2 days and counting down!

OMG! just look at the ticker. No kidding, it is 2 days to my big day! Rasa blom puas call my fiance, well errrrmmm, fiance :) After this kena panggil lain pulak (we are still deciding on what to call each other, for the time being we are happy calling each other gf & bf :p)

What do I feel right now? seriously a mixed of everything. Have you heard of the saying "mandi tak basah, tidur tak lena"? well, that is what I'm feeling/ experiencing right now... hehehe

I was busy running around today doing last minute "stuff" for the wedding (I really thot the word Raja Sehari means you get to be a lazy ass literally *sigh*)

Anyway, I'm seriously, 100% sure, looking forward for this Saturday :D

I’m a Sherlock Holmes in the Making

I'm a fan of investigative stories. Growing up, I'm addicted to the Nancy Drew series. I lay awake in the middle of the night burying my head in the story books. I always imagine my self as the main character (well, don't we always do? hehehe. Another all time favorite of mine is Sherlock Holmes, and I saw the thriller of the movie the other day. What's more, Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams is in the movie! more reason to watch it!

Nuffnang is giving away free movie tickets to all Sherlock Holmes in the Making out there.. .and I'm one of them! (well, at least, I hope that I'm one :D)

Nikah

This is of course not my akad nikah... hehehe. Pic was taken from here (saje nk bagi feel..)

I went to my uncle's (who is also one of witness for my solemnization) to hand over the completed Borang Nikah. The forms are supposed to be given to Juru Nikah (Tok Kadi) 1 week before akad nikah (daymn.. its only 5 days to my wedding!).

I was told that the Kadi is the type that loves to ask a few questions (to the groom that is) prior to the Akad Nikah. My brother in law was also being wedded by the same Kadi. One of the questions asked to him is "In one day, how many time do we required to recite Al-Fatihah?" Due to nervousness, my bro-in-law simply answered 5 times (for no particular reason). And the Kadi said "Ish... tak kan kot. Zohor jer kita dah baca 4 kali" hehehhee. Other questions include rukun Sembahyang, Rukun Nikah and others... hehehe, good luck ye sayang :D (I believe you can do it)

TTW The Movie

Finally I managed to watched this movie! Fiance almost slept half way through the movie... hehehe. I must say that it is quite hard to cramp the whole book into a 2 hour movie. I love the book more then the movie adaptation. But the movie is sooooo romantic. Argghhh, I'm a sucker for romance movie ;p

Berinai

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My family decided to have malam berinai kecik.. *pulak dah*. So, being a very obedient child, I agreed. Hehehe. So all in all, my majlis will be in 3 days in a row! Berinai kecik, then nikah, then reception.

The problem now is to get the make-up artist for malam berinai. Since I wont be changing into so many outfit that nite (in-fact, I will be wearing only one!), I decided not to spend so much on the make-up. Yela, it will only be on my face for few hours jer pun. Berinai, amik gambar, then cuci balik coz nak tido. I tried asking a few places. The boutique that will be doing my pelamin is asking for RM400. Another make-up artist is asking for RM350. And lagi best nye, ada this one bridal shop near my house (tak la grand mana pun kedai dia) tanak buat langsung! The owner told me, quote: “Kami make up untuk pengantin kedai kami jer”. Meaning, you’ll have to get the whole package from them in order for you to be make-up by them. Giler berlagak! First time aku dengar. Heh!

My cousin is suggesting for me to just go and do my make up at the cosmetic counter/ boutique at the shopping mall. They normally charged around RM150 – RM200. Just like I did with Estee Lauder for my engagement. And the result is not disappointing and at a very reasonable rate too. But my problem is that I don’t want to go to the place for make up. Meaning, I want to do it at my house. Yela, nama pun raja sehari kan… so I want to be treated like one :D hehehe. For henna pun I managed to get the artist to come and do it at my house… *sigh*, mana nak cari nie???

