Fireworks everywhere. I'm at home with my hubby and daughter. They are all asleep now.

In case you ask...

No, we're not celebrating. No party, nothing. I even am awake to get some work done.

Let others celebrate the way they like to. I prefer to be at home, contemplate, be thankful for everything God granted me the whole year at 2007. And, of course, pray that 2008 would be a better year, filled with happy days.

2008 is a new beginning for I decide to be a freelancer. A WAHM. I did start it at the end of 2007. But, the final decision was made today: I won't look for any full-time job anymore since the year of 2008.

But, I don't say that there is no chance, even just a 'lil bit, that I might be a full-time worker. Even if I will have to, that's God's will. Something that I can't say no to, I can't avoid.

So, yes, I am deeply willing to be a real freelancer starting today (January 1st, 2008) but let God give me the best.

Labels: about me, job, life

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If someone asked you that question, what would your answer be?

Mine would be, "Yes, I'm romantic!"

I remember how I loved to write love letters for my boyfriend--who happens to be my husband, now. I also remember how I sent him cards--cute ones with lovely lines inside.

My husband is actually not that romantic. But, once, he became a very romantic man by giving me flowers on my birthday.

I knew for some people it was like everyday thing. But, knowing him, I consider that one time as one of the most unforgettable moments in our relationship.

He's not that expressive when it comes to showing his love. But, it seems like, since we got together, each day he has been adding a bit of his romantic level. He becomes a bit more expressive.

So, if your partner seems to be not romantic at all, don't just feel disappointed and give up. Be the one to change him. But, don't expect that he will change in a day or two. Be patient. One day, you'll see that all the efforts you have made come to a very sweet result. And there is nothing happier than knowing that you have turned your loved one into a better man--a romantic one.

So, are you romantic?

Labels: blog, internet, love

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Isn't it funny? I've never been to Europe, but, a few days ago I had this dream of traveling all over the continent.

Firts, I remember checking out of a hotel in Rome. Then, suddenly I was like already sleeping in this hotel in Prague. And, I was like taking a train, seems like a long journey. Then, I was already in front of the Big Ben. I remember checking in a beautiful hotel in London.

Well, what do you think?

Does the dream seem to have anything to say?

Or, was it just my desire that I've been trying to hide?

Labels: blog, internet

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So, there is this novel that I wrote long time ago. And, I think it's about time that I send it to the publisher.

Self-publishing? Well, I don't think so.

First, I don't have the money. Secondly, I think, for now, I prefer writing. Self-publishing requires lots of time and I think--at least for now--I'm more into writing and I'd better use the time to write.

So, now, I think, I'm going to just get my mind off this novel for a while. And, sometimes next week, I'll check it out, edit some--if needed--, then send it to the publisher.

I hope the result will cheer my first days in 2008.

Who knows?

Labels: my novel, writing

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I have to tell you the truth. Long time ago, I used to have bed bugs in my mattress. Yeah...I know, I didn't clean it up enough.

But, now, thank God, they seem to find another place to hide.

Know what? It could be your home they have chosen. Would you let them?

I bet you wouldn't.

But, how?

You have to prevent the bed bug infestation anywhere in your home. Don't let them even enter the front door--if it's how they get into homes. You also have to make sure that you've got a clean place to live in. Try some vacuuming or steam cleaning.

Although bed bugs are not dangerous, they might cause you skin irritation and rashes--not to mention that their bites are quite annoying! You might be scared to get into your bed just imagining it.

So, what's the waiting for? Let's say no to bed bugs!

*This post is brought to you by bedbugsguide.com*

Labels: blog, internet

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Being a WAHM, I have to be creative in getting some money to replace the salary I used to get every single month. Especially, since I am a kind of person who loves stability in every aspect of my life.

So, yes, an additional monthly income is somehow needed.

My husband can support the family by himself. But, you know, sometimes, you feel like you need more. I do. So, what can I do to get this desire fulfilled?

I made a research over money that you can get on the internet. And, I found Smorty. So, how can Smorty help me get the additional monthly income?

Have you ever heard "blog for money?"

Yes, Smorty helps by getting me paid for blogging. And, Smorty can help you, too. Simply get a blog of your own, join Smorty, then blog!

Isn't it nice to be able to express yourself through blogging and get money at the same time?

Plus, it is quite easy!

Labels: blog, internet

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Labels: hana, school

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

My desire to visit Paris is so big that I started to collect some pictures of the city attractions. This desire didn't just come up because I learned the language its citizens speak. It is also because of the beauty that the city offers.

