I'm supposed to be asleep now, since I have to wake up at 3:45am to go to LCCT. It shld be exciting... a trip to one of the world's greatest monuments.
But I received a rather disturbing news today... masa dah agak lewat petang. Something which I truly dread. And I don't know whether my absence will make things worse.
I hope, I pray that things will take a turn for the better...
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
kata-kata...
I just have to share...
True friends are the ones who see the pain in your eyes, when everybody else is fooled by your smile.
--Kimmy Robbins, (14 years old)
We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.
--Henry David Thoreau
We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
--Angelina Jolie
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
--John Quincy Adams
In dreams begins responsibility.
--William Butler Yeats
Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
--Mark Twain
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
--Mark Twain
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
--Mark Twain
Excellence is not an act, it is a habit.
--Aristotle
You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving.
--St. Francis De Sales
Heroes are ordinary people who place their dreams above their fears.
Keep your face to the sunshine, and you will not see the shadows.
--Helen Keller
No man can get rich himself unless he enriches others
Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you never met.
--Anonymous
Yesterday is a cancelled cheque; Tomorrow is a promissory note; Today is the only
cash you have, so spend it wisely.
--Kim Lyons
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.
--Booker T. Washington
Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized.
--Leo Buscaglia
Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.
--Og Mandino
Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.
--Goethe
Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value.
--Albert Einstein
Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.
--Benjamin Franklin
I never worry about action, only inaction.
--Winston Churchill
True friends are the ones who see the pain in your eyes, when everybody else is fooled by your smile.
--Kimmy Robbins, (14 years old)
We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.
--Henry David Thoreau
We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
--Angelina Jolie
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
--John Quincy Adams
In dreams begins responsibility.
--William Butler Yeats
Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
--Mark Twain
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
--Mark Twain
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
--Mark Twain
Excellence is not an act, it is a habit.
--Aristotle
You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving.
--St. Francis De Sales
Heroes are ordinary people who place their dreams above their fears.
Keep your face to the sunshine, and you will not see the shadows.
--Helen Keller
No man can get rich himself unless he enriches others
Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you never met.
--Anonymous
Yesterday is a cancelled cheque; Tomorrow is a promissory note; Today is the only
cash you have, so spend it wisely.
--Kim Lyons
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.
--Booker T. Washington
Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized.
--Leo Buscaglia
Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.
--Og Mandino
Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.
--Goethe
Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value.
--Albert Einstein
Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.
--Benjamin Franklin
I never worry about action, only inaction.
--Winston Churchill
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
i drove the ultra sexy mini cooper today :)
There was a pact between three (middle aged... if they read this, mati I, haha) guys... that they would each get a mini cooper upon returning from a trip to the Pearl of the Orient. Two of them got their minis almost immediately while the last guy pondered... sampai lah kena pressure dgn the other two guys.
How did I know about the pact? Well, the said gentleman, who shall remain nameless, was in my room discussing a matter when his phone rang. He looked at his phone and said "Kejap eh, I need to take this".
Since it was my room takkan lah nak keluar kan and I continued clearing my mailbox while eavesdropping to his conversation. From the questions that were posed, I knew that it was regarding a car. So when his conversation ended I asked "You nak beli kereta ke?" And that's when he told me about the pact and that he was also checking out Golf GTI. "Kalau you, which would you choose?" he asked. "Mini cooper lah of course... mau tanya lagi".
Being a car enthusiast I asked further perihal kereta idamannya - manual ke, berapa cc, the handling etc. So our serious conversation regarding work quickly changed to a serious conversation regarding kereta, hehe.
He finally got his car a couple of weeks ago and since then I've been pestering him for a ride. Today I got my wish. As we were walking towards his car he handed his car keys to me "Nah... you bawa lah my car" with a smile.
"Huh? Are you sure? Takut lah... kereta orang" walaupun dalam hati meloncat2 happy.
"Ye lah... kalau ada scratches you bayar"
Dalam takut2 malu, the excitement was too much to let go. And I happily drove 3 people towards Plaza Damas today.
Ooooohhhh.... sungguh best bawa kereta mini cooper tu! It was so smooth, so powerful, so sleek, so sexy! I fell in love immediately.
"You beli lah... I know someone who has a car... 9,000 km je, 2 years old" he persuaded. Such an enticing proposition...
As I was driving I was like a kid in a candy store. But since I was driving I couldn't be as jakun to check out all the buttons and levers... nanti melayang kereta tu. Driving pun careful je... ye lah, takut ;)
Even now I'm still thinking about the car. The feel was sangat ummph! It's a driver's car... the way it hugs the road, the gear shift so smooth, you can feel the power underneath you, the steering... perfect!
Saya sudah jatuh cinta....
So, should I get one?
How did I know about the pact? Well, the said gentleman, who shall remain nameless, was in my room discussing a matter when his phone rang. He looked at his phone and said "Kejap eh, I need to take this".
