What the Modern Woman Wants By Amanda Chong Wei-Zhen
The old woman sat in the backseat of the magenta convertible as it careened down the highway, clutchingtightly to the plastic bag on her lap, afraid it may be kidnapped by the wind. She was not used to such speed, with trembling hands she pulled the seatbelt tighter but was careful not to touch the patentleather seats with her callused fingers, her daughter had warned her not to dirty it, 'Fingerprints show very clearly on white, Ma.'
Her daughter, Bee Choo, was driving and talking on hersleek silver mobile phone using big words the old woman could barely understand. 'Finance' 'Liquidation' 'Assets' 'Investments'... Her voice was crisp and important and had an unfamiliar lilt to it. Her Bee Choo sounded like one of those foreign girls on television. She was speaking in an American accent. The old lady clucked her tongue in disapproval.
'I absolutely cannot have this. We have to sell!' Her daughter exclaimed agitatedly as she stepped on the accelerator; her perfectly manicured fingernails gripping onto the steering wheel in irritation.'I can't DEAL with this anymore!' she yelled as she clicked the phone shut and hurled it angrily towardthe backseat. The mobile phone hit the old woman on the forehead and nestled soundlessly into her lap. She calmly picked it up and handed it to her daughter. 'Sorry, Ma,' she said, losing the American pretence and switching to Mandarin. 'I have a big client in America. There have been a lot of problems.' The old lady nodded knowingly. Her daughter was big and important.
Bee Choo stared at her mother from the rear view window, wondering what she was thinking. Her mother's wrinkled countenance always carried the same cryptic look.The phone began to ring again, an artificially cheerful digital tune, which broke the awkward silence. 'Hello, Beatrice! Yes, this is Elaine.' Elaine. The old woman cringed. I didn't name her Elaine. She remembered her daughter telling her, how an English name was very important for 'networking', Chinese ones being easily forgotten.
'Oh no, I can't see you for lunch today. I have to take the ancient relic to the temple for her weird daily prayer ritual.' Ancient Relic. The old woman understood perfectly it was referring to her. Her daughter always assumed thather mother's silence meant she did not comprehend. 'Yes, I know! My car seats will be reeking of joss sticks!' The old woman pursed her lips tightly, her hands gripping her plastic bag in defence.The car curved smoothly into the temple courtyard. It looked almost garish next to the dull sheen of the ageing temple's roof. The old woman got out of the back seat, and made her unhurried way to the main hall. Her daughter stepped out of the car in her business suit and stilettos and reapplied her lipstick as she made her brisk way to her mother's side. 'Ma, I'll wait outside. I have an important phone call to make,' she said, not bothering to hide her disgust at the pungent fumes of incense.
The old lady hobbled into the temple hall and lit a joss stick, she knelt down solemnly and whispered her now familiar daily prayer to the Gods. Thank you God of the Sky, you have given my daughter luck all these years. Everything I prayed for, you have given her. She has everything a young woman inthis world could possibly want. She has a big house with a swimming pool, a maid to help her, as she is too clumsy to sew or cook. Her love life has been blessed; she is engaged to a rich and handsome angmoh man. Her company is now the top financial firm and even men listen to what she says. She lives the perfect life. You have given her everything except happiness. I ask that the gods be merciful to her even if she has lost her roots while reaping the harvest of success.What you see is not true, she is a filial daughter to me. She gives me a room in her big house and provides well for me. She is rude to me only because I affect her happiness. A young woman does not want to be hindered by her old mother. It is my fault.
The old lady prayed so hard that tears welled up in her eyes. Finally, with her head bowed in reverence she planted the half-burnt joss stick into an urn of smouldering ashes.She bowed once more. The old woman had been praying for her daughter for thirty-two years. When her stomach was round like a melon, she came to the temple and prayed that it was a son. Then the time was ripe and the baby slipped out of her womb, bawling and adorable with fat thighs and pink cheeks, but unmistakably, a girl. Her husband had kicked and punched her for producing a useless baby who could not work or carry the family name. Still, the woman returned to the temple with her new-born girl tied to her waist in a sarong and prayed that her daughter would grow up and have everything she ever wanted. Her husband left her and she prayed that her daughter would never have to depend on a man.She prayed every day that her daughter would be a great woman, the woman that she, meek and uneducated,could never become. A woman with nengkan; the ability to do anything she set her mind to. A woman who commanded respect in the hearts of men. When she opened her mouth to speak, precious pearls would fall out and men would listen. She will not be like me, the woman prayed as she watched her daughter grow up and drift away from her, speaking a language she scarcely understood.
She watched her daughter transform from a quiet girl, to one who openly defied her, calling her laotu; old-fashioned. She wanted her mother to be 'modern', a word so new there was no Chinese word for it. Now her daughter was too clever for her and the old woman wondered why she had prayed like that. The gods had been faithful to her persistent prayer, but the wealth and success that poured forth so richly had buried the girl's roots and now she stood, faceless, with no identity, bound to the soil of her ancestors by only a string of origami banknotes. Her daughter had forgotten her mother's values. Her wants were so ephemeral; that of a modern woman. Power, Wealth, access to the best fashion boutiques,and yet her daughter had not found true happiness. The old woman knew that you could find happiness with much less. When her daughter left the earth everything she had would count for nothing. People would look to her legacy and say that she was a great woman, but she would be forgotten once the wind blows over, like the ashes of burnt paper convertibles and mansions. The old woman wished she could go back and erase all her big hopes and prayers for her daughter; now she had only one want: That her daughter be happy.
She looked out of the temple gate. She saw her daughter speaking on the phone, her brow furrowed with angerand worry. Being at the top is not good, the woman thought, there is only one way to go from there - down. The old woman carefully unfolded the plastic bag and spread out a packet of beehoon in front of the altar.Her daughter often mocked her for worshipping porcelain Gods. How could she pray to them so faithfully and expect pieces of ceramic to fly to her aid? But her daughter had her own gods too, idols of wealth, success and power that she was enslaved to and worshipped everyday of her life.Every day was a quest for the idols, and the idols she worshipped counted for nothing in eternity. All the wants her daughter had would slowly suck the life out of her and leave her, an empty soulless shell at the altar.
The old lady watched her joss tick. The dull heat had left a teetering grey stem that was on the danger of collapsing.Modern woman nowadays, the old lady sighed in resignation, as she bowed to the east one final time to end her ritual. Modern woman nowadays want so much that they lose their souls and wonder why they cannot find it. Her joss stick disintegrated into a soft grey powder.She met her daughter outside the temple, the same look of worry and frustration was etched on her daughter's face. An empty expression, as if she was ploughing through the soil of her wants looking for the onething that would sow the seeds of happiness. They climbed into the convertible in silence and her daughter drove along the highway, this time not as fast as she had done before. 'Ma,' Bee Choo finally said. 'I don't know how to put this. Mark and I have been talking about it and we plan to move out of the big house. The property market is good now, and we managed to get a buyer willing to pay seven million for it. We decided we'd prefer a cosier penthouse apartment instead. We found a perfect one in Orchard Road. Once we move in to our apartment we plan to get rid of the maid, so we can have morespace to ourselves...'
The old woman nodded knowingly. Bee Choo swallowed hard. 'We'd get someone to come in to do the housework and we can eat out-but once the maid is gone, there won't be anyone to look after you. You will be awfully lonely at home and, besides that, the apartment is rather small. There won't be space. We thought about it for a long time, and we decided the best thing for you is if you moved to a Home.There's one near Hougang-it's a Christian home, a very nice one.'The old woman did not raise an eyebrow. 'I've been there, the matron is willing to take you in. It's beautiful with gardens and lots of old people to keep you company! I hardly have time for you, you'd be happier there.' 'You'd be happier there, really.' Her daughter repeated as if to affirm herself.
This time the old woman had no plastic bag of food offerings to cling tightly to; she bit her lip and fastened her seat belt, as if it would protect her from a daughter who did not want her anymore. She sunk deep into the leather seat, letting her shoulders sag, and her fingers trace the white seat.'Ma?' her daughter asked, searching the rear view window for her mother. 'Is everything okay?' What had to be done, had to be done. 'Yes,' she said firmly, louder than she intended, 'if it will make you happy,' she added more quietly.'It's for you, Ma! You'll be happier there. You can move there tomorrow, I already got the maid to pack your things.' Elaine said triumphantly, mentally ticking yet another item off her agenda.'I knew everything would be fine.' Elaine smiled widely; she felt liberated.
Perhaps getting rid of her mother would make her happier. She had thought about it. It seemed the only hindrance in her pursuit of happiness. She was happy now. She had everything a modern woman ever wanted; Money, Status, Career, Love,Power and now, Freedom, without her mother and her old-fashioned ways to weigh her down...Yes, she was free. Her phone buzzed urgently, she picked it up and read the message, still beaming from ear to ear. 'Stocks 10% increase!'Yes, things were definitely beginning to look up for her... And while searching for the meaning of life in the luminance of her hand phone screen, the old woman in the backseat became invisible, and she did not see the tears.
Monday, April 28, 2008
At the Meat Market REAL Crazy Sale
Listening to: Fiona Sit - Keanu Reeves Returns Letter
Feeling: Tired
Over the weekend, me, Fun and Sarah N were in town for the L'Oreal Luxury Brand sale. We waited for about half an hour and I initially didn't want to buy anything as I have pretty much everything I need at home. But as time passed, I was waiting in line thinking if I don't buy anything from that god damned sale I am just effing queuing up for nothing right?
And so after leaving our bags outside *I see loads of LVs splayed next to generic knockoffs aka Vinccis outside at the bag counter.. tee hee* we entered the ballroom. For a moment, I thought we were transported to the Afghanistan refugee camp. There were people everywhere. Huddling in long lines around the counters, queuing up to pay for their purchases and on the floor. Me and the girls decided to go around looking for our own stuff and meeting up somewhere in between. Hurry! The skincare stuff were selling out.
Sarah N and Fun beelined for the perfume table while I went to look for Cin aka Hawtmama's Biotherm skincare stuff. You see, I thought I might not buy anything so I offered to get her some stuff. And so I walked over and asked. Apparently that particular range ran out.
Walked around dodging crazed females grabbing their favourite lip colour at 70% off is quite hard. Imagine stray bullets hurtling past panicky people. Disaster. I was amazed to see guys grabbing Lancome Homme stuff amongst girls trying to get their hands on the latest Lancome perfume sets going for cheap. It was quite scary.
