Christmas is near...

It is again that time of the year; my favorite time of the year which I looked forward to every single year.

Only, this year is slightly different as I get to understand and see Christmas in a different perspective.
For the first time, I did not experience the hype or excitement which was in a minor way dampened with an unforeseen/unexpected happening at home which occupied my thoughts with prayers and anxiety rather than the joyous festive mood.

My ailing grandmother is once again, put to the test as she suffered from a bad fall again; two weeks before Christmas.
Her fall had everyone in the family feeling worried, scared and anxious over what will follow next in sequence.
It is something we could not help thinking of as she had been in and out of the hospital for the whole of this year due to her ailing medical condition and this fall is definitely not reducing any of the worries we have already had for her.

It was a solemn and trying week as I was rushing in and out of the hospital until she was discharged to be sent home.
I had to juggle the busy schedule of my work as well; which was also really stressful as I had to clear most of my assignments before I go off on my Christmas break and my long-awaited break and at the same time, taking time out of my already hectic schedule to spend time with my grandmother, who was so weak and fragile that I only had fear in my heart each time I see her.

It was a very difficult time and I prayed so hard for her.
It is also during this time that I was reminded of the approaching date of Christmas; a day where we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Christmas is a time of hope, miracle and love and I prayed for the blessing of this season be with my grandmother.
Our Saviour is born, and I pray that the joys of salvation be upon her as well.

There is nothing I could do but to pray, and leave everything in God's hands.

Perhaps this is God's will for us to understand the true meaning of Christmas during Advent.
Christmas is not a decoration-filled nor beauty-laden occasion where we have new clothes, presents and delicious cookies/goodies to share and give away to our loved ones.
It is not the time to enjoy those evergreen Christmas carols which fills the atmostphere with the much-awaited Christmas mood in the air.

It is not about celebration alone; it is not about being extravagant about everything and having a really great time with each and everyone.

The way I see it; this is one over-commercialized festivity where every single one on the road is caught up in the festive mood and the shopping frenzy which they think is what Christmas is all about.
In fact, no offense meant; Christmas became a celebration for every Tom, Dick and Harry who probably had their calendars filled with parties and fun-filled activities and a whole long list of who to buy and wrap Christmas presents for.
Some will even be busy shopping for their outfits; be it Santa or Santarinas.

Christmas has become a trend, rather than a holy season for us sinners to reflect and to be thankful for the coming of salvation.
Christmas is preceded by Advent; a season where we should be preparing for the coming of our Saviour by reflecting on our sins and also be hopeful for a miracle of love which is about to happen.

We are not supposed to be celebrating or be jubilant before the occasion; as some of us are but rather, to take hope and share the joys of love with others who are less fortunate before we can welcome the coming of the Son of God into our lives. We should be more like Him; to make him proud of us as his children and disciples of peace.

Christmas is also a celebration of the triumph of light amidst the darkness.
The First Christmas was not a celebration filled with extravagance but rather; it was all a very sombre and quiet affair as our little Lord Jesus was born in a stable and not in any luxurious 5-star hotel.
It is when HE is born that we can see light and rays of hope in us; for he is truly a symbol of God's love for us.
God gave his only son; to save us from the sins we have committed and THAT is what we should be thankful for.

I feel grateful that God reminds me of this meaning and how HE has stood by me; comforting me and answering my prayers in a lot of little ways.
Christmas will definitely be different and very meaningful for me; for I have truly experienced the little miracles that God has for me...

May we all experience the joys of this great season by remembering those who are hopeful and less fortunate and fill our homes with prayers and memories of gratitude.

Have a merry and Happy Christmas everyone!~

All about work

Work, work, work....hmmmm, I seem to have travelled back into that mystical circle of work once again and gotten myself stressful days and sleepless nights.
(now, *touches wood* on the sleepless part)

I think I am blogging about work too much sometimes....crapping away about this and that at work.
It tends to get boring, doesn't it?

Well, for a start, we need to work to get money right
We need to use that money to keep on living, right?
We need to keep on living to ensure the survival of our species, right?
So, when we say, Get a Life to people who are so engrossed in their work, we are actually telling them to work more...

Don't you agree with me?
It all goes back in a cycle and there is no escape...

So, ever wondered why I keep on working...
Well, I just need to have a life...LOL!

Just some rambles from my busy day at work...OR LIFE! =D

Traveling here and there

I've been traversing north and south for every weekend; getting to all those weddings and events that I've been invited to.
Wow, I even lost track of the number of weekdays I have...

Finally, this weekend, there will be a wedding right here...and I need to go north and then, it's down south again, for my business trip!
Grrreeatt.....and I am starting to feel tired...

Now, wouldn't it be great if this travelling is actually overseas?
I won't mind....not that I mind that much now that I get a glimpse of the city one day every week =P

Guess who..

I was waiting at the airport last weekend to catch my propeller-engine flight back to Penang with my mummy near the departure cum arrival hall
(well, it's just a line between the two halls in the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport in Subang)

We were just hanging around there, chatting while people walk past us.
You know how it's like when you're in these crowd-infested areas =)

One by one, men in business suits walked past; a norm of businessmen travelling on a daily basis to attend meetings.
I almost missed him but I caught sight of his familiar face when he was looking up and guess who it was?

It was the Penang Chief Minister, Mr Lim Guan Eng who was walking right in front of me!
He was acting so normal that it was really possible to have missed him if you were not alert enough.

He was not even carrying a lot of bags nor was he escorted by bodyguards; he just seemed like a normal businessman who was just walking calmly out of the departure hall towards the taxi stand outside, and that, my friends, was what amazed me.

A state's Chief Minister, actually took a cheap budget flight (Fireflyz) to attend a business meeting and on top of that, he was without any escort nor using any emergency/priority lanes.
He did not even have a limo waiting outside the airport for him; he was just like you and me, following the norm of everyone and that's what makes him so admirable and respected by all of us.

What do you say to that?
Even my mummy nodded her head in agreement to this humble man who truly deserved our respect =)

Change of weather

I am upset with the sudden change of the weather in a blink of an eye; or in a mere distance of one week.

It was so lovely last week; to have dark clouds and the nice breeze keeping us cool all the time. Even when it's not raining, you don't have to worry about the sun getting to your skin or your eyes; blinding you...grrrr, that's the dreadful part about the sun!

This week, gosh, the sun is just so excruciatingly painful as its rays touched the surface of our skin...UGHS

I am praying that the sun will go away soon; and bring us the lovely weather back...
I mean, the sun can come out for a while, but not to the extent of shining for the whole day =P

I am praying and this morning, I start to see the clouds...hmmmmmm, good sign? ;)

Funny Driving Test jokes...

The other day when we were having a lively conversation at granny's house, my aunts and uncles were sharing stories on driving tests during their time...

It had everyone laughing over the silly little things that people do during their driving tests.
I guess we've probably been through some of them...but there's a few classic ones that I could recall such as some women drivers who just drive through the slope without stopping at the top of the slope.
Remember that slope test where we need to drive up and stop at the top; then wait for the signal from the examiner before changing your gear and descending your slope?
Well, apparently these women drivers just got smarter than the examiners when they just decide to drive through the slope and consider themselves passed!
Now, that's a genius thought ;)

Then there are those who were taught to count the position and the color of the poles which are there to guide you through the side-parking test.
When they arrive at the test location for the driving test, they were surprised to see the colors of the poles changed and FAILed...because they panicked!

Then there was one where I've heard from a friend where he saw that this guy did quite well in the side-parking test and was rather victorious when he got out of the car that he just opened the car door wide and it hit the examiner right in his face; causing a bruise on the forehead.
I don't know whether he failed or passed; it's up to your imagination!~ LOL =D

Another would be during the road driving test where this particular lady accidentally touched the thigh of the examiner during the test; mistaking it for the gear!
(Ermmm....I don't know whether those examiners would mistaken that as a sexual invitation...ughs, that could turn ugly since there are only two people in the car, right? =P )

This is one classic one which my aunt shared; about this housewife who took the oral test (the oral test exists during their time instead of the written/computer test)
The instructor asked her, "Lepas Kuning, apa?"
She thought for a while, then said, "Tua Sua Ka!" (Bukit Mertajam)

Did you get the joke?
You don't need to be Hokkien-speaking to understand the joke, let me interpret it..
What she understood from the examiner was, "What is after Ku-lim?" (pronounced almost the same way as Kuning)
So, she had to think geographically, from north, Bukit Mertajam is the next after you come from Kulim, right?

Technically, she's still correct, right? I think she should pass! =)

Things that I love...

This was taken from my balcony on those days when my camera was still functional...

