To the movies...

Went to watch a few movies since the last one...

IMMORTALS

As it is with other Greek's gods and goddesses myth and movies made, they are in need of a human hero. With humanity and the gods themselves at stakes, the unlikely and unwilling hero goes through a journey to defeat terror in the shape of a vicious dictator who commands a huge army and self-claimed as god. The movie is so graphic with the torture scenes and the picturistic imagination of mount olympus. As for the storyline, why oh why it is redundant and typical like other greek myth movies? I really don't think it's worth to see again.

PUSS IN BOOTS

If you love Shrek and you should love this movie. As jumbled as the fairytale could be, this one focusses on the cat (yes, it is obvious!). The storyline was about how friendships are made and broken. How jealousy could make one do devious things. A family movie, really. A bit boring for me though some of the squence in the movie is really good. I especially liked the dance off part. The cat is cute...

DATIN GHAIRAH

How much you pay, ah?

Really, i watched this movie and it is utterly stooooooopid! Not much of a storyline except using the main actress sexy allure and the main actor popularity. Don't ask me why i went to see this one.....Nyesal!

SHERLOCK HOLMES 2

Love this movie!!! I like how the story goes how a scene in the beginning of the movie is connected to the scene at the end of the movie. I like the way it made me, a viewer, thinks about the next scene. To guess the hero's next step. To question the use of certain items in the scene. To deduct what will happen next and whether the hero could solve the mystery.

As the story goes while Watson is busy with is marriage arrangement, Holmes is busy trying to investigate the mysterious Prof. Moriarty. They went through fights and danger to solve the mystery. As they get deep into it, it occurs to Holmes that he is facing a cunning philanthropist who would do anything to ensure he gains more than enough gains from his investment. They collide in strength and mind. Does the professor had the upper hand and Holmes end up in his grave or other wise? For sure the hero will live another day or will he? Certainly worth your money to watch this movie and i am willing to watch it again with much attention to details...

Bola yang bulat...

The Malaysian team...

Really wanted to talk about the rise of Malaysian football scene. Since the win last year for Suzuki AFF Cup and this year win in SEA Games, we saw a hike in the people interest of the game. Thats the thing...only when we win, then the stadium is full. If not, only criticism was thrown to them.

Thankfully for the likes of good looking footballers which bring fresh breath to the team along with lots of women interest also, heh! It's not their fault that they are the most available bachelors in Malaysia. Just that, lets highlight the game instead of their life. We also need to look into the other sports which are in dire state like takraw and hockey. We need to inject interest in them so that younger generations would be willingly to sharpen their skills in those games. I remembered when i was young, i used to see people play takraw and hockey at schools. Nowadays, there are lacking of interest as they see no glamour in it unlike playing football.

Wish we would flourished as a good sport nation...

What?!! She's pregnant...

A baby...

A friend of mine breaks the news to us that she's pregnant. At first we thought she was kidding. Well, when you got to know her then you'll know why we think it's a joke. But then she seriously told us again that she got a bun in the oven (idioms, anyone?).

And together we laugh again. At her age and so what, it just unbelievable. She said after the shock wears off, she is really looking forward for the baby. I do too. I do care about her and hope all goes well until one day i heard the news that she nearly lost the baby...

Wait, not really la...more to a worrying bleeding. The first trimester (hu..hu...knowledgeable, heh?) is a tricky one. You have to thread your days carefully so that the embryo would be strong enough to grow to a fetus. Of course she was being careful, the doctor had said to her that such bleeding might happened. I was worried but at that point of time, she was already nearing the end of the trimester. So, i just said to her not to worry much and i am sure it'll be fine after a few days of bed rest.

Lets just hope she'll be healthy and the pregnancy is healthy too.

Looking forward to see her as a new mother once again after almost what, 13 - 14 years?...he..he....

Majulah Sukan Untuk Negara...

Yeah...sure...



I did get active living here. I mean, we have badmintons twice a week. At times, there are inter-office sports tournament like badminton and coming up there would be futsal and bowling. Once a month when i am at KL, i also joined the futsal games which colleagues from my previous office usually invites. Hell, i am even more active than i was back in KL.

So why am i feeling heavier? I eat much less than when i was at my hometown.

Why...Why...Why...?!!!!Is it because when at KL, i tend to move more? You know, getting to the LRT. standing in the trains, walking to the office...etc..etc..Now, it took only 5 minutes to reach the house and afterwards, not much movement except to get the TV remote...

Hui...best kalo bleh lipat camnih...



My friend told me to go to the gym. Truth be told, i hate going to the gym. Especially if i went there on my own. Don't want to run on the threadmill, do love the stepping machine and the static bicycle though. Just that i don't have the motivation to be steadfast on going to the gym. I don't have discipline for that. Yup, lack of will power.