At the Shu Uemura counter, people were lined 3 deep from the table, trying to grab foundations (RM60) and eyeshadows (RM25). I didn't even get to go near the table in the beginning.
I was starting to think that everything was actually free. So since I didn't get to buy stuff for Cin, my fingers started feeling itchy. I didn't need cosmetics so I skipped that counter *unless you're equipped with special guards, there is no way you escape the crowd without bruises* and looked for the haircare section. Turns out they were selling shampoos. That one I need...
Looked around some more and nearly giggled to see bored boyfriends sitting on the dirty carpeted floors, keeping their feet away from the trampling of high-heeled elephants. At last I spied my favourite Biotherm White Detox C+ peel going only for RM30. GRAB GRAB. Took two of those and recommended it to Fun and Sarah N who I found trying to worm their way in front of the Shu Uemura counter.
I came out from the hall RM150 poorer and half dead. I wonder how people manning the counters managed to survive the carnage! Fun and Sarah N collectively spent about RM400 in there. Finally took a sigh of relief the moment we got out of the lobby... No more! No more I swear... *Dramatic drumroll* I've gotten my 2 year supply of that fantastic White Detox C peel and will swear off sales for the next few years.
Also spotted inside the madhouse, Kenny Sia who bought some Lancome Homme stuff holding on to some chick trying to maneuver out.
While I sustained injuries to my wallet, Fun got her calf scratched as some rabid shopper squeezed between them with her bag of products behind her. Ouch.. It bled pretty badly... Wondered again if this was worth buying your favourite lotion at 50% off.
It's a mad mad world.
Feeling: Tired
Over the weekend, me, Fun and Sarah N were in town for the L'Oreal Luxury Brand sale. We waited for about half an hour and I initially didn't want to buy anything as I have pretty much everything I need at home. But as time passed, I was waiting in line thinking if I don't buy anything from that god damned sale I am just effing queuing up for nothing right?
And so after leaving our bags outside *I see loads of LVs splayed next to generic knockoffs aka Vinccis outside at the bag counter.. tee hee* we entered the ballroom. For a moment, I thought we were transported to the Afghanistan refugee camp. There were people everywhere. Huddling in long lines around the counters, queuing up to pay for their purchases and on the floor. Me and the girls decided to go around looking for our own stuff and meeting up somewhere in between. Hurry! The skincare stuff were selling out.
Sarah N and Fun beelined for the perfume table while I went to look for Cin aka Hawtmama's Biotherm skincare stuff. You see, I thought I might not buy anything so I offered to get her some stuff. And so I walked over and asked. Apparently that particular range ran out.
Walked around dodging crazed females grabbing their favourite lip colour at 70% off is quite hard. Imagine stray bullets hurtling past panicky people. Disaster. I was amazed to see guys grabbing Lancome Homme stuff amongst girls trying to get their hands on the latest Lancome perfume sets going for cheap. It was quite scary.
At the Shu Uemura counter, people were lined 3 deep from the table, trying to grab foundations (RM60) and eyeshadows (RM25). I didn't even get to go near the table in the beginning.
I was starting to think that everything was actually free. So since I didn't get to buy stuff for Cin, my fingers started feeling itchy. I didn't need cosmetics so I skipped that counter *unless you're equipped with special guards, there is no way you escape the crowd without bruises* and looked for the haircare section. Turns out they were selling shampoos. That one I need...
Looked around some more and nearly giggled to see bored boyfriends sitting on the dirty carpeted floors, keeping their feet away from the trampling of high-heeled elephants. At last I spied my favourite Biotherm White Detox C+ peel going only for RM30. GRAB GRAB. Took two of those and recommended it to Fun and Sarah N who I found trying to worm their way in front of the Shu Uemura counter.
I came out from the hall RM150 poorer and half dead. I wonder how people manning the counters managed to survive the carnage! Fun and Sarah N collectively spent about RM400 in there. Finally took a sigh of relief the moment we got out of the lobby... No more! No more I swear... *Dramatic drumroll* I've gotten my 2 year supply of that fantastic White Detox C peel and will swear off sales for the next few years.
Also spotted inside the madhouse, Kenny Sia who bought some Lancome Homme stuff holding on to some chick trying to maneuver out.
While I sustained injuries to my wallet, Fun got her calf scratched as some rabid shopper squeezed between them with her bag of products behind her. Ouch.. It bled pretty badly... Wondered again if this was worth buying your favourite lotion at 50% off.
It's a mad mad world.
Friday, April 25, 2008
No Regrets
Listening to: Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter
Feeling: Really broke
It's Friday and I'm home, simply because I am so effing broke. Pay is not in yet and because of some screw ups with previous company, I was paid less than what I was supposed to get. Last month was bad as well because I had to wait 2 extra weeks before pay finally came to me and was promptly spent on fixing my car and paying off my loans and debts. I am still as broke as that day. I am so tired of living like this laaaa *whines*
I guess this is 'paying for your past sins' as Seems says. These are things that you look back and say, 'I wish I didn't buy that damn phone with the card then...' No regrets la. Only learn from mistakes...
I guess there are many things we do that we might regret but remember these are things we could have avoided if we would had stopped and think about the consequences. Unfortunately, we always forget. Like how after I bought my handphone on credit, I vowed not to buy another thing on credit card. Then I bought my laptop. 3 years after that, I am still paying for my debts.
Fortunately, as long as I have my hands and legs, I can still make money to No pay for these 'sins'. I often wonder, what about those people who CANNOT pay off what they have done? Like, if you killed someone... Or broke something that is irreplaceable? If it's me, would I be able to get over that feeling that follows... that regret that will eat into your soul and follow you until the day you die? Will I take my last breath and instead of thinking how I had lived a full and happy life, wished that I did not do what I did 50 years ago?
Like, what if I called that person before he jumped off the building...
Or, would life be more complete if I did not abort that child I once had?
No one is without one regret that they can forget. But one has to understand that whatever it is, it is something we ourselves weave with our own pair of hands. It is not fate. It is something we have to learn and live with.
Do not let regret hold you back from living life. It is not reversible and it is your own decision. Let go.
Feeling: Really broke
It's Friday and I'm home, simply because I am so effing broke. Pay is not in yet and because of some screw ups with previous company, I was paid less than what I was supposed to get. Last month was bad as well because I had to wait 2 extra weeks before pay finally came to me and was promptly spent on fixing my car and paying off my loans and debts. I am still as broke as that day. I am so tired of living like this laaaa *whines*
I guess this is 'paying for your past sins' as Seems says. These are things that you look back and say, 'I wish I didn't buy that damn phone with the card then...' No regrets la. Only learn from mistakes...
I guess there are many things we do that we might regret but remember these are things we could have avoided if we would had stopped and think about the consequences. Unfortunately, we always forget. Like how after I bought my handphone on credit, I vowed not to buy another thing on credit card. Then I bought my laptop. 3 years after that, I am still paying for my debts.
Fortunately, as long as I have my hands and legs, I can still make money to No pay for these 'sins'. I often wonder, what about those people who CANNOT pay off what they have done? Like, if you killed someone... Or broke something that is irreplaceable? If it's me, would I be able to get over that feeling that follows... that regret that will eat into your soul and follow you until the day you die? Will I take my last breath and instead of thinking how I had lived a full and happy life, wished that I did not do what I did 50 years ago?
Like, what if I called that person before he jumped off the building...
Or, would life be more complete if I did not abort that child I once had?
No one is without one regret that they can forget. But one has to understand that whatever it is, it is something we ourselves weave with our own pair of hands. It is not fate. It is something we have to learn and live with.
Do not let regret hold you back from living life. It is not reversible and it is your own decision. Let go.
Get set, GO!
Listening to: Eason Chan - Lonely Christmas
Feeling: Mundane
And so the work begins... Today was the first day I 'sent something to the queue'. Which basically means that I've put in work. Working is so different here at The Bintang. Like I've said, people are less chatty and more serious but Seems insisted that it's because I'm sitting on the wrong floor. Well, I'm just sitting in my little corner doing whatever I need to and leave by 6pm. I'm loving it.
I feel that there are many changes in my life. Not sure when it will start happening or when it will hit me but it is slowly starting. It is extremely scary when things are going so well. You can only wonder when the downside starting. Not to sound negative but it is a theory of Yin & Yang, without the shadow how can there be light? Well, strange thoughts at 3am. Better stop ranting now.
I am busy with many things now. Doing freelance for friends and trying to save up Andenough for Japan. Meanwhile I'm also trying to make some lifestyle changes like trying to stop myself from spending so much. Trying to pay off my credit cards, trying alot of other things. It's not easy with my credit bills, but well it's the first step...
And so while taking baby steps towards the 'real adult life', I will continue to stay strong and soldier on. I am blessed with good friends and luck. I will survive this big bad world!!!
That's all!
Feeling: Mundane
And so the work begins... Today was the first day I 'sent something to the queue'. Which basically means that I've put in work. Working is so different here at The Bintang. Like I've said, people are less chatty and more serious but Seems insisted that it's because I'm sitting on the wrong floor. Well, I'm just sitting in my little corner doing whatever I need to and leave by 6pm. I'm loving it.
I feel that there are many changes in my life. Not sure when it will start happening or when it will hit me but it is slowly starting. It is extremely scary when things are going so well. You can only wonder when the downside starting. Not to sound negative but it is a theory of Yin & Yang, without the shadow how can there be light? Well, strange thoughts at 3am. Better stop ranting now.
I am busy with many things now. Doing freelance for friends and trying to save up Andenough for Japan. Meanwhile I'm also trying to make some lifestyle changes like trying to stop myself from spending so much. Trying to pay off my credit cards, trying alot of other things. It's not easy with my credit bills, but well it's the first step...
And so while taking baby steps towards the 'real adult life', I will continue to stay strong and soldier on. I am blessed with good friends and luck. I will survive this big bad world!!!
That's all!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Nuts About Bananas
Listening to: Nothing
Feeling: Extremely sleepy
I just came back from Fun's house after freaking myself out watching 'Kuai Tan', some kickass Hong Kong talk show/horror reality program.
And decided that I should have a bowl of Banana Nut Crunch with HL Milk.
Burp...
Just thought I'd share
Feeling: Extremely sleepy
I just came back from Fun's house after freaking myself out watching 'Kuai Tan', some kickass Hong Kong talk show/horror reality program.
And decided that I should have a bowl of Banana Nut Crunch with HL Milk.
Burp...
