Random thoughts...

A stage of exploration

2007-03-25T15:51:00.000-04:00

I hate it everytime when i log in to my blog and realise i haven't been posting much entries and am struggling to summarize my highlights for the past month. This blog is slowly becoming a monthly affair.

So many things had happenned in the past month and without chronological order, I am just gonna blah with whatever that pops into my mind first.

After what seem to be a year, we finally meet again. I was so excited with Jen & June's visit to KL. It was an event we had planned for 3 - 4 months, probably more. In fact, the first time in this year that i applied 3 days leave. It has been an incredibly hectic week at work right before they came so their visit to Malaysia happened at the most perfect time when i just so needed a break from work. With no specific itinerary in mind except shopping, eating and some much-needed pampering - it was truly unforgettable.

I was the main consultant that helped contributed to Malaysia's economy through Jen's excessive shopping and am also the main financial mental calculator of the constant conversion of Aussie dollars to Ringgit. lol... June babe, you owe me our photos!! There were lotsa catch up, hard core shopping, excessive bingeing and oh did i mention, french manicure. It was our first and last french manicure. Before i even managed to walk out from the salon, i ruined mine thrice - clearly a sign of insufficient feminine hormones. 5 days of hardcore shopping, I found 2 things that i've always had difficulty finding - a white spaghetti top and a strapless bra. The technical configurations of both the purchased item and my body is just too complicated to describe here.

I felt happy, depressed and hopeful after they left. Happy coz it was a good 5 days get together. Depressed coz i know we wouldn't see each other for another year. And hopeful because i am looking forward to our next gathering in Bangkok. :) Thank goodness I had another 2 fantastic nights at work to cheer me up. It was our Annual Retreat @ Mariott Putrajaya. Man, they have the best beds ever. I have never in my life slept in such a comfortable bed before. Even beating those of Presidential Suite @ Hyatt Saujana. The bonding with the team was very productive and it was my first work "sleepover" or so to speak. I was again the chosen MC for one of the events with the golden opportunity to interview Maya Karin (ex Channel V VJ and L'Oreal Paris new spokesperson).

And just as i begin to settle down in my comfort zone, i was proposed a new career option in which i have to decide by Friday. The thought of it pumps my nerves. I am challenged yet terrified. As cliche as this may sound, it is an obvious choice of staying in my comfort zone or taking risks in life.

I also realised how thankful i am now that i have Fri cells, Sun service and a good ol' book to keep my mind sane. Currently reading: Anyone out There? by Marian Keys.

All this with the company of my soul mate. *grin* What more can a girl asks for?

Because i am sleepy now, i wanna quickly conclude this entry with another 5 things tht made my month a highlight - 1. a fine purse from Japan 2. my new workstation 3. a good group catch up with fatso Richie 4. my new L'Oreal make-up toolbox that weighs 5kg and 5. finding a car park within 2 mins in Murni last night.

And just before u start thinking everything's going well with my life right now, i also wanna highlight 5 things that made my month a bummer - 1. RM 100 saman fr MPPJ for illegal parking @ Raju's 2. Again slapped with 780 bucks of road tax plus yearly car insurans 3. my increasing jealousy towards my best friend just because she owns a pink PS 3 & a brand new mini ipod shuffle within a month 4. the sudden realisation that if i keep losing my appetite and keep losing weight, it is not gonna do any good to my already bamboo-looking body and 5. tomorrow is Monday.

And because i am broke and i thought since i'm broke ANYWAY, why not treat mum her birthday dinner @ Tamarind Hill tonight. :)

I need to start exploring my new bikini. Bought it a year ago & have not worn it yet.

Dreams

2007-02-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

I've always wondered how accurate dreams are. I've had my fair share of good, bad and weird dreams. I remember when i was young i dreamt that i was peeing in my primary school loo, only to wake up finding myself wetting my own bed. Of course, with which i shall not disclose my age then.

I remember vividly those moments i had when i was awake, feeling... Hey, I've dreamt about this scene before. And it's actually happening right in front of your eyes. Deja Vu. I also remember those dreams when I keep on falling and falling and falling until I'm awake.

Amanda once told me how a ghost "slept" on her and she was awaken from her dream but she couldn't move an inch. I experienced that once before. And choose to believe that I was just plain tired to move and consciously went back to sleep.

Few nights ago, I dreamt something so vividly real that I can still feel it in me. It was so clear. It happened (or rather will be happening) in Dec 07 in Melbourne. Jeremy propose to me at my brother's wedding. (!!!!) I was there for Andy & Audrey's wedding and straight after the dance, he walked up to me said he had yet to let me go and couldn't bear living another second without me. He knelt and propose with a ring he bought from Melbourne Aquarium (one of our dating spots).

I've heard from somewhere dreams at night usually portrays your inner feelings when you're awake.

Nah~

When old pals meet..

