new semester is up and coming

New semester is getting nearer but I’m yet in getting nearer to a total sanity. I wish I could be more discipline, by doing my assignments the minute I have a topic rather than doing a 10pages article in one day, what a feat, but it’s truly not a good practice. Well, a new resolution for a new semester and a new year.

I’ve paid a staggering 2,300 thou to continue my study. With that sum, I can fill in my cupboard with new handbags and shoes. It’s been while since I don a new shoe. Dearie would never understand this but I’m pretty sure there are hundreds of girls out there could really feel me.

But, prepare for this, I paid my own fees! Yes, I did! With my own hard earned money that has been followed by never ending tears and true diligence…em, what a drama queen.

These act has propel me to become more responsible towards my studies, no matter how tired I am, I would step the accelerator more than usual so I can arrive at class on time, I never dare to do a ‘ponteng’ anymore, well, I’m paying these boring lecturer, so makes well I be there to witness the never ending boredom.

I’m hoping for a more action this coming semester. I’ve registered three subjects this year which is:

a) Statistics for Communication Research- I cringe whenever I hear about statistics as I had a very bad experience with Dr Saodah Wok back in UIA. I did badly on this paper previously. Hopefully, the new lecturer would have better comprehension on this subject
b) Advanced Public Relations- I always love PR subjects. From my past experience, I had nail As in all my PR subject. Well, for a master level, I cannot resting on my laurels, I should prepare to do more
c) Crisis Communication- I love this subject too. Back in UIA, Mr Alwi, the most notorious and most feared lecturer gave me an A for this paper, and I found later that I’m the only student in the class who got A. So, for this time, I’m gonna repeat the history.

Well friends, please pray for my success.

nite session at Starbucks

" my new organizer"

"from left: Nun, Ika, Me and Diyana enjoying the nite with coffee"

Last Sunday, I went for supper at nearby Starbucks with my cousins cum neighbour, the usual group of loud shrieking Ika, Nun and Diyana. The initial plan would be lepaking in Old Town Coffee has been upgraded to Starbucks the moment I’ve told them I’m paying. They know how to really ‘appreciate’ my kindness,hehe



I also bought myself a Starbucks’s organizer, it’s damn cheap, cost me like 18 bucks for real, smells good leather. It’s so cute, makes it harder to put in any writing.

Gadget makes me dizzy

" My Dearie own a Asus P750 while mine is HTC Touch Dual"

I owned a PDA, HTC Touch Dual to be exact. But I’m so not IT gadget junkie. The only things that I’ve done with my PDA are:
a) Making and receiving calls
b) SMS-ing
c) MMs-ing
d) Snapping pictures
d) …

Em, that’s it. That’s the reason that I shouldn’t get myself into this IT or PDA gadgetry world. I don’t know how to use one. Dearie has taken a great time explaining to me that my PDA worth more than I thought; in fact I can do my office work in it. Still, by the time he finishes, I become groggy with all this tech words.

If anyone presents me a new Nano iPod, Shuffles or anything which spells Apple, I’ll cry in silent. I don’t really listen to music all the time nor I need to catch the latest music flicks. I wish I can be more knowledgeable so I can keep up with my Dearie hence appreciate his HTC gift to me.

A dedication to Zue

I would like to dedicate the year of 2008 to non other than my good friend, Zue. She is born in 8th August 1981, sharing the same birth date with her father, Uncle Zakaria, 8th August 1950 and tied the knot on 8th August 2008. Awesome, right ?

We’ve been friends since matriculation, way back in Petaling Jaya. I love to squat in her room as she always prepared with foods, endless foods. And our parents also know each other well as her father working together with my dad.

I’m truly honored when she asked me to become her bridesmaid. Classes has make me away most of the time, unable to help her with all the madness of wedding preparation, but I compensate it by giving her a facial, a nice backrub and an aromatherapy massage on her wedding night :-)

the end of 2008

The year of 2008 is closing down, so many things happened in 2008, it’s sweet and bitter, but I guess the sweet and bitter makes your life complete. Time flies fast that sometimes I feel the need to stop, catch my breath and try to learn from mistakes.

I have my share of regrets hence makes me wonder whether I would ever learn. But when time passed by, I know I have nurture into a stronger woman. Tears become a strong tidal wave that washes away all the misery.

As for new resolution to welcome the New Year, well, I never had one as I hardly followed one. Still, my doa in becoming a better muslimah has never end. By looking at all this nonsense in this world, our mind would quick to register that the Armageddon is getting nearer. Am I fully prepared? This is something that bothers me non stop.

the convo issue

" the fruit of my hard labour"

I’ve found out that UIA has changed their policy. The most obvious one is the definitely our convo attire. Previously, and during my time, UIA is the only university who skip wearing a normal black convo hat. We instead opting wearing white yellowish tudung with a unique lining on top of our garb. While the guy will wearing a black songkok with our unique yellow and green lining.

Since there is a change in the management, they change it all. From top to bottom. On last week, I’ve met a friend to my dearest, Liza who has just completed her convocation. She also commented that our old garb is much more define and more UIAsm. I looked upon her picture in FB and by the look of it, it’s totally horrendous.

Why do you need to change something that is good enough just to make a statement? Or perhaps to make people remember his repertoire of making a difference. A difference indeed but something that people hates most.

I heard that several students had in fact opposed the idea of changing this convo garb, but it has been ignored completely. Pity them. Em, luckily I’m not the victim.

My FB

FB is such a wonder; I’ve met several of my old classmate way back in primary school. Yesterday, I’ve added Eziatul Nurin, my Ketua Pengawas back then. I miss her so much and quite ecstatic to see her holding her one year old son. And today, I’ve added Maheran, we’re so inseparable back then, sit side by side in class and going to canteen together every day.

