281

Bunga Api sounds outside now.
I'm staying in, keeping myself sane.
I'm hungry.
I should probably not starve and go grab some food.
I love friends who are supportive of my delusional thoughts.
I have friends who care enough to listen to my rantings and tell me to not die, yet.

My new year's resolution for 2012 would be:

- Get myself back in shape. Because I realized that I have VERY low self esteem and one of the ways to regain confidence is by looking good.

- Stay in my current job AND GIVE IT A TRY AT LEAST. 2 YEARS MINIMUM and if I still hate it then, Engineering is not my kind of job. And then I have to move on by then.
2 years is enough to tell my parents and myself that I am not cut out for it IN THE EVENT IF I REALLY CAN'T FLARE in this.
(Please do remind me, from time to time, during my anxiety attacks!)

- Regain control of my financial independence.

Amitabha. Amen. 

280

While everyone decides to flood the city for the 10-sec count down to a new year, I am home.
I remember ranting about that, because there were plans made and for once, I would really like to get drunk on a new year's eve. When my dad proposed an idea for us to get to Penang for a one day trip for our annual praying session with the grandparents, I immediately turned down the idea because I had a hunch that the island would be flooded with young adults wanting to count down to a new year. However, mum gave me a last minute call, 2 days before today, saying that they really want me to tag along, and also could be a substitute driver for dad, in the event if he feels tired and also, she made a rather disheartening statement; something along the lines of "Wah, you'd rather spend your time with your friends than your family?", which made me really torn apart for some reasons.

So I came home anyway.
Half-heartedly at first because I would be away from the missus for the new year's, and also the group of friends whom are plotting a boycott of myself due to my sudden pull-out from the party.
We end up in Penang today, surprisingly not much of traffic. I wonder where the cars went?
It was a 24-hour bonding session with the parents and my grandfather, and also with a lot of local food. If you were to ask me, if I regret doing it now, regret coming back home on a new year's eve, spending this night with my parents while everyone is ready to go out for a count down party session, I would probably say no now.

Looking at the way my grandfather wobbling with the aid of a walking stick, really brought a tinge of sadness inside me. It was not too long ago when he was very healthy, and would often bring us around, to parks, to eateries, and now, he needs to rely on us, as an additional aid to his walking stick. And also my parents. Not too long now before they would turn old and feeble too.

I am glad that I did come home, despite all the rantings and (cursings) earlier.

I have no idea how I am spending the new year's eve tonight. Definitely not at some impromptu partying in Ipoh, but maybe just a quiet night with the parents, or just facing the computer screen.
How are you spending the new year's eve? Stuck at home, just like myself? Or getting ready to welcome the new year with a bang?

Either way, don't forget to call home.

There was a quote which I read somewhere today, which goes:

"Love thy parents. We are too busy growing up, we forgot that they are growing old too."

279

We are slowly drifting apart.

278

It rained pretty hard in the evening, and I was unlucky to forget about my umbrella.
My company however,  prepares drivers to fetch their employees to their respective car parks during such times, but priority given to women la.
I didn't get myself drenched by walking to the car park, however I got wet, because some stupid SOHAI decided to put advertisement leaflets on my windscreen and when it rained, it got stuck onto my windscreen. And I had to remove it, which explains why I got so wet.

Anyway, it took me 1.5 hours to reach home. I'm not complaining because minutes ago, I saw pictures on facebook stating that KL has massive flood all over when I was just there not too long ago!! Phew. Blessing in disguise. And I am glad I left the office earlier or else I would have stuck there until now. 

277

I survived my first week at work.

Came back to Ipoh for the weekend to celebrate my grandpa's birthday. We had dinner at some fancy Chinese restaurant, which coincidentally accommodating a wedding dinner. So it was awkward to have to go through the reception tables, while the host was probably wondering who we were. Chinese restaurants like these have to bear in mind the awkwardness/embarrassments the customers have to go through and come up with a better solution for separate entrances.
Don't need to be a smart fella to know that.

Thought that I could spend my weekend sleeping till late. My definition of late would be at least until 8-9. I don't get such luxury during weekdays now. Have to wake up at 5.45am from now on wards to avoid the traffic which piles up very easily in the city centre. Anyway, story cut short, I did not. For 2 week nights, I have been sleeping at 3 in the morning. Last night was up to update my iPhone's iOS. I couldn't resist, especially with the internet at home. I lose my Jailbreak just for the update, though I may regret now, when I have lose all my illegal apps.

There's no win-win situation anymore.

Woke up early this morning to bring my grandpa to the hospital for his usual treatment. He wobbles when he walks now, so I was a little worried. What if I dropped him or something? Will the family blame me? That's why I try not to get involved too much, because I certainly can't bear with the guilt IF something does happen. He had his treatment, I brought him for breakfast and he managed to chat up with his friends in the coffee shop.

The day seems good. I even had short conversations with his friends. This is the least I could do for him, being her granddaughter.

And after I brought him home, just had to bump into my grandma.

And that was how my day suddenly took a 180 degree turn.

She asked me what did I wear for work now. As expected, her choice of answer was always, "Skirts?". In the past, to avoid all repercussions, I would always lie to make them happy. In situations like that, I would usually go "Yeah, erm" But me being 25 next year, decided that I should just be myself. So I told her I wear slacks to work. With the air-conditions and all.
And they went skeptical. 


