Lately, I have been wondering if it's some sort of jinx....
You see, every time I start to introduce my close friend(s) to mum, as in, tell her their names and what they helped me with, things will happen and my friendship with that person will turn 100x more messier and complicated.
Happened in 2009. Right after I told my mum who those people are, shit happens and the whole group fell out with each other. Well things are slightly better since then but still.
Happened again last month. Or was it July? Can't remember anymore. Mum was like why aren't u telling me the names of ur friends who helped u and got so close to u. And finally I told her. And... weeks later, shit happens. And it's getting messier and I don't know how to fix things anymore.
It's not I don't want to introduce my good friends to mum, I do want to, but... I am more and more afraid of jinxing things up. I know it's really silly and totally unrelated, but why do such "coincidences" keep happening to me?
When my friend told their parents of me, especially being their friend, I feel really warm inside... I want to give some acknowledgement of my friends to my parents too, but... arghhhh... I feel really bad inside too when my parents dunno who are the kind souls who helped their daughter out in the wild.
So is this a jinx? I dunno... I only know I don't like it.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Hello September~
Can't believe I actually left my blog here for 6mths without any new posts. Incredulous! And so much had happened within the last few months and weirdly i'd been keeping it bottled up inside me rather than write them out, which honestly is therapeutic for me.
Mmm to start off, I actually signed up and started to go for gym since last month, August. come 2 mre days and it'll be one full month xD It has been great, I am slowly regaining back my older stamina and generally just feel stronger, lighter and faster. Of course no dramatic body changes yet due to my insane love for food, so I am more or less the same.
Though, I can feel improvement in myself cardio-wise. With good timing I will normally spend 30-45mins on the treadmill. There are some awesome runners around though! One thing I've found out from my gym sessions is that I am severely weak in my core strength. Yeah I maybe can lift but core-wise and lower body-wise I am ultra-weak!
Other than that, at work, well, since July, we had a new manager from Singapore temporarily taking over our sales department as we lost yet another leader. The very impressive SG manager who took over last year left in May, and the Managing Director left in July. Next week gonna lose another colleague again, a supervisor from a supporting department. It really is a shame when all the good and able staffs are leaving :(
Nevertheless, the winds of change had occured, and there is nothing we can do about it now except to adapt to it. And honestly, the process of adaptation for me had been very rough. Changes happened too fast, laws are enforced too soon without allowing space for compromise. Worse, almost on a week-by-week basis, the approach and strategy to best hit on our competitors are changed all the time. How are we able to adapt to a certain change when u change that to another only 3-4 days after first implementing it?
We are also under a period of restructuring. So certain methods of work had to change to fit the restructuring. However, this phase of restructuring had been very messy. It was too rushed and not done with flexibility. How can you implement and ideal structure and at the same time losing on the manpower to enforce it? We are forced to follow in the steps of other regions, but we are severely short of staff and ideally, we haven't reached the full capacity to restructure yet.
As a result of messy leadership, we are working under more pressure than ever. Just to cover on manpower shortfall alone is taxing. We are told to aim high and to achieve more as a group, yet we are understaffed and that means we have to do 2-3 persons job instead. Personally, we all do want to work to the best we can. I believe in each of my colleagues there lies a desire to achieve more, and break more records. But we were being led to do so in a not very efficient method.
Almost everything the new manager implemented had some sort of backfiring element in them. And most of them won't likely to work out, despite his very well intention to implement it. He is a smart guy and can figure out solutions to problems easily, but he is not one who can devise an ideal solution correctly. A quick fix only temporarily solves a problem. A wrong approach will produce more bad effects than good ones.
To put it all simply, we are a herd of lost sheeps. Without a proper leader, without careful management planning, we are spiraling very quickly into deeper disaster. Who can help us? Despite our best to maintain some positivity and drive in our work, one cant help but feel the 'dead' atmosphere in the office hanging upon us, putting more weight on our shoulders.
Recently at the Popular Bookfest held last month, I got myself a copy of "Who Moved My Cheese?". I've read a "teen" version of the book when I was younger and I remembered being inspired by it. Thought the ideas, the metaphors used in the book, are really good. Because of recent events, I finally bought it to read again and help myself in better understanding and accepting changes. It's a good book and I recommend it! Simple yet direct.
I think my situation now is, my cheese is about to move. The signs are all there, and I have to quickly get to work on it soon and be prepared for it. xD
So where and what will September bring me? I hope it's all for the best. There might be falls and surprises, but hopefully I will be able to get up, brush it off and make it through. Plan to get as fit as possible is still on; plan to earn as much money as I can is still on, and I'm going to make it HAPPEN. Gambatte to myself!
Cheers!
Mmm to start off, I actually signed up and started to go for gym since last month, August. come 2 mre days and it'll be one full month xD It has been great, I am slowly regaining back my older stamina and generally just feel stronger, lighter and faster. Of course no dramatic body changes yet due to my insane love for food, so I am more or less the same.
Though, I can feel improvement in myself cardio-wise. With good timing I will normally spend 30-45mins on the treadmill. There are some awesome runners around though! One thing I've found out from my gym sessions is that I am severely weak in my core strength. Yeah I maybe can lift but core-wise and lower body-wise I am ultra-weak!
Other than that, at work, well, since July, we had a new manager from Singapore temporarily taking over our sales department as we lost yet another leader. The very impressive SG manager who took over last year left in May, and the Managing Director left in July. Next week gonna lose another colleague again, a supervisor from a supporting department. It really is a shame when all the good and able staffs are leaving :(
Nevertheless, the winds of change had occured, and there is nothing we can do about it now except to adapt to it. And honestly, the process of adaptation for me had been very rough. Changes happened too fast, laws are enforced too soon without allowing space for compromise. Worse, almost on a week-by-week basis, the approach and strategy to best hit on our competitors are changed all the time. How are we able to adapt to a certain change when u change that to another only 3-4 days after first implementing it?
We are also under a period of restructuring. So certain methods of work had to change to fit the restructuring. However, this phase of restructuring had been very messy. It was too rushed and not done with flexibility. How can you implement and ideal structure and at the same time losing on the manpower to enforce it? We are forced to follow in the steps of other regions, but we are severely short of staff and ideally, we haven't reached the full capacity to restructure yet.
As a result of messy leadership, we are working under more pressure than ever. Just to cover on manpower shortfall alone is taxing. We are told to aim high and to achieve more as a group, yet we are understaffed and that means we have to do 2-3 persons job instead. Personally, we all do want to work to the best we can. I believe in each of my colleagues there lies a desire to achieve more, and break more records. But we were being led to do so in a not very efficient method.
Almost everything the new manager implemented had some sort of backfiring element in them. And most of them won't likely to work out, despite his very well intention to implement it. He is a smart guy and can figure out solutions to problems easily, but he is not one who can devise an ideal solution correctly. A quick fix only temporarily solves a problem. A wrong approach will produce more bad effects than good ones.
To put it all simply, we are a herd of lost sheeps. Without a proper leader, without careful management planning, we are spiraling very quickly into deeper disaster. Who can help us? Despite our best to maintain some positivity and drive in our work, one cant help but feel the 'dead' atmosphere in the office hanging upon us, putting more weight on our shoulders.
Recently at the Popular Bookfest held last month, I got myself a copy of "Who Moved My Cheese?". I've read a "teen" version of the book when I was younger and I remembered being inspired by it. Thought the ideas, the metaphors used in the book, are really good. Because of recent events, I finally bought it to read again and help myself in better understanding and accepting changes. It's a good book and I recommend it! Simple yet direct.
(picture from Google)
I think my situation now is, my cheese is about to move. The signs are all there, and I have to quickly get to work on it soon and be prepared for it. xD
So where and what will September bring me? I hope it's all for the best. There might be falls and surprises, but hopefully I will be able to get up, brush it off and make it through. Plan to get as fit as possible is still on; plan to earn as much money as I can is still on, and I'm going to make it HAPPEN. Gambatte to myself!
