I Will Make A Room For You

So Warped

2008-07-26T11:15:00.003+08:00

During one of those boring meetings the other day, I discovered that my almost obsolete phone has an application called "Face Warp". I quickly became hooked and I have just been warped 16 times.

To vote for your favorite, SMS "Vote WARP (your favorite)" and send to 33388.

Alien

Alien Hybrid

Big Face

Big Nose

Gobbler

Grit

Happy Fool

Insect

Long-faced

Professor

Sharp Chin

Small Nose

Square

Twister

Upnose

Wide Smile

The Devil Wears BATA

2008-07-24T21:15:00.004+08:00

The search started about a month and a half ago. I was in Subang Parade one day and my original intention was to look for an audio CD of a group that I like. Turn out, the CD shop that I frequently go does not have the CD that I want. Well, I can’t blame them as this group is not famous here.

Disappointed, I window shopped in Subang Parade and saw a pair of shoes in Bata. I really like its heels as they are of the right height and it’s not the chunky type of heel. And it’s cheap too. However, as always, they don’t have my size (size 4). Double disappointment.

I was so frustrated and images of those shoes haunted me for days. Since then, I’ve been searching up and down, high and low. I’ve checked Bata outlets in Sunway Pyramid, Midvalley Megamall, Ikano Power Center, KLCC and even Alamanda Putrajaya. But they either don’t have this model anymore or don’t have my size.

Until yesterday, my colleague who was having lunch at Jalan TAR decided to help me check out the Bata outlet there. Guess what? They have it! She immediately called me and asked if I still want it. Of course me want. Me likey that shoes very muchy.

So, everyone, introducing my new pair of shoes. Now, the devil can wear Bata.

Aren't they gorgeous?

And it's only RM49.99

Pervert!

2008-07-18T21:37:00.000+08:00

I hate working in the same office with perverts.

There is this guy, Mr. K who sits diagonally behind me. So far, he has done nothing physical but I can feel that he strips and rapes the ladies in office with his eyes. He always stares deeply into woman’s eyes. Sometimes, when sitting next to a lady, he will turn himself to face her and just look at her for minutes.

During my first week here, he came to my working station and asked me not to send too many personal emails and surf internet. How on earth did he know that I have been sending emails and surfing the net? Then, to my utter disbelief, he arranged the orange, apple and banana on my table into a phallic artwork. I hated him ever since that day.

Then, I also noticed he always pick his nose in front of other people. It is as if by doing so, he feels the joy of having sex with the person he is staring and causes him to have multiple orgasms. Sometimes, while driving he will pick his nose and play with the boogers in between his fingers. YUCKS! I really tak boleh tahan him.

And it doesn’t help that his look resembles the Hong Kong actor that I dislike. Now, whenever I look at Mr. K, I think of the actor. Whenever I watch a HK drama staring this actor, I think of Mr. K.

Do you agree that he has the 'hamsap' look?

Shiatch!

The Sign

2008-07-06T22:17:00.002+08:00

Lately, I have been receiving many emails from not-so-close friends telling me about their online businesses or the part time things that they are doing to gain extra income. Most of the time, these emails are more like advertisement that they send to every human beings in their address book. Then, there are also emails from people I never even met (from the alumni website) trying to sell one product or another.

Tonight, in the span of half an hour, I received three text messages from my so-called friends with the same agenda. One is selling some cheap perfumes and the other two are trying to sell their personal items like iPod and laptop.

I am disturbed. Is this the sign of recession?

I also received this joke from someone which I think is pretty hilarious.

An Israeli doctor says:

'Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can take a kidney out of one man, put it in another, and have him looking for work in six weeks.'

A German doctor says:

'That is nothing, we can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks.’

A Russian doctor says:

'In my country, medicine is so far progressed that we can take half a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks.'

The Malaysian doctor, not to be outdone, says 'You guys are way behind, we recently took a man with no brains, out from Kepala Batas, Penang, put him in the Parliament for 5 years, and now half the country is looking for work.'

Ooops!

My Choice of Love

2008-06-29T20:06:00.008+08:00

If love comes in colors
I choose blue

If love comes in flowers
I'll choose rose

If love comes in songs
I'll think of choosing blues

But if love should come in human beings
I'll definitely not think twice before
I'll choose you because.....
You are my choice

Six Signs You Are In Corporate World

2008-06-19T22:15:00.011+08:00

1) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

They have SOP that covers almost everything under the roof to facilitate work and ensure work can be carried out without any hiccups. With so many employees working under the same roof, it must be hard if everyone has their own system or way of doing things. And one day, if you are in deep shit and there is no SOP to help you get out of the situation, all you have to do is panic and call a meeting immediately for brainstorming and creating another new SOP.

2) Use of abbreviations

If I compile all the abbreviations in a book, it will be as thick as my Oxford Dictionary. Some of the abbreviations used are SOP, MCM, KPI, IBS, ICI, SCM, MFE, etc. I had a hard time looking for the meaning of all these. The worst thing is there is no guide to decipher all the codes and sometimes it’s easy for newbies like me to misinterpret the abbreviation. I found out that IBS means Industrialized Building System NOT Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Silly me!

3) Power dressing

This is the term I learnt from a newspaper article not long ago. Power dressing makes you look like a smartass although your IQ could be same level with the janitor. First impression is very important. When you power dress, it shows how diligent you are and you are ready to kick butt or puncture someone’s intestines with your 3-inch spiky heels from the moment your boss says “GO”.

Dressing smartly is also like a competition among colleagues. Everyone is trying to impress everyone. You feel very out of place when you dress in khaki slack and do not tuck your shirt in even though it is Dockers or the latest collection from G2000. And I noticed almost everyone swear by pantyhose. Now I feel that it is quite indecent to show my naked legs to people because even 50 years old aunties wear pantyhose, in black or dark grey. Shiatch! But wearing pantyhose can camouflage all the imperfections and its support feature gives a lift to my cellulite laden and saggy thighs.

Other that clothes, accessorizing is important too. By this, I mean the little thing we call mobile phones. Eight out of ten use the latest models of mobile phones, PDA phones, I-Phone or Blackberry. Luckily I don’t feel under equipped with my antique Sony Ericsson K510i.

4) Unfriendly people

It is very frustrating when you smile at someone and wish him or her good morning and all you get is a stare or view of the hairy orifice on their face. The friendliest person here is the tea lady. Only because we share the same surname. It could be a really cold world here.

5) Paranoia

I always feel like someone is watching me all the time. Tracking every single thing that I do. Can the IT guy read the mails I sent to my friends? My colleagues are treating me way too good. Are they into something? Are they trying to find out my weaknesses? Is everyone gossiping and backstabbing each other? Will the admin personnel think I’m incapable of doing my work if I ask her how to operate the sophisticated photocopy machine? Should I just stand at the machine for hours trying to figure out how it works? I guess I am going insane.

6) The prefix “e”

I used to complaint when my previous boss refused to equip me with my own computer although it was really necessary. Now, I have to look at the computer screen all the time as it’s pretty much paperless here. Everything is done electronically and prefixed with the alphabet “e” like e-NCR, e-Assessment, e-fax, e-AI, e-EI, e-invitation, etc. I couldn’t help but wonder, in the busy world like today where everybody seems to be chasing something in their life, could there be e-date, e-coffee or e-lunch one day?

Ikenai Taiyo (イケナイ太陽 )

2008-06-14T18:54:00.003+08:00

Currently, this is my favorite song by Orange Range. It’s the opening theme of a Japanese drama titled Hanazakari no Kimitachi e. The song is very catchy and makes me go NaNaNa all the time.

Ikenai Taiyo means Bad Sun. But according to one website, in the sense of this song, Ikenai Taiyo can mean a guy who can’t help falling for a girl he thinks is alluring and is chastising himself for the physical attraction. IMHO, this song suits the drama well as it’s about a girl (Ashiya Mizuki) who disguises herself as a boy to get into an all-boys school for some reasons. Ashiya is admired by one of her classmates, Nakatsu Shuichi and as a result Nakatsu was confused about his sexuality as he knows Ashiya as a boy.

Hoo イケナイ太陽　Na Na
Hoo IKENAI taiyou Na Na
Hoo bad sun Na Na

チョットでいいから　見せてくれないか
CHOTTO de ii kara misete kurenai ka
Just a little would be fine, won't you show me

お前のセクシー・フェロモンで　オレ　メロメロ
Omae no SEKUSHI- FEROMON de ORE MEROMERO
Your sexy pheromone is all over me

Ah ふれちゃいそう　でも　イケナイの！
Ah furechaisou demo IKENAI no!
Ah I'm about to touch, but I shouldn't

徐々に高なる鼓動　止められないわ
Jojo ni takanaru kougo tomerarenai wa
I can’t stop the rising beat

交わす言葉の　記憶遠く　口元の動きに揺れ動く
Kawasu kotoba no kioku tooku kuchi moto no ugoki ni yure ugoku
The memory of our exchanged words makes my mouth shiver till its pounding (needs tweaking)

濡れた髪を撫でた　そして　Ah
Nureta kami o nadeta soshite Ah
I stroked your wet hair and then Ah

ABC　続かない　そんなんじゃ　ダメじゃない
ABC tsuzukanai sonnan ja DAME ja nai
Not continuing the ABC***; that wouldn't do, would it

だって　ココロの奥は違うんぢゃない？
Datte KOKORO no oku wa chigaun ja nai ?
Since what's inside this heart is different isn't it?

