middlemarch

A new era begins. The healing process starts now. Let’s see what this new team can up with. In the March 2008 general elections, Malaysians delivered a clear message to the powerful: We all have a view and our opinions and intelligence should be respected and taken into account. I hope Malaysians will use that power wisely in the days, months and years ahead. And with that; for Malaysia, I think we have learnt that democracy is here to stay, and we the people do have a say in shaping our nation’s future.

The rakyat needs new, visionary thinking. We need freer markets, more inquiring minds, an independent judiciary, a first-class civil service that helps private businesses and increases productivity and a great security force that instills more confidence. And the leaders; they need to be brave enough to act decisively and implement policies that benefit Malaysia and Malaysians. If we do not change our ways, we are in danger of watching Malaysia – the nation we all call home - being washed away into irrelevance. Malaysia is still behaving with a Third World mentality. With just 11 years to go, are we really serious about our goal of achieving a developed nation status by 2020?

We are blessed in Malaysia with a melting pot of races. As the Swiss are known for their precision, we should be known for the only country that has such great ethnic groups. It should be our brand. We need to integrate. We need to build back this country and her people.

Peaceful. Quiet. At their most natural

This just came in. March School Holiday Fair:
ColeMan Press Ad = total sales value at RM57k.
School Holiday Fun Press Ad = total sales value at RM24k.
Thank GOD, the response is still good during this recession time. It generated an additional income of RM81k to the camping family this month. It was even better compare to last year of the same month. But I know that comes next month will be another dry month for me because there will be no school holiday, no major events. I have to come up with something – FAST. Things are starting to unravel. I had envisioned something different, something big, but the economy already exacerbated an already bad situation. I am not meeting the expected targets :( I failed my KPI. I feel like I am running on a treadmill – all that energy and I seemed to be getting nowhere fast. Nerves are strained and tempers are running high. The only healthy option is to move forward. It is tempting to play the part of the victim, always claiming that what happens to me is somebody else’s fault, but I have to remember that: victims never make it beyond a certain point. They remain creatures rather than creators of their circumstances. I think we are basically responsible for what happens to us. Stop blaming the economy or the boss :) for your present predicament. Take responsibility of your own situation and come up with a plan to get out of it.

I have been thinking a lot for the last 2 days; A LOT…I had this strange calm in my spirit. Like I reached some kind of clarity. Or perspective. Or like I’ve been unconsciously gathering thoughts for the last 2 days and suddenly, somehow, everything has all come together.
This year; my plans are to build up my work experience portfolio, involve in active networking, learn as much as possible, build up my money nest and to enjoy my life. I do not mind tiring myself right now. But when 2010 arrives – I will be executing my PLANS :)
I’ve got to kick-start it. I’ve got to make things happen. I have been stuck here; walking from Point A to Point B on this really thin thread. I have been walking like 3 to 4 years now and I haven't reached Point B yet. Can you imagine how it must feel like to walk on one of those circus balancing rope way up in the air with no security net to catch you if you fall? Pretty much sucks and does more harm than good on my sanity :)
I am all over the place right now and I think, moving forward; I will need some stability. I have worked hard, partied hard, made friends, lost friends, earned money, spent money…so I think I will have to slow down the pace a little. I will be approaching 30. I am struck with the fact that I am pretty naive and ill-prepared, and it drives me to do something about it.
I have said it before. I have to remind myself again. I have to sit back and remember who I am. Basically, I have to love myself a little bit more. How to be by myself. How to enjoy my own company. Come to think of it, I kind of loved the whacky conversations in my head. I loved how my creative juices would flow. I loved seeing the world with my own eyes and hearing my own thoughts. And most of all, I loved being happy, positive, strong and confident. By myself. I’ve got to do the right thing, for myself. It’s nice to create a space for my thoughts. Getting to do things that I love. I’m allowing myself to do fun, nourishing stuff :) Taking a step back, I’m young and I’ve got nothing to lose. I feel fortunate to have what I have today, so I’m not going to waste it doing anything mediocre.

what a hunk

I have not watch the movie 'High School Musical', I don't think I will enjoy it because I think they are very kiddy like. Immature.
Only the teenagers will enjoy it, screaming for more, imitating the cast, crazy over them.
But oh my gosh, this Zac Efron pic is way too hot :) What a body. Look at the smile.
I think I want to catch the movie now :)

You Can > Go Ahead > Perfect

I thoroughly enjoyed my day today.
Away from the office…but still working from home :)
But at least I’m far away from all of the clusters and retail chaotic :)


