Green Life Off the Hook

That end of the year post

2011-12-29T05:26:00.003-05:00

My calendar stats for 2011:

Offshore Malaysia & living abroad (Vietnam & Oman): 171 days

On land (in Malaysia that is): 194 days

Judging from this, one may think I have no life. There is a little truth to that because I missed out on a lot of birthdays, Eid celebration, weddings, vacations with family, friends gathering etc. But truth been told, I would not miss any chance at all to go to places even when it is a hostile environment. If I were to put aside the fancy perks from all this, I'd say it is worthwhile to be away for awhile from all the madness in a big city. It's different when I'm out there in a middle of the ocean or desert. One may say, what can you do other than staring the sky for some stars or watching the beautiful sunset/sunrise, but let me tell you it is more than meets the eye. It's just more relaxing in a way because I get to escape the city. Maybe because I come from Kuantan, a rather small town in Malaysia and I went to London, Ontario to study...again, a small town in Canada. Escaping the frenzied and overpriced city for awhile is a blessing.

I'm still young (25 years old in 2012!!) with minimal responsibilities. I believe here is the chance for all this. Having said that, my thoughts are heading towards keeping myself grounded, be more independent and take more responsibilities. I feel it's time, for responsibilities, I mean.

Trust me, I think the future is scary!

p/s: le me is bored. le me is at Dubai Airport waiting for my flight to KL

No joke! I am getting chubbier!

Teasing with Dubai

2011-12-20T13:56:00.006-05:00

So far, I have nothing big to write. I'm still compiling my Middle Eastern stories, so that's coming up in January. My work (been working in the desert for few weeks now) has just gotten a bit intense for the past couple of weeks with lack of sleep and all. Until now my head is still throbbing from irregular sleeping pattern. Well, there is always panadol for that!

Anyways, some teaser photos. You know by now I'm addicted to editing photos; so here are a few of Dubai pictures. Somehow, of all the great and amazing architecture in Dubai, I'm very deeply amazed by Burj al-Arab. There is something bout this building that captivates me. Maybe it's the luxury feeling, I don't know.

I spent a few hours by the Umm Suqeim beach, reading "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac and just enjoying the view. From this beach, you get an excellent view of the 7-star hotel. I was a loner in Dubai, so photos of me were all from-my-extended-arm-with-the-help-of-my-flip-about-screen. Whats more, I wanted to enjoy the sunset with Burj al-Arab as the background.

Just so you know, some people find it hard to take that I am 24 years old. In my attempt to look more mature, I decided to try this fancy mancy hijab style people are wearing these days. I actually spent some time watching tutorials on how to get it right! Moving from simple & easy tudung bawal to this? It wasn't that life changing, though. I ended up making a complete "OMG" of myself. Sigh. First take, don't wear this style to the beach cause there is this thing called "wind". They like to sweep things out of order.

First of all, I don't think I got it right. Anyways, it looks all good to go back in the hotel. Snap snap a few pics to prove I got it! Well, that's picture bottom right and middle right. At the beach, the wind blew my tudung and it got so messy. I tried to fix it, but com'on the wind WAS blowing WHILE I was fixing my tudung. Go figure! I ended up taking a brooch and pinned the loose end somewhere over my shoulder...The last picture on the top right was the final result. BIG SIGH.

Other than that mishap, I enjoyed my afternoon at the beach :)

(I was hoping there is a ice cream place nearby. boohoo)

Burj al-Arab thru my perspective.

p/s: I used Picasa to edit my photos. Simple software! I love it

Moon eclipse :)

2011-12-10T10:50:00.006-05:00

Moon eclipsee! I feel fortunate that I get to see it without any restrictions! Subhanallah!

Aaaaa...the many many happy things bout being in a desert :) My camera is no DSLR (Canon G12 jerr), but I tried my best.

You sure can see the Sun partially covering the Moon.

My favourite shot of the night! I played with the aperture and I got this :)

A sense of what I do here. A drilling rig...

The crew :)

And this is a shot of the Moon that I took back when I was in Canada.

I was using my dad's camera with super awesome lens...I wish I have it now :)

:) Yeayy desert!

2 Blogs

2011-12-03T12:18:00.007-05:00

Two things that I would love to do is to have a travel blog and a food blog. All this while my traveling stories are compiled and written here, but I don't feel it is dedicated enough. Meaning to say, I don't share the whole journey. I had this idea back in third year when I was traveling with a friend in Quebec City. Well at that time we were in Chicoutimi and we thought of writing bout the places we went where people hardly travel to. That idea was a hit for few months that we even thought of names for the blog. I came out with "Sidewalk and about" and to tell you how excited I was, I made the header already...2 years ago....tapi the sight of the blog, is not even anywhere close. Big sighh...Maybe this will come true one of these days. I just need to find somebody willing to share this traveling blog with, i.e share their traveling stories and we compile ours in a blog.

The header I was so excited to do.

Most of the pictures were from that one month trip I had back in Summer 2009.

I don't finish the quote I had there, I just forgot who said it >.<

As for food blog, I've always love cooking and all this while I always take pictures of the food I cooked, either I created that dish or just tried others' recipes. Back in my student days, my food was always the lots-of-veggies-towards-healthy-diet kinda food but now I'm more keen on experimenting local dishes, somehow. If I were to choose my signature dish, it would probably the sherperd pie in which I had "asianized" it. Many had tasted this version I made and so far they all love it. LOL. I think my mee bandung recipe which I got from my mom was good too, but I'm yet a pro in making it. It will be exciting to have such blog, to share what I love and what I've made with others. Hmmmm...maybe one day! But I don't do desserts, though. Hehe.

The sherperd pie I made back in Canada.

p/s: I'm craving for noodle soup right now...mana nak cari tengah2 desert.

Ticking advice

2011-12-01T16:49:00.004-05:00

| and so, I am catching it|

That's engraved at the back of my iPod in which I bought in 2008. Ever since, I never really dig deep to value what I've engraved and somehow these words just slipped by without notice. I do more now and I believe they are strong words. It serves as a reminder to myself that nothing should be taken for granted, let alone letting an opportunity wasted in front of you. Therefore, seize them so that you don't look back at the things you've missed. Three years into it, I still believe in them and any opportunity given or earn is my path to somewhere better because I learn along the way. I am happy that I see things the way I do, but I just need to be more positive about things. That positive mindset will be my forte one day, insya Allah.

Of all the things that I am today, I will never forget how I got here. And I will never forget all the people that helped me get here. I feel blessed. Bless them.

And so, I am catching it. Whatever IT may be.

Suppression

2011-11-22T09:07:00.004-05:00

Whenever I looked up, I want to see something. I know something is there, but it refuses to show itself. As I'm keen on playing Word Mole on my phone now, I use that as my reason to look down when all I wanted is to look up.

Maybe I should spell "confuse" on this Word Mole game.

(I'm getting better at this game)

KL by foot

2011-11-21T11:37:00.004-05:00

*Sejuk dohh*

Just out of the blue, I'm reminiscing this mini-walk-around-KL I took with my certain someone sometime ago. We walked pretty much everywhere! Agak berpeluh-peluh juge yerr, Malaysian weather kan. If I can recall, this is the route we took:

LRT to Pasar Seni

(I bought bracelet hehe)

then, walked to Masjid Jamek

Dataran Merdeka

Jalan TAR-Masjid India-Nasi Kandar for lunch

walked along Sungai Kelang or Sungai Gombak

Stesen Keretapi Tanah Melayu

(We even went inside)

Masjid Negara

up,up,up along Taman Burung

Taman Tasik Perdana-Memorial Tun Razak

(Did you know they have Taman Rusa & Kancil at Lake Garden?)

down down down to Masjid Negara

back to Jalan TAR

SOGO, to kill time

Coliseum Cafe, where we enjoyed steak for dinner

(Very old cafe..I believe dated back to British days,

the sizzling steak was very worth it!)

Yes, we walked to all these places. Back when I was still in primary, my dad made us walk everywhere in KL and that's how I got to know & remember these places. Somehow, somewhere in the middle of the desert I craved for the same "adventure" all over again!

I said "we can enjoy steak after that calorie-burn-out-walk we just had all day"

Darn, this is something for me to cherish life-long xx

Of desert and winter

2011-11-17T15:52:00.006-05:00

If you see somebody from Muscat in your blog traffic...Hey, I could be reading your blog! I'm off to the desert in a few days. I miss it a bit. Huacachina in Ica, Peru remains the only desert I've ever been to and surprisingly, I love deserts!

It's gonna be winter soon and I bet winter in Omani desert is gonna be cruel to me. Geared up with only a rather-thick-sweater, I'm praying for my past Canadian-winter-experience to be my saviour. Even day time is only 29 degC in Muscat, and that is pretty low for Middle Eastern countries.

I think I will find some time to write down my Muscat story; although, it's not too elaborative so far :(

It's funny how back in Canada, I would be eating shawarma or briyani cause it is the only Halal option available. Then, I gorged Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese food, too. And now, I'm eating the same kind of food when I'm in Oman and when I was in Vietnam. Sigh...

I'm all on black & white mode; hence all the extra-effort-edited-photos on display:

Fort in Matrah, approximately 20mins from city centre

The beautiful beach near Shangri-La Hotel.

The massive & grand chandelier at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The panel as my header was also taken at the same mosque.

This mosque definitely exudes the grandeur feeling above everything else!

Al-Zawawi Mosque near to my hotel. The mosque is pretty small, but grand, nevertheless

p/s: far away, again.

On display

2011-10-15T13:40:00.012-04:00

Time: 02:13

Random edited photos for display.

My night is officially occupied!

The view from the balcony of my apartment.

The clouds above the Twin Tower sort of light up!

I almost forgot I had this ring. Been wearing it all week!

Birthday gift from my sister: a bright pink wallet.

Beach or Mountains? Mountains, for sure.

So when's my next adventure?

*my eyes are fixed on a certain location*

(Credit: MBN. The mountains along the Inca Trail, 2009)

Loosen up for a night! New head scarf by the way.

(one boring night back in Vietnam)

p/s: Spotted organic cotton tshirt at ZARA. I think this is my call. I need to get it. Haha. Now, where's my size?

Willingness

2011-10-15T12:59:00.006-04:00

I question willingness. Willingness is like time; the virtue of it is ambiguous because like time, it is treated as a sacrifice. Sacrifice has an extent, the limitation of how far one would go to comply. And when one complies, one lacks sincerity. Sincerity above all is a priority because it adheres all as one. And when all is one, I go back to willingness. I do not see the need for it even when I have time to sacrifice.

I appreciate it, nevertheless.

And I agree with Eleanor Roosevelt, “It is not fair to ask of others  what you are not willing to do yourself.”

Cheers to Kuala Lumpur

2011-09-24T13:27:00.007-04:00

I'm back in KL and all is the same to me.

Despite people's critic/complement of me being too thin (a.k.a tak makan ke dekat Vietnam?), I'm determined to start on rigorous heart pumping activities after this. Why? Cause 2 months of eating out made me sick and I felt I had consumed a lot of junk stuff. I need to shed some kg(s). It all starts tomorrow (in a finger-crossed tone of voice). La la laaa...

p/s: what I eat and what I buy? They all matters!

Messy Love

2011-09-18T13:46:00.006-04:00

I've always thought having someone dear to you makes your life wonderful because you are always happy. Little that I know, it's a bumpy ride. As I'm answering "yes" or giggled to all people's Qs on my certain someone, I still have my head throbbing from the bumpy ride. Maybe I can blame my life-long commitment to single life that I'm not so BF-ready for a second person in life. Nevertheless, I always go back to "You & Me" by Dave Matthews Band cause like I always tell him,

"You and I, we're not tied to the ground
Not falling, but rising like rolling around..."

It's perfect. And I sure know we're perfect.

Love you, beau.

Always will & always have.

p/s: m digging on our differences

The-like*love-effect

2011-09-11T11:23:00.012-04:00

I always felt I haven't really found myself yet in HCMC until a couple of weeks ago. Other than shopping and work, I hardly do anything else! I ate at the same places for the most part (due to Halal issues & I can't read the names of the dishes!) and since the past 1 month was Ramadhan I wasn't that much of an "explorer".

This year's Ramadhan felt more blessed somehow; the kind you felt after you've done something extremely virtuous. I tried to "khatam the Quran" but I was not successful (sigh) and I only got to juzuk 16 :( Since I spent my Raya offshore, I got back onshore with a vengeance of some sort. That's when I feel I found myself. I'm not in any ways trying to portray a certain lifestyle, but I just want to share some of the things I love, like JAZZ!

They played great music. We wanted to request Sade's "Smooth Operator" but we were 10 mins too late. They were already playing their last song which was James Brown's "I Feel Good" (cliche dohh!)

(at Sax 'N' Art, HCMC)

The fruit punch was awesome! It was a bit pricey, but nevermind I just got back on land!

...And CAFES!

Back to going around trying out different places but for I always left my camera out most of the time. Sigh.

I like cafes and I guess you probably know/realize that already. I passed by this cafe everyday to work and the only question I had was when oh when! So, I had lunch at Rita Cafe, Nguyen Van Cu. I had Hot & Sour Seafood Noodle and can I say it was freaking good! Anyways, I somehow think the shops in Vietnam are always very well decorated!