オレの青春　そんなもんじゃない　熱く奥で果てたいよ
ORE no seishun sonna mon ja nai atsuku okude hatetai yo
My youth is not like that, I want to end it with a burning heart

きっと　キミじゃなきゃ　ヤダよ　
Kitto KIMI ja nakya yada yo
Surely if it's not you it won't do

オレは　イケナイ太陽　Na
ORE wa IKENAI taiyou Na　Na
I am a bad sun Na Na

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

「赤い糸」なんて絵空事　でも下心でさえ信じたいの
[Akai ito]nante esoragoto demo shita kokoro de sae shinjitai no
The [red thread]** seems like a made-up dream, but I want to believe from the bottom of my heart that..

俺は正しい　キミも正しい
Ore wa tadashii KIMI mo tadashii
I am right for you, you as well are right for me

とにかくもう左右されないゼ
Tonikaku mou sayuu sarenaize
There’s no need to care about anything else

騙し騙され胸うずく　下手な芝居が　より盛り上げる夜
Damashi damasare mune uzuku hetana shibai ga yori mori ageru yo
When I go quiet I can't do anything since I am lame in pretending

息が耳に触れた二人　Ah
Iki ga mimi ni fureta futari Ah
My breath touches your ear, we both Ah

ABC　続かない　そんなんじゃ　ダメじゃない
ABC tsuzukanai sonna n ja DAME ja nai
Not continuing the ABC***; that wouldn't do, would it

だって　ココロの奥は違うんぢゃない？
Datte KOKORO no oku wa chigau n ja nai?
Since what's inside this heart is different isn't it

あたしの青春　そんなもんじゃない　熱く奥で果てたいよ
Atashi no seishun sonna mon ja nai atsuku okude hatetai yo
My youth is not like that, I want to end it with a burning heart

きっと　キミじゃなきゃ　やだよ　
Kitto KIMI ja nakya yada yo
Surely if it's not you it won't do

あたし　イケナイ太陽
Atashi IKENAI taiyou
I am a bad sun

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

交わす言葉の記憶遠く　口元の動きに揺れ動く
Kawasu kotoba no kioku tooku kuchi moto no ugoki ni yure ugoku
The memory of our exchanged words makes my mouth shiver till its pounding (needs tweaking)

濡れた髪を撫でた　そして　Ah
Nureta kami o nadeta soshite Ah
I stroked your wet hair and then Ah

ABC 続かない　そんなんじゃ　ダメじゃない
ABC tsuzukanai sonna n ja DAME ja nai
Not continuing the ABC***; that wouldn't do, would it

だって　ココロの奥は違うんぢゃない？
Datte KOKORO no oku wa chigau n ja nai?
Since what's inside this heart is different isn't it

オレの青春　そんなもんじゃない　熱く奥で果てたいよ
ORE no seishun sonna mon ja nai atsuku okude hatetai yo
My youth is not like that, I want to end it with a burning heart

きっと　キミじゃなきゃ　やだよ　
Kitto KIMI ja nakya yada yo
Surely if it's not you it won't do

オレは　イケナイ太陽
ORE wa IKENAI taiyou
I am a bad sun

絡み合う糸は　君と俺を結ぶ赤い糸　Na Na
Karami au ito wa kimi to ore wo musubu akai ito Na Na
The intertwined thread is the red thread** that binds us together

** the "red thread" is a cultural thing. The Japanese believe in some kind of red string of fate that connects a person to his/her destined partner.
***ABC here probably refers to speech, as in spoken words.

Long Silence (Warning: Extremely Long and Emo)

2008-06-14T02:53:00.015+08:00

Well… well… how should I begin this amazing fairy tale of mine? I know I have been absent here for a very very long time. Before the cyclone in Myanmar, before the earthquake in China and before the tremendous increase in petrol price. Anyone out there missing me? Hehe.

The month of April and May had been the most challenging, fun and topsy turvy time for me this year, so far. This is the chronology of events:

1) I finally ended my service in PRC after working there for exactly 5 years and 9 months (I joined and left the company on the same date). I couldn’t believe it when I stepped out from my old office on the last day. Never had I imagined that one day I will step out from the building for the final time but it actually happened. I felt neither sad nor happy. It was time to move on. I am no longer the naïve fresh grad I was 6 years ago. JT said he is so proud of me for making the decision. It may be right or wrong but that is not important. The important thing is I made a decision in life. Walau eh…

My former colleagues organized a farewell dinner for me at TGIF Subang Parade. I was quite touched by their effort due to some reasons. First, I received 2 farewell gifts. None of the staff who resigned previously get farewell gift. Second, everyone was there during the dinner which was surprising as there are few who never join after work activities. Some of those who resigned earlier than me were there too. Well, it could also mean they just can’t wait for me to get lost. Either I was an angel or pain in the ass to them. I hope it’s not the latter.

My former colleagues

2) Few days later, I visited Beijing with my family and friends. To be frank, I don’t like Beijing. The air is polluted, the food is terrible and the people there are just so rude. With 2008 Olympics just around the corner, it makes me wonder if they are going to treat the athletes, media and all the visitors with the same attitude.

Nevertheless, it was fun going for holiday with a big group of friends and family. And visiting as many Wonder of the World or World Heritage Site as possible is one of my dreams. I learnt that being a very big country, everything in China must be mega scale too.

The Great Wall

Forbidden City

Famous facade of Tiananmen Square at night

Beijing CCTV Tower

Even something that is called ‘little’ is not so little. This Little Potala Temple had been scaled down by 50% from its original version in Tibet. However, we still have to climb some 300 odd steps to reach the highest level of the temple.

Little Potala Temple

Personally, this trip was quite an eye opener for me. Few nights, when we had nothing to do in the hotel, the girls gathered in one room and did what girls do best. Most girls will say their dad is the best and that is exactly what I felt. I am proud to have him as my dad although he can be annoying sometimes. I saw the caring side of him during the trip. He made sure his wife and kids have enough to eat, he put dishes on our plate during meals, searched for us every time we disappeared from his sight and he would not sit in the bus until he saw us walking towards the bus. At times, I pity him because my mom is always so cold to him.

Not long ago, my parents celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary. My dad called me to inform about it and said he was thinking of buying a gift for my mom and ask her out for dinner. The night before the anniversary day, he waited till 12a.m to give my mom the gift. She didn’t say anything. On the actual day, he asked her out for dinner and she refused, citing she had to do the house chores. Come on! It’s not everyday you celebrate wedding anniversary and not every husband remembers wedding anniversary. Say I am naïve, for feeling touched by my dad’s actions. Does he think that by doing this it will clear him of all the mistakes he did before? But to err is only human and everybody makes mistakes. Perhaps I do not understand my mother’s predicament but I promised myself that if I ever get married one day, I will try my best not to be like her.

Three daddies discussing important issues

Ok, that was out of topic.

What did I learn about my mom? She has acrophobia which is fear of heights. Surprised!

3) Slightly more than a week after Beijing, I travelled again. This time, my itchy feet took me to Surabaya-Yogyakarta-Solo. Again, it is another world heritage site for me to conquer, Candi Borobodur.

The first day was the toughest. I had never been in so many mode of transportation in my life. It began with the flight from KL to Surabaya. When we arrived in Surabaya, we took the airport bus to the bus station in town, then another bus to the railway station. The intention was to check the train schedule and decide what to do next from there. Whether to stay a night in Surabaya or not before heading east to Yogyakarta.

Thanks to the friendly couple we met on the bus, we went to the wrong railway station. After asking the locals, we took a local cab to the right station. But due to some miscommunication and the fact that we didn’t really care but just hopped into the minivan, we took a cab that is not going in the direction we were heading. After talking to the driver, he agreed to drop us near the next station from the station we originally wanted to go. From there, we walked for another 15 minutes to the station.

After all the ‘Amazing Race’ incidents, we decided to buy the train ticket and head to Yogyakarta on the same day. So, 3 hours flight, 2 buses, 1 cab, 15 minutes walk and 5 hours train ride, all in one day. OMG!

The rest of the trip was spent doing sight seeing and visiting places of interest.

Giant stupas

Candi Borobodur

4) Barely a week after the Indonesia trip, I was on the go again.