2007-02-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

you let yr hair down. When old pals meet, u lose yrself and only care abt them. When old pals meet, it's as though nothing in the world matters but carefree, unconstructed conversations.

The gang came over for CNY gathering today. Though we still miss Yvonne's & Amanda's presence. It was fun enough just to see their big fat face. *grin* High school memories flood again and being jst the way we are, we were childish. Stucking our tongues out while playing cards, showing our thumbs when someone loses... and of course, bingeing on the spread of cookies on the coffee table. I used to dwell on the fact that we are no longer as "close" as before because we don't see each other so often.

I was wrong. Throughout the years, i realised that the best of friends are not judged by the frequency of our meet-ups. But it's this special feeling u have whenever u're with them. It's extremely comfortable, non-judgemental, carefree and unplanned. I have to say, this are the bunch of people that keeps my feet to the ground. :)

Showered Sam with sooooo many make-up products I think it's sufficient for her to last the whole year. hehee... Go and show to the world that tax accountants in the Big 4 does not mean looking like a geek. Congrats girl! You're moving into another phase of life. Tip for my best friend: It's very easy to get sucked in the corporate world but have a few things that keeps yr senses. (eg. YH, close family ties, US) :D

CNY holidays have been faaaaantastic! It was a total relaxation year... I've never thought abt work even once. It was a week of catching up, poker, alcohol, ang pows and FOOOD. *nyek nyek*

I've been thinking right.... how do u differentiate between what is love and lust?

Currently anticipating: to watch Saw III. *grin*

My wedding....

2007-02-11T19:19:00.000-05:00

Guess what?!!!!... My bro's getting married.... *jumping jumping* Wooohoooo~~ It's so cool man. Andy proposed to Audrey yday. And obviously, she said YES. :) A new member to the family. I'm so excited. She's no longer my future sister-in-law. She IS my sister-in-law.

And he popped the magic question in a yacht he rented. Took her out to the sea and of course, my secretive brother didn't quite tell me the details lar... like what he said in his "speech". Can't believe it's all finally happening. Was talking to mum abt this. She too is speechless.... i mean, being a mother-in-law at the age of 45. WOW! And i am predicting, in 2 yrs time or less, you guys will see pics of Andy and Audrey junior running around....

Really felt that things are happening so fast. Fr high school to uni to graduation to working life and now married life.

I always think that marriage is a legal certificate to make love. haha... it's not. Really. ;P Marriage is more than the wedding itself. And more than sex. You can love a person but living with a person is a whole new thing.

Have u ever thought of yr ideal wedding?

I've got so many weddings to attend this year....... and this one does feels like my wedding. Congrats you two love birds and Audrey babe, welcome to the Ng family.

Currently feeling: dazed.

The fuzzy feeling

2007-02-04T18:57:00.000-05:00

I finally had time to sit in front of the computer today, only to realise flickr decided to have a "massage"... dammit! so yet to upload Korea pics and the latest happenings..

I came to a point where I realised the importance of work life balance. it's been a topic I've constantly mentioned, even I feel kinda sick of it. but to acknowledge and to grasp the notion is 2 entirely different thing. I've had a couple of "wake-up calls" fr my colleagues, most are more experienced. In fact, some lost their love ones because of this. And so I have been consistently leaving the office at latest 7.30pm. Sometimes earlier.

Oh did I mention I cut my fringe? Yup yup... I decided to begin 2007 with something new. Something that I've always wanted to do but never quite gather my guts to do it... besides, once u break a resolution, u gotta make it up to it. :) There are pics... blame it on Flickr.

Warm welcome to Ant who's in Malaysia. Met up with him a couple of times and will do again next week when he's back fr Penang. Another one of my fav friend is back too. He's loud. He's fat. He's hilarious. He's Richie. Woohoo~~ havent seen him for a year. And yeah, I miss you. :) Cupcake & I went shopping for ehem!... her darl's Valentine's pressie and someone's bday pressie fr Royal Selangor.

I love getting pressies for close friends. But my fav moment is to see that look in their faces while they rip it off.

Do u know one of the best feelings in the world is to see your boyfriend getting along with your best friend?! And to know that this is only the beginning.............. hmmmm..

Currently feeling: Happy for Sam for her awesome job offers. I'm praying for you for yr interview in Singapore.

The season of giving, receiving & forgiving.

2007-01-02T16:26:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!! :) :) :) :)

To all blog owners out there, ushering new year without an entry abt how yr year has been and yr upcoming resolutions (it's okay even if you don't fulfill it) is a serious crime. Potentially more serious than Saddam's death sentence. And so, it's my turn to blabber...

I remember having this conversation with Phik Jin 30mins before countdown. If i were to summarize 06 in 1 sentence, it would be:

A year of adaptation.

There were so many things that I needed to adapt to since I was back to KL - the weather, the people, a new job, a new love, losing that new love, Jeremy, the changes within my old pals, the changes between me, Cupcake, Jen, June & Elina, adapting a new team member, expectations, new church, new cell group and my new bra. lol.