Then my grandpa went saying that, "Listen to me, you are getting older. So have to wear properly.", which indirectly translated to "Look! You have to start being more ladylike and wear skirts. No more shorts and t-shirts for you!" I don't know if he thinks that just because he's my grandpa which makes it compulsory to listen to him? Hell no. 


And the two of them went something like must wear more ladylike..something like that.

It made me felt pressured, so I smiled and said "OK." and left.

I didn't know how to react to them, and even relate the matter to them. All along I thought that my family would accept me for who I am. This is about my clothing preferences, not even to my sexual preferences yet. I felt suffocated even at home.
I know I shouldn't be a drama queen but I felt it's super hard to even wear feminine clothings now. Maybe it's because of my unexceptional body figure and size, that I feel inferior of the types of clothes I put on, OR it's just the way I'm born. Have been like these since young, and still, they don't get it.

I don't even know what to do. Cousin's wedding is in March, and OF COURSE THEY EXPECT ME TO GO IN SOMETHING SOCIALLY-ACCEPTABLE FOR A 25-YEAR OLD FEMALE.

I hate this. 

276

Funny there's nothing better to write about anymore.

Concerned with a friend.
Emotional attacks - used to get them quite often.

275

Day 2, and already thoughts of quitting.

274

Just back from a 7-day trip to Taiwan.

I am in the midst of recollecting my memories through pictures snapped. And also mustering/summoning my working jest as I start work coming Monday.

No, I have no working jitters at all.
It's just the traffic to work that scares me a little.

Been getting questions like "Are you still in school?" during the trip.
One which came from a school teacher, "Are you still in secondary school?"

That got the whole bus cracking. Me especially. 

273

How I spend my final day off on my own?


Yesterday, I had to do a medical check up prior to the commencement of my new job. To my friends, many of you would have known my future path, but to some, who are still clueless, I am heading to an office job. A 9 to 5 position (fingers crossed!).

I was supposed to do it in September, but being me, a procrastinator by nature, I decided to put off what's important and realized that I've been 3 months overdue. So my office, being based in KL has all its panel clinics based so far from where I stay. I went to the nearest one, which I have to cross the LDP toll, BUT upon arrival, the doctor had the nerve to tell me that he declined doing my medical check up. Reason is, payment was difficult to obtain from my company.

Well, suck it Dr. I had to cross the toll  for nothing, and have to pay even more extra toll to get to the other end of the city, to get the check up. At this point, you are damn right that I was so furious to the point, that you can imagine imaginary fumes coming out from every single outlet of my head. The new clinic has problems with parking. The vicinity has all kinds of mechanics and clinics, so every available parking spot was either being blocked or well, occupied. 


Anyway, LUCK was on my side, because I ended up completing my check up, and even went elsewhere (and also found parking!) for a Chest X-Ray. I even managed to sneak a hearty lunch of Fish Head Noodles @ Woo Pin in Taman Desa after surviving the entire morning without breakfast. Now my only hope is that my check up doesn't have any major flaws which will put my job employment at stake. 


So this morning, after dropping the missus off to work, I went for a lone breakfast at Banana Leaf in Centrepoint. For a RM4.70 breakfast, I abandoned it half way, considering there was no  onion in my Roti Telur Bawang, and my Teh Ais KURANG MANIS tasted like crap. 
I decided to patron Starbucks after that, and like every visits I have, it feels like home here. 


The barristas even remembered me, and went to the point of praising me in a red shirt. 


Well, I don't know if it's the Toffee Nut Frap which is making my day, or if it's the people in red merry shirts, but I'm liking it every single minute now. 

272

i iz
HOME !!

16 days of pure fun and laughter. 

271

I cannot believe this is the way I'm spending my Saturday nights. In a local cafe, sipping a pot of Mint Tea, listening to a live band singing to Chinese songs. One of the singers happened to be my friend's girlfriend. So we are sort of baby sitting her girlfriend for her. I can't believe that I actually know every single Chinese song sang by the singers. Most of them are actually emo songs, that I can sing after every painful break up. The missus sits across the table, opposite from where I am now. I hope I never have to sing such emo songs anymore. :) I am really happy to have her. Today we spend the day eating our hearts out. Started our day with dim sum (RM52.80), had our caffeine fix (RM28.40), popcorns and soda (RM7.00) during a movie - Happy Feet 2, fine dining Japanese dinner (RM155) which I had a hard time concentrating on food because the waiters were so attentive and literally breathing down on our necks when we were eating-service tax well spent! Anyway, as a rough figure, we spend RM250 on food today itself. Oh my. No more. But that's what being in love does to you. You eat non stop.

270

Today's my last day coming into this office. 

Usual daily routine would be waking up at 7.15 am, driving to work, reaching at 8.30am, scan my thumb print, punch card and then switching on my laptop. While waiting for it to run, I will check my emails. And then go to specific websites to download HK series, and then head out for breakfast with my colleagues.
After breakfast, it would be light surfing on the internet, watch series/movies, or just talk to my colleagues, and then lunch at 12-ish, and the cycle repeats itself until 5.30pm when I will clock out, scan my thumb print and go home. 

That has been my routine for the past 3 weeks, ever since I tendered my resignation. No work has been assigned to me and all I had was just the internet as a companion. 

I have to return my laptop to the company this evening, and have to do some "spring cleaning" on my device. I have to clear out my personal data inside this computer. Also found plenty of pictures of my 1 year of service in this company. 