I’ve noted some differences but not that much, well we’ve turn into a sassy and young adult woman. Womanhood agrees with us. We’re a career woman now, and it seems that most of my classmate has become accountant. Nurin, Nana, Maheran , Siti Balkhish is an accountant. I hate maths and it does not surprises that I’m far in becoming an accountant or anything to do with maths.

I’m rather glad to be in FB even though some quipped that it is rather an invasion to one’s privacy. One also said that people in FB is plain vain. Well, whatever. My experience in meeting up my old classmate makes it worth all the non privacy.

Escapade in Janda Baik

" the animal farm"

" giving food to Nelly's rabbit"

"am waiting for our nasi berayani kambing"

" farah and nik"

Nelly, the most devilish friend ever has invited us to some Majlis Cukur Jambul in Janda Baik. After seeing the worst of KL almost every day, escapade in Janda Baik is definitely something that we really look forward.

We woke up early and arrived by 11am even though the ceremony won’t start after lunch. Well, it’s worth the waiting as we strolling in the garden with the beautiful scenery overlooking the river and the sound of reverberating waterfall. Nelly’s grandfather, the fame political writer Syed Al Attas, manages to groom his garden into an awesome landscape complete with rest houses.

The best thing happen when we ate our delicious nasi beriyani kambing by the river. Swimming became the next agenda and we ate some more while sitting on the rock in the middle of Janda Baik stream.

p/s: i wonder why we didn't take pictures of the river

Ali Baba's Kebab

"waiting for the best kebab ever in Gold Coast"

"kebab in Brisbane tastes awful"

One thing that makes me crave for Gold coast is definitely the kebab. Believe me; you won’t get one in KL. Thanks to Sarah, who has been there before, look after Ali Baba’s Kebab, so the moment we landed in the land of Kangaroo, the went straight to Ali Baba’s Kebab which is just a few minutes walk from our hotel. Indeed, it is the best ever kebab I’ve ever tasted. It is so big, a lot of chickens and cheese inside with toasted wrapping.

There are several kebab’s stand along the sidewalk, but couldn’t compare to Ali Baba’s Kebab. So guys, please look after this shop while you’re in Gold Coast.

life as it is

I know this woman who is the kindest hearted person I’ve ever met. Last week, when we’re in the kitchen, she makes a remark, some kind of a deadly vow, claiming that she won’t cook anymore and become a kitchen slave. I was so shock by her unexpected proclamation and feel sad as she is definitely a one damn great cook. I couldn’t blame her much. All this while she sacrifices a lot but was not being appreciated. She filed for her divorce and the court has just granted her application. Being married to a loser change her perspective altogether. For the past one year of marriage, she cooks non stop while his husband refuses to lift even one finger, forget about washing his own mug. The last straw is when her husband complains to his mommy, being a mommy’s boy, that his wife’s cooking is not up to his liking. How could he. This woman does two jobs just to meet end’s need. Why is that? Because the loser after some accident in his previous office that makes him stays at home for 2 months, refuse to look for other job just simply because it does not conform to his desire. End up, this woman after working hour, rush back to home, cooking and doing all house chores before students come over for a tuition lesson. What her husband is doing? Well, playing his damn playstation and glued to the tv from morning till the next morning. And it has been going on for one year. I bet other woman won’t stay that long.

Oh, do I miss the part that this loser husband has no diploma what so ever, working with his mom’s best friend as an office boy while his wife has a degree and earn more than him. Still, he overlooks the fact that she is a great woman, refuse to marry for money, choose love instead and hoping that he will take a great care of her. As it is all she needs.

Last week, me and other girls celebrating her freedom by buying her a flower and takes a picture to commemorate the first day being an official divorcee. Weird huh? But, that’s life, weird things happen and we choose to celebrate a new life instead of looking back at the past. Oh, Miss Divorcee N, please cook again, but this time, for a great man who lifts up your day.

alma mater

My father whom graduated from University of Bath, UK receives the university’s newsletter bimonthly. It s nothing much, the newsletter looks so boring, dull with dreary graphic layout. Still, it shows that by receiving the newsletter, it reminds you where you come from, and where you gain your education and more importantly, is where you receive your valuable experience in life.

My dad told me that in UK and US, the alma mater is being taken seriously. The old student makes an attempt to ‘give back to the university’. They have a lot of activities that gather the old students that can carry back from 1950s.

We have a lot of successful famous person who could in fact give back to their university. Not necessarily in terms of monetary but their experiences and knowledge as well. Why UIA can’t invites the old students who make it for a talk, sharing their skill and know-how in order to create a more talented students.

There are more than exams and endless assignments in university curriculum. Create an atmosphere whereby the product of UIA feel ready enough to face the world out there. The world is not just confine in text books provided to us, but the knowledge in how to survive in the cut throat working industry is hard to find.

the tea lady, a crucial position

i love tea more than coffee

Our new tea lady makes a bad tea. It’s damn sweet, u feel like to puke after only one cup. I wonder how they scrutinize the tea lady before hiring one. Definitely they have a resume telling that they’ve years of experience brewing coffee and tea for several companies so far. But what is the real mechanism to make sure that we’ve hired the right one.

I’ve several suggestions here. During the interview session, skip the whole normal process of getting to know her, her experience, bla bla bla straight to the main point, which is her skill.

The interviewer will then ask the tea lady to make a coffee or tea there and then. Next step is to invite several staff to taste the drink. There will be a form where the taster will then give their marks on the drink prepared by the candidate.

Marks given are strictly confidential, as it will invite brickbats in the office later as everyone has their own taste. Some like it sweet and some may like it medium sweet. Or perhaps one will vote for no sugar at all.

