Nina's Boudoir

Nina's Boudoir http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/ Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:37:55 -0000 Fri, 27 May 2011 04:03:00 -0000 Nina's Boudoir http://multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/logo http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/ 100 100 TLC http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/153/TLC Still can't get over TLC's special appearance on the American Idol 10 Season Finale tonight.&nbsp; Dedicated to my boo.&nbsp; Love you. Always.From www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/153/TLC Fri, 27 May 2011 04:03:00 -0000 Sub-Zero at Ground Zero http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/152/Sub-Zero_at_Ground_Zero <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2pRotknV_g/TcKR8DlCH0I/AAAAAAAABvc/J8a8PfeQZ14/s1600/Ground+Zero+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" j8="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/q+sSUutm1rcOpcWX+AtJdA/photos/1M/orig/5097/GroundZero2.JPG?et=iN8xiKs0X3T%2Bu9%2Cpi6%2C0Ew&nmid=0" height="240"></a>Ground Zero in March 2007I was totally out of the loop when the news came out on Monday.&nbsp; Didn't think it would be possible foranyone to missthat. But blame my&nbsp;crazy week, which thankfully has begun to wind down a bit.....for now. This brings me&nbsp;back&nbsp;to my visit to Ground Zero in the bitter cold March winter of 2007, I'd have to say it was an experience in itself. What compelled HY and I to go there, in the first place, escapes me.&nbsp;&nbsp;We just knew we had to do it. Setting out on an early subway ride to the Financial District, which&nbsp;we discovered was&nbsp;the southern-most part of Manhattan, we didn't know quite what to expect.&nbsp; But a tourist spot it was not.&nbsp; Perhaps it was the freezing winter. Perhaps it was too early in the day.&nbsp; Coming up from the station, Ground Zero was not more than a few icy steps away.&nbsp; Icy in every sense of the word.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the obvious constr... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/152/Sub-Zero_at_Ground_Zero Fri, 6 May 2011 04:14:00 -0000 All Roads Lead to The Abbey http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/151/All_Roads_Lead_to_The_Abbey <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1SXtu0CQEg/TbgDvexg7vI/AAAAAAAABvY/WT746rNx6ks/s1600/Kate-%2526-Wills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img width="320" j8="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/cKRs0ATsn7y+8ESyZdNf7Q/photos/1M/orig/5096/Kate-2526-Wills.jpg?et=efnjP3hJe6EB3usF4bngLw&nmid=0" height="228"></a> If you have&nbsp;to ask which Abbey,&nbsp;then you must be on&nbsp;another planet! Mind you though, a couple of weeks ago my hairdresser quips, "So there's a Royal Wedding coming up."&nbsp; My head must have been on holiday as I replied,"Really? I haven't heard."&nbsp; For some reason I instantly thought he was talking about one that was to take place here, which, if were the case, I definitely would have known about it.&nbsp; But of course there's Kate.&nbsp; Who in 2 days time will become Princess Catherine Middleton.&nbsp; They fell in love in college, had a brief albeit a much-publicized falling out, and got back together again.&nbsp; The stuff of fairy tales.&nbsp; Not quite.&nbsp;But better.&nbsp;I do somewhat cringe at the overuse of the term "fairy tale" in that it implies something that is not true.&nbsp; And we all know how those stories end........Happily ever after, of course! Another pet peeve of mine is the way&nbsp;a ... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/151/All_Roads_Lead_to_The_Abbey Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:57:00 -0000 Sugar Rush Down Memory Lane http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/150/Sugar_Rush_Down_Memory_Lane When I first saw the clips from<a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/dc-cupcakes/">DC Cupcakes</a> on Star World, I couldn't help but wonder, in all my&nbsp;stops&nbsp;in DC&nbsp;how did I ever miss it?&nbsp; It turns out that I didn't........ <a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v275/25/102/695144866/n695144866_1033718_9199.jpg?dl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" r6="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/drnzRQ475irwpr9forZnmA/photos/1M/orig/5090/n695144866-1033718-9199.jpg?et=Ns2csAiA9f%2CZYJfxwUVsqg&nmid=0" height="240"></a>On a rainy 4th of July in 2008From the show, it looks like the sisters have a bigger shop also in Georgetown, Washington DC. This was their first shop that they also call their "lab" where they work on ideas on big projects.