This time, it was Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For the second time, I climbed Mount Kinabalu. It was raining all the way during the first part of the climb which was from Timpohon Gate to Gunting Lagadan. I was drenched in rainwater and sweat and fell sick once I reached Gunting Lagadan. For the second part, I was sick from previous day and altitude sickness and gave up at about 2.5km from the summit.

Mount Kinabalu

OK, so I didn’t manage to reach the summit this time. But I performed better compared with the first time. I reached Gunting Lagadan in slightly more than 4 hours (previously 6 hours) and took about 3 hours to descent (previously 5 hours). And I was 8 years younger back then. Will I attempt to do it again? God knows.

After the climb, we went to Pulau Tiga, the Survivor Island by yacht. It was a great experience for me as the trip to Pulau Tiga was an exclusive trip with a group of Directors of some companies. I felt like an elite, cruising in yacht, stopped for fishing in the middle of the sea, transferred by small boat from the yacht to Pulau Tiga for lunch and played at the volcano mud pool and another fishing session before going back to KK city.

Jetty of Pulau Tiga

Fierce looking statue welcomed us

Many will say being in a situation where you do not have to work but just enjoy life is the best. For me, it was the opposite. Apart from all the trips, there was nothing much to do. I didn’t have a routine, no purpose in life, no goals to achieve, no deadline to meet. On one hand, I had plenty of time to do all I wanted to do but on the other, I always feel that time is limited for me to do it. And I didn’t even feel like updating my blog. Confusing eh?

At times, I felt very lonely too. I went for spa, facial, massage, manicure, pedicure, movie, shopping and whatever not. I thought I will enjoy the datin lifestyle. But instead of feeling like a million dollar baby, I felt empty. There’s no fun when you go for spa, you are the only person there apart for some rich aunties. Maybe the staffs there think that I don’t have to work because my sugar daddy can pay for the spa treatment. And yet, I complained when I don’t manage to lock in the time for all these luxuries because apparently, working class ladies only have time for spa during weekends. Life!

There were days when I stayed in my pajamas for the whole day. I didn’t deodorize, shape my eyebrows, pluck my armpit hair or trim my nostril hair. I didn’t even touch my ironing board for one whole month. I forgot how it feels like to wake up early in the morning and dress up in executive attire for work. I guess if I stay unemployed for another month, I will turn into an emotional and hideous ogre. And hairy too...

For the past one month, there were also incidents involving friends, buddies and acquaintances. Some are so personal that I can’t even share it with anyone. Sometimes I feel that comprehending inter human relationship is tougher than studying nuclear science. Be it male-female, female-female, male-male, friends, dating couples, siblings, relatives, etc. At least you can get a Nobel Prize for discovering nuclear science. Discovering more about relationship will only take you round and round the garden.

So, life is not always beautiful and rosy. Anyway, I am glad that I am back and I have just turned into a corporate slave where I have to dress like the toughest chick with the killer heels and wear pantyhose because the centralized air conditioner is so damn cold sometimes.

Dignified office lady

Get ready to rock and roll, baby.

I Go

2008-04-13T13:01:00.002+08:00

A very nice song by Pete Teo, Malaysian independent singer-songwriter.

"So long, fare thee well

The dancer and the dancing days have taken leave and fell

So turn down this bed of stone

Quench me with the deadly nightshade from the rose that you belong

The long December rain is falling now

Running down on streets to nowhere

Music is my life - you're my sweetest nightingale

But I can't hear it here no more

And I go...

Hush now, don't shake or break

Words have fallen silent like soldiers to the grave

No matter what they do or say

Lay me on the sleepy meadows by the tracks upon your face"

Train Ride To Hat Yai

2008-04-07T23:27:00.014+08:00

As I mentioned in my last entry, I was going away for the weekend. This is what I did last weekend.

Friday, 4 April 2008

8.45p.m. - Hopped into Ekspress Langkawi train number EL8 at KL Sentral.

The train ticket

Inside the train

Saturday, 5 April 2008

7.00a.m. - Woke up to some magnificent view of sunrise and wide stretched paddy field. The view almost gave my eyes multiple orgasms. I stared blankly into the "LCD screen" next to my seat for hours.

Sunrise on the way from Bukit Mertajam to Sungai Petani

View from Sungai Petani to Arau

10.45a.m. - Arrived Padang Besar. Had to wait for about 40 minutes here before continuing with the journey to Hat Yai. Later, found out this is because they have to change to train head. KTM only brings us to Padang Besar. From there, Thai Railway will take over and bring us from Padang Besar to Hat Yai.

Immigration checkpoint

12.00p.m. - Finally, after sitting on my ass for almost 15 hours...

Hat Yai train station

Busy and crowded

Cute puppy on the train

Lunch - Stir fried lala, fried kangkung, tom yam and rice. Had the sweetest, purest and best sugarcane juice too.

Had lunch here

Stir fried lala, tastes soooo good

After lunch - Walked around Hat Yai town.

Hat Yai town, very very hot

3.00p.m. - Back to train station to catch Ekspress Langkawi train EL7 to KL.

Sunday, 6 April 2008

7.30a.m. - Back in KL. :(

I Want To Break Free

2008-04-03T21:01:00.003+08:00

Today is a good and happy day. I can feel the bounce in my steps. I was so happy that I pinched KH’s cheeks in front of all my colleagues and gave them a big surprise. He was stunned when I did that. So scandalous! Haha…

Why am I so happy?

First, I managed to get what I wanted to get last night after braving through the rain and traffic congestion. It was an achievement for me as I got the thing in the nick of time. A decent dinner in a nice and simple Japanese restaurant in Damansara Heights followed by warm sake and Marlboro Lights ended the day in a very special way.

I woke up with a huge grin this morning feeling today is going to be a great day. The first part of my day was spent at site in Sg. Long. The contractor made a lot of mistakes and unable to give a good explanation when I queried them. As usual, they get some scolding from me. Hehe. The best part is when I managed to keep questioning them until they can’t fight back and the clients agree to what I said and did. Whoa! This is called girl power. Somehow, I feel that I’m more efficient now, during my last few days serving for this company.

I skipped lunch because I had more important things to do. Drove all the way to this company that I am interested in, passed my resume to someone and barely 3 hours later, I received a call inviting me for interview.

Tomorrow is off day for me as I have to attend a pre-arrange interview at 2.30p.m. The other company asked me to go at 4p.m. I tried to change the second interview to morning but the HR personnel told me their session is full. Can I make it on time? What if the first interview drags until 3.45p.m.? Can I rush from Shah Alam to Sunway in 15 minutes? Then, I also have to go back to USJ, get ready, leave my house by 7p.m. and head to KL by commuter. I was worried but decided to just go with the flow tomorrow.

15 minutes later, I received another call. The second interview is rescheduled to 11a.m. tomorrow. I was so relieved. Is today my birthday or what?

I’m hoping that tomorrow is another great day and everything goes smoothly. Then, I can reward myself with the weekend getaway that I planned 2 days ago. I want to break free and get my bourgeoise ass out of here. Nobody knows where I am going this weekend but I can assure you, it’s fucking crazy. Wait and see…

One Choice

2008-03-28T00:13:00.006+08:00

"Right now you are one choice away from a new beginning - one that leads you toward becoming the fullest human being you can be."

- Oprah Winfrey

In every moment we get to choose. We get to choose whether to move forward or stand still; whether to speak out in anger or reach out in peace; whether to hold tight to misery or to let our pain go; whether to give our love or express our hatred. And it is by choices such as these that we form our lives.

Because of this power of choice that I have, I tendered my resignation last Wednesday. It was a good day for me. I was so happy that I sang and screamed in my car, out of happiness. I felt like I have just dropped a huge baggage that I have been carrying for a very long time.

My boss was unhappy about it. When I told him the reason I am doing this, he said that is not a very good reason to resign. Since when do we need a good reason to resign? And I don't care anymore. I've had enough. The council has spoken. And this time she is damn serious.

Anyway, last Friday I attended the first interview in almost 6 years. Everything went smoothly and guess what, they offered me the job on the same day. The offer is very good and tempting. Say about RM1,300 more than what I am getting now? How good is that?

But, surprisingly, I am not excited about it. My instinct tells me not to go for it. There are many factors which I shall spare the details. Perhaps it's also because I have other plans and really want to take a break first.

To celebrate the choice I have made and the success of the interview, I detoured to Jaya33 to visit my sexy baby on the way back to USJ (see previous post). But I didn't get the one I had my eyes on earlier because Misfit said that one is not very nice. Just kidding.

I find that white color doesn't really suit me so I bought the one in dark blue. I think this one is more elegant. Oh, I also get 30% discount. Gee...

Everybody, introducing My Precious...

It's my life. It's my choice. The power is in my hands.

Save or Splurge

2008-03-17T21:40:00.008+08:00

I’m in a dilemma.

