I've mentioned before that I'm currently learning piano. And just a few days back was my 2nd lesson!
Okay, I'm gonna say this again.. I'm still awed by the fact that I'm able to learn (and play.. ehem ehem) the piano! Oh yeah!
Btw, in this 2nd lesson, I have learnt to play the piano with 2 hands - whoooa!..!! Oh and the song - Jingle Bells! How appropriate since I love the Christmas season much!
Christmas, sure comes early this year!! :)
Btw, video edited with Final Cut Pro - thought I'd combine both skills into 1 :)
Busy & challenging. That's the week so far.. both on work & also on the productions. Am planning to do some short videos/ film for a competition :)
However, as heavy it is, the week seems not too bad after all.. Well, Hooray to the lil joys in life.. & the pictures remembering the moments! :)
This is Milo dinosaur.. a drink I had after a rather heavy telephone call with someone who I think is somewhat misguided, selfish & rather rude. Anyway, that aside, this hearty drink did the magic - cooling me down.
Have u tried this drink? I was surprised that some of my Kay El/ Pea Jay friends didn't know bout it. It really is a must try! :)
This was my lunch on Tuesday. I was at this area called Taman Gembira. Now, interestingly, this place is not to be mistaken as its translation Happy Gardens, which is actually the area opposite it.
Btw, I like the area here - the road names & also the shop names are all very Smurf like.. like Happy Coffeeshop, Jalan Sukacita, Jalan Selesa etc etc. Soothing names - especially for the city!
Btw, yeah, I was happy (gembira!) having this pork rib noodles at a restaurant there :)
This is a stamp from an wedding invitation card I received. It's from my friends who are gonna get married - like next week!
While I've seen this (the self photo made into stamp) around for quite a while now, but it's nice to receive it from someone I know. I guess it's also my 1st stamp of such :)
On Wednesday, while in between meetings, I decided to go try this Chatime.. and see what's the hype all about. I was recommended the red bean with pearls. Now, I know what's with the long queue. The tea was yummy, and the pearls were too - the right munchy feeling when chewing.
I guess I'll be a fan - well, till the pearl milk tea bubble explodes, just like it did 10 years ago. Haha!
Oh, and on Wednesday - I tried some cooking too! It has been ages sinced I really cooked.. used to do it more often during my uni days. Ahh, the memories! Anyway, I had this not for breakfast, but dinner!
And I'd like to caption this photo as - "best things come in pairs!" :) 2 sunny side ups - the way I like eggs cooked, the huge juicy portobello mushrooms, and fresh homemade sausages!
Well, I guess in between all the heavy stuff for the week, I did manage to squeeze some happy moments.. and like most cases, it always brings joy looking back.
The week is still a fair bit more to go.. and I just hope to create more happy moments - big or small! May you too! :)
And I can't help but do a reflection of my life - more so of what I've done the past decade after college. I know I did a semi reflection post a while back (This Time, Last Years... And This Time, This Year).. but well, I can't help but to do a more thorough one... one that highlights the highs of the past few years..
PS: Not wanting to boast here, but really just a reflection :)
So, here are some mini achievements (jeng, jeng, jeng... hahaha):
1. Appearing in full page newspaper ad!
Ok, I must say I am so proud of this... I couldn't help smiling when I saw my pic on the papers. This happened on the MRT. Someone was reading the papers, and then when he flipped the pages, I saw a 'familiar' face. I wasn't sure at first.. but then it became clear...
I was on the newspaper! Full Page! Woohoo!
And so, like a lil boy, I went on to buy a few copies and gave them to my family members!!! Hahaha.
2. Appearing on the bus & MRT - Singapore & China too!
I did clinch a few more modeling jobs in Singapore - with the Pizza Hut ad appearing on the MRTs & busses in the city. Pity I didn't see those - but my friends did SMS me with words like "Hey, I'm seeing you here on the train/ bus".
Oh and the ad I did for HP - that apparently went exclusively to China! Oooooo!
3. Publishing 2 Dream Books & Meeting The PM!
Remember the moment when Pak Lah won with a big majority? And he 'was at a all-time-high'? Well, it was around then too that I met him.