The launch of the Adidas ‘Me, Myself’ ad campaign couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m at the stage of my life where a change is at hand. Life really threw a curveball at me over the last 8 months; and I believe it’s just a sign that its time to move on. There will be lots of changes in 2009 in all aspects of my life.
When I saw the ad – I understand that the ‘Me Time’ is not just about doing things alone, it’s about dedicating that small bracket of time in the day doing something which will enrich my life. It could be like taking a 30 minutes jog around the neighborhood, a long hot bath or even a movie with friends. ‘Me Time’ is like a permission to myself to be selfish; in a good way of course. It’s a chance for me to learn to do things alone. To savor freedom and independence. And to listen to my inner voice for a change. Lately, I’ve learnt to enjoy the solitude and margins of my emotions; and it’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you have no one to depend or rely on. You start to think about how you are becoming the person you want to be; and the necessary adjustments you have to make for that to happen. I read somewhere that “solitude today is less available and yet more necessary than ever” and I couldn’t agree with it more.
I think the ‘Me Time’ will bring in the much needed balance in my life; and will helped me to be more honest with myself. Somehow the world and everything around me seems less urgent, and more manageable.
Strong. Loving. Full of happiness. Little projects around the house. Big adventures in new places. Meaningful conversations about things that matter. Daily giggles about random silliness. Delicious food and healthy living. Long hugs. Quiet moments. Lots of laughter. Mutual adoration, honesty and support. The highest regard for each other. And a passion for living.

the chinese daughter in me

i’m on leave
i’m on leave
i’m on leave
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Wee :)

Iron Butterfly,

Cause it makes me that much stronger

Makes me work a little bit harder

It makes me that much wiser

So thanks for making me a fighter

Made me learn a little bit faster

Made my skin a little bit thicker

It makes me that much smarter

So thanks for making me a fighter

(Christina Aguilera: Fighter)

make good better

Work Tales – it was indeed a good Northern State business trip :) Too bad Wendy couldn't make it. I spent the whole day visiting a luggage factory and also dropping by at our Prai store.
Arrgh, my feet are so sore. There was so much of variety & processes and I had a blast discovering it all! The insights are quite an experience and were an abundance of knowledge!

Celtic’s wish was granted :) Celtic successfully separate Rufus & Iron Butterfly from Sumen & myself. It was a good thing…Sumen and myself hanging out together, only the two of us, we share knowledge & experiences…just chill out, bonding and strategizing for the coming months ahead. I'm looking forward to that leadership role thingy :)
Of course, Celtic manages to squeeze in an opportunity or two to belittle our department in front of Rufus & Iron Butterfly. No doubt, our department is not that big and we have not been performing well with lots of negative reports, but Celtic doesn’t have to embarrass us in front of everyone. It’s subtle bullying.

The only that shock me during this trip was when Iron Butterfly privately commented to me that Celtic is like FIRE while I’m like WATER; adaptable. Iron Butterfly actually noted that not many people can stand Celtic’s character. But I did. Because I always gave in. Celtic probably knows about it but didn’t want to mention about it because at the end of the day Celtic have to be superior above everyone else. Even though Celtic is loyal and aggressive, but Celtic has built a wall in between, however once Celtic opens the heart, than its ok. Wow. I have to say that Iron Butterfly is very accurate in this judgment. But Iron Butterfly overlooks 1 thing or maybe Iron Butterfly have not discover about this yet – Celtic have to be superior above the rest and lacks humility. If Celtic is not number 1, Celtic will do anything...anything to be the number 1.

It’s safe to say that I’ve completely given up on Celtic. I can’t change Celtic's character. The reason that I gave in is because why make an enemy and wreck a relationship? Of course, there’s no way that it can come around again. I’ve made my decisions and there’s no turning back. That is why I don’t want to be in the same department with Celtic. It’s time to show my capabilities. Time for me to take the spotlight, time for me to emerge from Celtic’s shadow. Win or lose – it’s time for me to step out. I’ve been pretty strong about my own personal goals so far and I am adamant that no one’s going to stop me from reaching them. Being so young and with little experience, I will have to learn from my own mistakes and it won’t always be easy. I want to be independent. My success, my failures, my achievements depended on my own; not on others.

I’m learning to love being lost :) This is sooo contrary to my nature of wanting to come up with goals and plans. I know that this is the part where I will deal with transitions, changes, opportunities, explorations; while being lost. I’ve been taking stock of my past experiences, present state and future hopes. I will let my mind run wild with all sorts of ideas and dreams.
Sure, I will still come up with “goals” - but they’re quite loose at the moment. You see, a wise career advisor once said that the best thing to do at a time like this is just to enjoy being lost. Wander about a bit. Instead of doing default work and taking up ‘obvious opportunities’ - leave those alone for a while. Or just let them happen if they do. Then, just do the things that you don’t normally do. And, do the things that you used to love to do - but didn’t have the time for it. You never know what will open up this way :)

The Remains of the Day

The Prayer Of Jabez:

(1) Please Bless Me Indeed
(2) Please Enlarge My Territory
(3) Please Put Your Hand On Me
(4) Please Keep Me From Evil

Prayer - admittedly, praying has become something that doesn’t come as naturally as I’d like it to. But, I’m grateful that I’m now remembering why it is something that I want to happen in my life more and more again. Thank You GOD.

