LIFE...

tumblr

2008-04-19T13:18:00.002+08:00

I've gotten myself a tumblr...hehehe...it's like this blog mainly for sharing. Hence, I'm using it now...to share...

check it out! ^^

http://chiaoju.tumblr.com/

I'm definitely still gonna be blogging here though...

need of air maybe?

2008-04-14T14:42:00.003+08:00

Sometimes...when things are not exactly right, you just want to be alone for awhile...sorta like hiding...but not really hiding...just be away from ppl who knows you...sit in a place alone with a bunch of ppl who don't know you... and you not knowing them and just feel that...vibe of being small and alone in this world.

I never thought I can eat lunch alone...but sometimes you just don't feel like talking to anyone...except maybe hoping to talk to this person whom you'll never reject talking to...

Maybe it's the monday blues that's making me this way...hmmm

Changes & Regrets

2008-04-13T22:04:00.003+08:00

Let's talk about the various changes and regrets in our lifes. Changes happen every now and then. It is an inevitable mechanism. When a situation changes, we then find ourselves trying to change in order to adapt to that new situation. But, how many of us can actually do that? How many of us hung on just thinking that everything will still be okie and normal?

Changing is not an easy task. It's definitely not as easy as ABC or 123 for that matter. It requires courage, spiritual strength..and really, the will to WANT to change. How do I then deal with changes that happens around me? Do I change almost instantly? Of coz not.

I think. The one thing I think about is the regrets I would have if I did or did not change. Everyone has many goals in life...so do I. But there's this one goal which I will want to make sure I must meet is for me to live my life for as long as I can without a single regret.

When something bad happens to us, it does not necessarily generates regret instantly. In other words, it might have been a right decision made at that time that just gone bad...or just a wrong decision made, but you don't regret making those decisions. Life isn't all that easy...some things are bound to go wrong someday. You just learn what went wrong, pick yourself up and get back on your feet. There's no such thing as I cannot do it...there's only I don't want to do it.

Becoz I ensure that I live my life with no regrets, I'll change if it's something that is not right. There are things where I would think...if this goes on for the next 10 years, would I have wanted that life? Could I have done something back then to change it? Why didn't I do so? If you are asking this question after 10 years, then that's living a regret.

Regrets are something that are painful to live with. It is like a burden that bites into your soul every now and then. I've had my share of ups and downs...but I'm thankful and grateful that so far, I've lived my life with no regrets. I've shed countless tears for unhappy situation, but I believed that if I have made this choice, it would be a choice with no regrets.

I'm not saying that changes are easy. Who says changes were ever easy? I've had my shares of making difficult decisions and having to crawl through that situation alone. But why not change when you know the current situation aren't working out for you? If you know that this sadness would only be short term...why not do it now rather than waiting to regret 10 years from now?

Life isn't all that easy. Changing is a part of life. Living with regrets is also a part of life. Which would you choose? To change or to live with regrets?

...

2008-04-10T10:36:00.002+08:00

*sob*

feeling a lil lost and sad...

help?? =(

Dare to Love?

2008-04-06T16:59:00.002+08:00

Here's a dare for all of you out there. I dare you to love. To love this other person that means the world to you and choose to want to love this person unconditionally for the rest of your life if given the chance. Dare to take on this challenge?

It's a really tough challenge. It's a challenge that requires a lot of courage and strength. It's a challenge that requires a lot of risk-taking - a risk that is so huge that it might just smack you in the head and you'll be a living zombie forever...or your soul might be buried *teehee* (drama drama drama...). I think it takes a bigger courage to go love someone than to jump of a cliff of a mountain. When I say love, I mean love. A lot of us might have misused that word once in a while...and of coz there are many definition of love from different people based on their experiences.

But I think, love is all about trust and honesty. Love is all about sacrifices and all these sacrifices are made with a heart that is willing. Love is about wanting the best for this other person even if it means you have to give up doing something you previously like. Love is always wanting for this other person to be happy so you can be happy.

I'm sure most of us have loved before. Or have we? I might have. It's hurtful I would say...but if you have never loved before, you have never lived your life (...well...something like that from the "Tuesdays with Morrie" book). You cannot live your life without love...that's what I would say. I always believe in living my life with no regrets. Even if it's the crappiest choice I take. I have no regrets in life right now...and that's all that matters...coz LIFE really is all about loving, in the context of happiness and sadness.

So, dare you take on the challenge to love? I dare you... ^_^

Widening of the Penang Bridge

2008-04-01T14:06:00.002+08:00

Note the highlighted portion of this article...and read below for my comments...*sigh*

Notice : Stitching Works For Bridge Structure on Penang Bridge Begins.Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd

(PBSB) would like to inform that UEM Construction Sdn Bhd, as the main contractor for the Penang Bridge Widening Project will carry out stitching works for the bridge structure effective from 29 March 2008. The stitching works will be carried out in stages involving Km0.7 to Km0.4 (300m distance) on Perai bound.

The implication is that this works will cause temporary traffic interruption to the bridge users due to the constriction of lane width for the left lane on Perai bound. Therefore, users are reminded to be extra careful while driving and observe all alert signage including Electronics Sign (VMS).

To avoid traffic disruption on the bridge, users are advised to limit/restrict traveling during morning peak (7.00am – 9.00am) and afternoon peak (5.00pm – 8.00pm) especially on Mondays and Fridays and public holiday/school term break.

Users are encouraged to use OTIM service or contact PBSB Bridgeline 1300-1300-03 for traffic enquiries. PBSB also offer free towing service using 4 units of our in-house tow truck known as ‘Bridge Response Team’ with capacity of towing up to 40 tons vehicle; in the event of breakdowns or accidents within its concession area.

PBSB wish to thank all our users for their patience and cooperation as present inconvenience is for future comfort.

Ermmm...limit traveling during peak period? So, does that mean we go to work after 9am and get back by 4pm? Or does that mean we go early in the wee hours and don't get back until 8pm? I mean...SERIOUSLY...what kind of statement is that? Just becoz you need to get the bridge work done, does not mean you can ask the users to limit their traveling during peak period...I mean...hello! It's the bloody peak period!

Okie...nvm...I shall be patient. Patience chiaoju...patience. You know what? It takes them seriously long to finish the new toll booth...I seriously wonder how long will they take to finish this project...I hope they surprise me though...*wishful thinking*

An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love

2008-03-30T15:11:00.002+08:00

I just finished reading this book, 'An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love'. It's really a book about Richard and Kristine Carlson, life partners who have learned to love each other...forever, eternal love. It's about how they always put the low side of their life behind them...quickly overcoming it and just start enjoying the good side almost instantly.

Here is a question perhaps we should ask ourselves, ..."If you have an hour to live, who would you call, what would you say...and why are you waiting?"

It's pretty interesting if you think about it. I mean most of the time, the question is usually if today is your last day, what would you do. But this is really, if it's your last hour...who would you call and say to this person?

You have tons of ppl you love all through your life. Having the need to think of who to call can be tough. But I somehow believe that there would be this one person that would stand out in your life where you would want to call and just tell this person everything you have to tell.

But there is this other part of the question that keeps you thinking as well..."why are you waiting?" Why wait till the last hour? Why wait till the last minute before expressing to this person who means so much to you? I don't...^_^ I don't wait...if I want to say "I miss you", I'll say it...or "I love you" for that matter...I'll say it as well. And really, it's not all that difficult...if you really mean it.

So, what are you waiting for?

Melee - Built To Last

2008-03-27T21:11:00.001+08:00

How I wish this could come true for me soon...and of coz for all those of you out there who are hoping to meet this one person to have everything you've Built To Last... ^_^

Deemed the dumbest criminal ever

2008-03-27T07:55:00.002+08:00

As I was driving to work this morning, I was tuning in to the hitz.fm radio station (yea...I tune in to them everyday generally) and the Morning Crew, Rudy & JJ were talking about this criminal in Chicago who can be deemed as the dumbest criminal ever. Why is that so? Here's what happened.

This crime-o-person was in the process of robbing the cashier in this convenient store. Somehow or rather (if I remember correctly - ermm...it's 6.30am and really, my brain wasn't functioning all that well), the person in charge that night couldn't retrieve the money for him and says he had to wait for his manager to come back. So this "smart" criminal then give the person in charge his number and asked him to call him once the manager gets back. (errrrr...)

They called him...and guess what? This crime-o-person picked up the phone. The rest...I'm sure you can guess what happened next...Now...is that dumb or what?

Do I smell a threat?

2008-03-18T13:31:00.002+08:00

I'm sure most of you have read this article on the NST online page...but for the benefit of those who hasn't...here's the article. Enjoy..

2008/03/13
Penang Umno to recommend stopping all state mega projects

GEORGE TOWN, Thurs: Penang Umno will recommend to the Federal Government to stop all proposed mega projects in the state, include those planned under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), the second Penang Bridge, the light monorail transit system, the Penang Outer Ring Road, the Penang Sentral and the RapidPenang bus service.

State Umno secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said the previous Gerakan-led state government had worked together with the federal government to bring all sorts of development to Penang.

"Since the people have clearly rejected development and made their choice for a change, we will recommend to the federal government to cancel all such projects. Don’t blame us for this," he said after a state liaison committee meeting here today. In March 8 polls, Umno only won two parliamentary seats and 12 state seats.

The meeting was chaired by the deputy state Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah. Also present were Umno division chiefs from all 13 divisions.

Asked if this was Umno’s revenge, Azhar, who was appointed opposition chief, said: "This is not revenge…it is the new government's responsibility to bring development to the state. We have done so many things in the past but we were criticised…we were blamed for wasting this and wasting that.”

To another question if this would bring about any implications to the people, he said: "The people have chosen and they wanted a new leadership."

Ahh... So this is what it's all about...My personal comment - I hear a baby crying...and whinning... and just generally throwing tantrums. *teehee*

I guess sometimes, these ppl think they are so great they fail to reflect on themselves. I guess it sure is difficult trying to put yourself in others shoes FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE just to understand how this other person is viewing that same situation from a different perspective.

*sigh*...IF ONLY...Oh well...I guess another thing that they fail to realize is that...It's not the 60s anymore. It's the 21st century and ppl now are generally more educated and well-trained to be able to think for themselves, hence the result of the 2008 election. Making such strong statements won't do you any good Mr UMNO secretary man...Oh well...I guess that's your choice!

In need of the seaaaaaa

2008-03-16T21:14:00.002+08:00

I met someone at the MBA class today that dives as well. Really cool German dude who has been diving for the past 15 years. *whewwwww* He has been to lotsa cool places...and he was telling me over lunch today...which then leads me to thinking...

I FREAKING HELL MISS THE SEA AND I AM SERIOUSLY IN NEED OF THE BLUE SEA!!!!

Here is a list of places that I want to go dive (hopefully - wishful thinking really) this year:

Sipadan - yes...I want to see those sea turtles
Layang-Layang - HAMMERHEAD SHARKS!
Bali - cutie mola-mola from July - Sept & Manta Rays of coz
Koh Lanta - visit Dalton, my advance dive course instructor

In order to accomplish this, I need my boss to let me off on holiday. 2nd...I need...MONEY. Something which I don't exactly have a lot to spare with the paying of my school fees and everything. ARGH...

Well, wishful thinking...but I think I'll like to go to at least ONE of these places. Need to start doing some plannings!!!

My turtle

2008-03-14T14:45:00.004+08:00

I was clearing up my table 2 days ago when I came across this...MY TURTLE! I wanted to blog about this a long time ago...but somehow...I just missed it. ^_^ I adopted a Chelonia mydas...also known as the Green Turtle earlier this year for RM100 per turtle. It's under the Adopt-A-Turtle Programme, organized by SEATRU (Sea Turtle Research Unit) in Terengganu.

Below are the infor for my turtle now... Healthy as ever! hehe

Here's the address to the ppl in charge of the Adopt-A-Turtle-Programme in Kuala Terengganu.

My turtle has an ID: 1993G026! :) This section shows the dates of successful nestings in 2007...Since May 23, 2007...

And...*drum rollssssss*...the number of eggs laid up till August 15, 2007 is...749 eggs!!!! YAY!

This tells u how big is the left and right flippers and the size of the caraspace as well...

Cool huh...I've always have a soft spot for turtles... When I dive, I always wish I could just meet one of them...I've seen one and swam with one when I was snorkeling...Absolutely lovely...So, yay! hehehe

I wish I can go onsite to help them with the cleaning up and protecting the turtle eggs one day...need to take like a week off or something...For those who are interested, go check out the website at http://www.umt.edu.my/turtle/... Love those turtles!

Ideal age to get married

2008-03-13T13:35:00.005+08:00

Is there a so-called ideal age to get married? Yes? No? Mayyyybe?

A couple of my friends are getting married this year...some are already married...hmm...is it somewhat too early? too late? just right? I think there isn't an ideal age to get married. Some ppl might want to choose to get married at a very early age...say 21...others choose to keep it till age 30 perhaps. I think age would not be the factor to determine it...rather...the factor would be if you are ready to make this commitment.

Getting married is easy (well...in a way easy coz all u need is to sign the paper). Keeping the marriage alive...now...THAT would be the challenge. I've seen a lot of ppl who have problems with keeping marriage alive...leading to a disasterous divorce. *sigh* Why oh why does that have to happen?

There's this quote that says;

A successful marriage is falling in love with the same person over and over
again.

Keyword - SAME PERSON.

I guess it's easier said than done. I still believe it can be done...that is IF you meet someone who would make you WANT to fall in love with him or her, over and over again. Hmm...Think there's such a thing?

Hypes of election

2008-03-09T22:32:00.004+08:00

Well, it's a day after the Malaysia's 12th election. Everything appears to have calmed down a little...where the respective parties are tearing down the campaign banners and posters. Most of you would have know the result; Penang, Perak, Kedah, Selangor and Kelantan will have new government as the opposition parties have created history again after 40 years, gaining great victory in these states.

So...what is it in for us? Hmmm...I'm really just going to sit back and see what the new government can do for the ppl of Malaysia. I guess Malaysians are somewhat annoyed with the government, hence voting for the opposition parties. I've seen news where supposedly "political experts" say that the ppl are now scared with the result of having new government. I, personally beg to differ.

If the government is all that good, would ppl opt to change? I think not. It's really a psychology effect. Changes are something everyone fears. Not everyone can adapt to major changes. However, if the current situation is not exactly a good situation, why shouldn't we give change a try? If it doesn't work, change back. At least that's how I feel.

Oh well...all I know is that this is definitely a wake up call to all those ppl who have been sitting comfortably and luxuriously on those chairs for years. I guess Malaysians are now ready for a change...we'll see how it goes......

Teardrops On My Guitar

2008-03-04T11:12:00.001+08:00

I love this song...period. I was listening to hitz.fm the day before yesterday, and they were saying that Drew, the guy in the song, went to look for Taylor Swift...only for her to tell him "It's too late". Lesson learned; do what you think it's right. Sometimes, for some things, there are just no 2nd chance - you'll then have to live with the regret. Enjoy the song...(remember to listen to the lyrics...)

Spritzer water

2008-03-02T22:39:00.002+08:00

Now, how many of you chooses Spritzer if you have to buy a bottle of mineral water? Pls raise your hands now...don't be shy...I for one chooses Spritzer...Don't ask me why...must have been good branding of some sort.

Anyway, a gal from my class was telling our group not to drink Spritzer water IF it is taken from Taiping, Perak. I was like..."Why?" And her answer just sort of blew me away. She say that the natural water flowing from the mountains or wherever the water source comes from, runs through a cemetry before it reaches the place where they extract the mineral water out. "...and that's where you get the minerals," she says.

OMG!!! okie...maybe it's not such a big deal...maybe the minerals generated would be more, leading to a better type of mineral water. I mean...really...it's just dead ppl we are talking here...

Well, all this might be untrue...but then again...I now have 500ml of Spritzer mineral water in me...she had to tell me AFTER I drank that bottle of water. But I think it's all good. Maybe I can get some good aura from the dead ppl...hmmmm

Let me know if any of you have any further information...And also, I would like to apologize if I have offended anyone for this comment.

The Amazing Me...

2008-02-29T00:12:00.006+08:00

*drum rolls* Presenting...the story of the AMAZING ME! *chianggggg*

I had to go for class yesterday...Hence, I took the ferry instead of the bridge as the place where I'm supposed to attend my class is just opposite the Penang Jetty. Note that I was really tired yestereday...really really tired. So, I got on the ferry, turn off the engine, and took a quick nap.

Yes, quick nap. I pretty much define nap as sleeping unsoundly. In other words, you would usually wake up after say 5 mins or so. Me...being the amazing me...I didn't just took a quick nap. I doze off. I was sleeping in the car. Apparently, cars were honking at me...but I just couldn't wake up! (Did I mention that I was really really really tired?)

Anyway, the ferry attendant had to come and knock on my window to wake me up. Got up and realize everyone has left except the 4 cars behind me (I was 2nd in line in one of the lines). I was really embarassed to be honest. Another ferry attendant was just laughing at me...I got up, start my engine and drove off...again, feeling embarassed.

Oh well, at least they were kind enough to wake me up and didn't just leave me in the ferry and have the ferry take me on a ride back to the mainland...that would have been...I dunno how to describe what that would have been...*hehe*

So, there you have it. The story of the Amazing Me... ^_^

Back to Blogging

2008-02-28T09:24:00.004+08:00

Haven't been writing anything for the pass 1 month...and...the most common excuse I would use is...I've been busy - with work mostly. And then there was the CNY holidays...then biz travel...oh, and not forgetting exams...so yea...I've been busy.