Not to forget, the candidate must be willing to make tea after tea endlessly. I once came across a tea lady who gave deaf ear on request for tea claiming that she had made tea more than twice in a day. I really disgust this kind of attitude, as like you have any other things to do besides gossiping and reading entertainment magazine in the surau.

In the end, everyone will be happy to have a perfect tea lady if everyone follows my idea, hehe. Perhaps I could relay my idea to the management. How will they react?

UIA's Dilemma

Atikah, my cousin cum neighbor is studying in UIA, so as usual we talk a lot about UIA as my blood still runs this UIAns epidemic. We can have several universities line up in our resume, but usually the first university that we’ve entered always is on the top of our heart.

So many changes happen in UIA. One thing for sure, the students are getting bolder and brash. Pardon me; I was the most indiscipline, rebellious student way back in UIA. I was once sent back to hostel to change my dress because apparently my dress is not according to the dress code of UIA.

But after visiting UIA yesterday for a business talk, the atmosphere has completely changed. The sisters (to refer to female students in UIA’s lingua) going to classes wearing short, tight tugging t-shirt which didn’t cover their bottom at all. I’m so perplexed with this scenario. Same goes to my best friend, Farah. Yes, we’ve change, we’re wearing the same outfit like theirs to work, but we have made an effort to wear long shirt before coming over to UIA. Why? Because we have the strong respect over the institution. We respect the values and morality imbedded in us from the first moment we enter the university.

I used to call this Maaruf Club students aka PAS supporters as overzealous zealot. Well, it’s kind of harsh but this committee has the tendency to become the social police in UIA. Stopping us in the middle of the road to comment on our dresses or giving cruel and cold stares if we’re seen talking to a brother (refer to male student in UIA’s lingua). Even though the conversation would be like:

“Wei, assignment tak siap lagilah, let me have yours so I can have a look and perhaps make a copy out of it”

“No problem, tapi next assignment bagi aku tiru ko punyer pulak”

Please note that the conversation did not have any sexual tension in between the lines. Still, it was so wrong to talk with guys even in public area in their eyes.

But based on my last visit, I was almost become just like one of this Maaruf Club. I’ve been trying hard not to tell this one girl out rightly that her short t-shirt has shown her panties at the back whenever she bows down. Not that I care much about this, I won’t go ballistic as this is a normal scene out side, but please not in UIA, ok!

friend+ship=friendship

Everyday, I say thanks to Allah for giving me great friends. This is something that I mostly treasure.

I can proudly tell the world that my closest friends aka alter ego, Sarah, Farah, Neli and Nor has been with me ups and downs for 10 years now. They’re friends’ way back from matriculation.

I can also shout it to anyone that my classmates from school are still with me, even though we have completely different lives now, we still catch up if time allows.

Not to forget, my newfound friends, Laila and Uli. We become fast friends on the very first day of my Master class. Since then, we’re inseparable. Some thought that we’ve known each other before and quite surprise when they know the real stories.

Laila and Uli is truly someone that I can count on during my trying time of juggling time between work and study. They never fail to keep in my notes if I fail to come to class, reminding me that not to forget to send in mostly-forgotten-assignments and giving me a pat at the back when I score high marks.

I’ve heard enough scary stories telling by others who had just completed their graduate studies. Everyone has problems in organizing time and to concentrate on the studies, but this is something that we’re expecting. Unfortunately, the real problem comes in the name of friendship. They’re facing hardship in maintaining group cohesion and solidity.

My cousin has decided to postpone her MBA for one semester as she told me that several of her classmates have the tendency to keep secret on examination date. What the ‘f’? I mean, come on, and does it make them more superior, scoring higher than the rest? This is truly something that I cannot comprehend till the end.

When I’m up there, receiving my scroll in the Great Hall, I will always remember Laila and Uli Febriyanti while gripping hard on my Master degree, insya Allah.

still in a raya mode

This raya, one thing for sure is that I’m wearing last years’ kebaya. As my tailor only can deliver my new baju raya on the second week of raya. I feel awkward at first; never in my life I’ve experiencing wearing old one instead a new, smells good baju raya. Even though I’ve only worn it twice and nobody notices the fact that it’s an old one. Still, it’s not new. Nelly paid a visit and we spend the night eating my mom’s nasi beriyani.

We went to Singapore for two straight days. Since that my mom’s cousin reside there, we hop from house to house and got to eat Singaporean Hari Raya delicacies, which is something that we’re looking forward. It’s been like more than 10 years since I’ve visited Singapore. The city is so squeaky clean, my aunt’s flat looks like an apartment resort complete with a beautiful garden and pathway. We’ve to think twice before tossing a tissue out of the car’s window.

Not to forget, the biggest wheel, the same one we have here, Eye of Malaysia, it just that it seems like it’s 10 times bigger. As we cruise along the road, we noticed a very big construction going on, planning to build the biggest casino in Asia. Nothing can compare my astonishment over the awesome Changi Airport. The ceiling of the airport amazes me and something innovative yet to be presented ever.

We spent the last day visiting Jurong Bird Park, it was so big, we end visited only half of the place and went straight to our Pulai Spring Resorts in Johor Bahru for a rest.

working on the eve raya

At this moment, this second, I’m here in front of my PC, working. Yes, working on the last day of Ramadhan is not what I’m expecting. After four years working, this is my very first experience. As I’m rather new, I prefer not to take too much holidays till I’m being confirmed.

Well, there are 4 other colleagues in my level, I’m not pretty sure on the second level, but surely there is someone working downstairs.