I'm loving the paper umbrella decor on the ceiling :)

...And MANI/PEDI!

And it comes down to feeling all good bout your body. I'd go to mani/pedi all the time here and I think I'm getting very comfortable with people doing my nails for me. Now the thoughts of buffing my own nails spelled M.a>laS! Manicure or pedicure is about $3-$5 here so why bother doing your own, right? The thing is, I never went to nail place in Malaysia haha! I have no idea why, but this kind of lifestyle has got to stop cause doing your nails at the nail parlour is expensive in Malaysia tee hee! My favourite here is Armani Spa at Dong Du St, but when I went there last Thursday...the made my my lateral nail fold bleed :(

...And ORGANIC THINGS!

Since I always berangan to go all-*cough-cough*-organic*, I sort of took the first step: I bought Yves Rocher "Organic Vanilla" shower gel. I know, you would say OMG perlu ker? but it's good to use organic-based product! I thought the L'occitane lip balm I bought was organic-based, but it wasn't. Sigh. I can't read both French & Vietnamese! BTW, I hate the lip balm. Chapstick $1.69 Strawberry flavoured is even better than this!

Love the vanilla smell and I like how the bathroom smells of vanilla afterwards :)

The smell is quite long-lasting.

...and the SEMANGATNESS of things!

The last time I went for a formal dinner event was five years ago. Now I'm in Vietnam, the company celebrated it's 20th year in Vietnam with a dinner for all the staff at one of the hotels here. I'm like, what do I wear? As if there's a lot of options as to what I can wear and where to get them! I don't have something to wear, handbag (I only brought my Lesportsac sling bag to HCMC! Imagine how colourful that is!), no high heels (pakai flats murah yang boleh buang je pasni) and no tudung! I somehow got excited about this dinner and bought almost all the things I don't have. This is me talking about how much I like to waste money in this sense just to look the part.

Anyways, it was a great dinner mainly cause I get to watch traditional Vietnames dance & songs (I didn't get to watch it at any other place). On the more lucky note, I get to mingle around with all the Mr-big-shots. It was nice to listen to their stories, work & off-work related. It makes you feel it is not impossible to be like them one day cause they started pretty much like where I am right now.

Terpaksa beli baju kurung, selendang licin (OMG!) and kasut...

I never tried wearing tudung like this and I only wore it this way for the dinner cause the scarf I bought was too "silky" and it was impossible to wear it!

(satu gamba dinner je lah)

BTW, you bet I have more than just the ones I shared here

I'm going back to Malaysia soon. Now I felt everything came sooner than I anticipated

p/s: has a love*like effect for someone tee hee

30 Aug 2011

2011-08-30T05:31:00.002-04:00

My Hari Raya, as powered by coffee.

RAYA EVE: Mad at the telephone and internet at 0200 hrs cause it was down and caused lots of communication problems to me. End up sleeping at 0400 hrs. I was able to stay up that late due to coffee.

RAYA MORNING at 0800 hrs: Woke up at 0615 hrs to do report. Internet and phone line were occasionally down. I was still upset about it, but I had my first cup of coffee in the morning in 1 month. I'm all good to go until now at 1645 hrs; although, I was predictably hyper around 1100 hrs. Now, I've mellowed down and sleeping looks pretty good from here... *yawnnn*

On that note fellas,

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

MAAF ZAHIR BATIN

(fire crackerrrss!! weee! weee!)

Cheers,

Me,

all the way from offshore Vietnam.

30 days and counting

2011-08-20T14:19:00.003-04:00

A month into living abroad feels like I've never done this before. If I'm allowed to make one comment bout it, I'd say I've grown to know me. As in, I never know what I really want, until I got here.

and, cheers to that *raise glass!*

p/s: Dreaming of an imagination.

Dari dalam hati

2011-08-11T12:03:00.005-04:00

Secara zahirnya, lelaki memang saya kira lebih kuat. Kuat fizikalnya kerana itu satu ketentuan. Namun, tidaklah harus kita lupakan yang seseorang itu perlu juga kuat di dalam hatinya. Saya kira, perempuan telah dilahirkan untuk mempunyai kekuatan tertentu dan fokusnya adalah dalam pada hatinya. Saya sebagai perempuan bukanlah mahu membela nasib kaum sendiri, tetapi umum dapat melihat sendiri ketabahan seseorang wanita itu. Kita tidak merungut, apatah lagi menhina diri sendiri apabila ditimpa musibah. Kita bangkit untuk mencari jalan keluar tanpa menunggu bulan jatuh ke riba. Ini lebih benar jika seseorang wanita itu adalah seorang ibu. Tidak salah kalau saya membuat kesimpulan bahawa ibu-ibu dapat berdiri gah dengan kekuatan sendiri kerana mereka tahu kekuatan mereka adalah nadi kepada keluarga. Mereka tahu ada sesuatu yang berharga yang harus dijaga dan dipupuk. Inilah yang dikatakan naluri wanita bergelar seorang ibu. Saya bukan seorang ibu, tetapi sudah pastinya saya dapat kebenaran ini pada mama saya. Saya rasa mama saya sudah melalui pelbagai suka duka dalam kehidupan ini. Walaupun dia senyap dan tidak meluahkan apa yang dirasakan, tetapi saya dapat agak apa yang sedang bermain di fikirannya. Jauh di sudut hatinya, saya pasti dia cuba untuk menjadi tabah untuk kami. Tidak perlulah saya mencungkil satu persatu, tetapi cukuplah untuk kalian tahu dia gembira dengan apa yang dia kecapi dan saya sangatlah bertuah mempunyai dia sebagai mama saya. Saya berharap saya dapat membuat dia gembira selalu. Sayaaanng mama saya!

Mama dan saya. Amirul & Hakim sekali lah!

Tapi itu hanya sedikit.

Tidak kira dimana saya pergi untuk menimba pengalaman, saya akan melihat perkara yang sama. Kaum hawa membanting kudrat mereka untuk mencari rezeki dan saya tahu mereka melakukannya untuk mencari sesuap nasi. Kerana jika suami mereka sudah berharta, masakan mereka perlu membanting tulang? Inilah yang saya kagum. Sudah pasti segala penat lelah mereka berbaloi apabila melihat anak-anak mereka gembira. Tapi saya merasakan tatkala mereka membela orang lain, nasib sendiri tidak terbela. Walaupun acapkali kita katakan inilah "naluri seorang ibu", tetapi sampai bilakah mereka perlu sebegini? Saya cuma berharap anak-anak mereka dapat menghargai pengorbanan ibu mereka dengan sebaiknya. Saya masih kagum.

Mendayung sampan untuk mencari rezeki

Jangan lupa wanita lah secara lazimnya yang dapat buat kerja-kerja sebegini teliti dan halus

(seorang wanita sedang membuat kulit popiah dengan tekunnya)

Oleh itu, kesimpulan saya mudah. Mungkin lelaki yang dapat mempamerkan kekuatan zahir mereka, tetapi kekuatan dalaman adalah sama penting. Lihatlah ibu kamu dan pastinya kamu akan bersetuju.

P/S: Tidak bermaksud untuk membuat karangan ala-ala Tingkatan 5. Hanya ingin memperlihatkan apa yang mungkin kita sudah terlupa.

Hooked

2011-08-04T11:09:00.002-04:00

A year ago, I wrote "something obvious should be very subtle".

And a year later, I still believe so.

And in 3 months, I still want to believe so.

Because I know, it is there.

"Something obvious should be very subtle"

There is no point for one to prove something that is obvious. As long as one knows it is there, then it is there. But one seeks for an attention; a chance to be seen because that desperate attempt is all to vie for a pointless point. The deeper this goes, the more important it sounds to thee, but fret not 'cause thy silent aplomb is admirable. It counts to be subtle in your actions. It matters to keep your emotions in line. The bottom line is proving an obvious point is silly and self-belief is the key. What matters is you know it is there.

p/s: I had coffee everyday for bukak puasa. Hihi

Wow, duit!

2011-08-04T11:05:00.000-04:00

LOL. RM6 sedia diberikan to kanak-kanak riang :)

Story telling

2011-08-03T11:36:00.003-04:00

If I write a story, will you read it out loud.

Will you be the narrator to my story?

It is about five little birds trying to make a decision to fly away. Three in complete agreement, but two decided to stay. Why stay when there is nothing here? they asked. There is a dream out there waiting for us to land on. An opportunity to grow bigger and stronger, they continued to say.

The two replied, Here is good 'cause this is where we call home. Not there or there. You can always land on some opportunities elsewhere and settle down in a nice house you think is good. But deep down you know, a house is never a home.

p/s: hati kecil terasa pabila hati besar terdetik.

And it gets going

2011-08-01T11:53:00.004-04:00

Today is day 1 of Ramadhan. SELAMAT BERPUASA TO ALL.

My heart wept too, today.

Maybe cause Ramadhan to me is different this year. I just tell myself that loneliness is just a feeling that I need to push aside, but being here alone means a whole lot more. Since today was rough anyways, I took the liberty to seek some comfort. And what I found was a conversation I had with a certain someone back in November 2010. My eyes got teary cause it was beautiful. I can feel my heart skipped a beat.

Yes, beautiful.

And you're beautiful, no matter who you are reading this.

p/s: "kalau hati ada sayang..."

and they kept lingering in my head. yes, i have my answer.

Saigon

2011-07-23T08:01:00.011-04:00

Good morning Saturday!

(I like that everything in my room is in white)

Saturday.

I lazed around in bed until 9am. All I know is, as soon as I walk out of my hotel, I want to find a decent coffee shop. Apparently, I live in the "foreigner" zone, meaning things are slightly pricier. No wonder there is a gourmet market just a block away and I went there to get bread & jam. LOL.

Last night my colleague took me on a ride on her motorcycle. There are hundreds of motorcycles on the road at one time and seriously, you need courage to ride a bike here. In between making a turn or braving oneself at the roundabout, you gotta be so alert cause a bike can come out of nowhere. So, I gathered all the courage I can and rode the bike with her. It was exciting, actually, despite getting lots of dust into my eyes. I find it very convenient to maneuver oneself in HCMC with a bike, but again, you need courage! ;) oh yea, people here honk to almost everything. At times, I wonder if one will be alerted by the honks. I mean how do you know that honk is meant for you? <-- I think too much...

Bikes on the road are like ants over a candy

"This coffee shop looks interesting. I'm so trying this cafe!" :)

Regina Coffee at Nguyen Du St.

Iced Cappucino for me!

Yeah, definitely interesting.

My iced cappucino! 55,000 VND (~RM10)

I liked it, but it was a bit too sweet for me.

Notre Dame Cathedral.

One block away from Regina Coffee. It looks pretty much like any other cathedral I've seen ;)

Yours truly, so not photo ready. Behind me is the General Post Office.

I love the architecture of the building, but I'm not too certain of its style. Colonial? Wiki kate gothic... Anyhow, this somehow reminds me of Grand Central Terminal, NYC

Love the interior as well ;)

Typical sight of women selling fruits and snacks.

Reunification Palace. It was still closed when I arrived, so I guess I have to come again someday.

And then, my battery went flat. I had to walk back to my hotel and by then I was hungry.

There are a few halal restaurant near my hotel. One is just next door: Four Seasons Restaurant and this has been my dinner place every since I got here.

Food's good and the price is reasonable. You'll expect to see other Malaysians dining here.

Cho Ben Thanh, or Ben Thanh Market.

It was crazy in here! I swear I can't survive shopping here. First of all, I'm very bad at bargaining and I don't have the patience to go through one by one to find the best deal/pattern etc. I need my mom for this! Just for the record, the fabrics here are pretty darn cheap, but once you send to the tailor in Malaysia, it will still be over RM100 for the total cost. The ones I saw ready made are about USD20 - USD32 for baju kurung or jubah (~RM60). I find that's cheap.

And I prove from this photo, Malaysians go to HCMC to shop! Raya is coming up kan ;)

Since Ben Thanh is a market after all, you still see them selling fruits and other fresh goods as well. And you don't find Malaysians at this part of the market. Hihi.

Coffee beans! Lots of them!

I might get some myself one day. Me love coffee and that you must know!

The club I wanna go to.

...

now I know Bally is from Switzerland.

HCMC has many parks & squares. Kinda reminds me of Lima, too. At this square I was in, they have lots of bonsai trees. Cute, petite flower trees ;)

Yours truly struggled all day to take a picture of herself :(

Behind me is a government building.

Yea, I wanted to try canned coffee pulak. Highlands Coffee is a franchised coffee shop. They are everywhere and they do look fancy. So I just bought the canned version for 12,000 VND (RM2)

I will wander more. That's a promise.

Saigon is the old name for Ho Chi Minh City.

p/s: esok macam seronok je kalau pergi spa?

HCMC

2011-07-19T08:42:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I heard the word "drive". What does it take to drive a person or a group? I know my drive and when yesterday ends, I was head over heels in excitement because today I'm going to Ho Chi Minh City!

Oh well, I'm here already. And I like it so far! I'm all by myself now, but it's okay, it looks all to familiar to me ;) I can't believe I have doubts last night on how to survive here et al. but again I had to seek comfort in somebody who knew that I could do this. Haha!

