The end of 2014

The year wasn't that all smooth sailing...

Bumps at work. Bumps at home. Bumps with myself. Even on this eve to the new year, I've been caught ill.

It was worse for the country. In these last few days, the third national air tragedy struck. Hundreds of lives lost and hundreds more affected. Then there's the constant downpour which has brought about the worse ever flood situations in some areas. Thousands more effected.

There will be no celebrations. No fireworks. No parties. No drinks.

It has been a dim year. Glad that it will be ending soon.

As the new year steps in, there's hope that it'll bring about some changes. Something good for everyone.

So farewell 2014....and we shall see what is in store for 2015!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Smartphone addiction

Wherever I go, I see people being glued to the screens of their smartphones.

Be it waiting for the elevator, waiting at the bus stand, waiting for the train, queuing up at the counter, at the table waiting for the food to be served, waiting at the lavatory, even while walking....their eyes do not leave the screen in their hands.

So out of curiosity, I did a little "surveying". What is it that is so important on the screens that they do not even look up when crossing a road? It's not really that hard to do considering the size of smartphones these days.

Is it that text message that requires an immediate reply? Is it that Facebook post that requires an immediate comment or "like"? Is it that itch to post a picture on Instagram immediately? Is it that immediate tweet that you can't wait a couple of minutes? Is it that headlines or news that you got to read now itself?

I could still have understood if it was out of the reasons above. Well, you know, living in a fast paced world where technology is no longer a limitation and everything has to be up to-date instantly. You wouldn't want to be left out.

But guess what, some people are not glued to the screens for those reasons. Most of the people that I've "surveyed", are just simply scrolling the pages or texts. They are not reading them, they are not replying anything, they are not posting anything. They are just merely scrolling! So, that's the reason for not talking to the person next to you and making actual conversation? That's the reason for not taking an interest in what's going on around you?

That's one very serious addiction man! Unbelievable.

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The land down under

When on Australian soil, you got to speak like an Australian mate! If you don't, you'll end up like dear sister - who asked for latte and got tea instead. "But I said it correctly! I said latte. In ENGLISH!" she protested. Yea, still the latte ended up as tea.

Have never had a one-to-one vacation with the sister. This was the first of its kind. So, off we went, to the land down under. Melbourne, to be exact. Thanks to some tourism advertisement that we saw in some paper.

Planning took 2 months. Everything was researched - from hotels to transportation to food to activities to places of interests to tour packages. The sister put up most of the itinerary. Right down to the exact timing. At times, it didn't seemed to be like a relaxing holiday. It seemed more like an episode of "amazing race". Rushing for time. Rushing to catch the tram. Rushing for this. Rushing for that.

We were there in winter. We weren't that accustomed to the cold weather, so it sort of affected our holiday mood. It was freezing cold and the jackets we had on weren't able to provide much warmth. But Australians were seen jogging around in shorts and T-shirts. Unbelievable.

There were a couple of things that made the vacation memorable. They were worth the wait in the chilling weather. They were worth the exorbitant price tags. And they only lasted for an hour each. They were unique to Melbourne, which was what attracted flocks of tourists. We were glad to be part of the experience.

There's the hot air ballooning over Yarra Valley - one of Victoria's winery regions.  We had to depart at 4.30am in order to make it in time for sun rise. Unfortunately, due to unstable weather conditions in winter, by the time it was safe for us to take flight, the sun was already up. But considering that we missed the initial flight for the same reason, it sort of didn't matter. The ballooning was operated by Global Ballooning Australia. They are an experienced bunch who followed strict protocols but yet allows you to have loads of fun - by including you to pack and unpack the hot air balloon. It was a once in a lifetime experience - flying over hills and ponds, overlooking grazing horses and sheep, basking in the sun rays, floating on the clouds....as our pilot, Viktor, said, "Welcome to my everyday office!"

the ballooning experience

Then there's the penguin parade at Phillip Island - the world's smallest penguins, waddling ashore at sunset to their homes in the sand dunes. Why after sunset? Well, as explained by the rangers, it is for safety reasons - the dark of the night and going in groups provides cover from preys. It was a sight not to be missed as 20-30 of them emerged from the sea and waddle across the beach. Standing watch from the platforms, it was hard for us to resist the urge to grab one of them home. They were just too adorable! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to snap any pictures. The flashes and infrared lights will affect the little penguins sight - in more serious cases, they will be blinded by them. All we were allowed to do was to walk them home. It was good enough!

the penguin parade promotional pictures

There's also the other sights and sounds that makes Melbourne all the unique....

