*Erica, a 33 years old stunningly beautiful woman, is a divorcee with a daughter staying with her at a condominium she bought after she divorced her ex-husband, *Jeremy some time 2 years ago. She was attractive enough in her younger years that many fell helplessly in love with her but who would have guessed that she would become a divorcee? 

Erica, who studied as a chemist, worked in Brisbane, Australia way back in the year 2001, She left Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia of a terrible unexpected heart break, where her long-time lover left her for another woman, leaving her with sore and shattered heart, forcing her to leave the country and start anew. Of course starting a new life there in Brisbane was never an obstacle for her as she had both looks and brains. She met Jeremy there who eventually became her husband in just a short 1½ years. Jeremy loved and trusted her with all his heart but little did he know that Erica agreed to marry him out of her reason to have her own baby before age 30! Did she not have loved Jeremy deep enough to marry him? Now you may have dropped your jaws by now, but read on, while she was pregnant, she met a college friend, Brandon* who had been taking care of her more than Jeremy did. Even the hospital nurses thought Brandon was her husband! Well, obviously she finds herself in love with Brandon and that he was there all the time for her when she needed someone. Was this the reason for her divorce? 

If we analyze in detail, Erica would most probably have suffered from a severe case of heartbreak which triggered her anger, resulting in self importance and trying everything she could to get what she wanted in order to please herself. Her decision to marry Jeremy was obviously nothing to do with love or any happily ever after family, let alone bearing him a child. However, was she ever happy after her long time lover left her in the first place? Has anyone ever thought of how and what she went through to get her life back? Is a divorce really what she wanted, considering the perception others would have placed upon her, how her mother strongly disagrees with her decision and not wanting to have her back in her house, how her friends thought of her as an indecent woman? She has no other means to prolong her life except to preserve her selfishness in a relationship and to pursue her wants and needs. Is she to be blamed? If we start fingers pointing, I believe we couldn’t even stop! I would have blamed her long time heartthrob for leaving her, you could have blamed her for being unfaithful some could have blamed Brandon but who’s the right person to blame? 

To conclude, Erica was once a beautiful & innocent but heartbroken girl, who strived to pursue her life with all she wanted, losing faith in love and manipulating all she has to reach her goal in a relationship. She met Jeremy who could give her all she wanted but was not who she could love. When Brandon came into the picture and she was sure she found her love life once again, she had to leave Jeremy to start a ‘happily ever after’ life.
 

My grandpa once told me that in the journey of love, not everyone sleeps on a bed of roses. Some has to go through an extremely tough time to be with THE ONE.

He told me a story,

“Once there was a show girl who was murdered and her body was left by the seaside. Mr A walked by, spit on the body and left. Then Mr B walked by and took off his jacket to cover her body & face and left. Finally, Mr C walked by and took the body to a cemetery and buried her with flowers and prayed for her.” Guess what grandpa said after that? He continued, “This show girl reincarnated as a woman again in this life, will have a man who treated her badly (Mr A), followed by another man who treated her well but the relationship ends after awhile (Mr B) and finally she will be with a man and they both lived together happily and lovingly until the end of their lives (Mr C).”

Believe me? Try to apply this ‘grandpa philosophy’ into your own relationship. If you have failed in one or two, please do not live in despair, because your Mr C has yet to come into the picture. He may appear anytime from now. This is called LOVE FATE.

*Names are changed for privacy purposes

Article Contributed by Vivienne Jee

I received an email today from my friend, Vivienne.  This email was a funny joke and it really cheers me up when i was working so tiring the whole day.  I am sure some of you have read it before, but this is worth my time to share with you again the funny images related to character of different blood type group, especially to those who haven’t seen it before! 

It is quite true to me (even it is only a jokes), as it reflects my true character from the image (jokes) shown!  Tell you secretly (shhhhh….), i am belongs to blood type group whereby the people are blur, introvert, not perfectionist type but will finish the task assigned to me… So guess which blood type group i am from?  Yes, i am from blood type “B”!  How about you?  Which blood type group are you belongs to?  Can tell me? (i will keep the secret!…hehe!)   

Here you are!

I have read through major newspaper today and came across that many couples are rushing to tie their knot today in lieu of the auspicious Triple 8 date.

Why is the number 8 considered lucky in the minds of Chinese people?  Just like the number 7 is best in the mind of Western people. 

The main reason is due to the pronunciation of the word “eight” in Chinese.  In Cantonese, it is pronounced as “ba” and sounds like the word for prosperity and wealth - “fa” in mandarin!

Most chinese are so superstitious and they tends to believe that the number “eight” will bring them good luck and wealth to their lives.  So whenever there are big occasions as in wedding day, any big celebration which needs a date or time selection, it is undeniable the number “eight” will most likely to be chosen, for example in Chinese Lunar Calendar August is the busiest month for wedding planner, restaurant owners, to cater to the needs of these couples who choose to tie their knot in this month! 

Not only that, chinese people are willing to pay more for the number “eight” - Unit No. 8 when purchase a property; 8th floor; Car Number plate with “8″ figure; even buy a lottery also will choose for number “8″.. etc 

Another reason is the number’s perfect symmetrical shape.  If the number “8″ is cut in half vertically or horizontally, and both halves mirror themselves perfectly.  In Chinese astrology, perfect balance is considered the ideal!

You can see the fact how important the number “8″ in chinese people heart, as China has chosen today 08082008 as the first day for Olympic Games in Beijing and the organisers has scheduling the opening ceremony at 8pm.  All these shown that how inffluential is the number “8″ in Chinese people life when come to make important decision.

