Overheard At The Night Market

Woman: Manalaaahhh ayah korang ni? Tak nampak pun kepala botak dia tu.
Few seconds later...
Children: Ma, tu ayah ma! Tu ayah! (Squeal in laughter upon sighting their bald father apparently)

I didn't get to see the bald father though coz I'm walking in the opposite direction. But I can't help but laugh upon hearing that piece of conversation. I'm wondering though whether the mother meant that as terms of endearment or the opposite. But the children will accept their father's distinctive feature lovingly I'm sure :)

Rendang Masin

Oh goreng lempeng, lempengnya hangus.
Oh goreng lempeng, lempengnya hangus...

That's part of a song's lyrics and yes; there is such a song. Full lyrics here. That lyrics kept playing in my head when my rendang turned salty today. I have a cravings for ketupat and rendang since a few days ago so decided to cook them today. Unfortunately the rendang turned a bit salty. I must eat very little of the rendang with the ketupat or else the saltiness will be a bit too much. Sigh!


'Clever' me decided to put extra salt since most of my cooking lacks salt and I ended up having to add in extra later. So in order to save myself the 'extra' work, why not put extra salt in the beginning. Except this time, I use less than half kilograms of meat so I don't really need the extra salt. So much for saving myself the 'extra' work.

Yellow Is Me...

I almost can't believe this. Unlike other color quizzes that has internal clues to the answer generator like preferred weather, fruits and things like that, this one is so varied and yet, the answer is...

YELLOW You are very perceptive and smart. You are clear and to the point and have a great sense of humor. You are always learning and searching for understanding. Find out your color at Quiz Me!

I'm so impressed.

Pre-Birthday Thoughts

Today is the last day I can say I'm 30. This is not something I can repeat unless I've a time machine. And even if I do have a time machine, traveling through parallel world and everything, age will become immaterial then. I've been alive for 3 decades! I thought I want to buy myself nice clothes so I can wear it tomorrow. Shopping again? Well, all the new clothes I bought, I've worn them. That's the least I can do for myself since I can't take any leave yet (Normally, I'd spend the day doing something I want to do). But... nothing caught my eyes. I ended up buying a new nail clipper. My favorite nail clipper is still useful but it is so old I thought I should buy a spare just in case.

While clipping one of my toenail and using the blade to cut off part of the nails not accessible by the clipper, I cut my toe. Ow! Ow! Ow! Very painful one! Especially if the toe becomes wet. Actually, just a nick at an area used to be covered by a nail but it bleeds a little and it is still painful. Anyway, I thought... can't there be anything more interesting as my pre-birthday thoughts? I've been so busy and so tired lately. All I wanted to do is sleep early and wake up early to go to work. Having flu didn't help much either. I'm OK now but a few days ago the effect of the flu medication and full day training is making me feel like a zombie. No time to think. All I want is sleep. Even blogging is done sparsely these past few weeks. I expect it to continue for quite some time.

Back to thoughts, let's think of nice things. I got some early birhtday wishes from an ex-bf and a few friends. It is nice to be remembered especially on birthdays isn't it? As for my ex-bf, I hope he remembers his wife's birthday :)

OK! I'm rambling. I can't remember what's my point and I don't really care right now. After I post this, I'll go to sleep. Not as early as I wish but there are chores to do and they can't wait. Till tomorrow, Good Nite everyone.

Surprises When You Join 'Mencari Cinta'

1. One of the guy is someone whom you've went out with quite some time ago and things didn't take off then. To make things worse, he didn't recognize who you are at first. Probably because he has went out with many other women after that, that he has forgotten your face.
   
2. One of the guy used to be your mom's young adorer but she's not into young men so she said no to him. That's why he's looking for someone now.
   
3. One of the guy is someone you almost hit with your fist a long time ago for being so obnoxious. Sense of decorum prevents you from doing that.
   
4. One of the guy is your boss's son and you've managed to escape from any of your boss's advances so far.
   
5. One of the guy is your eligible bachelor boss.
   
6. One of the guy is your stepbrother and you're never close with him.
   
7. One of the guy is your best friend's ex and you've always believe she's better off without him.
   
8. One of the guy is your sister's abusive ex.
   
9. One of the guy is your ex. You break off with him when you discover he is cheating you.
   
10. One of the guy used to be your brother's not so secret 'secret admirer' and you've always laughed at your brother for having to fend off any attention from him.