Since it was my room takkan lah nak keluar kan and I continued clearing my mailbox while eavesdropping to his conversation. From the questions that were posed, I knew that it was regarding a car. So when his conversation ended I asked "You nak beli kereta ke?" And that's when he told me about the pact and that he was also checking out Golf GTI. "Kalau you, which would you choose?" he asked. "Mini cooper lah of course... mau tanya lagi".
Being a car enthusiast I asked further perihal kereta idamannya - manual ke, berapa cc, the handling etc. So our serious conversation regarding work quickly changed to a serious conversation regarding kereta, hehe.
He finally got his car a couple of weeks ago and since then I've been pestering him for a ride. Today I got my wish. As we were walking towards his car he handed his car keys to me "Nah... you bawa lah my car" with a smile.
"Huh? Are you sure? Takut lah... kereta orang" walaupun dalam hati meloncat2 happy.
"Ye lah... kalau ada scratches you bayar"
Dalam takut2 malu, the excitement was too much to let go. And I happily drove 3 people towards Plaza Damas today.
Ooooohhhh.... sungguh best bawa kereta mini cooper tu! It was so smooth, so powerful, so sleek, so sexy! I fell in love immediately.
"You beli lah... I know someone who has a car... 9,000 km je, 2 years old" he persuaded. Such an enticing proposition...
As I was driving I was like a kid in a candy store. But since I was driving I couldn't be as jakun to check out all the buttons and levers... nanti melayang kereta tu. Driving pun careful je... ye lah, takut ;)
Even now I'm still thinking about the car. The feel was sangat ummph! It's a driver's car... the way it hugs the road, the gear shift so smooth, you can feel the power underneath you, the steering... perfect!
Saya sudah jatuh cinta....
So, should I get one?
managing crises...
Yesterday was a day filled with heart stopping events...
It started well enough... I had decided to clock in a bit later in order to go settle my tanggungjawab kepada negara by lodging my tax return and pay my dues. Went to office, had a nice karipap with kopi o.
Then someone sent a message "Can I see you at 11:30?"
The news that I received put my head in spin... what the *#&$? How did that happen? I deliberated with the said person and dia bagi advice and told me that I should act on the matter before it is too late.
Went down, consulted my trusted confidant... dia pun terkejut. "Apa sudah jadi?" While I was interacting with him, I got another message from person 3. Dia tanya a related question and when I told of the situation, dia pun responded "Macam mana boleh jadi macam tu?"
Suffice to say that for the rest of the morning, my mind was *away*...
Sambil tengah2 pening tu, AM came to me and highlighted an error that she discovered in a publication. What? Why? How? Apa2 pun nasi sudah menjadi bubur... what could be done is just remedial action. Nasib baik lah dia proactive and quickly got things into gear. Kena tampal pun tampal lah. Later in the afternoon I sms-ed boss to tell him what had happened and what we're doing to address the issue. Had to check the background and circumstances in which it happened... not to finger point, but to find out when and where it went wrong.
Sementara menyelesaikan masalah tu, I tried to resolve the earlier problem. Couldn't get it done... had to wait until today.
This morning I did what I had to do and managed to face the problem before lunch.
Was it settled? I don't know... I hope so, but there's no certainty. But I pray that things will go my way...
It started well enough... I had decided to clock in a bit later in order to go settle my tanggungjawab kepada negara by lodging my tax return and pay my dues. Went to office, had a nice karipap with kopi o.
Then someone sent a message "Can I see you at 11:30?"
The news that I received put my head in spin... what the *#&$? How did that happen? I deliberated with the said person and dia bagi advice and told me that I should act on the matter before it is too late.
Went down, consulted my trusted confidant... dia pun terkejut. "Apa sudah jadi?" While I was interacting with him, I got another message from person 3. Dia tanya a related question and when I told of the situation, dia pun responded "Macam mana boleh jadi macam tu?"
Suffice to say that for the rest of the morning, my mind was *away*...
Sambil tengah2 pening tu, AM came to me and highlighted an error that she discovered in a publication. What? Why? How? Apa2 pun nasi sudah menjadi bubur... what could be done is just remedial action. Nasib baik lah dia proactive and quickly got things into gear. Kena tampal pun tampal lah. Later in the afternoon I sms-ed boss to tell him what had happened and what we're doing to address the issue. Had to check the background and circumstances in which it happened... not to finger point, but to find out when and where it went wrong.
Sementara menyelesaikan masalah tu, I tried to resolve the earlier problem. Couldn't get it done... had to wait until today.
This morning I did what I had to do and managed to face the problem before lunch.
Was it settled? I don't know... I hope so, but there's no certainty. But I pray that things will go my way...
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Malaysian F1 Grand Prix... done and dusted
For the first time since they started having races here in Malaysia, I not in Sepang for the race.
As the day drew nearer, rasa hati nak pergi tu makin kuat, but not kuat enough. No one wanted to go with me, and somehow, after the drama that surrounded McLaren last year, my enthusiasm has shrivelled... not disappeared, just kurang.
Yesterday as I sat in front of the TV watching qualifying, I couldn't believe myself... I was actually at home instead of in Hillstand C2, my *home* during the Malaysian race weekend these past few years. I've even picked my favourite spot... between 4th and 5th tiang from the right.