I am a photography lover; I just love taking photos of everything!
Sceneries, people, flowers, food, like I said, EVERYTHING!
I guess I am just too fond of that invention known as camera; as I just love having it in my hands and snapping away, knowing that these will be the proof of my wonderful memories; and those little footsteps left or I have left at some point or another in my life.

One of my favorite views to snap is the sunset or sunrise; either one...it's always such an awesome and magnificent view.

I don't know why, the view of sunrise and sunset is just breath-taking for me, and I am sure for a lot of photography enthusiasts.
Somehow, I just felt that God is amazing, and this is just one of God's uncountable creations which are just so "WOW!"


When I am stressed, I love to indulge in my hobbies; which include poetry, reading, writing, and photography, and sports too! (contrary to the belief that I am not an exercise-person)
(There's also movies, shopping, chit-chatting...but those are almost secondary anyway ;)
It's good to have a hobby; to have that balance in life....it's not an escapade (but it can be if you want to think of it that way)


This is just to add to the list of the many things that I love in life...
The amazing natural wonders....

And then...in come the civilization! =)




Ohhhhh.....I missed my camera!!! =((

Freaky Friday, Spooky Saturday and Shopping Sunday

The weekend was rather eventful for me; despite having to cancel a leave I've planned which led to missing out on the much anticipated all girls' slumber party with my best girl friends in the city.
Awwwwwwww.......

All because of?
My work schedule and also because of my bosses' scheduled trip to north on Monday and Tuesday, so there goes all my weekend plans and my one-day leave which I want to enjoy.
I am stuck with work, work, and work....

I am getting worried, am I turning into a workaholic once again?
When I start going at this bullet train speed at work, it is also given that I will be prone to burn outs as I have been there, done that!
*Shudders*

I hope I can keep up with myself and make mental notes to ensure that I don't fall into the burnout trap again!

I don't know why I call it Freaky Friday...lol, but a Friday that is so close to Halloween just fits the title, huh?
I had a rather freaky Friday myself; rushing here and there to complete this and that and acknowledging new assignments (which means, MORE work!)

Saturday? That's Halloween...I went for a quick shopping spree and was planning to catch up with some friends but oh well, my plans went haywire again...LOL!

Then I finally managed to catch up with my girl friend, Joyce, who was also my ex-housemate on Sunday...and we had a crazy shopping day! (Think Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic)
We kinda laughed and cursed at the damages done but yet, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.....LOL
Going in and out of fitting rooms and judging how each other look in the outfits....then having a moment of crisis when we ponder on whether it's worth the buy.

We enjoyed ourselves so much; and went back to those good ol' days where we talked and talked and talked....sharing and updating all the news we have missed out on each other =)
Oh my, she's another of my close girl friend....one that I trust and cherish! =)

Looks like my spoilt weekend was not that spoilt after all, eh? At least I do get some bonding time with an old friend....YEAY!

Busy busy week!

I am starting to be so busy and this week seems to be packed!
I have meetings to attend and so many assignments to complete!
Everything is meeting a tight deadline, and I am overwhelmed by all these tasks!

Surprisingly, I do like being busy too....although sometimes I do feel tired..
Sighs, what a contradictory person I can be sometimes =P

It's already the end of the week, but somehow, I don't feel a difference as usual..
I am usually pumped up by Friday...by now, seems like weekends or weekdays, make no difference to me

Something is wrong with me, eh?
Or have I been too busy...

I still LOVE Fridays though...TGIF!~

Get OVER it!

Okayyy, I know I am supposed to get over it...it's totally over....it's never gonna come back..

I missed it, but I know, it's OVER
I mean, like for real..
Yeah, it's OVER, OVER and OVER...

It is only once...and I can't turn back time unless I have a time machine, but then I would turn back the time even more..

So, it's OVER....I gotta get over it...
Don't look back, stay focused to the front and forget all about it...it's gone...

THE LONG Weekend's over.....I must get over it...it's Wednesday already anyway, LOL!!! =D

Spooked!!

I've just heard and watch with my own eyes; a story of a phantom in the car.

No, don't expect major drama like what you see from movies like The Ring, Dark Waters, whatsoever.
This is nothing extravagant, but still astonishing to the eyes all the same.

I could not believe it had I not seen it with my own eyes on the video captured during the act.

It is story of a car phantom; and I shall be writing about it in my spooks blog...well, it belongs to that blog and this blog is only to share how spooked I've been.

Seriously, I wasn't thinking about it, but last night, before I closed my eyes to sleep, that same scene appeared in my mind again and I find it quite disturbing.
I am not sure what to believe, but there doesn't seem to be any logical or scientific explanation to what I've seen!

It was caught on tape!
What can I say?

Like I've posted on Facebook, there's lots of things out there that Science still does not have an answer to...and seriously, this is my first time witnessing such an incident... (Not that I wish to have more, please NO!)

I am still trying to take it out of my head so as not to spook myself further....yerrrrrrrr....

(Full story to be posted on my Starry Blog....I can't post the video, as the copyrights belong to the owner - unless I am given the permission)
Be ready to be spooked out by the story!
Read it here!

**I am still spooked and I can't get the scene out of my mind...gosh, I am gonna get nightmares**

Poisoned by Food?

This month seems to be a continuous bout of food poisonings for me; it's been happening too frequently that it's starting to freak me out.
Am I getting over-sensitive or has the quality/cleanliness of food out there gone down the drain?

I am not feeling comfortable with the idea of food at the moment; it's quite sickening when the tummy is upset and I kept feeling nauseous.

I am planning to go to see a doctor soon; I know I have to...it's bugging me.
I know I am sensitive, but this is OVERLY sensitive....or then again, is it the conditions of the food out there?

Either way, they are all making me sick...ughs!

Am I starting to develop an allergy to FOOD too? o_O

Are you sick, or are you leaving me?

It has been 3++ years we have been together
I could never go out without you
We are together daily and we even go traveling together
I could never forget you when I want to go on a vacation; in fact, you are the very first one I thought of when I want to travel
You are one of my best friends, my soulmate...
You are there with me during the best moments that we have captured
You are there to remind me of the beautiful moments we have seen and to cherish
Your presence makes everything more memorable
I could never forsake you
You have been really so good to me and I could never let you go
Others have told me how others are better than you and that I could do with something even better, but I remain loyal to you

But now, you seem to be ill
You are starting to fail on me; disappointing me
You have lost that touch to make my life memorable
You are not talking to me and you are making me worried
Are you sick?
Why are you not saying anything?
Is it because you've overheard me checking out others and starting to find out about others that you're feeling jealous and unhappy?
I am not leaving you just yet, I don't want to

But why are you acting like this?
Is there anything I can do for you?
Please, don't give up on me...I love you too much
The others may have better things to offer, and they may be great in appearance
But no one can replace your position in my heart; it's the sentiment that counts...
I could not simply let go of the years we've spent together...

So, please, don't give up and don't let go of this relationship....
Let's try one more time...give this one more try
Please stay with me....my dearest and most beloved camera~

Why do we have such slow Internet connection?

I think we are the only country in the world to experience such slow and unstable Internet connection!

The connection can really get on your nerves all the time...yes, I repeat, ALL the time!
What kind of speed are we getting over here and how much are some of us even paying to get onto the Internet?

It's really frustrating when you're trying to update your blogs or logging on to Facebook or surfing the net...and the worse is, downloading/uploading!
You can really pull your hair out at the SLOWWWWWWW speed!

I don't understand it; how other countries can enjoy such high-speed Internet in countries where they can be struck by typhoons, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc and we are located on a supposedly disaster-free country and yet, our connection is more than 10x slower than others.

It's annoying for me, as I am being taught the luxuries of technology and I have found such a friend in the web/virtual world that it's hard to live without it or experience the slow loading in my favorite websites.
I can't upload pics, then I can't blog.
When I can't blog, I can't indulge in my personal passion (which is writing freely about my own thoughts)
When I can't revel in my passion, where is the happiness?

So, see, to the main (the only) telecommunications company, I really hope that something can be done soon and please, please, pretty please, WORK it out so that we can too enjoy the lovely connection as all the other countries around the world!!

(It's been two days since I've had unstable and really annoying connection; broadband, wired, wireless, whatsoever!)

My 10 Ways to stay warm in the office~

This is a post which I just thought of at this instant; since I am feeling so cold due to the low temperature set in my office.
It feels like those winter chills.....and I already have my sweater on....*BRRRRR**

I know, I am always complaining about being cold and all...and I complain when it's hot too....well, I just like to complain..lar!
Anyway, to be frank, I prefer cold to hot as heat gives me more problems than the cold...but I don't like it when it's TOOOO cold...

