Humbling Day

Dear diary,

Today was a humbling day... I feel like everything I did/said turned out wrong.

1) On some racial issue, found that I mis-quoted a friend and later turned out into this big debate over what was being said.... Lucky they have get used to me so the issue can be disregarded rather quickly.

2) Work - was confused on some issue and instead of going to my superior, I went straight to the client, where my superior pointed out reflects poor coordination in the team. =_=

3) Work - had to revise rate quoted to a client coz when I asked the dealer, she didn't answer so I asked the client what was the last rate quoted instead. And the rate sounds consistent with our board rate so I agreed to it. Turns out, they should get higher rate and the client was of couse, unhappy and her superior called back.

4) Feel bad for not staying over at my mom's place yesterday when she asked me to do so. The guilt drags on...

5) Coughing profusely. Should have taken Doctor's offer for MC today but refused based on the amount of work I currently have, which I now regret.

I hope it stops there. A bit too much for me to handle this especially in my current coughing condition.

Regards,
Farah

Pangkor Laut Resort pictures and ECLIPSE!

ECLIPSE Fever is definitely heating up since it's arrival in Malaysia yesterday! I would have to say, hmm, actually it doesn't quite meet my expectation coz my expectation was definitely sky high but nevertheless, I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Melted from all the loveeee it exudes. Just wished it could be longer to capture the feeeeeeel from the whole story. Oh... I promised to a friend to upload pictures from my latest vacation @ Pangkor Laut Resort on Facebook but was just too lazy to do anything on the computer at home (FB is blocked at the office). So here goes some of the pictures taken from our most recent vacation.

Look at us. Don't we make good lovely parents? LOL

That's it for now. I do need to do some restructuring with my labels later. Adios~

update: You know what... Hell with the labels. After going through SOME entries, I don't think I give a damn anymore whether the correct labels were being used or not. whatever~ haha

Dear Diary

Dear Diary,

It's raining outside and I don't feel like going home yet as I'm sure the traffic will be congested. Plus hubby is still not done for the day. I would just like to record a VERY cheesy story so if you think you'll get sick of it, please stop reading. This morning I woke hubby up before I left for work since he wanted to leave early. Normally I would only give him a wake up call when I reached office. He was sitting on the bed, still half asleep when I hugged him from behind and asked, "sape yg comel sgt nih?". He then answered, "baby". I know I always call him baby though I don't think he approves it so it is a surprise to me when he admits that he is a baby, MY baby. Hehe... SAYANG SGT. Okay. YOU who are determined enough to read this entry even though I changed the font colour to black, please leave a comment. Let's have a headcount of those who actually managed to read this. LOL.

Love,

Farah

Half year into 2010

I want to update you guys on my very recent trip to Pangkor Laut Resort but pics are still with my brother so that will come a bit later... I guess. (If I am rajin enough to post them up here later, that is.) For now, I just feel like babbling. Somehow I suddenly feel obliged to update my blog coz I was sooo bored, resulting in blog-hopping addiction (as my source of entertainment) and was hoping that everyone would update their blog fast enough to keep up with my frequent visiting.

So where do I start... Pangkor Laut trip has been refreshing and as expected... fattening =D ngeeee.... Gosh, I REALLY need to watch my weight now. Speaking of which, since it is THAT time of the month when typically I would need choc to help calm me down/cheer me up, I was craving for a BAR of DARK CHOC and had been bugging hubby about it. Being the sweet hubby that he is, he went ALL the way to KLIA yesterday and bought me one. (The phone is being placed there for you to have an idea of how big the chocolate bar really is.)
And talking about sweet hubby, he bought me a bottle of perfume right after our Pangkor Laut trip. It was totally unexpected. We were walking around in KLCC while waiting for Lin Ali... went past Versace's booth, where the sales lady offered for a test spray, which I "politely" declined (a very quick "No, Thank you", smiled and quickly walked away without looking back). Hubby suddenly stopped me and asked "Perfume ayg dah nak habis kan?"

Me: Yeah. Why?

Him: Meh syg belikan

Me: Tak payah laa...

Him: Apsal pulak. Jom...

*Pushed me back towards the saleslady.* Grrr *&%$#@

Saleslady: Ha, tadi akak tanye ckp taknak....

Double grrrrr.

Well, being us, who don't like to shop much, we did the purchase in less than 10 minutes. (I didn't even get the chance to refuse this gift. Lucky I actually like the smell of it afterwards. =p)

Here you go: Versus by Versace. (You can actually see in the picture, my old perfume. Still quite a lot. Haha.)

And lastly, checked my cimbclicks just now and am so happy to see both loans I have taken (refer post Investment and Investment - Part 2) are now being displayed on my screen... FINALLY! (where can you find a girl that is so excited to see she has more debt now =p wait a minute. I'm no longer a girl. Haha.) So I guess this will drag me into deficit again... until things get sorted out. Hope not for long (fingers crossed).

Oh. 1 more thing. Thinking of going to the dentist to take out one of my wisdom teeth tomorrow. It has been bugging me for quite some time since it came out sideway and has been biting the inside of my cheek, which is annoying. It is also making my lower gum to swell sometimes so better get this one sorted out... Pray I actually have the guts to go do it tomorrow as I might chicken out and delay the procedure AGAIN. heh.

Kids understand

We are currently on the way to Pangkor Laut, following behind parents-in-law's car. When we stopped at a petrol station for a refill just now, hubby went to take his niece and carried her to the newspaper stand. Just before returning her back to her grandparents, hubby complained how heavy her niece is. When hubby handed her over to his mom, she suddenly said:
Sorry Uncle Boy, Qys berat.
Hubby was immediately speechless and left felling a little guilty.
LOL!

Patriotism

Happy Thursday, everyone.

I went to abang's awards day at KYUEM last Saturday. This day marks his last day there as a student so now we can only sit and wait for the result. Guest of honour on that day was Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar, Chairman of Securities Commission, who gave a very enlightening speech about self development, independence and success. She was saying how refreshing it is not to have to talk about regulation, capital markets in Malaysia etc. and talked about her experience in school instead. She told us how her teacher had encouraged her students to be independant, like when the school didn't have enough funds to build a hall, they did a number of fund-raising events to achieve their target. Later, they wanted to have their own school band so they needed fund for their uniforms and equipments. Again, instead of asking for money from whoever and waiting, they actually took matter in their own hands and work for it, which I find very inspiring. They even won the state level that year. I have heard some ppl TRYING to go into business and blaming relatives for not providing them funds "like the chinese". WTF? I'm sure although some Chinese are lucky enough to get funding from their parents to start off their own business, most of them actually work for it themselves. So STOP BLAMING and START WORKING.

She later went on to touch on the working environment, where she said although there is no doubt your qualification is important to get you in, it is how you perform at work later that would actually get you to the next level. This is exactly the issue I have been facing lately. I know my result got me somewhere but it is a constant struggle to keep on improving at work, where all that KPIs matter. I need to go keep on moving. I can't stay constant or I will be left behind. Howww do I do that???

After the event in the hall is over, we went to the dining hall for lunch where I get to sit and talk with one of my own teachers. He was commenting about interviews and find it bullshit when people say "I want to serve the country" during interviews. What the hell is wrong with that? Honestly, as cheesy as it may sound, I DO feel that way. I DO feel like I owe it to my country to work and contribute back to the society given the amount of money they spent on me for my education. I DO feel like I owe it to myself to make use of some knowledge/skills/experience I acquired for the amount of time I put in during my studies. I'm sure it is not much as compared to other ppl I know... but there was still some effort on my side to at least pass my papers. And although the contribution of ONE small person like me may not actually affect the nation's economy as a whole, combine the small small me and you will get like what, more than half of the nation's total working force? (The rest being the high achievers that DO contribute a whole lot to the country's economy and development.) Anyway, as small as the contribution of one person may be, it is still important to the economy, especially when we later aggregate it to make up for the country's total production, ie GDP. Imagine ONE cleaner refuses to work and his decision affected his colleagues and they also decided not to work, can you imagine the effect it will have on our GDP. Not only will the state be left dirty, there will be less velocity in the market as less people have money to spend, thus other people will get less income from say groceries sales, petrol, bus fare, food stalls etc. So in short, don't underestimate one person's contribution. Also don't look down on one person's motivation to contribute to his/her country. It is NOT bullshit.