I must say I was touched that he came to my booth - a simple set up at the KL Batik Convention/ Exhibition.. Meeting Pak Lah then was more sweet because some of the people around him were actually blocking his view to my booth (that's another story), but yet he came by! DOUBLE WIN!!! Hahaha!!!
4. Getting Forewords by Ministers!
In 2007, I wrote an updated version of the book - and lucky me, I actually got some Malaysian leaders to write forewords for this book... including the then Tourism Minister, Tengku Adnan & also the then Minister of Culture Dr Rais Yatim.
Oh do I know them personally? Or have friends who know them? Errr.... no, I don't... and so getting those forewords were really sweet.
5. Producing a Webseries!
I've always been keen on going into productions (I still am!).. and in 2008, I had the opportunity to produce one.
The most memorable part about this? Well working with actor Kenny Chan who is an actor whose shows I watched when I was a kid!
6. Getting Featured on Magazines! (& Newspapers)!
Ok, I love being featured (ehem, ehem).. So of course, I'm happy to be featured in a few newspapers & magazines both in Malaysia & Singapore, English, Chinese & Malay.. for the works that I've done! :)
The very first article that I've been featured on...! (I still have the original copy hehehe)!
7. Being Men's Health Finalist & Category Winner!
I joined the Men's Health competition in Singapore - had a good time, took some very cool photos, made some very cool friends... and won a prize as well!
Oh, and apart from being featured on some outdoor ads, they even featured me in the papers for the win! :)
8. GoneTo Germany!
One thing I enjoyed a lot the past decade is the many travels I had..both for business & leisure. I've traveled to fair bit of places in Asia. For a while it seems that I would not be able to travel out of the continent (minus Australia that is).. but then came Frankfurt, Germany for the International Book Fair!
And that is the furtherst I've traveled so far! :)
9. Interviewing Celebrities (& Working With Some)!
Interviewed Jaclyn Victor in Singapore!
Some of my projects like the 50+1 Malaysia book saw me interviewing a list of Malaysian personalities & celebrities... and that was a good awesome feeling. Mainly so cos some of them were really inspiring - and yet very humble too! (of course, there are the negative & big headed ones... but hey, let's look at the bright side here :) ).
10. Started & Sold A Business!
This is the more serious side of me.. the book distribution business which I founded in Kay El has been sold after 1.5 years of hardwork. I'm proud of this as it goes to show that if you do something well enough - it can have value.. and provides a good exit strategy for the entrepreneur!
11. Organising An Online Reality Show!
While this is one of the projects that sure gave a big challenge, but hey, I can proudly say that I actually did an online reality show - Web 2.0 style.. Project O&O!
Memories here? Prema Yin singing the theme song - Fight, judges coming for the event finale.. and simply being part of 'history'! :)
Now, while I listed 11 happy moments/ accomplishments, but there are many more happy things that I've achieved in my 30 years of life - especially those small ones too.
I had a pretty happy 30 years. Life really has been good so far.
But of course, there are many things which I wished I had done as well. However, I'm not regretting.
Instead, I know I have more to achieve in the coming years. There are way many others out there who achieved far greater stuffs than me before hitting 30. I still find myself a lil behind, but catch up is on the way!
Owh, I can't wait to go ahead & accomplish more things & dreams this coming decade!!! Stay tuned - and may you continue to share this journey of mine! Hehehe :)
Have you ever tried the express cut before? The ones usually in malls?
Well I recently did, and am pretty impressed with it.
I've done this once back in Singapore (at that time it was like S$10 & 10 mins deal). I tried that once but didn't go back.
Cos while I like the hair cutting process to be short, but I still think it's important to have a certain standard.. which obviously that hair cut didn't have that.
So what made me change my mine and try it again this time (with another company of course)?
Well, firstly, I still haven't 'settled down' with 1 particular barber/ salon here in Kay El/ Pea Jay though I've been here for coming 2 years now. The salon I nearly 'settled down' with had odd & inconsistent opening hours.. and so that was a bye bye.