Now, how to stay warm in the office?
Just a simple list of 10 ways that I can think of...

1. Put on a sweater and drink lots of hot water (which doesn't really work that much for me)
2. Walk around and bother other people at work. Trigger an argument and you will be all heated up
3. Call for a fire drill (that long walk down the stairs will definitely ignite the heat in your body) If you are in a factory, well, getting out of the building should help to warm you up as well, right?
4. Stand near the printer or fax/photocopy machine or even the coffee-maker. There's heat emitted from the machine and will make you feel warm.
Just make sure you have a huge stack of papers in your hand so that you can justify for standing there for so long.
5. Act busy and run around from end of the office to the other (if you just run around, people may think you've lost your mind)
Make sure you do this a few times; and make sure it's to different locations
Or instead of acting, you can really be busy by helping everyone out with their tasks; and make sure you ask EVERY one...that will keep you warm or HEATED up until 5.30pm
6. You can try hugging your laptop with your cold hands; make sure you touch the bottom of the laptop where the battery is
7. Go to the carpark (you're out of the building)
8. Hide yourself inside the big computer boxes....and close the flapping lids...
9. Lose something and you will find yourself in such a panicked state that you will forget you're feeling cold
10. Put on your winter jacket, mufflers, gloves, and scarf...guaranteed to make you warm immediately!

Do you have any more ways to share with me?
Please make it even more crazy for me......I am so cold that I am about to lose my mind =P

Panic yesterday....

Yesterday started out as a great day; when I had some great news early in the morning and I was in such high and positive spirits.

I went out with two managers; and we had lunch together and upon coming back from lunch; I felt in my bag for my phone and it was not there!
I panicked and started running back to the manager who drove us earlier and told him that I may have left my phone in his car.
He passed me his keys and I went straight to his car and couldn't find anything!

Great...I almost cried when I couldn't find my beloved phone and it was my precious phone.
I used my other phone (company phone which was used for work) to call this phone as all the worst scenarios were running through my mind already.
There was no answer but I was silently thanking God when it was not an abrupt end; which means, the phone was not taken by someone else, YET.

I prayed so hard like I've never before and something told me that I should go back to the office and to my desk to check whether it's there; and true enough, it was on the desk.

It was really embarassing and I dare not tell the manager the location where I found it, so I just told him I found it.
He asked, where did I find it, and I just mumbled something...LOL..

Panic.....and then embarassment....but at least, I am happy that my precious phone is with me =)
Look what has technology done to us these days?

Fire Drill

Yeah, I was so lucky to chance upon the Fire drill when I was in the office today.

Out of the remaining days of the year that I have not been back in this office, they did not plan to have the fire drill.
This week that I am back in the HQ, the fire drill is scheduled for the entire building and we had to walk down from our office on the 14th floor all the way down to the ground floor.

The best part was; I was actually in the meeting room with another colleague who was briefing me on my new assignment and the Fire Marshall (the appointed person from the Department to assist in this exercise by the building administration in collaboration with the Fire Brigade department) who was running around ushering people out of the building did not notice us even though he passed the meeting room twice!

Then he finally saw us and he laughed, and shooed us out to the emergency exit almost immediately!

I think, if this was a real fire, we could have been burnt to death eh? =P

I couldn't remember when was the last fire drill I participated in; but it must have been very long.

This is one of those usual practices where you hear the emergency/fire alarm that goes off and everyone is still busy checking what do they need to bring along and locking their stuffs and then taking their own sweet time to descend the stairs or move out of the building; chit-chatting or complaining along the way, and then upon reaching the assembly area, you move into your lines and report your name for tracking purpose.
Then, we hang around the assembly area, chatting among ourselves (the best time to network with everyone) while the organizers and the Fire Brigade folks speak to the loud speaker/microphone which sounded like a murmur to the rest of us and we just ignore, continue yakking with people around us.
As the conversations get heated up, everyone tends to hang around even though they announced that the exercise has come to an end.

Well, we are not slacking exactly but there is no way we can cram everyone into the elevators, right?
After all, you still need to brush your way past the dozens of people waiting in line and pushing their ways through like they were Bill Gates running a multi-billion company that they couldn't wait for another minute, so, what's the point?

Anyway, my point is, what is the point of having a fire drill where in real times of emergency, you still panic and run away immediately, right?
Do you still follow the procedures and remember the right emergency exit?
Will you leave everything behind and get out of the building as soon as possible?

I doubt...but oh well, for education purpose, it serves well, in guiding them to the right exit and not barging through everywhere...

As for me, ain't I just lucky to be able to be part of the troop who marched down from the 14th floor?
This is just one of my Lucky days, huh?

Back in da Mud Coast

I'm finally back here in da Mud Coast!!
Alright, this is another outdated mud post; I have been back since last Saturday.

I am not on vacation; not entirely; but I am here mainly because of work.
At least it's a free passport to travel home and stay in the comforts of home sweet home, so I am not complaining.

However, workload's really a lot and I just realized, it's been almost a year since I've been back in my office here in the city (HQ)!
There's lots of "hello's", "Hey, you're back!", "Wow, it's been so long!", etc etc. Some of them even thought I've left the company, LOL!
(Well, who knows, right? ;)

Anyway, there's lots of stuffs to pick up on and meetings to attend; discussions with Mr A, Mr B, Mrs C, Ms D, and the list goes on!
If that's not enough, there's also some brief trainings to enhance my job scope (in other words, MORE work).

I have recently been entrusted with another new responsibility as well; and a new project account to manage...and yes, again, it means MORE work.
Well, looking on the bright side, I am learning more and more things and when I have more work, means there's good opportunities and at least, we still have more work to do during these turbulent times of the economy.
It's a good learning opportunity and it helps to develop my skills; part of the plan actually for them =)

At the same time, I get to be with my family as well, and get to go around the city, and catching up with friends (well, this will not be the main agenda this round since I have a few company events and family activities) and yeah, it's great to be back to the city =)

It's definitely good to be back, GOOD to be back~~

My Raya weekend (part 2) - Road Trip to Kuala Selangor

Alright, finally my overdue post on the Raya weekend...the continuation....where my family went on a road trip to Kuala Selangor.

We were invited by one of my dad's ex-colleague who happened to be our close family friend as well.
Uncle Saad is a great person; and is a true friend in need.
I still remember the time when he paid us a visit in the hospital despite the late hour after work. It was really touching; and he brought us some simple gifts during the visit, but it was not the gifts which touched our hearts but the kind thought and effort.
Then there was the other time when he invited us to his sister-in-law's stall for a satay and makan-makan feast.

Back to the road trip, this time, he invited us to his sister's house in Ijok on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
It was an hour's ride to Ijok which was located in the heart of Kuala Selangor.



Perhaps it was the city life, or my lifestyle that it seems like some time I have not seen these countryside sceneries and all the farms and fields.
Rock hills and plains....green...LOVELY!


Passing by a mosque on our way; it reminds me of how beautiful our country is with all the different races and cultures fitting in altogether.


I do love the sights of the Malay houses in the neighborhood....even I am in the Raya festive mood!! =P



It was a really nice house, and we were served with cookies, festive goodies and even a cooked meal by Auntie =)


Well, for the food info and pics, they will be posted on my food blog =)

Car crashed into lamp post?

Before anyone panics or give me a call, well, it's not me who crashed my car as stated in the title of the post.

I was driving to work this morning and I witnessed a gold Toyota Vios which crashed into the lamp post along the downhill area.
That road was actually on a hill, and this accident happened near the area which was going down the hill.

Sorry that I do not have the pics as I was also driving and again, I must mention that it was going downhill and if you want to see another crashing into the next lamp post, well, there will be photos here =P

Poor guy, I think he lost control of his car...probably speeding too fast when he was going downhill....I think he will definitely be slapped with a giant bill of the cost to fix his car...and of course, a letter from the government with a fine for damaging public property.
I can't imagine which is worse, but seriously, the lamp post fell to the ground already, so that was a huge damage.

I think I feel sorry for the beautiful Vios as well.....sighhhhhssss =(

Happy Mid-Autumn!!~

In case some of us who are not aware of the festive season, well, it is the Mid-Autumn festival (aka Mooncake/Lantern Festival) this weekend =)

My family is not in the tradition of observing this festival or celebrating it on a large scale; but rather, I do have some fond memories of this festival during my childhood as well.

