Earl Grey

Ahh, Earl Grey, my mom's favourite flavor. It's got a little citrusy smell that perks you up and is great even without sugar. It's a beverage that goes well with cakes and sandwiches alike, say afternoon tea and you wouldn't go amiss with a cup of Earl Grey.

I read something online recently that is entitled, 12 signs he's into you. And some of the things uttered were really amusing. Some just sweet. Like the one below.

He texts you back in two seconds.
“A flirt buddy of mine always texts me cute little notes throughout the day. And he responds to me ASAP!”
—Jan Marsh, 33, Brooklyn




He indulges you.
“My husband walks two blocks to Starbucks for my coffee every morning. I’m not sure if he does it because he loves me or because he’s afraid of me before I have coffee, but it makes my day.”
—Jessica Lane Van Nest, 26, Norfolk, Va.

He’s known to treat you like a lady.
“I love it when my guy opens my car door, walks on the outside of the sidewalk and shields me from the snow—chivalry is not dead.”
—Mandi Katherine, 27, Chicago

He likes you better as is.
“My boyfriend likes my blond eyelashes so much that he hates when I wear that ‘eye stuff’ commonly known as mascara.”
—Emily Samuels, 23, Atlanta

50AHe takes one for the team.
“My guy sometimes has tea with me at one of those froufrou tea houses where the china;and sandwiches are tiny and there are flowers on everything. All the women are wearing nice outfits, and there he is in his Bqtman shirt.”
—Crystal Maynard, 31, Belcamp, Md.

He likes to show you off.
“^ow that I’ve graduated from med school, I love the proud look on my husband’s face when he introduces me to puople and tells them I’m a doctor.”
—Janette McVey, 26, Columbia, Mo.

He believes in your dreams.
“When I talk about plans to focus on my career and not stay home when I have kids, my boyfriend says he’ll totally be Mr. Mom. He fully believes in my ability to support a family in the same way he could.”
—Kristin Koch, 26, Park City, Utah

I wonder how I would name my husband-to-be. I've had the high school sweetheart, I've had the not available man, I've had the younger man, I've met some players,I've almost had the long distance, I've had the 50 first dates man.

Photos courtesy of http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2009/09/12-secret-signs-hes-into-you?mbid=synd_msn#slide=3

Rusty...rust...rustic

Rusty...rust...rustic- adjective, color, adjective
Interesting, now that came out of nowhere. Ha! I just mean to pick up the pen, or in this case, sit and dash off a few paragraphs worth of memories in this month of October year 2009.
Got an early birthday celebration from the kids. Nowadays been feeling a tad old, yes more to do with having so many kids. But the early celebration made me feel so loved.
The few of them got together and prepared a lovely surprise for me and Sa, one of my friends and fellow "elder-lies" in church. At first I was apprehensive, because they kept telling me to let them know when we arrive and refusing to let me go into the restaurant first.
When Cartoon came out to get me after I called them when I arrived at Alexis, he escorted me in. And they had booked the private function room. I glimpsed tealights making up a big heart shape through the filmy curtains. It was beautiful! I think I went a littel shriek-y then. Haha, bet nobody told them I love tealights and candles, the warm glow of them. Well, it kind of makes me oozy, melts me up right inside.
The candles were surrounding my name in red sparkly Christmas tree twined around wire. They filmed the entire bordering on hysterical phenomena, and I told Aloy if he ever makes it public, I will cheerfully strangle and beat him up. That would be one hell of an embarrasing video. Well, I made my wish, which probably sounded like mumbo-jumbo to God when He hears, because I couldn't quite gather my thoughts. They were playing hop scotch about my brains. I was presented with a long stemmed rose, by Cartoon completed with silver ribbon and a silver bracelet tied on my wrist by Ahlien.Alright, that process came with another tricky situation. I was afraid they were going to put furry stuff or clammy stuff onto my hand. Call it paranoia...well.
We had a lovely dinner and a lovely bumbling time with a bottle of Cabernet Shiraz. But the most important thing was not our lack of finesse but the heart, their romantic and loveing hearts towards us, that just about brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it's due to the fact that its been a long long time since someone put so much thought into celebrating my birthday and making it special.
But thank you. All who participated in making my birthday this year a really special one. Ada, Aloy, Afred, Alien, Cartoon, boss, lady boss, Sa.

