The Original Juice

It was 10:45pm. We were at a road junction somewhere in Yishun.

The red light was on and we were like the 5th car in the queue.

By the time i looked back on the road, the 4th car in front of us already way in front of us. Ayah was scrubbing his eyes.

Ayah: My radar is not working lah tonight....

Mummy: ZZZZzzzz....

Me: .........?

Ayah: Cos my radar is SLEEPING!

LOL!!!!!!!



Mummy is the designated co-pilot. Would warn ayah, "Bang! Dekatnye Bang!" (So Close, darling!) or "Careful Sayang, careful!" It's not enough that she said that, but she would say that in such an URGENT and panicky tone and sometimes she would bang the dashboard ala Driving Instructor.


Before marriage, I have simply ignored it. But after Zubair came into the picture, i joined in the amusement. Giving each other knowing smiles each time she does that.


Until that time when i drove and Zubair was next to me. And just as i was making a turn, Zubair mimicked mummy in a shrill same panicky voice, "Darling! careful, sayang! Ohhh!!! Ooopppp!!"


For a second there, i really thought somebody was about to bang me and my heart jumped! And i warned him there and then that that's a dangerous thing to do. I nearly panicked myself!


So, i realised even MORE what a CALM person my dad is. To be tolerating such cautious warnings WHILST DRIVING, at least TEN TIMES per 30min of driving and pretend its normal. *shake head* Subhanallah.

My Bro-in-Law, Salman called me last night.

He called my hp and Zubair was not around. We talked for a full 12min. And suddenly things seem so much easier and i think i can live through all hurdles.


He's two years younger than me but seem more matured. We struggled with English and Urdu. Very nice to be put back on pressure to speak Urdu, otherwise it'll get rusty even before it can run off my tongue.


He related how he was reminiscing with Ammi ji (MIL) when she was down with fever the other day about that first night when i came to Pakistan and we had dinner on that particular floor they were on ...


He said how they all missed me and Not to worry but come back to Pakistan quickly, he will take leave from work and be my BODYGUARD. I feel very much relieved upon hearing that. Zubair can go have fun with HIS friends all he want (he warned me earlier to leave him alone to go out the next trip and tt i cldn't join bcos its really not what they do), Salman will accompany me, HUMPH.


He asked if everything is ok, if i'm happy. Well i just said, "Main bahut khushu hai/hoon?" Im happy lah... dont have the heart to complain about the trivial things. After all, Z doesnt go and complain ANYTHING about ME to ANYONE.


And then he said, "Im happy to hear you laugh." Although it's really bcos i think my Urdu was crappy but it's nice all the same that he remarked such.


Last of all, we arrange a date to come online for webchat Sat night/Sun morning. Hopefully Z will be home by then! Im sure Ammi misses to look at him.


That call really made my night. Suddenly i can jump mountains. and All is well...

My parents went to Malacca as guides last weekend with school children by bus.

So i drove the car back after sending them. And with my BIL not in Spore either, i got the full rein of the car for THREE WHOLE DAYS!! WOO HOO

Sat night, before sending Zubair to Clarke Quay, we together with my sisters went to have dinner at Lau Pa Sat. OH my lord how i LOVe satay.

Navigating to Lau Pa Sat, Clarke Quay and back home was a breeze. partly bcos that morning i checked out the place already. I was supposed to pick him up after sending my parents but Z forgot! Well to be fair, i didnt remind him again nearer the time in an effort to give him a pleasant surprise. But since i only reached there at 7:15am and he finished at 6:30am, i missed the train.


Sun: It was sort of a shame that we didnt use the car in the day for sight seeing or jalan jalan... But i had a fun time picking up Kak Long's friend from Spottiswoode Park, somewhere Tg Pagar then on to Four Seasons Hotel for their friend's wedding dinner, then to Orchard for dinner with Z, then send Z to Clarke Quay then back to Four Seasons Hotel to pick them up and drop her off then home.

It was again such a breeze. I was so happy with myself having done my homework and passed the test with flying colours.

I even toyed with a fantasy of a career switch: to be a school bus driver or something! LOL.


But the dream all came crashing down on Monday night when i wanted to send Z to Clarke Quay.


A big tree from the center divided up and fell, blocking all four lanes in the expressway CTE (AYE). All traffic had to exit at the first Ang Mo Kio exit.


It was a shame that Zubair didnt believe in me enough to let me find out where to go next. I KNEW there were a few entrances to the CTE after that exit, i just had to find it. Instead, he kept insisting i just drop him off at Ang Mo Kio MRT despite it being past 10pm and he'd be like 45min late.


