Tragedi Oktober

Is it November already?

Thank God.

October was a BAD month.

It started out really nice ... didn't expect the turn of events that would befall upon me.

But I am very thankful. Thankful to still be alive and healthy as I am writing this.

This was my October 2011:

1. First Week

I was actually looking forward to a friend's wedding that weekend, a former colleague and karcis-partner when I was chambering in Albar & Partners. It was at Mandarin Oriental, KL. It was spectacularly beautiful and the Bride was exceptionally gorgeous. Didn't bring my camera, but I managed to snap a picture of the beautiful pelamin.



@ Dalilah's Wedding

The next weekend was my nephew's kenduri aqiqah. I helped with decorating the buaian for the berendoi. The theme was blue and gray. Since it was for a boy, my Kakmira wanted the decorations to be simple.

my favorite kids

2. Second Week

Me and hubster went to Jakarta over the weekend to attend his former colleague's wedding. Our flight was the first flight out, at 7.30am, so we planned to wake up at 4am, so we can head to the airport at 5am, reach the airport at 6am, and have at least 1 hour to spare for checking in and breakfast and stuff. But somehow I snoozed the alarm, and woke up at 5am!!!! We got ready in 15 mins and reached the airport around 6.30am...quickly checked in and by time we went to the departure gate people were already lining up to board the plane. Just in time. Nasib baik I ordered breakfast on the plane!

Reached Jakarta at 8am and made our way to the hotel. Had breakfast again before checking in the hotel (was still hungry although I finished Aliff's nasi lemak on the plane). We had bakso at a shop nearby the hotel. Quite nice.By noon we made our way to the church for the church ceremony. We had some bumps along the way, cab driver got lost, the car broke down for a couple of minutes, but we managed to reach the church. It was heavily and beautifully decorated with flowers. Bride was in a Vera Wang *so lucky*. They served us Starbucks for refreshments after the ceremony...Nice.Later at night, we had a light dinner at Grand Indonesia and went to the Reception which was held at Shangri La. Again, beautifully decorated and it was more laid back, finger foods and drinks at your pleasure. Something different for a change. It was a beautiful wedding.The next day we went to Pasar Mayestik to get materials and fabrics that Bapak and Ibu had pesan. Later we went to Plaza Indonesia for lunch and by 4pm we headed to the airport for our flight home, which was the last flight out at 8.30pm. Reached Malaysia at about 11.30pm and reached home close to 1am. The next day was Monday, and I didn't take leave.


**no pictures because I can't seem to find the camera...sigh**

3. Third Week

It was Monday, just got back from Jakarta. Went to work, because I didn't want to waste my leave. BUT I was sooooooooooo TIRED. The weekend in Jakarta was hectic and I have not had enough sleep. Didn't get much sleep the night before either because we reached home close to 1am and I think I probably finally dozed off at about 2am. At the office I could not concentrate as I was sleepy and just tired. I watched the clock so closely that as it hit 5pm, I rushed out of the office, on the dot. I don't usually leave office that early but was realllly tired and could not wait to go home and jump on the bed.

So, that fateful day, I was driving through NPE to get home, and the next minute;

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....THAT happened...

The car hit the divider, and the next thing I remember, I was holding on to the steering wheel trying to keep the car straight. I remembered the screaming in my head "Oh My God, Oh My God" and "How can I fix this?" and "Oh My God, Oh My God" again. But I was helpless...The car was out of control...It felt like you're in one of those bumper cars and the car is just moving out control hitting and spinning.

The car finally screeched to a halt. And that was the time I was fully aware of what was happening and all I can think to do is grab my bag and get out of the car. Luckily the seat belt didn't get stuck. Luckily the door didn't get stuck. I was pushing off the airbag out of my face. I realised I was ok, no major injuries...just a tiny scratch at the wrist and my nose hurt a little. As I pushed open the car door, a man came to me and helped me out. The first thing I asked him was did I hit any other car? did I hit anyone?