In case any of my friends working overseas reading this, you guys still contribute to the country in a number of ways. 1) money sent home 2) Malaysia's reputation to the rest of the world. You guys are the country's small ambassadors. hehe. Proud of you guys, being over there, competing with other world class people. =)

Okay, I'm patriotic. Just shut up now. =p

Toilet seat

Since I'm bored, lets do 2 updates today =p

As some of you might have known, hubby has started venturing out from his agricultural business to construction. Not as big scale as his farming business just yet but he has started on helping with building kitchen and toilet for other farmer and recently tiling aunt's house. I sometimes followed him to the sites and I must admit, it is kinda man-ly work. I mean I don't want to get my hands and shoes dirty doing all that, even if I could muster enough strengh to lift anything. But at home, it seems like a different story.

The toilet seat got detached a few days ago and I found it on the bathroom floor.

When hubby saw me in the toilet picking that thing up, he just said "Dah tercabut dah, ayg."

I picked it up, put it back in place, fasten the lock, looked at him and replied "You did all that construction work but you could not get the toilet seat back to its place?"

He just looked back at me grinning with that cheeky, naughty smile....

Sigh

Exam

Hi peeps,

Exam is finally over. (Thank God) I can finally breathe. BUT not with peace.

It was a disaster... again. Here comes the IF ONLY I spent more time studying and doing exercise, it could have been better.

How the hell do ppl study while working, being married and have kids all at the same time.

I just don't have enough motivation to push myself towards this goal.

Perhaps nothing is at stake... that's why I lack the motivation & discipline.

Urgh, I envy+admire my friends who are doing well at what they do...

Am definitely proud of them... But when will I get there?

It feels like I have lost my direction now.

I want to feel good about myself again, have a sense of achievement but it's nowhere in sight at this very particular moment. Lucky I have a hubby to go back to everyday. At least, that is something that I look forward to at the end of a tiring, directionless day.

I am pathetic...

I cry myself to sleep when my hubby is not with me. pathetic.

Investment - Part 2

Geram laa pulak.

I bought Personal Money magazine last week and read about a lady who bought a property earning ard 1.5K rental monthly income and only had to pay 800 for mortgage... She made extra 700 clean money per month! Oh, how nice. I asked a friend, who was one step ahead of me in this property business... she said expected rental income is also 1.5 K per month, with mortgage payment a little over 800. WHY DIDN'T I bought THAT? My rental supposed to be just enough to cover my monthly mortgage payment + maintenance fee. After awhile I remembered, I would need to fork out 10% for downpayment, which is quite impossible for me to find at this point of time... So I was happy again until just now.

My developer called and said that prospective tenants asking for air-cond to be installed, and asking for a lower rent... 700 instead of 750 it was yielding. The air-cond will be charged to ME! Grrrr... When I refused the installation, the lady told me that if I don't install the air-cond, I might get a lower rental income ie. ard 600-620 per month... Marah nya!!! I was not told about this before. I KNEW they'd hide this kind of details from me when promoting the unit. The kind of things I'm afraid off... "The catch" or whatever they wanna call it. So my call: Go ahead with the aircond but rental stays at 750.

And for the ASB loan now, the person liaising with me apparently is quitting. So she passed the processing to another officer, which should be more knowledgable with the product. And NOW he tells me, signing 2 applications would incur twice of admin charge... which costs 110 per application.

Why the hell these sales people hiding vital information from me.

Arghhh. Please... No more unwanted surprises.

My sis-in-law

Yesterday, my sis-in-law, her bf and one of our cousins came over and hang out. The initial plan was for hubby and me to cook prawn fritters (cucur udang) for our guests. It turned out to be the other way round. Sis-in-law aka abby came and took over the post from hubby... did the dough and continued with the frying. Feeling guilty for letting my guest cook (with a tiny little relieve I didn't have to do it =p), I constantly tried to shoo her away to the living room, insisting of taking over the frying part. (I will NOT take over the mixing part though.) Hubby however, was sooo amazed that THIS sister of his CAN cook. Being in a family of cooking experts, he always thought that he and abby were the only ones that can't/don't cook. All the others are very good at it. She proved him wrong. Her reply when hubby asked why she doesn't cook at home was "There are so many professionals around already."

Oh! I LOVE that answer. Haha. I am always thankful to have her around. She makes me feel connected to the family other than the tie I have with hubby. Both of us are not working with the parents, both of us are not in a rush to have babies, both of us like to hang out with friends and now both of us don't cook at home simple because other ppl can cook better. If I were asked that same question, my answer would be "There is no need to settle for my substandard cooking as everyone else can definitely prepare a more decent food that I can." Haha...

I Love You, Sis!

P.s. - I should also add that we both blog. Haha

Investment

After nearly 3 years of working, I am now entering the saving/investment stage.

I have been saving a little bit in my maxinvest and asb through monthly deduction but that is quite insignificant. Being in the investment world, I am presented with all kind of products, which offer varying returns, depending on the amount of risk you are willing to take.

Since I got burnt through shares investment last year, I am now taking baby steps in this investment business. However, I am looking to diversify my investments, to ensure not to put all-eggs-in-one-basket as the saying goes.

Hence, this year, I have decided on 2 long term investments:

1) Property investment - Bought a 3-bedroom medium-low cost apartment for rental purpose in Kajang. Very near to my current house, which makes it easier for monitoring, I hope. Signed loan agreement, S&P etc... Waiting for all that to be processed and the next step is the key taking event, which marks me as the rightful owner of the house. Hopefully will have a new tenant by then as the current tenants' contract ends in May and they have no intention in renewing it.

2) Applied for ASB loan - This one has been pushed to me several times a few years back but I had no intention to invest here as I was led to believe (by myself) that saving small amount of money monthly is more beneficial than taking this big amount loan. However, since the topic was brought up by Hudam in the email loop the other day, we had the opportunity to revisit the topic and discussed about it extensively. Conclusion, still a good investment to take as long as dividend > interest charged on loan. So yeah, just signed my application for that too... Split the big amount into two so that it would be easier for me to prepay the amount in the event of high interest rate later.

I initially had the intention to own 3 houses by the age of 30... The value of the houses need not be big as I have budget constraint but they need to be in an area with high rental demand. Now that I have found ASB loan, I might have to cut down on the houses or extend the deadline. I do think the ASB loan is a good investment now, given that PNB keeps making money and pay that high dividend they are currently doing.

Have fun investing, ppl!

Lepak-ing week...

Hi, peeps! My last week was full... filled with meeting people and finishing some housechores.

Ditched my diet with a plate full of Nasi Goreng Dani Special on Monday.

Lepak with Asserk @ Sushi King and Starbucks, Metropoint on Tuesday.

Had lunch with Mighty, dropped by Midvalley after work to see Camy, Aizat and Babar on Wednesday, before heading to KL to see Mummy and Mak.

Stayed at home on Thursday, where I "played" with the pregnancy test kit at home alone... (I put there played coz I was 99% sure it was going to be negative... which they did... I bought 2... but I was just so excited to test it for the first time =p)

Lepak with Camy, Yat yat and Bojol on Friday at Carrefour Wangsa Maju and Domino's right after for dinner.

Saturday... stayed at home to do some laundry and some cleaning. Lepak with Cyan and Hani Joe at Ice Room, Nilai for some snow ice and went Karaoke-ing with them and hubby. At night, kidnapped Asserk... Had dinner at Red Wok with Asri and soon-to-be fiancee. Played wii until 2am.

Sunday... Did some ironing, went to Low Yat to exhange my faulty second dance mat, went to KLIA to send Mighty off for Japan...

All in all, it was a FULL but FRIENDLY week.
Time to start a new one and slot in studying in between.
Have fun!!!

peace song

Hi hi... Though I don't blog everyday anymore, I guess this is a necessary update following my latest 2 entries. I am happy to say that I have made peace with myself, thanks to all those around me, friends and family, who supported me through out the so-called ordeal. ehehehe... Quite a number of you stepped forward and offered me plenty of advice and related stories. It is much appreciated. Thank you.

Besides that, while I was in the midst of MY cold war and doing my own thing upstairs last 2 days, I suddenly heard hubby singing this song out loud, out of the blue... As in, it is not played on the tv or something. Not sure whether he intentionally wants to dedicate the song to me or he just had this sudden feeling to sing it without any particular reason... but somehow I find the lyrics to be very meaningful. Don't care if anyone wants to call me perasan for that matter.