I need to be frugal now and save some money for the sabbatical break that I am dying to take soon. It’s not that I don’t have any saving at all. But a girl just has to have some ‘in case of emergency’ cash. In case, I am unable to find a new greater job later and the zeroes in my account begin to disappear one by one. In case, something happen during the break and I really need some cold hard cash. In case… the list goes on.

But, last Saturday, I saw this baby in Jaya33 PJ.

· Three-Hand Quartz Movement w/ Date Display

· Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal

· Approximate Case Dimensions: 24mm Diameter, 6mm Thickness

· Stainless Steel Bracelet

· Water Resistant to 50 Meters

· 33 Month Battery Life

· Each Tissot Watch Comes with a Two-Year Warranty From Tissot

I always buy something for myself to commemorate the events and special moments that happen in my life. I have promised myself that when I find a new job later I will buy a nice watch to wear on the first day in new office.

But as fate would have it, I laid my eyes on Tissot T-Classic PR50, Model T34128114. And I have been thinking about it ever since I saw it.

I made a check on the net and found that the price varies from USD150 to USD200. The selling price in Jaya33 is lower than USD200 with the same warranty period. And the shop does not look like a hanky panky shop.

Furthermore, the salesperson who attended me informed that 25% discount will be given for all Tissot watches (there is discount for other watches too). That can save me about RM150.00 and the final price is less than USD150. Yahoo!

After doing the Maths, I keep asking myself, should I buy it later when I get a new job or should I buy it now to celebrate the decisions I made for myself? That is to quit my job, rest for a while and do something that I love. Should I save that money for the ‘in case of emergency’ instances or should I spend it on something I don’t really need but would really love to have?

On another thought, maybe I should buy it now and wear it to job interviews. It could be my lucky watch or good luck charm. Who knows?

Besides, all my angpau are still unopened. And one watch is never enough for a girl. I already have three. Hehe...

I Am So 'Toto'ed

2008-03-13T23:39:00.002+08:00

On the way back from a meeting with my boss today, he asked me about Toto's concert in KL. I've heard about it on the radio many times but never really paid any attention to it as I never thought of going to the concert.

Anyway, when I reached home, I 'google'ed it and found some information in Axcess's website. Although I spent one third of my life in The 80s, I only know some of Toto's songs like the well known Africa, Rosanna and I'll Be Over You, to name a few.

Next, I 'Youtube'ed Toto and found many other great songs. Now, I am totally 'Toto'ed. Who wants to go to the concert with me? It's on Saturday, 15 March 2008 at Perdana Lakeview East, Cyberjaya.

Meet you all the way, Rosanna yeah...

Then hor... there is also the Here & Now Tour 2008, The Very Best Of 80s in Genting Highlands next weekend. The tour features some high profile performers like Belinda Carlisle, Bananarama, Paul Young and Johnny Hates Jazz. I am already salivating!

Oh wait! Why am I still stuck in The 80s?

Indecent Proposal

2008-03-12T09:42:00.000+08:00

On Monday evening, I received the following few smses:

Uncle: Bella, you free tonight?

Bella: Today is gym day. Why?

Uncle: Tonight I’m alone.

Bella: So? Where’s your Mrs. and hero?

Uncle: Don’t be angry. I’m alone tonight. Just want to have fun with you, if you don’t mind.

Of course I mind, you OLD BUGGER, STUPID MOTHER FUCKER!

First of all, he is married with 3 children.

Second, he is a 40-something uncle.

Third, 5 years ago, when I started working, he called me once with the same agenda which I blatantly told him that he is almost as old as my Dad and I don’t want to be rude but this is ridiculous.

Should I report him? But to who?

And, have fun with me? What kind of fun? Am I fun to be with?

The Misadventure of Shane and Alice

2008-02-26T22:22:00.002+08:00

Scene 1.

Alice is feeling very down and everything seems wrong in her life lately. She feels that her life sucks and she is rotting in her current situation.

Alice is no longer in Wonderland. She is confused and stuck at the roundabout, doesn’t know which way to turn. She just wants to scream, get a big hug and have a shoulder to cry on.

Scene 2.

Shane gets scolded by her client for nothing. Apparently, this client requested Shane to dye his hair purple and Shane did just that.

But, due to momentarily brain lapse, he has forgotten that he made such request and scolded Shane for his purple hair. Now he wants green color hair.

Scene 3.

Shane asks Alice out for drinks as she is upset. Alice immediately agrees. Shane will fetch Alice from her house after work.

Meanwhile, while waiting to clock off from work, Alice is thinking about the rendezvous that night. She wants to go for Turkish Oil Wrestling. Shane just laughs it off because, without a doubt, there’s no such thing in KL. Is there?

Scene 4.

Shane is waiting outside Alice’s house. They meet and discuss where to go for dinner. Finally, they decided to go to TJ Haus. The food is great and the chef is good looking too.

After dinner, Shane wants to order dessert but Alice suggests going elsewhere. She heard there is a new place in town called Roof Garden and her friend, Mimi is working there.

Scene 5.

Shane and Alice are at the Roof Garden. But they soon find out Roof Garden is not at the roof level. It’s one level below the roof and there’s no garden. Apart from Shane and Alice, there is only another table of customers and they are singing some stupid karaoke songs. Mimi has resigned.

While drinking their beer, Mr. Fun calls Alice and asks her to join them at a place called Boulevard. Alice agrees to join them because Roof Garden is so boring.

Scene 6.

Shane and Alice walk into Boulevard. Mr. Fun and the gang are drinking and playing pool. Everybody introduce themselves.

After 10 minutes, Shane and Alice start to feel out of place again. Almost all the patrons of Boulevard are above 40 years old and they sing songs by Alleycats and some other songs from the medieval times. Alice rather watch paint dry than be at the Boulevard.

Scene 7.

Shane and Alice walk out from Boulevard. They are laughing at themselves for this great adventure, wondering how they can go to two salah pubs in a night. Wrong place, wrong crowd. Both Shane and Alice shake their head.

Scene 8. (Finale)

Shane drives Alice home. They promise not to go Roof Garden and Boulevard anymore. And because they need a break so badly, Shane and Alice are going to Singapore for the weekend. Shane and Alice smiling happily.

Next adventure: Enigma, after Singapore.

Which Disney Princess Am I?

2008-02-21T20:46:00.003+08:00

Found this test somewhere.

Which Disney Princess Are You?
	You are part Jasmine. You are loyal and would visit the ends of the earth for what you believe. You would never let obstacles stand in the way of true love.
	You are part Belle. You are strong, deep, and you are not a slave to petty superficial things. You are independent and allow yourself to see inner beauty without sacrificing your values. You are almost too good of a person.

Battle of The Rat

2008-01-20T21:30:00.000+08:00

It is very common to find decorative items featuring the "animal of the year" around Chinese New Year time. For instance, year 2007 was the year of Pig. So, all the decorative items have images of cute pinkish pig on it.

Year 2008 is a Chinese Brown Earth (Soil) Rat Year. Understandably, all the decorative items, from big to small, whether we hang it on the wall or simply stick it with double sided tape, must have at least one image of rat on it.

However, some people decided to overdo it.

Mickey and Minnie mouse? Holding a fish each? I think this is the most salah thing to do. They think this is cute?

I hope they have something with Remy of Ratatouille. Personally, I think Remy is cuter.

Or maybe Jerry from Tom & Jerry.

Cute hor???

Project Management 101

2008-01-18T22:40:00.000+08:00

“You all have to remember that this is a special project. A fast track and unconventional project.”

“Don’t tell me the grandmother stories. Don’t tell me how you get it done. Just tell me when you can deliver the end product.”

“Sometimes we can do things in a new way. Don’t always do things the conventional way. Instead of unzip your pants and pull it down before you pee, you can just pull down your pants and pee.”

- Mr. QHE, Director of NCSB

Giving the consultants and sub contractors lesson on project management during a meeting for RM330mil government project.

Casa Bella

2008-01-08T21:15:00.000+08:00

Noticed the difference? This is my latest indulgence.

Before

After

2 Jilo Jilo 8

2008-01-02T23:31:00.000+08:00

When we drink, we get drunk
When we get drunk, we go to sleep
When we go to sleep, we commit no sin
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven
So, let's get drunk and go to heaven

At the age of almost three decades, it is unimaginable for me to strut down the busiest street and make myself present at the coolest, hippest party in town to usher into a new year. Instead, I chose to end the year 2007 in a quiet and domesticated way with few friends. And after what happened on Christmas Eve, I decided to stay sober this time.

We had a potluck party at the Yap’s Residence in Klang. The Yaps prepared glass noodle salad as appetizer and Thai Laksa as the main course. I made tiramisu and Winyeon came with chicken teriyaki.

Since it is a potluck party, I figured there is no harm in bringing more than one item. So, I brought a bottle of red wine. Wait! I also brought something else to the party.