&nbsp; And it's true how they say the space is really small.... <a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v291/25/102/695144866/n695144866_992011_6604.jpg?dl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" r6="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/0VYlOPB9aMixyCyu5h5lMg/photos/1M/orig/5091/n695144866-992011-6604.jpg?et=mgadQli%2BebSvxACx9QQkIw&nmid=0" height="212"></a>My 1st time there in June '08 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6m0_GWaIx3E/TaGIfOAvXwI/AAAAAAAABvU/33Enb1mdlLo/s1600/GCWeb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" r6="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/6XZrZZGW1nMOkdtGikbZhw/photos/1M/orig/5092/GCWeb5.jpg?et=5W8TnsnqGJqGGYRpTleZ%2Bw&nmid=0" height="256"></a>July '08&nbsp;<a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v291/25/102/695144866/n695144866_992007_5416.jpg?dl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" r6="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/vFsKOm5hIR8iQFslKu+AaA/photos/1M/orig/5093/n695144866-992007-5416.jpg?et=f3zt9gg1sGG7Xt7ci%2C%2BNLA&nmid=0" height="212"></a>All lining up for theseGiven the limited space inside the shop itself, the best way to enjoy these decadent works of love is right outside their door.&nbsp; No seats or tables required. 'Cos once you've got your hands on one of these, you just can't wait to sink your teeth into it! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXK6GXaY4mw/TaGHrNYOjlI/AAAAAAAABvI/e-Knoe8U-hw/s1600/GCweb+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" r6="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/wLbaKmzEMb+RAaM83uF-ug/photos/1M/orig/5094/GCweb2.jpg?et=nHLQOj9x8NDE%2CWIMVysxww&nmid=0" height="213"></a>3 sins in a box<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwF782Rsdi4/TaGIKc5QZ7I/AAAAAAAABvM/lcc38oKfcA4/s1600/Forcefeed+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img width="193" r6="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/LF0aNosPchUqoh7da64OJw/photos/1M/orig/5095/ForcefeedWeb.jpg?et=CSnHhhtLiVrA1O98mfh8OA&nmid=0" height="200"></a>I could have done a lot worse than being force-fed a cupcake!Not the typical foodie show, DC Cupcakes takes us&nbsp;into the journey of the... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/150/Sugar_Rush_Down_Memory_Lane Mon, 11 Apr 2011 01:53:00 -0000 Triple Threat http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/149/Triple_Threat <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xR2m2-hdMrA/TZ66Gm78zXI/AAAAAAAABvA/DhdXQ4GYVMo/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" r6="true" src="//multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/NVx7jGKYFb7d8ptg7Ov5jQ/photos/1M/orig/5089/IMG-0684.JPG?et=kIYo651uSX%2BehQe7yXuGEQ&nmid=0" height="240"></a>Thanks for the "surprise" cake&nbsp; bro @zulmaidyI haven't quite processed how&nbsp;I feel&nbsp;about my birthday this year.&nbsp; All I know is that I'm truly blessed.....From www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/149/Triple_Threat Fri, 8 Apr 2011 22:36:00 -0000 Adil.Laila.Bahagia http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/148/Adil.Laila.Bahagia <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGWLS1bjKTQ/TXoSHILUQXI/AAAAAAAABu8/d7XZngLuce0/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img width="236" src="http://multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/mX8eH7qLy85xZmLGXCamGA/photos/1M/orig/5088/IMG-0596.JPG?et=CEEEmbmlMF8PZAM1jd815g&nmid=0" height="320" q6="true"></a> Not my typical Friday afternoon. From www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/148/Adil.Laila.Bahagia Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:28:00 -0000 The King's Night http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/147/The_Kings_Night <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qmhmivIR6JE/TWon8XMfQ3I/AAAAAAAABuc/PGciYtxFfTs/s1600/Oscars+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;"><img width="320" src="http://multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/mqYJgwlYo+5chu9y6gbYtw/photos/1M/orig/5080/Oscars1.png?et=puKEB2l5q3fHn7dK4SJ5bw&nmid=0" l6="true" height="271"></a>Live on Star World @8:30am &amp; Encore @8pmSo how many of us really follow the Oscars, or more correctly, The Academy Awards?&nbsp; It's such a long strung out event of glitz and glamour, no less, with virtually no live performances, save for the Original Score montages,&nbsp;and yet has us glued to the screen for a good 3 hours!