People here speak very little English and I felt bad that I'm not blending in yet in terms of language. I just googles how to say Thank You in Vietnamese. I can't write it here cause I don't have the fancy characters, but it is pronounced as "karm ern". Ok, will use it tomorrow onwards. I opted to take a cab and make my way to the hotel on my own. Some friends suggested that I request for somebody to pick me up, but yea it's not a big deal to me. Along the way, I saw a few interesting cafes that I swear I must try them all! If only :p You know my addiction to coffee and Vietnam being one of the best place for coffee, I just gotta try them all. There is one cafe really caught my eyes, but I didn't catch the name :( I will make the effort to find it! Then, I walked around my hotel area, there are tons of Halal restaurant in this area and this reminds me again that I may need to be a vegetarian on some occasions. I totally gave up on the idea of being a dedicated vegetarian when I got back to Malaysia last year. Somehow, I can't resist.

I will write more. Toodles, need to catch some break.

Just thought I should have one ;)

They decided to tag along to Ho Chi Minh City.

Eh, ape eh name korang berdua ni?

p/s: my certain someone is very far away, too.

With Arms Wide Open

2011-06-22T14:09:00.004-04:00

Tonight, I blasted off some old Creed songs that I don't remember I have in my iTunes until somebody asked. And that was at 1am. Our mini singing session has ended by now, and I'm all wide awake. You can tell me why ;)

P/S: chose to write a review on "With Arms Wide Open" back when I was 14 for some assignment. Then I chose, "This I Promise You" haha

That certain someone

2011-06-06T08:46:00.004-04:00

I like to think to be in the right crowd is hard; to surround oneself with people whom you can call friends and to avoid enemies. The worst is, of course, to be bounded by pretentious people with glittery eyes and friendly smiles. Then it boils down to trust; who are your trustworthy people? Deep down, I can actually easily trust someone with my stories. You'll see the preferences almost immediately. I may sound naive to you, then. I've known better now. Maybe I cannot willfully hand pick who to be friends with, but I can certainly choose my trustworthy friends. I wonder why I used to be so out loud about everything that I couldn't give myself some reservations. Add that to my vocabulary now. I am more reserved. At times, I give some thoughts. Do I ever have enemies? They don't come running to me, but do I have enemies?

Above all,

I have met that certain someone whom I can share all my stories with and would listen patiently to me when I babble every . single . time .

p/s: offshore again. muka akan kering lagi! urgh!

Insignificance

2011-05-30T05:08:00.003-04:00

There will come a day where nothing is right. Your emotions twitch like a flick of a switch and soon you realise they are pointless. It will go wrong. Planning is one thing; hoping is another. Put your hopes high you will then crumble. Maybe I am wrong to think I have the control; to be able to hold certain things for certain.

Wrong,

Wrong

and Wrong!

One thing I never seem to grasp is how trivial I am compare to the major things surrounding me. I like to think I am important, but look at me, I'm puny! You can say I am important to you, but the truth is, truth does not lie. Of all the big things, I am the smallest. I do not regret, but everything has an order. Mine happens to be the last. Yes, what am I talking, you say? Nevermind, these thoughts are trivial.

P/S: Feels like eating donuts!

Sunday

2011-05-29T02:16:00.003-04:00

What more can a Sunday cries for other than to read a book. I got my copy of The Eyre Affair as a bday gift and I'm pretty much dedicating my Sunday to it. Even well proposal takes the side line today.

I'm in Kuantan right now and I feel the need to write something here after leaving my blog unattended for about 2 months now. Very unlike me. Not to say I'm busy, but more like suddenly, I don't have a voice, no thoughts to be conveyed here. Until now, my stories were half written. I put a full stop not at an ending, but at mid-way. I can't seem to finish my story for some reason and why? I can't tell myself.

I have a few thoughts to share; some of which I even have titles for them, but I couldn't commit myself to writing them out! Sigh. One I hope I can finish writing is entitled "Local". The guess is all yours. Nevertheless, it is something I wish I can allow myself to explain. Not because it is condemning, but it is nurturing. Urgh, I need time to properly write it out. Please let me find more time in this world. Please please please...

p/s: I like my nails polished.

Away

2011-03-14T04:23:00.002-04:00

Whenever I leave a place, I always dream of coming back. Whenever I look at the photos of these places, I will be reminded of the fond memories there. Whatever that makes up the memories are very much treasured. I may have seen a fair bit to give me different views of things. And most often than not, I want to go back because of the people I met along the way. I miss you guys. You may not know who you are, but I miss you.

Greed

2011-03-13T05:25:00.000-04:00

I want everything

All of them

p/s: looking for The Eyre Affair

Conform

2011-02-26T00:22:00.007-05:00

I woke up today and I quickly grabbed my cellphone. What time is it? With my eyes half opened and my whole body still wrapped in the comforter, I braved myself to look at the time. 6am. I'm still okay. Wait, what? 6am?!! Feeling hungry with parched skin, chapped lips and my voice couldn't even come out from my throat, I asked, "What happened?"

Overslept happened.

The reality was I need those sleeping hours. Being the only one here, there is no working shift for me. I'm on my own. Whatever happened, I'm accountable to answer those questions. So, I had minimal sleep. I was up all night to monitor logging. And the night before, I was on guard for drilling. Though I may steal some hours for my beauty sleep, I didn't. Instead I went around studying things and understand all the things related to my work. Seriously, I felt accomplished.

I never actually wrote about my experience offshore. Some say it is exciting to be out here. Some say I must be one tough chick to survive living offshore. The truth is, it is only tough as far as your mind would put it and not to forget, it's men's world here. I cannot escape this truth because in the end, I'm the one who has to "fit in" with the boys. This time around, I'm the only girl here and so guess what? I'd prefer to write it out from a female point of view.

I'd would say just from the surface, living offshore is interesting. Depends on which rig I went to, I always feel I get the best of everything to make me feel at home. Here, my room is spacious! I got a bunk bed, a 24" flat screen TV with a few Astro channels, a dvd player and a mini refrigerator. Then, in my office, I have a phone and my own internet cable. Seriously, what more can you ask for? Get this, I hate doing laundry. It's the only so-called-female-stereotype-chore that I hate doing! Even I don't hate ironing clothes that much. Here, the housekeeping guys wash and fold your clothes for you. They even clean your room. It's like you're staying in a hotel. You come back from work with your clothes ready and room cleaned. Oh, I don't make a lot of mess, mind you :)

Then, the food. Ahh, food in general is always good. It's a trap, I know, with all the good, yummy food around, but I cannot say no to steak, can I? ...I'm trying to imagine my life in Canada where I was a vegetarian for the most part...how did I survive, then? I don't have the answer, hihi. They always have western and local dishes everyday, so whatever your heart desires that day, just please help yourself. Today for lunch, I had rice with beans, sambal terung and steamed fish with a hint of cencaluk ;) then, I had chocolate cake. I've been craving for chocolate cake somehow...

Of course, other than that, staying offshore means I don't use $$; instead I get $$. With me being a big spender, this is a good set back. I don't have to get up everyday thinking what should I wear today cause for all I know my outfit is either my yellow coverall or tshirt+yoga pants. But the big one hooray is, I don't have to wake "early" cause the roads/LRT will be packed if I were late. That is a +1 for me.

Surething you'll find my story to be somewhat compelling up until now. Like I said, that is what's on the surface. The real challenge is more like how do I fit in?

With Johnny and Jonathan at the Mudlogging Unit

p/s: Been watching American Idol here.

Solitude

2011-02-20T07:39:00.007-05:00

I heard "When it is the darkest, men see the stars" (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Emerson speaks my thoughts almost perfectly. Our thoughts are always very much in sync.

I speak of solitary now.

I wish this is not my darkest moments, but like Emerson, I see stars in my solitary hours. A chance for me to ponder on the things I'm yet to achieve. Big ambitions are for big dreamers or daydreamers. Perhaps I can say with confidence I was a big dreamer back in high school. I imagined myself doing a bunch of amazing and out of this world thing. One is to work for the United Nation. I was very much interested in charitable work from the get go. When I was 16, I read an article about women struggles in Timor Leste and there was an address in the article calling for volunteers. I wanted to write a letter to that person stating my interest. Of course, that didn't happen cause guess why? I was 16 and I had SPM the following year. After that, I got so caught up with school I paid no attention to this so called ambition. I joined some kind of anti-nuclear club in university (whaaat??? I know!) in the hopes of lining myself with the right conscience once more. That failed. I did some volunteer work for YMCA and I felt good. Bits of my ambition is now accomplished. Even the smallest stories on human survivor or struggles I typically read in National Geographic gave me tears. I remembered I met a person who used to be a volunteer in Acheh after the Tsunami devastation. I was impressed that he took some time to do such work. I always go back to his story to remind people that others can do it, why can't we?

While hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, we took a lunch break and decided to watch the villagers playing soccer. It was their must do Sunday activity, so hooray! Surething I was watching, but my eyes were drawn to a mother of two trying to play and please her kids. They had no toys, but they were playing with a bottle cap. I said to my buddies, I wanted to take pictures of them. I approached them and tried to be friendly. Gladly they accepted me well. One child had a really long scar on his face and he was aggressive, to say the least, but his brother was cute as a button. I wondered how he got the scar but the language barrier set me off. It wasn't my intention to stick my nose in either. He warmed up to me after some time. I felt happy. After some time, it just hit me, while I find their lives to be far from what I experienced in my childhood they are very much content with their lives. However, I cannot escape the thought of what does the future holds for them? Where will they 10 years from now. You know, some people had it easy. I would count myself in, but others don't. Is being content NOW enough for the future? I tried to look into becoming a UN volunteer once more; this time the age limit failed me. I had to be 26 yrs old. Ok, I think I was looking at the right bits of info on that. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Surething celebrities get to be UN ambassadors, they are "the face" people can easily associate with. At one point, I think I have to be famous to get this in my hands. But then again, I don't think I tried hard enough even.

So, it's dark outside and I'm in the middle of an ocean, can I clear my head to see what I really should commit myself to?

And I'm quoting Emerson again, "Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen". I'm holding on to his words, once more

Nampak agak beriya...

(credit Mbn)

p/s: Tudung hijau, baju kuning. Some said I wore Australia today. Hihi

Far

2011-02-05T10:13:00.003-05:00

As I'm moving forward, I can't help but to look back. Maybe something back there is worth keeping. Something happened back there to build you. Something happened back there to break you. Just something to make you larger than life today.

I will always be reminded of the things in the past cause a thing is always something.

p/s: batuk dowh. and busy mcm hampeh.

Open

2011-01-29T11:25:00.003-05:00

Can one ever be tired of being independent? Resting everything on one's shoulder and taking all the pain to oneself with much caution. Maybe one can call it a quit. And for once, let someone in. Cause what is the meaning of happiness if you stand there all alone with a stranger taking your photo.

p/s: I close my eyes and pray (Justin Bieber, Pray). Love this song.

heartbeats

2011-01-23T08:10:00.002-05:00

your heart may be beating fast for many reasons. for me, it's 'cause of coffee.

but today, i feel scared of something. overwhelmed by it. i guess this is when i should start pay extra attention to it. the fine details make a great piece of art, so start to look closely at them!

i'm trying to put aside what's around me that do not matter and see only at the things that is worth it, for now. like someone said to me before, takut yang dikejar tak dapat, yang dikendong berciciran. i applied it here. so, focus la weyy! hehe

p/s: wish to go back to NYC. i so belong there.

Up for grabs.

2011-01-20T09:37:00.007-05:00

Here

My kind of way has always been to keep calm and carry on. Maybe George Bernard Shaw was right after all. Gaining my heart's desire was a tragedy that I kept myself up for a promise that looped in a circle and ended at where it started. But tragedy in its way is no Macbeth or King Lear. It's a fallen persona that evokes consciousness before a downfall. And that pain and suffering one had to endure are the constant conviction of faith, the kind one hopes to keep on believing in. No surprise. Be careful, faith can be a trap or the rope for you to hang on to. There is, of course, a choice.

I will be fine. It is a decision I made regardless of the consequences, which if I may add, are not severe. Two people do get to be together without any labels attached cause for all I know the only label I want is "a friend".

p/s: I should get this poster the next time I see it. I like it pink :)

Be young

2011-01-15T22:58:00.002-05:00

2006. I still look like this now. Maybe I know how to smile better.

OK. Now I know why some say I still look like a student although I'm a corporate person now. Damn. Some people are not meant to grow up. That much I know. Thanks to those who think I am that young. Haha.

p/s: post ni saje sbb dah stress orang slalu ingat i'm a student; thus, they have that thing on the face that sort of say "can i take her seriously."

TV show

2011-01-12T09:51:00.003-05:00

You don't see my passion until you stand/sit to listen me talk about Survivor.

An addict, that's what I am.

p/s:

Survivor: Cook Island was by far the best season.

Harapan

2011-01-10T10:19:00.004-05:00

Does this hope have a shape?

A circle?

One that starts at a point and goes on to end up at the same starting point?

But where is your starting point? Only in the end to call it the finish point?

Arthur Miller once wrote, maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.

Is your finish point your right regrets?

p/s: a circle has no edges

Volare!

