The Interview

Last night my nieces, Icha and Anna, who are both five and seven years old respectively, came over to visit us at home. It has been a while since I last saw them and we (my aunts and I) took this opportunity to ask them (more like 'interrogate' them really) about their school - Icha currently in kindergarden while Anna is in primary one, on exams, friends and basically anything and everything that has been going on in their life so far.

The following is a snippet of my conversation with them on school and friends :

Me : Soooooo, how's school?

Ica : Ok Aunty Jene. I am not schooling today.

Anna : Cuti sekolah, laaaaa.....

Me : I know, I know. Saja tanye tak boleh ke? (girls giggling) How are your friends? Any cute guys in school?

Ica & Anna : AAADDDAAAAAAA!!!!! (answering with such gusto)

Me : Wow, what are their names?

Ica & Anna: A@#$%^*?!!!! ( at this point I could not hear them well because the television was blasting away in the background. For ease of identification, let's call Icha's - Mr. X and Anna's - Mr. Y)

Me : So Icha, Mr.X handsome boy ahh? How does he look like?

Icah : Like a boy la, Aunty Jene. Tapi cute laaaa....

Anna : Mr. Y also cute. Tapi die hitam (dark)!!!

Me : Okla tu. Women should be fair and men should be dark. You know the saying, ' tall, dark and handsome men '?

Icha & Anna : Huh???!!!!

Me : Nevermind, you girls are underaged anyway. Sssooo, are they rich?

Icha : I dunnooooo.....

Anna : How to know dia 'kaya' (rich) ke tak Aunty Jene?

Me : Well, ahemm ahemmm, you're talking to an 'expert' here(me sounding smug). Ok, let me teach you girls. Dia datang sekolah naik apa??

Icha : Van sekolah.

Anna : School bus.

Me : Aiseyman....ok, nevermind. There's still hope. They are still young anyway. We must give them room to grow and develop. Now school bus, later proton, last sekali bmw!!

Icha at this point looked very much like a confused child. She scratched her head and gave Anna a look that says, you sure she's related to us, aaaahh??

Me : So, parents die kerja apa?

Icha : Tak tau. Tapi Mr. X ada water bottle yang besar!! Ada gambar Thomas lagi. Siap boleh letak makanan kat bawah tau!!

Me: Haaaa??Water bottle aje??!! Hmm, Thomas?? Thomas mana ni? Thomas cup ke?

Anna : *Sigh .... No laaa Aunty Jene. Thomas & Friends laaaa. Cartoon train yang dalam Astro tuh, Channel 611.

Me : OOhhhh, yelah kan. Budak-budak. Mestila kartun. Takkan pulak die letak gambar bola badminton(shuttle cox) kat watter bottle dia kan? Hehehehehe ......

At this point Anna smacked her hand over her forehead and just shook her head.

Come to think of it, I think I am worrying for no reason really. Apparently these kids are growing up just fine. I use to have this fear that these girls would not be able to adapt themselves to this new world of modern technology. That they would not be mature enough to handle the pressures, the harshness and the ugly reality of life. That I would need to be with them at all times to ensure that they are properly guided while taking baby steps, venturing further into the world that is mysterious and full of adventure.

Perhaps I have been worrying about the wrong person all this while. It very much looks like the one who may in need of great guidance and with questionable maturity would not be them, but in actual fact - is me after all..... ;)

The Maniac

This morning, a friend read to me an article from one of the local newspapers concerning the shocking revelation of child mathematic genius, Sufiah Yusuf and her involvement with prostitution. The paper  interviewed a consultant psychiatrist with Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Prof Madya Dr Osman Che Bakar who said that Sufiah could be
suffering from a psychiatric illness - " psikiatri mania ". 

According to the article, the doctor said, and I quote, 

“.... kemungkinan Sufiah berhadapan dengan masalah mania yang antara simptom penyakit itu adalah keinginan seks meluap-luap, hiperaktif, terlalu ceria, berkeyakinan tinggi, berfikir dengan pantas, bertenaga, hilang keinginan tidur dan terlalu peramah...."

Sufiah probably suffers from a psychological problem -  a 'maniac' , with symptoms amongst others, a great need for sex, hyperactive, too cheerful, great self- confidence, speed thinker, energetic, lost the need to sleep and too social.