My boss once shared with me his goals in life. and then he asked what was mine. I was baffled for words. Not because I do not know what i want in future but because i don't know where to start. He urged me to write down my goals - both my personal & career life. According to him, it doesn't matter whether you achieved your goal or not, most importantly, you have some to start off with. and it is important to pen your thoughts and look at it once in a while when you feel as though you've lose yourself.

These are my life goals even if I don't achieve it:
1. Manage my own business one day.
2. Marry a man I love and admire by 27.
3. First kid by 29. Second by 30. Third by 31. (!!!)
4. Buy a sporty 4-wheel drive (thinkin of Rav 4) by 26.
5. Serve or lead a church ministry.
6. Forgive dad.
7. Travelled to Greece, Eygpt, Europe and Antartica by 30.

Hence, my 2007 resolutions are:
1. Stay single. Try to stay single.
2. Second promotion by July.
3. Attend cell. Seriously.
4. Climb Mount Kinabalu.

A few weeks ago, my church pastor said a sentence, which hit me and has since stuck in my head. This was what he said and elaborated for 1hr:

"Do not let the world and the pressures of work kill the child in you."

What a confronting moment!

I met this vibrant 20-year-old girl, whom i jst known for 3 seconds and i was attracted to her. because i felt like i was talking to myself.

Merry belated Christmas, peeps!

Korea blog to come soon, no mood for that at the moment.

1 month in 1 entry

2006-12-11T17:28:00.000-05:00

When work and social life gets the better off you, you neglect your poor blog. My brother was just being a plain busy-body yesterday and this was the conversation we had:

Little brat:"What's about you and blogging?"
Me: "What's about you and those girls?"

Good things first. I got my first ever promotion!!! *jumping* Yes, it's the time of the year again. My first ever year end review and it went well. :) Of course, there were the bits and pieces to improve but what the heck.. nobody's perfect!!

Another bouncy news - Sam's back for good!!! :) :) :) *muacks* You have no idea how much i miss this woman. Finally!! saw her 2 days ago @ Murni. Can't stop pinching her when i saw her. Lucky her we met at a public mamak.. otherwise, she'll risk me pouncing on her. But sadly, Amanda's leaving on Wed. :( When one comes back, one has to leave........ haih~ when does it ever end? Sudden thought about working in Paris...... hmmmm.... wonder how it's like!

Then, it was the memorable wedding of Dian & Jared. There's only 1 word to describe it - breathtaking. It is by far the most creative wedding I've ever attended. They have all this personal touch that makes the whole wedding so THEM.

And then, there was another friend who's gonna get married soon.. next year actually. She came down from Sabah and we throw her an engagement cum catch-up party @ La Bodega. It was a pink affair.......... Congratulations Marie! You managed to conquer a relationship which I've always admired - your high school sweetheart.

How can i fail to mention Zijill's surprise birthday party?!... Oh, it was a blast. Not the place though. should've choosed a better location than Soul Out. It's a great place to hang out but too noisy for serious conversations. I would give anything to see that look in her face again when she saw the whole gang sitting there at the corner with a smirk at their face. Happy birthday pal... always remember "The only reason why you're feeling this special is because you ARE special"..

This is my workstation:

Yes, it's a yellow duck and a pink dog holding on to a heart-shaped love. It was given to me and it shall by no means, categorised me as a girl who love bears. I mean, it's pretty obvious right....?!

And this is a picture of me and a man I admired, loved and hate:

Currently feeling: Excited about family trip to Korea in 2 weeks time.

Question: What do you do when your best friend of 7 years confessed his feelings again?

Great birthdays are meant for great people!

2006-11-04T15:43:00.000-05:00

Yes, you know who I'm referring to. Birthday preparations started a week ago. But despite all the planning and arrangements, it didn't quite worked out the way I want it to be. Still, looking at the smile at her face, seeing her high school sweetheart & her friends all in 1 table, i think that would be one of the best birthday gift.

Lesson to learn: Never assume you know everything abt a friend, eventhough they're pretty close to u. I planned a birthday treat/ suprise thingy for her today. A big breakfast treat + an aromatherapy body massage...... only to realise she hates body massage!!! *darn* ...

Oh well, at least the brekky was good.

On another random note, it's coming to a year since I'm back from Melbourne. Time flies, isn't it?!.. Hv been thinking a lot recently abt career explorations and potential partners. Is it weird to aim high? What do I wanna do in future? Build highways, open a cosy cafe, owning hotels, set up my own manicure bar??? How about own a shopping complex? Someone once told me, it's okay to dream. At least you have one.

In an attempt to understand myself better, I've been observing a lot. Mostly my friends and people around me. It seems that I've been spending a lot of time and mental effort talking to myself. And so I identified 4 people tht potentially could be more than friends. But darn, one's married, one's got a girlfriend of 2 yrs, one's too career-minded and the other is not a Christian.