Fear not ppl, coz I AM BACK! *teehee*...Nothing really happened for the pass one month...

The month of February began...with no apparent greatness...weather was hot though
Then there's the celebration of Chinese New Year...weather is still hot...'ang pow' income was so so...can't complain though.
Valentine's Day...nothing special again...just like any other day when you are alone... *hehe*
Work...will remain as work...have I mentioned that the weather is hot?
Travel to China for a week and a half...cold as ever (which reminds me...I need thicker winter clothing)...China will always be China...Dirty, yes. Polluted, yes. Cold, yes in Shanghai, not really in Shenzhen. Due to cold weather, my nose bleed most of the time...and of coz, not forgetting dry skin...
Of coz Hong Kong was part of my itinerary as well...HK is lovely...had all my fave food (hence I need to hit the gym ASAP!)...didn't do much shopping though...
Got back to Malaysia a couple of days ago...and weather is hot as ever - well, except for today maybe...coz it rained. Yay rain!
My threadless T-shirt arrived! Loving it lots! ^_^ (I shall blog about it later)
And...today is the 2nd last day of February...*gosh how time flies*

And there you have it...boring ain't it my life...I need to dive...

Anyhuuuuuu...may everyone have a great start in life in March!

Soulmates

2008-01-28T13:29:00.000+08:00

I was watching Oprah today and they were talking about how some very lovely single ladies just somehow fail to meet lovely single available guys. There's this one part in the show where this lady, Kathy Freston (who wrote the book "The One") was talking about soulmates. Her definition of soulmates is just...something which I haven't thought of from the prospect of a relationship.

According to Kathy Freston, it is said that...a soulmate is someone who will live a life together with you as a team (well, it's somewhere along that line of words)...It sort of hit me...a team. Well, I've never thought of it that way...All the while, I'm just thinking that your soulmate is just someone who will live a life together with you and that's pretty much it.

I mean if you put it in that way...a team, it almost felt as though u are in a game together. You are striving for victory or something. Hence, you have to work together as a team to make it work...it would have incorporate all form of co-operation, tolerance, love etc. Some might say, "pahhh... we know all that. Of coz those are needed in a r'ship". However, if you say that, all those items become one individual item...and there are times you might say, well...maybe I can take out a little tolerance since it's just one part of it.

If you look at it as a team, it almost becomes like just one item there...and it's as simple as wanting to be in this together...the 2 individuals coming as 1 as a team. Nevertheless, I somehow believe that if he's the one, everything would just blends in naturally. No extra effort needed about things you want to do for that person, minimal complains (well I wouldn't say no...)...everything is just natural. Hmmm...I guess it's something that we might want to ponder a little.

Kids say it all...L.O.V.E

2008-01-23T15:50:00.000+08:00

A lovely person send this email about what kids (to be specific, 4 to 8 year old kids) have got to say when they were ask the question "What does love means?" by a group of professional people. What you are about to read are some of the loveliest thing anyone could have ever said in the face of the Earth...
_____

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grand-father does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."

Rebecca- age 8
_____

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

Billy - age 4
_____

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

Karl - age 5
_____

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."

Chrissy - age 6
_____

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."

Terri - age 4
_____

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes A sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."

Danny - age 7
_____

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"

Emily - age 8
_____

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

Bobby - age 7
_____

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."

Nikka - age 6
_____

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."

Noelle - age 7
_____

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."

Tommy - age 6
_____

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."

Elaine-age 5
_____

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."

Chris - age 7
_____

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."

Mary Ann - age 4
_____

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."

Lauren - age 4
_____

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little Stars come out of you.."

Karen - age 7
_____

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."

Mark - age 6
_____

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."

Jessica - age 8
_____

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked About a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's Yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little Boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry"
_____

These kids are lovely...aren't they? ^_^

A Place Called Here

2008-01-21T10:05:00.000+08:00

A Place Called Here - one of Cecelia Ahern's latest book. Just finish reading it yesterday evening. Comments - well, I would say it's not exactly her best book ever, but I would have to say that it's a good book to read... (by the way, I absolutely love Cecelia's brains...I mean the fact that she is able to come up with plots and stories like such is amazing. I love you, Cecelia...)

Anyway, in a nutshell, this book really is about how sometimes we just get lost. The story is really a fantasy plus magical story...but it's still how sometimes we are just lost...somewhere.

Here is a part depicted out from the book:

We all get lost once in a while, sometimes by choice, sometimes due to forces beyond out control. When we learn what it is our soul needs to learn, the path presents itself. Sometimes we see the way out but wander further and deeper despite ourselves; the fear, the anger or the sadness preventing us returning. Sometimes we prefer to be lost and wandering, sometimes it's easier. Sometimes we find out own way out. But regardless, always, we are found.

As I read this paragraph, I realize that it is true. In our lifes, there would be this part where you feel lost and alone and everywhere around is just dark. It's like being lost in the jungle (I know, coz I've been in that situation before a couple of years ago). And everywhere you look, is pitch black. You have no idea which path to walk down to bring you back home. You are literally lost.

This is where I believe that you have to have someone. That someone that would find you...that would bring you back home. That someone that would be by your side holding a torch, or an oil lamp, or even a candle, just lighting up the place, so you can see which path is best for you. Ppl can't make the choice for you - but when the area is lit up, you can see clearer the path you want to walk down. You'll always know. Well, life's tough. Who said it's easy. If it was, life would just be plain boring.

Anyhuuuuu...it is an easy reading type of book. I must say it got me all excited as well...Enjoy!

P.S. Thanks you-know-who for getting me this book. Love it. *wink*

The Women's Market

2008-01-20T20:02:00.000+08:00

For the past 3 days, I think shopping has been the main agenda of my...errr...life. For those who don't know me, I don't do window shopping...which means when I say I shop, I seriously mean I shop - a.k.a spending money. But of coz... *ahem* all the things I've bought are things I need...I mean seriously. From birthday gifts, to facial products, to Chinese New Year clothes...yea...they are definitely things I need. *blush*

As I was shopping these 3 days, I realize that there are a lot of stuff for a woman to buy! I mean, seriously...just look at the amount of different brands for just facial products. Then we have perfumes, CLOTHES (I mean...gosh), shoes, bags, accessories...It's like a lot. No wonder the ppl who ventures into the business for women always tend to make big bucks!!

Let's just look at a formal working attire. If you notice, you'll realize that a guy's shirt is pretty standard - including the price range. I mean let's not talk about buying say...Ralph Lauren shirts. Just plain average-Joe-brand shirts. Price range would most likely be from RM89 to say...RM159. Now, for gals, it's different. You have a range of DIFFERENT products - from dresses, to shirts, to skirts, to blouses - and all of them are priced differently. Gosh...

So...for those who's looking for ideas as to which business to venture into...I must say that anything with direct relation to women is one of the best business to be in so far. *teehee*

In Search of a Lovely Onde Onde

2008-01-14T21:19:00.000+08:00

I am in search for the best Onde Onde in town...and I still fail to find the lovely one. For those who don't know what an Onde Onde is...here's a quick overview - It's a type of "kueh" that is made out of glutinous rice flour, flavoured with pandan leaves and filled with gula melaka (palm sugar) fillings.

As of now, I have not had one Onde Onde that would have fillings that are so much and so liquid-ty...that it would just "explode" when u bite them...I mean just look at this picture...I have yet to find something like this in Malaysia...

(picture of Onde Onde - courtesy of Keropokman; http://singapuradailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/02/abc-market-ondeh-ondeh.html)

Well, I now vow to want to make my own Onde Onde...but of coz...I don't have the recipe...So kind ppl out there...if anyone has a recipe to this lovely kueh...do let me know...I promise if it's successful, I'll make some for you... ^_^

30 minutes at the IC Department Penang

2008-01-11T08:04:00.000+08:00

Last Monday, I paid a visit to the Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (I think that's what you call them) or rather the place to make your IC. Just a quick note, I, somehow lost my IC without knowing I lost it and only to realize that I don't have itwhen I was checking in to a flight to KL one fine day. I, at this point of time still couldn't figure out when I lost it, where I lost it and how I lost it. It's just lost (maybe it has gone to that place called here......okie...I shall not confuse you ppl further. That would be another blog to write about).

Anyway, back to the story of my trip. I went first on last Thursday (or maybe it's last last Thursday) and the system was down *crap* hence, I couldn't make my IC then. So having this phobia and everything, I went earlier this time. #026 - that's my number and the number at that point of time is #020. YAY ME!

I didn't need to wait long (and to think that I was so paranoid about being bored while waiting that I had my iPod, PSP, book ready - just so I won't be bored). I didn't really needed to use them. First counter - registration/reporting counter. The lady was really nice. Here is a short recap of how the conversation went (I translated it in English);

Nice lady: Good morning.
Me: Good morning. I lost my IC.
Nice lady: Have you lodge a police report?
Me: Yes (handing over the police report).
(Processing in place...)
Nice lady: Since it's the first time you lost your IC, you will be fine
RM100 plus RM10 processing fee.
Me: *thinking - crap* Here (handing her the money)
Nice lady: How old are you?
Me: *thinking - y the heck would you want to know?* I'm 26 this
year.
Nice lady: And this is your first time losing your IC?
Me: Yes
Nice lady: You are considered good for losing your IC the first time
only at the age of 26.
Me: *is she serious?* Hahaha...serious?
Nice lady: Yes. Kids these days are so irresponsible. At age 15, and
they have lost 3 ICs. Bad.
Me: =)
Nice lady: Okie, pls proceed to counter 1 for photo-taking session.
Have a nice day!
Me: Thanks! =)

Apparently, if you lose your IC for more than 3 times, it's not just about giving fines but it's about going through a serious interview and everything and you might not have your IC for 3 months. Scary huh...

Anyway, at the photo booth, an old uncle came by the booth and started complaining. Apparently, his picture didn't turn out to look like him (becoz of his white hair...it blends so nicely with the white background, and hence...u have an uncle losing the top part of his head) and he had problems when he wanted to go make his pasport. He was clearly pissed coz he can't go for his holidays. So, as they were sorting out his problem, I was just sitting there. The uncle then came and talk to me, telling me how screwed their cameras are, how troublesome it is, etc. Uncle was clearly pissed. =)

After taking photos, everything was done. Surprised that it all got done in 30mins, I was happy and contented as I left the building. So, my point is - it's not all that bad paying a visit to the IC department. ^_^

One for One

2008-01-06T10:38:00.000+08:00

Do u believe that there's only this one person that is meant for u and u only? And if you do missed this person...it's as good as gone?

Do u believe that there's only this one person that would make u really warm and fuzzy inside?

Do u believe that there's only this one person that would just compliment u perfectly well...sort of like a perfect fit?

Do u believe that there's only this one person that would make u want to really love that person forever?

All these sounds like something that would happen in fairy tales...or love story novels...but don't u want to believe that it might happen to u? Well, I do... ^_^ if it ever happens. *teehee*

PS I Love You

2007-12-31T09:22:00.000+08:00

I was looking through my blog yesterday and I honestly cannot believe I did not blog about the PS I Love You book...I seriously thought I did. Oh well...

I've loved this book...every bit of it. What's more exciting is the fact that IT'S ON THE BIG SCREEN! Well, I'm not sure if they are screening here in Malaysia, coz when I checked GSC for the latest movies, PS I Love You is definitely not there. Then again, I had someone downloading it as we speak (Thanks you-know-who... *wink*)

PS I Love You really is about how this man, who had a fatal illness guided his wife after he has passed away. Gerry has pre-written a set of letters, letters which contains task that is to be completed by his wife, Holly. Each letter would always be signed off with "PS I Love You". All these letters have a purpose; it is to guide Holly out from grieving to just discovering a whole new bigger world. I guess this is love...

All these might only happen in love stories, merely fiction, but I guess I'm wishful that it would actually happen in real life. Not necessarily to me, but to someone - and I'm sure it has happened.

I find that love truly is simple if both parties want it to be simple. It's about loving, giving and being loved. You of coz would experience ups and downs but it'll all turn out fine and it would make a r'ship stronger. Doing things for that person is something you just want to do. You don't view it to be much of a burden or that you are changing for that person - all you ever hope for is for that person to be happy and then it makes you happy.

It is the last day of the year. Since it's the holiday season, I honestly think that it's a time for hope and love. Let's all pray for a better year. Happy 2008!

Any 2008 new year resolution?

2007-12-28T08:46:00.000+08:00

Remember how last year I didn't make a new year resolution simply becoz I feel that I would not keep to it. Hence no resolutions made last year. However, I think I'm going to make one for year 2008 (or maybe just a few).

To hit the gym more often - I want toned arms and shoulder like Nicole Kidman! (okie...yes I'm dreaming - but the first part of the whole resolution is still achievable)
Make at least 2 dives in 2008
Major life overhaul activities (okie...I know this sounds really dramatic...but yea, I have to have a major overhaul...*teehee*)
Last but not least...*drum rollsssss*... I shall......... not tell you. It's for me to know and for you to find out. *teehee*

Okie...that's like 4 resolutions. This time, only to make sure that I'm serious about it, I shall check in every quarter to see if all the resolutions are being kept.

GOODBYE 2007... HELLOOOOOOOO 2008! Have a great year ahead everybody! ^_^

Quote

2007-12-26T11:27:00.000+08:00

Don't marry someone you can live with...marry someone you cannot live without...

And so life is expected to typically move in this direction - you date, you go steady, you get engaged, you get married, you have kids and you live as long as you can. I think 80% of the population in the world would have gone through each phase of this expected life process. 20% - might not have, coz they are still in diapers, crawling, toddling their way around life and just trying to get through school. *teehee*

This quote sorta did slap me in the face one fine day when I was talking to a good friend. He was telling me how true this quote really is. My question would be, is there such a person as someone whom you cannot live without? Taken for a fact that life goes on, with or without you, we shall look at our own working life. Some may say, the company might die without you - but in true fact, the company feels nothing without you. All the company needs is a replacement and the company is all good to go.

But is it the same in a r'ship? Aharrr...now that's the question. At one juncture in life, I believed that you must marry someone you can live with - living habits, certain behaviors, etc. My concept is, you must be able to take all his nonsense...keyword - must be able to. That's a force. Most of the time, you end up having couples arguing over the fact that they cannot stand each other anymore and split.

If he/she is someone you cannot live without, all these living habits, certain behaviors, would just be the basics. It wouldn't be in the consideration of "if you can take all his nonsense" philosophy. It would be part of you and losing this person is the last thing that is on your mind. But like I say, is there such a person?

I've had friends that say this is an unrealistic quote. It's something that would only happen in fairy tales. I think it happens, but I guess, life being fair, not all of us would have the chance to experience it. An ideal case - to have someone whom you not only can talk to, but a person where you want to wake up to, and want to sleep next to at night, a person who is your best friend, your lover, your everything.

Okie...crap...EMO-NYAAAAAAA AKU! ^_^ btw, HAPPY BOXING DAY!

Cool Bear Workshop

2007-12-25T15:10:00.000+08:00

Here's a gift I got for a friend from the super-cool COOL BEAR WORKSHOP! It's a DIY bear and it's a great gift for absolutely anyone who love bears...or cutey things. But the really cool thing about this gift is that it's really a sentimental gift...and the bear is very much alive (coz he has a heart - literally - YAY!). And you know what? The bear actually has a birth certificate. HAHA...how cool is that!

This is the bear I've selected. It's called Candy Bear (look at him...soooo sweet as ever). Well, after stuffing your bear with the cotton and all, you get to pick clothes for your bear! It's just soooo cool. ^_^ So I picked 2 outfits - one is this merry christmas one (since it's the christmas season) and another blue strip polo-T.

This is the box that comes with the bear...

One part of the box which says "It is a gift of love for you loved ones". I think it's really a gift for everyone...

Finally some definition of what cool bear means.

This is just a very cool gift. I did mine in U-Parkson One Utama. I think there's one in KLCC as well. This whole concept is just so cool...COOL TO THE MAX! ^_^

The Heaven-liest Cake of all the Heavenly Cakes

2007-12-25T14:54:00.000+08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, allow me to introduce the heaven-liest cake of all the heavenly cakes I've had (disclaimer: All heavenly cakes refer only to cakes that existed in Chiao Ju's dictionary - Opinions might vary =))...the one and the only *drum rolls*... Chilis Molten Chocolate Cake! (see pic above).

I'm telling you ppl...I'll never get enough of this. Of the many many times I've been to Chilis, I somehow failed to have this - well, not somehow, it's just that we always had to order more than what we can eat and hence, there are no rooms in the tummy for this lovely cake. Now, we are much smarter than before. ^_^ There's really 2 options; Option 1 - have the cake first. Option 2 - order only salad or starters. The first option is actually a better one...it's somewhat easier to control. *teehee*

Anyway, I think when I took this pic...it's the 4th time I'm having it. And it's still lovely. LOVELY! It's that mixture of having the warm and cooling effect from the chocolate in the cake and the ice cream topped on the cake which makes the whole thing LOVELY and HEAVENLY. (though I must say, it is pretty fattening...)

Just look at the chocolate ooozing outttttttt... hahaha...Lovely.

Cake lovers, you have to try it. It's by far my most favourite cake/dessert now. Absolutely heavenly......

TAGGED

2007-12-21T15:19:00.000+08:00

I was just browsing through blogs and came to realize that I've been tagged by my all time favourite uber-cool mum, Azrena... Honored to be tagged, I shall do this (though I must say...this survey sure is long...)