Just thought I'd share
Friday, April 11, 2008
The start of The Bintang Chronicles
Listening to: Fish Leong - Chung Zai (I thinks)
Feeling: Like I've burnt a few bras
I don't know about you guys but starting a new job isn't exactly what I wanna do every two years or so... The hassle of getting used to a new system, trying to remember a few thousand new names is just too taxing for my brain. But then again, change is something everyone needs to go through so I'm gonna soldier on.
After 2 and a half years working in a magazine, the decision to head over to Bintang *doing a very different type of writing no less* made everyone look at me as though I was KLAZY. Few nasty and negative comments aside, I went on with it. I have Seems & WP to thank for knocking some sense into my head as I wanted to forgo Bintang for something else less challenging. WP whipped out her notepad and pen *a proper journalist should always keep one handy in purse* and started calculating the benefits and Seem's ultra destructive stare did it. I decided to give myself a go by doing Bintang. Trust me, I shat bricks amongst other things. It was a scary decision. It was intimidating but I told myself, what scares me usually will work out and what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Damn positive right? hurhur
So fast forward to the last week at the office, the HW Girls (tm) gave me a farewell fit for a Queen. After all, I was the first one to make it out. *this is starting to sound like Prison Break season 8* I had a week-long celebration. I love them all and I knew from the moment I decided to leave I will miss them. I will miss The Office. The familiar faces, sounds and smell of The Office. My last day, well technically my official last day was on Thursday but I came back to finish my work and cleaned up my desk, was a blast. Again the gang took me to George and the Dragon in Bangsar Shopping Center and I passed out. For half an hour. How embarrassing. I.Fucking.Passed.Out.Ala.Bali. Floor open up and swallow me now. Never, ever gonna drink EVER AGAIN!!11!111!!!
I came back over the weekend to clean out my desk. As I separated old press releases to recycle I thought, how easy it was to just throw off 3 years of memories but to forget the experiences and people I've met it was almost just impossible. At the end of the clearing out (It took me two days!), my desk for almost 3 years was empty and bare. I couldn't recognise it lo!
I left the lubricant for Zoe. I'm sure she'll have better use for it then me
I looked back one last time and took this picture before leaving. So sad. I was glad to leave but sad that I have to leave everything else behind. I still meet HW Girls (tm) up for lunch. And it has only been two weeks since I left. And so many more things had happened since. Funny that now that I'm detached from the situation but still feel very much part of everything. Guess you can't just go and immediately forget about everything that had happened.
Had a week long 'holiday' before I started at Bintang. Was crazy busy with freelance that I hope will let me earn enough money for Japan. The week just flew by. Did everything I needed to do *except for washing my car* and met up with people I've not seen for yonks and braced myself for the dreaded first day.
Sunday came and still went out for drinks. I guess realization had yet to sink in. Slept pretty late and predictably, woke up a little late. Got a red packet from Mom for luck *my mom is so cute cause she observes all these traditions* and I sped off in top speed with just enough time to buy my daily coffee and managed to have a ciggie before I reach my new office. It's nearer than my previous office therefore finishing a ciggie before I enter the building is actually quite impossible unless I light up right after I leave my house.
As I took the lift up to the HR Dept. I thought how different it was to the old office. I actually have to take a LIFT up to my office as opposed to walking up the stairs back in the old days. Unfamiliar faces greet me. Then it set in that I have left comfort zone. This is as uncomfortable as it gets. I have to wait for almost 20 minutes for a briefing. A BRIEFING? Yes a briefing of whos who, rules and regulation. A little bit on Union laws (huh?), it took almost an hour. By the time my friendly HR guy took me to my office floor to meet my new boss, I was freaking out.
My eyes were glazed over from the lack of nicotine and caffeine. I guess I had the deer caught in headlights look cause my boss asked if I needed coffee... hah! We went for coffee and ciggies. Then went for lunch and totally got geeked out by this transponder thingy that we use to exit and enter the parking. Sure beats having to double park all the time.
I left the office at 5pm on my first day. Apparently it's the norm if you don't have work, you can go home. Wow.. I can live with that. 4 days passed in a blur. Things I found out in this short 4 days...
1. You can only smoke outside the building, where everyone who comes in gets a clear view who's gonna die soon from lung cancer. I only smoke during lunch and make it up by trying to jam as many sticks into my mouth. (KIDDING!)
2. Coming in at 10.30am is A-OH-KAY. Yippee. Just get your work done...
3. I get my own computer terminal (phew) and cannot do msn. I gtalk now
4. There are specific programmes for assignments, leave approvals, internal msging system and online archives. We even have a library...
5. People on my floor has the age average of 35. Maybe 40. But all really nice people.
6. I am a 'funky' dresser. Wait till they see the mag people.
7. Everyone wears slacks and shirts. Except for me.
8. I got a window seat. And a wonderful view of other windows. Groovy!
9. My desk is so small. Only half of my previous one. :(
10. My desktop plays music. But no one listens to music. And I played Spice Girls today really softly after playing 'The best of 1990s' for the past 3 days. Cannot tahan. Wait till I burn my Japanese pop. I think the sub that sits in front of me will cry.
All in all, culture shock for the first few days which was understandable. Now I have to try to adjust my sleeping time to a more normal timing. I am still sleeping at 4am. And waking up at 9.30 if I'm lucky. Eyebags are gonna sag lower than my boobs if I don't stop doing this.
It's 4 am now. I go sleep!
Bintang Chronicles TBC!!!
Feeling: Like I've burnt a few bras
I don't know about you guys but starting a new job isn't exactly what I wanna do every two years or so... The hassle of getting used to a new system, trying to remember a few thousand new names is just too taxing for my brain. But then again, change is something everyone needs to go through so I'm gonna soldier on.
After 2 and a half years working in a magazine, the decision to head over to Bintang *doing a very different type of writing no less* made everyone look at me as though I was KLAZY. Few nasty and negative comments aside, I went on with it. I have Seems & WP to thank for knocking some sense into my head as I wanted to forgo Bintang for something else less challenging. WP whipped out her notepad and pen *a proper journalist should always keep one handy in purse* and started calculating the benefits and Seem's ultra destructive stare did it. I decided to give myself a go by doing Bintang. Trust me, I shat bricks amongst other things. It was a scary decision. It was intimidating but I told myself, what scares me usually will work out and what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Damn positive right? hurhur
So fast forward to the last week at the office, the HW Girls (tm) gave me a farewell fit for a Queen. After all, I was the first one to make it out. *this is starting to sound like Prison Break season 8* I had a week-long celebration. I love them all and I knew from the moment I decided to leave I will miss them. I will miss The Office. The familiar faces, sounds and smell of The Office. My last day, well technically my official last day was on Thursday but I came back to finish my work and cleaned up my desk, was a blast. Again the gang took me to George and the Dragon in Bangsar Shopping Center and I passed out. For half an hour. How embarrassing. I.Fucking.Passed.Out.Ala.Bali. Floor open up and swallow me now. Never, ever gonna drink EVER AGAIN!!11!111!!!
I came back over the weekend to clean out my desk. As I separated old press releases to recycle I thought, how easy it was to just throw off 3 years of memories but to forget the experiences and people I've met it was almost just impossible. At the end of the clearing out (It took me two days!), my desk for almost 3 years was empty and bare. I couldn't recognise it lo!
I left the lubricant for Zoe. I'm sure she'll have better use for it then me
I looked back one last time and took this picture before leaving. So sad. I was glad to leave but sad that I have to leave everything else behind. I still meet HW Girls (tm) up for lunch. And it has only been two weeks since I left. And so many more things had happened since. Funny that now that I'm detached from the situation but still feel very much part of everything. Guess you can't just go and immediately forget about everything that had happened.
Had a week long 'holiday' before I started at Bintang. Was crazy busy with freelance that I hope will let me earn enough money for Japan. The week just flew by. Did everything I needed to do *except for washing my car* and met up with people I've not seen for yonks and braced myself for the dreaded first day.
Sunday came and still went out for drinks. I guess realization had yet to sink in. Slept pretty late and predictably, woke up a little late. Got a red packet from Mom for luck *my mom is so cute cause she observes all these traditions* and I sped off in top speed with just enough time to buy my daily coffee and managed to have a ciggie before I reach my new office. It's nearer than my previous office therefore finishing a ciggie before I enter the building is actually quite impossible unless I light up right after I leave my house.
As I took the lift up to the HR Dept. I thought how different it was to the old office. I actually have to take a LIFT up to my office as opposed to walking up the stairs back in the old days. Unfamiliar faces greet me. Then it set in that I have left comfort zone. This is as uncomfortable as it gets. I have to wait for almost 20 minutes for a briefing. A BRIEFING? Yes a briefing of whos who, rules and regulation. A little bit on Union laws (huh?), it took almost an hour. By the time my friendly HR guy took me to my office floor to meet my new boss, I was freaking out.
My eyes were glazed over from the lack of nicotine and caffeine. I guess I had the deer caught in headlights look cause my boss asked if I needed coffee... hah! We went for coffee and ciggies. Then went for lunch and totally got geeked out by this transponder thingy that we use to exit and enter the parking. Sure beats having to double park all the time.
I left the office at 5pm on my first day. Apparently it's the norm if you don't have work, you can go home. Wow.. I can live with that. 4 days passed in a blur. Things I found out in this short 4 days...
1. You can only smoke outside the building, where everyone who comes in gets a clear view who's gonna die soon from lung cancer. I only smoke during lunch and make it up by trying to jam as many sticks into my mouth. (KIDDING!)
2. Coming in at 10.30am is A-OH-KAY. Yippee. Just get your work done...
3. I get my own computer terminal (phew) and cannot do msn. I gtalk now
4. There are specific programmes for assignments, leave approvals, internal msging system and online archives. We even have a library...
5. People on my floor has the age average of 35. Maybe 40. But all really nice people.
6. I am a 'funky' dresser. Wait till they see the mag people.
7. Everyone wears slacks and shirts. Except for me.
8. I got a window seat. And a wonderful view of other windows. Groovy!
9. My desk is so small. Only half of my previous one. :(
10. My desktop plays music. But no one listens to music. And I played Spice Girls today really softly after playing 'The best of 1990s' for the past 3 days. Cannot tahan. Wait till I burn my Japanese pop. I think the sub that sits in front of me will cry.
All in all, culture shock for the first few days which was understandable. Now I have to try to adjust my sleeping time to a more normal timing. I am still sleeping at 4am. And waking up at 9.30 if I'm lucky. Eyebags are gonna sag lower than my boobs if I don't stop doing this.