Victoria Secret

Remember my previous entry about my frustration due to the unavailability of Victoria Secret in Malaysia? well, fret no more! As I walk to the boarding area of KLIA (Domestic), I taught I was in a dream. There, in front of me, lay in one corner, a Victoria Secret counter! no kidding, a licensed VS counter here in Malaysia. A wide array of Perfume, Body Spray, and Body Lotion are now a drive away (Well, since it is in the boarding area, either you have to travel or ask someone who will to buy them for ya!).

According to the Sales Girl, it is the first Airport Outlet and I was surprise as the price was far from expensive. Body Splash that I normally buy from a friend who returned from US or a stewardess cost only RM40 (They normally charge between RM50 - RM80). The body lotion is also RM40. The lip gloss (the taste is so yummy!, the yummiest that I ever tasted)is only RM38, and the make-up bag is only RM49!.

Negeri Di Bawah Bayu

I just arrived KL from a one week business trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. I had to organize a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the company's new Power Plant and the ceremony was attended by my Chairman and Sabah's Chief Minister.

It was not my first trip to KK. In fact it was my third. But i just discovered 3 new facts about the State (How ignorance can i be?):

1) Before, there is actually a different time zone between East & West Malaysia. But Dr M (our then PM) requested for Sabah & Sarawak to reset their time to follow us in Semenanjung. They are actually 1 hour ahead of us, just like Indonesia. Well, that explains why it already dark in Sabah although it was only 6.30pm!

2) You can find snow at the peak of Mount Kinabalu.. hehehehehe (My new dream is to conquer the mountain one day)

3) The Borneo Island is the third largest Island of the world. Australia being the first, and I'm not sure what is the second. Anyone?


Note: Can you find Papar? The event that I organized was in that District
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Starbucks in a bottle

I first found this "magical" thing when I was in Bali. It was on sale in their supermarket for the price of +- RM5. I kept wishing and hoping that one day it will be available here in Malaysia too. It was so damn convenient. And my wish came true :) I found this in Cold Storage (KLCC), but it was a bit pricey (RM8). Kalau dah mahal macam tu, might as well I buy it straight from the cafe kan? freshly brewed.



Starbucks

Bias vs Racist

Have you ever felt like u were racially discriminated? Well I have, a few times before. And one incident happened very recently.

I have several loyalty/ membership cards. HiltonHonors, MesraRewards, RealRewards, i-Setan, O-Brien, CoffeeBean, Starbuck, Enrich Card, BodyShop and even McDonalds to name a few. These loyalty/ membership programs will normally give you benefits or discounts as part of the benefits being a member. Some even send cards/ gifts/ vouchers to their members as a sign of appreciation. My e-mail was flooded with wishes, and I also received a few letters that comes with vouchers and special offers.

Every year without fail, Clarins (I'm using their skincare and also taking their facial package)will give a voucher that entitles me to either 1 facial session of 50% off voucher of any one of their treatments.

So to cut the whole crap short, I received a card from clarins wishing me Happy Birthday and asking me to visit their outlet (in this, my outlet is in The Curve) to collect my birthday gift. So naturally I went.

When I arrived at the Clarins Institute, I handed over the card to the consultant and told her that I'm there to collect my birthday gift. I saw her thinking for a moment before asking me to wait and spoke to the other consultant in chinese (Im not sure either its mandarin, hokien, or cantonies, and I really dun give a damn). She then produced me a small box and told me that my Birthday gift is a cosmetic purse that contain a few minature of facial product. I was surprised and thought that Clarins had decided that free facial was too much for them to afford. Owh, and not to forget, they also throw in one outdated note book (the note book was sold few months back as part of one of their campaign) So I took it with no prejudice until she opened her record and asked me to sign. There were several other customers celebrating their birthday in November & December and I can see the whole list. To my surprise, some of the customers recieved free facial session (I knew this bcoz they actually put a small remark next to the name), while few unlucky other which include me received the less-worthy trial pack (and these unlucky peps are actually Malays!).

I regreted wasting my energy, time and petrol just to be a victim of a bloody racist.

Well, I dont wanna say more, you decide!

091109

Don't you find the above number nice? well I did, and the date is the day I celebrated my 29th b'day (owh yeah, Im 29 yrs old!).