And today, the first thing that crossed my mind as I woke up was *I'm not at Sepang*. Usually, the ritual would be waking up early morning, pack up my frozen mineral water, karipap etc (hidden strategically to avoid the *no outside food allowed* police. Complete with my binoculars, earplugs, a book, a hat... I would make my way towards Sepang F1 circuit. Somehow, although I know almost none of the other spectators, I felt at *home*.
Tadi as I got ready to watch the race... plonked myself in front of the TV... images from the hills of C2 appeared and I screamed "that's my hill!" If was I there, I would be amongst the thousands who waved frantically at the helicopter camera.
As the race was about to start... I had to say it out loud... "I'm not attending the race"... for the 50th time kut this week. Rasa gusar tu pun ada, but I felt like I made the right decision.
Also... a departure from my staunch support towards McLaren, this year rasa kureng sikit. Attributable to the departure of Alonso mainly. Good as he may be, Lewis is not someone I admire... I can't explain why. The feeling is similar to how I felt about Schumacher. Tapinya, McLaren is MY team. I've loyally supported them through the good and bad times... when people kutuk us during the low periods of 2003-2004, I stood by them. I've always believed in the team rather than the driver. Our affair has lasted for about 13 years now. Tapinya, with someone I don't particularly like there, it's getting rather difficult to provide my support. Kovailanen lacks the *umph*.
So I found myself rooting for Alonso and Kimi last week and this week... believe it or not. And smiled gleefully upon discovering that the McLaren duo had been served with a 5 place penalty for today's race.
I guess the keadaan tak menentu which team I should support also contributed to my lack of enthusiasm to attend this year's race. Going just a spectator aint's half the fun when you have a fire within you to see someone win.
Now that Jean Todt is also out of the way, perhaps supporting Ferrari isn't that bad. No... I still can't bring myself to supporting the prancing horse. Kimi ok, but not the team.
Which is all against my original believe that I should support a team not a driver... dilemma, dilemma...
Apa2 pun... today the winner was Kimi. And BMW Sauber came 2nd in the form of Kubica. I wasn't overly excited about Heikki's 3rd placing. But I was happy that Lewis didn't manage to overtake Trulli ;) Too bad Alonso was equipped with such a bad car that he only managed to come in 8th...
As the day drew nearer, rasa hati nak pergi tu makin kuat, but not kuat enough. No one wanted to go with me, and somehow, after the drama that surrounded McLaren last year, my enthusiasm has shrivelled... not disappeared, just kurang.
Yesterday as I sat in front of the TV watching qualifying, I couldn't believe myself... I was actually at home instead of in Hillstand C2, my *home* during the Malaysian race weekend these past few years. I've even picked my favourite spot... between 4th and 5th tiang from the right.
And today, the first thing that crossed my mind as I woke up was *I'm not at Sepang*. Usually, the ritual would be waking up early morning, pack up my frozen mineral water, karipap etc (hidden strategically to avoid the *no outside food allowed* police. Complete with my binoculars, earplugs, a book, a hat... I would make my way towards Sepang F1 circuit. Somehow, although I know almost none of the other spectators, I felt at *home*.
Tadi as I got ready to watch the race... plonked myself in front of the TV... images from the hills of C2 appeared and I screamed "that's my hill!" If was I there, I would be amongst the thousands who waved frantically at the helicopter camera.
As the race was about to start... I had to say it out loud... "I'm not attending the race"... for the 50th time kut this week. Rasa gusar tu pun ada, but I felt like I made the right decision.
Also... a departure from my staunch support towards McLaren, this year rasa kureng sikit. Attributable to the departure of Alonso mainly. Good as he may be, Lewis is not someone I admire... I can't explain why. The feeling is similar to how I felt about Schumacher. Tapinya, McLaren is MY team. I've loyally supported them through the good and bad times... when people kutuk us during the low periods of 2003-2004, I stood by them. I've always believed in the team rather than the driver. Our affair has lasted for about 13 years now. Tapinya, with someone I don't particularly like there, it's getting rather difficult to provide my support. Kovailanen lacks the *umph*.
So I found myself rooting for Alonso and Kimi last week and this week... believe it or not. And smiled gleefully upon discovering that the McLaren duo had been served with a 5 place penalty for today's race.
I guess the keadaan tak menentu which team I should support also contributed to my lack of enthusiasm to attend this year's race. Going just a spectator aint's half the fun when you have a fire within you to see someone win.
Now that Jean Todt is also out of the way, perhaps supporting Ferrari isn't that bad. No... I still can't bring myself to supporting the prancing horse. Kimi ok, but not the team.
Which is all against my original believe that I should support a team not a driver... dilemma, dilemma...
Apa2 pun... today the winner was Kimi. And BMW Sauber came 2nd in the form of Kubica. I wasn't overly excited about Heikki's 3rd placing. But I was happy that Lewis didn't manage to overtake Trulli ;) Too bad Alonso was equipped with such a bad car that he only managed to come in 8th...
