Memories ~Memorizu~

...And Now is Right on Time...

2012-01-26T18:18:00.000+08:00

I'm inspired today, and I don't feel lonely even though I spend my time alone at times. This is because...

What I did NOT like!

2012-01-26T14:11:00.000+08:00

It is the beginning of 2012! Conventionally, most people would blog about their new resolutions. Well, usually the 'nice' things.

Me? I would like to identify - What I did NOT like!

Simply because I found that these urked and frustrated me. Penning these may probably help me to realize how I should go about it, solve, avoid or ignore it!

Not in priority order...
1. You asked a question or made a comment via sms or email - NO respond or any sort of acknowledgement!

- list is work in progress -

For My Dear Friend - Be Lifted, Keep Faith!

2011-12-19T11:42:00.000+08:00

Recently, I came across few people who need a lift spiritually and strengthen their state-of-mind (obviously that doesn’t discount myself too). As it comes near to year-end, there are either more souls who will get upset because they are not near to accomplishing their goal(s) or rather having a wandering mind not knowing where they are at or heading to, while some went astray, anguish over own self or others, full of anger and goes off-the-course doing or saying things that is not pleasing to the eyes and ears of God (and blame it to our cluttered mind and we don't have time? Hmm...bad excuses :) )

Sadly, a heap of this group may be getting more as years goes by. Yes, as life gets more hectic, it becomes more complicated & chaotic! Even natural disasters and diseases are even getting more by waves! While a bountiful of joyful people, living at present and filled with genuine joy, are decreasing. The echo of joy sounds diminishing in effect...

So I truly hope that my dear friend and friends, you take some time off from your busy schedule to reflect and view things from positive perspectives. Have a quiet moment by yourself and with God. Have faith!

Don’t spend too long in the down state-of-life (it is cumbersome and tiring). I know, it sounds easy for me express this (even to exert myself to this stage!). Some may scoff these words because it is easy said than done, but you see, my life isn’t perfect either (it isn’t all great!). And I know it can be done, be patient, persevere and do not give up! Being joy filled does not mean that our life is perfect. It is about seeing it positively. If you are destined to go through some rough patches, practice law of reversibility. It means, sees it as; mistakes or wrong choices, helps to bring us to the right places. Some may think that this is easy for me because I am a strong woman. No, to be a strong person, you do have to go through some level of toughness and deeply feel the pain too. Because we felt it, we choose to understand and accept it. This, in essence, I take it as a gift from God, I grew up! :) So you can do it too.

Thus I strongly believe, if you change your mindset and belief, as children of God, we are rightful heirs to the blessing of overflowing joy. I would like to leave you with this:

One day at a time is enough…

Don’t look back and grieve the past,

it’s gone…

Don’t be troubled about the future

it has not come yet…

Live in the present

and make it so beautiful

it will be worth remembering…

And remember this:

When we pray,

GOD hears more than we say

He answers more than we ask

He gives more than we imagine

but…

in his own time

in his on way!

So keep faith!

It means emphatically trust God and believe that he has great plans for our life, regardless of what is happening right now :)

Hokkien Dialect Money Joke

2011-10-17T20:47:00.000+08:00

Let's test your Hokkien dialect! If you can read and understand it, try not to laugh too hard :)

I extracted this from one of my friend's Facebook wall including some of its commentaries:

Mister Potato: Oo looi beh hiau khai = GONG LANG,
   Oo looi ay hiau khai = GAU LANG,
   Boh looi ay hiau khai = SIAU LANG

Commentator Huan Chu: oo looi hor lang kai...............HO LANG

Miss Kan Tang Chu: Boh looi chin kang khor

Mrs Banana: Lu lang kong ha mit????????????????

Translator One: First... got money, don't know how to spend=stupid people; Second... no money, clever to spend=crazy people.....hee,hee.....

Mr Chin Gau Lang: Oo looi beh hiau khai = see liau gong tua tai.
   Bo looi kiok tiok khai = See liau pun em chai.

Mrs Tua Liap Nau: English translation= Have money don't spent - die a fool.
   No money keep spending = Die also don't know.

Translator Two: Proverbs 13:7-8 (NIV) One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. [8] A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

Commentator Kong Ka Liao: Tua pek kong lai liao... siAM AH!!

Mr Pua Thang Sai: Aiyoh...dont know what u all saying...hahhahaha....

Mister Chi Liap Sai: Ah moh sai!

Note: Names in the conversation thread have been changed

Oh My Oh My...Hallucinating Food!

2011-10-11T20:13:00.000+08:00

I huff, I puff... I huff, huff, huff...puff, pufffff puffffffff.....

Shucks!

How long more to reach 10km?

The mind started hallucinating -- GUILTY! -- uuuu...icy cold blended 'cendol', 'durian' smoothies, rich creamy chocolate ice cream... the MORE sinful it is, the better to fulfill this hunger pang that I am experiencing while running on treadmill! Yummilicious...

The head is playing tricks on me! Constantly I have to rivet my mind and eyes to the outside window staring at green trees. Stay away! Stay focus! Steer away from thinking of food! Ohhhmmmmm...medidate, focus! I wasn't starving at all really. I had a great lunch today - 'steam fish hor fun noodles' and dim sum. Arghh side effect?

Anti-temptation - focus on coconut trees outside the window!

Oh, finally! Drenched with sweat in my sports outfit...this is an audacious stamina endurance test!

I officially clocked in 8km in 60-65 mins today. That probably translates to finishing 10km at about 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes time frame.

Hopefully I can do better than that next time. The Penang Bridge International Marathon 10k run competition time frame is 1.5hours.

Lesson of the day - the food hallucination probably made me run faster, powered with determination to quickly finish the line! Would that work for you? haha

I didn't even sign up for the marathon! Simply just challenging and stretching myself :) If you are one of them who wish to do something different and beyond, don't give up! Dream or hallucinate, let the mind wander, whatever it is that makes you feel better, happy, and doing it better or faster!

"Every great dreams begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world ~ by Harriet Tubman

Alright, enough for the day.

Dinner! 'MAKAN' time!

Whooz...ZOOM!

Crazy 10K Thought. So What's the Carrot?

2011-10-06T18:09:00.000+08:00

A new contemplation:

**Sign up for 10K Penang bridge international marathon**

10km!! WHAT?? REALLLYyyy?? My own jaw dropped, even at this few seconds of contemplation thought process. And if the jaw can drop to a 10km distance, it would!

Source: www.ilovedoodle.com

I barely could make it to even show-up for a marathon event that I signed up few years ago! Worst, I even encountered looking at a run that turned out to be for the handicaps! Blogged it here:
http://memorizu.blogspot.com/2009/05/disabled.html

So, there were a few trigger points that led to this 'pondering and wondering' session:
1. One of my colleagues recently shared that she has registered for this marathon. She is not a frequent runner and has a need to drop down quite much to an ideal weight. She sounded remorseful...regretted for signing up half marathon -- it's freaking 21km -- and heard that it's torturing! (*gulp!*) I still salute her for signing up without knowing what she signed up for :D
2. Much earlier, my Taiping friend also shared with me that she has signed up for the run (she lives in KL!). No one is accompanying her and yet she signed up for it. I admire that!
3. Yesterday, another person blurt and shared that he is contemplating whether to sign up for half marathon
4. I have been running quite regularly for few months now, and I clocked in 7km within an hour. So maybe I won't faint half way during the 10km run if I sign up for it. Am thinking of officially testing my endurance and stamina on the road...if...IF this thought materializes haha (and this would also add-on to my list of doing something different in my entire life to-date)

This is like a CONTAGIOUS DISEASE!!! (not in a hideous way hehe)

Now I am wondering!

I started asking myself... and this is like a million dollar question (for me) - so, what can be so motivating that would make me wake up so early, drive to Queensbay Mall when the sky is still dark NOT for the purpose of shopping eventhough you are heading to a mall, expense my beauty sleep, sweat like a pig, look horribly pale out of breathe, torture my legs and knees, and then, come back home with ... what is it? hmmm (I am very sure I have no chance to win any cash prize or a shiny trophy! haha)

I found my answer: the New Balance pink singlet (yes, I like pink color too...and because it has "Penang bridge international marathon" printed)

They are giving that pink singlet away if we sign up for 10K, half or full marathon.

Yup, that could possibly be the carrot!

I shall mull over it tonight. See if my friend would get influenced by me and become the 'pink singlet fan' ladies! hahaha

http://www.penangmarathon.gov.my/portal/

When You Type Too Fast...

2011-09-23T15:07:00.002+08:00

Have you come across words that you typed turned out to be something else that is totally off the course?

Happily typing away, 10 of your fingers placed correctly on the keyboard, typing at 35 - 40 wpm. That's right, you don't need to look at the keyboard. I wouldn't think that I would get it wrong when typing a simple 2-word, such as:

"got it"

I am 'the' classic case. And it has happened twice before *whack my own hands*

After I completed typing, I finally paid attention to look at that little chat screen. I wanted to view my friend's respond...

Oh my gawd....I have just typed:

"go tit"

My friend's reply (a male):

"I know you have tits"

Since I felt the embarrassment flush, alright, I must as well coat it with more humor:

"You have tits too. But, you don't have boobs"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some cool keyboards. Can you type better with these? Do share any interesting words that you have typed before that makes another 'classic' case! LoL

Photo source: http://thechive.com/2010/06/04/keyboard-art-just-because-17-photos/

A New Humble Beginning...

2011-09-19T00:01:00.001+08:00

17 Sept 2011 marks an important day.

Couples tie a knot to marriage, exchanging their vows to each other, while husband and wife toast their glasses, expressing their love again to each other, celebrating their anniversary day.

No no NO! I am not even an inch close to sending any wedding invitation card! If I do, my fellow good friend (ahem KY) would be the one blogging for me instead of me! (because I would be too lazy and busy to blog at that point of time! haha)

Well, I would like to toast this to myself.

This is the day where a string of events in my life, all the ups and downs, desires, surprises and blessings, relationships, friends and family, career, passion, all comes together, makes a better reflection of what I am today, why things are for what they are, why I have to go through them, all the knowledge, exposures, success, setbacks, patience, tears of pain and joy that I have gained and been through, all that now have mold and weave into solid threads. It has built a strong foundation of faith in me and now I am ready to choose. I am ready to put all these pieces together and into one faith, one that I have been searching for by exposing myself into various beliefs, so much so that I understand at a certain level so that I remain strong rooted for what I would decide later, and that day, it prised the soul in me to raise my hand, to accept Christ.

A goal that I have been building over several years and now it is materialized and realized...a new leap of faith, a new me!

Another calling? - amongst other type of
magnet gifts, I received this with white wings
on my desk. 2011 gift from Alicia T.

As cliche as it sounds, it is like a metamorphosis -- silk worm that turned into cocoon, then its thread are weaved finely and transformed into a silky cloth. The brown color dried silk worm inside the cocoon is eaten up, sounds like what's old and past are being put behind (serious! the Chinese turned them into some sort of delicacy there!). Phrases such as who am I, what do I want to be remembered as, what really makes me happy, what's joy...have surfaced much more than ever, to be a much better wholly person (not holy!...I'd be God if I do haha). Recently, just 3 days ago which was 14 Sept, my friend said she observed something about me "you are blossoming - Wise young woman. I'm noticing something about you recently. That you take time to reflect about things - important things. That's a very good habit/trait. I'm trying to be a bit more like that." It was a sudden surprise comment and I was touched. It provoked the thought that 'it is time' --for what I've built, experienced and gone through over the years, my belief in living a meaningful life, helping others and having strong faith has brought out great amount of positive essence - time to choose one faith and stick to it. With a 3rd party seeing this quality exude in and out through me, this firmed it more, a word of confirmation from others and not just based on my own gut feel. So obvious that it shines brightly inside out! I have also been praying to God (my close friends were praying too) mainly for my dad's health & the surgery that he had to go through - prayers answered! On top of that, it came with blessing in disguise that my dad's unknown intestine problem saved him from other more complicated issue! Throughout this whole year, I've been reflecting a lot with more observations and listening to other people life experiences. There's a saying "never underestimate the power of prayers". My faith level shot up, because it's powerful and personal! These are some of the major trigger points aside from other events happened this year (refer to "my mid-year life review blog) which affirmed this more. I am also grateful for that someone who took me to a cell group which was rather unplanned and unintended (because I have stopped for >2 or 3 years!). Everything was rather inadvertent and in the right timing, not last year or a year before, but particularly things happened this year - someone taking the actions of 'nurturing and growing' my faith not by intention, not planned, and the person must have strong faith, a Christian. So for this part, another prayer in church that I have long forgotten (from few years back because I thought God has left me!) - answered!(the second part of my prayer, shall wait and see at His timing & His plans for me). The next confirmation was, a few days later after the cell group, the same topic arise coincidentally from another Malaysian friend of mine who is currently living in China. As we discussed about it on Skype, it reminded me again- what faith am I on! So, the discussions, sermons, etc all linked and strike a chord ('macam' orchestra, music that blends in beautifully and smoothly after much of hard work practices hehe). More constant reminder this year than ever, and it's telling me something - He is with me all along my journey, from the day I stepped into the first church since high school!