Think i need to do something. When will i do that something?

That is still to be determined...

Party bash...

Someone b'day came up...

Another friends of mine here celebrated their birthday. We went to this place near the town's fire station call 'Pappardelle'.

Found in a blog

A nice and cozy place to hang out but i don't think they are prepared ad-hoc to cater for a big group of people. You might want to book the tables first.

Found in the same blog

 That's what happened to us. We came to the place, car after car and in the end there are more than 20 of us at the there. We kept asking the waiter to add more tables and chairs. The waiter had to take orders one after another as we came separately instead of  en bloc. What a chaos it was..heh.

The food was delicious and for some of us it didn't took long to be served unless the waiter missed out your orders at the kitchen. The menu was mainly western though there are some local dishes.

Anyways, it was good to have a big group of people get together to celebrate the event. As always, we chit chatted about (like...not enough chatting at the office!), cut the cake and sang the birthday song so loudly. Thank god the other patrons of the place didn't protest much.

Like we care....we're the biggest crowd there...he...he...  

AIM...

Clips of song which won that nite...

Sedetik Lebih

Pedoman VOU

Joget Tak Senang Hati

Got To Go

Beribu Sesalan

Pelita

Susun Silang Kata

Ku Menunggu

Penakut

Sheila Majid



Enjoying myself with the songs...

Eidul Adha...

It's a sacrifice...

Happy eid to all. Though it is a short holiday, I still manage to 'balik kampung' with my family. It had been almost 2 months since eidulfitr and 'taik cicak' was everywhere.

Really, the cicaks had parties or feast at my house..he..he...

The lawn is filled with overgrown grass and a tree had fallen due to strong wind and rain. I was exhausted helping my parents to clear away the tree. 

As we're not expecting faraway relatives to return to the hometown, my mother didn't prepare much. Dad didn't held any 'Qurban' this year nor does relatives nearby. If not, it would be much merrier as we would 'gotong - royong' to skin the cattle and cut the beef.

Anyways, it was nice just to stay at home doing nothing.

Sure...    

The thing i write...

'D' day...

It had been exactly 100 days since i moved to the East Coast. Though if i calculate it outright, excluding weekends and holidays it wouldn't even be hundred days....hu.... Anyways, i'd told my friends that i am starting a blog to make notes of my activities due to my transfer. I also said i would not publicly tell anyone of this blog until i had achieved 100 entries or 100 days.

So today is the day I officially welcome my friends to my blog. Yes, it's lame to publicise your own blog. But who cares...he..he..

Do read on my previous entries. The entries are not that funny and my writings are not that amusing but feel free to roam about and leave comments.

I will write now and then if not every other day. I promised my self that i would keep this blog. Here you can read the status of thyself as everyone knows i don't have facebook nor twitter.

Yeah me...

Falling in Love

Once in a life time
An angel sweeps you off your feet
And everything I’m about
Disappears before my eyes
You’re taking me higher
when I hear you speak to me
It feels so familiar that
I’m caught up in this fantasy

Now I can’t seem to fight myself
Oh I can’t seem to ease my mind
Oh I think I’m falling, I’m falling
And I can’t stop falling, I’m falling in love with you


When I look into your eyes
I see your love that comforts me
Every now when I go to sleep
I wait to see you in my dreams
You’re taking me higher
When I hear you say my name
I’m trying to tell you
That I never want to let you go

Now I can’t seem to fight myself
Oh I can’t seem to ease my mind
Oh I think I’m falling, I’m falling
And I can’t stop falling, I’m falling in love with you
Over and over again

It plays out in my mind, I can see it clearly
You’ve given me something new to believe in
Come take me away...Oohhh
(Come take me away)
Away...Come take me away...Away
(Come take me away)
Away, away

Now I can’t seem to fight myself
Oh I can’t seem to ease my mind
Oh I think I’m falling, I’m falling
And I can’t stop falling, I’m falling in love with you

I’m falling in love
Love love.. with you..

-Siti Nurhaliza

p/s : Catchy and Siti singing in English.....what else do you want...

In Time...

A modern day Bonnie & Clyde movie...

The storyline does reminds me of the famous couple bankrobbers with hints of Robinhood traits. As the future goes, money isn't not the currency of the day. Time is the essence. Time is what they yearn for and and it is limited. They live by the hours and they work for the hours. What would you do if you knew you would live forever or only a few seconds left in your life.