Congratulations to Brandon & Joseph on their new career endeavours.

Currently looking forward: Zijill's birthday suprise + a full reunion.

2006-11-01T22:56:00.000-05:00

"Cherish the love you had yesterday, that you still had today and look forward to cherishing the love you shall have tomorrow"

That was the exact words written on the backdrop of Elina & Kelvin's wedding. And there I was, with cupcake, sitting at Table 52, laughing our asses off at every little thing - from the blur waiter who didn't understand English to the aunty sitting next to us to all the funny-looking guests sitting nearby.

Wedding bells started a yr ago when El broke the news that she's getting married one fine day during one of our weekly coffee sessions in Melbourne. Or rather, I forced her to tell me. And after a yr of diamond window-shopping and all those future mother-in-law bitching sessions, she's finally Mrs Goh. *awwwwwww*

She is officially my first friend's wedding. The special day started with lots of funny games for the groom and his best men. They have to perform random stuff like drinking glasses of sweet, sour, bitter and spicy liquid, eating hanging grapes off the groom's penis, unwillingly volunteer to let their leg hair being plucked by the bride's sisters. You get the picture.

Tea ceremony was a bit too long for me to bear, considering that i barely know her family members. Bumped into Ben, Amanda's boyfriend. What a small world huh!! The best bit was El's personal touch for her wedding. To make her wedding more unique and more El, she added some pictures of artistic photos with Kel, taken at Melbourne. It wasn't the usual wedding pics. it was something different. something very unique. something very El.

I like attending wedding functions.. 1 because it's a valid excuse to indulge in my vanity.. experimenting on make-up, polishing nails, wearing pretty dresses and sophisticated heels. 2 coz occassionally i like being in a different environment with my best friend sitting at the corner chatting our hearts away. 3 coz I like to see the happy, chessy romantic smile on El's face.

She left for Melbourne last Tues. I'm sad. But I'm satisfied coz despite her busy wedding preparations, we spent time. Catched up with her last week for a hearty bitching session. Yeah! A coffee session after 1 year. And wedding shoes shopping @ Salabianca. I have to say, their shoes are gorgeous with delicate finishing and carefully-chosen colors.

Ever wondered what's yr dream wedding?

My latest obsession: Nicely-painted nails.

6 months.

2006-10-07T16:33:00.000-04:00

That's about how long i've started working. What did they say abt time flies? And since I've never shared abt work, I thought it's abt time to blog a 6th month annivessary post abt my job.

To give u some rough idea about what I do... my main responsibilities involve managing product launches and counter renovations for all the 5 major brands of L'Oreal Paris. And this, I mean the design as well as the technical aspect of it.

6 months doing a job meant for 3 person, I've learnt a great deal out of it. Not only accustomed to my work but the company's culture and the whole corporate world thingy.

I've learnt that work politics and gossips is inevitable. I've seen and heard people that I trusted most at work initiate gossips. It's very tempting to add a few words and so but so far, I've manage to steer clear of it.

I've learnt that no matter how much you get along with a colleague at work, there is only to a certain extent that real friendships can be formed.

I've learnt that with relationships and networking, things can be done much much faster. And with great friendships, work can be so much more interesting.

I've also learnt that compassion, patience and tolerance should only be exercised to a certain level. Otherwise, it would be manipulated.

Achieving targets and meeting your boss's expectations is not very hard. The hardest part is to maintain that quality of success and managing the rising expectations.

The most challenging part about working is to juggle between what's call the professional and personal life. I've managed to stop working fr home during the weekends, which to me is a huge hurdle.

I remember complaining a whole lot abt workload when I was first thrown into the job. Thinking back, I thank the resignation of my supervisor. If not for her, I would not have the opportunity to manage and be a part of things that were meant for managers.

To date, I am still the youngest in the company together with a newbie that jst joined 2 weeks ago. I haven't quite figure out where I wanna be in the coming years but for sure, I am loving every bit of this job.

How can I not with exciting projects like this:

The most encouraging comment I've received from my boss is, "You have set new standards of what a Management Trainee should be." And with that, it makes waking up at 5.30 in the morning so much more easier.

Supergirl in action

2006-09-10T05:04:00.000-04:00

I had my first emcee experience last week in my division's annual dinner. Not the entire company one. Just my own division. Man, it was hell fun. More than I ever expected.

I was forced in the emcee thingy upon mutual concensus within the committee while I'm not there. Dammit. Talking about democracy here. But I'm glad I took it up. I never expected everyone to cooperate and to be so sportingly spontaneous. But of course, I need to give credit to my partner-in-crime, Elena.. my other co-emcee.

I lost my voice after that stint. 4 hours of non-stop talking & laughing. Have to admit, I was a bit nervous in the beginning. And now that I think about it, it's pretty addictive. hehee...