As a beginner, I am not good in saying prayers. Worst if you ask me to say it in Hokkien! So I found this excerpt, simple and nice, for I am very thankful to everyone I know in my life, and for His blessings upon me.. I found me, so I tie MY knot with HIM! :) My shout out ~ A new humble beginning for me:) Thank you...for now my life will be even more COLORFUL!

---------------------------

Loving Heavenly Father,

I commit my life into your hands. I thank you that you make me righteous by your grace and thank You for the promise that you will grant me the desires of my heart. It is your grace that sustains me in this world. Father, let your goodness, peace and joy follow me without ceasing.

In GOD’s name I pray. Amen.

How do we measure success?

2011-09-11T12:15:00.001+08:00

A friend posted a status on his Skype about "Live Life"... and I added "and Love Life". It triggered a discussion and exchange of thoughts on our views. I have always find it interesting to talk about life and experiences so that we do not forget and stray off path as we are busy working and chasing after our dreams.

Here's a life learning lesson related to that topic:

In our human nature is a desire to achieve, to be successful. We all want success.
How do we measure success?
Can a person have too much success?
A little story about a Mexican fisherman illustrates success in a simple life well lived.

A Little Story

The businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The businessman complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while.

The businessman then asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The businessman then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time? The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos; I have a full and busy life, señor."

The businessman scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and I could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats; eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor and eventually open your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City where you would run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But señor, how long will this all take?" To which the businessman replied, "15-20 years." "But what then, señor?" The businessman laughed and said, "That's the best part! When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions." "Millions, señor? Then what?" The businessman said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, "Isn't that what I'm doing right now?"

-Author Unknown

Source: http://www.lifeprinciples.net/SuccessatLife.html

My Life Mid-year Review

2011-08-11T19:17:00.066+08:00

It is the time where employees are being reviewed on their performances at work -- mid-year review. I thought, why not do a status check on myself :)

What's new in first half of 2011?

1. Went on a vacation tour overseas alone
Trying out something different, out of the norm! Hopped on the plane alone, went on a tour with 60 strangers, traveled around Hainan with 30 strangers in a bus who became my friends today. No regrets!
2. Dropped my weight below 50kg
Yay! Finally hit below the mark for awhile. BUT, after some traveling here and there, need to work on losing the 2kgs gained now! Haha
3. I changed my nickname
Lenny Tan, that rhymes with my first name. For the reason of reducing my real name being published on the world wide web space. I was surprised to see a webpage reporting I was divorced 49 times after I typed my real name from Google search, although I know these are fake information
4. Gardening! Planted some greens in pots
Planted, showered it everyday, gave them vitamins, it grew baby leaves, then I went travelling for 1.5 months, oops...RIP after I came home under my parents care. Dried leaves while some were infected with some fuzzy white bugs (aphids). Now in progress, need to replant the basil plant. Other pot plants, had to repurchase from Uncle's shop :D
5. Practicing meditation still
Though not everyday, I'm still meditating. It works wonders for inner peace
6. Stayed 1.5 months in the U.S., the longest time ever for work purpose
And gained a new good friend (Malaysian) who was also on business trip in the U.S. My traveling and 'makan' partner in the U.S. Later, I realized, "you knew my friend, I know your friend". All of us knew everyone very well actually! Same circle, how ironic!
7. Traveled abroad most frequently in my entire life, all within 7 months
Explored the world to Hanoi in Vietnam, various places in California, and Hainan in China. All these traveling came by surprises actually. It wasn't really a long pre-planned travel. I am truly blessed and thankful for what I have and do not have. A friend commented "Really admire your traveling stars. From your many postings and photo albums, you travel through length and breath of many countries and savoring all kinds of food. You are blessed from your good karma. Some people can only dream but yours are hands on. Lucky you!"
8. Grew a bigger family at work - 9 children
Challenging, but I decided to accept the offer for this role. Indeed interesting in managing additional 3 people who are more senior in knowledge, longer number of years working in the Company and higher number in age! And they are located in the U.S. So to top these challenges, I am managing remotely from Penang, countering different time zones and geographical location. Phew, so far so good, managed to turned the team around and juggle time management. Lack of sleep...yes, of course...needless to say. "Bionic woman" my sis called me
9. Listened to 2 sermons via online podcast - full attention, complete focus!
I actually repeated it over and over! I was eager to hear more about 'faith'. "When faith is on fire, doubt is the cold water", "Because of the faith that I had, he grabbed it. He grabbed upon my faith, and he says you know what, if you can believe for me, I will believe for myself. I belief that Jesus is able to do for me" and "Do something you know that will give you a good return. You know that you have the power of faith, you know that He will stand beside you, He will honor you, He will give you the authority. You know that, so do it"
10. Save-A-Heart charity donor's name on print
I have a heart for saving children that needs help for heart surgeries. So, I head down to Adventist hospital during 2010 Christmas and said I want to give (still something although my contribution was much bigger 2 years ago from the Adventist Hospital Mount KK climb). Recently I spotted my name printed on their annual report under a long list of donators. What a surprise! Planning to contribute time and effort for other charities before year-end.

I thought I can stop at number 10! I guess there's more! :)

12. Liberation - released crabs
Joined a friend, released those poor crabs into the sea, saved it from being cooked and eaten that day. Just an act of liberation, free it from confinement, freedom.

13. Ran on treadmill for ONE full hour!
Challenged myself I can do it! (I would be hauling my feet if it was 15 minutes run in the past! Pant pant!).Absolutely one of the great ways to relief stress while staying healthy. Mission accomplished after doing some running within 2 weeks. Treadmill speed, 7 to 8. Slower speed to catch 10 minutes breathe, 6 to 6.5.
14. First time manicure and pedicure in Malaysia

Thanks to my good friend for this lovely treat to pamper ourselves!

15. Within 5 months, have gone out on a boat to the sea waters for 4 times
Thanks to my very good friend for always remembering me. SongSong Island was one of the trip. What a memorable overnight beach camping! I learnt to better enjoy my life and appreciate the bathroom shower we have at home! And it was hilarious that the camp fire did not last for more than 15 minutes hahaha. Most of all, great companion, fun people, and getting to know people I know at greater depth. It was also fun that my friend's daughter actually turned me into a big kid haha

"Life is like a box of chocolate...you never know what you are going to get"...

I did not pre-planned or asked for all these to happen. It is with God's grace that my life is colorful. Live a life with a purpose... meaningfully, joyously, kindly, thankfully, lovingly...and God will bless you abundantly...

"As I go through all kinds of feelings and experiences in my journey through life -- delight, surprise, chagrin, dismay -- I hold this question as a guiding light: "What do I really need right now to be happy?" What I come to over and over again is that only qualities as vast and deep as love, connection and kindness will really make me happy in any sort of enduring way" ~Sharon Salzberg

Joke of the Day - What is I.S.A.

2011-07-03T12:32:00.010+08:00

I.S.A. is an Internal Security Act, a preventive detention law in Malaysia.

Recently, a number of Malaysians were detained because they were wearing yellow color 'Bersih' shirts and distributing flags supporting Bersih (Bersih = Clean). Refer to 'notes' below on what is Bersih. The police arrested them stating supporting Bersih is not allowed. So they asked, are we supposed to support 'Kotor'? (Kotor = Dirty). The next thing before they know it, they were arrested and handcuffed. Ludicrous!

So there has been on-going rallies, articles and shout outs via the social media because of this nutty arrests, particularly in Facebook. Yes, very popular! One commented in Facebook, aren't you afraid that the ISAs might arrest you for posting Bersih logo on your profile picture?

Answer:
I.S.A. = Ikut Sama Annuar

Haha, I thought that is brilliant and creative! Here's more to laugh! These are hilarious!!!

DiGi's Yellow Coverage Fellow too will not be spared from arrest in the run up to Bersih 2.0 next Sunday

Another quote from another website:

DIGI users please pay attention!! your may experience network service disturbance on 9th of July, because the yellow man has been caught by police, and he cannot follow you already!

Pengguna DIGI, sila ambil perhatian, Rangkaian komunikasi anda mungkin tergendara pada 9hb july.
Kerana "I will follow you" sudah ditangkap oleh kerajaan. .

Quote from one person's Facebook: Ending Scene in transformer 3 !

police : you are BERs1h Gang ! now i arrest you !

bumble bee :..... wtf.....

Even Twitter frame is yellow!

Notes:
1. Bersih, which means "clean" in Malay, is a coalition of Malaysian opposition political parties and NGO's with the stated aim of reforming the electoral process in Malaysia

2. A person may be detained by the police for up to 60 days without trial for an act which allegedly prejudices the security of the country or any part thereof. After 60 days, the person may further be detained for a period of two years each and that has to be approved by the Minister of Home Affairs.

Thieves are Everywhere!! - Curi Curi Malaysia

2011-06-20T13:33:00.004+08:00

What the heck is the fuss about 'Curi Curi Malaysia'? Here are some collections I found commented by others.

Can't believe it that our tax money have been 'used' in such unscrupulous project too. #@$% Thieves are everywhere!

QUOTE 1:

I think our gov is stupid to spent 1.8b setting up a cuti cuti 1malaysia in fb and even retardedly allowed comment so that ppl can express shitty two cents bout our gov in that fb! But someone is creative enough to come up with Curi Curi Wang Malaysia fb :p

QUOTE 2:

RM1.8mil ... for a Facebook page? ->> Another case of day light robbery....LOL!

QUOTE 3:

My six-year old kid FB page is same standard with this page and Dr Ng is paying few hundred thousand for this…no wonder the country is going down…

Joke of the Day - What is S.A.P.?

2011-05-20T17:11:00.002+08:00

Typical Answer: An enterprise application software that helps companies of all sizes and industries to run better. It stands for "Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing"

The New Generation Answer: Stop All Production!

My Answer: $#&* It's a pain! I'm having complicated relationship with it.

Translation that CANNOT be trusted

2011-05-04T20:05:00.011+08:00

I have just completed watching one Taiwanese drama series over the recent weekend. One funny thing is, these translators can really ridicule themselves with their translation work, even for very simple words:

加油
jiā yóu

Someone in the movie wished another person 'jia you' in Chinese. It means 'ganbateh' (in Japanese). It is a short motivational word saying - strive or work hard.

The subtitle translated it as : Add Oil

????? What a joke! They directly translated it word for word literally. Did they hire Yahoo Babel Fish and Google Translate?

Watching Taiwanese drama series is one of my ways of learning to speak Mandarin more fluently and reading Chinese characters better. Yes, practice listening skills and at the same time reading with the eyes scrolling at the Chinese /English subtitle published at the bottom of the screen. It has been really effective for me. Obviously this one 'tak boleh diharap'. Have to be very careful with cheap DVD translations :)

Passion in Work

2011-03-12T03:06:00.010+08:00

What can I say... busy as a bee!

Facing challenges now and ahead.

I'm swimming (the Pacific Ocean!!) and looking from afar, aiming and hoping to reach my destination... the light that is waiting for me at shore. I need lots of energy, warmth and encouragement...

Working from San Jose office for 5 weeks, I was staring at my international calendar (see image below). Time on the far left is showing California time zone, while the time next to it is Malaysian time zone. Similar schedule continues for another 4 weeks.

What a schedule if it is not for passion... not to mention, sacrifices...

Reminds me that I need to really pamper myself and take my ease through holidays!

Misheard This Before?

2011-01-07T23:43:00.020+08:00

Click! I turned on the radio station as I was driving to work today. Wind down the window for some fresh air since it's a nice cooling weather. Ahh....Friday.....

Suddenly, shit!!

Swift as the wind, a sharp smell pierced straight into my nostrils...rotten carcass smell.

ARRGGHHH!! EEEEWWW!!

My eyes scrolled left and right, what it is in the early morning, 8-ish??

Straight ahead...a rubbish truck at the traffic queue, releasing fragrance. #%&@

I quickly wind up the window. Quick air-con, work your magic, de-ionize, disinfect, sanitize, do your thing, get rid of the smell in my car!

So, as I was driving, the music played caught my attention. The radio DJ was playing 'Funk Phenomena' song sung by superstar Armand Van Helden. This was probably released some time 1996 if I got it right.

Then, the 2 DJs were talking in between the song. They laughed. Ah, so what's so hilarious?

They said a lot of listeners did not know what the singer was saying really especially the chorus part where it repeats 'Funk Phenomena, funk phenomena, funk phenomena'. Many misheard it as something else. Later of the day, I googled to listen to the song again and it's true! I was laughing at it too. Here's what it was misheard as:

1. F**k Meenah Meenah

2. F**k mana mana ('mana mana' in Malay language means any where)

Yikes, PG-13 turned to R-rated!