Name one person who made you laugh last night.
My cousin n my dad - had a good laugh about some of the stuff my dad did over the years (he's extermely cheeky..if you must know...^_^)

What were you doing at 0800?
On my bed - when clearly I was suppose to get out of bed to work...from KL.

What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
I was...chatting with someone - when clearly again, I'm suppose to work...

What happened to you in 2006?
Happenings happened in 2006...

What was the last thing you said out loud?
Oh crap - happened in class.

How many beverages did you have today?
Milo, chinese tea...more chinese tea

What color is your hairbrush?
It's black...and it's VIDAL SASSOON. Got it from China for only...RM9.90...HAHA

What was the last thing you paid for?
Starbucks with my cousin

Where were you last night?
At home...chatting.

What color is your front door?
Wood color

Where do you keep your change?
In a Prego bottle, wrapped nicely with Pooh's wrapping paper.

What’s the weather like today?
Freaking hot

What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
HAAGEN DAZS RUM RAISIN

What excites you?
hmm...everything that excites me...excites me. seeing manta rays in a dive excites me... ^_^

Do you want to cut your hair?
Yes, and I'm doing it this Monday.

Are you over the age of 25?
I will be...by year...in approximately 10 days.

Do you watch the O.C.?
Yea...sometimes...for the fun of it. Too much drama though...

Do you know anyone named Steven?
Yes, 2 in fact, no wait..make that 3.

Do you make up your own words?
Hmm...I don't think so

Are you a jealous person?
Yes...I think ^_^

Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’
The uber cool mum who tagged me! Azrena (okie...but then again, I have tons of friends who's name starts with A - so it might only be fair to just roughly name them all (we have andrew, aj, andy, annie, adeline, amanda, ameena...okie maybe I should stop)

Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
Kelly

Who’s the first person on your received call list?
well...someone.

What does the last text message you received say?
ohhh...you guys wouldn't want to know...

Do you chew on your straw?
Sometimes

Do you have curly hair?
Nope

Where’s the next place you’re going to?
Pavillion

Who’s the rudest person in your life?
I don't have one in my life. If that person's rude, he/she will never be part of my life! *teehee*

What was the last thing you ate?
Bread with Bak Hu

Will you get married in the future?
I very much want to...but I need to figure who do I want to get married to...

What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
ENCHANTED! ^_^ It's so cheezyyyyy...but it's just lovely. Once in a while, we just need some fairytale in our life.

Is there anyone you like right now?
Yes.

When was the last time you did the dishes?
Everyday.........

Are you currently depressed?
I wouldn't say I'm depressed. I mean, I can still laugh about things that are pretty screwed in my life...so...yea I think I'm fine still.

Did you cry today?
Nope

Why did you answer and post this?
Just for the fun of it...I haven't done one of these surveys for the longest time!

Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
ermmm...I don't know. Gosh, I don't have many friends now do I?

Chain Letters

2007-12-14T08:56:00.000+08:00

I remember back in 1991 (I think) when I was in primary school, chain letters are like an "in" thing. Back then we don't have emails of coz. So, we send chain letters using snail mail. All you need is have the envelopes sealed, put a 30 cents stamp on each envelope and have the postman do the rest of the job.

I'm starting to wonder who starts all these chain letters. It's just usually a story of some sort of a curse and how you need to send to "N" numbers of ppl or you would be cursed... Back then, in 1991, it sorta is scary. I do it...so does all my friends around me. In addition to that, when you are 9 years of age, you don't get a lot of mails. So... I get all excited getting mails. *hehe

I'm not so worked up about the letter itself. What I'm more disturbed is the curse. Usually, it's about true loves -- "if you don't send this to 10 ppl in 10 days, you won't find your one true love". Crap.

I stopped believing in all these chain letters a year later in 1992. (not like I am getting more money or finding my one true love......^_^) However, I'm still seeing it up till today through emails. And today, I actually saw one "curse" which is wayyyyyy too much. "Send this to 5 ppl or your mum will die at 10.40pm".

For ppl who are actually writing this, pls don't involve the death of our mothers, or our fathers, or anyone for that matter. I kinda thought it's just way too much.

Anyway...does anyone actually believe in chain letters??

Christmas-eee Season

2007-12-13T09:44:00.002+08:00

Christmas season is just around the corner... YAY! I mean I don't celebrate Christmas, but somehow, I find that it's a really magical holiday.

It's a season of hope and love shared with family, friends and loved ones. I love everything about Christmas --> from christmas carols/songs to christmas decorations. It's just so peaceful and lovely and I get all mushy just listening to some of the songs. It's just so...oh, I dunno...LOVELY. (gosh...look at how I'm actually talking!) Anyway, my all time favourite Christmas song is "The Christmas Song" (haha). Below is the lyric:

The Christmas Song

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way,
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh,
And every mother's child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cubgWvBfs24&feature=related

Lovely. Listening to this is making all mushy-lovey-dovey now...^_^ To me, Christmas is a time where everything is hopeful and magical. Anything can happen! You feel like you are off to magic land or something. Everything is just perfect. And the thing that makes it more perfect is spending it with the people you love.

Oh, and I found this pic on mistletoe. ^_^ Aren't they sweet!!! But I have never heard the whole story about kissing under the mistletoe yet...like...why under the mistletoe? *teeheeeee

Anyway, I hope you all have a great Christmas. It's truly a magical celebration. And for those who just HAVE to kiss someone this christmas, go find urself a mistletoe. *hehehehe*

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tired

2007-12-13T09:27:00.000+08:00

I am currently in a stage of tiredness and wish I have a time off. It's just one of those days...where you would drag your feet just to start the day off. That's when a time off would be useful.

So...yes, I am looking forward to a break. But what should one do? I mean the last thing I need is run off to another country with the tour group, wakes up at 5am in the morning to rush to places to sight-see, and gets back to the hotel only late at night. (that's like...a crappy time off).

My ideal time off activity is really sitting by the beach, staring at the horizon, listening to the sound of the wave, thinking. Just calm thinking...nothing much. It can be with someone...or it can be done alone (not an issue). Sorting out your mind...ahhh... Just sitting here, writing about it makes me somewhat calm. Hmmmmmmm...

No wait...I'm in a training. Okie crap... but I think I really need one soon. I'm tired. ^_^

Longer - Dan Fogelberg

2007-12-01T10:16:00.000+08:00

I love this song... This is such a beautiful love song. Well, after u get all soft and melty from listening to this song, then u start to wonder...or at least I started to wonder, if there really is such beautiful love. Some might think I'm nuts or something (well, some say I am), but really... it's about falling in love with this one person over and over again, everyday... despite living with that person for the longest time. Ppl say this only happens in movies...but I kinda think when Dan Fogelberg wrote this song, he must have been madly in love with his woman.

Anyway, enjoy the song. ^_^

Longer than there've been fishes in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there've been stars up in the heavens
I've been in love with you.

Stronger than any mountain cathedral
Truer than any tree ever grew
Deeper than any forest primeval
I am in love with you.

I'll bring fire in the winters
You'll send showers in the springs
We'll fly through the falls and summers
With love on our wings.

Through the years as the fire starts to mellow
Blurring lines in the book of our lives
Though the binding cracks and the pages start to yellow
I'll be in love with you.
I'll be in love with you.

Longer than there've been fishes in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there've been stars up in the heavens
I've been in love with youI am in love with you..

Check out the song at this link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg0LiDnh5c4

Bad Day (Part 2)

2007-11-07T08:36:00.000+08:00

Well, I'm back to work today. *sigh*

This blog is a part 2 of my previous blog. I am going to talk about those bastards. These ppl...all they really think about is money and themselves. That's all. They have never thought about the consequences of their actions to another person, especially the elderly. For those who has yet to read my previous blog, I'm talking about snatch thieves that would ride a motorcycle, snatch and yank the bag of a passer-by, drags that innocent victim for miles and speeding off once they get the bag. *sigh*

I was lucky that I wasn't dragged on. I was lucky that I didn't have to go through day after day lying in the hospital bed. I'm just so blessed that I'm extremely lucky. But what about those who aren't as lucky as me? Like the teacher who died? Or the lady who's still in coma?

Some of you might say, if those bastards have ever thought about the consequences, they might not have done it in the first place. Well, I beg to differ. Some humans these days are just plain...heartless. And it's just soooo sad...

I don't really know what the punishment for this crime is currently, but I know for sure that I would hope that the punishment is equal to the punishment one would give to someone who has convicted a murder. Really...how do they differ from any murderer? I think there are no differences whatsoever. The experience stills haunts me. *sigh* I think I've asked this question once, but I'll ask it again...WHAT IS THIS WORLD BECOMING OFF?

Bad Day (but thank God)

2007-11-05T22:50:00.000+08:00

I met with a snatch thief today...sigh...The bastard was riding on a motorcycle and riding pass me very quickly he tried snatch my handbag. Thank god the part he tried to pull snap (so he got nothing really) but I got a lot of things -- my head was swollen up pretty badly (I hit my head on the tar road), bruisers on my back (hurts damn bad), my arms, slightly swollen neck, cut on one leg and some scratches as well. Stupid bastard.

On the good end...I don't need stitches so I'm really much okie. Mum is safe (that's more important). I was fortunate to have a lot of ppl who offered to help; one offered a chair, another one a warm water, one even offered to drive, etc. Although I don't know who all of you are, I really appreciate you guys. All of you...you are really angels in disguist. Thank you all.

For those who are reading, pls becareful. This happened in the back lane of the Pulau Tikus shoplots (the one with Yataimura, Maybank, and all). There's a back lane leading to another set of parking lots. Pls be careful. Especially gals carrying handbags. Always make sure you carry your bag on the inside of road. That was my biggest mistake. Never walk down dark lanes alone, or even with just one partner. It's still very dangerous. Just be more alert of your surroundings.

I'm just blessed and glad that I'm okie. Thank God. But that bastard...

Don't Shave and Drive

2007-11-02T21:28:00.000+08:00

I was driving to work one fine day (well it had to be a fine day coz it's a FRIDAYYYYY!). Anyway, I was driving in the right lane when I came up to this car who was going wayyyyy too slow. Well, he didn't seem to have a plan to move over to the left lane, so I move instead.

I have this habit of just looking across to see why the driver would choose to drive so slowly. Usually, I would expect to see ppl on the phone talking intensely...or the elderly driving...BUT not this time.

I saw a man shaving with a normal shaver - not an electrical razor, but a normal shaver. Yes, he was shaving...looking into the rear mirror, shaving. If it's an electrical razor, I would have thought that in a way it's still okie. But really...shaving, while driving...*speechless*.

We have Don't Drink and Drive, some even say Don't Eat and Drive...now I think we should have Don't Shave and Drive. Guys...seriously...if you think that there's a need to shave that day, pls shave before you leave the house.

The things we say

2007-10-10T14:58:00.000+08:00

So we talked to a lot of ppl everyday. We talk about the sky, the sun, the moon, the weather, the birds, etc. We talked about everything.

When we are busy talking, did anyone of us actually think twice before speaking those words out? There are several things I've learned so far...words or phrases that might hurt someone unintentionally.

Let's look at several scenarios together:

Scenario #1
If one of your friends just received a tube of lotion from someone. You happen to help yourself trying the lotion, and smelling it to see if it gives a nice smell. If it's a scent that you happen to dislike or are just digusted about, what would you say?
A. "Ewwwwwwwwwww! That smell stinks!!!"
B. "hmmmm...
C. "It's just not a scent I like"

Well? I'm sure most of you would most likely choose C. However, you'll be surprise to see how many ppl actually does A. I'm serious. I guess some might just view this as a small matter, but you might end up hurting someone coz who knows, your friend might be in love with that scent!

Scenario #2
Let's say you are having lunch with a bunch of friends. One of your friends is eating a sunny side up. You hated the smell of eggs and cannot stand it. There she was, sitting right opposite you, smashing up the gooyeeee egg yolk...sending the smell right at you and then offer you to a bite of that egg. What would you do?
A. say "YUCK! THAT'S DISGUSTING!"
B. keep quiet
C. say "I don't fancy eggs, thanks"

Again, you nice ppl out there would most likely choose C. Nevertheless, like Scenario #1, a lot of ppl are actually doing A. It's just really insulting I guess.

Speech is important - and I bet I have blog something about the importance of talking some time ago. It's not just about talking, but using the correct phrases so you don't hurt someone unintentionally.

Well, it's just my point of view. Ppl might beg to differ...but...Oh well! ^_^

Sighing

2007-09-27T14:31:00.000+08:00

Today is just one of those days...where...ermmm...you sigh.

So...SIGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

CD Collection

2007-09-24T09:58:00.000+08:00

Here are some of my favourite albums that I would recommend to all (in random orders):
*psst - these are albums where I find every single song lovely...

#1 Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

This is my "Monday Blues" album. Jiwang sikit... ^_^ Somehow, every single song in the album sort of potrays the monday blues feeling, leaving some sort of comfort and calmness in me. No idea why...maybe it's the lyrics. *teehee*

#2 It Won't Be Soon Before Long - Maroon 5

The album before this, Song about Jane was lovely. I loved every single song in it...the lyrics are also great! ^_^ This one, gives a slightly different feel to it (in terms of the melody), but still lovely. Every song in it is lovely. I love Maroon 5...

#3 Life in Cartoon Motion - Mika

The songs in this album is so catchy, you would just want to listen to it over and over again. The lyrics...ermm... well not all of them are good but the melody is just exceptionally catchy! This is what I call a happy song album.

#4 Undiscovered - James Morrison

I love this album. I love James Morrison. His songs are all so soothing. It's a good CD to listen to when you are driving home from a hectic day of work.

#5 All the Lost Souls - James Blunt

The last one - James Blunt's new album All the Lost Souls - Lovely. I've loved the Back to Bedlam album and this album is somewhat lovelier. It's also a great CD to listen to driving home. Wellllll...maybe driving to work as well. I've enjoyed my drive to work today...must have been the music. ^_^

Education to men?

2007-09-23T09:29:00.000+08:00

The rapping cases happening in the country recently are by far topping up a notch. Things really do appear to be getting out of hands. First it's 1 to 1 rapes, then gang raps, then kids...I wonder what's next.

I don't know if you notice any significant similarity when you read through these rape cases news or articles in the newspaper...but I do. For cases that involve young girls, at the end of these articles, the so called 'experts' or police would say things like "Gals have to dress more decently"...or..."...skirts that are too short should not be worn..." etc. It gives me the impression that they are educating only the gals as to how they should behave or wear.

It's not wrong if you think of it from the perspective of a person who says that they want the best for the gals...but then...think again. This IS a FREE country. I can wear what I want! A rape case should not be judge from what a gal wears! If that's the case...does it mean that everyone should pretty much wrap themselves up from head to toe?

Have you read of any form of education to the rappist? The MEN? No one has ever talked about the fact that parents should educate their sons on respecting WOMEN. If they know how to respect a woman, a lot of these rape cases would not happen. There are some cases where little boys would do sexual harrassment to little gals younger than him. How does he know how do even do it in the first place?!

I just feel that education has to be somewhat fair. I think sometimes men are just not taught as to how they should respect a woman.

I hate 'em monkeys!

2007-09-22T10:48:00.000+08:00

I WAS ATTACKED BY MONKEYS!

Sigh...My parents and I decided to take a jog at the Botanical Garden this morning. My parents brisked walk while I wanted to jog. Hence, I jogged alone. It was my 3rd round when I came across a whole bunch of monkeys. My concept is if I don't bug them, they would not bug me. I was just jogging. I wasn't even in their way!

Boy, was I wrong. 3 of the older monkeys started to GNARL at me...I was taken by surprised. I stopped jogging and started to back off. I shouldn't have done that. Anyway...that 3 old monkeys started moving foward, surrounding me, and forcing me into the stupid drain! I started to scream like some mad woman!

I was grateful to have 2 very nice uncle to come save me. They helped me chase the monkeys away and calmed me down. Thinking back, it's kinda funny...(btw, I was close to breaking down...don't ask me why). He said "okie...let's breathe...Breathe in...fuhhh...breathe out...calm down..." *teehee*

I ran another round and went home. These Botanical Garden monkeys are starting to be a nuisance. Rule #1 from the uncle - Always...ALWAYS carry a stick. Rule #2 - Always refer to rule #1.

So ppl, pls becareful. Apparently, before they attacked me, they have attacked some other kids. Botanical garden monkeys are dangerous. That's a fact. CURSE YOU MONKEYSSSS!!!

The Art of Making-Up

2007-09-17T10:54:00.000+08:00

Putting on make-up is not an easy task (I know it's not an easy task for me and I know that I fail terribly doing this make-up art thing...sheesh). Guys out there...this is just a FYI post...just in case you are wondering why the heck a gal takes forever to get dress for a fancy dancy dinner.

I bumped into someone I know while shopping over the weekend and boy was I shocked - the sort of shock that makes my mind go..."why on Earth would she do something like that?". Okie, again, I'm no make-up artist expert...I suck. But I know pretty and correct when I see one (*ahem*...I AM still a gal...). Her eyes...were...all...WRONG. It's the same as dipping a pain brush into blue paint and giving it a one swipe thing across the eyes. It's...ermm...bad. I would think she looks better off...WITHOUT that make-up.