 I was LUCKY.

I was lucky I was wearing a seatbelt.
I was lucky my car had airbags.
I was lucky I did not collided with any other vehicles.
I was lucky I did not hit any other person.
I was lucky I was OK.

I caused a major congestion, 18th October 2011, 6pm at NPE. Yes, if you were stuck that day, it was because of me and I apologise deeply.

Aliff came and rescued me from the sea of "pomen" who were pushing me to get their services. What a NIGHTMARE! Aliff brought me to the Emergency Room at SJMC and got me checked out. No major injuries. Doctor gave me one day medical leave. I still don't use the NPE since the accident. I'm without a car for atleast 2-3 months...so right now I'm borrowing Adri's car until I sort out some other arrangements, whatever that will be.

4. Fourth Week

It was a public holiday, for Deepavali...about a week after the accident. Didn't get a good sleep that night. Struggled to sleep the whole night, and when I was finally able to go into the deep sleep, Aliff woke me up and asked me to join him for a morning run at Lake View. It was 8am. On a holiday. Kakmira and Adri was already outside in the car waiting for us. Urghhhhhhhh. I hate exercising. But I dragged my ass off the bed, put on my running shoes and followed them to Lake View. Walked for 1 round, and ran for another round. Dead Tired. We then went to have breakfast.

I don't know why, but we were all very semangat to look at houses that day. We went to Alam Impian to look at the progress of our house (yeah, me and hubster bought a house!). According to the schedule, it should be completed early 2013.


that's our future house on the right!

Then we drove to Kinrara to look at Kinrara Residence. Me and Aliff have been there once and their show houses were really nice. Adri was interested in this property and wanted to show it to Kakmira, who swore she does not want to move out of Subang. Anyway, we spent quite a long time there looking at the show houses and talking to the sales person there. Kakmira and Adri were quite excited to get it, but not sure whether they are going through with it. Anyway, it was almost noon and I was begging to go home because the sore from the jog has finally crept up on me. By the time we got home i was beat! Couldn't move at all. But, since we had not have our lunch, me and hubs went to Subang Parade for a late lunch. I ate caesar's salad at this new place Capriciossa.

Went home and did not feel good. My legs were aching more than usual. I was having spinning headaches and my body temp was going up. At around 4am, I woke up and threw up my salad. But, I chose to go to work the next morning because I had a meeting that I had to attend, although everyone asked me to stay home, mostly because the accident was still fresh in everyone's mind.

But by now I have become a really careful and patient driver..So, I was adamant that I was OK and that I'll go straight to the clinic after the meeting. I wore my flat pumps because I could not walk well...and I NEVER wear flats to work! But when I reached the office, I was not feeling OK, at all. I could not walk. I was nauseated, my head was pounding. The people at the office asked me to go home but I was too sick to drive. So I slept in an empty office room. Then I started vomitting. Everyone thought I was PREGNANT. I was VERY SURE I WAS NOT. I asked my colleague to drive me to a nearby clinic. The doctor said I was probably having a viral fever. Sounds right, Adri just got well from a viral fever and he had been sleeping on my bed when he was sick. Doctor gave me one day MC and when I felt I was ok to drive back, I went home and slept the whole night.

The next morning I woke up to go to work, but was suddenly having diarrhea. So I stayed home. Ate bread for breakfast and threw it all up. Went to the clinic again. This time I was no longer having the fever. Doctor said probably a stomach flu. Gave me meds and one day MC. Went home and got something to eat so I can eat my meds. But I couldn't get anything in my stomache. Anything I eat, I'll throw it all back out. It got to a point that I can't even drink. I was MISERABLE and HUNGRY.

At about 2.00am the next morning, I woke up and starting vomitting again. Aliff brought me to the Emergency Room at SJMC. Doctor gave me a shot and some more meds. Went back home. It was Saturday, 29th October 2011 and probably one of the WORST day of my life!

