Well, I believe that by reading the header you guys will have the hint that either (a) I have moved to another department, (b) I got promoted or (c) I found a new job. Jeng Jeng Jeng, any brilliant guesser (If there is there such word) out there?
Hahahahaha yup, I got promoted to a Specialist level effective on 15 November 2009. We were informed on the 16 November 2009 and started training straightaway. A birthday present for myself who, on 3rd November 2009 had turn 30 years old. :( Like they say, age are only numbers and so I will not let it slow me down.
I am still in training with my former SA, I guess I was born to haunt him wakakakaka. He is a nice guy with knowledge. A very soft spoken person and respect for others. But, sorry girls he's taken. He will be getting married in April which I am by the way, very excited and happy for him.
Going through the training for a bit. I have been taught on how to use the systems, the report templates and schedules by which the reports need to be submitted be it on daily basis, weekly basis and monthly basis. I am still searching for the best method for the feedback and coaching which I will be conducting. I do know its not easy especially the part to motivate and boost the staff's confidence and motivation.
Based on the role play I did, I know I talked a lot and I need to probe or "invite" them to talk and convey their part, their frustrations, their feelings etc so that we can work things out together. Dealing with human ain't easy mate...Not that I did not know about it since I have been working with them for ages now (exaggerating bit on that part). Well, new work, new pay will definititely contributes to new challenges right?
All the best to me!!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy 29th Birthday To Me :)
Well, as soon as the event finished we cleared the place to make it back to normal (boring is more like it I say). Then we had dinner before going to Tesco to purchase some things. I managed to take a short break @ :'s place before dragging myself to Cineleisure for a game of bowling with the rest of the ever so energetic kids. I was atually drop dead tired but hey, this is once in a while occasional event with the kids. I shall not miss it for the world! We arrived there at about 11:30 pm but the kids were nowhere to be found. :). the place will closing at 1 am and so the management had offered us 4 lanes instead of 2, to ensure that we are able to finished the games. :) called the kids to informed them of the news but then he mentioned something about the kids changed their mind & chose not to play because the lane issue. Wallawei saja lah kan nak cari pasal ni kan! Dahlah orang penat penat ni tetiba ni tak jadi main plak. Memang nak mengamuk! Then I saw them jovially galloping inside the bowling area. Cheh bebudak ni sajalah pun kan nak bikin gempak.
We had 3 lanes to ourselves, well basically we were the ones left anyways inside the bowling arena. Punyalah bising macam sentiasa strike ajer, padahal terbabas ajer masuk longkang. Then tetiba sunyi sepi ajer terasa. When I turned around I saw Jime&Zaza brought in a cake-my birthday cake!!! Awww so sweeet..... They sang the birthday song & i blow the candle (nope nothing is wrong with my singular-pkural nouns-there's only 1 candle->I love you guys. Save my breath. Our celebration ended at Uptown. Mana lagi kalau bukan di Pirate Steak hehehehehe. Mine is on the house complimented with a bowl of delicious mushroom soup :). Tima kasih Abang Azmi.
It is a lovely birthday celebration for me.
Thank you :)
Thank you Jimi
Thank you Li
Thank you Zaza
Thank you Nina
Thank you Ila
Thank you Jeffri
Thank you so very much!!!
I Love You Guys
We had 3 lanes to ourselves, well basically we were the ones left anyways inside the bowling arena. Punyalah bising macam sentiasa strike ajer, padahal terbabas ajer masuk longkang. Then tetiba sunyi sepi ajer terasa. When I turned around I saw Jime&Zaza brought in a cake-my birthday cake!!! Awww so sweeet..... They sang the birthday song & i blow the candle (nope nothing is wrong with my singular-pkural nouns-there's only 1 candle->I love you guys. Save my breath. Our celebration ended at Uptown. Mana lagi kalau bukan di Pirate Steak hehehehehe. Mine is on the house complimented with a bowl of delicious mushroom soup :). Tima kasih Abang Azmi.
It is a lovely birthday celebration for me.
Thank you :)
Thank you Jimi
Thank you Li
Thank you Zaza
Thank you Nina
Thank you Ila
Thank you Jeffri
Thank you so very much!!!
I Love You Guys
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Dearest Mohd Au
This morning as usual I woke up early. :) sent me to IKEA where I took the free feeder bus to LRT Kelana Jaya. I made a short stop at the CM station where I went to look for a few items for the Halloween Goodie bags for this coming SUnday event at BTC. On the platform, as I was waiting for the train I heard someone calling my name. I turned & voila it AU!!! Its actually AU! To tell you the truth I was actually been thinking about him this whole morning. God knows why, but it may have something to do with my sister's upcoming final exam. WHy? You see my sis is now in form 4 in one of the boarding school that is known to cater for malay students majorly. And she and her few friends were denied from taking the Science In English for the upcoming SPM. Simple reason->the school does not wish to jeopardize their good records of producing without fail the most students with straight A's in the country. So to make things easier they chose to prevent the students for taking the paper. They came up with ridiculous excuses and un-necessary ideas to prevent the students from taking the paper. Such as? Let's see, asking the parents to sign a letter acknowledging that their children wishes to take the subject. And also to sign an acknowledgement letter releasing them from the responsibilities of being blamed should their children did not obtained the passing mark. I was so furious, as I believe every children in the country deserves the right to what they choose to learn in terms of the subjects that have been provided by the Ministry of Education. As her eldest sister I do believe I have more rights to tell my sister what to take for her SPM&what not to take. Well that led me to Mohd Au->why? You see Au eventhough is non-Malay has a flawless command of the language. He is actually now a journalist for one of Malaysia top Malay Newspaper in Malaysia. He helped me to edit the letter that I almost sent to The Star-condemning such action of the school. Lucky for them they at last have allowed the students to take the subject.
Well, we did not have the opportunity to talk much as he is heading to the office having change the train over at the Masjid Jamek station. But as usual we promised will be in touch with each other. Have a nice day Mohd Au.
Well, we did not have the opportunity to talk much as he is heading to the office having change the train over at the Masjid Jamek station. But as usual we promised will be in touch with each other. Have a nice day Mohd Au.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Double Happiness
No no I know it sounds like its a Chinese New Year Phrase. But hey, it won't be CNY at least for another 5 months now hehehehehe. Yesterday was JA 1st Birthday& a Birthday party was held @ The-Location-Which-Must-Not-Be-Mentioned. The party planner was Kak Nina my boss of course&I was part of the team. :) eventually came in after being summoned @3pm hehehehe. Poor thing. Well, anyway. There was this NICI kambing that was being used as a prop inside the Kids tent. The tent was there for the toddlers&baby to play around while older kids went to do their face painting, t-shirt printing&frame decorating. Our beloved Uncle is there as well. I was dumbstruck when the birthday boy mummy (who is by the way very lovely, jovial&bubbly) shook my hand&called me by name. Oh my God this woman actually knows my name. Like what Lorna mentioned earlier-she makes effort to know&will be calling you by your name. An effort made by a famous lady that all Malaysian's envy. Well anyway, those whose knows me very well knows that I am known attached to this kambing Icon especially the one manufactured by NICI. When the party was over, kan Nina-my boss gave the kambing to me. Kak Lorna has previously asked for it for me&Kak Nina gavie it to me. Walalwei I was soooooo the very happy man! So happy indeed that I could not care less what the other drivers thought of seeing me hugging the Kambing on the bike. Hehehehehe
And just when I went to McDonald for Sahur :) told me that Liverpool has beaten Manchester United. Let's do the Kambing dance together. Aha Aha Aha
And just when I went to McDonald for Sahur :) told me that Liverpool has beaten Manchester United. Let's do the Kambing dance together. Aha Aha Aha
Friday, September 12, 2008
New Job New Environment New Challenges
I know I haven't been writing anything at all since I left MMC. I am full of ideas its just that I could not seem to be able to squeeze my time in between
to write anything on the blog.
Poor blog I am sorry if it seems that I have abandoned you. Not my intention at all. I swear!:) Well, where to begin I wonder....How about with my 1st day
in my new place? I was extremely nervous for God knows why. Not that its my 1st job anyway but stillllll. Maybe because I have the mind set with the
challenges that I shall be facing here. Totally different is what I can say. Customer service again->some might say but I take it as challenge. What I
learned from here can be applied to BTC&vice versa. 1st week training was ok->fun actually. My trainer was Mr Haridas. A jovial bubbly fluffy guy who is
able to make learning in the classroom so much fun with him boucing here&there literally!!! 1st week training was focussing more on instilling the company's value&Customer Service.
There are 18 of us altogether in the class Batch of 53. But half of them has started a week earlier. Each&everyone is very "happening" in their own way.
But I must admit that there are 2 people whom I am not easy with. They did nothing wrong its just I am not able to bring myself to hang out or talked to
them. Yeah I know I know its just so bad of me right? 1st there was this 1 Indian guy who was extremely annoying. He likes to interrupt the Trainer in almost
every sentence he spoke. Boy that is sooooo like bloody annoying. Maybe its because I have been brought up in a surrounding where the teachers are to be
given the utmost respect&you will need to seek permission before speaking in order to prevent interruption of the flow of deliverance of knowledged. He is more like an attention seeker,if you know what I mean. He wants to be involved in each&everything there is in the class. He can't seem to stand it if some else got the compliment¬ him. I was waiting patiently in class but I really can not tolerate this behaviour. And so on a very fine day I actually make him as an example of my group's presentation. Well he did tone down a bit, but when a representative of another dept gave me a compliment for my answer->then he goes back to the old habit of his. Well, after that I noticed that almost all of my colleagues just sorta ignored his comment in class. I guess much like pretending he's not there. Cruel->well maybe you can try being in class with him :)
to write anything on the blog.
Poor blog I am sorry if it seems that I have abandoned you. Not my intention at all. I swear!:) Well, where to begin I wonder....How about with my 1st day
in my new place? I was extremely nervous for God knows why. Not that its my 1st job anyway but stillllll. Maybe because I have the mind set with the
challenges that I shall be facing here. Totally different is what I can say. Customer service again->some might say but I take it as challenge. What I
learned from here can be applied to BTC&vice versa. 1st week training was ok->fun actually. My trainer was Mr Haridas. A jovial bubbly fluffy guy who is
able to make learning in the classroom so much fun with him boucing here&there literally!!! 1st week training was focussing more on instilling the company's value&Customer Service.