91

Well, I had my first encounter with a snatch thief or thieves, seeing there were 2 of them,on Sunday. After watching Ice Age 3, which by the way, I enjoyed laughing till my sides ached. Baby dinosaurs were depicted as cute and affectionate which I believe was at odds with their nature as predators and killers. Anyhow, I still enjoyed (laughed the loudest) the part where one of them takes a piggy like animal by it's curly wurly tail and treats it like a yo-yo. The poor thing went boik boink boink!
I parked outside because they closed the car park, it was full. So, was walking along when I felt my bag slipping down my arm, my 1st reaction was "catch"
, so I bent down and did. I think that was the time that the motorcyclist lost his grip on my bag. I didn't realize at first that it was a snatch theft, I thought a van or 4 wheel drive came too near and the side mirror bumped into me. (Okay, don't ask how I thought of this bizarre idea, but that was what came into my mind then.) By the time I came up and realized it was a snatch theft, 1st thing I did was, (no, not throw my water bottle, too bad, wish I'd done that now!) tried to get the license plate of the bike, unsuccessful, the passenger had a sling back over it. Planned and experienced guys at this, I'll bet. I was shocked and later angry.
But after calming down, I thought back and realized just how blessed I was, It was as if I was protected by guardian angels, who kept me from falling and being dragged along the tar road. I thought of how many stories of snatch thefts I've heard about the thieves on bikes dragging their victims along or slashing them with knives. At the very least, they lost their valuables. Me? They were unsuccesful at all except in giving me this huge bruise on my upper arm. It's really ugly, most people get shocked and asked me what happen. I joke and said I got into a fight, and watch their eyes grow large as saucers, but in the end, I do tell them the truth. I know, I know, I probably should have let them had the illusion!

Psalm 91

He who dwells in tbe shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty,
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust",
Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence,
He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart,
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrows that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday,
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you,
You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked,
If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent,
For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways,
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone,
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra, you will trample the great lion and the serpent,
"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him,
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Those thugs must've had quite a tussle with my guardian angels, eh? Because if you know me, you know I'm clumsy and I trip no matter what kind of shoe I'm wearing. How can it be possible that with the force of that jerk on my bag that I don't fall and remain upright? When I read Psalm 91, I got my answer.

Miracles everyday

Things that bring tears to my eyes, were I to count, there would be too many to list. One of those would be to see people I care for fighting a good fight and end up standing, bruised yes, but standing and victorious! I'm seeing it happen right in front of my eyes, I was just saying the other day, "Now I fully comprehend the meaning of daily miracles."
We seldom think about this, but maybe the gift of being able to sleep and to open your eyes the next morning, is a miracle by itself, non? :)
I'm having a headache and I'm a little grousy. But never mind, it's a Friday evening! I'm going to feel light-hearted regardless! Ha ha, yes I might need to work tomorrow, yes it's a Saturday, but what the heck, it's still a Friday night!
I'm looking forward to having a mask tonight, sip some tea, laugh at some jokes, maybe watch a comedy. How does that sound? :) good? I know...

