Friday, November 28, 2008

Tea Ceremony @ Restaurant???

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! 21days to go!! Then I can go home liaw!! YAHOOOOO!!!! HAHAHA But of course, that also mean that I am going to be a married woman in 31 days! *BLUSH* I am so looking forward to going back hometown. Miss my family alot lar! Also miss my friends and the food! So damn happy today.

As for the wedding day, er, I am not sure what my feelings are lar because like I said, most of the things were arranged by our parents in Kuching. Err...maybe I should not say most things but instead, should say EVERYTHING except the wedding photos and clothes for THE day is decided by them. Our parents had also set up all the invitation list and frankly speaking, we have no idea at all who was invited. So, hopefully, when we are back in Dec, we don't get too surprised.

I don't even know what is the plan for the tea ceremony. My dad is arranging everything. At first I hear they want to do at home on 29 Dec too, right after the church ceremony. Then, I hear mom say maybe better to do on 28 Dec, then more relatives can come but I think they will keep to 29 Dec. Then, yesterday, I hear my mom said, they are thinking of using another venue, The Magenta because my bro's friend is a chef there and most likely can use the place.

Want to pengsan I hear because first time I hear people tea ceremony not at the house but in a restaurant! LOL! It will definitely be a very memorable event ler. ALAMAK! This reminds me, I havent find the freelance photographer yet! Anyone from Kuching know anyone? I cannot afford to hire those professionals lar. So pricey!!! Bankrupt later. Just someone to take photos in the morning at church, the tea ceremony and then dinner.

OK lar, enough for now. I better get back to work! By the way, YAHOO!! My leave on Monday approved liaw..kekekekekeekekekek

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

I am sick to my stomach....

I am still reeling and feeling sick to my stomach everything I think of what a human can do to a child (read here if you don't know what I am talking about). I told babe about this last night and his first reaction was, "Are you sure this is real?". He too felt that it is impossible anyone can do such things to a baby! And to make matter worse, no one seems to care enough to stop it! It just send chills down my spine how anyone can be so blind to all those injuries.

A social case worker and she is totally BLIND to what has happened to the babies. What in the world is the social worker doing house visits for then? Babe said that the social worker there is paid by govt, so they don't care and work like our gvot? If yes, then, that is sad because an innocent child have been suffering for more a year and half of his life at a crazy madman hand. That is the only way I can describe the stepfather. Even that description only say 1% of what I think he is. No words is enough to tell you how horrified I am still feeling about this.

Tell me your heart did not cringe and ache when reading thru the list of injuries that they found on the baby:
  • SLICED off the tot’s fingertips with a Stanley knife and wrenched off his little nails with pliers.
  • SMACKED his private parts with a shoe.
  • PRESSED down on his windpipe so hard he turned blue.
  • BIT the tot all over to ‘train’ the family’s vicious dogs to attack.
  • DROPPED him 6ft onto the floor.
  • GRABBED him by the throat and tossed him into his cot,
  • RAMMED a bottle into his mouth so hard it cut his lips.
I think I am going to stop here or else I will not be able to stop thinking about this and definitely will have nightmares tonight. Lets everyone in the world, no matter what religion, say a little prayer for the baby. May the baby finally can rest in peace and be happy in heaven.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Short Talk: OH MY GOD!

I am so disgusted with the things that a person can do?? To inflict such horrible things to another human being.....worse, a child!!

I am still in shock after reading it that I cannot write anything about it. Read about what I mean here: http://zoopslife.com/the-hidden-horror-behind-a-story-that-shocked-the-nation/

Am I Blind? Or going Blind?Hhhmm....

Babe and I is forever teasing each other and say that we don't sayang (love) each other and that we have some affair here and there. But sometimes, when we talk seriously, I am trying to imagine the next 30-40years (or longer hopefully) of our lives together. It does makes me smile as I imagine in wonder and amazement that even a lifetime together with this man might not be enough.

Very often, me the kepoh (busybody) will somehow play the role of a love counsellor to some of my friends. They will often ask me, how do you know if he is the one? My answer is simple, look into yourself and ask, is the love that you have for the man is blind? I know, you are most probably asking me if I am insane for giving that kind of advice. How can I tell someone that is not sure to jump into with closed eyes? Well, actually, that is NOT what I meant. Alot of people have the misconception of the term "Love is Blind".

Perhaps it will make more sense if I add more words to it? Is your love for the man blind enough that you are willing to close your eyes and accept all his flaws and imperfection? Can you picture yourself living with someone that takes is for granted that you will be doing all the housework while he sit in front of the tv after work? Can he accept that you will be nagging him for this? Will he miss it when you decided to stop nagging? (LOL! Guys! Admit it. You miss it when your ladies stop nagging at you).

