Sunday, November 20, 2005
♥ Kiasu or Not Kiasu?
When we talk about Singapore, the first thing that comes to mind is the word -'kiasu'. I can't really recall if I know the exact meaning of the word. But one thing for sure, it is really famous in Singapore.
The other thing that would click in my mind about Singaporeis the contoversy of Pulau Batu Putih and the water agreement with the Malaysian Government.
Before Hari Raya, my boss called me into her office one day. Hearing her caliing me sent shivers down my back. The pitch of her voice was the highest note that she could reach and in my mind, I was asking myself what did I do wrong this time.
I walked in slowly and she just sat at her desk with a smile. She told me to go to Singapore for an exhibition. Fuh... what a relief. But at that instant, I got worried again about the expenses. With Raya Celebration, and Singapore and then Langkawi for another outstation duty, I was eally getting dizzy. I knew that I had to save as much for the unexpected trip to Singapore.
So, here I am in Changi Airport today as my flight to KL has been delayed half an hour. I thought Air Asia flights only have delays, but I guess MAS also have their delays as well.
I arrived in Singapore on Friday evening. The airport is still much the same as any airport. But I still feel that KLIA is the best. I checked in at the Swissótel Merchant Court. The view from the airport to the city made me gape in awe. The buildings and skyscrapers stood tall in modern architecture really made me feel small and somewhat tiny.
The shopping malls were decorated with Christmas decorations. And Christmas songs were being played here and there. There were also some new buildings under construction in the city.
I finished my duty by Saturday evening. So, after finishing my work, I went out with the others to Arab Street to get Muslim food. It's quite hard to find Muslim food in the heart of the city. We had dinner and the price (in Singapore Dollars) were quite reasonable. When it comes to foreign countries, don't try to convert each cent spent to Malaysian ringgit. If you do, you'll never spend a cent!
The other delegates (all the others are academicians and professors, so they don't have much problem when spending - unlike me), prefer to take taxis. But I'd prefer to explore new places. But the problem is that they won't let me go alone! Actually they have children my age, so they really feel that they are responsible to take care of me. How lucky right? :-).
Anyway, I did get to explore Singapore using the MRT this morning. At first, my 'roommate' planned to go to Sentosa Island. But after having time to think, I said that I'd have to pass becauseI was afraid of rushing back to check out and rushing to the airport. I am flying back alone today since they (the others) will stay back and return tomorrow due to a discussion with 2 universities here.
Well, I guess my plans were more tempting then visiting Sentosa Island because my 'roommate' agreed to go along with me. We took the MRT to Little India and walked about 3 blocks to Mustaffa Centre (a place lik Mydin in Malaysia but more organized and the things on display are all branded).
It was like a shopping heaven for us, but I knew that I had to think twice before buying anything. My 'roommate' bought a fixed line Sanyo cordless phone and chocolates while I only got myself a tube of Hãagen Dazs (the smallest tube), a bottle of mineral water and Kinder Bueno. I was craving on sweet things but I didn't even finish half of the tube of Hãagen Dazs nor opened the Kinder Bueno. Maybe I'd give the Kinder Bueno to my cousins back home.
We stopped for lunch but we only had juices and a bit of ice-cream. We went back to the hotel just in time for me to pack my things and check-out. And now, here I am at the Changi Airport writing my experience in my note book to be rewritten (retyped) in my blog.
Oh... by the way, I got myself a book - In Her Shoes, (I know the film is out and I have watched it, but I wanted to read the original story in writting) and a gift for my mom and chocolates for my colleagues. Things are sooo expensive here, so I just got them goodies (actually because I wanted to finish up my Singapore Dollars).
The plane from KL just landed and I am in the departure hall waiting to board the plane. I was stopped at the entrance of the departure hall because I was carrying manicure scissors in my handbag which I think was unnecessary (I will blog about this some other time).
So, Bon Voyage Singapore and Malaysia, I am back!
The other thing that would click in my mind about Singaporeis the contoversy of Pulau Batu Putih and the water agreement with the Malaysian Government.
Before Hari Raya, my boss called me into her office one day. Hearing her caliing me sent shivers down my back. The pitch of her voice was the highest note that she could reach and in my mind, I was asking myself what did I do wrong this time.