Cheers!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Outsider
Sometimes.... when you feel accepted, like you feel welcomed into this already-existing cliche of people... naturally you feel at ease with them, and whatever crazy shit was cooked out by them, automatically you get asked to join in the fun.
But there are times... when you still feel that nagging 'outsider' feeling... because you were the outsider at the start anyway. They happened before you, and while your presence is felt, it doesn't make that much of an impact. Certain things pull you all together, but certain things keep you apart as well. You don't know their history. Not much anyway. Nothing to fall back on...
And you know you shouldn't feel this anyway, but still it eats at you gently. Don't worry about little stuff like this, but your mind just can't make peace with itself and just let it go. Of course people aren't intentionally leaving you out of certain things... you can't expect to be included in EVERYTHING. That just shows you're being possessive and controlling over something that you can't really have much say in... and that's where it is wrong.
So... you continue to sit, and watch, just like always: from the outside. You're there, but not participating. You sit with your uncomfortable thoughts and hope that after a night's sleep, it will go away and you can face them like nothing ever happened.
Because all these will pass. Because once an outsider, always an outsider....
But there are times... when you still feel that nagging 'outsider' feeling... because you were the outsider at the start anyway. They happened before you, and while your presence is felt, it doesn't make that much of an impact. Certain things pull you all together, but certain things keep you apart as well. You don't know their history. Not much anyway. Nothing to fall back on...
And you know you shouldn't feel this anyway, but still it eats at you gently. Don't worry about little stuff like this, but your mind just can't make peace with itself and just let it go. Of course people aren't intentionally leaving you out of certain things... you can't expect to be included in EVERYTHING. That just shows you're being possessive and controlling over something that you can't really have much say in... and that's where it is wrong.
So... you continue to sit, and watch, just like always: from the outside. You're there, but not participating. You sit with your uncomfortable thoughts and hope that after a night's sleep, it will go away and you can face them like nothing ever happened.
Because all these will pass. Because once an outsider, always an outsider....
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Happy 2012!
Hi everyone! Hope it's still not too late to wish Happy New Year!!!
It's been a great start to my year so far, what with my first public New Year countdown in KL city at Pavilion, and continuing my holiday with a continuous trip to Penang and Ipoh!
As of now I'm in the state of Ipoh, my second time here and it's all good, this time coming over with a couple of my friends. In another 2 days we will be heading to Penang our last leg of the trip, and by this weekend I will be back in KL and starting work again next week!
Right now I'm in my friends hotel room waiting for another friend, and the hotel room is impressive with a very nice view!!! As this is a new hotel the wifi is very fast and the rooms quite new so far!
Mmm I'm pretty excited abt the food here in Ipoh! Hope to eat some more delicious food! Until then, see ya around! ^^
It's been a great start to my year so far, what with my first public New Year countdown in KL city at Pavilion, and continuing my holiday with a continuous trip to Penang and Ipoh!
As of now I'm in the state of Ipoh, my second time here and it's all good, this time coming over with a couple of my friends. In another 2 days we will be heading to Penang our last leg of the trip, and by this weekend I will be back in KL and starting work again next week!
Right now I'm in my friends hotel room waiting for another friend, and the hotel room is impressive with a very nice view!!! As this is a new hotel the wifi is very fast and the rooms quite new so far!
Mmm I'm pretty excited abt the food here in Ipoh! Hope to eat some more delicious food! Until then, see ya around! ^^
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas! :)
If one year ago you were to tell me i would be organising a Christmas party and hold the position of 'President' of ANYTHING, i would've laughed in your face.
See, a year ago, i was working in a cafe, ever melancholic in the Christmas holidays as it reminds me of happenings of the year prior, hoping somehow we can go off work early to celebrate Christmas. I had wanted to meet up with my friends badly to watch fireworks and countdown Christmas together.
In the end we did close earlier by about half an hr, i did meet up with my friends and we did catch the fireworks. It was brief, but it was enough. It wasn't extraordinary, but at least i was in the moment. And i knew back then it would be my last Christmas there as well, so i was fully intended to enjoy it as much as possible, pushing back past memories to the back of my mind as far as possible.
A year later i was busy juggling work and extra-curricular activities; i was made the President of the Social Club of my job and the first event under me would be the Christmas party celebrations, which was really sudden and last-minute as well because i was elected just two weeks before the celebrations. I had also fallen sick and that made things worse when i had to postpone meetings and decisions.
But due to this election too, i got to learn new things. I have newer responsibilities now and i'm being tested more on my leadership and diplomatic skills. All these are necessary to be learnt to 'upgrade' urself and push to the higher echelons of corporate power, and it was really daunting. I have to learn to adapt quick while maintaining a peaceful truce with the previous committee, especially the 'leader' whom i was appointed to replace.
And here comes the party. Having never before organised ANYTHING, it was a major task for me. And that wasn't the only new thing. I also experienced a new way to enjoy Christmas: the getting together of everyone to work on SOMETHING, and to take part and getting my hands dirty to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible.
I sent out invitations. I had to speak to the higher management and get their approval on things(unfortunately for me i got a very unpredictable, in the sense of personal mood, lady boss as part of the management, which made things much harder), I had to actually give out orders and task people to their duties. I had to give speeches, and i had to speak louder and make myself heard.
For the first time, i decorated for Christmas. I also went shopping for Christmas decorations. I also took part in readying the door gifts for our party attendees. I bought, and in return, received Christmas presents.
This year's Christmas, felt the most 'Christmas' for me. I actually did something for Christmas. And i'm happier this Christmas as well, compared to the last two years. I genuinely enjoyed myself this year. It was a nice Christmas Eve too. Went to my colleague's BBQ party, and went for drinks after that.
Woke up and spent most of my Christmas Day with my dearest friends as well. It was so nice to see them again after so long! :D
And to my friends who i've seemingly less communicate with recently, sorry and please forgive me! I do still think of you now and then. Know that everyone is always in my heart, everyone i call my friends. :)
Take care and once again, Merry Christmas! :D
See, a year ago, i was working in a cafe, ever melancholic in the Christmas holidays as it reminds me of happenings of the year prior, hoping somehow we can go off work early to celebrate Christmas. I had wanted to meet up with my friends badly to watch fireworks and countdown Christmas together.
In the end we did close earlier by about half an hr, i did meet up with my friends and we did catch the fireworks. It was brief, but it was enough. It wasn't extraordinary, but at least i was in the moment. And i knew back then it would be my last Christmas there as well, so i was fully intended to enjoy it as much as possible, pushing back past memories to the back of my mind as far as possible.
A year later i was busy juggling work and extra-curricular activities; i was made the President of the Social Club of my job and the first event under me would be the Christmas party celebrations, which was really sudden and last-minute as well because i was elected just two weeks before the celebrations. I had also fallen sick and that made things worse when i had to postpone meetings and decisions.
But due to this election too, i got to learn new things. I have newer responsibilities now and i'm being tested more on my leadership and diplomatic skills. All these are necessary to be learnt to 'upgrade' urself and push to the higher echelons of corporate power, and it was really daunting. I have to learn to adapt quick while maintaining a peaceful truce with the previous committee, especially the 'leader' whom i was appointed to replace.
And here comes the party. Having never before organised ANYTHING, it was a major task for me. And that wasn't the only new thing. I also experienced a new way to enjoy Christmas: the getting together of everyone to work on SOMETHING, and to take part and getting my hands dirty to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible.
I sent out invitations. I had to speak to the higher management and get their approval on things(unfortunately for me i got a very unpredictable, in the sense of personal mood, lady boss as part of the management, which made things much harder), I had to actually give out orders and task people to their duties. I had to give speeches, and i had to speak louder and make myself heard.
