Santa Claus is coming to town.. December 25, 2007

Christmas is just going to be over soon. This merry occasion is for all our Christians fellows to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is the time where they go to church for mass and it is an occasion where kids are the most happy. It is the occasion of giving. Kids gets very excited and waiting anxiously for Christmas morning to open their presents. For adults will be more for family and friends gatherings with Turkey (Real wonder why people have turkey for Christmas.. what is the symbolization?), log cake and many more goodies on the dinner table.

This is the occasion where people do gift exchange and as this tradition continues, now it has become a common practice for everyone. Shops has been using this as a mode of exploitation during this festive seasons. Now, even non-christians also celebrate this day, using this as an excuse as a get-together for friends and relatives

Nevertheless, our departments and my other friends did as well.. Every year we will buy presents for gift exchange, just a little token or momentos either you able to get some good useful ones, some playful ones, some meaningless ones.. The picture below are all my current christmas gifts that I had received for this year.

One of the gift that I had was from a colleague, the thoughfulness of her really touching. A month before, she took down our order on what type of tree that we would like to have: crystal, mandarin orange or money tree. I opted for crystal one.  She did up a tree made of rose quartz (for love relationship since I am still single) with some gold leaves and silver beads and sits on a ceremic pot. It is really nice and thoughful of her to do that for all of us (different individual trees, of course!).

Some presents we receive, we don’t really able to use it. But it is the thought that counts… My aunt has been telling me… you should recycle some of these presents… then next year I don’t need to buy so many presents anymore. Yes, that is the practical side of it but sometimes, if you think that they buy the things with you in mind, it is not nice for us to just re-wrap it and give it to someone else… Unless you have someone that you are not close to but need to buy something for the person, then probably the practical side will kick in.. hmm?

So unexpected… December 22, 2007

Life is such a fragile thing that exist in this world. It changes by the second either to positive or negative. Some people thinks that life is a gamble, some seems to think that life is their playground.. living for the fun of it.. Many people has a different defination of life..

It’s quite an irony when I think about my surrounding friends and colleagues this couple of weeks. Before I went up to Malaysia last weekend, I found out that one of my colleague who is married for 08 years is getting a divorce and I am going all the way up north to witness the union of 02 in-love individuals who are going to merge their life into one. What is a marriage then? Is it just a ceremony where people get together, give their best wishes and have a party? Or is it a promise given by both parties to cherish, love and be faithful to each other?

According to wikipedia, ” Marriage or wedlock is an interpersonal relationship (usually intimate and sexual) with governmental, social, or religious recognition. It is either created as a contract, or through civil processes. Civil marriage is the legal concept of marriage as a governmental institution.” From this phase, it sounded so formal and so impersonal.

To me, I think marriage is where 02 people comes together when they love each other, respect each other (and probably able to tolerate each other? but that sounds like a miserable life ahead). To come to live together, coming from different upbringing, habits, it goes without saying compromises – give and take - comes into play most of the time and yes probably a slight degree of tolerence are required. But just based on compromises and tolerence to sustain the marriage, I don’t think it will last long.

Why people get married? For companionship? hmm.. but you can get companionship from friends, colleagues or family members.. To continue their family line?..possibility.. Many people wish to have the ideal reason why to get married is for 02 persons deeply in love with each other and would like to be together every moment of their life.. wah.. like in a fairy tale movie where people stay happily ever after.. But recent studies.. it doesn’t be the case anymore. Not many marriages last now, of course! we do have some, who are lucky enough or maybe.. lucky is not the correct word.. fortunate enough to find their MR/MS Right and really be able to stay happily ever after… That’s everyone’s dream.. But does it materialize.. that’s another matter.

Even though the couple may start the correct path, maybe after a few years, feelings dries off, resentment kicks in with the commitment of a house / children to boot, they get tired of each other, that’s where the problem starts. Is either they break away from each other in mutual understanding or either one goes astray (having affairs)..

Being together is not an easy task, it takes great effort from both parties to remain happy with each other company, to re-live their “dating relationship” once a while, spice up their marriage and to refresh their love for each other to make it more exciting so that both parties won’t be bored with each other. Once boredom kicks in, problem starts.