I walked in slowly and she just sat at her desk with a smile. She told me to go to Singapore for an exhibition. Fuh... what a relief. But at that instant, I got worried again about the expenses. With Raya Celebration, and Singapore and then Langkawi for another outstation duty, I was eally getting dizzy. I knew that I had to save as much for the unexpected trip to Singapore.
So, here I am in Changi Airport today as my flight to KL has been delayed half an hour. I thought Air Asia flights only have delays, but I guess MAS also have their delays as well.
I arrived in Singapore on Friday evening. The airport is still much the same as any airport. But I still feel that KLIA is the best. I checked in at the Swissótel Merchant Court. The view from the airport to the city made me gape in awe. The buildings and skyscrapers stood tall in modern architecture really made me feel small and somewhat tiny.
The shopping malls were decorated with Christmas decorations. And Christmas songs were being played here and there. There were also some new buildings under construction in the city.
I finished my duty by Saturday evening. So, after finishing my work, I went out with the others to Arab Street to get Muslim food. It's quite hard to find Muslim food in the heart of the city. We had dinner and the price (in Singapore Dollars) were quite reasonable. When it comes to foreign countries, don't try to convert each cent spent to Malaysian ringgit. If you do, you'll never spend a cent!
The other delegates (all the others are academicians and professors, so they don't have much problem when spending - unlike me), prefer to take taxis. But I'd prefer to explore new places. But the problem is that they won't let me go alone! Actually they have children my age, so they really feel that they are responsible to take care of me. How lucky right? :-).
Anyway, I did get to explore Singapore using the MRT this morning. At first, my 'roommate' planned to go to Sentosa Island. But after having time to think, I said that I'd have to pass becauseI was afraid of rushing back to check out and rushing to the airport. I am flying back alone today since they (the others) will stay back and return tomorrow due to a discussion with 2 universities here.
Well, I guess my plans were more tempting then visiting Sentosa Island because my 'roommate' agreed to go along with me. We took the MRT to Little India and walked about 3 blocks to Mustaffa Centre (a place lik Mydin in Malaysia but more organized and the things on display are all branded).
It was like a shopping heaven for us, but I knew that I had to think twice before buying anything. My 'roommate' bought a fixed line Sanyo cordless phone and chocolates while I only got myself a tube of Hãagen Dazs (the smallest tube), a bottle of mineral water and Kinder Bueno. I was craving on sweet things but I didn't even finish half of the tube of Hãagen Dazs nor opened the Kinder Bueno. Maybe I'd give the Kinder Bueno to my cousins back home.
We stopped for lunch but we only had juices and a bit of ice-cream. We went back to the hotel just in time for me to pack my things and check-out. And now, here I am at the Changi Airport writing my experience in my note book to be rewritten (retyped) in my blog.
Oh... by the way, I got myself a book - In Her Shoes, (I know the film is out and I have watched it, but I wanted to read the original story in writting) and a gift for my mom and chocolates for my colleagues. Things are sooo expensive here, so I just got them goodies (actually because I wanted to finish up my Singapore Dollars).
The plane from KL just landed and I am in the departure hall waiting to board the plane. I was stopped at the entrance of the departure hall because I was carrying manicure scissors in my handbag which I think was unnecessary (I will blog about this some other time).
So, Bon Voyage Singapore and Malaysia, I am back!
Am i really never good enough for you?
8:40 PM
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8:40 PM
0 commented
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
♥ One year older, one year wiser
Some people say that when you get older, you tend to get wiser. Maybe it is true because you tend to get more matured after some hands-on experience in life. The best way to learn is from experiencing.
I remember the first time being independent. After all these years, when I look back to my 'history' I found out that I was a bit 'dependant' on others. I mean, even making a phone call to ask information, I would hesitate and ask others to do it for me. I would just make excuses and ask other people around me to make the calls.
I don't know why I was like that. At times, going to restrooms in my schooldays, I would ask friends to accompany me. I would be terrified if I had to go alone. Even when a teacher asks me to meet them in their offices, I would ask a friend to accompany me.
But those were the days. I was even like that in school and I was staying 'away' from my parents (it was a semi-boarding school and I got the chance to live in a hostel). I thought that it was because I was in the lower secondary and was adjusting to be independant.
As I grew up and got a better offer to pursue my upper secondary in a MRSM, I thought that the scenery would change. It did - but only a small part. I still needed friends by my side no matter what. I could not 'survive' on my own.