This is a futuristic/science fiction movie. For the first few minutes of the movie, you'll be trying to get a hand on what's it all about. By then you'll understand that in the movie, time replaces money and wealth. Lots of action and drama. Showing the same conflict we face in the real world. There is a message somewhere and i get it.

Worth the tickets? Yes. Should i see it again? Maybe...

Holiday abroad...

It was time for a break...

It was not really a plan. Some friends/officemates asked the month before whether i wanted to join them for a trip abroad. Didn't think much, i said yes and last week during Deepavali holidays we went to Jakarta.

4 days and 3 nights trip which includes spending time at a safari at Puncak, a day trip to Bandung and some time at Jakarta.

Commentaries......hmmm, might update on that a bit later or not.

Fun holiday ever.......really...Thanks guys...

Stolen...

You just can't be too careful...

The story was that my neighbour's car was stolen last 2 weeks. That neighbour is my officemate. She just came back from graduation convocation at her university the day before. She returned to the house just after midnite and parked outside. It is normal practice. You know...sharing the house with housemates which all owned cars, thus the space is not enough. It's a normal practice here. Even i at times parked outside.


So as fate turns out, in the morning when she wanted to go to the office, her car was nowhere to be found. Imagine the shock she had. Just a few hours before, she had parked it right in front of the house. Then, *poof* it was gone! She made a police report and everything. Personally, i don't think her car would be found. The thief must have disassembled the car and took the parts away. Discussing the matter with my friends, we think the thief really needed the parts badly. I mean my officemate didn't bring her usual car. The stolen car was of her father's and by chance was brought there. Should the thief had monitored the houses and the cars which usually was parked outside, he could have chosen other cars to steal.

I thank my lucky stars that i didn't parked outside that night. My car is of the same model as the stolen car. If she had brought her usual car and mine was parked outside, i think it would be my car that will be missing. Since then, i always make sure i bring my car inside the garage. 

When i first moved to the east coast, another neighbour of mine (who were also my officemates!) was broken into. It was just a few days since they moved into the house and it was a weekday. They were at the office. During lunch, my neighbours went home for lunch. He found that thief had broken the sliding door's lock and had stolen my neighbours laptops in broad day light. Let me remind you, the row of houses i lived in is in front of the main road and the road is always busy.

That is the thing with the houses here, even if you are upstairs you really can't hear what happens downstairs. Should anybody came into the garage and starts my cars, i won't be hearing it from my room.

Simpang malaikat 44... 

Real Steel...

Robot fighting...

 

Is it action? Yes, parts of it.

But really, it is a family movie. A story of how a father awkwardly reconnected with his son through robot boxing.

Worth the ticket you paid for? Yes..



Libas...

Old hero...

Action comedy? Well, there are scenes which were seriously funny. Seems lot of CGI involved and stunts... the hero even hurt himself while filming. The legend of 'Sepak Raga' which nowadays we refer to Takraw. Thinking of Shaolin Soccer? Please don't compare them. Jauh panggang dari api, as the malay proverb says.

Went to watch it with my little bro. It's his 14th birthday earlier that week. So i treat him to the movies.

The movie can be made better with a better storyline. Yes, you want to revive sport but hey, it could be improve further. No need of those matches between countries. No need for those racism comedy. I mean, do you need a scene of Thais with their bomoh? or the scene of India, China, Japan, Iraq, America playing the game.I think it may insulted some countries.

Well, it is an interesting movie...

A goodbye...

I went back home last week...

It was the last session for the year 6 kids which i have my CSR programme with at Ampang. We had a year end party that Saturday. Everybody came with their best attire. We came wearing the BAKTI shirts. We had KFC, cake, chocolates, jelly, sweets and other stuff.

We'd decorated the class first and then started the party. We also play games i.e. poisonous box, musical chair ans statue.

In all, it was a fun session to have.

Loooking back , it had been 3 years since i met them all. They were in year 4 back then so timid when we first met. Now, the've grown bigger and not so shy anymore.

Seeing them grow each session does bring me pride. I hoped they do  lear a thing or two whenever we meet for the monthly session. Early this year was the proudest moment ever that i had with them. Their teacher had them do a choir during our yearly prize giving ceremony. They were so eloquent (did i use the word correctly?) when they sing and their voice are loud too. It seems that they can verbalize in english well if they wanted to.

At the end of the party, i do felt almost choked up to think that we may not meet again. I am going to miss them. Their cheeky self, their naughtiness in class, their smiles, their voice.

Goodbye & best of luck...

Johny English 2...

Went to the movies last few weeks...

We watched Johnny English 2. The hilarious, bumbling British spy.

Is it funny to see?Owh, yes it was.

It is funny because Mr Bean was acting. Slapstick funny. A comedy where you can guess where the funny parts would be and you could guess what would happen next.