For the first time, i decorated for Christmas. I also went shopping for Christmas decorations. I also took part in readying the door gifts for our party attendees. I bought, and in return, received Christmas presents.
This year's Christmas, felt the most 'Christmas' for me. I actually did something for Christmas. And i'm happier this Christmas as well, compared to the last two years. I genuinely enjoyed myself this year. It was a nice Christmas Eve too. Went to my colleague's BBQ party, and went for drinks after that.
Woke up and spent most of my Christmas Day with my dearest friends as well. It was so nice to see them again after so long! :D
And to my friends who i've seemingly less communicate with recently, sorry and please forgive me! I do still think of you now and then. Know that everyone is always in my heart, everyone i call my friends. :)
Take care and once again, Merry Christmas! :D
Monday, December 12, 2011
Say hi to my iPod Touch!
I guess the title says it all! I'm actually typing this out on the blogger app I just downloaded this morning. Pretty cool eh? :P
I'm actually supposed to be working now but zzz I can't keep my eyes and hands off this thing! I have a serious Internet addiction I admit... :P
So yes u can say that this is just a testing post. Just a minor update as well, I'd fallen sick recently, worst fever and cough I've ever remembered in recent years... I've only just shaken off the fever but the cough and dry lumpy throat is still here. Painful!!
But it's great I'm recovering for now!
Take care my lovelies, I'll see y'all soon! :)
I'm actually supposed to be working now but zzz I can't keep my eyes and hands off this thing! I have a serious Internet addiction I admit... :P
So yes u can say that this is just a testing post. Just a minor update as well, I'd fallen sick recently, worst fever and cough I've ever remembered in recent years... I've only just shaken off the fever but the cough and dry lumpy throat is still here. Painful!!
But it's great I'm recovering for now!
Take care my lovelies, I'll see y'all soon! :)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
2011 Burpday
So here comes my annual birthday post (2 mths late LOL!)! I'm not one of those fortunate enough to celebrate it in a big way, and yet again i'm far from my family and the majority of my friends, so this year i'd pretty much settled for celebrating it alone.
And, it is another personal achievement, i guess, that i am still alive and well this year, and still have people i love with me at this stage of my life. That itself is worthy enough to celebrate, much less than the fact i was born so many years ago.
I hadn't really announced it loudly at work too, i just let things happen on their own. Most of them only know when the little facebook notification announces to everyone, but i'm fine with it anyway. My birthday falls on a Sunday this year, and most people are tied up in Sunday anyway. So yes, i'm ready for a little of 'ME' time on my special day!
---
If i remember correctly, as usual, i woke up late that day, and the skies were grey and raining. I decided to go to Mid Valley Megamall and spend my entire afternoon/early evening there, seeing how i didn't go there that frequent so it makes a nice change from the usual places i go on weekends. So off i went, had to take the LRT to KL Sentral, then change to KTM to travel to Mid Valley.
It was really wet and though i like the coolness, I really do not like the wetness.
Look, you can't even see the buildings clearly!
Anyway, i arrived at Mid Valley, and i dunno, it has somehow become some sort of ritual to me, i headed straight for the famous mata-kucing drink stall and got myself a cup of drink. It's the same one as the one in Petaling Street, but i felt this one always made it a tad too sweet. Nevertheless, i was very thirsty, and it's the only drink i'll get when i'm there, so....yeah...
Then i walked around, window shopping, look at people, until i found myself hungry and so went to try the pork burger from Ninja Joe, as recommended by my friend. Got myself a Brucely Burger (i think Brucely is just the name given to their size) and had it with my drink. There wasn't many ppl at the store, so i ate in general silence as well. It was okay, not too bad, but i think abit overpriced, i dunno...
With my stomach filled, i proceeded to walk about the mall & explore places i never went before. I hadn't finished covering the Gardens side last time so i walked over to the Gardens. Was very thrilled with the Borders bookstore there. It's so vast and quiet and relaxing, i finally found a bookstore that can rival Kinokuniya! Borders in Times Square can't even compare to this. But i didn't have much time to explore it cos treated myself to a movie and it's showing soon...haha. So after walking abit in Borders (Starbucks just next to it, it's like coffee reading session heaven!) i quickly made my way to the theatre to watch my movie.
But wait! Before that, i must have my cake first! I remember for last year i didn't have a cake for my bday... and the year before that... and i want to make this year different. Plus, they all say, birthday ppl shud have their cakes on their special day... so... i went to Secret Recipe and bought myself a piece of Chocolate Delight and ate quietly alone... LOL... i didn't miss other ppl staring at me though, is it really that weird to eat a piece of cake alone? LOL!
After that I went and watch Johnny English... played by the ever-funny Mr Rowan Atkinson, who's really famous as Mr Bean. I watched the first Johnny English many years ago, and i can still slightly remember quoting from the movies and acting certain parts out too. Haha. It was enjoyable light comedy, bt not LOL-funny, mre like smile-funny...bt it was ok nevertheless!
After the movie, it was already nighttime, so i resorted to eating my dinner at the mall before i went back. Mum they all already went back to Brunei by then, so i was truly alone by that time. I had claypot rice from the food court, nothing too special, and after that i took the (long) journey home... and by the time i'm back, i'm tired and didn't feel too special anyway, but again like i said, just grateful i'm still here and stuff.
Alot of friends sent their good wishes to me, on facebook mainly, and some texted me. I tried to not think abt how many really remembers my bday w/o the FB notification telling them, bt i guess ppl are nice to send their wishes to me too when they see it. I myself only remembers less than 10 birthdays myself, but only because i really love all these ppl and won't forget their birthdays, to be honest.
So i spent the night online and thanking everyone for their wishes. Physically, i might be alone, but the faraway wishes i received warmed my night and heart. So THANK YOU ALL. =)
Hope next year it'll be another one worth celebrating, and to celebrate it in bigger, weirder ways! I don't want to grow up so fast though... can i? =P
Love Always.
And, it is another personal achievement, i guess, that i am still alive and well this year, and still have people i love with me at this stage of my life. That itself is worthy enough to celebrate, much less than the fact i was born so many years ago.
I hadn't really announced it loudly at work too, i just let things happen on their own. Most of them only know when the little facebook notification announces to everyone, but i'm fine with it anyway. My birthday falls on a Sunday this year, and most people are tied up in Sunday anyway. So yes, i'm ready for a little of 'ME' time on my special day!
---
If i remember correctly, as usual, i woke up late that day, and the skies were grey and raining. I decided to go to Mid Valley Megamall and spend my entire afternoon/early evening there, seeing how i didn't go there that frequent so it makes a nice change from the usual places i go on weekends. So off i went, had to take the LRT to KL Sentral, then change to KTM to travel to Mid Valley.
It was really wet and though i like the coolness, I really do not like the wetness.
Look, you can't even see the buildings clearly!
Anyway, i arrived at Mid Valley, and i dunno, it has somehow become some sort of ritual to me, i headed straight for the famous mata-kucing drink stall and got myself a cup of drink. It's the same one as the one in Petaling Street, but i felt this one always made it a tad too sweet. Nevertheless, i was very thirsty, and it's the only drink i'll get when i'm there, so....yeah...
Then i walked around, window shopping, look at people, until i found myself hungry and so went to try the pork burger from Ninja Joe, as recommended by my friend. Got myself a Brucely Burger (i think Brucely is just the name given to their size) and had it with my drink. There wasn't many ppl at the store, so i ate in general silence as well. It was okay, not too bad, but i think abit overpriced, i dunno...