Hired Till You're Retired or Die, Whichever Comes First

In all the job I'm in, I've never thought I'd retire with that company. Stability of a job has never been one of the points I consider in a job. There are so many things for us to see, learn and experience in this world. Why bind ourselves to a place especially if we didn't enjoy it? Is that how we appreciate our life? By putting up with the unnecessary, unproductive stress, and the *astards and *itches? Please pardon the language I used but it IS painful to watch someone who is in that position.

If people are passionate for a cause, they will put up with anything to achieve what they want. If people love their business or career, they'll work hard for it. People in the above cases, will work at what they believe in until they retire or die whichever comes first. They'll climb the corporate ladder until they became someone on the top most position. They'll take care of their business and expand it. If you're not in the abovementioned cases, you have no reason to stay. If you like what you're doing but your work place sucks, you have no reason to stay too unless you can only do what you do in the company you're working in now (the one that sucks). Otherwise, other organization may appreciate your skills and experience. Make a move. Same career, similar job description, different organization.

Why do we need to bother with the hassle of moving on to another place and do the same thing? Because we love our life and ourselves. Our job takes a bulk of our life and we want to make it a pleasant experience. Because despite the general perception that wherever you work people will be the same, you might be lucky and found an organization where people are different and nice. Or maybe similar but not that bad. Because we want to enjoy life to the fullest and a happy work place is part of it. Because we want to be physically and mentally healthy. A work place that drains our energy might not be good for our long-term physical and mental health.

Do you think you have no choice? Is that why you're stuck at your current job, going through the motion of waking up, go to work, and come back from work every day? It might be difficult but I believe if we try hard, we will find something that we love doing. We will find something that makes all the pain and hardship worth it. Be brave and make that move. It may take 6 months; it may take 1 year from now. But if you're persistent, I'm sure something good will come your way. If you never try, never make the first step, why do you wonder about your situation? Things will not change if someone didn't do something right?

What brings this about? I saw someone who is having a tough time with his job. If he took the personality assessment quiz that matches personality with a suitable job, I'm sure the result will say he did not match his current job at all. He looked so stressed, his subordinate didn't respect him, he's having a tough time answering to his superior, he's not efficient in doing his job, I wonder why he stayed. I didn't believe he's incompetent. I think he can do well if he did something that matches his personality. I think many people who is having a tough time at work can perform better if they do something more suitable with their personality. But for some reason, many choose to stay and endure.

Many people believe this world is like a big stage. Everyone in them is the actors and actresses. Why do we choose to be the suffering actors/actresses? Why do we choose to be the actors and actresses playing the sad part? We're the director of our movie so why don't we make happy movies for ourselves. Everyone has some limitations, which are the things we are powerless to change. Even the movie directors. They might not have the budget they wish for, the weather may decide not to cooperate, and they might not get the approval from the local authorities, to name a few. But we can still make the best of what we have. So let's make happy movies for ourselves.

Eye Feast

What do you do when you're stuck with a complex four days training? Sleep, SMS or playing games quietly on your handphone is out. Not that I want to do all that. I really need the knowledge imparted during the training. But having something to look forward to during the training really helps. In my case, I'm lucky to have someone to 'cuci mata' on hehehe...

He caught my gaze. I keep my composure for a few seconds and then look away. Must not be too obvious lah kan. He is sooooo.... handsome. Just like a younger version of Ridzuan Hashim with a balding head. Some men with a balding head can be very attractive. Ridzuan Hashim is a good example. Having a long hair at the side and swept over the head to cover the baldness is a big NO-NO. The guy that I feast my eyes on has just the right amount of all the right spices. That didn't sound right written in English. In other words, cukuplah garam gulanya :)

We sit in groups and he sat at another group so there is no chance for us to communicate. Mixing business with pleasure is not my style so this will not go beyond 'cuci mata' lah. Whenever I feel like I need a break from staring at the trainer, the notes or the slides, I'll just steal a glance at him sitting at the back. Hmmm... such a perfect God creation :)

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Ahahahaha... I'm laughing at all the guys telling the criteria of the women of their dream in the 'Mencari Cinta' first episode. Criteria macam2 but they themselves with a so-so look and ada yang belum kahwin dah boroi ahahahaha.... Oh oh... don't want to comment so much lah.

