The phone in my office, having no display screen what so ever beeped. Thinking it would be business matters of my direct superiors I answered it with my most cordial, soft-spoken, feminine "Hello.."

and the voice on the other end of the line said

"Oh hello, I don't recall you sounding like that..."

Weird. "Sorry who's on the line?"

Male voice says: "I know you but you don't know me. I want to have a date with you."

"Sir, if this concerns my #SeptSocials to contact me on my Business Line would mean you have my cell line. Fill in the form and try again."

"You sound raspy and energetic when you're angry."

WTF wei.

"Yeap, I know Halloween and all is coming but you're definitely scary. If I find out who you are, you're not getting a date with me. But thank you for calling. Any thing I can do to help you with work though?"

"You can have a date with me."

"Eh sorry no, running off now. Try not to call me on this line anymore. Thank you."

"Never mind I will call you back *puts down the phone*"

Whoever you are. DON'T CALL BACK. MWAHAHAHAH!

No one by-passes the form. Fill it in and Get in line! You all damn daring nowadays harh? Calling a girl at her office to ask for dates without revealing your name.It scares the hell out of me knowing that I have weird stalkers but you're nothing I cannot take care of.

YOU... MUST BE SOMEONE WHO GOT MY BUSINESS CARD. *snuffs*

So weird one....

          

I used to wrinkle irritably at the sight of such books. Some friends cosmically bombarded me with a series of paperbacks on the Mars and Venus gap forcing a personal opinion from me after I’ve “read” them. I really couldn’t sit down with a book who was telling it to my face that I should be doing this and not that.

I was incredibly determined to not let my life be ruled by what was written in a series of pages. A capable woman like myself? I believed that I really didn’t need these pitches. Who needs another trick to know about how to play “rubber-band” with the male interest or examining his psyche.

Perhaps, it may be because I was lucky enough to learn about love and relationships through my life experiences and through engagement with other people. There are truths in such books and it did not hit me until yesterday evening that even the most successful of women would still pick up a read like this: to assure themselves and how women yearn for that security of knowing that something in their life is being done right; and if wrong, seek the right.

Even bright women, make mistakes. Flipping through the pages making quick remarks in my head (mostly in the similar lines of –Duh! As if I don’t know), other scripted wisdoms were friendly reminders on the mechanics of what I was doing for #SeptemberSocials

Marry Smart by Dr.Christine B. Whelan was a book designed for successful women in their 30’s and 40’s who have yet to encounter true love as it may they may seem preoccupied with work or fairly intimidating. She calls these ladies SWANS –Strong Women Achievers, No Spouse.

For those women who know what they want out of life and are out to get it/or have already made your way there, tell me if these two little snippets from the book are true. One on how women’s preferences for a man’s character have changed from 1939 to 1996 and what strong, bold women really want in a man. (And THAT’S WHY I don’t listen to my aunts of mother when it comes to what I want)

And this is the 10 things that SWANS want in a man...how true....

          

i) Understand that Facebook is my personal space.

What's even worse is when I send you a message on why you want to add me as a friend, with the standard cut and page message of the following:

"Hi sorry, but have we met? Please understand that Facebook is my personal space and that I only add friends who I have a relative amount of interaction with or have met before. Thank you."

you reply with an apologetic withdrawal. e.g.

"Sorry sorry just asking. *and it just ends there*"

or adding a few more centimeters of hide by saying:

"So still can be friends arh? kekeke."

*Also please don't go round checking out my other HOT girlfriends on my friends list and go on an adding spree.

ii) Adding me on my IMs doesn't mean you bypass the form

Everyone fills in the form, it's only fair. Even the most gentlemanly of my date. You can try, I'll only tell you to refer back to the form. The form is as important as me getting to know you better, to make sure you're not a weird person, a stalker or a psycho. It is a mere unintrusive background check just to know that I can assure the people that care can let me enjoy my dates without worrying their heads off.

It gauges your genuine interest, your ability to communicate, if you are trying too hard, and tells me just enough about you in just a few lines

iii) Never push me for an answer...or approval.