Seated: Lee, Brian and Myself.
Standing: Simon

Listening tentatively to briefing.

Safety Manager, Operation Manager, Myself and Simon

 The operation manager has passed away, due to sudden heart attack.
This proves how stressful our job can be. He was only 40 when he left us.

Everytime we go to work, need to don on our coveralls. For extra protection, I always have a small towel to wrap around my face. 

This is the way we eat. Just unzip our coveralls and attract loadsa attention. 

Office staffs - we are a very small organization over here in the Peninsular.

That was taken during my #1 Farewell lunch at Las Vacas, ss5. 

Air Marine has played its part to form me the person I am today. Serves well as a stepping stone to what seems to be my career in the future. 

Will definitely miss this company of mine. 

269

Don't usually attend gym classes on my own, because surprisingly, I am a shy fellow.
However, last night, the missus bailed out on me, as we promised to attend Combat class together, after 2 months of absence from the gym. She had to work late, so I canceled on the class and decided to stay home to wait for her.

Before shower, I decided to just do a bit of sit-ups and as I was about to do so, couldn't see my toes! Oh the horror! The bulge has grown so big that I can't see my toes at all. 


So, I decided to fuck the ego, and just sped to class 10 minutes before it start. Made it on time, and did not regret at all.

268

Nothing much to update. 

Except for constant clearing of my work station before I leave for good. Didn't know I have so much stuffs to clear after a year of service. Mostly papers.

I know I could just throw everything away, but instead, I chose to divide them between recyclable papers and those that ought to belong in the rubbish dumps.
My Chinese colleagues (originated from China) told me to just throw everything away, and spare the trouble of separating them, sigh. I am sad for the future of their nation.

I wished I could just put some sense into their numb skulls - that some traits have to be adapted. Like compassion and the sense of responsibility to Mother Nature, in some ways.

Anyway, I'm down to my final 3 days here. Checking in daily on FourSquare makes counting down even easier. 3 days to go before having to let my current seat go. I even managed to send my car for servicing today, even though I am supposed to be working. Ah, such is the pleasure of flexibility here. I think I will miss this the most. 

I have packed my coveralls and jackets to be returned too. I will miss the coarse rough texture brushing against my skin, under the hot sun. My new job will not require me to rough out, perhaps one day, I will return to having coveralls as my daily uniform. Where the money lies. 

Anyway, a recent picture of us both. Celebrated Yenny's 30th birthday. Another 5 years till mine, wonder how I would look like then. 

Love this picture of us. Maybe we should frame it up. 

267

I know it's unusual for the nons to be interested in working for the government upon graduation. Reasons such as racial discrimination and lack of work satisfaction were what I usually gather from "intellectual" conversations with people around me. However, I shall not deny that these are thoughts from the Gen-Y. Older generations, such as my parents and Grandparents were delighted that I was chosen to attend the PTD PAC Assessment after passing the 1st stage which was the written test. 


Why are the Gen-X so happy that I am in the running to obtain a governmental position?
In the past, those who were given a chance to work for the government is reflected as lucky, because their jobs are secured, and at the end of their retirement, they are given pensions. There's no fear of recession because the government have no records of giving the boot to their staffs and of course, let's not forget the perks and benefits of being a civil servant : i.e, housing loans, year-end bonus, health and medication benefits (in government clinics and hospitals) and also "tabik-hormat" respect and recognition from the public. 


With all that said, many would still say that working in the private sector has proven to be of better perks and higher pay checks which I do not deny. Even after going through the 1.5 days of assessment, I can't help but feel that those who sincerely wants to join the civil service had other intentions rather than looking at the pay check only.

In my opinion, you have got to be someone who REALLY WANTS to give back to the nation.
You don't expect that the government will give you big fat checks, because at the end of the day, the reality is, working in a private sector pays more. And also better perks, no doubt. 


Anyway, back to my story, I was chosen filtered from 20,000 candidates who went for a 1-day written test, down to 1200 candidates who are supposed to attend a 1.5 day of Assessment in various JPA centres across the country. At first, I was excited that I was chosen (and also AMAZED that I passed a written test which comprised of essays both written in English and Malay, and also questions on General Knowledge)  and when the day starts nearing, I wanted to back out. Like really bad.
During the assessment, we were assessed based on our proficiency in both English and Bahasa Melayu, and also physical activities such as a 2.4km hike. I felt that I could not do it, especially in Bahasa Melayu.
When the day came, the missus told me to try, at least, since I did take the scholarship offered by JPA and it would only be right to be responsible. And seeing that I am currently serving a 1.5 months notice upon resignation, it seems that everything is well planned. Most of them were assigned to various parts of the country, but I was send to a JPA centre, 15 minutes from where I live at the moment.

Everything was well planned - there was no reason for me NOT to go. So I did. 


I didn't read the instruction letter thoroughly, so when I was there, ALL the females were in Baju Kurung, and the males in white shirt and black pants. Guess what, I was in the same outfit. All the eyes were settled on me, and I really felt that I was in an awkward position. At the moment, I was like, "screw this, I don't have to bear with such attention" and wanted to leave almost instantly, however, I did not. My rationality (and I hope maturity) told me that if I really leave at that instance, I would be a disappointment to my parents and myself. If I fail the assessment after going through, means I have done my best.

I stayed.

And was registered as "Candidate No.1" - more attention bestowed upon me.
I would think that a lot of attention will be given onto me, because I would be known as the girl who came earliest so she got No.1, when actually, it so happened that one of the officers in charged pulled me in, did all my resignation, and given me that number. 

