Count your virtue

It is understood that human beings are looking for better opportunities that may be present before them, but can we simply ignore the responsibilities to those whom we owe? While we enjoy the lavish lifestyle we earn from our own hard work, there are people along the sidelines that made it happened for us. I cannot begin to count cards who they are, but I'll be lying if I say there are none. Sometimes, you heart wants something. Something for yourself. But can you really tell me you earned that certain something? Either way you look at it, I'd say no. It is one thing to achieve something and another to want something. I cannot close my eyes and pretend my mere success is already something. I do not want to run away from this sheer responsibilities of what I've agreed upon. Mainly because I think I hold accountable to them and on a lighter note, it is my conscience. It is telling me what to do, the right thing. Nevertheless, we are human beings. The need to be selfish at times is compelling and attractive. Intelligence do come into play, but we are foolish ourselves when it comes to "grass is always greener on the other side". We are blinded by it, let alone to submerge our minds into thinking "this is for the better". 

That is why I have a second opinion on things. For once, I can agree to the notion of selfishness is necessary. It is not to grab opportunities from others, but merely to escape from something that may drag you into something you do not approve. While being grateful to those you owe is a good deed, you must always look after yourself. In the end of the day, you only have yourself to depend on while others may want to chew you up. I like to see things from different angles and talking to people sure gave me different perspectives and outlooks on things. 

All I can say is, keep your conscience up tight but do not forget to look up front. 

Ramadhan and all its blessing

Salam Ramadhan to all. Who knew one year can pass us by so very fast? A year ago, I was in a small hotel room in Ho Chi Minh City, trying to figure out how Ramadhan will be for me. Terawikh was easy cause the mosque is just a few minutes walk from my hotel. I sort of refrain myself from wearing telekung from the hotel like we all would do in Malaysia, just to save me from stares from the locals. My break fast was mainly around Dond Du St where most of the halal restaurants are. Well, I bet you know the feeling when after awhile all this can get pretty boring and not to mention I looked pretty sad eating there all alone. So, I packed the food and ate in my room, turned on Skype and video chat with my beau. Then, I spent most of my time reading the Quran. Although I didn't manage to finish it, but I still think I did good.

And a year from all that, I'm now in Kuantan on day 1 of Ramadhan. I never felt so much blessed to be back. Apart from the abundant food I get to buy at bazaar Ramadhan near the stadium, mom is making ikan patin masak tempoyak and sambal udang! Hehe. Nevertheless, I'm still wondering how this Ramadhan will make any difference to me like it did last year. Somehow when I'm all alone and not tight to any Ramadhan-social-events, I accomplish more. 

Hmm, one thing I know is I want to cook and eat home all the time. After spending two weeks abroad, eating food that has french fries on the side all the time, I'm craving for home cook meal. Yeay!

Buffalo steak sandwich in Paris. See what I meant? Urgh, more home cook food s'il vous plait?

Friends thru time

From cute little girls to gorgeous women

And so we shall go on with our lives knowing in our hearts we have somebody; just those people who entered our life and never exit. They are our happy things eventhough you don't see them too often. We move on with our lives, but some things simply cannot change. One of them is friendship, the kind that was built when you cannot even spell your name; the kind that remembers all your embarrassing stories 15 years later; the kind that always held you so close to their hearts that no matter what happen you are still their friend; and yes, the kind that when one breaks, all would break too. This is us. Fifteen years ago, we had no clue where we will be in the future. We rekindled on the ambitions we used to fantasize, but at the end of the day each one of us found our path. The certain place where we want to be. Just that those days back in Assunta Convent, Kuantan were the best days. To me, I cannot even emphasize the craziness we all were and still are or even match the laughter I would have with these group of people. It is unbelievable, but I can tell you it is true. 

Trust me, some things are meant to last forever.

Dry sip

So many things are happening in Malaysia and elsewhere around the World. From the smallest of things to big issues like human massacre in Al-Houlah, Syria. I can only pray for all these to stop 'cause I simply cannot keep up with 'em all.

:(

They killed mostly children in the Al-Houlah massacre and now I wonder how the future will be. Simply atrocious!

p/s: While I am interesting in what is going on around the Globe, I should not overlook Malaysia. Something is "brewing" here, if you know what I mean. I do not feel all that comfortable.