As much as you are the eager beaver, Like boyfriends being rushed into a marriage, I never like that sort of push. I will avoid you like the Black Death. Although I should be flattered that you're very much interested to go out with me, give me time and I will sort it out. After Raya means alot of events will start popping out from here and there and I will be tied down with lots of work.

iv) Don't ask me strange questions

.....or if I like "sex talk", if I could look up my skirt to check what I'm wearing today, how I like my bratwurst served, or if I would send you my underwear by express or snail mail. As entertaining to you as your requests may seem, it's not funny to a girl who holds herself with high regard. It's really insulting.

Especially when you ask me, "May I ask you a personal question?" You probably know there is a likelihood it's going to end up a bad question.

v) There is no wrong answer to the form.

It's not a question of multiple choice or factual matters but rather a question of engagement. The moment I detect something I believe I will be uncomfortable with I will choose not to continue with the date. Communication is such an vital element of the date and I believe there should be a sustainable level of two way.

vi) Don't ever question my principles, morals, beliefs and priorities, or worse, try to change the way I think.

You make me sound like a criminal asking me why I didn't do such and such or follow such and such. Thank you for your personal and political POVs but I'm really not interested.

As for my priorities, understand that work, my friends and family do come first. Don't tell me I should have not attended my friend's party to go out on a date with YOU ( shows that you don't really care about me but only yourself.)

vi) Some of my dates are private to protect them

Unless you are my best friends, the identities of my dates, what we do and how I feel about them are between me and them. I feel there is no need to go into detail with you because September Socials is not a comparison game and you don't need to purposely overthrow the rest with a grand plan of your own. Please just be yourself.

          

Date 10 with Melvin. - Thanks Mel, for the Cham Ping and Pancakes

Melvin is an old friend from my Uni days. I remember the trips to Port Dickson for Dr Khoo's Seaweed collection escapades in his MyVi together with Kelly and Lin plus the want to dress him to look like Gensoumaden Saiyuki's Sanzo.

Instead of writing a 100 word description about himself, he put down in typical Melvin fashion "Aiyah...no need lah"

Though I would say that I don't know Melvin all that well, I don't really need a 100 word description from him with regards to who he is.

The date was more like a catch up session than one with romance in mind. Yet again, in true gentlemen-ship, Mel actually walked me back to the car and even in the rain without an umbrella *glares at men who do not walk me back to the car or home*

I won't go into much details except that the conversation was about body building, badminton, and dating in general LOL

Read about what Melvin has to say about the date tho!

          

Chris, is Mr Date No. 9 . He also happens to be the culprit behind making a Dare with Date No. 1 to take me out. They're the best of friends so I challenged him back via Date No. 1.

" I also dare your friend to go out with me on another date. Tell him or her to submit a form also. -Regards, April"

Chris reads blogs to pass the time and based on history, he has been reading this for quite awhile now. He took the effort to add me on MSN and asked where my dates have taken me (cuisine) so far. The original plan was to head down to the Delicious in Marc or Duo Residency but since they both were taken up for events, It was to Madam Kwans in KLCC.

Chris wasn't at all apprehensive about asking me the entire works of #SeptSocials. I found him rather curious about how I would behave for alot of what if situations...especially If I met the right guy halfway through the dates (Now you're wondering , yesh...what if???...)

Conversation was most enjoyable with Chris we were not aware of how much time had pass till we were being subtly chased out of Madam Kwan's by the dirty cutlery collections and chair stacking. We carried on in Coffee Bean Ampang point talking about bloggers in general and other stories.

On the way home, he asked me to look in the glove compartment  where there was "Something for Me". It was a rainbow colored handmade dog he had gotten from his friend with a little tag on the side that said "May" . Telling me that he named it after me Quite Clever of him! (Picture of May soon!)

Chris and I are to meet up for yum char (drinks) when ever I pass by his area in the future. We will be heading to catch 500 days of summer soon too.

Thanks Chris for the dinner, company, picking me up and May (who is sitting on my home work desk now)

          

By now you should know, I put up my own pictures when I don't have any photos from the date :/

An impromptu date to satisfy late night cravings of mint lamb (which I failed horribly to take a CLEAR picture of! gah!) Date 7 was a charming gentleman. I'm blown away by his attention to detail on his social graces. I don't discriminate against men who don't open doors, offer to carry my load or wait for me to drive off just to make sure I get out of the area alright; but the ones that do definitely leave an impression on me.

