This year, there is tax exemption of RM1000 for books and magazines. So far, I have only spent about RM350. Two more weeks and RM750 more to spend!
The Complete Gary Larson which is over RM500 sounds very tempting. And I've just finished reading James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small, which I enjoyed as I love animals.
Speaking of books, I'm upset to hear that Terry Pratchett is having Alzheimer's.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Company Dinner
How could I forget to blog about this?? Last Saturday my department had a Staff Appreciation Night. We don't have annual dinners nor company trips as my company is huge (with over 7000 employees so logistics would have killed the organisers).
So my department of over 350 staff were treated to a dinner for the first time. And, ahem, because I was one of the staff who were going to receive awards up on stage with my Group Managing Director, I felt like I needed to dress up a little.
So early morning, I rushed to Bangsar Village II (as recommended by my CG member) to do my nails. Unfortunately, I didn't realise I needed an appointment and the staff told me to come back 6 hours later. SIX? Bad Luck #1. So I rushed to another place in Aman Suria, PJ and thank goodness they said they would be available in an hour.
Then, when the girl was doing my nails, she clipped one of my cuticles until it bled. I was in such pain but determined to have my french manicure, I grit my teeth. Oh, and when I stepped out from the shop, late for my hair appointment in Pyramid, there was already bubbles forming under one nail. Bad Luck #2.
Hair studio. Recommended by my colleague. The experienced lady was too busy so I ended up having this young chap do my hair. I felt like I had stepped into one of those old Chinese movies and dressing like the Wong Fei Hong era would have suited my hairstyle to the T. And he had all my hair pulled from my face, making it rounder than ever. I protested but because there wasn't time, I left with my head down as I ran all the way to my car. Bad Luck #3.
On the way to my friend's place, I decided that I would do something about it. Who cares if I was going to be late. I don't want to feel uncomfortable the entire night when I was supposed to be enjoying myself. So I went to the nail studio again (they were a hair saloon too) and got them to touch it up. I still wasn't totally comfortable with my hair but heck, I resolved that I WOULD enjoy my night, stupid hair, bleeding finger, being late and all.
And heck, I enjoyed myself and took loads of silly photos that night. Will get it from my colleague and post some up soon.
So my department of over 350 staff were treated to a dinner for the first time. And, ahem, because I was one of the staff who were going to receive awards up on stage with my Group Managing Director, I felt like I needed to dress up a little.
So early morning, I rushed to Bangsar Village II (as recommended by my CG member) to do my nails. Unfortunately, I didn't realise I needed an appointment and the staff told me to come back 6 hours later. SIX? Bad Luck #1. So I rushed to another place in Aman Suria, PJ and thank goodness they said they would be available in an hour.
Then, when the girl was doing my nails, she clipped one of my cuticles until it bled. I was in such pain but determined to have my french manicure, I grit my teeth. Oh, and when I stepped out from the shop, late for my hair appointment in Pyramid, there was already bubbles forming under one nail. Bad Luck #2.
Hair studio. Recommended by my colleague. The experienced lady was too busy so I ended up having this young chap do my hair. I felt like I had stepped into one of those old Chinese movies and dressing like the Wong Fei Hong era would have suited my hairstyle to the T. And he had all my hair pulled from my face, making it rounder than ever. I protested but because there wasn't time, I left with my head down as I ran all the way to my car. Bad Luck #3.
On the way to my friend's place, I decided that I would do something about it. Who cares if I was going to be late. I don't want to feel uncomfortable the entire night when I was supposed to be enjoying myself. So I went to the nail studio again (they were a hair saloon too) and got them to touch it up. I still wasn't totally comfortable with my hair but heck, I resolved that I WOULD enjoy my night, stupid hair, bleeding finger, being late and all.
And heck, I enjoyed myself and took loads of silly photos that night. Will get it from my colleague and post some up soon.
Golden Compass
It was ... so-so. Okay, so I was half expecting it to be of LOTR quality. But because I read the book a long time ago, I had only a vague memory of the plot lines and did remember parts of the movie as it happened. Found it a bit choppy though. Star studded cast with a mix from LOTR (Gimli, Saruman, Gandalf) and James Bond (Daniel Craig and Eva Green). At least I now know the pronunciation of the word daemon.
I'm horrible at movie reviews so I'll stop here. Let's just say I wouldn't go out and acquire myself an original DVD set when all 3 movies come out.
I'm horrible at movie reviews so I'll stop here. Let's just say I wouldn't go out and acquire myself an original DVD set when all 3 movies come out.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Crap
It’s crappy when your boss leaves before you do. The changes and confusion to come is not something most would look forward to. But above all, when your boss is someone who has evolved into a mentor, that’s when it’s the most crap.