&nbsp; That also depends a lot on the host of the show.&nbsp; Billy Crystal used to be on forever, but I suppose the Academy wanted some variety.&nbsp; This year's hosts will be the very easy-on-the-eyes James Franco &amp; Anne Hathaway.&nbsp; Need I say more?&nbsp; Well, they may be fabulous actors, but hosting the Oscars is a pretty tall order.&nbsp; Hugh Jackman managed to&nbsp;pull it off, though.&nbsp; The show, I mean. Not his shirt. :P&nbsp; Last year's line-up of nominees was quite impressive.&nbsp; Though, I'm finding it hard to remember who won Best Picture, which isthe award of the night.&nb... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/147/The_Kings_Night Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:33:00 -0000 A Moment of Silence http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/146/A_Moment_of_Silence Phantom pain A pain still felt long after you've lost a part of yourself. Or after you've lost someone you love. 3 years ago today. Still feel the pain. I miss you..... Al-FatihahFrom www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/146/A_Moment_of_Silence Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:00:00 -0000 1.1.11 http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/145/1.1.11 <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/TR8290oElCI/AAAAAAAABuM/8OsRFt53DH8/s1600/imagesCAG5271N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img n4="true" src="http://multiply.com/mu/ninahaanz/image/6poqgDC6QS0U1byM9qgLqw/photos/1M/orig/5079/imagesCAG5271N.jpg?et=Q%2CeTb6v%2Cse4EevZTb39o6A&nmid=0"></a>&nbsp;Image courtesy of<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_Mexico_105.svg">this</a> Happy New Year everyone!&nbsp; Wow! I managed 5 posts all of last year!&nbsp; Now where's&nbsp;that list of resolutions....?????? 105? Well, Bruneian ladies (and docs)&nbsp;have<a href="http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/weekend/news/jan1h1.htm">a lot to be thankful for</a>.... Here's to new beginnings.....Let's rock 2011!From www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/145/1.1.11 Sun, 2 Jan 2011 06:25:00 -0000 Sweet Spot http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/144/Sweet_Spot <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/TIigcWn7QBI/AAAAAAAABt4/V7A_cIA_XUY/s1600/Raya+jam+Manggis+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img width="400" ox="true" src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/s0wiePB3q8XXYXEwcEY3Og/photos/1M/orig/4800/RayajamManggis2.jpg?et=ixDE3rApYi0cSh7Zv04b2g&nmid=0" height="182"></a> So it's Raya Eve. Or isn't it?&nbsp;&nbsp;From the last 2 weeks of Ramadhan, I've been anticipating the moment when the mood sets in.&nbsp; Picked up my new dresses. Nothing. Bought our favourite standard&nbsp;fixture Raya cakes and cookies. Nothing.&nbsp; 2 pairs of shoes. Still nothing, for evenme!&nbsp; I wasn't getting it.&nbsp; The mood or the reason why I've been such a Grinch. This year of all years. Apparently I'm not alone on this.&nbsp; There seems to be a general sense of holding back, not just in terms of spending, but also celebration-wise.&nbsp; Or is it the chicken-and-egg situation?&nbsp;<strike>Lower</strike> Wiser spending means a subdued affair.&nbsp; No mojo, no shopping.&nbsp; Unless you're female! :P Radio stations too seem to be slow on livening up the Raya spirit.&nbsp; Even the songs they play are the poor-man's cover versions of the nostalgic originals.&nbsp; So I figured I'd just let it be.&nbsp; Until today, when I rea... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/144/Sweet_Spot Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:33:00 -0000 A Special Debut http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/143/A_Special_Debut <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/TICzNs6sNHI/AAAAAAAABto/DZGU5qvNB5k/s1600/IMG_5227+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img width="400" ox="true" src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/XDUgkYXQhH9-4PFSG5OE8Q/photos/1M/orig/4797/IMG-5227web.jpg?et=2UnVO5bWT32KSXyvPJURgw&nmid=0" height="267"></a>I don't do this much, but I just had to give a huge shout out to our latest addition to the family, my first nephew, Baby H, &nbsp;born at 5:13am this morning, September 3rd 2010.&nbsp; Congrats too my dear bro ZFM &amp; wife NI on yet another lil heartbreaker a.k.a Rooster Jr.!&nbsp; Now let's all start spoiling him rotten!&nbsp; What a way to ring in Syawal!