He came all the way from work to pick me up in the opposite direction to makan with me halfway between his place and mine and then send me back too!

@ChowPong surprises me as a soul championing less self-serving causes. It's not often I meet people with a mind that it's more important to touch souls and fight for them. He seems like a very free soul, someone I would definitely be able to click with.

We're both dog and animal lovers and the first part of the conversation was all about our four legged adoptions

Though I dominated alot of the conversation that night (I feel terrible everytime I realise I get carried away), I'm hoping to hear more about himself the next time we meet (which will be quite soon!)

Thanks CP, I look forward to the appointment with the butcher

          

He had his attention focused to his conduct and even opened up an umbrella for me when it was a bare drizzle (Thank you!) He drove very carefully as we made our way to Gardens.

I could tell he did a little bit of research on places to eat making a passing mention that his friend told him there was a Sushi Zanmai close by. As usual, the Sushi Zanmai, being Sushi Zanmai (Sushi Zanmai! Your que sibeh long la!) had it's usual crowd and he took my recommendation to go for Italiannies just a floor down instead.

We stopped by my favourite Art store though, I wanted to clue him in that there was alot more to me than what's on my blog. I showed him the various types of fabric paints and dyes, origami, oils, pastels, the different brands, pipe cleaner art, wood work (which he would like to try out!), clay work, beading and pulled out a 40 inch by 40 inch canvas to show him one of the things I had to do before I die.

Over dinner we spoke of cameras, blogs his hobbies and how he has picked up magic tricks to pass the time! Yes this guy has a trick or two up his sleeve and I found that he was really generous to share some of them with me! I think when I practice the card tricks I will need to vet it through him to rate my performance skills!

It was such a shame that most of the retail outlets were closed during that day. Could have walked more. After a week we are still on contact on MSN chatting now and then to keep each other updated =)

Thanks Freddy for the  dinner, your demure company, picking me up all the way from Serdang and sharing those magic tricks! Let me know when you want to start on the carpentry work!

          

"I would not have had it any other way"

In all seriousness, I'm really enjoying #SeptSocials. Some of my friends still think I'm crazy; I sense mom is getting abit worried that I keep going out with random strangers; Love sharing the stories with my closest and best friends.

One night as I was talking to my girlfriend in Australia, I mentioned to her the overwhelming feeling of being a part of it all. It was like being in a candy store...spoilt with so many choices and more and more are just coming in from the delivery truck!

Each different candy with it's own personality, colors, tang and texture all essentially sweet in nature. (I hope my dates, in anyway don't get offended from me calling them candy)

One thing I know for sure, is that one meet-up is not enough to truly know a person. I take no offense or disappointment if they are not interested to hang out with me again, because I respect their decision. Everyone has a right to choose who and how they'd like to be associated with, though I am happy to report a majority of my dates have already made plans to hang out together in the very near future.

I am learning so, so much about myself and about other people.  The way women and men tick. The stories that me and my dates have shared (your secrets are safe with me), practical social gestures just to name a few.

I'd like to thank everybody who has shown support, concern, excitement and providing general feedback over #SeptSocials. I'm glad to know those of you who truly understand that #SeptSocials is in essence not to misconstrued as being cheap, definitely not a booty call, and being desperate.

To the gentlemen I have been out with, your wit, point of view, effort, time, and the pleasure of your company which has made each moment a memorable one.  Thank you for being yourself.

As September comes to an end, I'd like to state that #SeptSocials will still go on, seeing that I will have to honor the time I've promised other dates, right up to even December in Singapore .

I'm excited to accept any other future applications thinking of all the sorts of fun people I can meet!

Things are just going to get better from here onwards. =)

          

Mark is a fun and incredibly talkative guy. I really don't mind the guy being talkative cause it makes the date go by easier. I don't have to hammer my head to the table hoping that a topic would tip over from my noggin' and struggle to maintain a conversation when all I get in return are mono-syllabic responses.