But i personally believe that each of us born in different geographical location, different time zone, and day… will have our own “lucky” number in our life.  It doesn’t mean that the number “8″ is lucky for everyone.  My lucky number which will bring me prosperity and wealth is “3088″, but yours may be different!  Just find out yourself, your very own unique lucky number which belongs to you and it definitely brings you good luck!!  Don’t you agree with me?

Phiu…What a tiring day!!  After a day long busy working in the office, facing the computer screen for more than 10 hours a day, i found myself too stressful and exhausted physically and mentally.  I need a break!  I shouted from my heart loudly!  Somehow, i can’t due to my heavy workload need to be completed in a tight deadline.  I have been suffering from insomnia for more than a week.

So i need to find myself an alternative way to release my stress and tireness!  I go for massage! 

I love massage so much!  Whenever i go for my overseas trip, i am sure will experience their home famous and unique type of massage.  Different countries have their own different types of massage, for instance thailand has its own thai massage, bali island has its own unique balinese massage, japan has its own shiatsu massage…etc.  We, Malaysia also has our own Malay Urut, Chinese tradisional massage and so forth..

Here, just to share with you who never experience the beauty of massage and wish to go for massage but don’t have any idea which massage centre to go.  

Massage therapy has many important health benefits.  It can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your wellness routine.  The beauty of massage includes the following:

-  massage relieve our muscles cramps;

-  ease medication dependence;

-  it improves our blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to our body cells;

-  it stimulates our lymphatic system, which improves our detoxification process;

-  increases our metabolism rate which has slimming effect on our body;

-  give us sense of relaxation and wellbeing;

-  also prevents depression and anxiety … and much much more!!!

I came to this beauty and slimming centre named Jesley Beauty and Slimming Centre (located in Sunway Damansara) from a monthly advertisement brochure (Media Focus) in April 2008.  I have tried out their promotional first trial of spa treatment somewhere end of April 2008, right after my short trip to Singapore.  I discovered that it is the cost effective but quality assured beauty centre in Petaling Jaya.  It is worthwhile trying especially for those who never experience the beauty of massage and who has budget in selecting their massage treatment.  This is definitely a “healthy” beauty and slimming centre for ladies and couples only!

I am a spa lover, who enjoy massage and spa very much.  For budget reason, i have done a survey around Klang Valley to look for a reasonable price but good quality massage services.  Here is where i found it the service for everyone!  I strongly recommend to you all who love and enjoy massage like me.  I have signed up the body scrub and massage packages right after the first trial.

It is only RM88 for a 2-hour spa treatment (first trial promo), pamper yourself after a month hard work in your life.  They provide facial and slimming treatment as well at RM88 for first trial.  The promotion is still on until notice given. 

They provide many types of massages:  relaxing massage, hot stone massage, bamboo massage, aromatherapy massage…etc.

I am writing the conclusion of this post on the next day morning un 08-08-2008.  I woke up very early (6am without alarm clock - never before since last year) feeling fresh and energetic.  This is because i slept well last night after gone through my massage therapy.  It is definitely the good effect from massage treatment.

So what are you waiting for, just a measly RM88, you can have a good night sleep and release your stress!!  Worth spending for a good health and mind!  If you sign up for their package, it is only cost you less than RM35 an hour for any kind of massage you like!

Don’t get me wrong, i am not promoting for them.  I didn’t receive any single cent or free services from them by writing this post.  I just wish to share my experience with you and i have nothing to lose anyway.  I don’t mind if you mentioned to them how you come to know about their beauty centre, i may have rebates given if i sign up for their next packages, who knows? Then i will share with you what i get!!!  hahaha….

Ok, i need to prepare myself to go to work now, at the same time today is the Grand Opening of China Olympic Games in Beijing 08082008!!!  Wish Malaysia athletes will come back with Gold battles for all categories participate!  Malaysia Boleh!!

Since the announcement of fuel price increase on 04 June 2008, people are suffering from all kinds of price increase which causes inflation rate hit a 27-year high of 7.7% in June 2008, compared to 3.8% in May 2008.

Therefore, in order to ease the burden of all malaysian, there are few banks in Malaysia has announced yesterday a pioneer arrangement nationwide which offers a remedy for existing house owners and new home buyers facing stress due to the present increased costs of living.

The banks have agreed to restructure existing home loans by extending the home loan repayment period from the present 30 years to 45 years or age limit 65 to 75 year old, whichever is earlier.This revision can be enjoyed by all existing house owners and potential home buyers. By restructuring existing home loans and extending the repayment period, home buyers will have more disposable income to lift their burden and at the same time will also boosts the housing industry in Malaysia in general as more people could afford to buy properties.

At present, the banks in Malaysia which offer this new housing loan scheme are Bank Islam, Affin Bank, Bank Rakyat and CIMB. To know more about the new housing loan scheme, just visit your nearest branch.

Saving is important for everyone.  There are many reasons why people save.  Be it save for future, save for marriage, save for education, save for retirement or save for emergency, it is essential and vital to all of us living in this world.  But do you know how much you need to save every month from your monthly income is considered an ideal amount? 10%, 20% or even more from your monthly household income?  The answer is between 20 to 25 percent of the household income.  Of course, the more you save the better you are!

Some people will ask what is included in a household income?  Household income is the total income made by all individuals in a household which is including monthly fixed income, yearly bonus, allowances and etc.  So for example, you have 3 family members in your family who are in the workforce and the total combined income is RM10,000 per month.  So the ideal monthly savings should be at least RM2,000.00 to RM2,500.00 a month. 

Most Malaysians save 10 percent or less from their household income.  This is obviously not enough!  So in order to save more money for future, you either need to cut down your monthly household expenses or increase your monthly household income. 

So ask yourself, do you save enough every month for your future?  I do!  How about you?