And more so - this X-Cut is actually by the people behind A Cut Above. So I believe that there is a certain standard to it. Or so I hoped to believe.
And thirdly, I needed a hair cut.
So when I was referred to this, I thought I'd give it a try.. and like I mentioned above, the outcome was good. The hair was cut well according to my taste at least. And the person who cut my hair (ie the stylist) - she was friendly. And that to me is important.
Oh and yeah, there was no upsell of any sorts for any products!
So for RM16, and about 15 minutes.. that sure is one hair cut that is good enough :)
Tell me toys are only for kids.. and I'll say that's not true. And I'm not talking bout naughty toys, mind you. Haha!
Okay, so I admit I like toys... not just any toys of course, but mainly those figurines & collectibles from blockbuster movies or animation.
Well, I guess, in some ways I am a 'geek' in some ways too!
This is me, beaming ear to ear... when I saw the Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story while the movie was just launched.
However, I must admit, as much as I do like some of these figurines & toys, but heck, they are pricey. Hence, as of now, my collection is pretty little. Though of course, I do have plans to add to them over time.
Just the other day, I had KFC.. and then my eyes glittered. I saw the 4 Transformers toys that were on sale. Now I am a Transformer fan and though I do have 1 Optimus Prime from the Transformers 2 Movie, but then... seeing it here again, was just too tempting!
And so I got myself 2 of the more popular characters - first my favourite Transfomers character - Optimus Prime & then also Bumblebee. Both were at RM4 each - now aint that a bargain?
Opening it up & displaying them.. I now think maybe I should get the whole collection too. KFC again? Hehe.
And just a few days back, I was at a bookstore. Now I know - bookstores are for books... but I bought anything but books there.
Instead, I got myself some collectibles again..(yay!). I first saw the Glee bottle. It was the only Glee merchandise I've seen so far here in Malaysia.. and while I don't really need a bottle, but then, the other thing whispering in my ear is "hey, it's Glee! Why not.. you can always use a bottle, anyway". So yea, I listened to that voice.. and Glee-ed I was!
Then just a few rows down... there it was a string of Transformer merchandise from mini figurines, bookmarks, and keychains. Now, I just bought 2 figurines from KFC, so I wasn't really tempted to buy any other figurines anymore. Not until I saw the Transformers key chain, that can be lit up. How cool is that! (It sounds so much more cool if ur a Transformers fan Haha!!!). And so that went to the counter too.
Oh, I also got that mini globe while there. Sure, this is not really a toy toy. But anyway, I got it cos I thought I'd visualise something on my table about going global.. and the globe will serve a good purpose :)
So now, I have a few Transformers figurines, Buzz Lightyear, and other merchandise from Glee & Transformers. Hopefully to add to the collection soon will be Batman & Bruce Lee figurines. Oh, a Final Fantasy figurine will be nice too.
I chanced upon this blog post, and got inspired by it: This time, last year, everything was different. It's the story bout the blogger (SassyGirl) and how life changed for her the past 5 years.
Now, let me see mine. But let me extend mine to a few years more.
This time, last year, I was having an office in Pea Jay, managing a book distribution & sales company of 6 staffs. I was planning our strategies, joining events, doing sales and also managing the office. Work aside, I was enjoying my new freedom in Kay El/ Pea Jay going to some very cool & chic places around the Klang Valley (think Sky Bar).
This time 2 years ago, I was in the midsts of planning for my 1st webseries The Big Bibik & The Little Nyonyas - traveling a lil back to Malacca while still based in Singapore. It was also the time I was in the process of making a decision of relocating to Kay El, and coming to Kay El to look for a place to live.
This time 3 years ago, I was busy writing & planning the 50+1 Malaysia book. I was managing my freelance team of writers, designer.. and compiling photos from Flickr. Yeah, at that time Flickr kinda ruled momentarily, before the full emergence of Facebook took over a lil later. I was also having a fair bit of travels by this year.
