Tagged by Atasha...

Well...well...well...this is not easy at all!

1. I don't like oatmeal if I have to eat it just like that but I love it soooo much if I bake it into cookies.
2. I tend to sleep in cars, buses, trains...I just get sleepy easily if am on a moving thing.
3. I get headaches if not connected to the internet more than 5 days.
4. I like working but I enjoy being at home, vice versa.
5. I hate throwing up. Even if it feels like the 'thing' is already in the throat and ready to blow, I prefer letting it be there and hoping that it'll go back to my stomach.
6. I can't ever spend time in the toilet less than 15 minutes.
7. I'm attached to my home PC and the set of computer at the office. I hate it if I have to use someone else's. Well, sometimes I use my hubby's but only to play bejewelled. You know the game, don't you?
8. Talking about bejewelled. I love this kind of game so much! You can say that I'm addicted to it more than anything (not more than the net, of course!).
9. I don't like chicklit as much as other gals. I read some that I think have values but I consider many of them as junks! BTW, I hope people don't consider my writing as chicklit!
   

Well, finally I'm done.

I'd like to tag Liza, The Sophisticated Writer, Otty. Good luck, girls!

Picture taken by...

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

After changing the look of my blog into:



and



and being happy about it, yesterday, I had to face the fact that it couldn't last long. Suddenly, the look became a mess and I got frustated!

So, now, I change it again.

The previous one was designed by V4NY. Thanks, V4NY, it made my blog looked fabulous.

Now, I got the the design from Ms. Zoot. Thanks, Miss, for designing something with green and pink, my favorite colors.

But, I don't know why the banner and footer still aren't showing up. I'll deal with them some other time.

BTW, I might be off the line for quite some time...I'm taking office leaves for Idul Fitri. That means I don't have any internet connections unless I go to the cyber cafe not far from my house. If I've got time, I promise to be online. I'd like to share with you my Idul Fitri experience.

Alora...ciao!

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Labels: islam

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?

Blueberry juice. I think that's the best drink I've ever tasted so far. But there's not many restaurants serve the drink. So far only one that serves with a great taste.

Other than that, I also like ice sweet tea and ice coffee and ice chocolate and anything with strawberry or any berry.

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

My baby Hana's picture, a pair of speakers, magazines.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

7.2 (seven point two). Sometimes honesty hurts...so, I'd rather not tell it. But, I don't lie. I just don't tell it.

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

At first, I'd prefer to change the name Jakarta (the city I live in) to Batavia since it sound more beautiful. But then, after reading the history, I think, I change my mind. I prefer Jakarta to remain Jakarta.

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?

I'll be stressed out if things don't turn out as they're supposed to be. Food can calm me down. Danger!

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

I did manage to make my sidebar look like he way it was before...

But then, another disaster showed up!

My footer is not on the right place and the background image is not showing up!

Now, I'm totally frustated!!!

Again, I skip my TT...

And...I don't think I'll check out my blog until tomorrow...

Thanks for coming and please, if you can help me...my email address is nuts_is_good at yahoo.com.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

I don't know how it happened. The last time I turned out the computer yesterday, my blog looked just fine!

But this morning, I found out that it didn't look the way it was supposed to be!!! And I checked out the template some codes were missing!

Damn! I feel like crying!

Now I had to use the old template, the one I saved about 2 months ago! Can you imagine that I have to put all the stuffs back in my sidebar???

And, I feel so stupid for not updating the file where I keep the codes.

So, I remind you all...

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1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4.

and you feel like shouting,
"Will someone please shoot me!"

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can.

I can reach the desk of my colleague (am in the office now)

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?

A TV show during sahur (dinner for moslems who are fasting), at 03.30 am

4.Without looking, guess what time it is?

10.05 am

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?

You won't believe it!

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?

Sounds of birds outside my office building. They have some kind of a nest on the window. BTW, my office building is on a 4 floor one and I'm on the 2nd.

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?

Having dinner with my hubby yesterday.

8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?

The computer screen. Exact same answer with Rachel's, the one who tagged me.

9. What are you wearing?

Blue long sleeve shirt, and blue pants. And, white hijab.

10. Did you dream last night?

Last night I didn't sleep at all. I spent it doing the task my boss told me. I couldn't do it in the office 'cause I couldn't concentrate. So, I did it at home, last night. I started sleeping at 04.45 am and woke up at 08.29 am.

11. When did you last laugh?

A few minutes ago when my colleague asked me types of mobile phone and I didn't know...I'm never good at those types, maybe because I don' t care at all.