As we all know, Paris is famous as the City of Lights, La Ville-lumière, for its fame as a center of education and ideas and its early adoption of street-lighting. It is also famous for its being the city of romance. It offers lots of beauty that no couple wishes to be separated.

It is as well a heaven for tourists. With all the attractions:

• the Eiffel Tower, the most recognized landmark in the city from where you can enjoy the marvelous views across Paris,
• the Seine River and the bridges. You can enjoy traveling on the boat or simply take a walk on the bridges to explore the beauty of the city,
• the Louvre Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. Visitors can enjoy delving into the wonderful work of arts,
• the Cafes. In this city of light, cafes are not merely places to take a sip or two of your favorite coffee. It is a cultural phenomenon. Visiting the city without having a long sit in one of those cafes is like soup without salt,
• and, many other more interesting places to visit...
  

...who can say no to a chance of going there?

I wouldn't. If, let's say, I've got some extra money, I would right away book a plane ticket and a room in any Paris hotels.

Visiting the city might still be only a dream for me, right now. But, who knows, you might be seeing me reading a book or chit-chatting with some people in one of the sidewalk cafes in the near future!

Or, better, you might as well catch me in any France hotels...

But, you know what...my wish is if I have the chance to go to Europe, I won't only visit one country. I hope that I can visit other countries. So, there also might be a chance for you to see me in any Germany Hotels.

Who knows?

Labels: blog, internet

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I went to visit a friend of mine today. And, I had such a great time. We talked and talked and talked. With her, I can talk about anything.

Yeah, we did talk a lot.

She needed to be listened to, so did I. So, we talked and listened.

And, we discussed things, we analyzed them. We didn't do gossips. They are just useless. Well, we did talk about some friends but it was more like analyzing their situations so that we could learn from there. Oh yeah, we're some analyzers, for sure! ;D

But, there was something more. Today, I was officially hired by her. She needs somebody to help her do some copy writing for her business (website and company profile).

Frankly speaking, I was not sure about taking the job. First, because she is a friend and I am kinda afraid of doing business with friends for there is a chance of ruining the relationship. Second, because I haven't really done it before. I did some copy writing for some websites but I haven't had any experience with a company profile.

But then, she said she would help me. So, I told her that if she likes my work, she could take it but if she doesn't, that is ok with me. So, it was a deal.

However, to be honest, I am EXCITED! So, please...wish me luck!

Labels: about me, friends, job

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Back then when I was still working as a secretary, I had nothing to worry about. I had quite a big salary, I got some bonuses, and I got good benefits. One of them is the insurance, especially health insurance.

Not that I had any specific health problems. I just felt safe.

Therefore, I was focused at nothing but my tasks. I kinda did a great job--boss told me so--although frankly speaking I didn't like being a secretary--because I'm more to writing and art.

And, from what I saw, the feeling I had was exactly the same as that of my colleagues. They performed well. And, the company grew from small to big.

I had this friend working for a company with no Employee Benefit Package at all. And, guess what? He left it. Also the other employees. It then shrank from big to very small.

So, what's the waiting for? If you are an employer, start the coming year of 2008 with enthusiasm by creating Corporate Insurance Plans for the Employers. You don't want them to leave you, do you?

There are no better assets than some loyal and qualified employees!

Or...you wish to have your own personal insurance? Why don't you check out the Online Insurance Policy to learn more?

Labels: blog, job

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I've just been crying for about two hours. Thanks to a very beautiful movie, The Pursuit of Happyness.

I might be the last person on earth watching this movie. But, it's better late than never. My best friend Nonie told me to watch it, it was almost 4 months ago (or more, I forgot). But, I kept postponing until today.

And, I'm glad that I did watch it, today...not earlier, not later.

It was simply the right time for me. It touched me most today. And, I believe that it wouldn't have touched me as much should I had watched earlier--or later.

I bet, I don't have to tell you all about the story. You all might have known it by heart.

Maybe these lines, too. But, I need to write them down. For myself. For me. I need them. And, who knows? Maybe some of you need them as well...

Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All right?

'Lil Christopher: All right.

Christopher Gardner: You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period.

and

'Lil Christopher: Hey dad, you wanna hear something funny? There was a man who was drowning, and a boat came, and the man on the boat said "Do you need help?" and the man said "God will save me". Then another boat came and he tried to help him, but he said "God will save me", then he drowned and went to Heaven. Then the man told God, "God, why didn't you save me?" and God said "I sent you two boats, you dummy!"

Labels: life, movies

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I have been considering to get my own website apart from my blogs. However, I haven't been able to find the right company to help me.

Since my husband understands more about web hosting, I thought of letting him do everything for me.

But, I'm the kind of person who prefers doing things by myself. So, without my husband knowing it, I looked for some web hosting info on the net and found http://www.webhostingchoice.com.

