2009-12-31

Gosh. Got so much to cope with work recently till I haven't really got a chance to sit down and blog here. It's been kinda interesting lately. I was involved in a few activities, and the activities were good. I wanna blog more about it. I've got so much overdue materials to write here!

Some that I can think of now...

1. One Week Leave to Escapade (OMG, this trip was in August! I took so many photos and have so many stories to share here. Probably will challenge my memory capacity to dig out the stories here)
2. My resignation in the past company (well, I may or may not share it here. Depends on the Schyi's mood :P)
3. Trip to Melaka (short but fun!)
4. Woohoo at MacStudio, Bangsar (A crazy one!)
5. A X'mas Dinner with kids from Stepping Stones (a heart-touching singing session lived in my car)
6. One day trip to Kuala Gandah with kids from Agathians Shelter (we were all wet!)

... and etc.

 I bet many must be listing their new resolutions for year 2010. For this coming year, I have not set any resolution yet, but I wanna set a resolution for this week! (count from today onwards)

"A Fresh Look of Schyi's Room"

My room has been very untidy lately. I feel sorry to the room when I see the mess there. Gotta clean up everything because... CNY is just less than two months away! Woot!

Okay, I'm still in the office now. Probably will get stuck in the jam to go home after work.

This year 2009 is indeed a challenging year. Yet, it's a happy and memorable one. So much of ups and downs that I, as well as my family and friends have gone thru, I am now wiser than who I was before. :)

WTF said I'm a copycat for wishing her "Happy New Year". So here you go a new greeting,

HAPPY 2009, HAPPIER 2010!

Hugs~!

Schyi

Eat N' Run!

There was a day we decided to try something new in Tropicana City Mall. Not far from Shihlin Streets Snacks, we found one half-a-shoplot size restaurant interesting. The menu is simple. It shows you some steps to follow in order to complete choosing your food. It's like...

Chicken or Fish? >>> Thai Chili Sauce, Eat N Run Special Sauce or etc.? >>> Coleslaw or Pickle etc.?

(I can't remember well the options they have on the menu list. Well, this is a rough example on that.)

To be honest, it actually helped make my choice faster and easier. No information overload like what we are facing on the Internet nowadays. The concept of Eat N' Run, from what I perceive, is like a fast food concept. People drop by to this restaurant, settle their meal and ciao. But well, if you want to stay longer, I bet they won't chase you away.

The food tastes good too. I tried its special sauce and I like it. Didn't like the fish with mayo when I had it last time because the rice would become rather dry, and nothing special about the mayo. One thing about opting for chicken or fish, I would suggest chicken as there were too much flour put and fried with the fish fillet.

Overall the food and price there are acceptable. It's one of good choices to go when you can't overspend on food yet doesn't want to makan at mamak or hawker stall. This applies to I and S. tee-hee!

Photos to be uploaded soon!

Till then,

chyi ;)

Updates (11th May 2010)

finally i am here to update some photos of Eat N' Run. hehe. this is the exterior view of the shop. recently they have come out with some new choices which i have not tried yet. photos uploaded now are those taken in last year. (i know it loooooooong overdue. sorry.) 

my special sauce chicken chop with butter rice. yum.

S' mushroom sauce chicken chop. "S, hold your fork until i finish taking pictures!" :P

Shihlin Street Snacks

Our favourite makan place at Tropicana City Mall. Before I first visited this shopping mall, I have always heard S talking about his favourite dinner choice - chicken rice in a korean shop. Until he brought me there, it was like "Ahhh, I see. This is the korean shop you have been telling me huh." Shihlin street is famous and is from Taiwan in fact. I always like its fried chicken. And for quite some time, it has been selling a rice box set that comes with fried chicken, some taufu with preserved eggs and white rice of course. A bottle of soya milk is optional in this set. The portion is good enough for us and it has been a good option for us when we don't want to overspend on food (yet unwilling to just settle our meal at mamak).

*what?? I have had this rice box set for many times but never take a single picture of it?! This is so not me.

Let me take a picture of it and show it here next time! Till then, hugs~ :)

Ring The Bell! Ring!