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?

White...but too be honest, these walls must be repainted!

13. Seen anything weird lately?

Hm...nothing...

14. What do you think of this quiz?

I like it. Just like Rachel, this is the first time I got tagged. So, thanks, Rach.

15. What is the last film you saw?

Oh I completely have no idea. It's been so long since I really watch a movie. And, I don't like watching a film on TV, too many commercials.

16. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?

A big big big house with a big big big front and back yard. And, I will make a big big big library inside it with all the books ever written laying on the shelves.

17. Tell me something about you that I dunno.

I hate ironing...I know how to do it but I hate it so much that I'd rather avoid it. Maybe because I can't stand the heat.

18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?

I wish end of all wars and erase poverty.

19. Do you like to dance?

Yes, back when I was single. ;D

20. George Bush

Somebody who has a big passion over wars.

21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?

My first child is a girl, and I call her Hana (in Japanese it means flower, in Arabic it means happy)

22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?

Kemal...I just like that name.

23. Would you ever consider living abroad?

Sometimes, yes. I'd like to experience new things, new life. But, some other time, no. I love being close to all my family.

24. What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?

"Come and sit down with Me to heaven, and let Me answer all the questions you've been keeping inside."

25. 4 people who must also do this meme in their journal.

I'd like to tag Atasha, The Shopisticated Writer, Liza, and Sheila.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

No, I'm not visiting the city (yet). I hope I will but still don't know when.

My quest is simply for my novel. I wrote a novel with settings in Jakarta and Paris. I have asked a dear friend to check the novel out and give her comment on it. And she did.

And, just like what I thought...she critisized me on the setting, especially the one in Paris. She said, she was hoping to get a full view on how the cafes are in the city of Eiffel Tower. She wished to feel like being in one while reading my novel. So, she suggested me to make a research on how the cafes there are.

With this Ramadhan, my GrandMa's passing and my future long leaves (I'll be taking 2 weeks of leaves during Iedul Fitri since my daughter's nanny is going back to her hometown for Idul Fitri celebration) that's been making me do some tasks earlier, I had no time doing the research.

But, today, I did it anyway, in between my being extremely busy with my job. Of course, then, I did my research in google. I found some that I was interested in and have bookmarked them.

Hopefully, I'll get the chance to review them one by one and start editing my novel's setting during my leaves.

BTW, if you think you can give me a slightly tiny idea of how the cafes in Paris are, I'd be delighted to be informed. You can e-mail me (at nuts_is_good at yahoo.com) or simply comment on this post. Too bad my novel is in Indonesia so you can't get the idea how badly I described the cafe there.

Yeah, I know...I'm a silly writer trying to describe something I'm not familiar with. But...I believe there are some of my fellow bloggers who can help me out with this.

Thanks in advance!

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

I've been calling my self "BLANK HEAD" for the last couple of days.

I've just got 2 tasks from my boss to write some kind of a poem. I thought I would manage it well. I used to like writing poems. Yet, I had a little doubt, too. For the last few weeks, I've been reading poems written by my friends and thinking that I couldn't write as beautiful poems.

But, doing the task, I thought, would help me get back on track. It'll make me write more good poems.

But...it's been 2 days, and no single GOOD poems has been written by me. The deadline is tomorrow. I have asked for extra time. I said, "If I finish it on Thursday, I'll send it to your e-mail."

IF i finish it on Thursday. What if I DON'T?!!!

Well, I'm not gonna give up. I'll keep trying. I still have 2 x 24 hours to do all I can to finally end up in beautiful words.

Wish me luck!

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

1. I'd like to read all the books I've bought. All this time, they just lay there in the bookshelves.
   
2. I'd like to spend more time in the bookstore to buy more books.
3. I'd like to spend more time in the salon for self treatment.
4. I'd like to play with my daughter whenever she feels like it.
5. I'd like to finish editing my novel.
6. I'd like to write more stories.
7. I'd like to take some writing courses.
8. I'd like to cook and bake cookies everyday. My DD likes cookies so much. Too bad, her Dad doesn't.
9. I'd like to sleep like a bear.
   
10. I'd like to blog even more.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Appetizer
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend reading other blogs?

2-3 hours a day, 12-15 hours a week...or more...

Soup
Your community wants everyone to give one thing to put into a time capsule. What item would you choose to include?

This is a hard question...I assume it's gonna be sent to the future, isn't it? Well, I think I'll choose a set of PC to be put in the museums as an antique...hehehe...

Salad
What is the most interesting tourist attraction you've ever visited?