The eyes...that's the essense to how a person would look. I never ever dared to do any sort of make-up by myself if it involves anything as near to putting colors on my eyes (unless of coz if the color is the same as my skin...teehee). It's an art. I respect those who are experts in doing this...I mean they first analyze what type of eye-lids do u have...then what color will go with ur complexion, what goes with ur dress, etc. I salute. However, you take lotsa time...so guys...that's why it takes forever...

And so, the thing is...if u don't know how to don't do it. Remember that eyes are the essense to everything...just put on some loose powder, damped on some blusher and use a teeny bit of eye liner, and some lipgloss...walaaa...I bet u'll look lovely. ^_^

Believe in yourself...No???

2007-09-10T20:53:00.000+08:00

For those who has been tuning in to JJ and Rudy's breakfast show (on hitz.fm) for the past month or so, you'll know of the Lie Detector test that they have installed in the station. For the past month or so, they have been strapping ppl in (hitz.fm DJs, crews and listeners) mainly to find out the truth...If you are a listener, and if you have the guts to be strapped in, they even throw in a RM1000 for you!

Anyway, some of the ppl that was strapped in are pretty funny...usually, someone else (be it a friend, or a family member) would just like to find out if the ppl strapped in are telling the truth. However, there's a twist in today's show...This gal, wants to be strapped in becoz she wants to know if she loves the boyfriend. Yes...you've heard it right...SHE doesn't know if SHE loves the boyfriend and needs a LIE DETECTOR to tell her how she feels.

Half the time, I would think that this test is just for fun...and also to find out some truth about minor stuffs. Not about if you love a person or not...I mean, honestly, wouldn't you know???

Somehow, I think everyone knows what they want all the time - at least subconsciously. You know how some ppl would say

"Let's decide where to eat based on a toss of a coin...'heads' - we'll go to McD, 'tails' - we'll order pizza...(toss coin)...oh YAY! Heads! Let's order pizza becoz it's easier..."

So you see...you know what you want! I still think that gal is...kinda...ermmm...crap I would say.
And the worse is...she didn't love the boyfriend based on the lie detector. All I can say is...Good Luck Lady...

Scenario of donating blood...

2007-09-06T14:21:00.001+08:00

Blood donation... :) It really does feel good to be able to help others with a part of your body. Despite donating for the 9th time this blood drive, I'll still in a way get all nervous. One main reason to it is that, my veins are relatively finer (I'm thinking - it's either my veins are embedded under my flesh...or I'm FAT).

Anyway, I usually prefer to draw blood from my right hand - somehow, I believe that my veins are relatively bigger since I'm right-handed. As always, you put the small container containing all the blood bags, tubes, forms, etc on the side of the bed and you lie down. A young nurse approached me;

Young nurse: Aiyooo...ini tak nampak langsung (while staring at my arm)...macam mana ni?

Chiao Ju: (thinking to myself) God...not again...(while smiling at her)

Young nurse: (while touching my arm really really softly) Ish ish, memang tak nampak lah! You biasa derma darah tak?

Chiao Ju: Biasa. (thinking to myself) What the heck are you doing? Are you NOT TRYING to search for that vein?? ish ish ish...
FYI - she basically just sat next to me. She could have pumped up the pressure to see if you can feel my veins...instead of just staring at it. The veins aren't gonna just pop up you know. *sheesh*

So there I was, left lying alone, thinking to myself the amount of pain I might just go through this time. Why did I even choose to go donate my blood...WHYYYY! (okie...i sounded pretty melodramatic for a moment there). Anyway, the pakar came. She pumped up the pressure, started beating my arm and sprayed a whole lot of that cooling thing (I think it's some local anasthetic to numb the area). When I say a whole lot, I mean a wholeeeee lot - that's when the nervousness kicks in. The next thing I know, she stabbed the needle in to my arm (damn it hurts).

I'm not the only one who experiences this - which makes me ponder. Why aren't the nurses trained to deal with all scenarios? A lot say that it's the experience. I do believe that to a certain extend. Still...she didn't even try to search for it...hmmm...

Anyway, this round, it hurts a little more. But no bruise from that! So that's a good sign! ^_^

Advance Open Water...

2007-09-04T18:33:00.000+08:00

DIVING! It's been a while since I last talk about diving...so here are some updates. ^_^

I went to take my Advance Open Water Diver's license 2 months ago (July '07) at Perhentian Island together with my sis, and 2 other friends. It was wayyyy cool. There were 5 skill sets that we have to take, so we took Deep Dive, Navigation Dive, Night Dive, Peak Performance Buoyancy and Wreck Dive.

Here are some of the best moments during the dive. In random order *teehee* 1# is a test we did during our deep dive. We went to a depth of 25m before we knelt down and did some test. One of the test that we did was the pressure test. Our instructor brought an egg down. Becoz the pressure was sooooooo big, a raw egg yolk would not burst! (see pic on the left) You get to actually play with it like some small ball...^_^ cool huh?

#2 is the bioluminescence you see in the night underwater. According to wikipedia (my fave btw...) bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism as the result of a chemical reaction during which chemical energy is converted to light energy. Errr...okie...that's a rather long explanation. What you see is clear shiny florescent light! I don't have a pic to show you, but if you google bioluminescence up, you'll see what I mean. What we did was to just wave our hands when we were in the water. It might have been some chemical reaction with those small organism in the water! WAY COOL! While we were diving, we had to carry a torch (which is a nuisance actually...I kept bumping into my dive buddy *teehee*). We saw a blue spotted stingray though...really nice. And the nicest of all is that when we surfaced, I had the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful sight of the sky, with tons and tons of stars just twinkling above me...The sight was just breath-taking! I wanted to just stay there...I honestly did not want to move...*ahhhh*

#3, overall dive is just magnificent. Wreck dive sucks a bit...I actually bumped into the wreck! *gosh*...I totally freaked out. The one thing that was running through my mind was "gosh...what happened if the whole wreck crashes! I might just hit the headlines of any news! I MAKE THE WRECK CRASH DOWN TO ASHES!!" Hence, I hated the whole wreck dive. I got soooo paranoid. Visibility was soooo bad it was really unbelievable...

Then again, it has been a great dive. Perhentian sure is a nice place to dive. Divers - Perhentian can be your next dive spot if you haven't been there...Non divers - learn to dive and go there! *teehee*

Btw, pictures are courtesy of Stan Lee...^_^

The beauty of music

2007-09-02T19:49:00.000+08:00

We live in a world that is filled with different people with different cultures, communicating in different languages, eating different food, wearing different clothings etc. As we all know, communication is the most important thing in anything that we do. Language (and sign language) now becomes the essence of a good communication.

However, we sometimes fail to communicate. English, being a sort of an international language might not be widely used by some ppl of a certain culture.

Let's bring music into the picture. Music...IS a language of its own. And THAT is the beauty of it. Imagine an orchestra of 100 people from say 20 different countries. Not everyone would be talking in the same language...but when a music score is given to the 100 people in the orchestra, what do you get? A well synchronized lovely music being played.

Take a minute and think about it...It is a language...and it is a beautiful language indeed. ^_^

I'm BACK!

2007-09-01T19:31:00.000+08:00

Greetings earthlings...I'M BACK!

Ppl who reads my blog...I would first like to apologize for not posting anything for the past...half a year...*blush*. I'm really busy with work, and there are some other personal issues, and I was busy preparing and deciding if I should go back to school, and...and...okie, fine. I have no solid reason. I was just being lazy. *blush*. I kinda...forgot about my blog though. I tried logging back in...and I totally forgot what my username and password is! *gosh*...Actually, a friend reminded me just yesterday about my blog..."You haven't been updating your blog!" ^_^ So here I am, back at blogging again...and I promise...Thou shall not stop! *teehee*

Many things have happened in the past half a year...Among some of the interesting ones are, I bought a PSP, my sister came back from the US for the summer holidays, I got my Advanced Open Water Diver's license, I joined band - that's pretty much it.

Anyway, let's talk about my band joining experiences. We were practicing to get ourselves ready for the Intel's 35the Anniversary celebration. Come to think of it, it's tough. I played the keyboard, the supposedly easier instrument, but I still think that there's a certain difficulty to it. Despite having experiences playing the piano, it's not exactly enough. Anyhuuu...we manage to survive the performance. I screwed up one of the songs though, as I forgot to transpose to the correct key. *sigh*

Vince was there during the celebration!!! He's...well...he's not the hunkiest guy around (die hard fans...spare me life pls...), even in real life, but still cute to a certain extend. *teehee*. The band had the opportunity to play the song "Bunyi Guitar" for him!!! That was cool. Really cool...I mean how often would you have the opportunity to play for a celebrity. But, we screwed up a bit...

I wasn't exactly excited...until he decided to sing "Breaking Free" from my all time favourite Disney movie "High School Musical". I was literally jumping up and down!!!!!!! He called up some of the kids from the audience to join him and I...really wanted to join that group. After fighting with myself...I decided I really shouldn't. I mean, everything is being caught on camera, and I really really wouldn't want someone to watch the videos and say..."Is that one of the primary school kid? I didn't know kids these days grow that fast!!!" But it was a cool cool performance. Got a little bit toooooo estatic there.

In short, it's a cool event. Oh oh! And I would like to take this opportunity to just give a shoutout to the band and to the MCs of the day. YOU GUYS ROCK! Seriously, anyone considering searching for wonderful MCs...pls let me know. I'll try to help you contact the 2 MCs that are absolutely hillarious. ^_^

oh...and...HAPPY MERDEKA MALAYSIA!

...sigh...

2007-03-22T12:58:00.000+08:00

Have u ever have one of those feelings whereby u feel pretty sad when the ppl around you aren't feeling all that happy? Especially if they are really good friends...well, i'm pretty much having one of those feelings now...

Though one has this feeling, there's really nothing much you can do about it. It's like...u want to help them, but you can't. And somehow you know that u can't do that. It's just not...well...you can't help them if they don't help themselves. But then again, you wish...and only wish that you can help them. sigh

DILEMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

The cost of a plaza toll

2006-12-30T12:22:00.000+08:00

Can someone explain to me why the government decided to build a new plaza toll with a specific amount of money, but does not use them? Excuse me Mr Government, but do you realize that there are a lot of smart tag users out there? Does it actually cost a lot to...u know, maybe ACTIVATE these 2 automated lanes? And Mr Government, if you really don't want to use these 2 lanes, y bother building them in the first place? Y make that whole place a fuss, causing traffic congestion and when the whole construction is over, u don't use them? I don't see the logic here...maybe someone could care to englighten me with the whole concept.

I've made this comment to the Penang Bridge hotline service guy once. He was shocked. He thought it was always activated. Thanks a lot for taking down this comment Mr Penang Bridge tollfree guy, but apparently, it is still not activated.

I'm waiting for comments...anyone...the red light on those 2 lanes are DRIVING ME NUTS.

New Year Resolution

2006-12-24T21:24:00.000+08:00

We have approximately a week to year 2007. Usually, what do you do when it's approaching to the day of the new year? You think what you should do with your life for 2007...a.k.a New Year Resolution 2007. Do we ever keep to our resolution? Errrrr...for me...never. :)

One of the main resolution that I make every single year is to lose weight. Do I keep to it? Nope. :) That is not a very efficient resolution if you ask me. Hehehe...I did tried...but...oh well.

I think I mentioned the last time that I won't want to make any resolutions any more. I'll break that this time (see what I mean by never keeping to it? hahaha) I shall resolute that this year, I mean year 2007, I'll dive at least twice. At least. Next, I shall make sure I know what I want to do with my life. (...we'll see) Ermmm...and I guess that's it. :) hehehe...

What's your resolution for year 2007?

...and that's the end of 2006

2006-12-22T19:42:00.000+08:00

Gosh...the year of 2006 is almost gone...It did felt kind of slow to me, although it's very very fast for most of my friends. Looking back at year 2006...what have I done?

To begin with...I stuck to my job... ^_^ *teeheee...had a rocky start coz I got lots to learn...but I stuck to it till now.
I...travel more often than I should have...for biz trip (only to China mind you)...I think it's 6 this year...each for 2 - 3 weeks.
I got my diving license in July...BIG accomplishment if you ask me. :) hehehe
...
...
errrr...
Looks like I didn't accomplish much did I?

Sigh...Well, I have to give myself a little credit...at least I stuck to my job!!! HAHAHA...I wonder what should I anticipate in year 2007? More work? More holidays? More dives? HAHAHA...I know that I would have to do something about furthering my studies I guess...hmmm...but what should I do? hmmm...

Anyway, MERRY X'MAS PPL! :) Have a lovely weekend!

Diving in Payar

2006-12-19T09:58:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, me and some diving buddies went for a dive at Pulau Payar...just off the Penang Island. It was pretty cool...no...more like, very cool. :) It was lovely. It was a day trip, 2 dives. Here are some pics (all thanks to Stan Lee...THANK UUUUU VERY MUCHIE!!)

Me and my other dive buddies; (from left) me, Yen, Lee Lian and Stan Lee. :)

I would say that Pulau Payar is a place rich with quite a lot of aquatic life. They have lovely fishes (like this fish here [above]...which I don't know what's it called...must go look at the book), saw a lot of groupers...and they are HUGE! (see picture below - one of the many groupers seen).

Among some of the other stuffs we saw were, the blacktip reef sharks, the eagle stingray, jelly fishes, lovely soft corals (in white and purple-lish colors), anenomefishes, shrimp, pufferfish (I think), this group of fish that swims together (again, need the book to tell me what is the name of those fishes), clams, some crab thingy, a small wreck...and...TADAA! LION FISH as shown below! :)

Overall, it was great. I kind of forgot what it feels like to dive. Sometimes you get so caught up at work that you just...FORGOT stuffs. :) My next dive would most likely be at Bali. That's one thing that I can't WAIT! And I can't wait for the many many more dives to come. :) LOVELY. LOVELYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

Driver's ethics

2006-12-15T08:24:00.000+08:00

Tell me...which part of "the right lane is a fast lane" do people not understand? I was annoyed this morning. I left a little later today...approximately 7am (I usually leave at 6.45am) and here I am, stuck together with this slow pokes. I'm not saying that it's wrong to be slow, but at least if you choose to be slow, stay on the left lane! *gosh* Did you people not learn that unless you want to overtake, you should always drive on the left lane! What did you do during your "undang-undang" lessons? Sleeping?

Next one...WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PPL WITH THE HAZARD LIGHTS! You are SOOOO not suppose to turn it on WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING WHEN IT'S RAINING! Did you ppl not listen to the radio? *gosh* I was driving home yesterday and the rain was just really really heavy. Then you see ppl turning on their hazard lights, blinking away in the dark, giving ppl the misconception that are NOT MOVING! The use of hazard lights is when you need to stop by the road side and by turning it on, you are alerting those ppl. NOT WHEN YOU ARE MOVING! By turning it on during a rainy day, you are PUTTING OTHERS IN DANGER...DO U NOT UNDERSTAND THAT!?

You know what? I think car designers should design this thing whereby the car can sense when it's raining and would just turn on an alarm when this "smart" driver decides to turn on his/her hazard lights while the car is still on the move. THAT would be a good reminder.

Sorry...I know this blog is probably a little harsh...but...A LOT OF PPL'S LIFE ARE AT STAKE HERE...NOT JUST YOURS! sheesh...so start driving with brains.

Starscope behold!

2006-12-14T14:49:00.000+08:00

How many of you actually read through the starscope every morning in the papers or online before starting your day? I use to do it...and they make small simple comments like..."beware of..." or "today will be the day where..." and so forth.

Then there's this long piece of explanation of your character. In addition to that, there's this other piece of long explanation on what would fall upon you in year 2007 for instance. Now, for those who actually reads this stuff, do you know what percentage of truth does it have in it? Or maybe I should explain it this way. Here's a little scenario (in a nutshell):

The year 2007 starscope explains that starscope A would have a wonderful marriage and love life. However, there would be changes in your job. There will be this lady who would be a treat to you and make matters complicated for you.

Now, supposedly you are this lady...who is the complicater...do you think the starscope would point it out in YOUR starscope? Very unlikely. I realize that the starscope would always put u at a spot whereby you are always the good guy. I guess it pretty much made the assumption that everyone IS a good person. However, I believe that's not the case. :) Oh well...just a thought...

Driving on the Penang Bridge

2006-12-10T13:23:00.000+08:00

Wow...I think it has been...what...2 months since I last updated my blog. Well, I have been traveling alot...lost in work...just couldn't find the time (lame excuse btw...hahaha...it's just me and my excuses!)

Anyway, here's something that I notice about driving in Penang. It's not a pleasant place to drive, coz there are just too many motorcycles around! I was driving to work 2 days ago and had to cross the Penang Bridge. I guess everyone pretty much knows that the Penang Bridge consists of 2 lanes on each side. As I was driving...it hit me that...all the cars are driving on the right side of the lane...and all the motorcycles are driving on the left side of the lane. Is that left lane a motorcycle lane?? I BELIEVE NOT!

No wonder the traffic is always pretty slow moving! DAMN! *sigh*...

Oh..and AT LAST! THEY FINALLY OPEN UP THE NEW PLAZA TOLLS! I remember that someone posted a comment on one of my blogs (Road Builders) saying that the tolls would be ready by end of October or something. Well buddy...YOU ARE SO WRONG! They just opened up recently. *sigh*

Anyway, I guess this is gonna be a never ending thing...so...to hell with the bridge!!!!

What Do You Look for in a Relationship?