With my stomach filled, i proceeded to walk about the mall & explore places i never went before. I hadn't finished covering the Gardens side last time so i walked over to the Gardens. Was very thrilled with the Borders bookstore there. It's so vast and quiet and relaxing, i finally found a bookstore that can rival Kinokuniya! Borders in Times Square can't even compare to this. But i didn't have much time to explore it cos treated myself to a movie and it's showing soon...haha. So after walking abit in Borders (Starbucks just next to it, it's like coffee reading session heaven!) i quickly made my way to the theatre to watch my movie.
But wait! Before that, i must have my cake first! I remember for last year i didn't have a cake for my bday... and the year before that... and i want to make this year different. Plus, they all say, birthday ppl shud have their cakes on their special day... so... i went to Secret Recipe and bought myself a piece of Chocolate Delight and ate quietly alone... LOL... i didn't miss other ppl staring at me though, is it really that weird to eat a piece of cake alone? LOL!
After that I went and watch Johnny English... played by the ever-funny Mr Rowan Atkinson, who's really famous as Mr Bean. I watched the first Johnny English many years ago, and i can still slightly remember quoting from the movies and acting certain parts out too. Haha. It was enjoyable light comedy, bt not LOL-funny, mre like smile-funny...bt it was ok nevertheless!
After the movie, it was already nighttime, so i resorted to eating my dinner at the mall before i went back. Mum they all already went back to Brunei by then, so i was truly alone by that time. I had claypot rice from the food court, nothing too special, and after that i took the (long) journey home... and by the time i'm back, i'm tired and didn't feel too special anyway, but again like i said, just grateful i'm still here and stuff.
Alot of friends sent their good wishes to me, on facebook mainly, and some texted me. I tried to not think abt how many really remembers my bday w/o the FB notification telling them, bt i guess ppl are nice to send their wishes to me too when they see it. I myself only remembers less than 10 birthdays myself, but only because i really love all these ppl and won't forget their birthdays, to be honest.
So i spent the night online and thanking everyone for their wishes. Physically, i might be alone, but the faraway wishes i received warmed my night and heart. So THANK YOU ALL. =)
Hope next year it'll be another one worth celebrating, and to celebrate it in bigger, weirder ways! I don't want to grow up so fast though... can i? =P
Love Always.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Pop up!
Hello there, i'm back for some writing after yet another long absence!
Most of it is due to the slow line, i find it hard to load Google pages with my line. It's either very slow or alot of contents cannot be loaded at all... sucks rite?
Anyway, i see that Blogger has been revamped! The site looks more simple and 'cleaner' now that they've changed abit of the site. It looks in line with the Google+ and Gmail overhauls too. Nice, Google, nice...
Hmmm again my birthday had passed and i haven't really blogged abt it yet, as customary with my previous birthday posts! And LOL Christmas is coming soon already, MY FAVOURITE FESTIVAL OF ALL TIME. :D
Just the other day i went to Pavilion and they'd already set up Xmas decos and stuff there and i turned into a little kid there. Wide eyes, open mouth WOW. I simply love it! And the Xmas songs! Yay!
I'll make sure i update my posts more frequently, esp the bday post before Xmas. Lately alot of stuff is happening and i have alot of thoughts in my head need to write down...
So, i hope everyone (is there anyone left, really? haha!) is doing fine. December is near and alot of ppl can't wait for this year to be over. Let's make November a memorably good one, people. Take care!
Most of it is due to the slow line, i find it hard to load Google pages with my line. It's either very slow or alot of contents cannot be loaded at all... sucks rite?
Anyway, i see that Blogger has been revamped! The site looks more simple and 'cleaner' now that they've changed abit of the site. It looks in line with the Google+ and Gmail overhauls too. Nice, Google, nice...
Hmmm again my birthday had passed and i haven't really blogged abt it yet, as customary with my previous birthday posts! And LOL Christmas is coming soon already, MY FAVOURITE FESTIVAL OF ALL TIME. :D
Just the other day i went to Pavilion and they'd already set up Xmas decos and stuff there and i turned into a little kid there. Wide eyes, open mouth WOW. I simply love it! And the Xmas songs! Yay!
I'll make sure i update my posts more frequently, esp the bday post before Xmas. Lately alot of stuff is happening and i have alot of thoughts in my head need to write down...
So, i hope everyone (is there anyone left, really? haha!) is doing fine. December is near and alot of ppl can't wait for this year to be over. Let's make November a memorably good one, people. Take care!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Good or bad?
Recently one of my friends, in conjunction of the Raya festivities, posted a congratulatory message to fellow Muslims who are celebrating. However, in his post, he glaringly wished the best for "good" Malays, while cursing bad luck to fall on "bad" Malays.
First, let's put aside the seemingly obvious racial sensitivity here. I understand if there's a backlash towards his statement abt cursing "bad Malays" because it appears to be very discriminatory, but how much of a help will i be defending him that, on all accounts, he actually defended the "good Malays" in his eyes?
My point of this post, is not about Malay, or non-Malay. Honestly, when i saw his post, one of the first things that came to my mind is, what would he have felt if he saw a fellow Malay posting, on CNY, something like "wish all good Chinese a happy prosperous year ahead, and to all bad chinese, fuck ur arrogant ass!!!"? How would my friend feel then, tasting a pot of his own chilli?
I'm sure by writing what he wrote, he does understand that no matter what race or religion the human race is divided into, there exists both the good and bad parties. I hope he also see that, what one individual does doesn't necessarily mean that the rest of that particular group the individual belongs to did the same. That the action of one doesn't necessarily represent the ideas of the whole.
I'm pretty sure he's just angry at the government mostly, and with the main ruling party, who, naturally, belongs to the self-called "Malayan natives", the Malays. Most of the corrupt cops, civil agents, most of them, are Malay. We can be considered a minority along with Indians, as our country are full of Malays. But, are u so sure there aren't corrupt Chinese cops too? Corrupt chinese politicians, corrupt Chinese civil servants?
As a fellow chinese, i actually disapprove of what he says. It doesn't necessarily mean i'm defending the Malays nor being a coward and not daring enuff to write similar stuff. It's just....no matter what race it is...no matter whether they're purely good/purely evil, it is a poor act itself to wish harm upon others, no matter what your intentions are.
Maybe an unreasonable police officer gave u a saman before. Maybe u weren't treated fairly compared to another race, due to ur own race. But no matter what...it is simply wrong to curse other people, no matter good or bad. Come on, of the person is "bad', it will only be a matter of time before they receive their punishment. By cursing other people...you are only giving yourself bad karma. I mean...what if the things you curse happen to you? U don't want that rite? U won't be guaranteed it won't happen, just because in ur eyes u urself is a "good guy".
Who decides what is good or bad anyway?
Humans judge for themselves what is deemed good or bad. That's why rules are created, for people to follow it and to punish those who didn't. But is the line dividing "good" and "bad" really that clear cut? I can be considered "good" if i helped an old lady cross the road, but what if I'm actually an egotistical and selfish person at work, bitching here and there? Am i now completely "evil" or "bad"?
A "good" Chinese to you, can actually be a bad Chinese to someone else. It's only a matter of you ever seeing the offense or not. And a "bad" Malay can be a "good" one too, if he is loyal to his wife, which is a good thing rite? But if he ever commits any offense and u don't see it, he'll still be "good" in ur eyes for as long as u want to see...
My friend doesn't regret what he says....or at least he implies, as he doesn't mind anyone "suing" him for that statement. I didn't make any comments on it, rather, i wrote this piece stating my opinion. Is my friend "wrong" in doing so? In other's eyes, he might seem "brave". But does bravery justify what seems right, but is actually wrong?
Come to think of it, even "right" and "wrong" is as confusing as "good" and "bad".
First, let's put aside the seemingly obvious racial sensitivity here. I understand if there's a backlash towards his statement abt cursing "bad Malays" because it appears to be very discriminatory, but how much of a help will i be defending him that, on all accounts, he actually defended the "good Malays" in his eyes?
