late May. Rumors circulated about the reason the Senior Management decided to close down the department before and after we left. Whatever the reason was, I’d like to think that the bank had too many staffs for its own good anyways. Better let the new meat goes first, rather than the old ones right?

If you noticed, I haven’t found my way into a happy, HEALTHY romantic relationship. Then about two weeks ago, I realized that I don’t really need and want one at the moment. After all, I have loads to think about that are more important than a love life.

With that said, I’m also depressed by the fact that at twenty-four, I’m still romantically challenged. This was brought to center stage when my same-aged nephew got married a few weeks ago. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy that the lovebirds tie the knot. It’s just that, I anticipate that by the end of the year that they have one bundle of joy to add to our gargantuan family. This will officially make me entitled to the ‘granny’ title at the age of twenty-five >.< DEPRESSED!

Anyways… all these are prelude to what’s to expect next year. Hopefully, my career path will be much clearer and relationships will grow stronger. As how the celebrations will go on about, have fun and stay safe.

I’ll see you next year.

1.NAMAKAN 5 KERJAYA YANG ANDA GEMARI MENGIKUT TURUTAN

(a) Professional traveler, someone like Janet Hsieh and Samantha Brown.
(b) Feature writer for a magazine… Kak Intan, Kak Nini, kite nak join Gaya boleh tak?
(c)  Ice cream taster… jangan gelak. There is such a job.
(d) Photographer
(e) Walt Disney Imagineer

Note: Funny isn’t it that none of these have anything to do with what I majored in campus.

2.NAMAKAN 5 ORANG KAWAN ANDA YANG ANDA RASA ANDA TERINGIN JADI DIRINYA….

Tiada siapa. As imperfect as I am and the uncertain path that I lead, I would not change it for anything.

3.NAMAKAN 5 ORANG KAWAN PEREMPUAN ANDA YANG ANDA RASA DIE CANTEK PADA PANDANGAN ANDA….

(a) Baiti Hamdan
(b) Eda Zakaria
(c)  Yaya Elias
(d) Firra Sulaiman
(e) Beeha Mustapha

4.NAMAKAN 5 ORANG KAWAN LAKI2 ANDA YANG ANDA RASAKAN DIE HENSEM PADA PANDANGAN ANDA…

None. All my guy friends are pretty boys >.<

5.NAMAKAN 5 BENDA YANG AKAN ANDA BAWA KE MANA SAJE..

(a) Purse from Cambodia
(b) Hand sanitizer… bacteria is everywhere people
(c) Make-up pouch walaupun pada hakikatnye aku malas untuk mencalit lebih dari lipgloss
(d) Pens
(e) Notebook

6.NAMAKAN 5 PERKARA YANG ORANG BELOM TAHU PASAL ANDA…

(a) I have contradicting personalities/ characteristics. Tak percaya? Put one friend pre-GEMS and one post-GEMS friend together, I’m sure they will have different, opposite views of me.
(b)  I’m confused with what I want to do with life (still!)
(c) I want kittens… badly!
(d) I need someone to re-teach me how to handle a car.
(e) Unlike Eda, I’m not a romantic… yes, I appreciate sweet, surprising gestures but please, don’t make it laced with too much sugar that causes goosebumps (that is not in the good way).

7.NAMAKAN 5 PERKARA YANG ANDA SUKE DAN XSUKE PADA LAKI2..

(a) Like: Protective. But not in the paranoia kind of way that you can’t do much without him.
(b) Dislike: Smoking habits. It’s a vile, rancid habit.
(c) Like: Independent. I don’t like the clingy types.
(d) Dislike: Kiss ass habit. This is one thing that I just can’t stand.
(e) Like: Spectacles. Nerdy sexy is just sooo irresistible :D

8.NAMAKAN 5 BLOG KEGEMARAN ANDA….DAN ANDA NAK TIRU JE BLOG DIE

(a) Baiti’s Biting Baiti… memang kadang-kadang tiru (opps! inspired by) pun
(b) Noktah Hitam
(c) Teddy-O-Ted
(d) Mighty Jacksparrow
(e) Kampung Boy, City Gal

Where was I?

After months of unemployment, I decided to park myself at Port Dickson with GEMS Malaysia. Better than doing nothing at home, I’d reckon. So there I was one fine October afternoon, registering myself at Casa Rachado (and no, I won’t recommend anyone to stay there) and 2.5 months later, it was all over.

How would I describe the experience?

GRUELING FUN

I skipped 30% of the grueling part. At the same time, 30% of the fun part was also missed.

The people there… oh gosh! I truly miss them despite the love-hate relationship that we have. I mean, how could I not? We were infused together practically 24/7. There were no such thing as turning in early (at least not for me).

I’ll write more… soon, hopefully. Now, I need to re-set my internal clock to normal before starting the internship part of GEMS =)

14 days into Syawal now and I’m sure it’s still viable for me to say Selamat Hari Raya to everyone. I hope your Eid had been wonderful in more ways than one.

My Ramadan had a sweet ending, judging by the desserts I consumed the night before the eve of Hari Raya. Jules managed to organize an Iftar gathering at Pavilion for us girls (sans Aira, Fadil & Hanie and together with Azid, Muthu and Kak Harim). Jules blogged about it here.

The family went back to Rawang the eve of Hari Raya. I think I slept early that night… or at least I tried too :p Sleeping over there still feels foreign. Don’t get me wrong but I just don’t like staying over >.<

Oh and this year we had a family photo session, thanks to the fact that Kipphi has this Hari Raya assignment thing.

Drive safe, eat moderately and have fun. Selamat Hari Raya from the family =)

Surprisingly, the day after we came back from Rawang, I was out and about again for food. I was anticipating a few days of rest Went to Rashid’s at the last minute but it was great to see Wan, Maria and Ikin after a long while.

We may look a tad bit different but we have never looked better =)

The next Syawal celebration in tow would be my birthday on the 24th. Little did I know, a Syawal miracle happened on the 23rd.

23 September 2009, 12.14 pm a baby girl was brought into the world. Although I tried coaxing her out earlier than the 29th September due date, I was not ready to get the news of her arrival a day earlier.

Aunty Nana loves you =*

This is by far one of the greatest thing to happen for/on my birthday ^_^

Birthday celebration was great. It was well spent with Syafira, my so-called twin, and Rashid. Thank you darlings =)

Thank yous are in place especially to those who remembered and sent their well wishes. Special thanks to Ayuni Amir for getting me the book that I wanted.

I actually just came in from a long day on the road. Heavy traffic makes one hungry but it’s a good thing when you are house hopping where food is finger licking good. Thanks Sarah and Mek Jah for inviting me for the trip. Thanks to Faizal for being our designated driver.

Have a merry Hari Raya people =)

Note: I hope to win Maybelline Simply Fabulous Giveaway from Beetrice’s Reviews. I’m in need of new beauty products and something new for my social calender =D

Almost always I keep on repeating these scenes because I love them so much:

From Beauty & The Beast

From Serendipity

From Hanzakari no Kimitachi e

From Fruits Basket

From Full House (Korean)

From Twilight

From 10 Things I Hate About You

To tell you the truth, there’s more that I’ve watch than listed :p Can you just imagine sitting at home, with not much to do (other than my part time writing gig, housework and interview hopping). I’m almost done with my personal collection that I raid my brothers; which doesn’t really suit my fancy since it’s way too packed with Gundam, Kamen Rider and non-PG13 shoujo anime >.<

I better go check my eyes soon. I may need to upgrade the lense -_-’