My tounge was bitter. I could not eat. I could not drink. The smell of food made me want to throw up. I was forced to eat but my body just can't accept anything. I was running out of ideas of what to eat. My body was not well. I was crying infront of my food.

By this time I have ruled out pregnancy. I took the pregnancy test (my FIRST time ever!) and it was negative. Soon after, my period came. So, definitely NOT pregnant. So, Aliff brought me to SJMC again, and this time doctor said it was probably best that I get admitted, as this is the fourth visit to the doctor's...he said I'll be put on drips as my body is not receiving the nutrients it needed. The doctor said my stomach was full of wind. He even said that my stomach was not functioning. That is why I could not stomach anything.

Was admitted that night. My darling angel of a husband slept next to me. But I can feel myself feeling better. I think the drips helped, or probably just psychology cause I'm in the hospital and just met with a specialist. Its always like that..when you see the doctor, somehow the pain is suddenly not as bad. Anyway, doctor gave me some meds and I went to sleep.

No short of bad luck, I was having stomach cramps from the period. But it wasn't that bad, thank goodness.

Next morning I was feeling MUCH MUCH MUCH better. I was FINALLY able to eat and drink, tho not much. Doctor came in again and said I can be discharged that afternoon. He diagnosed me with diarhea and food poisoning I think. I think it was a combination of the tiredness, the fever and probably some wrong food.


a happy face the next morning :)

Anyway, I was so excited to be able to eat again. Me and Aliff went to have lunch at Hassan's at Taipan, and ate the famous ayam kampung...but I stayed off the sambal and anything "stimulating" as the doctor advised.

My mother called and said when i get home there's a surprise for me in my room.

I have the best mother.

BUT,

That's not the end of it.

I was suddenly having rashes all over my body. It was red and itchy and uncomfortable. WHAT NOW? Allergic to meds? Anything wrong I ate? Arghhhhh. Went back to the Emergency Room at SJMC for the third time that week. Doctor gave me a shot and observed me until it got better. Went home with more meds and one day MC. Next morning I was hungry and made myself bread. I was looking for butter, but we ran out, so I made myself a peanut butter and jam sandwich. Next thing I know, i was itching really bad again. SHIT. What the hell is wrong? I have never been allergic to nuts. Went to the clinic and doctor said I may be allergic to some meds, and he said allergy reactions can continue for 4-5 days and that I should stay away from any allergens such as dairy, nuts, chicken etc.

FINE.

Next day went to work and ate chicken for lunch. I FORGOT chicken was on the list! And itching began again. Didn't go to the doctor's this time. I rubbed on the itchy cream the the doctor gave and just continue to eat the meds. The rashes went away.

As of today, I am still watching what I eat and will test for allergies soon.

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Despite all that has happened to me last month,

I am ever so thankful to Allah that I am still breathing and is of good health today. 

I am thankful that all the worst possible "What if-s" did not happen.

And for that I feel that He had saved my life the day of the accident.

I accept all his trials and I believe that

"Tuhan tidak akan menguji hambanya melebihi kemampuannya".  

Although what I have been through is not half of what others

out there in this world are going through,

I hope I am a stronger person after this.

Thank you Allah for sending me my angels;

my husband, my mother, my sisters, my father, my family

for caring for this weak and helpless being.

Love.

..... and Hello November!



7 Days - Flow of Event & Last Minute Purchases

Today I am actually panicking a bit.

Reason :

(1) I was preparing the "To Do" list and it is still quite long.

(2) I also prepared the flow of the event for the reception dinner and that got me really nervous. I've prepared flow of events a couple of times before, but this time, the "Bride & Groom enters", "The Bride & Groom to the maintable", "The Bride & Groom exit" ... the "Bride" is ME! OMG. Can't believe its really happening.

OK. So enough with the freaking out. Calculated the balance of payments to be made. Cha chinggggg. Haih, can't believe all that money is going to these 2 nights. Tak pe. Once in a lifetime, have to make it count right?