I turned right after the MRT along the AMK HUB and drove down that road. I remembered Ayah driving past thru this road straight all the way after exiting from an expressway. Then suddenly, the sign to CTE shows i had to turn left and i did and i travelled for a few minutes in SUPER DARK road all alone with not much traffic, i thought i was a star in Langolias or something (Stephen King's novel adapted movie).


I tried to stay strong. i NEED to go home. I cant abandon the car and take the cab home now can i? So i came to a very familiar junction near the train depot. Then i became a bit hopeful but not for long when i saw THREE DIFF Signs into the expressway. One says "CTE (Ang Mo Kio)", "City", "CTE (PIE)".

Now, why the hell would i take CTE AMK if im ALREADY in AMK? Where does it lead to anyway? To add to the confusion, the entrance wasn't blocked like the other one was. Could it mean its back to Woodlands?

I can't take the City obviously cos im supposed to go back up north. and shouldn't it be blocked? But why wasn't it?

So the safest option i had was CTE PIE. At least i would know what i was doing and where i was going. CTE... then go to PIE... then BKE.... right?

Suddenly when i entered the expressway i wasnt sure anymore... bcos again it was DARK... with big trees looming and not a sign of traffic anywhere near me... Am i really going the right way? where's everybody else??

I cried.

I cldnt help it but i felt so.... ALONE!

What could i do but continue driving following my instincts... and in the end i arrived at a familiar patch and i reached home some 30mins more of driving.

In honour of my previous post, I shall attempt to answer my own wonderings with the help of big brother, the Internet.


I've always wondered why do we hiccup. It's a marvel, why at the age of 25 i still didn't know! Prolly bcos i didnt have a collection of encyclopedias while i was growing up, nor did i bother to pass my science subject. LOL


I dont know why the Malays seem to think that only CHILDREN have hiccups bcos its a sign of "Growing Up" that it is peculiar to get hiccups when you're already an adult.


That, my dear readers, is pure myth!


The scientific explaination of WHY we get hiccups is, your diaphragm is irritated!

The diaphragm almost always works perfectly. When you inhale, it pulls down to help pull air into the lungs. When you exhale, it pushes up to help push air out of the lungs. But sometimes the diaphragm becomes irritated. When this happens, it pulls down in a jerky way, which makes you suck air into your throat suddenly. When the air rushing in hits your voice box, you're left with a big hiccup.

1. Eating too much or too fast
2. Consuming very hot or cold food and beverages
3. Drinking carbonated beverages, or even
4. Having cold Showers
5. Entering or leaving a hot or cold room
6. SUDDEN EXCITEMENT or STRESS

These info plucked from Drugstore.com

What can we do to stop them?

Normally i would hold my breath for 10 counts. But you can also try these tips from the same website:

1. Sneezing
2. Gargling
3. Drinking Pineapple Juice
4. Drinking water rapidly
5. Sipping ice water
6. Putting sugar under your tongue
7. and the best one is to be: SHOCKED!

LOL! So whenever you see somebody hiccuping, just give them a good scare!

... is what i often told him for like 75% of the questions he whisked at me.


He would ask me things like:

1. Who is the first president of Spore?
2. How much do you think SMRT makes in a month?
3. How far is KL?
4. How do I do this and that...

very historical, technical and factual stuffs lah. If i had known the answer before, i certainly cant recall them now. Well that's the flaw of our education system. We only memorised for the benefit of aceing the exams but the info wont stick for long...


Sometimes im very impressed by how well Z remembers the history of his country right down to the Year or even Date of certain events.


After i gave my usual "I dont know" answer, then i would finish it off by saying "What Do i know right?" for him.


A few days ago he got so... tired of my reply that he said, "Yeah man. Cannot like this. Must have some general knowledge. Must be smart"


"Excuse me," I said, "But if i wasn't smart i wouldn't have finished my A Levels, ok." (sighh i would be better if i have a degree to my name, man.)


Well if you ask me about business or psychology or things where there are no right or wrong answers just a matter of opinions, i'd be glad to say my piece...


On the other hand, i am used to be the ASKER not the answerER. I missed asking rhetorical questions and getting answers for stupid questions like:

1. I wonder why that man is staring into space
2. Why is there a traffic jam?
3. Why is the colour of the river brown like milk tea?

I wouldn't even mind funny stupid answers... you know just to share our thoughts...