Working on the eve of Hari Raya is not like working at all. The mind and spirit is elsewhere, and your eyes keep darting to the clock, wishing that it will goes faster. I browse through the net a lot, clicking all items in the news yahoo, looking at my friend’s profile in Facebook and reading other’s blog. What a bliss.

One thing for sure, the road is almost empty. Truly wish that I can have the road to myself and it only takes 30mins for me to reach my office the last two days rather an hour on a normal working day. Well, keep dreaming because what you’re asking is too much :-)

bad services... an angry customer

Last weekend, I agreed for an invitation to break the fast with my old schoolmate. We’ve done it almost every year, and I’m yet to break the rule. But, inept services of the chosen restaurant spoil the evening that suppose to be a memorable one. I’m not going to name the place, afraid that it will contribute to its bankruptcy.

When Usop mentioned the place, we’re so looking forward to it, as it supposed to be must-go-latest eateries in Ampang. Well, the ambience is great with a lake in the middle, so like kampung style all over. But, things get nasty; the restaurant let so many people in, squeezing table in every nooks and hooks. And to make things worst, the food is scarce. We can saw that people with hungry faces, lining up for a meager food. Ok fine, lets wait for another 30 minutes to get our food, well bad decision, the tray was empty afterwards. We ended up waiting till 8pm for the cook to replenish the food.

By that time, everyone is so pissed off. We’re even not in the mood for taking pictures. I was almost contemplated of not paying full prices as we only eat less those half foods they’re serving. We can’t really understand their plight, the Ramadhan is almost over, surely they know what to expect and fully prepare with the large crowd.

My classmate then suggested to lepak in our Lazzez, Pandan Indah; the usual place to meet familiar faces of my schoolmate. I declined the offer and decided to go home instead with a sour face.

Lets hope for a merry Syawal :-)

A poignant picture

I was in a complete shock while browsing thru Utusan Online today. The picture of a solemn and grave 8 childrens makes me feel so heartbreaking. A poignant picture which tells a hundred sad stories in the last of week of Ramadhan makes me wonder how many of them in Malaysia.
It makes me so mad; I mean where all this Jabatan Masyarakat, this Zakat management, does they know their job. Obviously, there a millions of bucks sitting in the bank untouched. This is the right time for us to donate and help to ease their burden. Why the media still need to highlight their stories in order to get a bowl of rice.

It is truly a big responsibility for the Zakat board to really reach out to the needy person instead of the media people who actually manage to find one, an amanah which is inevitable. Yes, I can donate, like most of Malaysians, we have no qualms at all to give out alms but then we also pay zakat, and hoping that our money will be used for a good cause.

May allah bless these siblings in Yan, Kedah.

raya...perhaps

How time flies, its already the 24th of September. Counting days for Aidil Fitri. Looking back what I’ve done so far to celebrate Ramadhan, what a shame. Spend most of my nights doing non stop assignments. Yeah, what a lame excuse.

I don’t feel like to welcome Hari Raya. Even I could not embrace the atmosphere. Maybe it’s because my grandma is no longer with us, the celebration seems like missing something. Same goes to my mom and all the aunts. They’re even yet decided on the menu. Well, this year we’ve decided to go back to Johor Bahru and perhaps have a one day trip to Singapore.

Last Saturday, I spent my day in two shopping complexes, the notable Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and KLCC. Since it yet the pay day, the famous long road in Masjid India is almost empty. I’m rather sad to find that there is not many options in KLCC for me to buy one. It is almost like they dump all the ugly, old fashion, crime-in fashion in one go. Well, it’s blessing in disguise, now that I need to save a lot of money.

In the end, I bought nothing, yes, what an achievement.

Puasa Mode

This puasa, sad to tell, I haven’t yet doing the terawih in masjid. Yes, I did it at home, but surely couldn’t compare the feeling of jemaah. My night is usually occupied with classes, exams and assignments. Since we’re nearer to the end of the semester, I’m so glued with my final assignments. Sorry Ika and Diyana (cousin cum negihbours) for not able in praying together this year.

Time flies fast. By this Raya, I’m already facing my final exam. I just couldn’t believe that one semester is nearly gone.

Maturity comes along this Ramadhan. I no longer spent my time lepaking at stall, chit chatting non stop or breaking the fast with friends. I prefer to do it at home, with the comfort of my family. Immediately after my class, I sprinted back to home and have a good rest till the next working day. But still, I’ve said yes to my old schoolmate in Ampang for us to gather in one fine day. It has definitely become a must-do activity for us, but no complains here, as this is the right time in strengthening our ukhuwah.

And to makes things better, I didn’t go for shopping like previous years. I’ve decided to spend less on clothes, and start getting serious in buying a home. Now I’ve earned more, I think I could ask for a bigger bank loan to have my dream home.

Em, well we’ll see after a few months, wish I can steadfast in my new resolution (even I couldn’t believe myself when anything associating with shopping).

Happy Ramadhan

Puasa has come…and as usual ive listed down all the wish list during Ramadhan in order to become a better muslimah. The list is quite long but it is seems hard to fulfill it, don’t know why as we know the Satan is not nearby. Maybe I’m a Satan myself that the Satan doesn’t need to waste their time on me anymore. Or perhaps the Satan needs little effort to nudge me into a wrong doings, just send the lowest rank army to be with me. As I remember my ustaz back in school, always mentioned that an Ulama needs a General Satan to force them into the dark side, unlike us.

Break the fast with my fellow classmate is indeed a wholesome experience. It was as if like we’re far from our family, living in a hostel. We share foods together, but by the time we got back to class, the mood was so somber. It is tiring, rush from the office and straight to the faculty then proceed with class until 9pm. By the time I reach home, bed is the first thing I jump into, and in sleep mode till sahur. Somehow, Nelly, my best friend told me to take it easy, it will be a laughing matters later on. She has done this for two Ramadhan, breaking fast during class, and yet she’s still alive. I really don’t know how she manages all this.