This festival is known as the Lantern festival to us; well, mainly because we looked forward to bringing out our lanterns from the store and lighting them with candles which Daddy will usually buy from the shop.
I think we start playing with the lanterns for a week or so prior to the festival or when we see our neighbors playing with them (what do we know about Chinese/Lunar calendar dates =P)

Anyway, I don't recall having much mooncakes, well, for one, I personally dislike or hate the taste and smell of mooncakes. Yeah, I am weird, I don't really like sweet stuffs. I don't take those mooncakes and the only highlight of this festival was the lanterns and the strolls along the street/neighborhood at night with my brother and my Daddy for a few hours slightly before my bedtime.
I do know about the stories of the Moon Goddess and how the festival came about from books that I've read.
(I love legends, myths, fairytales, and stories of that sort =)

I think I've had less than 5 lanterns; mainly because I took really good care of each and every one of them and also because, I am pretty loyal to my belongings =)
The first one I've had was probably a battery-operated lantern bought by my aunt; it was some rabbit or Chinese lantern style I think.
Then I had a fish; that was the conventional lantern made of tightly-pulled wires with translucent color papers plastered over and given the features through some candle wax.
I had that for a few years until it was burnt in an accident by my neighbor who knocked it over.

I remembered crying over it; as it was very dear to me (well, all my belongings are dear to me anyway) and even though I got a new lantern, it wasn't the same sentiment I felt for the fish lantern I've had.
As I grew older, we do not play with the lanterns anymore, although we do hang some of those cute Japanese paper lanterns around the garden to create that festive atmosphere in the household.

Most of the Chinese festivals focus on the family gatherings/reunions or get-together. Mooncakes will be bought (not in large quantities) since the rest of my family enjoys them and that's about it.
We don't really need to organize any reunion dinners since we eat together as a family every night but now, as I am away from home, it's been rather hard to have family dinners on a daily basis.

I try to make it home to be with my family; be it festive season or not...and when it's festive season, all the better because it is really warm and enjoyable when you're not left out while everyone tells you about their celebrations =P

Anyway, enough of my stories, here's to a warm and Happy Mid-Autumn festival to you and your families =)

Mother Nature sure is angryyyy!!!!

I am shocked with the sudden change in the weather these days!

Two days ago, I answered the call from my brother who informed me of the earthquake in Sumatra rating on 7.6? magnitude and that there were tremors felt in KL.
I was surprised at the news, as I barely felt anything over here up north.

When he called me, I was having my dinner and the first question he threw to me was, "Wow, still enjoying your dinner at your leisure ya? Did you know there was an earthquake earlier?"
Then he proceeded telling me about how he felt the tremors in his office which was located on a high floor.

Well, I don't think I was the only one who did not feel anything earlier...as most of the people on the island did not feel it...in fact, even the Penang Chief Minister did not feel it =P

The earthquake was indeed a shock and I prayed for the victims in Sumatra; I know that the scale will definitely result in damages to properties and worst of all, loss of lives.
I hope that the casualties could be reduced...

At the same time, I was also surprised to hear that tsunami alerts have been issued by the States and that the weather had been really bad everywhere around the world as well.....gosh, Mother Nature must be really angry this time around.

Developments and non-stop invasion of the flora and fauna has totally brought the patience of Mother Nature to such heights that She has finally reacted...

Everyone has been telling me to stay away from the beach, sighs, what to do, I am on an island which had been hit by the legendary tsunami a few years back but I think the tsunami alert has been lifted an hour after it was issued right?

I do hope the weather gets better...it's been crazy over here too....I was relishing the lovely clouds and rain for the past few days and today, I was slapped with the hot and scorching sun which felt like I am in a desert or something....so sad.

Mother Nature, please don't be angry with us anymore.....please forgive us? Please please please?

Internet connection is back!!

Alrighty, I am supposed to be continuing on my Raya weekend post but somehow, I just want to post on the Internet connection which has been plaguing the whole of Malaysia this week I think?

Goshhhh.... I can't believe how bad we have been spoilt by the luxuries and comfort of a click on the pad to get things done and to connect to the rest of the world!

Nowadays, we are all so badly affected by the electricity cut or the Internet connection issues that we seem to have forgotten we used to live without them..once upon a time

How ironic things have turned out to be these days; in the contemporary society...

Most of us may have or have not come from IT background but it does not mean that IT and computers do not play a role in our lives.
It is like a widespread disease...and sometimes, some say, it's like a cult

I know for a fact, that even I myself find it really difficult when there's no Internet connection or electricity.
For example, the past few days which almost sum up to a week now, the Internet connection were somewhat lagging...seriously SLOWWWW...

I was quite dismayed by that; as I have lined up all my blog posts and was really excited to blog since I have been busy the past month.
Furthermore, I was in a hyper-cheerful mode last week due to some good things which happened...hahaha, especially on the Friday!

Anyway, the connection had such a major crippling effect not only on me; on everyone as well.

Imagine that you can't blog, can Facebook, can't surf the net, can't do your emails...and plenty more
Fortunately for me, I could still do some Facebooking lar...LOL!
Sadly, I had to take a step behind in my farms....*sob* (that's where the Kiasu-nism steps in)

I can't even log on to our VPN/Intranet conenction at work....there's basically nothing much to be done and yet I was super busy this whole week...

Anyway, I almost leapt out of joy this morning when I realized that the connection was back to normal...YAHOOOOOO and it's Friday too....so, again, this is yet another great Fridayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy =D

I think it's probably due to the natural disasters (typhoons, earthquakes) which are happening around the world that are affecting the network connection?
Who knows, the networking and telecommunications people should know...all I care about is, I can now go back to the Net!!!

YEAYYYYY!!!

My Raya weekend... Part 1

I had a great and tiring trip home last weekend; back to my civilized city (LOL! not that other states are not civilized lar=P )
I had in mind to meet up with a few friends; to catch up on the old times.

I was in 1U for three times in 4 days...yeah, that was like so crazy.
It was not in the original plan; I had planned a few places like 1U, The Curve, etc.
Well, you know what they say about planning anyway...it's sometimes better to play by the ear.

Furthermore, why am I the one doing all the planning when I am the one who was back in town? Arrrghhhh =P

In conjunction with the Raya festivity and cheer, 1 Utama had also done some festive decorations in the center concourse of the new wing (they should have it in the old wing also, I am not sure since I did not have time to go over to the old wing)

I met up with a few of my uni classmates and some old primary and high-school mates; I even attended a Hari Raya open house and a birthday party!!
It was really exhausting, and I felt so tired when I reached home every night.

I think I have overbooked my own schedule this round....don't ya think?

(To be continued... )

Marriage - To wed or not to wed

Another of my friend is recently engaged; news which is worth celebrating and indeed, all of us, including myself are so happy and excited for him.
There goes another single status in the group.

Honestly, it’s been like this since the past year, peers are all announcing news of marriages and engagements instead of updating on whether they are in a relationship or single.
Life’s like that, we grow up, we have responsibilities, and then we move into the phases of relationships and starting families of our own.
Age catches up with us, whether we like it or not, and to be frank, of course I do not like it at all…but then, looking at the positive side of the coin, as we move into the different phases of our life (I am avoiding the use of aging or getting older…), we see different things and matters and we have adjusted our priorities.

Marriage is just another phase in our lives; where we mature and decide that we want to settle down and start our own family.
The question is just, When?

Funnily, I was asked this question by two of my close friends during my catching up session when I was back in my hometown.
People are asking me whether I am married or have any plan to get married anytime soon.
Don’t ask me why am I asked this question, before this I often get asked why am I not attached, or not in a relationship, or why don’t I have a boyfriend.
Whatever, sometimes I wonder why my relationship status interests people.

Well, I guess, it is another matter associated with the age, or rather, the general perception of our intended role, etc.
For ladies, we are often perceived with a link to our biological clock which ticks our age and youth away and to the public; it is a danger sign if we are not settled down yet.

Peer pressure plays an important role in all these matters as well; some people who are in a relationship rush in the same excitement to tie the knots so that they don’t feel left out. Some, on the other hand, probably fall to the pressure of the elders at home who remind them of their own biological clocks and how they would be at ease when their grown up children have their own families.

However, the question is not when or what makes us want to tie the knot, but to understand WHY did we want to tie the knot in the first place?
Were we ready at that time?
Have we thought of this as an eventual path in the relationship and just decided to do it to complete the full phase of the relationship like some kind of cycle?
Are we happy with the person and we have already pictured how we grow old together with him/her?

To my surprise, I was a little surprised when I was thrown that particular question on whether I had thought of marriage.
Oh well, I guess, every girl has, especially with the strong media influence on how beautiful those weddings are organized.
However, with WHO, remains a question and it surprises me that I am not sure myself.