There are 18 of us altogether in the class Batch of 53. But half of them has started a week earlier. Each&everyone is very "happening" in their own way.
But I must admit that there are 2 people whom I am not easy with. They did nothing wrong its just I am not able to bring myself to hang out or talked to
them. Yeah I know I know its just so bad of me right? 1st there was this 1 Indian guy who was extremely annoying. He likes to interrupt the Trainer in almost
every sentence he spoke. Boy that is sooooo like bloody annoying. Maybe its because I have been brought up in a surrounding where the teachers are to be
given the utmost respect&you will need to seek permission before speaking in order to prevent interruption of the flow of deliverance of knowledged. He is more like an attention seeker,if you know what I mean. He wants to be involved in each&everything there is in the class. He can't seem to stand it if some else got the compliment¬ him. I was waiting patiently in class but I really can not tolerate this behaviour. And so on a very fine day I actually make him as an example of my group's presentation. Well he did tone down a bit, but when a representative of another dept gave me a compliment for my answer->then he goes back to the old habit of his. Well, after that I noticed that almost all of my colleagues just sorta ignored his comment in class. I guess much like pretending he's not there. Cruel->well maybe you can try being in class with him :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Lorna's Last Day!!!Free At Last!!!
Today is; unfortunately; Lorna's last day. Well, I must say its hurrah hurrah for her. The rest of the CDI clan; Me & Jai's hurrah hurrah will only be this Friday morning 20th of June exactly at 1 Am. Then we can shout Merdeka!!! As for Azzam it will be next week. And as for Nawa - I don't really know. He did mentioned some plans of his, but still not sure yet what's the main & final plan. Plus as he still works in MMC I dare not mentioned anything hehehehehe. I choose to remain loyal to my friends, eventhough some of them find it funny & amusing to stab my back. Sheesh. karma, what goes around comes around.
Anyway, Me, Jai & Azzam got called in today by Manager and was asked about our absence yesterday. I told her I already text her informing her about my back ache (apparently it attacks again-sakit giler!!!) - or so I think. She did confirmed that she did not receive my message. "You guys are coming from Damansara, car pooling together, yesterday was a Sunday some more". She put it in such a way as if we are having a conspiracy on not coming to work yesterday. Firmly I said; "We are not having any plans or conspiracy about not coming to work yesterday. I only found out about Jai & Azzam not coming to work only after I called them to informed them that I will not be able to come to work yesterday. But I did not asked them whether have they text you or not". Personally, I don't think its any of my business to ask them anyway. We have been informed about the procedures and so I believed that it is a responsibilityone needs to fulfilled. And thats it. I said it once & I will not repeat myself. I can see that she had already made her decision on her opinions on what happened. From the look of it she already has her opinions (and sticking to it too). As for us, she has already chosen the verdict for us. Guilty. So why bother to go around and telling people that we are not as what we are thought to be? I don't like being the clown at anybody's expenses. So I chose to let time do the talking for me. Easier. Save time. Save energy.
Anyway, Me, Jai & Azzam got called in today by Manager and was asked about our absence yesterday. I told her I already text her informing her about my back ache (apparently it attacks again-sakit giler!!!) - or so I think. She did confirmed that she did not receive my message. "You guys are coming from Damansara, car pooling together, yesterday was a Sunday some more". She put it in such a way as if we are having a conspiracy on not coming to work yesterday. Firmly I said; "We are not having any plans or conspiracy about not coming to work yesterday. I only found out about Jai & Azzam not coming to work only after I called them to informed them that I will not be able to come to work yesterday. But I did not asked them whether have they text you or not". Personally, I don't think its any of my business to ask them anyway. We have been informed about the procedures and so I believed that it is a responsibilityone needs to fulfilled. And thats it. I said it once & I will not repeat myself. I can see that she had already made her decision on her opinions on what happened. From the look of it she already has her opinions (and sticking to it too). As for us, she has already chosen the verdict for us. Guilty. So why bother to go around and telling people that we are not as what we are thought to be? I don't like being the clown at anybody's expenses. So I chose to let time do the talking for me. Easier. Save time. Save energy.
Happy Father's Day To My Beloved Babah & Ayah
Its Father's Day again!!! It's the 3rd Sunday of the month and again the nation is celebrating Father's Day. Well everyday to me is a celebration day but I do get to buy cards with the wanted specific message (such as Father's day, mother's Day, Teacher's Day etc) only available on these certain dates. Normally in the past what I shall do is to purchase more than one cards & will be using it at other dates of the year. During my college days. I remember one card contains the history" Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, as a single parent reared his six children in Spokane, Washington. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA. (Well, plus minus that's the contain of the card I gave to my Babah). That was the first glimpse of Father's Day history that I got to know of. A bit "poyo" as I thought about my Babah - who is a Military Personnel as well. Some other sources for your reading convenience http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father.
Me & Babah having discussions on life & economics crisis - petrol especially grrrrr!!!!
Nope, fortunately (for me) & unfortunately for my Babah & Ayah I haven't yet bring home any guys to be introduced to the family. And my guess is; its still a long way to go. Thank you so very much for understanding my decision & allowing me to hold on to it. Appreciate it very much.
Happy Father's Day Babah. I love you so much!!!!
Happy Father's Day Ayah. I love you so very much!!!
Me & Babah having discussions on life & economics crisis - petrol especially grrrrr!!!!
Nope, fortunately (for me) & unfortunately for my Babah & Ayah I haven't yet bring home any guys to be introduced to the family. And my guess is; its still a long way to go. Thank you so very much for understanding my decision & allowing me to hold on to it. Appreciate it very much.
Happy Father's Day Babah. I love you so much!!!!
Happy Father's Day Ayah. I love you so very much!!! I will be adding some more to this post soon don't worry. For the time being I am just "idea"less. That, by the way is not a proper usage of English word; so please refrain yourself from using it okay? :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mama...Mama...I Love You
A Song For Mama - Boys II Men
You taught me everything
And everything youve given me
I always keep it inside
Youre the driving force in my life, yeah
There isnt anything
Or anyone I can be
And it just wouldnt feel right
If I didnt have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were grey
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me
Youll always be you always will be the girl
In my life for all times
Mama, mama you know I love you
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama youre the queen of my heart
Your love is like
Tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin you is like food to my soul
Youre always down for me
Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong...Yes you did
And you took up for me
When everyone was downin me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on
There was so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me
And say to me I can face anything
And no one else can do
What you have done for me
Youll always be...You will always be the girl in my life
I Love You Bonda
Mother's Day Celebration
Happy Mother's Day to All Mothers Out There
Mama - Spice Girls
She used to be my only enemy and never let me be free
Catching me in places that I knew I should'nt be
Every other day I crossed the line I didn't mean to be so bad
I never thought you would become the friend I never had
Back then I didn't know why
Why you were misunderstood
So now I see through your eyes
All that you did was love
Mama I love you...Mama I care
Mama I love you... Mama my friend.
You're my friend...
I didn't want to hear it then but I'm not ashamed to say it now
Every little thing you said and did was right for me
I had a lot of to think about, about the way I used to be
Never had a sense of my responsibility
Back then I didn't know why
Why you were misunderstood
So now I see through your eyes, all that you did was love
Mama, I love you... Mama, I care
Mama, I love you... Mama ,my friend.
You're my friend...
But now I'm sure I know why,
Why you were misunderstood
So now I see through your eyes
All I can give you is love is love
Mama I love you... Mama, I care
Mama, I love you... Mama, my friend,
You're my friend...
Mama, I love you... Mama ,I care
Mama, I love you... Mama, my friend,
You're my friend...
I Love You Bonda
Sunday, May 11, 2008
No Elimination
Seperti biasa saya menantikan sessi terapi saya yang hanya akan bermula jam 9 malam. Maka selepas waktu kerja di BTC, saya mengisi perut dengan :) & Kak Lorna di The Chicken Rice Shop. Pergh gabungan Kak lorna & :) sememangnya boleh memenuhkan meja makan hehehe. FYI, Kak Lorna ada temujanji dengan :) petang tadi. Temujanji dengan Perodua Myvi hehehehe. A new car for her, Insyaallah. Malamnya pula :) bermain futsal maka saya agak berseorangan menonton AF6.
Persembahan dimulakan dengan lagu bonus- pemanas konsert. Lagu popular Andy Flop Poppy & Misha Omar "Sembunyi" & Melly Goeslaw & Eric "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta". Kelihatannya pembahagian lagu tidak begitu seimbang bilamana kelihatan ketara hanya sebilangan pelajar dilihat menyanyi dan melontarkan suara. Yang lain sekadar menyanyikan beberapa bait atau mungkin sekadar memenuhkan pentas semata-mata agar tidak kelihatan kosong & lapang. Namun apa yang menyentuh hati pastinya apabila penyanyi kesayangan saya Aishah menyanyikan lagu "Syurga Di Telapak Kaki Ibu" sempena Hari Ibu yang jatuh pada keesokan harinya Ahad 11 Mei. Sayu ajer mendengarkannya. She still has the voice despte a slightly large size - cayalah Kak Aishah!!! Gambar gambar pengkritik and pelajar pelajar bersama ibubapa mereka di siarkan di layar untuk tontonan umum. Para pelajar diberikan sejambak bunga untuk diberikan kepada ibu masing masing kecuali Stanly (semoga ibunya cepat sembuh) & Stacy ( walaupun kelihatan gambar ahlikeluarganya berada di kerusi penonton).
Persembahan malam itu dimulakan dengan Toi menyanyikan lagu "Kasih Berduka" - nyanyian asal oleh M Osman (Could it be Aziz & Zulkifli's dad? - I am so bad with the entertainment highlights in Malaysia). At laSt Toi, an IMPROVEMENT!!! Walaupun persembahannya tiada yang gah, tetapi sangatlah memuaskan hati saya berbanding persembahan persembahannya di sepanjang konsert AF yang lalu. Akhirnya Toi berjaya membuatkan saya kurang dosa di malam itu - dosa mengutuk sudah tentunya. Nyanyian yang kurang mendatar, gerak badan yang rileks mngikut muzik - thank god at last he managed to entertain people. Ada peningkatan dan sudah pasti saya tidak mempersoalkan undian peminat yang masih menyokong Toi selama ini. Berbaloi undian yang diterima dengan kredit yang dilaburkan oleh peminat peminat Toi. Syabas Toi.