My alter ego, Sarah asks for a date for us, Farah and Nelly to break the fast together. We decided to have it on this Friday, but things didn’t work out as plan. I’ve just found out that I’ve a mid term exam on this Saturday, sigh, exam during fasting month is never a happy affairs for me. Sorry girls, lets do it later.

Anyway, Happy Ramadhan to all. May Allah bless us all.

"makan-makan"

Yesterday, my department organized a ‘makan-makan’. Steamboat is the main menu. Everyone took part by bringing foods. Kak Nor, our main chef of the floor has listed down all the menu to bring in as it can avoid people bringing the same food. Mine is vege balls. Apart from that, desserts are scrumptious. We have plenty of desserts start with pudding caramel and end it with chocolate ice cream. I’ve felt bloated afterwards.

Now with all the cutting budget season, pot luck seems to be a great idea, we save a lot. I’ve seen from time to time, other department has their share of pot luck too. For instance the Level 1, since they have larger members, they could afford to have Secret Recipes cakes every month, celebrating birthday and all. How I envy them. Sometimes, I sneak to Level 1, hoping that by passing them, they might invite me to take sample some of the cakes…what a cheapskate.

Dream Guy

Who is your dream guy? Every girl has a certain list what to expect from a guy. Well, it goes from Brad Pitt to a Ferrari. Be it physical and material. The remarks given can be very peculiar and downright funny at times. The others will quip “ Oh, he must be an adventurous type of person, rock climbing stud” or it can be “He must ever willing to do the laundry, as I hate anything to do with washing machine, soap, and bundle of smelly clothes”

The reason of liking someone can be unexpected too. Like “He loves to carry my handbag plus all my shopping bags” or “We both love to buy small teacups, lots of it”

Believe me, all above is true. It happens to a normal couple. Nothing abnormal about them at all. I’ve checked. From my own perspective, I look for a guy who can makes me smile, dreamy and makes my heart flutter the moment I see him even from far.

It might sound cliché but love can do wonders. Does it ever occur to you why you friend insist to marry someone that you cannot stand off? Or perhaps you keep wondering what does he sees in her? It does to everyone, I guess. A gorgeous, drop dead beautiful girl can hold hand with a not-so-handsome grungy guy, and our brain thinking what does he has to have her in his arms.

A male friend once confided in me, he has a thing for this girl for quite sometime, but this girl is not within his reach at all. She has everything, but he has none. I asked him to go and grab that girl before someone else does, if not he will end up with ‘what if’ hundredth times all over.

It turns out that the dream girl falls for him. The ‘super’ girl turns out doesn’t need anything else except his sincerity. And that’s all he can offer.

A sweet love story indeed. Definitely could not compare the “Taj Mahal” one, but it is just a normal love story of someone that we know in our life.

Well, when friends asked what I see in him, my answer would be “I don’t know, it just merely kuch kuch hota hai” :-)

Rock It Baby!

I've read from the paper telling that there is a sequel for School of Rock. Yeah! Couln't wait to watch it. All time favourite, an original master piece. Ok,stop it there, it is not that 'master' of all film but it is downright funny.

I love Jack Black. A flamboyant and hyperactive character that he potrayed in the film is so inspirational, thinking perhaps later on we might have this kind of funny teacher in the Malaysia education scene, yeah,what a dream.

And dont forget a 'tight lady in old traditional principal uniform' played by Joan Cusack, she is so funny without actually trying to be one. I think that needs a real talent.

Suddenly, i become a favourite fan of rock. Thanx to the movie. No,just kidding. But seriously, it opens me to a different genre of music, as i always thought that rock music is nothing else but just a bunch of sreaming hooligans without a proper lyrics.

Hope for the best for the next School of Rock.

going away,sir?

My most 'lovely' GM is going away for two weeks! Yeah! My department has been buzzed about this great news for days...counting days when he's going to leave. The PA told us that he’s going over to London, to check upon his daughter.

Well, things to do when he is not here:
a) do not check your email every 15 minutes, as he will not going to yell from his office whether we’ve got his or not
b) leisurely lepaking in nearby restaurant
c) can go home early
d) well, stress definitely is out to the window, bye by stress

From what I’ve experience, it doesn’t make much difference if he is in the office or not, work is still work, life is normal boring, and we still need to finish up things before he ask. It is not like as if the whole department can go straight to Modesto, banging our head and loosen up the tie.

Till then, we wish him the best on his journey, we’re going to ‘miss’ u, Mr GM

Wedding Bells

Have so many weddings to attend this year. So far, I’ve attended three weddings, and it is yet the end of 2008. My staff, Nina wed our ex co worker last May. My cuz, Baby aka Faizah got married last May too, plus Zam’s wedding in JB, next would be Intan, my co worker from Back Office system Dept, this end of June.

I love going over to wedding ceremony. The fact that I’m there to support a union of love makes me coming with a full of spirit. But surely, it burns a hole in my pocket. Usually, I would set aside a certain budget for wedding gifts. The gifts will depend on how many weddings that I need to attend.

Let see…if there is three weddings in a month, so you can imagine how small the gift is for each other. And that makes me think deeply; perhaps I should avoid having my own ceremony during school holidays as that would be a normal practice in Malaysia.

Other tips:
1. Plan ahead and things that you think trivial might give a headache later on
2. Try to avoid having wedding on school holidays as:
a) Mak andam and photographer tends to charge you a bomb
b) People like me has to think twice when deciding on wedding gift as there is so many gifts to think of. Tapi yang penting,ikhlas...
c) You have to call so many dewans or hotels as it usually fully booked. Mind you, you need to book a hotel one year earlier or nothing less than 6 months.