It's 4 am now. I go sleep!
Bintang Chronicles TBC!!!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Meme x 2
Listening to: Ashley Simpson - Just let me cry
Feeling: Lighter...
In my first of many post that I hope to come after this, is a Meme from His Majesty DramaQ himself. I feel obliged to answer as my one and only reader demands... Here you go...
5 Things Things You Didn't Know About Pink
Pink is a horder
In her recent cleaning craze, she cleared out half the room and garbage bags that was accumulated = 13 bags. Useless stuff like old magazines, mangas she bought out of boredom and didn't like were the main victims.
Pink thinks deep thoughts
Well, the operative word here is 'thinks'. Usually topics like global warming and politics gets time during tea with Seems, gets wiki-ed the moment she gets home and promptly forgets within the next ten minutes... Well, like they all say, it's the thoughts that counts!
Pink likes doing the homely stuff
Like knitting, cross stitching, beading and baking. For those who thinks she can't cook to save her life, know that she's not doing it only because she is lazy.
Pink is a typical Gemini
Geminians are two faced people. Just like how Pink can be a cheerful girl in front of her friends, she can be a grumpy bitch at home. Or how she can be spouting typical dumb blonde comments and make insightful ones in her next sentence... Yeah.. two faced, multi faceted, whatever.
Pink falls asleep within a second
That's why she only sleep real late because she thinks rolling around in bed is a waste of time. Therefore she waits till she is super sleepy before going to bed.
Part 2.
1 Which feature do you zoom in on when you meet a guy for the first time?
His smile.. Have to be happy ma.. if not how to counter my super mood swings? I love a deep voice and laugh too!!
2. Who is your role model?
My mom for her patience, Seems because she is just so super, Ange Jolie for being a hot mamma
3. What's the healthiest thing you would eat among sushi, salad and sandwich?
Sushi please!
4. Which movie you can watch again and again?
Sound of Music. (DAMN RIGHT!)
5. Three gadgets that you can't live without?
Laptop, phone, PsP
6. What is your most annoying habit?
Bursting into a song whenever and whereever...
7. What's one thing you're glad you've outgrown?
Insecurity about my size...
8. I get nervous when...
Deadline's looming or money running short.
9. My biggest fear is...
Being without a job
10.The best thing I've done for myself is...
Cleaning out my room
11. Pass this meme to 6 people.
I shall spare a million people from doing this and end it here!
Feeling: Lighter...
In my first of many post that I hope to come after this, is a Meme from His Majesty DramaQ himself. I feel obliged to answer as my one and only reader demands... Here you go...
5 Things Things You Didn't Know About Pink
Pink is a horder
In her recent cleaning craze, she cleared out half the room and garbage bags that was accumulated = 13 bags. Useless stuff like old magazines, mangas she bought out of boredom and didn't like were the main victims.
Pink thinks deep thoughts
Well, the operative word here is 'thinks'. Usually topics like global warming and politics gets time during tea with Seems, gets wiki-ed the moment she gets home and promptly forgets within the next ten minutes... Well, like they all say, it's the thoughts that counts!
Pink likes doing the homely stuff
Like knitting, cross stitching, beading and baking. For those who thinks she can't cook to save her life, know that she's not doing it only because she is lazy.
Pink is a typical Gemini
Geminians are two faced people. Just like how Pink can be a cheerful girl in front of her friends, she can be a grumpy bitch at home. Or how she can be spouting typical dumb blonde comments and make insightful ones in her next sentence... Yeah.. two faced, multi faceted, whatever.
Pink falls asleep within a second
That's why she only sleep real late because she thinks rolling around in bed is a waste of time. Therefore she waits till she is super sleepy before going to bed.
Part 2.
1 Which feature do you zoom in on when you meet a guy for the first time?
His smile.. Have to be happy ma.. if not how to counter my super mood swings? I love a deep voice and laugh too!!
2. Who is your role model?
My mom for her patience, Seems because she is just so super, Ange Jolie for being a hot mamma
3. What's the healthiest thing you would eat among sushi, salad and sandwich?
Sushi please!
4. Which movie you can watch again and again?
Sound of Music. (DAMN RIGHT!)
5. Three gadgets that you can't live without?
Laptop, phone, PsP
6. What is your most annoying habit?
Bursting into a song whenever and whereever...
7. What's one thing you're glad you've outgrown?
Insecurity about my size...
8. I get nervous when...
Deadline's looming or money running short.
9. My biggest fear is...
Being without a job
10.The best thing I've done for myself is...
Cleaning out my room
11. Pass this meme to 6 people.
I shall spare a million people from doing this and end it here!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Of more good things to come...
Listening to: Taylor Swift - Teardrops on my guitar
Feeling: Wanna get back to my psp
If anyone actually noticed, I have not been updating my blog. Well, please blame Miss Jodi Picoult who writes the most fantastic courtroom dramas. And also Monster Hunter Freedom and Patapon on PsP... It's so damn unbelievably evil. I am not even watching anime on crunchyroll.com anymore and had been sleeping close to 4am everyday (Yes, even on working days)
I am also obsessed with Taylor Swift's Teardrops On My Guitar. It's so damn emo and it's on repeat. Like for the past hour... Crap... gotta switch to another song soon before I sing it in my sleep...
Just got back from drinks with Jye, Fun and Drama. I am so going to Japan next year! Gotta save up and cut down on food cause apparently the toilets in the hotel is so small. I won't be able to squeeze my fat ass onto the throne if I continue eating like a normal person, so therefore, I have to diligently spend more time in the gym.
Well, speaking of the gym, I skipped a week's worth. I HAVE TO GO BACKKKKK... Getting so damn lazy if you know what I mean...
Loads of happenings this one whole month. Neglected my blog so much really because of my brand spanking new pink PsP.. *hearts*
Chinese New Year came and went... Actually one of the best CNYs I ever had. Drove down from Hometown on the first day to celebrate Fun's bday at Skybar. It was pretty funny cause we tried surprising her. I guess we half succeeded when she stared at us blur-ly and gawked. I told her that me and Sarah N decided to go back to our hometowns.
Make a wish!
View from Traders Hotel's Skybar. Premium price for a premium view
Drinks and such
Couldn't get better pictures because we all forgot to bring our cameras, so pardon the graininess...
Back to the CNY action, me and sis got all glammed up for the First Day of CNY Obligated Ang Pau Collection Trip.
Hotness! It was boiling in Hometown...
Hometown was boring, no kakis to go for mamak talkcock sessions with. Ciggies have to be smoked in secrecy (as in, drive out to the nearest secluded area for a puff). Everyday is filled with eating, sleeping and psp gaming (that I didn't mind) but I felt so damn fresh after my long holiday. It was just heavenly!
Bro being an idiot as usual
Got back to the office with fresh minds, only to be stressed out again within the next half an hour. Oh well, that's just the way work is...
And then this car drove up to our office... Just had to snap a picture of it cause it's just too cool...
Miss Boss and it's the initials of my managing editor, Boss
We did a flower shoot for one of our issues and omg.. so pretty! One of my favourites... It's pink tulips with white pretty flowers. We got to keep it after the shoot and for the first time in three years, I have fresh flowers on my table!
It lasted for 3 days, longer than what I had expected! Love love love them!
I wish I can have this once a week!
Have I ever mentioned that I have a new Love?
That's my new love of my life, Dino... He's mighty pleased with his new home
Me and Seems had also started going on this fitness ritual we try to keep every week. We bring Dino to the Taman Tun park every Sunday for walks. It's a beautiful shaded park that is pet friendly. Dino loves it!
We bring Dino out for walks when me and Seems can wake up on Sundays
The dog goes wild there while me and Seems try not to pass out from the heat.
It's super hard work ok, walking the dog...
Apart from that... I recently went to Crystal Jade's restaurant food review.
Crazy expensive shark's fin soup that is crazy good... see the WHOLE pieces of fin floating in the soup?
It might not look it, but that bowl (like your ordinary rice bowls la) is almost RM120 each. I know how some people is against shark's fin but really, I have to give that one bowl a try. It's superior sharks fin in shark bone soup. Yummy as hell and the fins are in strips... Like, ONE whole strip contains all that tiny bits of sharks fin in one HUGE bowl of soup you have in your Chinese ten course dinners. I had never had anything like that in my life! Damn sinful ok... We had almost a 20 course lunch that day. Pink went back to the office a happy girl that day.
I swear and pledge not to have sharks fin soup for my wedding dinner. I enough of sharks fin from that lunch to last me a whole lifetime!
More to update soon... Need to sleep before the sun rises!
Feeling: Wanna get back to my psp
If anyone actually noticed, I have not been updating my blog. Well, please blame Miss Jodi Picoult who writes the most fantastic courtroom dramas. And also Monster Hunter Freedom and Patapon on PsP... It's so damn unbelievably evil. I am not even watching anime on crunchyroll.com anymore and had been sleeping close to 4am everyday (Yes, even on working days)
I am also obsessed with Taylor Swift's Teardrops On My Guitar. It's so damn emo and it's on repeat. Like for the past hour... Crap... gotta switch to another song soon before I sing it in my sleep...
Just got back from drinks with Jye, Fun and Drama. I am so going to Japan next year! Gotta save up and cut down on food cause apparently the toilets in the hotel is so small. I won't be able to squeeze my fat ass onto the throne if I continue eating like a normal person, so therefore, I have to diligently spend more time in the gym.
Well, speaking of the gym, I skipped a week's worth. I HAVE TO GO BACKKKKK... Getting so damn lazy if you know what I mean...
Loads of happenings this one whole month. Neglected my blog so much really because of my brand spanking new pink PsP.. *hearts*
Chinese New Year came and went... Actually one of the best CNYs I ever had. Drove down from Hometown on the first day to celebrate Fun's bday at Skybar. It was pretty funny cause we tried surprising her. I guess we half succeeded when she stared at us blur-ly and gawked. I told her that me and Sarah N decided to go back to our hometowns.
Make a wish!
View from Traders Hotel's Skybar. Premium price for a premium view
Drinks and such
Couldn't get better pictures because we all forgot to bring our cameras, so pardon the graininess...
Back to the CNY action, me and sis got all glammed up for the First Day of CNY Obligated Ang Pau Collection Trip.
Hotness! It was boiling in Hometown...
Hometown was boring, no kakis to go for mamak talkcock sessions with. Ciggies have to be smoked in secrecy (as in, drive out to the nearest secluded area for a puff). Everyday is filled with eating, sleeping and psp gaming (that I didn't mind) but I felt so damn fresh after my long holiday. It was just heavenly!