I got drunk that night. Well, everyone was checked in Hyatt that night so I thought since I don't need to drive, bring it on. haha.. all newcomers was forced into their "welcome drink". That's when one of them will make you sit down holding your mouth wide open while my boss pours the bottle of whisky into yr throat.

What the......?!

Work life balance

2006-07-31T22:17:00.000-04:00

Since started working, I don't know how to distinguish between work & personal time. I think I've lament this over and over again but seriously, it's getting nowhere. Consulted a few of my colleagues and also my peers about this. Still, there doesn't seems to be much of a solution.

Is it me who does not know how to prioritise work or is it really the workload is jst too much for a person?

I hate Mondays. And I hate the feeling of dreading myself to work. As much as I enjoy what I'm doing, I feel I can't cope with it. Maybe it's just this period of time when I'm still learning & getting adjusted. Or maybe I'm jst experiencing this learning curve. Everyone's raving abt the success of the recent project but somehow, I just don't feel it.

Everyday seems pretty much work, sleep & dinner. It is only weekends that I smell freedom and find solace within close friends and family.

I wonder how it's like to leave work at 5pm.

Sweet.

2006-07-29T11:16:00.000-04:00

Surprises just work well on me. Who doesn't? Esp when it's from yr best friend. Went Shangri-la for one of the best Jap buffet in town. I walked past the main entrance with no suspicion or whatsoever.

And suddenly at the corner of my eye, I saw Hawch sitting at the table the waitress were leading us too. Gosh! You can imagine the shock at my face. Truly unexpected. The last time the two teamed up for another unexpected surprise was when Cupcake appeared right at my front door when I came back fr my Fiji trip. Man, truly shocking!

Thanks, you two! It really made my day. Send us the pics Hawch. and thanks for the wallet. =)

adding to that, franco called. haven't hear his voice for a very long time too... all the scenes fr Hong Kong were playing in my mind when he called. enjoy yrself w Seacow in Japan. do appreciate those carefree moments while u can!!

Currently looking forward to next week's surprise!

Funny how things turn out

2006-07-23T20:12:00.000-04:00

I like the feeling of overwhelming satisfaction when you look at yr work and you'll say to yourself, "I've done it!". The big project we've all been working for is finally over and done. The bosses fr France are impressed. My bosses are impressed. My colleagues are impressed. And all their encouragement and praises are enough to overcome the fatigue and frustration.

Still, I'm terribly burn out. Hv only been getting 4hrs (or less) sleep for the past few weeks. And knowing me, it's like telling myself no ice-cream for 1 month.

Good news though. I received my confirmation. :) :) not much of a change in work, jst the feeling of being appreciated.

Boss granted me 2 days of unrecorded leave. And man, it was good. Had enough of sleep. Even better, spent time with loved ones.

Had lunch with Yvonne and the gang on thurs. Enjoyed all our chit-chatting sessions. It's good to spend every single moment together, catching up on lost times. Chilled out with Sophia on Thurs night. She brought me to her "territory". We were pouring our hearts out over beers. It was good. and fulfilling.

Had one of the best yum cha at Shangri-la with mum on Fri. It was her treat for my confirmation and the end of a huge project at work. Thanks mum, for being ever so encouraging. She was telling me how she felt we spent more time talking while I was in Melb than in KL. Felt so guilty tt I was so tied up w work. Made a promise that I'll try to leave the office at 8pm everyday, unless I couldn't avoid it.

Met up w cupcake, CC & Tiff on Fri night. Another good catch-up. Mainly w cupcake coz I miss her damn much. She was still cuddly & chubby. hehee... went for nasi lemak in Ampang, followed by ice-cream in Friday's. CC is darn funny. Excited with upcoming plans... *nyek nyek*

Sat night was spent partying with pjin and the gang at Velvet. First time the whole gang is there. and it was so much fun. it was something we jst needed to do before sam and amanda fly off on tues and wed. it's been so long since i last went clubbing and in fact, the first since I came back. while i was inside, it reminds me so much of my clubbing experience w cupcake, val, franco n richie. those were the days........

Franco, i'm sure u're happy to be back in HK. :) would love to come n visit u again one day w cupcake. Richie, wondering how u're doing. saw yr pics and again, u never fail to make me laugh!!! *bluek*

I had a dream

2006-07-09T18:13:00.000-04:00

I had a weird dream.

I had a dream that I was back in Melbourne. I was close to comfort. I was in the arms of Cupcake, Franco, Richie, Jen, June, Elina..... & all my other friends that I was so accustomed to. I was hanging out with them, laughing & making fun of each other like we used to.

In my dream, I saw my bro & Audrey, Vera, TK, Ashley & Angie... we were hanging out after church jst like we used to.

I saw the places I used to hang out. Max Brenner, Little Collins St, RMIT, Franco's hse.........

I dreamt that I was promoted. Boss was raving about how proud he was with my work that he gave me a promotion and a pay rise.

I dreamt that I was back in Jeremy's arms.