At least I acknowledge the question and am not ashamed to say, "I Don't Know". Maybe we can even find out the answers together? That'd be nice enriching experience, wouldnt it?

It was Tuesday night and we were having dinner before he went out when he related to me what his cabdriver from this morning told him.


The cab driver also has a daughter who married a foreigner, more specifically a Nigerian. They live in a rented room and the wife is pregnant. But the guy is not working. The guy is supposed to be trained in IT but claimed that he left his certs back home. And thus couldn't find / apply for job.


The taxi driver felt agitated and pitied her daughter who had to work to meet ends meet. He told Z, "At least you've got talent and can use it to earn something. But what does HE have?"


Poor girl. But she must be earning quite a decent amount to be able to rent a room! But with the baby coming, i ... *shake head*


In a way, i feel really blessed that im not so worse off.. that i still have parents who can help us... That.. although the relation is sometimes strained, we can still accomodate each other...


But the best thing from this scenario is that.. i LOVE listening to stories... I often asked him to tell me about his childhood and stuff. Sometimes he would indulge... but normally he gave just a very SHORT story.


So i was totally mesmerized when he told me this full length story. He didnt even rebuke when i asked him questions (about the story) and got him to tell more...


It's like he's sharing a story about his day at work.


I LOVE it!

Im following Wana's and Fara's advice to cook for him. After all, Zubair DOES miss his Pakistani dishes.


Fara gave me her own recipe. I dont know what's the name but i call it Spaghetti ala Pakistan.


There wasn't any minced mutton at cold Storage so Chicken it was. I didnt have the list of ingredients with me either so i sorta just buy the main items and hope the rest of the spices are there at home! LOL.

Mishap No 1: There's no blended onion in the fridge. Since it'd be ridiculous to blend just 3pcs, i had to slice them myself. That's when...

Mishap No 2: happened. The knife was so blunt i had to grip the onion and force the blade down. So much so that it slipped to one of my nails! Well lucky it WAS blunt and didnt cut anything.

Mishap No 3: Fara didn't really give me the recipe in details like how many gms of this and that.. One silly question i had to ask my sister, "Do i hafta put oil in? cos she didnt say." LOL!! How would i know man~ I'm such an amateur cook lah... :S Maybe this pot is non-stick so no need oil? Sis said just two spoons of oil.

Mishap No 4: When i sauteed the sliced onion (i dont like diced), it looked... horrible! I even told my sister, i wanted to start all over again. That means cutting the green chilli, chopping the garlic the second time round. But she assured me that it's going along fine. BUt how come so dry one? I suspect Its bcos of the non-blended onion again.

Mishap No 5: In the middle of cooking, i just realised that i'd need curry powder also some jintan halus and coriander leaves something or other. Most i don't have. I'm even sure if i had garam masala so i just put in this dubious looking red powder from a bogus container. Kak Ly said its Zubair's spice so i took it to mean Garam Masala. Thank god there was curry powder in the fridge, but i made do without the garnishes.

But i suppose it turned out well... The onion is not to be seen already. I wished there were some more gravy though. And its super hot!

So what did i actually put in?

1. 2 pieces of medium sized onions sliced
2. 2 pcs of green chilli sliced
3. 3 cloves of garlic diced
4. 1 teaspoon of blended ginger
5. Splashes of ground coriander LOL
6. 1 tbs of Red Chilli Powder
7. 1/2 tbs of that "garam masala"
8. 1 tbs of Meat Curry Powder
9. 400gm of minced chicken
10. 1/2 tin of mushrooms cut into quarters
11. 1pc of carrot sliced
12. Water here and there
13. Salt to taste (i put in like 2 teaspoon like that. haha)

I missed out:

1. Coriander leaves
2. Jintan halus (no idea what that is also)
3. Peas

I substituted peas with carrots and mushroom as i loathe the former. Hee...

A few things i've picked up from here are:

1. Salt is last.
2. Since carrot is hard, you'd need to put them in together with the meat.. but if you like them hard, can put them in last.
3. You not only CAN wash an onion... but you HAVE TO!!!

Only thing missing is Chappati!

One of the rare dates i get with my darling Xubi over the long weekend (more on that later)

But we seem to not get enough of Siam Kitchen! It's our 3rd time this year.





I suspect we're just after the Mango Sticky Rice. We had one plate EACH. We even ate it BEFORE our main dish.

Bangkok... please come to me... LOL

Me and Nisa were discussing about that famous genius who turned to a prostitute that time when the topic was hot.