2006-10-12T10:13:00.000+08:00

What do you look for in a relationship? Do you look for someone to love you? Do you look for someone whom you can care for? Do you look for someone whom can care for you? Do you look for someone who can lend you a shoulder to cry on? Do you look for a counselor? Do you look for someone who has got great looks?

List goes on. However, what would be the right thing to look for? What is it that we should expect to look for in a r'ship? I honestly do not have the answer to do, coz I don't know myself. Everyone wants to be love every now and then...to be cared for...to know that there's this one person who would think of you every night before you go to sleep...or who thinks of you when he or she is eating...or one that wakes up and gives you a morning kiss before leaving for work...that's pretty ideal huh... :) Does every r'ship has that? Maybe...maybe not.

Why don't you tell me what is right to look for in a r'ship...anyone?

The love a guy and gal finds...

2006-09-28T07:43:00.000+08:00

Gals are looking for guys who really love them...Guys are looking for gals who they really love...

This would be the statement of the day. I was talking to this guy friend of mine yesterday and he said "Chiao Ju, here's what I think; (wala...the phrase)". True? Totally.

All gals are hoping to find a guy who really loves them. When I say love...I mean, REALLY love. Like the love you to BITS kind. However, will this guy ever exist in a gal's life? Beats me. Guys on the other hand are looking for gals who they can really love. Can they find that person? Hmm...beats me! :)

See, the thing is...when a guy is just NOT that into you (There's a book on this...) they don't do stuffs out of love...indirectly speaking. A lot of times, we as humans do things because we like to do it...or if we are doing it for a person, we simply love doing it for that person. I notice that if someone is just NOT that into you, they...just don't do it. As simple as that.

So, a gal ever find the guy that would truly love her? Or should I say, will a guy ever find a gal he would truly love? I guess no one knows. SIGH. wait...make that a BIG SIGH. :) Oh well...thanks stan...great statement to ponder.

Amoeba

2006-09-08T08:31:00.000+08:00

Do we act like how someone elses want us to act? Are we like an amoeba, an organism that has no definite shape and can be whatever shape we want or choose to be?

I was reading this book Essays in Love by Alain de Botton and I was at this part when he talks about how we are like amoeba. We sometimes shape ourselves to be what others think we should be, so that we will be liked...or loved for that matter. True? I believe so. Maybe we are doing it subconsciously without knowing it.

For instance, one of your friends say "Hey, you are sooooo funny!". Now, based on that statement, you would try real hard to crack a joke whenever there's a chance becoz someone said you are sooooo funny. True? Again, I believe so. Somehow, one part of us are designed in such a way that we do stuffs based on the comments from others.

Is this the right way? Are we suppose to act this way? Aren't we suppose to live our life for ourselves? Aren't we suppose to ignore what others think? Hmmm...

But seriously, this amoeba concept is pretty true. Especially when you are dealing with your loved ones. Maybe it's coz you want them to love you...and somehow, you do stuffs to their liking, so that they would love u. hahahaha...Am I making any sense here?

Well...if you want an insight of what a GUY thinks and has to say about love, this is one book that you should read. :) Cool book. Thanks to my sis for recommending this book...

Mother's Day vs Father's Day

2006-09-07T08:14:00.000+08:00

I was browsing through some e-cards by Hallmark (check out their yoyo and hoops series...they are absolutely hilarious...cracks me up everytime...*teeheee...* - anyway, back to my point) and I was looking at their Father's Day card and Mother's Day card. Then, something hit me...it's sooooooo totally different!

See, for one of the Mother's Day card, they (as in yoyo and hoops) were seeking forgiveness, thanking Mothers for being such a wonderful being, expressing their gratitude for a mother...it's like..."AWWWW...that's so sweet..."

Then there's the Father's Day card. And...It's just hilarious. When yoyo and hoops were getting ready to tell y dad is sooooo uber cool and great...those words were covered by the sound of the sawing machine, sawing a tree...and the card ended with... "...and that's y u are the greatest dad..." *gulp*

During May and June, there are tons of movies shown on the TV...and notice how Mother's Day is a big deal...and Father's Day, well...it's a smaller deal. This got me thinking...y? Well, the only straightforward, DUH reason would be, Mothers sacrifice, giving birth to a child, having to go through the pain of pregnancy and labor, then nurturing the kid, caring for them, and the list goes on. Fathers go out, work and put food on the table, providing shelter and well, the big "ke-ching" - $$.

Then, there's this other reason. Mothers are...well, women. And women are...well...not guys. :) So, think...when a woman does something to you...and somehow you don't say thank you, where will u be standing this very day? Here, we are talking about giving birth...going through the PAIN and putting her own life at stake to give birth to a new being...and if this is not a big deal, what is? Hehehe...this might just be the other reason as to why we make Mother's Day a big deal...don't you think?

I'm a woman myself mind you. Somehow, this other reason, seems logic. :) But, I still agree on the fact that Mothers...are the worlds greatest being. No one can replace my mum...she's the coolest. Can yours be replaced? I bet not... ^_^ *teeheee*

Hmmm...why?

2006-09-06T10:19:00.000+08:00

There's this one question I've always wanted to ask...but I just never got about asking it. So I shall post it here and whoever reads them and has an answer perhaps can just post a comment and let me know the answer.

Why do we have to ALWAYS pull up the shades of the cabin window in the plane during take off and landing? Why do the lights have to be turned off during taking off and landing? I mean, when the announcement comes up, the reason is "...due to safety reasons, please ensure that..."

I came up with some of the possible reasons. It could be...they don't want ppl from the outside to see what's happening in the inside...which makes no sense. I mean...who would see you when u are 10,000 feet up in the sky? Superman? Or maybe the birds...It could be...they dont' want terrorist to spot the plane (with the lights being turned off)...which again makes no sense, coz with that loud sound that comes out from the plane...there's no way you can hide from them.

So, what could be the reason, relative to the safety reason posted by the airlines? Hmmmmm...Anyone got the answer? I've always wanted to ask the air stewardess, but...somehow, I just never got to that. And the reason behind it...is just killing me. HAHAHA

Should I go left...or should I go right?

2006-08-26T09:17:00.000+08:00

I'm sure you have experience of not knowing which way to go when you are driving on a 2 lane highway...when both sides are equally slow. First you are on the right lane, then you notice that the cars on the left lane is faster...then you move to the left...the very moment you do that, it slows down...and you are stuck...then you realize that the cars on the right lane is moving faster now...Then it's like...ARRRGGGHHHHH!

It's very much like life in a way. 2 routes, left or right? How would one know which is the right one to choose? Some say follow your instincts but your instincts might not always be right. What do you do then? I don't know either. I wish I have a more definite answer for this.

Like when you have 2 guys to choose from. Who to choose? Guy A? Guy B? You analyze both parties and they both have pros and cons...no one is perfect mind you...so...what now? For instance, what happens if you marry the wrong guy? What would it result in? Unhappy marriage? Divorce? Pain, suffering?

Whatever choice we make...the choice is still ours. WE choose who to be with...WE choose what we want to do with our lifes. Whether it is the right choice or the wrong choice, it's still our choice. We are held responsible for the actions we take...good or bad.

SIGH...if only we know if our choice is right or not...

Road Builders

2006-08-25T08:48:00.000+08:00

So, the Penang government decided that they should have more tolls at the Penang Bridge to ease the traffic congestion that happens almost everyday during peak hours. How long have they been building it? To be honest, I lost track...it has been too long.

Day1 - They put up the polls...
Day2 - No changes...
Day3 - Nope...don't see anything changing...
Day4 - Hmmm...is that...
Day5 - OH! THEY HAVE INSTALLED THE ROOF!
Day6 - No changes
Day7 - ...
.
.
.
DayX - I give up, but I think they now have the signs on...

Due to the construction of the toll, it has made the traffic more congested during normal days and worse during holiday seasons or Fridays. Why do they take so long to construct 5 freaking tolls? Beats me. Does any of you have an answer to that, coz I'm dying to know the answer.

In China, highways are constructed in merely under 3 months. And that's like a LONG and BIG highway...not some teeny weeny small overhead bridge. Why can't we do it? One good example is that overhead thingy in front of Pesta Pulau Pinang. Pretty much took them 5 years to complete. Just imagine this...it started when I was finishing upper 6...I went into USM, studied for 3 years, graduated and it's still not completed. It was completed only during our convocation...CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I could not...It's amazing how much time is spend on that...thing.

What does this tells about a country? Inefficient? Lack of...resource?? I dont' know. This TOLL at the Penang Bridge is killing me. First it's the Smart Tag (don't bother buying if you are just going to use it for the Penang Bridge Toll...coz it's of no use - read my blog dated Wed Aug23), now the toll construction that would never end...what's next?

Smart Tag

2006-08-23T16:19:00.000+08:00

Smart Tag...when I first heard of this term, the first thing that runs through my mind is that it would do something smart. I mean...the name would basically describe what it's supposed to, right?

Well...I would say wrong. At least when it comes to a place where it's congested a.k.a the Penang Bridge toll. I take the bridge everyday...unless I'm traveling or I don't go to the office. Now, becoz of wanting to be fast and swift, I choose to buy Smart Tag - the smartest tag around.

For those who might not live in Malaysia, and might not be aware of this Smart Tag thingy, let me give you an insight. It is a device designed to let u scan when you need to pay the toll on a highway. It's smart (apparently) coz it scans through this infra-red thing (I think) and you don't have to wind down your window, or like stop to scan...you just slow down a little and then it "teet" and you go through. It's pretty cool...when it's working fine.

What happens when you are stuck in a jam before the Penang Bridge toll? You'll notice that you are moving slower than the guy who goes through using the Touch n Go card. At that point of time, I'll be thinking, with this Smart Tag, and me being eligible to use the Smart Tag lane, aren't I suppose to be faster? Well, no.

The failure rate at the Smart Tag lane is pretty high (I should really go collect some data and calculate its capability and then fed back to the toll guys). Maybe it's coz some ppl does not know how to use it. But still, the thing should have been designed in such away that it can tolerate a wider spec limits (okie...this is what you get when you work too long as a Quality person in a factory). In other words, it would work just about any way that person puts that Smart Tag device.

Thinking that I'm smart to get that Smart Tag thingy...now...it's like...I don't think so...

Our beloved Airline

2006-08-16T12:24:00.000+08:00

Well...our beloved country has got our very own beloved airline company...which...btw...pretty much annoys the crap out of me recently. [sigh]. I so want to support them...but...SIGH.

This is...my...5th time flying with this airline and like always, it sucks. Not the flight mind u...but the service. I still don't understand how they become Best Economy Class year 2006...coz it's no where near best. It's not even near good. It's bad. [sigh].

I asked for a blanket. "Excuse me can I have a blanket?". The stewardess pulled the worse face I've seen and said "We have limited blankets and I don't think we have any left." At that instance, I gave up. I thought to myself. THINK...U THINK U DON'T HAVE. So is that a YES WE HAVE...or NO WE DO NOT. You could at least check. The idiot didn't bother to check. [sigh]

Now, they even charge if you want to change flight dates. [SIGH].

It's not that I don't want to support...but they themselves make themselves NOT to be supported. So I guess I should just fulfill their wish...don't you think?

[SIGHHHH]

Essence in a Relationship

2006-08-08T07:16:00.000+08:00

I just finished reading this blog posted by a good friend of mine - The ethics of a conversation (great one buddy...). In summary, it's a mutual thing. Conversation is never a conversation when it's one way. That's...a lecture. So why is it do we have conversations? Just so we can exercise our mouth by talking? Just so we can come to a mutual agreement on something? Just so we can understand each other better?

Despite all the different reasons of why we have a conversation, there's one similarity here, which is...it's a 2-way thing. How does having a conversation (a decent conversation) helps in a relationship? How does 2 love birds talk? How should they talk? Is there a guideline?

Well, I don't know. U tell me if there is a guideline, coz as far as I'm concerned, there's not guideline. Communication is an essense to having a good relationship. Talking...is important. I've read in many articles that says, gals loveeeeee to talk, while guys...they just find talking (guys, what is talking to u?).

Why is communcation important in a relationship? This is becoz it's for us to understand each others' needs better. It's for us to learn what the other party is thinking; if she's happy? if she's sad? if she's...angry, unsatisfied...and this work both ways. (It's not just 'she'...there's also a 'he'). However, many couples don't talk. They keep everything to themselves, and bottle up until it explodes. Not good. Once the explosion happens, it's like...creating a mustard bomb, spearding it across the continent...and it's just nasty.

It's an essense to talk. However, at the end of the day...what's most important is to love the person for who they are. Some ppl believe in changing for someone. I, however oppose to that. I believe that we are made this way, and there is that someone who would love us for who we are...for our goods and out bads. There is no need to pretend or to change for that person...now...THAT'S what I call the right love.

Horoscopes

2006-08-07T16:31:00.000+08:00

Have you ever read one of those files about the characteristics of certain horoscope and find that it's all true? I've read through many files...and I find that it's all surprisingly true. Most of the time it's not 100% true, but at least 70% or more is true. Interesting huh? I also realized that the characteristic of a particular horoscope for this site does not differ much from another site.

Despite the unique characteristic of each individual, we still find similarity among us...especially those of the same horoscope clan. We always say that there are no 2 exact same humans...not even twins but there we still have somewhat the same personality among those of the same clan. That's how we come to understanding each individual. (Am I making sense?)

This analysis on horoscope also tells us which horoscope would suit us well. Again, I find this true. How some characters when put together would stir up a big thunderstorm and how some characters when put together would make love seem like it can be forever.

Funny how this can come up to be rather true eh!?

Love in Life

2006-08-07T15:41:00.000+08:00

Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love. -Neil Gaiman

But becoz of all this, we love LOVE don't we? It gives you that butterfly in the stomach, and the I care for you and I love you and I want to do everything for you...

Some ppl deserves the love you shower them. Others don't. Those who deserves, despite having them come into your heart and messing them up...it's worth it. Friends might say you are stupid...but at times, only you and you alone knows it's worth it.

Have you had this feeling? Terrible huh...But I once read in Tuesdays with Morrie. If you have not experience love, you have not experience life. Very true. Love is a big portion of our lifes, whether we like it or not. It's not just the love of your loved ones...as in your other half...but also the love of your parents, the love of your friends, siblings, etc.

Life's...like that...But oh well...one has to experience love. It's a bitter sweet memory. It might hurt, but it's worth it...coz that's when you have experienced life.

Just...a thought

2006-08-06T09:48:00.000+08:00

It has been a month since I last updated my blog...and I thought I should update them...for the sake of ppl who read them...hahaha... ^_^ just kidding (not like I have many ppl reading my blog...)

So, here I am in China once again. Just like always...I AM FREAKING BORED. I mean, it's not like I don't want to go out...but the weather is just unbearable (WAYYYYY too hot to be sight-seeing) and I've been to all the places that I want to go...so there isn't any place to actually visit anymore...

Anyway, that's just the routine of me complaining about how boring it gets when I am in China. During this weekend, I was just thinking about what I should do with my life. I had this whole 5-year plan supposedly planned out since... year 2004. I was almost CERTAIN that it would work.

Over time, as we grow up, some things might not be seem that feasible anymore. I mean you need to really consider the pros and cons of every action that you take. It's not that much about what you like anymore, but it's more of what you should be doing or what you can do. Of coz you can still search for a way to get to what you like and what is feasible to be done - have that give and take kind of thing.

We tend to take things for granted when we were younger. We just say...I'm going to do this...and then you do it. Of coz some say that they do consider the consequences, but trust me...you don't consider them that much at that point of time.

I guess nothing is permanent. Not your career. Not love. Not friendship. Not anything. Everything changes every second...every milisecond. Nothing is forever...we can only hope that it's gonna be forever, but I don't think it would be...I haven't seen one which is forever.

Oh well...I have this plan in place now...and I just hope it works. For those who read this...maybe you have something to add on. Have a nice day!

Microinequities

2006-07-14T13:47:00.000+08:00

Ever heard of this term, Microinequities? It is basically the small little gestures and movements, or some small words you speak that sends a powerful message to the opposite party. It could be a positive message, or it could also be a negative message. Well, usually, it's a negative a message.

So, what are these gestures you might ask? It could be...rolling your eyes for instance. It's just a small move...roll the eyes. However, it sends a powerful message that you are perhaps not satisfied with a particular thing. It could also be...when you are talking, someone crosses his or her arms. That could be a microinequity - to show defense perhaps, or...dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, it is a strong message.

We send microinequity messages all the time. Others send them to us, we send them back. At times, we might not notice all of this, when we move, when we speak, but we are doing it. It is however important to notice all these so call micro stuffs, coz one might be able to get some info from this small tiny messages because they sure are powerful messages.

Diving

2006-07-12T15:00:00.000+08:00

DIVING. I've always loved the sea...now...I LOVE THE SEA EVEN MORE. BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! DIVINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

Ok. As you can see, I am a little estatic there. Well, maybe not a little...more like very very estatic. HAHAHA...I went to take the Open Water Dive course and I enjoyed every bit of it. Well, not exactly every bit...(hated the part when the freaking current just wipes you out of the course)...

There's a bunch of skills you have to learn. Like clearing your mask underwater, how to get neutral buoyancy, how to help a diver in need, never ever ever hold your breath underwater etc. It would be rather scary at first. It's like, CAN YOU REALLY BREATHE UNDERWATER? The one moment before you enter...now that's scary. After that, it's like...OH! I can breathe! I AM BREATHING!!!!! Next, to get neutrally buoyant a.k.a to swim like the fish...this is tough. You pretty much have to estimate how much air you need in your BCD (the thing that makes you float - something like a life jacket). Then you have the whole equalizing your ear thing, coz of the pressure as you go down and all...bla bla bla...and it gets annoying when you need to do everything at once...