I dreamt abt the comfort zone that I was so used to. I dreamt of the life I had in Melbourne and thinking how different it is now.

I dreamt that I was in this long winding road in which I couldn't see where it leads to. When I look left, I saw Krystal, Franco, Richie & the rest, each standing at a different road. I turned to my right & I saw Jen, June & the rest standing at their own roads too. I remember seeing all of their puzzled looks.

The rest I couldn't quite recall but I remember feeling very comfortable & relax.

Was it really a dream?

Welcome home.

2006-06-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

You very well know who I'm referring to. Yes, she's back. *jumping* :) :) Man, the wait is so unbearable. At last. The minute I saw her at the door, I was like a puppy leaping to its owner. We hugged and hugged. And things just flow as usual. Welcome home, cupcake. Though Malaysia seems so much different, trust me, it's a matter of adjusting. Besides, you've got me right here.

Sam's back too. :) :) WOW! Haven't seen her though but will do when Amanda's back in 10 days time. Already planning to Klang for seafood. Can't wait!! Jeremy will be here on Friday. Wonder how it'll turn out. Everything seems jst like yesterday.... Hmmm...

Yday was my last Mandarin class. Yeah, I know. It doesn't work. Why is mastering a language so hard?

Had a long chat with Sophia last Sat. Breaks my heart to see her like that but it's for the better, I think. *hugssss* hang on there, girl.

How could a weekend be better spent than cuddling up to watch DVDs?

Did you know I'm a huge supporter for organ donation? They were having this campaign abt encouraging Malaysians to donate organs and there they are, ignoring my email requests. I'm still keeping my Aus Organ Donor card, jst in case, it's valid here.

Father's Day today and we're taking my grandpa out for dinner. He'll be thrilled as usual. Am thinking of taking him to Fraser's after my big July project. Besides, I haven't been there myself. Wonder what's dad doin............

4 things my mum clearly told me I'm forbidden when I'm in Aus: smoking, horse-riding, skiing and participating in a rally. And jst yday, my bro called me to tell me he's in Mount Buller and tt he jst came back fr horse-riding last week, not knowing he's on speaker phone while mum's right beside me. he-he-he...

A birthday to remember

2006-06-11T17:15:00.000-04:00

I think birthdays are only great because the people made it so. To me, it is not how lavish yr pressies are or how many birthday cakes u received or how grand u celebrated. But it is the friends and the special people that matters to you most that makes birthday a memorable one.

Birthday celebrations kickstarted last Sat with mum & grandparents spending all the time we have, eating at Lemon Cafe. It was the first time my grandpa went for a buffet. He was so excited..!!

On Mon, a colleague surprised me with a cake. It was funny coz I broke the surprise. As she was approaching towards my desk with my back facing her, I turned around jst in time. hahaha... imagine the shock and horror at her face. It was my fav cake. She drove all the way to Alexis in Bangsar to get this really delicious tiramisu cake. Or so I thought. Until I tried aunt Elaine's tiramisu. Man~~ satisfaction of life.

Then, at midnight, I was suprised by a special someone. :) :) Was chauffered the whole day to training, followed by dinner & a movie. The food was unique but wasn't that great. Still, it was the company that counts. We had cheese & chocolate fondue. Somehow, it jst tastes weird.

And yday, pjin, yap & yvonne gathered together for a little birthday celeb. We had dinner @ Italiannies. Food was alright. The catch-up was better. They tried suprising me with a cake. But failed. I think we're too close that I can instantly catch any funny things up their sleeves. Later, we chilled out @ Friday's to watch football. I'm not a fan but pjin was. But the atmosphere was cool....

Exactly this day last yr, I had a blast on my bday w Franco, Val, Richie & cupcake. We had steamboat dinner @ Franco's place but the effort that they put in decorating the hse was jst amazing. Man~~ those are the days. I wonder when we can do it again.

To those who forgot my birthday - Franco, June, Jen & dad. You will be remembered. *pout*

Currently anticipating: Cupcake's return in 13 hrs time. *jumping*

A weekend to remember

2006-05-26T23:12:00.000-04:00

The best way to beat the weekend blues is to have a dying good weekend. And last week, I had a blast. Jen was over for the weekend. We spent some quality time... but still, it never felt enough.

Pounced at her on Fri night. Val & I hijacked her fr her so-called dinner at Seri Melayu. I haven't even been there, it's a v touristy place where prices are marked up ridiculously when really, how lavish can a nasi lemak be? Went for a simple dinner outside Lot 10 & stayed overnight at Park Royal. I was deprived of sleep for the past week, I practically slept through the night, waking up thinking I was drunk with a guy next to me... haha.

Had a hearty brekky @ the hotel & off I went to my boss's wedding. It's the second wedding I've attended this year. But the first church wedding. The wedding was very touching, I had tears in my eyes. It's amazing to see the soft side of yr boss, which you usually don't get to see. The dinner was ...... weird. Deco was absolutely fantastic but I thought it was very much a corporate dinner rather than a wedding one. Seats were segregated with business interests & I was coaxed into drinking as part of a "socialising norm". Hmmmmmm... By the time I reached Jen's place, I was already half-sober & dead tired.