Cheers to love

My quick reality check tells me I like being pampered, in all kinds. Kindness, gifts, treats and all, they are among the many things girls love. For me, I discovered that pretty late. Nevertheless, better late than never. For the past a year or so, this exactly happens. Above all, I just want to be grateful that I'm with someone who pampers me :) I sure hope I pamper him as much as well. Hehe.

Saw Blair Waldorf wanted some Laduree macaroons in Gossip Girl.
Can't resist myself from finding where I can get them. There are available only in a few cities in the world
and Dubai being one of them. Of course, I had to request it from my certain someone. What can I say?
I'm very lucky *head over heels* BTW, these macaroons are delicious! The green one on the left-most
is pistachio-flavoured and oh dear, I cannot even describe how my taste bud felt when I took
that first bite! My favourite! Sure hope to get more in Paris and London later :) Thanks love.
I really appreciate you went all the way to Dubai Mall just to get it for me *hugs*

My birthday gift this year, very well-fitting for a 25 year old lady *cough cough*.
Just smiles whenever I wear the charm bracelet :) One happy girl.

Now on the loser side. I never ever received a flower bouquet in my life. Somehow, I received this
beautiful roses bouquet when I touched down KLIA from Vietnam. So appropriate and I definitely felt
 loved. Thankss! There you go! My first ever bouquet! Although it was not a total surprise cause somebody
 posted my facebook "how do I like the flowers?" when I donn't have a clue I was receiving any.
Haha. Spoil giler!

Cupcakes & coffee at Wondermilk! Among the little things that I can do to ever deserve such a guy.
BTW, this is one of the many coupons I drew for his birthday gift. Maybe it is not all that equivalent to
Tiffany & Co, but I sure hope he likes it. Well, he is yet to claim any of his coupons despite claiming
"I look at them every night sampai dah lunyai dah coupon book tu". LOL.

Cheers to love :)

No free land

I'm no where near land right now >.<

Anyways, eversince I arrived here on Friday I never had proper rest at all. Don't get me wrong, I did get some sleep but I kept waking up (on purpose) to check the operations up on the rigfloor. After 3 days of all that, I finally bring myself to a proper, uninterrupted rest last night. Nevertheless, work is still on. I still have tons of paper work to do haha.

At the end of the day, despite the crazy workload I do here, there are only two things that matter to keep my mind sane: the sunset and great people. Sure work is stressful. Almost all would agree, but if the people you work with are amazing, you'd not say a word about stress. Agree? :) 

Beautiful sunset. A few other platforms afar.

I simply love clouds; and their simply many forms and shapes

Helideck and sunset. At times, the best place to enjoy the sunset is from the helideck. 

Barbeque on Sunday. Good food.
I had lamb, chicken, sausage, mashed potato and a bit of rice.
Yeah, I ate a lot yesterday cause I missed lunch and my tummy was grumbling!
Well, on top of that, the sunset was gorgeous and so I ate even more. LOL

In the wireline doghouse with great people working hand-in-hand.

p/s: Ok, ok. I will watch what I eat. My dad pon dah pesan.

England + 2

In two months time, I'm off to England for le sister's convocation ceremony. I took 2 weeks off for this occasion and mind you that is very rare for my job. Nevertheless, I know 1 week is all bout London-Bristol-York, but I have 1 week reserve for "other European countries". If possible I might hit 2 countries! Well, I am yet to decide which two countries I should set my foot on. Perhaps France cause it is just next door to England. And my second country is either Switzerland or Italy. What do you think? 

The thing is, I always dream of going to Santorini in Greece. Back when I had this "must go places" list, Greece was the first and Peru was second. I somehow went to Peru first. Nevermind, I will go to Santorini one of these days and I already imagine how that trip will be hehe. I sure fantasize a lot bout trips and "Mamma Mia" sure has something to do with it :) 

Getting back to what I was saying earlier, this time around lets keep it bout le family trip to (parts of) Europe. I think my mom will love Switzerland and I love the Swiss Alps. What is not to love about mountains? I'm more of mountain person than beach. What's more I might even buy myself a Swiss watch there (le me has no watch!). And, what about Italy? I'm eyeing Capri here. Remember "The Lotus Eater"? That story got me jumping bout Capri. In the opening line...