I get to go on the Northern State business trip :)
Celtic was not too pleased…it’s ok, Celtic can have Rufus & Iron Butterfly…I just hang out with Sumen & Wendy.

Earth Hour

Earth Hour - 28th March 2009, 8.30pm till 9.30pm, Malaysia.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour .

Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

Work with the system, not against it

Happy St. Patrick’s Day :)

Work Tales – we are no longer talking (Iron Butterfly & myself). I think we are having a cooling off period. It is actually not a good sign…I think Iron Butterfly is putting me in the cold storage due to my stubbornness and rebelliousness. Well, at least Iron Butterfly will not disturb me for the next 2 weeks :)
Celtic is in full jealousy mode :) Celtic is trying very best in making sure that I will not get involved in the Northern State business trip. I understand…Celtic wants to spend the entire weekend with Rufus and Iron Butterfly. Wants to take this opportunity to impress them. The annual leave issue, the sourcing trip issue – Celtic is extremly good at laying down the best laid plans. This is where I lose. I’m not cunning enough, I’m not evil enough :)

Sometimes I wonder if it’s best to kick myself harder so I won’t be so stupid.
What’s wrong with me?

terminator

It was THE MATCH.
Liverpool beat MU 4-1 :)
Satisfied. Completely.
Victory tasted lovely.

“Men who change diapers change the world”

Congratulations to Su & Pete.
Attended the newly weds church wedding ceremony this morning at the Klang Presbyterian Church. The church was packed. The band was great.
The order of service was well organized. The greetings, the processional of the Ring Bearer & the Flower Girls, the opening prayers, the worship, the scripture reading, the message & solemnization, the holy matrimony, the exchange of vows, the ring ceremony, the union candle & communion, the prayer of blessing and the pronunciation of Husband & Wife - it was warm, beautiful, charming, delightful and remarkable in its spontaneity.

Work Tales – Iron Butterfly, it’s not over for me yet. I will bounce back, I will fight back, I will rebel back, I will be back – bolder, stronger :)

honeyjoys and peppermint tea

This movie is beautifully captured on celluloid by British director Danny Boyle.
Intense drama. Gripping story. Outstanding characters. Fantastic performance.
It is a feast for the senses as the movie captivates with its gorgeous visuals (the many beautiful screen shots of Mumbai, the slums and all, are truly inspiring), its narrative (in flashback style - each chapter of Jamal’s story & his significant experiences reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show's questions) and its young & mostly unknown child actors are absolutely brilliant.
It is a heartwarming and touching tale. And fun. And enjoyable. It even made a clean sweep of all the Oscars there are to win.

Work Tales – I’m the underdog. Soon, a waterdog…drowning :( I can’t cope with anything more. I am absolutely frustrated with myself! :)

“enjoyment in being lost”

New Zealand Educated: Study In New Zealand, Sheraton Subang Hotel – attended the education fair…yeah, I’m thinking of going back to school. Either I’m going to do my Postgraduate Diploma which will eventually leads me into doing my Master later on (as my Undergraduate Degree didn’t come with an Honors) or I’m considering to do a Graduate Diploma. I’m not so sure on what type of Master program to enroll in yet…I guess that will largely depends on what industry that I will be permanently in and what I want to do. I want to do consultation work…let’s face it; I cannot be a buyer forever. I guess I will seriously look into Strategic Management. If I’m going to do a Graduate Diploma first – then I will most probably take on Communication & Media Studies. This is also another area that I want to explore later on in my life. If I didn’t take up M & M (Management & Marketing) in Murdoch, Mass Communication would have been my second option.
The fair was great, lots of participating universities – University Of Otago, Victoria University Of Wellington, University Of Waikato, Massey University, University Of Canterbury etc. The education counselors were absolutely wonderful and generous in sharing their education knowledge & experiences with me.
Still, there is 1 barrier – funding. I’m still building my nest…I’m still trying to figure out how to be financially secure…there are just too many options out there…I need to do some research and choose the right package that can generate the best returns in a short period of time…all I know is that I need to get myself some unit trust fund and endowment…and to appoint which financial institution that can give me the best package and will take good care of my interest.