Since we got our own idea of what to do if we were geniuses, we decided to put write them down in our blogs and post at the same time (so cannot copy answer!).


Here goes.

For Inventions and discoveries, I would:

1. Invent a Train Of Thoughts Recorder / Log. Bcos i find that i always have lots of things i wanted to tell Zubair while in the toilet or something. When i finally meet him, i cant remember what to say already. Probably lost in his gaze. LOL.
2. Invent a wardrobe that will categorize and match itself. and will come out all washed and pressed upon my choosing so.
3. REMEMBER. Build a system to remember things like, "Buy bread before going home." or "You owe me $25" things like that. Tony Buzan's memory technique is more like for EXAMs.
4. Make the WHOLE WORLD, underwater, over space, every inch of air internet accessible.. for free! (or nominal rate) Not the kind where you cant get a good connection when you're in the jungle or can't get alternative access when you're stuck with a VPN in the office!
5. Design a two storeyed train that can fit into Singapore's current Train system.
6. Create a new mode of transporation: GigaBit Travel... Where your whole body will be translated into Gigabytes and you could reach Pakistan in just 1hr. And with each journey, you'll even lose 100gm bcos of some stray bits lingering in the electric air. And this would deem Ambition No 5 redundant! LOL
7. Discover another note in the musical world. HAH
8. Break the Mystery of Atlantis.
9. Create many educational games

Personal goals, I would:

1. Make my billion dollar before 30yrs old, invest them in the right funds and retire with lotsa annuity to ensure comfortable lifestyle while i devote myself to God and teaching children.
2. Oh since i'd be a billionaire, i would also like to have 15 children, since i can afford them and i can definitely afford a liposuction after each delivery, why not?
3. And probably just for the fun of it, adopt another 10 children to make two soccer teams!
4. Design my whole house myself

So if you wanna know what Nisa wrote, visit her website here

I teared a bit today in Class.

Today it was a Pilates / Yoga type of lesson.

This one exercise required us to do a Cat Stretch where we had to go down on all fours like a cat.

Then we had to lift and extend our legs followed by the opposite hand and remain our balance and centre alignment. ie cannot go sideways.

I could do the right left alright but when it came to lifting my left leg.... i just cldnt do it! I tried.... but im scared if my left hand cannot take it. My injury, remember? At least i can bend it already but it still cant withstand my weight lah!

So thru out the left leg section i just... froze.

Z told me to tell the instructor. But since she didnt ask i tot i dont need to tell lah.

It's marvellous how i've made many new friends because of my husband.



When before this, i've never really made ANY new friends for the past 25 yrs of my life besides my 10 best friends from pri 1 and colleagues from work. Even then, i always manage to lose contact with the latter as explained in this entry.





My first real and official Pakistani friend is Fatma, a 19yr old poly student whom i mentioned ever interviewed us before. Being the first and for quite some time the only pakistani friend i had, she eventually became my translator. I often had to make a three way conference call with her when i want to talk to Ammi and Z wasnt available.





That was why i felt elated when Nisa dropped a msg on my chatbox some 3 months ago? when she said she's a Pakistani Singaporean who just discovered my blog. So much so that i asked her to give me msg on my email and now we are fast friend. :D Chat buddies and always entertained ourselves with the other is bored and very much a confidante. Things you can't tell even or ESP your close friends or family. HAH So when i die, you guys know who to look for to know why and how.





But of course wayyyyyyy before that, a kind man dropped by my website also suggesting that i check her wife's blog. Turned out that she's the one my sister has been buying cloth material from in multiply!



She's Wana. A malay lady living in Karachi with her Paki husband and their 2 sons! We often bitch i mean talk about Pakistan and shalwar kameez. Bcos i was still very green when i gotta know her i asked her so many Questions!!



Very opp me and Z who got married after 6 months, they did after 10 yrs of knowing each other! That's real cool. It's great how you can talk in Malay about Pakistan and be understood. :D



BTW, now she's a home resident of my chatbox as well as comments page. hehehe Yes continue to make yourself at home ok...

Then there's Fara, my friend's friend, whom i've written of before. She's the Malay-integrated Pakistani Singaporean lady who married a pure Pakistani. I've even met her and we got along very well! On Msn, i've been talking to her about Z's job as well as cooking Pakistani dishes and how to impress MIL with good URdu! She would so be my ideal Urdu lang teacher.

She's even invited us over to learn cooking (that's for me) as well as to let Zubair satisfy his craving for his "native" food. hah

Then there's you, Naz. I havent seen you online yet but we'll get to know each other.