Tourist attraction? Hm...lemme think...I think it's kids playing Angklung, the Sundanese traditional bamboo musical instrument.

Main Course
If you could give an award to anyone for anything, who would it be and what would the award be titled?

I think it would be for kindness. I always adore nice people. Mostly they are non vindictive and forgive others easily, something I'm still learning to do. There are 2 persons that deserve tha award, my GrandMa and my Mom. The title of the award would be: The Kindest Human Beings on Earth.

Dessert
What do you think your favorite color reveals about your personality?

I like pastel colors, any pastel colors, so I think it shows the soft side of me.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

This book lied there on my boss’ desk and had been attracting me since the first time I saw it. How come? Was it simply because of the title? Hello Kitty? Which was one of my favourite characters when I was little?

Yes…to be honest the answer is yes.

I thought, what the heck is interesting about Hello Kitty to make it a billion dollar feline phenomenon?!!!

Then I decided to borrow the book from my boss. I knew he would like it that I read such a good book.

Finishing the book took me more than 2 months. I’ve mentioned once that it always takes me centuries to finish a non-fiction book. Now that I’ve finished it, I owe my self to make a review of what I’ve got from the book.

The thing that impresses me most is the Kawaii culture in Japan. Kawaii means cute. So, all Japanese are into cute things, mostly the girls/women. They are attracted to cute characters such as Hello Kitty and others created by Sanrio.

This culture is so much related to their language. Their way of communication is using kanji, a series of pictograms. And, it’s also connected to Japan’s long tradition of graphic arts—manga and anime. Thus, Japanese love using images, artistic or otherwise, to communicate.

So, Sanrio is smart enough to use this Kawaii syndrome to make the business go well. These girls/women, the loyal consumers, collect all the series of Hello Kitty and other characters of Sanrio, including Snoopy of which license was bought by the company.

Yet, what makes Hello Kitty a great phenomenon?

First of all, the reason is related to the Kawaii syndrome. The next thing is that it is accepted highly in other countries. Not only those in Asia but also those in Europe or America.

And, what this cat without mouth—yes, without mouth, I didn’t realise either that Hello Kitty had no mouth until I read the book and took a glance at my only Hello Kitty collection—has done to make these people love her so much?

There are many reasons. Yet, one of them is that Hello Kitty is a symbol of innocence, sentimentality and harmony. She represents kindness. And, it seems like the world needs such a character. Yet, there are more other reasons that you can find in the book.

One more thing that gave me a surprise when I read the details about this lovely cat with the pink bow on her left ear: she is British, not Japanese!

She was given a name, White, Kitty White. She was born in London on November 1, 1974 (she is three years older than me). Her parents are George and Marry. And, she had an identical twin sister named Mimmy, the difference is that she wears a yellow bow on her right ear. Such a happy family, isn’t it? Well, there are more other details about Kitty that you can find in the book, such as about her grandparents!

Overall—even though it took me billions of centuries to finish the book—, I really enjoyed reading it. I highly appreciate the two people writing the book in such a lovely style. It’s non-fiction but their dictions were nicely flowing. I relished the book as if it were fiction. What made me read it that long was simply because I was foolishly trapped into my own silly way of thinking: that I’m not a big fan of non-fiction.

Actually, this book taught me to read more non-fictions. And I’ve promised my self to do so.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Oh I feel so tired...I've just finished a project. So, I don't think I'm capable of thinking about 13 things of anything. So, I decided to skip Thursday Thirteen.

A project was finally done. The due date is Monday but I'd rather finish earlier since 2 other projects are already queuing. I'm planning to finish one tomorrow morning and start the last one in the afternoon.

Now my head is full. Actually, it's not only because of the projects. Part of it was because I almost lost my BABYHANA!

She came to shop with my mom, dad and brother in the supermarket located in the 2nd floor of my office building. So, I went down to see her. I decided to bring her to my room so mom, dad and bro didn't have to look after her while they're shopping.

In my office, she sat for a while in front of the computer and saw her pics in her blog.

But then, I brought her back to mom since Ihad to finish the project (the one I mentioned earlier). But, she refused to be with my mom and wanted to go back to my office. I told her she couldn't. So, I kinda tricked her by hiding somewhere and asked my brother to be with her instead so I can skulk my self away to the office.

Only three steps away from the cashier, my brother yelled at me, "Sis, I can't find your daughter!"

"You what!!!?????????"

Then I started yelling, calling her name, with my heart beating faster than flash. All the scary thoughts came to my mind, that she was kidnapped and taken away by a bad bad stupid guy that might have done her harm. I almost cried but I tried not to. I almost fainted but I did all I could not to.