Next morning, brought her to bak kut teh @ Jalan Imbi. Krystal's parents brought us there once whn Franco was here and Jen loved it, surprisingly. Straight up, we headed to Shangri-la for a yummy Jap buffet. We ate like pigs... thanks to Audrey! Yeah, she was here for the weekend too. Feeling v guilty that I couldn't spend as much time with her but she spent so much time with mum, it feels like she's part of the family. :) :) Welcome to the Ng family, babe. hehee... *nudge nudge*

Brought Jen to shop around for bargains. She was shocked to see how shopping can be such a bargain here. I think she spent like 200 bucks & bought a pair of jeans, 3 pairs of shoes, a necklace, a shorts & 2 tops. I couldn't quite remember...

But man~~ saying goodbye was hard. Saw her off the airport coach @ Park Royal. I almost cried when she left. The bus driver asked if I want to hop in. haha.. I hate goodbyes. ^_^

Jen babe, thank you ssoooOOOOOooo much for flying allll the way to a country you would die to be seen in. Really. It wasn't THAT bad after all right?!... How much could you complain with RM 70 for 2 shoes!!! I never thought you would really come considering how busy you are.

Thank you for your effort in our friendship. *muacksssssssssssss* Btw, you owe me pics!!!!!!!!

Currently looking forward: to Cupcake's return for good.

My mama rocks!

2006-05-11T22:35:00.000-04:00

Fly FM (my fav radio station) is having this "My mama rocks!" campaign where ppl called up to tell the whole world what is it abt yr mum that irritates you & how she makes it up with her good points (hopefully!)..

Let me start with mine. My mama rocks because she irritates me everytime when:

1. she's overly protective - 12 midnight used to be my curfew limit. But as I grow older & as she claims that criminal rates have rise, my curfew is now 10.30pm. After negotiation, 11.00pm. Bear in mind, her claim of the rise in criminal rates is not supported by any concrete figures but merely the increasing pages of crime reporting in her Chinese n/paper.

2. she gets overly petty over small things - especially when both my bro & I are suspecting maybe, just maybe, she's suffering from menopause at the moment.

But above all that, my mama rocks because:

1. she is an all-rounder. And by tt, I mean mum being a friend, a counsellor, a listener, an advicer.... just everything. There are so many times when I turn to her re my probs at work or even personal life & she's able to motivate me with ease. :)

2. no one can imagine bringing up 3 monkeys all by herself.

3. she wakes up 5.30am everyday, jst so that she can pack bfast. Note: Bfast menu includes tea, fruits & sandwich with special request fr her princess that none of them should repeat more than twice in the same week. *glee*

Happy Mother's Day, mama.

Plans for Mother's Day... thinking of celebrating tmr since it's a public holiday tmr!!!! Hip hip hooray! :D

What a crazy week it's been.

2006-05-01T21:27:00.000-04:00

Finally. I finally have the health & time to blog.

Havent been at the best of health for the past week. It's rare that my immune system is playing tricks on me. But i know once it does, it never stops. Have been attacked with reoccuring fever. Doc suspect it was dengue. Took my 3rd blood test of the month. Stupid doctor, don't know how to draw blood, my arms are so bruised, I looked like a drug addict trying to recover fr my last shot. Then, had diarhea for a week before I finally fully recovered fr it in time for a trip to Ipoh & Penang.

And when you talk abt a trip to Ipoh & Penang, it's nothing but a bingeing trip. It was eating, eating, eating & eating. Yum! Yum! Man, it came jst as I really needed it. Fully recovered from whatsoever stress @ work. Check out my Flickr. It's been a long time since I last went to Ipoh & Penang and it's a good thing to know that I've still got my expandable stomach. hehee...

Met up with Yong May, Zijill & Sophia to celebrate Sophia's bday. It was more like a reunion than a celebration. But it was fun. As always. I finally get to meet up with Yong May after 2 whole yrs only keeping in touch with her virtually. Catching up on lost times is always fun!!!

Richie, I watched Gubra already!!!!! I would say, it's not as good as Sepet. The storyline & at times, even the script is pretty predictable. But it did attempt to reinforce a lot of Malaysian values in it - unity, racial tolerance, bla, bla, bla. One part that I like about it is she addresses a lot of controversial issues that a typical Malay director wouldn't. It got me thinking, is race & religion ever a barrier?

Went for my first outing with my colleagues. It was a farewell dinner for a staff who got promoted to be a GM in Taiwan. Very inspiring. And guess what they made me did as a newcomer? They made me sing!!!!!! Imagine me singing in front of 60 ppl. I failed trying to convince them that I can't sing because it's a birth defect. A family curse. At last, I sang Pretty Woman. Okay, it is embarassing. The GM of my division invited me for lunch one fine afternoon, he wanted to have a debrief with me to check out on my progress. Went for 1 1/2 hr lunch with him & he told me what it takes to be where he is right now.