Of course all these are just in my opinions since these topics are very subjective with each of us with different opinions. But what I think before a couple decides to get married, do ask themselves why are they getting married? Is it because they really cannot live without each other or getting married for other reasons likehouses (which is a very common reason why Singaporeans to get married)? That’s for us to think about.. hmm…

Seem so far away land.. December 20, 2007

Many thinks that Malaysia is very near.. It is just next to Singapore. But what we never seem to understand that Malaysia consist of 13 states .. or rather 14 states to include KL.

Last weekend, I have the privileges of being invited to attend one of my old secondary schoolmate’s wedding and it was being held in the capital city of Kedah (North of Peninsular Malaysia) called Alor Setar. We took a bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur on Friday evening which takes about 5 hours  ride.

Never we expected that our journey up from KL – Alor Setar – KL take about 6 hours per way and more as we stop in Ipoh for lunch. However we get to catch up with my other friend whom I had not not been in touch with, since we were in Secondary Three, when we were only 15 years old, we are also get to eat a lot of nice food at Ipoh: salted chicken, hor fun, curry noodles and not forgeting the “ta hu huay”.. yum..yum…

This trip was very good as the journey up is like a makan trip.. stop and eat… eventhough I wasn’t feeling well at the beginning as just recovered from my flu.

 My friend’s wedding was an eye opener for us as their sequence of the wedding is slightly different even the wedding dinner. Occasionally, we get to see a few glimpses of football matches from the video during the dinner, no alcohol as the wedding venue was a converted function hall from a temple but they have an interesting ice cream for dessert! Its all in cubes and they have: melon, durian (which taste of salt), mango, jackfruit, red bean and corn flavor.

Before proceeding back to my hometown in Johor, we decided to take a ride at the Eye of Malaysia in KL as we heard that they are taking it down end of this year with the possibility of extending for another year. It is not as high as we thought but it was very colorful as it changes colors and obviously we took a lot of photos there and might even appear as a back drop for other people as well!

When I got home to my hometown in Batu Pahat, I get to eat my mum’s long missed home cook food and some of the local food that I had missed. Everytime I go back, there will be no moments that I am hungry as there are so many delicious food to eat! yummy.. So my new year resolution for 2008 is ….. to go back more often then can eat more!

Flu Bug.. December 13, 2007

The weather recently has been wet and gloomy. Has been raining for a few days this week and it creates lots of problem for household as clothes are not dry, working people has a hard time getting to work – those taking public transport has to bring a long their umbrella and for those who drives worried bout being caught in the traffic jam.

Well, being someone who hates to bring umbrella are being forced bring as well. But still on some occasion, I just did not bother with it. However, there is a price being paid. I caught the flu bug that always makes its way during rainy seasons. The symptom of the flu – for me started with sore throat, then running nose + slight fever at the same time throat gets itchy which will leads to caugh.. damn.. When this happen, I feel tired all the time! I always wants to sleep but as I am taking leave next week, I can’t afford to take mc this week as need to clear some work first.

Now I am still not feeling well – stumoch feels funny, nose still running, voice changed. Tomorrow I am travelling up to KL where the next day we are due to arrive at Alor Setar to attend one of our school mate’s wedding. So hopefully these will get better by then if not she will have a sniffing and sneezing “sister” in her wedding!  An early reindeer before Christmas!

Big Mistake.. December 9, 2007

Families are the most important people in the world, someone you can depends on, someone that you would like to support you whenever you need it especially that you will be walking into a new ground where most of everything is new. If they unable to support 100% at least we can really do without the freaking icy cold water pouring over me.

Today I made a mistake. I told my mum about the upcoming career change and obviously she is not in the liking of the entire idea. Saying people take up the deal to take advantage of girls, not an easy job.. Obviously.. Money is not so easily earn. To make big bucks, big effort has to be put in. Wanted me to continue with my current job and and do my other job as a part time. Yes I know her intention is to play safe but it is not fair for both sides as I will not be able to fully concentrate on either side.