3. '"Tepuk benar benar" (in Malay language, direction translation - clap really really)

Funny :)

1111, New Hype

2011-01-07T09:48:00.026+08:00

Talk of the day - 1111! Blue or white collar adults, bloggers, aunties, uncles, 'ah kong', 'ah mah', kids, etc., the whole world knows and talked about it. I can't help hearing and seeing it repetitively all over the blogs and forums too. Here's what others said about it:

1. 1111 is 1st January 2011

2. "Judgement begins" 01:01:11

3. What does your zodiac says on 1.1.11?

4. "From 1 Jan 2011, parents of newborn babies can claim maternity leave pay and benefits under Australia's new Paid Parental Leave Scheme"

5. "Oil seen hitting US$100 a barrel this year" Business News published on 1 Jan 2011

6. Worth reading to start 1 Jan 2011: "Dare to Dream"

7. Others started wondering about 11/11/11 (11 Nov 2011)

8. Why is '1111' not read as 11/1/2001? (11 Jan 2001)

9. This is a good one:

"What time zone does the doom use? (or others call it 'judgement day'). When it's 1/1 (1 Jan) in one location, it is still December in a lot other places and soon it is half in many places, AND it is still 1/1 in that specific location"

Finally, item 10....what do I think?

After seeing all these numbers

I think it somewhat affected my psychology, in a small extent

Am seeing matrix now

when I look at the time,

11:11....1111....

11:12.....oh, 1112....

11:18....wah, 'yat yat yat fat' (say it in Cantonese, it means every day is prosperous)...nice 'empat ekor' (it means 4 digits - usually for gamblers)

come 12:20...122....

then, 12:21.... 1221....

Tick tock tick tock! Geez!

The more I see these numbers, the more my mind and eyes seems to be noticing and thinking about numbers more than usual days!

TIME IS PRECIOUS!!! Click on this link. You will love the quotes about time!

What's This New Matrix - 20102010?

2010-10-20T20:21:00.012+08:00

Browsing through Facebook, I realized another date craze fuss....20th October 2010. It is written as 20102010. Do something at 20:10 hour....it will be 201020102010!

What's next?

20th November 2011 at 20:11 hour = 201120112011

And it continues on with other dates that you can think of ...a continuum of dates! haha

Good idea for wedding couples to start planning, and more homework for astrologists to come up with compelling readings on those dates!

A Peek into 10.10.10

2010-10-17T22:18:00.009+08:00

10th October 2010 seems to be a 'special day' that the whole world talked about because it was 10.10.10

If you woke up or did something on that day at 10am, or 10:10am, or 10pm, or 10:10pm, it added even more 10s to it :)

For one in the world, I know for sure I didn't do anything special, significant or did anything in particular. It is like a Valentine's Day that people create and fuss about celebrating it. So, nahh, not a 'special' thing for me.

I found some others' comments which are pretty interesting to quote and share here:

1. It's just a sequential date in the calendar that happens to look nice. Next year, it will be 11.11.11 and people will go gaga again. And the year after, there'll be a fuss with 12.12.12 and people will say such a repetition of numbers will never happen again until the next hundred years

(quote: Quah, Seng-Sun)

2. Some facts:

- 10 October 1911, is a military uprising in Wuchang, Central China, led to the overthrow of the imperial Qing Dynasty.

- Dr Sun Yat-Sen, acknowledged on both sides of the Straits of Taiwan as the Father of Modern China, was not even directly connected with the Wuchang Uprising. He was travelling in the United States to work up support from the overseas Chinese there. But when he heard about the uprising, he returned to China immediately whereupon as the compromise candidate between the Chinese revolutionaries and the conservatives, he was elected as China's first president.

- There is a mistaken belief that "Double 10" is the national day of the People's Republic of China, but it's not. Mainland China's National Day is celebrated every year on 1 October. If there is even any memorial activity at all, it's only to commemorate the Wuchang Uprising. However, "Double 10" is Taiwan's National Day.

- History buffs will recognise 120 Armenian Street (Penang) as the southern headquarters of Dr Sun Yat-Sen when he was moving through this region to raise funds from the overseas Chinese who had settled in South-East Asia.

(quote: Quah, Seng-Sun's blog)

3. Everyone gets TEN wishes:

(quote: Wils Chan's Facebook)

1. Increment - Boss: take note

2. Handphone

3. Fix my bathroom leak (for free) and i will promote your service

4. Allow facebook access in office - Boss: you again

5. Greener lifestyle - less waste - R-R-R

6. Bring daughter to Taiping Zoo - Don't rain

7. Spend more time with daughter

8. Love wife and daughter more

9. Enlighten self

10. Increment - Boss: just in case u miss the 1st one

4. Many couples got married on this date, including Malaysian 'model, professional dancer & performing pianist, socialite and a business person' - Leng Yein - her exquisite wedding (at JW Marriott KL, ribbons and flower arrangement for their wedding car was custom made and flown from Holland, they even changed different cars to suit 'traditional' ceremony (Porsche) vs 'modern' (Ferrari)...and many more luxury stuffs....)

5. According to astrologist, it is considered as the luckiest day in a 100 years (no wonder lah...)

(quote: Dr. Anjna Agarwal's blog)

The number ten is regarded as the most perfect of numbers, because it contains the Unit that did it all and the zero, symbol of the matter and the Chaos, of which all came out; it then includes in its figure the created and the non-created, the beginning and the end, the power and the force, the life and the nothing. We may start a new cycle, beginning once again with One. It is possible we may continue our endeavor and raise the One to the relative perfection of the Ten, learning lessons of a higher order. In either case, we can find everything between nothing (0) and something (1). 10 number contains number one of Planet Sun and on Sunday, the date is 10 which has two numbers 1 and 0. Thus, it will be good for everyone. It is a ‘powerful moment of rebirth.’ The unique alignment of 10/10/2010 in the calender on Sunday will bring good luck to the country and its countrymen.

Ten is the number for wisdom, because it contains the essence of all the numbers from one to nine within it and when we add the number one, which features three times indate, is all about focus, new direction, raw energy and rebirth. At the Mayas culture number 10 represents the end of a cycle and the beginning of another. The ten was regarded as being the number of the life and the death. In

China

, the cross represents the number 10 as the totality of the numbers. This balance of numbers: 10/10/10 is a symbol which indicates that success comes when we strive for a balanced outcome in every aspect of life. It's a unique alignment which is favourable for the country ensuring despite anti conditions the nation will progress.

Enlightening Spark

2010-10-12T09:00:00.030+08:00

Ever wonder what your dreams means and how it relates to your present life? Recent happenings and a special dream that I had last week, has brought a paradigm shift in my life. It's a jolt and awakening, seeing how my mind and soul is shifting place. Enlightening.

And how things are falling in place thereafter like a piece of cloth being fabricated, linked from thread to thread, and each thread brings meaningful story that holds together neatly. We write our own script how we want our life to be - you craft it, you fabricate it. Having this understanding in mind, is changing my path positively, making a difference in my current and future life. What we do today, shapes our future.

Have a clear and conscious mind - it helps to make a better decision in life.

If you ever wonder, perhaps one of the days that your life hit a rock bottom, or it strike you with a unique dream that never hit you before, or you feel that you need a change, you do not know what is your next direction, blur? confused? Give yourself some space. Get to know your True Self.

An Inward Journey...most of us blame the external factors. It is easy to point the fingers outward. The thing is, you cannot change others but yourself. And, no one likes to change you unless you want to change yourself for the betterment. So, look inwards, point it back to yourself, within yourself, improve yourself.

You need a change spiritually in life, you need an energy uplift, you need strength to face your life challenges. Spiritually uplift yourself.

Search and explore into your spirituality with an open mind. You will find wonders and peace!

Some other ideas: http://presentoutlook.com/39-ways-to-uplift-yourself/

I thank to this special person who showed up along the journey of my life that prise this hidden spirit and emotion in me, and big thank you to all the newly made friends and all my close friends who have helped me get up and walk through, along this journey. I am rich and wealthy in my heart...because of you...all of you!

The journey continues...we never know when our paths may cross again...for what it is, I have loved dearly.

Peace

Some Facts

2010-09-23T19:35:00.007+08:00

1. 40% of women would consider dumping a boyfriend if her friends didn't like him!

2. 15 minutes, the time it takes for a man to decide on a second date

3. 54% of male prefer to pay on the first date

Source: http://www.lunchactually.com

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4. 29% of women spend more time looking for shoes than a life long partner (haha...this is an interesting one :P )

Source: http://www.dating-services.net/articles/love-stats.php

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Does He Wants You?

2010-09-15T23:24:00.011+08:00

I bumped into a friend who is emotionally down because he is not able to be with the gal that he wants to be with very much. He has been waiting for the gal about 1 year and is still trying to pursue her, not knowing what else to do. I noticed his 'emo' has been plunging downwards lately looking at his FB postings. Vice versa, this could happen to a gal too.

Well, I am glad that I manage to offer some enlightenment through a conversation I had with him yesterday including giving some article references written here. Inspiring, a reminder and eye opener, my friend can now see things clearer and knows what to do next. So, I'm very glad to share more as it also inspire and motivate me along the way. Here's another good one (Oprah's article) that I came across today:

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that’s not meant to be.
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can’t “be friends”. A friend wouldn’t mistreat a friend.
Don’t settle.
If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.
Don’t stay because you think “it will get better”You’ll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Avoid men who’ve got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.
He didn’t marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?
Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up..
Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.
You cannot change a man’s behavior. Change comes from within.

Don’t EVER make him feel he is more important than you are… even if he has more education or in a better job.
Do not make him into a quasi-god.
He is a man, nothing more and nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else’s man.
If he cheated with you, he’ll cheat on you.A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
All men are NOT dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending…

Compromise is two way street.

You need time to heal between relationships…

There is nothing cute about baggage…

Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you…
A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals…
Look for someone complimentary…not supplementary.
Dating is fun…even if he doesn’t turn out to be Mr. Right.
Make him miss you sometimes…when a man always know where you are, and you’re always readily available to him – he takes it for granted.

Never move into his mother’s house. Never co-sign for a man.

Don’t fully commit to a man who doesn’t give you everything that you need.

Keep him in your radar but get to know others.
Scared of being alone is what makes a lot of women stay in relationships that are abusive or hurtful

Dr. Phill says...
You’re the best thing that could ever happen to anyone and if a man mistreats you, he’ll miss out on a good thing. If he was attracted to you in the 1st place, just know that he’s not the only one.
They’re all watching you, so you have a lot of choices. Make the right one.

Believe in Karma

2010-09-13T20:12:00.044+08:00

Throughout my life journey, I've observed it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears. I am sure many would have to. Feel free to share here.

What do you understand about karma?

Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action" or "deed" which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect, while Oxford Dictionary defines it as the "sum of person's actions in one of his successive states of existence, viewed as deciding his fate for the next". In other plain words, what you sow is what you reap.

If have you have not done any thinking today, it is time to do so. If you have been doing more talking rather than putting it into real actions, it is time to make a shift. Be more cautious of your own actions because the circumstances will be decided by karma.

A few questions to ask ourselves - in your daily life, how much have you cared or consider other people's feelings before you take any actions? Have you been treating others well as how you would want others to treat you? Have you made anyone shed tears? Causing more broken hearts or hurt and pain? Have you done & gave your best given a reasonable period of time? Have you been hearing more compliments, thankfulness, or you've been hearing more complaints about yourself? That's right, you must have sowed something, right or not right. It's time to ponder your own actions as all these will come back in a circle, pointing back to our own self. Yes, what goes around, comes around.

Based on a true story of a friend's relationship, the man left her for a younger woman, claimed as being sweet and able to 'give' the 'nice' feeling a guy would want. It is the fast and easy way out for every guy who take a woman for granted over time especially when they have been so giving and caring with all their heart. So, being flowery feet and wanting to try new excitement, he left her for the new woman, and eventually shortly after, he married her. This year, I heard the death of their first child upon delivery. And the woman went on clubbing day after day as if nothing has happened. So you see, as much as people like to think that getting a younger, sweet woman would make him proud, beautiful in his eyes, his friends and family, it is only rosy and beautiful in the beginning. Well, there's always a price to pay later in life. The hurdles are even greater to handle.

For the woman that he left behind, she is still young in her late 20s. Happy and joyful, she is living everyday with smiles and laughters amongst her friends and family who truly care for her. Less worries, burden and heartaches from those who do not know how to appreciate her. She attends gatherings, functions, doing and learning things that she wants to, very blessed, living freely and meaningfully.

Another true story that I would like to quote is posted by Andrew William:

When I was in a teenage community, I observed a very interesting event that took place in this group of youths. Although I was only 12 years old, I saw and learned a good lesson from what took place. A certain girl about 22 years old was the prettiest among the group; she was the heartthrob of all the guys. Knowing this overwhelming attention, she would take advantage of the feelings of the guys; she would take them for a ride to make them think she is interested and would later say she only thought of them as a brother or friend. This broke a few hearts and some of the guys became delusional.