I'm back...
I haven't been updating this blog for several reasons...
1) Have been so busy at work and by the time balik, kong...
2) When I am not that busy, I've been updating my travel blog.
My Edinburgh photos are finally up... yippee!! Have to get these done before I start the next trip.
Last Tuesday as I was about to leave for home, I received an emergency phone call from ARG. "Can you come down? Need some assistance to draft something for BigBoss"
I ended up going home at 10pm...
Last Thursday was public holiday... Maulidur Rasul. I already knew that I had to come in to work... the question was "What time?"
8:15am
SPN called to let me know that he has arranged for SS to read through the BM version and that several people will be coming in to proof read. "OK thanks" I said dengan my *just woke up* voice
10:30am
Checked with SPN... the things are not down yet. Most likely after lunch
6:45pm
SPN called to inform that SS had finished going through the BM version but the type-setting will take a while. Most likely to be ready at around 10:30pm
11:30pm
Checked with SPN. Stuff still not ready...
12:58pm
Called SPN to check. The stuff baru siap. So work baru nak start. Some people were already at the office.
2:00am
Went to office. 8 bleary eyed, hard working FSD-ians were at work
3:50am
Amendments still belum siap. CWT and CHP went to get McD for the gang
4:45am
Went up again to check. "10 minit lagi kak..."
5:00am
Told SPN to go home. He has been in since morning and is obviously tired and irritated
5:10am
Finally... the amended version siap.
6:00am
The rest completed their task and told them to go home while I do the final check and sign-off
6:30am
That's the time I put on the sign-off sheet
SMS-ed KM to let her know that I won't be able to chair the meeting this morning
6:35am
Went home...
7:00am
Letak je kepala on bantal, terus zzz...
9:25am
Woke up after about 2hrs of sleep and get ready to go to work
10:15am - 5:15pm
Work today consisted of clearing some memos and 3 discussion sessions. It was amazing that I didn't doze off although my face was so sembab and mata bengkak
6:10pm
Went home and wished all those who stayed up the night before "Happy Sleeping"
Before this, the record was going home at 4:00am. This time, masa nak balik tu, orang dah mula sampai office to start the new day. This is one record that I do not have any desire to break...
1) Have been so busy at work and by the time balik, kong...
2) When I am not that busy, I've been updating my travel blog.
My Edinburgh photos are finally up... yippee!! Have to get these done before I start the next trip.
Last Tuesday as I was about to leave for home, I received an emergency phone call from ARG. "Can you come down? Need some assistance to draft something for BigBoss"
I ended up going home at 10pm...
Last Thursday was public holiday... Maulidur Rasul. I already knew that I had to come in to work... the question was "What time?"
8:15am
SPN called to let me know that he has arranged for SS to read through the BM version and that several people will be coming in to proof read. "OK thanks" I said dengan my *just woke up* voice
10:30am
Checked with SPN... the things are not down yet. Most likely after lunch
6:45pm
SPN called to inform that SS had finished going through the BM version but the type-setting will take a while. Most likely to be ready at around 10:30pm
11:30pm
Checked with SPN. Stuff still not ready...
12:58pm
Called SPN to check. The stuff baru siap. So work baru nak start. Some people were already at the office.
2:00am
Went to office. 8 bleary eyed, hard working FSD-ians were at work
3:50am
Amendments still belum siap. CWT and CHP went to get McD for the gang
4:45am
Went up again to check. "10 minit lagi kak..."
5:00am
Told SPN to go home. He has been in since morning and is obviously tired and irritated
5:10am
Finally... the amended version siap.
6:00am
The rest completed their task and told them to go home while I do the final check and sign-off
6:30am
That's the time I put on the sign-off sheet
SMS-ed KM to let her know that I won't be able to chair the meeting this morning
6:35am
Went home...
7:00am
Letak je kepala on bantal, terus zzz...
9:25am
Woke up after about 2hrs of sleep and get ready to go to work
10:15am - 5:15pm
Work today consisted of clearing some memos and 3 discussion sessions. It was amazing that I didn't doze off although my face was so sembab and mata bengkak
6:10pm
Went home and wished all those who stayed up the night before "Happy Sleeping"
Before this, the record was going home at 4:00am. This time, masa nak balik tu, orang dah mula sampai office to start the new day. This is one record that I do not have any desire to break...
Saturday, March 15, 2008
words of wisdom...
Fitting words given the uncertainty in the Malaysian political scene...
No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent
--Abraham Lincoln
Friday, March 14, 2008
l'amour...
I started writing this about a month ago when the theme would be most relevant... but no harm completing it now isn't it? ;)
I admit... sometime in mid 2007 I had hopes that come 14 February 2008 I would be spending it with someone, my first true Valentine's Day. But alas... we can only wish, but tuhan menentukan segalanya. 14 February came and went... and I didn't spend it with anyone special.
During the latter half of last year, my emotions were in turmoil. Even a trip to land far away didn't soothe my soul. But as the old adage goes... time heals everything.