Ungu : Tercipta Untukku

Menatap indahnya senyuman di wajahmu
Membuatku terdiam dan terpaku
Mengerti akan hadirnya citra terindah
Bila kau peluk mesra tubuhku

Banyak kata
Yang tak mampu ku ungkapkan
Kepada dirimu...

Aku ingin engkau selalu
Hadir dan temani aku
Di setiap langkah yang menyakiniku
Kau tercipta untukku
Sepanjang hidupku

Aku ingin engkau selalu
Hadir dan temani aku
Di setiap langkah yang menyakiniku
Kau tercipta untukku

Pasti waktu akan mampu
Memanggil seluruh ragaku
Ku ingin kau tahu
Ku selalu milikmu
Yang mencintaimu
Sepanjang hidupku..

marriage counseling???

This is a game hubby plays on the internet - http://www.roguevampires.net/
It has a VALA part, where you can take courses to enhance your character's strength in so many ways.
He has not been active since the laptop screen was damaged but I just got it fixed last week.
First course on the list reads: Marriage counseling
Hmm...

You make me sick

Things I feel like doing when hubby sms those exact words to me:

A) Reply with "You disgust me"
B) Chase him out of the house
C) Ran away from home
D) Stop doing all the housechores and stop running his errands

Well, at the spur of the moment, I opted for C, for only a day... since a directive was issued... I should stay home no matter how bad we fight. (I am sure after this, it will be no publishing personal issues on the blog. But who reads my blog anyway...)

His reply to my action above was: Act as nothing happened.

Current software running: Not talking to each other and stay out of each other's way

Seriously? Do you still feel like going home at this stage of life? Home feels like hell when I cannot speak... coz I talk a lot. Not speaking takes a great deal of effort out of me. Hmmphh.

I LOVE CIMB~

Hua hua hua...
Muacksss!!!

Twlight Saga Craze~

Howdy, everybody. I am driving my husband crazy for this past 2 or 3 weeks with this!!!

Stuck with all the 4 books of the twilight saga and dropping everything else aside for it. Should have listened to Jid and warned hubby before I started. You can say I am practically a walking zombie with the book/story in hand/mind wherever I go. If only I can say the same for my CFA materials... Anyway, Stephenie Meyer is a real good writer... She makes me scared, she makes me cry and absolutely absorbed just by reading her imagination. Good stuff~

Motherly Instinct

Morning ppl!!! (Although I am sure most of you would not be reading this in the morning) Our trip up north was fantastic. Maybe not to the rest of the troop but it was to me. Hehe. Well, the trip didn't quite turn out as planned. When we arrived, we were told that Azmir and Mimi were not on the guest list. Even after the staff arrived and managed to find a place for both of them, all 4 of us were placed in different rooms! So much for a romantic getaway. Since it was already late and Azmir really wanted to meet the DJ and join the event, we stayed for prayers and dinner before we head out to find a place to stay. Initially went to Marina (thanks Sarr for suggesting the place) but ended up with a room in Teluk Batik Resort instead since Marina was left with only a one-bedroom-apartment or a 3-bedroom-apartment.

The place was so so but it was enough for us to just sleep and rest. On the way back, we actually went to Kellie's castle (cuti2 Malaysia la katekan) and detoured to Cameron Highlands. Each of us had a cup of tea or two at Boh Plantations. The scenery was breath taking (really?). Hehe. Pictures are with Mimi since my camera decided to take time off during this whole trip.

Anyway, while on the way to Damai Laut, we obviously chit-chatted about everything under the sun. Then, I brought up the baby issue. Everyone around me is having or looking forward to having a baby but I just don't feel ready yet. Mimi shared her boss' advice with me, which I will share with you guys here today. (I hope she doesn't mind.) Her boss told her, "There is never a "right" time to have a baby". True enough now you are working to establish your career but when you are more established, your responsibility will get bigger and it will make it harder for you to have more time for yourself and family. So when you want to have one, just go for it and learn to make your time around it. Okay. Something like that. Somehow or rather the message gets to me... I find the statement enlightening.

On top of that, I do think my job now is somewhat permitting me to have more time for myself. I am not saying I am working government hours now but it is much better here from another deparment I was with. Then comes the next question, how can I think to have a baby NOW when I have made plans with other ppl to have baby next year. Haha. Okay. That is silly. That should be the least of my concern. However, to my surprise, one of my best friends, whom I made a pledge with to get pregnant next year together, told me last night, that they (she and hubby) are leaving it to fate instead of planning... which means she is ditching the plan before me already. Hmm. Should I?

I don't quite fancy children and do not find them that much adorable especially when they are crying or acting out. But when hubby is constantly amazed by his niece's and nephew's progress, when he kept repeating and imitating what the kids say, I must admit that I somehow feel a tiny pinch of jealousy that he is excited to follow the growth of someone's else child instead of his own (of course he can't coz we don't have one yet!). I guess I am feeling that coz it feels like he won't be as excited as he is now, with his own child's growth when we have one, coz it won't be the first time he sees all these things later.

But when I ask him yesterday... his concerns now are economic stability (hmm, not my VERY main concern) and commitment (to the baby) as in no more "us" time and impromptu romantic getaway. Hmm, didn't quite expect that from him so case closed.

Anwar's Court Case

It's heating up in Malaysia now with Anwar's sodomy case being on trial. I don't know who to believe as clearly both of them (Anwar and his ex-aide) are giving completely opposite statements so obviously one of them is lying. Whatever it is, I hope the truth with prevail. Ameen.

p/s: I'm not a fan of Anwar but if he is really innocent, I do pray his name will be cleared off after this trial. But if he's not, may Allah guide him towards the right direction. Wallahualam.

Officially moved to Bangi

Hi, everyone. I was too lazy to post any update before but I feel the need to write today. (Dunno where all my friends are... everyone's busy so I guess I just have to tell my story here.) I am now officially living in Bangi. My main residence is now there (I'm in office now =p), rather than KL, although I told my mom to not do anything to my room and just leave it as it is. Though I know I should feel excited about it, moving on with life and moving in with hubby, I must admit I was rather sad to leave KL. This is the place where I grow up, the place I really feel comfortable, the place where I belong. As "prepared" as I was before moving, giving myself about a month or so to furnish the house and accept the reality, when the time came, when it actually hit me, it still hurt. I guess I didn't expect it to come this soon... I thought the earliest for us to move in together would be in at least 2 years time, when both are ready to settle down and live as a family, have kids and what nots. Not that I am not ready to get married. For heaven's sake I wanted to get married ever since I got together with this guy. I was just not prepared to the conventional way of married life. But don't get me wrong. I love my hubby with all my heart... and that is the reason I am willing to push the moving in date wayyy forward than what I planned. But I also cannot deny the sadness I'm feeling. And I also know that I will get over it.

The first week of adjusting was extra hard. I was stressed out, turned quiet and sometimes cried... especially when I was left alone, especially when I can't just call any of my friends to hang out with me while waiting for hubby to come home. But I was lucky enough, hubby and mummy and family were all patient enough to accommodate me. They stuck by me facing my own fear. For that, I am very grateful.

The days after was uneventful until yesterday when I had a terrible experience with traffic. Left home slightly late for work and was stuck in jam for more than an hour!!! (When it should just take me half an hour.) =_= Hohoo... Was pretty frustrated and tired from that experience and vowed to never leave home later than 7 again! So new resolution> Need to leave home extra early... Moreover, last night my Touch N Go was left with 60 sens (which is not sufficient for one journey) so I either need to reload or queue up to pay the toll. Hubby, wanting to leave early for work too, purposely blocked my car so that I HAVE TO wake him up before I go to work. So today, I woke up at 5.30, took my shower, did my prayers and waited... Did some cleaning in the kitchen, refilled ice-cube compartment and waited some more. I was waiting to wake hubby up coz I know he slept later than me. I didn't want to wake him too early but at the same time, I didn't want to be late for work. Was tempted to even do laundry just now but didn't think I would have enough time. At 6.30 sharp, I turned on the light and forced hubby out of bed. We managed to leave home ard 6.45. I had to stop at 2 petrol stations to reload my Touch N Go (the first one ran out of credit), then at another to pee (couldn't hold it any longer) and at another one to deposit money into the Cash Deposit Machine. So practically petrol stations are not just to fill in petrol for me. They are my everything... reloading agent, toilet and bank!!! hehe... Anyway, arrived office just on time... (was not even early) but was satisfied enough with traffic. (No more petrol sucking, leg numbing, an hour long jammm)

This weekend, we are heading up to Damai Laut with Azmir and Mimi. Hope that will take my mind off the frustrating things and move on with exciting new future. Till then, tadaaa

Happy New Year, ppl!