Bro being an idiot as usual
Got back to the office with fresh minds, only to be stressed out again within the next half an hour. Oh well, that's just the way work is...
And then this car drove up to our office... Just had to snap a picture of it cause it's just too cool...
Miss Boss and it's the initials of my managing editor, Boss
We did a flower shoot for one of our issues and omg.. so pretty! One of my favourites... It's pink tulips with white pretty flowers. We got to keep it after the shoot and for the first time in three years, I have fresh flowers on my table!
It lasted for 3 days, longer than what I had expected! Love love love them!
I wish I can have this once a week!
Have I ever mentioned that I have a new Love?
That's my new love of my life, Dino... He's mighty pleased with his new home
Me and Seems had also started going on this fitness ritual we try to keep every week. We bring Dino to the Taman Tun park every Sunday for walks. It's a beautiful shaded park that is pet friendly. Dino loves it!
We bring Dino out for walks when me and Seems can wake up on Sundays
The dog goes wild there while me and Seems try not to pass out from the heat.
It's super hard work ok, walking the dog...
Apart from that... I recently went to Crystal Jade's restaurant food review.
Crazy expensive shark's fin soup that is crazy good... see the WHOLE pieces of fin floating in the soup?
It might not look it, but that bowl (like your ordinary rice bowls la) is almost RM120 each. I know how some people is against shark's fin but really, I have to give that one bowl a try. It's superior sharks fin in shark bone soup. Yummy as hell and the fins are in strips... Like, ONE whole strip contains all that tiny bits of sharks fin in one HUGE bowl of soup you have in your Chinese ten course dinners. I had never had anything like that in my life! Damn sinful ok... We had almost a 20 course lunch that day. Pink went back to the office a happy girl that day.
I swear and pledge not to have sharks fin soup for my wedding dinner. I enough of sharks fin from that lunch to last me a whole lifetime!
More to update soon... Need to sleep before the sun rises!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I wish I blog more
Listening to: Norah Jones - Nightingale
Feeling: Filled with HOPE
Chinese New Year came and is now coming to an end. The year of the Rat is so far so good!
Nothing much happened these few weeks. I guess after that angst-filled post (I blame it on the pre-crimson wave) I have felt much better. In fact, felt better after a day. It's funny how I get so angry and the next second feel fantastically mellow. Another mysterious trait of the Gemini?
Go figure...
Chinese New Year flew by with my PsP. I love my PsP.
Valentine's Day is not such a big fucking deal this year. Got used to it? Not sure... Went my aunt's place to 'Pai Tin Gong' (the eve of the 9th day of Chinese New Year, a Hokkien big all day. Read all about it here...) and gambled some. Every year, our whole family will gather in my Aunty Fan's house for this Hokkien celebration to ask for blessings from the heavens. (though we are Hakka... nothing wrong with extra blessings right?) To Aunty Fan's husband, this celebration is extremely important and there will be, without fail, a mother of all pigs roasted to crisp perfection on the altar. And right after all that joss stick burning and asking for 4D numbers, that pig will be chopped up and divided amongst all the guests... Almost like Hari Raya Korban, except for the pig. (instead of a cow) We would of course get Aunty Wan, to fire up the wok to bang up some sugar and soy sauce siu yuk. Really, no one does it better than her. *hearts*
As Valentine's Day coincided with this auspicious day, I guess someone took that as a sign to propose to his girlfriend la... As me and bro drove down the LPD to get our ass to our aunt's place, we saw a hugeass billboard with a picture of a geeky guy holding a ring (a RM14K ring, we found out later on national newspaper. Hope it's Tiffany!) with just two lines on it.
'KELLY TAN X XXX WILL YOU MARRY ME?'
Me and bro face faults... ciggies dropped. What the... this kinda cute geek (after thought laaa) just spent about RM20k (RM40k as the national newspaper reported day after) on a billboard to propose? I would had said Yes without him even asking... Kelly is a lucky girl (all female population in Malaysia nods in agreement)
Felt so J ok... But my mission is to look for a man first la... How to get proposal if no man kan?
Anyhooosss
Back to me... Found out that both Aunt Jess and Aunt Jackie are coming back this year! How's that for a Happy New Year? Also found out that Aunty Jackie reads my blog...
Holla Aunty Jackie! And if you're wondering if Mom and Dad knows if I smoke. They do. Grandma doesn't. Please don't tell! Grandma thinks I'm 6 this year, and sometimes denial is bliss! I don't want her to disown me.
And discovered that a long break does wonders to your work productivity. I am happy to announce that I don't have writer's block anymore. Loving it!
Got bored with facebook. Realized that after I took down my hawt picture people don't want to add me as friends anymore and no one clicks on me in the 'Are you interested?' application.(used to get on an average 5 a day) Feel so disgusted by fake people ok...
Went back to the gym today after a one month hiatus. It's a terrible feeling ok? I felt so tired and my lungs weren't cooperating with me after that! I swear not to slip out of the routine ever again! The start-up part is just too hard! While pedaling my life away, saw a special on cockroaches... Can you believe there are people who keep these disgusting things as pets? And it takes two weeks of radiation to kill them completely? (as opposed to human, two days) And they can live without their heads for a week and only because they are not getting any water as they have no mouths to drinks? Female roaches can produce up to 10 thousand offsprings in their lifetime? And their average lifespan is 2 years and are mature to mate after 6 months?
Eww...
Peeps, you heard it from Pinky first!!!
And, developed an unhealthy addiction to MADtv and Bobby Lee (super kawaii!). Can't sleep because I wanna watch them all. Man this is bad!
Meeting tomorrow's at 9.30am, which means I need to be in the office by 8.30am to get everything in place.That means I should be awake by 7.30am It's 2.34am now.
7.30-2.34 = 4.56 hours = I'm fucked
Nights and till the next update...
Feeling: Filled with HOPE
Chinese New Year came and is now coming to an end. The year of the Rat is so far so good!
Nothing much happened these few weeks. I guess after that angst-filled post (I blame it on the pre-crimson wave) I have felt much better. In fact, felt better after a day. It's funny how I get so angry and the next second feel fantastically mellow. Another mysterious trait of the Gemini?
Go figure...
Chinese New Year flew by with my PsP. I love my PsP.
Valentine's Day is not such a big fucking deal this year. Got used to it? Not sure... Went my aunt's place to 'Pai Tin Gong' (the eve of the 9th day of Chinese New Year, a Hokkien big all day. Read all about it here...) and gambled some. Every year, our whole family will gather in my Aunty Fan's house for this Hokkien celebration to ask for blessings from the heavens. (though we are Hakka... nothing wrong with extra blessings right?) To Aunty Fan's husband, this celebration is extremely important and there will be, without fail, a mother of all pigs roasted to crisp perfection on the altar. And right after all that joss stick burning and asking for 4D numbers, that pig will be chopped up and divided amongst all the guests... Almost like Hari Raya Korban, except for the pig. (instead of a cow) We would of course get Aunty Wan, to fire up the wok to bang up some sugar and soy sauce siu yuk. Really, no one does it better than her. *hearts*
As Valentine's Day coincided with this auspicious day, I guess someone took that as a sign to propose to his girlfriend la... As me and bro drove down the LPD to get our ass to our aunt's place, we saw a hugeass billboard with a picture of a geeky guy holding a ring (a RM14K ring, we found out later on national newspaper. Hope it's Tiffany!) with just two lines on it.
'KELLY TAN X XXX WILL YOU MARRY ME?'
Me and bro face faults... ciggies dropped. What the... this kinda cute geek (after thought laaa) just spent about RM20k (RM40k as the national newspaper reported day after) on a billboard to propose? I would had said Yes without him even asking... Kelly is a lucky girl (all female population in Malaysia nods in agreement)
Felt so J ok... But my mission is to look for a man first la... How to get proposal if no man kan?
Anyhooosss
Back to me... Found out that both Aunt Jess and Aunt Jackie are coming back this year! How's that for a Happy New Year? Also found out that Aunty Jackie reads my blog...
Holla Aunty Jackie! And if you're wondering if Mom and Dad knows if I smoke. They do. Grandma doesn't. Please don't tell! Grandma thinks I'm 6 this year, and sometimes denial is bliss! I don't want her to disown me.
And discovered that a long break does wonders to your work productivity. I am happy to announce that I don't have writer's block anymore. Loving it!
Got bored with facebook. Realized that after I took down my hawt picture people don't want to add me as friends anymore and no one clicks on me in the 'Are you interested?' application.(used to get on an average 5 a day) Feel so disgusted by fake people ok...
Went back to the gym today after a one month hiatus. It's a terrible feeling ok? I felt so tired and my lungs weren't cooperating with me after that! I swear not to slip out of the routine ever again! The start-up part is just too hard! While pedaling my life away, saw a special on cockroaches... Can you believe there are people who keep these disgusting things as pets? And it takes two weeks of radiation to kill them completely? (as opposed to human, two days) And they can live without their heads for a week and only because they are not getting any water as they have no mouths to drinks? Female roaches can produce up to 10 thousand offsprings in their lifetime? And their average lifespan is 2 years and are mature to mate after 6 months?
Eww...
Peeps, you heard it from Pinky first!!!
And, developed an unhealthy addiction to MADtv and Bobby Lee (super kawaii!). Can't sleep because I wanna watch them all. Man this is bad!
Meeting tomorrow's at 9.30am, which means I need to be in the office by 8.30am to get everything in place.That means I should be awake by 7.30am It's 2.34am now.
7.30-2.34 = 4.56 hours = I'm fucked
Nights and till the next update...
Friday, January 25, 2008
This stinks
Listening to: Rie fu - Tobira
Feeling: sad
This must be the mother of all bad days...
First, whatever I had written in my first post.
Then when I thought I should cheer myself up by watching a nice episode of D.Grey Man, latest episode not uploaded yet.
And so I thought, maybe watch Marimite... but damn internet is slow. Bloody slow
Just when I thought it would not get any worst, I reached into my ciggie box and there it was, my last stick.
You know when they say 'When it rains, it pours?' It's true...
I wonder which God's tail I've stepped on recently.
Kusai....
Feeling: sad
This must be the mother of all bad days...
First, whatever I had written in my first post.
Then when I thought I should cheer myself up by watching a nice episode of D.Grey Man, latest episode not uploaded yet.