2011-01-07T02:22:00.005-05:00

So, it's January. And that means a few friends, who are studying in overseas, just got back from their winter break vacation! And that is a cause for green with envy in me. Haha. I just got back from a meeting in Johor Bahru a few hours ago. While I'm out for a business trip, I get to collect airmiles points as well. Hehe. For the last 4 weeks, I've been a regular at KLIA. I flew in and out of KL almost every week. Urghh! And at times, I didn't get to unpack my bags even. Just took out some clothes, put in new ones and just leave the toiletries etc in my backpack. If I can say something about the frequency of me flying here and there, I'd say it's okay. I'm 23 with no major responsibilities. Maybe only this time around I get to be selfish and just live life like it's meant to be. Who knows along the way, I'll meet with a lot of interesting people. And that is always the case when I go around. Business card? Checked!

While my traveling days as a student are long time over, I guess this new kind of traveling is not so bad afterall. We still get to hang out and pusing2 a little bit with my working colleague, but the mood is entirely different. This is the time to hear their stories, their experience and some "gossips". Hehe. I mean, you don't get to really know a person at work 'cause you gotta keep it "professional". We hang out at Danga Bay on our first night in JB and that was fun. Heard lots of stories, discussed lots of things and enjoyed an awesome live performance! Humff. Then, meeting, makan, meeting lagi and makan lagi. We had an impromptu rig visit after the meeting. It was great visit, mainly cause we get to take pictures everywhere without any worry that the flash may be a cause of ignition; thus, start a fire. FYI, I need a permit to take pictures on the rig. And don't dream to take pictures of everything on the rig when drilling commences. See, why I say it's great? :) I can't imagine I'll be living on that rig in a few weeks time! I'm so excited. So far, people are looking great on the rig. But typical boys, they'll get excited when they see girls onboard.

Izzy and I kept remisnicing Orlando while we were in JB. Maybe because Universal Studio is just a swim away :p

Ok, my mafias decided to go to Bukit Tinggi tomorrow. Hehe. Berjalan-jalan lagi :)

p/s: Bace Going Places pon dah bosan :(

Joyride of 2010

2010-12-28T09:35:00.007-05:00

Bye bye 2010. You'll be missed.

I will mark 2010 as the year of liberty! why? Cause I went from student to employee. My first ever job, if I may add.

Much like my "Joyride of 2009" post, I should do the same for 2010!

So lets see some of the highlights (& lowlights) of 2010.

Big Teary Moment

Won the Bachelor Thesis Award 2010 from Ontario Petroleum Institute. Read the email at 5.50am with my eyes half opened. I was so shocked; my heart was racing and in my head I said "is this for real?". I cried minutes later. I called Kerol. He hated when I call him at odd hours. Haha. I cried even more after that. Then, I jumped around in the shower :) Nothing could go wrong that day. Hope you know I busted my arse off for that paper. And of course, for a chance to appear in the Down-to-Earth Newsletter, nothing can go wrong!

Best Bimbo Moment

Went on a cruise from Miami-Key West-Cozumel-Miami. Thanks to the influence from Pisau Cukur. Izyan even bought a huge hat for that...

Leaving Miami

Besar dowh kapal

Best Makan-makan Moment

At Bagan Lalang with the mafias!!! We had seafood at HM Sri Bagan. The food was amazing. On the way home, we made yet another stop for ice-cream! Heaven lah!

Best Mommy-Daughter Moment

Of course when she came over to Canada. Even my twin sister flew all the way from UK to join us! And I became the tour guide (& the driver!). My mom never had the chance and time to just travel like us, so I'm so happy I got to take her around :) It was a tiring 3 weeks for her, but hey everyday was very well spent! Took her to NYC, Montreal, Toronto, Bruce Peninsula, London and Niagara Falls. Kinda funny when I made my mom walked all around Manhattan. As I'm a self-proclaimed Manhattan local, I took her to so many places...not just to tourist spots. Sorry mommy, the only way to enjoy Manhattan is by walking :) Plus, she got to meet her old time friend who now migrated to NYC. Love!

Although I still can't forget how I walked into the LV boutique at 5th Avenue wearing silly flip flops and demanded my mommy to buy me one. Pffttt! Nice try, but no success :( But I like it when mommy says it's okay to swipe Daddy's credit card. Weeee!

Mommy and the Brooklyn Bridge

Statue of Liberty loves us!

Old time sake!

We're sure don't look like twins! Just us three "hiking" at Bruce Peninsula.

Best LIVE performace

Hands down, DAVE MATTHEW'S BAND. With that dude 5m from me, I can't describe the excitement lah. Too awesome!

Best thing I bought

It has to be my Love-Peace-Music Moleskine (CAD26). Bought it as a bday present for myself. A new journal. Haha. I have a name for it already. If Green Life refers to my previous diary, you have to wait until I change the name of this blog to know.

Most expensive thing I bought

A car. Duhh. My Perodua Viva cutelah!

Best Girls-Night-Out Moment

With Izzy. In Miami. Nuff said. The details are up to your imagination. Hehe

Best New Found Love

Anthony Bourdain

Best stress moment

To TD a well! I like the intensity of it. And how I got so anxious to know if we TD at the right lithology. And for that, our correlation with offset well has to be right. I love correlating wells! Arghh!

Best "I feel so important" moment

Strangers wanted to take pictures with me at Carassauga 2010. Why? Cause they wanna have a picture with the girl in the turquoise baju kurung :)

And I was excited to take pictures with others as well

Best "Whoa, he did not just say my name!" moment

When the Vice President of Academic at UWO recognized and congratulated me on stage during my convocation. He even know my effing name!

Silly Tears Moment

Stressed out when a friend made me looked like shit in front of others.

Worst lets find something decent

House hunting! Dangg! Why in the world can't I find a nice place to settle in?

Worst why am I here again? moment

On a ship trying to understand how seismic data were obtained. I lost >3kg in 1 week. I think you can guess why.

Worst "I can pee in pants for this" moment

To board on a helicopter, flew 50 minutes to the rig that is in the middle of nowhere. Ok, what if the helicopter crashed into the sea. Arghhh! Well, it's all good now. Hehe.

Not so happy phone call moment

Sleeping. Phone rings. "Anda dipilih bekerja dengan kami. Tunggu surat kami". And I just arrived Malaysia 7 days ago. No break. Sad.

(p/s: I sure glad I didn't take a long break cause I enjoy working!)

Lets hope I can find more things to add here.

p/s: If perfect is what you are searching for, then just stay the same. Sape nak cakap these words to me?

Bergelora-lah

2010-12-17T19:35:00.005-05:00

The waves are beginning to look a little choppy compared to yesterday, but I heard the weather is picking up. A little heads up for myself: I may get drenched tonight! Yesterday was so calm and I like it. As I'm waiting for my current-partner-in-crime, Annas to finish looking at cuttings under the microscope, I do log correlation. Oh, after getting so used to everything in colours, it is a strain to the brain to adjust to black and white. I must bear in my mind of the certain technology-luxury today has compared to the past, past years. I still wonder today how different things were back in those days.

Status:

Log correlation, OK.

Cuttings, OK.

ROP, OK.

Gamma ray, somewhat OK.

Everything ties in very well. So, I'm taking a 5 minute break to write this out while waiting for the next cutting to arrive. Annas is already "resting" at a corner, a buddy is playing Coldplay "Fix You" and I'm still trying to search for a story to write. I thought I have a lot to write about, but no, I'm only rambling here. I can only appreciate my time I have right now cause I just realized, I should be working 24 hrs here. The intensity of it is yet to kick in, so I can't start dreaming of it yet. It will come tomorrow as we approach the section total depth. For now, I just want to enjoy my quiet time with the boys while trying to put aside the countless reports and other office-related matters. Haha. What a life!

Ok, where is my partner-in-crime when I need him!

p/s: what's for lunch?

Guru

2010-12-12T10:35:00.002-05:00

I personally think Anthony Bourdain is my guru. Travel-wise. Food-wise.

;)

p/s: dreaming of Paris 'cause of him.

Play

2010-12-07T01:28:00.004-05:00

I may just need to hit the play button just about now.

Today is Awal Muharram. So, Salam Maal Hijrah to all.

As I'm sitting lazily on my bed, I can't help but to look at all my unpack stuff from my previous trip to Labuan last week. Sure I carried a backpack, but still they need to be unpacked pronto! This is when I began to have these thoughts. You know, I'm not that organized after all. As much as I think I made a hell of a planner, I don't jump in when it comes to keeping things tucked in. I rather have my things lying everywhere than to clean them up. My head is messy, no doubt. That is my style. It has to be everywhere or I can't find my things. Ironic, you say? I would agree. OK, now I have something to do over the weekend. Yes, that's justified now!

I met a friend the other day. We talked a lot over dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp & Co. Since I craved for clam chowder, I opted for that. Nothing too fancy. It wasn't that good, in my honest opinion. The clam chowder in sourdough bowl I had at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco was by far the best. Creamy and yummy. This wasn't creamy at all. Haha.

We shared our opinions on things and we shared about our personal lives as well and we had our differences, too.

Back then, at times when life felt stagnant (especially at night) I would randomly search any related quotes and write it out on a small square piece of paper. Then I pasted it on the wall. More so, I at times would sketch anything I felt like drawing and I pasted it on the wall, too. It was the random things I drew or wrote that makes me felt filled up. I told my friend this. And I wonder why I feel so tangled up now with so many issues and dilemma. I was pretty much happy just by drawing and writing something random. He said he knew me as a simple person. Simple needs, simple passion. The kind that doesn't have to be elaborative to make a point. I would stand to his observation because there is some truth in it. My thoughts are more complicated now 'cause I want to believe in my best ability I grew up. But that doesn't necessary translate to my actions. I just don't care if people make wrong translations because it is always hard to right a wrong.

"Apesal eh I got so caught up with life these days", I said.

Now I know, this is part of growing up. There are a lot more things piling up, and they are not just papers as when I was student. If this is what it takes to be a grown up, I would always be reminded of the small, yet big things that make me happy once upon a time.

In One Hundred Years of Solitude, things in life are condemned to repeat themselves.

p/s: I'm 23. And I have a thing for Andy Warhol

*WISHING WALL*

Pause!

2010-11-28T10:22:00.004-05:00

This blog will go on a very long pause. I'll be away until Christmas. Work is calling me and I'm answering it. Hopefully, this time I won't be such a bad luck and I get lots of things done. 'Cause you know, in January something bigger is about to be drilled. So, please welcome me with an open heart wahai Laut China Selatan. I know monsoon is coming but please don't be rough on Mr JackUp, will ya? I don't want to suffer defeat.

Take care my gators.

A day at the beach with friends is the best thing!

I don't mind the heat! It's Malaysia after all.

P/S: I can say I'm off for a work-travel trip this Tuesday!

2010-11-18T09:06:00.001-05:00

“There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it.”

George Bernard Shaw

For crying out loud

2010-11-14T11:47:00.009-05:00

THEM:

CRAP, why must you guys be so far away huh? I miss u guys even more now.

p/s: terasa terlalu banyak makan burger

Snap snap!

2010-11-11T10:36:00.006-05:00

Oh well, some photos from my balik kampung trip to Kuantan. It is against my norm to take pictures of Kuantan, but what the hell kampung sendiri lagikan dikenang kan... So I took lots of snaps :)

After some major harassment from my cousins and work colleagues on my tudung bawal hitam & putih, I decided to give selendang a try to make them happy. The selendang was provided by my cousin. I still think I like tudung bawal more; although I got compliments even from a stranger at a boutique.

NASI DAGANG Mama buat. Acar je hasil tangan tiga orang. LOL

The Goofies.

Orang asal Kuantan yang pulang ke kampung halaman.

Surething TC is much different than so many years ago.

It's cleaner now and you actually want to take a dip.

Small Saturday crowd.

Cousin interested in rocks...

The Goofies are also interested in rocks

Yours Truly doing her suicidal jump that caused her thigh muscle to tear :(

No physical activities for 2 weeks.

To the other side of Teluk Chempedak

I'm waiting for a passerby to jump

Mommy and baby

True nature :p

White-ice-cream-moustache!

Sekolah pertama lagikan dikenang ;) Been wanting to go back in ever since 1999.

So folks. Have a great weekend ;)

I dont have anything super exciting for this weekend, other than to finish my presentations! Wahh!

Home sweet home

2010-11-05T12:03:00.003-04:00

Happy Deepavali to all!

Five days in Labuan and I swear seafood is the last thing I want to see on a menu. Nevertheless, Labuan trip was amazing 'cause I finally get to see all the tools used in drilling. Nothing beats a first eye view on things. I must say they are all way too high-tech for my comprehension! Goodness! Btw, the food was nothing short of yummeh and I had lots of them. I guess my big appetite, which is my true-nature, is no longer a secret to my colleagues ;) I now have to do countless situps to free my head from guilt. Hahaa

Even so, I bought more sinful treats a.k.a Chocolates! Luckily I carried a 40L backpack; so, that sort of limits my desire to buy more. It was the duty-free trap that got all of us spending few hundred ringgit worth of stuff. As for me, I bought 3 kain batik, 1 bracelet and 3 boxes of chocolate. Money, well-spent. Kuddos!