My point of this post, is not about Malay, or non-Malay. Honestly, when i saw his post, one of the first things that came to my mind is, what would he have felt if he saw a fellow Malay posting, on CNY, something like "wish all good Chinese a happy prosperous year ahead, and to all bad chinese, fuck ur arrogant ass!!!"? How would my friend feel then, tasting a pot of his own chilli?
I'm sure by writing what he wrote, he does understand that no matter what race or religion the human race is divided into, there exists both the good and bad parties. I hope he also see that, what one individual does doesn't necessarily mean that the rest of that particular group the individual belongs to did the same. That the action of one doesn't necessarily represent the ideas of the whole.
I'm pretty sure he's just angry at the government mostly, and with the main ruling party, who, naturally, belongs to the self-called "Malayan natives", the Malays. Most of the corrupt cops, civil agents, most of them, are Malay. We can be considered a minority along with Indians, as our country are full of Malays. But, are u so sure there aren't corrupt Chinese cops too? Corrupt chinese politicians, corrupt Chinese civil servants?
As a fellow chinese, i actually disapprove of what he says. It doesn't necessarily mean i'm defending the Malays nor being a coward and not daring enuff to write similar stuff. It's just....no matter what race it is...no matter whether they're purely good/purely evil, it is a poor act itself to wish harm upon others, no matter what your intentions are.
Maybe an unreasonable police officer gave u a saman before. Maybe u weren't treated fairly compared to another race, due to ur own race. But no matter what...it is simply wrong to curse other people, no matter good or bad. Come on, of the person is "bad', it will only be a matter of time before they receive their punishment. By cursing other people...you are only giving yourself bad karma. I mean...what if the things you curse happen to you? U don't want that rite? U won't be guaranteed it won't happen, just because in ur eyes u urself is a "good guy".
Who decides what is good or bad anyway?
Humans judge for themselves what is deemed good or bad. That's why rules are created, for people to follow it and to punish those who didn't. But is the line dividing "good" and "bad" really that clear cut? I can be considered "good" if i helped an old lady cross the road, but what if I'm actually an egotistical and selfish person at work, bitching here and there? Am i now completely "evil" or "bad"?
A "good" Chinese to you, can actually be a bad Chinese to someone else. It's only a matter of you ever seeing the offense or not. And a "bad" Malay can be a "good" one too, if he is loyal to his wife, which is a good thing rite? But if he ever commits any offense and u don't see it, he'll still be "good" in ur eyes for as long as u want to see...
My friend doesn't regret what he says....or at least he implies, as he doesn't mind anyone "suing" him for that statement. I didn't make any comments on it, rather, i wrote this piece stating my opinion. Is my friend "wrong" in doing so? In other's eyes, he might seem "brave". But does bravery justify what seems right, but is actually wrong?
Come to think of it, even "right" and "wrong" is as confusing as "good" and "bad".
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Merdeka Adventure - 31 Aug 2011
Seeing as how it is my first time actually being in KL by the time our Independence Day arrives, i had wanted to attend the Merdeka Parade held annually in conjunction with the day itself. I've always seen pictures and vid flashes of the parade/celebration on tv so now that i had the chance to attend it myself, i was hoping that nothing will clash on my plans today.
So my plan is to spend my entire morning and perhaps a little into the afternoon watching and maybe taking part in the parade as a "domestic tourist". Take enough pics, absorb the atmosphere, get some suntan....so i got myself ready and head out, taking the 1/2hr LRT ride to Masjid Jamek station.
After getting out of the train, i took the oppoturnity to set the date and time for my camera. Funny, ever since dad fixed the lens cover problem last time, everytime i charge the battery the camera resets itself & i always had to set the date and time again. So i took out my camera and press the buttons....
Nothing.
Alarmed, i thought there was something wrong, that maybe i had pressed the wrong button, and then it hit me--- i had forgotten to insert back my camera battery after i charged it last night! In my hurry to get out of the house i had totally forgotten about the camera battery still lodged nicely in the charger. Add a mere 4hr sleep to that, yeahhhh.... no wonder i'd forgot.
Cursing myself for being so careless, i pondered whether i should go back retrieve the battery. After all, this is a once-in-a-blue-moon occasion. As soon as i thought it tho, i gave up going back. It will take another hour before i'll be back again, and it's simply not worth it. So, i would have to attend it and not bring back any "footage" of it....sigh.
Stepping out of the station, somehow my instinct made me take the left turn....i dunno why, but i just walked anyway. I actually have no idea whatsoever how to get to the Merdeka Square, my destination. Attempts to locate a good travel route the previous night failed with bad internet connection. So yeah, after getting a tip from friend to stop at Masjid Jamek station, i'll just have to find my way by following road signs.
I walked and walked and after 10mins was unsure if i headed the right way(because there was no sign!) but soon on a wide road opened and there's a huge sign pointing to my destination, so i followed the road. It wasn't after another long 15mins of walk before i saw the 2nd sign and again i followed it and soon i begin to spot familiar landmarks.
Prior to this i had went to the Merdeka Square before with my friends via the Hop On-Hop Off bus so i had generally a good idea of the place and what's in it within 1km of the square itself. Finally seeing a field in the distance, i made my way over as fast as possible.
Alas...there is nothing. Not even police, and the streets though are less busy than normal, but it wasn't up to the point till the road is blocked off for the parade. It took one good glance at the area for it to sink in: there is NO parade being held here. The whole square is empty save for some tourists.
I sat down and took a breather + chug of water from all that walking. Lucky it wasn't too sunny, or else i might've been baked. Lol. I was very disappointed by how things turn out by that time. I waited for a couple minutes more to see if anything will come up, but apparently, nothing will happen. It's as normal as any day!
Suddenly my plans are crashed just like that. I didn't know where the parade/celebrations are held; my good guess is that they're decided to celebrate it elsewhere, and from what i read last nite, it might've been ongoing for a few years already. Darn my incomplete research!
So i resort to do a self-exploration of the area instead. Time for another self-mapping of the city! xD So i walked on (by the way, the flag at the Merdeka Square is gone. They didn't hoist it up. Sigh.) and soon the National Textile Museum came into view. Seeing i never been inside it and it's free, so i went in have a look.
As the name suggests, the museum showcases types of clothings and material the people of Malaysia had and made over the years, of different cultures and ethnicities. Besides that they also show the various ornaments and accessories ppl used to wear then and now. It was pretty interesting overall. The museum itself is nicely kept and clean, just that abit too quiet cos no visitor at all except me LOL. Besides the lady outside guarding the entrance, there's only a security guard inside(who at one point, held a radio playing Raya songs and walked into the galleries and out....hmmm i think u all know what this gestures mean right hehehee ssshh!) and another counter lady(whom i caught sleeping on her job! LOLOLOL) on the entrance hall on the other entrance to the building. Overall i visited 3 galleries(they divided different showcases into different mini galleries) and 1 was shut off due to what i don't know. Hehe. Only when i was abt to leave there was this Japanese looking elder woman coming in for a visit. Lols...
Peering at the brochure of the museum the front lady outside gave me earlier(she had seemed eager for me to leave my name on the guestbook; poor thing, probably didn't get much visitors...), there is a simple map on the brochure showing other attractions i can check out: from the museum i can fairly get to the National Mosque, National Museum, KTM building and Central Market. Since all places are quite near (via memory off the Hop On-Hop Off trip) i decided to just spend my morning checking out these places.
So i went to the National Mosque and basically got to the main entrance and that's about it; visitors are barred from entering already especially if you are a non-Muslim, so yeahh...apparently non-Muslim visitors are only allowed on the outer mosque grounds. There were a couple of foreign tourists being let off there by their respective buses and vans and were taking pictures everywhere. Goshhh my heart itched at the sight of camera LOL!!! It just reminded me i forgot to bring my camera battery @@~~
After that i wondered if i should walk up the hill to check out the National Museum. Scratch that...i can feel myself quite dehydrated and de-energised already (lack of sleep remember) so instead i went to the KTM building. It was very cool because i like the design of the building. That retro, old building feel. Love it.