My friend then turned to me and asked " Well, aren't you worried Noreane?"

Confused, I replied " Why? Should I be?"

"Well, I know I would. You're already showing some of the symptoms
 highlighted by the doctor. Especially the cheerful bit. Excessive happiness, you know
 - just like the movie Patch Adams. I don't have many friends. And I sure don't want my friend to turn into a maniac after this, touch wood!! "


Hmmmmm, now this is a tough choice.

Should I hug and thank her for her concern over my state of health - body, mind and soul? Or should I just spank this woman for her ridiculous but somehow, worrying thoughts????!!!


*Sigh* Thank you god - for giving me such 'supporting' friends.....

Hakuna Matata

I first heard the phrase "Hakuna Matata" while watching Disney's The Lion King, back when I was in high school. Did not know what the song really meant at the time, except Simba was a handsome lion and that the song had a very catchy tune. The phrase is actually Swahili's which literary translates as "There are no worries here". Indeed, if I was asked to create a tag line for daddy's Orchard, I would say just that.

Noooooooo, not Hakuna Matata, silly. I shall coin it as "Orchard, there are no worries here". (*Hint* Daddy darling, I believe this is the part where you should say, "Baby, that's a wonderful idea. Why don't I reward you for your efforts". I know, I know - just pushing my luck here :)).

Frankly speaking, I am a city girl who is used to the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life. So when I first came to the Orchard, I found it to be a little bit intimidating for me. There was a vast of land overlooking the lake. Lots of trees, plants and live stocks. All the sounds and smells that were emanating from the orchard is anything but, citylike. I remember thinking to myself, bloody hell,how in the world am I going to sleep tonight since there isn't any aircond??

However, over a period of time, I find myself looking forward to our weekly/monthly visits to the Orchard. The thought of the green, green grass and the clear blue sky with the orchestra of chickens, geese and ducks playing in the background actually comforts me. I can't begin to describe the feeling that I have when I am over there, surrounded by nature. But all I can say is that, when I am there, it's as if I have finally found peace. For that short moment in time, I am without any worries. Nothing to weigh me down. Nothing to hold me back. I am able to just relax, sit down and enjoy life while bonding with my family.

We went to the Orchard again during the Chinese New Year break. Arrived at 10:30 on a Wednesday night, we were welcomed by the fresh air and the cool breezy wind. At midnight, there was a display of fireworks presumely from the town centre, which was visible from where we were.

We spent our days chatting, eating, chatting, taking walks, cleaning up the old garage, chatting again, target practice (daddy calls me "trigger happy people" ;) ), gardening and more chatting. Yes, we love to talk, especially the ladies in my family. We could talk for hours!! Long after all the men have gone to sleep, we will still be gossiping away, giggling and laughing - sometimes sitting close together in the darkened room, talking about the good 'ol times, the present and of the future. Father once asked me how could we talk and talk for hours and not get tired of each other - talking endlessly, sometimes repeating the same story over and over again. To the question, I replied, " Ayah, us ladies - if we don't talk, we will certainly die!!". Not everyone, particularly the men in my family, would be able to understand this. Well, all I can say is that, you wouldn't know now unless you try, right? ;)

I took the opportunity to take some pictures - using my humble camera phone, so that when I am back in the city, I will still be able to remember the beautiful orchard.







Before we went back to the city, father asked me, if I would consider staying here at the Orchard - permanently. He plans to retire there, amidst the serenity and tranquility that is just divine. To finally enjoy the fruits of his labour - his reward for all the hard work he has done for most of his adult life. His blood, sweat and tears.

What is that?? Moi?? Stay here at the Orchard??

But of course!!!

..... errr, provided KLCC is just around the corner, preferably just outside the entrance to the Orchard..hehehehe ;)

Sorry daddy, but alas, I am afterall, a city girl at heart. I don't think I could live there knowing there isn't any McDonalds within the vicinity should I need to indulge on my McMuffin cravings at 4:00 am in the morning!!

But then again, having said that, who knows? Perhaps the calling of 'Hakuna Matata' in the future might just be the 'it' factor to propel me to ...have a change of heart ?? ;)

What's In A Name?

I was recently asked by an acquaintance of mine, who asked me the origins of my name.

