A Tribute to my baby

Carrot the cat died yesterday, 23 December 2008. He was 17 years old. Carrot was born in Yorkshire, England. He came to live with me when he was just a month old. He was this tiny, playful, orange furry kitty. He was absolutely adorable. He got me at first sight.

He had an interesting personality and attitude. He got spunk. He was a top cat. He adored me to bits and he never bit nor scratched me even when i teased him. Others were afraid of his mighty claws. He was a tough warrior. He was a law unto himself. Carrot did not take teasing very lightly from others. He would find ways to get even. He would put his sick in his enemies' shoes, scratched their precious possessions to bits or the tormentors would find their properties in his litter box. Towards the end, he mellowed a bit and sleeping was his favourite past time. However, he would show his teeth from time to time. Ask the vet, he had scars to prove it. hehehe

Carrot was with me through the good, the bad and the ugly. He taught me about friendship, companionship, unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. There will always be one Carrot the cat. He will be sadly missed. Good bye my darling baby. You were a great cat. I loved you Carrot and I always will.

Carrot - my baby

Are you Ready?

This post is a continuation of my last entry. I have been thinking a lot about this one particular word. What does it mean to me personally??? This word has been used and abused in different context, depending on whatever way you look at it.

C.H.A.N.G.E.

In my opinion each letter of the word represent something. Note: This is just a personal reflection.

C = Communicate; Community; Clarity; Collaborate; Cooperative; Connection; Choice

The above denote positive things. When a change is created, there has to be chord among all. It has to be in concert. There should not be any conflict, confusion or chaos. Most importantly, it should not create chasm in any form or another. Change must be a celebration!!

H = Hope; Holistic; Heard; Honour; Honest; Harmonious

Change will happen whether you like or not!!! We are not living in a bubble. Change is all about hope. It must be heartfelt and as such opinions of everyone must be heard. When this is achieved then there is harmony.


A = Adaptable; Alignment; Acceptable

To create positive change, it must be acceptable. It has to be aligned with the common good.

N = Need; Negotiate; Network

There must be a need for change. We can not live be in a rut!! However, to create a positive new reality, it has to be nice. Negotiation and networking are key ingredients


G = good; governance; grow; goal; guidance

Solid groundwork is essential for change. There has to be a goal that is good for everyone. Change that give room for growth. Change should not be just glossies!


E = Empowerment; Ensure; Enable; Engage

To ensure effective change, we must empower through enabling environment. Rule of engagement is part and parcel of effective change. If done correctly, change can bring enlightenment.

Change

Change! We have been bombarded with this particular word for the past few months. Change seems to be the new mantra. Frankly speaking, i am getting sick of hearing that word. What the **** does it mean?

Change means different things to different people. It can have positive and negative impact. We all know that. Getting out of the box is good if it bring us out of the rut or limbo. Change also means new things, excitement, for the better and all that jazz. I mean if you, yourself personally take charge of any change in your life, that's your prerogative. Good for you and it's a personal choice! You are in the driving seat.

However, it's a different ball when change is forced down your throat. In a situation when change is initiated by a group of people for a good of a critical mass -- then change is one very over-use word!! Change will be accepted and embraced fully when it follow a certain formula. To institute change, it must come with communication; facilitation; education and participation.

Someone said to create change, you have to be brutal. Is that so? Is that necessary? Will this kind of change not create resentment, resistance and apathy?

What do you think???? Stay tuned.

Scent of a Cat

I really like blogging. I think i have a talent for it. Today i want to blog about smell. As a member of the animal kingdom, i am very proud to say that we all produce pheromones that sort of influence our behaviours. This is very cool indeed...oh...la..la...