Persembahan dari pelajar yang amat saya nantikan - Nadia seterusnya menyusul. Benar kata Ramli MS persembahan Nadia tiada impaknya yang besar walaupun seperti biasa dia belum pernah mengecewakan peminat yang sentiasa terhibur. Memetik kata kata Paul Moss sewaktu memberikan komen terhadap persembahan Siti Sarah Raisuddin di dalam Malaysian Idol tidak lama dahulu - "Bila kita tahu kemampuan Sarah, kita mengharapkan sesuatu yang luar biasa dalam persembahan seterusnya". Saya kira begitu juga dengan perihal Nadia. We know she can sing so she needs something to make us awe and say wow. She needs to work out her X-factor, poor girl. She needs to understand now people are having a much higher expectations towards her ability to sing & entertain. But I seriuosly hope (and vote) she will make it to the finals.
Stanly belted out "Naluri Lelaki" (originally sang by Samsons). He looks and moves so energetically on the stage and down on the floor with the crowd. I am happy that he was increasingly improving after a few gloomy weeks. Bangkit semula Stanly - you can do it. Sememangnya ketara kelihatan Stanly dapat "bersatu" dengan lagu dan mempamerkan persembahan yang menarik tanpa kelihatan terpaksa atau dipaksa. Satu bonus untuk Stanly dalam menghiburkan penonton & pengundinya malam itu.
Riz & "Laskar Cinta"nya gagal menghiburkan saya. Saya perlu bersetuju dengan Kak Ogy bila mengatakan persembahan Riz pada malam itu adalah persembahannya yang paling teruk. Saya tak nafikan lagu itu sememangnya sukar - tapi sampai bila Riz hendak menyanyikan lagu lagu yang kurang mencabar & memihak kepadanya? Sudah seringkali Riz diberikan lagu yang berpihak kepada vokalnya & nampaknya percubaan Ramli MS untuk "mencuba" sesuatu yang baru kepada Riz ternyata gagal.
Nubhan memeruskan persembahan hambar yang dimulakan oleh Riz sebelum tadi. Saya langsung gagal memahami pucuk pangkal muzik & lagu yang cuba di sampaikanoleh Nubhan. Sayang Nubhan punya suara unik tapi malas belajar menyebabkan dia semakin teruk tanpa kelihatan apa apa peningkatan baik dari segi nyanyian mahupun persembahan. Hanya undian kesian & simpati yang menyelamatkan Nubhan dari disingkirkan. Tak boleh salahkan peminat peminat Nubhan sebab muka dia memang comel kan? But now we know who votes for talents & who votes for looks. Peminat sekarang semakin bijak? Pengundi sekarang semakin bijak? Betulkah kenyatan itu sebenarnya? I doubt so people :)
Percaturan AF meletakkan Stacy sebagai peserta terakhir sememangnya bijak kerana saya sendiri antara yang tidak berganjak dari depan tv menantikan si cilik itu membuat persembahan. Antara Nadia, Riz & Stacy - percaturannya seorang di awal konsert, seorang di tengah konsert & seorang lagi di akhir konsert. Perasan atau tidak itu sudah menjadi formulanya sejak beberapa konsert yang lalu. Thank you Stacy for making every week of my watching the concert something worth it!! As usual, persembahan energetic yang ceria, suara yang selari dengan pergerakan tanpa bunyi "pancit" keletihan memang menyegarkan saya yang hampir layu dek persembahan hambar Riz & Nubhan. Tapi dek kerana lelehan airmata rupa seposen keduanya, undian mereka terus melonjak naik. Baguslah anak anak jantan sekalian, teruskan menangis pasti kamu dapat menjadi juara AF kelak. Dan sekali lagi pengundi pengundi telah menunjukkan tahap mentaliti mereka. Jujur saya katakan Riz wajar diselamatkan kerana mamat tu boleh menyanyi & menghibur. Nubhan tu mak aii menyakitkan hati ajer tengok dia menyanyi saban minggu. Berdasarkan persembahan selayaknya Nubhan yang terkeluar malam itu. Tapi memandangkan kejutan yang dirancang adalah tiada penyngkiran lega juga rasanya kerana undian Nadia merosot teruk. But its ok girl, we know you can go far & the votes that you got are genuinely casted due to your talent and not due sympathy.
Persembahan dimulakan dengan lagu bonus- pemanas konsert. Lagu popular Andy Flop Poppy & Misha Omar "Sembunyi" & Melly Goeslaw & Eric "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta". Kelihatannya pembahagian lagu tidak begitu seimbang bilamana kelihatan ketara hanya sebilangan pelajar dilihat menyanyi dan melontarkan suara. Yang lain sekadar menyanyikan beberapa bait atau mungkin sekadar memenuhkan pentas semata-mata agar tidak kelihatan kosong & lapang. Namun apa yang menyentuh hati pastinya apabila penyanyi kesayangan saya Aishah menyanyikan lagu "Syurga Di Telapak Kaki Ibu" sempena Hari Ibu yang jatuh pada keesokan harinya Ahad 11 Mei. Sayu ajer mendengarkannya. She still has the voice despte a slightly large size - cayalah Kak Aishah!!! Gambar gambar pengkritik and pelajar pelajar bersama ibubapa mereka di siarkan di layar untuk tontonan umum. Para pelajar diberikan sejambak bunga untuk diberikan kepada ibu masing masing kecuali Stanly (semoga ibunya cepat sembuh) & Stacy ( walaupun kelihatan gambar ahlikeluarganya berada di kerusi penonton).
Persembahan malam itu dimulakan dengan Toi menyanyikan lagu "Kasih Berduka" - nyanyian asal oleh M Osman (Could it be Aziz & Zulkifli's dad? - I am so bad with the entertainment highlights in Malaysia). At laSt Toi, an IMPROVEMENT!!! Walaupun persembahannya tiada yang gah, tetapi sangatlah memuaskan hati saya berbanding persembahan persembahannya di sepanjang konsert AF yang lalu. Akhirnya Toi berjaya membuatkan saya kurang dosa di malam itu - dosa mengutuk sudah tentunya. Nyanyian yang kurang mendatar, gerak badan yang rileks mngikut muzik - thank god at last he managed to entertain people. Ada peningkatan dan sudah pasti saya tidak mempersoalkan undian peminat yang masih menyokong Toi selama ini. Berbaloi undian yang diterima dengan kredit yang dilaburkan oleh peminat peminat Toi. Syabas Toi.
Persembahan dari pelajar yang amat saya nantikan - Nadia seterusnya menyusul. Benar kata Ramli MS persembahan Nadia tiada impaknya yang besar walaupun seperti biasa dia belum pernah mengecewakan peminat yang sentiasa terhibur. Memetik kata kata Paul Moss sewaktu memberikan komen terhadap persembahan Siti Sarah Raisuddin di dalam Malaysian Idol tidak lama dahulu - "Bila kita tahu kemampuan Sarah, kita mengharapkan sesuatu yang luar biasa dalam persembahan seterusnya". Saya kira begitu juga dengan perihal Nadia. We know she can sing so she needs something to make us awe and say wow. She needs to work out her X-factor, poor girl. She needs to understand now people are having a much higher expectations towards her ability to sing & entertain. But I seriuosly hope (and vote) she will make it to the finals.
Stanly belted out "Naluri Lelaki" (originally sang by Samsons). He looks and moves so energetically on the stage and down on the floor with the crowd. I am happy that he was increasingly improving after a few gloomy weeks. Bangkit semula Stanly - you can do it. Sememangnya ketara kelihatan Stanly dapat "bersatu" dengan lagu dan mempamerkan persembahan yang menarik tanpa kelihatan terpaksa atau dipaksa. Satu bonus untuk Stanly dalam menghiburkan penonton & pengundinya malam itu.
Riz & "Laskar Cinta"nya gagal menghiburkan saya. Saya perlu bersetuju dengan Kak Ogy bila mengatakan persembahan Riz pada malam itu adalah persembahannya yang paling teruk. Saya tak nafikan lagu itu sememangnya sukar - tapi sampai bila Riz hendak menyanyikan lagu lagu yang kurang mencabar & memihak kepadanya? Sudah seringkali Riz diberikan lagu yang berpihak kepada vokalnya & nampaknya percubaan Ramli MS untuk "mencuba" sesuatu yang baru kepada Riz ternyata gagal.
Nubhan memeruskan persembahan hambar yang dimulakan oleh Riz sebelum tadi. Saya langsung gagal memahami pucuk pangkal muzik & lagu yang cuba di sampaikanoleh Nubhan. Sayang Nubhan punya suara unik tapi malas belajar menyebabkan dia semakin teruk tanpa kelihatan apa apa peningkatan baik dari segi nyanyian mahupun persembahan. Hanya undian kesian & simpati yang menyelamatkan Nubhan dari disingkirkan. Tak boleh salahkan peminat peminat Nubhan sebab muka dia memang comel kan? But now we know who votes for talents & who votes for looks. Peminat sekarang semakin bijak? Pengundi sekarang semakin bijak? Betulkah kenyatan itu sebenarnya? I doubt so people :)
Percaturan AF meletakkan Stacy sebagai peserta terakhir sememangnya bijak kerana saya sendiri antara yang tidak berganjak dari depan tv menantikan si cilik itu membuat persembahan. Antara Nadia, Riz & Stacy - percaturannya seorang di awal konsert, seorang di tengah konsert & seorang lagi di akhir konsert. Perasan atau tidak itu sudah menjadi formulanya sejak beberapa konsert yang lalu. Thank you Stacy for making every week of my watching the concert something worth it!! As usual, persembahan energetic yang ceria, suara yang selari dengan pergerakan tanpa bunyi "pancit" keletihan memang menyegarkan saya yang hampir layu dek persembahan hambar Riz & Nubhan. Tapi dek kerana lelehan airmata rupa seposen keduanya, undian mereka terus melonjak naik. Baguslah anak anak jantan sekalian, teruskan menangis pasti kamu dapat menjadi juara AF kelak. Dan sekali lagi pengundi pengundi telah menunjukkan tahap mentaliti mereka. Jujur saya katakan Riz wajar diselamatkan kerana mamat tu boleh menyanyi & menghibur. Nubhan tu mak aii menyakitkan hati ajer tengok dia menyanyi saban minggu. Berdasarkan persembahan selayaknya Nubhan yang terkeluar malam itu. Tapi memandangkan kejutan yang dirancang adalah tiada penyngkiran lega juga rasanya kerana undian Nadia merosot teruk. But its ok girl, we know you can go far & the votes that you got are genuinely casted due to your talent and not due sympathy.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Blues For Me.............