Any psychiatrist would tell you that when one faces the death of a beloved, the person goes through 3 stages: shock, anger, grief. I went through sort of a pseudo death... erm, I didn't really go through shock... more of a denial. Then I did get angry with the said person (though I don't think orang tu perasan pun) and do what I usually do when I am unhappy with someone. Grief took place simultaneously. I distanced myself from the said person and observed from afar. It was difficult and heartbreaking to see kemesraan elsewhere.
Then suddenly, one day, the feeling was gone. Seeing them together no longer makes me go green with jealousy. I can be around the said person without my heart doing backflips. I can behave *normal* around this person again (I tend to be a bit giddy around someone I like, hehe). That's when I know that I've *recovered*. I had expected that the healing process would take a bit longer (given my previous track record), but hey... lagi cepat lagi bagus, kan?
This realisation hit home on the way home from work a few days back. Seperti biasa... mengharung traffic jam, radio was on, and a familiar song was heard...
Sometimes you get your *signs* at the most unexpected time and place ;)
A few days back I got a gift from someone... a compilation of 365 ayat Quran and Hadith... one for each day of the year. I flicked through to the day's date... lo and behold, my lesson for the day was...
:) That's a soothing sign.
So while my recent attempt at a relationship had failed, the hope is alive and well. But I'm not on a *searching* mode lah. Want to *relax* a bit.
Now... If only I can quash those pesky questions from well-intending uncles & aunties...
I admit... sometime in mid 2007 I had hopes that come 14 February 2008 I would be spending it with someone, my first true Valentine's Day. But alas... we can only wish, but tuhan menentukan segalanya. 14 February came and went... and I didn't spend it with anyone special.
During the latter half of last year, my emotions were in turmoil. Even a trip to land far away didn't soothe my soul. But as the old adage goes... time heals everything.
Any psychiatrist would tell you that when one faces the death of a beloved, the person goes through 3 stages: shock, anger, grief. I went through sort of a pseudo death... erm, I didn't really go through shock... more of a denial. Then I did get angry with the said person (though I don't think orang tu perasan pun) and do what I usually do when I am unhappy with someone. Grief took place simultaneously. I distanced myself from the said person and observed from afar. It was difficult and heartbreaking to see kemesraan elsewhere.
Then suddenly, one day, the feeling was gone. Seeing them together no longer makes me go green with jealousy. I can be around the said person without my heart doing backflips. I can behave *normal* around this person again (I tend to be a bit giddy around someone I like, hehe). That's when I know that I've *recovered*. I had expected that the healing process would take a bit longer (given my previous track record), but hey... lagi cepat lagi bagus, kan?
This realisation hit home on the way home from work a few days back. Seperti biasa... mengharung traffic jam, radio was on, and a familiar song was heard...
Open the door and come in
I'm so glad to see you my friend
Don't know how long it has been
Having those feelings again.
And now I see that you're so happy
And ooh, it just sets me free
And I'd like to see
Us as good of friends
As we used to be
You're in love
That's the way
It should be
'Cause I want you to be happy
You're in love
And I know
That you're not in love with me
Ooh it's enough
For me to know
That you're in love
Now I'll let you go
'Cause I know
That you're in love
Sometimes you get your *signs* at the most unexpected time and place ;)
A few days back I got a gift from someone... a compilation of 365 ayat Quran and Hadith... one for each day of the year. I flicked through to the day's date... lo and behold, my lesson for the day was...
And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He as put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are signs for those who reflect ~ Al-Rum 30:21
:) That's a soothing sign.
So while my recent attempt at a relationship had failed, the hope is alive and well. But I'm not on a *searching* mode lah. Want to *relax* a bit.
Now... If only I can quash those pesky questions from well-intending uncles & aunties...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
kisah blue sombrero...
There was a small celebration today. No... we were not celebrating the outcome of the recent general election.
It was to celebrate the birthday of an amazing man... who is genuine in his friendship, always with new and sometimes unconventional ideas, endless supply of enthusiasm, a joker and a good sport. Despite his senior position, he is very approachable and his friendly ways are well known. I've known him for over 10 years now and never has he made me feel less of a person, au contraire, more often he had inspired me to be better and to push the envelope... and make me believe that I can be more.
It's actually a belated celebration as he turned 55 last week. Given his extremely busy schedule, we could only get an *appointment* today. It was a gathering of close friends, over lunch at Las Carretas... 10 in all inclusive of the guest-of-honour... ages ranging from 33 to 55 (eh, eh... mcm plan pulak both double numbers, hehe). I'd like to say that I was the youngest in the party but O beat me by several months.
I really enjoy days like these... when you're out with friends, having a laugh over good food. It's a boost to the soul. And my god... did the jokes and laughter roll. We were easily the noisiest table hands down. I was lucky that I didn't spurt any OJs out of my nose (though I suspect someone may have suffered a bit of my *tempias*... opps! when you're laughing that hard, cannot control one...)