I've got my very first deal today! Yay! :)

It was by luck I guess. But it's a good start and I shall put more effort to get deals by convincing people that it worth to buy what I'm selling. It sounded too soft when I hit the bell. Yet in my heart it was so loud and it's motivating! Am so glad and grateful that there are people around me being helpful and friendly, patiently guide me when I am confused and need a direction. Just like a toddler learning to walk,  it is way to go in this new area that I am exploring and practicing! By the way, this is just a very simple blog I write to remember this special day.

Everyday is special. Don't ya think so?

action movie this morning

had an action movie live in my dream.

the storyline is complicated. at first, we went into a basement car park (not going to shopping I guess?) and were trying to avoid a public bus (rapid kl-like). it feels like the bus was chasing us for... i don't know why. suddenly it changed to another scene, we were at the airport. a plane was about to land. the weather was stormy. my parent came out from the plane. all of a sudden, i was bitten by a dog. a dog that looked mutant, something like the dogs from resident evil, but it was smaller in size. (phew* should i feel lucky? haha)

In that dream, i was sort of sacrificing myself. holding the dog tightly when it bite my wrist so my parent could inject something chemical into its body and terminate its life. I roughly remember the ending of this action movie, the dog was so strong. it struggled. And my parent did not manage to put the injection into it.

First thing when I woke up was to check my wrist. Phew* no biting mark. It's just a dream after all. categorized in action one. haha.

October 6

Last year this date, is the first day I stepped into C12-6. The day I joined the company and became a VMACian. I felt excited, I felt nervous. To a new environment, to a different work culture, to an unknown future.

Remember a few days after I started working, Felex and Ramesh asked me: "Did you get any culture shock since you started working here?" "Yeah, kind of", I replied. They were surprised by my answer. Perhaps it wasn't so serious to a culture shock, but the culture in VMAC is rather different than the companies I worked before.

In this company, I get to work with more people from different races, different background. Communication between individuals within the company, with suppliers like hotels and printing vendors, and with the delegates who come to our trainings and conferences, has added more interests and challenges in my career path.

Time flies. It's been a year working here now. Working as an Ops, I've appreciated every chance of having an event ON, preparing everything for the event to run smoothly and successfully. The best part is to be on-site for the events and meet people. Talking to people from hotel and other industries, from fundamental level to higher managerial level, I get different ideas and inspirations from them. This has reminded me to be humble all the time because one will not be the greatest of all, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Me being me, I like to listen to one's experiences and stories, because I get to know more from this. Just like reading.

Regret to say that these few months in 2009 has been kinda challenging. Pay cut, retrenchment, changing of some's attitude (worsen) at workplace were some of the factors that have brought me down. somehow, demotivated. Yet, there are still some great people with positive attitude around me. We motivate and help each other, we are holding the same belief that things would slowly turn out well. 

Well I am proud to say that I have worked for more than a year, the experience gained is not merely for work. It is for everything that I have come across, that I am facing, and that I will meet in... LIFE.

Cheers, for October 6, 2009.

Schyi.

OWLTE: Foreword

Saw my current updates at the right?

Yes, as subject mentioned, I have applied for a week of annual leave. Until now there is not solid plan on how to fully utilize the 9-day yet. But I am kinda happy now, I feel the excitement is coming to me. Hehe. I'm happy, because at least I can be out of office for a week! Can leave the traffic jam, computer, office wear, MSG-ed lunch and etc. behind me for 5 days. For all that I want the most, is just to chill out and relax...

*Haiks! Just called to book a stay in Awana Porto Malai, the room available 2 hours ago is now sold out! >:( (Checked: All rooms are not available as there will be a group from the Govt arriving on the same date. Alright, I'd be very happy to let go the room for them. hehe.)

It's very unplanned, because up to now no bookings of flight or accommodation is made. Even the destination is not fixed yet. It'll be a very random one I would say. And I believe it will be a great one...