As years past, and I finished my secondary school, I started to 'detach' myself from my friends. In my university years, I would still cling on to them from time to time, but I tried to survive on my own as semesters changed.
I was surprised the first time I started to be fully independent. The feeling of freedom and being totally independent was overwhelming. I never thought that I would 'feel' that way. From that day onwards, I would totally feel confident and independent even being alone.
But at times, I still miss the clingy person I used to be. I still miss my friends no matter where they are now. I just miss hanging out with them and being pampered by them. They would do almost everything for me or accompany me anywhere because they knew that I could not survive on my own.
And today, I am a year older and maybe a year wiser (I hope so). I have learnt that the best teacher in life is experiencing what life has to offer. The sweetness, bitterness, sadness, joy and success and everything in life would be the best 'teacher' to change a person to be wiser.
I remember the first time being independent. After all these years, when I look back to my 'history' I found out that I was a bit 'dependant' on others. I mean, even making a phone call to ask information, I would hesitate and ask others to do it for me. I would just make excuses and ask other people around me to make the calls.
I don't know why I was like that. At times, going to restrooms in my schooldays, I would ask friends to accompany me. I would be terrified if I had to go alone. Even when a teacher asks me to meet them in their offices, I would ask a friend to accompany me.
But those were the days. I was even like that in school and I was staying 'away' from my parents (it was a semi-boarding school and I got the chance to live in a hostel). I thought that it was because I was in the lower secondary and was adjusting to be independant.
As I grew up and got a better offer to pursue my upper secondary in a MRSM, I thought that the scenery would change. It did - but only a small part. I still needed friends by my side no matter what. I could not 'survive' on my own.
As years past, and I finished my secondary school, I started to 'detach' myself from my friends. In my university years, I would still cling on to them from time to time, but I tried to survive on my own as semesters changed.
I was surprised the first time I started to be fully independent. The feeling of freedom and being totally independent was overwhelming. I never thought that I would 'feel' that way. From that day onwards, I would totally feel confident and independent even being alone.
But at times, I still miss the clingy person I used to be. I still miss my friends no matter where they are now. I just miss hanging out with them and being pampered by them. They would do almost everything for me or accompany me anywhere because they knew that I could not survive on my own.
And today, I am a year older and maybe a year wiser (I hope so). I have learnt that the best teacher in life is experiencing what life has to offer. The sweetness, bitterness, sadness, joy and success and everything in life would be the best 'teacher' to change a person to be wiser.
Am i really never good enough for you?
11:06 AM
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11:06 AM
0 commented
Saturday, November 05, 2005
♥ Another birthday celebration
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to Khai
Happy birthday to you....
We are still in Raya mood. What do I expect, it has only been 3 days in the month of Syawal. Of course people are still in the festive mood.
This year, I just feel like it is an ordinary day. But the best thing is that my house is clean and tidy due to the 'spring clean' we have every year before celebrating the first day of Syawal.
Today is another special day for a special guy. I consider him as another sibling that I have. He is celebrating his 26th birthday today. I know that I usually write wishes at the early minutes of the day, but due to my lack of memory caused by rendang, lemang, ketupat and kuah kacang, I just remembered that today is Khai's birthday at 11 am on the way to Alamanda Putrajaya to get my mother's usual cravings - Rotiboy (and today I did not lose the ticket since my dad drove us there.. he..he..)
As I remembered that today was the fifth of November (which was after checking the calender on my handphone), I smsed Khai to wish him happy birthday. I did not expect to receive any replies from him since it has been quite sometime since he replied my smses, but I just told myself that I wanted to wish him happy birthday no matter what.
I started to 'write' letters to him since his early days in AF and I tried my best to write to him every week even though I knew that chances for him to reply a thank you note would be very slim. I then set up a yahoogroups for Khai (at that time I was exteremely a fanatic fan of him and I am still a fan of Khai but not as fanatic as those days) and I met wonderful people and new friends there. One day, my dream came true. I just wanted to say hi and speak with Khai. And I did get my wishes from a great brother - Abg Badrul.
I got the chance to meet Khai in several occasions and the first time was New Years Day in 2004 at KLIA. I was just grinning from ear to ear after meeting him for the first time.
Khai, I wish you all the best in your career and may this year be filled with joy, success and happiness for you. Happy birthday my lovely 'brother'.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to Khai
Happy birthday to you....