I must say that I have a strong sense of smell. I can identify a baddie by my superior sense of smell. I can detect mutts by their bad odour!! Note to dog owners, dogs smell!!! I also use my keen smell to mark my territories. The best thing about it, i get pleasure out of rubbing my face against something -- may it be the furniture or the doorway...hehehehe. When i rub myself against my mummy, i am rubbing off some of my scent to her and to say she's mine-o-mine and only other cats can smell this scent!!! How cool is that! Also, to mark her as my property, i like to sit on her lap, enjoying the cuddles and the warmth. purr...purrr Other pretenders, beware - i protect my property!!! hisssss


Sometimes, i like to scratch a baddie's leather handbag and i am never caught...ever!! hehhehehe.....the trick is, leave the scene of the crime and play cute.,... purr...purr.....no one will pin the deed to you....hyuk!hyuk! meow...


I notice that humans can be very unreasonable about their furniture!! There are times when i use my claws to scratch a furniture and they scream at me or throw a hissy tantrum!!! The cheek of it!!! Don't they know that its a way for us cats to exercise our paws and claws and for scent marking???? Scratching relaxes me and I am simply showing the humans that i am comfortable with my surrounding! It's nothing to do with destructive behaviour!!! I scratched that young vet for saying that...snicker...snicker.... i read somewhere that a person who mistreat a cat will die in a storm. Note to humans -- Be kind to us felines.


I can smell fresh biscuits -- time for dinner!!!


You want a cuddle? Take a page out of this handsome cat -- greet your human by rolling on your back, stretch your legs as far as possible, yawn and exercise your claws. Humans think its cute!!

All About Me

These are the 10 things you should know about me....

This is Mr.C

1. I have a big purrsonality

2. My claws are weapons of mass destruction (WMD)

3. I can't get a tan - what do you expect, I am a ginger cat!!!

4. I love chocolate

5. My vet was a small time TV purrsonality back in Yorkshire

6. I exact revenge very well - I get sick in my enemy's shoes, scratch or bite them or hide their stuff in my litter box -- hehehehe

7. I do cat-yoga in my spare time

8. I love Oprah Winfrey, despite her being a dog person...

9. I am lovable and cuddly. I am a purr machine. No one can resist me

10. I am opinionated and I show you my claws if i'm not happy....

A Day in the life of Mr. C

hELlooo meowkins.....the ginger, beautiful, handsome cat you are seeing is moi! Purr..purr...I think its about time i share my life with my adoring public. :-y I digress...I have seen a lot of exciting things in my life -- some will make your whiskers curl. There was a time when I chased this ugly mutt out of my territory...yup, blood was definitely shed (the mutt) and few pots of plants were broken....(mummy was p****d off but she was glad that i won the skirmish.!! What are a few broken pots when moi emerged the victor. ;-) har..har...har...I quite like the sound of that.

I was born in Yorkshire, England in 1994. That makes me 14 years old and 72 human years. I have the best of both worlds -- I am a teenager in feline world and a wise senior citizen in human's world. The best thing is I can act any age i want and nobody can do anything about it....hehehehehe... This is just the beginning....watch this space

Picture 1. Reminiscing

Picture 2. Writing my blog

Picture 3. Me and my buddy

Picture 4. A good book - a ticket to cat-nap (pun intended)

Life lesson from a book

Now, who haven't heard of this book by Mitch Albom - Five People You Meet in Heaven? I bought a copy when it first came out, but I only read it recently. I was totally hooked. I devoured the book in just two hours. This book recounts the life and death of an old man, Eddie who maintains the rides at Ruby Pier. After dying in a freak accident, Eddie finds himself in heaven where he encounters five people who have significantly affected his life, whether he realized it at the time or not. Each imparts a piece of wisdom unto him, instilling a deeper comprehension regarding the most intimate facets of life.

1. True love is never lost with death, but instead it simply takes a new form – memory – which lives eternally;


2. We should not view ourselves as individuals, but as part of the whole;



3. For every beginning there is an end, and for every end there is a beginning;



4. Life and death are intertwined, and to understand either we must understand both; and


5. Regret, anger and apathy are not acceptable. When we love, we show, we tell and we appreciate. Life is short -- be positive, be happy and be kind to self and others.

A day at the beach

Location: Meragang Beach, Brunei Darussalam

Enjoy the pictures folks.