Well, let's see how the escapade work out! :)

25th July 2009

I was about to title this post as "A day to remember". But I guess there are too many good days to be remembered, it'd be better that I specifically put that date in title. :)

This is the first time we celebrated mum's birthday with so many close one around. One group in moderate size that formed a warm gathering dinner at eYuzu, The Eastin Hotel, I guess everyone enjoyed the food and the atmosphere that night.

The food there was good. Seriously I think I will go there again. (but of course, must ask my aunt to reserve the seats and ask for special treats again. haha.)

I hope mum was happy that night. And I hope there will be more of such gathering/ celebrations held, it's fun and at least mum will feel the 'ummph' around.

~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~

Before we went for mum's birthday dinner, S & I had gone for groceries shopping for Stepping Stones Living Centre as the donation drive for July. This donation drive has been progressing and this time we managed to receive more donations in both monetary and kind. Thanks to everyone who made this worked out for the kids at Stepping Stones :)

Travel Travel Travel

So many promotions so many cheap fares, how could we stop traveling???

Seriously, until this July I realised that I have not planned any trip for this year. Specifically I did not plan a trip to the beach this year. This made me feeling bad for sometime. I love beaches. Last year, I actually thought of having a diving lesson in Pulau Perhentian this year. Too bad we didn't really go for it. What more can I say, Vitamin M is the biggest factor that stops me. Haiks!

Airasia keeps having new promotions for airfare and hotels. And I am so desperate for a holiday. Or at least a weekend getaway. Just feel like buying a ticket without planning much. Just take leave, don't really bother if it is unpaid. Just go. But, saying is always easier than action. Words is only words if you don't really start taking action. Like me. Like many common people. Haih... I think another factor that really makes me stop is Schedule. Once I start thinking where to go, I realise I must be committed to something at sometime. In the end, plans most probably do not work out because I am just too over-analyzing.

OVER-ANALYZING. I bet most of the people share this similarity. From 'How I Met Your Mother', it actually reminds me of how myself being over-analyzing at times. I do chicken-out for certain decisions when 'thinking too much' happens. Well, that maybe good or bad depending on the outcomes.

So, I guess I am going to convince myself: Whenever you feel the ummph! to go for something, just do it before the ummph! is K.O.-ed by over-analyzing. As long as you feel good about it, you will still feel great whatever the outcome is. Don't ya think so?

Mollycoddled in the Maldives

Mollycoddled in the Maldives Shared via AddThis

A definitely must-read article! I actually imagined myself having a vacation there when I was reading it. Maldives, a country which everyone wishes to go at least for once in their lifetime. (ahem, actually is me want to visit this country so much) We always find many featured articles on the magazines and n/p covering the beauty of this island but how many people are getting chances to travel there? I guess it won't be many for people from middle class as the travel expenses could be very expensive. It'll be a different story if you are appointed to working there.

Whenever I check out the hotels in Maldives, it always ends up with 'Aww.....', 'Someday I'm gonna be there...' and etc. Always in an awed mode. The comfy room designs, together with the sandy beaches and crystal clear water have made me fell in love with this country at the first sight. The hidden plus point is, the Italian footballers like to go there for vacation! That would be a very saliva-dropping (or 'flooding') scenery if the footballers did sun-bathing there, and so on so forth. (Oops...someone's imagination is running wild)

Alright, I guess if I am lucky enough, with enough Vit-M, I shall be able to go there for once before the islands are sunk. And oh, that should be within a ten-year time!

Time...

...slips away.

This photo was taken in May, last year when I traveled to Krabi. I wonder if these nemos will remember me when I get the chance to visit them again. I bet they will become big fat clown fish by then. Not sure about their life-span tho'.

This pic is wonderful, isn't it? I was fascinated seeing so many clown fish for the first time in my life. They are cute :) People, do put some effort to protect this planet. A lot of wonderful things around are going to extinction as time goes by. As a result of the global warming and pollution. Don't you wish your kids could see these wonderful creatures? I bet every kids even adults would be cheerful seeing sucha wonderful creatures in life.

Hmmm... I can actually feel a sense of calmness when I see this pic, what about you?