We went through a series of "Group Discussion", both in Malay and English. My game plan was to NOT be a dominate speaker but to learn to listen and speak when I want to. Actually I don't know how we are being assessed, my mum thinks I ought to be outspoken, but I feel that other people should be given a chance to perform too, you know? Sad to say, during a Malay discussion, I couldn't speak much, because I kept forgetting the right words to say. It is so easy to use Bahasa to order food in Mamaks, but when it comes to serious discussions, I really have to admit defeat.

We also had various team activities.

And had a 2.4km hike run, and I finished within 13 minutes. I was not proud, but am amazed.

I was also not assigned a room mate, considering I had 2 beds in my hostel room. Whereas the rest which had 3 & 4 beds each were all full. Until today, I still don't understand why wasn't I assigned a room mate. Was it because of my outer appearance, thus the organizers thought it's best if I didn't have one?

Sexual discrimination?

I made a couple of friends/acquaintances along the way. Most of them were already working for the government and some, in the private sector. I shall not deny, it was a great experience. Like going back to the days when I used to stay in the old USM hostel blocks back when I was a freshie in UTP. Like the whole floor shares a common bath room.

Oh yeah, I also had to do a presentation (in English) in front of 20 candidates and 4 panels, with 1 power point slide. Reminds me of the time we had to do a Poster Presentation for my Final Year Project (FYP). I'm really happy that I came from UTP, because we were expected to take this course (PCS) - Professional Communication Skills, when we were given training on how to do good presentations in front of a crowd, and also how to sound professional while being in a group. My only regret is that the course wasn't offered in Malay - which resulted me in failing all Malay assessment this time. 

266

I hate my plans for Singapore drafted on my Notes section on my iPad, but because it was too troublesome to type word by word and I found that actually writing on a piece of paper with a solid pen could be much faster, so decided to just abandon the plans halfway on my notes. So the missus saw the note and then left a short remark underneath :
"Why none of this happened??? Who did you initially plan to go to Singapore with??(sad face icon)"

While I agreed that this could be annoying to most people, but such short spark of false jealousy really carves a smile on me.

266

I wanna reinvent a sound space in my head - I will learn. 

265

In the loop too soon. 

264

I don't know if you have read, but I'm down to my last 15 days at work.
Like any other people who decided to resign/quit their jobs in a nice manner would have to serve a notice period. During this time, it is when you are supposed to handover their existing/remaining tasks in hand to a colleague who is going to take over your position.
However, mine was a little different.
I received a phone call from a colleague of mine to take over a new task and expected to complete it, before I leave. Which means all the paper work, calculations and drawings have to be handed in ETD 15 days.

I am not complaining really, because it keeps me occupied.
Ever since I have completed my work, I tendered my resignation letter and have been literally shaking legs since. Usually my day at work would begin with me clocking in (literally!), heading out for breakfast, back to my workstation and do light surfing, and then to lunch, yak with the colleagues, continue the day with more light surfing and also catch up on TVB dramas and then it would be 5.30pm.

Sounds awesome-possum eh?

No. You are wrong. Maybe it is fun during the first few days, but then it gets boring and routine, and you run out of dramas/series to watch, and the newsfeed on facebook has nothing posted (if you keep refreshing every 10 secs that is!), and eventually, your life gets meaningless. You don't even know why do you ever need to serve such notices and it is a waste of mental juice....get the drift?

So anyway, I have work to be done in 15 days, which I have it 50% completed. Oh well.

My colleague once told me, the longer you are in the work force, you will learn the term "Pull the brake!" which means, you don't have to work so efficiently, because you don't want new tasks, but you want to keep yourself occupied during office hours at the same time. 


You learn a lot when you join the work force, and this is just the beginning, baby. 

263

WHO IS COMING IN FROM TRONOH, PERAK?

262

Trying out the new blogger template for updating my blog.
I have been so immersed in my new toys, that I forgot how fun it was to customize and play around with my blog pages.

Had a very inspiring moment with my immediate superior this morning.
Feel like getting a new hobby immediately, but alas, probably going to last as long as 3 minutes.

It's going to be a lonely weekend for me.
Supposed to go home for the weekend, but the train tickets were all sold out.
Heard a shocking news this morning, home in Ipoh got broken into while my parents were in bed.
Couldn't enter into the house, because we installed a solid door from the kitchen to the living room, so nothing was taken away. However, the fact that there's someone trying to break in, is rather terrifying.

This is the second time our house actually has break-ins.

Told dad to install an alarm system, doubt it will help much but better than none. But they being, spendthrift decided that it was a waste of funds. Well..

I wished I could just drive home, but the idea of traveling is really not that pleasant.
Maybe a 15 minute call home tonight will help. 

261

You know what they say about being in a relationship, either brings out the best in you, OR the worst in you, OR even both?

I would say that being in a relationship means trying out new things together, so that at the end of the day, you have something in common to share and talk about. Am I right?
And that would also mean by trying something that you have feared all these while simply because you know that your special half would always be there for you.

So long story short, we were at Universal Studio Singapore last weekend, and even though there were other interesting rides, I decided to cajole the missus to try out the ferry wheels' ride at the Shrek section. Why the ferris wheel right? 