Upon touched down in KLIA, there is only one thing on my mind: Finally, a break from everything! I don't want to think a thing from the smallest to the biggest of all. My parents drove all the way from Kuantan to pick me up and I was a happy kid to see them. Haha. Hey, I'm not a spoiled kid but I would not resist an offer like that ;) I drove daddy's new beast and it was awesome! Picked my cousins up and Poof! Off to the East Coast! KL life is madness and I was actually counting my days to go back.

It wasn't long enough for me to realize my room is a complete mess! I still have boxes unpacked and I spent the night thinking about all the cleanups I have to do. Baik tidur dulu kan hehe. Oh well, my room is effing clean and tidy now, thanks to the help from my cousins. LOL. Datang jauh2 untuk mengemas pulak. Then, my mom made Nasi Dagang for lunch and it was the best! I can't remember the last time I had Mom's nasi dagang. Probably it was more than five years ago! Sigh :( Terpaksa laa tambah 3 kali kan!

At noon, I went to the mall with my cousins and everywhere I looked, I saw discount tags! Deepavali sale, perhaps? Most of them are 50% discount. I don't know about other cities/towns, but I always see discount tags in Kuantan. Haha. Kuasa membeli rendah skit sini ;) But it's okay. That is a good thing for me. If only I have more time at the mall, I could easily end up with bags of stuff.

I realize the longer I left Kuantan, the more I miss this place. It's just such a nice place to live, with small/no jams, low cost of living and everything is within a short distance. It may not have fancy malls/shops/restaurant, but what's available here is good enough for me. Tomorrow, I'm taking my cousins to the beach! Telok Chempedak rules all the beaches in Malaysia! Whoa! Sape tak pernah pergi TC, mmg loser :p

p/s: I could not find my National Geographic magazines in any of the boxes I brought back from Canada :( I'm really sad.

When all is loss, all is left to gain

2010-11-03T12:01:00.002-04:00

I lost. And I can only pray to be wiser the next time.

I don't know if my defeat is a defeat to another; but, in a war, somebody's defeat is a victory to the other. There should be fireworks already. With that, I'm retreating to base. Just that, in the next battle I would not be too kind.

p/s: Still in Labuan.

Looking corporate

2010-10-26T10:17:00.003-04:00

I think I'm running out of ideas of what to wear to work everyday.

p/s: dulu kan senang. tudung hitam atau putih, Jalan!

Pick a team

2010-10-25T13:25:00.004-04:00

Why do life gives me options?

Even when I feel like this is the end, it's not. The road always opens to another path, one where I cannot stray myself from, as much as I want to. Then, decision comes in. Unwelcome. But, a must. I cannot seem to wrap my head around the idea that one decision leads to another and I may fatally suffer the consequences. Maybe it is not my call just yet. Maybe I should see what my decision takes me. Maybe I gave the right answer already. Ahhh, maybes! Like one can care too much for them. I was once at a crossroad. I looked left and I saw me. I looked right and I saw me. Nothing wrong with both pathways, but which is more beautiful? I didn't close my eyes and turn left or right aimlessly. I chose my pathway. One which showed me an escape from my life and gave me a chance to explore other options. I do look back at the other pathway, just to see if I missed it. Maybe a little, but I know I can only care so much about maybes that one day it magically disappears! I told a friend once to always keep her options open. So that, when life gives you apples, you can grab the grapes instead. Huh. Options are healthy, let me tell you this much is true.

p/s: I cried upon hearing good news!

What comes to mind

2010-10-18T12:17:00.010-04:00

Pictures that came to mind at midnight.

I took the liberty to post them here 'cause I don't have to get up early tomorrow.

Fun!

Freckle-like rashes around the eyes from trusting a leading brand in skincare!

They are not always the best, so you know.

The cheap ring that got everybody at the office talking (and trying!!!) haha

Two-fingers-key-diamante-ring

Oh well, i like rings ;)

Rindu langsat, boleh tak? Lagi bertambah manis langsat bila orang tolong kait belakang rumah and kite kutip atas tanah. tapi tak seronok bile die jatuh atas kepala. Haha Oh so sweet, anyways!

@Miri. Traveling while working is pretty awesome 'cause I get to meet long time no see friends ;) Say hi to Rok and Faezah y'all!

And of course, what is a Miri-visit without meeting Ariff!

Ariff is still single, at least that is from our last conversation ;)

(arep aku promote kau hehe)

@Bintulu! Now, I'm trying to sound like a loser here. This was my first time eating at Sushi King! The sushi was not that bad, though. Anyways, travel while working took me to them! Uni and Kak Liza y'all!

And Aiman too! He has a new car haha

and perhaps, I could drop a couple of Ringgit Malaysia to buy mommy a pretty gift.

I finally unwrapped this porcelain jug I bought for her in Peru. It was wrapped for more than 8 months. Haha. Sape datang rumah Kuantan, dapat lah dihidang dalam cawan kementot nih...mahu kaa?

Mereka datang rumah, tapi tak sempat plak nak hidang dalam jug tuh. Went to eat at another house instead! Meet Faten, Farhanim and Aziemah y'all. Status mereka: unknown. haha

The pink team! Yours truly and Faten.

I think I could stare at myself for a good 1 minute in the mirror-window behind me. Vain, enough?

p/s: New vs. Old dilemma. I like the old one better 'cause I was the leader.

Vote

2010-10-16T10:52:00.002-04:00

I actually voted for this: AYA Awards 2010.

That is Asian Youth Ambassadors Awards 2010.

Yeah, I'm back on land after spending 10 days at sea. The monsoon is approaching so there was no surprise the sea was damn rough on us. I was not in my most handsome condition due to that, but I managed. And, that cost me 3.4kg too. I was somewhat happy to see the weighing scale showing a number less than 50kg for a change. Haha.

Somehow, out of so many things I craved for the past 10 days, I really wanted a frappucino so bad! Humff! And just as I arrived in KL Sentral via ERL, I headed straight to Starbucks and tried their new Creme Brulee Frappe! It was good, but I prefer Java Chip Frappe better :( There, I saw a brochure of AYA Awards 2010. There are 5 finalists and I read their story.

I came across the first person. Oh, HIM! I saw his work before. He is an amazing photographer. No wonder. Ah, great story, too.

Then, I came across the person that once said "...And as I put the last nail into your coffin..." to me and my buddies back in my parliamentary debate days (Yes, I was a debater! Believe it or not!). I read this person's story and I am very impressed. Young and brilliant! I deeply admire all their stories. It hit me 'cause while I only talk talk talk about doing charity work/do something extraordinary, other souls are actually taking the steps to achieve greater things for themselves and others. Damn. I wonder if it was tough when they started their work! (of course it was! who am I kidding????).

So peeps, vote lah if you wish okay. First, read their stories laa dulu ;)

AYA Awards 2010

Even I once said, brilliant young mind does not come too often. I guess this will always hold true.

p/s: mulut terlopong and mata terbeliak bile ayat itu diungkapkan ketika debat ala parlimen dulu...

12 months

2010-10-11T02:58:00.002-04:00

In a year, a lot of things can happen. The face of Earth can change entirely; disasters can strike wiping out some of the best known features to mankind. Season goes by and see the smiling faces of many who enjoyed it. A war between two nations can end, with God-willing and lots of forgiveness. Relationships may reach a tipping point or flourish on a high note. Your pet may pass on its life, but you have yours to continue. One poor man can live a life of the rich, by some twist of fate. Your garden may turn out colourful because you have green fingers for that year. But a few million children in Africa will continue to suffer from the same disease they suffered for years and that remains.

Big and small things can happen in a year. You are a year wiser, but where do all these put you?

This is a reminder to myself. To always look ahead and expect the unexpected. But in a year from now, I wish for a better me with my hearts and feelings intact and my chin held up; asking nothing in return, only something to give.

And I would like to quote a friend "We can always plan the things we want to do; in the end it is always up to God to give it to us"

Take care, gators.

burp lagi dan lagi

2010-10-07T07:02:00.003-04:00

Hari ni dapat tahu tembikai is "sejuk" = buat perut berangin. Patut laa asyik burp je sejak 2 hari ni. hari2 pagi petang siang malam akan makan tembikai. tetibe je terdetik nak google "makannan berangin" haha. dulu tak penah kisah bile orang ckp some food buat badan berangin. tp, now macam kene take note sikit kot especially atas kapal and tak rasa comfy bile perut berangin. haha

FYI, since ini kapal mat saleh...takde Malaysian food. craving dowh! tak penah rase craving macam gini. even kat Canada pon tak craving. sape boleh explain kejadian begini? ini die dipanggil kesenangan hidup di Malaysia :p

okay. tu je. nampak kan. bosan2 membaca...kite tulis blog!

Finding comfort in a person

2010-10-06T22:25:00.003-04:00

Heavy-headed and nauseated at times, I find it less comfortable to utter the words "I'm fine" when the honest truth is I live up to all this in order to be a learner. Ah yes, there are times when you feel as though lying down is all the remedy you need. But, in the midst of that, I do realize it is my normal body condition to react the way it reacted. I mean, this is not my first time and as I go along I do find I'm getting better at adjusting myself to the condition of the sea. Meaning that, I don't need Gravol as much as I used to.

Complains? I have none. Cravings? I have a few.

Just that I'm trying to find comfort in the people that I know. Being so far away from those whom you call family/friends, only good thoughts accompany me during my days at sea. Really. For once, I'm seeking a chance to find comfort in one person, but I consider that as far-reaching as of now. Maybe I'm still trapped in my own cocoon of "what if" but hey, this girl has to be one tough chick to get through her days. Simple enough, there is no point of saying out loud words of discouragement, especially to someone, when good words take you further. In my mind, I'm telling myself over and over that all I need is the right attitude to be a survivor because people come and they go, but I stay.

p/s: I once wrote in my travel journal something that goes like this, "Here I am, looking at the ocean. Alone. My heart feels empty. I'm not sure what to feel. But in that solitary moment, my vision becomes very clear. I see things I'm yet to see...." (Santa Monica, 2008). That is why I like to just stand and stare at the open ocean. Alone, preferably.

One step at a time

2010-10-02T13:34:00.003-04:00

TO DO LIST

1. Rock climbing: Something I've always wanted to try. Plus, I gotta work on those toned arms! And I know guys "hate" girls with toned arms (as they keep mentioning it to me), but I seriously don't care.

2. Jogging at KLCC park after work: This would be amazing! Everyday when I go to work in the morning I would be asking myself "Here I am, trying to make a living while others are enjoying life". The thing is I could be doing that too if I have the initiatives and the right motivation!

3. Do yoga: I have all the gears ready! I just need a kickstart here. I know the fatwa says it's haram. But I believe it is haram when chanting is incorporated into it. There is nothing wrong with the movements and what not. This is just my opinion :)

4. Travel to a place truly amazing: I have few places in mind already :) and I don't see myself doing this in few years time, but this will definitely be the priority to me!

5. Read more and more books: I've been like a snail trying to read a book! I should aim to finish a book within a month. Currently, I'm reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. My next reading list would be 1984 (by George Orwell) and I Know This Much is True (by Wally Lamb).

6. Be a volunteer/do charity work: Must always give back right?

p/s: Not a fan of the gym. Why pay close to RM200/month when you can just go jog outside?

At 60km/hr

2010-09-30T11:06:00.010-04:00

I believe I've been pretty darn "serious" lately. I mean, look at the things I talked about in this blog! Si, Si, I intended so. All of sudden, I'm bursting with issues to talk about. And as I scrolled down, I noticed the ten most recent posts do not have pictures! That is a crime to this blog, eh?

Oh well, I dunno if you know this but I have a car now. Ok lah kereta ni. My only issue is: I know no shit about cars! I just received a call from Perodua and they asked me to send the car for service cause it had travelled more than 1000km. Oh! you do that with new cars huh? I guess I need to ask around where is the nearest service centre is!

Promosi kereta sendiri :p

Of course you knew this already. I went offshore few weeks ago and I was supposed to spend my Hari Raya on the platform. But by some twist of fate, I got to go back to my kampung for Raya. I seriously thought I'm no longer in the mood for Hari Raya, but take this from me...I took things for granted at times. I appreciate my Hari Raya even more this year. The feeling is different...maybe cause I feel like a nomad at times and kampung reminds me of something even more special that I can't even describe. It was a good feeling :)

Somewhere in the middle of South China Sea

The huge mosque opposite of my late grandmom's house.

Mommy in the middle looking like the Ma'am of the house. Haha

Lol. Terlebih makeup. Get this, I don't wear make up to work due to lots of reasons.

The main one is, make up takes up to 10 mins for my sleeping time in the morning. Haha. Biarlah tak nmpak menawan pon kat office :p

p/s: Monitored a well from the first day of drilling until it reached its final depth. I'm one happy operation geologist!