Now that is what I call inspiring! :)

Emotional backfire

2006-04-16T20:50:00.000-04:00

I hate to admit this but at times my hormones control me. Okay, that just doesn't sound right.

What I meant was my PMS have the ability to control my emotional stability. Like today, I snapped at my mum abt some family car issue. She wanted me to park my car outside from now onwards or every fortnight when my bro's back to ensure that his new car is safe in the territories of our hse. And so I said: "Wouldn't you rather risk losing the car than risking your daughter's life?"

It took me awhile to shove my ego aside before I apologise. There you go, I blamed that on PMS.

It doesn't help when my face look horribly bruised again after my monthly appointment with the beauty salon. Mind you, the trip to the beauty salon never makes me feel more womanly. I've already postponed my appointment so many times, I think the beautician is getting pretty frustrated. Currently, ecyzema attacking my cheeks again.

No wonder men never understand women. Especially during their time of the month. *Agrrrrrrr*

If I have a choice...

2006-04-13T23:13:00.000-04:00

...... I want to be born in a middle-income family so that money would not be an obstruction or an object of disagreement.

If I have a choice, I wanna die first before my spouse do coz I don't think I can bare the thought of losing a love one.

If I have a choice, I would ask my dad why he did what he did 10 years ago.

If I have a choice, I would ask God why some people suffer more than others do. Aren't we all equal in His eyes?

If I have a choice, I want to capture the happiness in the eyes of my po-po & gong-gong when I brought them to eat dim sum 2 days ago. Coz that's when you realised money is nothing.

If I have a choice, I would let the poor live like the wealthy for 1 day and let the wealthy live like the poor to reduce the discrepancy between them.

If I have a choice, I want to reach the sky and feel the cloud in my empty palms.

Today I passed by the receptionist & saw this girl dressed in a pretty outfit with flawless make-up, waiting for her turn to be interviewed. I gave her my most comforting smile, knowing how it feels like & instantly it made me appreciate what I've got....................

Movie frenzy

2006-04-09T19:45:00.000-04:00

I'm back to my addiction again - my addiction to movies. Watched Ice Age 2: The Meltdown yday. It was entertaining & enjoyable despite the harsh comments I've received fr colleagues & my bro. Or maybe it's jst the company that matters! :) :)

I made a conscious decision to stop working from home on Sundays... Hang on, that's not right, let me rephrase that. I made a conscious decision to shorten the time I work from home on Sundays. Besides, Sundays are meant to be spent with family & televisions right?!..

And so I did, watched Sepet today - an award-winning Malaysian-made movie abt a love story between a Chinese guy & a Malay girl.. Hmmmm~~ deja vous! The story line was something a lot of local viewers can connect to but the cinematography is far from normal. I'm sure Krystal, Richie & Franco can do better than that hey?!.. *nudge nudge*

On another random note, check out the controversial car tag. *glee*

The crazy world we live in

2006-03-30T23:41:00.000-05:00

Today is the earliest I’ve got home since I’ve started working 3 weeks ago. Although traffic was slow, I managed to squeeze my way through (with the usual near-instances which I thought I almost bang my car) & reached home around 6pm! :) :) Truly, a blessing. If only it could be this way everyday.... If only.

As crazy as they may sound, I’m working from home now.. Trying to digest the things I’ve learnt while strategically trying to reorganize myself. Yes, myself.

Met up with my all-time favourite ex-lecturer today fr Taylor’s.. Man, going back to college really reminds me a lot of my "younger days"... okay, I can’t believe I jst said that. Had a dissatisfied meal, mainly coz we didn’t have enough time to chat. You see, he’s one of those really cool lecturers that will talk to you about almost everything.. fr sex to food to sex to career to sex... Alright, you get the point. *grin* ... Today’s lunch with him made me realized how grateful I am to be blessed with great health. I mean, what can be worse than constantly suffering fr pain?!!

Do one really need to be in someone else’s position in order to feel their pain?

Today a random guy slipped a note at my wiper, saying this: That's a really interesting sign. Where did you get it? :) - Dexter Lim

It was a car tag given by a friend and it says: "I am sexually educated!"

I'm a self-declared workaholic

2006-03-29T22:05:00.000-05:00

I never quite understood how ppl, esp those in the advertising industry can work till midnight... complaint but still stay late for the next subsequent nights or possibly years!

Now I do....... coz the work never gets done!!! But thank God, no midnight shifts, jst pre-midnight shifts...!!! As surprising as this may sound, I'm loving every bit of it, knowing very well that this is just the beginning!!! But I need lessons on balancing between work, personal & spiritual life. Yikes!!!

p/s: Can't wait for reunion this weekend!