The great thing about Mark is that he is incredibly relaxed, honest and casual. From the date, he openly admitted he  loves enjoying his food (and a woman who does) and his manner of fashion, relished the ribs served up for lunch. Honestly, I don't mind anybody taking their bites in life and enjoying it as it goes. Good on him for requesting me to excuse his eating habits so I won't be taken aback by him partaking in the delight of consuming his food.

He also asked for pardon for his most casual dress sense on the afternoon of our date. His apparel suggested outdoor activity, that's what I pretty much guessed Although he did tell me he's casual cause he dresses up for work most of the week, I really think he could have worked it better, even for out door activities to mark a first impression.

Mark also dropped by a Paintball shop in Damansara. This was a chance for me to pick up on a little education about the works of Paintball and gawk  with that OMGWTFPAINTBALLGEARISSOCOOL face. (excuse me, I just let the little child in me get all excited with the thought of cool looking gear)

Thanks Mark, for introducing some great Pork Ribs, picking me up, an invitation to go paintball with Mr. Pimp Daddy soon and your company

          

Photo Courtesy of  www.spinzer.us

Since I've had a couple of requests from friendly neighbors across the causeway.

I'm gonna drop by to say Hello on from the 18th - 20th of December! Although it's horribly way off-course from the original September plan, I'm sure there are people patient enough to wait.

So, make way coming through. I've never played tourist much on your lovely Island before so that's an idea for you.

Currently the plan is that I'll arrive on 17th night & most likely be lodging at my relative's place in Toa Payoh.

As usual, please follow the following link and apply I look forward to some wonderful impressions of Singapore and their people!

          

Although this particular date was originally supposed to take place in October, but because of the constant chats (and thank goodness our offices are near each other), there was an impromptu slotted lunch date.

We met up at Jaya One and proceeded to Hanasen to satisfy our mutual craving for Salmon Sashimi... the guy can even answer questions with his head while having a California roll in his mouth!

Now although he didn't walk me to my car, which I initially insisted that he didn't need to even after he asked. (should have still walked me to my car, cause girls like to test boys like that =P ) Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he could be rushing off to his next appointment.

Since my next #SeptSocial date that night STOOD UP ON ME (that's ok, I've saved myself the trouble of making connections with a person like him) My lunch date, dropped by for coffee with me seeing I was all made up and I just wanted to go out. That makes up for the "didn't walk me to my car thing although I'm insistent and independent"  (Finicky me, but do take note tho )

I had an enjoyable chat on both occasions with him and am looking forward to see him in his best element when his shows are up.

Asides from the teasing, heavily pixelated picture (done on purpose) Here is a little clue related to who he may possibly be.

          

*Photo Credits: *stardixa

Plus points to him for taking the effort to get out of the driver's seat to open the door for me to his car. Our dinner took place in Providoré, Solaris where he was incredibly obliging to drive back and forth traveling the distance from my place to there.

I made a terrible mistake on choosing "Messy Food" for my servings and I was constantly showing signs of consciousness that my dressing soaked shredded vegetables were putting up a fight with me. Not to mention chocolate stained teeth and lips from dessert that night. I have a feeling the damage control wasn't that helpful either. So not flattering.

He's witty, intelligent and yet, half way through dinner and conversation there were tell tale signs in his tone of voice and body language that this was not going to extend beyond the night.

Being taught the power of saying "Thank You" by the most influential people in my early years (my nanny and my mother) I would never forget to send thanks to my dates during the course of action, after the course of action and not long after. Everybody would like to hear a word of appreciation and gratitude.

I sent him a thank you sms along the lines for dinner, the ride and the company. Received no reply though, I would have myself appreciated a return of acknowledgment that he has received my message. I believe some social graces are in order at times, especially when one is in contact with many people, of a certain age and even with a tight schedule.

Perhaps it's that he didn't want to present the wrong message to me, I could have offended him in some way myself without realizing it. Perhaps it is just the way he is being a busy man and all.

I do hope though, that he did receive my sms of Thanks. If not, Thank you again here.