After dating this man for more than 8 years, I am still discovering things about him, some pleasant and others not so. Although we should never try to change someone from who he is but there are habits that I think we can help to get rid of or improve. Rarely, are things clear cut that it is split right down the middle. I realised that living together is all about taking and giving. There is always one partner that takes and another gives. In this way, harmony in the marriage and relationship will be maintained.

I guess I am lucky that after many years of dating one man (and him one lady), we are still very passionate and very much into each other. Although, sometimes we being human, we do take things for granted, we will always be able to find humor in things. To me, this is the key essential in a successful relationship, i.e. able to laugh WITH each other at our own or each other silliness.

Of course another essential thing in a good relationship is a ability to converse and communicate. I don't think I can stomach being lovey-dovey and stary daze eyes gazing at each other all the time. And just everyday talk in flowery terms. Ugh....So boring! It tickles me when sometimes, babe and I have interesting and heated discussion that we forgot we are not alone. Sometimes, our friends got pretty worried and thought we are arguing. It seems that suddenly everyone was so silent and only the two of us talking. But after awhile, they are used to this and even join in the debate! hehehe..

AIDUI! I am getting so errm..I also dunno what word to describe. Must be because been exchanging sms with babe's sis and getting hyped up by her for the upcoming big day :P

Ring..My PRECIOUSSSssssss...

(NOTE TO TOPIC: For Lord of the Ring fans, you will know what I am talking about)

*long long long long contented sigh* Dunno why but feeling rather satisfied with my life today. Not that I am totally happy with it but at least I feel contented. I guess I am still trying to digest the fact that babe and I am actually doing it and for better or worse, we will be considered as one single unit soon. So, in the truest form, what is mine is his and what is his is mine. (Sorry, in abit of a romantic mood now. Dun vomit okie :P)

Actually, the excitement is slowly building up lar. I mean, I have start counting down to the day that we fly back to Kuching. And of course, this trigger me counting down THE DAY. As of today, it is actually 24days to time to go back and 34days to the day lor. Looking forward to going back to glorified and enjoy the family showering us with their love. I miss my parents very much actually. Hopefully, I can spend alot of time with them before I go back to KL.

To tell you the truth, I also don't really know how to describe how I feel. I know, I am suppose to be excited, well more excited than now, about getting married in about a month time but somehow, I don't feel it yet. His mom and my parents are arranging everything in Kuching - church, tea ceremony, invitation cards, dinner, program, MC, band, etc. It feels more than we are attending someone elses wedding? :P

I know, I know, I will be more into it and more excited when I am back in Kuching and have to run around to settle last minute things. I know one of the first thing that we need to do when we go back is look for our wedding ring. Yup, we have not purchase them yet. We were hunting everywhere in KL actually for one that we like. At last, we thought we found a design that we like, a 3 in 1 intertwine ring. I think the original design was by Cartier.

We also actually found a goldsmith that sells it a price that babe and I can afford but the problem it, it is the last pair and the one that is intended for me, don't fit so right. So, the rings does not roll properly down the fingers. The goldsmith actually told us he can do something to ensure the ring will roll properly but we told him we will think about it. Actually, again babe don't really like the color of the gold here. It is actually a combination of 1 yellow gold, 1 rose gold and 1 white gold.

He decided to ask our relatives in Kuching to check if anyone there can custom made the rings for us. But after asking, the price is more than RM3,500 for the higher grade of gold. If we want the cheaper ones, about RM2,500, they can do it too. Just use a different grade of gold. His mom is not very keen on that as she said that the color will fade overtime especially since we will be wearing it all the time (ermm..should be all the time right? :P) Plus, after thinking, we decided that we just go for a normal simple wedding band and will check them out at the goldsmith when we go back to Kuching.

I was abit dissappointed because I really like the design of the 3 intertwine rings. I think babe knew how much I like them because he actually said that we should get one for me if I really want and get another pair as our wedding band. So sweet hor him! But I decided no lar, no reason to waste perfectly good money for jelwery right? There is other things that the money can be put into good use for.

OK lar. Enough for now. I better not bore you people with too much details (for now:P). Hopefully I will remember to load the photos I took while I was in Penang and show you some really nice scenaries. Hard to believe that those places exist in Penang right? :P

Monday, November 24, 2008

8% or 11%??

I got this off the an email that I received that further confirmed my decision to stick to 11% instead of reducing my EPF contribution to 8%. For some, the 3% might seem like alot of money at first but after seeing the below calculation, perhaps it would be a good idea to reconsider and fill up the form to keep the contribution at 11%?

Assume monthly basic salary is RM4000 for easier calculation.
- If your monthly EPF contribution is 11% ( RM440 ), taxable income = RM3560, income tax payable per month= RM77.
- If your monthly EPF contribution is 8% ( RM320 ), taxable income = RM3680, income tax payable per month = RM109.