Hi! Hi! Hi! I guess the year is still fresh and new to be still wishing you ppl that. Anyone set any new year resolution for this new year? Well, I dont quite have one myself. When I was studying, when ppl asked me what my new year resolution was, I always answered to study hard that year. Well, I think I would do it anyway for my future irregardless whether that was made my new year resolution or not. I did say last year I wanted to be nicer to ppl (coz I know I'm not sooo nice at times) and probably I still need to observe that. Other than that, I probably want to lose weight... or not... (coz I dont think I am THAT fat although ppl keep telling me otherwise and I will lose some treasured fat if I lose weight which I don't quite want. Yes, seriously) I want to study hard For Real for my CFA (which I didn't attend last December since I was down with really bad sore throat and cough). Well, those are the things I want to achieve moving forward but they are not really my new year's resolutions. They are just some things I want/need to do in this near future.

Bangi... Bangi... Bangi... I bought my long-awaited bedroom set (without the bed since we have one already) with a 7 1/2 feet long and 8 feet tall wardrobe. (Heaven!) Bought it at Cavenzi, Sg Besi at a reasonable price. But what was kinda weird was that I went to 2 Cavenzis before but had never came across this set. (I even went through their catalogue!) Nearly gave up and wanted to just take the offer from a shop BESIDE Cavenzi, Balakong (Balakong was SuPPoSeD to be Cavenzi's HQ) if there's no such offer available at World of Furniture yesterday. (Not that I need it to be from Cavenzi but since there was sooo much hyped going around about the cheap prices and all, I was kinda frustrated when I can't find something that would suit my need). Anyway, to cut the story short, after window shopping at 2 shops with mummy, 3 shops with hubby, I finally found what I want yesterday. I was sooooooooooo happy indeed... Yes, shopping is tiring for me. But this is a big amount of money we are talking about so need to spend a bit of time shopping around first before can really close a deal. Next would be a side kitchen cabinet and a fridge.

Other than that, I am currently trying to catch up with TV series that I have left behind last year. Thanks to Ms Irna for supplying those series to me. Am currently watching Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy and soon Gossip Girl as well. Well, I'm kinda lagging behind so need to catch up faster... wait a minute. There's no NEED to catch up faster. I'm in no rush... Just kinda bored at the moment. Alritey then. More updates later. Daa~

Goodbye 2009~

Hello peeps! There are a lot of changes going on in my life at the moment, being married and all. Big news (at least to me): We have finally decided to move in together and live in Bangi at last... So currently quite busy trying to furnish the house and make it as live-able and home-y as possible. Tentative moving in date is 16/01/10... (3 months after being hubby and wifey). Have not decided on house-warming date yet... so be patient.

I actually have mixed feeling about moving to Bangi. Though I am still keeping my room in KL, my main residence now will be in Bangi, instead of Setapak i.e. the place where I practically grew up. As excited as I am to start living with my beloved hubby, I can't deny feeling really2 sad to leave KL. (well... partially... I still work in KL)

Pros:

1) Living full time with hubby

2) In between hubby's farm and my office so both have to commute less kilometres

3) Have proper kitchen that I would consider cooking in

4) Bigger house??? (Not sure whether this is a pro since only me, hubby and mummy living there)

Cons:

1) I have no friends there... Most of my friends live in KL!!!

2) Further away from office... Nak balik jam coz I am no longer going against the flow... (Most ppl work in KL and live elsewhere. Bangi & Seremban included so I will be going WITH the flow, thus, traffic is really gonna be a problem)

3) Sentimental value in KL

Hmm, I guess that's it for the main points...

And obviously the first point carries a bigger weight, hence the decision to move. So Bangi, here I come.

New year... New life... And hopefully for the better...

HAPPY NEW YEAR, people!!!

Selamat Hari Raya AidilAdha

Hi, everyone. I just woke up ard half an hour ago... (ard 4.30pm-ish) and I'm at my in-laws!!! (What a way to celebrate First Raya with hubby's family) My hubby and I didn't even attend the morning raya prayer and we only woke up and had our breakfast ard 10-ish. We stayed awake for awhile and went back to sleep. The reason being, not only today is a holiday... hubby is not feeling particularly well. He keeps coughing through out the night, thus we are sort of having sleepless nights at the moment... Somehow or rather, the coughing is not that bad during day light. It strikes as a bit weird to me but was told by mother-in-law, hubby's cousin had a similar experience last month, admitted herself into a hospital and found out there was virus in her blood. If hubby's coughing does not subside by monday, mom-in-law is admitting him into hospital ... which is a good thing since I will be on my compulsory cum study leave the whole of next week.

I guess hubby didn't have a good week. It started off with him being told he missed the federal government tender. The fact is he didn't even know that his company's name was even nominated. He was only told by a fellow farmer, who went and asked why he wasn't there. When his company's name was announced and no one showed up, his portion was given to someone else, just like that. He was obviously sooo damn frustrated as the tender could have worth at least hundrends of thousands. As sorry as I felt for him, the only thing I can say is "takde rezeki la tuh. Nak buat camne". Well, I'm sure Allah knows best and He will give what He feels is best for us. Ameen.

We are 1 month old! =)

Hi, everyone! I just feel like writing coz I'm just too lazy to do anything else. It's lunch time at work now so office is pretty quiet. Oh... I got a new PC here at the office, at long last and this one is wayyy better than the old one, where I had to wait 10 mins or more for it to start & be fully functional and a couple of minutes to open an excel file.

Initially, I feel like blogging in Malay after reading bojol's blog. (Bojol, the way you blog is so simple, yet so funny. heheh.) Then, when I started structuring my thoughts, I don't feel like it anymore. After all, I'm not trying to copy Bojol, right? hehe.

I don't actually have anything specific to blog about. But today, me and hubby have been together as husband and wife for exactly one whole month!!! Weee... I hope we last forever and ever and ever ever and ever ever. I marked my one month with him with this statement:

me: Now I have one reason why I DON'T like sleeping with you...

him: (Straight away give me full attention) What is it???

me: I don't like leaving you in the morning when I have to go to work. Ahaqs!

Gotcha hubby. I Love You!!! Muacks

I'm married!!!

Good day, everyone. I know it has been a long break since the last post. As you should have known, I was busy preparing for my wedding, got married, hosted a reception (two including the groom's side) anddd back to work. I wasn't expecting my life to change at all, honestly, but I guess it is changing bit by bit. As a wife, I'd feel slightly guilty to not be by hubby's side, at least when the day is over and during the weekends. Trying to travel up and down every other day is abit tiring, for both of us, but we are trying our best to make it work. Some ppl strongly disagree with the fact that we are sort of staying separately at the moment but the thing is we still travel to see and be with each other most of the time so what's the big deal. It's not like we don't have a place to stay on our own but we are not quite ready to move in together yet. I dunno... maybe financially, emotionally, physically??? whatever... not ready is a general, the most accurate word to describe our position now. Hmm, maybe I should actually start by thanking those of you who attended my wedding. THANK YOU, GUYS!!! It means a lottt to me seeing all of you there... I do need to apologise to those who came, but did not get a chance to meet me. I understand some of you guys have a lot of events to attend that day, thus, not being able to stay for a picture or even say hi. But all in all I am VERY HAPPY with how the reception turned out and am very grateful it went very smoothly.

As for our honeymoon, we picked Pangkor Laut as the preferred destination and I'm telling you now, it's damn worth it. To those of you who are not familiar with that name, Pangkor Laut Resort, is located near THE Pangkor Island itself, but is not on the same island. It is a private island owned by YTL and is a very very very nice place!!! OMG!!! Go check it out yourself. It's a luxurious little place that offers you privacy and peace. It is such a shame that many Malaysians I spoke to don't even know the existance of this place, possibly it is because this resort is more on the pricey side but nevertheless it is worth even cent we paid. Initially I didn't even considered this place but a colleague told me about the local residents package that is wayyy cheaper than the standard internet rate. The downside about my honeymoon is, we relaxed too much that I put on a lot of weight during my 3 days 2 nights stay there!!!

Centralise Marriage System in Malaysia (Part 2)

Just to add a few more pointers and stories for prospective newly-weds.