We are still in Raya mood. What do I expect, it has only been 3 days in the month of Syawal. Of course people are still in the festive mood.
This year, I just feel like it is an ordinary day. But the best thing is that my house is clean and tidy due to the 'spring clean' we have every year before celebrating the first day of Syawal.
Today is another special day for a special guy. I consider him as another sibling that I have. He is celebrating his 26th birthday today. I know that I usually write wishes at the early minutes of the day, but due to my lack of memory caused by rendang, lemang, ketupat and kuah kacang, I just remembered that today is Khai's birthday at 11 am on the way to Alamanda Putrajaya to get my mother's usual cravings - Rotiboy (and today I did not lose the ticket since my dad drove us there.. he..he..)
As I remembered that today was the fifth of November (which was after checking the calender on my handphone), I smsed Khai to wish him happy birthday. I did not expect to receive any replies from him since it has been quite sometime since he replied my smses, but I just told myself that I wanted to wish him happy birthday no matter what.
I started to 'write' letters to him since his early days in AF and I tried my best to write to him every week even though I knew that chances for him to reply a thank you note would be very slim. I then set up a yahoogroups for Khai (at that time I was exteremely a fanatic fan of him and I am still a fan of Khai but not as fanatic as those days) and I met wonderful people and new friends there. One day, my dream came true. I just wanted to say hi and speak with Khai. And I did get my wishes from a great brother - Abg Badrul.
I got the chance to meet Khai in several occasions and the first time was New Years Day in 2004 at KLIA. I was just grinning from ear to ear after meeting him for the first time.
Khai, I wish you all the best in your career and may this year be filled with joy, success and happiness for you. Happy birthday my lovely 'brother'.
Am i really never good enough for you?
4:26 PM
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4:26 PM
0 commented
Thursday, November 03, 2005
♥ Double Celebration
'Dengan titah perintah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, setelah diperkenankan olej Majlis Raja-raja, maka, saya mengisytiharkan tarikh Hari Raya Puasa bagi....' With that announcement made, it is officially declared that Aidilfitri will be celebrated today starting 12.00 am.
Along with the Raya celebration today, I am wishing a 'virtual' friend I've known for quite sometime but have not met with face to face - Happy birthday.
We got to know each other from bloghopping. At that time, I did not have any intention to have my own blog. I was still into the old fashion of writing - in my diary. Our friendship started to bloom and it went on till we started to exchange numbers. Still, we had not by any chance to meet face to face.
When Mencari Cinta started and I wrote a bit about it in my blog, we started to share our so-called-favourite contestant. And I would sms her if I could not catch the episode that was aired for that week. From sms, we called (actually she would call me) and talk about the show and the disappointment we have about it.
I know her favourite candidate is Danial. Oh by the way, Emy, Danial looks a lot like my ex (if he puts on weight - which he already has). But words have it that he's engaged and getting married next year. Anyway, he just so happened to look like Danial but in terms of personality, they are two worlds apart (according to what the TV shows).
Anyway, Emy, just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. May your day today and onwards be filled with joy, happiness and success. It is an honour to have a friend like you and I hope that one day we can meet up. Thank you once again for letting me know that I have a shoulder to cry on.
And the rest, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir Batin.
Along with the Raya celebration today, I am wishing a 'virtual' friend I've known for quite sometime but have not met with face to face - Happy birthday.
We got to know each other from bloghopping. At that time, I did not have any intention to have my own blog. I was still into the old fashion of writing - in my diary. Our friendship started to bloom and it went on till we started to exchange numbers. Still, we had not by any chance to meet face to face.
When Mencari Cinta started and I wrote a bit about it in my blog, we started to share our so-called-favourite contestant. And I would sms her if I could not catch the episode that was aired for that week. From sms, we called (actually she would call me) and talk about the show and the disappointment we have about it.
I know her favourite candidate is Danial. Oh by the way, Emy, Danial looks a lot like my ex (if he puts on weight - which he already has). But words have it that he's engaged and getting married next year. Anyway, he just so happened to look like Danial but in terms of personality, they are two worlds apart (according to what the TV shows).
Anyway, Emy, just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. May your day today and onwards be filled with joy, happiness and success. It is an honour to have a friend like you and I hope that one day we can meet up. Thank you once again for letting me know that I have a shoulder to cry on.
And the rest, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir Batin.
Am i really never good enough for you?
12:01 AM
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12:01 AM
0 commented