Rule #55: Just because you think you know everything, doesn't mean you know anything.

The hospital’s emergency ward was the last place I would want to be on a New Year’s Eve. Initially I wanted to go to work in the afternoon. I guess God didn’t allow so He decided to give me a sore eye...A really bad one. I don’t normally consult the doctor whenever I’m not feeling well but this time I decided to 'be responsible of my own health' and dragged myself to the 24-hour family clinic.

“This is a serious condition that has to be treated as soon as possible. I can see white spots on your left eye and I’m suspecting a corneal ulcer. It might worsen your sight and cause blindness so before that really happens, I will have to refer you to the hospital now.”

While waiting to get the referral letter and medicine, one of my guy friends appeared at the clinic. I was so surprised by his unexpected presence! Like as if he teleported or something. How thoughtful of him to be there for me physically even though it was only ten minutes until my parents came to fetch.

As I stepped into the hospital that late afternoon, instant flashbacks from my childhood came flooding down. The visions of those sickly days came to my mind throughout the time I was there. With every blink, I remember myself as a kid, going for appointments after appointments. Being warded again and again. Having needles through my veins and tubes/mask of oxygen supply to aid my breathing. I was only three back then.

“I will have to scrap out some of the white spots from your eyes to test a sample,” Doctor Charmaine informed me.

I just smiled and nodded, pretending fear had no control at all.

“What are you going to use to scrap out?” I overheard a nurse asking the doctor very softly.

“A needle, obviously,” She replied with a grin on her face.

A long silence ensued. I could only hear myself gulped down so hard. Everybody in the room looked so emotionless, including my parents (….surprisingly.). Am I the only one in the room who thinks that having a needle poked in my eye is the scariest shit ever? I kept calm as she dropped a yellow dye in my eyes which hurt so badly I screamed a little! As she looked through the optical lens, she cautiously poked a sharp tiny needle on my left eye a couple of times ……the next minute, she was done and it didn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would be! Alhamdullilah.

Tomorrow will be my next appointment. No more needles please, no more needles. I keep reminding myself time and time again that I should not fear because God is fair and like what someone told me, “Allah s.w.t heals everything.”

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The night of 31st December turned out great. I was at somewhere peaceful, just gazing out at the beautiful romantic scene. I could see different views of fireworks happening at 3 different places (how amazing is that?!?!). Played with the firecrackers, consumed so much candies, drank a carton of milk (who needs alcohol? Pfft) and had heart to heart talk. It was a beautiful start of the year, period.

Rule #54: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.

Time is ticking closer to the end of 2011. As this year wraps, I’m making peace with choices I’ve made and I remind myself to believe in the best of me – as there are no right choices, only better ones. I have been waiting for so long for today. I am clearly excited and thrilled as I often am; wrapped with that strange sense of animated childlike delight, every time a New Year marches in and with nothing short of a feeble embrace, lifts me endearingly, into its arms.

This has been an unusual year, and in particular this month has been odd. Odd not so much for what has occurred externally but rather for what has transpired within me. What a ride, indeed, saying goodbye to those who close out their chapter in my story of my life, to new friendships who have become cherished partners.

From a personal platform, I hold no complaints about a kindly 2011. It’s a year full of self-discovery. On retrospection, I found myself falling in and out of love that I experienced so much emotions I never imagined I would have to deal as a 17-year old. Although I didn’t achieve anything great academically, I am proud to say I have no regrets- just lessons learned. 2011 has also brought me to my knees in how I do things and how I look at myself. I always thought I knew me really well, until I decided to take a couple of risks…Real ones. Only time will tell the outcome.. And as I reminisce, I realize how fortunate I am, so incredibly blessed and I hope one day you’ll realize this too- that your life is enough as it is.

I don’t intend to make a list of New Year resolution as I have done that in the past and most of them failed miserably. I just have two- 1) Read more books 2) Do not get too attached to anyone. Insya’Allah. Now I just look forward to events in my life that I think or know will happen to me and things I hope to achieve and do with myself.

I’m just excited to see what God has in store for me. There will be a huge change definitely and this is the year I fight for acceptance in many levels – understanding opportunity, dreams and reality. The future isn’t promised, but we can hold true to our belief in that there is a fresh start around the corner with an awakening new year and a chance to renew our commitments to ourselves and others.










Pictures from yesterday's chill out session @ Marhaba Arabic Cuisine. 14 people was actually there, shocking much? More photos at Dinie Alfian's facebook!

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This blog has truly turned into such an incredible love & passion of mine. I have no doubt so many new things will show up here, on VoguePleasures as they happen. With that said, thank you for being such incredibly involved and loving readers! I feel very blessed to have ya’ll to share with, grow with, and write to. Despite the hard knocks life has dealt, I hope 2012 will be a year of blessing, opportunity and stability for all you. Have a happy new year! xx

Rule #51: Sometimes you just have to fall even when you know no one is going to catch you.

My ideas for women's outfits on New Year's Eve

1) If you're going to a fancy restaurant for dinner with your loved ones...............


You'll look extra elegant if you match the first outfit with a pair of high heels instead of flats! The outfit the splash of bold colors is more suitable when you're with friends (and who knows? you might stand out from the rest too!)

2) If you're going to a party..........



First outfit is very simple..I picked a white basic singlet with a gold necklace to spice up the outfit. I think a sequined skirt would be even better than leather! I always looove wedges and i think they're perfect especially when you go clubbing (you won't tire your legs as much as platforms!) The tube dress would be perfect if they're mid-thigh length or shorter, isn't it? If you're wearing a one piece item, don't ever forget your accessories!

For those who knows how to dress well, you can play with colours!!! Add more sparkles to your outfits;)


3) If you have no plans and you think of watching fireworks and just chilling with friends.....


Jeans! If you don't wanna look too slack, sequined platforms will work great. I love the metallic gold jeans (i'm searching a pair for myself x_x) and yes a mustard bag would totally match! I think a slouchy top will always look good in a jeans so yeah, why not? Don't forget your accessories!!

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It's New Years Eve for crying out loud. Of course you need to look extremely beautiful and don't worry ladies if you're overdressed! It's really way better than those who are underdressed, right? I wanted to add more ideas for you all but I'm running out of time...I apologize for the delay of this random list:(