Well, that’s what I’ve been seeing so far. Perhaps I can get more tips later on by attending more and more weddings :-)

Living in a Fast Lane

Hectic and content. That’s the best two words to describe my life so far. Well, where should I start…That would be a seminar that I’ve attended in Genting Highlands. At first, I’m rather skeptics of going over there, the fact that my GM kept asking me to redo and redo again my slide presentation for 10th times. But it turns out perfectly, the dear GM turns into his good mood and praising me in the end. My presentation is about ‘airline’ and that word stills scares me. That was three weeks ago.

Last weekend, I made a visit to Johor Bahru, oh I love this town, to attend Zam and Pitt’s wedding. The loveliest couple I’ve known since my stint in TV3. Congrats Zam and I am so happy for him. Zam entered TV3 a week after me, and become a fast friend since then. Even though he later transferred to MHI team. Looking forward to actually meet up with old friends back in TV3, but then, couldn’t find one and I need to rush back to KL, Sunday mah, esok keje.

And this week is awesome. My company organizes a cocktail dinner inviting the who’s who in airlines industry and travel agents. It is such a feat as me and the team organized everything in within 3 days. And I became the Master of the Ceremony. They twisted my hand and eventually threatened my life if I refuse. I hate them as much as I had a butterfly in my stomach for a consecutively three days. But it turns out perfectly! Got praises all over and can see my GM beamed at me that night. That was rare, ok. And I can see that everyone is having a good time, laughing loudly and toss the champagne.

Dato’ Rashid Khan, my Director also commented that it was a great night. Thank you Dato’. My leg is killing me that what I hate most about cocktail dinner. Raj, from Firelfy commented to me, why on earth we did it on a Wednesday night while it is more convenient to have it on Friday night, well, sorry Raj, could not please everyone’s wishes. Still, ha, what a bliss night.

Impiana KLCC and Spa, the place that we had our cocktail party gave me a complimentary one night stay. The room is gorgeous. Such a blessing as the very next day, my company also organizes a product briefing to the travel agents, luckily at the same hotel. Again, I became the MC.

It was as if, I’ve been living in a suitcase. Truly need a new suitcase then as my old red spanking ELLE one is in misery by hopping from plane to plane, to one hotel to another. Hehe, a good excuse for me to buy one. In fact, eyeing one in Midvalley.

Hectic, tiring life yet I fill so content and enjoying every second of it.

love is cinta,cinta is love

Last Friday, my family and I went over Alamanda to catch a movie. We end up with Love, an Indonesian flick. Tagged along was my cousin, Nadia with my aunt and my uncle.

Nazmi, my little brother, no so little anymore, he’s already 14 years old, goes sour all the time over our choice of movie. But he doesn’t want to left behind at home, no choice but to tag along. Kesian…

Love is the reminiscences of the old Cinta, which won the Malaysian award last year. You know, the most talked about movie that has several top actors lined up. The faces like Nanu, Rahim Razali, Eizlan Yusoff, Fasha Sanda,emm...so many lah. Love has the same movie plot but just different actors and environment.

In Love, actors like Acha, Irwan, Widayawati and Luna Maya graces the movie. It’s a sweet movie, a little bit dragging at first, but hats off to Acha Septriasa. She acts naturally for a newbiz. But couldn’t take my eyes off from Luna Maya. So damn gorgeous, dazzling and oh,my, I wish I look like her.

Since I’m yet to have to opportunity to watch Cinta, Malaysian one, I couldn’t make comparison between this two. My dad and Nadia picked Cinta, as it funnier, my mom and my aunt picked Love instead as it sweeter than Cinta.

Watching the movie makes my heart melted over Jakarta. From the movies, they are snapshots of places that I’m so familiar with it. It makes me want to go over there again. Oh, I went to Jakarta last year with Farah and Sarah for a blessing 5 days. Perhaps, next year we want to go for Bali, well depends on our bank account.

Oh, don’t forget the sweetest song ever in this movie, Sempurna by Andra and The Back Bone. Here we goes:

kau begitu sempurnadimata ku
kau begitu indah
kau membuat diri ku akan slalu memujamu
disetiap langkah kuku kan slalu memikirkan diri mu
tapi saat ku bayangkan hidupku tanpa cintamu
jangan la kau tinggalkan diri
kutak kan mampu menghadapi semuahanya bersama mu
ku akan bisakau adalah darahku
kau adalah jantungku
kau adalah hidup
kulengkapi diriku
oh sayang engkau begitusempurna(2x)

kau genggam tanganku
saat diri ku lemah dan terjatuh
kau isikan kata
dan hapus semua sesal ku
jangan la kau tinggalkan diriku
tak kan mampu menghadapi semuahanya
bersama mu ku akan bisakau adalah darahku
kau adalah jantungkukau adalah hidupkulengkapi diriku
oh sayang engkau begitusempurna(2x)

jangan la kau tinggalkan diriku
tak kan mampu menghadapi semuahanya bersama mu ku akan bisa
kau adalah darahku
kau adalah jantungku
kau adalah hidupku
lengkapi diriku
oh sayang engkau begitu
kau adalah darahku
kau adalah jantungku
kau adalah hidupku
lengkapi diriku
oh sayang engkau begitu(2x)

sempurna(2x)

my first domestic flight,jakun giler...

The last two weeks has been a hectic week for me. Totally exhausted but undeniably a sweet memory all together.