There, you can learn everything you wish to know about web hosting. The site also provides you with lots of choices on web hosting services. So, it can make a great site for both newbies and those with advanced knowledges on web hosting.

*This post is specially brought to you by Web Hosting Choice*

Labels: internet

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Yesterday, we celebrated Idul Adha. We spent it mostly at my in-laws. My mother in law is having osteoporosis with a fracture on the back bone. So, we decided to spend the whole day there.

Since she cannot move a lot, so, I took the liberty to help her with some cookings. Normally, on Idul Adha, we get lots of goat meat. My MIL told me to just fry them. All you have to do is simply add some salt and ground pepper. But, the taste is YUMMY!

For lunch, it was me who slice the meat yet my MIL was the one who put the salt and pepper. Yet, for lunch, it was all me who did the job.

And, you know what? The meat was hard to eat! I was soooo embarrassed. But hey, it's not all my fault. According to what I know, goat meat would be soft if you made the right cut on the first place. When I received the meat, they were already sliced into big pieces. And, I simply made them smaller.

So, it wasn't my fault...was it?

Labels: family

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Remember that one of my dreams for the year of 2008 is to lose weight? I am determined that it will have to be done no matter what.

Then, I found this site that might be able to help me make the dream comes true. What I love about this program is that it says no to diet pills! How I hate pills!

Why?

Because, I believe that all weight loss programs should be natural and won't cause your body any damage.

And, this is the best part: this program uses the Law of Attraction. And, I'm really curious!

It seems like the year of 2008 would bring me lots of joy, and, especially, end my depression for having such a poorly-shaped body.

What about you? Care to get a well-shaped body?

*This post is specially brought to you by The Magnetic Diet*

Labels: about me, internet

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As mentioned before, hubby and I decided to return the laptop I bought 'coz it kinda caused much trouble. So, we're back into this one and only computer of my hubby's.

His business needs internet connection, mine, too. And, mybabyhana sometimes thinks she needs it as well to check out (read: play in) some sites provising online games such as Barneys, PBS Kids, Barbie, etc.

So, can you imagine how tired the computer would be with me and him, plus mybabyhana, three internet addicts?

Well, we're just trying to make a living (and mybabyhana is just trying to have fun). I believe the compie (its nickname) would understand anyway.

So, compie, we all love you, please take care and stay out of viruses and be healthy!

Labels: family, job, life, projects

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Are you looking for engagement rings for your special one? What do you prefer? FYI, most women would love to have one with diamonds on it. The diamond doesn't have to be a very big one. That is not the essence. Get one with a lovely design.

Are you somehow confused where to get it? No need to. You know, there are some professional jewelers who own wonderful sites providing you with lovely items to offer. One of them is James Allen's site. There, you can go through all the lovely collections, choose one for your future wife.

Or, is your wedding anniversary coming? Take a look at their wedding rings. The collections are so beautiful that even if you choose one with both your eyes closed, you would have a beautiful wedding-anniversary present for your beloved one.

Oh...isn't beautiful to get something special for your dearly (future) wife?

*Would anyone tell that to my husband? ;D*

Labels: internet, love

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Labels: hana, wordless wednesday

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

Hady Mirza from Singapore!

The 6 of them were good. Yet, there is always a winner in every competition kan?

He deserves it. When I watched him sang with Jacklyn (Malaysia), well, I had to admit that they were good. And, Jacklyn really showed the aura of a star.

So, congrats, Hady...

Phuong Vy (Vietnam), Mao (Philippines), Abhijeet (India), Mike (Indonesia), Jacklyn, you were doing great...so, you're all also the winners, ok? *I saw a bit of sadness in their eyes although they seemed to also feel happy for Hady*

And, Mike, I just hope you can work harder...add more power to your voice yaaa...so Indonesia would love you more...(and eventually Asia as well as the whole world)

Labels: music

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It's so funny! I've just been talking abt it this morning and suddenly just now I got my period.

So, no...am not pregnant.

Sad? A bit. Relieved? Kinda. My feeling is kinda mixed up now.

Moreover, my laptop is causing troubles again. Suddenly it got kinda blacked out. So, I guess, I'm saying sayonara to him (it's dark blue and a bit silvery--kinda macho, so it's a he). It's not destined to be my baby, so be it.

So, I'm back to my old laptop, my sweet white laptop. She (it's so cute, so it's a she) has always been there for me, helping me with my novels, short stories and translation projects. Well, she is just not easily replaced, I guess.

Labels: about me, life

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No, I'm not pregnant...yet...