As I was doing my work while surfing the net (well my job does require me to surf the net you know :)); I suddenly missed all those cartoons I used to watch while I was still a kid. (The reason why I chose not to use the word "young" is merely because I believe I am still young - well at heart at least). They just don't make cartoons like the way they used to. I still remember watching Alf the sitcom 
& Alf The cartoon 
;
Babar
; Bettle Juice 
(The beginning of the so-call Gothic cartoon I assume);
CareBears
(Awwww so cute wish I can have it all);
DuckTales
; GhostBusters 
; Gummi Bears 
;
Flintstones
; Jetsons 
; Johny Quest 
She-Ra:Princess Of Power
with her beloved twin brother 
He-Man & the Masters Of The Universe; Transformers,
; The Smurfs 
(remember the rythm la la lalalala la lalalala); Heathcliff, 
; Captain Caveman 
;
Popeye
, Pink Panther 
;
Saber Rider & The Star Sherif
Scooby Doo
(my all time favourite) 
; Scrappy Doo 
- just to name a few.
I guess the cartoons nowadays are meant for the cyber generation. Continuation of older generations cartoons like Transformers & X-Men have seems to be taken by anime look alike. The cutie faces & round eyes. Kinda restricts the choices of cartoons. Yelah semua cartoon rupanya sama ajer, pun tak berapa best jugak rasanya.
& Alf The cartoon 
;Babar
; Bettle Juice 
(The beginning of the so-call Gothic cartoon I assume);CareBears
(Awwww so cute wish I can have it all);DuckTales
; GhostBusters 
; Gummi Bears 
;Flintstones
; Jetsons 
; Johny Quest 
She-Ra:Princess Of Power
with her beloved twin brother 
He-Man & the Masters Of The Universe; Transformers,
; The Smurfs 
(remember the rythm la la lalalala la lalalala); Heathcliff, 
; Captain Caveman 
;Popeye
, Pink Panther 
;Saber Rider & The Star Sherif
Scooby Doo
(my all time favourite) 
; Scrappy Doo 
- just to name a few.I guess the cartoons nowadays are meant for the cyber generation. Continuation of older generations cartoons like Transformers & X-Men have seems to be taken by anime look alike. The cutie faces & round eyes. Kinda restricts the choices of cartoons. Yelah semua cartoon rupanya sama ajer, pun tak berapa best jugak rasanya.
Guess what I found on the net?! This website actually has all the episodes of Jem & The Hologram series. Wallawei and I thought they have been considered ancient or extinct huhuhu.
Apa lagi kengkawan meh kita layan bersama sama. Layan...........
Kesimpulannya setelah melakukan muhasabah diri sepanjang penulisan ini ternyata saya sudah semakin tua. Hadapilah kenyataannya.
P/s : Penulisan kali ini saya tujukan khas buat Azreen yang selalu merungut kerana blog saya terlalu penuh dengan perkataan yang melampau banyak sehingga tidak larat untuk dibaca. For you Azreen - hambik kau!!!
Ouija Board Anyone???
Hm, as usual the main choice for our movie selection is the one with the theme horror - though each time :) & Azzam will be voicing out their disagreement. Well this time around we have chosen another horror movie shown in Cineleisure . But this time out of curiosity we have chosen OUIJA - a Philippines Horror Movie. Though I must admit at first we were a bit sceptical about it. Why? Reason #1 : Never heard or watched any famous horror movies from Philippines. Reason#2 : The Philippines products that are usually shown on the televisions are soap-operas which are very lengthy and stereotype. (I was never really a fan of these soap operas anyway) Reason #3: The guy at the counter did mention thatno one is watching it for that session therefore we will be the only patrons in the cinema. After discussing; we (as in Lorna & I) decided to take a chance with the movie. Apparently, what the guy said was true; we were the only ones watching the movie - well that was what we thought too - until a couple came in right before the start of the movie. A short synopsis if I may "Half-sisters Aileen and Romina, along with first cousins Ruth and Sandra, reunite in Camiguin to bury their grandmother. Accompanied by Sandra’s friend, Lucy, the five girls dare to call on the spirits of the dead when they find their old Ouija board from when they were kids. The Ouija board is burned by accident before they are able to finish the ritual, trapping a murderous entity around them.As they begin to realize the terror that they have brought upon themselves, Aileen and Romina’s hostile relationship even become more strained, while Lucy’s sanity brings a heavy burden on Sandra, and Ruth’s boyfriend, Gino, is unknowingly pulled into the danger and horror that await all of them.
Confronted by imminent Death, the girls have nowhere to go unless they can identify the spirit and find out where it is buried. It is only by leading the spirit to its burial ground that they will able to release the spirit from theOuija Board and survive its fatal hauntings. - I copy this from wikipedia 100%. I was kinda lazy and therefore cut & paste was all I did.
On my experience watching the movie without strangers around (minus the couple of course) - wallawei best giler!!!! I did actually screamed due to the surprises actions and shots taken through out the movie. Selalunya control ayu ajer memanjang kan? Kali ni puas hati dapat meluahkan segala yang terbuku di hati selama ini hehehehe
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Malam yang Suram
Hm, two of my faithful passengers are now in the sleepy state & mind you; it's not even midnight yet! Well, to those who are not yet familiar with our working hours, its 4pm - 1am. So normally one would expect us to be sleepy around midnight. But I can see that Lorna is not feeling well - she's been coughing along the way to work just now. Jai was lying at the back seat of the car just now. We took a longer route since the traffic was rather congested from One Utama and since it was raining we dare not used the LDP highway. We did once and there was a small flood over at the Western Digital area heading towards the LDP Toll and because of that we arrived half an hours late to the office. We arrived late today, but not as late as if we were to use the LDP highway. I was late about 15 minutes, Lorna & Jai about 10 minutes. Why was it different? Because I usually dropped them up at the entrance and went to look for a parking. There's a parking up the main entrance; but its either meant for the MSC's Visitors or reserved. I have to park my car along the main road and then moved my car to a nearer spot during my break time at about 715pm. Yup that's how it goes everyday of my working life here in Cyberjaya hehehehe.
As for me, I was not really sleepy. Not even tired. I am not sure if its due to my "oversleeping schedule" or the Power Root Per'l Cafe Kacip Fatimah which my Bonda gave it to me a few days ago. FYI , my Bonda informed me that she just wanna have a taste of the Tongkat Ali Cafe that was in the Per'l Cafe's package. Those who is a regular drinker of the Power Root series of herbal drinks would notice that in each package there will be an extra 2 sachets of other herbal products of the same company. A good way of promoting the rest of the herbal drinks in the Power Root products if I may say so. Well, it certainly got my Bonda into purchasing it right? And Bonda did say something to add to it - "Ibu pergi PERNAMA tak tahu nak beli apa jadi Ibu belilah benda ni, tapi Ibu cuma nak rasa yang 2 paket tu ajer sebenarnya." Women and buying power hehehehehe. Hey, I ain't complaining coz I got free drinks right? I think this one tastes better than the canned cafe. Normally I would buy the canned Power Root Per'l Kacip Fatimah with honey & dates. Power Roots suits my taste. But my Bonda enjoys the Orang Kampung brand more than I do. I don't mind drinking herbal drinks........as long as it doesn't taste like one. Yeah yeah I know - I am a weirdo so sue me :)
Well, its almost the end of the week, and not to mentioned the end of the month. A good thing is that its nearing the PAYDAY, yeah bebeh!!! The drawback - I don't think I will be able to recover from my drop-flat accuracy. It came down from a 97 -ish% to a mere 91%. Wallawei a dramatic drop man! Sob sob sob sedih tu. Well, have to gear up for next month now. Or else there goes the monthly bonus - kaching! Yea, saya mata duitan wakakakaka
As for me, I was not really sleepy. Not even tired. I am not sure if its due to my "oversleeping schedule" or the Power Root Per'l Cafe Kacip Fatimah which my Bonda gave it to me a few days ago. FYI , my Bonda informed me that she just wanna have a taste of the Tongkat Ali Cafe that was in the Per'l Cafe's package. Those who is a regular drinker of the Power Root series of herbal drinks would notice that in each package there will be an extra 2 sachets of other herbal products of the same company. A good way of promoting the rest of the herbal drinks in the Power Root products if I may say so. Well, it certainly got my Bonda into purchasing it right? And Bonda did say something to add to it - "Ibu pergi PERNAMA tak tahu nak beli apa jadi Ibu belilah benda ni, tapi Ibu cuma nak rasa yang 2 paket tu ajer sebenarnya." Women and buying power hehehehehe. Hey, I ain't complaining coz I got free drinks right? I think this one tastes better than the canned cafe. Normally I would buy the canned Power Root Per'l Kacip Fatimah with honey & dates. Power Roots suits my taste. But my Bonda enjoys the Orang Kampung brand more than I do. I don't mind drinking herbal drinks........as long as it doesn't taste like one. Yeah yeah I know - I am a weirdo so sue me :)
Well, its almost the end of the week, and not to mentioned the end of the month. A good thing is that its nearing the PAYDAY, yeah bebeh!!! The drawback - I don't think I will be able to recover from my drop-flat accuracy. It came down from a 97 -ish% to a mere 91%. Wallawei a dramatic drop man! Sob sob sob sedih tu. Well, have to gear up for next month now. Or else there goes the monthly bonus - kaching! Yea, saya mata duitan wakakakaka
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Pilihanraya 2008
Rasanya bahang Pilihanraya yang sudah pun selesai proses pengundiannya semalam masih terus di perkatakan. Apatah lagi dengan kekalahan teruk seperti yang di jangka oleh Tun Dr Mahathir. Mana silapnya? Hehehehe saya bukanlah orang yang sesuai untuk merperkatakan tentang senario politik itu? Kenapa? Saya hanyalah orang yang membaca suratkhabar yang bernaung dengan kerajaan pusat, menonton televisyen yang juga bernaung dengan kerajaan pusat & mendengar radio yang rata rata juga adalah pro kerajaan pusat (walaupun mereka berstatus swasta). Kesimpulannya, saya hanya mendengar & membaca apa yang kerajaan mahu saya dengar dan baca, tidak begitu?