And so I thought, maybe watch Marimite... but damn internet is slow. Bloody slow
Just when I thought it would not get any worst, I reached into my ciggie box and there it was, my last stick.
You know when they say 'When it rains, it pours?' It's true...
I wonder which God's tail I've stepped on recently.
Kusai....
This is so wrong!!!!
| What Lum Yi Hwa Means |
 You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts. You know how what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it. You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator! You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. |
Crossroads, T-Junctions, One Ways...
Listening to: Rie fu - Until I say
Feeling: Angry, sad, disappointed, annoyed & all of the above.
God!
Have you ever felt like, you know... you're at the crossroads of your life? How does that feel like? Maybe like, you literally see them? Or like, it's there is a flash of lightning and you KNOW you're there... This dreaded crossroad? Or maybe, T-junction... whatever
This sucks... for some reason I can't talk about what had happened but it had totally effected me emotionally like BAD. I mean, like, do you realize the amount of 'like's I am putting in this post?
I am so fucking bummed. I don't know if anyone else could understand the feeling... Well maybe not cause no one else got what I got. I feel...
Hrm...
Cheated.
Insulted.
A failure.
Disgusting.
Angry at the powers that be.
Helpless...
Ultimately, angry at myself.
Really, this is not how it is supposed to be. Putting in so much effort, time, blood, sweat and tears gave me only this? Am I so undeserving? Major blow to my self-esteem is all I can say.
I UGH... feel like crying! I want to cry. But why? I am crying because of this?
God damned!
Yeah, so back to the crossroads... I am thinking of which way to head to. should I stay or should I go? Left or right? Up or down?
I hate this feeling of being uncertain about something. Like, you're given the choice of having chicken or beef as part of your set lunch and you know you love both... But are you sure you want the chicken? You might want the beef though... You might regret... Ugh. Hate that feeling.
*OK, that didn't really make sense*
Whatever that is...I think I will never be confident of myself anymore. And I thought I might have ONE percent of my much needed confidence. All shattered... Within 10 minutes of my life.
Plunge a knife through my heart now.
I am so sick...
And so tired...
Feel useless and unappreciated.
Right now, just feeling unhappy, demotivated and angry at the world. Let me be for a while.
*fuh*
Feeling: Angry, sad, disappointed, annoyed & all of the above.
God!
Have you ever felt like, you know... you're at the crossroads of your life? How does that feel like? Maybe like, you literally see them? Or like, it's there is a flash of lightning and you KNOW you're there... This dreaded crossroad? Or maybe, T-junction... whatever
This sucks... for some reason I can't talk about what had happened but it had totally effected me emotionally like BAD. I mean, like, do you realize the amount of 'like's I am putting in this post?
I am so fucking bummed. I don't know if anyone else could understand the feeling... Well maybe not cause no one else got what I got. I feel...
Hrm...
Cheated.
Insulted.
A failure.
Disgusting.
Angry at the powers that be.
Helpless...
Ultimately, angry at myself.
Really, this is not how it is supposed to be. Putting in so much effort, time, blood, sweat and tears gave me only this? Am I so undeserving? Major blow to my self-esteem is all I can say.
I UGH... feel like crying! I want to cry. But why? I am crying because of this?
God damned!
Yeah, so back to the crossroads... I am thinking of which way to head to. should I stay or should I go? Left or right? Up or down?
I hate this feeling of being uncertain about something. Like, you're given the choice of having chicken or beef as part of your set lunch and you know you love both... But are you sure you want the chicken? You might want the beef though... You might regret... Ugh. Hate that feeling.
*OK, that didn't really make sense*
Whatever that is...
Plunge a knife through my heart now.
I am so sick...
And so tired...
Feel useless and unappreciated.
Right now, just feeling unhappy, demotivated and angry at the world. Let me be for a while.
*fuh*
Monday, January 14, 2008
A tribute to Anne Theresa Chong
Listening to: Clazziquai - speechless
Feeling: sad
Dear Anne Theresa Chong,
You left too abruptly. I didn't get to say goodbye on Friday. I had so many things to ask you still...
Why? Why didn't you let us say goodbye?
You kept your illness to yourself and we thought everything was fine. You were alright... I had always thought of you as someone strong, who cannot do any wrong. You were in my eyes someone who were invincible.
Maybe it was that glint in your eyes when you first checked my work. You sort of scared me then. You had such spirit.
Maybe some people thought you were harsh and strict. I found you honest and fun. I enjoyed the times we spent in the office late together. I remembered how you, the one who was so tight-lipped I had imagined having to pry your mouth open with a crowbar surprised me by talking non-stop.
I remembered how I told the rest that I had an actual conversation with you and they were surprised. You gave out the 'don't fuck with me' vibe. I guess even our editor was a wee scared of you too.
I think that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
We never established the fact that we were friends but I sort of figured that out when you offered to lend me books. Your books, precious to you and you took the time to look through all of them to pick out the one that I would enjoy. And when I did read them, I loved them. And you always looked happy when I told you so.
I always felt so proud when you came up to me to say 'Hey, I really enjoyed reading your 'How-To' page. I never knew that irons could do things like that!' For someone like you, whom I thought knew everything on Wikipedia.com to come and tell me that, was like WOW. Or when you write little notes on top of my page like 'Good Job' or 'Nice One', it had really given me a little more faith in myself and my writing. I had more pride in my work then...
When we did the Secret Santa thing at the office, I did not imagine in my 25 years of life that you had taken the time to fold pretty little stars for me, download a cute and corny Christmas carol, create a new yahoo account and send it to my workmail to cheer my day up and stuck pretty pink sequins on a glass bottle for me. Everyone was shocked when you announced it was you who did it. Because no one thought too that you did things like that. No one at all... And when I opened up that gift, a pink phone pouch, a pink hair clip and a lollypop, I was shocked that you went all the way out to choose something in pink. The pink hairclip, you explained, was because I had once told you that my fringe keeps falling into my eyes. You thought it would help. It's the first time someone did something so thoughtful for me. I look at the phone pouch and hairclip now and I think of you. Thank you so much!
Yesterday, while having lunch with Seems I told her that I wanted to talk to you because I really wanted to know my writing progress and the only person who I can think of talking to was you. But in just 6 hours I got a call saying you had passed on.
Thinking back, I had at first thought it was a joke. Well, who jokes about things like that anyway? It took about an hour to really sink in. I realized then you had really left us. And I realized I will not be able to ask your opinion about my work, about books or life. It was surreal.
When I saw you just now, you looked so small. It was almost like you were made out of wax. With tears blurring my eyes, I wondered if you would sit up and say 'Gotcha!'. You always surprised us like that. I was still hoping it was not for real. I really hope, I pray with all my heart that you're now in a better place. No deadlines to worry about and no fools that you would need to suffer for anymore.
Your mom had told me that you had thought I was special. I will not get the chance to tell you this and I hope you know this but I had always thought you were special too.
Thank you Anne, you had thought me more than just about verbs and nouns. Thank you. My only wish was that I knew you earlier or had spent more time with you.
May you rest in peace. And for the last time... 'Bye~~~!!! And don't work too late!'
Feeling: sad
Dear Anne Theresa Chong,
You left too abruptly. I didn't get to say goodbye on Friday. I had so many things to ask you still...
Why? Why didn't you let us say goodbye?
You kept your illness to yourself and we thought everything was fine. You were alright... I had always thought of you as someone strong, who cannot do any wrong. You were in my eyes someone who were invincible.
Maybe it was that glint in your eyes when you first checked my work. You sort of scared me then. You had such spirit.
Maybe some people thought you were harsh and strict. I found you honest and fun. I enjoyed the times we spent in the office late together. I remembered how you, the one who was so tight-lipped I had imagined having to pry your mouth open with a crowbar surprised me by talking non-stop.
I remembered how I told the rest that I had an actual conversation with you and they were surprised. You gave out the 'don't fuck with me' vibe. I guess even our editor was a wee scared of you too.
I think that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
We never established the fact that we were friends but I sort of figured that out when you offered to lend me books. Your books, precious to you and you took the time to look through all of them to pick out the one that I would enjoy. And when I did read them, I loved them. And you always looked happy when I told you so.
I always felt so proud when you came up to me to say 'Hey, I really enjoyed reading your 'How-To' page. I never knew that irons could do things like that!' For someone like you, whom I thought knew everything on Wikipedia.com to come and tell me that, was like WOW. Or when you write little notes on top of my page like 'Good Job' or 'Nice One', it had really given me a little more faith in myself and my writing. I had more pride in my work then...
When we did the Secret Santa thing at the office, I did not imagine in my 25 years of life that you had taken the time to fold pretty little stars for me, download a cute and corny Christmas carol, create a new yahoo account and send it to my workmail to cheer my day up and stuck pretty pink sequins on a glass bottle for me. Everyone was shocked when you announced it was you who did it. Because no one thought too that you did things like that. No one at all... And when I opened up that gift, a pink phone pouch, a pink hair clip and a lollypop, I was shocked that you went all the way out to choose something in pink. The pink hairclip, you explained, was because I had once told you that my fringe keeps falling into my eyes. You thought it would help. It's the first time someone did something so thoughtful for me. I look at the phone pouch and hairclip now and I think of you. Thank you so much!
Yesterday, while having lunch with Seems I told her that I wanted to talk to you because I really wanted to know my writing progress and the only person who I can think of talking to was you. But in just 6 hours I got a call saying you had passed on.
Thinking back, I had at first thought it was a joke. Well, who jokes about things like that anyway? It took about an hour to really sink in. I realized then you had really left us. And I realized I will not be able to ask your opinion about my work, about books or life. It was surreal.
When I saw you just now, you looked so small. It was almost like you were made out of wax. With tears blurring my eyes, I wondered if you would sit up and say 'Gotcha!'. You always surprised us like that. I was still hoping it was not for real. I really hope, I pray with all my heart that you're now in a better place. No deadlines to worry about and no fools that you would need to suffer for anymore.
Your mom had told me that you had thought I was special. I will not get the chance to tell you this and I hope you know this but I had always thought you were special too.
Thank you Anne, you had thought me more than just about verbs and nouns. Thank you. My only wish was that I knew you earlier or had spent more time with you.
May you rest in peace. And for the last time... 'Bye~~~!!! And don't work too late!'
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Update v1.o
Listening to: Random Christmas carols
Feeling: Like I'm on leave!!!
It has been a crazy month of cupcakes and headaches I tell you... But FINALLY I'm getting my well deserved (or so I think) break... Handed in the last of my pending work yesterday and when I woke up today it was Just Heavenly.. hehehe
First of the many cupcakes...