I didnt get to celebrate it with my fiance as I was on outstation to Kerteh. He gave me a Starbucks Thumbler (clearly I'm addicted to starbucks coffee!)and a birthday card with a very meaningful words written in it. (Part of it: To my future wife, I cant wait to put the ring on your finger....)Note: Do you know that Starbucks will give you RM2 discount from your favorite coffee if you bring your own starbucks thermos during your purchase... no kidding!

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My bestfriend, FHMF treat me to a dinner at Secret Recipe in MesraMall. To those of you who didnt know where MesraMall is, it is the first shopping mall in Kerteh :) He also gave me a titanium bracelet as a birthday gift (I really dont think i deserve it, but thanks dear, I really love it!)


A friend of mine also baked this cuppies for me, so sweet of her. It may look ugly, but have u heard of the saying "dont judge the book by its cover?". So dont! It taste exceptionally good! It is a yummy-licous carrot cake (with chunck walnuts) and cream cheese toppings. The ugly look is because of the melted writting due to heat from my car.



I also received few other gift from my ex-staff in Kerteh. I was really touched by the gesture. I felt loved.

Hens Nite

Hens night is a party or evening out for a woman who is about to be married, attended only by her women friends. Some part of the world, it is called as Bachelorate Party. And the above is the invitation to my hens nite :)

It was carefully planned and organized by my besties, Mun, Sara and Ita. I'm sooo falttered and touched.

We spent the nite at a Junior Suite @ KL Hilton and partied the night away. We also had a Pink Pyjama Party in the room. Just imagine la kan, 6 girls in stuffed in a room with lots of snacks, music, and gossips! and they also took the trouble to prepare a party pack... a small pink pouch that has a pair of pink earings, pink bangle and pink nail polish (Well obviously Pink was the theme). Thanks girls, the night was a blast! luv ya'all. xoxoxo



You have to be 18 years and above to look/touch/ eat the cuppies above. owh, and it was from wondermilk anyway.

pulau mutiara

me and familia is in penang right now. We are planning to kill 3 birds with one stone, well, not literally of course.

1) mom wants to distribute the invitation card to the relatives in penang
2) i have to go fitting baju kawen for bertandang ceremony in kedah
3) to finalise on wedding favors (we are buying the wedding favors in penang. What is it? Rahsia!!! :)

Penang HRC

Last week when I was in Penang, my friend and I managed to drive up to feringhi to look at the newly open Hard Rock Hotel. From the exterior it looks so classy and trendy and all. And I can see a long que outside its cafe. I've stayed once in HRC Bali, and it was very2 beautiful, especially its swimming pool. very impressive. Will find the time and opportunity to stay in HRC Penang soon, hopefully.

More on wedding

For the past one week, I have managed to complete a few items pending on the checklist. Finalized the invitation card for printing (phew, sepuloh kali check before finally signing the art work), door gift for nikah and marhaban, and most importantly, registered with Kadi. Alhamdullillah, we managed to booked the date and time that we wanted. Hopefully the rest will went on smoothly, Amin.

But rasa sedey skit when the card printer told me that the color that i picked is out of stock :( After half an hour of discussion, I settled with a different color instead :(

Im DIYing the door gift for marhaban and nikah. The former dah siap, check out the pic below and tell me what you think? cantik tak? I will put the yassin in a paper beg together with bugar telur.

I'll share with you my DIY nikah door gift bila dah siap nanti.

(1 month and 3 weeks to the wedding... tick, tock, tick, tock)

my precious :D

Cantik tak? this is my engagement ring. Was choosen by my future MIL. I think it is very classic... my precious!

A new perspective of Goreng Pisang..

I went for breakfast with my best friend FHMF at Aseana KLCC. Aseana nie unique skit. It is Malaysia’s first largest luxury mixed-brand store and home to a supreme collection of premium international designer fashion and accessories. It also has its own cafe.

I had roti canai and teh tarik set (cost = RM10++), and fhmf had goreng pisang. Not the normal, typical goreng pisang, tapi "stylo" goreng pisang. The Banana fritters were served with grated coconut and palm sugar (Gula Melaka). The banana is also marinated in palm sugar or some sort of syrup witch makes it even more interesting. You can try make them on your own at home, kalau nak senang, gi jer klcc :p tak sure pulak about the price. Probably less then RM10.