But the thing that made it more memorable and something that I won't easily forget was how the partay ended... Suddenly we hear someone playing the guitar. The sound came closer and closer... that's when the restaurant staff came out with a cake with a lone candle and a big blue sombrero. The birthday *boy* put the big hat on (had it been someone else, they wouldn't have agreed as easily), was asked to stand and dance!! Yup... and dance he did (not a surprise since he's already well known for his enthusiasm to gelek ;) at the family day, official dinner... i did say that he's sporting, didn't i?) Lepas tu baru boleh duduk and blow the candle. It was a hoot!! Everyone took photos (and videos)... but surprisingly no one joined him... and he didn't mind. A testament of someone who is full of confidence :)
To respect his privacy and to maintain his dignity (I said he danced, I didn't say he can dance, hehe), those incriminating photos shall remain off from this blog. Someone suggested to put it up and put those black strip over his eyes to keep his identity secured, tapi tak pe lah... nanti nampak macam those incriminating photos pulak ;)
Although he didn't have to, he sent us an sms later in the day...
The feeling is mutual sir :) workplace becomes more rewarding when we have great friends around
Here's to happy, prosperous, healthy life!
It was to celebrate the birthday of an amazing man... who is genuine in his friendship, always with new and sometimes unconventional ideas, endless supply of enthusiasm, a joker and a good sport. Despite his senior position, he is very approachable and his friendly ways are well known. I've known him for over 10 years now and never has he made me feel less of a person, au contraire, more often he had inspired me to be better and to push the envelope... and make me believe that I can be more.
It's actually a belated celebration as he turned 55 last week. Given his extremely busy schedule, we could only get an *appointment* today. It was a gathering of close friends, over lunch at Las Carretas... 10 in all inclusive of the guest-of-honour... ages ranging from 33 to 55 (eh, eh... mcm plan pulak both double numbers, hehe). I'd like to say that I was the youngest in the party but O beat me by several months.
I really enjoy days like these... when you're out with friends, having a laugh over good food. It's a boost to the soul. And my god... did the jokes and laughter roll. We were easily the noisiest table hands down. I was lucky that I didn't spurt any OJs out of my nose (though I suspect someone may have suffered a bit of my *tempias*... opps! when you're laughing that hard, cannot control one...)
But the thing that made it more memorable and something that I won't easily forget was how the partay ended... Suddenly we hear someone playing the guitar. The sound came closer and closer... that's when the restaurant staff came out with a cake with a lone candle and a big blue sombrero. The birthday *boy* put the big hat on (had it been someone else, they wouldn't have agreed as easily), was asked to stand and dance!! Yup... and dance he did (not a surprise since he's already well known for his enthusiasm to gelek ;) at the family day, official dinner... i did say that he's sporting, didn't i?) Lepas tu baru boleh duduk and blow the candle. It was a hoot!! Everyone took photos (and videos)... but surprisingly no one joined him... and he didn't mind. A testament of someone who is full of confidence :)
To respect his privacy and to maintain his dignity (I said he danced, I didn't say he can dance, hehe), those incriminating photos shall remain off from this blog. Someone suggested to put it up and put those black strip over his eyes to keep his identity secured, tapi tak pe lah... nanti nampak macam those incriminating photos pulak ;)
Although he didn't have to, he sent us an sms later in the day...
Terlalu kenyang n "penat" menari during lunch 2day. Anyway, tks so vy3 much for the belated b'day bash. Just 2 reiterate how blessed I am to be surrounded by such excellent company with great diversity of kerenah, perangai etc etc.... Salam n may Allah bless you all
The feeling is mutual sir :) workplace becomes more rewarding when we have great friends around
Here's to happy, prosperous, healthy life!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
chronicles of the day that shall change the political direction of the country...
Actually, I shall start with the evening before...
Friday, 7 March 2008
6:30pm-ish
I left the office for the weekend and happily wished everyone "Selamat Mengundi"
around 11:30pm
I did my usual round of checking emails and tengok websites that I regularly visit. I'm on this mailing list and usually I just glance through the emails that come from that yahoogroup but somehow tonight I decided to follow the link that was on one particular email.
I was introduced to the world of M Bakri Musa... I was intrigued, and how fitting, on the eve of Malaysia's 12th general election. I was absorbed... couldn't stop reading and went on reading until around 3:30am. Gosh... have I been missing a lot!
Saturday, 8 March 2008... THE day
very late morning
Woke up late, since I went to bed quite late the night before. Went on to cuci, mop, lap tangga... renovation work inside the house is finally complete and it was time to get down and dirty to rid the house of the remnant thick layer of dust.
I had told my friends earlier that I'll go vote if I woke up early enough because I didn't fancy queueing for a long time in the hot Malaysian sun. Too late for early morning voting session... maybe later in the afternoon when ppl are having their siesta...
Papa asked me "Did you check where our pusat mengundi is?" "Yup... kat Sekolah Sri Delima, macam biasa" I replied.