This time 4 years ago, I just published the 2nd edition of Batik Inspirations. I was starting to travel crazy. The holidays were fun yet at the same time 'efficient'. I remember making those important phone calls & sending those emails to the Ministers - right while holidaying from China.
This time 5 years ago, I was traveling nearly every other week to Kay El from Singapore for business. I have just published the first book, and was busy finding all angles to get sales. It was also the time I first started blogging and learning how to go about with online business.
This time 6 years ago, I enrolled in a motivation course. It was this course that started to make me vision for my first dream project (my first book). This course was the one that opened my eyes - showing me that Dreams Do Come True. Also, through the course, I have met a new group of friends, some of whom are good friends till today. My job at that time - selling insurance & property all & around the island city of Singapore from day to night.
This time 7 years ago, I just graduated from a university in Singapore.. a university I spent 3 years in. And one that I'm glad to be out.
And now, this time this year, I just completed Project O&O - a reality online search for Malaysia's Youth Ambassador.. which I was the Project Leader. Not a dream dream project, but still, something I'm proud to have under my cap.
This time, this year, I'm currently under employment again - in the Social Media industry.. learning the works of the industry, sales & the business flow.
This time this year, I'm working on my 2nd productions, Summer Love.
This time, this year, I'm enrolling for Mandarin class. I'm also planning to enroll in more other classes of my interests that I've put off for a long time.
This time, this year, I am planning to take more baby steps into my bigger passion & dreams.
This time, this year, I am happily in love.
Looking back, I've lived a rather eventful life so far. How will my next few years be? I wonder too.
But one thing is for sure - I hope to move forward in all areas in my life. Grow as a person in every angle. Walk towards my dreams (and achieve some along the way).
Do you remember your first day of work? Or first day of school in the beginning of the year?
I don't but this time round, I will. Cos I'm blogging bout it here Hehe... Well, that's what blogs are for anyway right? :)
I smiled as I saw my loose change, when paying the carpark.
So it was my 1st day.. and I was in some ways scared. Not scared of the work ahead or the company I'm gonna join nor what to expect from my new colleagues.
But I was afraid of the jam that might be ahead. I must say so far I've been rather blessed as I've never gone on peak hours... but this job requires me to be in by 9am. And it's at the other city - Kay El. I know it ain't that far from Pea Jay, but still...
So I woke up slightly earlier (okay, I admit much earlier than my usual time). And was ready for.. WAR.
But guess what? Traffic to the office was... nearly as smooth as butter!!! I'm so impressed.. And of coz thankful for the 2 paying tolls I had to go through. But hey, it's better than being stucked in the jam :)
And then I arrived. And had my breakfast at the now synonym to Malaysia kopitiam - Old Town. And guess what? The eggs above - they are my 2nd helping. I had to order a set as it's cheaper even though I... err... actually had eggs just before I left home. Yeah, I was egg-ified (in a good way)! Haha!
Work was pretty easy going on the 1st day. Like a colleague mentioned... it's the honeymoon period. I was introduced to all the colleagues in the office - remembering only a handful of their names. But they all seem nice.
And as it's the 1st day, work was light. I was given this book to read. And I read it in one sitting while in the office. I must say I've never read so much so fast.. for a long long time, or ever!
I was given my brief on my jobscope, and we did some planning as well. Time was a lil slow.. but still I made the best of it. Soon, it was evening, and time to clock out.
On the way back, I saw this beautiful sunset. And I just say to myself - on what a lovely (first) day it is.
And then came dinner.. and I went to try out this famoust Middle Eastern restaurant - Tarbush. That put quite a nice ending to the 1st day.. and hopefully to a start of many happy days ahead :)
Looking back at my life so far, I am grateful of the many things that I can enjoy and do. I believe many others do it too - only whether they document them. For me, well, I always am prepared with my phone camera :)
These photos have always been uploaded to the social networks that I'm into, but today, I'd like to write it here in this diary blog of mine..
I got this note book from Thailand from one of my previous trips.. it's your rather usual note book except that on every page, there is a lil cartoon on it - be it on top, bottom or side of the page.