So, 11% to 8% means that you get extra RM120 on your gross income, but after deducting the income tax payable per month of RM109, you are actually only getting RM11 extra monthly. In today high priced market, what do you get for RM11? A lunch meal at the economy rice corner for one and a drink perhaps.
The reduction in EPF contribution is suppose to boost up the slow-down market, but from this example we see that the money does not go into the market. Instead the money goes direct into the government's pocket through the greater amount of income tax that we will have to pay. Obviously this measure does not help the market at all. So, please tell me again what is the purpose of the VOLUNTARY reduction?

Dunno what topic to put...

Arrggh!! Really am not in the mood to work today and it is not just because it is Monday. Been sick during the weekend and especially bad on Friday and Saturday. Basically slept the whole of Saturday (almost) and didn't even follow babe to SS15 to meet up for his friends for dinner on Saturday night. Just not larat (able) to get up the energy to dress up and be civilise with people. Still feeling a little bit under the weather today. I think because I just couldn't sleep well last night. I also don't understand.

By right, with the rain pouring last night to early hours of this morning, I should be sleeping like a log but instead, I woke up so many times that I lost count. I am not sure why am I having a hard time adjusting here. After all, I do love the challenge and andreline high that this job gives me but somehow, each and everyday, coming to work is such a chore that I basically have to force myself to come to work. And once at work, although the time flies by, I look forward to the time to go back so much that I am actually feeling guilty about it.

Even in my busiest moment at my old company, I never felt so exhausted as I felt when I am working here. And I am not be whiney about this because some of my colleagues are feeling the same thing as me too. Our work hour is 9am to 6pm and lunch is pretty flexible as long as we did what we are suppose to do. There is no clocking in and out system here. Everyone is suppose to work responsibly and take charge of our own time management (although, I recently found out that someone was assigned to do spot check to make sure we practice the responsible-centricism).

Sounds like a dream job? I thought so too. So, why in the world do I feel exhausted all the time after work? Is this the norm of working in this place or is it just me? This is making me wonder if it is time for me to change to another line of job.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Stephanie Meyer - Twilight

Without asking her permission, I copy the Twilight poster pic from her blog. Sorry Thongs beb! But I enjoy the storybook so much that I just can't help be excited about the movie that will be released in Malaysia cinema soon, 12 Dec 2008 to be exact (My sis bday!). This is definitely one of those books that I feel worth buying the actual book instead of downloading e-book from somewhere. In fact, I bought book #2 and #4 first at the MPH warehouse sales awhile back. I think it was on 10% or 20% discount.

Oh yah, in case you want to know what is the whole book series:
Book 1: Twilight (The one that is being made into a movie)
Book 2: New Moon
Book 3: Eclipse
Book 4: Breaking Dawn


Suffice to say that, I have been savouring it to the last drop (oops, page). I started by reading book #2 as part of my light reading for my long wait on my way to Penang for my first business trip to Kulim last month. It is a super thick book with about 350 pages with decent font writing. I managed to finished reading the book on my second night in Penang while eating my Penang Assam Laksa at Gurney Drive.

And like all good planner *smirk*, I bought book #4 with me just in case I managed to finish book #2 in record time. I am sure glad I have the book with me on the haul back because I end up waiting more than 5 hours at the Penang airport. The time just flew by and I actually feel fantastic eventhough I had to sit on those hard airport chair in the freezing cold airport. Even 5 hours, I only managed to finish 2/3 of the book and only got to the ending at home during the weekend.

I guess I knew I am hooked when I actually start looking out for book sale and search for the rest of the books from the series. When I found that book #3 is on 10% discount, even the normally too-much-for-me price tag did not deter me. I look forward to experience the out-of-body experience while reading it that I actually had to force myself to save it for my next long business trip. The most recent business trip to Penang/Kulim saw me reading 1/3 of the book already. Now, I am trying hard to resist speed reading it but instead, savour each and every word that Stephanie Meyer churn out.

And thanks to Thongs, I have all the 4 books in pdf/txt format. Even have the 5th book draft that was somehow leaked out to the public. Thongs told me that the author decided not to continue with the 5th book because she felt violated. Really sad lor because I know when I finally finish all the 4 books, I will not be able to resist reading the half completed 5th book. Then, I know I will feel upset and in daze because wondering and imagining what the ending will be like. If I meet the author face-to-face, I think I will most likely embarrass myself for BEGGING her to tell me the ending of the 5th book *sigh*!!!

p/s: I truly recommend you read the book from #1 instead of doing what I did, #2, #4 and #3......

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Priorities?