Jadi apa yang bakal saya tulis ini adalah dari pemerhatian saya yang buta politik. This is only through my observation of the current thing that I have read or listen through the mass media. Kelihatan pada pilihanraya kali ini, kerajaan pusat seakan akan terdesak dengan program jentera pilihanraya yang boleh saya tafsirkan sebagai kucar kacir dan tidak tentu hala. Sebaik sahaja pengumuman pembubaran dilakukan oleh Perdana Menteri, keadaan sesetengah perwakilan seperti gelabah, bingung, hilang akal atau dalam erti kata mudahnya takutkan posisi yang disandang akan terlepas ke pihak lain. Cerita berkenaan calon pilihanraya yang bakal di kemukakan kepada Perdana Menteri untuk persetujuan meletakkan mereka sebagai wakil BN di setiap negeri menampakkan warna warna yang pelbagai. Not a smooth start in my opinion.
Tambah buruk lagi dengan hujah berdegar degar BN yang terdesak sungguh mahu menawan Kelantan - hingga terus menjayakan rancangan penubuhan Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Setelah setengah abad Merdeka baru kini Kerajaan Pusat mengambil berat soal pendidikan anak-anak Kelantan? Bukankah nampak kesungguhan Kerajaan Pusat menganak-tirikan Kelantan? Hutang 1Bilion Kelantan? Hm, pelik bunyinya kan? Kenapa pelik? Sebab rasanya Mursyidul Am PAS tidak mempunyai kebolehan langsung untuk bermain rasuah! Jadi kalau demi keperluan Bekalan Air Rakyat, Kerajaan PAS terpaksa berhutang - persoalan saya mana perginya duit peruntukan itu semua? Pst bisik seorang teman, dana itu kan datang dari Kerajaan PUsat. Maksudnya' tanya saya. Maksudnya, Kerajaan Pusat boleh menahan dana dari di salurkan kepada Kerajaan Negeri. Wallawei, macam tu ker? Abis macam mana dengan nasib rakyat, tanya saya lagi. Kesan memang kepada rakyat kata teman saya lagi. Hanya kerana bersungguh sungguh mahu menunjukkan betapa Kerajaan Negeri Kelantan di bawah pimpinan Mursyidul Am Tuan Guru Nik Aziz itu tidak stabil atau dengan kata lain tidak layak memerintah itulah cara BN menunjukkan kuasa mereka. Hm, penyelamat atau pengkhianat? Tapi seperti yang saya katakan tadi ini berdasarkan apa yang saya dengar dan baca sebab saya cuma manusia kerdil yang tidak bercampur dengan golongan atasan yang lebih memahami senario politik dan terlibat langsung dengan semua agenda politik negara. Menyerang PAS tanpa alasan & kes yang kukuh adalah suatu perkara PALING BODOH yang pernah di buat BN. Pas rileks ajer. BN pulak yang berdegar degar nak menumbangkan PAS - dengan manifesto pembangunan yang pelbagai kononnya hendak di bawa. BN hendaklah memahami apakah konsep pembangunan yang dimahukan oleh Rakyat Kelantan. Mereka pastinya tidak perlukan bangunan pencakar langit yang mahal mahal atau eksotik kalau sekadar di jadikan kasino atau kelab malam, mereka tidak perlukan kereta ratusan ribu ringgit kalau itu hasil dari duit rasuah. Menurut adik tersayang yang pernah menuntut 3 tahun di sana; kehidupan di sana memang damai berbanding kota kota metropolitan yang lainnya di Malaysia. Pendapat saya, sekiranya BN benar benar serius (bukanlah mengatakan selama ini mereka tidak serius) mahu menawan Kelantan apa yang perlu mereka lakukan ialah mendengar apa yang dimahukan oleh rakyat Kelantan, bukan apa yang di mahukan oleh BN untuk rakyat Kelantan. Ibarat menjawab soalan peperiksaan - You don't aswer what you know but instead you answer according to the questions. Benar PAS bertunjangkan Islam sebagai aturcara perjalanan politiknya,(bukankah seharusnya begitu kan?) tapi mengapa tidak timbul soal krisis kaum dan sebagainya? Kerana mereka prihatin dalam menangani isu isu berkait rapat dengan perbezaan budaya, agama. Kestabilan ini yang menggamit rakyat agar terus mengundi PAS di bawah pimpinan Mursyidul Amnya sejak sekian lama Tuan Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat. BN takder isu sebenarnya nak menentang PAS, jadi yang timbul ialah isu isu (yang tidak boleh dipanggil isu pun sebenarnya) yang poyo, personal, dan yang entah apa apa. Isu pemimpin PAS tidak mahu bersalam dengan calon BN, isu pemimpin PAS membenarkan calon calonnya membalas cemuhan BN, isu pemimpan PAS menyamakan mereka yang tidak berpegang pada Islam seperti Orang Utan etc. Kawan kawan nilaikan sendiri apa relevannya isu isu sedemikian dengan soal rakyat Kelantan? jangan di serang keperibadian pemimpin pemimpin PAS kerana, rakyat Kelantan lebih mengenali & memahami keperibadian pemimpin mereka. Itu suatu pokok soal yang lemah yang di bawa BN dalam usaha menawan Kelantan. Selain dari isu mahu melunaskan hutang 1 bilion itu, tiada isu lain yang dimainkan oleh BN, selain isu emosi personal antara pemimpin 2 parti tersebut. Sememangnya walaupun saya sendiri merupakan penyokong UMNO - saya memang menjangkakan PAS akan terus dapat bertahan di Kelantan. Terasa sayang pulak kalau BN berjaya menawan Kelantan.
Namun kali ini bukan sahaja di Kelantan, malah beberapa kawasan utama juga berjaya di pelopori oleh PAS. Hebat kali penangan PAS di selurh negara kan? Para pembaca yang terbaca sila ambil perhatian sekali lagi. Ini adalah pernyataan berdasarkan pemerhatian & pendengaran saya yang buta politik. Tapi saya mengalu alukan kenyatan para pembaca yang lebih celik politk untuk membantu saya memahami senario politik ini, kali ini. Yup, especially you Zul :)
Lain kali untuk cerita yang lain pula
Jadi apa yang bakal saya tulis ini adalah dari pemerhatian saya yang buta politik. This is only through my observation of the current thing that I have read or listen through the mass media. Kelihatan pada pilihanraya kali ini, kerajaan pusat seakan akan terdesak dengan program jentera pilihanraya yang boleh saya tafsirkan sebagai kucar kacir dan tidak tentu hala. Sebaik sahaja pengumuman pembubaran dilakukan oleh Perdana Menteri, keadaan sesetengah perwakilan seperti gelabah, bingung, hilang akal atau dalam erti kata mudahnya takutkan posisi yang disandang akan terlepas ke pihak lain. Cerita berkenaan calon pilihanraya yang bakal di kemukakan kepada Perdana Menteri untuk persetujuan meletakkan mereka sebagai wakil BN di setiap negeri menampakkan warna warna yang pelbagai. Not a smooth start in my opinion.
Tambah buruk lagi dengan hujah berdegar degar BN yang terdesak sungguh mahu menawan Kelantan - hingga terus menjayakan rancangan penubuhan Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Setelah setengah abad Merdeka baru kini Kerajaan Pusat mengambil berat soal pendidikan anak-anak Kelantan? Bukankah nampak kesungguhan Kerajaan Pusat menganak-tirikan Kelantan? Hutang 1Bilion Kelantan? Hm, pelik bunyinya kan? Kenapa pelik? Sebab rasanya Mursyidul Am PAS tidak mempunyai kebolehan langsung untuk bermain rasuah! Jadi kalau demi keperluan Bekalan Air Rakyat, Kerajaan PAS terpaksa berhutang - persoalan saya mana perginya duit peruntukan itu semua? Pst bisik seorang teman, dana itu kan datang dari Kerajaan PUsat. Maksudnya' tanya saya. Maksudnya, Kerajaan Pusat boleh menahan dana dari di salurkan kepada Kerajaan Negeri. Wallawei, macam tu ker? Abis macam mana dengan nasib rakyat, tanya saya lagi. Kesan memang kepada rakyat kata teman saya lagi. Hanya kerana bersungguh sungguh mahu menunjukkan betapa Kerajaan Negeri Kelantan di bawah pimpinan Mursyidul Am Tuan Guru Nik Aziz itu tidak stabil atau dengan kata lain tidak layak memerintah itulah cara BN menunjukkan kuasa mereka. Hm, penyelamat atau pengkhianat? Tapi seperti yang saya katakan tadi ini berdasarkan apa yang saya dengar dan baca sebab saya cuma manusia kerdil yang tidak bercampur dengan golongan atasan yang lebih memahami senario politik dan terlibat langsung dengan semua agenda politik negara. Menyerang PAS tanpa alasan & kes yang kukuh adalah suatu perkara PALING BODOH yang pernah di buat BN. Pas rileks ajer. BN pulak yang berdegar degar nak menumbangkan PAS - dengan manifesto pembangunan yang pelbagai kononnya hendak di bawa. BN hendaklah memahami apakah konsep pembangunan yang dimahukan oleh Rakyat Kelantan. Mereka pastinya tidak perlukan bangunan pencakar langit yang mahal mahal atau eksotik kalau sekadar di jadikan kasino atau kelab malam, mereka tidak perlukan kereta ratusan ribu ringgit kalau itu hasil dari duit rasuah. Menurut adik tersayang yang pernah menuntut 3 tahun di sana; kehidupan di sana memang damai berbanding kota kota metropolitan yang lainnya di Malaysia. Pendapat saya, sekiranya BN benar benar serius (bukanlah mengatakan selama ini mereka tidak serius) mahu menawan Kelantan apa yang perlu mereka lakukan ialah mendengar apa yang dimahukan oleh rakyat Kelantan, bukan apa yang di mahukan oleh BN untuk rakyat Kelantan. Ibarat menjawab soalan peperiksaan - You don't aswer what you know but instead you answer according to the questions. Benar PAS bertunjangkan Islam sebagai aturcara perjalanan politiknya,(bukankah seharusnya begitu kan?) tapi mengapa tidak timbul soal krisis kaum dan sebagainya? Kerana mereka prihatin dalam menangani isu isu berkait rapat dengan perbezaan budaya, agama. Kestabilan ini yang menggamit rakyat agar terus mengundi PAS di bawah pimpinan Mursyidul Amnya sejak sekian lama Tuan Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat. BN takder isu sebenarnya nak menentang PAS, jadi yang timbul ialah isu isu (yang tidak boleh dipanggil isu pun sebenarnya) yang poyo, personal, dan yang entah apa apa. Isu pemimpin PAS tidak mahu bersalam dengan calon BN, isu pemimpin PAS membenarkan calon calonnya membalas cemuhan BN, isu pemimpan PAS menyamakan mereka yang tidak berpegang pada Islam seperti Orang Utan etc. Kawan kawan nilaikan sendiri apa relevannya isu isu sedemikian dengan soal rakyat Kelantan? jangan di serang keperibadian pemimpin pemimpin PAS kerana, rakyat Kelantan lebih mengenali & memahami keperibadian pemimpin mereka. Itu suatu pokok soal yang lemah yang di bawa BN dalam usaha menawan Kelantan. Selain dari isu mahu melunaskan hutang 1 bilion itu, tiada isu lain yang dimainkan oleh BN, selain isu emosi personal antara pemimpin 2 parti tersebut. Sememangnya walaupun saya sendiri merupakan penyokong UMNO - saya memang menjangkakan PAS akan terus dapat bertahan di Kelantan. Terasa sayang pulak kalau BN berjaya menawan Kelantan.