One thing I learnt from this boss is that all of us felt we were believed in, that we could reach that star that seems to be just out of reach. The entire team went beyond our capacities because of this faith. No such thing as a stupid idea. The calm anchor when the storm rages. No such thing as “Don’t you dare speak to me like that!” and believe me, there were many occasions when I went beyond the line. No raised voices. Ever.
Motivation is at an all time low. On one hand, you comfort yourself with a, “Would I get the chance to work with him again in the future?” then you realistically remember that he never has rehired anyone who has worked for him before. Then you start to wonder, “Who were you actually to him that he would want to rehire you again?”
But yes, I will be honored to have that opportunity again, as any of us would.
One thing I learnt from this boss is that all of us felt we were believed in, that we could reach that star that seems to be just out of reach. The entire team went beyond our capacities because of this faith. No such thing as a stupid idea. The calm anchor when the storm rages. No such thing as “Don’t you dare speak to me like that!” and believe me, there were many occasions when I went beyond the line. No raised voices. Ever.
Motivation is at an all time low. On one hand, you comfort yourself with a, “Would I get the chance to work with him again in the future?” then you realistically remember that he never has rehired anyone who has worked for him before. Then you start to wonder, “Who were you actually to him that he would want to rehire you again?”
But yes, I will be honored to have that opportunity again, as any of us would.
Earthquakes in Malaysia
Yes folks, we are experiencing earthquakes in Malaysia. It has happened twice already in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. Both times, it measured a 3+ on the Richter Scale.
And did I ever tell you that I once experienced tremors a couple of months back when there was an earthquake in Indonesia? I staring at my computer screen at work when suddenly felt as though I was having a massive dizziness. Holding my head in my hands, I tried to steady myself when I realized everything was actually moving. My colleague looked up at the same time and we exclaimed “Earthquake!” and we got all excited.
The rest of my colleagues couldn’t feel a thing and declared I was hallucinating.
And did I ever tell you that I once experienced tremors a couple of months back when there was an earthquake in Indonesia? I staring at my computer screen at work when suddenly felt as though I was having a massive dizziness. Holding my head in my hands, I tried to steady myself when I realized everything was actually moving. My colleague looked up at the same time and we exclaimed “Earthquake!” and we got all excited.
The rest of my colleagues couldn’t feel a thing and declared I was hallucinating.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Youth Camp
I just came back from a Youth Camp, even though I'm no longer a youth. It was rather fun, although I still felt a little out of place, being one of the oldest there. The camp speaker is a senior pastor of a local church who is one year older than me and speaks really well.
The youth had a blast of a time, with games and acting, singing and dancing. I got to be one of the judges! I had a great time watching them perform, laughing throughout the afternoon.
One of the committee actually introduced me as a quiet, gentle-wouldn't-hurt-a-fly girl. And yet at work, I'm known to be the one holding the whip. Two very contrasting characters. Hmmm... perhaps once I get used to the youth, then they'd know me better.
The youth had a blast of a time, with games and acting, singing and dancing. I got to be one of the judges! I had a great time watching them perform, laughing throughout the afternoon.
One of the committee actually introduced me as a quiet, gentle-wouldn't-hurt-a-fly girl. And yet at work, I'm known to be the one holding the whip. Two very contrasting characters. Hmmm... perhaps once I get used to the youth, then they'd know me better.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
20 Seconds
You know that question, what would you say to a celebrity should you bump into them in a lift? It just doesn’t happen, you know?
Anyway, yesterday I went for another event, the “Oh hi dah-ling, so good to see you!” of which I have been invited to for the last few weeks, rubbing shoulders with the local celebrities. Now the last party I attended, I crashed into the gigantic pair of scissors that was used for cutting the official ribbon. Plus I got drunk after a couple of sips.
So last night, I went prepared. I had dinner first before going so that I could drink without getting drunk. Upon reaching, I stumbled over the tail of some animal floor mat as I walked in. Luckily, I didn’t crash onto the floor. What a klutz.
As I was about to go home, I was leaving with my colleague when he suddenly turned and greeted someone. I whipped around and saw it was Reshmonu. I extended my hand and exclaimed:
J: Hey! I went to the same uni.. I mean, college with you!
R: Sunway?
J: Yeah! But you probably won’t remember me!
R: Er… sorry! *grin*
J: *stupid grin* (trying to figure if I should whip out my business card)
R: But it’s great to meet you again
J: Yeah! *grin* Ok, see you!