Makan Mahal

Last week I had an away day with my department. It was in Melaka. On the second night there, we decided to have farewell dinner for my Manager as he will be retiring end of this month. Since we are in Melaka, everyone wanted to have the infamous Assam Pedas. One of my office mate suggested a place called "Tomyam Klasik". I know, I know. Nothing the name does not suggest anything close to Assam Pedas, but we were told that this restaurant have one of the best Assam Pedas in Melaka. The place is somewhere in Bukit Beruang.

So, to cut the long story short, we went there. The place is really nice. Cosy and warm and all. They also cater for weddings. hehe, not related, i know.

How does it taste? Hmmmmm, frankly, I've eaten a way better Assam Pedas in Melaka. Clearly this is not on of the best. But what strike my attention is the price. There were 20 pax in my group and it cost us RM600! I think that is bloody expensive. What do you think?

Anyway, here's what we had:



1) Black Paper Beef



2) Lemon Chicken



3) Daging Tetel (Beef Assam Pedas) Orang kata, tetel ni best kalau makan dengan roti canai.



4) Sotong goreng tepung



5) Assam Pedas Ikan Kembung



6) The dessert

3 down 4 to go!

Ive got the perky pink, blue and green! yeay... grey (charcoal) and purple is now available too. I'm planning on getting 2 of the purple glass. Satu simpan, lagi satu nak guna kat office :D

perky pink is GONE! and cool blue is going FAST...

My friend called me last week. She was freaking out as the perky pink coke glass is sold out in all McD outlets in Klang Valley. Upon checking, she was told that the glass is only available in Kerteh. Dengar jer Kerteh, my name came cross her mind. hehe. Thank to me and my connection in Kerteh, I manage to get her 2 perky pink glasses. And this morning, I read the news: perky pink is GONE! and cool blue is going FAST... wooohooo! you owe me a big one babe!

I have purchased both, Perky Pink and Cool Blue, the next one coming is Fortune Green! saya tak sabar...

Browsing through the internet, I came across this picture of a cooler version of the coke glass. Why dont they have this one instead in Malaysia?



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counting down

Its 2 months to my wedding day! *nervous*

I am 90% prepared I guess. But I am yet to register the wedding with religious department. *nervous again*

Right now I'm bored to death in Melaka, attending budget challenge meeting with my department. Will be stucked 2 days here. *sigh*

Next week will be going for ring hunting and few more of hantaran stuff.

I have few more things to update. But didnt get the time to upload the photos yet.

Take care peps!

3D Movie

Have you ever seen a 3D movie before? I have, twice. First was the movie "Journey to Centre of the Earth". I went with my nephew, nene. The movie was great as it was fast moving and I always have a thing for fantasy and animated movie. Nene had fun. As it was 3D, my nephew cant sit still as he kept on standing and extending is hands in attempt to grab whatever things flying towards our direction. It looks real!

Recently I went to watch Final Destination 4 with my fiance. I didnt enjoy it. I belive those who watched Final Destination 1, 2, and 3 would agree with me that the way all the cast in the movie died was very brutal. I had brutal. I love peace.. hehe. I was restless through out the movie. Not only that I have to watch them die brutally, but also in 3D! imagine that... huhu.. I closed my eyes most of the part. Especially the "dying" part.

And also, 3D movie makes my head spin. Porbably because of the special 3D glasses that you have to wear throughout the screening for the 3D effect. I had to take it out several time to relax my eyes. You have no choice but to put it on back as the picture on the screen is overlaping, unlike the normal screening. Do you get what I'm saying? hahaha

To get the first hand experience, I would suggest for you to try it on your own, then decide. The price is RM18/pax as opposed to the normal cinema price which is RM10/pax.

Coke Contour Glass

I am sooo excited. I love this coca-cola glass. I had one (free gift) a few years back, but it was stolen. I'm so getting this one today. Can't decide yet which color to choose. If i were to pick all seven, I will have to purchase 7 Coke Contour Glass Meal (kena beli large pulak tu!)... heh!