B.e.t.r.a.y.a.l.

Someone recently asks me to write a topic on betrayal. An act of betrayal is the most vilest and bitchiest thing a person can do to another person. I am sure that we all have been betrayed in some form or another, at some point in our lives. I have been betrayed by deceitful and disloyal co-workers and bosses, my so-called friends and old flames. Their betrayals come in different forms. Shattered, hurt, angry, numb and heartbroken are some of the emotions that we all experience when we have been betrayed so cruelly and in our hearts we cried for justice and revenge. Read on!!

On the other side of the coin, an act of betrayal on us can make us stronger and wiser. In others, it makes them more cynical about people and the issue of trust. I was betrayed by my so-called friends a long time ago. Since that time, I have been very careful about whom I befriended. I have very close friends who are loyal to a fault and will never ever betray me. They love me to bits!

However, despite our caution against 'traitors', betrayal is everywhere. I mean, it helps to know that we are not alone when it comes to betrayal. Broken trust is a universal experience. Generally speaking, the more we trust a person, the greater the impact their betrayal has on you, then the greater the distress you will feel. Obviously, the most immediate effect of the betrayal of trust is in the emotional impact on the person betrayed. We are all vulnerable to these painful emotions.

The aftermath of misplaced loyalties - disbelief, hurt, rage and perhaps revenge. When a person feels that s/he has been betrayed, s/he may seek some form of justice, putting right into what s/he feels has been wronged, including her/his sensibilities. Confession time -- I once helped a friend dished revenge on her cheating boyfriend. Details must be brief to protect the innocent and the not-so-innocent. hehehehe. Lets just say that, when my friend's cheating, loser of a boyfriend came home from his jaunt overseas, he discovered plants growing all over his carpet. hehehehe. The how and the when will remain strictly confidential. Well, to my friend, revenge is a dish best served cold and justice had prevailed especially when her former boyfriend is extremely house proud. For more stories on revenge, Padian is the best source. For the most part, I have been really, really good. Revenge is a dish best not served. Anger is not a good companion and it will always cloud our judgment. How do I deal with traitors? Well, I just kill the disloyal and toxic rodents in my head. I give them names to suit their deceitful personalities and to amuse me. hehehehe. Anyway, God is fair. What goes around comes around. Selamat Berpuasa everyone. Be good. See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.


BigGirl -- this entry is especially for you.

More Felines

These are some of my favourite pictures of the cats. They are so cute!!

This is Cha Cha - the undisputed Empress of the cats

This is Carrot the cat - my big baby

Kebab - the mischievous

Introducing Blackberry - the baby of the lot

September Babies

Hello! It's that time of the month again. Birthdays!!! I love birthdays especially other people's. So, to family members and friends, happy, happy birthday. As this is a special month for muslims, lets hope that this month will be filled with peace, love and lots of blessings.

4 Sept
L--u Tu--n

Famous People
Beyonce Knowles
Damon Wayans


5 Sept
R-i-a-a

Famous People
Freddie Mercury
Jesse James


13 Sept
M---s

Famous People
Ben Savage
Roald Dahl


16 Sept
A--s

Famous People
Marc Anthony
Lauren Bacall


17 Sept
J-c--i

Famous People
John Ritter
Roddy McDowall


18 Sept
R--n-h

Famous People
Lance Armstrong
Jada Pinkett Smith


21 Sept
N-z--n

Famous People
Nicole Richie
H.G.Wells

Happy Birthday September babies. HugsXXX

August Babies

It's time for birthday cakes and celebrations once again. To the August babies, happy birthday...., enjoy and enjoy. Hugs and mwah!!