I'm leaving the office for lunch break today to get some last minute purchases for the hantarans, bunga telur, kaftans....I'm thinking of getting a half day...boss tak ada! hahaha...

This weekend is really packed with things to do. Final fittings, Videoshoot, Photoshoot, Family Meeting, Seating Arrangements (I'm kind of annoyed to those yang quite berat nak RSVP..seriously, you should know by now whether you can attend or not right? sorry if I'm being rude, the stress is getting to me) .... lagi apa? Cleaning up the house and the room.

Monday is my last "official" working day until the wedding. I've finished all my outstanding work, except for 2 more bloody contracts, which I will do Monday. Then, bye bye office.

Nothing more to write, need to finish up a few stuff before I leave for lunch break.

Tomorrow's post might be longer :)

The Invitation

Ok, so The Invitation. The drama behind this goes something like this:

1. The Family went to Jakarta, one of the important item on the itinerary; getting the Invitation Cards. Read here on the part of the trip about the Invitation Card.

2. So, we left for home VERY happy because we got a really good bargain on the cards. As discussed with the vendor in Jakarta (the guy who attended to us is Dharnoto) the wordings will be finalised via email. (I also had a secret agenda to change the color of the ribbon from maroon to white, which was to be done via email as well).

3. The emailing started quite late, about 1 month after the trip. Reason: WORK. and I got a little comfortable with the fact that it's still about 4 months away from the date. Dharnoto even texted me reminding me that I have not sent him the wordings...

4. We emailed back and forth for about 5-6 times and exchanged numerous text messages. And took about another month to finalise the whole design of the card. I dont know if this is normal, I was actually expecting maybe exchanging emails twice and everything could be finalised in a week or two? Reason for the long period for the card to be finalised: Partly, MY fault. Hahah. The first time Dharnoto came back with the draft of the card, there were quite a lot of spelling mistakes - which was not my fault, because the draft I emailed him had perfect spelling. What was my fault was the fact that I changed the wordings/design quite a few times, i.e; getting the name of the hall right, the dates for the RSVP, the floral motives of the inside of the card. Ofcourse Bapak also intervened quite a few times changing the dresscode and the MAP.

5. Oh my, the Map. The first map we got was from the hall itself. Bapak was not satisfied, he said the map was not accurate. So I contacted a friend who had his wedding at the same hall and asked for the map they used in their card. Ibu also dug up invitation cards they received where the wedding was held at the same hall. Bapak was NOT satisfied with any maps used. So, he asked his officer to design the map from scratch.

These are some of the Maps that were rejected:

This is the Map that was FINALLY approved by him:

 6. So, the FINAL draft of the card was finalised about 2 months before the date. Dharnoto said they needed 1 month to get the cards ready. (Something that we forgot to ask - TIP: Please REMEMBER to ask about the TIMELINE!) So, we will be getting the cards about 1 month before the date, which is just in time, so we can start circulating all the invites 3-4 weeks before the date.

7. The LACE. I've always wanted a laced card for my wedding card. Something like these:

I found one shop which had a full-laced wedding card, but tooooo expensive. So, (anticipating that the price would be beyond the budget for a full-laced card) I settled with just a strip of white lace to be placed below the ribbon at the middle of the card's cover, like so:

I brought a piece of white lace from Malaysia and gave it to Dharnoto as sample. At the time the order was made; i.e at Jakarta, Dharnoto said he knows where to get the lace. Fine.

Then he emailed me this picture:

YIKES. NOT the lace I gave him and definitely NOT the right substitute. The material of the lace is totally off. It looks like cotton doesn't it? He said he didn't find the lace that I wanted. WHAT? Then I told him that I didn't want that lace and told him I saw the lace that I gave him at Mangga Dua while I was there and asked him to find it there. OMG. Nasib baik he emailed me the lace before sticking it on to my card! Then he emailed me another picture, which was a HUGE relief to me...he got the RIGHT lace this time! I was almost prepared to let go of the lace from the card if he didn't find the lace that I liked.