This is because the missus is afraid of heights - a common phobia developed by many. (even myself) 

When we were queuing up, I bet ya we attracted a lot of unwanted attention from the rest. In my mind was "Shit, will we be kicked off since it seemed to be more of a kids' ride.."
But no, the attendees were far from being mean, and even snap a picture of us for remembrance sake. 

Aah, one for the road!

The ride was undeniably plain, 6 cycles and there it was. Only to excite kids.
But guess what, the missus was terrified. Lol. 

Even though the height from the ground was probably less than 2 storeys high. I kept telling her that her office was probably 30 storeys high, but why is she afraid now?
(I shall not deny that my constant rocking actions did not help much..but anywayyyyyy)

You know, when we were at the highest point (which is at the position of "12" in the clock face), I kept rocking and the person who managed it had to repeat countless times, "FOR YOUR SAFETY, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ROCKING OR MOVING ABOUT." 

I am glad we had this ride. And to let the missus know how much she can trust me. :)

260

I forgot the last time I become so dependable, on something, or someone.

I used to be so driven by the sounds of cheers and even jeers beside me. I constantly need to be surrounded by people, because that's what I feed on. Not the sweat, success or even money, I feed on the appearance of people in my life.

Spent the last 16 hours away from food and water. Body was too weak to comprehand the feeling of hunger and thirst. Heard the timely growling from the little stomach,but I couldn't bring myself to step out from the room. All I wanted to do was just sit and wail on self pity.

When did I get myself into this piece of shit? This whole cycle, repeats its damn whole self again. All of a sudden, I long for a very heavy work load and schedule, just to stop thinking for once. Decisions are hard to be made, and really, don't want to go through hell again.

It's really depressing. For me. And I hate to be in this hell hole.

259

Still the same old me.

Reading, browsing, "experiencing" the juniors' graduation - it felt like it was just yesterday I graduated along with them.
I didn't get to experience much during my graduation, because the time was so short. The weekend was simply too short to really enjoy and seep in the graduation atmosphere.

And then, here we are today. Working for the rest of our lives.

I wished that I could have done something magnificent during my 5 years there.
Should have put more effort in my FYP researches or something. Or something. 

258

I shall not bore you with details of what I do at work lately.
It is not interesting anymore.
Everyday I clock in, clock out; do nothing in between.
Serving a 1.5 months notice is a little much too long. I can't believe what's going to happen if I had to serve 3 months, for real. 


I'm now planning our little getaway to Singapore this coming weekend.
I know right, you must be saying who goes to Singapore for a getaway, right?
Singaporeans are always coming to Malaysia for a getaway, but we are heading down south.

Well, Australia and New Zealand was out of our plans because we wanna save it, for later.
Krabi and Phuket was a big no-no because I still can't develop a 6-pack (neither can I get rid of the tummy bulge).

And we only had this weekend available.
So Singapore it is.

257

Qualms of my own. 

256

What did I do today?

Came into office, whipped out my work's laptop, connect my iPad to iTunes, updated iTunes, waited patiently for 70 minutes to update my iPad's iOS.

And now, I'm running on iOS 5. 


Wuahahahahahahahhahaahahhahahahahaahhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa~

254

I'm upset for the fact that I spend a lot of money in subscribing to the Internet and definitely not fully-optimizing it.

Like, I have a 3GB data plan tied to my iPhone, a 4GB data plan on my iPad, and a 20GB plan on P1 at home. That's 27GB worth of unlimited data plans every month. With that mentioned, needless to say the amount of money I actually wasted every month for a fraction of data I used monthly.

Now after saying that, you must think that I'm knackers to spend so much after realizing that, but why am I still whining about it? The actual reason being is you can never run away from subscribing to these plans especially when you have such devices. I don't mind paying for the usage on my I-devices, it's P1 which is bothering me.

First thing first, I was told that its speed limit is 4G so when I paid RM99 every month, I was expecting a stable connection, at least. Well, apparently, after 3 weeks of usage, it has come to my knowledge that our place is a dark spot, meaning its not the company's fault, it's my whereabouts.
So now I'm stuck with a data plan which I can't use, and have to pay RM200 for termination fee.

FML.

254

Woke up this morning, had a strong desire to get a hair cut to tame the mane of mine. It was growing out of proportion and hair shampoos are getting pricier each day. I wonder if the Kedai 1Malaysia has my usual brands, could probably drop by one day. 

Anyway, after breakfast, decided to try out the new hair saloon place my cousin recommended, located somewhere in Pengkalan. Drove there, reached at 10.15, saloon showed no signs of being open anytime soon, so I drove back to the town whilst stopping by several spots which I thought could be a good place to get my hair cut.

But none. Either they were not open, or the place looked too shabby. I DIDN'T WANT TO RISK MY HAIR.

After several U-Turns, even drove all the way into town, I decided to come back nearer and try out this new hair saloon, "JUNE SIEW". That was after 45-minutes of wasted time on driving and really desperately had to have a hair cut. 

As soon as I entered, saw a few butches seated inside. One of them came to tend to me, really felt awkward. The thing is, I feel helpless in the presence of other butches because I would feel really awkward - out of the position. I don't know if I should go all manly with them, or be all girly in front of them. It spells A-W-K-W-A-R-D, uneasy.
Anyway, the butch came and talked to me, washed my hair and then proceeded to cutting mine.

If it were to be a guy/girl doing so, at least I can secretly have fantasies of them *cough* while they do their thing..but if it's someone in-between, my hopes are crushed.