My perception of marriage has always been rather simple and yet, complicated. I know, it sounds contradictory.
I have always seen marriage as a matter between two people who are very much in love with each other and it is a lifetime commitment; a sacred pact to seal two people with the bond of love.
That is why it is called tying the knot; it is a knot to connect two people together.

To be able to consider and to take that step towards marriage, those two people must have shared a strong and deep bond in their hearts, minds and souls to be able to be considered as one.
It is really pure and perfect to me (or perhaps I have watched too many fairytales in my lifetime?)

I don’t know, I believe that marriage is not just a legal piece of paper that pronounces two people as husband and wife, but it must be a marriage that comes from the heart.
To be frank, I don’t think some who are married or are planning to get married ever thought this far as well, as I have said, some just succumbed to the pressure around them or the biological clock. Some are even more unique to think of competing with their friends to bear children so that they do not lose out in the red packets or pocket money during festive seasons or even the age when their children grow up and can support them in time before their retirement.
I am not condemning their reasons; after all, everyone has a right to choose what they want and why they want to get married.
Definitely, don’t even make Sex as the main reason to get married; in that case, you don’t need a wife/husband, you need anyone who can offer you such services.

For me though, marriage is not just as simple as a relationship, it is a pact for life; like it or not. It is a sacred union between two soul mates; two people who have come to such an intimate stage that they are more than willing to remain so and take the relationship one step further to be with each other for the rest of their lives. They have realized that they have chosen the only one out of the entire world’s population and that their decision is set. It is that one person who will be the one to be with them and for them to only have eyes for until the day they step into the coffin.

Bear in mind, there is not just the event organizing that you need to think of when you want to get married; you have to realize that this includes one whole package. His/her life will be your life as well. It is not just his/her’s well being that will be of your concern; but also the person’s hard and ill moments, their temperaments and their sorrows which will be shared.
Beauty is only skin deep and fades away with age or sometimes with accidents.
If you only love him/her for their great looks which make the two of you look perfect when you stand together, you might want to consider further whether you are willing to stay with that person when they no longer look that way one day.

It is not about the wealth as well; as that too, tends to materialize away one day. Are you willing to go through hard times when he/she may have already lost that wealth you used to fall in love with?

That is why, for Christian/Catholic weddings, you have to read aloud and make that oath which goes along the similar lines:
Are you willing to be with him/her in good times and bad?
Are you willing to be with him/her be it sick or healthy?

It is not just the fashionable and iconic “I do” that you just read from the text. It MUST come from the heart; and when we stand in front of the altar in church, making that oath, we are promising not just ourselves but also families, friends, relatives, and most importantly, God himself who are all bearing witnesses to your words.

Remember, when you said YES to the proposal, or when you decide to make that proposal, you have already considered all these factors and don’t just let it be an event that you want to get married and post it all over Facebook, MySpace, Zorpia, etc.

You have two chances to think; YES to the proposal and I Do at the altar.
Of course, I am not encouraging runaway brides or grooms; but think again, if you have no confidence at all, and just don’t think this is the way you want it to be, say it and do something about it.

It is not about right or wrong; fair or unfair. It is a lifetime; and a promise that will last unto death.
Unto death do we part

Are you willing to do that?
Are you ready to do that with the person you are with now?
If not, why not?

These are questions that are ringing in my head as well; it really got me thinking, I know I think too much most of the time anyway but seriously, this concerns my life ahead of me until the day I die, I think I get to do more thinking, don’t I?

Most importantly, are we happy with the ones we are with?
If not, why not?
Are we comfortable with him/her?
Do we light up each time we see him/her?

Do we want to wake up next to that person every morning?

How about yourself?
Remember you have two chances to say YES/NO, so think carefully and don’t make the wrong decision…

(To be continued on further topics in my blogs…)

I love this!

Thanks to the good friend, I am suddenly reminded of this lovely song that I've always loved...

I'm currently listening to it...over and over again....and I found a great and sweet video of it as well =)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUi2gbhP_mU

I am loving it!!!

You and ME.....by Lifehouse...

what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up
and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

all of the things that I want to say
just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping inwards
you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

there's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
everything she does is beautiful
everything she does is right

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive


LOVELY SONG....I know, I have an endless list of favorite songs=P

Ladylike or Not?

Let me share a scenario on a particular lady; she does exists in real person and it's not a made-up person...

It is just something I found really interesting and I would like to see the general response to this behavior and let you guys be the judge...

Take note that this is a woman in her mid-twenties; slim and pretty light-weighted I should say, with long hair.

1. When she walks, in her shoes (be it flats, slippers, sandals, sneakers, or heels), you can probably hear her from a mile away?
Perhaps I am exaggerating a little bit here?
But it's like Clank, soft and loud thuds, Chomp, etc when she walks; from pavement to the cement floor to the staircase, she can definitely be heard.
It sounded the loudest when she's in high heels =P

Oh, even when she's on her bare feet, you could still hear the loud thuds as she walks around the place.
In short, you just know when she's coming or approaching...from any direction.

2. When she opens the door, you can hear the loud sound which sounded like strength is being imposed on the door knob as you hear the turning knob sound so loudly.
When she closes the door, it goes SLAM (windy or not), period.

3. When she talks on the phone, you can hear every word she is speaking without perking or straining your ears. You don't have to eavesdrop as there is no effort made in lowering the voice; and you can hear even those mushy or small talk one makes to their boyfriend when they speak on the phone.
It is not soft, that's all I can say =)

4. When she goes to the kitchen or bathroom, you can hear it whether she's boiling water, washing her hands, etc as there is always loud sounds of metal clashing or hitting the sink, etc.
In short, she is always heard.

5. When she sits on the couch to watch TV, she stretches her legs and puts them on the coffee table right in front of her. Sometimes, she puts her leg up beside her and it just sits right there; propped beside her.

Now, what do you make out of all this?
Is this ladylike?
Which is ladylike and which is not?

If not, what constitutes a ladylike behavior to you?

I shall share my opinions soon once I receive some feedback from you peeps, so do drop me a short note la... =P

The last time...

I must remind myself, that this is definitely gonna be the last time I am gonna force myself to finish more food than I am supposed to..

I definitely do not like to waste food, but I also definitely can't push the limits of my tummy's capacity...

It's absolutely bad for my tummy and this is gonna make me suffer not just for one day; but a few days due to the indigestion discomfort...sighs.

I shall remember to think for the poor tummy the next time I attempt something like this; I had a bad night....ughs, and I felt awful....

One thing I've learnt too; digestion pills prescribed by my doctor don't work after meals.....it's definitely meant for before effect...

I am convinced now by why it was stated, 'Take before Meals'...

The most tiring break...

The Raya holidays for us, non-Muslims are over....and it's back to reality...the harsh reality that we need to work.
(This is so not me, I made it sound like work's such a drag; my bad)

Anyway, I am definitely not over the whole holiday mood; not to mention the lag from the hectic schedule I've had over the whole weekend!

I think, I have definitely overbooked my schedule this round; catching up with all my good old friends...haha, from all walks of my life....from primary school to high school to university....and yet, I have still missed out some of them...because it was really exhausting!

This is definitely one of the most tiring 'balik kampung' trips I've had...but I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy it...hehe!

I apologize to those I couldn't make it to catch up this round, rest assured, you guys and gals will be on the priority list the next trip....I mean it...

I am Missing the long weekend once again lar.....

I knew it's gonna come to an end eventually.....but still, isn't this a little too soon?

Awwww....I regret not taking a few more days off.....I sound like a drag....it's the blues =(

Can't stop feeling tired...

Just when my sleeping patterns fall back into its rightful place, I start to feel tired, as in really tired each day.

I guess the miraculous "where-did-it-go" fatigue which surprisingly did not show up during the 4 days when I lost sleep had made a comeback. It was perhaps accummulated all along and just waited for the time to appear.

I feel so tired and sleepy even after tucking in early at night and waking up at the same hour each morning.
It's like, no matter how much I sleep, I still feel helplessly tired and STILL sleepy =(

I can't decide which is worse; losing sleep or gaining sleep but zombie-like during those non-sleeping hours.

I need help; I have gotta wake myself up!
Maybe I need coffee, but then again, that's gonna disrupt my sleep again and the cycle repeats...

AAARRRRGGGHHHHH!

I can FINALLY Sleep!

Oh wow, that was like such a huge announcement to make....

If you're wondering, I've been losing sleep for the past (*counts on fingers*) 4 nights....