Namun kali ini bukan sahaja di Kelantan, malah beberapa kawasan utama juga berjaya di pelopori oleh PAS. Hebat kali penangan PAS di selurh negara kan? Para pembaca yang terbaca sila ambil perhatian sekali lagi. Ini adalah pernyataan berdasarkan pemerhatian & pendengaran saya yang buta politik. Tapi saya mengalu alukan kenyatan para pembaca yang lebih celik politk untuk membantu saya memahami senario politik ini, kali ini. Yup, especially you Zul :)
Lain kali untuk cerita yang lain pula
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Saturday with Jane Austen & Catherine Anderson
Azrin could not make it for the morning shift last Saturday. Her car refuses to start & since it is an automatic transmission car - nothing much I can advice. I know that for manual transmission cars, you can have someone pushing your car & putting it in 2nd gear and slowly letting go of the clutch. Eventually she has left the car for three days, opting to go back to her hometown in Muar by bus. It is after all middle of the month and I believe all of us needs to carefully spend our money in order for us to be able to survive until pay day which is at the end of the month. ;) Going home to Muar by bus seems to be the best option doesn't it? You pay about RM25 & everything is taken care of. If you were to drive, then you have to think of the petrol & toll, and not to mention servicing you car before you can drive it back home for the long journey. Well, not to say that just because you are not going anywhere far you don't have to service your car but calculating everything needed for the long trip, you might not have enough budget for a one shot payment, right? Well, for me, I make sure I send my car for inspection almost every month. Well, :) has a cousin who works for Honda Services. So, I usually send my car to him for inspections & opinions related. He will advice on what needs to be done accordingly from the most critical to the less. Well, for ladies its kinda easier if you get second opinion before sending your car for services to any workshop; unless of course you are already familiar with a particular workshop or mechanic. Like going to the same workshop your father sends his car to etc. Why? Because male dominant vehicle service industry tends to treat us as dumb blondes when it comes to anything related to cars or any vehicles for that matters. They will ask you to change and service anything & everything there is on the engine. Obviously I will not have enough budget if everything needs to be done in one shot won't I? So that's what I usually do.
Well, Azrin is carefully calculating her budget as she just moved into a new rental apartment. Both her & Zura (her housemate) just paid for the deposit & still looking for a third occupant. A few candidates seems to be interested; but eventually changed their mind last minute. There was one time; both of them took leave just to help accomodate the new so-called-interested candidate. But at the end; she just called to inform that she could not make it. What a waste of their Annual Leave. There was even a girl who called up in the middle of the night asking about the house but then called back at 2 AM to cancel it. Well, anyone who needs a room in Kota Damansara area feel free to drop a line - I'll sent your message to Azrin & Zura and see how it goes. Not to worry, they are a bit pschotically insane, with a bit temperamental due to stress of work. Other than that, they are fun loving creatures who has a strong sense of friendship.
Well, anyway. Since according to the schedule, 1st Floor staff is more than enough I was placed on the Ground Floor - as the cashier. Ala, its been a while since my last experience at the Register. Well, my guess is that management assumed that senior staff is more competent to be placed at the Registers on weekends & public holidays - to accomodate the crowd ;). Then just before noon; a Chinese lady came over with three books & a credit card. She placed them all on the counter & called someone through her cell phone. As I scanned the price; I checked the title of the book just to double confirm - and to my surprise the priced that was stated on the sticker did not at all match the titles of the book cover. Those were Catherine Anderson's book with Jane Austen's Penguin Classics price stickers. Yup, all three of them. There were also indications that the stickers had been tampered with. I paged for my manager & the Chinese Lady panicked. She quickly asked if there were problems with the pricing (how would she have known it if she weren't doing something fishy right?) & then quickly snatched her credit card and running out of the store saying that she was in a hurry. My manager was still blurr as he was in the middle of inspecting the books when she ran out of the store. My only regret is that I did not keep the credit card near to me so that she would not have been able to snatch it and run. Why? Erk, hello there's a name printed on the card right? I surely would like to have the name & lodge a written report to our management. Or better still, put her name in my blog. ;) My manager went straight inside the office to check the CCTV. He informed me that the lady sure spent a lot of time at a remote area tampering the stickers. And he will highlight the matter to the upper management level.
I know there are a lot of people out there who thinks book sellers are dumb, school drop out, etc. Thinking they can easily be intimidated by these so-called highly intellectual creatures with attitude. But they are not. Most bookstores that I know are actually hiring undergraduates, especially in so-called elite area. And they are even trained to handle almost any issues. So, better think twice before actually doing something bad not to mention stupid in the store. Well, other than that everything seems fine I guess. The story telling session,or should I say Story Reading session was not with a big crowd. Quite only a few people actually. It seems that Saturday was with a little crowd in the store. Let the story Reder spent time with the kids while I continue what I was doing earlier on. Azrin went to hear some briefing from the Supreme Supervisor. I could not care less. I might as well ask Azrin later on. Talk and talk and more talk will contribute to less and lesser and lesser job done.
I am only here during the weekends and I had better get things done as much as possible. Less time for gossip and no time to loiter around. Plus it seems It-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named seems to be in her comfort zone with beloved younger sister who will be leaving in March. In the mean time It-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named seems to find happily find faults with other or making the rest feels as if they are worthless. Hm, good job It-Who-Must-Not Be-Named! Bravo, good enough you are spending more time with your beloved while us the "Machai" are doing the work, clearly showing your favoritism towards your litle sister, showing your supreme power clearly; showing the staff how hopeless they are by finding their faults - a swell job don't you agree?
Maybe It ought to learn a few thing or two from it's father since, It does come a socialite family. Act like one. Learn the leadership skill It's father posesses. It's father is a well known figure and highly respected by the community so a lot of things can be learned even though just by observing. Bapa Borek Anak Rintik - doesn't apply to It I guess. Well, this is based on what I heard. Yup, I "kena" already and since then I just kept it to myself. If anything needs to be done I'll straight away inform Kak Zue as my Manager. As what my Store Manger would remind me, I am only here during the weekends so enjoy myself and try to have less stress and less gossips around the office. That surely what I am gonna do. Meet my friends over there while working and enjoying myself is certainly what I aimed to do. I'll be there to listen to their cries over what happen, but I'll just keep my comments to myself. For one thing, you can not be too sure on whom you can trust. But to you guys, hang on it there friends. Not all upper management are like It. So don't worry be happy ok? ;)
Well, another thing that we are planning; is the convoy to Ida's wedding this 9th of March. But the program might be distrupted by the unexpectedly announced election day which falls on the 8th of March. I have registered to vote in Ulu Tiram Johor Bharu. My beloved hometown, which I haven't been to in about almost a year. Hm, it is time for me to the perform my responsibility for my country and nation. Hmm, so poyo yes I know. :) So far, me, :), Zul, Azzam, Kak Iza & hubby and Ying Ying have confirmed our attendance. Theme colour will be purple. Lucky me as I have already 2 pairs of purple baju kurung :). Now needs to find new tudung, it's been ages since I last bought any new tudung. I have been so stingy with my budget for tudung, I think now is the time to buy some more for my own collection :).
We are planning to go on 2 separate cars, but if there are more to join then perhaps three then; Kak Iza's Red Viva, My Perawan Gold Iswara & Ying Ying Green Kancil. If not attendees; then just 2 cars then. Text Lai Wah but as usual, that former boss of mine; still keeping quiet. Eversince Chinese New Year, ker dia yang dah nak kahwin hehehehe. Its all between us, nothing involving others. Planned by me & beloved Kak Iza, so we do the invitations and confirmation for the attendees. Others can go, by themselves that is. So far that is all the people that planned to go anyway. I most probably will be bringing Ira as that marks the beginning of school holidays. She just went back to MRSM last Monday and the school holiday is coming already?! Its either time flies extremely fast or I am beginning to slow down hehehe. Dah tua lah kawan. Well, anyway. Most likely I will be taking a weekend off to spend time with my little sister. Poor girl, I have been too busy to even spend time with her.
My Babah & Bonda will be going to the Philippines & Vietnam for a week. Instead of sending Ira to Johor, as my Babah are positively sure she will not be doing her school work, she'll be spending her time with me in Sungai Besi. I will be spending my time there for a week. Will be going to & from work from Sungai Besi then. Then I have to cook. Oh no, I hope she can managed my cooking. With my cooking, one needs to have a super extra immunity system hehehe. Or else God knows what will happen. I am tougher because of my cooking you know. Well, we'll see what its like later. Have to plan my spending as well. Already missing my little sister here. Sob sob sob
Well, Azrin is carefully calculating her budget as she just moved into a new rental apartment. Both her & Zura (her housemate) just paid for the deposit & still looking for a third occupant. A few candidates seems to be interested; but eventually changed their mind last minute. There was one time; both of them took leave just to help accomodate the new so-called-interested candidate. But at the end; she just called to inform that she could not make it. What a waste of their Annual Leave. There was even a girl who called up in the middle of the night asking about the house but then called back at 2 AM to cancel it. Well, anyone who needs a room in Kota Damansara area feel free to drop a line - I'll sent your message to Azrin & Zura and see how it goes. Not to worry, they are a bit pschotically insane, with a bit temperamental due to stress of work. Other than that, they are fun loving creatures who has a strong sense of friendship.