Well, what's done is done. Reckoned my hair was cut too short at the back.., then again, none of the hair stylists could make me a satisfied customer ever. It's either too girly, too short, too long, etc everytime after a hair cut. Sigh. 

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I told one of my colleagues that I am leaving soon.
He teared.

Oh my god. 

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Who am I kidding?
I love my job!

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I guess people are surprised to see where I am heading to.

Many negative than being supportive.
Sigh, did I just make another wrong detour?
 

250

Funny how you can be affected SO EASILY by the LAZY BUG..

I have been pretty relaxed in the office these 2 days, mainly because there's nothing much to do. The calm before the high tide - have to head to Lumut on Thursday morning.
Anyway, a picture recap on what's been going on. 

The missus bought a Groupon on Crafts Brew - a meat platter for 4. 

My thoughts on this: Simply if it wasn't accompanied by their brew, this meal would have been worst! Do not like the taste of their meat, but then again, this kind of food is meant to be served with alcohol, to numb your taste senses I'd guess. Anyway, should give it a try, it was my first time to Craft Brews.

The missus's iPhone 4 - cracked LCD screen. Asked around for help, turned out that for professional help, we had to pay RM600-700 for a screen replacement; for help from Forum Lowyat, someone could get this replaced in 2 hours for RM350.
Decided to go for Option 3. 

My impulsive instinct got me to getting another iPad. This time the model is with 3G. Now that my impulsiveness has died down, come to think of it, I can really do without 3G. But no, I cannot admit this to the missus - she would kill me!! I sold the earlier iPad away though. Now the new iPad has been upgraded to PadZai. 

Decided to call a friend for help. It was her first time replacing a screen for iPhone 4.
She was kind enough to search the entire of Low Yat to get us a Grade A iPhone LCD Screen, for RM250 and a free screen protector thrown in.
Total damage done = RM250 + RM25 (drinks on us!) + a fun-filled Sunday evening activity (4 hours).

Hate the fact that we wasted her weekend, but really amazed by her passion and patience to help us with our situation. Thanks sifu!

p/s: She's doing such free lance business, so if you guys need any help, call me!

The broken, shattered, iPhone LCD screen. 

Just had to enlarge the size of the photo for the last bit.
The missus hasn't been cooking for me, for about half a year now. We were tired of outside food, and she decided to cook something for us. Would love this anytime!!


There you go, a recount about my life for the past 2 weeks. 

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I've been really stressed about work lately.

But it all ends today. Everything is all well, with the cargo safely on the barge. Nothing went wrong, am just glad that it all went as planned. +1 for my experience.

When it all ended, I just wanted to go home as early as possible. I have not talked to the missus for 4 days now. Really miss her very much. On the bright side, I'm heading back to KL tomorrow. Just want to see her, really badly.

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I vow to take more snap shots of my own. 

"Everyday I try to look my best,
even though inside I'm such a mess,
Why do I always feel invisible.."

Feeling a little under the weather today...

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Watching demonstration against the independent film Nasi Lemak 2.0, really sparked anger inside me. Thank god I have already watched it, in the event that the Government decided to ban the film. I think the film itself was intelligently directed, to remind us about how we are unique as one, with a tinge of Malaysian humour.

The demonstrators had the nerve to say that the film had "unsur-unsur BERSIH 2.0" but aren't you demonstrating in public places yourselves? Is that not illegal too?

Even if you want to reprimand Namewee (the director), you should at least learn better words in your language, instead of calling names like "BANGSAT" and "BERSHIT". Seriously, anak-anak muda sekalian, don't even think of playing the racial card anymore because it no longer works.

We are smarter than that, being "anak muda" ourselves.

I don't really have to pretend being all patriotic about the country, because I know I'm doing this country a favour by being intelligent with my choice of words.

You know, when I'm home alone, that's the time I really don't like to go out.
Especially with the rain these days, all I did today was just stay in and do some work on the computer.




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Location:246

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You know what growing up does to you?

(a) You become sensible, rational and responsible. You look at your arch enemy's eyes, and you forgot the reason why you two got into a fight.

(b) You become a fool. You become a part of a never-ending rat race. You make decisions you aren't proud of, worst of all, you end up all alone.

HAHA. 

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Would you do something way out of your league or would you prefer rotting in your comfort zone?


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Location:Jalan BU 4/2,Petaling Jaya,Malaysia

243

On Monday, both the missus and I, took sick leaves together.
No, unfortunately it was not a planned one, and we didn't make any vacation plans.
It was for real.

Wait, why is it that when I take MC, people always think that I faked the sickness?
Eh, there are certain times which I really am sick ok?
Anyway, despite me frequently "advising" people not to be on leave, but instead, take MCs; that was in fact, my 2nd MC of the entire year of me working for this company. 


I was down with a viral gastritis - according to the doctor.
Fuck it, because I had to keep running to the toilet, middle of the night. And I actually saw blood in my stool, but I thought I was just being delusional and all. So I ignored it, until after coming back from the doctor's, and googled about my symptoms, only did I knew my eyes did not deceive me, at all. 


I guess my age has finally caught up on me - I have never experienced gastric when I was younger. Remember skipping lunch back when I was in pinafore; for tuition, for school activities, etc. And now, look at me! One time late for lunch, or accidentally consumed spicy foods, I would be rolling on the floor, holding up against my tummy.