FOUR NIGHTS!
Seriously, and the miracle was, I barely felt as tired as I've expected myself to be each time I lose one night's sleep.
It continued in a pattern that every night I could barely sleep until past midnight and yet, when I fall asleep, it's in active REM mode!
I end up waking up so many times in a night that I don't feel like I've even slept.

It worries me to no end when I get in these insomnia periods, and this is really bad; 4 nights in a row.

Thank God I could finally sleep last night, which was why I had to make the huge announcement...LOL!~

I don't think I should worry about tonight anymore, as once the patterns sinks back in, it should be back to normal! =)
(As long as I don't disrupt the pattern anytime soon....but that's a bit difficult considering this weekend is a long one and I have lots of catching up with friends to do....hmmmm)

Sept 11 - day of infamy

I almost forgot that today is September 11; and Sept 10 seemed to be stuck in my memory.
I was not alone; it seemed that my colleague was also the same as we measured the temperature and signed in the log book (the A H1N1 daily precaution procedure)

When we were reminded by another colleague who came in later, it hit me that today is the fateful day where the world was shocked by a tragedy a few years ago.

It is a day which will never leave our minds, as we remember the tremendous shock the whole world underwent on that day.
Everyone who watched the television on that day was amazed by the crashing of the planes into the magnificent and prolific Twin Towers which is the proud landmark of the Big Apple in the United States of America.
It was, to everyone's mind, a fantastic trailer made by the filmmakers to promote their upcoming film.

How good if it was all a movie! I am sure billions had also hoped and prayed that it was all a great movie to watch in cinemas and not a true incident happening at that instant.

All the channels then switched to urgent news reporting, with CNN flashing all over our screens and it was at that instant, we realized, this was no movie we are anticipating.
It is REAL and it was HAPPENING; that thousand miles away from us.

We cover our mouths in shock as we realized what had just happened; America, was under Attack!
It was surreal at that moment; even for myself, as I tried to digest the words from the news and comprehending the fact that the largest continent in the world; which is so powerful that they are deemed the Big Brother of the World, was under massive attack.

The worst part was how swift it all happened, and while we were gaping at the first plane crash, the second one came instantly after and crashed into the building.
I held on to my dad's hand at that time as we both reeled in shock at the massive explosion and how the building slowly erupted in motion.

It was too real to be a movie, and I knew, deep down in my heart, this is definitely a far worse tragedy compared to the Highlands Tower tragedy in my country in year 1994.
I had prayed and mourned for the victims of the Highlands Tower and their loved ones, and at that moment, I was still unable to comprehend that the Twin Towers had just crashed.

The worst was the time of the incident, which was during the peak hour of the day and that meant, most of the people who are working in the building were about to leave the world.
It was that shocking to me, as I prayed so hard for the people in the towers.

What first came to my mind was this was an accident; two planes which lost control and unfortunately crashed into the tall towers.

It was then that they switched the screens from the smoking towers to another flat area which was identified as the Pentagon; showing the place which went up in flames.

That was when I realized, this is no accident, it was a planned tragedy!
Who could be so cruel to launch such attacks and plan a tragedy to happen?
Who gave them the right to rip others' of their families and their lives?

I could not imagine that such human beings (if it is even appropriate to address them as humans) could plan such a thing to kill others!

While all of us are praying so hard for world peace and harmony, there are some who planned to destruct the world?

This is a matter of more than 1 life; it is a massive attack which is bound to kill thousands or even millions of people.

While people are screaming in pain, and writhing in agony, these people found pleasure that their plans had succeeded.

What kind of grudge could lead to such a massive destruction?
What kind of conflicts which could not be resolved?
Most importantly, what have these people done to those terrorists that they do not deserve to even say the last goodbye?

I cannot comprehend it at all, and besides the sorrow and grief I have in my heart, I felt anger rising that there are such beings who planned to caused unspeakable pain and grief to others.

I prayed and hoped in anxiety, for the arrival of help as soon as possible, and also that God will protect those victims and be with them for comfort.
I know that it seems impossible to pray for all to survive, but I believed in the faith and the power of God at that moment.

It has been years since the tragedy struck, but I know that the families and the whole world could not wipe the scene on the TV on that fateful day from their minds.
The loss and grief were too much to bear, and could not merely be expressed by memorials.

It was a right which was ripped off the victims; it was a despicable act that the whole world scorned and spat at.

It will duly, be not just a day to remember for the victims and their loved ones, but the whole world, and most importantly, for the people who had so carefully planned this!~

Let's observe a moment of solemnity and also keep our prayers for the victims and their loved ones as we recall this tragedy and pray that there shall never be a repetition...

The most amazing driver in the world!

I was driving behind a Ford Hilux pickup truck which was entering the carpark of my office's premises.
He was driving really slowly past the barrier upon receiving his parking ticket or perhaps his season pass.

I waited for the barrier to descend before touching my pass against the card reader.
The car was still there; and he was supposed to be turning down into the basement car park.
I slowed down my car and I waited behind him to enter the descending slope into the covered basement.
However, to my surprise, the car stopped just right there, with his red brake lights on for about five minutes.

Then, his reverse lights were on, and since I was a good distance away, I did not bother to move my car. Furthermore, there was no car behind me.

He did not reverse, as the lights switched back to the brake lights.
I was waiting patiently, wondering what took him so long to just descend the slope into the basement.

Then after 1 minute, his reverse lights were on again.
I was surprised; how could someone missed that right angle to enter the basement?
It's not located in a hidden corner nor a blind angle.

Anyway, after a few minutes deciding on what to do, he finally moved.
(I felt like singing Hallelujah then)

He descended the slope, and I made a wise move by staying at the top; watching his car descend and move further before I steered my car down the slope as well.
After all, one cannot be too careful, right...I do not want to bump into him on the slope itself.

It was a good few minutes before I finally entered the basement car park myself (thank goodness there was no car behind me)

Guess what, that car is still there and he was crawling at probably 1km/h????

I cruised slowly behind him; understandably that he could be looking for the right parking space (there's plenty by the way)
I drove patiently behind his every brake and stop, and pausing what to do next.

He drove so slow that even a tortoise could have beat him at that moment, I tell you (no exaggeration!)

Finally, I saw him brake the longest next to a car where there was a vacant parking spot next to it.
There was no signal from him; and suddenly (I felt like I am telling a story out of my fairy tale book=P), the reverse lights were on.
I guess he's planning to do reverse parking.

He was still pretty slow and his car barely budged even though he was supposed to 'reverse', oh well, what else he was 'supposed' to do that he did not do since the beginning of my tale, I've lost count.

I finally drove slowly and carefully and made my way past him (not zooming past him or any bragging action like that lar).

To my surprise, there were two men in the car!

I am surprised at a male driver who is so...ermmm.....let's be nice and call him a slow coach!

His estimation was clearly BADDDDD, and I mean like, REALLY BAD!
How could you not know how to turn at the right angle into a wide space opening descending into the basement?
How could you not know how much of a space for you to make your way into the vacant parking spot?

And the biggest How could...

How could HE not know HOW to DRIVE and yet drive such a big car???
He should probably practise with a Mini or safer, Kancil would do better. At the cost, it wouldn't hurt that much for him to crash it.

Erm, on second thought, perhaps he need to RE-TAKE his driving test!!!
I've seriously not come across a MALE driver like HIM!
Shame on him, usually the guy drivers are the swift and efficient ones....this is probably a protected species...

In case you're wondering, the most amazing part is, I was not screaming and I did not even honk nor flash...

Hehehe....Happy Friday peeps!~

It IS a LUCKY day~

Now, the reason why I feel I am lucky today...

Well, earlier I went to get some cakes, and the uncle who was selling it happened to be cutting a freshly baked cake
Then he asked me whether I want some

I joked and told him, "Free treat ar?"

He laughed and said, "Okay, why not? It's really nice...once you have tried it, I guarantee you will come back"

I laughed, and seriously, he really packed a piece of cake for me and there is actually another customer who was buying that same cake from him.
That lady was buying 2 pieces of the cake I think, and he just packed one for me for free!

Now, ain't I a lucky girl or what?
Hehehe.....
Furthermore, I found one last parking space when I arrived when I was already late and usually at that peak hour, there's no parking space available.

*I feel like I am going to get a four-leaf clover soon!~*

*SMILES*

I got a Feeling~

I've got a feeling that today's gonna be a Good day
That today's gonna be a good day
That today's gonna be a good GOOD day~~~~~

Yeah...I do feel that way, I don't know why
Maybe it's because of the rain that came (finally) after what felt like a dry and hot spell for the past one week?

I know it's gonna be a lucky day.....=)

Clairvoyance in me?

Sometimes I think I am psychic, I really do.