Is it really Thursday already? It felt as if I just got back from my business trip to Penang and Kulim. Time seem to just fly by with hardly much time for me to breath or slow down. Babe is starting to hint that I am getting more forgetful. It is not that I purposely forget to do some of the stuff for him (like picking up his pants from the alteration shop), I simply had too much on my mind and somehow, that is last priority and is stored somewhere in my brain locker. Anyway, I guess I better go and get his pants for him today. Some of his old pants are getting too tight *GRIN*.

I think I am loosing my voice again. Yesterday at work, was still ok. Just some sneezing and abit of coughing. But today, the throat is very itchy and all stuffed up. I was actually starting to fall sick just before I leave for my business trip last week but I think I managed to hold it back with lots of vitamin C. So, now, I think it is back with a vengeance. Oh well, as long as no fever or headache, I should be able to work just fine. Worse come to worst, I will leave early from work today using taxi lor.

Meeting at 8am today and I have a report due for my boss this morning. So, I guess I will stop here. To be continue later or at another date! HUGS ppl!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

This is NOT MY HAND!!!

My colleagues decided to eat McD for lunch today but since I packed food from home today, I decided I better not waste them. I already have 1 container of fried bihun in the office fridge which was from yesterday lunch. So stressed out yesterday that decided that I can't stay in the office for another minute longer even if it is just to eat lunch in the pantry. So, we went out to the food court at 1U. Nothing spectacular but it was good because we can chat all we want in a neutral environment, i.e. basically relax and release the pent up frustration.

Today, my colleague must be feeling the stress because all three of them agreed to go and eat at McD eventhough one of them packed food too. Anyway, here I am, finished my lunch (which I took while catching up on blog hopping), giving myself a well deserve break before the craziness starts again in an hour or so. Actually, I really do need a break I think and hence, looking forward to going back to my hometown on 19 Dec (Hoorrayy....1 month to go!)

So, the reason I say I need a break? After I came back from my business trip to Penang and Kulim on Saturday, I realised that the muscle between my left index finger and thumb is twitching and pulsating. It was doing that so much the whole of Sunday and Monday that my fingers and wrist actually feel tired like being over-worked. So, worried, babe and I went to see the doctor last night. I was told that it was because excessive use most likely due to typing on the computer and when that happens, the muscle just refuse to relax.

Nothing much he can do about it at this point except to give me some vitamin B12 and told me to try to flex my fingers to do some exercise (I think I should go buy a tennis ball to do this). Anyway, he said it should stop by itself in few days. If it does not, then it is time to worry. He also asked if I feel any weakness in the hand or numbness on my fingers. My fingers do feel slightly weak and tired. The tip was slightly numb. Again, he said those should improve once the twitching stop. If not, go see him again.

I am glad to report that today, the twitching has stopped but I keep on expecting it to happen again. Really discerting seeing the index finger move by itself while the muscle pulsate. Brr...I am glad that is over. I can tell you that it is no fun at all. It is almost as if the hand and fingers does not belong to me. Instead, it is doing things by itself. I will faithfully take my vitamin B12, twice a day for two weeks.

Hhhm, I wonder if I can ask for compensation for this? I mean, this is consider a health hazard right? Or maybe I should go and get one of those ergonomic keyboard at my own expense? I seriously doubt the company want to purchase for us.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Tesco near Ikea sucks!

Sigh~ I am so tired today despite the fact that I actually slept till 11am yesterday and then took 2-3 hours afternoon nap at around 3pm. I got back from Penang on Saturday afternoon on the 3.20pm flight and arrived promptly at KLIA at 4.15pm. The flight actually took off on time for a change. The taxi queue was really long though and only managed to get on the taxi around 4.45pm and reached home around 5.40pm. I was very tired and babe was sure glad to see me, all huggy and kissy :P

Anyway, he also promptly told me that we are going to his friend's house at Puchong for BBQ and we need to leave by 7pm since we need to go to the Giant Hypermarket near the house to get softdrinks for the bbq. So, there goes my plan to laze around at home and take a nap or something like that. We only arrive home from the bbq at around 1.30am. So, after keeping the groceries and took bath, it was already 2-3am on Sunday morning. So, you really can't blame me for waking up at 11am.

Actually, I woke up once at 9.30am thinking that it must be super late already because the sun was shining so brightly through the bedroom window. But since we don't bring our handphone into the bedroom on weekends (generally unless we set the alarm) and we do not have a clock in the room, I only realised it is 9.30am when I went to the living room. Lazy to go into the bedroom again, I decided to crash on the sofa. Babe must have felt extremely lonely in bed because he actually woke me up at around 10am and basically dragged me to the bed.