And the characters are different for nearly every page.. This maybe a small thing to some, but each time I see some unique characters like the ones above, it kinda makes me smile in some ways.
Now I don't use this note book as much because of the iPad, but still whenever I do use it, I appreciate it.. and I believe it's like the best note book I ever bought. Haha!
This pic is taken during Wesak. This is the 2nd time around that I've been back to this temple in PJ for wesak (Wat Chetawan).
And it seems that visiting this temple during Wesak is like becoming a tradition for me in some ways - now that I'm living here in Pea Jay :)
Seeing bananas hanged like that in shops maybe common for some. But if we are to just take a moment, this is rather interesting, don't you think? I'm sure if we see this overseas, you'll see many of us going Click, Click, Click & all gaga over it!
And that was how I felt just that day when I realise this.. which to me it's like Raining Bananas!!! Hahaha!!!
This was taken at Canteen @ PJ Trade Centre. I was here to discuss about Project O&O Grand Finale with the owners of the cafe - just 1 week before the event.
And I ordered this drink. I couldn't help but like this pic cos it does feel very Summer..!
Talking bout Summer, I had a very nice opportunity to stay at the G Tower Hotel KL - during a Sunday (I know I'm blessed here!).
And yeah, I swam in this pool overlooking the KL Twin Towers.. so cool lah!! It's like a dream come true, really.. something I've always wanted to do, and I'm happy to have realised this mini dream :)
Oh, and just a few days back.. I tried the GSC Gold Class cinema!!! I've tried the 'luxurious cinemas' in Manila & Jakarta and so enjoyed them... and then just the other day, I had the chance to try it here in Kay El!!!
I felt like a small boy again.. you can see it from the pics above! Hehe.
And with movies... I must say I am Oh-so-Lucky to have met the Kung Fu Panda star - Po, live, right here in Pea Jay! There was this Movie Carnival at IPC (formerly Ikano), and I was there.. and so was that cute panda.
So of course, I took that opportunity to grab a pic with him/ it!!
Looking back at these moments sure make me smile.. and though I know that I'll be way busier the next week onwards (more of that to come), but then I also know that having those lil happy moments are still important - busy or otherwise.. Here's to more of that! :)
Just before the start of my 'travel extravagant', I've been enjoying life a fair bit too. Okay, I know this sounds like an understatement, cos many friends are already saying that I've been enjoying life all these while! Haha!!
Well, that can be true.. but then again, the past weeks have been a lil bit more!
Though, I wouldn't say all these are enjoyment per say, but they are happy moments in my life.. and some observations that I make :)
Did you know about the SuperMoon? Well, I read bout it on Twitter, the night itself.. but greater KL is so cloudy. Interestingly, I stayed up late that nite.. and so, here's a shot I took at 2am, when the clouds went away.
The other day, I did quite a bit of walking. I should get credit for this, as I walked from Times Square to the hawkers centre beside the Honda Showroom, and back. Well, I had time to kill in between, and wanted to eat the yong tau foo there. Anyway, I thought the walk was good - yeah, I need the exercise! Haha!
Btw, on my way back to the mall, I bumped into this street art. Thought it's quite beautiful. Pity that if you are driving, you'll most likely miss this..
I got myself some CDs recently. Realised that while I've been 'enjoying life', but I do seem to be snapping a lil fast of late. And thought some relaxing CDs will do me good. Well, of the 4 I got, this is the best.. ! It sure calms me down.. and at some point, makes me miss Bali! :)
I've also made a stop at one of my favourite hunt for burgers.. this being the Ramly burger at Uptown PJ. A lil unhealthy, I know.. but like the saying goes.. as long it ain't too much, and taken in moderation, that should be okay. Or so I choose to believe. Haha!
Do you Starbucks often? I hardly stepped into Starbucks till sometime late last year until a friend kinda 'introduced' me to it. It's not that I dunno about its presence but I just didn't fancy it back then.. and hardly starbuck-ed! But since coming over to it every once in a while late last year, I've since been a lil hooked to it..
Btw, last week, I noticed these lolipop like chocolates at the counter. Thought they are quite interesting, and a good addition to the Starbucks selection (I wonder how it tastes though).