1) Make sure you know your qariah and your registration centre

-One friend of mine, stays at the border of KL-Selangor. Her address is in KL but the mosque nearest to her house is Selangor. So when she went to JAWI, she was sent to JAIS. When she went to JAIS, she was told she to go to JAWI. She had to go back and forth a few times before finally one Jabatan Agama accepted her application. (See... even they don't know which place falls under whose jurisdiction)

-Another friend of mine, stays in Bangi and went to the nearest PAID (Pejabat Agama Islam Daerah) in Kajang to submit her application. She was told that she had to submit her application in Salak Selatan, which is near KLIA and Nilai, Hazmi's current area. Hazmi, on the other hand, can't submit there, since that would fall under Selangor. So he has to submit in Seremban. So make sure you get your registration centre right.

2) Changing of address

-I dont have much experience in this. The most I had to do was fill in a form confirming my status of residency, signed by my kadi. I had to do this because the address in my IC is different from my house address. But the address in my IC is just in the housing area next to mine so it is still in KL and within the same vicinity.

-I heard a friend of mine, who is from Penang but currently staying in KL, is trying to claim residency here in KL. In other words, he is trying to file his application in KL, instead of in Penang. So I heard he has to fill in some forms proving his current address, bla bla bla. I don't know the procedure so to those who plan to do the same, better go find out about that.

Ok peeps. I am just sharing these stories here so that you people would be more prepared to face these challenges ahead of you. It might be simple and easy for some, but if you are a bit unlucky, it could also get very complicated. Speaking about inefficiency, I was told by JAWI, it would only take about an hour or so for them to process the application but when Hazmi went to submit his form in Seremban, he was told that they need 3 days to process the application. So just be prepared. Don't be surprised if you take a day off from work to settle all these things, just to be told that it can't be done within a day. Good luck~

Centralise marriage system in Malaysia

I don't understand why it is so difficult to process marriage application in Malaysia. When I wanted to collect the form, I asked a friend, who then asked her father, whether I should go to Seremban to get the form for my fiance. I was told I can get everything from JAWI (Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan) since my marriage will be registered there. So I drove all the way from Nilai to KL to pick up both forms and was told that I need to go to Seremban to pick up Hazmi's form. =_= Today the same thing happened again. Hazmi has filled up his form and got the imam's signature. So I went to see my imam and I asked him. "Do I need to submit Hazmi's form to Jabatan Agama Seremban?" He told me, I don't have to do that because the marriage will be registered in KL so everything will be arranged here. This time, I asked again, "Are you sure?" He said yes. Considering he is the imam of my area, I believed him when he said that. However, when I went to JAWI just now, I was again told that Hazmi needs to get permission from Seremban to get married. Firstly, we DON'T NEED YOUR PERMISSION TO GET MARRIED. And secondly, why can't everything be centralised? I mean, after all, we are all in Malaysia. Why can't they have a database and process everything from anywhere, as long as you submit your form to a Jabatan Agama, irregardless in which state you submit your form to? Urgh. They are making it so difficult to get married.

Another thing is, my parents are divorced. Since I am their first daughter, I need to provide their marriage certificate to prove that I am a legitimate daughter from that marriage. Fair enough. Since they are divorced, I provided their divorce letter and my mom's swearing-in letter to confirm the matter above. But each time, they have a look at the letter, they will just have to ask, "surat nikah takde eh?". Aren't YOU the one working in Jabatan Agama? Shouldn't YOU know that when you got divorced, they will take back the marriage certificate??? OMG! Damn irritating. Please stop asking me stupid questions!!!

To those who are in the process of getting all this permission/approval crap, here's the list of what you should do (irregardless of what anyone else might say):

1) Go for the marriage course

2) Collect guy's form from his state's Jabatan Agama

3) Collect girl's form from her state's Jabatan Agama

4) Do HIV test

5) Fill in forms

6) Guys - Need pengakuan akuan bujang from employer/ketua kampung/imam

7) First daughters - Provide parent's marriage certificate. If divorced, provide divorce letter and surat sumpah

8) Submit form to guy's side for kebenaran berkahwin

9) Submit form (together with guy's completed form and approval) to girl's side for kebenaran berkahwin

It was supposed to be a simple process so it should be done in no time. But when different ppl tell you different things and the Jabatan Agama being so inflexible, it just complicates the whole process. I hope this is a bit of a help for prospective newly-weds (if you don't already know).

Staying

I remember wanting to blog about something but I don't remember what to blog about. While I figure that out, I think I'll just blab for awhile. Before that, on a more serious note, CIMB has finally delivered what they promised me months ago. So I'm happy to say that I am at peace working there now. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee.............. ^_^
What the??? Haha... Whatever~

And wedding preparation update:
Booked the dress and make up for his and my side
Have started printing invitation cards
Booked a photograper looong time ago
Both of us are done with HIV test
Hazmi forms are complete and ready to go

To do list:
Still looking for a videographer
Havent bought the ring and hantaran and whatever comes with it
Made appointment to submit my forms with my dad and kadi this Sunday
To buy more door gift coz we only bought about 200 before

Relationship - read at own risk

I always find myself as an open, sharing person, as in stories-wise... I AM NOT a secretive person, thus I tend to NOT hide things from people unless it is really necessary for me to do so. So when a friend of mine shared with me her experience before she got married, I was kinda surprised I didn't know it when it happened. Nevertheless, I am thankful for her sharing the story at the right time... while I am going through a rough patch in my engagement period.

What I didn't know about this seemingly happy friend of mine is, a week before she had gotten hitched, her ex-boyfriend came back to her, asked her NOT to marry her fiance and marry HIM instead! Wow, that's a dramatic move. I mean, a week before the wedding, like reallyyyyy ex-bf? As much as she was and still is in love with her man, she did still have feelings for the ex. Hence, she was such in a confused state for awhile when all this drama happened. Needless to say, she cried and cried and prayed hard but finally decided to stick with her decision and go on with the fiance instead. I am happy to report, they are now happy together, bought their own place and expecting their very first child. On top of that, we also suspected another very close friend of ours, went through a somewhat similar experience. This girl, S, had a difficult choice to make between two guys, both are (yes, past and present) madly in love with her. She decided with one, which is her present hubby now, but had a hard time letting go this other guy, who I suspect was very frustrated that she had chosen the other man instead.

After hearing these stories that evening, I started to think that my problem isn't half as big. But the thing is, I don't have the liberty to choose between two guys coz I only have one. These girls, no matter who they choose, will end up with a guy. It's only a matter of a better guy. I, on the other hand, is to marry this guy or not. My problem is actually him frictioning with me and now I discovered another one, hiding things behind my back, although he promised not to do so two years ago. (I suspect he forgot he made that promise because he just made it again... or he is just not the kind of man that honour the promises he makes... I hope it's the first one because if it's the second, I should not be marrying him in the first place!)

The problem started with him trying to save a damsel in distress, as always, being the honourable guy. Me, on the other hand, opposed that idea as I believe in hard work earned money. I understand his point of view but was nevertheless mad at HER, the damsel in distress. Although I was so mad at her for always asking money from us, I didn't want to directly shoot her so I only poured it out to my fiance instead. He then got mad at me for... erm, I am still not too sure why and stopped talking to me altogether. Apparently, he thinks I accused him of something? Something like that.

It's only when we are trying to sort things out, I truly found out (I suspected it long before already) he went to see somebody I don't quite particularly like (because she used to have like a big crush on him before and even after finding out this guy is dating someone else, she still is very mengade with him... geeshhhh... gedik) BEHIND MY BACK.

Oh My God! Two things in a row. Like seriously? We have less than 3 months before the wedding and I really hope nothing new would come up. This is just stressing me out. Maybe it's a good thing... Maybe it is a reminder for me to NOT love a guy with ALL MY HEART. A friend of mine warned me to keep a portion of my heart for myself but I told her I can't do that coz I have fallen 120% in love with my fiance. When all these things hitting me just 3 months before the wedding, I am starting to think, maybe, I should follow my friend's advice instead.

It's not too late for me to do that, right? The problem is, I'm sure when our problems are "solved" (at the time of writing, Mr Fiance still refuses to discuss the matter at hand, so they are currently being swept under the rug) or rightly forgotten, I WILL once again surrender all my heart into his hand and risking it being crushed again and again.

I hope I am not making the wrong decision here for staying in this half-transparent relationship. Oh Allah, Please help me coz only You know BEST!