Also, Rabiah, Zubair's friend from Tagged. She's Pakistani but not really Malay-integrated. She's been very helpful too asking around for suitable jobs for Z.

There's this one of my blog readers, a Chinese married to a Pakistani. She contacted me to get her sari tailored but somehow the plan to meet her fell thru and me being me... didnt contact her since Pakistan. I hope she's still following my blog though? *wink*

To all these friends, i wanna say i appreciate you. =)

While i've been making friends with HIS friends and BCOS of him (since i write about being married to Pakistani and all), he, on the other hand, feels totally uncomfortable with my lot.

Yeah lah we are all Malays and we tend to chatter in our own lang and when we meet, we will all get excited and forgot our husbands! LOL... and while the girls are friends for almost 20 years (right?) ALL the husbands are pretty new with themselves... ALL of them are uncomfortable with each other with nothing much in common save for Raizan who is as peramah / friendly as his wife! haha...

But Z is sooooo uncomfortable that he has asked me to attend the next gathering ALONE! NO FREAKING WAY. It's the two of us or nothing at all. So i guess u can go to JB after all, girls. Dont mind us.

(Does this kinda dotting actually work to dodge the search engine?)


Following up to my previous post, their branch in Far East Square is closed and they've moved further up to China Square Central.


I went there on Monday (after a few false starts the previous week where i brought the clothes and shoes but decided to enjoy lunch in the office instead. haha) Well not only is it

1. a further 5 mins walk away making a total of 13min just ONE WAY
2. there's no more ladies gym section :(
3. the changing room is super cramped!!!
4. PLUS it's situated on the basement of a SHOPPING CENTRE and the treadmill is placed right up front open to being ogled by fellow shoppers!! EYEWWWW ..Granted, the previous branch was also open for pple to see but at least not so many pple walked there.
5. Its also super dark there being in the basement as opposed to the previous place where it was glass top to bottom and basked in sunshine.

Quite disappointed really.

So Tuesday, i went to the one at Chevron House instead. This place is a bit diff to go for me as its also about 10min walk away but at least there's an option of taking the bus and it'd take just 5min to reach... Much better option for me than stupid China Square. And also can go back by MRT. haha and of course the eye candies to feast on! and by eye candies i mean shops like Famous Amos, Shoe shop DMK, POlar PUffs etc etc...

Yeah lah its sooo much better here... its two floors high and not crammed / cramped? at all.

The treadmills there are also upgraded to a new model and its so sophisticated and even comes with built in FAN!!!! HOw cool's that? With a few Plasma TV perched in front of the machines.

The only downside is they only have like 7 shower stalls!! That is soooo inadequate!! even 10 stalls back in Far East Square generated a queue esp after a cycling class or whatever finishes. Oh well... its always either this or that. U just gotta weigh them.

PS: Tmrw's 2nd dance session and i havent practised the steps!!

I left home this morning feeling somewhat confident that i've dressed well today with the new top i've bought from This Fashion and this pair of pants that falirs like a skirt.


And then when i was walking over to the pantry i felt how come it feels so airy? I know my blouse is a bit short, hehe, but can't be THAT airy until...... i noticed that the zip's OPENED!!! but the ziphead still latched at the top!


You see... this morning, i had a little trouble fastening the zip right to the top but not bcos im fat (altho i AM) but more bcos the zip's spoilt. I asked Mummy for help and after a few struggle, she managed to make it right, as mothers always do.


So that and coupled with the fat that it IS a little strained at the hip, that made the zip burst open!


The most irritating part is that i URGENTLY need to go to the toilet!! and the zip is still stuck! I push down the head as hard as i can but to no avail... Getting more desperate now.... so i just yanked hard i dont care! And it came off! And felt relieved to have completed my "transaction" in the loo. (LOL)


And then comes the next problem: How the hell do i walk back into the office? How do i even go OUT From the toilet??? Luckily i was wearing a jacket and it could cover the opened fly (luckily it's on the left side) where the blouse couldn't. And i tucked it in ahem... and clutched it suspiciously! HAH


I asked around my colleagues if they have any safety pins but none did! So i had to ring next door (thank god i kinda chat with her regularly before this) to ask if they had any. To my dismay she said she hadn't any too.


So i went back to my desk still clutching the side of my pants consciously... Contemplating on taking an urgent leave for the rest of the day and rush back home. That's probably cheaper than having to buy a new pants. But Zubair is out for interview and other things today so no point going home.