A coincidence

A coincidence? Or a rare submissive acceptance to go with the flow with what has already been ordained?
However one chooses to put it, it’s just there, that goose-bumps feeling when you realized that things have worked out just the way they are supposed to, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
I was supposed to take my Replacement Off day today, Friday the 29th May 2009. Another colleague said she only had today to take off and well, I admit I was a little huffed, like I’ve been usurped of my right. Well, to be fair, I did submit my request first, middle of the month.
Anyhow, I let it slide; gracefully, after all having a Thursday off was not too bad. I could do my laundry, go drink coffee somewhere; write a little maybe and generally a day when I could do as I wish.
Well, let’s just say it did not turn out as I had planned.
My mom was supposed to come down with a lady, a church friend to visit my pastor on Tuesday but they couldn’t make it. What are the odds of that? My mom called me on my day off, while I was sleeping, yes, sleeping and told me she was on her way down.
So, yours truly showered, got dressed, sent off an email and zoomed to the hospital. It turns out my mom brought Social Security forms and insurance claim forms which would’ve sent anybody into a panic at those stacks of papers, what lest a distraught wife whose husband is lying in the hospital?
I gritted my teeth and stared at those forms, forcing the bile rising from my throat back, flipped through them one by one, and got down to the messy business of filling up the form, whatever I could anyway. I left the ones which information needed to be found out to be found out by mummy dearest and the medical report which was pending from the doctors. And get this, Great Eastern Building was within walking distance and we just went there to find out the correct procedures. We were walking down an entirely wrong direction by the way.
All these, plus the company of my mom for the day, were how I spent my day off. Being rewarded with a smile from pastor and the comprehension of my words, altogether, a fruitful day indeed-y.

My Blueberry Nights

Watched a movie just now. Interesting one. Non-conventional.
It stars Norah Jones and Jude Law as the love interest and directed by Wong Kar Wai. His movies are a little offbeat and mostly difficult to understand sometimes. He likes to use a technique I don’t often see in other films. It’s the colors; it reminds me of movies that are old and film that is over-exposed, garish tones, neon lights. He likes to use movements of objects too, the speed and rush of the subway and the trickle of melted ice cream through a slice of blueberry pie. Most people would find this movie boring, I think. It is a little slow moving. I was looking for a point in the movie at first. But until I stopped searching and let the movie play it out, and then did I get the meaning of it. At least, how I interpreted it.
It’s about a girl who met a guy. You’re probably thinking that this is the same old story of most love stories. But hang on. This has an interesting twist though. Unlike most movies, Lizzie (Norah Jones), doesn’t sleep with Jeremy (Jude Law) after the first meeting. I must admit, I kind of thought that would happen. So the movie managed to surprise me.
Well, Lizzie’s nursing a broken heart, she meets Jeremy whom she can talk and write to about anything. She goes away from New York to heal her broken heart and to forget her memories. Meet’s a couple of interesting personalities along the way. Al had different versions of interpreting love. Familial love, husband and wife love, companionship…
Interesting as I said, very signature of Wong Kar Wai, don’t think any other director has this flair. I’ll leave you to find out the ending yourself, if you ever get around to watching it that is. It might be a boring film to you though, or who knows, maybe you would learn to enjoy it.

More of Penang...yess overdue

Francis Light's Memorial at St.Georges church. The church was closed. I was longing to go insdie. I'm pretty sure they would have all these high ceilings, probably dotted with long necked fans, windy, and pleasantly painted cream, with old wooden pews and a giant altar at the front.
Anyways, the Francis Light Memorial in the grounds spoke of a man who although supposedly painted as a tyrant sent to conquer us, was actually remembered affectionately in the plaque. Now we don't remember tyrants with affection do we? He must've been a good man.




The restaurant tucked away in a little corner that we had our dinner on the last day of the trip for work. Nice, but a little pricey. We must've looked foreigner like.


The cloudy and gloomy weather over in Queensbay.

Penang's Heritage

Check out the really traditional type of temple and YAP Temple, side by side.

One of the many temples on the island.


Ahhh...yes, good old Fort Cornwallis. I learnt a lot there.

Check out the Brylcream inscribed on the cover. Never would've thought this hair cream had so much history!
I've always wanted to walk around Penang like I've seen all the tourists do. Never got the chance though, because every time I went, it was with my family and they've got like a standard list of places and food they must have. So it's almost similar every single time. Well, finally got the chance to satiate my thirst for soaking in culture, amidst a very happy sun, I might add.
The pigeons reminds me of Trafalgar Square. This place's name just sticks in my mind.

