New Year A Better Chance of Getting it Right!

The new year just kicked in and only now I got into the mood of sinking into 2014 :)

Suddenly I realized, there are just too many things in life to catch up with as if we are aging already. What?! When I take a step back and look at my life in a nutshell, it's pretty messed up here and there. Messed up in the sense that there are just things here and there that I want to do and want to care but not in order.

There are many times we tend to chase with stuff, trying to fit in but in the end missing out the gist of the moment. Couldn't deny further the quote; "You might wake up one day and realized you lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones."

Things I learnt in 2013:

• If you are desperate about getting something, you will lose it or not even getting it.
• If you start comparing, most of the time you get tired and that doesn't change anything.
• You are good enough yourself, you deserve the best from people who likes you. If you need to please everyone, you're too busy for people to please you. 
• God knows everything, if you surrender it all to Him, he never fails to make the impossible possible.
• Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself. -quoted
• Best moment in life, find joy in every little things. All of a sudden, you see how colourful life can be that you can't help it but to smile. Really. 
• If you care about someone, tell them. 
• When making a decision, lose out all the noise of chatters behind your mind. When you can sit in silent with your best feeling at that moment, you know what and how best to move on.
• Nothing in work is so urgent that you cannot spend it with your family/friends.

I think biggest resolution that I want to achieve this year is to 

"Live a simple life and start enjoying the simple joy that generally comes."

Happy New Year everyone!
Get it right this year!

Weekend in Kerteh

The common question that comes from people for us who are working in Kerteh is that, "What do you do during weekends?" First thing is to laugh. lol

Usually, I will just say nothing you can do except eat, sleep, movie and drama series. Then, I thought alright it's time to tell the world Kerteh is not just about eat sleep movie drama. lol 

Kerteh is located in South Terengganu, nearing to Kuantan, Pahang not in the north towards Thailand border. Just in case you have no idea where Kerteh is because people do ask me that haha

Anyway, one of the weekend activities that you can do, hike/jog at Bukit Bauk, Dungun. It is two towns away from Kerteh, only 45 minutes drive away. 

Although it is not a big mountain to hike but it could be quite challenging as the hill is really steep all the way up. You barely go up and down. It is always up and up lol For those who hike, you know going downhill is not an easy task as well. So, you will be going down and down steep hills. For UTP-ians, a good benchmark is Bukit Keledang, only difference is the steepness which doubled.

Overall, it is still a good hike or jog if you want. Advisable to go as early as possible to get nice morning breeze. Not too sure about watching sunrise, not that I know of. Don't expect spectacular scenery on the top, not to discourage  you but it's still a good morning hike you can do during weekends here :) 

We were quite tired by the time we reached the top so we hang around there before coming down and of course taking photos as our energizer! haha

This kind of trip works best with friends together as we get chatty along the way and enjoy the hike. View from the top is simple but I guess reaching the peak is a great achievement with that steepness :D

Dungun is also famous for its 'Megi Ketam'. Basically, maggie with crab. Who doesn't love maggie? haha Unfortunately, it is only open in the evening and we didn't get to drop by for some. Will be back again.

Graduation is not merely certifications

Graduation is yet another key milestone in life. Well, to some it's a very big moment of celebrations yet to some it could meant just the end of a certification or qualification. To me, it is not merely certifications especially if you graduate from a university.

My tuition teacher once said, "University life is a time you enjoy with friends especially the freedom you get outside". Indeed.

Graduation is a time of reminiscing the good old times. It's always great to look back and search for that special moments you spent or witty things you did that got you in trouble and so on. It is something you wouldn't find or get once you step into the working world. As cliche as it sounds, it is true. It brings you to the next stage of life; the adulthood. 

Graduation also depicts how much you've grown through the years. I think everyone started out as a young, innocent, naive student going Educamp, following instantly what the faci said, following rules like it might get you terminated if you don't. 

Gradually, you start behaving like seniors, understood that rules are meant to break, punctuality is ridiculous, wearing matrix card all the time is lame, skipping classes are normal and so forth (oh please, not something to follow if possible lol).

Most importantly, at the end of the day or perhaps the year, you grew into that Graduate with much honors not only in education but the whole well being that makes every mum and dad proud. Great achievement doesn't only refers CGPA nor does it sees how thick your certificate files etc. Great achievement comes from hardship, great efforts, multitudes of ups and downs to get to the end. 