One day she met a really handsome guy, an engineer whom she fell in love with. They were the ideal couple and everyone saw that it was a match made in heaven. He even got to know her parents and visited her at her home regularly. This relationship went on for months and one day, he just vanished. In the days of no mobile phones and e-mails, it's difficult to contact someone once they go missing.

Two weeks later this girl receives a wedding invitation card in the mail. This guy was getting married to someone else!

So to all those who think that they can take the feelings of others for granted, let this true story be a lesson to you, that it can happen to you too.

All in all, believe in karma. Put up your antenna, think and get your actions right. Do your best, give your best to others, return what you have taken that doesn't belong to you. Never take others for granted. An action that is wholesome or unwholesome, will it produce happiness or unhappiness, time will tell!

Therefore, sow your seeds right. Andrew says "imagine reaping the fruits of unkindness, hurts, exploitation, offenses and damage from sowing just one seed". Do you want that? So start today if you have not, say thank you to those who have helped you, treat others who have been so giving and caring to you, do some charity, give and do your best in everything that you dive into, be it for work, or for someone, including your friends and family....before long, you will be overwhelmed with what you reap.

I've been hurt, taken for granted, and I have to let these go as they believe in fairy tale feelings vs the mutual desire of commitment to see the relationship through. I embrace with what I have at present. It is hard to lift myself up again and again from all the pain it has caused me but I know I have to be strong. I believe in doing good, so I hope they learn along their way because I truly care. To take away with me, I shall remember the short & good memories we shared. And I believe in karma, so I shall continue to be caring and giving my best, especially more to those who cares back sincerely. I wish everyone the best and let us all pray for the best.

So What's True Love?

2010-09-07T20:21:00.030+08:00

There are people out there longing so much in search for True Love, BUT do they really understand the meaning of True Love? Or even understand the basic foundation, definition of Love?

It is sad to witness the number of people shedding tears with broken hearts. Some do not realize what they already have that others wish they could get or be in their shoes for what they have already gotten. When they have what's good & caring, they can't see it clearly because they have gotten it in front of them. Over time, it is taken for granted. Ironically, when it is gone, it becomes more apparent & visible the goodness that they have been receiving. People tend to choose to go on 'exciting' search quest that makes them feel good, look good and feel nice. The popular 'feel good' trend....ahh, so nice at first, yes, realistically, more pain comes later because of going after the wrong person, for the wrong reason, AND wrong understanding of True Love.

Do you feel that often, they wish True Love is in the context of their own definition? Living in their own analytical world, True Love is defined according to what they think, what they feel, which in the real world, these are merely part of True Love definition. The entire meaning of True Love is misconstrued. When one truly understands the meaning of True Love, then it may be possible to avoid much of the miseries, hurt and blame brought upon us. Let us not be confused with Love vs Lust (yes, the pleasure, adrenaline, heart pumping thrills, nice and warm fuzzy love feeling...these are temporary, nice in the beginning stage)....

Here are some excerpts to enlighten and remind us the meaning of True Love:

Love can be one of the easiest things to begin, but one of the hardest things to let go of or end.

You must be willing to love, but more willing to be loved back. If you have no intention of improving that person's life, or allowing the person to be themselves and accept them for who they are, and not what you wish them to be, then you are not willing to reach out to love them unconditionally.

You should never expect anything in return when you are in love. When you give love, remember that it never guarantees anything in return. Never take your love for granted.

People who truly are in love are able to give their mates space to develop their potential and find their ways in life.

People who love each other never allow their problems to rob them of their happiness, but see them as hope. They learn to look beyond the problems and doubts and realize that no matter what task may come to hand, their love can find a way through it. Love will test your limits, push your buttons, but can be the only thing worth living for.

So how do you know when you have truly found love?

Read the full article to find the answer. It is absolutely meaningful and worth reading: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Definition-of-True-Love&id=2022465

Tweet Tweet?

2010-08-02T10:25:00.014+08:00

Tweet like a bird! Humans have resemblance like tweety birds now. It's becoming 'the trend'.

As noisy as the chirping birds that perch on the street electric cables or tree branches, and then, all the shit comes out (so, watch your head!).

Putting company tweets aside, this sounds like some bunch of gossipers or frequent users who like to broadcast on the net to the whole wide world about daily routines or about others (some, at hourly rate or in few minutes time). Be careful on what information that goes out! Don't eat, talk and shit at the same place :)

Today, Birdie is currently under maintenance :P Nice advert...there's a crawling worm to eat but where's the birdy?

Pluupppp!!....in the Toilet Bowl

2010-07-05T22:44:00.008+08:00

If this layout somewhat look-like your toilet-shower room....please take pre-caution steps!

Use shower gel...yeah, highly recommended! Not soap....

Today, it slipped from my hands!

What an accident! It fell right into the toilet bowl, just next to it.

Don't laugh!

That's right, I can't flush it.

So......the only solution is.....dip the hand and dish the soap out! Ewwwww

So remember now.... this is one obvious reason why shower gel is recommended vs soap !!

5 Days Later...The Funny IM Spam

2010-07-05T14:31:00.014+08:00

If you have no idea what this is all about, you can start reading the first article I wrote - This is One Funny IM Spam. Else, you may not get the overall gist of what's going on, to make the best laugh! :)

After I penned down the IM conversation in the first article, 5 days later, there it goes again! This proves that they do not have any sort of tracking system or database to write off unsuccessful transaction. Now, for this, I call it a "Stupid IM Spam"....check out the conversation:

It is the same conversation! I copied what was typed to me from the first conversation and it responded the same!

Is this a smart system?? It answered okay when I asked 'are you

stupid'....HAHAHA

2 DAYS AFTER:

HAHAHA again! Ok, I had enough of fun testing it. "xxx, you are now blocked & deleted permanently. Adios!"

This is One Funny IM Spam

2010-06-30T12:31:00.017+08:00

"Spam" is not an alien anymore for Instant Messaging (IM). Even if you have throttled down your IM privacy settings, somehow, they are still able to find ways to reach you!

I received a request to 'add' in my MSN yesterday. The name look decent, so I simply click 'accept' just to find out who it could be, and for the sake of curiosity, I would like to test it. No no no, not that I want to do anything illicit! Just wanted to see how they respond. I could click 'block' and 'delete' thereafter.

Keep on reading and you will find out how funny it is! The approach is really "standard" DISREGARD what you type! It's funny....

After clicking 'accept and add' :

YESTERDAY....

xxx: hi...

Me: hi who is this?

xxx: hey hows it going?? i dont really know you, i just found your profile on yahoo suggestions and decided to add you lol..

Me: oh ic

xxx: so what you up too??

Me: am working
xxx:oh cool... im like really boredhere , do you ever c2c at all with anyone? its ok if you don't, just wondering
Me: wats c2c
xxx: okay well here, im on cam on LCS, do you know what LCS is??
xxx: oh really? here its livecamsecret... here accept this free invite http://URLxxx and you should see me .. hurry up though, cause i think the invite expires in 10minutes!

(I didn't respond...was very busy with work yesterday)

Then, TODAY...
xxx:hey...
Me: yes?? ('celaka ku cai lai'....)
xxx: hey hows it going?? i dont really know you, i just found your profile on yahoo suggestions and decided to add you lol..
Me:: hey hows it going?? i dont really know you too (I intentionally repeat what this person has typed)
xxx: so what you up too??
Me: depends...wat u up to (haha, this is intentional!)
xxx: oh cool... im like really boredhere , do you ever c2c at all with anyone? its ok if you don't, just wondering (eh...start already... same respond as yesterday!)
Me:: do u owiz c2c?
xxx: okay well here, im on cam on LCS, do you know what LCS is??
Me: do u owiz c2c?
xxx oh really? here its livecamsecret... here accept this free invite http://URLxxx and you should see me .. hurry up though, cause i think the invite expires in 10minutes!
Me:: do u owiz c2c? (this is obvious that they repeat from a script. I didn't click on the link given, wouldn't want my computer to be infected with virus in case)
xxx: do you see me?? hit accept invite on the left to talk to me on here.. i think I see you online.. just says unregistered user though
Me:: do u see me?
xxx: did you accept the free invite yet?? I think it expires in 10minutes
Me: omg...
Me:: its ugly (let's try this....give negative feedbacks and see....)
xxx: okay babe let me know when you get in so we can chat on there
Me:: is dat you???
Me:: is that she or he?

HAHAHA it ended with no respond from xxx

PLEASURE vs. HAPPINESS

2010-06-24T01:18:00.017+08:00

Felt a little down today, so I decided to do some blogging since I have been missing in writing this month. One of the best way to occupy the mind, is to express! It works for me, at least :)

Well, I didn't want to pen down some negative or emotional feelings here. So lets talk about happiness? Ultimately, whatever we do determines our state of life which boils down to happiness as the reward. I find this to be useful, knowing the distinction between:

PLEASURE vs. HAPPINESS

So what is it?

Happiness is not pleasure although they can appear similar. Pleasure is enjoyment of an outside stimuli. You might find pleasure in buying a new car, or in going on vacation, or having friends over for dinner, or having sex, or....the list is long on what you might enjoy experiencing. Pleasure requires an external stimuli for you to experience it. Happiness does not. Happiness is a belief about yourself and the outside world. You can be doing something you normally experience as pleasurable but not be happy!

Pleasure is born from the external world, HAPPINESS IS BORN FROM THE INTERNAL WORKINGS OF OUR OWN MINDS.

Happiness is a long lasting enduring enjoyment of life, it is being IN LOVE WITH LIVING.

It is your reward for achieving a good character and personal rational values in life. Some important values are a productive career, romance, friendship and hobbies.

Achieving these values requires rationality and takes effort and skill. Two types of skills you can use are thinking skills and valuing skills.

Once you learn to have confidence in your own mind and once you discover the virtues that make it possible for you to achieve your values and that makes your life worth living, then you will experience the result - an earned pride and a genuine self-esteem. And of course happiness. Hey, isn't that everyone's ultimate goal? I know for sure that it is for me!

I am learning every day to be a better and improved person. One of the philosophies I live in is quality time, quality friendship....quality vs quantity...it makes me happy! I do fall flat on my face sometimes, well, we all learn and bounce back (as soon as possible if can). At the end of the day, I just want to be a happy person. Pleasure is nice (but watch it, will get burnt some day), but happiness is what we all should look at and focus on. Hope you gain some enlightenment here. Feel free to share some of your thoughts here too.

Source: http://www.drkenner.com/what_is_happiness.htm
http://www.selfcreation.com/happiness/what_is_happiness.htm

Can you Spot the Difference?

2010-06-23T23:39:00.010+08:00

In January 2010, I posted an article on "A Manager's Schedule"....the schedule blocks look like this :

I noticed a major difference....can you spot the difference?

In June 2010, the blocks look like this :

Silliness Related to Facebook

2010-05-10T16:50:00.049+08:00

We face all sorts of people in our everyday lives...and this relates to Facebook. I bet there must be some in your life that you came across with such 'scholarly' incumbent that irritates the hell out of your mind, wrecks your nerves, shockingly blow you away sky rocket high and drives you up the wall! Hot and boiling, you just want to tell them "oh, grow up"! All the labellings started spilling at that point of time - infantile moron, frivolous, childish, foolish, imbecile and more, due to their lack of intellectual acuity! I can't help venting and sharing these 2 instances:

1. I want to add you in Facebook, add me lah....

Then, after a period of time....

Dislike you checking on my activities and names who has been added

*click* deleted you

Thelma says: Do not update your Facebook, or even have an account if you do not wish others to see your activities. Why bother or so afraid if you have nothing to hide?

2. Commenting rude sarcasms on friend's Facebook Wall

Repetitively on various topics, and the person just don't know how to stop it

This fella is so irritating that he post arrogant statement eg. doing a good deed by 'responding' to your Facebook's profile message since no one has responded yet

Thelma says: Sucker! Keep yapping and you will get this - Get a life, FCUK and buzz off!

"all your replies posted are deleted. Don't come back again"

Meetingsss - How to Get Out of Jail?

2010-04-13T21:05:00.015+08:00

Staff meetings can become really boring over time especially when you are not the one hosting, reporting or participating in the discussion.

I have experienced it....you start feeling as if it is as a drag or it is a pass time to rest your eyes from the computer screen. What more, you start yawning non-stop looking like a gold fish, trying very hard to pretend your eyes are open when it is open and close repetitively, and oh my gosh, your eyes are totally shut off, dozing away especially when the speaker has a monotonous tone or flat topic that you totally have no interest in. Someone would need to nudge you by your elbow! Or, you suddenly you woke up by yourself, your eyes are suddenly wide opened due to a jerk because your elbow fell off from the chair arm rest!

So, I tell myself, I have to do something different to one of the meetings that I host! Keep it alive! Else, people may start feeling "please help me get out of this jail"...oh boy...