Trial

I always thought we could weather through anything. Now I'm not so sure.

I guess the demons are working real hard now that the date is near to ensure they do not lost their most profitable clients on earth.

June update

Hi! Hi! What's new with everyone? I havent had the time to read all your blogs. All I can do at the moment, in the middle of my hectic life, are calling/meeting some of you once in a while and sourcing stories about you guys from other ppl.

And what's new with me? I passed all my 4 papers for my PKMC exam. Not with distinction but I am very thankful with the result already. Was super worried especially for my 2nd module but Alhamdullilah, He let me passed. Sadly, no increment as expected so I have to make do with this tiny pay for now.

Wedding preparation... well, is a bit slow... as usual. We took the forms from Jabatan Agama in KL & Seremban respectively but it's still too early to submit them now. I took my HIV test. Hazmi hasn't. We ordered our cards but haven't send in a few items they needed. Theme and costume... not finalised... Door gift... have not decided on that either. Oh my! So little time, So much to do.

Hazmi farm is still running in good shape. I am there almost every weekend but this week Hazmi asked me to rest and wait for him came over instead, which was why I had some extra time to update this blog. We watched Transformer 2: The Revenge of the Fallen yesterday and it was awesome. Bumped into Baby D just before the show, which was cool coz the air fight and all reminded me of her.

Oh, I'm 25 now!!! And thanks to EVERYONE who celebrated my birthday and also those who wished me from near and far. Love you guys... Muacks.

My 2nd trip to the MAS Cargo

Hi All!!! My exam is finally over and the result would only be out next month. In the meantime, I would definitely like to enjoy myself and spend more time with my soon-to-be hubby at the farm and of course, my mom. So I decided to spend my weekend with both of them i.e. Saturday with him and Sunday with mummy. I'm so lazy to type about everything that happened so to cut it short, I went to Mas Cargo again last Saturday to accompany hubby picking up the new batch of feral. Oh my, he just looks so hot while working... *drools*

Here's the new batch of feral, the wilder type of goat. They are bigger and stronger (compared to... say... local goats and even lambs, which are also available for sale). Better catch them quick coz they sold out fast. For more info, log on to their website exq-farm.blogspot.com or just click at the link at the side of this blog. Else, call me to get his number directly. (Only for customers okay. Admirers and stalkers are not entertained) LOL.

Engagement, Confirmation and PKMC exam!!!

Normally, after a long break from updating the blog, I would only write in when Irna bugs me to. Quite surprised she hasn't been bugging me already. I'm guessing she's either too busy with her life at the moment or she just couldn't be bothered anymore. Anyway, what's (not so) new with me?
1) I'm engaged to my beloved Hazmi on 7th February ^_^
2) I'm confirmed in CIMB (at long last... that took forever!!!)
3) And I am currently sitting for my PKMC exam. =_=
For those who has been wondering how I did in my CFA last December, as expected, I failed. As historical as it is, being the first me failing a major exam, I wasn't actually expecting a pass as I hardly even completed the syllabus, let alone practised answering the questions. Although it is very frustating since it was very costly, I had signed up to sit for it again this December. Wanted to push doing it in June but I just need some space to breathe. With the wedding coming in October, I just can't take in another major event in my life. Sometimes I think there's just so many things to do, catch up with and chase in this phase of life that I just feel like dropping it off altogether but come to think about it again, I thought I shouldn't give up so easily without a good fight. Hope the money spend on the exam would be worth it this time. Alrightey then. Time to start studying and start the countdownS.

A state of happiness

I don't want to talk about this coz this is very personal but I want to pen this down somewhere as a record, as a memory... so here I am writing in my "diary".

Dear Diary,

At this point of time in my life, I am feeling so damn happy and lucky to be dating this ReALLy rEallY GREAT guy. And God's willing, we are soon gonna be engaged and hopefully making it official on paper to build our life together by the end of next year. I am SoOoO happy and EsTaTiC that he has been SO SO SWEET lately, that sometimes it makes me feel guilty thinking that I might probably not making him feel the same way. Sometimes I am also scared that I might screw this up because to me, now, this is just perfect. I don't want to spoil this in any way, like what happened to some of my friends, intentionally and especially accidentally. I am confident that I would not intentionally hurt him in AnY way but I hope the latter won't Ev3R take place. Like any typical girl, I pray that he won't hurt me and break my heart as is typically seen in real lives and movies. But I also hope he is not reading this because I don't want him to be scared or knows that I am scared or thinks that I am so clingy and change his mind. (Though I think he would one day come across this and if he actually/when he eventually does, I hope this article wouldn't change a bit of what it is today). Of course, there will be some ups and downs, but I hope we will get through anything together and stay strong forever.

I just finished watching "Definitely, Maybe", a story about a father, who is heading for a divorce, relating his love stories to his young daughter. When he said "The happy ending is I have you", I started crying. (Yes, I am always a bit soapy when it comes to this). Then it got me thinking... I have been crying almost half of my childhood, wishing everything would be better one day and now... it is... FiNaLLy it is... and I really really hope it would last... FoREv3R. To you, Mohd Hazmi Abdul Halim, though I am wishing you would not find this, if you do, please remember that you are the love of my life, my very one and only. And I can only thank God for sending you right to me. I love you with all my heart! Thank you~

xoxo,

me

The end of 2008 ~The beginning of 2009

Hi peeps... It has been a while... *ehem* well, a looooonnngggg while since the last update. And I am writing this post now... as usual... to fulfill Miss Irna's request for me to update this long forgotten page. Lets see... where do I start?

2008 has been quite a productive year to most ppl ard me. Hmm, what happened to me? Err, nothing much actually. I changed department from Treasury - Debt Capital Market and Syndication to Treasury - Global Sales and Group Funding. It was a great experience "training" under the syndicate team but I am also enjoying my time here at GSGF. Apart from the normal day-to-day work, we have to also entertain clients with events like bowling, movie trips and year-end party (where we got to dance) so it is still quite fun. However, I am still a trainee and hoping to get confirmed by early next year. On a more personal note, I went to Redang with my beloved last October (alongside Ms Irna, Ms Aiya and Mr Aiya), sat for my CFA exam which was quite disastrous and... have been trying to lose weight unsuccessfully. So my new year's resolution would be... (well, not so new year as it has to start now...) losing 6kgs by the end of January!!! So wish me luck.

As for ppl ard me (as you could probably guess), being in the prime age of settling down, there have been a few waves of engagement and marriage ceremonies all ard... not to mention babies. Trying to fit everything in my very tight schedule, I would try my very best to attend the ceremonies at least to those closest to me. I am so sorry to those ppl whose ceremony I failed to attend. It does not mean you are not important to me... it just mean I am not a witch to be at more than one place at the same time (although I would be very much delighted to have that power *wink*). Expecting a few more waves next year, early first half and mid-year, so keep the invitations coming ppl ^_^

And lastly, update on my sweetest man's progress... His farm is now up and running... with 60 hopefully fertile females, 2 very healthy males and 2 cute baby goats. It is just so amazing... From a forest land, it is now a full-fledged, goat rearing farm. Occasionally, mostly on weekends, I would drive over and play with the goats... help to feed them but that's about it. I'm not that much of a help but nevertheless, I am currently moonlighting as a farmer... errr.. no.. a farmer's wife? Hahaha... Anyway, I can proudly say that I am such a lucky girl to have met and have him in my life.

Cheers.

From this

To this



And this!

Avril Rocks!

Attended Avril's concert at Stadium Merdeka yesterday and it was just superb. She's such a good singer and performer. Her dressing was simple, with just baby-tee and jeans but the concert rocks. Her live singing is awesome... not like some singers who have to lip-sync/mime to their own songs. She didn't blab much to the audience... only a simple line or two... saying that she's happy to be here (which I doubt, with all the last minute cancellation threat and the stupid so-called-protest which I think did not take place) and how's everyone's doing but nevertheless, she interacted well with us... Her expressions were just the cutest and she conquered the whole stage, just like any professional would. Apart from singing, she also played the guitar, piano and drum! Such a talented artist... Anyways, I was standing throughout the whole show (although I actually bought the free seating ticket) but it was all worth it. Was content with the not-so-expensive ticket I bought. It seems a bit packed in front, and I don't quite like packed places. Needless to say, the concert RoCkS! and my bf is such a dear throughout the whole show with me. ^_^ I'm simply happy.

I was on NST!