Mattress and Comforter

Actually, the mattress is for our slumber party afterwards. And now I learnt that potluck party can be BYOB and BYOM. I understand that BYOB means Bring Your Own Bottle but BYOM is not Bring Your Own Man in our context. It is simply Bring Your Own Mattress, for three almost thirty, not a girl but not yet a woman ladies to use for their slumber party.

Alas, after the wine, cheese and the super boring movie (Lust Caution), we fell asleep soundly till the next morning.

Wine and Cheese

So much for our slumber party and movie marathon. Happy 2008 anyway.

Panning Effect

2007-12-28T23:47:00.000+08:00

Too free on a Friday night and decided to experiment with something called "panning effect" with my camera. This is the result...

Source.

Musical.

Wave.

U-turn.

Soar.

Tsunami.

Swirl.

Dizzy.

PMS.

Curves.

Indecisive.

Thanks for your time. Have a great weekend.

Helpful Government Servant

2007-12-27T20:58:00.000+08:00

Today, I went to MPSj to collect some plans.

One of our clients has intention to buy a plot of land near Mesiniaga building in SS15. But, before signing all the papers, of course they will carry out some feasibility studies.

My task is to get the updated traffic system plan of that area for traffic assessment. The first thing that crossed my mind is to get it from the local council. I was very sure they have the latest plan incorporating the flyover under construction by AZRB and any future development of the said area.

One phone call to the Engineering Department confirmed this. The technician was very helpful on the phone. She gave me her mobile number too, for me to call her directly in case she is not around when I arrive later.

I told myself… this is easy. Just one phone call and I get what I am looking for. My boss is going to be glad he employed me. I feel smart. I feel the girl power within me.

However, when I reached there, I don’t know whether I should laugh, jump off the building or wring her neck. This is what she showed me…

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

From this...

I should have known better...

Oops! I Did It Again

2007-12-25T13:13:00.000+08:00

Yes. I did it again. Despite trying hard not to let it happen.

Last night, I went out with a couple of friends to Q Bar, Sunway Pyramid for Christmas celebration. We opened a bottle of Martel V.S.O.P.

The Christmas celebration in Q Bar was kinda boring last night. The place was not crowded as usual and there were hardly any hot chicks for my viewing pleasure. The music sucks too. However, thanks to my friends, I still managed to have a good time there.

I started with a glass of cognac. Then, I had the second glass, third glass and lost count after that. And for the second time in my life, I got drunk on Christmas Eve and puked like nobody’s business.

If anyone saw a lady in black sheer blouse and dark blue jeans vomiting at the carpark of Pyramid Tower, that’s yours truly. Totally not sexy, I agree.

I have learnt my lesson. Christmas Eve is not a time for binge drinking. No more binge drinking. Period.

Merry Christmas.

Don't Save It All For Christmas

2007-12-19T20:14:00.000+08:00

Don’t get so busy that you miss
Giving just a little kiss
To the ones you love
And don’t even wait a little while
To give them a little smile
A little is enough

It is that time of the year again. The time that I look forward to all year long.

Christmas is always my favorite time although I am not a Christian. When I was young, I would follow my relatives who are Christians to church on Christmas day. Then, we would exchange gifts. The sexiest gift I have received from them was a white color tiny panty with red Christmas images on it. Of course, I never get the chance to wear it as my mother said it is indecent to wear something like that (Aww…) And thus, the panty went out of my possession, forever.

Christmas is time to… decorate any place you think can be or should be decorated with all those expensive Christmas ornaments.

Time to dust my Christmas songs CD.

Time to wear my devil hair band without getting annoying stares from strangers.

My perfect Christmas would be… It is snowing outside. I am sitting in my favorite couch near the fire place. I pour a glass of red wine for myself, take a sip, sit back and relax. Then, I hear the song Silent Night playing softly on the radio. I begin to wonder if this is how heaven feels like. Alas, that will never happen here in Malaysia.

My favorite Christmas song is… Last Christmas by WHAM. I don’t know why but I like this song and always wait for it to be played, be it while driving, shopping or having a meal in restaurants. My boss asked me before if I was dumped by someone on Boxing Day, right after I gave him my heart on Christmas day as the song implicates something like that. Whatever…

My favorite Christmas movie is… Love Actually. Need I say more? I think this is the perfect Christmas movie and entertaining too. I have watched it over and over again. Last Christmas Eve, I watched this movie in my room, with Domino’s Pizza, Secret Recipes’ cheesecakes, a bottle of red wine and not forgetting my girl friend.

My favorite Christmas food is… log cake. I love cakes! No more explanation.

My Christmas wish list… I don’t want a lot for Christmas and there is just one thing I need. That is…

Again, no explanation.

If you feel like making my wish comes true, don’t wait till Christmas. After all, it is the season of giving. Merry Christmas to everyone.

Don’t save it all for Christmas day
Find a way to give a little love everyday
Cause holidays have come and gone
But love lives on if you give on

I Am A First Aider

2007-12-16T20:06:00.000+08:00

Finally, I received my first aid certificate, after waiting for more than a month.

I can now perform mouth to mouth resuscitation, CPR as well as the Heimlich maneuver. Argh… an attempt to pronounce Heimlich maneuver is enough to make you choke. But don’t worry as I will do the Heimlich and if you stop breathing, I will proceed to mouth to mouth. I am certified to do that. (Show off!)

Anyway, here’s some info for you guys. This is a guide on whether we should perform the mouth to mouth resuscitation (MMR) or cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in times of emergency.

Patient passed out, breathing, with pulse – Try to wake him/her up.

Patient passed out, not breathing, with pulse – Perform MMR.

Patient passed out, not breathing, no pulse – Perform CPR.

Patient passed out, breathing, no pulse – Perform CL.

Note: CL means cabut lari. Haha! Breathing but no pulse? How is that possible?

Have a safe day.

Yogur Berry

2007-12-11T14:33:00.000+08:00

There is a new craze in town, for me at least.

No, I am not talking about the donuts from Big Apple or J.Co where people would queue in a line so long it almost reaches the neighboring states, just for the food with a hole.

I am talking about Yogur Berry, a brand of frozen yogurt, a brain child of a company headquartered in Korea. So far, there are three outlets in KL (Sunway Pyramid, Times Square, The Mines) and three outlets in Kota Kinabalu (Warisan Square, City Mall, Karamunsing Complex).

Yogur Berry in Sunway Pyramid

This is a healthy dessert for those who are health conscious supposedly due to its natural, low fat yogurt and also very low glycemic index. And yogurt has been regarded as healthy food since the beginning of time.

If you want to give Yogur Berry a try, their outlet in Sunway Pyramid is giving grand opening discount of 30% for everything on their menu. Try their set meal that consists of a scoop of frozen yogurt with three toppings, roti ikan and roti walnut for RM7.28 (GST included).

Frozen yogurt with blueberry sauce, banana and mango

Roti ikan and roti walnut

But, don’t be so happy just yet… for they might serve you a ‘discounted’ product.

See that void in my frozen yogurt?

Nevertheless, at this moment, Yogur Berry is my new Baskin Robbins.

Tired Eyes

2007-12-10T18:58:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I went to Sunway Pyramid with LT.

I am short sighted but never like to wear glasses. So, I wear contact lenses instead. Throughout our shopping trip, my eyes were dry. I had to apply eye drops frequently to refresh my eyes.

When I reached home in the evening, I took a shower. Then, I read emails, did some reading and even watched CSI on AXN. All with my glasses but my eyes still feel uncomfortable and my eyesight was quite blurred. I thought my eyes were tired. So I took off my glasses and rest.

But, to my surprise, I could read the subtitles on TV clearly, something that I have not been able to do for quite some time. I really don’t understand this. How can my tired eyes gain back its perfect eyesight? I even sms LT to tell her what happened and she was shocked too.

As I brushed my teeth later, I finally found the answer to all the questions in my head.

I forgot to take off my contact lenses. *Bang my head on the wall*

Tiramisu

2007-12-09T19:46:00.000+08:00

When one mentions tiramisu, I always imagine something romantic. Like a man and a woman who share the love for it, fight for the last piece, try to make the dessert together and fall in love later.

In actual fact, the history of tiramisu does have something to do with love.

It is believed that tiramisu was first created during the First World War by women in northern Italy. They made this dessert for their men to take with them as they were being sent off to war, presumably to remind the men of their home and their bitter sweet love. They also might have believed the high caffeine and energy content of this dessert would give the men more energy to fight the war and come home safely.

There is also another theory that dates back even further, to the time of Renaissance periods. Venetians women made these to be shared with their men during the late hours as they believed it would give them the energy to make more vigorous love later. Naughty… naughty…

Whatever it is, tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts and I spent some time to make my own tiramisu on Saturday. This is how tiramisu is made.

First, you need strong coffee, coffee liquor, savoyardi ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, eggs and sugar.

Beat egg yolks and sugar.

Beat egg white till fluffy, whip the cream and fold into the mixture of egg yolks and mascarpone cheese.