          

Dinner was with @MrRafiq and company at @SpicyGuy 's @SpicyCorner . I was late from all the work and told them to go ahead on breaking fast. From the moment of my arrival there was good conversation on Ice Cream Naan, Pineapple Growing, Suicidal Cicaks, Pokemon, what to wear for Halloween and irritating  bald men.

Amirul happens to be one of my youngest September Socials applicants and he would really put alot of older men to shame. This fine young gentleman pulls up a chair for me, insists to pay for my roti telur and cheese naan and walked me to my car when it was only about 5 metres away!

Thank you @amirulruslan for being such a sport and going out with this older woman. XD I had loads of fun and if i get an iphone, let's trade Pokemon

          

My first #SeptSocials outing was with a very low key kind of guy. I asked his permission if he can be called as "Evil Henchman" so that it doesn't change much (Thanks very much again!)

He came all the way from Klang to join me on this date (which was initially a dare from a friend of his), researched the restaurant and yes plus points, he was extremely punctual!

It was funny as he told me his "Evil Henchman" was going to kidnap me and bring me over for lunch. Blur sotong me, kept asking him about his "Boss" until we arrived at the café...

April : Eh, order now ah? don't you want to wait for your boss?

EH: *snicker*

April : Hah? two ppl only? Your boss leh

EH: I'm the boss lor.

That really kinda took me by surprise. All in good fun though. This Java Programmer actually managed to confuse me! *LOL*. He was very obliging recalling our conversation on MSN ordering my favourite Thai Dishes! Although timid in nature, I could see that he was quite opiniated. An extremly careful driver and a person who takes note of the needs and wants of other people.

Here are some other photos of the date tho

Thank you again for the wonderful time and you know how to look me up when you're in the area when you're free

          

Erin and company took me out to Little Genting where they sat patiently in the car, and I shot without a tripod (How clever of me not to bring a tripod!) So that is the "Steadiest" shot I got all night. My friends around the world are going to miss beloved KL.

A long weekend of fun should be karma-tically rewarded with a big pile waiting in the office. The great thing about Saturday - Monday is the fun I've been having, meeting old and new friends with many shared experiences.

I'll also be sending out the answers to #septsocials within this hour (though it's 1am) and a couple of work emails too.

Here is a more so called "artistic" shot of the skyline (didn't use tripod and I sneezed dammit)

          

This isn't just some random LOL, OMG, WTF post or a sign of desperation (I assure you Mom, your girl has not yet reached the breaking point of her sanity, let alone her emotions).

I am about to dedicate the nights and days in September, to meet new people (especially the opposite sex) or to get to know the ones I'm already acquainted with a little better.

So Why should you date me?

It's hard to self promote and be humble at the same time, I'm not very good at being pretentious so I'll just roll it all up and promise you that there will be definitely some interesting take home Kodak moment OR I have a natural talent to say something that will be permanently etched in your memory. Some just witnessed me nearly setting a shisha / Ramly burger joint on fire recently, but let's save that story for when I go out with you.

You should be able to tell by now that I'm random, impish with that "Bring It On" Attitude. I will not overblow the fact that being able to pole dance gives me extra credit, because there is really more to me than just being flexible and having a good grip. I am passionate about alot of things from History to Physics, Anime to LOL Speek, Music to Charity. Politics and Cars tho, are definitely not my strong points.

I have a decent physical stature and because I aim to please most of the time, impressions mean lasting moments for me. That doesn't mean I will take ages to get ready tho!

No. I do not have a jealous other half at this moment who will pose any threat to you should you be caught with me. Make sure you don't too XD

Oh wait, I do need to go through a filtration process, with abit of background check before I proceed. I've got to be 100% positive that I don't end up being brought to some dark alley by a crazed stranger. So lets get it cracking. Download your form here and tell me when you are available for September I am locked down on Mondays tho and the 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th and 12th of September tho

Send them to aprilyim@gmail.com and successful applicants will be notified

This is going to be one heck of an experience

          

We often fail to look past that successful period in our lives. We don't want to see this happen to us.

Natural proclivity I assume, we don't like to look at the drops (our society does not encourage taboo subjects).

