Of Dreams, Vision and Coincidence

Talk about dreams, vision, or coincidence?

May I just reiterate, that this is no big or major, nor an important event, but just a small coincidence in a daily life experience, that is somehow significant to yours truly, truly.

I have been 'in-love' with iPhone eversince it hits the market. That was way back in 2008. Its not even available locally here in Malaysia. But there are friends and people I know who bought it from the US or Europe and brings it back here, not to mention some black market item, you cant tell if its original or 'under the sea' product.

When it finally arrive here, 2 things that stopped me from jumping to grab it.

1. My HTC windows mobile phone was ever so reliabale. I have no problem at all with it and its applications. It was so easy to use and very user-friendly. its like a mini-computer, so to speak.

2. The phone is available only through one service provider. My family just transfered the whole family account from that service provider to a competitor because of their lack of customer service, which is another story. The bundle package was also not too attractive as I pay less on my current service.

Well, with that two major factors in mind, I decided that iPhone is not for me, at least not for a while, and I don't see any signs of aging coming from my current phone. Its like a hanging wish-list! I even wrote an entry about this a few months back titled 'Ancient Phones'. But little did I guessed (or remembered) that freaky things can happen to make things happen!

I was at a mall about three weeks ago with my little darlings, and we had lunch at Burger Kings. Well, kids will always go for fast foods, and the mom didnt object either! While eating and facebooking, I also read sms'es. Then we went to browse around while waiting for my other girl watch her movie with friends.

One of the stop was the Apple Store. The kids played with the Macs while my attention was stuck on the iPhone on display. Sighing wishfully, I put the phone back to its dock and take a copy of the leaflet, not knowing why, thinking I dont intend to get it as yet! Well, humour me, I told myself.

Then we proceeded to MPH bookstore where I planned to read some gardening or home decor books. After choosing the books and head to the member's lounge section when I remembered to sms my girl and let her know our whereabout. That's when I found out that my phone was missing!

I recalled the last time I used it was at the Burger King, and made a dash there! I felt so lost without it, like going around n...d.! (lol) But of course, the odds are, it wasn't there anymore. The cleaner hasn't seen it, and the group that sat at the table were the second batch there. For some reason, I wasn't panicky or upset, but a bit lost and sad. I loved that phone! Not giving up hope, I left my numbers to the Manager and even the Customer Service counter of the mall.

For the next 2 days, I couldn't decide what phone to get for replacement....DUH! I was half hoping that someone will call me to return the phone...double 'DUH'! LOL! Actually I know what is the most ideal replacement, but the factor No. 2 above is still stopping me. That would also mean that I have to change my 10+ year old phone number which I had retained everytime I buy a new set. I called my current phone company to enquire if the rumour that they might take iPhone soon is true, but they confirmed Not. Then I called another company who are taking 'pre-orders', but they can't tell for sure when it is coming. (btw, they're available now...hah...they just lost a customer!)

It was my DH who eventually couldn't stand it and asked me to decide what phone I want...lol! Even then I was still thinking....and thinking...or not thinking at all! My eldest son asked me to take a Blackberry, so I researched some of its features.....hmm, not bad. Then there's also the cheaper version of Blackberry called Blueberry. lol! I can get that, and play with it until my current phone company brings my iPhone in. But my DH just can't stand it anymore....!

Then, whadaya know.... I found the iPhone leaflet with the promo package in my handbag that I picked up on the day I lost the phone! "Humor me..!" I recalled telling myself on that day. I actually picked up the leaflet without realising I had lost the phone! Freaky, isn't it?

And with that, I finally decided its ok to change, that change is inevitable, and a change of number goes with it! And you can guess the rest of the story!

Haha....long story! Thanks for reading!!

Playing in the Garden

catHello everyone! Happy Cots!

Its been a while since I last post the pics of my kitties here. I've a few stories to tell, but I need to rush for now. So I'll just post their latest pictures, you can see how adorable they are. Enjoy!

Sugar n Munchkin

Munchkin!

Sugar!

Honeybun - watchful Momma!

For more fun and Cats Stories, visit Gattina at http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com :)

A Friendship Story

My policy has always been to forgive and forget! But somehow to be honest to myself, its harder than it seems.

I knew this friend Hazel, during my first year on the job. We came in to the company on the same day, holding the same post. Naturally we got very close to each other. She was my best friend at the time. Anything for her. Because of the nature of the job, we work separately in different states, but when there is a company event, we meet, and the two of us were inseparable. Everyone knows that!

It goes on for a few years. Although we each have our own circle of other friends, to me, she is still my best friend. I also have another close friend, Nelly, from the same department, whom I spent most of my lunchtime with.

Until that unfortunate turn of event. I was dragged into an office political situation, and retaliated, which unfortunately had put a senior manager, Delilah, a head of department, into an awkward position. Naturally she isn't happy with me. But because of 'professionalism', we talked in out, trashed it out, just the two of us. But before I left her room, happy, she asked me a question. Who is your best friend in this office? I naively, and happily, told her about these two friends.