However, soon i was stuck, don't know where to go. I (unknowingly at that time) stepped into the ticketing counter and since it's just a room, i thought there'e nothing more and just that. Fairly bored with what's inside(or lacking thereof), i decided to walk to Central Market.
The map slightly deceived me though; yes it was correct in mapping out the location and direction of the said landmarks, but it wasn't a detailed and exact map of the area. Because of that, i actually circled the area twice, walking twice just to make sure i hadn't miss a bend here or there. I even took an underground passage that windled underneath the highway above, and to my horror the place actually stank of dirt and urine. I wonder how many homeless ppl used the underground passageway to sleep in at nights, or what unlawful deeds have been taking place there. Those thoughts won over the other thoughts of the place like "wow never knew Msia had these type of underground passageways before! Only seen this before in HK dramas or NY dramas lol". While the underground passageways of other countries i saw on TV are always crowded with ppl, the one i took is also eeriely empty; something cud happen to me inside and no one will ever know. *shrugs*
Deducing that my only way out is via the KTM building(i had this nagging feeling i haven't explored the building fully to find a way through), i returned to the KTM building(that or walk all the way to KL Sentral, which i saw is just ahead on a nearby roadsign) and true to my instinct, i actually hadn't reached its main hall, so i went and i found myself on the train platform and i gotta tell you, like any first-time wide-eyed kid seeing a marvel for a first time, it was quite a sight for me. The platform gave me a very "Harry Potter" train-station feel LOL. And right at that exact moment there's alot of people just gotten off a train and everyone was like walking casually to an exit somewhere to my left.
Seriously, what a sight!!! I really wish i had my camera with me. The life and everything that is playing in front of me....really kick myself at my clumsiness that morning. I sat down again just observing everything that is happening on the platform. Soon an ETS train arrived and it was bound for Ipoh. Reminded me of my Ipoh trip sometime back. I suddenly thought of my friend, then wondered if i could secretly sneak onto the train LOL.
After the train left i began to leave too, going in the direction of the people i saw exiting earlier. Soon i can see exit and almost immediately i saw the Central Market LRT station in the distance. Hereon i know where i am already!!! I had wandered to this area only a few weeks back and even though that time it was nighttime, but i can still recognise the area. xD There were alot more people there though; everyone was boarding/getting off buses and milling about at the Central Market. I began to be more careful with my belongings and alert with my surrounding.
The Central Market wasn't my ultimate destination though; i had only wanted to go there to reach Petaling Street, where i intend to have some food + check out football jersey LOL. So i had my brunch of Wantan Mee + the famous Longan drink there, before checking the stalls out for my jersey. I found alot of the jerseys are quite big-sized...i'll look ridiculous in it. And most of them had an extra EPL badge on the sleeve. I don't want that. I want a replica as similar to the....well, original replica as possible. Couldn't really find one that's suitable, so i gave up...and thought of catching a movie at Times Square.
Taking this opportunity to explore the route to catch a monorail nearby straight to Imbi/Bukit Bintang, i went in search of Hang Tuah monorail station. I've always heard friends saying u can directly take a monorail frm nearby to go straight to Bintang area, instead of taking LRT and switching to monorail at Hang Tuah station, a way of travel i previously used to go there from Petaling Street. We all think it shud be Hang Tuah station, so i decided to find out for myself.
Alas, after twice taking a route that made me end up in Central Market again, i finally saw a monorail route and followed it and reached a station--alas, it is not Hang Tuah station, but Maharajalela station! Yay mission succeeded! What a relief cos i was pretty tired already (really Lit Yee? You used to last longer! I think it's cos of the lack of sleep...) and don't want to walk ALL the way to Imbi omg.
So i took the monorail and arrived at Times Square, went to check the showtimes and decide to watch "Cars 2" as the timing was right and kinda the only interesting movie at the moment. To be honest though, i never really liked "Cars" and thought it was my least favourite Pixar movie. Zzz. But ohwells, i gotta spend my time rite? xD
Movie was at 2pm and it was only 12.40pm so i walked around....curious to see how the 10th floor GSC Maxx cinemas look like i went to the 10th floor for like the first time ever and lol, there's a bazaar up there! But it was kinda...empty. Lol. Seriously tho...who wud travel up 10 floors to a bazaar...zzz. Anyway i went up and spent quite a long time looking at the mini-theme park from up there. It's a better view though, i can see much more of the roller coaster and the whole theme park itself hehe. Made me want to play as well lol. But i'm alone, play what oh? Haha...
Finally i went down and to my dismay, there is a power outage at the floor of my cinema...so everything was delayed and normally i wud've been more patient but my feet hurts like shit and i'm agitated and not being seated yet. I was beginning to think what an unlucky day i've had...so many things unexpectedly happened. Fortunately we were let in after nearly 20mins of delay and i went in for the movie.
The movie was not bad, but it didn't win me over still. I still think it's the poorest Pixar movie ever. It's glaringly obvious that, i actually enjoyed the short mini Toy Story skit at the beginning of the movie than the entire "Cars 2" movie. Not to say it's a bad film, it's not, it's actually good, but still incomparable to other timeless, classic, very well-made Pixar films like the Toy Story trilogy, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, Up...etc etc. Goshh please don't let Pixar's standard drop!!! >.<
Anyways after that i tried Pearl Milk Tea from a store called ShareTea, which i'd seen a couple of branches somewhere in Sungei Wang and also MidValley already, and there's a queue usually when i saw them, so wanna try if it's really that good. Their tv was showing all these ads and testimonials and news of the groundbreaking Pearl Milk Tea...so even though it's ridiculously expensive for a Milk Tea drink (mine costed abt RM7 large sized, Taiwanese Pearl Milk Tea--- i tend to choose either an original/neutral flavour when trying out new stuff, after all, if u can't even get the basics right, surely the others wont taste good as well right?) i gave it a try.
First sip in, WHOA NICE!!! But later after that the taste starts to fade and it's as if i'm drinking iced plain water instead. Plus the pearls are tasteless, not even a slight honey sweetness to it. However, the pearl texture is just right; the right softness, bounciness and size. Overall it is a disappointment tho; i couldn't feel the satisfaction drinking it like what i got from drinking ChaTime's pearl milk tea. And by the way, ChaTime is REALLY GOOD!!
After that i just resorted to go home. I'm pretty tired already. So have to walk all the way to KLCC to take LRT from there home. And omg the crowd. Ridiculous!! I've never seen the place sooo packed before. There is hardly a place to just PASS THROUGH. I actually walked away to come back later again, hopefully the crowd will lessen by then. But no...it's still the same. And it was nearing 7pm d and i really need to get back home, so i queue to buy tickets.
First i went to one of the machines as the counter has a long queue as well and machines might be faster. But at the machines ppl from other machine lanes are cutting into the queue and basically rushed to buy their tickets right in front of the machine. =.= fairly annoyed by this and after a good 10mins of waiting, i gave up and went to the ticketing counter.
Soon a LRT police officer started to control the crowd queuing situation, telling us to get to one side and line up properly while he puts up dividers on the lanes to control how people queue up(before that ppl were just standing anywhere they want in the crowd trying to jump in as soon as they see a chance). It was pretty chaotic and some people started pushing and the officer had to shout loudly "Don't push ba!" in Malay. The things human do when they are desperate. Sigh. The policeman then kept telling us and kept checking us so we are properly in a line(another officer assisted in the line and queue checking as well)to buy our tickets. Luckily they did this and the whole ticket buying process is much smoother(and inside i was like thank god no more stranger touching me =.= cos i seriously don't like it when strangers touch me, esp more so when they try to push me from behind to force me forward or push ppl in front of me. I'm like "fuck, dun push me and make me move, i know how and when to move!" and i usually just glared back at them) and soon i got my ticket after nearly 45mins of being stuck in the massive crowd, i finally can go down to the trains! Luckily for me the train itself isn't jam packed like sardine like above, so it was a relatively smooth ride back. Phew!