Well, anyway. Since according to the schedule, 1st Floor staff is more than enough I was placed on the Ground Floor - as the cashier. Ala, its been a while since my last experience at the Register. Well, my guess is that management assumed that senior staff is more competent to be placed at the Registers on weekends & public holidays - to accomodate the crowd ;). Then just before noon; a Chinese lady came over with three books & a credit card. She placed them all on the counter & called someone through her cell phone. As I scanned the price; I checked the title of the book just to double confirm - and to my surprise the priced that was stated on the sticker did not at all match the titles of the book cover. Those were Catherine Anderson's book with Jane Austen's Penguin Classics price stickers. Yup, all three of them. There were also indications that the stickers had been tampered with. I paged for my manager & the Chinese Lady panicked. She quickly asked if there were problems with the pricing (how would she have known it if she weren't doing something fishy right?) & then quickly snatched her credit card and running out of the store saying that she was in a hurry. My manager was still blurr as he was in the middle of inspecting the books when she ran out of the store. My only regret is that I did not keep the credit card near to me so that she would not have been able to snatch it and run. Why? Erk, hello there's a name printed on the card right? I surely would like to have the name & lodge a written report to our management. Or better still, put her name in my blog. ;) My manager went straight inside the office to check the CCTV. He informed me that the lady sure spent a lot of time at a remote area tampering the stickers. And he will highlight the matter to the upper management level.
I know there are a lot of people out there who thinks book sellers are dumb, school drop out, etc. Thinking they can easily be intimidated by these so-called highly intellectual creatures with attitude. But they are not. Most bookstores that I know are actually hiring undergraduates, especially in so-called elite area. And they are even trained to handle almost any issues. So, better think twice before actually doing something bad not to mention stupid in the store. Well, other than that everything seems fine I guess. The story telling session,or should I say Story Reading session was not with a big crowd. Quite only a few people actually. It seems that Saturday was with a little crowd in the store. Let the story Reder spent time with the kids while I continue what I was doing earlier on. Azrin went to hear some briefing from the Supreme Supervisor. I could not care less. I might as well ask Azrin later on. Talk and talk and more talk will contribute to less and lesser and lesser job done.
I am only here during the weekends and I had better get things done as much as possible. Less time for gossip and no time to loiter around. Plus it seems It-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named seems to be in her comfort zone with beloved younger sister who will be leaving in March. In the mean time It-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named seems to find happily find faults with other or making the rest feels as if they are worthless. Hm, good job It-Who-Must-Not Be-Named! Bravo, good enough you are spending more time with your beloved while us the "Machai" are doing the work, clearly showing your favoritism towards your litle sister, showing your supreme power clearly; showing the staff how hopeless they are by finding their faults - a swell job don't you agree?
Maybe It ought to learn a few thing or two from it's father since, It does come a socialite family. Act like one. Learn the leadership skill It's father posesses. It's father is a well known figure and highly respected by the community so a lot of things can be learned even though just by observing. Bapa Borek Anak Rintik - doesn't apply to It I guess. Well, this is based on what I heard. Yup, I "kena" already and since then I just kept it to myself. If anything needs to be done I'll straight away inform Kak Zue as my Manager. As what my Store Manger would remind me, I am only here during the weekends so enjoy myself and try to have less stress and less gossips around the office. That surely what I am gonna do. Meet my friends over there while working and enjoying myself is certainly what I aimed to do. I'll be there to listen to their cries over what happen, but I'll just keep my comments to myself. For one thing, you can not be too sure on whom you can trust. But to you guys, hang on it there friends. Not all upper management are like It. So don't worry be happy ok? ;)
Well, another thing that we are planning; is the convoy to Ida's wedding this 9th of March. But the program might be distrupted by the unexpectedly announced election day which falls on the 8th of March. I have registered to vote in Ulu Tiram Johor Bharu. My beloved hometown, which I haven't been to in about almost a year. Hm, it is time for me to the perform my responsibility for my country and nation. Hmm, so poyo yes I know. :) So far, me, :), Zul, Azzam, Kak Iza & hubby and Ying Ying have confirmed our attendance. Theme colour will be purple. Lucky me as I have already 2 pairs of purple baju kurung :). Now needs to find new tudung, it's been ages since I last bought any new tudung. I have been so stingy with my budget for tudung, I think now is the time to buy some more for my own collection :).
We are planning to go on 2 separate cars, but if there are more to join then perhaps three then; Kak Iza's Red Viva, My Perawan Gold Iswara & Ying Ying Green Kancil. If not attendees; then just 2 cars then. Text Lai Wah but as usual, that former boss of mine; still keeping quiet. Eversince Chinese New Year, ker dia yang dah nak kahwin hehehehe. Its all between us, nothing involving others. Planned by me & beloved Kak Iza, so we do the invitations and confirmation for the attendees. Others can go, by themselves that is. So far that is all the people that planned to go anyway. I most probably will be bringing Ira as that marks the beginning of school holidays. She just went back to MRSM last Monday and the school holiday is coming already?! Its either time flies extremely fast or I am beginning to slow down hehehe. Dah tua lah kawan. Well, anyway. Most likely I will be taking a weekend off to spend time with my little sister. Poor girl, I have been too busy to even spend time with her.
My Babah & Bonda will be going to the Philippines & Vietnam for a week. Instead of sending Ira to Johor, as my Babah are positively sure she will not be doing her school work, she'll be spending her time with me in Sungai Besi. I will be spending my time there for a week. Will be going to & from work from Sungai Besi then. Then I have to cook. Oh no, I hope she can managed my cooking. With my cooking, one needs to have a super extra immunity system hehehe. Or else God knows what will happen. I am tougher because of my cooking you know. Well, we'll see what its like later. Have to plan my spending as well. Already missing my little sister here. Sob sob sob
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Weekends
I took leave on Friday. I need to send my car for service, as I will be sending Ira back to her hostel in Batu Pahat. Takder kereta, patah kaki jugaklah rasanya. Jadik, cuma selesaikan urusan di bank bank yang berdekatan rumah ajer. Went to CIMB to deposit money for a friend who helped to buy the battery for my car. When we went around asking for battery prices; it ranges up until RM270. Pergh, its kinda too expensive for me. So a friend managed to buy a battery for a slightly cheaper price. I mean like, its the same thing; same brand why should I be paying for more. Hm, everything is increasing -meaning the PRICE that is. Price of oil increases, price of food increases, price of highway increases (toll that is) etc. The list goes on and on and on. The one thing that is not increasing - salary. Boo hoo hoo. :(
As I was there, I might as well ask for the personal loan procedures. I thought of applying for personal loan mainly to settle my phone bills with Telekom. Another 2k to go. It was during the time when I was staying with my sister, but since she is having financial problem (not to say that I don't), I might as well try to settle it by myself. I can't be waiting and asking for it every month, can I? The phone line was under my name and so the summon was written to me. I need to clear it because a letter by the lawyer indicates diffculties in future for loan applications etc. yeah, I know, some will question my personal loan application to pay for my phone bill will increase my credits. But seriously I can still afford to pay small amount of RM as compared to settle the lump sum amount at one shot. Hehehehe, I already have 3 previous loans that I am still paying. Study loan, car loan & FaMo loan - Father & Mother loan :). the the officer by the name of Yati ( well, I call her Kak Yati out of respect) offered me credit card services as well. Hehehehe I am interested with only the CIMB Petronas Credit Card - from her explaination; up to RM50 discounts on petrol per month. Well to those who uses lot more petrol than I am perhaps the RM50 rebate doesn't worth that much. But to a person like me, who is stingy and tries to save whatever I can; that offer sure sounds ok. There is no annual fee which is good. I mean why pay for a credit card which you don't normally use (save your raised eyebrow for later part of my blog ok). I asked the mode of payment; the interest rate etc. Just to ensure that having credit won't trap me into more and more debt like what it did to a colleague. Every day receiving a call from the bank; regardless at what time of the day sure ain't good. I kept thinking why would the bank kept calling & haunting? Really scares me of wanting to have a credit card. Then I found that it didn't pay the minimum payment required each month from the bank. No wonder the bank kept haunting. Well, people don't usually tell the whole stories right? Especially if it embarrasses themselves. Well, I just signed the credit card application forms anyway. I am not even sure if it will be approved.
Then I went to Maybank to update my bank book. I have learnt my lesson. waiting too long & the transactions will be summarized; & then it will be harder for me to track whatever transaction that I have made. Especially now when I have started to use Maybank2u.Com. Yeah yeah I know, others are now experts at using Maybank2u.Com while I am still "crawling" (direct translation from Bahasa Melayu's merangkak-rangkak). As I was there, I asked about the Petronas Credit Card. Unfortunately it was only meant for those with minimum salary of 2k. So, instead they offer me the Flex card which has no annual fees imposed for the service (I think Flex stands for Flexible). It needs to be swiped at least twice a month regardless of the amount or they will charge you the service charge of RM 3.95 per month. Sounds good, and plus my salary goes into my Maybank account so definitelt it will be easier for me to settle my credit card payment. I had intended to use Citibank Shell Credit Card earlier, but I was informed that the interest rate for Citibank Credit Card was slightly higher than other banks. Hm, I don't think its wise for me to do that.
I think credit card, pretty much like what cell phone used to be; is now a necessity. People used to think that those with cell phones are just show offs - well if you are always seen with the latest cell phones all the time; then perhaps indeed you are a show off. But then again, if you can afford it and you have nowhere else to spend your money lavishly - why not. I have had my share of the experience not having enough cash when I need to buy my new battery for the car. But I like they way the credit card consultants at both banks handled my inquiries and their concerns with the credit card concept for my clear understanding. Credit card is definitely not you spending your money, but you spending the bank's money & later paying them back, with an interest if you failed to pay on time with the minimum amount required. That is what most people failed to understand. They make sure I understand the responsibility of having a credit. A good advice I must say. For an emergency situation, a credit card is very much needed.
Once everything was settled, I went home, cooked some luch, sweep the house, wah the clothes - well, actually the washing machine did most of the jobs on my behalf :). I love my old washing machine :) After all has been done, I took a nap. Replacing all my loss sleeps due to overworked huhuhu At about 3pm I received a message from Kak Yani informing me that due to HIGH SUSPECTS my leave application for this Monday 18th of February was rejected. Ala, I wish I was informed earlier so that I can try to apply for a swap of Leave since I managed to obtained the leave today. Drats. I had planned to send Ira back to MRSM this monday.