Info:

Discount Duration : Wed, 23 Sep 2009 - Fri, 30 Oct 2009, 11am till 4am (For a limited time only. )
Promotion : Get a FREE Coca-Cola Glass with every Coke Contour Glass Meal (any Large McValue Meal with a Sundae).
Products Offered : Collect all 7 (one colour at a time. while stocks last): - Perky Pink - Cool Blue - Fortune Green - Iconic Grey - Royal Purple - Fresh Lime - Sparkly Clear

Blues

This is the first year I'm celebrating hari raya as someone's fiance. And this year will be the last year for me celebrating raya as a bechalor. Next year I will be celebrating it with my hubby (IsyaAllah).

But belive me or not, as of today, 6th day of Hari Raya, I still didnt have the chance to "beraya" with my fiance. At first it was ok with me, until my friends begin to share their Hari Raya experiences.

Friend 1: Tunang aku 3rd raya dah balik KL, raya rumah aku pulak
Friend 2: Pagi raya aku raya rumah tunang aku dulu, then baru balik kg. Jalan pun tak jem by that time
Friend 3: Aku cuti 2 hari jer... nak raya rumah tunang aku pulak
Cousin: Dulu masa still couple, hubby aku 2nd raya drive all the way from Pahang datang KL sebb nak raya kat umah aku..

Suddenly I feel really2 sad :( I really2 miss my fiance, and cant hel but to think that I'm not his priority. I'm not asking to put me first instead of his parents, but at least give me a spot, sumwhere in his priority list.

Sedey :(

Hari Raya & such

This year's raya was not as bad I tot it would be. My 2nd sis came with her family from Penang. However my lil sis went back to her hubby's kampung in N9.
Went for Solat Raya with 2nd sis and her family. Tak jauh pun, kat surau sebelah rumah.

First and second raya was filled with visiting relatives house. I was trying really hard to maintain my diet, but all the food was simply too delicous. The tomato rice that my father made (tomato rice is my fav!) is finger liking good that I had to have it twice!

My lil sis came back to KL on second raya. So malam tu all of us (1st sis, 2nd sis, me, and lil sis) went for drinks at Old Town White Coffee in Jalan Yap Kawn Seng. The place was really crowded. We had to wait for about 10 minutes before being seated. 2 tables away from ours was one of the most famous host in Malaysia, which is Aznil Nwwi. Non of us are his fan, so we just ignored. We sisters starting to talk about our childhood. The sweet, and fun experience. And naturally our voice became louder and once in a while statring to lough histerically. It was loud, i must admit. But, the kopitiam is not a fine dining restaurant of any sort. So i really belive it was acceptable. But the clan at Aznil's table starting to turn and making remark. At one point, they are begining to mock our talk, giggles and laugh. I know they wanted to offend us, but we just ignored. After 2 hours or so, we decided it was time to go home (it was already 3am). As we leave the table one by one, we heard Aznil (yes, the man himself) pass a remark "Hye dah puas gelak? nak balik dah ke????" To me, it is acceptable if it came from an average Joe. You are a celebrity la... come on. The so called the hisgest paid Host in Malysia. Please carry your image well. You have to behave no matter in what circumstances. Before, I was never your fan, but now, I begin to hate you. Dah la tak straight, mulut plak macam perempuan. you sucks man!

Anyway, I started working on Wednesday as i didnt take any extra leave for Hari Raya (nak save annual leave for wedding preparation). And as predicted, the road was empty and so is the parking lot at KJ LRT. Normally the parking lot will be full at 7am. But that day, although it was already 7.05am, im still facing difficulties, only this time, difficulties in choosing a spot as there were sooooo many to choose from!

It didnt get any better at the office. There were all together 4 people at the floor I'm working at. Boring like hell. I spent 97.99% of the day surfing the net. Im just not on the mood to work. Sorry boss!

1 Syawal 1430H

"Ini wang aku gantikan keatas beras fitrah sebanyak RM7 wajib keatas diriku kerana Allah ta'ala"

Those are more or less the "lafaz" that are required for muslims to recite when paying for their zakat fitrah. This year is the first time I'm paying the fitrah. Not that I didnt pay them the previous years. Before would ask my brother in law to represent myself, but this year the timing was wrong, and everyone had paid theirs except for me.