Anyway, we decided to go Tesco near Ikea last night to check the price of rice there. It seems that the price of rice actually gone up instead of coming down. I was under the impression that hypermarket will reduce their prices in line with the government calling to reduce inflation? Or did I understand wrongly? Hmm... Anyway, we decided that since the normal AAA white rice is so expensive, we might as well do ourself a favor and try the healthier type of rice, i.e. brown rice. In the end, we bought 5kg of Jasmine sunwhite rice and 1kg of brown rice.

Around 9pm, we decided we bought all the things that we need and proceed to the cashier counter, i.e. the normal thing that you do right? Should not be something that is worth mentioning right? Well, last night, was the first time that I experienced this. Our groceries actually came up to about RM58.75 and I gaven the cashier 2 pieces of RM50, i.e. total @ RM100.

This is also normal but when the cashier receive the money, she actually only punched in RM60 and as usual, this cashier are pretty fast at this and I think nothing of it as I thought she will just calculate the difference in her brain and returned me RM41.25. Imagine my surprise when she only returned me RM1.25. I, of course, promptly told her that I gave her RM100 but imagine my shock when she insist that I gave her RM60, i.e. 1 piece of RM50 and 1 piece of RM10.

Normally, I might have doubt myself and thought maybe because I am tired, I might have made a mistake and gave her 1 RM50 and 1 RM10. But last night, I was very sure I gave her 2 pieces of RM50 because before she start barcodding the groceries, babe gave me RM50 and I promptly put it into my purse with my other RM50. I remember making a rough mental calculation in my brain to tally up the total of the groceries we bought and remember telling myself that RM100 is more than enough.

Also, just before we pay for our groceries, we went to the non-halal section to buy some pork and bacon. The total was RM24+ and babe took out RM20 and I contributed RM10. I definitely remember after that, my purse do not have any more RM10 (distinctively red color of the money makes it hard to miss), only a single RM50 and some RM5 and RM1. Anyway, I insist that I gave her 2 RM50 and she of course insist that I did not. After arguing a few times, I asked her to call her supervisor.

After explaining what happened, the supervisor promptly closed the counter and said that she need to do spotcheck. Babe asked, why need spotcheck. You have CCTV near the cashier, why waste time to check and count the cash in the register. It it faster if you just check the cctv. However, the supervisor gave some lame excuse about it takes longer to access the cctv and proceed to start counting the cash there. After counting once, she told me that the cashier is actually short by RM8. I said no and insist she count it again. Only after counting it again, she realised that the actually mis-counted the RM50 and without a word of apology, return the RM40 to me. It is as if I am the one making the mistake?

I was so angry after that. I know the cashier is human and human makes mistakes. Although I got my money back, I was still very unhappy because, 1. The problem could have been resolved faster if they just checked the cctv, 2. When doing spotcheck and counting the money, should do so more carefully and more than once before informing customer that no shortage and 3. APOLOGISE when discover error. The cashier did not even look sorry and the supervisor didn't say a single word of apology or look sorry. It is as if this is normal and routine to them.

I normally do not like to create a scene but last night, I did not say no when babe say lets go make an official complain at the customer service counter. We only finally got back on around 10pm when if there is no problem, we could have arrived home around 9pm-ish. Anyway, babe told me in the car that he suspect one of the guy actually when to take a peek at the cctv because he overheard the guy telling the supervisor that it is 100. I did not hear anything but did saw a guy go near the supervisor and told her something which caused the supervisor face to change slightly. Sort of like a mask going over the face when someone have something to hide.

When we analyse the situation in the car on the way back, I think the cashier realised her mistake when she open her cash register to show me that I gave her RM50 + RM10 because like all cash register, the slots to put different denomination of money are segregated. So, if the cashier got 2 different denomination such as RM50 and RM10, then she need to put the money in 2 different slots. Where as if only 2 pieces of RM50, then it is only in one slot in the cash register. Also, I think suspect they DID check the cctv but refuse to tell us what they saw on the cctv because that would mean that they have to write an official report to their manager?

So, all I know is that if there is a Giant hypermarket near where I stay, I will definitely not visit Tesco for my groceries anymore unless there is items that I really need on super cheap promotion. By the way, I think the things at Tesco are more expensive compared to Giant. I am not doing a promotion or advertisement for Giant but just stating what I observed.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Please DUN kill the messager...

I am so pissed off! I mean being blamed for pushing them when it is their fault for not keeping the committed schedule!? If I am the customer, I would not be as gentle. All we are asking for is for update and to please keep to the schedule. Don't they realised the chain effect whatever action they take will cause? After begging and shouting and struggling with the vendors to get the best support from them, it might all come to nothing because the commit cannot be met.

I admit that I do not understand what is the problem since it is all technical. I know that they are under crazy pressure to get the thing out, working and on time. But the thing is, SO ARE WE! We are the one that have to face the customers who are constantly asking for updates. All we want is honest answer whether you can or cannot meet the date. If cannot, then please tell me why and that you have done more than what is possible to meet the date.