" Your name is quite peculiar for a Malay. Are you of mixed parentage? " he asked.

Peculiar? Never gave much thought about it, really. The name was associated with me since my birth and to this day, I have never question the meaning of my name. Of course, I have previously asked my family, in particular my parents, on the reason why they named me so. According to my mother, it was my father who chose the name. Perhaps he acquired it during one of his overseas trip, back when he was younger and was always on the road, she said. My father's response was somewhat more along the lines of practicality, really. His exact reply, and if I were to remember accurately was,

" Entah, tak ingat la. Tak salah ayah masa tu belum decide nak bubuh nama ape, pulak tu nurse tu ugut ayah kalau ayah tak bagi nama, dia akan bagi nama die sendiri." ( Can't really remember why. If I am not mistaken, I have yet to choose a name for you at that time and the nurse had threatened to name you herself if I fail to do so).

Frankly, I was hoping for a more 'romantic' version. Being a romantic that I am(I totally blame it on Mills & Boons for this), I thought perhaps, just like the movie 'Becoming Jane', the name was picked by father because it reminded him of the girl he met but wasn't able to pursue a relationship with, due to the many obstacles that he faced. A lost love - which was doomed from the beginning by a cruel twist of fate. My late grandmother had offered a more 'interesting' version to it. She claimed that back then, in the roaring 60's, my father was a huge fan of both the movie, Lawrence of Arabia and that of the Italian actress, Sofia Loren and that is how he came up with my name. Seriously and truly, till this day I still cannot find the connection between those two given facts and of course the rationality which links them together, but what the heck, this 'version' DEFINITELY sounds a whooolllleeeee lot nicer then the explanation that was given to me by my father :).

So I decided to conduct my own research, through the limited resources that I have. After 'googling' it over the net, this is a basic summary of my findings -facts on the origins and meaning of my name :


1. A female's name;

2. Definitely not associated with the Malays;

3. Origins of name most probably is from Ireland. Used mostly by the English and Irish;

4. Closest meaning I could fine is "Norene" and according to babynamer.com, means :

Meaning: Its source is Eleonora, an Italian name meaning "Compassion"

Narrative: It developed as a short form of the names Eleonora, Honora and Leonora.

Though Nora is not Gaelic in origin, it has come to be especially associated with Ireland, and in Scotland is often used as a feminine form of Norman.

(Wicked, eh?!!) ;)

5. Name was most popular during the early 1900's;

6. ...which means most of the people with the same name are either old or already dead !!! (found a lot of obituaries for the same name....huhuhuhuhu).


So, I ask ye again, what's in a name? ;)

Ramblings of A Confused Woman

It is exactly 12:27, on a Friday morning, the 18th day of the first month for the year 2008.

I have just realised that I actually have a follow-up checkup with the good doctor today concerning my previous 'over-acting' visits to Mr Potty. Truth be told, my tummy is all upset again and now since I have very well forgotten to apply for leave, and it's a bit too late to reschedule for a new appointment, therefore I wouldn't be able to see the doctor and do anything concerning this problem of mine now.

Oh, bugger it.

I. Am. Legend? No. Depressed is more like it.

Have you ever hoped and prayed for something so hard, and you wanted something so bad, that sometimes you feel that your whole life depended on this one miracle and that you have done everything within your means to ensure that all your harwork and efforts will at least make an impact and that most of all, it was not for a worthless cause? And then, just when you think that all that was wrong before, is now just starting to get better, only to find yourself in the same gutter all over again, just like the one before and to finally realise that perhaps, despite all the hopes and dreams that you desperately want to believe and hold on to, that it is time for you to let go and just perhaps, it is time for you to just....

Stop.

Hoping.


Do you get my drift here? No? *Sigh*

It's ok, the title of the post says it all.

I am afterall, but a confused woman.

On Mr Darcy

Upon reading my earlier post, my good friend, Dino approached me, just as I was about to leave the office, with a great enquiry. He asked,


" Noreane, what's a Mr Darcy? Is it a toy?? "


I did not know whether to scream with laughter or just knock my head senseless on the workstation. Furthermore,he had looked at me with such innocence and with great intensity when he posed the question that I was so tempted to reply to him " Yes darling and it's battery operated!!! ".