My father stop paying my share of zakat fitrah once I started working. I'm not sure how it works but most of my friends that I know, their parents will be paying for them until they are married. It is not the $7 that I'm making a big fuss about, it is the sense of beloging, knowing that someone is responsible towards you. As for me, I'm responsible on myself, so I have to pay my own zakat. I'm not sad, I'm just saying.

Next year IsyaAllah my hubby will start paying for me. Finally someone will be responsible for me.

Ok, now I'm talking crap.

Its alread 12.59am. Today muslims all over the world is celebrating Eid Fitri. I would like to take the chance to wish all of you a happy Hari Raya, maaf zahir & batin

1 Syawal, 20 Sept 209

Oct issue of Majalah Pengantin

The latest edition of Pengantin mag is out in the stores. My wedding preparation is now almost 80% completed, but I'm still purchasing all of the wedding related mags that I can get my hands on. I still want to see if the is any new style or trends, etc.

The October issue of Majalah Pengatin is special in the sense that the mag is celecrating its 100th issue. But sadly its 100th issue is not special at all. Nothing special being introduced. It was just like any other issues. At least give us readers more pages, or extra hands out (diary, reference, scrap book, etc):p

Dave's Deli

Fiance and I went to Subang Parade yesterday for Buka Puasa. We really thought that 2 days before Hari Raya would simply mean that less people in the shopping mall as most of them would be heading back to respective home town already.

Well, we thought wrong. As early as 5.30pm, most of the restaurant had already stop taking reservations for Buka Puasa. Imagine that!

So we are only left with one option, Dave's Deli. Growing up, me and my school friends frequent this restaurant every now and then to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, gathering and so on. One of the reason is because of the environtment of the restaurant, the menu (they have roasted chicken, and the best lasagne of all time) and most importantly is the affordable price.


Carbonara



Roasted chicken with sides (Coleslow & Mashed potatos)



2in1 combo (beef lasagne & bolognies)

Coming in to the restaurant, u can see a huge banner hanged on top of the entrance that reads "Ramadhan special: Complimentary Sirap Bandung & Kurma". So we decided to order just one drink. We made our order, paid the amount, and secured a table. Later we decided to walk around the mall while waiting for buka puasa time.

At 7pm, we went to the restaurant. Our food is already on the table, but no folk & spoon, no tissue, no drinks. Then buka puasa time arrived. Fiance went to the counter to get our drinks (that we ordered and paid for). He waited almost 10 mins just to get the drink and fork & spoon. I can see few waiters running around the place. So un organized. So inefficient. I dont see the purpose for all of the customers to pre-ordered their food only to find that they are not ready in time.

In the end, we still did not get to taste/ enjoy the so called COMPLIMENTARY kurma or the Sirap Bandung. Not that im so suck up for free things, but dont promise if you cant deliver.

Books currently reading

In April 2008, the world watched in horror as the news of Josef Fritzl made worldwide headlines. But for one British woman the story was not the stuff of unimaginable nightmares. Alice Lawrence knew all too well the torture suffered at the hands of a father whose depravity knew no bounds. She too was kept prisoner and repeatedly made pregnant - and it was only after the death of one of her babies that she finally found the courage to escape.
Born in 1970, Alice grew up in the impoverished backstreets of an industrial Northern town with her parents and seven brothers and sisters. She was first raped by her father when she was 11. From the age of 15, she was made pregnant six times by him in an effort to secure additional state benefits. All bar one of her pregnancies failed, but her daughter never made it through her first year.
The death of her baby was the spur to Alice bringing her father and abuser to justice. Finally, Alice can tell her deeply moving story of recovery from abuse.

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This is the sequel of the earlier book that I bought, Master of The Game. The story line was really2 good that I cant wait to read the sequal. Sidney Sheldon never let you down!

