Bye bye 2007

It seems to be customary to do a end-of-year post, reminisce on the year past and see what has been done and what has not. So here's Bkworm's last post for the year 2007....

Some years ago, a few of my close friends and I would meet on January 1st every year for coffee and have a long session of 'what-have-you-accomplished' and 'what-are-your-goals-for-the-year' sharing. Some common goals for the girls were finding a boyfriend, getting hitched or losing weight. For the guys, it would usually have something to do with promotions and bonuses. But frankly, I hated those sessions. Bah! No one has taught me early in life to make goals and work towards achieving them. Kids nowadays have it easier. Little Bkworm actually had to attend group motivational talks and goal setting sessions in school to guide (I think, goad would be a better word) them to academic success!

When I was a kid, I had to write down what I wanted to be when I grew up. Me? I felt I was never good enough for anything - maybe just good enough to be a teacher or a housewife like my mother. When I got married early in life, I seriously believe that I was just fulfilling my youthful ambition. Over the years, I realised that there is more in me than me. Let me pause to say here that being a housewife is actually one of the most difficult but yet most honorable career a woman can have. Trust me, you gotta be one to understand what I mean.

Anyway, sorry to digress. Back to the annual goal setting session with my friends, I would be grappling at straws trying to think of some gargantuan achievement from the past year and at the same time, set an immediate, achievable goal for the next one. And man, that was a TASK by itself. As the years passed, the group disbanded. And so did our annual meeting on the 1st of January. Then the blog came along and here I am at it again.

2007 has zipped by so fast that I can still breathe the anxiety that kick-started the year almost twelve months ago.

• Little Bkworm sat for her UPSR exam (Primary Six School Leaving Exam) in September and after months of agonizing with her over her studies, her Kumon lessons paid off handsomely indeed. *grinning*
• After four years of being a full time housewife, I went back to work. It sure feels good to have some money trickling in again. *more reason to grin*
• Made some new friends over blogosphere and found some old ones through Facebook.
• Went for a cruise holiday with my dad, my in-laws AND Fishtail together!
• Found the peace to accept that people move on in their lives and there's nothing wrong with me when my group of close friends slowly drifted apart.

There IS something I really hope to achieve by end of 2008. Haha, I'll come back and tell you what it is later, yah!


But seriously....

• do I want to lose some of this mid aged, mid rift baggage?
• do I want to go for a real holiday overseas and not consider a trip over the Causeway as an over-the-sea holiday?
• do I still dare hope to be given the chance to wake up in the middle of the night for feeds and diaper changes? (do miracles happen at 45??)
• do I want to make some wise financial investments this coming year so that a real nest egg could be built for that day when I am officially 'retired'?
• do I want to rekindle a once flaming passion for things that are eternal and not temporal?
• do I want to be able to walk into a branded boutique someday and walk out with a few thousand ringgit purchase without batting an eyelid?
• have closer family ties?
• make new friends and rekindle old ones?
• battle old fears and overcome to do the 101 other desires in my heart?

Why, of course to every one of them! Yeah, I've got some ideas of what I want to do in 2008. You know the old saying....... "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

The Bkworms would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year 2008 and may you find the courage to do the things you've always wanted to do and the determination to see your dreams come true, never mind that it may take you more than a year to see it to fruition.

Let me leave you with a word of 'wisdom' that Little Bkworm said to me two days ago as we were window shopping at the Pavilion. "You gotta look expensive to be expensive".

A parallel..... If you think you are, you already are.

Here's to a glorious year ahead!!

Bits and Pieces Before The Year Ends

Uh-oh! The year's almost coming to a close and I still have a couple of pictures and a few more stories to tell. *panics* Let me try to fit in a few this lovely Sunday morning.......

Know a new place to have a quick and delicious (AND cheap) meal?

Waroeng Penyet located at the 1st floor of the Curve sells Indonesian style flattened fried chicken. I am not really a fan of fried chicken (KFC included) but after eating at this Waroeng (thanks to Masak-Masak's blog entry on this place), I have returned time and again to have my meals here.

The meat's not too hard nor dry and I love the special crunchy batter that is served together with the piece of flattened chicken. Again, I am no good with words when it comes to food. I only know how to eat. LOL!!

Ayam Penyet

Some other choices - Grilled Chicken, Sour Vegetable Soup, Grilled Fish

If you like Penang styled Nyonya cuisine, Molly's Place is a good choice for a simple meal. It's tucked away among some shophouses in Damansara Kim but I believe it has quite a strong following; many of their patrons are most probably regulars, judging from the light bantering between the proprietress and her customers when we were there the last time.