Sms-ed Mantze and Rubie to wish them Happy Birthday
around 3:00pm
Amt and I drove to BV2... the night before I had made plans with him to go to Delicious. I was craving for some nice yummy food and their iced chocolate. We drove through Damansara Heights, up the hill towards Bangsar. As soon as we entered the enclave of the rich and expats, we were greeted by a sea of posters. Two ladies... one more matured one young. The younger one had a simpler photo, whilst the matured lady who is a seasoned politician had 3 jenis poster... one of herself, one of her kissing a baby and another on of her hugging a warga emas. They're obviously trying to portray that she's a caring person
The normal party logo banners and flags were on every tiang lampu, tiang telefon, pokok... you name it, mesti ada tampal.
I highlighted to Amt the scene that was before us and commented "Sure Shahrizat menang lah... she has proven herself and is one of the better cabinet ministers. Although she's anak Anwar, Nurul Izzah can't possibly beat a powerhouse like Shahrizat" as we leisurely drove towards out destination
10:30pm
I was in my room, tengah nak lipat kain and turned on the TV. Yesterday Mot had declined the invitation to dinner tonight on account of "nak tunggu results". OK lah... since dinner was cancelled and it was the thing that the whole country was eagerly waiting for, I turned on TV3.
Lo and behold... the first thing that caught my eyes were the news stream which read "Shahrizat mengalami kekalahan di Lembah Pantai". What? Could this really be happening?
Then the next line came up and I knew that we were up for an interesting night ahead "Samy Vellu kehilangan kerusi Sungai Siput". Macam di plan pulak, my phone beeped indicating a new message. More news regarding the results of the election.
I went out to tell Mama of the unexpected news. She was also in disbelief and promptly informed Papa. "Ha... Buat. Shahrizat pun kalah" was her remark.
10:45pm
By now I was most eager to lipat and simpan all the kain so that I can start browsing the internet. As expected, Malaysiakini site was blocked. Updates on the SPR website was slow coming in... My eyes were glued to the TV, affixed to the commentary that was taking place. Even the commentators were more *brave* in voicing their opinions, unlike the usual fare of pro and ampu Govt.
Am I hearing and seeing what I think I'm seeing?
12:15am
By now it was clear... DAP has gained control of Penang, PAS in Kelantan and the trend in Kedah, Perak and Selangor was indicating a similar pattern.
I admire the way Koh Tsu Koon handled his defeat... with grace and humility. The commentators are increasingly *stronger* in their views. One of them quite bluntly said that BN is paying for the public's dissatisfaction. The term political tsunami mula kedengaran...
Compared to Koh Tsu Koon, Abdullah Badawi's press conference was less impressive. He was obviously lost for words... as if in a daze
4:00am
TV show coverage with talk2 habis. Finally went to bed, head buzzing with the realisation of what had just happened.
Sunday, 9 March 2008... the day after
late morning (again)
Went down to have breakfast and was greeted with a confirmation from Papa that BN had lost their control of 5 states and no longer have 2/3 majority in parliament. Gerakan, MCA, MIC, UMNO all kalah teruk. Saved fortunately by Sabah and Sarawak, with reduced majority and margin in Pahang, Johor.
Honestly, I didn't think that the outcome would be as earth moving as this. I had expected that BN would lose some seats but not to this magnitude.
The time for change has come... the people have spoken. The Malaysian public is not *sleeping* anymore. We want changes, we want to rid the country of ill behaviours and practices.
I must admit that while I'm quite pleased with the outcome, a part of me is also worried about the increasing polarisation between the races. The country that I love for its multiracial tolerance and culture is on a delicate path. How things turn out in the coming months will determine whether or not the success that has been Malaysia will continue. I surely hope so...
So to the new Ahli Parlimen... go do your job and make this country of ours great again. You've been given a golden chance, make full use of it for a better tomorrow.
RALAT:
I am happy to share that my constituency, P.115 Batu, has a population mix that is reflective of Malaysia... 44% Melayu, 40% Cina, 10% India dll. The true masyarakat majmuk. I didn't notice any other constituency that can boast a similar distribution... most are skewed towards one particular race.
So with Tian Chua as our new YB, and a sample population that reflects that country, I hope that P.115 Batu can set an example for the rest of the country... insyaallah.
p/s: In the end I didn't vote this year... mistakenly thot that DAP was contesting in the area. No hal... my 1 vote wouldn't have made a change, and even if I did vote, I would have voted for the same person that I've been voting for all this while [with some investigative search, you'll know who that is ;)]
Friday, 7 March 2008
6:30pm-ish
I left the office for the weekend and happily wished everyone "Selamat Mengundi"
around 11:30pm
I did my usual round of checking emails and tengok websites that I regularly visit. I'm on this mailing list and usually I just glance through the emails that come from that yahoogroup but somehow tonight I decided to follow the link that was on one particular email.
I was introduced to the world of M Bakri Musa... I was intrigued, and how fitting, on the eve of Malaysia's 12th general election. I was absorbed... couldn't stop reading and went on reading until around 3:30am. Gosh... have I been missing a lot!