While i was racking my brain for a solution, Lay Choo, my neighbour just now whom shares a passion for Doraemon with me, came over with 2 safety pins! and we rushed to the bathroom and she helped to stick them up. She was soo helpful, innovative and resourceful, she actually took off the safety pins from the back of a name card / badge holder!! I guess she can empathize on the situation when her shoes broke the last time and i lent her my slip-ons! hehehe Thank God i've done some good deeds before.


But it was sooooooooooo goddamn tiresome. Everytime i go to the loo, i need to take the pins off and then fasten them again!


It can't be avoided anymore, i HAVE to buy a new pants during lunch time. and that is that.


So i went to International Plaza. This Fashion's pants are in the region of $30 and are very nice but not suitable for big hipped me. Also its the wrong (read: fat) period to be buying new pants.


I visited Perfect Mum just for the hell of it... to open my options... and in the end, after half an hour's search, it's the only option left! As the rest are just too.... TIGHT! (BOOHOOOO)


After trying on 5 pairs, asking prices, matching the colour with my top as i'd hafta wear it right away, I settled on the comfortable $80 black with white pinstripes piece. My Lord! I've never EVER spent so much on a pair of pants before! $50 TOPS. Thank god i had some money for emergencies. And since it IS indeed an emergency, i bought it. I take comfort that at least i can wear it when i get pregnant too....

So I've been appointed the Adam Family's Official Money Changer.


Why? Because my sister, who, for as long as i remember, had been working in Raffles suddenly decided to take a job in freaking JURONG! The other secluded elusive west end of the island~.


But i suppose im happy for her because she sounds so happy working there, in Za.cm.eat kinda environment. Factory (they cut glass) and a decent office. She gets a supervisory position though, which is Great! And she doesnt just handle accounts now but more to admin really. She has been asking me for samples of this and that template! Sounds like i can do her job man! LOL


On the other hand, i feel like at a lost... I've often lunched with her when she was still working in town... and now... i just hit the gym or eat in... But this is a good opportunity to round up my malay colleagues for lunch which i've never done before in my 2yrs of working here~ haha...


Oh yes... gym is another story... To be continued after lunch.

So i danced last Thurs.


The steps were rather similar to the Hip Hop class i ever joined before. Its not like ballroom dancing... its disco dancing.


The best thing about this class as compared to the gym session i've been to is that, we all started on the same lesson, so we are all newbie and the instructor was very kind to tell us that its ok if can't catch up on the very first day.


But i stood behind this outgoing person, so i felt a bit stressed when she does it with style while i did it so.. awkwardly stiff. I find that i can remember the steps better if i do it as if it was aerobics than actual groovy dancing.


There's no shower facilities, but its ok cos we didnt sweat much actually... for maybe not for first lesson, cause she showed us 8 steps at a time and max we did 3 sets in a row. Not much to sweat it out in an aircon room some more.


Can't wait for next lesson. But first must practise my half beat hand movement. That one very confusing.

Haha it's our (Mine, Zubair's and Kak Long's) first time at Mad Jack. Even our 1.5yr old niece has been there before!

Zubair had half chicken

Additional Spicy Cheese Fries.

And my Blue Mountain Chicken Burger.

I think that they place is great, with good personal touches: Funny Signs (the kind that you get from Australia), even a rack of kiddy toys and magazines! Price is good too. Not pricey like Swensen's at all!

My burger tastes nice. Because their motto is No Preservative No Msg. Even their burger is homemade!

Kak Long on the other hand, felt like it was one whole big nightmare.

1. When we first arrived, she showed us to a table outside with has more space for the pram. We insisted on sitting inside. She said can BUT it'd be cram
2. I asked the waiter what's the soup of the day? He replied fiercely, Chicken Corn Soup and then followed by, "But you hafta order at the counter"
3. Ayah had to come back from the ordering counter to our table back and forth bcos they don't have certain items and need to change. They should have just taken our orders at our table to save us the trouble and heartpain as well as jammed up the queue!!
4. The waiter served us WET utensils
5. and a BUTTER knife for Kak Long's Fish & Chips.
6. Parts of Mummy's Fish was not well cooked
7. They charge 5% for service but just for serving the food to our table!

Zubair didnt find anything special about this place either.

I still remember how when i was still new in this company, one of my colleagues said,

Eh you so happy all the time one. So Good. Wait till you get married and have
kids. So many problems!

Every other thing somehow reminds me of Pakistan.

Flashes of some scenes sparked in my mind as i try to go to sleep...

My heart is breaking...