I can still remember the look of confusion and wariness on his face as I went through a series of " facial exercise /face lift workout " for him. First came my look of sheer horror, then came the look of pure disbelief - then followed by me laughing hysterically until there were tears rolling down my cheeks (thank god big boss wasn't around or else he would be wondering if my appraisal form for last year's performance was properly assessed. Perhaps he should have recommended a visit to the nearest psychiatrist for an assessment on staff's mental state instead, hmmm?? ).

Poor Dino. He must have been traumatised by my reaction. Bet he was just confirming his all time suspicion that I am indeed, afterall, a sad case of a coconut head!!

I don't blame him for not knowing who Mr Darcy is. Really. After all, he is a MAN. I don't even think dear hubby would have known who in god's-green-earth is Mr Darcy until I came into his life and introduced him to the world of Jane Austen.


*Sigh* Men, they can be so adorable sometimes, can't they? ;)

Believe Me When I Say.....

... that I have been extremely busy and haven't been able to find the time to update my blog. There's simply so many things to do and achieve in so little time.

Truly, deeply, frankly......

...just a whole load of crap.

Keep repeating to oneself over and over again, and you are bound to believe your own lies, so much so you would find it quite impossible to differentiate between what is fact and what is fiction. However, truth be told, I have been very busy. Year 2007 came and went in a flash and the next thing you know, 2008 is already upon you - in all its glory!!!

Oh yes, before I do forget and get carried away with my myself ( which I have been told my by SOMEONE out there of my tendency to do so), I am very happy to inform you that I have indeed passed all the papers which I took last semester and am now, very well on my way towards my 3rd semester in the uni. Very proud of myself and frankly, very relieved as I had actually made a deal with my father. The deal was that he would buy me the books/materials that I would need for my studies and in return, I was to ensure my entry for my 3rd semester and pass ALL of my papers, or else, he would take all the books and have them boiled for me to drink, with hopes that this method would be a fool-proof however, yet non-traditional way of achieving the desired effect - short cut to speed reading and en route to being the ultimate genious!! .

His exact words, if I remember correctly were,

" You better make sure you pass. Or else, aku ambik buku kau, rebus dan paksa kau minum air dia..."


*Phew* Thank god for miracles !! Wouldn't want me to fall sick with "book poisoning" now , would we daddy? :)



In other related news, a quick recap of my 'hap-Penings' for year 2007 :

1. Got enrolled in uni - pursuing a degree in legal studies ( and this is coming from someone who has a vast collection of cheap dvds...hehehehehe ;) )

2. Got new friends, met up with the old ones.

3. More friends joining in the *Young Wives* Club ( not referring to bini muda ye, thank you ).

4. Moved into a new crib (temporarily of course. Love the amenities though!! :) )

5. Dearest, dearest grandmother passed away in May. She has always been the family's pillar of strength and our guardian angel.

6. Passed both my 1st and 2nd semester exams with *surprising* results (wwooHHHoooo!!)

7. Celebrated my 28th birthday at Jake's with family -yummy lobster thermidor and lip-smacking escargot ( yupppp, it was deeellccciioouussss!!!) - Thanks daddy !! :D

8. Went for a holiday *sehelai sepinggang* - literary. Imagine going overseas not even knowing the currency exchange rate (melampau!!!)

9. Spent the new year's eve in , where else, the kitchen of course!! Then spent the morning of the new year in the dark (we had power failure - terlebih guna electricity kot) - by the pool with hubby, cousin and aunties...chatting away, and finishing off the pint of Hagen Daaz white macadamia ice cream (needed to save the ice cream from jadi 'mangsa keadaan' since the fridge was out of order. Would have been a waste of good ice cream ...sayang ...) :)

10. Introduced the family to the wonders of breakfast at 4 am at McDonalds (parappapapapaaaaaa, I'm loving it!! )


Anyway, these are some of the things I did/ happened for the year 2007. Can't very well write everything down here , can I? Not enough space anyway :).

Hope it is not too late to wish all of you a Happy New Year and may this year will bring all of us much blessing and prosperity and may all our hopes and wishes would come true.

Wait, what is that? What do I wish for, you ask??

Just one.

A Mr Darcy behind the wheels of a black, shining new 2008 Toyota Camry, thank you very much!! *sigh* :)