But after today, I have decided not to tell my mum anything already in future.. if not any ideas or plans, she will just splash cold water over me. I don’t really need her to be behind me 100% but just keep those negative remarks to herself. If can’t support then sssh.. When you are so enthusiastic and looking forward for the career change, the new challenges.. suddenly a bucket of icy cold water suddenly just splash it down on you.. it really bring you down.

But then all the time during our growing up years, she has been always pin pointing at me, always looking down on me, discouraging on all my interest. My diplomas and degrees, was always a sore subject between us. Whenever we bring up the subject a sure disagreement will turn out. She wanted me to go into IT or banking but I did not wish to and I went into Tourism & Hospitality. I was lucky that my dad, brothers and aunts supported me. Thanks to all of them or I will not be in this line.

The new career line can be a little risky but with the upcoming plans for the Integrated Resorts that are coming up in Singapore in a couple of years time, if the new career line does not turn up well, I can always be able to get it back to the industry with the experiences that I have. This is the back up plan I have. I know the risk and I know when I start with the new career, then I will put all effort in making it a successful one and to really prove her wrong! To prove to her I can make it! With me luck and if you guys know anyone looking for place or selling their place (In Singapore, of course!)please let me know..

Gala Dinner December 8, 2007

Last night we got the privilege in attending a gala dinner at Shangri-la Hotel in Orchard Road. The dinner is being hosted by STB (Singapore Tourism Board) with the theme of ”Enchanted”. The ball was opened for all industries partners and other hoteliers, which conprise of Travel Agents, Hotel, Car Rental, Airlines and any companies that relates to Travel and Hospitality.  

Even though the event falls on the night on the weekdays, however you can see many people take the time to doll up for the occasion. Women in their evening dresses while mens in their suits or tux. It is an event you see all the diamonds sparkling from most women’s neck, ears, fingers and arms (Makes it feels like many sparkling christmas trees walking around). Some women even took the trouble in going to salons to set their hair for the dinner.

For someone who couldn’t bothered with the appearance being asked to attend such event is truly a headache for me. When you don’t feel like attending but was compulsory to go as the company paid about $1000+ for 1 table. The thought of what to wear on that night and trying to finish of our tasks before the event really an ordeal for me. At the end I just wore one of the black dress that I had for sometime but did not have the occasion to wear and just the right occasion for it and just in throw a wrap to go with the dress!

My boss got us a room to freshen up ourselves before the party so had some time to take a quick shower and to refresh our make up. Trying to freshen up after a day of walking around the city. 

It was 4-course western set dinner with appetizer, soup, main and chocolate buffet for desert and ends with coffee and tea.. Their function room is very big with 03 medium size chandelier. It makes the whole room look so grand. This is my first time attanding such a formal dinner and it was quite an experience with the performance where a group of Opera singer from Melbourne, Potpourri, performed several Opera pieces and one of the song is from Phantom Of The Opera but with a touch of humor. There were lucky draws as well as auctions of air tickets and accommodation stays.

I was lucky that I got a price from the lucky draw: Dinner for 2 at one of the hotel. Well, will find a day to bring my aunt for dinner..  My another colleague got a 12″ fan. So wasn’t that bad after all resulted a little of fruits at the end but when the event gradually comes to the end, it was a little dull especially after the performances.

As usual, with the huge crowd, when the event is over, the taxi queue is tremendously long! So I manage to share a cab with 2 other colleagues… whew… a really lucky and memorable experience..

Jingle Bell.. December 3, 2007

” Dashing through the snow.. In a one horse open sleigh .. O’er the fields we go.. Laughing all the way.. Bells on bob tails ring.. Making spirits bright.. What fun it is to laugh and sing… A sleighing song tonight.. Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way ..Oh, what fun it is to ride.. In a one horse open sleigh.. Jingle Bell.. ” – And so the song goes..

The festive season of giving and forgiving is just around the corner, now many people are scattering around buying Christmas gift for their children, family members, relatives, friends and even colleagues..