Red Lights Please...

Have you ever noticed when you want something to happen, most often it will not? Even something as trivial as a red traffic light. Why would anyone wants a red traffic light? Everyone wants green right? Well, so do I. But in some situation, a red traffic light can be useful too. On the way back from office today I yawned so wide, the tudung brooch under my chin 'popped out'. The pin of the brooch was broken and there is no way to repair it. Does that show how big my yawn is or how cheap the brooch is or both? Hehehe...

It is OK if I don't have to stop anywhere but home, but in this case I need to refuel. I remember I've stashed an extra brooch in the car somewhere just in case but I did not remember where I put it. So I rummage the places within my reach while driving and hoping for a red traffic light. But when you wish for red, I get a green one all the way. When it's red, it feels like a short time as compared to when you want a green traffic light instead. And at the only red traffic light I had, I was in front so I have to be aware of the time when the light turns green or I'll get honk. I know I will give a honk if the driver in front of me is too slow to react to the traffic light so I will not do the same mistake.

I remembered once, I bought a lasagna from Pizza Hut to eat while driving. I'm in a hurry and quite famished. I hope I can get red traffic lights so I can stop to enjoy the lasagna but I got green traffic light all the way. It was so difficult to use a plastic spoon on the hot lasagna while driving and eating it but I managed to do it somehow.

Back to the tudung, I tried rearranging it a different way but it didn't really work. I really need a brooch. Finally, I found the extra brooch when I stopped at a petrol station. I did not refuel at that station though coz I can't use credit card at the pump. I've never use their petrol before and I never thought a petrol station in a civilized area can survive without upgrading their pump to accept credit card payment. Not just the chip based one but any credit card for that matter. The next petrol station, which I have only use their petrol once or twice before, also have to pay at the counter. Errr... too lazy to walk to the counter lah.

Finally, the 3rd petrol station accepted credit card. This is not the petrol station that advertises they accept chip-based card during the news OK. I never used this petrol before too and they also accepted chip based card! What a surprise. The way 'that' petrol station advertises during prime time news, I thought theirs is the only station that accepted chip-based card at the pump. I used 'that' petrol by the way and the few times I went to my second favorite petrol station, I've to pay at the counter too. So that gives me the impression that they're the only station who has upgraded their pump.

Before anyone commented on my lack of cash, "nak bayar cash pun tak mampu, nak jugak pakai credit card", I have about RM150 in my purse (beginning of the month maaa... hehehe...) but I prefer to use credit card so I can sort of keep track of my expenses. How come I ended up talking about petrol station when I wanted to talk about red traffic light? Back to that traffic light, I feel compelled to write something insightful and philosophical about the traffic light. We need a moral of the story at the end of a story right? So here goes...

Just like I need a red traffic light sometimes when driving on the way to my destination so I can find or enjoy something while in the car, we also needed red traffic lights in our life so we can take a break to reflect on things, find our purpose in life or enjoy the moment, stop to smell the roses some would say before we get to our final destination in life. Cheeewah... did that sound insightful and philosophical enough? Hehehehe...

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This is unrelated to the above entry. I fell asleep while waiting for the rice to cook at about 8pm yesterday and woke up 10 hours later. Whooaaaa.... probably my body needed some time to adjust to the change of routine and the extra stress of having to drive to the city center. I never have to drive to the city center to work before. I did have to cross the city center to go to work quite a long time ago but this time, city center IS my destination.

4th of July

Many will remember this date as 'the' Independence Day but today it has a new meaning to me. This is the day I started my new job :)

The feeling sure is different from the time when I started working last time. Working part time during semester break is nothing new to me but the feeling of working at a new place full time was overwhelming. Today, probably due to maturity (or more accurately put, older in age) or the welcoming way of everyone, I felt more relaxed. Just take things one day at a time. Before long, I'll acquire all the necessary headache but for now, I'm just going to enjoy the ride.