8.  POSTAGE. This was the REAL DRAMA. Another TIP I can give to those who plans to get their cards from Indonesia, don't get too excited (like me) when you get a hard-covered card which is quite big in size for a really good price. You can definitely get it real cheap, compared than the ones here, because their labour charges are quite low, BUT PLEASE discuss on the postage and the delivery period. TIMELINE is very important! Something I FORGOT to discuss with the vendor! The plan was either; my dad's friend who is working in Jakarta bring it back for us when he comes back for holiday, or my mum and dad come back to Jakarta and bring them home (this only if we needed to get additional things from Indon la) or, they post it to us. The third alternative was actually the first plan. At that time I thought the cost would be a few hundreds and the timeline of the delivery did not occur to me. Guess how shocked I was when I was told that my cards weighed 87kgs and the postage fees is twice the total amount of the cards. WHAT? so now the cost of card has tripled? So, why is it so expensive? Because of the weight (87kgs) and we wanted it to arrive ASAP, like the next day, as we were behind schedule. It was about 1 month before the date. You can actually get a cheaper fare if you can wait atleast 10 days or really cheap if you can wait for 30 days. After much deliberation with the calculator, my parents decided to go for a day trip to Jakarta to bring home the cards. Air Asia tickets was quite reasonable and we pre-booked 60kgs of check-in luggage and the balance of 27kg will be carried as carry on. 27kg is quite heavy, didn't know how my parents managed to get away with it. I OWE them big time!

My card FINALLY arrived at my doorstep on the 7th of May 2011, 40 days before the date.

And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the final product!

9. That's not the end of the Drama. Because the envelope had a window, cards that need to be posted had to be covered with a plastic envelope AND a bigger-fully-covered envelope so that the lace and ribbon would not get dirty. This was actually something I had warned Bapak while ordering the cards at Jakarta, but he insisted to have the window... so, the cost of getting the bigger envelopes was on Bapak :) Then, we found that the RSVP card was toooo small, and I checked with POS Malaysia, it is smaller than the minimum size for a postcard. So, we got small envelopes which we slipped in the card. More extra costs!

Although the cost of the card has now almost more than doubled to what it actually cost, my personal SATISFACTION and all the COMPLIMENTS made it worth it! Hahaha. And, to make me feel better, the cost for the same card if done here is still more expensive. So double YEAY!

TIP of getting cards from Jakarta/anywhere else where the cards will posted -

Make sure you get all these information to save you from sudden heart attacks later :

1. the time they need to complete the cards
2. the total weight of the cards and the estimate number of boxes needed for packaging
3. the postage - the couriers, the cost, the delivery period
4. make sure the size of the RSVP card is the standard postcard size or atleast the minimum size set by POS Malaysia (can check their website).

Then, discuss on the timeline taking into account the finalisation of the wordings, their labor and the postage. It will be better if you already have the wordings (including the doa etc), lay out and map - this will save you a lot of emailing back and forth.

So, I started to get everyone's addresses few weeks ago....which was quite a challenge. I changed phones and lost everyone's number. So, I did everything through FB. I missed out a couple of friends who are not in my Friend's List (should add them now!) and also those who did not have FB (ada orang tak ada FB!).Have been distributing the cards for the past 3 weeks and the last cards have been posted out today (2 weeks before the date - I know, I procrastinated a bit).

Thank you those who had RSVP-ed, attending or not. BELIEVE me, RSVP is VERY handy and actually very crucial for a seated event. People, PLEASE PLEASE RSVP if requested. And if you RSVP "attending", please attend. And if you RSVP "not attending", please do not attend....boleh tak? Hahahhahahaha...the latter can still be kautim lah. But seriously, RSVP is very important for the host.

Everyone I invited have played some role in my life, be it for the shortest time. My guestlist comprised of childhood and highschool friends, varsity friends and office mates. Some, although I have not kept in touch with for a long time, I invite because they were, some time in my life, a significant part of it. Some because they invited me to their wedding, some because they've made nice comments about my engagement :) , and some, well just because I just like them...ahahhaha...Everyone has their own criterias right? I hope I didn't miss out anyone.