5 August
JP who hails from Leeds and Birmingham

Famous People
Neil Armstrong - astronaut
John Huston - actor


11 August
F--z--

Famous People
Hulk Hogan - who doesn't know him???
Alex Haley - author


12 August
M--g-M--g

Famous People
Mark Knopfler - musical artist
Pete Sampras - athlete


14 August
W-n--e

Famous People
Julia Child - chef
Halle Berry - actor


16 August
N-t-

Famous People
James Cameron -film director
Madonna - singer/actor


22 August
N-d-y-h

Famous People
Macaulay Caulkin - actor
James Franck - physicist


August Birth stones

Modern Birthstone: Peridot

Ancient Roman Birthstone: Carnelian

Ancient Arabic Birthstone: Sardonyx

Ancient Hindu Birthstone: Ruby

August Flower
Gladiolis

August herb
Cumin and Indian gooseberry

August fruit and vegetable
Plum and lettuce

August colour
Brown and Orange

Motivation For August
Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have, it depends solely upon what you think. (Dale Carnegie)


To all the August babies - Have a really wonderful day and year. You are only this age once. Live and let live. Hugs. :)

Shadow

I have always wanted to write something on shadow. At uni, I had the opportunity to write an essay on it but I decided to write on some other topic. Long story, anyway, the definition of shad·ow according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary are:

1: partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body
2: a reflected image
3: shelter from danger or observation
4 a: an imperfect and faint representation b: an imitation of something : copy
5: the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light
6: phantom
7: shadows: plural - dark
8: a shaded or darker portion of a picture
9: an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant
10 a: an inseparable companion or follower b: one (as a spy or detective) that shadows
11: a small degree or portion : trace
12: a source of gloom or unhappiness
13 a: an area near an object : vicinity b: pervasive and dominant influence
14: a state of ignominy or obscurity

Pix 1. L--a & I

One of Carl Gustav Jung's (1875-1961) compelling ideas is the shadow. He considers the shadow as part of the unconscious mind consisting of repressed weaknesses, shortcomings, and instincts.

We can use the word shadow in a variety of ways (refer to the above definition). I am sure you have heard of the term shadow government. Job shadowing is a useful experience for an apprentice. What about moving shadow??...getting interesting, huh?!!. Mmmm....indisputably beyond a shadow of a doubt!!! Shadow has an eerie connotation too -- shadowy figure = evil person. In some genre, shadowy person = master/mistress of darkness. The word shadow definitely has a wide usage. Unhappiness, hostility and grief can also cast a shadow on a person or a group of people. However, shadow is not all bad press -- we can get shade from shadow....there is always a shadow of hope for all of us!! Let us all live in peace, love, purity and honour.

Ode to Best, Best Friend (BBF)

It's BBF's birthday today. I have known BBF for a very long time!! I like to think that I know her very, very well indeed and vice-versa. We have gone through so much and I am very proud that we are still friends after all these years. Maybe it's me -- I am very cool, calm and collected and I put up with all her majesty's mood swings and diva demands!!! Hahahaha...just joking!!!

BBF and I have different personalities and quirks. She's generous, extrovert, fun and very people person while I am more shy and can be very anti-social. Despite the obvious differences (me= shy and BBF = loud, har har har), we click and we connect at all levels. BBF understands me and she knows when to leave me alone -- she digs my craving for time and space. When we were abroad recently, she was a real sport -- she went to book shops with me and she even tagged along to the Museum -- not her favourite place, just to make me happy. How sweet is that!!!

BBF and I share a love for tea. She makes the best teh tarik ever. It's my favourite time when we can sit together and enjoy a very, hot cuppa. I have been racking my brain on the perfect gift for my bosom buddy on her birthday -- I want it to be special and thus, this entry is an ode to my beloved BBF. I love you BBF. Happy Birthday, God bless you and family with good health, good fortune and loads of happiness. HUGS. Mwah!!

Pix 1. Introducing BBF

Happiness is........

Happiness or 'being happy' is such an abstract term. What does it mean to you? Different people will have different take on what happy means to them. I have thought long and hard about things that make me happy. I will share 10 items that make me beam like a search light!!! Some on the lists are merely wishes, but they will definitely make me v.v.v. happy!!!

1. Having the time and space to myself

2. Enjoying a nice cup of tea with BBF (just the two of us!!!)

3. No worries, no responsibilities and no regrets

4. Be Spontaneous and having someone who's willing to drop anything at a drop of a hat and shares my impromptu madcap plans!! Sayang will know what i mean. Cinta!!