Street arts, in the city. Not just any scribbles and doodles. These are professional graffiti and street arts, hired by the town council to beautify the city's back lanes. They cover all the major lanes. More popular ones being Hosier Lane and Degrave Street. They make good backdrops for wedding photography too. You'll never look at a trash bin the same way again.

The Twelve Apostles - Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road. Natural limestone stacks. The wonders of mother nature. We didn't counted 12 though.

Loch Ard Gorge - Port Campbell National Park, adjacent to the Twelve Apostles. Another work of mother nature. It was named after a shipwreck at the gorge.

The Puffing Billy steam train ride - travels from Belgrave to Gembrook through the Dandenong Ranges on its original track. But for us tourists, the ride lasted a quarter of the track, where we disembarked at Menzies Creek. The open-sided carriages allows you to hang your legs out of it while you enjoy the stunning forest view.

Queen Victoria market. One of the historical landmarks of Melbourne. You'll find everything and anything you need there. Fresh produce, meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese, seafood, nuts, clothes, shoes, souveniers, wine, spices, snacks...anything! We were impressed with how tidy and how clean the place was given the crowd that was there. Word of advice : don't bother buying from other tourist spots, be it souveniers or food. Spend more time at the market, you'll find loads of varieties at more reasonable prices.

Luna 1878 winter night market. Only happens every Wednesday night during winter. Queen Victoria market is transformed into a stage for live performances coupled with savory delights from all around the world.

And of course, how can we leave out Australia's most famous furry animals - the kangaroos and the koalas. Didn't expect that we would be all excited in patting and feeding them. Well, it's not everyday that we get to be this close to them.

Perhaps I would return someday. I still very much like to see the vineyards in its full bloom. I dream of sipping wine among the vines amidst a picturesque sun setting behind the hills.....

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The routine

Here's how it goes...

You get out of bed
Freshen up and get dressed

Get into the car
Crawl in snail-like traffic to the office
Reach an hour and a half later and park at the usual spot
Go grab that morning coffee
Read the daily headlines
Log into the email
Start replying mails that don't matter
Greet and have small talks with colleagues which you don't fancy
Work on that request from the boss and getting it approved
Play sweet and humble with everyone
Catch that lunch buddy
Fuss over the choices of food at the food court
Gossip about that nasty secretary
Head back to the desk
Reply those don't matter emails again
Try to talk sense into some people
Got agitated by the next department and try not to lose that patience
Go to the pantry and have a break
Have meaningless talks with the colleagues again
Respond to that "why-does-it-matter" request from the other department
Review that work done by the team and try not to shout at them
Reply that one last don't matter email
Pack up and tag out
Get into the car and crawl for another hour and a half back home
Clean up and get dinner
Continue that novel, continue that drama series
Tuck up in bed

The next day starts all the same again.

The things we do for others. The things we do that, honestly, bears no importance to us. Yet, we put most of our time and energy to it. What for?

For that pay check at the end of the month. The pay check that pays the bills and leave some extra for that weekend brunch. That exotic vacation. That limited edition handbag. That occasional spa pampering. That must have dress. That latest gadget. That night out with the buddies. And all those to make up for the misery of our daily routine lives. 

Just the way life works right?

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Expectations

Putting expectations on others is just not worth it. Be it any certain kind of expectation at all.

First, they might not be fulfilled. Second, they might not be fulfilled in the way you wanted it to be.

Since it'll end up as an apparent disappointment, why have any hopes at all? Why rely on others when it's best to have it done on your own?

Well, I have been dumb. Time and time again.

When will I ever learn?

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Being me

It's simple. Really. How hard can it be in being yourself? Your own true self?

But in the society that we live in, or rather, in a society that I live in, being myself is very much a "sin". You do not get to be yourself without obtaining some sort of "permission" from society.

Now who constitutes society? They are none other than the neighbours, the distant aunts and uncles, the friends' parents, the parent's friends, the acquaintances, the community and the likes. Basically, they are those that doesn't have a significant importance in my life. And yet, they seem to dictate my every move.