Now that I have 10 days worth of holidays I will catch up on my blogging I hope...
First up... some cam-whoring pictures of us after my cupcakes shoot....
Good to look at, but mine still taste better!
Butterfly hiding behind flowers!!!
Now if you can spot the cam-whores
Another one with an added member
One of my favourite people in the office, Kew....!
We had this advertisers appreciation night... Quite fun but look at the work done behind the scenes... Decor was put up by Team HW! Had to help out... but it was all love!
Feels like Cinderella's dress is not as happening as we thought it would be
Zoey-poo camwhoring at the back of my car on the way to Heritage Mansion
Then while picking up cupcakes from Cuppacakes one day... I had this urge to go check out my old house. Drama, remember those days when we ran wild and free on this field? It used to look so big and now it's looking kinda bald... why???
This used to be my playground...
The trees are balding... A sure sign to say that I'm getting older too!
And while I'm at it I decided to visit my primary school too.. It's so weird that back then it seemed so far away from my house to the school.. it's like a 5 minute walk. Well, short legs and all...
Primary school bus waiting area
We didn't have this back then... Kids nowadays...
Brought back many bittersweet memories.. It's so weird that the school compound seemed so much bigger when I was 10.
In other news... I was invited to my first ever kiddy party... My boss's kid is so damn cute!!! Didn't manage to take a picture of the birthday girl because she couldn't sit still for 0.005 seconds...
The cutest bumblebee ever!
That's all for today... more to come hopefully... starfuck's connection sucks today and I keep getting disconnected... Thinking of doing a movie marathon soon! Weeee~
Feeling: Like I'm on leave!!!
It has been a crazy month of cupcakes and headaches I tell you... But FINALLY I'm getting my well deserved (or so I think) break... Handed in the last of my pending work yesterday and when I woke up today it was Just Heavenly.. hehehe
First of the many cupcakes...
Now that I have 10 days worth of holidays I will catch up on my blogging I hope...
First up... some cam-whoring pictures of us after my cupcakes shoot....
Good to look at, but mine still taste better!
Butterfly hiding behind flowers!!!
Now if you can spot the cam-whores
Another one with an added member
One of my favourite people in the office, Kew....!
We had this advertisers appreciation night... Quite fun but look at the work done behind the scenes... Decor was put up by Team HW! Had to help out... but it was all love!
Feels like Cinderella's dress is not as happening as we thought it would be
Zoey-poo camwhoring at the back of my car on the way to Heritage Mansion
Then while picking up cupcakes from Cuppacakes one day... I had this urge to go check out my old house. Drama, remember those days when we ran wild and free on this field? It used to look so big and now it's looking kinda bald... why???
This used to be my playground...
The trees are balding... A sure sign to say that I'm getting older too!
And while I'm at it I decided to visit my primary school too.. It's so weird that back then it seemed so far away from my house to the school.. it's like a 5 minute walk. Well, short legs and all...
Primary school bus waiting area
We didn't have this back then... Kids nowadays...
Brought back many bittersweet memories.. It's so weird that the school compound seemed so much bigger when I was 10.
In other news... I was invited to my first ever kiddy party... My boss's kid is so damn cute!!! Didn't manage to take a picture of the birthday girl because she couldn't sit still for 0.005 seconds...
The cutest bumblebee ever!
That's all for today... more to come hopefully... starfuck's connection sucks today and I keep getting disconnected... Thinking of doing a movie marathon soon! Weeee~
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Filler
Listening to: The hum of the a/c
Feeling: Tired
What a week! I feel like I had done more in this one whole week than I had in a month... I had back to back shoots and a VIE (very important event) to attend right after.
I'm not gonna even bitch about it... Anyways, this is obviously a filler post. I am looking forward to my holidays but I just wish I can get my pay sooner. Am so broke and I have to buy Xmas pressies. Ugh...
Planning to buy my pink PsP after talking about it for the longest time to reward myself for making it through another year. Yay!
Will update soon!
Feeling: Tired
What a week! I feel like I had done more in this one whole week than I had in a month... I had back to back shoots and a VIE (very important event) to attend right after.
I'm not gonna even bitch about it... Anyways, this is obviously a filler post. I am looking forward to my holidays but I just wish I can get my pay sooner. Am so broke and I have to buy Xmas pressies. Ugh...
Planning to buy my pink PsP after talking about it for the longest time to reward myself for making it through another year. Yay!
Will update soon!
Friday, December 07, 2007
We've been going places!
Listening to: Rie Fu - Life is a boat
Feeling: Like nose blocked
Recently went to Camerons with my colleagues!
Stayed at the YTL Resort and had a picnic by the tea plantation!
So nice!!! Next one will be about Perhentian and Mauritius... Till then...
Feeling: Like nose blocked
Recently went to Camerons with my colleagues!
Stayed at the YTL Resort and had a picnic by the tea plantation!
So nice!!! Next one will be about Perhentian and Mauritius... Till then...
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Finally! Bali!
Listening to: Let it snow!
Feeling: Caffeinated
Ah, finally I have gotten down to it! Gotten down to writing about Bali...
stop bitching drama... Work is crazy you know!!!!!
OK, back to matter at hand... Bali.
So our company trip was to Bali. Yes, yippee... Bali. After previous trips to Club Med Cherating (which I love love love!) and Langkawi (which was kinda dull) we got clearance for Bali...
And what joy that the Mag World girls had got to do it... After a whole load of begging, stress, hair pulling and all that jazz, it was finally the big day. The organizers had to gochill out check out the location before the rest of the company arrived so yours truly and a couple of others were in Bali one day before the rest got there.
Touchdown on Denpasar airport
Can you believe that even their airport looks like a beautiful temple? I couldn't resist but to snap like a Japanese tourist!!!
It was unbelievable this place... I immediately understood how people fall in love with this amazing place. It's quiet but still quite the haps. People are nice and friendly. They wear sarongs! And girls wear flowers in their hair without even thinking twice! I wanna do that!
We arrived at the hotel, Wina Holiday Villa in Kuta at about 3.30pm and the place is just absolutely beautiful. It's kinda old yes, but the rustic charm was just amazing! You see shrines and trees just about everywhere!! Beautiful!
It's here there and everywhere!
The pretty poolside! Ignore the man rubbing his tummy please *Photo by SarahN*
Our official business took a grand total of half an hour to finish and we were free to go wherever!!! It was almost 5pm by that time so Losh, one of my colleagues took us to Kudeta while making a huge fuss about how we have to get there before sunset.
The Kudeta. Kuta, Denpasar and Tasomething was the inspiration
We arrived just before (sun sets in Bali at about 5.45pm?) and after some security checks (apparently Kudeta had been bombed in the past) I finally understood why Losh made such a huge fuss about getting there on time...
Beautiful people chilling and waiting for the sunset
Sunsets on Kudeta
I truly, deeply, madly love this place!! It's so expensive and touristsy but I still love it long time!
I got utterly sloshed that day... I couldn't remember what happened... Hahahaha This shows with age, you can't NOT sleep for 48 hours, travel, NOT eat and drink double vodkas.
I've learnt my lesson and my colleagues will never let me forget about that nasty incident...
The next day when everyone else arrived, me and SarahN went shopping!!!
New arrivals all decked out in pretty leis *Photo by SarahN*
Not before we took a picture of the money we had...
Million Hair for a day
Walked around the street down the hotel and bought some stuff. People are just so friendly. If there is ONE advice I could give you, I would say, BARGAIN LIKE A BITCH! Things there are so cheap and you can bargain and bargain and bargain... Really, don't get upset if someone else for that same dress for 200 rupees less... It's just 60cents more!
Every picture was postcard perfect because the subject was so beautiful!
Behind every closed door was an amazing treasure waiting to be discovered
Guardian of the door
And that night during dinner, we had loads of fun playing some ice breaking games and of course dinner! We were also treated to the kecak dance. Took more pictures!
The dinner area *Photo by SarahN*
Me and SarahN *Photo by SarahN*
Then the day after that we woke up pretty late and went walking down the road for a spot of...
STARFUCKS!
But not before we stopped for more pictures!
Cheesey!!! *Photo by SarahN*
SarahN loving it!
Really, I cannot resist Starfucks anywhere! Plus, it's cheaper in Bali and they have these fantastic gourmet sandwiches for a steal. Ohhh I wanna live here forever!!!
Filled to the brim with coffee and sandwiches, we decided to walk along the Kuta beach. Checking out the scene, ya know what I mean?
Of course we had to take some pictures also!!! We're almost Japanese!
Starfucks was here!
SarahN taking a picture of me taking picture of her
And on the other side *Photo by SarahN*
Why? Stomachache?
Kids playing!
Black sand beach! Volcano bits... something like that
Hawt surfer dudes who were probably gay
Cute doggie on the beach! *Photo by SarahN*
Seems and Elaine went off for some relaxing spa session and we thought we'd do spa in Ubut but since we were craving for some massage... We decided to get it done on the beach.
Bad choice... We were swarmed with locals who wanted to:-
Braid our hair
Paint our nails
Massage our shoulders
Exfoliate our feet (huh?)
Sell us some phone hangies to support their 60 children at home
Scratch our ass (kidding!)
Maam, you want scratch your back? Only twenty thousand! scratch you long time!
Oh man... it was crazy! But at the end of the day, it was quite an experience.
Smoozing with the boss!
Kuta was an experience I tell you...
The only thing that I really truly enjoyed the company, the shopping and of course that wonderful brunch we had in a backlane store in Kuta...
Best breakfast I had in days!
Celebrating a good breakfast with a beautiful picture!
We left for Tanah Lot then Ubut soon after but not before another trip to Kudeta in Seminyak for a leisurely afternoon drink...
In it's full glory in broad daylight
Me and Seems doing our thang!
Just chilling in the sun
The reason why people hang out in Kudeta...
After our fill of beer (and a strawberry smoothie for me!) we hopped into the van and headed towards Tanah Lot.
This way please!
You have to pay to get into Tanah Lot... It's about RM10 but I swear it's worth every cent! For those who have no appreciation towards nature can shop too!
Crochety old ladies
Middle earth like... Almost surreal
Made of dreams
Got blessed
Favourite shot
The way the waves rushes out from the sea to the lava shore was really like something out from a movie... It was too beautiful it was almost fake.
We eventually went up to the top of the hill on the opposite side for the sunset but bummer it was cloudy that day, so we didn't get to catch it at all.