Cheers. For the great things in life.

sometimes...

it's not a wise thing to be emotional at work. Yeah but this morning I'd been not so wise. Was kind of frustrated to whatever came to me. Messages, questions, concerns... I just felt like shut my door up and shout: "pls, leave me alone!"

I had to cool myself down. I feel tired. oh yes, I am tired. Literally, I'm lack of sleep, my brain is working slowly, things around me are getting not so organized. I need more time, I want to get everything done timely as planned, and still have the leisure time to do stuff that I personally like.

My temper comes and goes easily. Had a quick release of -ve emo, I am back to the usual me. I feel glad that I have J, for being understanding to me. ;)

Is this a Saturday nite?

What am I doing in this Saturday nite?? Suppose to be a fun nite at somewhere out of KL, a weekend getaway of us, together with a party for Victor. He is getting married on 3rd June.

Ended up I've been sitting on the couch for 2hrs, surfing net - updating myself of long lost classmates & friends, learning some basic html tags to edit blog. The worst thing now is I'm at home, but not so comfortably at home. I am trying to make myself comfortable though! Well, I know I am not doing so well in the role of a daughter to my parent. I'm working out my best in it! Now I've got no one to make fun with, to chit-chat with :( Because it's a Saturday. Justin and Ju-on are out with their own friends, having party and watching movie respectively.

Urgh.

dream comes true

uhhhmmm...I know the title may sound quite 'lou tou' 老土. But literally it fits to describe what I've been wishing for.

A backpack trip to Bali.

Ahh yes, I'm smiling typing the sentence above. :) Can you feel that I'm happy now?

Airasia is giving out free seats and we managed to grab the seats to Bali! WooHoo! :D

Well, gotta do lots of research on Bali now. I'm happy. And feel like kissing somebody.

Muacks Muacks!

* * *
update (2010-11-02):

sad case, we didn't make it to Bali. there were uncertainties as i was struggling in my job and financially we were tight. flights bought during air asia zero fare promo were wasted, but we believe there will always be chances to visit the beautiful place when we have become more stable in our financial and sorted out the uncertainties.  

my Fossil watch

Yay! Finally I've got it repaired. I was surprised when I came to realise that it's been a year, one whole year, since it became spoiled when I was in Krabi.

It's a birthday gift from my mum when I was in high school. Form 4 or Form 5? I don't quite remember. It's my favourite watch. Previously, I didn't dare to wear it so often and it was so well-kept in the casing. Until I found its batteries died, and chemicals of batteries had leaked out and spoiled the electronic parts of the watch, I started regretting that I should have worn it more often. Else it'd be a waste of buying a watch, right? (Plus, it was kinda expensive to me. hehe.)

So my friend helped send it to Fossil Service Centre in SG. Spent about MYR100+ for repair. And I happily wore it to Krabi. Too bad the second spoil happened after it'd been repaired not more than 1month. Carelessness was the reason I shall say. After it dropped onto the floor, it stopped moving. Ahhhh! My heart broken following that fell too. Feel sad because it's my favourite watch, feel sad because of $$$ also!

This second spoil I almost gave up sending it to repair. Was extremely disappointed by the service centre in KL. It took a very long time, I guess about two months? Don't quite remember. For them to 'repair' the watch. What made me angry was after waiting for such a long period, when I went there to collect back the watch after they called and told me the watch was ready, my precious watch was still not functioning at all! And they charged me MYR44 for the alleged new batteries! (oh ya, the reason why the watch stopped moving they gave me was because of batteries!) I actually explained to them how it's spoiled, and the sales assistant in fact has written in the service order to check movement/batteries. They never really give a damn on the instructions, simply changed new batteries and charged me. So I gotta send back the watch to KLCC, again, emphasized problem with the movement of this watch and insisted them to call me to confirm before they repair anything that cost me extra fee again.

Finally, I received the call from KLCC Fossil again one month ago. The watch has been fixed and is ready to be collected. Went to collect it yesterday. Was thinking if they charge me anything extra this time, I would just ask them to keep the watch and I would not pay for anything anymore. Luckily, the end of this story is, my precious Fossil watch is back to me safe and sound. They did not charge me at any repair fee this time. They never refund money on the batteries to me though.