&nbsp;Now I'm in the mood for Raya! Luv, Auntie F xxxFrom www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/143/A_Special_Debut Fri, 3 Sep 2010 23:47:00 -0000 What Tweet? http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/142/What_Tweet <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/TG5B4kEWekI/AAAAAAAABtY/Rtkw5JCBL4k/s1600/ramadan10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img ox="true" src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/jlXJwY8whGeRu-HYibh92w/photos/1M/orig/4790/ramadan10.jpg?et=%2BFvn1W6O5r%2Bk4EqZyblljg&nmid=0"></a>Borrowed from<a href="http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/observing_ramadan.html">The Big Picture</a> It's now the 9th day of Ramadhan in Brunei.&nbsp; By now we're pretty much used to the fasting, the early morning suppers, the rampant cranky traffic&nbsp;everywhere throughout the day, and the incessant yawning at work.&nbsp; Yet, everyday, we're faced with the same resounding dilemma, "What to eat?"&nbsp; Ever noticed how the Fasting month seems a lot more productive than others?&nbsp; Not to mention in terms of religious deeds, but also where work and everyday activity is concerned.&nbsp;&nbsp;I, for one,&nbsp;always find myself finally getting down to do stuff I'd been putting offforever!&nbsp;Perhaps not having to worry about breakfast, lunch or tea gives us a lot more time for other things.&nbsp; Or maybe we're a lot more creative with all this free time, trying to distract ourselves from eating.&nbsp; Provided this creativity doesn't&nbsp;go to waste in those long afternoon naps. We've all been guilty of ... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/142/What_Tweet Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:53:00 -0000 Across the Universe http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/141/Across_the_Universe <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/S8A3KBHvyqI/AAAAAAAABtA/mxWTBtALn7c/s1600/Pressie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img wt="true" src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/fwDv735Ol36q2Oof2SYYgA/photos/1M/orig/4621/Pressie.jpg?et=nf0br4VoR3H7mfSNRD5Jvg&nmid=0"></a> Thanks for all the lovely birthday wishes from everyone, anywhere in the world you may be.&nbsp;From home, the US, the U.K.&nbsp; Some of my nearest and dearest are sprinkled across the globe, but as my bro ZFM poignantly wrote...... <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/S8A4uCoyIKI/AAAAAAAABtI/RSNFPleTpPY/s1600/08042010043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img wt="true" src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/WaDvf+BJPWgmqslt6bmDkw/photos/1M/orig/4622/08042010043.jpg?et=wArGaIxeoO2k6aixhFEbXw&nmid=0"></a> "Always close no matter how far." Much love, xxFHM And yes, I'm 23 again! :PFrom www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/141/Across_the_Universe Sat, 10 Apr 2010 23:43:00 -0000 Another New Year http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/140/Another_New_Year <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/S3fH5MhYQeI/AAAAAAAABsU/dMRvlmY7j0k/s1600-h/chinese-newyear-india.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/qUXYkPj7V-qxPvgtel+45Q/photos/1M/orig/4620/chinese-newyear-india.jpg?et=RYjApKOrmMSP68cRAWmEgQ&nmid=0" ct="true"></a> Thank goodness for the Lunar New Year, otherwise I might have waited until January 2011 to write the next post!&nbsp; Any excuse.&nbsp; I'm finding myself homebound and bed-ridden all of a sudden, on the CNY long weekend at that!&nbsp; Justperfect!&nbsp; I was smart enough to schedule my H1N1 vaccination on a Thursday, so I'd have Friday to recover from the effects.&nbsp; After hearing all the horror stories from people who had been vaccinated recently, I was relatively prepared for it.&nbsp; The most common complaint was that the arm would be feeling sore for a few days.&nbsp; So left arm it was.&nbsp; Having had the regular flu vaccine over the years, I thought nothing of it.&nbsp; Until now.&nbsp; Mind you, I had been putting this off for a while, until the flu hit some of my nearest and dearest, and I was the first in line for the dreaded jab!&nbsp; Ok, maybe not exactly the 1st.&nbsp; I was sent away from the OSP clinic as they claim... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/140/Another_New_Year Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:08:00 -0000 It's a Wrap! http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/139/Its_a_Wrap <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/SzyNk2IahpI/AAAAAAAABr8/NYGri23qvYY/s1600-h/IMG_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/BFAugBiakFzoxqZNR0nmog/photos/1M/orig/4617/IMG-0159.JPG?et=nDpb%2Bj04x6TJdX6ivNPU8Q&nmid=0"></a> &nbsp;Chicago, Feb 2009 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So where did the year go, aye?