Dip the ladyfingers into mixture of coffee and coffee liquor. Arrange in the ramekin.

Layer with cream mixture. Repeat till the ramekins are full.

Keep refrigerated for 5 to 8 hours.

Sprinkle some cocoa powder and it is time to savor the tiramisu.

First bite...

Half eaten...

Finished...

Oh my God! I am a domestic goddess. Haha!

Law of Attraction

2007-12-07T21:59:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I had dinner and drinks with my friends in Midvalley after work. The occasion? Mr. Tamago who works in Bintulu with our national oil and gas company was in town.

However, the story that I am going to tell is not about the dinner. It is about what happened before the dinner.

You see, it was raining the whole day yesterday. As expected, the traffic is going to be congested everywhere in town including the Federal Highway. I left office at 6.10pm hoping to reach Midvalley at 7pm as I will be meeting WS first before the dinner.

By 7pm, I was still stuck in the jam, somewhere near the KWSP building and the traffic was still moving very very slowly. WS had called me twice. I told her I was going to be late due to traffic jam and I had to look for parking too. Christmas is around the corner and I am sure the shopping mall is going to be crowded with shoppers.

Then, I applied the Law of Attraction.

I told myself that I will reach Midvalley at 7.15pm. Then, I imagined where I will park my car. I will have to turn left twice after taking the parking ticket and the third parking bay is going to be vacant, waiting for my Wira.

Poof! Miraculously, after I drove pass the Telekom Tower at 7.13pm, traffic became very smooth. I turned into the carpark, took the parking ticket, turned left twice and found the third parking bay empty. I looked at the clock on my dashboard. Exactly 7.15pm, not even a minute late. Scary huh?

This is what we called the Law of Attraction. The law of attraction says that we are like a human transmission tower, transmitting a frequency through our thoughts. When we know what we want and concentrate on it, the universe will change itself to grant us our wish. The universe will say, “Your wish is my command.”

Actually, this is not the first time this has happen to me. So, think of what you really want and apply the Law of Attraction.

For now, I am going to concentrate on a USD100,000.00 cheque with my name on it. You guys have a freaky Friday and a great weekend. :)

A Tribute to Mr. West Door

2007-12-05T22:40:00.000+08:00

Today, I want to tell the story of Mr. West Door. No, he is not dead although I wish he is.

I do not want to do this because by doing this, my coolness scale and sexiness scale take a deep plunge. And I don’t feel good. But, many incidents happened recently and I really want to write a story of him.

Mr. West Door is the QA and QC Manager working with one of the developers. Many people dislike him for his unprofessional attitude at work. And, I think he forgot to buy insurance for his mouth. He will just tell anything about anybody to anyone. Once he knows something about you, the whole world will know it too.

This is what happened. Serious slope and riverbank erosion had occurred at one of my projects completed about 3 years ago. After many meetings and discussions, we had worked out a remedial proposal but still pending the director’s confirmation who is away for holiday. This is the conversation between us:

Bella: I hope you can give the confirmation ASAP because I worry the rain will cause more erosion. It is already in very serious condition now.

West Door: I know. I know. But boss next week only come back leh. Then hor, we need to find people to do also what. It takes time one.

Bella: Alright. But please get back to me once your boss confirm, ok?

West Door: Oklah. Oklah. Just pray that this whole week won’t rain lor… But hor, if anything happen, you will kena more teruk than me lor.

Bella: Huh? Why?

West Door: Because when the project was ongoing, I have not joined this company ma…

See? How could he say something like that?

In another incident, he recently back stabbed my colleague, KK. At first, I was handling a shops project. My boss noticed that I had my hands full so he passed that project to KK. Something happen but instead of finding ways to solve problems, he kept saying this project was earlier handled by another colleague who has resigned. What I don’t understand is he kept saying this to everyone like it is going to make any difference.

“Actually who handles this project? *Eventually PC and Bella in charge. Then, now SY and KK in charge. I don't like it if keep changing the person in charge. It’s very hard to keep track of the project leh. We *doesn’t want anything happen later, don’t know who to ask (blame?).” (*I think he meant to say “At first” and “We don’t”. Hehehe…)

Actually, the problem is the architect did not furnish us the tender drawing even though we have requested for it many times. We even made this known to the developer but no action was taken. Eventually, we prepared the tender drawings based on preliminary drawings as the deadline to issue tender drawing is getting nearer. And later, during tender interview, we found out the C&S and M&E drawings are not tally with the architect’s plan.

KK also highlighted this issue to Mr. West Door and his boss, DN many times. So he very boh song KK lor. And he became more tulan when his boss scolded him for his lack of monitoring.

Then, he started to spread rumors about KK and talked bad about him *behind his back (see below) to everyone including the clerk of work. So unprofessional! That old bugger!

Sometimes, when I ask him things he likes to answer “Notchet”. Now, I want to ask him, “Hey! You die already ar? Haiya! Notchet yet ar?” Haha!

That's all about Mr. West Door... at this moment.

*Why do we say behind my back? When you are facing my back, behind my back is actually my front isn’t it? And we don’t gossip in front of the person we are talking about. Can anyone please enlighten me?

Shh...

2007-12-03T22:15:00.001+08:00

A friend of mine confided something to me recently. All I want to say to her is...

Dear, everything will be alright...

Love And Peace Tour

2007-12-02T18:57:00.000+08:00

“This music is not from my mind, it is from heaven, going through my body and out my fingers through composing. Sometimes I wonder. I never practice. I don't read or write music, but my fingers move. I wonder, 'Whose song is this?' I write my songs, but they are not my songs."

Not many will know who Masanori Takahashi is. But, try mentioning Kitaro and everyone will say, Oh…

Kitaro, founding architect of New Age music

I had the opportunity to attend his Love and Peace Tour in Arena of Stars, Genting last night. It is one of my dreams to watch him perform live. After I missed his previous show in Genting few years ago, I was determined to go for it this time. No matter what.

Unlike concerts by other performers, like Black Eyed Peas, Pussycat Dolls or Gwen Stefani, the crowd was rather quiet before the show started. Everyone waited patiently for Kitaro’s magic touches on the harp, keyboard, taiko drum, flute as well as guitar.

The show began at exactly 8.15p.m with a score that sounded very sad. He played the harp, accompanied by the violinist.

It feels so surreal to be in the same hall with this legendary performer. As he mentioned before, some songs are like clouds, some are like water. And I could not agree more.

Some of his masterpieces he performed includes Koi, Heaven and Earth and of course the infamous Matsuri. When Matsuri ended, the crowd clapped and cheered and there was a standing ovation.

Matsuri was supposed to be the last piece for the night. But, as usual… We want more! So, he came up to the stage again and performed another two scores. He also promised that he will be back and I am crossing my fingers.

I really enjoyed the two hours performance and was hoping the show will never end. Anyway, many thanks to Bee for giving me this surprise back in August. Cheers!

A Man's Anatomy

2007-12-01T11:19:00.000+08:00

I was at a pub drowning myself with alcohol last night when one of the ladies told us some lame jokes. She kept repeating the jokes loudly as if we didn’t hear her the first time. I could feel that the guys at the next table are looking at us. So embarrassing!

To make it worse, she said the word PENIS very loudly but she pronounced it wrongly. How can this happen? She spent a year in Sheffield for her study. She had the opportunity to live and communicate with the native speakers for one full year. And she can’t even pronounce this word correctly?

How can I tell her that penis is pronounced as ‘pea+nis’ and not ‘pen+is’? Or how can I tell her to just shut the fuck up and keep drinking?

On to another funny episode… My boss (not the one I mentioned earlier) asked me a very stupid question last night. The question is “Do you know that when you send sms to your own number, you can receive it?”

Oh dear!

He must have accidentally sent it to his own number and received it. Imagine his bewildered look when that happened. God, please save my boss.

How Bizarre

2007-11-29T23:44:00.000+08:00

My boss is in joyful mood lately and I am confused. He is a very strict and serious person but his attitude lately really puzzled me.

These few days, he said “Good morning” cheerfully whenever he calls us. Even the receptionist is confused.

The other day, he called and asked “What are you wearing today?” Imagine how surprised I was when he asked this. After hesitated for a while and still in the state of confusion, I told him that I was wearing a brown color shirt. Actually, he wanted to know whether I was wearing skirt or pants as he wanted me to go for a site inspection. Hehe! Malu… When I met him later that afternoon, he gave me a cheeky smile.

This morning, I sent an sms to inform him today is the birthday of TMSB’s Managing Director. He replied “Thank you very much”. When he came back to office, he thanked me again for telling him. He also told me he called the MD to wish him. Then, he smiled and asked if I remember his birthday. I sure do, we celebrate his birthday every year.

Actually, other than his explosive behavior sometimes, I can say he is a good boss. Here are few things about my boss:

- He gave me RM100.00 before, on my birthday. Surprised!