I am happy that I have my watch back now. :) and it's functioning! tee-hee! Now you'll see me wearing it everyday!

"life is like a box of chocolate..."

"...you never know what you're gonna get" --- Forrest Gump

yes. this quote is so simple yet so true. it's best describe how life is unpredictable in an optimistic way. challenges and surprises, whatever you meet in your life are all turned into chocolates, be it sweet, bitter, spicy or whatever flavour you can imagine of. 


i watched this movie for the very first time in early 2009. i have always heard of this movie and i knew it is a very good movie yet never get a chance to watch it until S played it with his ppstream. it is a very heart-touching movie indeed.


months later, i recalled of this quote when my mum got admitted into hospital. there are ups and downs in everyone's life, like choosing a chocolate randomly from a box, you may get any chocolate that you like or dislike. anyhow, you still gotta taste it and enjoy it or get over it.

call

I missed your call.

Am wondering if you would call me as I texted you, so you know I am free to talk now.

But you replied me with text. And I guess you are texting the next sms.

I am waiting...

You z? Will I get to hear your voice before you or I z?

I miss you.

what you wouldn't wanna know remains unknown

...We don't know why calvin was left out in the performers' list. It just happened like he never register for that, although he'd got invitation via email, his friend who went along with him had received confirmation calls too...

Calvin saw a notice from kakiseni that day. It's an open mic night. Theme for that month was comedy. Too bad he couldn't make it for that day as there was another plan on earlier before he noticed this. So he registered for the next open mic in the following month. It was a single open mic night. After getting himself registered to perform in that nite, Calvin started preparing stories he wants to tell. The flow of performance has been rehearsed over times in his head. Thinking that it'd be a good try, they went to the open mic night after work, eagerly wanted to explore something new that seems to be fun and exciting.

It's a Single Open Mic Nite, so they both went there as friends, two singles. What wow-ed them was people there seemed to be different. They aren't alien though. They are different in terms of attitude and behaviour. People there seemed interesting as they are from different social circles, and living culture perhaps. It's a total new environment to them, which the thought of leaving, being cowardy was once flashed in their mind. Yet they still braved up themselves, walked into the venue, got themselves confirmed on the attendance, then seated at the last row and waited for the show to start.

Throughout the whole nite there were people dancing, singing, jokes-telling, and etc. The performers are so talented and what amazed the audience the most was three teenagers who performed music beatbox. Something confused them was, the emcees announced the end of the show but Calvin had not performed yet. He was still waiting for his turn, his turn to perform his very first stand up comedy.


Why the emcee skipped Calvin's turn during the open mic nite remains unknown. But certainly, this show has become disappointing to them and the emcee seemed to be bias or unprofessional.

Brainstorm

I've been thinking of setting up a blog here for quite some times. But it had been just a thought. Which I kept telling myself that I need to spare some time, manage those ideas and thoughts which flashed in my mind that I did not put effort to write it down, or to expand it.

That's why I need a blog.

A blog which I plan not to purposely reveal to anyone until they find out by themselves. A blog which may be randomly read by a stranger who is going to be chyi's first reader. The first reader of this blog. I guess it's me. But who will be the next? I am interested to know.

Last night I was sitting in front of desktop, thinking that I should really make the first step to start this blog. Once this thought came up again, lots of ideas popping out in my brain. Ahhh, at least my brain started functioning more again. Started brainstorming about blog's name, what I wanna blog about and etc. when I was taking my shower. My brain has been in dull mode for quite some time, I guess it happened ever since I started working and not reading as much as I did before. So I was kinda glad that it might be slow but is still able to brainstorm ideas. It's always difficult for me to pick a name for anything, either a blog, a pet, or...just anything. I guess it's because I will be thinking too much huh. Well, I came up with some names for this blog, checked the availability, evaluated every each name. And now you can see what the final one I have chosen is.

Welcome to chyi's traces of life :)

Updates (20th Oct 2009)

I changed the blog name two weeks ago. Thinking that it would be easier to remember if I use the same name as in twitter. "schyi" it is. :)