Having been involved in Information Management System for quite a number of years, I can't help but think of better solutions to the numerous forms I have to fill in and the numerous manuals I've to read. Anyway, I'll leave all that as it is for now. I have a lot to learn myself. So here begins the new chapter...

Shop Till You Drop...Literally

I went to change my IC to MyKad yesterday. Since my turn will only be in the afternoon, I decided to go shopping. But it's only 8.40 so I doubt there's any shopping complex that is already opened. I went to Telekom to finally register for my Streamyx and reported that my phone has got no dial tone since the previous day. No sound whatsoever. Tried calling 1050 from my handphone but keep getting Network Busy message. As for the Streamyx, I'm in no hurry to register because there is none available at my area yet. Since I've to wait for 8 months before I finally get a phone, I don't have a very high expectation with the Streamyx application. But I have the time, so off to Kedai Telekom I go. Oh they've change name by the way. It's called TM Point now.

I completed everything I've to do by about 9.30. I'm sure the shopping complex is still not opened yet but decided to go to a place nearest to the TM Point and read newspaper in the car hahaha... So semangat to go shopping. I've never waited for a shopping complex to open before. A few cleaners look curiously at the person sitting in the car reading newspaper but decided to ignore them. They finally opened the lights and doors at 10 but I don't feel like going in yet. It would show how eager I was to shop so decided to let few minutes pass while continue reading the newspaper. Finally, decided to go in at about 10.20 after seeing few people going in. I'm not sure whether they work there or come to shop but when I saw a lady with a baby, I decided it's time to shop.

Wahhh... quite a lot of people already. I thought I'll be among the first 10 shoppers there. I went to have my breakfast at the food court to make sure I have enough energy to shop later. Not crowded, the place looks very nice and cozy. There are only two other people having breakfast there. After fueling, it's time to shop till I drop. To who ever still remember I've said I don't like shopping, you should see me yesterday. I can't remember how many times I went to the fitting room, trying on numerous blouses, jackets, pants and skirt. Who said shopping is easy? I wouldn't do it if I don't have to. OK OK... nobody is pointing a gun at my head to shop but I really have to update my wardrobe for the new job, remember?

There is the issue of me putting on weight, rendering many clothes too tight to wear. There is also the issue of me not really like to shop and has been quite informal at the office. Many of the clothes I wear can start going to Standard One now if they have to go to school. Most of the pants and skirts are bought when I started working. The blouses are relatively new but not suitable for a formal office setting. So a shopping I have to go. It was tiring. I felt like someone from 'What Not To Wear' program. Except this time, the money is mine. No one to give RM2000 for me to spent.


Look at the not so sensible shoes...
Combining what I bought yesterday with previous day after work (final day at old office) and the previous weekend, I ended up with 3 pair of shoes, 2 pants, 2 jacket, 2 blouses, 1 baju kurung, 3 tudung and no more money in the purse and bank. Not to mention, aching body and feet. It took so much effort for me to wait for my turn at the JPN office. My worry is whether the photo in my MyKad will show how tired and worn out I look. If if turned out ugly, I'll have a reason to tell people next time hehe... I went back to my apartment for a short rest. It's Friday so decided to go to the night market to buy dinner and have a look around. I'm beat, there's no way I can whipped up something for dinner and I didn't take lunch so I better not have Maggi as dinner.

When I reached home again, I don't feel like I have any more energy to move. So this is what 'shop till you drop' felt like. I lie down for a while, take a warm shower and lie down again. Take my dinner and massage my feet. Oh heaven it felt so good but my hands got tired and can't massage anymore. I thought I wanted to shop again today but decided against it. My body can't take the torture anymore. I'm down with a flu today. Could be due to lack of water or can't stand the grueling torture of shopping yesterday. So I only lazed around at home today but will go to my mom's place in the evening. I still have 1 or 2 more items to buy but we'll have to see if I'm up to it tomorrow after coming back from my mom's place.

Note: My phone line is OK by afternoon today. Good job Telekom.