Last week also marked my life as it is my first time travel by airplane. No, of course i’ve been in the airplane before, it just that I never flying locally. My last trip was Jakarta. Izzat, my manager sent me over to JB to oversee ET Changes Briefing by Australian Embassy. Don’t ask me what the heck is that, I’m still trying to get a grip on this whole airline industry.

Ok, lets start it with me almost missed my flight. Yes, my name has been called twice and can be heard in KLIA. No one has ever told me that from the check in gate towards the boarding gate it would takes like 15 to 20 minutes walking. So apparently, it’s not my fault. The moment my name blaring from the speaker, I sprinted like an athlete competing in Olympic Games wearing high heels no less.

The moment I’m on board, there are passengers looking at me disapprovingly. Ek eleh, relax lah. Lambat sikit je. But its ok afterwards, a cute guy sat besides me. Not all the time we had someone cute sitting with us in the airplane, right? He started asking me a lot of questions, fine, you’re cute, but I’m totally not in the mood because I had a headache at that time. I hate flying and always need to take ‘ubat tahan muntah’. He’s rather surprised when I told him I’m on business trip as he thought I’m still a student, going back to kampong and even surprised when I told him I’ve been in the working scenes for 4 years already. Hehe, he told me I look younger than my age. I get that all the time. Maybe I’m rather petite.

The best thing about my trip is the staff discounts. Woohoo, that’s the real reason I was late, hehe. Everything is so cheap, from the perfumes to foods, tax free plus 20% staff discounts in all KLIA outlets. I bought myself and my mom Dior lipsticks, way much cheaper than buying it elsewhere.

Couldn't wait for another trip!

p.s i love you

This book should be top of anybody’s' 'to read' list. The book that I bought while waiting for my flight to JB has brought me to tears at so many points. Simply said I just couldnt put it down!!

Despite the novel's sappy and mushy title, the book is very well written. I was skeptical at first due to the cutesy title and the very typical topic choice of love, but don't let that deter you from putting this book. PS, I Love You is Irish writer Cecelia Ahern's first novel, published in 2004. The book reached #1 bestseller status in Ireland (for 19 weeks), the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Friends know me well that I never buy books on love, avoiding at all cost on title that have the word ‘love’. Puh…lease…Mine usually involves murder, suspense, life stories, court proceeding from Sidney Seldon, John Grisham, Stephen King (not that I’m looking over some points to kill someone, hehehe).

The plot is about this 30year old heroin, Holly trying to come to terms that his husband died young out of cancer. But before he succumbed to death, he wrote 12 notes for Holly to be open each month. This is where all the adventures begin. Those notes are like instructions from Death Valley asking her to do a lot of things that Holly has never dream of doing before. My most favorite is the last note, the 12th letter, a husband wish for her wife to seek and never lost hope on finding a new love. That I think is the most unconditional love ever.

The writer manages to make people to really understand the main character’s feeling over losing his husband. The way she describes it so relax, real and genuine. Somehow she is successful in not trying too hard in making the reader crying along.

In the end, life must goes on…

second hand laptop is mine

Got myself a laptop. Second hand, hand over, passed down one. Not this one! Yes, spanking red Dell. I’ve been dreaming for one for the past few months. God answered my prayers even though I asked for a brand new laptop. Takpe, still alhamdulilah.

I notice that my fellow workers love to bring their laptops to the meetings, typing there and then on what needs to be done. Well, it’s rather a “phony-like IT junkie” to me at first. It was as if you cannot type it later, as my usual paraphernalia to bring in the meeting is my black organizer (free gifts from TV3 during Media Prima screenings). Thanks TV3 for always giving cool door gifts.

The reason that I badly need a laptop is because I had enough on all the taunting and mocking of not having one “Apa ni, rep from Corporate tak de bwk laptop,buat malu department je”, the usual remarks I’ve been gotten lately. Sabo jelah!

Well, thanx to my handsome, baik hati brother Fazul, for giving me his. It’s still new actually. Since he is working to this ‘super poyo’ company, Dell, surely he couldn’t bring his own laptop spells “Compaq” to the office.

Anyway, he can always brings 2-3 Dell laptop to home. My house has become a kilang laptop pulak, plus my dad has one (courtesy of the company too), my mom has one (which has Hak milik kerajaan Malaysia sticker), my third brother, Syahir has one too.

My dream laptop definitely is this new brand red spanking Dell laptop. Yes, I admit, I know nuts about the specs and all; all I care is because it comes with vivid colours of red, yellow, lime green than the usual boring black in colour. I’ve been planning all along to save my upcoming bonus this year to buy one. I’m going to get it cheaper than the market price since Fazul, as staff aka kuli in Dell gets special discounts.

But then, I’m content enough with my new second hand laptop at the moment ;-)

fatty

I'm so fattttt now, please,what should i do? i ate a lot of McD's lately, almost everyday non stop. i craved for it for weeks. Oh,i should stop before it kills me. and the worse thing can happen is when i can no longer fit intoo my clothes...

It's not like i like McD that much,perhaps it's totally nearby my office, where i can cross the road and make a quick visit and splurge myself with it, oh,dont mention about the ice cream sundae, with strawberry please...

i really need to stop...

Man...

This year we’ve been bombarded with news of sex scandal that rocks us both locally and internationally. Here, we have the ex- Health Minister, Chua Soi Lek as a champion. Later, we also heard about New York Governor, Eliot Spitzer engages a prostitute for quite sometime. A prostitute! He later resigned amid a scandal over a $1000-an-hour prostitute, ending a career built for years.

He can have the world in his lap, but he stupidly shoves it away by sleeping with a whore.
No one will remember what Bill Clinton has done to his country, even though record shows that he managed to bring the US economy to the boom. What is he thinking at that time? You have Hillary, an intelligent, savvy woman who helped him to the presidency, yet he look after an ugly intern. An intern who later without remorse launched her won talk show. No shame.