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/2317677/Article/index_html

Banking on 'universal' exposure to build career

Farah is happy learning all she can as a management trainee at CIMB.

KUALA LUMPUR: Farah Haida was a first-year undergraduate when she attended a career talk by CIMB Group corporate resources head Hamidah Naziadin in Cambridge three years ago.
Two years later, as she approached graduation from the London School of Economics, she decided to check out the Careers Fair of the United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students in London.

There, she once again came across representatives from CIMB -- one of the many companies wooing graduates such as herself.

Having done her research on CIMB after Hamidah's presentation, Farah decided to only pursue the interview offer from CIMB, despite having received offers from other companies at the exhibition.

Now 24, Farah is happy learning all she can as a management trainee at CIMB.
And so far, Farah has enjoyed every bit of the experience, which she describes as "enriching".

She has been posted to three departments -- corporate assurance, CIMB principal asset management and direct banking and cards -- since she joined the firm last August.

"So far, all the department heads have been very accommodating. They give me work which helps to build up my learning experience."

Although she likes what she's doing, Farah has set her sights on joining CIMB's treasury department.

Hamidah said that at CIMB, the strategy was to expose new recruits to as much of the business as possible, in line with its aim of training "universal bankers"."

They are not confined to a specific area of work, which means that they can experience the full depth and breadth of the business, an opportunity they may not have if they pursue their careers in a larger foreign bank."

Rueben Gan, a first-year philosophy and economics student at the London School of Economics, is coming back to intern for the summer holidays at a consultancy firm in Kuala Lumpur.

But, unlike Farah, he plans to stay on and work in London for a couple of years upon his graduation in June 2010.

Gan said a first-year internship in Malaysia would look good on his resume and it would help him with a second-year internship in London.

"It will give employers the impression that you have the initiative and drive to pick up some relevant and useful work experience in your free time, on top of the obvious credentials on the CV. It may also give you something to talk about in the interview room."

Gan, however, feels it is better for him to remain in Britain after his graduation to gain experience and exposure."

I also enjoy the lifestyle, the city and the diverse mix of people. It's nice to work in a vibrant and exciting environment when you are young."

Fat

Stop saying a girl look fat, chubby or has been putting on weight. You are only torturing the bf. ^_^ hihi

Life is short, Love is Forever

A couple of weeks ago, I rushed back to Perlis after receiving a call from my cousin. Her husband, in his late twenties, passed away from a car accident. She... is 4 months pregnant with their first child. In my opinion, she was surprisingly strong. I, without doubt, would not be able to pull that kind of strength to face that situation. Several times, I tried to imagine me being in her shoes, I just end up in tears. Through out my few hours visit, she calmly told me what happened, answered questions and accompanied me to the husband's fresh grave. I, on the other hand, could not think of a word that is powerful enough to comfort her or tell her that everything is going to be okay. All I could do was give her a hug and tell her to take care.

On another chapter, today is the third day Hazmi has been away from Malaysia. He went to Bangkok to celebrate his graduation with his ex-housemates. Given the super expensive rate to call home, I am "barred" from calling him (or rather "barred" from disturbing his happy moments with his friends). Of course, I am not trying to hi-jack his happiness. In fact, I wish him all the joy in the world. Plus, it is not like I would die from not talking to him. Or would I? No... I am still alive but I feel like all my life has been sucked out of my face. Life is just dull without him in it. If I were to be the one there, I would definitely swallowed the cost to just hear his voice for a minute everyday. I am SUPER addicted to him. The fact is, it is him there now. I can't just call him anytime I like. That would just ruin his super fun trip. I want to let him go and have fun but i miss him so much. Why the hell I have to feel this way. Sob. Sob. I wish I'm not that dependant on him as I am now.

If I have all the time in the world

I would want to re-learn and master my game theory subject!

Friendship

It doesn't really matter how long you have known each other for. It could be 1 week, 2 months, 12 years... All that really matters is how much you care for each other and be there for you when you need them the most. I am blessed to be given such great friends around me. I love all of you. ^-^ xox

5 1/2 years

What does that mean to you?

A child that age can attend pre-school already. Yet the presence of it is not felt...

Enough politics

I've never had that much interest in it anyway. Was only heated up when I read those articles since I've been following the crude oil prices. Hence the entry. Read another article about a minister slamming bloggers for making political entries. Am sure she's referring to the left-wingers, but to be fair, I don't one to be one-sided. So enough politics here... We can talk economics if we want to. Heh. That would benefit me a lot. But the last one was such a hot entry, huh? haha. Well, that entry is not closed if anyone of you wants to add, elaborate or argue with any of the comments there. Irna... I don't have any energy to type about it anymore. I've been typing very long comments on that. So if you are lazy to read the newpapers "clippings", do read the comments. It would help to summarize the whole argument.

Had some ideas on what to write yesterday but forgot already now. Maybe I'll continue writing later.

What the hell!

I thought of writing a proper entry on how excited I am to be voting for the first time. I was planning to say that our vote is P&C so I am not going to reveal which party I am going to vote for. I was also planning to say that unlike US voters who choose their candidate based on their current policy stance, I am not that much influenced by all that coz it all looks like gibberish to me. All I care about is a peaceful, prosperous and comfortable community to live in. Then I came across these articles. What the hell... Now I AM INFLUENCED by what policy they are making. If you don't know how to run a country, then don't run for candidacy. Or at the very least, don't make such ridiculous promise just for the sake of winning a seat without thinking of the consequences to the country. Yes, the promise seems very attractive. Petrol subsidy is essential for the people of the nation BUT it's ALL about balance. You can't expect to tackle one issue without sacrificing another in the economy. Are they trying to push us back to being a socialise economy? Yeah, that sounds like fun. Lets go back to using coupons to get food in the country. Ration it and divide equally regardless of taste, need or effort put in. This statement came in light just a day after I read about Melaka government trying to offer jobs to poor people but they refuse to work as they would prefer to receive benefits instead. (Of course, I haven't factored in those who are REALLY incapable. Hopefully the statistics would already have.) And I dislike beggers!!! Go find a job! A cleaner, a nanny, clerk... Whatever... If you are capable enough to walk around asking for money, you are capable enough to at least swipe the floor or probably be a translator for the blind or something. At least, now you know who I will NOT be voting for. Hmmph!!!

Copied from www.utusan.com.my

Syor Pas tak masuk akal
KUALA LUMPUR 19 Feb. – Cadangan Pas menubuhkan negara kebajikan disifatkan sebagai tidak masuk akal dalam keadaan dunia menghadapi kenaikan harga minyak mentah mencecah AS$100 dolar (RM320) setong.

Justeru, banyak pihak berpendapat, konsep itu hanya janji manis parti pembangkang untuk menawan hati pengundi yang akhirnya menyebabkan rakyat hidup melarat dan tertekan.

Presiden Persekutuan Syarikat-Syarikat Tersenarai Awam, Datuk Seri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas berkata, Pas perlu lebih realistik dengan konsep negara kebajikan kerana bukan mudah menyalurkan begitu banyak subsidi kepada rakyat ketika harga minyak mentah di pasaran dunia semakin melambung.

Menurut beliau, kerajaan sudah pun membelanjakan RM40 bilion setahun untuk pemberian pelbagai bentuk subsidi termasuk petrol dan gas sedangkan peruntukan itu boleh digunakan untuk melaksanakan pelbagai bentuk pembangunan.

Katanya, subsidi itu yang berjumlah RM200 bilion untuk tempoh lima tahun menyamai keseluruhan peruntukan pembangunan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9).

“Pas tidak akan mampu memberi begitu banyak subsidi secara berterusan tanpa meningkatkan pendapatan negara. Adakah ini bermakna cukai akan ditingkatkan?’’ kata Megat Najmuddin ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau mengulas rancangan Pas untuk melancarkan manifesto rasmi bertajuk Negara Berkebajikan pada Khamis ini.

Setiausaha Agung Pas, Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar berkata, manifesto setebal lebih 20 muka surat itu mengandungi tawaran-tawaran munasabah mengandungi penyelesaian kepada kegawatan ekonomi kepada rakyat Malaysia tidak kira jantina, kaum dan agama.

Sementara itu, Penasihat Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pelaksanaan Negara (NITF), Datuk Zainal Aznam Yusoff berkata, tindakan mewujudkan ‘negara kebajikan’ akan menjadikan rakyat semakin malas dan tidak berani menghadapi risiko.