And then...you see the fishes...and the corals...and it's like...HEAVEN. It just put a smile on your face...You swim with the fishes...and they are just ALL AROUND you. HEAVENNNNNNNNNNNNN...

The corals are just lovely. I did snorkeling once...and the feeling is just different. When you snorkel, the feeling was wonderful. However, when you dive, it's HEAVENLY. It's marvellous. Ahhhhhhhh...

For those who has the opportunity to go do it...JUST DO IT! It's one of those things you have to do...once in your lifetime. GO GO GO. DO IT!

People say the darnest things...hahaha

2006-06-28T10:47:00.000+08:00

During my last trip, though it sucks big time, but I have the...well, priviledge to experience one of my all time favourite...joke. It was definitely the hi-light of my day!

I went to one of this factory, to do what I do best...(yea right). Anyway, we were having this discussion (together with me is another colleague from US, and some other engineers from the factory) and suddenly this lady who is some director of the factory came in. She introduced herself, and we exchange name cards. I have this habit...which is when I am in China, I tend to flip my card over to the side printed in chinese.

So as I hand my card over to her, she said..."OH...U HAVE A CHINESE NAME!!!" I was stunned, for a moment there...Then I blurted out...(seriously, I don't mean to humiliate or embarass her, but...) "OH...ermmm...yea...becoz I am Chinese." Then the US guy started laughing...and laughing...and laughing...and well, he wouldn't stop. She got kind of...embarassed I guess. Again, I did not mean it...but...come on! Do I not look like a chinese to ANY of YOU!...

Weird...ppl do say the darnest things. :) And when you think back, it can be really funny! ahahhaha

Neighbors

2006-06-16T21:03:00.000+08:00

Lovely neighborhood. One say you have a lovely neighborhood. What does that mean? Could it only be that your environment is nice? Safe? What about your neighbors? Are they nice ppl to talk to? Do you know each other well enough to ask them over for dinner...or tea?

This is probably a typical neighborhood as seen on TV. *smile*. You know those nice place in small town where everyone knows everyone who lives there...Everyone is nice to everyone...I guess I won't have the chance to experience that.

One wise guy told me about the place he grew up in. I can't exactly remember where, but it's this small little town, and it has all the essence of a typical nice neighborhood. Everyone knows him...not as him himself, but as the son of his father. They talk, they treat you good...they are just the nice ppl from your home. You feel at home, when you go back to this place, despite not going back for a long time.

However, I was...blessed...or maybe not so blessed to grow up in a city. You live in apartments, and you know basically, the guy next door, and that's about it. You don't have ppl coming over for tea, or dinner, or anything like that. It's YOU...and YOUR HOME...and then there's the rest of the residents at the apartment.

Well, then again, it might not be the culture in Malaysia to be friendly to everyone they see...That could be it. Anyway, it's just a thought. I wonder if Malaysia would have this little place....... ^_^

The "LUCKIEST" day of my life...(yea rite)

2006-06-15T16:36:00.000+08:00

The day is June 14, 2006... A day I would find it HARD and DIFFICULT to forget. Of course unless something WORSE than that happen... Well, I am having my usual quarterly biz trip to China (which is something I don't really fancy doing). Anyway, I was suppose to fly to Guangzhou from Shanghai on June 14 (notice that I am stressing that date again). So...the flight was suppose to be at 3.50pm.

Boarded the plan on time...which is 15 minutes before flight time. I was kinda glad. The China domestic flights...they are never on time. It delays...for an hour...or two. (I've experienced that before). Anyway, I found my seat, sat down and was waiting for them to take off. Flight delayed a couple of mins...which was fine...at least it's not an hour.

The flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou would take approximately 2 hours. So, since it left at...4 ish, I expected the plane to land at approximately 6 ish; which is good. Little did I know that the weather at Guangzhou was SOOOOO BADDDDD that the plane couldn't land. They insisted that they couldn't. Guess what? They decided to land at another airport; one place I have NEVER EVER heard of (well...I do know that place now...). It's called "Shan Tou" or 汕头 in Chinese. I was like...WHAT THE............(I shall not curse here...)

The plane landed. Written on the small building is "Welcome to Shan Tou Airport". I asked the guy beside me the location for this place. He spoke in a language I thought I understood, but sadly, I don't. The air-stewardess then told us to take our valuable belongings and get off the plane. Stay in the terminal and wait for further information. I was like...DAMN. Got off the plane, sat at the terminal and waited. How could this have happened!!! SHEESH.

Anyway, we flew back to Guangzhou at about 8pm...so by the time we landed, it was 9pm. No place for the plane to park, so we have to wait for the shuttle to come. And then the luggage. SIGH...Then I still have to take a ride to Shunde - which would take me an hour and a half. SIGH. By the time I checked in to the hotel at Shunde, it was 11pm. I am hungry...and I am tired...and pissed off.

That was my day. June 14, 2006. It might not sound bad to some of you, but it sure is bad to me!!!!

Judgment Day

2006-06-01T21:16:00.000+08:00

Judging someone is what we do everyday. True? I believe so. I do that too...These are at times known as the human nature. To judge. At times, it's not a good thing to do, don't you think so? I mean, in the first place, who are you to judge me? Or who am I to judge you? I am no one...but a normal human being. No one is perfect, thus, it makes no sense to say that I have every right to judge you. Am I making sense here? I hope I am.

I believe that I am judged by people most of the time. At times I might know it, other times, I might not know it. Statements made about me might be positive, or it could be negative. Again, why judge someone? Answer: human nature.

Nevertheless, I believe that your true friends would not judge you. Different people have different ways in dealing with situation. If everyone would have the exact same characteristic and attitude, confrontation, conflicts, disagreement would not exist anymore. Again, true friends don't judge. They tell you the truth, and they tell you their opinion, but they stick by you. They would try to understand the situation and not judge you based on what he or she THINKS he or she knows.

See, this whole thing, I am judging people as well. Ironic huh? I once had a friend who told me; don't bother about what others think of you. As last as long you think you are alright, then you are alright. Take advice with an open heart but if the advice is not applicable, so be it.

LIFE...Life is ironic, don't you think!?

Movie Update

2006-06-01T08:23:00.000+08:00

Here's a quick review of what I think of the recent movies that are screened in the cinema.

Movie #1 - The Da Vinci Code
Oh, this has been a long awaited movie by many of us. LONG awaited. For those who have read the book even before this movie was screen, it has been one great book. It's well written...the story line is brilliant...the description of the places were in detail...bottom line, the book was wonderful.

To be honest, I had HIGH expectation for this movie. I thought it is going to be movie of the year or something. Unfortunately, it was rather a disappointment. (sigh) It was not a great movie, it was only an OK movie. It does not have that "oommphhh" that can be found in the book. Some of the interesting parts are too short. It's just...sad and disappointing. So...disappointment #1.

Movie #2 - Over the Hedge
This is a cartoon. I was having a crappy day and I wanted to really really have a good laugh. You know, like laugh my socks off (literally speaking). Anyway, the creator for Over the Hedge is also the creator for Madagascar and Shrek. Now, those 2 cartoons are one of the best cartoons of all time. I really really had a good laugh!!! So, I was preparing myself to be tickled...went in to the movie...and...

SIGH. Socks didn't came off. It was funny...but not as funny...not...VERY FUNNY. It was just...alright. But, I love Hammy. He's cute. He's funny...He's wacky...he's... :P:P

Movie #3 - XMen III
Many of my friends have watched the movie. I haven't had good feedbacks on the movie. A lot of them say that it is...OK. Not great, but just ALRIGHT. But, I find the movie great! :D I actually thought that it was better than the Da Vinci Code. Some say it's a typical action movie...but I thought it's better than most action movies. Had a crappy day last nite...but it ended well...with this movie. :)

Anyway, these are my point of views on these 3 most recent hit. It's great though...at least I get to watch these movies. hahaha...I love the summer though. They always have great movies.

Professions

2006-05-23T18:41:00.000+08:00

Today, I am going to discuss about professions. What are the definition of a profession? Maybe the question should be what would be the "appropriate" profession? Doctor? Lawyer? Accountant? Engineer?

These are the only 4 professions that literally "exist" in the minds of the society in Malaysia. Shocking...but true. I read this once in a paper...the comments on this. I find it very very true. You see...all parents hope and wish that their kids would grow up to be "successful". Now, does being successful always relates to being a doctor? or a lawyer? Let me rephrase that. If you are an engineer, is it an implication that you are successful? Not necessarily.

I feel that we should all be given the opportunity to do what we like. I don't blame the parents for wanting their kids to be one of the 4 professions (my dad was one of them...). If you look at the papers, you will find that most of the job offered are of this 4 professions. They are in demand. But, it does not mean that your kid would not succeed if he or she decides be something other than these 4 professions.

A guy - he might be good writer. Parents want him to take up engineering. He might not be able to excel as well...who knows, if he is a writer, he might be great! You can succeed in everything you do...if you believe in it, if you love and have the passion for it.

A senior guy once told me "to find FUN in your job". True...but tough. My definition of being successful in a job - If you love your job...then that's a great success. So...I am not that successful yet. But I am definitely working on that... *wink*

Thought of the Day - Tues, May 9

2006-05-09T09:22:00.000+08:00

Some things that everyone does, do not necessarily mean that you have to do it.
Some things that everyone says YES to, does not imply that it is CORRECT.

True statement? I think so. Try to recall to a time where you are in a training session...and the instructor asks a question. You generally do not know the answer and you tend to raise your hand if you see that most of the people in the room raises their hands. Why? Does majority always imply that it is the right thing to do? Not necessarily.

People tend to do things because everyone is doing it. For instance, in college, you might hear someone say "I want to take this course because everyone is doing it." Well, one should learn how to analyze and think for themselves. We have to always remember that there are certain stuffs where some ppl can excel in and there are other stuffs where you can excel in - and that other stuffs might be done by the minorities. So what if it is the minority? As last as long you are happy doing it and you can potrait excellence in it...why not?

We have to always think out of the box. We have to also think what's good for us...or rather what's good for ME? Coz ME is definitely different from WE, or US, or HIM, or HER. Just remember that some things that everyone does is not always the right thing for us. People might judge if we do something different, but that is what would make us stand out and be different from the rest. The different is something that would make us excel. As what the guys from Apple would say..."THINK DIFFERENT". So start thinking different today PPL!

The Attack of the...virus...

2006-05-08T16:36:00.000+08:00

Sick...I've been sick for the past 4 days.

THURSDAY - It started off with just a body ache and a little pain in the throat...I thought, gosh... could have been a fever. So I went to see the doc. He said...well... you should be alright. Nothing wrong with the throat... no temperature change in the body... you should be fine. Thus, he gave me some medication to relief the pain. I thought I was healthy again!

FRIDAY - I woke up feeling absolutely wonderful. Tip top condition... WOOHOOO! So, went on with the rest of the day as usual... I even went out for a movie. Little did I know that the virus is preparing itself to attack me. I burned up during the movie... My whole body was aching and I felt absolutely horrible. Went home, took a panadol and went to bed.

SATURDAY - It's treasure hunt day to Genting Highlands. I cannot be sick. Okie. I woke up feeling...rather okie. =) I was happy. Went on with the treasure hunt which is like damn cool btw. Anyway, nothing happen until after the treasure hunt. I develop fever again...which is like damn bad. SIGH. Suffered for the rest of the night. DAMN!

SUNDAY - Woke up to go to the theme park. Was feeling GREAT with a HUGE CAPITAL G! Went on most of the rides (we won theme park tickets!!!) It was really cool. We left Genting at about 4pm. At first I was still alright. Sad to say...the virus came and attack me again! So, I pretty much burned up again...

MONDAY - Went to work at 8am. Left at 11am. I can't stand the pain in my throat and the headache that it's causing me. I went to the doctor...He took one look at my throat and shake his head... You have develop some WHITE SPOTS. (Well, he is referring to the ulcers) but it's like in my throat. Weird. Anyway, he gave me an antibiotic shot and here I am, sitting at home, writing my blog. I haven't had anything to eat for the whole day. I am not hungry at all... I am just... well, TIRED. SIGH

I haven't gotten so sick. Sick till I can't eat...can't do much. I mean... this is like really bad. SIGH. I hope the antibiotic shot works. Else...I'll be like...SIGHHHHHHHHHHH...

Parents

2006-05-04T21:13:00.000+08:00

I was talking to some teenagers last weekend; young 14 & 15 year old teenage gals. They were telling me how sometimes they don't want their parents to be around, coz parents tend to nag and nag and...nag somemore. One of them was really contented that the mum was not with her (we had a trip to Kajang for the Hymn Singing Competition).

I tried to recall the times when I was their age. 10 years ago...hmmm...to be honest, at times, I did hope that my parents would just stop nagging. I sometimes did hope that they would just leave me alone for once...as I feel that I am "old" enough to make the judgment that I want to make...to make decisions on my own. But that was in the past...

As I grew older, there is not one time that I want to be away from my parents. It's kinda odd. It's like...you pretty much grew out of that stage. That...weird period. When you are young, you always like to stick to your parents...then you enter the teenage years...years of being lost in the jungle not knowing what to do...years of rebelling...then you enter the young adult years...and it's like, you are back to sticking to your parents, appreciating every moment of it. At least, for me it's like that.

I travel a lot on this current job of mine. Every 3 months, I would be go away...on biz trip for at least 2 weeks. It felt like a month. Sometimes...like months. I miss my parents. And I am worried about it. I don't know why. Everytime when I am there, I want to go home. It took forever for that trip to end. After I am back...before I knew it...it's time to go again. sigh.

I told that girl who said she does not want her parents to be around..."One day, you would want to always be with your parents. You might not think this is true at this point of time, but trust me, you will find this true after a while..." She said someone told her the same thing...but she pretty much refuses to believe.

Anyway, what I have got to say is appreciate your parents when they are still around. They are the ones who took the time to care for us...to nurture us...to feed us...give us shelter and clothing...to what we are now...this very day. Being parents is not an easy task. I mean, I sometimes think to myself...would I be able to be such great parents as what my mum and dad are?(they are definitely one of a kind). hmmmm...How about u?

The Childishness in Mua...

2006-04-28T14:58:00.000+08:00

How many...at the age of...24 still watches cartoon...and actually gets addicted to it? Can I see a show of hands please...Errrr...One.........One........Hmmm...well as far as I am concerned, among my bunch of friends who are my age...they basically do not watch as much cartoons. Especially gals. Why? Why is it at a certain age you just stop watching cartoons? Is it becoz you don't enjoy them? Is it becoz cartoons are only seen to be for kids and not for young adults...or adults for that matter?

I watch cartoons...ALL THE TIME. My mum says I am childish. I don't only watch...I can sing the songs as well. Let's see...I love Spongebob Squarepants *who lives in a pineapple under the sea...SPONGE-BOB-SQUARE-PANTS...*, I adore the Fairly Odd Parents *Timmy is an average kid that no one understands...mum and dad and Vicky are always giving him commands...*, I watch this Stanley cartoon on Playhouse Disney Channel *It's...the....great big book of everthing with everthing inside...see the world around us...this book's a perfect guide*, I love Totally Spies, Kim Possible...Jimmy Neutron is nice...Rugrats, All Grown Up, and oh...how can I forget The New Adventure of Winnie the Pooh *Gotta get up...gotta get going...Gonna see a brand new light...* and so forth.

If you notice, I am not talking about movie cartoons...I am talking about series cartoons...I know friends who do watch these cartoons...but they are mostly guys. How come? What happen to the gal population? Is it becoz it's childish? Is it becoz...we just basically need to grow up? Well, let me tell you something...you'll be surprise by the amount of knowledge you are able to gain based on this cartoons.

For instance...Stanley. This cartoon is about this kid name Stanley (DUH!) and he has this pet gold fish Denise who knows lotsa stuff. So Stanley is very much into animals. He adores them. In every episode, they would explore the different types of animals and their distinguish characteristics! Though this is aired on Playhouse Disney Channel...and well, their target audience is for kids aged 4 and above, but it's really educational. It's something like Animal Planet...only in the form of a cartoon. For those who have kids, let them watch and guide them along the way. They learn...and you learn as well. Trust me...this is good. I learned a lot from Stanley. *wink*

And then there are cartoons that make you laugh...like laugh silly. The top two that cracks me up; Spongebob Squarepants and the Fairly Odd Parents. They are OMG silly. And they are funny. Really really really funny! Pretty much remove those unnecessary stress. *smile*

Then there are those for entertainment...like those action pack cartoons. Conclusion, you get a lot out of cartoons. Oh, and you communicate better with kids. That's what they watch...so that's what they talk about. So it's really pretty cool. So ppl, watch more cartoons!!!! Laughter is the best medicine so to speak...thus...cartoonized yourself! hahahaha

Fate

2006-04-28T14:43:00.001+08:00

Let's talk more about fate. I bet for those who have known me and is reading this, they would be like..."Here we go again"... But I believe fate and destiny plays a big role in one's life. Don't you think so?

Have you ever wondered how you can be related to the many ppl you meet along the way? Like you go on a vacation...and you befriend this person from another country...and you started talking, exchanging info about life, about places, experiences, and then you start to wonder, fate plays a role here right? Could I have been somewhat related to her in the past life? That's something to ponder right?