Today, I asked the team to share "what kind of things do you do after office hours and over the weekend?". So, going "round robin", a sharing session....here's my master piece below, my drawing. Happy figuring it out. It was interesting to see one of the members did a flashy presentation. All had great laughs and sharings, not just all about work. Effective and socializing meeting! Woo hoo!

50 Reasons to Stay!

2010-03-02T09:28:00.007+08:00

This is not only to educate myself but also to others who wish to seek some answers. This applies to any type of relationship, be it open, closed, dedicated, special, or whatsoever, you name it.

As much as we thought our conscious are clear, we are smart and strong enough to decide or overcome our cluttered minds, decision-making sometimes may be difficult because we are subjected to various clutters from the mind, heart and ears. This list can be used as a reminder and guideline. Make sure you do NOT lose what is worth keeping. Take time to do reflection:

50 Reasons to Stay (You need all of them)
1. You share honest communication.
2. You share similar values.
3. You both have an expressed desire to be in the relationship and make to flourish.
4. You experience passion in bed.
5. You both follow through on what is said.
6. You respect each other's life path.
7. You respect each other's spiritual values.
8. You support each other in your careers and life purpose.
9. You have a real friendship.
10. You know each other's friends and family.
11. You're available for each other in case of an emergency.
12. You're able to reach mutually agreeable solutions for differing opinions or preferences.
13. You talk out what is bothering you.
14. You acknowledge each other on special days such as birthday and holidays.
15. You can confide in each other.
16. You have a solid sense of self and the courage to speak up when something bothers you.
17. You know where you stand with each other.
18. You work out problems rather than run away from them.
19. You show each other respect in public and in private.
20. You honor and listen to what the other person is trying to communicate.
21. You share similar views on lifestyle.
22. You allow each other time alone.
23. You each allow the other to be who he is and don't try to change him.
24. You each control your own individual finances.
25. You talk openly about changes you see happening in the other person and in yourself.
26. Both of you are single and completely available.
27. You show love, care, and respect to children you may have.
28. You share a vision together for the future.
29. You can work as a team.
30. You can each allow small quirks to go over your head, without a fuss.
31. You can say how you really feel.
32. You both honor and respect the other person's feelings.
33. The relationship has zero verbal, physical and mental abuse--including put-downs and degrading comments.
34. The relationship has zero jealousy, games, and manipulation.
35. You have real dates.
36. After time, you create a full life together.
37. You take short (or long) vacations together.
38. If you live together, you share responsibilities equally.
39. Each of you monitors yourself and not the other person.
40. You both do what you want to do and allow the other person to do the same.
41. You respect each other's exploration of new interests.
42. You know where you stand sexually and are honest with each other about it.
43. If you love each other and are having great difficulties that you want to work out, you seek professional counseling.
44. You are fully supportive of each other's individual expression.
45. You treat each other as The One.
46. You talk to each other rather than to your friends or family about what is bothering you.
47. You do small things for each other out of kindness and love.
48. You let each other know in words and actions that you are there and can be counted on.
49. You take risks by being your authentic self in all areas.
50. You are completely honest, from your heart, and you don't hide your truth because of the fears in your head.

Obviously, the list for reasons 'not' to stay should be easy to realize - you do not feel happy. Period.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?50-Reasons-to-Stay-in-a-Relationship:-Excerpt-from-Stop-Being-the-String-Along&id=144793

Dating and 3 Months Down the Road....

2010-02-15T23:11:00.030+08:00

Accumulated notes to the guys....

Dating period:

1. If you are not attached yet, be bold & take the initiative to ask the girl out if you are interested in her (one at a time! don't be an idiot to go and ask a pool of them like 'sapu all' at pasar lelong)

2. Make it casual and relax. Be yourself (you wouldn't want any party to feel 'different' after you start a relationship - what you see is what you get, accept for who one is so that in future, you don't say 'you should change', you should this and that)

3. Inject humor (nobody likes the feeling of attending a funeral...but don't make yourself look like a clown lah)

4. Be knowledgable (don't blabber and brag too much about yourself, be an interesting person but at the same time, show interest and ask her questions to know the other person more)

5. Don't be too utterly quiet (you will kill the person if not yourself)

6. Don't rush into it! Be patient and learn about each other more (you see, speed kills, quick and fast gambling kills too, so any relationship that is rushed, 99.9% is pure lust! Why bring headaches upon yourself leh if happiness is what you are looking for)

About 3 months in relationship:

1. Don't take her for granted! Remember to say "thank you" or even small compliments for small little thoughtful things that she does (eg. she bought you breakfast, sometimes she is your human alarm clock in the morning so that you can make it in time for your morning meetings, brings you a glass of drink while you are sitting in front of your laptop, she never made a fuss or question you when you have your dinner or fun with your own friends without her)

2. You can request, but do NOT demand eg. "washing clothes is your part", "you should do this...bla bla bla". NO, NO, NO. Even if a couple are together for 50 years, everyday you still learn and grow WITH each other. Share the work. Learn to understand and communicate properly and nicely. Request, not demand. It is 2 different tone. "Sit YOU, sittt!" How do you like it?

3. Do not expect this and that. To begin with, you own these responsibilities even without a partner. So why pass the baton? She is NOT a MAID, and she is definitely NOT someone for you to pass down chores that you DO NOT want to do. Truly if you wish to keep the relationship healthy, refreshing and loving, be grateful for what she has been there for you and treat her with respect. If she prove to be a valuable and suitable person for you, it gives you more reasons to be much nicer and treat her even better. Haven't you heard that when you make a woman feels good, the man actually prosper more (han fook)

4. Do not treat her like a carpet, like sapu kaki go in and out as and when you like it. For example, just because you both have an argument one day, you do not say the break up word without talking it out or rationalizing. How to be successful in a game when you quit at the beginning so easily just because something didn't go right? Understand each other and talk things out. That's the wise way. Else, you won't be able to survive in any relationship not knowing this basics. Mana boleh survive if every time is quit in the beginning??? Be matured about it. Duhh...

5. Do not treat her like she is invisible. She is human, that means she has feelings and emotions. Do not assume that it is ok when you say eg "I am going out tonight". Full stop and go off. Well, if you don't like to be asked questions, or be suspected or allow her brain to start wandering what the heck is going on etc, or worst, she start practicing the same thing to you, well, it won't kill by elaborating your statement more (be honest!). By sharing, you will help her to understand from the beginning the reason why, who, where, how long, then, she will understand & feel more comfortable. This is not called "reporting", this is just helping her to understand better, that you care for her feelings. Vice versa, you would want to be respected the same as well. This will solve "You will never understand". How to understand if you don't even share???

6. Don't go around trumpeting "I am still single, intro me to your friends lah" when you are already in a relationship. Though making friends are common, and actually it is ok, but it is NOT ok when you go around lying about it - that you are not attached and still available. This is as good as being a 2-timer. If you can't honor and respect the person you are with, you are as good as a trash to be thrown in garbage because that statement hurts and that means you are playing with the other party's feelings. How would you feel if you are the one standing in her shoes?

7. Get to know her friends, try to participate into conversation with her friends during an outing or express/show interest to know her family members proves that you want to blend and adapt into her circle of friends and her life. Ignorance and don't care any of these basically tells that you have no long term commitment and interest. So, if you truly like the person you are in relationship with, get to know her friends and family more. Think about it if it is the other way around. IF she just goes out with you, ONLY to know you, she is probably just seeing some gold in you that interest her, period. In a healthy & long term relationship, it is a fact that there is more than just the 2 of you.

8. Do not hide her from your friends - male and female. What is the point of being in a relationship when you are not even proud of being with her to show her off to your friends? Truly it isn't about 'showing off', it is about sharing part of your life experiences with her. If your concerns are - IF any of your male friends tries to tackle her, well, at least you know who are the trustable ones. The sooner you can get rid of unworthy friends, the better! They are not worth your time. IF you are afraid to introduce to your female friends, because you won't be able to do 'things' that the single and available guys can do, well, SHAME ON YOU! You choose and decide to be in a relationship, it is a responsibility to respect the other party you are with. Think about the good memories and journey you have walked with her. Do you want to destroy all the goodness & happiness you have now for some silly fun that is just temporary? Once you scratch it with a mark and the feelings get hurt, it is difficult and takes a lot more work to gain back what was before to recover. Think before you act!

A Manager's Schedule

2010-01-22T16:21:00.016+08:00

After 3 months at my new job, work has started to roll in. Next week will be a busy week with important visitors. Projects have kicked in, staff meetings to attend, deadlines are all in the pipeline. "Managers are always in meeting"....it is true....take a look at my schedule:

Yipes! Difficult to find time to complete 1 course of work in one stretch. 'Ma-na-ger'...sounds like 'many' in front of the word!

Divide me? :)

Rush Hour, Rushed Resolution?

2010-01-19T10:30:00.019+08:00

Chinese New Year (CNY) is FAST approaching! It feels like a gridlock rush hour where CNY is arriving like a bullet train with extra evolutionary engine! Don't you all agree that time flies too fast?

Well, here I am, seeing 1^st day of New Year flew by, and now, Chinese New Year is coming soon. So swiftly that it feels like end of the year is just around the corner.

I have even finished gobbling down the CNY pineapple tart cookies this week! (yummy..)

With a pineapple crown on my head (theoretically speaking since I just ate them haha) I am still scratching my head what’s my resolution for the year! Wanting to do so many things ain't helping me penning them down. I know what I like or want (too many!), so perhaps where to start!

Any ideas??

Work is like a Rubber Ball...

2010-01-12T12:58:00.009+08:00

The New Year has passed 12 days! Holy moley, that fast! Am not too sure whether I am excited about New Year or not, but I think I feel rather phlegmatic in welcoming 2010. I wish I can post what was 2009 and what's for 2010 (knock knock), oh man, it feels hollow! Pardon me and stay tune for more to come :)

Nevertheless, I truly like this sharing from the Coke Man - Brian Dyson, Retired President, Coca-Cola & President, Chatham International . A great opening (and an inspiring one) for Jan 2010....

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends and spirit … and you’re keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or evenshattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for Balance in your life.

To read more, go to: http://www.dankind.com/blog/speech-by-bryan-dyson-ceo-coca-cola/

–Brian G. Dyson
President and CEO, Coca-Cola Enterprises during his speech at the Georgia Tech 172nd Commencement Address Sept. 6, 1996

Disclaimer: My apology for not being able to quote the original source of this excerp. You can google it. I am not liable (can't afford to), do not sue me :P

What Attracts the Opposites?

2009-12-21T14:06:00.059+08:00

Through the number of years I've been living on this planet earth, 'what attracts the opposites' has always been an open question no matter how much it has been talked about in books or online. No matter how many centuries, it will always be an interesting question without any hard rules, true or exact answers!

Well, I simply took on my own observation and based from some feedbacks I have heard here & there through some conversations with friends. It range from a number of people from various age; >25 to about 40. Oh, don't quote me, I have not reached the expert level to self-claim myself as a relationship 'guru' or consultant, but generally, this finding does prove some truths in the society and generation that we are living in (there are reasons why we see so many couples that fits the 'beauty and the beast' category! This finding will fit the puzzle).

Truly, you can make your own observations as well based from the majorities that you see (this is for fun only lah, just an observation as and when it triggers your curiosity) - what attracts the opposites?

(take note - this is a high level observation on what attracts first, applies generally to the majorities. There are many other factors and elements comes under attraction based on individual's taste after this first level of attraction, but I am not drilling further into those areas)

In summary, here are the findings:

Women will choose based from:
1. Got Money
2. Got Look
3. Good in Talking Sweetly, Gentleman

So, men out there....
IF you have 2 & 3, but do not have item 1 = yes, you will be successful (boleh jalan)
IF you have item 2 only = in women's mind, it is "considering", possible yes and no (cuba and see)
IF you have item 1 = sure successful! (anything also jalan)

Men will choose based from:
1. Pretty, hot or sexy
2. Open minded

So, women out there, if you have these 2, you will sure be successful in attracting lots of bees! (apa pun boleh jalan)

Legend: Readers, you define your own definition if you are going to ask me - what is the definition of 'pretty', 'got look' etc. This is because you will have your own definition and everyone may have it differently (for example, you may think this person is so handsome or pretty, but to some others, they may not necessary agree with you on what 'appeals' to you). So I can't define them for you in that context. What I am pointing out here is the initial attraction areas in general. So, it is up to you how you define it as long as you fit in those areas mentioned above :) Take note, this is an observation of thoughts & responses given by others.

Q&A Session at 2:40 AM

2009-12-20T02:42:00.049+08:00

At 2:40am, I thought I am counting sheeps in bed... NOT! I think the sheeps exiled because too exhausted from jumping and working OT (Over Time), and still couldn't get me to sleep HAHAHA. So, here I am catching up writing my blog since I have been slacking. Just 11 more days to next year (sigh)! One year has passed by so fast since I first started writing this blog in Nov 08.