Would i watch it again? Maybe not. Mr Bean was so last decade...

B'day celebration...

Lets party...

2 of my friends celebrated their birthday early this month. It was a last minute plan to have a get together dinner with other officemates that we've gotten close with. At first, we wanted to go to Kuantan, but that was scratched off as it was far and a weekday plus not many were willing to drive all the way there. So we ask the birthday girl where we should have it. Turns out she has a friend whose family owned a restaurant right in the heart of Kemaman.Actually, right in the heart of a housing estate. She had been long waited to bring us there. Thus, there we were for her birthday.

Lovely, isn't it?
pic from web

The name of the restaurant is Fatisha Mushroom Garden Cafe. They serve western food here and it was superb! The size of dish is not too big nor too small. Just enough to get you filled.

Actually not my plate.
Pic courtesy of the web

The ambiance (can't believe i am using the word!) was cozy and pleasant though it was outdoor. The owner had planned it well. The specialty of this eatery was their delicious mushroom dressing which tops on almost every dish. Tried the handmade mash....it was heavenly satisfying. Believe me, it was tasty...I can't choose which dish was the best. Their fish was fresh, their chicken was grilled to perfection, their pizzas was crispy and their meat was greatly cooked. Eating here does not put a dent to my wallet. Rest assured.

Anyways, back to the party, it was exciting to see all of us there. I mean, we were a big group. I think there were more than 20 of us at the table that night. We were chatting off like we owned the place. Such great place, such great new friends. It seems we know each other for so long to be together like that.

Well, working here does make one feels that way...

Moves Like Jagger

Just shoot for the stars
If it feels right
Then aim for my heart
If you feel like
Can take me away, and make it okay
I swear I’ll behave

You wanted control
Sure we waited
I put on a show
Now I make it
You say I’m a kid
My ego is big
I don’t give a sh*t
And it goes like this

[Chorus]
Take me by the tongue
And I’ll know you
Kiss til you’re drunk
And I’ll show you

You want the moves like jagger
I got the moves like jagger
I got the mooooooves…like jagger

I don’t even try to control you
Look into my eyes and I’ll own you

You with the moves like jagger
I got the moves like jagger
I got the mooooooves…like jagger

Baby it’s hard
And it feel like you’re broken in scar
Nothing feels right
But when you’re with me
I make you believe
That I’ve got the key

So get in the car
We can ride it
Wherever you want
Get inside it
And you want to stir
But I’m shifting gears
I’ll take it from here
And it goes like this

[Chorus]
Take me by the tongue
And I’ll know you
Kiss til you’re drunk
And I’ll show you

You want the moves like jagger
I got the moves like jagger
I got the mooooooves…like jagger

I don’t even try to control you
Look into my eyes and I’ll own you

You with the moves like jagger
I got the moves like jagger
I got the mooooooves…like jagger

[Bridge]
You want to know how to make me smile
Take control, own me just for the night
But if I share my secret
You gonna have to keep it
Nobody else can see this

So watch and learn
I won’t show you twice
Head to toe, ooh baby, roll me right
But if I share my secret
You gonna have to keep it
Nobody else can see this

And it goes like this

[Chorus]
Take me by the tongue
And I’ll know you
Kiss til you’re drunk
And I’ll show you

You want the moves like jagger
I got the moves like jagger
I got the mooooooves…like jagger

I don’t even try to control you
Look into my eyes and I’ll own you

You with the moves like jagger
I got the moves like jagger
I got the mooooooves…like jagger

- Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera

p/s : Like to dance to this song....catchy!

Rumour mongers...

They say i am with someone....

They even say i am with someone with origins here...and that's why i didn't went back home to KL.

Haiyo...how can that be...

You rumour mongers....really make me blush la...

Fun in the sun...

Last week was a long weekend for me...

I went home that Thurday after work for national holiday until Sunday. it was holiday celebration of Malaysia Day along with Merdeka Day. Guess where did i go? I and few others went to spend that weekend at Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

Port Dickson or for short PD is a popular seaside attraction for both local and foreign tourist. Situated not that far from KL. You can get there using the South bound highway within 1 hour or more. I'd rented a 3 bedroom villa there for 1 night only. Got it cheap as it is owned by my company. The facilities was in good shape, swimming pools are right in front of the villa and a gate to a semi private beach. The rooms are ok with old furniture and the Air-cond need to be fixed. I don't think they have WIFI there.

Yeah, the building is painted blue...