I cant wait to see everybody again... To experience Lahore again... to eat their food again... but maybe not black bean.... haha...

But of course i dont wanna cut my hand again. Ergh

It's our second time now to this place. Both times a treat from my sister.


Of course, in order to enjoy the benefits of having a sister, you hafta endure and take the rap she rains down on ya. LOL.


I can eat Sushi MINUS the seaweed. and i LOVEE the fried hotate (scallop) and the diced Spicy Baby Squid on Sushi (minus seaweed) but i can't eat the whole uncut ones... SCARY. But the list kinda stop there.


Zubair, on the other hand, has never liked Japanese food. I doubt many pure Pakistanis do.

That is until he tried the Fried Chicken Bento Set. This will at least fill his tummy for a bit. Although still need to be complemented by FRIES and satay! hehe

And its funny that both times we went to Hei Sushi Downtown East, i'd meet a colleague. Once was a HR Manager, another one of the RecClubbers. Both Malays. I doubt i can recognise or notice the rest of Non-Malay colleagues if i see them outside.

to work in Karachi for Sats Catering.

Our friends in Karachi has been talking to people about us possibly wanting to migrate to Pak and hence, looking for career opportunities there.

So Monday morning, out of the blue i got a call asking me to come down for interview that very afternoon or the next day.


I was SUPER excited taking into account that it would be a good "overseas stint" for my resume, and perhaps its for a managerial position? (I didnt have the nerve to ask what position is it for.) And Esp after knowing that:

1. We will be given an apartment
2. Children's education will be paid for
3. Possibly given a car and a driver

I know actually that Z not really in favour of working in KHI as we had discussed about it before. reasons being:

1. Not safe
2. Wants good education for children in spore
3. Not a good career prospect for HIM
4. Still not so near to his family in Lahore.

While i think he is rather settled here in Singapore with a band who's participating in a competition and other things, i still thought this opportunity is something not to be missed. If at least, just to find out what they are offering. But Z still not keen.

At that time, i was very restless... i asked a few of my friends, one said cant comment what to do, other said no hard finding out. Finally, i asked my dad and he said, "I think it is better not to know the offer, bcos, knowing it will put u in more dilemma." I realised after that that that is so true (hahaha 3 thats!)... Just to be sure i told Z again about the possible fringe benefits of this job but he stood firm.

Oh well... The next day i called up the guy and told him we're not open for it at the moment. But he was so nice he said, "Ok just call me when you are open for it then."

I felt very satisfied with that.

I met a Singaporean who married a Pakistani last Sat.


She is a friend of a friend. After receiving my msg from multiply, she immediately called me on my hp. While she sounds excited, her husband sounded more enthusiastic and anxious to help his fellow countryman.


I wasn't sure of the location of her shop but roughly thought this particular one was it and peered in. She nodded at me and i approached. Ah... no wonder she recognised me... she read most part of my blog already esp the Pakistan trip part.


We moved to chat at the coffee shop next door. Her hub bought us drinks. At first, i could feel he was being a bit formal lah, while me... i was at a total loss cos they were talking in Urdu/Punjabi. Even my new found friend understood them. Well she IS a Pakistani too and have been married for... 6 - 7 yrs already... not surprising lah right.


Then they mentioned that they read our blog esp the part where Zubair told me this particular sweet's name is Kanjer Halwa and they laughed and laughed. After that, Zubair started to relax and joke around also.


They browsed thru Z's resume and certs. and then he assured us that he will see to it that Z gets a job here in Singapore soonest thru many of his contacts in Mustafa, Usman Restaurant etc etc...


We could see a ray of hope in the horizon.


We discussed and talked about a lot of things. They also shared their sweet story of how they met! Plus, they strongly encouraged us to buy a house ONLY direct from HDB. Thankfully, Z also agreed to postpone the decision of buying a house but will review it again once he's stable in his job.


Felt a bit paisei / malu / embarassed that they even treated us to a meal!


Don't worry Fara, when Z gets a job, we will definitely give you both a treat~ We also have a cooking session in the list of To-Dos yeah? *wink*

I rode pillion on my dad's bike yesterday.


The first thing i said to him, "Oh your Phantom is green colour eh?" Ayah's had the bike for like 10 years or possibly more but i dont remember the colour. Reason being most of the time we take the car instead. The bike is left parked in Ayah's office for when he needs to go site inspections.


But yesterday, he went to a 1 day course at my office building and to park your car here for a whole day is a NIGHTMARE!!! $1 for half an hour. 9 hrs = $18!!!! But that is just the cheaper open air car park.. if you park at building underground car park it'd be daylight robbery!