We are human, if we really can't, I will go to the customer and tell them, I am sorry, we have tried but there is not way to meet the schedule. Or, let me know what is the next best date so that I can think of alternatives to try to pull some more strings. Do you guys think it is fun? Or that it is fun to say "SORRY" to customer? Or that it is easy to answer the customer and tell them cannot be done!? Do you think I enjoy juggling and begging from the vendors to give us more support??? No, it is not enjoyable at all.

I am trying to do my job. So, please go and do yours. If you are not happy or satisfied, tell your boss. Don't come and blame me for putting pressure on you. It is your boss decision to pressure you or not. I can only push and request your boss to deliver on schedule. But at the end of the day, if your boss decided that it is not do-able, then he will tell us so that we will tell the customer. If he decided to pressure you guys, then it must be do-able? So, don't blame me. I am just the liaison between the customer and internal people. So, don't shoot the person carrying the message!

Sigh! OK! I think I got that out of my system. I guess I should be damn proud of myself since I was extremely calm and polite (at least, I think that I am) and not let myself get into non-constructive situation. I almost damn near started arguing and wham back at the fella to give the fella a piece of my mind! It still irks me how some people can be so narrow minded. I guess this is all because they are so stressed? People that are stressed can say anything yah????

SIGH!!!!!!!!This job sucks! I know that I basically need to be the meanest person around when things goes wrong or do not meet the required schedule. I am basically the one that 'shout', 'scream' and/or 'beg' so that I can satisfy the customer requirement. I am the one that pull strings and pressure my colleagues to make sure that they meet the schedule. And can be extremely harsh when there is a potential miss in schedule. This is the cons of the work.

The pros? Well, in the middle of all the juggling act, the pressure, the challenges and craziness, there are something good that I can say about this job. Job satisfaction for achieving the required delivery schedule and quantity. The experience gained, the adreanaline rush and ermm...power I guess, does makes a lethally addictive thing. Why else do you guys think people like me stay in the same job (albeit different company). We just love the rush!! hahaha..

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Short Talk: How come still Thursday?

This is going to be another short one..not much time or energy. I just arrived at the hotel after a very very very very very long day...Can't believe that it is still Thursday~! It sure felt as if a few days has gone by since I board the plane to Penang. In fact, it felt as if I been to Penang and Kedah a few days. In actual fact, the taxi came to pick me up at 6.15am and I woke up at 5.30am to make sure that I am ready when the taxi arrive. And only check-in the hotel at 9.30pm. So, now is 10.06pm, just took my bath and definitely getting ready for a beautiful good night. Especially with a tummy full of yummy fresh seafood. Can still remember the bbq mud crab that we had. So meaty, so fresh, so yummy..the crab roe...DROOL! Right, enough liaw. Sleep!!!! MUCKSS!!!!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Tag

Got this tag from Rose the other day and thought that since I am not in the mood to do much work today (not that I have nothing to do mind you), thought this would be fun!

Attached or single? Attached

B. Best friend? What am I suppose to say here ah? Provide the names of my best friend? I think I will just say, yes, got best friends.

C. Cake or pie? Can I say BOTH?

D. Day of choice? Any day that I don't have to work!

E. Essential item? MONEY, what else is there?

F. Favorite color? Blue

G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy bears

H. Hometown? Malaysia

I. Favorite indulgence? Rich yummy chocolate cake with rich thick soothing cuppa coffee

J. January or July? Neither, now is Novem

K. Kids? Not yet. Need to concentrate on getting married first

L. Life isn’t complete without? My babe, family and friends ^_^

M. Marriage date? 29 Dec 2008

N. Number of magazine subscriptions: Err..I buy when I feel like reading them lar

O. Oranges or apples? Oranges

P. Phobias? FROG! I cannot even typing them without a shiver going thru me!

Q. Quotes? ??? Life is full of surprises waiting for discovery

R. Reasons to smile? When things are bad, smiling will makes it more bearable somehow ^_^

S. Season of choice? Rain but must be when I am in the house with a book and snuggle close to babe on the sofa with a steaming cuppa of drink

T. Tag 5 people. Dun wanna tag any1 specifically. Any1 crazy enough or have nothing to do, can just copy and do the tag!

U. Unknown fact about me? If it is unknown, how in the world am I suppose to tell??

V. Vegetable? I must say brocolli.

W. Worst habit? Babe, what is my worse habit ah? I think nagging hor?

X. X-ray or ultrasound? Neither....

Y. Your favorite foods? Favorite food....favorite food..can't think right now....

Z. Zodiac sign? Aries

PHEW!! DONE!!!