As I was there, I might as well ask for the personal loan procedures. I thought of applying for personal loan mainly to settle my phone bills with Telekom. Another 2k to go. It was during the time when I was staying with my sister, but since she is having financial problem (not to say that I don't), I might as well try to settle it by myself. I can't be waiting and asking for it every month, can I? The phone line was under my name and so the summon was written to me. I need to clear it because a letter by the lawyer indicates diffculties in future for loan applications etc. yeah, I know, some will question my personal loan application to pay for my phone bill will increase my credits. But seriously I can still afford to pay small amount of RM as compared to settle the lump sum amount at one shot. Hehehehe, I already have 3 previous loans that I am still paying. Study loan, car loan & FaMo loan - Father & Mother loan :). the the officer by the name of Yati ( well, I call her Kak Yati out of respect) offered me credit card services as well. Hehehehe I am interested with only the CIMB Petronas Credit Card - from her explaination; up to RM50 discounts on petrol per month. Well to those who uses lot more petrol than I am perhaps the RM50 rebate doesn't worth that much. But to a person like me, who is stingy and tries to save whatever I can; that offer sure sounds ok. There is no annual fee which is good. I mean why pay for a credit card which you don't normally use (save your raised eyebrow for later part of my blog ok). I asked the mode of payment; the interest rate etc. Just to ensure that having credit won't trap me into more and more debt like what it did to a colleague. Every day receiving a call from the bank; regardless at what time of the day sure ain't good. I kept thinking why would the bank kept calling & haunting? Really scares me of wanting to have a credit card. Then I found that it didn't pay the minimum payment required each month from the bank. No wonder the bank kept haunting. Well, people don't usually tell the whole stories right? Especially if it embarrasses themselves. Well, I just signed the credit card application forms anyway. I am not even sure if it will be approved.
Then I went to Maybank to update my bank book. I have learnt my lesson. waiting too long & the transactions will be summarized; & then it will be harder for me to track whatever transaction that I have made. Especially now when I have started to use Maybank2u.Com. Yeah yeah I know, others are now experts at using Maybank2u.Com while I am still "crawling" (direct translation from Bahasa Melayu's merangkak-rangkak). As I was there, I asked about the Petronas Credit Card. Unfortunately it was only meant for those with minimum salary of 2k. So, instead they offer me the Flex card which has no annual fees imposed for the service (I think Flex stands for Flexible). It needs to be swiped at least twice a month regardless of the amount or they will charge you the service charge of RM 3.95 per month. Sounds good, and plus my salary goes into my Maybank account so definitelt it will be easier for me to settle my credit card payment. I had intended to use Citibank Shell Credit Card earlier, but I was informed that the interest rate for Citibank Credit Card was slightly higher than other banks. Hm, I don't think its wise for me to do that.
I think credit card, pretty much like what cell phone used to be; is now a necessity. People used to think that those with cell phones are just show offs - well if you are always seen with the latest cell phones all the time; then perhaps indeed you are a show off. But then again, if you can afford it and you have nowhere else to spend your money lavishly - why not. I have had my share of the experience not having enough cash when I need to buy my new battery for the car. But I like they way the credit card consultants at both banks handled my inquiries and their concerns with the credit card concept for my clear understanding. Credit card is definitely not you spending your money, but you spending the bank's money & later paying them back, with an interest if you failed to pay on time with the minimum amount required. That is what most people failed to understand. They make sure I understand the responsibility of having a credit. A good advice I must say. For an emergency situation, a credit card is very much needed.
Once everything was settled, I went home, cooked some luch, sweep the house, wah the clothes - well, actually the washing machine did most of the jobs on my behalf :). I love my old washing machine :) After all has been done, I took a nap. Replacing all my loss sleeps due to overworked huhuhu At about 3pm I received a message from Kak Yani informing me that due to HIGH SUSPECTS my leave application for this Monday 18th of February was rejected. Ala, I wish I was informed earlier so that I can try to apply for a swap of Leave since I managed to obtained the leave today. Drats. I had planned to send Ira back to MRSM this monday.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day :)
Today is 14th of February (Malaysian Time is 8:16 AM) & so its Happy Valentine's Day to all!!!!! Now what is Valentine's Day? How it all started? How is it celebrated? What is so special about Valentine's Day? Well, lets see what can I come up with through my search on the net.
From this website - http://www.history.com/
Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial -- which probably occurred around 270 A.D -- others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at the sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification.
The boys then sliced the goat's hide into strips, dipped them in the sacrificial blood and took to the streets, gently slapping both women and fields of crops with the goathide strips. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed being touched with the hides because it was believed the strips would make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Roman 'lottery' system for romantic pairing was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February -- Valentine's Day -- should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.
Well, I think it will be helpful to know the history before actually celebrating it. Why? Because I am a Muslim (btw have you read a book of the same title written by Dina Zaman? A cool author who speaks sincerely of her mind about the things surrounding her). Reading from the history mentioned, one cannot help but to make a conclusion regarding the main important basic for the celebration of Valentine's Day. It was first celebrated to honour the 3 saints who fought for the glory of Christianity.
So what are we actually celebrating when we say we celbrate Valentine's Day? Exactly - we are actually celebrate the history that is associated with Christian's glorifying 3 saints. Okay people, don't get me wrong. I am not condemning the Christians or anything. But today's blog is mainly to remind myself and others who seems to be celebrating Valentine's Day blindly and not to mentioned foolishly. Well, personally I have nothing against celebrating the day itself. During my "Jahiliyyah Age"; I do celebrate Valentine's Day by sending cards to my family members and friends. During my Matriculation years in Bangsar, the old Jusco in Jalan Telawi used to sell pretty card during Valentines. What makes them different from other cards? They didn't have the word Valentine printed on it, which is a relief. Each time I send a card to my Ayah, he will definitely give me the "Valentine's Tazkirah" over the phone, on why we are not supposed to celebrate Valentines, why Valentine's is not part of our culture - and of course me being me will retaliate each statement given. Father's day, Mother's Day are also not part of my culture - but why are we still celebrating it? Yup, Ayah had to put up with my strong headed arguments.
Perhaps its because love is supposed to be celebrated every day. I mean myBabah did not have to wait for Valentine's day to give my Bonda a bouquete of roses. Then I thought perhaps it wass wrong to celebrate Valentine's because virgins are so ever eager to lose it during this "Holy Day" or because to many sins are being done during this time - for us Muslim as adultery are a strict No-No (I am sure all of you knows right?). Basically my conclusion was that its not right to celebrate Valentine's Day because of the sins Muslims do during the day.
Personally I think that nowadays the Valentine's celebration has been too commercialized. A spokesperson from a local florist mentioned that every year around Valentine's day the price of flowers will be increAsed by at least 30%. No wonder a bouquet of Red Roses now costs around RM 150 and above. It means that couples will have to plan sooo ahead before Valentines Day. Merely because of the money spend on the flowers, gifts and not to mentioned that bloody expensive diners.
Imagine having to spend average of RM 150 for the flowers, another RM 150 for the bears ( it can be more if we were talkingabout jewelleries)
Some interesting facts regarding Valentines Celebration:
- 188 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)
- Over 50 percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine's Day a procrastinator's delight. (Source: Hallmark research)
- Research reveals that more than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine's Day by purchasing a greeting card. (Source: Hallmark research)
From this website - http://www.history.com/
Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial -- which probably occurred around 270 A.D -- others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at the sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would then sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification.
The boys then sliced the goat's hide into strips, dipped them in the sacrificial blood and took to the streets, gently slapping both women and fields of crops with the goathide strips. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed being touched with the hides because it was believed the strips would make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Roman 'lottery' system for romantic pairing was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February -- Valentine's Day -- should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.
Well, I think it will be helpful to know the history before actually celebrating it. Why? Because I am a Muslim (btw have you read a book of the same title written by Dina Zaman? A cool author who speaks sincerely of her mind about the things surrounding her). Reading from the history mentioned, one cannot help but to make a conclusion regarding the main important basic for the celebration of Valentine's Day. It was first celebrated to honour the 3 saints who fought for the glory of Christianity.
So what are we actually celebrating when we say we celbrate Valentine's Day? Exactly - we are actually celebrate the history that is associated with Christian's glorifying 3 saints. Okay people, don't get me wrong. I am not condemning the Christians or anything. But today's blog is mainly to remind myself and others who seems to be celebrating Valentine's Day blindly and not to mentioned foolishly. Well, personally I have nothing against celebrating the day itself. During my "Jahiliyyah Age"; I do celebrate Valentine's Day by sending cards to my family members and friends. During my Matriculation years in Bangsar, the old Jusco in Jalan Telawi used to sell pretty card during Valentines. What makes them different from other cards? They didn't have the word Valentine printed on it, which is a relief. Each time I send a card to my Ayah, he will definitely give me the "Valentine's Tazkirah" over the phone, on why we are not supposed to celebrate Valentines, why Valentine's is not part of our culture - and of course me being me will retaliate each statement given. Father's day, Mother's Day are also not part of my culture - but why are we still celebrating it? Yup, Ayah had to put up with my strong headed arguments.
Perhaps its because love is supposed to be celebrated every day. I mean myBabah did not have to wait for Valentine's day to give my Bonda a bouquete of roses. Then I thought perhaps it wass wrong to celebrate Valentine's because virgins are so ever eager to lose it during this "Holy Day" or because to many sins are being done during this time - for us Muslim as adultery are a strict No-No (I am sure all of you knows right?). Basically my conclusion was that its not right to celebrate Valentine's Day because of the sins Muslims do during the day.
Personally I think that nowadays the Valentine's celebration has been too commercialized. A spokesperson from a local florist mentioned that every year around Valentine's day the price of flowers will be increAsed by at least 30%. No wonder a bouquet of Red Roses now costs around RM 150 and above. It means that couples will have to plan sooo ahead before Valentines Day. Merely because of the money spend on the flowers, gifts and not to mentioned that bloody expensive diners.
Imagine having to spend average of RM 150 for the flowers, another RM 150 for the bears ( it can be more if we were talkingabout jewelleries)
Some interesting facts regarding Valentines Celebration:
- 188 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)
- Over 50 percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine's Day a procrastinator's delight. (Source: Hallmark research)
- Research reveals that more than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine's Day by purchasing a greeting card. (Source: Hallmark research)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)