Hence, I always believe the importance of our journey in bringing us to our destination. My journey in UTP has been great definitely. If it was not because of the people around me that supports or discouraged me in some way or another, I wouldn't have grown wiser in mind and attitude. I believe in friendship, as it is hard to come by. Education aside, life living with friends around are something to cherish. They are the ones to bring you through the storms, back you up in studies, make you laugh and put that extra sauce to spice up your life. 

You see, that's life. How funny sometimes we think we can manage on our own, live our own life and mind our own business. But you know you fumble at simple things and smile when someone appreciates or compliment on your deeds. We need people. We need friends.

Oh well, maybe too much of stuff here and there. lol Anyway, to my graduation success, I would extend my gratitude to both my parents and family, UTP friends who stand by me, friends back home who supports me during my down time, lovely juniors and seniors who directs and lead me. Most of all, thank God for all these wonderful precious blessings I've been showered through the years.

Big LOVE from daddy mummy!

I think the best part of it is my extended family in Hope Ipoh :) They've been my great source of comfort and peace and fun. They're my source of inspiration when I need that renewed spirit. 

Happy Graduation!

Best First Job Never Wanted to Leave

I think I havent yet mentioned I joined Talisman Energy since April in fact I will never forget my first day of work because it was my birthday that day haha Anyway, it's an opportunity I never thought will come by at all in my life. I was attending SAP training for 3 months since Feb and during that time my other friends who were also attending the training with me have gotten call from Petronas to report duty. I was saddened by the fact that I did not get any placement in KL but I got call from Bintulu. After letting them know about my preference to be in KL, I actually just lose that placement. So I began to worried I cant get a job at that time because at the same time I wanted to quit the training so badly and I need to attached with a company to do so.

Out of all the worries, one day Talisman called me while I was watching tv at home. It just came at the right timing. Unprepared, the HR guy ask if he can do a brief phone interview with me; freaking the crap out of me. And the next thing I know I went for the face to face interview and I got the job as HR Admin.

Well, I am really not a fan of HR in fact I did told them HR is my enemy lol however, within one month my boss changed my jobscope to HR Mgmt System Analyst whereby I dealt hands on with system management; not development but more to like consulting and coordination task. I managed my own projects and given chance to make own decision here and there which was great.

Within 4 months before I left, I've managed to learn like a thousand whole lots of other things from them. It actually changed my whole perspective of what HR was like. It's not just about recruitment and paperwork. And I guess what is most valued in HR is relationship. Everyday I look forward and driven to go to work despite waking up early and going through hassle to drive all the way to Kelana Jaya and then take LRT all the way to Ampang Park.

The main point is that, now that I left Talisman for Petronas in Kerteh, when I look back, I realised how the people in Talisman is so much bonded and warm welcoming. Not that Petronas is the opposite, but there is this something that I feel is missing when I joined Petronas. I am not promoting Talisman but truly there is a big difference when working with expatriates. Since it is a Canadian company, work structure is much flexible and open for discussion as well as fun while working. Jokes and laughters in the office most of the time. Then I realised it was the culture at workplace that got me so motivated to work in the first place.

Indeed was my best first job I gotten. Am grateful for all the friendship gained and laughters as well as memories built within that short 4 months. Short yet many things happened!

Maybe now I'm having too much of a culture shock here in Kerteh. It's a big total change for me because I am used to working ang mo style in a big lively city. To be here in a super slow pace and almost empty city with longer hierarchy working place, hmmm really takes lots of effort to adjust.

Gambateh Mel!!

Still believes that my journey doesnt just end here and no goodbyes shed, just moving forward to the next oil and gas company :) 

Thank you so much Talisman!

GE13: Malaysia's Major History

Malaysia's 13th General Election has marked its most prominent history of all now. There are many thoughts and opinions going around, mostly hatred and rage burning from within Malaysians especially the young generations. How can we, the new generations of the future not felt a pinch to what is happening right now? I have never felt so defeated, quench to the bottom of the heart like something has died inside me.

I think it's enough time that we stopped putting the blame on anything or anyone because everything has been done. What we should be doing now is to look forward to what more could we do to reach that democracy stage. A friend of mine, a Taiwanese in fact, told me this is the process of democracy and it's a good start because people has raised their voice. No castle is built in one night. This is so true. There will be no point rushing into something when we missed out all the details in between. One step at a time.

I am glad many of us has open up our eyes to see the need to fight for our rights and bring back our lovely country, a place to stay peacefully without culture compromising and corruptions what not. To those who have yet to feel it, I hope that in the days to come, you will encounter this patriotism from within which has caused the uprising of many Malaysians today.