Arrived there abit after 7 pm. So did not do much that evening except having delicious seafood dinner (Siakap 3 rasa anyone?). Saturday morning, we went to the beach and swam around (if you could call it swimming..) I don't know how to swim. So basically, i just took a long dip in the sea and then dive into the swimming pool. We did spent  a lot of time in the water.

When i returned home, i got sunburn. Not that bad, but my skin would be a little tanner for a few days. The thing is, the only parts that got tanned were my face and neck and my hands up to the elbows.

Imagine that...like zebra...argh...

Eid at work...

To eat and have a feast...

Yesterday, my division had an Eid celebration. Invited all the tenants at the office building to join the celeberation. The week before, there was 2 other division held Eid celebration. Plus, there are invitation by vendors for their Eid open day. So, here in the East Coast there is a tendency of having free lunch every other day in Syawal.

For our celebration, each departments needs to put on a show. Well, it was delightful to see that our management also join in the show. Some puts on a great dance number with everyone dancing, one department put a video presentation along with their show, another instill the patrioticism in their act with 'Merdekaraya' and my department put on an Eid sketch with background 'live' singers/choir ( which includes me!). When i say show, they really pun on a spectacular show. I mean, when can you see a senior manager dance on the stage? A cute dance some more!

Rase bleh masuk rancangan ni tak?

 The day was joyful and we just forgot about work for a minute. Like a say to my fellow colleague, the thing at this office is that whenever there is a chance of something which could distract you facing work, you'll give it 100%.

This you wouldn't see in KL...

End of Syawal...

Happy Eid...

Did i celebrated Eid with fun and happiness?The answer is capital Y.E.S.

Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons. The primary reason is that i met my relatives. Especially those who lived far from my home. I get excited when all of us get together like this. The gossip mills would start running, kids would be all around, we would share what happened since we last met and i get to see my cousins and their children ( Thus, reminding me that none of my siblings are married!). I am a social person who don't mind to be alone. I mean, when i am in a crowd, i can be fun and things but i do not feel that i need to be in a social setting everytime. Anyways, back to Eid. It was good to see everyone again. My uncles and aunts with their children and their children's children. You have to understand one thing about my family, both my parents have 5 other siblings. So you can imagine how the crowd would be when came back to the hometown.

Other than that, i managed to have my vision of having lights flickering all around my house fulfilled. I managed to arrange oil lamps all around my house this year and kept them lighted every night until the fourth of Eid. This involved lots of logistics. Getting diesel ( they work better and cheaper compared to karosene), filling the lamps, rearranging them back, lighting them at precise moment before sundown. I think with the new addition of lamps, i got more than 100 lamps flickering all through the night. And also, i had gone crazy and spent a lot on firecrackers! I have 'mercun das', thunder claps, rockets and sorts to fill the night with loud noise...he..he...

So Eid this time was a lot fun....then back to work.....hu...

Count on me...

If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea,
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see,
I'll be the light to guide you

Find out what we're made of
What we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like 1 2 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2
And you'll be there
Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah

Wooooh, Wooooh
That's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
You can count on me cause I can count on you

Wooooh, Wooooh
yeah Yeah

If tou toss and you turn and you just can't fall asleep
I'll sing a song
beside you
And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me
Everyday I will
remind you

Ohh
Find out what we're made of
What we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like 1 2 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2
And you'll be there
Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah

Wooooh, Wooooh
Yeah Yeah

You'll always have my shoulder when you cry
I'll never let go
Never say goodbye

You can count on me like 1 2 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2
And you'll be there
Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah

Wooooh, Wooooh
you can count on me cos' I can count on you

- Bruno Mars

p/s : This songs reminds me of my friends during my happy time and especially during my down time. I love you guys/gals. Thank you for taking me as your friend. I really appreciate it a lot. Like the song, you can count on me. I'll always be there....

A house...

I rent a double storey house here...

The 3 of us came to live under one roof. One is an officemate of mine from KL while the other, i got to know him by accident as he was also looking for a house to rent. Both of them are not really in the picture when i chose the house. Best to say, they seemed to rely on me to find a house. I don't mind, really. It meant i got to chose a house i really like rather than just decide democraticly.

Yup, our humble rental house.

I went for house hunt twice before reporting for duty with fellow friends. We did try to search through the net. Managed to get some info. At last we just went from place to place, taking a look whether there was any 'house for rent' signs. Desperate to get a house, we went door to door. Asking the neighbours whether the house next door was empty.

my room...

We stumbled upon the house quite last minute. Another group of transfers found a house in the same row as ours. They told me about the house. Originally, the owner wanted to sale the house. Somehow, i managed to rent it from her. The owner lived in another state. She owned few houses on that row. The house was empty. the rooms has basic book/ clothing rack. It is ingenious and creative that way. I don't need a wardrobe and i can stack nything on the rack.