‘‘Adakah ini bermaksud Pas akan membiayai perbelanjaan rakyat seumur hidup sehingga mereka tidak perlu mengeluarkan wang satu sen pun?’’ tanya beliau.

Menurutnya, pemberian subsidi tidak boleh diteruskan selama-lamanya kerana ia akan menjejaskan pembangunan negara.

Pakar ekonomi dan perbankan Islam, Datuk Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani pula berkata, hasrat Pas menubuhkan ‘negara kebajikan’ dikhuatiri melumpuhkan daya saing negara.

Beliau berpendapat, rakyat akan disogok dengan pelbagai bentuk elaun dan subsidi sehingga menyebabkan mereka hilang motivasi diri serta semangat keusahawanan.

Menurutnya, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w sendiri seorang tokoh perniagaan yang giat mengembangkan ekonomi umat Islam, bukan bersandarkan kepada kebajikan semata-mata.

‘‘Jangan sampai dikongkong oleh pemerintah sehingga daya saing kita semakin lumpuh,’’ ujarnya.

Copied from www.thestar.com.my

Shafie hits out at ‘quack’ solutions
KUALA LUMPUR: The opposition’s simple solution to complex world economic trends is irresponsible and akin to the “economics of Donald Duck,” said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal.
Shafie chided the opposition for promising to reduce the price of petrol and diesel and to become more charitable if elected.
“The only way they can achieve this is by increasing the level of subsidy which was RM43bil last year,” he said yesterday.
“This is possible but totally unrealistic and extremely damaging as it will lead to higher inflation, loss of businesses and lower standard of living.
“The government has no intention of allowing the country to become a comic-strip economy.”
Shafie said this in his speech at the launch of the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency's (AKPK's) newly upgraded website. His speech was read out by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (domestic trade) Dr Muzahet Masruri.
Shafie said steps such as careful enforcement of price controls were being taken to reduce financial pressures on the people and to minimise effects of rising global prices.
He commended Bank Negara and AKPK for their work in helping Malaysians in debt, which often occurred due to lack of knowledge in managing their finances.
“More than 26,000 people have received counselling and some 9,000 individuals have been helped under AKPK’s free debt management programme since it was set up in 2006.
“As of September last year, total household debt was about RM351bil with non-performing loans of about 7% (RM24.57bil.) Of this, credit card debt amounted to RM21.6bil,” he said, adding that those referred to AKPK were mostly in their 30s and 40s. Other debt include personal, housing and car loan.
AKPK chief executive officer Mohamed Akwal Sultan said their website www.akpk.org.my provided online advice within 24 hours to help individuals be more prudent with their finances.

Update 2 2008

I'm back... What a surprise... even to myself. Second update this month. hehe. Well, all you need is to get into the second gear and keep increasing it (mentang2 lah bawak manual :p) haha. And thanx you sweet ppl... I thot I lost all readers. (Wait a minute... why do I need readers? What's the purpose of me writing this blog? To update ppl on my life or to serve as my diary? Peer pressure? Hmm... Oh ya, to update ppl on my life... so without readers who am I updating, right? And occasionally it does serve as my diary so ppl, if you do read those kind of entries, do keep it to yourself =p After all, it's private! [Yeah, right~] But as I said before, I consider ppl who read my blog my friends, probably friends-of-friends... coz I don't advertise my blog to the whole world. So when it comes to private entries, that's me trying to pour out to my beloved sweet friends. Awwhhh. hehe.)

Ok, ok. Back to the real world. So far, I am starting to get things in place. Unpacked the last box of things from the UK (that's because Dina already asked for her books, which were shipped in my box and arrived like months ago). And I joined the aerobic class Dina recommended. So far, went to 2 classes already. It's really good and fun :) Tried to go for more but sadly, can't make it after work. With the traffic, I just can't make it on time. ~ My little baby neo is fine. Took it for its first 1000km service. Man, with free labour, it still cost me about RM150. Combined that with first monthly installment, aerobic fees and belly belt, I'm going deficit this month. Hope things would pick up later. If not, I'm really going broke. Also having trouble finding time and energy to keep it clean.

Work... My current boss is really sweet. She took time of her busy schedule to always include me in. Took me to luncheon with other bankers, sent me to meetings and sent me to briefings. She's nice... very willing to teach. Very appreciative of my work. Though I made some mistakes, she chose to see it from the bright side, saying it's pretty good for a first timer. Here I am, feeling all stupid for making mistake in such an important work but she's so motivating. (me hug her) And I am getting pretty comfortable with my colleagues. Now I don't feel like leaving. But at the same time, I want to know what else is out there. Then again, boss is supportive saying it's unfair for me to not finish my round. Awh, me so lucky. Now I need to see and decide which department I want to go next... provided there's vacancy in that department. SPA (Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam) offered me to go for an interview for the PTD (Pegawai Tadbir & Diplomatic) position today. Since I am determined to pursue my dream to become a trader, I am letting that go. Called JPA, and they said, since it is hard to get work these days and I already have one, I should just go with it. They released me from the bond since I completed everything.. sent in completion form, applied for work with SPA and "waited" 6 months to be called. After all, a LOT of ppl want to work for them and they only have limited place. Letting me go would actually be a win-win position for both of us.

CFA wise, me opened account already. But am thinking of paying next month. Coz I need to pay before 17 March to get cheap price. At the same time, I am trying to get an extra month in ASB(to earn extra dividend). Haih, so sad, no money to study. Need to draw down savings. All money! money! money! now. Sometimes I feel a tiny bit of regret for buying the car a bit early in life. If only I waited a bit longer, I could have saved a lot more. But when I think of how I reallllllllyyyyyy neeed the car, it is just the best decision I could make at this point of time. Well, lucky I live with mummy. At least she could still partly take care of me.

Life wise... I am sooooooo happy to be home. I mean I don't have a tiny bit of regret for not working there in the UK. Different ppl have different taste, different needs, different capabilities. And me... I'm just happy here, regardless of what ppl think I should do. After all, I need to decide what's best for me. So this is it! ~ My second life, in TornCity, is fine... Trying to balance real life and game life. Especially that I'm married in there to a guy from the US. The time difference and commitment, are making me twice as bz. Well, not twice, just a bit more. But now that Val's Day over (not that I do much actually), I should be free-er, except for the occasional chaining (that's attacking ppl in other faction at a specific time determined by the leader).

Ok peeps. Me need to go do all the cleaning now. Laundry. Wash car. Iron clothes. Maybe clean toilet too. Haha. Owh yeah, clean self, especially now that I just got back from that aerobic class. (See, car help take me there. If not, I'd have to take a cab... Pay... and wait under the hot sun for God knows how long. At least, it helps get my life together. No no... me not regret for having my baby) So later peeps... hope this post last u long enough until the next update. Haha.

P/s: bojol... I'll try to look into that chatbox when I feel like it. heh

Back to blogging?

Hey peeps... Surprise to see a new entry??? I doubt ppl even visits this page anymore but to irna... who scolded me for being too lazy to do anything and asked me to update my blog... here's one entry for you :p

Right. Where do I start? It has just been too damn long since the last post. Let me just say I bought a new car? It's a black 1.6 manual H-Line Satria Neo... Yes, it is small but I don't care coz I can fit in pretty well in there. My bf??? He'll manage. :)

Guess which one is mine? ^_^

Work wise... I'm currently attached to CIMB-Principal Asset Management, after I completed my classroom program. (Well, not totally complete anyway. I have another ONE class to attend) Learning, Learning and Learning!

Study wise... Planning to take CFA in December. Initially wanted to take the June sitting but feels that it's quite heavy for me to handle right now. Better get my life in place first.

Marriage plans... Nothing in the calendar yet. So better not hold your breathe to that. (Am just putting it here so that ppl would stop "harassing" me by asking that question again and again.

Relationship wise... Yeah... we're good ;) =D kiss kiss sygku... (I'm pretty damn sure he stops reading this already) (What's with the *damn* word. Seems to be overly used. And what's with this thought in a thought, double bracket thing ??? )

Hmm, what else? I'm currently body conscious. I TRY not to eat dinner... Trying to look for gyms to attend. Found Dina's aerobik class. Think I'll give that a try.

And lastly, I wonder when would the next post be... Soon or a few months more down the road? Hehe... Adios peeps...

Growing Up...

"It hurts to grow. Anyone who tells you it doesn't is lying." Quoted from S4E1 Grey's Anatomy.