Malaysia Politics – It has been 1 year since the last general elections in March 2008. After that political tsunami, there has been no peace & quiet in the country…as a matter of fact; there was more turmoil, dirt and uncertainty. Too much of unnecessary politicking, back-stabbing, dirty tactics, power-snatching…instead of concentrating in building the people and the country. I am ever the optimist, but recently I have been a little despondent about this country. I love Malaysia and am so proud to be a Malaysian. Have always been that way and always will be, but now I can't help feeling like we seem to be losing the plot. Reality is sinking in that we are not that great after all and we have lots to do. What is wrong? We need leaders from all political parties to act truly as leaders. Right now, it’s like…it’s just you vs. me, me vs. you on a very personal level and let’s see who gets one up on the other. (Not to mention there are some leaders who are not leaders enough…coming up with stupid remarks in parliament or in the media…silly little faux pas like those stick in my mind).
To me, these politicians are wasting their valuable time engaging in petty political squabbles and arguments about party post, toppling the government or the opposition, scandals, individual ethnic identity etc while other nations are catching up – and even passing us by on the global economic autobahn. So, please…Najib & Co. and Anwar & Co. – please serve the people first.

Vive la France!

Work Tales – it’s Saturday…and yes, I’m working again!
Implantation review at Tropicana with Iron Butterfly.
Thank GOD, this time…I was ready, I was prepared, I answered well, I know what I’m doing and Iron Butterfly said ‘GOOD’. I’m almost scared :) But I slowly warmed up. Nonetheless, it’s better to have a line between us.
Iron Butterfly belanja us lunch…Celtic & Matte-Marit kept me entertain by competing with each other in impressing Iron Butterfly. I just cannot be like them. Kaki Bodek :) Some people are like that because they need to be in the center of attention.

Also visited Juan at the hospital today. Juan was involved in a car accident 2 weeks back and Juan’s leg has been fractured. It’s actually very bad because Juan can’t even walk at the moment. Hope Juan recovers soon.

Coleman & School Holidays Fun 7th Mac Press Ad – GOD Bless. Occasionally I felt like a failure because I hadn’t been able to do what I promised and the prevailing economic depression did not help. Every time I picked up the sales report or been inform by Iron Butterfly, it was only to ingest more bad news. Nothing seemed to be going right for me. It is a dangerous spiral and I need to snap out of it. I know that nobody is going to come along with a magic solution. I would need to get myself out of this funk. The year is still young.

The ability to step up and take the responsibility
To swallows one pride and face the music
To be able to smile at the face of horror
To muster enough will power to achieve one's goal
To take ownership of a doomed situation and turn it around
To dare to fail even when very little seems to make sense
To take oneself to the next level...
Ahh who am I kidding…I don’t even have enough courage to do any of this!!! :)

to learn and not fade

Some home truths that Bill Gates reputedly threw at a bunch of American youths:

Rule 1: Life is not fair – get used to it!
Rule 2: The world won’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss :)
Rule 4: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger-flipping; they called it opportunity.
Rule 5: If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault, so don’t whine about your mistakes…learn from them.
Rule 6: Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time :)
Rule 7: Television is not real life. In real life, people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
* Know the rules before you bend it.

This is life, this is reality. I work hard; not only to build my work experience portfolio but also to earn a living in order to secure my future. However, yes…bearing in mind, that I also must enjoy my youth before it’s too late! :)

fair radiance

I love this movie. I truly enjoy the beautiful acting performances of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett; adding so much depth & substance to it. Surprisingly, Cate Blanchett’s convincing performance was ignored by the Academy in this years’s Oscar.
I love the scene above. It is when Benjamin and Daisy both meet halfway in their life with Brad Pitt now in full physical glory and Cate Blanchett at her most womanly peak. This remarkable pair is put on the most curious collision course ever.

"I was born under unusual circumstances".
And so begins "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. We follow his story, his journey, his thoughts, his experiences - set in New Orleans from the end of the World War 1 in 1918, into the 21st century; following his journey that is as unusual as any man's life can be. This film allows us to take two journeys simultaneously -- one physical and the other psychological.

It was a very long movie (two and a half hours but you will find that the story will keeps you transfixed throughout) – but this odd, epic tale of a man who ages in reverse is presented in an impeccable classical manner, every detail tended to with fastidious devotion and of the most advanced technology. The technical aging effects is simply amazing. Truly, the visions of Benjamin and the other central characters at different ages are sights to behold; baby Ben resembling a little E.T. and Cate Blanchett appearing as a very convincing 23 years old young lady.

But truly the most unnerving image is of Brad Pitt looking more or less the way he did in the movie "Thelma & Louise", or at least half the age of the man who is now playing the character. Clearly anything is possible in Hollywood movie making industry :) The music score provides a lovely and unobtrusive dramatic support - making it a stimulating treat for both the eyes and the intellect.

I cried during some scenes; the ending part was extremely tragic. Daisy is getting older; while Ben is getting younger and eventually dies as an infant & with no memory recollection of the love that they used to shared and could neither express himself anymore :(

This film maintains a strong narrative confidence, steadiness of tone and a mature awareness of the temporal nature of life's opportunities and the fleeting quality of happiness. As a whole, this movie is all about celebrating LIFE & LOVE.