'Why are you still single? You ought to find yourself someone."
"Why are you reading by yourself? It's not a pleasant sight."
"You shouldn't be drinking so much coffee. It's not good."
"You coloured your hair? Chemical damages it. You ought to leave it in its original state."
"Why are you wearing that dress? It doesn't suit you."
"Where do you work? It doesn't sound reputable. You ought to switch to a more well known company."
"You're planning to travel to that country? Who on earth goes there? Can't you not go some where else?"
"Oh, you blog? Why do you reveal your personal matters for the world to read? It would be better in being discreet."

Although I appreciate the certain level of concern, if any of them are concern at all, I have no intention of living under a microscopic lens. Let alone explaining my every single move and action. Worst off, the parents take their views seriously.

Yes, I do enjoy being alone, reading my favourite book while sipping coffee at the cafe. Does that bother you?

Yes, I do love having my hair dyed brown or red or purple paired with a tight fitting dress or a tattered blouse. Does that bother you?

Yes, I have a thing for writing and I adore traveling to places where I feel like it. Does that bother you?

Yes, I enjoy hanging out with friends late into the night talking about nothing. Does that bother you?

It's sickening having to come up with an answer to appease them. I can't be left alone to do the things I please without having first taking care of their opinions. And I've got to explain on how I want to live my life? How ridiculous could that be?

I live my own life. I live the way I want it. I live it happily. So what if I take the route less traveled? So what if I didn't do what everyone else is doing? So what if I have different views and different passions? Does that make me less of a person?

So people, stop judging. Stop asking. Cause I'm no longer answering. I'm no longer explaining.

I will just be......me.

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Nail Art

I have a habit of biting my nails.

It's a habit I had since I was a kid. It's a habit that all my close friends knew about. Each time I'm stressed out or nervous or just merely deep in thoughts, my nails became the victim. I wasn't able to resist.

Throughout the years, a few have tried to make me quit, but to no avail. I bit, it grew, I bit it again. It's a never ending story.

It got so bad 6 months ago, that a friend of mine finally forced me to this nail parlour to have it "nursed". She was afraid that my fingers might get infected someday and had to be chopped off.

So, there I was, at NailzBlink Professional at Sungai Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The manicurist is a friend of a friend's. At least I'll know that I'll be getting genuine suggestions. She was shocked to see my nails. She was amazed at how I was able to bite the nails that deep in and not feeling any pain. Well, I had many years of practice.

My nails had been so bad that it was beyond "repair". She wasn't able to work on them. In the end, she suggested for nail extensions and that I was to keep using them until my own nails grew. Oh-kay. What else could I say? To further hinder my biting, she would be decorating them with fancy nail arts. Oh boy! "We'll make them all nice and fancy so that you wouldn't feel like ruining them."

I wasn't very keen in having those stickers or jewels or tiny flowers glued to my nails. They'll bring discomfort whenever I use my hands. And I had to be worried about losing them. So I had opted for a nude nail colour for starters. The manicurist was very accommodating to my requests. She gladly picked out the colour and had further suggested for a gel based colour. Apparently, gel based colours had more lasting effects. 

So I had my very first nail extensions done and a simple colour to finish it off. It wasn't that hard working with them. Just that I had to move my fingers a tad slower the first few days.

The extensions needed maintenance. After a period of time, they'll loosen and had to be removed and applied fresh ones. Mine was able to last a month, which was considered a lengthy period. Well, I did managed to take care of them well. :)

So I had different designs done each time I returned to the parlour. Sometimes it was to cater for the certain festival of the month. Sometimes it was for the fun of it. Eventually the colours became bolder and I was more open to experiment them.

Eventually, my own nails grew to a certain length that I was able to remove the extensions entirely. I was pleased at how healthy they grew without me biting them. And I was glad that my urge to bite them was gone. 

My manicurist had done a great job in having them groomed. It has now become a monthly routine for me to have them primed and decorated. It would be a different showcase each month and I love them! :)

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First ever Indian travel

India was never on my travel list. Even if I had exhausted all the other places, I would have not set foot on India either. Couldn't blame me. There's just been too many negative comments of India of late. Not even of late, it's been for as long as I can remember. Everyone I know whom has visited, have not a good praise for the place.

Hygiene is bad. Water is unclean. Uneven roads. Crazy traffic. Overly populated. Prone to harassment. Unclean food. Well, they don't call it "Delhi Belly" for nothing. Discrimination against women. All in all, it seems to be the worse place for a traveler.