I didn't know much about Nyonya cuisine until I married Papa Bkworm. His paternal grandma was part Nyonya, so he literally grew up eating foods like Ju Hu Char (shredded turnip, carrots and cuttlefish cooked in soya sauce and to be eaten wrapped with lettuce leaves) , Perut Ikan, Inche Kabin and the likes. When I first heard of Perut Ikan which translated to mean fish stomach, I felt icky thinking about it until I actually tasted it the first time. I have been so hooked on it ever since.

Some pictures.....

Molly's Place,40 Jalan SS20/10,Damansara Kim
Petaling Jaya,Tel: 016-3373384
Business Hours: Daily, 11am to 10pm. Closed on Mondays.

Okay, let's see what else do I have in my picture folder to share?? Hmm....*still rummaging*

A couple of entries ago, I said that I have been going to this new Starbucks at The Gardens, Midvalley because it's a much quieter outlet. Nice place, still. But I found a nicer one when Borders opened at the Gardens too. As in the other two Borders bookstore at Berjaya Times Square and the Curve, this one also has a Starbucks Coffee located somewhere inside the bookstore. Read a book, have a sip of coffee (tea for me) and blog......while watching the horrendous traffic condition below!

Quite a common sight on weekends and on public holidays!

These school holidays have sped by like a runaway train. Six weeks and we are at the very tail end of it. Three more days and it's back to school for Little Bkworm and she will begin the next phase of her life in secondary school. As I had to work, we didn't go out as much as in previous school holidays. Instead, she spent a lot of her time at home and sometimes even followed me to the office. My boss didn't mind her sitting in the office while she waited for me to finish work in the afternoon, so that was a real blessing for me.

Little Bkworm lived up to her name these six weeks by 'devouring' between 15 to 20 titles, mainly romance novels for young adults. We bought some for her; the rest, she read while we were at Borders or MPH when we spent our weekend afternoons at these places. Initially, I was worried that she may be so influenced by what she's reading that she may not be able to differentiate between love in the real world and one that is of the author's imagination. I mean, is she really old enough for romance fiction? I was still into Enid Blyton books when I was at her age and didn't read my first Mills & Boons novel until I was almost in my mid-teens! When I asked her if she really believes that love is about being lovey-dovey all the time and that french kissing and sex is not for someone her age (while giving her more of the mother-daughter-birds-and-bees-talk), she gave me that all time favourite answer, "Ma, I am not a baby anymore. It's only fiction and I know what is right and what is wrong, okay?"

My baby is growing up so fast, isn't she?

Lying Low This Christmas

I celebrated my first Christmas thirty years ago. My first carol was Silent Night. I remember lying on my bed on Christmas eve and looking out my bedroom window into the dark night. And I sang this carol, awed in my limited understanding that the Child mentioned in that song is the Son of God, sent into this world to save it. To me, that was my reason for celebrating Christmas.

In the corner of my bedroom then, stood a branch of fir tree which I had plucked from my mother’s garden. I painted the branch green and draped some cotton wool on it to make it look like a snow covered Christmas tree. And placed at the bottom of that tree was my first Christmas card. The card depicted the picture of a star shining brightly in the night sky. Splashed across the front of the card was the word ‘Peace’. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

I am getting a tad too soppy here, am I not?

Two weeks ago, I was contemplating whether to go full steam for Christmas as I had done for previous years; the whole works – putting up the tree, dressing it and making sure that there would be presents enough for everyone in the family and friends alike. Throw a merry little dinner for my close friends and maybe order another tray of RM99-00 (*faints*) bread and butter pudding from Cocomo downstairs. I drew up my list, checked it twice and sat on it for two weeks before I decided that this year, the family will have a quiet Christmas. No tree, no gifts, no roasted turkey. Okay, just gifts for three little boys. I shouldn’t deprive them of the pleasure of tearing open the colorful wrappings and being delighted by the 'treasure' within WHILE still allowing me the thrill of seeing the joy that would flood their little faces when that happens.

When my boss announced that the office will be closed for two weeks, I was tempted to ‘just do it’. I was about to lug a new and taller Christmas tree home from Ikea and was wondering whether I should do a take-out Christmas dinner or burn down my kitchen preparing one. In the end, I stuck to my guns and enjoyed a very low key affair with my Bkworms at home.

It was not all that bad. A stream of Christmas cards arrived at our post box throughout the month, some from friends whom I haven’t heard from for a while. I received a card from my ex-boss who retired some years ago and also, many thanks to Frances and May for your season greetings which really brightened my day. You have no idea how much. And Little Bkworm must have been a good little girl because Santa ‘brought’ her a few gifts too. Books to read and some other girly stuff kept her busy throughout today!

Maybe next year that tree from Ikea will come home with me. But for this year, I am just thankful for His little surprises even as I refused to be drawn into the 'normal' Christmas activities this time of the year.