I always have those unexplainable feelings when I go to places, or do something or even talk to people I do not know.
Sometimes I just know that I have got to do something, or stay away from certain things on that day, or just don't do things.

Guess what, most of the time, it turned out to be right.
I knew this from experience, I just went ahead and ignored my inner voice and just did it and I regretted the outcome.

So, I have learnt to listen to my own inner voice and just do it when it's right and not do things when I have a very strong feeling.

It doesn't only work for myself; but also for people who are close to me.
There are times when I just tell them, "NO! Don't do that!" but I just can't explain why can't they do it.
I just know, something is not right and something could happen if they were to do it.

Weird, eh?
Of course, I am not those psychic-psychic type, I think this is just a small or even partial gift of clairvoyance?
At the same time, I think everyone also has their own inner voices; and I know that this is especially strong in the fairer sex =)

I don't know, I just know that things will go well or not when I could feel it.

For instance, I knew it will finally rain this morning as I woke up and stood at the balcony at 5am, and guess what, in a short while, less than half an hour, it really rained.
But then again, did I tell you, I could sense the rain most of the time?
Perhaps it's my friendship with the rain, it always brings me happiness!~
I feel lucky when the rain is here...not to mention, HAPPY as well =)

090909!

Today's the auspicious day; it's a string of 9s!
I think it's even more auspicious at the time 09:09:09 (9am in the morning wherever you are, 9 minutes and 9 seconds)
I am not going to be the crazy one to count to milliseconds or nanoseconds; I leave that to the engineers who are always so intent on precision *rolls eyes&

Anyway, what's the auspicious part about it?
I wonder as well; since when this craze about all these numbers started?
I don't recall we used to be this excited about the dates and numbers when we were back in school.
In fact, if I remembered correctly, some of my friends even hated dates and numbers when it comes to memorizing them for that particular maths or history test =P

I think it started somewhere near the new millenium countdown; that famous Y2K bug and I think it hit everyone in an instant!

It became like a legacy after that; where everyone is sitting and anticipating the next string of numbers that came along.

If you ask me, I think the Y2K bug did not only affect the computer and information systems, it also hit the nervous and processing system of the human brains!

It's crazy really, how people are harping on all these dates to register their marriages or to give births and don't even get me started on those mass marriages!
All those publicity....

Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against those notions of registering/getting married on the dates which they considered auspicious, it's their choice after all.

I am just wondering at the whole logic behind it; and also rationale, what is the effect from this?
What do you see in a string of numbers?
Perhaps, I am again, thinking too much.
Happiness may not be reasoned with logic; and there is no specific equation to prove it.

I do know that the string of 9s is particularly good and considered very auspicious to the Chinese community; just as the number 8.
9 is pronounced as "Jiu" (mandarin) and "Kau" (Cantonese) and in both languages, it means "Long" which is associated with Longevity.
It is perhaps a good note to start on especially if you are considering everlasting love or happily ever after.
I don't think I need to explain the meaning of the number 8, it is too popular in all the Chinese households...the number alone means luck, prosperity..in short, MONEY $$

I just think that happiness needs not be equated with numbers and to let ourselves controlled by these notations.
Isn't happiness supposed to be just simple?

I don't think we all want to be "engineer-ized" ( a term I use for engineering minds, where they constantly harp on equations, precision, formulas, etc) to find happiness, do we?

Well, HAPPY 090909 anyway...enjoy the day while it lasts and then wait another year to go crazy on 101010 =P

Please be responsible for others' healths!

When a doctor diagnose you with a term associated with your sickness, what kind of questions do you ask a doctor?
Are you the type who sits there quietly and just accepts the term as it is spoken, thinking that you will definitely recover like any normal illness or are you the type who, like myself, will be bombarding the doctor with tonnes of questions which pop up in your mind?

Okay, bombarding may be too strong of a term to use, but let's just say I spring question after question on to the doctor to clarify on the term, the precautions, etc.
Common questions include:
1. What is this about?
2. How did this happen?
3. How often can this occur?
4. Is this contagious? * (Most important question)
5. How long will it take to recover?
6. What do I need to do? Anything I need to avoid, any isolation/quarantine needed?
7. Will there be an recurrences?

The above are only examples, and subject to change depending on the situation at that point of time.
I just find this plain common sense to be concerned for my own health and for others around me, not just my loved ones alone but anyone that I may be in contact with.

That is the reason why I find it surprising how some people can just walk into a consultation room and come out with a term totally unfamiliar to them and yet cannot explain to their family and loved ones what it means.

At the same time, these same group of people are the ones who could walk to public places, or be shoving their ways through people just to get their way through without even considering that they SHOULD/MUST stay away from public contact to avoid the spread of their illnesses.

It is really sad, that some of these people are even highly educated people.
I mean, what is the point of education when simple common sense does not fall into the grey matter at all times?

A friend of mine who worked at the airport, told me before that they had a child passenger who had chicken pox and yet boarded the plane.
Fortunately, the air stewardess on the plane had a sharp eye for detail and noticed the red spots on him and immediately escorted him out of the plane; along with his irresponsible mother.

Needless to say, I am not just shocked but angered by such irresponsible actions. The boy could be ignorant, but don't tell me the mother is not aware of the effects of chicken pox.
My goodness!
Imagine the inconvenience it could cause to those people who may not welcome the disease at all!

I just can't believe how some people can be so totally senseless and ignorant of the effects of their own illnesses on others' health.

Now, do you still wonder why diseases like bird flu, Coxsackie, HFM, or even A H1N1 spread so rapidly?

I say, EDUCATE those UN-educated people!

What does this remind you of?

I did a naughty thing; no, not steal or rob or anything of that sort...and don't even think dirty!

I captured a photo of my neighbour's house; technically, the windows as it just caught my attention and I am sure, everyone else's as well who passes by the house

The windows...look at them closely


Please let me know your thoughts, what first flashes through your mind when you saw the picture of the window?

It's wrapped with some shiny colored paper...

Guess!

P.S: No prize for the guess; as I don't know the answer either why they did that.
My question is just what do you think this reminds you of?

I personally think this reminds me of something you use for Ching Ming or the 7th Lunar month...you know, those paraphernalia which they used to burn for the dead?
Ahhh...those paper houses?

I'm not being mean, it's just plain weird to do something like that to your house, right?
Why would anyone want to wrap their windows in ghostly papers like these?

Beats the 'ghost' out of me!

Heavy RAIN!

The rain just came down suddenly....whoa, I can't believe that the sun disappears behind the dark clouds that soon...

Weather is really crazy these days, thank God I have my umbrella with me at all times...and I praise the invention of sheds and basement carparks..LOL!

Are we that pathetic?

The long weekend was much looked forward to; and in a blink of an eye...it's all over again and we are all back to square one.

Going to work everyday, leaving work, getting stuck in jams (probably cursing along the way)
Reach home, skies are dark
Go for dinner, stuck in jam again
Come home, cloudy and it starts to rain
Read a book and go to sleep

It's all back to the basics, and we start counting the days left before it's weekend
We drag our feet to work and wonder since when we started feeling like that
We remind ourselves to rejoice when payday comes...
We hang our heads low on Mondays or Tuesdays, whichever days we need to start work after a long weekend
We moan when it's Tuesday or Wednesday, wondering what is taking the week so long to end
We feel excited when it's finally Thursday
We are so happy when it's Friday that we keep checking the time to see when it's time to go home (and at the same time, the plans for Friday night and the weekend are running through our minds faster than the Japanese shinkansen)

We feel so energetic when it's Saturday
Then exceptionally blissful when it's Sunday (I don't like Sundays though; except for the church part in the morning:)
Towards Sunday evening, we start to feel down and agitated, moaning over the working day the next day, and then, it all goes back to Monday again

We can't stop checking our calendars for public holidays; or any opportunities for some break
It's like a motivation boost or something if we know a public holiday is coming up

Seriously, when have we all started becoming so pathetic?
o_O

What to LOVE about Malaysia?

Our country's Independence Day is approaching; actually it's just next Monday(31st of August 2009) and while radio stations are promoting this year's theme and blasting those patriotic songs, I have my own way of appreciating the country....(wait till I blast all those patriotic songs as well:)

I used to remember when I went to USA during my high school days to attend a summer camp; I met youths like me from all over the world who were at the camp and they were fascinated by my homeland that I was pounded with questions.
I was dismayed that they knew about Thailand, Singapore, and even Indonesia but they have no idea where Malaysia is located.

Anyway, I was proud that I had the opportunity to put my country in their eyes and minds as I reeled on and on about the culture, races, and everything there is to brag about my country.
Since I was the only Malaysian at the camp, I guess I am in a way the country's self-appointed ambassador as well, huh?