So the solution is for us to park the car at the Ayah's office and take the bike to town.


The ride really reminded me of the time i went riding with Zubair in Lahore. Only the scene was way more interesting than boring Singapore. and (at that time) the air was soo much cooler. Though i must say the air pollution was worse lah.


And before that i was browsing my Karachi friend's multiply and i decidedly MISS Pakistan!!


I don't know i want to go back there!!

I've always had an interest on this. I once attended a Hip Hop class at the previous gym i go. But found the steps a bit confusing my mind got muddled!


However, ever since badminton competition, i'm fairly more confident now with my limbs action. And since its only $30 for 12 sessions... I grab lah!

Hi all

Be happy and dance and dance and be
happy!

Come join the Dance Fitness Class organized by WHP &
Your Rec Club.

Sweat out with Groove Blast – A hot and
energetic dance class with the best hip hop, pop, house, reggae and popular
music.

Tone up with Dance Conditioning – incorporates Pilates
principles, Ballet / Jazz techniques & other dance moves that will keep you
tones, enhance your flexibility & your strength.

That's the title of the email that Zubair received and he promptly showed it to me.


A pang of nostalgia (Click for story how we met) hit me.


NO! That can't be true! Please don't shut down! You are the place where we met and eventually (like in 6 months) got married!


So... here are the print screen shots of the site so we shall remember....

Home page

My Account page. The girl in my friends you're helping list is the very catalyst of my marriage!

These are our correspondence! GERAM KAN!!!

Back in the old Tampines house Kitchen, I saw mummy cutting some meat with Kak Lily beside her.


She said, "Look, Ca, Mas Selamat is hiding in this lamb's tummy! No Wonder nobody could traced him, this animal's eaten him up already!"


I peered a look and saw a whole head. Then it kinda slipped to the floor and tried to escape!!! and Suddenly it was flying. I dont know why i was his target and he had POWERS... and i ran and hid and ran with Z.


I came awake screaming but Z lulled me to sleep again. God, the things i dream about...!

Woo hoo...

I survived April with NO leave, NO MC! and NO Public Holiday! It's a miracle! LOL

March was also a good month, No Leave nor MC but 1 PH that is a long weekend.

Shall i take leave in May despite 2 PH?

Or Should i save it for June or Jul?

I'm left with 8.5 days for the rest of the year!!

Last night, i stayed in the office till 8:30pm finishing some irritating things.

I reached home 9:30 and i made a deal with Zubair. If he doesn't wanna pick me up at the MRT station (lazy / headache), then i will get to play computer game till 2am and then dont say later, "Boring lah, want to go out!"

And that's what exactly happened! Miraculously he doesnt mind his headache now and really wanted to go out.... He said let's go to Sakura.... I told him... everything closed already lah... IN my mind now thinking where can we find 24hrs food joint that is accessible to non-driving pple?


That's it! Let's go to the airport!! Ok we all got geared up to go.... When suddenly i had another idea!

I asked Ayah if i could use the car for awhile! And miraculously he gave the green light! Perhaps It was easier for him to say yes cos Mum wasn't in the room when i asked him. teehee...

And then suddenly, we had another change of idea... Since we have the car... let's go to Marina to play bowling!

And so we drove all the way to Marina South... only to find out that they are... CLOSED!!! Empty... Zero!! This is supposed to be a HOT place... bustling with crowds till early morning... then i drove on to see that the road on the other side is closed... i think they are gonna tear down the whole place or something to make way for the Integrated Resort something or other.

Hmmm now Z's tummy is growling... we were on the way to the airport when we saw Lau Pa Sat and stopped there isntead cos Airport will be another 20mins drive away!

We just had 20 sticks of satay and poor Z is still not quite satisfied cos he has a CRAVING for chappati and the indian stall's closed!

Thankfully though, he said let's go home. Well, we sure should as it was already 2:15am!!

And we drove home smoothly... But i must say there are so many dangerous drivers out there this time around. me i just kept to centre lane and capped the speed at 80 km/h

Thank you Ayah for letting us drive! Really appreciate it.

Just after i had the mood to restart Gym after a week's rest, and after i had to really psych myself that i WANT to go to the gym, i NEED to go to the gym, and after 8mins of walking under the burning hot sun, i discovered that that branch is CLOSED!!!


They opened another one just next door, but it's not opened till next week. In the mean time, perhaps i should fast?