- He put a note on my table saying “I know you are very busy lately. Try to do as much as you can. If still can’t, pass to me. I will help up.” This happened when I was expecting some kind of scolding from him due to the missed deadline.

- During the process of selling the condominium I bought with my ex, I frequently take emergency leave or take some time off during office hour to settle some legal matters. On one occasion, he offered to 'be there for me' but of course I declined nicely and thanked him.

- When I was feeling very down two years ago, he asked me what happen and also asked if I want to rest at home instead of working.

- When he was under tremendous pressure some time ago, he called me to share his problem and asked how I overcame my problem previously (see above).

While some people are facing a lot of problem with their boss, at the moment, I am ok with mine. Boss, since I tell good things about you, please give me better increment and bonus next year. *Battle eyelids*

What do you think of my boss?

Happy Birthday

2007-11-28T00:06:00.001+08:00

No. It’s not my birthday.

I was going to make a birthday card for my friend. Besides the usual “Happy Birthday” in English, I was thinking to use other language instead. Perhaps French or Japanese. Then I thought, why not Latin? After all, Latin is an ancient language and it is special enough.

Good idea…

Until I found out that “Happy Birthday” in Latin is Fortuna dies natalis. Dies?

Birthday is supposed to be a happy occasion. A day when we wish the person celebrating birthday happiness, longevity and to have a blessed life.

The English word natal is an adjective referring to birth. Maybe it originated from Latin. But how can I wish her fortuna dies natalis? It’s like saying this is the day you were born, wish you good fortune and then you die.

I guess I will just wish her Happy Birthday and 长命百岁. Anyway, the card is done and the gift is wrapped. Here’s a little sneak preview.

Story of My Grandma

2007-11-25T21:48:00.000+08:00

Taken in Feb 1973. Grandma, great grandma and grandpa

I went back to my hometown during the weekend and gave grandma a ride from USJ to NS. On the way, we talked about a lot of things. About what she thinks of all her children, in-laws and grandchildren. About her perceptions of life and how a person should enjoy life. I noticed that in a way, we have a lot in common.

Grandma came from a rich family. She lived in luxury in her younger days. I have seen her photos as a girl with her sisters. They dressed in pretty dress and shoes. They always had their photos taken in photo studio. I have also seen photos of her dancing in ballrooms during the time when Malaya was ruled by the British.

I don’t know what happened but all those were gone one day. I heard stories about how she had to work as maid, washing clothes for other people to feed the family. Grandpa was in business at that time, selling rubber and running a groceries shop. I guess business was not good and grandma had to work to earn extra income. They had to feed 8 young children at that time.

Grandma is a very open minded person. Sometimes, I think my mother is more conservative than my grandma. Here are few things about my grandma:

1) She leads a very simple life. Her favorite meal consists of black coffee and 2 slices of bread. She detests it whenever we bring her to fancy restaurants for a meal.

2) She is very health conscious. Nothing too oily, salty and sweet. And she prefers vegetable more than meat.

3) She likes to joke with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

4) At 87 years old, she still dyes her hair black and sometimes in a reddish hue.

5) She thinks it is perfectly OK for dating couples to stay together.

6) She thinks a woman should not be outcast just because she has an illegitimate child.

7) She is very considerate. She always leave her arthritis ointment at home whenever she visits us because she fears it will leave stain or smell on our sofa and bed.

8) She has very good memory. She remembers everyone’s birthday including her son and daughter in laws and grandchildren. In Gregorian calendar as well as Chinese Lunar calendar.

9) She can speak in Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese and Malay. Sometimes, she says ‘don’t know’, ‘don’t want’ and ‘come drink soup’ to her grandchildren.

10) To this day, she still keeps her wedding dress in her cupboard.

After my grandpa passed away, she has been staying alone. Occasionally, she will come over to stay with us or with my other relatives. But being grandma, she prefers to be on her own, minding her own business and living her simple life in her simple house.

Anyway, I promised to visit her more often. And I love you so much, Ah Ma.

I Feel So Gay And Naked

2007-11-21T23:17:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, I felt gay. Not the happy, full of fun kind of gay. I felt the other kind of gay.

Working in a male dominated industry, it is flattering sometimes when all the guys treat me like a real lady. They always make sure I’m alright walking around the site, carry an umbrella for me when I walk under the hot sun, trying hard not to use foul language in front of me, or even let me have the best part of a fish when we have lunch.

Note: This is not my site. For illustration only.

Lately, there is this lady who comes for one of the site meetings. Instead of sharing my limelight or take away all the attention from me, she shines for me. She holds my hand when I’m having trouble going down a steep slope. She offers to hold my things when I carry out inspections. She smiles at me every time our eyes met. And I noticed that she’s always looking in my direction.

I have to admit that she’s kinda cute; boyish look with nice complexion. And suddenly, I enjoy looking at her and enjoy all the attention I get from her. Suddenly, I become a damsel in distress every time she is around.

I have soft spot for men wearing white shirt in a good material and with good cutting. It gives a different aura to a person and he either looks very smart in it or totally the opposite (especially when you can see his nipples through the shirt. Yikes!). Yesterday, she wore a white polo-T, tucked into her Levi’s jeans, black shining boots and a very suave Tissot watch. And I could actually see her camisole through her white polo-T. Oh! What a view!

In another incident today, I had coffee with Misfit and his friend, Mr. Manager in Old Town, Taipan USJ. We were talking about what I usually do after work and during weekends.

Somehow, the conversation leads to what Mr. Manager thinks of me. And this is the exact words he said. “I think you like to be in a nice place, listening to soothing music while enjoying a drink. And also to have intellectual conversation.”

Bingo! He got it right. And I was so surprised when he mentioned “intellectual conversation” as those are the exact words I put in my profile for this blog. I’ve only chatted with him for less than an hour and he knows exactly what I like.

I wonder… how can a person I’ve just met know what I like? It is as if someone can see through me and know who I am as a person. Anyway, according to Misfit he is a playboy manager. Probably that was just a wild guess. Probably through his experiences as playboy, he made a conclusion that girls like me like what I like.

But still… it made me feel so naked. And I am not gay about it.

Monday Blues

2007-11-19T23:15:00.001+08:00

Do not linger to gather flowers to keep them, but walk on, for flowers will keep themselves blooming all your way.

- Rabindranath Tagore

It is the Monday blues again… I dragged myself to work today. Throughout the day, I keep having the feeling that this is not what I want to do. Feeling that I've had enough and this is the maximum I can do in this company. Working for the same company for more than 5 years is really taxing. Sometimes you just feel like the boss has used up all of you and there’s nothing left anymore. Technically, you sell yourself, physically and emotionally, to your boss who in return pays you a meager salary.

Ok, ok. Stop whining. Looking at the bright side, the salary I get pays for my holidays, manicure, pedicure, hair rebonding as well as indulgence in food once in a while albeit very limited.

So, what I did was to tell myself to hang on and this is just another phase I have to go through. And I went to gym after work to kick some ass. Really enjoyed Body Pump just now. I’ve just increased the weight for warm up, chest and tricep tracks. Lunges are still the toughest. Body Step was a mess. This is the first time I join Body Step by this instructor and frankly, I didn’t enjoy it a bit. The class was crowded, the instructor is an aunty plus no good looking, nice body and cute ass men for me to look at. ^_^

Another boring story… The other day, a friend of mine, Ms. V asked me when was the last time I had a breakup with someone. Well, tomorrow I can answer her “It was exactly 2 years ago”.

We had planned many things, dreamt many dreams but maybe we didn’t love each other enough to fulfill all the dreams. Maybe we didn’t love each other enough to accept our flaws. Or could I be the one who didn’t love him enough?

Through the breakup, I have learnt many things about myself, about life and about relationship. I have learnt to be more realistic and I believe I am more matured now, to a certain extent. As for him, he has met someone and last I heard they are staying together. Well, I just hope that they will be happy together and someone better will come along for me.

There’s a story about a girl waiting for bus to go home. The first bus comes, it is empty but she said the bus is not new enough. The second bus comes; empty too but this time, the bus is not clean enough. The third bus comes but to her, it is not big enough. The fourth bus which is also the last bus comes. It is brand new, clean and big but it is FULL. The driver just drives past the bus stop leaving the girl there.

In my case, I waited for bus. The bus came. It was a school bus. End of story.

What have I learnt from this story? In the event I miss the bus, walk on and look at the blooming flowers on my way home. Or just hail a cab. God Bless!

Tattoo

2007-11-15T23:48:00.001+08:00

People come into our life for a REASON, a SEASON or a LIFETIME.

This is dedicated to all the people who had been part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime because just like a tattoo, i will always have you.