Stealing time

2010-09-28T10:25:00.003-04:00

24 hours is never enough for anybody. If only time is sellable, I don't mind spending a fortune on it. Unfortunately, it's not. I'm beginning to lose some quality time, in which I define as me sitting all by myself, preferably drinking coffee while reading a book/surfing the net aimlessly/writing some shite in my diary/play dressed up/singing some songs out-loud while dancing horrendously in front of the mirror/sleep. Honestly, aren't we all trapped in this dilemma as well? And for so many months, I can only ask this question: How the hell do Moms do it? Their job is definitely round the clock; which is why I should not be complaining in this case! I mean, their time is definitely used for others. Respect! That is when I realize I should steal some time. I mean, I drive to work and spend my time doing one thing: driving. But if I take the LRT, I could read a book and listen to my iPod at the same time. And if I'm that good, I would make myself a cup of coffee and just be ready for whatever work has to throw to me that day. I opted for the latter. I do lose some time by doing drive+LRT, but I rather choose this option so that I can relax. Plus I get to save some RM, too. Haha. I witnessed mommies getting ready in the car at the traffic light before. I just need to learn this trick of super-multitasking real fast!

p/s: I guess this girl is not ready to be a mommy. Haha

Crossing lives

2010-09-22T05:33:00.004-04:00

The idea is like the movie Sepi or He is just not that into you.

My idea is the world is getting smaller. Everyone of us is related to each other one way or the other and it is interesting how your life crosses mine without me taking a slight notice of it. Or if it is a big deal at all. Just for second, it is. In this globalized world nothing is impossible. Your story is mine and what's mine can be yours. This is not karma; where you believe what goes around comes around. But believe it or not, no reservation is needed today 'cause of the openess we all are. In a simpler piece of mind, how do I begin to know all of you? As is to say it is not a mind-boggling question, but it certainly holds a little sigficance when people say "Alahai keciknye dunia ini". But do we take all this for granted? Much like we did to our lives; when all corners of the world is inviting us to come over. To see and gain something new to love. I would dream that for a second or two. As the world is getting smaller, I want to make a difference; one lasting impression that makes life matters. One where your story changes mine and to live life other than my own. I want our crossing paths to mean something truly beautiful that I shall forever love.

p/s: still in love with SEPI.

"Bisikku kepada Bulan, kembalikan...."

To right a wrong is hard

2010-09-21T10:57:00.011-04:00

I'm beginning to see what others are thinking. How other human beings think or behave in certain ways; either to accommodate the sad truth or something they want to believe. I have this small voice telling me I was previously blinded by the reality; that the real world does not exist at some point. However, I was in no position to disregard the real world as I can only hope that everything is very ideal. At least in my eyes. But nothing in this world has a perfect template; one where you can apply to fit everything in accordingly. The answer does not lie on a piece of MCQ sheet; but it is a myriad of blank spaces asking me to fill in what I think is right. At least in my eyes. I cannot be asking all the right questions nor do I have all the right answers. One thing I know my eyes are open. To see that I do not live in this world all by myself and that the study of other human being is an art in its own right. I regret for putting myself ahead of others, but I would not plead guilty to it. Why? 'Cause of human judgment. We are judgmental, more often that not and I do not beg to differ myself from this. I do believe we should reserve a little room for judgement, just to give you some benefit of the doubt. Without it, where is your curious mind? People walk in and walk out of my life as if I'm a shopping mall. But along with that comes a perception. One, two, three and more perceptions. Even the cliche-est quote "Don't judge a book by its cover" holds no significance. To say I don't mind is a lie, too. The sad truth is to right a wrong is hard. What more can I say?

p/s: Love the movie SEPI. Brilliant!

The learning idea

2010-09-17T10:01:00.003-04:00

School what?? That was May 2010.

A learning process shouldn't stop. It should continue until the day you die, no matter how awful it sounds. I just thought for once, my life as a student is over. I like being a student 'cause I do feel I was good at being one. The truth is as much as you and I feel life is stagnant at times, it is not. A student life is pretty monotonous and I learn from lectures. I can't believe I miss those things. No worries, no extra effort at all. I would go to class and listen and jot down everything. I may also took so-called short naps here and there. I met some of the best people in my life too. Ahh, good ol' days. Things are different now. I'm no longer a student. I couldn't get student discount anymore. Working life is different! Way different. I face a lot of new things. Some are good and some are not. But I like it because it is different. I find I learn a lot more this way. Ahhh, I will forever be a student in disguise this way.

p/s: I'm looking for a big dinosaur! It's been missing for few weeks now :p

p/ss: I hate watching talking animals.... (I'm watching Narnia at this very instance!!)

Misreading all the signs

2010-09-02T08:45:00.001-04:00

This I afraid. What I perceive sometimes could mean the other. Am I to blame for reading the signs wrongly? Rather than putting the blame on someone or myself, I should say this. I’m a very straight forward person. What I say is what I mean. What I show is definitely my nature. I can’t be a chameleon, I’m no good at that. For all I know I maybe stuck in a dilemma for a long time. I perceived things the way they should be perceived. But I realized not everybody is straight forward. They bend their words and actions to make it all so glittery, but hey look far ahead, what do you see? You can bet to see me in confusion. While I’m stuck in this confusion I seek for some support from dear friends. Yes, even people read signs differently. Again, it goes back to there is no damn universal interpretation to any forms of signs (other than road signs). Oh how I wish I can read cards. SO that they can tell me what to do. Superstitious much? I rather not!

p/s: this is not the ideal case

Jauh di Laut China Selatan

2010-08-29T08:31:00.006-04:00

I'm leaving everything that is sweet and sour behind because I'm now in MIRI! I can't really describe how I feel at this moment, but if I had to say something I'd say I'm nervous for tomorrow and for the next two weeks. Why? 'Cause my life is taking yet another spin. I'm off to the platform for more than 2 weeks and by that, I mean I'll miss yet another Hari Raya. I guess I can't really ask a lot from my life at the moment 'cause I don't really have a control over it. Right now, I'm just following wherever life is taking me. No worries, no hustle... just do it.

I just got back from a mini tour around Miri with Rok, Faezah and Ariff Shazwan. It was nice of them to take me around. We had kek lapis Cadbury + spider web for bukak puasa. Ahhh! Nak pengsan sedap. Then, we taw-paw nasi lalapan and ate in our hotel room cause the restaurant was full! Right now, I'm not gonna worry about some freaking helicopter ride (yes, I'm nervous for that!) 'cause the kek lapis sangat sedap!

Actually, I've been trying to avoid telling people about me spending two weeks offshore and missing my 5th consecutive Hari Raya this year because I don't want people to feel sorry for me. But I'm writing it right here 'cause I don't want you to feel "Farisa gone MIA". As of now, I have a lot of reading to do and I need my shower. So, till the next time folks.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN

(mana2 terkasar bahasa, tersalah budi bicara harap maafkan saye)

Me in my baju raya for this year. Lucky to be wearing size S cause that's the only size available at this moment LOL

Something obvious should be very subtle

2010-08-21T17:37:00.005-04:00

- FZ

mishaps

2010-08-19T12:01:00.003-04:00

from 2 weeks of coughing to flu.

is this from working hard everyday?

i sure hope not cause i intend to do this job for quite some time

p/s: my first pay check is next week! i can't stop thinking of the things i can buy hehe

Past, present and future

2010-08-15T01:09:00.006-04:00

At times, I begin to think if I make the right choices

But at 23, regret is not an option eh?

And it's not a life or death matter,

Just a matter of accepting the present.

I need time for this

To go from here to there

And maybe someone can meet me halfway

To remind me why I do this in the first place.

Set the fire to the third bar

2010-08-12T10:43:00.003-04:00

This feeling is playing with fire

Toying with it like ignorance, but it is inescapable.

Of that distant dark places only light is the escape.

I just close my eyes and dream. And think

For a second or more …

“When something is so divine, it is the fuel to that fire; the escape from that distant dark places” Then I open my eyes and pray

Pray that I if I fall hard from this dream, an angel would pick me up and hold me.

But this is no peace because this feeling is playing with fire

Words are lingering here and there, shouting and screaming “You fool! You fool!”

And then … I’m here nor there

Confused in my own questions of what and why

Fire is dangerous and it is inescapable.

back to where i begin?

2010-08-02T11:52:00.004-04:00

Haha. Are you waiting for an update? Oh well, just a short one. I started working today!!! So, if anybody is around KLCC, give me a shout out 'cause we should go out for lunch or something. Other than that, I'm still looking for a house in KL. LOL! It's not that easy since I'm super picky. I guess now I'm back to living like a student again :( Alone and malas. I just wish this time I have more time to cook!

C'est la vie!

2010-07-06T05:38:00.023-04:00

By now, you've probably know that I'm back in this bad-a** town, Kuantan. Nothing new in this town; the same as how I left it two years ago. I met few friends. Oh boy, nothing beats the excitement of meeting an old friend. I haven't seen them for more than 4 years! I was gone from the blogging scene for quite a bit eh. From May to today, my head is still wobbling from place to place; as if I'm still looking for a place called home. Haha. Koya or not, I'm at home and something still feels out of place.

...that's right, I don't have my things! My closet is still empty, I don't have my shoes, bags and most importantly, NOT ENOUGH CLOTHES! A few of 'em are still on their way from Canada (maybe, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean) and some were left in KL cause our 5 bags cannot fit a Honda Fit. Sigh.

___________________________________________________

I'll tell you this much, for two months I was everywhere in North America.

So, here is my recollection of the trip.

Itinerary:

Miami - Cruising the Caribbean - NYC - Toronto - NYC (again!) - Montreal - Tobermory - London - Niagara Falls

Since this is gonna be so damn long, I'll just break 'em down to two parts. Right now, I'm beginning to think my blog talks about my travel bits and nothing else. You know, the kind where if I don't go to places I have nothing to write about (errr, maybe work stress sometimes?). This blog might as well becomes a travel blog (Harun, you there? Does this ring a bell to you?)

PART 1: Miami - Cruising the Caribbean - NYC

I went to these places with Izzy. We decided on this trip in a computer lab while trying to understand the different chemical properties between the Icelandic volcanoes and ....I can't remember what else. A lil influence from Pisau Cukur may tick it off too! (or, maybe it IS because of that movie...lol).

Miami

Miami is HOT! Everything about it is H.O.T. If you're not in ur bathing suit, you are at the wrong place! Errrr, that's me then :P No worries, if you are like me, just wear whatever you feel like wearing. So what if you get a few stares. At least you turn heads. LOL

We stayed in Decowalk Hostel (http://www.decowalkhostel.com/), which is located along Ocean Drive. Personally, this is the most luxurious hostel I've stayed in. Cheap and facing the beach, it was definitely a good choice. Ok, the restaurants around there were pricey. No doubt. But I know some people don't even bother to check 'em out. Here's the trick I figured out.

Sometime during dinner time, they give away coupons to dine at their restaurant. Usually, 20% discount or BOGO drinks. Some even have more. That's why we would walked from one end to the other and collect all coupons. HAHA.
Each restaurant has unique Chef's creation of the day. Go check 'em out. They are not that cheap, but if you like us, you can share. And that's #3.
Share your food! Trust me, the portion is huge. I can't finish 'em myself.
Try the Giant drinks, boleh share jugak kalau kedekut! They are alcoholic beverages, but we asked them to make it virgin ;) Terasa nak try drinks gedabak tuh haha. The only negative comment I can make is, the food at every restaurant is the same; making it harder to make the decision where to eat.

Ok, what is Miami without the beaches eh? South Beach is the place to be, but we had a chance to take a drive to Coconut Grooves and Key Biscayne. Both places were amazingly gorgeous! However, if you watched Anthony Bourdain's South Florida episode, you would see there are more to Miami than just the beaches. That is the food! Especially the caribbean food - the Jamaican, Haitian, Cuban and so much more. Too bad I didn't get the chance to experience all this! Damn it, what was I doing for 4 days in Miami?!! We swam sikit2 and oh wow, salt water... it couldn't get any better than this. I swam in lakes/swimming pool/hot springs/artifical pool at waterpark for the past 2 years and so, it was a nice change. The only thing is...sand got trapped in my bathing suit :(

Ocean Drive a.k.a Deco Art district.

At the tip of South Beach.

Dinner. Paella and deep-fried calamari with complimentary bread. It was sooooo good. We added Alaskan King Crab leg too ;)

Virgin Mojitos. This is the giant drink I mentioned before! We were out every night in Miami, trying different drinks at different places; but, mojitos was my favourite! Humff, I look weird in this pic. But it is the only non-blur picture I have with this monstrous drink. As you can see my lips were Jolie-ish in this picture and that's cause I tried a lip-plumpin'-lip gloss at Sephora before that :P

Cruise: Port of Miami - Key West - Cozumel, Mexico - Miami (Carnival Imagination)

I give this 6/10

It was pretty damn boring. Sorry. Other than the food, everything else is just "okay lah" and I'm being honest here. The fact that we got to spend only 5 - 7 hours at each pit stop was the reason. So, I became a tourist, not a traveler during this part of my vacation. The things that we can do onboard were pretty limited. The pool, you say? Err, too crowded. Plus, Americans are seriously overweight. Call me insensitive, but I'm not the first person to say so. Every night, I'd go to the Karaoke lounge. It was not that bad, but since we went there every night, the same people kept trying to prove to the world they can sing (more than often, they can't!). The so-called shows were at 10.30pm and I enjoyed them. The stand up comedy thing at 12am was quite okay as well. I don't get the joke for the most part. Even so, nothing beats the food.