Ok, I admit it, I haven't got my period, it's been 14 days late. But, it doesn't mean I'm pregnant. It's been the 3rd times since I stopped having the pills and the last 2 times, I got the period eventually.

To be honest, we're not ready for it yet. But, we won't say no to God's will. Actually, now, we're kinda excited about it.

Like the second time when it was late...we already had a cute nickname for the supposed-to-be baby in my tummy. So, when finally I got the period, we were kinda sad.

Funny isn't it?

But, pregnant or not, I'm planning to visit my ob/gyn sometimes next week.

Say, I'm pregnant...I really wish that it will be a boy ;D well, coz if it's not, there will be another pregnancy in the next 4 years!

Labels: about me, family

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Labels: memory, wordless wednesday

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

Besides France, the other country that I would love to visit is Italy. The main reason is because of the beauty, and the second one is because learned the language for three semesters back at campus.

The first place that I'd love to visit is Venice. Everything I hear about it sounds romantic. I'd like to book a Hotel Venice and spend a week there.

I imagine myself take the gondola ride in the Grand Canal in Venice, take some pictures at the Rialto bridge. It would make an unforgettable memory, I bet.

The second one would be Rome. Yet, I haven't decided my Rome accommodation. Actually, I'd consider an apartment. They say, Rome apartment makes an interesting place to spend while you travel all over the city.

I'd love to dip into the Ancient Rome by visiting Colosseum. I will surely throw a coin into the pond of Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi). I'd also love to go to Capitoline Museum (Museo Capitolino) to explore the Old Masters of Great Renaissance and Baroque paintings such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

And, wherever I'd be in Italy, in whichever city, I'd be able to taste the real pasta and pizza! I adore Italian food. So, yes, traveling to Italy would make me indulge myself a lot, in many many ways!

Wanna come along?

Labels: about me, blog

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Actually, I love home decorations. It's just, I don't have a home. Now, I only have a room instead in my Grandma's house.

However, I love to decor it a bit. Since I have such a limited space, I have to be smart. I don't want the room to look full, yet I don't want it to look empty either.

One of the things I can put more touches is the curtains and the poles. I get something simple for the curtains, yet something chic for the poles.

I use white-painted plastic curtain poles. Yet, there are lots of other choices on the poles such as metal curtain poles, wooden curtain poles and bay window curtain poles.

What I love about poles is that it can make the window looks prettier. The design of my window is so simple--well, I consider it too simple indeed--so, with a little touch of the nice-looking poles, it looks better.

I even have been imagining how I will decor my window should I have my own house one day. I would choose white or soft-colored curtain for the living room, kitchen and dining room. And, I'll use satin silver poles. My hubby said that those three room decorations are all up to me. Yet, for our room, I have to discuss it with him. Oh yes, of course!

Labels: house/home

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Don't want to call them resolutions. I'd rather call them 'my dreams'...

1. Publish several novels that I have been writing.
2. Write other novels and publish them.
   
3. Write more stories and Get them published in magazines.
4. Write non-fictions.
5. Translate more books.
   
6. Read more.
7. Make my online second-hand book business go smoothly.
8. My husband's hardware business gets bigger and bigger.
9. Blog more.
10. Get more income and save more money.
11. Lose weight! (Ever since I worked at home, I've gained 5 pounds...ok, more... ;D)
    
12. Decor my room.
13. Get my daughter to a good school.

Labels: thursday 13

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Labels: friends, wordless wednesday

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What do you say about shopping at Amazon?

If you love it, I bet you must love the discount, too!

Know what, I have three secrets of getting as much discount as you need at Amazon. You can buy everything you need or buy some gifts for your loved one. Isn't it the holiday shopping season? So, save as much money possible!

Here are those secrets:

1. Go with the coupons!

Do you know that Amazon.com has tons of coupons? Yes, it does. You can find Amazon grocery coupons and coupons for Magazines, batteries, sporting goods, beauty products, as well as coupons for digital cameras. All you need to do is simply find the Amazon Promotional Codes!

2. Reveal more secrets!

All you need to do is go to the secret Amazon discount finder. And, enjoy the big discount, up to 90%. Buy those books, clothing, baby stuff, and furniture (or anything at all!) that you have been dreaming of with a very big discount! I bet, you have never even dared to imagine that it might happen! This is not only for residents of US, but also those in the UK, Canada, Germany and France!

3. Save more on Amazon.com gift certificates

More and more saving. Yes, you can save more on Amazon.com gift certificates. Just go to the right site and see the updated list of amazon gift certificates that you can purchase for less than they are worth...

So, what's the waiting for? Shop now...you won't even drop for you only have to spend a lot less than your budget!

Labels: blog

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