I've never rented a house before. I've been living with my parents. We live on our own home. Plus it is easy to go to my previous workplace. There was no need to live by my own. Because of that, i've decided that from day one, my rental house must have basics. My room must have a bed, a vanity and a rack to hang my clothes. The house must have a fridge, a TV and a washing machine. The stove isn't a must as i could always eat out, a sofa for the living room is not really needed as i could just sit on the floor. My friends says that you go small than add more thing to the house as time goes by.

Nope. That's not the way i roll. I don't want to spent my first nite by sleeping on the floor. From the get go, everything must be there. So my first nite in the house was really smooth. Got a soft bed to sleep well in it...he..he..Then, my housemate brings the stove, the sofa and other things. I add astro and next would be streamyx. Now, the house is complete but we don't have a dining table just yet. Need to think further on that. But it was homey which is important to me so that i would feel okay working in the new place.

That's on my rental home. My housemate is good and we got along well. Thank God...

BABI...

Really, wild boar...

A family of wild boar.
Guess where did i took this picture?

I have heard about the co-existance of wild boars among the housing estate in my area. Never thought they were so big. All the upside down trash can and the rubbish that seems to the work of dogs are actually the result of the boar's mischief.  

And today, early this evening i saw it all. I saw how a family of boars picknicking in a non-sealed trash can. throwing the rubbish everywhere. Making the place like their own restaurant. As evidenced above, this is a family of boars. The father and mother with their young. 3....4 little piglets? The parents are teaching their younglings about the best food in town...he..he...

As i caught this picture in front of my house, i just couldn't believe these boars seems had no hint of fear againts the humans. Wish i had a gun and shot them all...(how mean am i?)

P/s : The piglets seems cute with streaks of brownish fur...heh!

CSR...

Corporate Social Responsibility...

I've been involved in my company's CSR activities since my first year working. The decision was influenced by my chindian friend. He brought me to the program at this particular school just to gain my interest. Since then i've been hooked to the program.

It wasn't that difficult to convince me to stay on with the activities. Ever since i was at school, i always like to be involved in extra curricular activities... club, societies, organising committies and so on. You can say that i am one of those students who like a bit of power and attention.

Listing down all the things i do at school you'll get the picture. At my secondary school, i was the school's prefect, the head librarian, the hostel's prefect, the english room committee, club treasurer, committees of several programs and etc. Actually i wasn't that popular and i wasn't trying to be popular. Just that i was trusted and given all those positions by my teachers and peers. Am i a teacher's pet? No...a BIG NO...

At U, i'd joined a club under the counselling department. In the club, i learn about how to be a facilitator. It's a step by step program from being an ordinary members...to an co-faci then to a full fledged faci. I'd also been elected as the head faci for the club. We had organised lots of motivational programs outside the U and also been invited to held programs in schools and communities. I gained lot of experiences with the club. How to deal with different people with different mannerism. How to control situation from escalating. How to hold and coordinate programs. How to deal with authorities. It really helps me in my degree. To those uninitiated, i got a degree in psychology.

I learn about mentoring in another club at U. In this club, i learn something new. I learn about the importance of guidance in our life. Learning about how we could be significant in other people's life even when we don't really realise it. I learn how to be a role model. Learn to be optimistic in life. Learning to take something as it is, trying not to judge that much. Learning to take life positively. I was active in both clubs. So much that every weekends, there would be some kind of activity for me.  I'd juggled the activities between the clubs so that there would not clashed. I learn to schedule my time.

These 2 clubs are not the only curricular activities i joined. There are othe societies also. The Psychology Students Society among others. All this doesn't mean that i don't have social life. I do enjoy outings with my friends.

Anyways, this posting is about CSR. So, as i said it wasn't difficult to gain my interest. Since i started to work, i've been loooking for something to fill my weekends. I don't really like to stay in my room or to be a couch potato at weekends. I also don't want to just go to the movies or karaoke'ing each weekend. Thus, the CSR program became my extra curricular thing. From just coming to the program, i became a fici and quickly became a head faci. My kids are facing UPSR this year. I've been with them since they're in year 4. I am nervous. I hope they do well eventhough academic achievement is not the aim of the CSR program.

This CSR program is not just filling my weekends. I love my kids. i really think they had learn a thing or 2 with the program. I really enjoy the time i spent with them no matter how exhausting it may be...

P/s : Good luck in UPSR, do your best! 

Kita minum dulu...

Di dalam sebuah kelas falsafah, seorang profesor berdiri di hadapan dewan kuliah, meja di hadapannya terdapat beberapa barangan. Tanpa sepatah perkataan, kelas bermula dengan beliau mengambil sebuah balang mayonis yang besar dan mengisinya dengan bola golf.