I never felt this love for my country before but today as I was driving, tears rolled down my eyes just by thinking of what has happened. Saddening but still believed that greater things has yet to come! God has his plans for our country!

Let us raise our voices and fight for our country but still be on guard on our act and humility.

Keep this spirit up people!

The Lady Turned 23

Oh well, a year younger again! Yippie. lol Had a small celebration with my family. I kind of hate my birthday falling in mid April when everyone is always and forever busy during that time of the year. So, after some years I kind of used to the fact that it is the time people will be rushing for tests, projects, work, meetings etc. So, I'm actually okay with it not getting any surprises or what not. Usually I appreciate small dinners or gestures from closed ones, at least remembering my special day haha

Anyway, this year since we graduated, we're all separated on our own and some friends even began working, so I kind of expect everyone would be busy and that. Still, appreciated some of them who drop me a wish or something :)

I had a little surprise from my family actually. We had dinner the night before my birthday; the BIG CRAB, my favourites of all seafood :D Had it night before, because the next day (my birthday) is also my FIRST OFFICIAL working day. Congrats to myself. lol Now, I will remember this day for the rest of my life. haha  So, there would not be much time to celebrate on that night.

However, little did I know, they actually prepared so much of a surprise after my "hectic" day of working in office. That night I was seriously a happy little girl getting an Instax camera (Le Panda version) *grins* which I've always so reluctant and stingy to buy.

It's a night filled with lots of chocolaties too lol My little sister got me the finest dark chocolate from Fidani that I'm also too stingy to buy lol

Every pieces is handpicked and every one of it is dark chocolate. oh love much! :D

Then, there are even more chocolates. Oh well, most of the years I'm getting chocolates from some of my friends too simply because I'm skinny enough to need that. lol

At the end of the day, it kind of bring me to tears a little because of such a thoughtful and lovely family, knowing me so well and giving me something that I've longed for. haha Seriously, it is such sweet love that made my day :)

Here's the first two instax photos with my family :) <3

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Mille crepe has been the "in" thing now with Nadeje newly opened in SS2. I was thinking what is so special about this layered cake and so, give it a try. We planned for Nadeje but somehow the plan kept called off lol So, we ended up having Mille Crepe cake at Paradigm Mall. Am seriously loving the Bamboo Charcoal flavoured cake. Indeed, sums it up being the #1 top seller cake. The cakes here are indeed delicious already, am looking forward to taste the difference in Nadeje.



This one is the Strawberry Chocolate flavoured crepe cake. Love the bits of strawberry inside. There are a variety of flavours to choose from and you may ask for a testing for each flavour before you choose :)

Third Instax at Vanilla Mille Crepe shop ;)


Happy 23 to me!

Cheers.

The Graduate Turning Point

 

I'm now a "Graduate Student". An extra title at the front. Yay. People said it's a happy moment when you graduate but you know with our convocation only be held on October, there's really nothing much you will feel when you end your last paper last semester. And then, there's the staying-at-home-lazy-bum syndrome appearing. I'm still really adjusting to the new title being graduated and now going to work soon phase. Initially it was just staying at home, staring at TVs, and then novels, and soon after walls. Then, it was facing computers and papers at my dad's office. Now, it is facing some incredibly hard to configure kind of SAP training in Bukit Jalil. Later on, who knows. I really hope and wish I know. 

Everyone has been giving good, some quite reasonable advices about working with Petronas. Each time I listened, I have this instinct that somehow incline a little bit to each of their opinions. And then I realised there is a bigger picture to this and I should figure it myself if this is going to be the right path. I love this quote that says,

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." -Confucious.

As much as I want to agree with that quote, reality is still reality. I cannot just make up my mind now and says I want to be a tour guide just because I love to travel nor can I say I want to open a bookstore because I love to read. Now, some successful self-employed fellas will be defending my thoughts. As far as I am concern, I know I have to fulfil my bond's responsibility -waiting for Petronas to call in for work for like 7 years. That's like a whole lot of years to some people and yet it is like a million chance kind of thing to some people. As for now, I can only think of one thing -to work for Petronas for at least 3 or 4 years (to the least gain some experiences in this big company) and we'll see how it goes from there and at some point in between might build up some business of my own. 

I always believe as time passes, people grow especially from their thinking and thoughts. You can say that's maturing. That's how you thought you will be a lawyer and ended up an IT student. That's also how you thought you will love being an IT student and then to find out you only really love doing business. So, 3 years down the road will be the time I see where have I been and how will I go on. =)

So, well this depicts the start of my new journey here.