So, I just wanna put up the food photos :p

Ahhh! Mee kuning!
(part of Lunch buffet)

Dinner on day 1 was a casual dinner. I was waiting for Kosher food, but I ordered some appetizers first. Just some fruits. When my (pre-packed) Kosher dinner arrived, I wasn't pleased at all :( I think it will be much better if it wasn't pre-packed.

Appetizer

I didn't ordered the fish, but the server just brought me the fish and said "try the fish, it's good!". When I got my "actual" dinner, I was already very full. Tapi betul lah, the fish was good! Was it tilapia?

Our server that night was an Indonesian. He gave me the fish and said "Mau nasi putih ka?" I was like, "cis..."

Lava chocolate cake for Izzy. Somehow, the server was so nice and gave Izzy extra bowl of vanilla ice cream ;)

A typical looking house in Key West. I actually love this town 'cause it has a lot of character. Just look at this house.

Key West is famous for its Key Lime Pie. I looked everywhere for it. I can say it now, I'm not a big fan of this particular cake. Sorry! But do try it anyways ;)

Izzy had a key lime ice cream. This was much better than the cake.

LOL at Mallory Square.

Dinner day 2 was fine-dining. So, you have to dress up. I kinda took it too seriously, maka make-up sikit tebal. My appetizer that night was strawberry mousse. Humff, what's up with me and fruity appetizer? Fruits fall under dessert, right??? I don't know anymore...

Lobster tail with shrimps and deep-fried broccoli in butter sauce. That's one mouth-full name. I had two servings! ;) I bet everybody that night had this. It was beyond perfect!

Docked in Cozumel, Mexico. I don't need a visa since I stayed there for only a few hours. We decided to go on a catamaran tour. The tour took us snorkeling and we had a beach party after that. I wasn't too impressed with the "coral reef" or shall I call them rocks? Sigh. They took us to a 20ft water, so the only good thing to see is the fishes. At least they were awesome fishes! Sorry, I want to think my snorkeling trip in Tioman Island seven years ago was by far the best!

Disappointment...

Beach party la sangat. But it was fun. They had kayak, those floating things etc; all free for us to use. We tried kayaking and it didn't go so well. LOL dah lama ni tak kayak. We also tried the water slide thing you see in this picture. We had to swim to it (can't walk cause amat laa dalam for a thing close to shore!). Me and Izzy slide down together and we had to swim back to shore cause neither one of us know how to float. hahahahahahaha (I'm not even a good swimmer!) Best!

Another round of lobster in Cozumel. Murah juge.

Oh, I asked Izzy to try ceviche. I tried 'em in Peru and I absolutely love it. The Mexican ceviche is different from the Peruvian as this one has cilantro and tomato. I like the Peruvian ceviche better ;)

And, the complimentary nachos served with salsa and guacamole (avocado) dip was heaven!

New York City

Is fourth time a charm? Yes!

This time, we decided to finish up all whatever is left of NY that we didnt't visit just yet: Brooklyn Bridge, Washington Square, NYU, Columbia University, Metropolitan Art Museum, the American Natural History Museum, Wall Street. Haha. Of course, still pergi Fifth Avenue, Times Square, SoHo, Rockefeller Centre, Chinatown, Central Park and all the other "must see" places! Berbekalkan map yang dibeli 4 tahun lepas yang by now dah lunyai and almost koyak, we went to all these places and I must say no city in this world excites me more than New York!

Brooklyn Bridge. Very iconic to NYC

Washington Square. If it wasn't because of the Sunday crowd, I would totally hang out here cause I just love its vibes! Instead, we decided to go to Union Square. Bought a frappucino at 1/2 price (lucky!) and lepak there. The best part is, the park has free wi-fi. Humff, just look at the world we live today! Be grateful y'all!

The flatiron building. Imagine trying to fit the whole building into one frame! It was a tough one ;) A must shot, nonetheless.

At a second hand bookshop. I was looking for 1984 by George Orwell. They did have it, but the condition was really bad; so I can't bring myself to buy it.

Columbia University. I would be a happy kid if I go here for school! Bought a copy of 1984 here lol (baru page 17!).

@Mets! Paid whatever you want at this this museum (applies to the natural history museum as well). Ok, I enjoyed this museum much more cause I've seen lots of mineral, fossil, dino reconstruction by now; so, another visit to a museum to see similar items was very demoralizing! But not for Mets. I paid $2 je and I got to enjoy the beautiful art works. Kedekut sikit lah :D

Humff, that's all for now :) Letih tau tulis nih. Another quick update, got a call from petronas and Alhamdulillah they offered me a job. I'll start my PIPE orientation program next week. Wish me luck y'all. I'm actually excited for this! Yeay, my first real job!!

p/s: sejuknya rumah bile hujan lebat!

Back in Kuantan

2010-07-02T05:58:00.003-04:00

wow, ramai yang masih melawati blog ini walaupon takde update!

oh teramat sorry. i will give u an update real soon. baru dapat internet dalam rumah di kuantan :P sebenarnye, internet dah ade tapi tak ingat username hahahaha. mmg noob punye mistake!

ape2 pon i'm back in kuantan. i don't know how long i'll be here, but i told petronas the earliest date i can start working is july 15. so, lets see what happens :)

if you happened to be in kuantan, give me a shoutout eh. i'm still using my old number. pls tell me you still have it! if not, pm me dekat facebook.

p/s: tengah addicted baca dragonball, hahaha. mentang2 now adik dah habes collect all 43 buku. weee! sampai barang2 dalam bag pon belom habes keluarkan!

Bag for sale

2010-05-22T12:59:00.004-04:00

Ok, I'm back in Canada after my two weeks vacation to Miami - cruising the Caribbean - New York. I must say, as much as I like Miami and the cruise getaway, the highlight of my trip is still New York. That city never fails to fascinate me! I'll put up pictures and tell you more bout my trip later cause right now, I don't even have photos to brag about the trip. Haha, I gotta get them from Izzy later!

Anyways, I'm in Toronto right now. Crashing at Sarah J's place until early June. So, right now nak jual barang! But not mine, tapi Sarah J punye.

It's an authentic Coach Parker Hobo bag. It retails at $269 + tax (RM900+), but Sarah wants to sell it for RM600. It's cow leather, new with tag and it comes with a dust bag. The size is just great, big enough to put all your personal items (cellphone, purse, iPod, lip gloss etc). In terms of functionality, it is a great bag for day or night purposes. Shopping to a fancy dinner, boleh sangat kot pakai bag ni. The bag is in grey, so pretty much fit/suitable with any colour.

Let me know if you want it a.s.a.p! Sarah is going back to Malaysia in July, so you can have it then :)

The bag with the dust bag. You can have the paper bag too if you want it. Haha

More pictures...

New with tag :)

Later gators!

-FZ

dream drama

2010-04-28T12:12:00.004-04:00

a dream is a dream

i woke up the next morning wondering why it happened the way it happened

and i must know why it happened

cause i was happy

very happy in my dream

everything was cute, to say the least

everything was right, to say the least

and everything was just insanely perfect, to say the least

i woke today feeling like that

although, the truth that still remain is

i don't even know this person personally

....insane

p/s: i want you ugly, i want your disease. Huh. that's bad romance y'all

Tripping Headache

2010-04-27T01:31:00.004-04:00

My mom and sister are coming over in about 1 month! I am excited, but little that I know planning a trip for them is a headache! Mainly cause I have to rent a car and in Canada, you cannot return the car at a different location than the pick up. That is headache #1.

Headache #2 comes from time. My sister is such a genius she plans to stay for only 10 days in Canada. Not a problem if Ontario is the size of MALAYSIA or UK. With time constraint, more factors weighed in, especially bus schedule. When I told her everything is not within 3 hours like Malaysia and UK, she said "Apesal Canada ni besar sangat?"... Sigh to that.

I hope Headache #3 doesn't last forever, which is problems with online booking. I tried twice to book a flight ticket for me and my mommy from New York back to Toronto. I hope you know that I won't be flying at all if time is not a limiting factor. I don't mind a 10 hours bus ride to Toronto. Urgh, please be okay tomorrow Travelocity!

So, in order to show my family what Canada has, I am taking them to Toronto, Montreal, Bruce Peninsula and Niagara Falls. Cukup lah tuh :)

Headache #4: I haven't pack my stuff to leave London Hall for good yet.

Headache #5: I haven't fix my thesis and send it for printing.

Headache #6: I haven't write a report and thank you note for the companies that gave me their samples.

Bahahahaha number 4,5,6 is entirely up to me.

I think sleep is good remedy for all my headaches.

Later gators,

p/s: I bought Brave New World yesterday for $17. Good price! I am still wearing the same tshirt as workout just now. Siap terlupa nak mandi :( FYI, I am working on toning my arms. LOL

Times stops now

2010-04-25T22:58:00.014-04:00

I am lazy.

I am allowed to be lazy.

I AM the definition of lazy right now!

Even writing this makes me lazy.

But I can't afford to be lazy right now cause I want to tell you this:

UNDERGRAD? Done!

April 23. Friday. 5pm. Done. Done. and Done

I can't even described how I felt at that time. I wanted to shout "Exam whaaaaaaat????", but Somerville House is way too elegant for a freakish undergrad kiddo to scream her lungs out. I giggled instead while covering my mouth with my jacket. Izyan cakap Hishhh. Tak otai laa tak jerit. Blehhh.

That night was great for so many reasons. Not only I stuffed myself with perogies+fries and yummy Choc+Strawberry milkshake at a 1950s themed diner, I also went next door to a Lebanese restaurant and had BBQ chicken Shawarma! Muahahahaha! Man, I was so bloated after that. If I had Marble Slab coupons with me, rest assured that place is next!

After many unsuccessful attempts to bug people with my "I'm done!!" phone calls, I ended up watching my favourite TV show, Survivor. Oh I love this show. After every episode, I'll read Jeff Probst's blog. Then, Stephen Fishbach's blog. Then, I'll take a look at Addicted to Survivor group on Facebook to see thoughts and comments about the latest episode. Crazy much? You can bet on it. And most of the time, Izyan lah yang terpaksa dengar my craziness for this game. Anyways, last week's episode was insane. I never said WTF and sh*t so much to my lifeless-laptop screen ever....until last Friday night. Even when Yau Man made that ill-fated deal with Dreamz I didn't shout WTF. What happened? LOL Parvati gave both her hidden immunity idols to Sandra and Jerri. Bold move? YES YES YES! Nak elaborate tp nanti I get carried away. Again, terpaksa explain kepada Izyan kenape ade suare2 kasar dan kurang sopan pada malam tuhhh......

_____________________

FREE TIME:

Now that I'm all done, I'm looking forward to do some reading, believe it or not! I've always been a fan of non-fiction books. You would not see a fiction novel at all in my room. All scientific books and magazines (plus traveling and cook books!). But now that school is over for me, I'm thinking of reading something other than non-fiction books. I shall start with the Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. A book given to me by my dad when I was 13. It has been 10 years since then. I read but could finish it as it was too complex for me. So, this is my redemption...must read this book!

So, any other suggestions?

______________________

Two weeks ago, I attempted to write about Glaciation in Malaysia for my glacial term paper. Little that I know, Malaysian articles/journals/bulletin are so hard to find online. I had to switch my topic to Glaciation in the Tropics with a short review on Mount Kinabalu. Yes, our beloved Mt KInabalu, which is NOT the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, had glacier before. I was very intrigued about this, but the only pertinent paper on this was not available and it dated 1967! Ohmigod! I wished I could write more, but I just don't have the source. Instead, while googling for this topic, I came across some of the most stunning photos of Mount Kinabalu.

The picture below is from Jimmy Chin, an experienced climber during a climb called Borneo Big Wall in Mount Kinabalu. This was no easy climb as you can see from this picture! I called this the route less taken (tak original sangat :P)

For more Jimmy Chin Borneo Big Wall photos: WEBSITE

Now I wish I can climb!

Check out the video of the climb:

Part 1 of 8:

Borneo Dispatch Video #1 "Kota Kinabalu"

(From borneobigwall.blogspot.com)

I have more things to write about but I'm lazy, remember?

Take care, enjoy your summer!

Later gators.

PS: I hope I've given enough credit to these people as I used their vid and picture here. That's why I had only 1 photo and video and for more, you have to visit their website!

Of papers and books

2010-04-15T12:45:00.006-04:00

Sebenarnye, sikit je bahan bacaan untuk final exam. This pile is for 3 exams: Petroleum Geology, Glacier and Vertebrate Paleontology. ALL ARE MY ELECTIVES. Well, now I better don't take this for granted. The more I study, the more sleeping time I'll have.

- FZ

p/s: lets cut down our paper fetish! use recycle paper! they can be a lil pricey, it's all for a good cause.

KT at 16 and otai-ish

2010-04-13T22:00:00.005-04:00

Back when I have not seen the rest of the World.

It was a weekend trip to Kuala Terengganu (KT). I went there with my siblings and my dad; I don't remember why my mom didn't join us.

This story has loopholes. Mainly cause it was 7 years ago, right? Hehe.

Awi Yellow House, Pulau Duyong (Duyong Island).

This is the equivalent to a hostel. Nonetheless, I do think all the hostels I've stayed in are more elaborative than this. This place has the BASIC of everything. You walk into the small hut (as in this picture) and all you see is a double bed. That's all. Maybe a few shelves, if you lucky to get a room with it. No fans, just windows. Considering you are on an island in the middle of a river, it is quite windy and I don't remember complaining about the heat.