Went back, had dinner and back into my room and the internet. Tired, but overall to be honest, it's a good day actually. Not too bad, just that i had my plans scratched. But along the way i learnt and saw new things too; now i know more or less how to get to Merdeka Square, and the nearby tourist attractions, and some of the roads nearby. And also solved the case of the mysterious monorail station near Petaling Street. xD
I think the best thing that happened is that i helped this cleaning lady up the stairs at the KTM building. She is one of the cleaning ladies there, and had difficulty carrying a huge bottle of liquid up the stairs. As i passed her i offered to help her with her liquid, and while it's not really something, the satisfaction i got from helping her made my day. Will not forget the smile she gave me after that, and her initial surprise at my offer to help her. Helping people feels so good! We should help each other out more often :)
***
That's how my Aug 31st went....wanted to make this post up before it turns 1/9 but seems i'm too late! So instead of being the last post for August, it's the first post of September 2011!
Take care everyone! 3more months and it'll be end of the year. Strive to make everyday count! :)
Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends! And Happy Merdeka to fellow Malaysians. Will try to make it to next year's celebration, if possible! =D
P/S Sorry for the lack of pictures! I hadn't brought my camera battery with me after all!
So my plan is to spend my entire morning and perhaps a little into the afternoon watching and maybe taking part in the parade as a "domestic tourist". Take enough pics, absorb the atmosphere, get some suntan....so i got myself ready and head out, taking the 1/2hr LRT ride to Masjid Jamek station.
After getting out of the train, i took the oppoturnity to set the date and time for my camera. Funny, ever since dad fixed the lens cover problem last time, everytime i charge the battery the camera resets itself & i always had to set the date and time again. So i took out my camera and press the buttons....
Nothing.
Alarmed, i thought there was something wrong, that maybe i had pressed the wrong button, and then it hit me--- i had forgotten to insert back my camera battery after i charged it last night! In my hurry to get out of the house i had totally forgotten about the camera battery still lodged nicely in the charger. Add a mere 4hr sleep to that, yeahhhh.... no wonder i'd forgot.
Cursing myself for being so careless, i pondered whether i should go back retrieve the battery. After all, this is a once-in-a-blue-moon occasion. As soon as i thought it tho, i gave up going back. It will take another hour before i'll be back again, and it's simply not worth it. So, i would have to attend it and not bring back any "footage" of it....sigh.
Stepping out of the station, somehow my instinct made me take the left turn....i dunno why, but i just walked anyway. I actually have no idea whatsoever how to get to the Merdeka Square, my destination. Attempts to locate a good travel route the previous night failed with bad internet connection. So yeah, after getting a tip from friend to stop at Masjid Jamek station, i'll just have to find my way by following road signs.
I walked and walked and after 10mins was unsure if i headed the right way(because there was no sign!) but soon on a wide road opened and there's a huge sign pointing to my destination, so i followed the road. It wasn't after another long 15mins of walk before i saw the 2nd sign and again i followed it and soon i begin to spot familiar landmarks.
Prior to this i had went to the Merdeka Square before with my friends via the Hop On-Hop Off bus so i had generally a good idea of the place and what's in it within 1km of the square itself. Finally seeing a field in the distance, i made my way over as fast as possible.
Alas...there is nothing. Not even police, and the streets though are less busy than normal, but it wasn't up to the point till the road is blocked off for the parade. It took one good glance at the area for it to sink in: there is NO parade being held here. The whole square is empty save for some tourists.
I sat down and took a breather + chug of water from all that walking. Lucky it wasn't too sunny, or else i might've been baked. Lol. I was very disappointed by how things turn out by that time. I waited for a couple minutes more to see if anything will come up, but apparently, nothing will happen. It's as normal as any day!
Suddenly my plans are crashed just like that. I didn't know where the parade/celebrations are held; my good guess is that they're decided to celebrate it elsewhere, and from what i read last nite, it might've been ongoing for a few years already. Darn my incomplete research!
So i resort to do a self-exploration of the area instead. Time for another self-mapping of the city! xD So i walked on (by the way, the flag at the Merdeka Square is gone. They didn't hoist it up. Sigh.) and soon the National Textile Museum came into view. Seeing i never been inside it and it's free, so i went in have a look.
As the name suggests, the museum showcases types of clothings and material the people of Malaysia had and made over the years, of different cultures and ethnicities. Besides that they also show the various ornaments and accessories ppl used to wear then and now. It was pretty interesting overall. The museum itself is nicely kept and clean, just that abit too quiet cos no visitor at all except me LOL. Besides the lady outside guarding the entrance, there's only a security guard inside(who at one point, held a radio playing Raya songs and walked into the galleries and out....hmmm i think u all know what this gestures mean right hehehee ssshh!) and another counter lady(whom i caught sleeping on her job! LOLOLOL) on the entrance hall on the other entrance to the building. Overall i visited 3 galleries(they divided different showcases into different mini galleries) and 1 was shut off due to what i don't know. Hehe. Only when i was abt to leave there was this Japanese looking elder woman coming in for a visit. Lols...
Peering at the brochure of the museum the front lady outside gave me earlier(she had seemed eager for me to leave my name on the guestbook; poor thing, probably didn't get much visitors...), there is a simple map on the brochure showing other attractions i can check out: from the museum i can fairly get to the National Mosque, National Museum, KTM building and Central Market. Since all places are quite near (via memory off the Hop On-Hop Off trip) i decided to just spend my morning checking out these places.
So i went to the National Mosque and basically got to the main entrance and that's about it; visitors are barred from entering already especially if you are a non-Muslim, so yeahh...apparently non-Muslim visitors are only allowed on the outer mosque grounds. There were a couple of foreign tourists being let off there by their respective buses and vans and were taking pictures everywhere. Goshhh my heart itched at the sight of camera LOL!!! It just reminded me i forgot to bring my camera battery @@~~
After that i wondered if i should walk up the hill to check out the National Museum. Scratch that...i can feel myself quite dehydrated and de-energised already (lack of sleep remember) so instead i went to the KTM building. It was very cool because i like the design of the building. That retro, old building feel. Love it.
However, soon i was stuck, don't know where to go. I (unknowingly at that time) stepped into the ticketing counter and since it's just a room, i thought there'e nothing more and just that. Fairly bored with what's inside(or lacking thereof), i decided to walk to Central Market.
The map slightly deceived me though; yes it was correct in mapping out the location and direction of the said landmarks, but it wasn't a detailed and exact map of the area. Because of that, i actually circled the area twice, walking twice just to make sure i hadn't miss a bend here or there. I even took an underground passage that windled underneath the highway above, and to my horror the place actually stank of dirt and urine. I wonder how many homeless ppl used the underground passageway to sleep in at nights, or what unlawful deeds have been taking place there. Those thoughts won over the other thoughts of the place like "wow never knew Msia had these type of underground passageways before! Only seen this before in HK dramas or NY dramas lol". While the underground passageways of other countries i saw on TV are always crowded with ppl, the one i took is also eeriely empty; something cud happen to me inside and no one will ever know. *shrugs*
Deducing that my only way out is via the KTM building(i had this nagging feeling i haven't explored the building fully to find a way through), i returned to the KTM building(that or walk all the way to KL Sentral, which i saw is just ahead on a nearby roadsign) and true to my instinct, i actually hadn't reached its main hall, so i went and i found myself on the train platform and i gotta tell you, like any first-time wide-eyed kid seeing a marvel for a first time, it was quite a sight for me. The platform gave me a very "Harry Potter" train-station feel LOL. And right at that exact moment there's alot of people just gotten off a train and everyone was like walking casually to an exit somewhere to my left.