5 versus 2

Monday...I feel like moaning and groaning at the fact that today is Monday. But then I wouldn't be very fair to Monday because I moan and groan about other days that are not weekend too. However, somehow, Monday also seem to be getting the worst from me every time. Maybe it have to do with the fact that there are so many things to do and complete. Or maybe it is because every Monday(or first day of the week), we have to write our weekly report on what we did last week.

Or maybe it was simply because the weekend felt too short? Well, can't blame me for feeling that way, 5 workday versus 2 off days. So, that is 5 to 2 ratio which is definitely not fair right? So, I don't see why I need to be fair to Monday. Of course, unless the day after Monday is a public holiday or Monday itself is a holiday, then, I won't mind giving all my love to Monday. I wonder if it will make any different if Monday simply disappear from the planet earth or decided to join Saturday and Sunday to become the cool Weekend. Then it will be 4 workday versus 3. Now, then, that would be a 4 to 3 ratio, which sounds much fairer does it not?

Of course, then Tuesday won't be very happy because Tuesday will be the target of all the moaning, groaning and grumbling. So, Tuesday might crumble under the pressure and join Monday and the Weekend gang. Oh yes, then Workday will be outnumbered! Hhmm, a fantastic 4 Weekend versus 3 workday. I think I can live with that.

But won't it be great if Friday decided to cross over to Weekend as well. After all, Friday has always been considered one of the favorites too, albeit, of course, second to Weekend. Ah HA! Then it will definitely be great for all because the ratio is still the same, 5 to 2 but with different distribution! 5 Weekend and 2 workday! All that agrees, say 'DAYDREAM'!!


This photo has nothing to do with my posting today but I am putting it here because it is PRETTY! HEHE!! One of the photo that my colleague took with her D80 canon camera, which tempted me further to get one of my own! But economy not good lar, I think I better save up hard cold cash for raining days..*sigh* Anyone know sure way to win the Toto Mega RM20M?


Right, enough nonsense from me. Can't believe I can actually typed a whole posting on nonsense! That shows how much last two days energize me!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Lunch @ Izzi Pizza, Pasta & Coffee @ PJ, again..

As usual, every Friday, we will take a break from packed food and go for something different. Yesterday, we decided to go to Izzi at Damansara Uptown since there is a 75% discount promotion there. The condition is that we need to spend a minimum of RM75 before discount in order to get the 75% discount, meaning RM75 but pay less than RM20. Since we been there before and enjoy the food alot, we decided that the discount is definitely worth going for.

We left the office at around 12noon and by the time we arrive, the place is almost bursting at its seam. I mean, there are so many people there. But we were lucky because the moment we arrive, we were able to grab a sit that is nearest to the door and desserts! *grin*. Those that were a few minutes late were not so lucky. In fact, they had to wait to be seated.

Basically, we were given a separate menu with 75% and that is actually almost everything in the normal menu. The discounted menu stated very clearly that the portion are normal size although it is discounted. However, the discounted menu does not include drinks and dessert though. So, I guess that is their cash cow since a single can drink cost RM4.50+ and if you want those refillable type, then RM8.90+.

As usual, I don't have my camera! HAHA! But thanks to one of my colleague enthusiam with her D80 canon camera, she agreed to be my blog food photo supplier (THANKS!!!MUCKS!) hahaha.. So, here we go:


Izzi Cafe - Makes me feel like bursting into songs that goes something like this: Izzi Pizzi, so easy. Yumm yummmy

Cuanaja (RM4.90) - I think one of the ingredient is bitter sweet chocolate. And ermm, we had dessert as our appetizer!! :P hahaha

Cream of Chicken soup(Price: RM2.45) - very thick and creamy. The white color on top is actually cream. Super delicious!

Ceaser salad Full Size (RM4.95) - nothing special about this. Abit dissappointing because the first time we ate them, it was really nice, creamy and the ceaser dressing was fantastic! Don't know what happened this time..

Pollo Tropicale Pizza regular (RM8.20) So so so very cheesy! Very thin crust with plenty of topping. You can see from the pictures that the toppings are practically dropping on the plate.

Margherita Pizza regular (RM6.45) - this is basically tomato and cheese pizza. Simple but delicious!

Chicken steak with pasta (RM7.70) - Chicken with mushroom sauce, pasta and vegetable salad. The chicken and sauce goes perfectly with the pasta. But the salad was abit plain without any dressing on it.

We also had 4 drinks for 4 of us. We paid a total of RM57.05, i.e. average RM14.25 per person. I think for a meal like this, it is pretty reasonable. Not sure when the promotion will end since it was not indicated. I think we might go there again but not sure when though. You know lar, everything is going up in price although the petrol price is dropping. I wonder what excuses the merchants are using now to keep the price at where they are. Thank goodness for places like Izzi Pizza, Pasta & Coffee. At least I can still splurge occassionally without feeling too much burn on the purse.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

My Mom, My Dad, Being A Mom...