My mental 10-second practice was “Hi! You may not remember me but I was friends with the Sudanese girls when we were in Sunway, do you remember them? You fainted behind one of them after class? Yeah, that one. Oh, by the way, I’m Jo and here’s my business card. Yes, you did the launch last month for my product although I didn’t liaise with you then. But do keep in touch!”
Sigh. I’ll update whatever embarrassing thing I’ll do at the next party.
Anyway, yesterday I went for another event, the “Oh hi dah-ling, so good to see you!” of which I have been invited to for the last few weeks, rubbing shoulders with the local celebrities. Now the last party I attended, I crashed into the gigantic pair of scissors that was used for cutting the official ribbon. Plus I got drunk after a couple of sips.
So last night, I went prepared. I had dinner first before going so that I could drink without getting drunk. Upon reaching, I stumbled over the tail of some animal floor mat as I walked in. Luckily, I didn’t crash onto the floor. What a klutz.
As I was about to go home, I was leaving with my colleague when he suddenly turned and greeted someone. I whipped around and saw it was Reshmonu. I extended my hand and exclaimed:
J: Hey! I went to the same uni.. I mean, college with you!
R: Sunway?
J: Yeah! But you probably won’t remember me!
R: Er… sorry! *grin*
J: *stupid grin* (trying to figure if I should whip out my business card)
R: But it’s great to meet you again
J: Yeah! *grin* Ok, see you!
My mental 10-second practice was “Hi! You may not remember me but I was friends with the Sudanese girls when we were in Sunway, do you remember them? You fainted behind one of them after class? Yeah, that one. Oh, by the way, I’m Jo and here’s my business card. Yes, you did the launch last month for my product although I didn’t liaise with you then. But do keep in touch!”
Sigh. I’ll update whatever embarrassing thing I’ll do at the next party.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Incredible
I'm reading the news about protesters of a religion that is demanding the execution of a teacher for naming a teddy bear the name of their prophet.
I don't think I need say more.
I don't think I need say more.
Corridor Survey
My colleagues and I have been doing a survey on the guys, asking a somewhat sexually harassing question, which always bring a lot of laughter. The question is, which body part of a girl would you normally check out first?
It started off by asking the guys at my office and our husbands first. So here’s my results:
Legs – 4
Boobs - 3
Butt – 3
Face - 3
Waist – 1
So far, the legs category is leading with the others fighting for second place. So right now, boobs look overrated.
The other finding was equally amusing. The reaction of the respondents. Some balked and tried to weasel their way out before finally giving one preference (although these answers would be considered not really accurate – one tried to say “brain” *rolls eyes*). Some have been extremely forthright, “BREASTS!” even as the question left our lips.
We have just embarked on asking the girls which body portion we look at in guys. So far the butt rules.
It started off by asking the guys at my office and our husbands first. So here’s my results:
Legs – 4
Boobs - 3
Butt – 3
Face - 3
Waist – 1
So far, the legs category is leading with the others fighting for second place. So right now, boobs look overrated.
The other finding was equally amusing. The reaction of the respondents. Some balked and tried to weasel their way out before finally giving one preference (although these answers would be considered not really accurate – one tried to say “brain” *rolls eyes*). Some have been extremely forthright, “BREASTS!” even as the question left our lips.
We have just embarked on asking the girls which body portion we look at in guys. So far the butt rules.
Rubik's Cube
A couple of weeks ago, I spotted my colleague playing about with a Rubik's cube. He completed it in front of my eyes in 2.45mins. I was hooked.
So I've been practising with a lot of guidance from him and I'm pleased to say that after two weeks, I am now able to complete the entire cube. At this point, I still need to refer the last few steps to a self written manual.
At first I was toying with the idea of getting one myself but when I saw the original selling for RM110 in a shop in Mid Valley, I knew I could live without one! Then another colleague saw one selling for RM2 and got it for me. I'm now happily practising with the the cube that saved me RM108.
It's also funny to see strangers reaction to it when I'm doing it while waiting for my food to appear. They stare with rapt attention. I think this will start a craze here in Malaysia.
So I've been practising with a lot of guidance from him and I'm pleased to say that after two weeks, I am now able to complete the entire cube. At this point, I still need to refer the last few steps to a self written manual.
At first I was toying with the idea of getting one myself but when I saw the original selling for RM110 in a shop in Mid Valley, I knew I could live without one! Then another colleague saw one selling for RM2 and got it for me. I'm now happily practising with the the cube that saved me RM108.
It's also funny to see strangers reaction to it when I'm doing it while waiting for my food to appear. They stare with rapt attention. I think this will start a craze here in Malaysia.
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