BuSy, bUsY, BUSY...

Man, know what that word means? I thought I knew what it meant, and then at one point, but then it morphs into something even more defining for the word. You think you're busy when you've to send 5 reports in one day. Wait till you need to submit orders for the entire month, submit reports for 12k worth of stocks (which you've to dig out from the screwed up computer system) and allocate stocks for the change of season, about 14k worth of them in a few days...wowee...
You know, but I would rather be busy. It keeps you from wandering, in the mind I meant. Idle minds are the devil's best playground.
I didn't think I would willingly go back to work on Saturday when it's my official rest day but it's almost becoming a norm for me to go back for a few hours some Saturdays to clear my workload.
I thought that was my limit. But then, today I went back for a few hours too! I know! It's a Sunday. It's supposed to be rest day and all. But I'm glad I did go back after all. The few hours helped clear some of the workload. Not to mention that I got a pleasant surprise after all. Thank God for landlines. My cell's battery was dying.
Tomorrow, tomorrow, monday, monday...

Grabbed from a dear friend's blog

"Melissa
- My housemate, hmmph. Melissa don’t know much about her (psst mysterious girl).The reason why I say don’t know much about her is because not that she is snobbish, in fact I would say she posseses a very nice and pleasant personalities. She has a very nice smell … no I mean smile. Dimples haha. Thanks for helping me find a room.
Ashlee
- My 2nd housemate. Gosh she is one lovely girl. She cooks, she’s caring, and very understanding. She would sit down with me and chat bout stuffs and insisted on looking at my photos. Thanks for all the heads up.
Calisa
- Ash’s sister. She inherits all the good values from her sister or was it the other way around? She doesn’t like durian, loves junk food. I’m still amazed how you can mix potato chips with rice and giving me the finger licking good sign. I must try that sometime haha … Best thing is she invites me for dinner everytime she and her sister prepares dinner. Thanks for all the food."

Lol, I never knew a friend who wrote these about me and my sister. LOL, but it's nice. And I hope he finds peace and friendship that last for always.
A good buddy once told me to reassure me when he got together with a girl. "Relationships come and go but friends are forever."
I'm not sure how it makes his other half feel if she read about it. I don't think I would be very happy reading that if I am her. But it brings a small measure of comfort to me being his friend that I don't lose his friendship because he is venturing into another phase in life.

Screwed up system

I think I scared a few of my colleagues today. Guess they've never seen my screwed up face when faced with a screwed up computer system. Bad analogy, I know. But seriously, it's so screwed up that I am at a lost for words to describe it.
Ah well...
Tomorrow will be a better day.
What will it bring? Love? Hope? Peace? Joy?
Can I have it all? :)

Thoughts from a bridesmaid's story

Watched 27 dresses yet?
It's a romantic comedy. One of those where one doesn't need to think too much, is reassured of a happy ending and fuzzy warm feelign at the end of it.
;) don't mean to be cynical. I like this genre pretty well. It does wonders to help one unwind and relax at the end of a tense day. So, on a rainy evening, curled up at home and watched this particular movie.
Is it possible that sometimes we want something so badly that the thing that we need is passing in front of us, yet we're blinded and can't see it?
Or is it possible that sometimes we think this is what we need but the very thing that we need is right in front of us?
Or maybe we don't even know what we need or what we want?
What a laugh!

On an unrelated note, I want to give thanks to God because a part of what I've been fasting for has been answered, and answered beyond my wildest expectations or what I could even dream of.
A friend who has been diagnosed with uterus cancer was to have the operation some time this week. She has had it. BUT BUT...I just found out today that it is only the lining of her uterus that has been removed not the whole uterus.
Which means she has a chance of becoming a mother! I'm so, so glad that the doctors are taking a chance with her. I think the risks are obvious. But I will continue to pray for her. I hope she gets married and have babies. Yes, that's a plural! LOL...
Thank you, all who prayed.