To my friends and loyal readers out there, here’s wishing you and your loved ones, a blessed Christmas and may the love of God illuminates your hearts as you prepare to step into the coming new year.

Spreading My Wings A Little Bit More

I discovered Facebook a few months ago when Yan emailed me an invitation to join this social networking site.

It took me a while to get the hang of it and it was fun to find friends whom I haven’t seen for years through this platform. Just the other day, I found an old classmate’s younger brother whom I haven’t seen since 1990 when I was on holiday in Melbourne. He’s now married and working in Germany. Talk about the world getting smaller!

But what intrigued me the most is being able to connect with friends in a more casual manner. You can poke, give a beer, throw a sheep, hug, send a gift or play a game of Scrabbles together, all in a virtual sense. No need to write long letters or emails, no need to worry if the friend will reject you or be embarrassed by your ‘hugs’ or kisses. I mean, how many people can one dry hump, if not done virtually and in the name of fun??

I value the privacy that Facebook gives because it allows its users to set individual privacy settings, meaning you can choose whom you allow to view the contents of your page. I can post photos, videos and update my friends about my going-ons. A great way to stay in touch without losing your own space.

There is one rather odd thing, though. You can be the best of buddies online; giving and receiving virtual gifts, sharing videos and buying rounds of drinks for one another but it is not mentioned when we actually meet face to face. It’s like being on a different planet. I suppose socialising online allows one a measure of liberty to do things we normally won’t do on a normal setting.

Whatever it is, I am still enjoying this part of my social life as much as I still enjoy blogging.

And since I am not working these next ten days (office is already closed for the year), I will have more time to indulge in these two loves, next to spending time with Little Bkworm (of course) who will be back to school again in two weeks’ time.

Right after posting this entry, I’m going to log into Facebook and check out the action there!

See ya!

An Evening With PCK

Last night I spent an evening with PCK.

Who?

Phua Chu Kang lah!

What I meant to say was, I spent an evening at a party where PCK was performing. For the uninitiated, Phua Chu Kang is the loud mouthed contractor who dons yellow work boots and proclaims to be the best in Singapore, JB and some say in Kuala Lumpur! I am not a big fan of the sitcom but he can draw more than a few laughs with his antics.

Anyway, the event that I attended yesterday was called ‘An Evening With Phua Chu Kang’. It was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Sunway Resort and Spa…..and an opportunity for me to put on my little (ok, not so little) black dress again. I hadn’t really expected to be included since I am so new in the company but my boss wanted me and my other colleague to be in the know of the plans that the company was going to announce at the function that night.

Registration began at 5.30 pm and buffet dinner was served at the foyer almost immediately. We (colleague and I – no spouses included) arrived at the hotel, were directed to Level 10 where we mingled a little while holding on to our plates of food. It was a stand and eat affair. Try negotiating a plate of food while standing on high heels looking dainty (or at least, trying to look dainty) and being offered a glass of orange juice at the same time. Very uncomfortable feat after an hour of doing that!

At about 7 pm, the doors to the ballroom at Level 15 swung open and everyone rushed in to get a good seat. Sue, Ernie and I got seats that were like a mile away from the stage but beggars can't be choosers, so we just sat back to enjoy the rest of the evening. A fashion show followed and then the company's CEO came on stage to give her speech. Blah....blah...blah...you know, the usual how-well-the-company-has-done-this-year thingy. Another chap came up to talk some more before PCK made his grand entrance.



Was he as funny as he was on screen? Well, he had us all in stitches from the word go and it was roaring laughter first followed by adoration as he sang a few songs, enchanting everyone with a soulful rendition of Ronan Keating's When You Say Nothing At All. He had all the girls eating out of his hands with that one. It was very touching when he thanked everyone for supporting him, without which he would not have such a good career to provide for his family. He then sang 'Stand By Me' and dedicated it to the audience.

After the lucky draws were made (no luck for me, unfortunately), the crowd began to disperse. Some went out to the foyer to get their beers while many others began to leave for home. The younger and more 'gila' ones were left dancing the rest of the night away. If Papa Bkworm had been with me, I would have loved to boogie on with them. Haha, years ago whenever I went for functions such as these, I would be the first on the dance floor and the marathon dancing would go on until the band packed up to leave a few hours later!

I was back home before 11 pm.

And back to work by 8.30 the next morning. Yawn!!

A Christmas Dilemma

I think I know why they play Christmas carols in shopping malls. It's to sway people like me who has resolved to spend less each year end but would inevitably succumb to the temptation of buying, wrapping and giving by the time I walk out of the store's doors!


I am doing it again. I told Papa Bkworm that this year we will not allow commercialisation to creep into our Christmas. It will be a super low key one. No tree, no gifts. Just a quiet contemplation of the real reason behind the season. But.....