Today, I think Malaysia has definitely gained more recognition in the eyes of the world and we can even boast of our world-class architectures and all the natural resources we have here.

In conjunction with the remarkably historic day and also to boost the patriotic feeling among everyone, I have decided to do a simple compilation of what we should be proud of and definitely stand tall to tell others about our country!:)

1. Our magnificent KL City Centre; the Petronas Twin Towers

What is there not to be proud of this world-class and one of the world's finest architectures?
It was once the TALLEST building in the world; until Taipei 101 came into the picture. However, it still remains the world's tallest twin towers.
It is home to a huge shopping mall; which is fondly known to all shoppers as Suria KLCC
Excellent view; night or day!



2. KL Tower

It is the world's fifth tallest building! Yet another record:)
It has a revolving restaurant which allows diners to enjoy the view of the city.
Wikipedia: The tower also acts as the Islamic falak observatory to look for the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Muslim month of Ramadhan, Syawal, and Zulhijjah, to celebrate fasting month of Ramadhan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.

3. Putrajaya


The latest Federal territory added to our list of states; it is the home to the country's administration; taking the shift from Kuala Lumpur due to the overcrowding and congestion in the city.
Nevertheless, KL still holds the crown as the capital of the country and Putrajaya, despite its initial administrative notion, turned out to be one of the main tourist attractions.

It was actually the brainchild of our fourth Prime Minister;Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad (Father of Modernization) and it was named after our first Prime Minister;Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra who was known as the Father of Independence.

4. Penang Bridge

One of the longest bridges in the world; spanning for 13.5km and the main connection between the mainland to the Penang island which is also known as the Pearl of the Orient.

5. Mulu Caves
The LARGEST cave in the world, mind you!:)
Located in Sarawak; it boasts of one of the most complex and intriguing passages and structure within it.

6. The abundance of tourist islands and beaches which are just world-class and breathtakingly beautiful and serene



-Pulau Langkawi
-Pulau Pangkor
-Pulau Tioman
-Pulau Perhentian
-Pulau Redang
-Pulau Kapas
-Sipadan

7. Natural and limestone caves; which housed places of worships
-Batu Caves, Selangor (Hindu temples)

-Sam Po Tong, Perak (Buddhist temples)


8. Two cities bestowed the title of World Heritage Sites simultaneously by UNESCO!
Penang (also known as Pearl of the Orient)

Melaka (Historical City)


9. Funicular railway and tram


Penang is one of the two cities in the whole Asia to have this; and this can be found on Penang Hill!

10. Land rich with natural resources

-Rubber
-Rice
-Petroleum, Gas
-Tea
-Palm Oil
-Rattan
-Tin
-Copper
-Granite
-Limestone
-Wood/timber

I could go on and on....but that's the top 10 things for now?
Did you really know all that as well?

Maybe we shall do a quiz next post ya?

Let's pause at the moment as obviously, there's so much good things to appreciate about our country; so why dwell on the negative ones only??

MERDEKA!!!!:D


Tanah Pusaka

sungguh gemilang negeriku
yang kupuja oh tanah Malaysia
diseluruh dunia
negaraku yang berdaulat negaraku

aman makmur kaya-raya
selamanya hidup maju jaya
oh tanah pusaka
negaraku yang berdaulat dan merdeka

tanah pusaka bertuah
berbagai bangsa di dalamnya
hidup aman dan bersama
bertekun kerja untuk Malaysia

musuh melanggarku gempur
sungguh rela ku gugur kerana
kau tanah pusaka
biar putih tulang jangan putih mata
(Ahmad Merican)

Our country has 4 seasons too~

I used to wonder how snow is like
How it feels like to hava macintosh or a stylish trench coat and a thick scarf wrapped around my neck, enjoying the cool breeze while watching the falling of the leaves from the tree

I don't have to imagine Spring or Summer though; since we are living it everyday

What amazes is me the beauty of my country which makes me feel safe from natural disasters which can be life-threatening, i.e: earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, typhoon, etc.

In fact, we only came to knew of tsunami a few years back and we lost so many lives as Malaysians have not even seen tsunami; let alone imagine that it would ever occur here on our peaceful coastline!
We could also feel tremors from our neighbors when they experience earthquakes once in a while, but that's about it anyway.

I thank God for the paradise place we are living in.

Some foreigners even envy the all-year long summer we have here; as they long to wear those tank tops and beach shorts and thongs and slippers and enjoy themselves by the beach; and it's funny how on the other hand, we fantasize about living in their cold countries which they can't wait to get away from during the winter season.

Well, that being said, I start to feel that there is a nice pattern spreading over our country's yearly season too; where there seems to be four periods.
Oh, we still do not have snow yet...I am not sure whether it's next to impossible since we are located so near to the Equator (but it's nice to dream, and they say dreams do come true sometimes:)

For a start, January to March always start with a warm and a bit of rain type of weather; which makes it similar to Spring.
April to June/July will be so HOT and filled with the haze that you just feel like bathing in ice...that's like Summer
Then end of July to probably September will be slightly cool and rainy.....Autumn
Finally...September to probably end of the year will be rainy (monsoon period) so it's cool to COLD....Winter

So, see, my country does have its own lovely way of separating our humid weather (rain and sun) into 4 different sections as well:)

The plus point is, we do not need to change our wardrobes every quarter; but we have everything handy so that we can just don them whenever we need them.
We don't really stock on heavy and bulk jackets either; unless we are travelling to those cold climate countries.

Furthermore, we see Spring; where the flowers bloom all year long and we don't have to worry about them withering and die unless it's man-instigated; where they burn and cause a massive haze!

Now, isn't that a nice thing to love about my country?
I am wearing my thick wool sweater now; since it's so cold these days....brrrrrr

She's cooking again!

My neighbor's cooking again; and I think it's the Indian neighbor staying all the way at the ground level.

On Tuesday, it was curry fish head.....

(*Picture taken from web; belong to someone else)
I imagined it to be this way as the spices and curry powder used highly smells of those used by Indians.
It must be an Indian-style curry.
It is a good idea huh, to have hot and steaming curry (not to mention spicy) during such cold weather:p
It was steaming and cooking with such a lovely aromatic scent emitted around the neighborhood...it makes one think of that homemade dish.

On Wednesday, she was cooking again.....early morning, this time, I am pretty sure it's French Toast...

It had that bread and egg-y scent in the air!

She's always cooking; must be a model mother like what Donna Reed used to do yeah; cooking and tending to the family's stomach at all times:)
She's definitely a good cook too..LOL~

Stop, Measure, Sign, Stick and GO!

This week, my company has initiated their preventive measure in curbing the spread of A H1N1 in the office and has given instructions to all the offices to follow the measures taken.

Employees are all to be observed on a daily basis and have their temperature and health monitored by this new practice.

We have the posters all printed out and pinned to the wall right at the main entrance where the reception or lobby is.
A highly-advanced thermometer (imported I think and costs RM399) is placed on the table at the reception; along with a log book and a set of stickers.


Now how do we go about this?

For employees/visitors, all are required to go through the same steps.
When you enter the main entrance, you should be able to see the giant posters which you should be able to see (unless you're blind or serious astigmatism issues) which yelled "STOP" and request you to perform the steps as indicated in the poster.
There is even a poster to teach you how to use the thermometer.



So, the steps are as follows:
1. Stop at the table
2. Take the thermometer and measure your own temperature
3. Record the temperature in the log book; in a way, you are also signing in your attendance each day
The normal temperature would be less than 38
5. Proceed to work

*If your temperature is higher than 38 degrees Celsius, you need to leave the office immediately and go to see a doctor.
If positive, the employee will be quarantined.
If negative, get the certification from the doctor and get the MC to rest at home to avoid spreading other viruses as well.

Actually, this would encourage some of those "slacker" employees to even have a good excuse to skip work by making their body temperature hot so that it will be above 38 degrees and then having a valid excuse to just loiter outside work for a day or two.

However, at the same time, I think it was a good move to prevent the viruses from spreading.
Even my church has started their measures by advising people to stay at home when they're not feeling well so that they do not spread viruses.
There is no holy water as well when we enter the church; and Holy Communion is to be received by hand.
It reminds me of that HFM and Coxsackie and Bird Flu last time...the same preventive measures:p

Surprisingly, I am always the one who's recorded the highest temperature of all...
Perhaps that is an indication that I am a very 'warm' person..hehe:D

Whatever, today the sticker's green....hehehe, I think it means, GO for Friday...LOL!:D