Although I love my mom very much but sometimes, she really gets on my nerve! Even this far away from my parents, she still managed to irritate me early in the morning. Don't get me wrong. I miss them very much and is extremely homesick whenever I think of them. But, sometimes with my mom, I think our role is reversed! Instead of she being the one to guide and the place for me to turn to when I am in need, I will usually just keep everything to myself or turn to my close friends for advice. I think it is because I know how much my parents will worry if I do tell them my troubles or worries.

My mom, on the other hand, will have no qualm at all to load me with all her worries and burden. From the big thing such as being sick to the smallest thing such as bro not helping her with the housework. Secretly, I think she did this on purpose to make me feel guilty so that I move my butt back to Kch to work. Yah, my mom is naive in that way. I guess she never truly accepted the fact that I am a 30+ lady that will be getting married end of this year! Sincerely speaking, I am not sure how to communicate with her.

In fact, come to think of it, I never have good communication with my parents. Of course I do love them very much and care alot about them. But I just can't talk to them. I don't mean the normal talk-talk but rather a more heart-talk, if you know what I mean. I envy babe's family and relatives because it seems to me that the kids can say anything to their parents and not be worried at all. Open communication, that is the word that I am looking for.

Maybe it is the way my dad brought us up. I still remember when we were young, he will tell us not to interrupt the adults when they are talking (kids nowadays have no problem with interrupting and demanding what they want when their parents are talking which I find rather rude sometimes). Also, I remember we were ever told not to make too much noise when there are guests at home or something like that. I think my bro and I always have a healthy fear for our dad because he can be pretty strict. (Images of being punished for not doing homework - school bags being thrown out the door *gasp* and scolded and punished to look at the wall to contemplate my mistake *sigh*)

I hope that I will be able to have a more open communication with my kids, when I have kids lar. But at the same time, I want to bring my kids up to be responsible adults too. Meaning, I need to give them enough freedom to grow but also guidance to make sure that they turn out to be fantastic independent high achiever with great IQ and EQ! WoW! No babies yet and already the pressure on them..hhmm.....

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Recipe from Guilt?

During the weekend, I was feeling guilty for leaving babe alone at home for so long and I know that most likely I will traveling again next week. So, decided to cook something different. I actually bought some prawn the week before when I was in the wet market. If you remember, that was the first time I went to the wet market in Menjalara and promptly got myself lost! Anyways, on Saturday morning, babe actually woke up at 10.30am and usually when he is awake. Reason, me light sleeper lar. Abit of noise will wake me up and very hard for me to go back to sleep.

So, after lazing around for awhile, babe suddenly say he want to eat the mud crab again. So, around 11.30am, we went to the wet market. Bought more crabs and some pork (of course). And this time, since he is around, we managed to get back by 12.30pm. Immediately, I went to the kitchen to clean up and cook for our late lunch (brunch actually since we not yet have breakfast). Decided to cook the mud crab in kicap (soya sauce) this time and also cook big huge prawn.

The prawn is really big and look juicy. Usually, I would just steam the prawn with some ginger and garlic. But since I bought the prawn a week ago, not so sure if it still fresh enough to steam. Instead, decided to cook it in a way the sauce is so thick that it will stick to the prawn. And since the best way to eat prawn is to peal it with your fingers, then all the gravy will stick to the fingers making it finger-licking-good!


The ingredient:
Chopped big onion
1 teaspoon of thick sweet soya cause
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon chilli sauce
1 teaspoon tomato sauce
500gm large fresh water prawns
pepper and salt to taste

Stir fry the chopped onion in some cooking oil. Add in the prawn and stir fry till the prawn are half cook (reddish/pink color). Add in all the sauces and fry till it is cook. Add pepper and salt to taste. DONE! Easy or not? And it is definitely finger-licking-good!! YUMM...

Short Talk: I am going insane

Short one again. I been neglecting my blog! But seriously, not much time and energy to do much after my trip back. So much work to catch up on and things to do. On top of that, I was on leave on Monday, so, need to catch up from that day too. Also, will be going again to Kulim next week on Thursday and will only come back on Saturday afternoon.

I am only glad that I come to work early nowadays and can get some of the work done before 9am when the actual craziness of the day start. I wonder this how it will be for me for the rest of the year. Travel here and there. I mean, next week, I travel. Then, less than a month later, I am on 2 weeks leave back to Kuching! I am looking forward to that eventhough I know there will be plenty of last minutes things to do when I go back. But I am still looking forward to it! :P

Sigh..ok lar, enough for now. Back to work for me..