Beloved number one internationally bestselling author Sidney Sheldon introduced the glamorous, scheming Blackwell family and its unforgettable matriarch, Kate Blackwell, in his worldwide bestseller Master of the Game. Now a generation has passed, and as the world has changed, so too has America's own royal family.

Yet the intervening years have not lessened the Blackwells' drama or talent for manipulation, domination, and passion. Though Kate is long gone, the children of her beloved granddaughters, Eve and Alexandra, battle to carry on her powerful legacy. Each is determined to control Kruger-Brent, Ltd., the multibillion-dollar international corporation with holdings in diverse industries around the globe. But only one can reign supreme. . . .

Lexi Templeton is a ruthless competitor with the brains and beauty to match. Raised by her psychiatrist father, Lexi burns to follow in her great-grandmother's footsteps and become her own Mistress of the Game.

She is not alone in her ambitions. Her handsome and nefarious cousin, Max Webster, the son of Eve, will stop at nothing to own the prize of Kruger-Brent. Driven by hatred, jealousy, and blinding devotion to his bitter and twisted mother, he will seduce, betray, and even kill to succeed.

And there is another player with plans of his own: a little-known descendant of Kate's great-grandfather. Growing up in poverty in Aberdeen, Scotland, handsome and cunning Gabriel McGregor is determined to fulfill his destiny . . a quest that will lead him deep into the heart of the Kruger-Brent empire.

In a family rife with secrets?murder, hidden identities, perversions?and a depraved sense of honor, the player who wins the game may be the only one who will survive.

Full of the late master's trademark elements?remarkable characters, dazzling plotting, and a page-turning narrative style?this sizzling sequel vividly captures the master's voice and irresistible magic. Vintage Sheldon, Mistress of the Game will enthrall loyal fans and introduce his enduring brand to legions more.

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I've seen the trailer of the movie. But the movie is yet to be shown in Malaysia. Eversince, I've been trying so hard to get my hand on the novel. It seems to be the most wanted novel now as it was sold out in most of the major book store. I've tried Kinokuniya, Borders, but was disapointed. Finally, while waiting to meet my fiance at Subang Parade, I went to the MPH and as I walk past the Best Seller section, I found it! yeay!

The Time Traveler's Wife, published in 2003, is the debut novel of American author Audrey Niffenegger. It is a love story about a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably, and about his wife, an artist who has to cope with his frequent absences and dangerous experiences. Niffenegger, frustrated in love when she began the work, wrote the story as a metaphor for her failed relationships. The tale's central relationship came to her in a flash one day and subsequently became the novel's title. The novel, which has been classified as both science fiction and romance, examines issues of love, loss, and free will. In particular, it uses time travel to explore miscommunication and distance in relationships. It also investigates deeper existential questions.

As a first-time novelist, Niffenegger had trouble finding a literary agent. She eventually sent the novel to MacAdam/Cage unsolicited and, after an auction took place for the rights, Niffenegger selected them as her publisher. It became a bestseller after an endorsement from author and family friend Scott Turow on The Today Show, and as of March 2009 had sold nearly 2.5 million copies in the United States and the United Kingdom. Many reviewers were impressed with Niffenegger's unique perspective on time travel. Some praised her characterization of the couple, applauding their emotional depth; others criticized her writing style as melodramatic and the plot as emotionally trite. The novel won the Exclusive Books Boeke Prize and a British Book Award. A film version was released in August 2009.

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H.I.V Screening

I've been dreading one part of the wedding to-do-list that is H.I.V screening. I hate needles. Well, in another word, I'm scared of it. But it was one of the requirement. Therefor, it is not an option.

So today we took half of the day off to do the test. There is only one clinic in Petaling Jaya authorized by Jabatan Agama Islam for the screening, that is the government clinic in Kelana Jaya.

We arrived at 1.50pm, and we can see that there were already few people lining up infront of the entrance. The clinic is closed during lunch time and H.I.V test is only carried out after 2pm daily.

After filling up the forms, we waited patiently (and nervously, for me that is) for our turn. In-fact, we are the first couple to arrived for the test. There are about few more couples afer us.