Now...I am still fasting, and praying...hopefully the rest of the parts will also come true.

It never goes to waste

Lately I've been thinking about the question. What if the item you're praying and fasting for doesn't turn out the way you wanted it to? Does it mean that all your efforts were futile, that it was useless?
Would I be disappointed? Would I lose heart?
I believe so. It's human, it's natural.
But I also believe that my prayers and fasting did not go to waste and they won't go to waste. Stubborn child, ain't I?:)
I believe something is going to happen. Even though the item that I'm praying and fasting for doesn't happen at once, I believe it WILL, or better still something better will happen.

But of course, as of now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that what I'm praying and fasting for will come true. I really do. I must've prayed so hard for something at some points in my life, but I can't remember when.

Dear God, please remember me and the items that I'm praying so hard for. Would you please allow us a chance?

Mika Nakashima's Sakurairo Maukoro

Bracelet

It's made up of a few strands caught together in a vintage gold clasp. Beads are pearlish, brown and transparent amber, capital "G" in the middle of a strand.

Versatile enough to wear for a Chinese dinner, or a shopping trip downtown.

Retailing for $25 (Malaysian Ringgit).

Earrings

From Guess Accessories, a vintage pair of earrings, heart shaped loops, with a capital "G" dangling and a strand of amber coloured stones.
Perfect to glam up a simple outfit, or just for a day out with the girls.

Retails at $25 (Malaysian Ringgit).

Bangle

Hi all, have in my possession some original pieces of accessories from Guess by Marciano. The bangle below here in my page is retailing for $25 (Malaysian Ringgit). If there're more than one person who's interested, I've to consider putting it up for bid. *winks, therefore I do hope that there are more than one person liking it.


A cluster of pretty beads dangling elegantly from the wrist. Simple enough to wear to classes, yet elegant enough to wear for a night out.

Black and transparent beads, a silver heart shape, a silver "g" representing Guess and a smaller silver heart attached to a small black bead, all held together with a thin black ribbon.

It would make a perfect gift either for a sweetheart or a gal friend. Please drop me a comment if you're interested. Or email me at ashlee1910@yahoo.com

First Spa Experience

Thanks to a one of my girl friends, my sister and I got a spa treat! Well, let's just say that a spa session is divine but you can't be self concious because err because well, you have to strip, so...
;)
The first thing they started with was ear candling. It was supposed to be cleaning your ears, improving blood circulation and for relaxation. The first two criterias passed, but I really must veto the last one. I was nearly hopping about with tension.
They sort of stick something like a lighted candle in your ear. Ok, that was exactly what it looked like looking across a wooden screen at my sister's side and without wearing any glasses. I was so worried it'll burn us or something. Not very comforting was the fact that exactly the same thing was sticking in my own ear! So, relaxing it was not for me.

We chose something called Pure White, which included a body mask, which I presume was something to do with milk. Can't really see what color the substance was because it was so dim. But they put it on our backs first then only the front. It was so cold! The environment plus the lotion. Honestly this is a terrible simile but it was what crossed my mind at that moment while I was shivering away. Lol, I felt like a piece of chicken or meat being marinated. * winks, I hope that doesn't squelch anybody's desire to visit spas!
After that, we were treated to a really delicious bubble bath. The water was just the right temperature, we soaked in there and almost fell asleep. The view from the window was pretty too after the rain in the evening.


Ahh, I can think of someone who'd love this mirror. I like it too. Bold.
After quick shower, we hopped back into the room and to the massage that followed. Awwwwesome. I practically refused to leave. Yes, it was that good, the masseuse lady smoothing out the kinks in my shoulders, back and neck applied just the right amount of pressure, without being too harsh or too soft. Lovely. That was one of the best massages.

They have this round hole for you to stick your face in so that you can breathe while lying facedown. Usually in most places you just stare at the floor, but here they put this floating daisy, which looks pinkish in the dim light but is actually orangey yellow in color. I thought it was a pretty great idea though.