Do u know this temple? This is not Thailand, but a temple in PJ. I like this place of worship for it's Thai architecture, apart from being a Buddhist temple. Yeah, I do come here once in a while to pray, and get some inspiration :)
Oh, I noticed these flowers at the temple too. Reminded me when I was in primary school, and had to wait for the school bus under the hot sun. The only shades were some trees and bushes with these flowers.
And we, the schoolchildren would actually pluck the flower, and eat/ suck the sweetness from the the other end of the flower (sorry, I don't know the flower terms). So seeing these flowers again sure bring sweet (pun intended) memories! :)
I've been watching some movies as well. I even did a 'movie marathon' of 2 movies in a row, though this is pale compared to what I did back in Singapore.. where I could go for 4 movies back to back!
Btw, one of the movies I watched recently is this superly funny, rather touching, & romantic Thai movie - Bangkok Traffic Love Story!
Oh I must also say that I went to the recent BN Job Fair at PWTC. It's interesting why I was there... but that's for another time (soon!). Anyway, the fair was not bad... but I guess one of the most memorable thing from it is this car showcase from the Naza group! That is the one thing that I kinda remember most anyway! Haha!
Well, there, that's what I've been up to of late, just before my travels this April. I'm sure that when I'm back from the travels, there will definitely be more things that I'll see and do..! (though I also forsee a busier me!)
Anyway, I guess that's life to me.. that is to enjoy every single moment of it! :)
I've been enjoying life very differently the past 2 weeks.
Here are some of the stuffs that I've been doing.
Going to Parliament!
It has been a long time since I wore a full jacket. But I had a destination to go to - the Parliament! Wearing the jacket reminded me of my prefect days in school or when I was the best man for my friend's wedding. And the tie - it reminded me of my salesman days! Haha!
Anyway, after over a decade, I was back in the Parliament. The last time I was there was schooldays (I'd say when I was a school kid.. but some FB friends say that Form 6 is not school kid - yeah rite -.-).
Going into the Parliament was a mix of being anxious, excited and proud. And, it was fun going into the Parliament - yes, I felt like a tourist of sorts.. and no, I wasn't there for a visit. Haha!
House Searching!
The view from one of the condos I went to see. Can u guess where?
I've also been looking at some houses around Pea Jay to buy. Seen a few, and am learning about the property market. I'm in no super hurry to get one and am taking my time on this. Cos like most of the things I do - the house has got to be just right, and near perfect, if not perfect.
Sunset Gazing!
I've also been enjoying the views of the sunsets a lil more these past weeks.. the reason most likely cos I could spend a lil more time in the evenings.. I always love the evenings, and am glad I could spend that short magical moment of the day.
Enjoying Some (ok, more than some) Good Food!
While a fair bit of Pea Jay-ers hate going down to Kay El, but I'm okay with that.. and quite enjoy it too, actually. To me, there's somethings in Kay El that is still better than what Pea Jay has to offer, despite me loving Pea Jay much.
For example, take this hokkien mee sold at Petaling Street. Definitely the best I've tried so far! And so, I was back here the other day.
Besides the hokkien mee, I quite enjoy walking along the make shift stalls with their rather unique tees and other fake goods. To me, this is the real Kay El deal. Yeah, call me a tourist.
Tattoo Curious!
Btw on this recent trip, I took notice of the tattoo parlours around the area. It's funny how I don't really remember noticing these before, but this time round, I took extra attention.
Yeah, the temptation of getting a tattoo has been on my mind for a bit now. While it's cheap/ affordable to get one (heck, it's only like RM200?), but the thought that it remains permanently still lingers on my mind. And the right pattern, the size, the colour, and the after effects made me just 'admire' the pictures displayed outside for now. (seriously, if you are to get one, what design will u get, and where will u put it?)
Well, that's roughly some stuffs that I've been doing of late. In fact, there's more - cos I am quite a lepak-er of late! Haha! But well, I'll keep those for another post! (yes, there is really that many!) :)