Chua Soi Lek, who would imagine the well-liked minister, would ever do such thing. He is so sad that Malaysians couldn’t seem to forgive him even after he made a full confession. Who would? Why should us? You’re wife-cheater, and we don’t need such person to lead us in this country.

Yes, he has done a great job, but not thanks, off you go. Let it become a reminder to others, to man especially, you can have millions in the bank, you can become the president of a great country and own the world but if you cheat on your wife, you’re finish. All the great things you’ve done are gone forever.

That is the power of woman. A wife, who has been there for you all this while, when you are nothing, not the whore who stand behind you all this while.

All the men, name it, from Clinton to Chua Soi Lek, their wife stays. No one left. When New Governor made his public statement, his wife stood behind him, showing a brave face even though I bet she is hurt like hell. What about Hillary? What about Chua’s wife? They forgive and forget. They’ve been humiliated in the public; their personal life has been under scrutiny of the media who devours the stories for weeks. I salute these wives, yet I think these men didn’t deserve them at all.

Shame on this guys, you never value your wife, yet when they’re in the worst moment in their life, their wife stood with them steadfastly. But it’s too late, the trust is gone, and the world knows them as a person who could not keep their pants on.

Frienship Evolves

While chatting with Sarah (our daily activity at work) she asked me the name of the food that we’ve ate the previous day during our lunch break. At our most favourite restaurant, Cozy Corner in Ampang Park. It’s totally ravishing. However, I’ve told her I couldn’t really remember the name or what’s really called, it’s something like “boneless chicken with cashew nuts” but I do know how to cook it.

What’s really funny here is that, I never picture here asking me for the recipe, and we’re now swapping recipes. What next? We’re changing tips on how to raise a baby?

As I can see now, our friendship evolve, from exchanging stories on how horrible the lecturer, who’s the tyrant one while back in uni, we swapped shoulders while cursing our exes and love life, then we move to curse our bosses, the company, the small bonus, our never enough paycheck (well, we still do that until now, shame on us).

She got married last year, and starts a new life. Even though I’m yet to follow her footstep, we share stories about marriage life too (not stories in bedroom, ok, you pervert!). And I can see her changes a lot, a good one. She starts on buying things for kitchen, browsing through internet in finding new recipes. In fact, she can put together a roast chicken while closing her eyes, no big deal. Bravo Sarah!

Now since i gave you the recipe of "boneless chicken with cashew nuts thingy", do try it Sarah, but please tell Elhan, if anything happens to him while eating it, i hold no responsibility at all!!! There, i said it,im going to have this as an evidence if Elhan decides to bring it to court.

Where is my car key?

There were countless frustrating times when I lost my wallet, phone or car keys.

Please, please anyone out there who are “super duper-brainy-maniac” brilliant to invent a car key that can answer “I’m here,I’m here, wei budak blur, I’m here lah” whenever I call out it’s name. Now won't you just luurrrrvvvveeee to have that!? ;)

Or perhaps can walk themselves to us when we need them. Or make it ring like a handphone, where we can miss call it just like when I misplace my hand phone, which is always! I think that would make life so much easier for absent-minded ppl like me.

Well, my super jahat brother (I’m pretty sure he’s anak angkat) always tease me to miss call my car keys when it missing.

And the most frustrating part is when you finally find it; it always makes me wonder how on earth it ends up in that kind of place. Sitting calmly over the towel kitchen, looking serene on top of the toilet bowl, or just plainly in front of your eyes all day long! Damn!

Shallow thinker? Are we?

Have you ever received any email with the title of “Raja Munirah Raja Iskandar (Is she really innocent????)

Come on guys, this is totally absurd. Why do you have to judge people easily? Do you really know this girl?

So what if she’s a slut? So what if she’s been surrounded by male guys, hugging and cuddling them like nobody’s business. This is what the email is all about.

Well, please, I’m not condoning such activities nor approve her previous misdemeanor. It’s just that please not emailing everyone saying she might sell drugs just because of the pictures. I agree - we do all judge people but hopefully on whether they can be trusted or not. Otherwise you are being a bit shallow I feel.

It would be lying to say we don't judge people to some extend, whether it be on looks, personality, etc. - it just depends whether we give ourselves chance to get to know them as a person instead of writing them off.

Only God knows what is really happen. Is she wrong or not? But, keep your opinion to yourself, please. Try not to draw any conclusion by emailing her pictures all over the country. By doing this, it was as if you’re forcing other people to agree with you, to execute her before the court in Japan has their final judgment.

Truly, I’m not her fan, I don’t know her at all, and I hardly even follow her case in the papers.

But please Malaysians, don’t be so narrow minded.

Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks

Just the other night a hometown football game
My wife nd I ran into my old high school flame
And as I introduced them the past came back to me
And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be

She was the one that I'd wanted for all times
And each night I'd spend prayin' that God would make her mine
And if he'd only grant me this wish I wished back then
I'd never ask for anything again

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

She wasn't quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me
Inn her eyes too it seemed
We tried to talk about the old days
There wasn't much we could recall
I guess the Lord knows what he's doin' after all

And as she walked away and I looked at my wife
And then and there I thankedd the good Lord
For the gifts in my life

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he may not answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

Some of gods greatest gifts are unanswered...
Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered...
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

Why ha?

Why do bad things happen to good people?i'm so disheartened by what i see. Those totally lacking in principles and morals, those who lie and cheat-we were taught about good and bad in our entire life-are the ones who seem to thrive and push ahead. The so-called law abiding types always seem to get trampled by the vicious,snake aggressive,unethical sort. These are the types who get rich quick.

Why ha?