So imagine my reaction when I was called to be there for business - unaccompanied. And it was to a location where none of my contacts have ever been - Bangalore. "Shucks! I'm suppose to go to an unknown location, all by myself? Do I really have to be there?" It wasn't something compulsory anyway. But rejecting the invitation would seem undiplomatic. After all, it was the boss who had invited. Fine, so I braced myself for the worst and made extensive preparations for me to get in and out of Bangalore safe and sound. It didn't helped either when I realized my travel desk had booked me on a Malaysian Airlines flight - the distressed airline which had a lost plane still undiscovered and a flight to Bangalore itself which had to be turned back for some technical failure just a few weeks back. Bummer!

But, after having picked up my courage and being there, turned out that I was being over paranoid. Apart from a delay in departure, my plane didn't burst out in flames, or dropped from the sky or even crashed into the sea. If those negative comments about India had been true, they didn't apply to Bangalore. Perhaps the reviews were made about other states or other cities.

Bangalore (or officially known as Bengaluru), the capital city of the state Karnataka in the south, is known as the "Silicon Valley of India", as it is the center of India's IT industry. It is also known as the "Garden City of India" due to the lush greenery that surrounds it.

My flight had arrived at 1am at Bengaluru International Airport, a 1.5 hours later than the initial arrival time. Customs and immigration checks had been swift perhaps due to the lateness in the hour. There wasn't much of a queue. Upon arrival, my designated driver had been waiting. He introduced himself as Alladin. Nice and friendly chap without much of an Indian accent. At least I understood his each and every word. There wasn't anyone who stared at me as a foreign female upon my arrival and there weren't any beggars around to tug at my shirt. Criticism 1 debunked.

Bengaluru International Airport

It took 1 hour for me to get from the airport to the hotel - Alila Bangalore Hotel and Residence. A cosy and very spacious 5 star hotel. Surrounded by trees and over looking a lake. I had a whole room to myself! With a king sized bed! No, I didn't hopped on it like a small kid if that's what you are thinking.

The crew had upmost hospitality. They were very much courteous and attentive. "Good morning ma'am, how was your night? Did you rest well? Is there anything which you'd require further?" "Hi ma'am, how was your stay? Is everything all right?" "Hello ma'am, how was the food? Is it to your preference? Would you like a different menu?" I think up to a certain point, I'd got tired of replying, "Yes, everything is fine. I have no need of any other preferences."

Alila Bangalore Hotel & Residence

I've turned vegan on visit. My Indian colleagues had been considerate in taking me to non-vegetarian and non-spicy diners. But out of adventure, I had opted for the exact opposite, which came as a surprise for them. Of course I would have wanted to try out the local food. To try stuffs that I couldn't get back home. And so they were more than happy to do so. We went to an Indian fine dining restaurant - Copper Chimney and they had picked out the best dishes for my tasting. It was kind of them to explain each dish too. While I can't remember the names of all the dishes and I didn't managed to capture some shots of them, they were indeed tasty. They have flavours that we don't. I was surprised to find myself liking them. :)

Ohh...about drinking water. As a foreigner, you'd be served with bottled mineral water whenever asked for. The bottles would be new and unopened. There weren't any upset tummies after taking them. There were no issues in using tap waters for shower and washing either. I didn't contracted rashes or itchiness. Criticism 2 debunked.

Perhaps one of the criticism that couldn't be debunked is the crazy traffic. Vehicles were coming in all sorts of directions. And in between you got to watch out for pedestrians and cows! Real huge cows! That wouldn't budge no matter how long you honked. Ahh...yes, the honks. The magical "instrument" that has to be used when you drive, in every single way. Not that it ever worked...

 Auto-rickshaw. The "tuk-tuk" of India

Another interesting sight during the stay was the amount of security personnel all around and the need to have everything scanned all the time. You get scanned at the airport. You get scanned before entering the hotel. You get scanned before entering the office premise. You get scanned before entering a mall. It is not just you that's being scanned, every vehicle that enters a building gets scanned. Even the bags and purses you carry gets scanned as well. I'm not so sure if I should feel secure or worried. When asked of the purpose of the scannings, no one knew either. I was told, "If you asked the security why is scanning and what is he specifically looking for, he won't be able to answer you. He just does as being told." Interesting. 