Dia kemudian bertanya kepada para pelajarnya, adakah balang tersebut penuh, dan pelajarnya menjawab "Ya!". Profesor kemudian mengambil sekotak batu kerikil halus dan menuangkannya ke dalam balang yang telah dipenuhi bola golf tadi, lantas menggoncang balang tersebut dengan lembut. Bebatu kerikil mengisi ruangan kosong di antara bola-bola golf. Sekali lagi dia bertanya akan pelajarnya sama ada balang tersebut telah penuh, pelajarnya lantas menjawab "Ya..."

Tanpa menjelaskan apa-apa kepada pelajarnya, profesor tersebut lantas mengambil pula sebuah kotak yang berisi pasir dan menuangkannya ke dalam balang tersebut. Pasir yang dituang mengisi ruangan di antara batu kelikir dan bola golf. Seperti tadi dia bertanya lagi kepada para pelajarnya sama ada balang tersebut telah penuh. Dalam keadaan yang penuh persoalan, rata-rata pelajarnya menjawab "Ya.."

Sejurus selepas itu, profesor itu kemudiannya mengeluarkan dua cawan kopi  dari bawah mejanya dan menuangkan kedua-duanya ke dalam balang yang telah sedia ada diisi batu golf, batu kerikil dan pasir tersebut. Air kopi mengisi ruangan yang terdapat di antara pasir. Para pelajar mula ketawa dan tersenyum meihat tindakan profesor tersebut.

"Sekarang..." profesor mula bersuara apabila riuh rendah dan gelak ketawa pelajarnya berkurangan. "Saya mahu anda semua menganggap balang ini sebagai kehidupan anda...Bola-bola golf mewakili perkara penting - Tuhan, keluarga anda, anak-anak, kesihatan anda, kawan-kawan dan semangat anda - Jika anda kehilangan segalanya dan hanya perkara penting ini yang masih anda ada, hidup anda masih penuh. Batu kerikil halus ini pula mewakili perkara-perkara lain seperti kerja anda, rumah atau kereta anda, manakala pasir pula mewakili perkara-perkara lain, yakni perkara-perkara kecil."

"Jika anda memasukkan pasir ke dalam balang dahulu...anda tidak akan mempunyai ruang untuk batu kerikil dan bola golf. Ini sama juga seperti kehidupan anda. Jika anda menghabiskan masa dan tenaga untuk  perkara-perkara kecil, anda tidak akan mempunyai ruang untuk perkara yang sebenarnya lebih penting untuk diri anda." 

"Ambil perhatian untuk perkara yang kritikal untuk kebahagiaan anda.Luangkan masa gembira untuk anak-anak. Sentiasa melakukan pemeriksaan kesihatan, bawa pasangan anda untuk makan malam, yang pasti, anda akan masih ada masa untuk membersihkan rumah atau urusan lain. Sila ambil berat akan bola golf dahulu - iaitu perkara yang benar-benar penting. Tetapkan keutamaan. Perkara lain cumalah pasir..."

Salah seorang pelajarnya mengangkat tangan dan bertanya apakah pula yang diwakili oleh air kopi. Profesor tersebut tersenyum. "Saya gembira ada yang bertanya. Ianya  menunjukkan bahawa tidak kira bagaimana penuh pun kehidupan anda, akan sentiasa ada ruang untuk secawan dua kopi bersama rakan-rakan..."

P/s : Renungan untuk semua. Apabila kehidupan kita seakan terlalu penuh dan tampak sukar untuk diuruskan, apabila 24 jam sehari seperti tidak mencukupi, ingatlah kisah 2 cawan kopi ini...

How to be productive at work...

Getting started

Start with understanding and doing your assigned task. Remember, taking the first step is always difficult, but if you do not take that one step you can never achieve your goals. Don't get worried with the task assigned, if it is new to you.   Ask required questions to better understand assigned task. Once you get started, everything will come in easy.

Stay Healthy

Bad health can also be a possible reason for being unproductive. Before you go to work; take your breakfast, rest well and research about your duties.

Make an appointment with yourself

Give yourself at least 30 minutes during the day. This will enable you to concentrate and focus your attention on the matters at hand. Give yourself time to think and concentrate as you tackle your job and projects. These uninterrupted 30 minutes will give fruitful results in the long run.

Utilize your prime time

We all have a specific time of the day when we have lots of vigor and zest and a greater ability to think and concentrate. Work out when you have your high energy levels and tackle your most important work at that time. Try to arrange meetings, appointments and other activities at another time of the day.