Sometimes I think we tend to mix up the coming together of families, the year end celebration, tinsel, mistletoe and all, with what Christmas really is. As Christians, we celebrate God's greatest gift to mankind, His Son born into the world to save it. So we give gifts to one another to remind ourselves and each other of the Gift from above. But if the buying of gifts becomes an opportunity to ask or wish for expensive material things, then I wonder where Christ fits into all this. The parties and the drinking. The splurging and running into debt. The buying sprees. I wonder.

I remember there was one year when I was basking in my then new found singlehood and spent one Christmas eve in a disco. At the stroke of midnight, revellers wished each other Merry Christmas while scantily clad girls with barely there knickers (calling themselves Santarinas) were clamouring over a semi nude young man, save for his false Santa beard and red Santa hat. Before you turn blue from reading about the once naughtiness of Bkworm, that's just a glimpse of my sordid past for you.

In the last few years, I have enjoyed gathering friends and family at Christmas and seeing their faces light up in delight when they received gifts I have specially chosen for each of them. I love doing that. I love that feeling of togetherness. Everyone gathering around the dining table, having a meal, sharing stories and laughing with each other. Christmas carols playing in the background and the lights from the Christmas tree illuminating more than just the corner where the tree stands; illuminating our hearts as we enjoy each other's company.

But this year, I am not so sure. Papa Bkworm's not too keen either. I haven't drawn up any lists nor have I made any plans. With the exception of my three little nephews from Papa Bkworm's side of the family, I have not shopped for anybody else. I still want to give those little boys something from Aunt Bkworm without burning a hole in my pocket. It's a maternal thingy, I guess.

I go through this 'dilemma' every year. Another 16 days for me to find some direction in this. Or maybe just do it.

You'll know soon enough.

Stressing and it's not PMS

These last two days have been tough. The reason? My other colleague went on leave. I know it's no big deal - after all, haven't I been subjected to such a situation time and again in my previous 20 odd years in the banking industry? Yes, go ahead and laugh at me for being such a baby. But after a few years of being laid back and life's a beach those few years....hmm....suddenly being thrown into two days of work frenzy can be quite daunting.

Ok, it wasn't that bad. I think it was just me being overly obsessive and perfectionist to want to do everything at the same time and to do them properly. I think this gets worse with age. I just can't bear the thought of seeing a piece of work, uncompleted, sitting in the tray at the end of my working day. No carrying over to the next day. Terrible, yah?

And when my boss is as meticulous as I am obsessive, you can imagine the adrenaline coursing through my entire body when she calls my name from her room and I spring up, knowing that she's going to want something yesterday! Instinctively, I want to do it right even before she tells me what she wants me to do. Is that crazy or what??

"Chill, Mum', Little Bkworm would say.

Last night, as I was preparing for bed while my mind was already running through today's schedule, I received an SMS which was work related. I turned to Papa Bkworm and asked him how come a 'kuli' (labourer) like me also get such messages/calls on my off-time since I am now no where near the top of the career ladder (according to a CEO of a local bank, the higher you go, the more accessible you must be!).

And his wise reply? "PA's are always at the beck and call of their bosses. So what did you expect?!"

Before I closed my eyes to sleep, the last thing I remembered was going through my to-do list for today. And dreamt of it too!

My colleague is scheduled to return to work tomorrow. Maybe I will sleep better tonight, eh?

Keeping In Touch

Life's bliss when I sit with Papa Bkworm on my left and Little Bkworm on my right, on comfy sofas at the corner of Starbucks, listening to Christmas carols being played instore. Yeah, a simple thing like this makes me happy.....even if Papa Bkworm and Little Bkworm are fast asleep on their sofas. LOL!! That's the reason why we chose the corner seats. *winks*

Since the Gardens opened, we have found this Starbucks tucked away in the corner of the 2nd floor. It's not as crowded as the one at Midvalley Megamall and less noisy too.


I read my mails, catch up on my blog reading (which is SO behind!) and update my Facebook (which I am SO addicted to!). Though I am normally back home by 3 pm on weekdays, I would be very tired out by then. Work is both easy but hectic at the same time, so by the time I reach home, I just want to assume my favourite position on the sofa and nap. But of course, there is the housework that still belongs to the woman of the house (that's me, sigh!) which means that any cleaning and washing have to be done in those hours before I prepare for dinner. By the time my day ends, I really have little energy to switch on the PC and blog. Hence, the recent long silence.

But once a blogger, always a blogger. Die-die also must blog. And keep in touch with the few friends I have made online. You know you keep me going when you leave simple comments to enquire about me and that touches me greatly.

So here on a Saturday afternoon, I drop a few lines to stay in touch. Like always.