Then, I heard her voice..."Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"

Yes, it was my baby...I tried to find where the voice came from...and I found it...and I found her...on the 4th step of the stairs with my dad trying to get her down.

"I wanted to go to your office," she said, angrily.

OMG...I couldn't help but kissing her. Then, my dad took her and tried to get her attention away from the stairs and he seemed to make it.

Thank God, she was just fine.

That's why, I think...I have no energy to think of any things to make my TT.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

When I visited The Lady Starlight's blog, I found this great posting a blogthing about perfume! And Lady Starlight's perfume is Ibiza Hippe. That's my perfume, and one of my favorites.

So, I thought, I gave it a try, hoping (even knowing for sure) that mine would be Ibiza Hippe, too.

But, instead of like this:

Your Perfume is Ibiza Hippie

You're a total free spirit with a ton of energy That being said, you're more "hippie chic" than "hippie chick" You always know the hot place to be... and you're probably already there You've been known to be a bit excessive, but isn't life all about excess? Power scents: Pear, cranberry, and amber

My result was like this:

Your Perfume is Glow

Fresh, sexy, and clean. You're real, intimate, and exciting. Your lush sensuality appeals to men... And you're as sexy as Jennifer Lopez. Power scents: Orange flower, grapefruit, and citrus.

So, I'm disappointed...

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

1. From amaranth:
Name three people you would pick (and why) if you could choose who to be stranded on a deserted island with.

My hubby, my daughter, my mom, all to cheer me up. But, I believe they also get a chance to pick 3 other people and I bet they would love to bring our whole family so we can have a party in the new non-deserted Island. :D

2. From julie:
What is your favorite genre of film and what is your favorite movie from that genre?

Romantic-Comedy! There are many of them, but what's in my mind now it's "50 First Dates"

3. From tiffany:
Which country would you like to visit and why?

I believe I can pick more than one, right? I'd like to visit Saudi Arabia so I can do my haj. Then, I'd also like to visit UK, France, Netherland, Italy (since I can speak the languages). Next it's US, since my hubby really wants to visit the big country, and I'd like to go to the place where the Gilmore Girls and Dawson from Dawson's Creek live in. Those seem to be a great place to spend your life in. Oh yes, one more country...Yemen! 'Coz my ancestors are from that country.

4. From wil:
What are you driving these days? What's it's (their) good and bad points? Would you buy another one, and why or why not?

I don't drive. I almost hit a bajaj once and it scared me to death. BTW, bajaj is like a cab but it's small and the engine is not a car's engine, it's a vespa's. It's originated from India but it's a famous transportation in my country.

5. From cindy swanson:
"Lost," "24," or both?

My answer previously: I don't get the question...please explain! (dumb & dumber kinda look)

My answer after being told by Atasha that both are TV shows: Haven't watched any of them (Thanks, Atasha!)

6. From lady starlight:
You've been very good this year. What should Santa bring you for Christmas? (the sky is the limit)

Hm...is Santa sending me gifts, too? Well, if he does, I simply ask for a DVD player (mine was sold 'coz I needed the money about 1.5 year ago) and ALL THE BOOKS EVER PUBLISHED IN THIS WORLD (AND IN ANOTHER WORLD, IF ANY) :D

THESE PEOPLE LOVE MONDAY MADNESS, TOO!

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Appetizer
Name a song you know by heart.

Bizarre Love Triangle. I used to have a cassette with this one song repeated again and again. I was still in high school by then. It had nothing to do with experience or whatsoever. I just loved the notes.

Soup
What will you absolutely not do in front of another person?

Nose picking. :D I'd be totally ashamed if someone caught me doing that embarassing thing!

Salad
How often do you use mouthwash and what kind do you like?

0-2 times...it depends. Yet, I like the fresh and minty one.

Main Course
Finish this sentence: I am embarrassed when...

I say something wrong or silly and everyone is laughing at me. But, sometimes it's ok to be laughed at only if I wish to be laughed at, like when I intentionally say something funny so others laugh at me.

Dessert
What was the last food you craved?

4 croquettes (dutch kroket) made by my aunty for breaking the fast yesterday.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

With this post, I'd like to thank:

• Rani, a friend who suggested the font changes at the first place
• Friday's Child
• The Foo
• My 2 Cents
• Tricia
• Eph2810
• Mama Duck
• Mysterious Lady

Your comments and suggestions and opinions make my blog better and easier to read! :o)

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

I'm sorry that it's too late. I wasn't in the mood, before...you know, I was still very sad about my GrandMa's passing. I am still sad now...but I'm stronger.