5. Reading all the good books (already published or just out)

6. Having long lunches and cosy conversations with my closest friends

7. Be with the kids especially when they are behaving like perfect angels!!! (impossible feat but a girl can wish!!!)

8. Be with my fun, chaotic, noisy, lovable family whom at times can be such busybodies (you know who you are... (har har har).

9. Be with my furry friends

10. Having the means to go on a long and extended exotic vacations -- all paid for!!!

This entry is dedicated to Rx. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

Kids at Jerudong Park

We promised the kids "a trip to Jerudong Park (JP)". It was raining heavily on the day of the trip and when we informed the kids that we might not be going if it kept raining - the looks on their faces -- sheer frustration and disappointment (poor kids!!). They have been looking forward to the JP trip for the last two weeks!! Fortunately, the rain stopped and they got their wishes after all!! The kids were so happy and excited. As can be seen from the pictures, they have had a great time!! I chose my favourite pictures which were taken by M--g-M--g.

A day at the Beach

We took the kids to the Berakas Forest Recreation Park and its beach today. As you can see from the glossies, the kids were so excited. I have seen beautiful beaches overseas and I must admit that Brunei's beach has its own charms too. Enjoy the pictures folks!!

Cloud Appreciation

I think it must run in the family. Padian loves rainbow whilst moi have always been fascinated by clouds. In some culture, the term “cloudy” is a negative. We talk about a dark cloud being over our heads. Dark, rainy days are known to be depressing. As the old adage goes, “Every cloud has its silver lining.” We can find hope in knowing that the dark clouds always pass and there’s a refreshing after the rain. There is also head in the clouds to indicate dreaminess induced by inspiration or dare I say it intoxication (hehehe) or simply 'idyllic happiness'. There are some members of the family who are currently on cloud 9. You know who you are!! Cinta!! Pebbles told me a joke about cloud yesterday. "What does cloud A say to cloud B?" Answer: Hi Cloudy!!

Enjoy the pictures folks.

Magnificent Dubai

Dubai is a city of fascinating contrasts. It's where East meets West. The Dubaian government has successfully transformed this once small fishing village into a modern, sprawling and bustling city. The built environment = feast to the eyes - there were so many kodak moments. The pictures shown below are some of my favourites. BBF and I had a really good time. We would like to convey our deepest thanks and appreciation to our friend, R--- & his family for hosting our stay in Dubai. Hugs.

Pix 1. Beautiful Dubai

Pix 2. Fine speciments at Jumeirah beach

Pix 3. Burj Al Arab

Pix 4. Ibn Battuta shopping mall

Pix 5. Shopping - can you find BBF?

Pix 6. Enjoying tea whilst BBF shops!!

Pix 7. Jumeirah Mosque

Sunny Dubai

Best, best friend (BBF) and I recently went to Dubai for a holiday. It has been ages since we went on a holiday together. As a holiday companion, she as always is great!! I want to take her somewhere exotic and more adventurous next time!! Anyway, Dubai was great. As seen in the pictures below, we went on a desert safari. It was an awesome experience. Highly recommended people! Despite the heat, the desert is very majestic and beautiful. Enjoy the pictures folks.

Picture 1. Majestic landscape of the desert

Picture 2. Moi and BBF (in jeans)


Picture 3. Grainy and fine 'saffronny' sand

Picture 4. Sunset at the desert

Picture 5. Wish you were here

Patch - the New Yummy Mummy

Our kitty - Patch became a first time yummy mummy on the 1st July 2008. She gave birth to three kittens - they are so adorable. 2 white furs and 1 black. Mummy and kittens are doing o.k. Enjoy the pictures folks.

Picture 1. Patch - the new yummy mummy

Picture 2. Patch and her kittens

Picture 3. Adorable kittens

Picture 4. Altogether now...oohhh, so cute!!!

Picture 5. Are you looking at me?