I think I've mentioned it before, but I believe in the whole reincarnation thingy...and the whole deal with having a past life...some might not believe in this...but I certainly do. To me, life is very much fated. I mean, yea you can do good and all to change your lifestyle and all...I mean it is a choice, but at the end of the day, you are very much fated and destined to reach a certain place or goal in life.

I am not saying that you shouldn't work hard towards something...but at times...it's fated that you would get this...or it's fated you wouldn't get this...it's just...FATED. :) Nevertheless, I still believe in working hard towards what you believe and what you want. I mean, there's no free lunch. Thus to achieve maximum result, we definitely need to work towards it. Right? *wink*

The Guy

2006-04-20T21:51:00.000+08:00

I was reading through some of the comments that were posted by friends who read my blog...(thanks guys) and I came across this really sweet phrase a friend wrote:

No matter how equal we think we should be, at the end of the day, when the lady walks, the man opens the door for her. And THAT's the ideal world.

That's like...the sweetest thing any guy can write and do. *smile* Now...lets analyze abit. How many of you guys actually does open the door for a lady? Raise your hand pls!!! hehehe...

To be honest, it is not exactly our culture here to open door for the lady...or, pull out the chair for a lady at dinner...or, open the car door for a lady...etc. I don't exactly know why, but...it just does not work this way in the Asian countries. At least, as far as I am concerned. I do have guy friends who are really sweet and does that and I definitely appreciate it. However, even if they do not do it, I am still fine with it. Coz the culture we are brought up in...simply did not teach us that.

Nevertheless, we are moving towards to the respecting-woman-more attitude; which is good by the way. It's definitely good for the ladies. hehehe...I guess we are moving towards living in the ideal world huh? According to someone I know at least... :) Have a nice day ppl!

the SWINGS of life

2006-04-20T21:06:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...I guess everyone has their own moods and swings day in day out. There are days when we wake up on the right side of the bed and feel really good. There are also times when you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed...and nothing seems to go right. Everything felt SOOOOO wrong. It's like... *speechless*

I have to admit that I have become a person with a lot of mood swings. Especially ever since I started working. I don't remember having such extreme changes in my moods when I was younger...I, however do have a friend who's like that...I mean her mood changes almost instantly.

Guys would always say that when gals are having mood swings, it's because they are PMS-ing. Well...that might be true...but it's not the case all the time. How about guys? When you have a change in your mood, does that imply that you are PMS-ing as well? *wink*

I guess a person's mood swings according to several contributing factor. But, I do think that one of the most critical contributing factor is that person's attitude...or rather the person's character when handling specific situations.

Lets take for instance work. Now, stress is all you get at work. Of coz you do get the happiness and a sense of satisfaction when you complete or achieve a goal...but bottom line, stress is all around. That's when you are put to the test in terms of stress handling. Like me...I am bad at it. I eat damn a lot...I cry...I get pissed off...and then I eat again. Some might say I can't take stress, but I beg to differ. I would say I need stress...coz I am pretty lazy...so...stress is pretty much a TOOL to move me as we go along. Anyway, that's beside the point. The point is, I have seen ppl with good methods in handling stress...which is awfully great. I have a friend who goes fishing...and swimming when he's stress. I have another friend...who eats. And another who doesn't. Thus, how you handle the situation actually shows in your mood.

Another example is perhaps a person's character. Like if you are more empathetic, then another person's mood or condition might impact you. Which...I would say is good to a certain extend...but to some measures, it might not be all that positive anymore. Anyway, that we shall discuss in anoter blog...but...my point here is...a person's mood MIGHT just depend on others.

Well...there are many other swings of life...life is like a swing...hahahha...comments ppl?

Something rather funny...no...disgusting I would say...

2006-04-01T23:47:00.000+08:00

I was driving to meet up with a bunch of my friends this evening...So, on my way there, as I was stopping at this traffic light, I saw this most...amazing cum disgusting thing ever. This middle age guy, was PEEING by the road side. Of coz I only saw his back but...I mean...he peed...in public. After he peed, he turned around, without zipping his pants...and was still tucking in his shirt and doing all of those...in public.

I don't know if he's a Malaysian...but...what the heck was he thinking? I mean...COME ON! There's a small supermarket across the road...why the heck can't he go there? He did all those as though, EVERYONE does it and it's pretty much ALRIGHT to do it. And the thing is...there's another car parked right behind him. And he does it anyway. He peed...like it's nobody's business. SIGH...I'm generally SPEECHLESS...oh well...

Guys vs Gals

2006-03-26T21:27:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...Ermmm...now...physically, it's very extremely obvious that there's a huge difference between a guy and a gal. No questions asked. However, in terms of the mentality, is it the same? I doubt it is.

Well, gals in this era has always wanted to have equal treatment as of guys. I mean, everyone knows the whole deal about gals being mistreated in the past...not having equal rights in terms of voting...going places...etc. How about now? Are we (gals) being treated equally? Hmmmm...

I gave this issue a lot of thought...and guess what my conclusion is? The probablity of gals and guys being treated equally is pretty low. Why u might ask? Well, first and foremost, gals and guys are different...very different physically and mentally.

I once heard a person say...Gals will always be one step lower than guys. It's in the society. Or maybe it's just among the Asian Society. I kinda believe that (I know I'm a gal, and I'm suppose to stand up for the ladies clan...but it's the sad truth). Ppl give you that look when they know it's a gal who's going to be doing an audit...or if you are the person who's going to be teaching that group stuffs... (oh...maybe it's because I'm working in the manufacturing field...so the ppl I deal with day in day out are mainly guys...)

Gals tend to be more emotional when it comes to work...so perhaps that's another reason why we are at times at a disadvantage. Oh well...give me your thought if you have any... :) But guys, there are times when gals seriously can do the stuffs that you do! (i.e. play PS...and are good at it... ^_^) heheheh...

Message in a Bottle

2006-03-21T19:14:00.000+08:00

Just finished this book by Nicholas Sparks - Message in a Bottle. It's a story about fate...how fate can bring 2 people together...FATE...

I've written once about fate before. But I guess after reading Message in a Bottle, it has inspired me to write my thoughts on fate again. This book might be fiction...and the probability of it happening might be rather low...

This novel is written based upon 2 ppl; a lady who has separated from the the husband and is working in Boston, being a single mother...and a man, who has lost his wife in a tragic accident. They were brought together by a message, a message that was sent in a bottle.

It was fated for the lady (Theresa) to find the bottle...and the message...A message that was written by a man, a man who cares and loves so much...A man by the name Garrett. They fell deeply in love which each other...but because of fate, they had to be separated from each other...It is definitely a beautiful love story. A sad but reasonable ending...sigh

Fate can be something rather...strange. There are some ppl who you can talk to, who can listen to you and gives you great advice...but he or she might not be the person you fall madly in love with or he or she might not be someone who would be with you for the rest of your life. A good friend of mine once told me "The person who stays and lives by your side for the rest of you life might not be the person you love the most". Tricky but true.

Sigh...I guess fate has his own way in making things work for everyone in this world. Some might be fated to be alone...while others might be fated to go through several wrong relationship before finding ultimately the right one. Some might just get to be with their "ONE". Hmmm...I guess all of us would just have to sit and wait...for the right person to walk in to our lifes... :)

The Art of Living

2006-03-16T18:43:00.000+08:00

Now...what is the art of living? How do we need to lead our life? The way we live...can it be assessed? Under what circumstances can we say we have led a good life...we have live life to the fullest? Do we assess our life or the way we live based upon our achievements? Do we then assess our achievements based upon the cash or money we earn? How about for those who are married? Those with kids...How do u then say u have led good life?

The answer...I do not have. :) I have no idea whatsoever as to the definition of living a good life. I guess for me...at this age and this point, many would say that my life should revolved around what I do. In terms of my job...my achievements...but that's something really...I don't know...subjective maybe. I would prefer to think of it this way; Leading a good life = having fun living.

But how do we find fun in living? I mean we have to face all kinds of problems everyday. It could be...facing stress at work or at school. Peer pressure...or for worse cases...not having a place to live...not being able to put food on the table...not having any clothing to wear. This is where the art of living comes in.

I have yet to understand this art. It is...fine art...(if u know what I mean). Different people has a different definition on how to live - so different ppl generally has different skills in the art of living. But at the end of the day, we are still humans...and generally, we still kinda live around humans. The life we live revolves the life of others...

Well...if any of you have any thoughts as to how one should live...and what life is all about, drop me a comment. I'll be the first to want to know about the true art of living... :)

A Fascinating Place - Part II

2006-03-07T20:06:00.000+08:00

I know I know... I should've updated my blog ages ago. It has been almost a month since I wrote something here...or at least write about angkor wat. Well...here I am, writing whatever that is that I have missed out earlier. :)

For those who have read 'A Fascinating Place - Part I', you would have been aware that I have been to Cambodia. Here's Part II of A Fascinating Place. So, I believe I stop at the part where I took a bus to Siem Rep from Phnom Penh. The bus is not as bad as we've expected. It's somewhat like the express bus we have here in Malaysia; it's a 4 seater seat bus, which is air conditioned and has a restroom at the back of the bus. It's a 5 hour ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Rep and it's a pretty interesting ride! It's a 2 lane kinda thing - no fancy dancy highway! The distance between these 2 towns are roughly 300+ km. However, the ride is pretty bumpy as the roads are mainly red soil roads instead of tar roads. The interesting part of the ride is that you get to see how the locals live - in houses which is build very much higher from the ground. Don't really understand why...but it could be to prevent wild animals that might just attack in the middle of the night. Along the way, we crossed many small villages and in fact, in one of those village, the popular cuisine or rather food that they serve is TARANTULA. Can't you believe that? TARANTULA. You know that 8-legged thingy...which is like...REALLY REALLY hairy!?!?! Hmmm...interesting.

Interestingly, corn is one of the main thing they sell in cambodia - along the road and everywhere else. Another thing is a type of food...made out of sugar cane. There's also this one village which specialize in making buddha images. Besides the many stuffs you see the locals selling, another thing is to be able to see how poor some of those local villagers are. Kids running around naked...clothings which are worned out...torn. Sigh...it's sometimes really sad to see ppl from other countries not having the luxury that we have. Anyway, we arrived at Siem Rep at approximately 1.30pm.

Here's the scary part. Before even getting off the bus, you can see from the window the ppl who are asking if you want a 'tut tut' or a ride to the hotel, or guest house, or wherever that is you are going. They just cram themselves around the bus...which is really scary! As the bus pull to a complete stop, the ppl outside just stood there, screaming 'tut tut, tut tut', so forth. Then the door opens, and the police came to block them away from the passengers. Scary! We then got off the bus, took our luggage and searched for the guy from the guest house who were supposed to pick us up. Found him and we walked towards the van. Kids start following you. Suddenly, i felt someone touched my butt. I was like "WHAT THE..." and was about to curse and scream as I turned around but was shocked to find a kid...who's height is up till my waist...and she's...really cute but was generally begging for money. I mean, I have every intention to give that kid some money, but if I give one kid, I need to give the other...10-20 kids who are there. Does not sound too right. So...I ignore them, and got on the van.

Then we went to the guest house, checked in...rest a bit...and decided to go get the pass for Angkor Wat. So, we hired a driver to drive us around for the next 3 and a 1/2 days, got him to drive us to go get the pass. I was pretty amazed to see the amount of tourists at the entrance, buying tickets - mainly ppl from Europe...but we do have ppl from China, Japan, Korea...the states, etc. We wanted to get teh 3 day pass and that required us to have our pictures taken. After taking the picture, paid USD 40 per person for the 3 day pass and went into Angkor Wat to see the sunset. (Ppl with pass for the following day are allowed to go in after 5pm the day before). It's a pretty long walk into the Angkor Wat...But it's BRILLIANT...I mean...you first walked pass this BIG LAKE that surrounds the temple...then you walk further in and you see it. Angkor Wat. It was definitely breath-taking. It was just...AWESOME. You know you see the picture of this place in postcards, or on the web...but it's different when you are there...seeing it with you own eyes. I mean...I was...speechless. :)

After watching the sun set...we went home. You can't tour the temple at night as there are no lightings whatsoever. Thus, they close the place at 6pm. We went to have some dinner and went back to the guest house.

The following day, we begin our trip around the temples in Angkor. I can't really remember all the names of the temples, and the kingdom that we have toured...but it is definitely awesome as everything is made out of stones...carved with brilliant carvings. Of course, we started our day by going back to Angkor Wat. We didn't finish the tour as we have yet to climb up to the top of Angkor Wat and all. The stairs are downright interesting...and scary. It's soooooo narrow...that you have to walk sideways. I was like thinking to myself...what were this ppl thinking when they build this whole thing! I mean, were their legs really THAT SMALL? I kinda had a little phobia for heights...so...my knees were kinda wobbly at one point as I was climbing up, but it was alright.

After we have toured Angkor Wat, we toured some of the temples around for the next 3 days. Toured the place where the Queen stayed (I have to say, she stayed REALLY FAR from where the King stayed. I mean we travelled an hour to go from his kingdom to the place the Queen stayed..and that's on a VAN. How long do you think it would take the King to go to the Queen's place hundreds and hundreds of years ago!? Hmmm...) Anyway, the Queen's place is really interesting (pic as shown below). It's only one storey high (unlike the temples - they have stairs...and stairs and more stairs...) and the doors are really small. I guess the ppl back then aren't that tall. Banged my head into one of them. The main difference between the Queen's place and the other temples is that it's made out of red stone - really nice color.

Look at this tree. I mean, some of the temples are pretty much destroyed by the growth of the tree trunk. Just look at this tree. Look at the trunk. It's HUGE.

We went to climb a hill as well. Took us an hour to get to the top of it. It's really tiring coz the weather is soooo HOT. But it's all worthwhile. It's interesting to see that there are more carvings on stones which is done by the King. What you see in the pic below is one of the many carvings found on the top of the hill. During the raining season, you would be able to see waters running through it...which is really cool. Unfortunately, it's the dry season when we went. So, we just got to see the carvings and not the effect of having water running through it. I thought... interesting... I mean...the King has got nothing to do...but take ONE HOUR to climb up to the top of the hill...to carve. I was like...SHEESH.

On the third day, we got up at 4am...left the guest house at 5am to go catch sunrise. I guess we weren't that lucky coz when we were there, there were lots of clouds. It pretty much covered what we want to see. I climbed THREE TIMES up to Angkor Wat that morning...Up down...Up Down...Up Down...Why you ask? Coz, first time, i saw nothing. Then I went down to pass my mum some stuffs. Then I thought...no...it might be here...so I climbed up again...nothing...That was at 8am. sheesh...so I climbed down when I saw this guy packing up, keeping his tripod and all...then as I reached the bottom, he took everything out again, so I climbed up again...and...this (pic below) is what I saw. It's not exactly nice...but...it's alright I guess.

The following day, we left Siem Rep for the Phnom Penh airport. That pretty much wraps up my whole trip. It was definitely fascinating.

Oh, I had the opportunity to talk to this local guy who is working at the guest house. I asked him several questions.

#1 Why do they drive on the left side of the road...but have cars with the driver's seat on the left...and also cars with the driver's seat on the right? Answer: It was because they do not manufacture their own car. They buy cars from the neighboring countries - technically cars which are cheap in price. Thus, they bought cars from Thailand (who drives on the left side of the road) and cars from Vietnam...etc.

#2 Why do some vehicles do not have registration number plates? Answer: It's coz it's expensive. You buy a car for USD3k...and spends USD2k for tax. That's like...GOSH.

#3 Guess how much does a government employee makes...A MONTH? (i.e. Teachers... Policeman...) Answer: USD20...PER MONTH. That's like...WOW. It's...SOOO LITTLE. But of coz those who make their own business makes more money.

Ppl there are poor. I guess if we want to help and be volunteers...Cambodia can be a good place to go to. Btw, the guest house that I stayed in...were brilliant. (www.earthwalkers.no)

Comments? :) Happy reading.

Courtesy of Driving

2006-02-15T21:50:00.000+08:00

Some humans have brains...others don't - or should I say, they have brains that they don't want to use. Here's the whole story...

I went to the bank to clear off my credit card bills at HSBC. Found the perfect parking spot...so I parked my car and went to pay my bills. I was in a fairly good mood...After I finish whatever payment that I was supposed to pay, I got back out and went to my car.

At this point, I notice that there is no way that I can leave ...coz there's this car parked right next to me...blocking my way. This...HUMAN who's in the passenger seat saw me coming. I started my car and signal to her that I was leaving. She wave back and asked me to wait. I thought she wanted to move the car or something. But, she didn't do a single thing. She did not move, did not PLAN to move watsoever. I honk again. She gave me the sign asking me to wait...at that point, the temperature of my blood has started to INCREASE...a little.

Honk again! STILL didn't do anything. Then this car who's parked behind me left...and that's how I get to get out of that spot. As I left, I stared at that supposedly HUMAN lady who just think that the ROAD belongs to her. I mean, THINK...who the heck are you to ask me to WAIT for whoever that is who's in the BANK doing some TRANSACTION!? She didn't even realized that there are TONNES of ppl in the bank! And what...she EXPECTS ME TO WAIT??? FOR NOTHING??? I thought that's a little too much. Wait...not little...ALOT! SIGH...