Well, Monday off was good enough for us. At least we avoided what seem to be the post-holiday traffic - believed it was really jammed on the roads. We woke up early though, to see the doctor, and to have brunch. And then went home to rest, while the missus did her work from home. Such a workaholic she is! Later in the evening, we bought tickets to watch the Smurfs - RM7.00 per ticket is bliss yo! I should probably play truant whenever I wanna watch movies. That's like RM4.00 cheaper than the normal tickets!

Then for dinner, we decided to try out "tai-chow" because she reckoned we have been spending a lot on food - and it's unnecessary.
In the end, the food came to RM28.00 - for a 2 individual meal and a vegetable dish. Pricey yo.
We also went to walk around SS2's night market which we never had the chance to do so, to avoid the jam and ended up visiting one of our favourite eyewear shop and spend RM700 for 2 pair of shades.

Speaking of money-saving. Gawd, we are hopeless. 

242

Last Saturday, finally met up with the UTPians, after a few months. This was our 3rd Gathering, which also meant welcoming Jiamin home, and sending Aiting off to Penang.
For the rest, it was a mere catching up experience..

There's nothing much to write about, except our noise was enough to tear Alexis Bistro apart.

Still like the usual, nothing much has changed since the last gathering. Or graduation ever.

p/s: They commented the number of times I appear in the photos. Dudes and dudettes. 

Spent 9 hours in Midvalley = RM9.00 parking fee.
Lunch at Alexis', walked 10 minutes and ended up for coffee in Austin Chase, and then walked a bit more, went for dinner at the food court, and then for my own individual craving in Gong Cha.

Sorry for my mindless entry, I think I must be suffering from POST HOLIDAY syndrome!!

241

On a working day-eve, decided to bring the missus for a posh dinner, somewhere in Bangsar. Although I have to admit, we do splurge a lot on food, but that's how life is, right?

Quoted - Food is one of life's greatest joy!

And indeed, we are always overjoyed by the amount of food we feast on, daily.

We went to F - a Buffalo Dining Kitchen Concept, a place which has been opened for quite a while, before I noticed it on one of the tv shows. As we were walking to the said place, the missus tucked her arms around mine, and went "It's about time we paktor-ed already! It has been such a long time!"

Silly woman. 

Together we make one awesome (cute!) pair

We've been together for so long, that sometimes we have mini-fights just to get cheeky at each other.

Everytime one of us get into a mini squabble, I would quickly say, "I forgive you" and then she would go, "What the hell! I forgive you first" and then we will make up and laugh about it. 


I have not write much about my relationships lately, because I felt that sometimes having my personal life exposed too much in the public isn't doing us any good. However, I missed writing such matters because I feel that words composed by me, can be pretty beautiful. Hehhe!

Anyway, I was a little annoyed over the service in F - which permits me to say the word Fuck! with the letter F. I guess they are not used to having such large crowds during normal days, that's why we have minimal attention while patronizing the diner. 

Fusion Seafood Tomato Soup 

I was also a little irritated over the fact that the 3-way crab and the Oriental Clam Soup was out of stock when I was there. The only reason I chose F was because of the great reviews about the 2 starters. Anyway, the soup was quite as how I imagined it would be. Tomato soup with slight tinge of Tom-yam taste to it. Quite fusion indeed. 


Because of the steep price of their mains, I was a little caution about ordering the right mains for the night.
There was a review on the Black Angus steak, with a little sea salt going for RM60 for 200gms, and the practical side of me told me to hold my horses on that. However, to satisfy my craving for red meat, I decided to go for Steak and Potatoes - RM40 and well, should have just topped up RM20 and try the Black Angus instead. 

Steak and Potatoes

It turned out pretty "rare" - the way I would like my steak. Unfortunately, the meat shouldn't be that thick but then again, personal preference. I finished the entire dish anyway, clean. 

Con-fit Norwegian Salmon

Salmon was the missus' order - Salmon was nicely cooked, still a bit rare in the middle, which was awesome. Salmon should not be over-cooked because the meat gets too rough - again, personal preference. The only urgh! point was the side was fennel which taste, she did not like. 


The dinner was a healthy one, considering the way it was cooked. I would definitely return one day, for their starters, and perhaps, saved enough for the Black Angus with sea salt. :)

240

It's 1st day of the 3-day break (a week for some!) and I have a feeling that it's going to be a rather quick break, plus I have got to work on Friday and Saturday somemore.

I do not have any specific plans, except that the Ipohians are here, and the UTPians are initiating a meet-up. I have to allocate time for all, because times like these are precious.



I started the day with a healthy note. When the missus was still in bed, I took the high road and headed for an hour of session in the gym, did my laundry, and even so, the missus was still in dreamland. Now, I'm in Klang, while she wants her 3-day break to be her days of resting at home and work even more; I for one would wanna go out to the streets and do a bit of partying.

I have a feeling that after this Raya break, it's going to be hard work for me.

Le sigh!

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239

Look what I found while reminiscing the good old days, and decided to rummage the pages of my old blog page...

Very beautiful entries, written by yours truly, and how much I have evolved through time. Those days, I was writing entries on my 15.5" DELL laptop, extremely large for my size, but today, I'm merely typing gracefully on my iPad.

Awesome~




Picture above - taken in Cameron Highlands, when all of us were trying to open a bottle of red wine. We have turned out to be pretty good people eh?


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238

I have not been to a trip with the missus's friends before this, and have not met with them in a frequent basis. But when she asked whether I would mind tagging along for a short weekend getaway, I felt it was time that her friends know who the missus is dating, and with all due respect, they would know who I am.