1. From amanda f:
What do you do when somebody complements you?
a. Smile and say Thanks
b. Ignore it and change the subject
c. Complement them back
d. Turn red in embarrasment at the attention and look around to see other people's reaction
e. Take it as your due!

a. Smile and say Thanks

2. From shelly:
What color are your eyes?

Black, of course...I wish they could be blue, green or brown...

3. From kia:
What do you like most about yourself?

That I love to write. I can't imagine if I don't like writing...how can I express my self, then?

4. From julie:
How do you spend Christmas?

I don't celebrate Christmas for I'm a Moslem. So, I think I'll just tell you how I spend Idul Fitri, the biggest Moslem's holiday: I visit my relatives' house and eat and eat for they serve lots of foods :o)

5. From wide imagination:
When do you normally blog? Day or night?

Hey, this is my own question :o) Mostly I blog during the day

6. From rach:
What song can you relate to your personal life? Share a line or two of that song.

OMG...I think it would be "My Way" by Frank Sinatra...

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

7. From sherle:
What is your favorite color for a sleeping environment?

Green!

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

Do you think the font I use for this blog is too small?

A. Yes, it hurts my eyes, you'd better change it
B. No, it's fine, no need to change

Please answer me by commenting on this post.

Thanks, really appreciate your opinion!

:o)

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.

My last posting, the Wordless Wednesday, left you all with a very big question : HOW DID IT HAPPEN?

I will surely answer your question because I know that I owe you an explanation on what happened to the TV.

But, hope you don't mind that I'd refer doing it a little bit later.

Now, I'd like to share with you a sad story happening last Wednesday.

Remember my posting about my Grandma? I guess it was a sign. A sign of my heart knowing that she would leave me.

And she did. Last Wednesday, she passed away at 10.50 PM.

It was hard for me to believe that it happened. She was taken to the hospital by car for she said that she got her heart hurt a lot and she got breathing difficulties. Normally, we took her to the hospital by ambulance. But that time she seemed just fine. She could even sit nicely on the front seat beside my uncle who drove the car.

It was my Dad who told me the news. And it was like half my soul left with her. I couldn't help screaming and falling down the floor.

She was not only a Grandma. She was like a mother to me. She took care of me since I was born. My mom had an agreement with her and my GrandPa that I lived with them instead of with my parents because they only had one daughter, my Mom and Mom had to live with my Dad and his family. So, I was kinda replacing Mom.

It was a weird agreement, I know. I still can't believe that they could make such a silly agreement.

Yet, if it wasn't for the agreement, I wouldn't have lived with my grandparents and felt like I had 4 parents instead of 2.

Back to my GrandMa. She was burried the next day. We, Moslems, prefer burrying right away instead of keeping the death with us because the death deserves being where he/she belongs. Before the process, Mom and I joined the lady who was chosen to give bath to my GrandMa. We helped the lady giving bath to her. It was not easy. I couldn't help crying. But that was the last time I can do something meaningful for her so I strengthened my heart to do it.

I almost fainted when her body was taken to the funeral. We, women, were not allowed to be at the funeral for there, as we, Moslems, believe, shouldn't be any tears or mourn. And women are more sensitive and easily crying.

So, that's why I haven't explained anything yet to you about what had happened to the TV. I had no connection to the internet until yesterday. But, yesterday, I was not in the mood to tell about anything at all.

And...here is what happened to the TV:
It was Monday morning, 00.30 AM. I was half asleep when my hubby giggled. I almost got angry with him for disturbing my sleep. But then I asked him what caused his silly giggles. When he answered me, I couldn't help giggling. He said, my cousin's face was all black because of the smoke out of his burning TV.

Yes, it was my cousin's TV and yes, it was burning.

How did it happen?

My cousin--who also lives with me in my GrandMa's house--was having an aromatherapy candle on. Foolishly he put it on the TV. He started sleeping with the candle on at 10.00 PM. And 2 hours later, the TV was already burning along with the candle. I believe there must have been an explosion since his room was all covered with black plastics coming from the TV. And the was fire, according to him.

Thank God it wasn't getting big because right in front of my house there is a gas station! Yes, that was totally scary!

I thank God that we were all just fine. Yet, I was thinking, could it be another sign on my GrandMa's death? Or, I'm just being exaggerative?

Now, I'm blogging at http://NadiahAlwi.com/english, please visit me there. Thanks.