Some questions and answers at this wee hour:

1. Why I can't sleep?

Coz I can't find the sheeps

Photo Source: http://www.cafepress.com/+wheres_the_sheep_jr_jersey_tshirt,187745664

2. So what to do then?

Look for ships....sounds like 'sheeps' mah (oops, Malaysian punya is sampan, tak boleh pakai)

3. What should I do tomorrow?

Think about what to do tomorrow lor

4. Anything interesting this week?

Yeah, I saw a man....... in the toilet.....zipping his pants (whoops, I entered into the gents!)

Click to enlarge photo.
Photo Source: http://www.uberg33k.com/albums/Funny/Wait_damn_it_I_have_to_pee.jpg

5. Share a good joke

Friend said "I am afraid to change my job because I am scared to work"

I asked "why?"

Friend said "Because I have not been working. I don't know if I can work"

I wonder what this person does at work everyday currently? Hmm....
Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/george_eastman_house/2720790908/

6. Any accomplishments today?

I manage to make you read this blog until the end though I am crabbing here! (hahaha)

See, this is how my brain function at this hour :P

Photo Source: http://www.commentsexy.com/Images/anti-apps/images/anti-cute-crab.gif

For the Guys: Found the Right One?

2009-12-09T09:16:00.009+08:00

Here are some guidelines for the guys out there - how do you know you have found potentially the right one?

Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry her with these facts as well.

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are;
Who is earning almost as much as you do;

One, who has dreams and aspirations just as you have because she is as human as you are;

One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements

One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;

One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family name.

One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen

One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you.

One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities.

Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won't, simply because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise.

One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met.

One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;

One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding, or love, if you may call it.

But not many guys understand this......

Please appreciate "HER"

Source: http://sharinip.blogspot.com/2009/11/before-you-get-married.html, http://media.photobucket.com/image/

How Would You Pronounce These?

2009-12-02T07:32:00.010+08:00

An interesting day hearing people pronounce these words:

1. Mont Blanc = "Mont Blank" (say 'blank' as in 'give me a blank cheque')

2. Sorbet = "Sor Bet" (say 'bet' as in 'putting a bet')

3. Cartier = "Ka Tier" (sounds like 'ketiak'!)

4. Marmalade = "Ma Ma La Teh" (say 'teh' as in 'teh tarik')

5. Bordeaux = "Bo Doh" (arhahahahahahahaa)

Handphone Joke

2009-11-15T09:23:00.047+08:00

Let me treat you with the most nutritious, tastes great, less filling, and yet packed full of funly goodness! - yes! This is the latest and most hilarious home made joke!

Thanks to the T9, 'dictionary', or the 'spell word' function from a handphone! It automatically recommends the most suitable and frequently used words as you type sms.

That evening, I did a favor for a friend and she returned with a sms:

Friend: Thank you very very much! Sorry, could you send me a copy that I can edit?

Me: Sure no problem

Friend: Pang sai and thousand thanks!

Me: Hahaha, what is pang sai lah hahaha (Aiks, how did she know?? Coincidentally, I went into the toilet during that time)

She rang me up, burst and laughed hysterically, "Sorry sorry, (shrilled with laughter uncontrollably) I meant phai seh! Ayo, so embarrassing (still laughing insanely)..my phone somehow typed pang sai".

Me: Tu si lo, gua em cai lu an cua chai tiok wa in the toilet ar. An cua kong pang sai pulak! Ha mi su pang sai and thousand thanks leh?

We laughed out loud!

I was still chuckling away non-stop after we hung up. Hilarious!

So all handphone users out there, double check what you typed before you click the 'send' button. You never know what word your mobile phone T9 dictionary has recognized & formed for you hahaha "say" become "sai" (it means 'shit' in Hokkien dialect!)

"Gong" - Do You Know it Has 5 Meanings?

2009-10-18T10:32:00.008+08:00

This one letter word 'Gong' fascinated me because it carries 5 meanings! Say it in Hokkien dialect (a local Chinese dialect).

So here's the story all about....

A grandfather was taking a walk and suddenly someone threw a can from above and hit his head. So the grandfather told his son to go and tell the person that the can hit him and has made him feeling giddy. The son do not speak hokkien, so the grandfather taught him this one word 'Gong':

Gong Gong (grandfather) gong (says), gong (the can) gong (hit) gong gong (grandfather)! Gong Gong (grandfather) gong gong (giddy)

Now, lets dig into your linguistics :P Read it out loud with the correct intonation. Have fun!

Source: www.tituslow.com

Things Fall Nicely For You When.....

2009-10-03T00:51:00.028+08:00

As part of our life journey, the path may not always be beautiful and straight forward. I have gone through quite an interesting path, in terms of family, work, friends, and have met with all sorts of people...true friends who will always be there when you need them disregard time & distance, up to cheaters, liars, backstabbers including those who are just nice and friendly, or gentleman only in the beginning for a motive.

Well, above all these, you will get by it as long as you HAVE FAITH in yourself and keep doing what is RIGHT - keep that as your principle/motto. Bear in mind, never do or steal things from others that will hurt people around you for your own selfishness just because you want something. The joy or happiness will not last. Believe in karma...don't do unto others if you do not want others to do unto you. Hence, treat people with sincerity. All the unlucky things that hit me which I thought were bad...well, they turned out to be blessing in disguise! Truly are blessingsssss!

So, in case you are ever down, thinking that the whole world is against you...STAY POSITIVE...hang around positive people and talk to trusted friends.

And...remember these thankful phrases....be grateful and you will know how to appreciate yourself, others, and many other things in life to stay happily:

I am grateful for the air I breathe daily

I am thankful for having good food daily

I notice there are people who love me and I am thankful for them

I am grateful for all the friends I have made so far

I am thankful for having someone to talk to

I am thankful for having a place to sleep

I appreciate I have clothes to wear and I am thankful for them

I am grateful for the challenges that life has brought me

I am thankful for all the smiles I have received in my life

I am grateful I have experienced the wonder of life so far

I am thankful for the conversations I enjoy daily

I am grateful for all the places I have seen in my life

I appreciate all acts of kindness toward me and I am grateful for them

I am thankful for having shelter

I am grateful for all the tools available to the reach of my hand to help me build my life

I am thankful for the sun that warms me up

I am grateful for all the experiences I have lived that have made me the person I am today

Hope this helps to make your day a better day, and lead a better meaningful life! Even if you do not see the light right now, do not worry, because things will fall nicely for you even without you realizing it when you keep doing the right things! It is as if the journey has already been pre-planned for you (this is true in my case) :)

Cast Your Vote Here - WIN 4 MOVIE PASSES

2009-09-06T08:35:00.013+08:00

It is "The Nuffnang Traffic Contest" by Nescafe.

Please help to vote (click on the icon below) and give yourself a chance to win 4 movie passes!

Kindly extend this to your friends too. Thank you!

OR, you can simply click on this URL to view the script and vote: http://www.kickstart.com.my/chillLah/participant/ln

The Downturn

2009-07-08T00:38:00.026+08:00

Have you ever felt like you are clinging at the edge of a steep pinnacle? Yeah, it hits me! I felt that way suddenly.

I do not know what to think! - Should I give up, let go and just let things fall flat? Should I try harder to climb up? Should I choose trying a new route to climb up? Making the decision on what path I should take is not easy...because I am not seeing it! It is frustrating when what you see is just BLANK. Yeah... a blank wall that seems endless and difficult to vision...

Shucks, I felt so down...it flashed to me that things that I like and like doing...are taken away, and I am 'not', yes NOT getting what I have been wanting or wishing for. 1 BIG thing that I've always been given has now been taken away! The odds stacked further - what I've been wishing for, has never come true though I have put in my very best efforts for what its worth.

As much as I tried to shield my emotional feelings (being a professional at work), most perceive me to be 'very independent, strong, can take care of myself'...but hey, I am still a woman, one who needs to be cared for, one who needs a shoulder to cry on, and one who needs emotional support.

A good friend told me that God can give you a great gift, they can also take away that gift. It is all under His control, His timing. When you are in your comfort zone, when you have forgotten Him, the gift is taken away, that is when you should start do the thinking, and for you to remember & have faith in Him. There is a reason behind all these. It will make you wiser and better because He has plans for you. What is yours, will meant to be yours. Have faith.

I am trying really hard to be positive & have faith during this downturn. I thank my friend for spending the time to listen to me, giving me genuine advices and for being so understanding.

So ok, the advice - try to slow down...am driving the train too fast. I have kept myself too busy, now the train is exhausted and crashing. Time to do some self reflection!

A hard day can be a great teacher. No one is immune to a hard day and these are usually the times we can learn the most. So, getting space can remind us that external circumstances are not the whole picture. So I should remind myself - catch our breath and re-center ourselves, PRAY and ask Him....then, we will be able to determine our next move - which train station to get down and which train to hop on.

Who Moved My Couch?

2009-06-20T16:42:00.036+08:00

It never really occurred to me that I have to go through this whole process again...

After several years of hopping around jobs in KL (still very energetic back then :), I finally landed in Penang by fate in year 2005. It wasn't a job that I applied for. It found me, and that was how I landed in Penang - by coincident, and everything was for better. Though I lost something which was dear to me once upon a time, it is truly blessing in disguise for where I am and what I am today. A lost that turned out to be a gift contributing to my journey of life here.

Over 4 years in Penang, I became really complacent for the job and position that I have.

Suddenly....18 June 2009, my comfortable couch was moved.....so today, am on the marathon run again so to speak.

How it feels like when it was announced to me at 8am and what came across my mind... :

1. I was floating in the air...in wonder-land....in other words, actually I was still groggy and sleepy...worst, I was on drugs since I was sick
2. Eat grass and weed liao
3. Wait a minute...ang pau lai liao... ok, not so bad. 'Something' better than nothing
4. At HR, how much do I get? Calculator please....punch punch punch numbers
5. Tiu lap sap (in cantonese)...yes, I have a lot things that I can just throw without the need to think twice or thrice now. Hmm...oso khiok sam pah (in hokkien) because I will be bringing back home some stuffs
6. Oh yeah...donation time....:)
7. How to break it... good or bad news? Nevermind, inform family & special one first :) I will miss all my colleagues!
8. SPAMMING.... blast farewell emails
9. Kin kin (in hokkien) transfer projects.. no more incoming please
10. Merdeka!! Stress-free!!!!

These will only come to your mind when the day hits. When it does, take it positively and be encouraged to move on for the better.

"We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lost sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way"

I thank all my friends, colleagues and family for being there for me. Thank you.

What's next in my life? Wherever it takes me, the journey is the reward! Live out loud! :) I hope to be able to still stay in Penang, near to my family & nearest to my lovely hometown, Taiping....stay tune!

Disabled!

2009-05-18T19:45:00.020+08:00

Hiking or running events have been toiling around in my mind for some time. Just some of the activities that I have been considering to participate but have not, YET eg. Malakoff Runs, Kwong Hwa Penang Hill Run etc. I suppose these are just some of my lame excuses:

1. Why am I 'running' with my weight
2. Any good reason to jiggle those fats on our body
3. What will happen when we keep thumping our whole body weight on the poor knee joints
4. It takes extra steps for people like me whose height is no more than 155cm...so the body might drain out a bucket of sweat, end up like a dry 'kismis' by the time I reach the destination
5. End up walking alone. Because at the start itself, all would have bypassed me. And upon reaching the final destination, the event would have ended.

Today, I received an email message of another running event. One that I thought would give me a reason to participate - short distance. My eyes glanced quickly and caught these first 2 items:

Number 1 item - it is a 'Peace Run 2009' ... ok, so this sounds good, run for peace!
Number 2 item - hey, it is 1.5km !... ok! The distance is nice, definitely a YES! (because normally the minimal distance is 6km. Others are 10km and above...it can kill me!)

You know what is so DEMORALIZING?

Not only I cannot qualify myself to compete in running....this is even worst...check it out:

DANG! I found out 'my level'

When You Are On The Verge of Death...

2009-05-14T00:40:00.020+08:00

When you are on the verge of death...when you are lying on the hospital bed...what would be one of the things that you would have done - have you ever thought of that? or even the situation of death?

Over our lunch today, that was one of the topics. An interesting one, and you can actually seriously consider and give it a thought! All the ideas started spilling out...how to feel happy and richer eventhough the number of days living are numbered.

My colleague, Y, shared this out loud...and out loud it was, we laughed OUT LOUD too :)

Y: I would swipe the credit card! Pump petrol, spend at the malls, all swipe it lah

K: Aiya, they will call your phone to verify if you have swiped this amount or that amount. They will investigate, track your family and call them up

Y: If they call me, IF I can still talk, I will just reply them 'yes' I signed the card. Just say 'yes' la. Afterall, how many days more to live? Then ar, I shall teach my son to imitate my signature also!

K: The banks will find ways in their 'billing statement clauses' to get their payments. Since when they are so generous with their collections?