I know many of her friends still do not know who she is dating; whether she is dating a girl for real, and of course, speculate the kind of person I am. There's nothing much you can see from a Facebook page, and so, I decided that a weekend trip would be fun - instead.

Definitely was awkward at first, because some I have not met before, and even though some did, I remember our meet-ups were plain silent, because I do not talk much when the girls meet up.

Anyway, one of her friends did all the planning and my job was to chauffeur them around. (since I seem to be the one with better sense in directions). Arrived Malacca at 4.30pm, just in time to stand in line for the infamous Satay Celup in Malacca.

Capitol Sate Celup - WHICH I THINK was ridiculously a waste of time (and effort!)
Actually I feel that even the idea of Sate Celup is not that great afterall and I don't see why people can queue from 1-2 hours just to have their sticks of food dipped into boiling peanut sauce??

Okay, I just don't like it. Maybe when I went to Ban Lee Siang Sate Celup, the taste of better, and even lesser queue. When we were there at 4.35pm, the queue was about 2 shop lots width away, and it's opened at 5pm! Well, one good thing about this was that I finally tried Capitol and can proudly announce that I won't be going back for more!

After the "tea", we decided to head to Jonker Street for a walkabout. Most of the missus' friends are photography-fanatics, so they got busy with their gadgets thigmajigs. Didn't do much here except walking around, and bumped into Sam who was there for something something. 

Half way in Jonkers, came across this milk cakes, and decided to give them a try.
For RM3.00 each, price is extremely atrociously high! And for the love of god, the icing they pumped into the centre of the cake was painfully sweet ~. Sweet in a horrible way which destroyed the entire taste of the cake itself. However, I have to comment on the texture of the cake - very fluffy and soft (delicious!!) until you taste the cream in the centre of the cake.

Turn-off max. 

Found Malt on a stick, and couldn't resist the temptation. 

For RM2 per stick, it was really good, but don't know whether it's because I have grown up much, that I find my sweet tooth no longer able to handle sweets. It was good, to be fair. 

We adjourned the night, at 12am, when everyone went back to the homestay place, and got to bed early.
For RM260 per night, it was a comfy place to accommodate the 8 of us, in 3 big rooms, with 2 bath rooms, a kitchen and a living room. Would definitely return and select this if we were to head to Malacca in a big group next time.

Funny how early the people sleep during trips like these. I told the missus that if it were to be my friends caught up in such a getaway, we probably have to be prepared to be sleepless for the rest of the night! There would be so much talking (and gambling - for UTPians!) but then again, sleeping early was good for me. I had been driving the entire day!

The next morning, being the kiasu Cinapeks, woke up as early as 6.30am, to get ready, and arrived to the infamous Chicken Rice Balls shop (Chung Wah) near the Stadhuys Building. The shop opens at 8.30 am, but we were already queuing at 8! 
As usual, nothing great to shout about because chicken meat was rough, and ...etc!

After breakfast, it was another round of photography taking and we went to Geographer's Cafe for Vegetarian Coconut Tom Yam. This was recommended by one of the missus' friends who saw this review on tv, and apparently tops in the "MUST-HAVE-LIST" in Malacca.
 

She was right!

For an omnivore like myself, I kept searching for bits of squids, or prawns in the coconut but was constantly reminded that it was vegetarian thus only mixed vege bits. But you know, it tasted hell as good as the normal kind we have in Thai Restaurants, even better if I dare say so! I have always been a  patron of Geographers Cafe when I go to Malacca but it was always for the beer/drinks, never the Tom Yam. Now, I have at least one thing to look forward to whenever I decide to chill there. 

Right after that, we went straight to Jonker 88. As soon as I stepped out of Geographers, I saw this queue outside Jonker 88, and decided to stand in line. I knew the line was not for the infamous Cendol but it was for the Nyonya Assam Laksa stall right beside it. The line was ridiculously long, because 40 minutes ago, before we decided to go for the Tom Yam in Geographers, Jonker 88 was just about to start getting ready for business, and now, the queue was growing rapidly! I told the missus that I was going to stand in line, and try this Assam Laksa and see whether it was as good as what the internet says.

I waited for about 35 minutes to get to the front of the line, and made my order. 

As much as I want to agree with the Internet, I must say that the food was just as dull as the picture above. I ordered 2 kinds : 1. Nyonya Assam Laksa, 2.Baba Assam Laksa Kahwin; both for RM5 each and hell, I would prefer the authentic Assam Laksa you can get from Penang, anytime. Maybe being biased, but definitely, not something which I would be caught queuing up for.  Sorry Jonker 88, your Sago Cendol was a let down too, but was great to have it cool me down under the intense heat during lining up. 

Next in the schedule was to visit Baba Charlie House - 15 minutes away from Jonker. We could find hundreds of Nyonya kuih and delicacies to be chosen from, and those are freshly made as we speak. 

After buying a few pieces of Nyonya kuih, we went back to Dataran Pahlawan for this famous Mille Crepe in Nadaje that has been the talk of EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN TO MALACCA.

"I could eat this everyday and not die of boredom" 

Sorry, yes you will die - of sweetness!
And meh. Nothing much also!

That is pretty much a summary of the things I have eaten in Malacca. One thing I have observed that in Malacca - is that people tend to queue up for all the restaurants and shops. And to my dismay, none of them were even worth doing so.