I guess some ppl just don't have the courtesy when it comes to driving...SIGH

A Fascinating Place - Part 1

2006-02-15T21:32:00.000+08:00

Just got back from Cambodia yesterday. I would say it is one of the most interesting and fascinating place that I have been to so far. Brilliant...simply brilliant. Our main motive is to go see Angkor Wat - a kingdom that has been forgotten. We first flew to Phnom Penh from KL on Feb 9, 2006. It was a sunny day...great weather, but hot of course.

The guy from the guest house picked us up from the airport and spoke to us in chinese immediately. I was shocked that they knew Chinese! It can be considered as perfect Chinese! Interesting...After loading our stuffs into the van and getting ourselves into the van, I notice one thing - they drive on the right side of the road. I was like, cool! BUT...then I realized that some of the drivers' seat are on the right side...and some are on the left. I thought...weird. In addition to that, most of their cars, motorcycles, vans do not have the registration plate number. I couldn't really understand why, but I did not ask just yet at that point.

We drove into the town area. Another thing that caught my attention was the amount of BREAD that they were selling along the road. Bread that looks a lot like baguette. Everywhere you turn, there's a stall selling baguette. (see the breads...)

I also realized that they have a WHOLE ROW of 10-15 stores selling the SAME STUFFS on the SAME ROAD. For instance, if you see the first store selling TV sets, you'll expect to see the next 15 stores sellling the same thing. Really interesting. For the next 20 minutes, I was mesmerized by how interesting this place is. It's dusty, but interesting. =)

We got to our guest house, check-in and went to have a look at the room. Not bad for a room that cost us only USD10 per night. We settle down, went to the washroom and decided to go out to have a look around - to see if we can find something to eat.

There were quite a number of restaurants when we got ourselves to the main road. After much discussion, we sat down and ordered food. We didn't know what food they serve...or rather we don't know what their food tasted like. Anyway, we picked a few dishes and some rice. The taste was not bad...very Asian...like a combination of Chinese food...and Thai food. After dinner, we got back to the guest house and rest as we are on the 7.30am bus to Siem Rep. At this point, I found Phnom Penh being an interesting place to explore. They speak their own local language of course, English, Chinese, the Teowchew dialect and some of the other dialects! Fascinating...

BUT...the main action has yet to unfold and the trip becomes more and more interesting...

We then travel to Siem Rep from Phnom Penh the next morning and...I guess I'll continue this blog tomorrow! :)

~to give or to receive~

2006-01-26T16:23:00.000+08:00

If given a choice, do you want to be the person to give or to receive? Think about it for a moment... Giving or Receiving? Well, honestly, I prefer to be at the giving end than the receiving end. Here's a story that I think would inspire us to think:

Here's the story: Once upon a time ...okie, cut the crap...Once upon a time, there's this guy who died. Anyway, he was sent to heaven where he met this angel. This angel said to him "Alright Mister...You would be giving the opportunity to be reborn as a man; but there are 2 choices here. Would you want to be the man to receive or would you want to be the man who give?" The man give it a thought for a while and answered "I want to be the one who receives coz I have been poor and was unable to get what I want in life." The angel said "Are you sure?" The man think again and said "Yes...100% sure." And he got his wish but little did he know...choosing to be at the receiving end made him a beggar. If he were to choose to be at the giving end, he would be rich.

Ok...think about this story for a moment. I find this fairly true. Why receive when you have the ability to give? To be ABLE to give is a type of prosperity...Of coz you have to give whole heartedly, but giving is a great deed.

There's this once when my dad and mum when to have breakfast. So, you've got to pay for the parking through the parking meter. My dad then inserted RM1.30 which is equivalent to one and a half hours of parking money. My mum then said "Why put so much? We won't take that long to have breakfast right?" Dad then replied "Why not? I mean the next person who comes along and park at this spot would be happy when he see that there's still money in the parking meter. You get to make someone happy just by using a little money. So why not?" Hmmmm...

So you see? Giving is great! :) It's something that everyone should practice. I am not asking you guys NOT to receive, but we should practice giving frequently. Sometimes, we tend to receive too much and might just forget to give! You would never know how a small gesture of help might just make someone's day.

^_^ Start giving ppl!

~Reading a book~

2006-01-22T18:53:00.000+08:00

I recently read in the papers and felt ashamed to be a Malaysian. From this research/survey they did, they found that Malaysians only read 3 pages PER YEAR. Now...reading here excludes reading emails for work...reading papers...this survey SOLELY talks about reading a BOOK...it can be a novel, a non-fiction biography book, a motivational/inspirational book, etc. 3 pages...3 freaking sad pages...I mean, Singaporeans read more than us.

I guess there's no one to blame but the culture itself. We are not born to be taught to read...except for studying when we are younger, and reading work stuffs as we step foot into the working world. I mean the reading culture is not embedded into our SOULS...

Reading is good! I love to read. Some ppl might find it boring, but seriously, try reading something really really interesting...it feels really good. :) Well, here are some of the books that I think is great to read. It's not difficult books to read (coz I don't think I can survive these kind of books...) and it's really inspirational - at least some of them are. The order is random and has no meaning...Just thought you should know...hehehe

1. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown - Now, this is one book that you cannot miss. Thriller novel...It's great...It keeps you going...and you cannot put the book down! :) Great one to read...
2. Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown - This is wonderful as well. Like Angels and Demons, it's also a thriller...keeps you going! :) Brilliant...
3. The Adrian Mole Collection by Sue Townsend - I've read the first 3 of them. They are ABSOLUTELY HILLARIOUS. Love Sue Townsend. It's a diary kept by Adrian Mole...a kid who's...disturb or maybe intellectual. The stuffs he express are really funny! The last book I read was when he's 23. Gonna go the sequel to it!
4. Tuesdays with Morrie and the Five People you Meet in Heaven both by Mitch Albom - One of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. I mean, it's ABSOLUTELY wonderful. These are books that not only touches your heart but your soul as well...It lets you think and see life from a whole different prospects. BRILLIANT...
5. LOTR - Well, if you have watch the movie, I would say it's easier to read. I read them when the movie has yet to be on screen...and I would have to say it's one of the toughest book I've read as compared to books from some of the other authors. I guess it's tough coz there are a lot of characters. Like, 4 hobbits...and then Gandalf...and then Aragon. All back to back. So remembering who's who is a problem. I kept going back...to check who's who. And I kept referring to the map...to see where they are and all... :) But it's a great book to read. It's like, once you get through the first few chapters, then you are fine...
6. Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner - This is no doubt an economics book...but it's BRILLIANT. An eye-opening experience book. Serious. A book that has got to be read... :)
7. Rich Dad Poor Dad - I thougth this book was alright. Very educational and easy to understand. ^_^ I guess this book would held the interest of those who are into Money...and I guess that would pretty much be everyone. Hahahaha...
8. Chicken Soup collection - Oh...Motivational book. Brilliant.
9. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks - Well, if you are up for the mushy mushy stuffs...then this book is great...

Well, I think I can't write comments on every book that I have read. There are some books that are hard to get by...like...Rules of Four. I give up...I mean it's nice at first...but the interesting part just wouldn't come! I am halfway through the book...but no suspense whatsoever. So I stop reading that book!

There are tons of books out there...and I am sure that there is bound to be this ONE BOOK that would held your interest...from the beginning till the end. So, go on. Go to the nearest book store to get something to read...coz reading is definitely a benefit! :) and it's great...the knowledge you gain from reading...priceless.

War of the Food... :)

2006-01-22T17:43:00.000+08:00

Ahhh...pratically everyone's favorite... FOOD... ^_^...Except for...maybe those who wants to be as thin as a stick, or maybe those who just get sick everytime food comes around...or...they just hate food. BUT, I believe that these conditions are very much unlikely. I am very lucky to be born in Malaysia, a place of different culture and one of the places with really great food! :)

Let's start off with...Malaysian food. Typical Malaysian food. For instance, Chinese hawker food...you know, those places with tons of food stalls. There are some food where you eat standing...some you eat sitting, some...well, pretty much both. :) In malaysia, the popular hawker stall food are like Laksa, Prawn Noodles, Curry Noodles, Fried Koay Teow, Lok Lok, etc etc. The list is pretty long if you ask me. Then we have Malay food, Chinese food and Indian food. Thumbs up to all! Nasi Kandar, one of my favorite is yet another popular food here in Malaysia. You see ppl hanging out at mamak stall where you can have the oh so famous Nasi Kandar, as well as some of the roti...like, roti canai, roti bom, roti tisu, roti bawang, roti planta, roti telur, roti helicopter, all the other roti(s)... :) OH OH! And SEAFOOD!!!!! Love those seafood. It's pretty easy to get seafood here in Malaysia and especially if you go to places like Penang, Klang, Johor...then you can get pretty cheap seafood! I have to admit, Malaysia do have some of the best food in the world...BUT...there are other food where you would NOT find in Malaysia. (sad sad)...

One of the other places where I find you can get good food is...Hong Kong. Seriously wonderful food. First up... Japanese food. Look at the picture on your right. We have eel sushi...Salmon...fresh salmon with mango sushi and goose liver sushi (didn't have the guts to have the goose liver though). They were all... Simply...WONDERFUL. Of coz, the chinese food were great...especially DIM SUM. Ohmigod...that's like...WOW! *speechless...These are the BEST food I've found so far. Oh...and their deserts are NICE...yum yum...I mean, there has got to be more...but i guess i just need more time to explore...AND...who's help would I need for further food exploration in HK? I need none other than my Uncle Chris and Auntie D. HAHAHA...to take me around... :)

I love Vietnamese food as well! At least...I love the Vietnamese food I had in Shanghai. Thanks to my dearest friend Joey, I got to eat the best Vietnamese food...so far. :) Haven't been to Vietnam though...but...the Vietnamese food I had in Shanghai was the best. It's...oil-less...I mean seriously, I am surprise. It has got no oil at all! I don't exactly know why, but...even the fried spring rolls has got no oil. At least I can't taste the oil. And the deserts are great as well...

OH! One food that I can never get enough is STEAMBOAT...yum. It's all in the soup. If the soup is good, then it's great steamboat. Love it love it love it. :)

I think I better stop. I guess there are tons of food that I have yet to try. I mean I have had basic Mexican food, Italian food, American dishes...but...there are more out there...and I can't wait to explore. Though, i have to admit that there are some stuffs which I don't DARE to take...like...dog meat, snake, cat, rat, horse, wild boar, frogs...(no offence to ppl who take these stuffs...but generally, I classify these as...WEIRD food...)

New Year Resolution

2006-01-03T21:39:00.000+08:00

It is the beginning of yet another new year. Ahhh...New Year...what do you think is installed for us this 2006? Besides...WORLD CUP Germany 2006! WOohooo! Well, that's not why I am writing this blog...I shall be discussing about the many many new year resolution that we make EVERY YEAR...that has yet to be resoluted.

I believe a lot of us out there makes new year resolutions at the beginning of every new year. BUT.. (See...everything statement has got the BIG FAT BUT...)...well anyway, like I was saying...But, how many of us actually kept to that resolution? Has it become something that we do simply because everyone does it? Or do we have the intention in keeping to those resolutions that were made?

For instance...one of my resolution last year was to lose weight. I believe it's the #1 resolution for a lot of ppl out there. I tried to keep to it...for like...2 months and then i lost it. All those food...temptation...can't resist...sigh. So i failed. Then I think I had this resolution about writing a journal...like keeping a note to myself as to what I do daily and how I felt. BUT (see...there's that BUT again...) But, I wrote for like 4 months then stopped. Too lazy. =) Don't feel like continuing.

I don't know about you guys who are reading right now...but you might have kept to some resolution...which you might want to share. As for me, I gave up about making resolutions. Lets just say, I want to keep things simple...if I feel like doing something, I'll just go ahead and do it! Be Spontaneous...(haven't been able to do that, but I will try this year...) Ooopssss...I think I just made a new year resolution! Teehee!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006! May the year 2006 treats you good and treats you right!

Christmas 2005 in HK

2006-01-01T19:24:00.000+08:00

Woohooo! Spending christmas in HK was definitely a blast. The weather was great (~17 - 20 degrees celcius) and the environment was wonderful. The lightings were brilliant and it felt alot like Christmas - very very christmas-ty... :)

Then I thought...why is it when i spend Christmas in Malaysia, it felt slightly different? hmmm...THEN it pooped into my brains...There are several things that distiguished a significant difference between HK and Malaysia..

#1: The freaking weather in Malaysia is damn freaking hot!!!!! U don't get to enjoy the environment because it's SOOOOO hot! Most of the time, you are either airing yourself, or wiping off those sweat. And at times, u get DRENCH in your own sweat...Not nice....Those irritating big and small sweats...And then u get stinky ppl standing beside you...not that u are any better...but...SIGH. Because of the nice cooling weather in HK, it deplicts that sense of...irritation and so, u only have one thing to worry about which is the many humans there. But you don't have to air urself or wipe those sweat off... :) BIG HUGE DIFFERENCE.

#2: You've got the gift of a GOOD PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION in HK. But...not in Malaysia. I mean I have to admit that it is improving in KL...but definitely not in Penang!The condition in Penang is hopeless. If for instance, you want to go to Gurney from Greenlane, there's no way to go, but by car. So if u don't a car, u might as well stay at home. So, on special occasions like Christmas and New Year...driving to for instance Gurney will just kill u...U have to be there like...EXTRA EXTRA early...else u might as well ensure that ur car can climb trees. So...CAR problem will just get ur blood boiling before the party even started. Kills the enjoyment. In HK, because of the the good public transportation, you don't have to worry about NOT getting a place to park your car, cause...YOU DON'T have to DRIVE! :) U have the subway, or the cab, or the public bus (which i really really love)...And u don't have to go extra early! Just be there to have sufficient time for photo taking...enjoy the atmosphere...and wala! it's the countdown! In Penang, driving would not only kill u at the beginning but will kill u at the end. Coz, u won't be able to get home until like...4am. Nuts right. And that's like when u leave right after the countdown.

These 2 reasons have pretty much convinced me NOT to go downtown for ANY countdown anymore. Haven't been to Gurney since...i don't know when. But at least every year, Christmas and New Year, I get to spend them with close friends and families...and that's like a whole lot nicer...and warmer... :)

Happy New Year 2006 and may all your dreams come true!!

Economy class vs Business class

2005-12-28T10:20:00.000+08:00

I just got back from yet another freaking biz trip last Monday. Its...well...but spending Christmas at HK pretty much made up for everything. Anyway, this post is not about my biz trip but more about the Economy class vs Business class in a flight.

I flew from HK to KL for transit back to PG. This airline kinda screwed up the seats, so I ended up with the same seat number with this guy. So, they upgraded me the business class. WOW...huge difference in terms of service. In the Economy class...it's...well, their service aren't all that good, and at times, they can be pretty rude. In the Business class, it's like... Ms Seow, can I get you anything to drink? Ms Seow, is everything ok? Ms Seow Ms Seow Ms Seow... I got kind of annoyed, but it sure was fun!

This got me thinking...You are paying for their service. True... I guess money can at times buy you great smiles... :) hehehe... And very polite services... Well, $$ is truly important...true enough money can't buy you everything, like happiness, love...but think of it this way. Without $$, you can't do much right? Hmmmm...Something to ponder again...Money...to what extend is it important?

Work IS NOT YOUR Life

2005-12-15T19:58:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...I've met several Humans in this world who made WORK their LIFE. GOSH...That's like...SAD I would say. I don't see these people as being hardworking but I would rather think that they are silly. I pity them, not because they have tons of work, but because they just don't know how to enjoy life. Life is more than just work. People gave excuses that there are TOO MUCH work.

Well, I kind of believe that there is no such thing as TOO MUCH WORK. The work load will NEVER END. If you don't put an end or limit to it, it just goes ON and ON and ON. A job is just...A JOB. Life is more than just job. I mean, you can do SOOOOO MUCH more than just work. Spend time with your family, meet up with friends, catch a movie, etc.

Life is more than WORK. For those who are reading this, if you are a workhaholic, think twice about what you are throwing away, then spend some time thinking what you should do with your life...ASIDE from WORKING. For ppl like me, who don't talk about work after working hours, and ESPECIALLY on weekends, GOOD FOR U!! Join the club! :-)

REMEMBER...WORK IS NOT YOUR LIFE! Think about that for a moment.

~humans~ part2

2005-11-15T07:38:00.001+08:00

Humans oh Humans. Here we go again. I love talking about humans! :) Well, i find that humans are not only complex but they are weird in a unique way - each and every humans out there. But you know what? I think all humans should be able to voice out when they are not happy with something... not merely complaining, but to voice out ones opinion. I find that this would in a way make this world a better place!

Of course that would lead back to the fact that there would be conflicts, but then this is life! If there are no conflicts, it wouldn't be life anymore... it would be known as... hmmm... beats me! Anyway, it's bad enough to get mad at someone and then show that person that you are mad at them, but then not telling them what the heck is going on! Now that's just downright lame and cheap. Let the person know, voice out! Don't leave that person hanging, not knowing what he or she did wrong!

I guess humans will always be humans. :) Another dark side of humans - greed. You know, greed KILLS you, literally KILLS you. It's the deadliest disease ever in this world. Even cancer can't beat it... Just too deadly. Greed makes you lose control of yourself, leaving you in a world of evilness and in no time, you'll be lost. Lost as ever. But again, we are only humans... Of coz we would need to learn how to control ourselves and that would include controlling our greed for things... the hunger and longiness for things. Bad with a capital B.

Humans are complex. And that would MOST DEFINITELY include me, Miss Complex. Humans OH humans! :)