Me: Yeah, you better read the fine prints clearly. There might be some loop holes protecting these credit card centers on collection when someone is dead and still owe a big sum. Maybe just swipe few hundreds for petrol, then it will be too small of an amount for them to come after hehehe

Y: What can they do if someone is dead? What to collect from the dead?

H: Dig up your coffin and ask you for payment. And then, your family may find your coffin is missing also. They will sell it to get some payments

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Hilarious...what a lunch over this topic!

Would this work? Swipe the credit card and not return any payment... yeah, RM100, 200, that would not hurt would it? or please collect from the dead! Good idea? Bad idea? It is a thought! HAHAHA

2 Small Words to Convey My Indefinite Feelings

2009-04-19T12:40:00.038+08:00

For the first time in my entire life, this is my biggest achievement - collected >RM10,000 in about 10 days! The charity drive is no different from those days when we were in primary school where we were handed some donation cards to fill up (except this time, it is for a bigger amount). And most of the time, we used to pester and put on our sweet little angel faces to plead (equals to 'force') family members, uncles, aunties and neighbors to help fill up the card! 50cents, 1 ringgit, etc to fill it up! Yeah...I remember those days! This time, have to do it 'professionally' haha.

This is the first time I participated at a very much bigger scale. NO cheating this time, no longer have that 'angelic' face lah! haha. How to 'con' uncles and aunties for 10k!

Each volunteer is to reach RM10,000 donation collection. I must say that I am very satisfied and extremely thankful to many friends in Penang and Kuala Lumpur (and you, KY! Many many thanks!), colleagues, and my very dear family for all their love and support (love you sisters!).

Their generosity, kindness and sincerity have marked indefinite feelings on me. They have shown an essence of greatness and fundamental characteristics of the noblest men and women that I've known - unselfishness.

As the saying goes, "when I was young, I admired clever people, now that I am wiser, I admire kind people". I am, really. I was really moved by the number of responses - 69 donors in total, THANK YOU! Without your contribution, I wouldn't have met my numbers to help these poor children who are trying to keep their smiles on their faces eventhough they are suffering, fighting for a second chance to live. Their names and faces will be announced in the newspapers after their heart surgeries. Each heart surgery needs approximately RM25k.

Those who have been following my blog, you would have read how I started participating in this activity as a volunteer, and what it is all about. It was rather spontaneous, coincident, AND LAST MINUTE!

So I wasted no time and drafted personalized email and sent out to each of my friends and colleagues. Considering that I sent out to about 100 at least, the outcome is approximately 60-70% successful. It is indeed God's blessing for this success.

Is it because it was a good timing when I approached them (hmm...though we are going through economy downturn)? Or most people I know are wonderful, kind and generous? Does it reflect the type of person I am and how I have been with people? Is it because of how I communicated in my email? Is it because of the charity drive itself that is admirable and applauding? Well, I don't know, probably some factors here and there. Bottom line, I am just so glad to have that many people responded to my email:

Dear so and so....

I am not sure if you can donate some here for a good cause (a campaign by Penang Adventist Hospital), so I would like to take this opportunity to share with you. Basically, I have donated to this fundraising campaign for Children's Heart Surgery and am seeking more donation to top up the fund.

Making a difference for the children in need of heart surgery!

Let me know if you are interested, help me reach this mission. Any amount to your ability and generosity would be great amount of help. This can be tax exempted for income tax.

Last year, this campaign collected an amount that managed to help 6 children heart surgeries (as published in the newspaper, see attached - the good thing is you know where your money goes). Helping the children is one of my personal 2009 mission! So i decided to pick this up.

No obligation at all. Let me know if you can chip in. Tax exempt receipt will be issued to you (recognized by gov't with a stamp). I will collect the receipts from Adventist and pass to you since I need to collect for the other donors.

Pls also help to spread the words...this is not for me, it is for the children....God bless you for your kind heart.

Note... I only do this fund collection once a year. Quality better than quantity. So do not worry of me asking you more than one time.

Would really appreciate it if you could let me know please. Do it for good cause. Thanks!

How to make donation:

Cash - pass directly to me

Cheque – write payable to "Heart Patients' Fund" (write at the back "Kinabalu challenge") @Bank into CIMB account – 07300001427523 (please give me time of transaction and amount)

Thank you in advance.

Those who wish to donate, yes, Penang Adventist Hospital still accept generous donations for the children in need.

Again, I take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported this charity drive from the bottom of my heart!

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain

Try Mount Apartment First!

2009-03-21T18:13:00.033+08:00

Prior to climbing Mount Kinabalu (Mt. KK), it is highly recommended to go through several trainings, yes... at least a month or more that's what I heard.

If you have been following my blog, you will know that I have just signed up as a volunteer to climb Mt. KK in 2 weeks time (for a charity drive)! Eeeks!

21 March 09, today is officially my first training. I only have 6 more days to go before the real challenge! (sounds like a hero digging her own graveyard haha)

One of the advantages for staying in a high rise apartment - the staircase is another version of Batu Caves. Hence I call it, Mount Aparment! Had a 700ml water bottle with me as I climbed. I clocked in 55minutes - 3 ways up, 2 ways down. One way = 32 floors (20ft per floor). Mathematically, a total of 3200 ft = 975.36m = 55 minutes.

Pant! May God help me.

I think I will need to practice 2 more climbs at least.

My first time climbing the 32-step staircase:

1. The path is solely yours. Ample space in case you wish to roll down or crawl up.
2. At least you know no one will give you a look when you are panting at lower levels. Even if you wish to grumble all the way up and down :)
3. You have peace of mind - lifts are available at each floor whenever you need it! haha
4. KFC / hawker food are just one button away using a lift
5. Don't need to drive. You are already in your apartment building
6. You can head home straight away in few seconds to catch your favorite movie
7. Shoes remain super clean
8. If you are exhausted, you can grope for the railings
9. You can tell people that you have done a 2-hour work out because it makes you sweat like a pig even in 20 minutes
10. Allows you to be lazy, mildly so to speak hahaha. I do not need to wake up early morning for 7am hike at Penang Hill. So I can have enough snooze and start climbing the stairs at 5pm. Rain/shine!

If I make it to the peak, then this can be a 1-week training guide to climb Mt. KK! (wah seh, sound macam expert aje)

Oh my poor feet that will soon be tormented, here's my new hiking shoe that I have to invest. The grips are specially made for hiking. It is light and comfortable, really soft inside - excellent for long hours of hiking. After 30% discount = RM251.30. Dang! I am going to make sure I make full use of it!

Just Give

2009-03-20T00:33:00.043+08:00

Opportunity comes by whenever, and wherever, when you least expected! It is really true!

Oh, and I also came across some selfish & silly people (when I least expected it!) that stir some angry clouds on the horizon.

On 12 Mar 09, I was at the hospital with a friend, collecting our medical check-up report. At the same time, we met the gal who handed us the receipts as we have donated to the hospital for the Heart Patients' Fund. Conversations were going on while I was chatting away with another gal seated at the Wellness reception desk (trying to 'korek' some information..hehehe..and found out what type of benefits they are entitled to being an employee there). Suddenly, the word 'hiking' was mentioned and my friend pointed to my direction "you can ask her, she hikes".

Ah, so that was how it all started...2 persons not able to hike, so they are looking for people to fill up the slots.

Oh, and no, I am not a regular hiker. Once a year only, how is that? hahaha

The exciting challenge totally bought me - to hike Mount Kinabalu, one of the world's heritage site. The purpose is for a good cause - gain some publicity to raise some funds for the children's heart surgeries. I bought my flight ticket 3 days after the conversation and the hike is in 2 weeks time! What could happen to me? I really do not know what I get myself into ;) Will I get jelly legs? Would I make it to the top? Would I curse on my way up there? Would I faint? NO, I mean seriously collapse! or vomit (due to altitude sickness)? I really don't know! I am having a sudden acrophobia feeling! (gulp)

I never had any thought of climbing Mount Kinabalu (I didn't even go when my sis invited me), nor have any plans to go there! And suddenly I volunteered to hike 4095m above sea level! I will be leaving to Sabah in 1 week's time!

Oh please please...don't let me go out of breathe! No CPR unless from a handsome hunk! (I know one of my best friend KY will say this - dream on la you!)

As this hike is for a noble cause, so part of the mission as a volunteer is, to raise some funds. I am shocked by the number of generous people around me. Makes me feel very blessed. And this is purely by email. I manage to raise RM500 in a day as a start. Then, RM1k per day. Even better, the next day, another RM1k! And it keeps rolling, the next day, another RM1k! 3 days in a row! God is truly blessing this charity drive. Hope the number keeps climbing.

My good friend said "This is the right thing to do". I am very glad. Some even applaud "Good job for this is a really good effort". These makes my life more beautiful. Thank you.

During this 3-day episode, I'm telling you, there are some people who can really drive me nuts - vomit blood! I can accept people having their own opinion and preferences, but if the decision is not to donate, why ask silly questions & talk so much!

Number 1 - "Why do the kids need heart surgery? Is it because they are born that way? or is it because of the parents?"

Reply - Because the kids just love to take the pencil and puncture their heart lah! So fun. You should try it yourself! (you ask for it for your silly questions!)

Number 2, another classic one - "I rather donate to friends and colleagues and their family members that have fund problems for health reasons, although it is not tax exempted".

Reply - yeah, I am so glad I am not your so-called 'friend' after 20 years. Else, if I am your friend, that means I have health and MENTAL problems!

Number 3 - "my heart ain't as big as yours, i'm a cruel, evil person just fyi"

Reply - Eh good for you, for giving up your spot in heaven for others

Here's another one, Number 4 - "This organization over charge the patients"

Reply - Aiya, the solution for you is simple....go to hospital and ask for less experience surgeon to operate you. You can get it cheaper lah

Interesting people huh?

Seriously speaking, what grudge with the hospital has to do with helping the children who are seeking for help? Why punish these innocent children with your own grudges? Overcharge ka, not overcharge ka...I am sure the hospital has some of the best experts for the fees required. Should not harbor such ill feelings anyway. For goodness sake, we are just helping the children lah.

The moral is:

Just give, if you feel you can give within your capability for goodwill. We do what we can to offer help when someone is in need. Damn it. (yes, I was furious frankly)

I personally am very thankful to my colleagues, ex-colleagues and friends from KL who are so generous to support this drive. They responded to my email themselves and was very quick in handing some money (including those who lost their jobs!). No questions asked! With your big heart, the children may smile again and have a chance to live!

I will make sure I pray for all of you when I reach the peak (I hope I will)! God bless your kind heart!

How to make donation:
Cheque – To “Heart Patients’ Fund” (write at the back “Kinabalu challenge”) @ Bank into CIMB account – 07300001427523
(please provide me your Full Name as stated in I/C, transaction date & time, mailing address so I can mail you tax exempt receipt, amount of donation)

Miracles in Love

2009-03-10T00:38:00.031+08:00

Many of us yearns for miracles to happen. I know I am one of them! If you are, read on. Life is unpredictable. Things happen when you least expect it (we put such high expectations that we often left with disappointments, darn! So, don't!).

A good friend of mine shared this with me and I think it is a really beautiful & inspiring piece to share. It has given me hope and courage to do things beyond my daily routine (we call it a 'temporary insanity'). Whether there is positive result or not, well, better to try than nothing at all. No one knows what the outcome could be...I will look back with no regrets at least.

This happened few years back, a girl met with an accident. Quite a major accident, a bus, and many people were injured. So people thought she has died. They left her with the dead by the road side, waiting for a morgue car to come get her.

It just so happened that a passer by came and heard a heavy breathing. Found out that she was not dead yet! The passer by quickly sent her to the hospital as time couldn't wait for the ambulance. And so her life was spared by this savior, who do not know each other.

A few years later, they met again. Wasn't sure how exactly. A beautiful fate it must be....both of them, the passer by and the gal he saved, got married! And today, they have two kids together, now living in Kuala Lumpur.

For what is meant to be yours, it will find its way to you, some how, some ways, it will be yours. Fate will find its ways. Just be bold in life to take an action. In this case, maybe he decided to take a step to send her to the hospital instead of leaving her on the road side like the others. In odd situation, places, timing, at the very least expected! It is a miracle how things turned out. A miracle that I need too...if you want something, even a dream come true, go for it if it is worth it!

Keep praying...dear God, if he is meant for me, please, and PLEASE make it happen....

"Miracles happen to those who believe in them" ~ Bernard Berenson

I hope this gives you a nudge of encouragement if you are looking for the same thing. Be patient about it (it doesn't happen overnight). Also, do not force (not asking you to fall onto his lap purposely lah) to make it happen out of desperation.

A book I read called Quantum Leap Thinking by James J. Mapes quoted "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it"

So pull your guts together dear friends and take an action/do something different today!

Here's A funny Love Graph for Fun

Source

"Ar-yo-yeoh" from Our Waitress

2009-02-15T13:30:00.096+08:00

29 Jan 09 - This was one hilarious experience from a waitress that served us at Edelweiss Cafe. From my past F&B working experiences, as well as being a frequent dine-out person, this is my first to witness.