But there's always cam-whoring to be done...
Pouts
Anyplace, anytime!!!
And off we went to Ubut!
It was an hour drive to Ubut and the road was bumpy. I need a smoke bad, there was no a/c and I was hungry as hell. Bad combo. Zoe needed to go to the loo bad and the bumpy road didn't help.
We got to the Sehati Homestay (RM90 a night plus breakkie! Best ever!!) in due time and after all businesses had been settled, we went over to the recommended Bebek Bengil for dinner.
We understood why it was recommended the moment we walked past the reception area.
There were little cabanas over the paddy fields that were lit with oil lamps. It was unbelievably beautiful! How can a small restaurant open up to such a spacious interior? Unfortunately there were no more cabanas for us so we had to settle for the upstairs tables. It was still a beautiful experience nevertheless...
For a fantastic meal of duck, salad, pork ribs and drinks, we paid about only RM30 each (there were 7 of us) and we had fine dining-like food. How fantastic was that? OHHHH Loving Ubut more by the minute!
Our tired troupe made our way back to our rooms and woke up fresh like daisies the next day only in time for more
SHOPPING!
Also on our main agenda was to have lunch in the legendary Ibu Oka who serves the famous Babi Guling. Anyone who is here in Bali HAVE to have the Babi Guling... YUM!
And so the happy campers left after a hearty breakfast served by the lovely people at the homestay.
A picture before going out is a must!
Our home in Ubut
Our very own little spa!
Ubut is a pretty quiet town. It's kinda like the art central of Bali and I totally love it! No hustle and bustle of Kuta!
Cruising!
Sprawling paddy fields, Crouching Marcus
Walking the whole of Ubut on a hot hot day is not easy but the promise of good food at the end of it makes it much easier on the toes! After a long long walk, there it was... Ibu Oka's Babi Guling store!!!
Babi Guling with COLD Coke is perfect for a hot how day!
This small and simple warung is deceiving as nearly everyone is raving about it. Babi guling is basically roast pork, deep fried intestines and some fried vege on the side with rice. I thought it tasted like chicken rice, but better. I swear... what would I give to have some now?
The perfect ending to the perfect lunch
We continued on our journey in Ubut with a happy stomach and aching feet. Next on the agenda was a spa session that we had booked earlier. Me, Seems and SarahN decided we had enough shopping and headed right for the spa.
For only RM100 we had a 3 hour session. Beat that!!! It was so good! I wanna go back NOW!! :(
We left the next day... Writing about it made me feel like booking the next ticket to Bali! Will be back there again maybe next year. Will climb the Kintamani mountain then!
Till then...
Feeling: Caffeinated
Ah, finally I have gotten down to it! Gotten down to writing about Bali...
stop bitching drama... Work is crazy you know!!!!!
OK, back to matter at hand... Bali.
So our company trip was to Bali. Yes, yippee... Bali. After previous trips to Club Med Cherating (which I love love love!) and Langkawi (which was kinda dull) we got clearance for Bali...
And what joy that the Mag World girls had got to do it... After a whole load of begging, stress, hair pulling and all that jazz, it was finally the big day. The organizers had to go
Touchdown on Denpasar airport
Can you believe that even their airport looks like a beautiful temple? I couldn't resist but to snap like a Japanese tourist!!!
It was unbelievable this place... I immediately understood how people fall in love with this amazing place. It's quiet but still quite the haps. People are nice and friendly. They wear sarongs! And girls wear flowers in their hair without even thinking twice! I wanna do that!
We arrived at the hotel, Wina Holiday Villa in Kuta at about 3.30pm and the place is just absolutely beautiful. It's kinda old yes, but the rustic charm was just amazing! You see shrines and trees just about everywhere!! Beautiful!
It's here there and everywhere!
The pretty poolside! Ignore the man rubbing his tummy please *Photo by SarahN*
Our official business took a grand total of half an hour to finish and we were free to go wherever!!! It was almost 5pm by that time so Losh, one of my colleagues took us to Kudeta while making a huge fuss about how we have to get there before sunset.
The Kudeta. Kuta, Denpasar and Tasomething was the inspiration
We arrived just before (sun sets in Bali at about 5.45pm?) and after some security checks (apparently Kudeta had been bombed in the past) I finally understood why Losh made such a huge fuss about getting there on time...
Beautiful people chilling and waiting for the sunset
Sunsets on Kudeta
I truly, deeply, madly love this place!! It's so expensive and touristsy but I still love it long time!
I got utterly sloshed that day... I couldn't remember what happened... Hahahaha This shows with age, you can't NOT sleep for 48 hours, travel, NOT eat and drink double vodkas.
I've learnt my lesson and my colleagues will never let me forget about that nasty incident...
The next day when everyone else arrived, me and SarahN went shopping!!!
New arrivals all decked out in pretty leis *Photo by SarahN*
Not before we took a picture of the money we had...
Million Hair for a day
Walked around the street down the hotel and bought some stuff. People are just so friendly. If there is ONE advice I could give you, I would say, BARGAIN LIKE A BITCH! Things there are so cheap and you can bargain and bargain and bargain... Really, don't get upset if someone else for that same dress for 200 rupees less... It's just 60cents more!
Every picture was postcard perfect because the subject was so beautiful!
Behind every closed door was an amazing treasure waiting to be discovered
Guardian of the door
And that night during dinner, we had loads of fun playing some ice breaking games and of course dinner! We were also treated to the kecak dance. Took more pictures!
The dinner area *Photo by SarahN*
Me and SarahN *Photo by SarahN*
Then the day after that we woke up pretty late and went walking down the road for a spot of...
STARFUCKS!
But not before we stopped for more pictures!
Cheesey!!! *Photo by SarahN*
SarahN loving it!
Really, I cannot resist Starfucks anywhere! Plus, it's cheaper in Bali and they have these fantastic gourmet sandwiches for a steal. Ohhh I wanna live here forever!!!
Filled to the brim with coffee and sandwiches, we decided to walk along the Kuta beach. Checking out the scene, ya know what I mean?
Of course we had to take some pictures also!!! We're almost Japanese!
Starfucks was here!
SarahN taking a picture of me taking picture of her
And on the other side *Photo by SarahN*
Why? Stomachache?
Kids playing!
Black sand beach! Volcano bits... something like that
Hawt surfer dudes who were probably gay
Cute doggie on the beach! *Photo by SarahN*
Seems and Elaine went off for some relaxing spa session and we thought we'd do spa in Ubut but since we were craving for some massage... We decided to get it done on the beach.
Bad choice... We were swarmed with locals who wanted to:-
Braid our hair
Paint our nails
Massage our shoulders
Exfoliate our feet (huh?)
Sell us some phone hangies to support their 60 children at home
Scratch our ass (kidding!)
Maam, you want scratch your back? Only twenty thousand! scratch you long time!
Oh man... it was crazy! But at the end of the day, it was quite an experience.
Smoozing with the boss!
Kuta was an experience I tell you...
The only thing that I really truly enjoyed the company, the shopping and of course that wonderful brunch we had in a backlane store in Kuta...
Best breakfast I had in days!
Celebrating a good breakfast with a beautiful picture!
We left for Tanah Lot then Ubut soon after but not before another trip to Kudeta in Seminyak for a leisurely afternoon drink...
In it's full glory in broad daylight
Me and Seems doing our thang!
Just chilling in the sun
The reason why people hang out in Kudeta...
After our fill of beer (and a strawberry smoothie for me!) we hopped into the van and headed towards Tanah Lot.
This way please!
You have to pay to get into Tanah Lot... It's about RM10 but I swear it's worth every cent! For those who have no appreciation towards nature can shop too!
Crochety old ladies
Middle earth like... Almost surreal
Made of dreams
Got blessed
Favourite shot
The way the waves rushes out from the sea to the lava shore was really like something out from a movie... It was too beautiful it was almost fake.
We eventually went up to the top of the hill on the opposite side for the sunset but bummer it was cloudy that day, so we didn't get to catch it at all.
But there's always cam-whoring to be done...
Pouts
Anyplace, anytime!!!
And off we went to Ubut!
It was an hour drive to Ubut and the road was bumpy. I need a smoke bad, there was no a/c and I was hungry as hell. Bad combo. Zoe needed to go to the loo bad and the bumpy road didn't help.
We got to the Sehati Homestay (RM90 a night plus breakkie! Best ever!!) in due time and after all businesses had been settled, we went over to the recommended Bebek Bengil for dinner.
We understood why it was recommended the moment we walked past the reception area.
There were little cabanas over the paddy fields that were lit with oil lamps. It was unbelievably beautiful! How can a small restaurant open up to such a spacious interior? Unfortunately there were no more cabanas for us so we had to settle for the upstairs tables. It was still a beautiful experience nevertheless...
For a fantastic meal of duck, salad, pork ribs and drinks, we paid about only RM30 each (there were 7 of us) and we had fine dining-like food. How fantastic was that? OHHHH Loving Ubut more by the minute!
Our tired troupe made our way back to our rooms and woke up fresh like daisies the next day only in time for more
SHOPPING!
Also on our main agenda was to have lunch in the legendary Ibu Oka who serves the famous Babi Guling. Anyone who is here in Bali HAVE to have the Babi Guling... YUM!
And so the happy campers left after a hearty breakfast served by the lovely people at the homestay.
A picture before going out is a must!
Our home in Ubut
Our very own little spa!
Ubut is a pretty quiet town. It's kinda like the art central of Bali and I totally love it! No hustle and bustle of Kuta!
Cruising!
Sprawling paddy fields, Crouching Marcus
Walking the whole of Ubut on a hot hot day is not easy but the promise of good food at the end of it makes it much easier on the toes! After a long long walk, there it was... Ibu Oka's Babi Guling store!!!
Babi Guling with COLD Coke is perfect for a hot how day!
This small and simple warung is deceiving as nearly everyone is raving about it. Babi guling is basically roast pork, deep fried intestines and some fried vege on the side with rice. I thought it tasted like chicken rice, but better. I swear... what would I give to have some now?
The perfect ending to the perfect lunch
We continued on our journey in Ubut with a happy stomach and aching feet. Next on the agenda was a spa session that we had booked earlier. Me, Seems and SarahN decided we had enough shopping and headed right for the spa.
For only RM100 we had a 3 hour session. Beat that!!! It was so good! I wanna go back NOW!! :(
We left the next day... Writing about it made me feel like booking the next ticket to Bali! Will be back there again maybe next year. Will climb the Kintamani mountain then!
Till then...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