My fiance were called first. The test were conducted just over the counter. All you have to do is extend your hand to the nurse, and the rest, i dindnt know as i was sooo affraid to watch. And my fiance is done. I look at his face for any sign of pain. He just smiled.

Me: Awak, sakit tak?
Him: Nak saya tipu or cakap betul2?
Me: Awak!!!
Him: hehehe.. saya rasa awak mesti rasa sakit sikit... tapi sikit jer... awak jgn menjerit tau.. buat malu jer...

And my turn comes. I put on a brave face and walk over to the counter. The nurse confirm my name once again. Then she took out a fresh test kit. Inside the kit, i can see an alcohol cotton sheet, a test strip, a tiny pump (to collect the blood) and most importantly, needle, well, not the traditional looking needle, this is a small square box, where the nurse will place it at the point of your index fingure, and with one push (it has spring i guess), the tip of your fingure will bleed.

when the nurse is begining to wipe my fingure with the alcohol sheet, i quickly glance away to look at my fiance, and "pop"! the needles in and out, and the nurse collected my blood using the tiny pump and place it on the test strip. It did hurt little bit. But not enough to bring out tears.. hehehe. The nurse then instructed us to wait infront of another counter for the result.

After 10 minutes of waiting, the result is out. "Non-Active", for both of us. Meaning we are free from the virus. And this simply mean that we are allowed to be married. Another step closer :)

Tonite, fiance will be meeting with his kadi. Once it is registered with Jabatan Agama Islam, I will begin with my registration (apparently that is the required step)

Buka Puasa

Last saturday I have training in the office. The training took the whole day. Adoi, sangat la tak suka training di bulan puasa. Later in the evening, my fiance decided to come to KLCC to breakfast with me.

We went to Chilis.At 5.30pm, the que is starting to build up. We were number 3 in the que. I asked the waiter and were told that they stop all guest coming in to the restaurant at 5.45pm to give room to Buka Puasa batch and we will only be allowed in at 6.15pm. Gosh! we hafta que for another 45mins! Nasib la ada fiance, boleh la jugak manja2 mintak dia tolong carry my handbag.

Well, this is what we had. Lupa dah apa nama dia. But fiance had the mini cheese burgers (apparently it is new on the menu), i had chicken salad (nak start diet la konon), and brownies for desert. Yummy!

Dreamland

We finally got our honeymoon package! Thanks to MATTA Fair, I believe we got the best bargain in town. We went there at 10.30am. And after almost 4 hours walking around the 3 halls in PWTC, asking questions, browsing, and comparing, we finally got what we want. It was totally worth it. Thanks fiance... sayang awak :)


You hafta pay RM3/person for entrance (Dapat nylon beg to put all flyers kot and also face mask)

We paid RM2,300 (well, my fiance paid.. hehe)and below are the package that we got:

- 4D3N stay in private villa (in the mountain area facing the beach)
- Private pool and jacuzzi
- 2 hours couple aromatherapy spa
- daily breakfast to be served at villa (and we get to set the breakfast time, all you have to do is call)
- romantic dinner at villa
- Welcome drink, honeymoon cake, special flower arrangements in room
- 1 romantic dinner at beach
- Tour

owh I cant wait! Since the villa tersangat la best, we decided to spend more time in the villa and less time touring the place... hehehe. We will go to few tourist attraction spots and leave the rest for our next visit. Fiance suggested for us to set up Vacation fund so that we will make it a point to travel every year. Next stop is Liverpool. Heh! obsess taw dgn the team... apa2 la sayang, janji jalan :D

The travelling agent also was kind enough to give us beg tag. There were 3 colors to choose from. Since it took me so long to decide between the 3 colors (green, black or red), the agent decided to give us all 3! hehehe. I know it was nothing, but small things counts rite?







Some preview of the villa. Menarik kan?

MATTA Fair 2009

MATTA FAIR IS BACK!!The most awaited and anticipated travel fair of the year returns with loads of offers from hundred of exhibitors. MATTA FAIR September 2009 will be held at Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur from 4th-6th of September 2009.

I will definitely grab this chance to get our honeymoon package. Still deciding where to go. We have 3 options in mind. Will look at the best bargain. Wish us luck!




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TTFN