TATTOO by Jordin Sparks

Oh, oh, oh

No matter what you say about love
I keep coming back for more
Keep my hand in the fire
Sooner or later, I'll get what I'm asking for

No matter what you say about life
I learn every time I bleed
That truth is a stranger
Soul is in danger, I gotta let my spirit be free

To admit that I'm wrong
And then change my mind
Sorry but I have to move on
And leave you behind

[Chorus]
I can't waste time so give it a moment
I realize, nothing's broken
No need to worry 'bout everything I've done
Live every second like it was my last one
Don't look back at a new direction
I loved you once, needed protection
You're still a part of everything I do
You're on my heart just like a tattoo

(Just like a tattoo, I'll always have you
I'll always have you, I'll always have you)

I'm sick of playing all of these games
It's not about taking sides
When I looked in the mirror, didn't deliver
It hurt enough to think that I could

Stop, admit that I'm wrong
And then change my mind
Sorry but I gotta be strong
And leave you behind

[Chorus]

(Just like a tattoo, I'll always have you
I'll always have you)

[Bridge]
If I live every moment
Won't change any moment
Still a part of me and you
I will never regret you
Still the memory of you
Marks everything i do

[Chorus X2]

Just like a tattoo
I'll always have you

2007-11-13T23:01:00.000+08:00

What is so unique about

Singapore

I was there with some friends during the Deepavali break recently. I went there too last year and from what I see, nothing much has changed in the tiny island down south. It is still a cobblestone sea. Here are some highlights of the trip:

1) Love the architecture of the city. The “old look” and “new look” of the city blend together uniquely. There are many beautiful buildings and places like the Supreme Court, The Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, Boat Quay and Chinatown to name a few. I really enjoyed looking at all those buildings. We walked from Bugis to Raffles, stopped at many places in between. Then, we headed to Orchard Road before going back to Bugis and called it a day. Our feet are sore from all the walking and all we could do was give ourselves some foot massage.

Esplanade

2) Christmas is in the air. I love love love Christmas. Some streets and shopping complex are already decorated with lights and Christmas trees. The missing thing is the song. Oh! I love listening to Christmas songs.

Christmas tree in Takashimaya

3) Hate the public toilet. First, most of their toilets are not the squatting type. I also find that their toilet seat is slightly higher. Bee said she doesn’t feel any difference. But for someone vertically challenged like myself, it’s not easy to pee half standing, or half squatting, when the seat is higher than knee level. Then there is no tap for washing in the cubicle. So, I need toilet paper to wipe and line the seat first but they are always out of toilet paper. And because there is no tap, nobody can clean the seat. When nobody can clean the seat, it becomes dirty. When it becomes dirty, I have to pee half standing. But the seat is high and it’s tough to perform such acrobatic act. It’s a chain reaction, you see? Bloody unique Singapore toilet.

Sit or squat? Your choice...

4) The DHL Balloon @ Bugis. This is Singapore’s latest theme attraction opened in May 2006. The DHL Balloon is the world’s largest tethered helium balloon. We stayed in The New 7^th Storey Hotel and DHL Balloon launch pad is located just few meters away from the hotel. It costs us SD23.00 per flight. However, if you decide to take two flights within 24 hours, the second flight costs SD13.00 only. This way, you can see both day view and night view of Singapore within the same day. The view from 150 meter above ground level is spectacular. And it was really a unique experience.

DHL Balloon

5) Donut Factory. While waiting for our bus to KL, we had some donuts at Donut Factory in Novena Square. The queue was long but we really want to see what is so unique about the donuts. Not to mention the smell is very tempting too. We bought a box of 12 donuts and within minutes, 7 donuts are gone, eaten by 4 starving ladies. It is delicious. The donuts feel light, unlike those sold by Dunkin Donuts. It’s yummy and I particularly like the Double Chocolate. Of course, we camwhored with the donuts too. :)

Donuts... food with hole...

In a nutshell, but we managed to make the trip a fun and unique one. Go Go Girls!

Birthday

2007-11-08T18:49:00.000+08:00

Card from Jen

I woke up with a smile on my face. Not because it was my birthday though. It’s just something that I do every morning when I wake up.

I had a wonderful birthday. Spent the day with some of my good friends and also did some memorable things.

In the morning, I took part in the Terry Fox Run 2007 with Bee and KH. We left USJ at 7.30am with some sandwiches and soy milk. The original plan was to have a picnic in Lake Garden before the run. However, when we reached Lake Garden, it was already crowded and we parked quite far from the starting point. We ended up eating our sandwiches while walking.

The runners

We completed the 6.5km run (or walk) within an hour plus. The place is just too crowded for us to run or jog. So, Bee and I walked slowly and saw many things on our way to the finishing line. Like this...

Love those rubber bands

We also spotted Jeff Ooi of Screenshots and the 3R hosts; Celina, Rafidah and Tini. Celina is Bee’s childhood friend and we took some photos together.

For lunch, I had a gathering with some of my friends from uni days and 2 of them share the same birth date with me. We ate and bitched and ate and bitched. All of us are single so, when asked to make a wish, we jokingly said “I’m going to wish for a Mr. Right. Just make sure you don’t make the same wish ok?”

Lunch at TGIF, 1 Utama

Then, we went for window shopping before I met LT for dinner. Dinner was at Delicious by Ms. Read. I ordered Aglio Oglio Spaghettini. That was the oiliest thing I’ve ever eaten, everything in the plate was soaked in oil. Then, I found out Aglio Oglio is cooked with garlic and olive oil. Ah! Wrong choice!

Anyway, it was still a great day. I would like to thank all my friends who sms-ed, emailed or even called me to wish me Happy Birthday. And also, thanks for all the gifts. Love you people. Here are some of my birthday gifts.

First gift received

Music Box

From Bee

Misfit pos laju this from Malacca

KH baked this for me. Butter cake and TOMATO???

Three Things That Pissed Me Off Today

2007-11-06T20:22:00.000+08:00

I've just celebrated my birthday 2 days ago. Spent the day with my dear friends and I must say it was a lovely day. Well, more about that later. I'm still waiting for some last minute gifts. Hehe... Someone told me he has a gift for me and I will meet him in a day or two.

Anyway, I just got home from work. It was a long and tiring day. Meeting, preparing tender document and drawings, construction drawing for another project, check piling record, etc. Phew!!! And later I have to continue with my freelance work. My client, Mr. Wear-Leather-Shoes-Without-Socks has called me twice to ask for my advice on his intention to revise his development layout. To be frank, I don't really want to do this especially all the entertaining. But, I need the money for my big plan next year. And guess what, someone just asked if I want to join him to Egypt next month. So tempting...

Ok. Back to the main topic today. I was so pissed off with 3 incidents today.

Incident 1:

Before I left office this morning, I told Ms. C to print 2 complete sets of tender drawings. She sms-ed me twice to ask whether or not certain drawings need to be included. I replied "Yes, I need a complete set/ full set of the drawings." Then, she sms-ed again to get more confirmation. At this point, my blood was already boiling and I called back office to explain to her again. She kept saying she just want to confirm and she doesn't want to make any mistakes. Finally, I asked her "Which part of the word COMPLETE that you don't understand?". According to my colleagues, she sulked for the whole day. And to make matters worse, it's her birthday today. Well, birthday really makes a person grow older but are they entitled to become blur???

Incident 2:

This is a conversation between Mr. C and myself.

Mr. C: Bella, can I have Mr. LBC's phone number?
Bella: Ok. 017-xxx9393.
Mr. C: My roof is leaking. Do you think Mr. LBC can help me fix it?
Bella: I guess so. If he can't, ask him to recommend some contractors to you.
Mr. C: If I ask him, do you think he will be able to recommend some contractors?
Bella: Think so. Why don't you call him?
Mr. C: I thought you know. Do you think he can help me find a contractor to fix my leaking roof?
Bella: Arghhh!!! (really want to strangle him)

Incident 3:

Phone ringing....
Bella: Hello.
Mr. KPC: Hi. Busy?
Bella: Yeah. Very busy.
Mr. KPC: Hey! Do you know if Nat has gone to Bangkok for holiday?
Bella: I don't know. Why don't you call her to ask?
Mr. KPC: Oh! I thought you know. That's why I call you.
Bella: ..... pissed off for third time today.....

From the above incidents, I really wonder if I have a sign that says "Information Counter" on my forehead. Or maybe someone has been distributing flyers around. Call Bella at 019-621XXXX for any kind of information. This has happen many times actually. Like... my boss came to me early in the morning to ask if I know about concert by so and so. My friend called me at 9.30pm to inform me that he is in Sunway Pyramid and asked if I know where he can find RHB Bank ATM machine. The list goes on...

This reminds me of a book by Stephen King titled Needful Things. The story is about a shop where there is something for everyone and almost everything is for sale: love, hope and even the human soul. Maybe I can do something like that when I am out of job because my boss fire me for entertaining all these nonsense during office hour.

I have all kinds of information in my head. You can ask me any question. Thank you. Please come again.

Happy Birthday

2007-11-04T00:37:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to ME!

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