We decided to meet at Edelweiss Cafe located at Armenian Street, Penang to celebrate our friend's birthday and in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebration.

It started off with good food. Price is reasonable.

Nice historic preserved interior design, a 150 years old building, with old furnitures, picture frames & kerosine lighting... it takes you back to the 40s.

Very interesting toilet

It was about 1.5 hours away to closing time, 10pm. The place was fully packed. Customers were still streaming in. The waitress came & clear the plates from our table. Then, she came back....

Waitress: Excuse me, what time are you leaving?

We: (??????) What time do you close?

Waitress: 10pm

We looked at our watch, I looked at the big old clock to double check, aiks, there is still 1-1.5hrs

We: Err we have not gotten our ice cream desserts yet

Waitress: Oo, ok, yes, dessert...ar-yo-yeoh

Ok ok... maybe her English is not so good lah. Nevermind nevermind....excuse her for the first time.

So she brought us our desserts. The place was still crowded, 2 -3 servers running around managing orders & serving

We: Can we have the menu please

Waitress: Ar? you want to order somemore? (ar-yo-yeoh again...as she walked away getting us the menu)

We: (#$@!&*%) Yeoh, I think she likes you. You are the only guy on this table. She kept mentioning your name ar-yo-YEOH!

Imagine this....

Yeoh : Ar-yohh...please lah....em thang lah (his face cringed)

So she passed us the menu.

We: One apple flan please

Waitress: Only one ar? (she looked at 6 of us)

We: Yes, and oh, can you bring out the birthday cake now?

Waitress: Hah, cake ar...what? You are going to cut the cake here? (*sigh*) ar-yo-yeoh (she said it in her Indian accent)

Then, she brought the cake to our table.

We: Can we have plates and spoons please? (since she has cleared everything from our table)

Waitress: Errr this one ah, you bring your own cake, we don't provide plates.

We: (#$@!&*%) Hah? So how do you expect us to eat? Guna tangan?

We have heard of DIY (Do It Yourself) ...this is something new BIY (Bring It Yourself)?

Waitress: Sorry la, difficult for me to request more plates from the kitchen. I tak boleh masuk. So it is difficult to get more plates

We: Ok ok, how about serviettes? Can you bring us serviettes to replace the plates?

Waitress: Eerrr.. (note, this require deep thinking...must be very tough mission to bring more serviettes)...ok I bring more serviettes.

She came with the serviettes.
Then, she brought us spoons.

Waitress: This is the best I can do

Speechless but hilarious. Are we supposed to say WOW for the spoons? Adui...

This must be one of your best birthdays arhahahaha

After singing birthday song and enjoyed the green tea cake, we had few pieces of cake left. This place was really pack because of the festive season. The waitress came to our table again.

Waitress: So are you done? Are you leaving soon?

We: (#$@!&*% 2nd time?? no way...) No. We will tell you when we are. We have not finished our cake yet.

The waitress ar-yo-yeoh softly.

She went to the next table of 10 persons to ask the same as well. They must have overbooked and now panicking to get tables available!

LT: Hey, one piece of cake left, quickly eat it. Otherwise, that ar-yo-yeoh waitress might come back to our table and dig into the cake and finish it. Then, she will say on behalf for us, we are done! hahahahaahahaa

Finally, as we were paying our bill....(it must be the waitress's glory moment)

We: Do you take credit card?

Without a word, the waitress went off and came back shortly...she gave us these 2 very important words on the bill tray...

Check it out, we were awarded with a CASH TERM plague! hahahaahaha

We: Want to try and ask - no discount ar?

(Next time we should bring our own cups & utensils, then ask for discounts lah)

We all agreed. Ya lah ar-yo-YEOH!!!!

Before we left, we couldn't help but insist her to be in our group photo! To make it more memorable!! (yes yes for blogging purpose so next time you can ask for the same waitress! hahaha)

It so happened that most of us were wearing green clothing that night.

Yeoh was a happy man that he could 'blend' in as the rose amongst the girls.

Right before we left, the table of 10 persons sitting next to us were celebrating birthday as well. We told them, ask the waitress for plates! HAHAHA.

They laughed. True enough, it was the same answer from ar-yo-yeoh waitress.

Mission completed. That was what we wanted to witness. We stepped out of the restaurant laughing all the way... all these came from ONE waitress! Ar-yo-yeoh...

A Hidden Scenic 'Kampung' in Penang

2009-02-08T23:56:00.098+08:00

8 Feb 2009 - I thought I am already on a 'Pulau' (Island). Today, I realized that our ancestors just love the word 'Pulau' so much that they have to confuse us even more. Read this - Pulau Betong, at Balik Pulau, in Pulau Pinang. Oh hey, a new tongue twister phrase!

About 18 persons (adults & kids), 3 cars... went on this journey.

On our way to Pulau Betong (hunt for Kampung Perlis), we found 2 large acres of padi field. As we were waiting for our GPS to find us, we stopped by the field. I realized, there is still SO MUCH land in Penang!

You can be rich around this area by selling Laksa (a Malay Laksa) or Ice Kacang! Look at the crowd at Laksa Janggus (what the...it sounds like janggut / jangut (jangut means beard) ). If it is named after the cashew nut trees planted in front of their stall, it should be Gajus. What is Janggus???

Anyway, they even have a mini zoo at the back - peacock, doves, pigeons, rabbits, rooster and hen. What a combination....

A nice scenic kampung (village) as you can see. Check out the signboards...classic tampal case

If you like onion, next door sells Kerepek Bawang (a type of snack made of onion)

The fish is fresh around here, so the laksa soup is nice. The smell is pleasing, especially to the taste. I dried up my bowl of Laksa (RM2.00). Even the young one slurrrpppped on it (considered not spicy at all for a Malaysian standard). Burrpppp...Alhamdulillah.......^_^

The ice kacang looks like a delicious concoction. It is much better if the ice is grind to a fine texture. Literally speaking, it felt like I was crunching diamonds in my mouth. So I prefer the fine and smooth texture.

Droopy pineapple leaves found in front of a clinic house next to the stall.

Our gluttony must have caused one of the cars to sink! A-hah! Just kidding....anyway, watch out where you park the car in this village! The sand is so soft that one of my friend's car sank when he tried to drive out from the sandy area.

Note: To view the captions, hover your mouse over the photo and click on on it

Thanks to Ah Pek (Uncle) who passed by on a motorbike. He has experienced in such situation since he is a lorry driver around this village. Lesson to learn:

Gather some people to push the car. The driver only need to step on the gas just a little to nudge the car. Too much acceleration will just make the wheels spin faster & sink deeper into the sand.

This experience showed us a manifestation of teamwork and harmony in a multi-racial country, Malaysia. The kampung people were really nice to stop by and helped us pushed the car.

A palette of unity and harmony in a hidden kampung, Pulau Betong!

At End of 2008... I Realized that....

2009-02-08T02:36:00.031+08:00

1. I have at least 17 handbags which only 4 to 5 are frequently used. Balance...err...becomes part of my bedroom decoration.
2. The number of shoes that I have, comes close to the number of years I have been living in this world! 29 pairs of shoes + a pair of slipper = 30!!
3. Need to be more aware and cautious to avoid those who are 'nice' only in the beginning (first few months) or become 'extra' nice suddenly (because they 'expect/want' something from you). Agree with what your heart & mind tells you if it is a red flag alert, because it is true! They are not sincere people who are NOT worth to be called 'friends'. I got stabbed badly!
4. My hair shed more than it grows...shit! I wish this could be a surplus that I can insert in my resume / performance appraisal that I've been working too hard :)
5. I have fulfilled my 2008 resolutions....woo hoo - living healthily (exercise consistently, so get to eat more chocolates haha), and... bring smiles to the young ones and the elders (participated in events helping the old folks, & assisted in Sunday schools)
6. I have fixated my eyes on only 1 guy in 2008 (I'm a loyal person mah..what to do, it's me..). I think it is my eyes that needs to be fixed! Moving on...
7. It is taking me more than a year to finish a book when it should be just a month! I feel so sorry for the friend whom I borrowed the book from...sorryyyyyy..so, can I get another 1 year extension? :)
8. Most of my colleagues thinks that I have a high tolerance for alcohol. Most interesting part revealed, one said that my strategy is to go to the loo every 5- 10 minutes. I am surprised by the person's inquisitive mind that he actually tracked the number of times I went to the loo. I wish Malaysia has more cleaner toilets
9. I am a Malaysian Chinese but I still look more like a Japanese while some say, Korean. The American accent I inherited could never depart from me. The part I wish to 'look the same' or 'inherited' as well...salary in USD or Yen...so I digged my pocket today, all Ringgit only lah
10. I still couldn't find my way to the highway toll from Changkat Jering in Taiping eventhough I have lived there for 17 years...my back-up plan, I tell people that my IC (identity card) is '07' = Penang lang! (means Penang local). It is an advantage for having multiple identities. If kena stop by police (being stopped by traffic police) in KL, I say... Encik (Sir), I am from outstation. If I get lost in Taiping, I get away with it by saying I am Penang lang. If I get lost in Penang, I'd say I am from Taiping! If being teased why I can still get lost in Taiping or Penang, my standard reply "I have been away living in KL and US too long" hahaha

Yesteryear has gone past, so fast! I am glad to have great memories that lasts. 2009 is here alas, hope it is a better year for us!

Stay tune for more updates on how I begun my year 2009!

What Do You Want in a Relationship?

2009-02-02T10:44:00.003+08:00

This is an interesting article I received. Whether it applies to you or not, it is an eye opener & worth reading, to lead a better relationship. It prompts - 'Why did I get married?' or 'Why am I in this relationship?'

"...in most cases, you will always end up with having the 20% that you WANT and loosing the 80% that you really NEED and that you already had....

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have.

Life is...
About your jobs.
About your friends.
About your children.
About your lifestyles.

If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are, you are first class!"

Read the full article here: http://butdoisay.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/do-not-look-back-and-ask-why-look-forward-and-ask-why-not/

Free Estee Lauder Mascara (worth RM115)

2009-01-29T03:00:00.007+08:00

29 Jan 2009 - It is worth trying afterall! I won, I won, I won! A full size of Estee Lauder newly launched mascara - what's special about it? It vibrates! Noooooo way...ok, keep reading.

The first time I ever won a cosmetic contest was Maybelline (when I was in KL) - free dinner with Siti Nurhaliza (Malaysian famous singer & actress) + full size cosmetic goodies. All I need to do - purchase a Maybelline product (a lipstick) and submit a creative Maybelline signature. Whalla!

This time, upgraded to a higher-end brand, Estee Lauder. Whether it is pure luck or not, it is indeed worth trying - after office hours (*wink*)! Applicable only for reputable brands.

All I need to do - buzz my friends via email. I sent out some emails, probably about 150 (where some may be outdated/invalid emails) - I have to share this great deal with my friends right? :)

As I turned the cap, the mascara stick vibrates. Turn it more, the cap will then open fully. I asked the sales girl "what's the purpose of the vibration?"

She looked at me for a while as if I have asked a lewd question (in my mind: Huh? It is a valid question, am not a licentious man...hmm maybe she thought I was trying to be funny for a moment. If I did not relate it to the mascara.. haha..it does sound funny).

The purpose is to volumize, lengthen, curl (so bye bye to eye lash curler) and to separate eye lashes.

Cool isn't it?

I tried it. Hey, it does work wonders as what it stated! Look thicker too. To curl it more, apply twice, moving it slowly upwards direction. No clumps!

For what's worth trying, this is worth it. So next time, maybe you can try your luck!

3 kilos of Laughters

2008-11-02T03:52:00.003+08:00

Friday, Oct 31 marked an exceptionally awesome day. My dear friends threw an early birthday celebration for me and Sean.

There were so much humour and food, it made a wonderful and meaningful day. We had an exquisite dinner, delicious Japanese food at Ryoma Japanese Restaurant. Comes with a private room, just nice to fit all of us, 9 persons (myself included).

The recipe to a lasting memorable day is nothing more than having great friends and laughters.

Thank you my dear friends!

Yeoh, thank you for entertaining us:
The waitress came into the room and asked (after cake-cutting):
Waitress: Would you like plastic bags to put it in?
Yeoh: Oh, for protection is it?
*psst..now we know what Yeoh would use when he runs out of tut tutt tuttt*

See...no protection on the head...that's why your head got injured! hahaha

P.S - everything is about '3' that night. My birth date is on the 3rd & they celebrated 3 days ahead of time. My newly registered car plate number has triple 8, and.... 3 x 3 equals to 9 persons who attended the dinner. AND, when I first published this blog, it was 15 minutes to 3am! Lucky number, lucky me! Great moments, good laughters and caring friends - 3 awesome reasons for gaining 3 kilos of laughters on 3rd Nov!