"In 1913, I visited a friend who lived on the island of Capri. Capri is a most beautiful island in the Bay of Naples. From the island, you can see across the water to Mount Vesuvius on the mainland of Italy"

                (by  William Somerset Maugham)

Even that first two sentences got me to say, Capri is a must go place. Ever since then, I read even more stories on how beautiful it is. Anyways, perhaps Rome and Venice are more mommy-appropriate. I remember I took her to many many places in NYC; just so she sees New York City the way I do but after all is done I felt bad cause I made her go to these places at my pace. Ish ish ish. And I know she loves shopping, so maybe I can add more of that this time around.  

Then, London Olympics 2012 is also around the corner. I bet prices of about everything are due to be sky rocket! Sigh. The only best part is I get to buy some kind of Olympics merchandise! And if you know me, some shot glass would be nice :)  

p/s: reserving Santorini for a trip with my-certain-someone *blush*

High Five

May 2012.
Note to self:
Look at the beautiful colours in front of you and put your hands in the pocket, then say, "Hey Gorgeous!" (...whatever gorgeous is to you). Ahhh, content life!

Gerber daisies by my bed. Who knew I have a thing for flowers these days. Oh pretty flowers, what have you done to me?

Almost artificial! I took it to the grill and om nom nom! 

p/s: was listening to Alanis Morissette "Hand in My Pocket"; hence the pocket reference.

"I'm broke but I'm happy; 

I'm poor but I'm kind"

Ahhh, she's content too!!

A tree pose, you say?

It is true. I haven't been updating my blog in ages. Even that one post earlier this month does not count and it almost certainly reflecting how terribly busy and lazy I am. There is no excuse, of course. 

Well, I am still doing the same job. 

But I've picked up something new that I enjoy so much. That is yoga.

I have always wanted to do yoga since I read Ninie Ahmad's blog back in university days. Somehow, I could not bring myself to just go and do it. See, saying and wanting in one thing, but physically doing it is another! While all preps are done, i.e yoga mat and clothes (hehe), I was still looking for a studio nearby to attend the classes. I sure am happy that I finally have a chance at it and yes, I enjoy it very much.

I am still pretty much out and about, but I make myself free to at least attend once a week, if not more. So far after three weeks, I can say I am more aware bout my body, especially my posture. Sit up straight everyone! I always knew I have stiff muscle (errr, is this the correct way to describe it? any medical students around?), meaning to say I am not flexible. Just to prove my point, I cannot bend down and touch my toes. Sigh. I am not flexible at all! Even back in my days of doing Taekwondo I cannot do the split. Embarassing, I know. 

Being the beginner in a bunch of flexible-and-a-bit-more-season-at-this people, I was pretty intimidated at first, but when I see these people are also wobbling like me, I do not feel too bad bout myself. Haha. And if you think you do not sweat while doing yoga 'cause the studio is air conditioned, please come and try for yourself. You do sweat! At times, I would go during lunch hours on weekdays and I find myself awesomely refreshed for the remaining few more hours. Lunch can wait! Nah, I would have a very light lunch afterwards while doing work LOL

Anyways, my point is, I just want my muscle to be stronger and toned! Now, I'm thinking of doing yoga and go jogging on alternate days! Wow! Sure sounds like a plan to me. Now to the execution part....... (warghhh!)

If you are skeptical 'cause it may be spiritual, fret not...no incantation is involved. It is just you stretching your muscle out loud! Maybe one day I can do a headstand, who knows! 

To those yet to try yoga, have it a go! I can bet you will love it as well :)  

p/s: Among my wish list, I'm yet to run a marathon and do wall climbing! 

Hansel & Gretel

They say patience is a virtue.

But if we cannot bring ourself grounded to a certain poise and manner, we are nothing near patience. And the thing about patience is it is not in everybody. Just that I believe it will be in everybody if we choose to have it.

Then, take goodness.

Goodness at times is masked by that one mistake one made. You repent from it. You live your life away from it. It does not defines you. Not at all. But one choose to close one's eyes to what is more important. And that very mistake seems to be more obvious than others.

Then, take knowledge.

They say knowledge is power. With knowledge, everything is possible. But knowledge is power. People lost sight at what it means. They think having knowledge to themselves is power. That is where one lost the track. Share the knowledge because that is the power one holds, the ability to be knowledgeable.

Then, take me.

I choose to be patient, I choose to see the good in people and I choose to be knowledgeable.

I am not lost, but maybe I need some bread crumbs to remind me where the right paths are.