According to Fiona: Bring on the change

Bring on the change

From the start of the year till now, I've received news of death after death. I reckon on average, a death a week. That number is so scary. I’ve been left wondering who is next. I might not have known all these people personally, but they were related to the people around me in one way or another.

Someone told me that all the deaths needed to be “cleared” before entering the year of the Tiger. Well, that’s rubbish cause I heard of deaths throughout the Chinese New Year period anyway.

Becky and I had a conversation earlier today about something she saw on Oprah (weird that Becky was quoting something on Oprah when I am the HUGEST Oprah fan and not her!). Maria Shriver was Oprah’s guest and Becky couldn’t remember the exact details but it basically involved someone who died, then either Oprah called Maria, or Maria called Oprah, and said “I Love You”.

It's just a simple lesson of how life is too short, and we are reminded to appreciate or say those words to the ones we love before it’s too late.

As I type this now, it is 2.40am. Becky just called to say “I Love You”.

My immediate response was, “Who died?”.

True. Yet another death. A father of our friend from school.

Someone else told me a theory about this "ship of death". When you suddenly notice a lot of deaths happening all at once (such as now), it is because there’s a ship of death that needs to sail. So the ship has to be full before leaving.

I didn’t think much of it when I heard about it. But now when I actually put some thought into it… that’s pretty morbid!

But whatever the theory, the Tiger year has arrived. Hopefully it will bring some good luck. Though on Day 2 of CNY, I was already down RM500 from gambling. BAD decided to ban me from gambling anymore throughout CNY. I sheepishly obeyed.

My luck was seriously bad! We had a gambling session at my house one night. After losing money on the “big” table, I decided to move to the “small” table where they were only betting RM1, RM2, and a maximum of RM5. Tell me how I could lose RM150 on a SMALL table???

Reunion Dinner

As usual, Reunion dinner was held at my Aunt’s place where each person brings a dish or two – potluck style. I was a bit lazy this year so I thought I’d tapau some Satay. What I didn’t expect, was that every damn Chinese person in Kota Damansara had the same idea. Cars were pulling up to this small satay stall every 5 minutes with huge orders! And this ONE satay lady who seemed to be the only stall open, was fanning satay frantically. She had no one to help her pack, no one to help her cut ketupat… just her… and too many orders. I waited one blinking hour for my damn satay (of which I just realized, I had NONE that night!).

Nevertheless, I made it on time for Reunion Dinner with my very Muhibbah family.

Chinese New Year

We had a delicious CNY lunch at Chynna @ Hilton. My sister was going to pop in a couple of days, so whatever the lady was craving, we had to give her. Next year if you have the chance, you must try the Yee Sang there. DELICIOUS!

Rayn with his sunnies, talking to Aunty Becky on a Blackberry. He's only 2 & 1/2, and already a heartbreaker.

My sister & I, two days before she popped. Ilyas looks hilarious in this picture. Think he was doing some acrobatic stunts in there.

King Rayn and all his favourite slaves.

The rest of CNY was actually very quiet. Maybe because I was on baby-sitting duty. But even then, I do think it has been the quietest CNY I can ever remember.

Marisse & Rayn
"Hellloooo..... is it me you're looking for?"

Babies!!

With all the deaths, there has also been a burst of sunshine. We’ve got two BEAUTIFUL new editions to this world. My nephew and second godson, Ilyas, and Anusha’s first son, Aditya.

Ilyas was born on 17th February 2010. While my sister and BIL were in the hospital for a few days, I stayed with Rayn. We had to do a lot of prepping... to make sure Rayn was ready for this new addition in the family and even worse... someone who was going to share all his toys. But almost everybody who came to visit, bought Rayn a toy as well so he was VERY happy! Bribing a kid? Sure... whatever works!

Syed Ilyas Hussein Albar

Koko Rayn meeting Baby Ilyas for the first time.

Rayn opening his present "FROM" Ilyas!
The funniest comment by Rayn's Uncle Naqib, "Baby Ilyas got so much money Rayn... he bought you LEGO!".

My second Godson/Nephew!

A few days later in the very same hospital, Anusha gave birth to her first son! I still can't believe that Anusha is now a mommy!!! But she'll make the best and funniest mommy ever. Am so thrilled for her as she embarks on this new journey with her little bundle of joy.

Aditya Subenthiran

Look at his full head of hair! So cute!!!

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Baaaaaahhh! So much more to blog about!!!

Everything above that line was actually written a few weeks ago. I’ve just come back to it and realized there’s SO much more to update. But... I’m not going to....

Been having a lot on my plate recently. Making lots of plans for Talent Hub – trying to take it to the next level. It’s hard work, but if I don’t push it, no one will. I’ve got about 5 new projects to work on – this is on top of all the regular stuff we already do. Wait… make that about 7 new projects… All that I'm aiming to implement within the next few months.

On top of that, I also have some plans to start a new business. Something completely unrelated to the Hub. It’s still an idea for now but I’m very inspired by it and very excited! Have been using any spare time I have to research and try to make it happen within the next 6 months. A lot of R&D needs to be put into it and I've already started doing some research. With Talent Hub, I was already in the industry for a fair number of years. I more or less knew what I was getting myself into. This however, is completely new. Completely different. And I have no clue what I'm getting myself into. But I'm loving the idea, loving the change, and loving the possibilities.

Whether these projects and ventures will be successful, only time will tell. It’s been a bizarre year so far, and it’s only March. Lots of changes. Not only for me, but for the closest people around me too. Good or bad, your guess is as good as mine...

Quote of the day: Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life. (Herbert A. Otto)

4 According to You:

Jules said...: my mom's uncle passed away last week... and my best fren's aunt passed away just this week... and many of my frens are posting "RIP" updates on their status. ur right, there has to be a "ship" somewhere :S eep...; Friday, March 12, 2010 12:13:00 AM
Pixelated Mo said...: all the best with your new ventures!!... 'thumbs up'; Saturday, March 13, 2010 4:18:00 PM
Fiona-Jane Gomez said...: Jules: Scary right? My boyfriend's uncle died today. The death rate hasn't slowed down since I wrote this post.; Saturday, March 27, 2010 2:27:00 AM
Fiona-Jane Gomez said...: Thanks Mo! Have you given up blogging btw? Why doesn't anyone blog anymore these days....; Saturday, March 27, 2010 2:28:00 AM

According to Fiona

Bring on the change

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