Seriously, what a sight!!! I really wish i had my camera with me. The life and everything that is playing in front of me....really kick myself at my clumsiness that morning. I sat down again just observing everything that is happening on the platform. Soon an ETS train arrived and it was bound for Ipoh. Reminded me of my Ipoh trip sometime back. I suddenly thought of my friend, then wondered if i could secretly sneak onto the train LOL.
After the train left i began to leave too, going in the direction of the people i saw exiting earlier. Soon i can see exit and almost immediately i saw the Central Market LRT station in the distance. Hereon i know where i am already!!! I had wandered to this area only a few weeks back and even though that time it was nighttime, but i can still recognise the area. xD There were alot more people there though; everyone was boarding/getting off buses and milling about at the Central Market. I began to be more careful with my belongings and alert with my surrounding.
The Central Market wasn't my ultimate destination though; i had only wanted to go there to reach Petaling Street, where i intend to have some food + check out football jersey LOL. So i had my brunch of Wantan Mee + the famous Longan drink there, before checking the stalls out for my jersey. I found alot of the jerseys are quite big-sized...i'll look ridiculous in it. And most of them had an extra EPL badge on the sleeve. I don't want that. I want a replica as similar to the....well, original replica as possible. Couldn't really find one that's suitable, so i gave up...and thought of catching a movie at Times Square.
Taking this opportunity to explore the route to catch a monorail nearby straight to Imbi/Bukit Bintang, i went in search of Hang Tuah monorail station. I've always heard friends saying u can directly take a monorail frm nearby to go straight to Bintang area, instead of taking LRT and switching to monorail at Hang Tuah station, a way of travel i previously used to go there from Petaling Street. We all think it shud be Hang Tuah station, so i decided to find out for myself.
Alas, after twice taking a route that made me end up in Central Market again, i finally saw a monorail route and followed it and reached a station--alas, it is not Hang Tuah station, but Maharajalela station! Yay mission succeeded! What a relief cos i was pretty tired already (really Lit Yee? You used to last longer! I think it's cos of the lack of sleep...) and don't want to walk ALL the way to Imbi omg.
So i took the monorail and arrived at Times Square, went to check the showtimes and decide to watch "Cars 2" as the timing was right and kinda the only interesting movie at the moment. To be honest though, i never really liked "Cars" and thought it was my least favourite Pixar movie. Zzz. But ohwells, i gotta spend my time rite? xD
Movie was at 2pm and it was only 12.40pm so i walked around....curious to see how the 10th floor GSC Maxx cinemas look like i went to the 10th floor for like the first time ever and lol, there's a bazaar up there! But it was kinda...empty. Lol. Seriously tho...who wud travel up 10 floors to a bazaar...zzz. Anyway i went up and spent quite a long time looking at the mini-theme park from up there. It's a better view though, i can see much more of the roller coaster and the whole theme park itself hehe. Made me want to play as well lol. But i'm alone, play what oh? Haha...
Finally i went down and to my dismay, there is a power outage at the floor of my cinema...so everything was delayed and normally i wud've been more patient but my feet hurts like shit and i'm agitated and not being seated yet. I was beginning to think what an unlucky day i've had...so many things unexpectedly happened. Fortunately we were let in after nearly 20mins of delay and i went in for the movie.
The movie was not bad, but it didn't win me over still. I still think it's the poorest Pixar movie ever. It's glaringly obvious that, i actually enjoyed the short mini Toy Story skit at the beginning of the movie than the entire "Cars 2" movie. Not to say it's a bad film, it's not, it's actually good, but still incomparable to other timeless, classic, very well-made Pixar films like the Toy Story trilogy, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, Up...etc etc. Goshh please don't let Pixar's standard drop!!! >.<
Anyways after that i tried Pearl Milk Tea from a store called ShareTea, which i'd seen a couple of branches somewhere in Sungei Wang and also MidValley already, and there's a queue usually when i saw them, so wanna try if it's really that good. Their tv was showing all these ads and testimonials and news of the groundbreaking Pearl Milk Tea...so even though it's ridiculously expensive for a Milk Tea drink (mine costed abt RM7 large sized, Taiwanese Pearl Milk Tea--- i tend to choose either an original/neutral flavour when trying out new stuff, after all, if u can't even get the basics right, surely the others wont taste good as well right?) i gave it a try.
First sip in, WHOA NICE!!! But later after that the taste starts to fade and it's as if i'm drinking iced plain water instead. Plus the pearls are tasteless, not even a slight honey sweetness to it. However, the pearl texture is just right; the right softness, bounciness and size. Overall it is a disappointment tho; i couldn't feel the satisfaction drinking it like what i got from drinking ChaTime's pearl milk tea. And by the way, ChaTime is REALLY GOOD!!
After that i just resorted to go home. I'm pretty tired already. So have to walk all the way to KLCC to take LRT from there home. And omg the crowd. Ridiculous!! I've never seen the place sooo packed before. There is hardly a place to just PASS THROUGH. I actually walked away to come back later again, hopefully the crowd will lessen by then. But no...it's still the same. And it was nearing 7pm d and i really need to get back home, so i queue to buy tickets.
First i went to one of the machines as the counter has a long queue as well and machines might be faster. But at the machines ppl from other machine lanes are cutting into the queue and basically rushed to buy their tickets right in front of the machine. =.= fairly annoyed by this and after a good 10mins of waiting, i gave up and went to the ticketing counter.
Soon a LRT police officer started to control the crowd queuing situation, telling us to get to one side and line up properly while he puts up dividers on the lanes to control how people queue up(before that ppl were just standing anywhere they want in the crowd trying to jump in as soon as they see a chance). It was pretty chaotic and some people started pushing and the officer had to shout loudly "Don't push ba!" in Malay. The things human do when they are desperate. Sigh. The policeman then kept telling us and kept checking us so we are properly in a line(another officer assisted in the line and queue checking as well)to buy our tickets. Luckily they did this and the whole ticket buying process is much smoother(and inside i was like thank god no more stranger touching me =.= cos i seriously don't like it when strangers touch me, esp more so when they try to push me from behind to force me forward or push ppl in front of me. I'm like "fuck, dun push me and make me move, i know how and when to move!" and i usually just glared back at them) and soon i got my ticket after nearly 45mins of being stuck in the massive crowd, i finally can go down to the trains! Luckily for me the train itself isn't jam packed like sardine like above, so it was a relatively smooth ride back. Phew!
Went back, had dinner and back into my room and the internet. Tired, but overall to be honest, it's a good day actually. Not too bad, just that i had my plans scratched. But along the way i learnt and saw new things too; now i know more or less how to get to Merdeka Square, and the nearby tourist attractions, and some of the roads nearby. And also solved the case of the mysterious monorail station near Petaling Street. xD
I think the best thing that happened is that i helped this cleaning lady up the stairs at the KTM building. She is one of the cleaning ladies there, and had difficulty carrying a huge bottle of liquid up the stairs. As i passed her i offered to help her with her liquid, and while it's not really something, the satisfaction i got from helping her made my day. Will not forget the smile she gave me after that, and her initial surprise at my offer to help her. Helping people feels so good! We should help each other out more often :)
***
That's how my Aug 31st went....wanted to make this post up before it turns 1/9 but seems i'm too late! So instead of being the last post for August, it's the first post of September 2011!
Take care everyone! 3more months and it'll be end of the year. Strive to make everyday count! :)
Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends! And Happy Merdeka to fellow Malaysians. Will try to make it to next year's celebration, if possible! =D
P/S Sorry for the lack of pictures! I hadn't brought my camera battery with me after all!
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