However for my office we used to have organize a Christmas party at our office where we will invite our other colleagues from the other department. Each of us will bring an item to the office: food, drinks, snacks and etc.. We will also have gift exchange where we draw lots and see who we picked. However, last year we did not manage to follow the trend due to many were not around during the festive seasons. So at the end last year we buy presents for everyone!

Not sure how we going to do it this year round.. No matter whether we buy for everyone or drawing lots, ultimately we will still end up buying for everyone. This is where the headache will comes as it is very hard to buy presents for everyone, the unknown likes and dislikes.. the challenge of it that makes it fun I guess.. but then this is the only time we do it.. or we can take this opportunity to go Shopping!

An Unusual Experience.. December 2, 2007

After a hectic day yesterday, I thought today able to relax a little and pursuaded my aunt to watch a movie with me.. A movie I have wanted to watch …a fairytale movie called “Enchanted”. Then I realized all the years I have been staying with her.. all these years (even before I went to Australia) I have never watch a movie with her in cinema…

 It really shows how much we take our parents and relatives who are closest to us, who cares for us on daily basis for granted. We always thinks that they are always there for us and they are but we never ever treasure them in the way, we should be. Yes I admit at times they are quite annoying with their way of thinking and way of doing things that are so different from us or even some of their remarks on our behaviours or our habits which we find it not so pleasing to our ears..  

Knowing that they are doing these for the goodness for us, but sometimes it just rub us at the wrong way. But when I think harder, they will not be with us forever, they will be gone from us one day in future. which I hope not so soon..When that day comes, I know I will miss them very much.  I just have to take their advise to heart, remarks – some to heart some I just let it go.. understanding them too well..My aunt who is like my 2nd mum.. who look after me since I am young, eventhough she sounded and look fierce at times,  but she is good at heart.

I hope and will try my best not to take them for granted .. call my parents or go home more often and taking care of my aunt who stays with me more.. If I don’t do it now, I might not be able to do so for them in the next 20 or even 5 years! Life is so fragile these days.. It might not be them, but who know I will go before them.. We are never be able to predict our destiny isn’t it?

New Habitat.. December 1, 2007

Humans are such easily adaptable creature, they are able to adapt in whatever environment they are in even in those extreme weather countries… those in desert or those in the north pole.. They find ways to adapt to survive in their environment… Those desert will build desert and cover themselves from sandstorm.. those in the north pole will keep themselves warm and build igloo..

 I believe I will too.. Today I just moved from my relative place to another house with strangers.. But moving to a more centralize and an older estate so it is more convenient for my aunt to go to work but for myself will be slightly further than the usual. But is the matter of getting used to it.

 Never aspect after just 5 years in Singapore since I came back from Australia, I have accummulated so many things. Have thrown some but still have a lot to either bring back to my hometown in Malaysia and some essentials that I need to bring it with me.

This new place has a lot of stairs as they do not have lift to every floor. So we need to climb half a flight up to the lift and from lift to the floor. The house is quite clean which is why I liked this place but the inconveniences when you move in or out as the car park is after 2 blocks away. So if you need to bring things down from the lorry or van, its quite troublesome to travel so far… especially if you are carrying a lot of heavy items or need a few trips.

However today was thankful to my cousin and her hubby to help us to carry if not, god knows how many trips me and my aunt need to take. After bringging all the stuff into our new room, we started to unpack the things and to settle down in this small little cozy new rooms. Well for me, this room works just fine for me.. but my aunt is still grumbling.. not because of the room but the landlords attitude and the other two tenants. Saying not so friendly la.. landlord sides the other tenants because they are their friends.

 To me, we might meet occationally when we bump to each other but as long as you don’t disturb them and vice versa.. It is just fine.. Just minding our own business and end of the month then pay the landlord the rent.. That’s basically about the only time we “socialize” with them. So what is the big deal bout it?hmm….

Well.. we will just see how things goes.. hopefully after 6 months, she is kind of settled here then she won’t think of shifting again.. Keeping my fingers and toes cross now till June.. For now after such a tiring day, I think I will have good night sleep! Yawn…. sleeping in a new environment, new mattress. Maybe with this new environment, means a new beginning.. hmm.. not long I have a new side job as well.. Future is sure looking good…