Didn't get to go sight-seeing this time. The trip pretty much revolved around the office and the hotel. Bangalore wasn't a tourist spot. It had nothing much to offer. There wasn't much night entertainment either. As a single female on foreign soil, best to stay indoors at night. So I had occupied my spare time with some Bollywood movies on TV and reveled in the luxury of the hotel room.

The trip had definitely changed my perception of India. Or to be specific, Bangalore. Not everyone is dark-skinned and waiting to pounce on you. And you don't get sick just from breathing the air or drinking the water. Yeah, call me naive. Generally, the people are friendly and is much delighted to introduce their culture and country to you. You just have to have an open mind to take in all in. 

I'd probably have no worries in returning should there ever be a need to. But if it's to the other locations, I'll have my doubts......

*Certain pictures posted are courtesy of the internet. Didn't managed to snap much. But they are as how I viewed them.

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Lost it?

Opened up a blank page...and sat staring at it.

Felt like there is so much to let out, yet couldn't find the right words to express them at all. Have I lost it?  Have I lost the flair to write?

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The Promotion

Been at it for a about a month now.

It was all made to sound so simple. The higher position. The higher authority. Someone calling the shots. All you got to do is just to give the instructions, make them work it and monitor. If you don't like it, make them re-do it. Wa-laa! Piece of cake!

Yea right! Tell it again when you have a bunch of clowns running around. Giving instructions to a bunch of clowns? Go figure. And worse yet, your neck is on the line for those clowns. So much for the higher position. Why the heck did I agree to do this? What was I even thinking?

For the challenge? To boast with the new title? To see if I could do it? Self-satisfaction? For the better pay? To have more fun?

It had all happened in a flash...

This one fine morning, the superior handed in his resignation. Caught completely by surprise - he had shown no signs of any intentions prior to that. Fine. It was sort of a disappointment to have him leaving. He was one with the sort of skills and knowledge which could be learned from. I was anticipating working with him for a much longer period. Oh well...

And, before his leaving was even being "digested", he dropped another news - "I've named you as my replacement". What? Are you serious? Are you sure? Your position? Am I the "scapegoat" here? I don't even know if I'm capable! So many thoughts lingered.

Before I had all those answered, HIS superior called. After a brief talk, the role was officially offered and without really much consideration, I had accepted! Great. "We'll do the knowledge transfer now and you can start working on this forecast and we are having the team call in awhile, which you are expected to sit in."

Like a wave of a magic wand - whoosh! Suddenly I'd ascended to a whole new level. Dealing with a whole lot of people. From around the world. From top to bottom. Left to right. Dealing with a whole lot of issues. And trying to maintain my sanity in all of these.

Oh yeah! I'm going to have a whole lot of fun alright!

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Goodbye 20's

The day is 18th March 2014.

What's the big deal? Only that it's my last day as a twenty-something. This long dreaded day has finally arrived. Ever since my 29th birthday, I was hoping that this day would never come. I was hoping that time would stop and I would have never had to enter the thirties.

I enjoyed my twenties! It was the time of my life!

10 years ago, 30 is something unheard of.
9 years ago, coming of age was the grand-est thing ever.
5 years ago, I was more focused on partying and making a mark for myself in the corporate world.
3 years ago, my attention was more towards traveling and seeing the world.
1 year ago, almost there...one more year to being wild and reckless.
A quarter year ago, the emo-ing started.
And today, gosh, it's gone! The prime is over...

So now what? As I'm left with less than 1 hour before I hit the big 3-0, the feeling is pretty much neutral. Not overly excited. Not overly distressed either. Just another day in everyday life. I would still be able to party. I would still be able to make my career. I would still be able to travel the world. I guess it would be naive to think that the world stops at a certain age.  

Perhaps I should look to embrace it. Perhaps the coming decade will bring much more. Who knows? Let's see what will come my way then. Shall hope for the best!

Now, time for some celebration!!

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Pampered. Rebelious. Princess.

I thought I have outgrown them.

I should be more composed, more rational, more matured.

But these are not me. I realised, in doing so, I've become so much more agitated. I've become so much more hot tempered. I've become so miserable.

Why the hell did I choose to be someone not me?

I would be so much more happier being that rebelious, self-centred brat that I used to be. Who cares what the others have to say? Who cares what the world would think?

If you can't accept the way I am, feel free to get out of my life.

I will always be that whiny, pampered princess.

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