11 more days baby!

Feelings: No mood to work but files are still piling, eventhough I have put in extra hours since the past 3 weeks to finish them off...arghhhhh...work never stops, not even for Brides-To-Be.... Feel like going home and do all the wedding stuff. My mind is not at work anymore!

Wedding Progress - 2 Months to The Date

Woohooooo....

2 MONTHS?

I don't have a lot of time to talk about each one, maybe this weekend, if I can find the time.

But as a summary of my progress, I have FINALLY booked and finalised

the Videographer, the Pelamin and Hall Decorator and the Canopy for Nikah.

and ,after numerous emailing back and forth, I have also finalised the Invitation Card  for printing.

It will be ready by the end of this month.

eeeeeeeekkkkss excited + risau. HOPEFULLY, no spelling mistakes and the design turns out alright.

Fitting for my Bridal Wears has been postponed, AGAIN. Haih. It's this Friday night. HOPEFULLY no more postponements. Excited + RISAU jugak for that. PRAYING HARD it'll turn out as I have been imagining it.

Fitting for Groom Wears were also postponed a few times, but that is because of Aliff, the tailors were ready for him, but Mr.Busy Bee was busy this last couple of weeks. Maybe we'll do it this weekend?

Last week was definitely a STRESSFULL week. 

I tend to feel really stressed-out when it's almost that time of the month. I blame it on the PMS. So, I was very sensitive and easily broke down.

Anyway, after such a bad week, I have settled the final BIG things for the wedding.

This week I'm trying to be as POSITIVE as I can and regain all my wedding energy and excitement back.

Update on Wedding Diet: OMG. Susahnyaaaa nak kurangkan makan di kala stressssss. And I realised that, the same as when I was dieting for the engagement, the closer the date, the harder it is to restrain myself from eating like a cow. BUT, on the upside, I've actually received quite a number of comments telling me I've looked slimmer...I must be doing something right then? or is it the stress? Entahlahh...But I'm planning to go vegetarian in May....possible? We'll see.

NEXT:

Pengesahan and Kebenaran Berkahwin from JAIS, Catering for Nikah, Doorgifts for Reception Dinner, Bunga Pahar, Hantaran, Distribution of Bridesmaids Materials, Entertainment for both events, GUESTLIST!!

All these are actually on-going, hopefully it will all be settled by this month.

All my DIY projects are also on-going. 

MAY is reserved for everything last minute.

.... and JUNE is reserved for self-pampering and getting married.

HUGE SMILES :)

STRESS Part Deux (censored)

STRESS.

I remembered saying "I know preparing for a wedding can be a nightmare for some people, but I am so looking forward to planning mine."

Now I find myself saying I can't wait to get it over with? That is something that I NEVER thought I would ever feel or ever wanted to feel.

So, thank you, to you who have made me the person I am not.

-- Portions of this entry has been removed because a wise person told me writing in anger will only result in an emotional outburst which are usually feelings at the spur of the moment that will just last at the heat of that moment. That I know, but I chose to write anyway because I was just so pissed off. Now that it has passed I choose to remove it to avoid possible future conflicts, as pointed out by the same wise ass. Ahaha. So, thanks wise ass. Love you. --

STRESS Part 1

Semua benda mahal. Semua benda lebih from budget. And my budget is not cheapsket budget ok, I think quite reasonable. Hello, don't put your price too high lah. It's becoming ridiculous. Rezeki should come from working hard and not from making a quick buck by fooling the hopeless bridezillas. If you want to cater for the rich and famous only don't publicise your business lah idiots. Dah lah tak ada masa nak survey lebih-lebih and plan the whole thing properly. Work keep on piling like nobody's business. STRESS. I think it's the wedding ticker. Semakin cepat pulak the date. And probably because bitch hormone is kicking in. I'm almost due.