&nbsp; That seems to be the general thought, anyway.&nbsp; Or is it just me?&nbsp; I was going through my pictures and thought, "Did all that happenthis year?!"&nbsp; I suppose when you look at it that way: overcoming hurdles, reaching milestones and all that good stuff, the year might have been just as lo... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/139/Its_a_Wrap Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:41:00 -0000 Centred http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/138/Centred <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/SyIVVcOfXkI/AAAAAAAABr0/5hzmn8aY-Ds/s1600-h/Fell%27s+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/8y9fH1no2mL7S9392qsHaw/photos/1M/orig/4389/Fell27s1.JPG?et=QYUIT5XjACsOB%2BV9e6qUxw&nmid=0"></a> One of my favourite shots from Fell's Point, Baltimore A reflection of my current state of mind.&nbsp; I told myself that I wasn't going to stop writing just because I was finally home.&nbsp; And that's what I've told the handful of unassuming people I've met who've been following my page from time to time.&nbsp; I'm truly touched thatanyone'sbeen reading this.&nbsp; Thank you.&nbsp; And so I've been telling myself that as soon as I found the time to relax and be able to string two words together, I'd write again.&nbsp; As soon as I found at least a solid hour to myself, without having to worry about&nbsp; home deliveries, workmen, or that other thing called.....a life!&nbsp; All I've needed is some uninterrupted peace and quiet without looking at my watch.&nbsp; So finally I've foundthe time.&nbsp; No more excuses! From the moment my plane left Baltimore-Washington International Airport, last September, I knew that I had to write about my departure... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/138/Centred Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:07:00 -0000 Under Construction http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/137/Under_Construction <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/StCh5WHLBmI/AAAAAAAABrk/weClZNNHj3I/s1600-h/Construction-Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/h4yffbdrOtwaIgnnKEzVjg/photos/1M/orig/4384/Construction-Sign.jpg?et=58c%2Btw6pxRC8nqAttVxHew&nmid=0" $r=""></a> Sorry, but this site is undergoing<strike>a mental block</strike> maintenance!&nbsp;&nbsp; Please check back soon. P.S. FYI Yes I'm finally back in Brunei :)From www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/137/Under_Construction Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:04:00 -0000 Letting Go http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/136/Letting_Go <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/Sp4rBSj5ToI/AAAAAAAABrU/mcrHNQk7fys/s1600-h/IMG_9264.JPG"><img src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/qGNj1c3Gz+W+16ll2-02ng/photos/1M/orig/4383/IMG-9264.JPG?et=73uunqPTB6WKH8EW9NbjOA&nmid=0" style="TEXT-ALIGN:" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376782306289208962"></a> It's finally hit me. It's about time. People around me are having a hard time accepting it. They tell me. I listen. They cry. I console them. But my calm stoic exterior is somewhat unfazed, it's unsettling. More so for me. At least until now. Right at this moment. I feel it. I've been telling myself, I'll be alright. I've done this before. Same story. Different place. Different cast. I'll be alright. Right until the last minute, then I'll open up the floodgates. Whennobody's looking. Past the departure gates. But this particular parting is probably going to be one of the hardest. I remember the first time I saw you. Actually it was a slightly different version of you. I was hesitant. I thought you'd look different. I was told you would. But I was willing to give you a chance. After all, you were so welcoming and I was just relieved. I knew for one, that you would be quiet, but just quiet enough for me. I felt an immediate sense of calm. I was home. Thebeginning is always exciting with so... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/136/Letting_Go Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:47:00 -0000 Texas Nexus http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/135/Texas_Nexus <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/So8SggEPNnI/AAAAAAAABrE/-k8EbzzF4to/s1600-h/IMG_3564.JPG"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/So8SFslR0XI/AAAAAAAABq8/fM3yyxRgIWw/s1600-h/IMG_3713.JPG"><img src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/bHEYGKwWCbuQ-ivZ8Z5Ljg/photos/1M/orig/4382/IMG-3713.JPG?et=dJ6US%2BwrY5ZFpqBaf%2CR4Gg&nmid=0" style="TEXT-ALIGN:" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372532769552454002"></a> A couple of weeks ago I travelled south to The Lone Star State. That's Texas to you and me. Most of my friends, particularly those back home, were asking "Why Texas?" Seriously, of all the destinations, of all the states in the US. Texas? Huh. That same quizzical response I got when I was heading to Nashville almost a year ago.....Huh. Coincidentally these two states do have a lot in common. Cowboys, country music, the Southern drawl. Which was why what little time I did spend there, I had to constantly remind myself where I was. Cue the line: "You've seen one city, you've seen them all!" But there was nothing of the sort. Well, except for the Southern drawl, though, that I was quick to get used to, until everyone just sounded "normal". And okay so maybe there was country music too. I just didn't hear it. But no horses or Stetson hats in sight. Of course not. After all I was in Houston. So called "the energy capital of the world". (Yes I'm Wiki-ing this as I'm going along. Sue me!) I wa... http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/135/Texas_Nexus Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:28:00 -0000 Ramadhan Mubarak http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/134/Ramadhan_Mubarak <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G78nc0cQwHc/So7sUe0TmTI/AAAAAAAABqM/QFnw5xRB-r8/s1600-h/Ramadhan+09.jpg"><img src="http://images.ninahaanz.multiply.com/image/KkhbUsknlrSxOuOySUJxww/photos/1M/orig/4381/Ramadhan09.jpg?et=FYXKa5L3RcOOSNhMCq%2CN3g&nmid=0" style="TEXT-ALIGN:" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372491242113571122"></a> Here's wishing a blessed Ramadhan to all my muslim friends and family. Selamat berpuasa (happy fasting) wherever you are. May this month be filled with peace, serenity and clarity. Amin.From www.cookiedoughcrumbles.com http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/journal/item/134/Ramadhan_Mubarak Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:47:00 -0000 Chicago Feb '09 http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/photos/album/99/Chicago_Feb_09 APS & AAFP Meetings....as usual, not so many boring shots of the meetings :P A few more outtakes from the Facebook http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/photos/album/99/Chicago_Feb_09 Mon, 2 Mar 2009 00:03:36 -0000 Katy Perry - Thinking of You http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/video/item/57/Katy_Perry_-_Thinking_of_You To me Katy Perry's a cross between old-school Alanis Morissette and Gwen Stefani. Love this song! Can't get over her shoes! http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/video/item/57/Katy_Perry_-_Thinking_of_You Thu, 5 Feb 2009 23:21:52 -0000 Xmas Party '08 http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/photos/album/98/Xmas_Party_08 Annual Xmas party at my boss's. Almost following tradition, CN & I had just spent most of the afternoon in uni. It was a good break from the week of http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/photos/album/98/Xmas_Party_08 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:22:25 -0000 Thanksgiving 271108 http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/photos/album/97/Thanksgiving_271108 My 2nd real Thanksgiving Dinner at my boss's place. There were 3 turkeys: one standard, one Halal and one Tofu Turkey or "Tofurkey". You think we had enough food?! Didn't take as many pics as I wanted, 'cos as soon as the food was served, all we wanted to do was dig http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/photos/album/97/Thanksgiving_271108 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:55:41 -0000 Justin Timberlake and Beyonce "Single Ladies" - At SNL http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/video/item/55/Justin_Timberlake_and_Beyonce_Single_Ladies_-_At_SNL This is hilarious! Jump to about 4:05 mins and you'll never see JT the same way ever again! http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/video/item/55/Justin_Timberlake_and_Beyonce_Single_Ladies_-_At_SNL Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:48:23 -0000 Mariah Carey - I Stay In Love http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/video/item/54/Mariah_Carey_-_I_Stay_In_Love One of my favourite tracks from http://ninahaanz.multiply.com/video/item/54/Mariah_Carey_-_I_Stay_In_Love Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:42:43 -0000