Is it fate, or is it God's way of telling you and to let you see the truth!

I noticed that eversince that day, my lunchtime buddy, Nelly, seemed to be on very good terms with Delilah, and a few of her other friends. They even go out together after work. It wasn't a problem for me, as I seldom go out after work, anyway. However, Nelly would still always go for lunch with me, except on some few occassions where she joined that lady and her other friends. Fine by me, honestly. Unsuspectingly....

But my best friend..... In one company event where we normally seek each other out, Hazel doesn't seem to be with me this time. It was a corporate vacation. I hardly see her, but didn't sensed anything. On the day back to the city, I chosed a vacant seat for two in the bus at front seats and waited for her. I was hoping to catch her and be seated together. I waved at her and she sat next to me, but she seemed anxious and kept looking at the back. I was busily talking and updating her, but little did I realised that she wasn't listening. Suddenly she got up and said, "I'm sitting at the back!" and just left. I looked behind, and there I saw Delilah, waving at her, signalling her to sit with her and friends at the back.

Then only, it struck me, and I realised what actually happened. I suddenly understand why Delilah is so friendly with my Nelly, and now my Hazel. I sat alone in the bus throughout the journey while I hear laughter at the back of the bus. I suddenly realised that I just lost a friend! Now I know why Delilah asked me who's my close friends were in the company. She is punishing me in the only way she can. By hurting me using my friends. I cried inside the whole journey......

But my lunch buddy friend, Nelly....she passed the test with flying colours. She's friendly to people who's friendly to her, but she never leave my side. To date, even when we have not been colleagues for years, we still keep in touch! She's definitely is one of my true friends.

My best friend, Hazel, is no longer. I dont know what happened between her and that Delilah after that, but I don't care anymore. Somehow over the years she befriended Nelly. Nelly, who knew we were best friends, told me, (but didn't have a clue what happened) always conveyed to me her regards. She asked if I want Hazel's number, but I declined. A few years back, Nelly once suggested that I buy a house close to hers, but I already committed to my current house. Then I heard Hazel bought a house there too. Oh well.... (shrug)

And recently Nelly and I got connected on facebook. And then Hazel also send me a friend's request. I have forgiven her, and I accepted her friend's request. But really, I cannot forget. She said she missed me a few times, but I simply cannot say the same.... For the last tears that I shed because of her, I had burried deep down whatever friendship's love that I had for her...

Real story, fictional names.

Fun Caricature

Hello my blogger friends! I am back! My apology for MIA for a while....did you missed me? I know Anya and Kareltje did! Thanks Anya for checking on me. I am doing great, except I haven't been blogging for a while. Can I blame it on Facebook?...lol! I hope to start again soon!

Just to share, if I may say, this cute LOL, caricature of moi, done this morning. Very impromptu, offered by the cartoonist, so I just oblige it for fun. I did not pose that way, in fact, i was just sitting in front of the desk....haha! Ok, see you again, soon!

We Love You Oreo!

How do I break this piece of news? Oreo is one of the longest cats that have been with me, gracing my days with his sweet meows...

At about 10 years old now, he had been in my care for almost 8 years. I adopted him when my single cat, Candy was on heat. So a breeder, now a friend of mine, suggested that I take Oreo for Candy. Oreo has fathered a few beautiful cats in my household including Minty. And his grandchildren, Sugar and Munchkin. I will definitely miss him dearly.

We noticed that he'd been having difficulty going to the toilet the last couple of days. Upon close monitoring I decided to take him to the vet this morning, after confirming that he will not be surgically treated based upon the symptoms that I described over the phone. I was about to place the carrier in the car, and greeted him, but no answer. Not even a faint weak sound heard. The minute I took a look at him, I knew he's no longer around....

Words cannot describe how I feel right now. My only consolation is that he did not suffer for long, or go through any harsh treatments, as I've seen happened to my friend's cat who had the same disease. Its a normal old cats disease called PKD or renal failure.

Farewell Oreo..... We love you!

Idealess Cooking

During one of those days, when you just don't know what to put on the dinner table, you don't feel like eating out, the thought of delivery orders doesn't appeal to you, and your guilt of allowing the kids to enjoy the instant noodles is too much.... How about this?

Grilled Chicken and Prawns

Nasi Lemak, Sambal Tumis Udang plus fried anchovies and Cucumber.

For this meal, you just need to marinate the chicken in barbeque sauce (instant) and the prawns in butter, pepper and salt.

The rice, cooked incocunut milk, add some shallots, garlic and ginger plus 1-2 pandan leaves. Salt to taste. Anchovies, fried and cucumber sliced. Simple prawn in sambal. That's it!

Recipes available upon request....moi too lazy to type, as lazy as the cooking...hahaha!

Fun Flipper!

Munchkin playing with a cut branch in our backyard garden. What's hillarious is how she fell after the last flip. The sound of her drop may not be captured in this clip, but that's what makes the camera lady laugh her head off and fell to the ground...lol!

Happy COT's! For more fun cat stories visit Gattina's here!