Avoid unplanned meetings

Spontaneous meetings are real interrupters as well as huge time-wasters and productivity destroyers. They break your concentration, disturb your thought process while undermine your momentum. The next time someone comes into your office or sits by your desk and start making him/herself comfortable, say that you are in the middle of an important project. Then ask if you could get together at a mutually convenient time later in the day or week. This is called a polite excuse.

Schedule your meetings with staff and colleagues

In most offices, time is wasted when people get up from their desks to ask their colleagues a question. Fix a specific time to meet colleagues for queries. Best is the time slot which does not fall in the peak hours of work.

Take breaks

It is a fact that taking breaks periodically during the day relax your body and nerves and refreshes you for the tasks ahead. Ensure that you take small breaks all day. It could be a walk to the water cooler from your office/room or a visit to the photocopy machine/fax/ printer.

Planning required

Establish a routine of listing your daily and weekly tasks. This will allow you to have your most productive week all the time. Start your day an extra 15 minutes early to do this planning every day. Write down the top 3 important things you must do that day. Plan your upcoming week on Sunday evening.

Drop unimportant tasks

Delete the non-essential items from your to-do list. The best way to do this is to prioritize and complete your most important things first.

Enjoy your time at work

Being productive and competitive in official business doesn't mean that you have to be serious all the time. Smiling doesn't mean you're not working hard. Be enthusiastic as well as competitive. Stay positive, that way you can face and win challenges better.

Be a Team Player

Don't be afraid to collaborate with others. Don't wait for your boss to tell you what to do.

Learn from criticism

Be a sport and never immediately reject critiques from others, even if you do not like or respect them. Sometimes people you do not like may be giving you more honest feedback than you can get from others.

Acclimatize

Adapting is in the nature of living beings. Those who do not adapt, become extinct.

Upgrade your learning

Always be on the lookout for opportunities to learn and improve your skills. Look for good seminars and training.

p/s: Lots of tips here, some i just can't do yet. It takes time...

Swamped...

I try not to complain...

It has been a whirlwind since my transfer here. We were reminded that our learning curve would be steep. We need to learn the work fast and do it efficiently in a short amount of time. It's like learning to swim when you don't know how to float.

Well, the seniors are helping but at times i felt embarrased to ask for their advice as i felt that i asked questions too often. I'm sure after a while, they too felt fed-up when often than not i would stop them in the middle of the own work to query about something.

With users starting to call requesting me to speed up the process, i do felt overwhelmed. I tried to play it down by saying nothing much and wearing a brave face. Deep inside, i was worried that i might messed up. Me messing up would really affect the daily operations of the oil and gas subsidiaries.

I have to be courageous to face all the demands of my work. I need to make myself efficient in order to excel in doing my job. I must be organised to juggle all the things i need to do.

Oh God, please help me by giving me strength to do this job...

Note :  I didn't even have the time to take out my things from the boxes and arrange them at my cubicle. Need to side time for it!

Your Song...

It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world

- Elton John

p/s : This song was one of the song i loved in Moulin Rouge cover version by Ewan McGreagor. With all the theatrical elements plus the opera parts in the movie. It seems fit!

Planet of the Apes

Watch a movie last week...

About a man and his chimp. The chimp grows older and bigger. The chimp became intelligent. But shit happens. The chimp end up in a lousy sanctuary. The chimp then became a leader and led all the monkeys to revolt. In the end, it is monkeys versus man. And man is so stupid to let the monkeys win. Is there logic to the story? Obviously not. Anyways, it is a fiction. Anything goes.

Well, there is some moments in the movie that shows the humanity side of the relationship between man and ape. Apes is animals after all. Whatever attachments, betrayal they felt...it'll be felt to the extreme. They can't reason, they can't think rationally. The reality of man's relationship with animals was really potrayed here.

So, was it a good movie? So-so... 

A tease...

People say you'll get married soon when you are transferred there...

Really ah? It had only been 2 weeks. The theory had yet to be tested or witnessed by yours truly. But the teasing had begun. I am single. Not searching for anyone just yet. Financially, not yet stable. Money got thrown everywhere. Just learning to save. Unlike my friends, i haven't bought any property, cars or anything except for my laptop and a couple of household stuff..he..he...

My friends teased me a few times here. Today, right after we break our fast at Burger King, they teased me again. I was redfaced. Matching me with some other young new executives here. Emphasis on the young,ok? I am getting older. Going 30 next year. I am old and still had no one! I believe in fate. I believe God had a plan for me. But yet people say you have to search for your soulmate. Might be true, but i am not searching right now. My sisters need to get married first. Then i'll search for one.

But really...