The room is RM15/night, murah dowh. The price could have changed over the years. There is a kitchen that you can use, a mini library, a just a few benches for you to hang out (some things might have changed since the last time I went there). Worth the money lah. I stayed in Hotel Seri Malaysia and some fancy hotel in Batu Buruk Beach (I can't recall the name) before, but I have more stories to tell about this place than the other two.

Anyways, you may not think highly of this place, but I'd say don't judge a book by its cover. This place attracts more foreigners than other places I've been in Malaysia. Ok, my memory is not that good, but I remember meeting a few Japanese here. My dad met a few more, and he even went cycling with them. I was a shy bunny dulu (Ngeee) I don't really know how to communicate with people from other countries. My dad jer semangat. They typically stayed in Terengganu for 1 month, so a RM15 room is good for their budget. Agree!

Pulau Duyong is a boat maker island!

I can't say for sure if these two were built in Pulau Duyong, but if you are here, you can just randomly walk into somebody workshop and see how it's been done. I did, but I didn't have any photo :( If I knew I'll be writing about it 7 years later, I probably would have taken the photo. Haha. From my very vague memory, it is just a open workshop. You'll see the body of the boat there. Since it's so big, you have to be on a platform to see the interior. Quite an experience. I don't know many boats made in Pulau Duyong, but I remember one boat in particular 'cause the boat docked at the yellow house and I can see it's name clearly, Burong Bahri. I actually googled it, here.

You'll find some photos of boat making as well in the website. Probably, they make miniature boat as well, that'll be cool to have :)

My dad and a local, at the jetty

I was just standing there thinking, we could have taken the car. But it's so typical of my dad making us walk to everywhere our feet can take us!

Boat. Ngee. It takes you from the island to mainland for 50 sen. Cheapos.

Daddy berbajet best with his Nikon D100. I have this camera with me right now.

Hah, he gave the camera with the zoom lens attached to it. Now I can't take "normal" photos, without being too close to it. Sigh. He said, that zoom lens is the lens he's been using all this while. Then I saw this picture, AHA! Kantoi, the lens in this photo is not the same as the one I have right now. Adoi. I'm still playing around with the camera, so, the photos are still not that good. Muahahahha.

btw, Kurus dowh my dad ;)

My brother at 14 and muka selenge. Hurm, he was carrying a Deuter 30L (or 25L) backpack and right now, I'm wondering what could he be bringing in it? Huh. Banyak nye barang...

Well, like I said my dad is big on walking, so we pretty much walked everywhere that day. It would be nice if I remember, but my memory is the worst. Fardia has a better recollection of our childhood. Haha. I remember walking all the way to some hill in the middle of Kuala Terengganu where you can see the view of whole KT from up there (equivalent: Bukit Bay Route, Kuantan). You don't need some fancy skyscraper for this ;)

A mosque. I was in a beca when I took this photo....

Terengganu Museum. Correct me if I'm wrong, but somebody told this is the biggest museum in Malaysia. I kinda like this museum. They have cool stuff in there. But don't bring big bags, they don't allow you to bring in it. We couldn't go in during this trip cause of that.

Since we couldn't go in, we hang out around the museum and saw the "outdoor" exhibition a.k.a all the boats. I remember Fardia kene gigit something....bengkak2 after that LOL

A Boat. You can actually go up and see what's onboard.

Is this a fisherman boat or what? Can't tell, but it sure don't look like it.

Onboard.

Sabar T28 boat.

I think I have to go back of the sake of completing my story ;) BTW, these photos were taken from my Fujifilm 1.3 Megapixel camera. Huh. As sad as it sounds now (that it was only 1.3 Megapixel), that camera is the BEST first digital camera anyone can have (my dad bought it for me when I was 14)!

You might be wondering, where is me?

Haha, too bad I didn't wear tudung yet back then, so I can't show you my picture. Anyways, just imagine a tomboy in a baggy tshirt, jeans, cap, Adidas sneakers, Oakley sunglass (the fancier the better!) and a backpack. I thought I was cool. Linda said I was very "otai" back then. Now, I'm "Paris" to her. LOL

OK, here me out, I must go back to complete this story! Makan part tak masuk lagi :( that's cause I don't remember. I think I had Indian food, lots of seafood and really old coffee shop. Oh the bread shop at Kampung Pulau Kambing is the best! Freshly made bread ;)

Probably you'd say, then why write this story if I don't remember most parts. Oh well, I wrote an entry for all my other trips to Orlando, NYC, California and Peru; so, this is a must as well!

So y'all, tak nak ikut?

This could be my last post before my final exams next week, unless I want to bug you with my "stress nyeeeee" post.

GOOD LUCK gators

and I'll see you when I see you.

- FZ

The end

2010-04-09T21:32:00.007-04:00

It's just around the corner. I can almost see the finish line.

After this, no more student discount...

Good Luck in your final exam lovelies.

-FZ

p/s: One more essay due this Monday. Tadi due satu essay. Ini test shot, belom order grad photos lagi :D So many muka pelik to choose from. Humfff

(PHOTO: by betaphotos.com. I had fun at the photoshoot LOL)

23

2010-04-01T00:39:00.012-04:00

This post is meant to be short.

I turned 23 two days ago and I can already feel that this year is going to be crazy! With 2 weeks left of school, I'm grabbing all the time left to enjoy the last few remaining days as an undergraduate student. I still don't know if I'll be hired by Petronas or not, but I want to keep a positive mind about it.

Birthday

Kak Asiah invited us over last Sunday for a bday celebration. Sarah baked me a cake (Yeay!), we ate Bakso (a.k.a Mee Sup with meatballs) and we watched 2012 (OMG!).

I love all my friends for remembering my bday; a few called (even all the way from Malaysia!), but most of them wished me through Facebook. Either way, I'm happy. As for more bday celebration, Izzy made a reservation at Dragonfly Bistro for dinner (http://www.dragonflybistro.ca/). It's a Dutch-Indonesian restaurant. Later, we went for ice cream at Marble Slab ;) Thanks again y'all for the bday wishes!

My bday cake! Thanks to Sarah B.

"I want to arrange the candles"

The kids wanted to have 23 candles on the cake!

Time to sing the "Happy Birthday" song!

...still singing

Make a wish (but, I forgot) and blow the candles!

At Dragonfly Bistro. This is what you call "Don't eat and talk at the same time". Well, I still love this shot! (c: Izzy)

I had Lamb ribs with potato and veggies

DELICIOUS~!!

Izzy had Steak Diane with potatoes and veggies.

Good food. Good place to dine.

A bday gift from Izzy.

Love it.

A bday gift for myself: Moleskine Limited Edition Woodstock notebook.

A new diary to replace the old one that's running out of pages to write.

Maybe this was taken 23 or 22 years ago :)

That's my bday story. What's yours?

Later gators.

- FZ

p/s: In my opinion, 2012 is a really bad movie. As a (future) Geologist, I guess I will be safe, if Earth ever succumbed to such disaster.

The Brutality of 1 Wednesday

2010-03-25T16:21:00.008-04:00

Yesterday was brutal! I shall remember March 24, 2010 as the day I felt dead. As you might have read from my previous post, I submitted my 122 pages thesis yesterday. In case you never heard me saying this, my thesis is entitled "Isotope fingerprinting of natural gas wells in Southwestern Ontario". Yes, I am into natural gas, which is much less complicated than oil. LOL.

I still can't believe I stayed up all night to finish it. I had 2 cups of coffee and I felt all good to go to finish the last few details of my research paper. I should say this first thing first, if you're thinking of doing a thesis later, please take note that the "touching-up" part your paper is one hell of time consuming. All that minute details like page numbers, resizing picture etc is actually very time-consuming! I spent a good 4-5 hours doing just that, maybe because I had 49 figures in it (OMG, I know!). Oh, the appendix part was the craziest! Ahh! I'm glad that my computer was rocking it hard and gave me no-stupid-annoying problems that can give me unnecessary stress. Alhamdulillah.

9am. DONE

I sent my paper for printing and I found out my pdf-ed paper has a lot of screwed ups in it. I attempted to correct the mistake, but my efforts were to no avail. I couldn't type properly as I was feeling agitated. I trembled. See, I can't even correct some simple mistakes.

That makes me think, caffeine = toxic.

Went home at 12pm and I threw up. I didn't eat or drink earlier that day, so I don't even know why I threw up. And get this, my vomit was colourless. Hahaha. Gross, sorry. Wow! I guess I was freaking tired. Huh. Well, that was not the first time :D I went to bed straight, and I slept until 7.15pm! Another WOW! I guess coffee just gave you that immediate boost you need, but after you stopped doing work, your body send its revenge by making you feel like crap! Bangun2 jer craving ayam masak lemak cili padi. So terpaksa laa masak, sekali beras tinggal 3 kali makan jer. Oops, so I don't have anymore rice right now. Haihh. It will be pasta all week for me.

I don't usually write this kind of story (ye ker??), but I did this time. I just want you to know that nothing good comes from last minute work! Yes! So, please take it from me okay. I was a slacker, a MAJOR one for that matter. So, I suffered the consequences yesterday. No fun at all.

(after Bailey 1986)

LOL. My thesis looked at natural gas wells in Lambton County.

Call me a dork, but I love maps and this is my favourite map from my thesis.

At the library, vaining with a cup of toxin. Haha

For now, I'm super super glad that I'm done with it. It seems so real now that I'm graduating and leaving the academic life for good, at least for now. Stay positive y'all. My presentation is this Saturday. For now, I'm taking my time enjoying my new-found liberty. Oh, I received Hugo Boss Orange free sample just now and I'm loving the it. I wouldn't buy it though, cause I get headaches when something smells so good. Tee heeee!

Later gators,

p/s:

Bought this Vintage Key & Coin necklace from Etsy.com for $7.50. The coin is a 1976 20 centimes (a.k.a 20 cent) of Republique Francaise (a.k.a France)

If you like handmade things, check out Etsy.com. They can be a little pricey cause they are handmade, but you'll be surprise to find cheap things as well! I know Linda bought a super cute wrislet from Etsy that was quite cheap! So, take a peep ok! Oh, that fancy+colourful "string" is my hair bead from Peru. I let it out. Haha.

The final stretch

2010-03-16T15:29:00.006-04:00

Hello!

Forgive my long absence. There is this paper called thesis that's due next week. Haha.

A quick update:

My results are looking VERY promising and I can't wait to write a discussion on them. Well, everybody keeps telling me, YOUR DATA ARE COOL. So, I hope I can make the same impact with my discussion and conclusion. All the best to me!

To date, I've written close to 50 pages worth of material for my thesis.

......When I add my result, discussion and conclusion, it will be close to 70 pages.

......When I add the appendix and the references.........it will be unimaginably THICK

For now, I'm excited.

Why am I so excited? Cause my data are cool :)

But, You can ask me again four days from now. I might answer it differently.

Later gators.

....psssst, I have a midterm this Thursday. Pekejadahan betol lahh.

A tribute to my thesis.

Summer plans

2010-02-28T11:32:00.002-05:00

Oh la la. Summer is coming and I spent more than 3 hours chatting with...none other than cik Yan about our summer getaway. Sorry lah Ariff, tak dapat join pegi trip Austin-Denver-Seattle-Vancouver <-- Mahal.

Instead, kami yang super gedixx who are madly and deeply "inspired" by that shallow, Oh-My-Gucci movie, Pisau Cukur decided to go on a cruise. Huh.

Here's what we found:

A 4-day All inclusive Cruise from Miami-Key West, Fl-Cozumel, Mexico-Miami for only $240. I think this is a good deal. I am trying to escape "we are going to Bahamas on a cruise" stereotype among Malaysian students. Oooops, did I just say that? haha. It's true. Everybody is going to the Bahamas, so Oh Com'on! Plus, I have a shot glass from HRC Nassau already, I guess I don't need to go there anymore ;)

Right after the cruise, we are staying for a bit in Miami (woooot!) and later head off to NYC! It is the only city I don't mind going back for the fourth time! Huh. Say whatever you want, Manhattan is my kinda city. I suggested to Izzy, lets stay at a fancy hotel in NYC for a night! Of course Izzy agreed to it; unfortunately, they are super pricey (more than $300) and I don't know now if I should. Sigh. I just love luxurious hotel, but as a student (and a Petronas Scholar, for that matter)...all I can tell myself is, "YOU! STOP DREAMING!"

Well, I would probably stay in NYC for a week. Get this, MegaBus goes to NYC everyday and their fare is quite cheap. I checked, a return ticket from Toronto to Manhattan on weekdays can be as cheap as $25. Huh. That is a 10 hour bus ride, mind you. London - TO on Greyhound is already $50. Seriously, Greyhound is way overpriced for a bus that looks worst than express buses in Malaysia.

Ok, I'm not throwing my anger at a bus company on a Sunday morning.

Then, I might stop over at Vancouver before I leave Canada for good sometime in end of June. The ticket to Vancouver is just way above my budget, so I think I would just stop over. I might change my mind, we'll see.

Ciao y'all. I have a cake that's baking right now. Gotta go check it out :p