My drop in at a nearby nursing home reminded me on how religiously my parents used to tell me and my sister of their greatest life fear.

"You will NEVER leave us in a nursing home"

Which me and Ashley won't let you set foot in one, mom and dad (mom who reads this probably will get paranoid)

As I looked upon those who look like they've developed permeating bed sores and deeply rooted backaches.

I watched an old lady wake up from her afternoon nap only to be bitterly reminded by the sight of her amputated foot. She tells me that as she was recovering on that foot she rolls over the side of her bed and hurts her thigh on the other leg.

I try to comfort her by telling her not to think too much while her visiting relative adamantly agrees with me in the most distressing tone of voice, "Yes tell her that she really thinks too much."

A sit down session with some of my nurses who were with me later and I hear their worries on how one day, perhaps, their own child will abandon them this way too. The unmarried, older single ones get worried and count their yet earned life savings on how much it will take to survive this way and the better way.

The colleague closests to me says, she hopes to just pass with her eyes closed without having to set up house with just a table next to a patchwork bed.

It's no longer filial peity, but about how much you really love them...enough that you won't leave them here.

Would you ever leave your parents this way? Would you want to be this way? Are you preventing or just accepting your life to somehow flow to a nursing home?

I hope I have good kids. Probably so.

          

...it's owners go broke.

Diouffy got a new condo on his THIRD day just being with us. a 2 foot X 1 foot X half foot fish tank. Spacious enough to put in some climbing branches, his small house, three food dishes (one for kibble, one for fresh fruits and nuts, one for insects and worms) and perhaps a female sugar glider soon

We needed a glass tank so if we wanted to catch him to give him his meds, bond with him what ever it may be, he won't be able to grip to the glass walls! HAH!

Spoilt Marsupial.

          

Shall we start off with a few images then?

Kitty Kibble? Even though I have the feline nick name, I'm hardly ever fond of cats. (Cats are the ones who are obsessed with me >_< ) We've already got Four dogs at home, I don't think a cat would survive very well here.

Over here we have wood shavings. the perfect bedding for the small furry  creatures with eyes of child-like wonder. Apple scented (Our little bugger has quite the natural cologne on him).

Which is why we also need to make sure he smells pleasant enough and doesn't stink up the corner of the house.

Every animal should have their own crib, I purchased a double story condo for our new addition, complete with wheel, dispensers for water and food, and a play slide. (Yes, I bought a Pink crib for a male animal). He was supposed to be named Pikachu...his real name would be revealed very very soon.

No, I did not get a hamster! Out with those furballs who do nothing but chew wires and procreate like a spawn of locusts.

May I present to you, Mother's day Gift 2009, named after footballer El Hadji Diouf... (family full of football maniacs I tell you...)

Heck No It's not a rat! Diouffy is infact a Sugar Glider, marsupials who are very closely related to possums. Today marks the the third day 2 month old Diouffy has been with us and he's bonding very well with us so far.

All I know is that he's a geeky one, He loves everything from my laptop, speakers, camera, remote controls, TV you name it. He has onces glided and slammed his body into my webcam while I was showing him off to Lindsay. Perhaps it's a sign of a maturing cam whore...

He's so tiny <3. But he'll grow to about  6 or 7 inches as time goes by...then I'll make him a pole dancing mascot!

          

I would say, in the start I got conned by mom to play an instrument none of my older cousins were playing so I would be just that bit more 'special'. I never really understood my teachers because I was a young little 'banana' who would just nod her head at the end of every sentence spoken to her in Cantonese or Mandarin.

I was also forced to play by having mom using the cane to thwap my poor fingers when i refused two hours of practice a week.

Until I found the best teacher, who really cultivated my love for the string instrument...that I now play a whole range of classical string based intruments.. WHEE!

So today...mom found the notes to one of my favourite Gu Zheng pieces! I was so upset that I had lost A WHOLE FILE of my notes but when this one resurfaced, I made sure that I have this recorded so at least I can pen it down next time!

The Title of the piece is 王昭君 (wang zhao jun) One of the famous "Four Beauties of China". According to other legend and folklore, she commits suicide after her husband's death as her only resort in order to avoid marrying his son.