Saturday, 8 March 2008... THE day
very late morning
Woke up late, since I went to bed quite late the night before. Went on to cuci, mop, lap tangga... renovation work inside the house is finally complete and it was time to get down and dirty to rid the house of the remnant thick layer of dust.
I had told my friends earlier that I'll go vote if I woke up early enough because I didn't fancy queueing for a long time in the hot Malaysian sun. Too late for early morning voting session... maybe later in the afternoon when ppl are having their siesta...
Papa asked me "Did you check where our pusat mengundi is?" "Yup... kat Sekolah Sri Delima, macam biasa" I replied.
Sms-ed Mantze and Rubie to wish them Happy Birthday
around 3:00pm
Amt and I drove to BV2... the night before I had made plans with him to go to Delicious. I was craving for some nice yummy food and their iced chocolate. We drove through Damansara Heights, up the hill towards Bangsar. As soon as we entered the enclave of the rich and expats, we were greeted by a sea of posters. Two ladies... one more matured one young. The younger one had a simpler photo, whilst the matured lady who is a seasoned politician had 3 jenis poster... one of herself, one of her kissing a baby and another on of her hugging a warga emas. They're obviously trying to portray that she's a caring person
The normal party logo banners and flags were on every tiang lampu, tiang telefon, pokok... you name it, mesti ada tampal.
I highlighted to Amt the scene that was before us and commented "Sure Shahrizat menang lah... she has proven herself and is one of the better cabinet ministers. Although she's anak Anwar, Nurul Izzah can't possibly beat a powerhouse like Shahrizat" as we leisurely drove towards out destination
10:30pm
I was in my room, tengah nak lipat kain and turned on the TV. Yesterday Mot had declined the invitation to dinner tonight on account of "nak tunggu results". OK lah... since dinner was cancelled and it was the thing that the whole country was eagerly waiting for, I turned on TV3.
Lo and behold... the first thing that caught my eyes were the news stream which read "Shahrizat mengalami kekalahan di Lembah Pantai". What? Could this really be happening?
Then the next line came up and I knew that we were up for an interesting night ahead "Samy Vellu kehilangan kerusi Sungai Siput". Macam di plan pulak, my phone beeped indicating a new message. More news regarding the results of the election.
I went out to tell Mama of the unexpected news. She was also in disbelief and promptly informed Papa. "Ha... Buat. Shahrizat pun kalah" was her remark.
10:45pm
By now I was most eager to lipat and simpan all the kain so that I can start browsing the internet. As expected, Malaysiakini site was blocked. Updates on the SPR website was slow coming in... My eyes were glued to the TV, affixed to the commentary that was taking place. Even the commentators were more *brave* in voicing their opinions, unlike the usual fare of pro and ampu Govt.
Am I hearing and seeing what I think I'm seeing?
12:15am
By now it was clear... DAP has gained control of Penang, PAS in Kelantan and the trend in Kedah, Perak and Selangor was indicating a similar pattern.
I admire the way Koh Tsu Koon handled his defeat... with grace and humility. The commentators are increasingly *stronger* in their views. One of them quite bluntly said that BN is paying for the public's dissatisfaction. The term political tsunami mula kedengaran...
Compared to Koh Tsu Koon, Abdullah Badawi's press conference was less impressive. He was obviously lost for words... as if in a daze
4:00am
TV show coverage with talk2 habis. Finally went to bed, head buzzing with the realisation of what had just happened.
Sunday, 9 March 2008... the day after
late morning (again)
Went down to have breakfast and was greeted with a confirmation from Papa that BN had lost their control of 5 states and no longer have 2/3 majority in parliament. Gerakan, MCA, MIC, UMNO all kalah teruk. Saved fortunately by Sabah and Sarawak, with reduced majority and margin in Pahang, Johor.
Honestly, I didn't think that the outcome would be as earth moving as this. I had expected that BN would lose some seats but not to this magnitude.
The time for change has come... the people have spoken. The Malaysian public is not *sleeping* anymore. We want changes, we want to rid the country of ill behaviours and practices.
I must admit that while I'm quite pleased with the outcome, a part of me is also worried about the increasing polarisation between the races. The country that I love for its multiracial tolerance and culture is on a delicate path. How things turn out in the coming months will determine whether or not the success that has been Malaysia will continue. I surely hope so...
So to the new Ahli Parlimen... go do your job and make this country of ours great again. You've been given a golden chance, make full use of it for a better tomorrow.
RALAT:
I am happy to share that my constituency, P.115 Batu, has a population mix that is reflective of Malaysia... 44% Melayu, 40% Cina, 10% India dll. The true masyarakat majmuk. I didn't notice any other constituency that can boast a similar distribution... most are skewed towards one particular race.
So with Tian Chua as our new YB, and a sample population that reflects that country, I hope that P.115 Batu can set an example for the rest of the country... insyaallah.
p/s: In the end I didn't vote this year... mistakenly thot that DAP was contesting in the area. No hal... my 1 vote wouldn't have made a change, and even if I did vote, I would have voted for the same person that I've been voting for all this while [with some investigative search, you'll know who that is ;)]
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