Total Posts 372 Last Updated 19 May 2008 2:46 PM (GMT +8)
星期一, 三月 29, 2004
Ascending the Career Ladder: Adaptation to Evolution
Meling Mudin inspired this post.
After I expressed my slight dilemma on allowing office politics to determine my fashion approach in the office, Spoonfork referred to it during a certain discussion regarding this: How should we go about making it in our career - to adapt or to perish? Note: By perishing he meant quit and make a huge change. I will write this with respect to the IT related career path.
Personally, I will choose both; to be implemented under different levels and circumstances. The key is to identify the times we should improve ourselves to adapt to a certain job environment, and the moments we should take the plunge to make a major turning point or job change. This does not necessarily come easily to most of us due to many factors - getting easily comfortable; fearing financial instability, change of scene or loss of commitment; and unwillingness to take calculated risk.
We have gone way past the times where we are expected to stay in company our whole lives and be loyal to it. That said, job hopping every other year or so may not provide any prospective employers a decent track record. Anyone with half a mind will know that it is quite impossible to learn much in the space of one year. The current trend is also for employers to look for real workable skills rather than good qualifications on paper. This is especially true in the field of Information Technology.
As we start out many of us ‘enslave’ ourselves to get our ball played on the field. We can take anything from impossible bosses, ungodly hours and peanuts for salary. After a few years we begin to question how much more can we really take. At least I got asked this many times, "How long are you going to stay with you company?" I have barely clocked two years there.
I admit I have been shopping around. However I would not trade my current deal with just anything that comes with a bigger paycheck. In the field of computers, two types of hirer often drive skilled workers into indecision. The vendor offers good self-development opportunities; the end-user offers more control and stability. It will be excellent if one skilled in this area can experience both. Adapt to the laid-back atmosphere of working with an end user and take every single chance available to learn about its industry. Slave away if it is required. After a few years this kind of experience will be invaluable. This is when the attempt to evolve further takes place. Put all cards onto the table with a respectable well-paying vendor in the business. It will not be a hard-sell for them to take on board a fellow who have seen and done it all. If and when no one is willing to pay for your treasure, use it as a capital to open your own shop.
I am still happy (not comfortable) with my current work. I have opened windows to learn, lead and participate in major projects. Another offer for a ‘one-leg-kick’ position may return more in terms of cash but as long as it does not contribute to the big picture of what I wish to be by the time I am 40, I will not waste time considering it.
P.S. Mel, I hope I am making sense to you. This is completely from my perspective. All the best!
Continue reading Ascending the Career Ladder: Adaptation to Evolution
What's in Your Bag?
Alrighty. Time for an upbeat post that requires you readers to write.
Wherever you are now - at home (what?), in your bedroom, at the office cubilce, in your car (wow!).... retrieve your bag, empty it out onto the desk/bed/floor and start posting.
It will be awesome if you can get as detailed and as honest (this is the whole point!) as you want.
The contents of my current MNG lime green handbag include:
Clinique lipsticks (two tubes), Clinique eyeshadow (two types);How do all that stuff fit in there? I hope no one I know reads this (fat chance..). Oh my God, I am a freak.
Anna Sui compact powder and another tube of lipstick;
car keys, house keys, office locker keys, gym locker keys;
MNG red leather purse - contains less cash than other plastics and rubbish;
Clinique clear lip balm (cannot live without this!);
hair ties, hair pins;
Schwarzkopf OSIS Magic anti-frizz gloss serum;
a yellow mini notebook (which I almost never use);
Samsung SGH-A400 cellphone, spare battery and case;
Wrigley's Spearmint classic chewing gum (pack of five sticks);
Snickers® Original candy bar;
pepper spray;
Nike® work-out gloves;
Pilot® yellow mechanical pencil and blue gel ball pen;
narrow-teethed comb;
packet of mini-safety pins, mini sewing-box (don't ask);
tissue packs, tampons;
Sony D-EJ985 portable CD player with LP's Meteora, Audioslave's self-titled CD;
David Lodge's Thinks...;
Business cards (mine and those I receive but have no time to populate my Rolodex); and
Loose change and tons of receipts.
Continue reading What's in Your Bag?
星期日, 三月 28, 2004
This is What We Girls Deal with...
My weekend, my whole week for that matter have been spoiled mainly by a womanly condition I previously had the smugness tell people I do not succumb to - Premenstrual Syndrome. It is getting worst by the month despite my fit state of health.
Physically, volcano-like zits are happily populating my complexion (growing redder and bigger as I type this!); my bloating reduced my fashion sense to drawstring pants and loose chinos. Generally I look like hell. I feel crap, too. I have given at least two male friends harsh treatments for the slightest reasons knowing they do not deserve it (not that badly). They are currently avoiding me like a plague. Sorry guys!
It does not help that the Saturday planned for a movie changed into a shopping spree after my girlfriend decided she does not wish to see Enrique after all. After watching her purchase for shopping bags worth of shoes, shirt and purse, I ended up with another pair of HP trainers and another MNG bag. Sadly, retail therapy does not work when I am PMSing.
Sunday morning is ruined after a family matter detained me from attending the Toastmasters Division Level Table Topics and International Speech contest. Zarina was kind enough to text me the proceedings. After two Aztecs in the afternoon, I tried in vain to improve my mood catching Along Came Polly but alas! The movie was really below par; Jennifer Aniston may just have to deal with her inability to carry off any role other than Rachel. Ben Stiller was hilarious, and nothing else. Successful insurance agent falling for waitress - is that even realistic? I wonder if it is the movie or is it just me. Bah….
I am glad I do not have dates while being in this ugly state. I need tried, tested and proven suggestions on reducing PMS implications - not to be confused with reducing menstrual cramps (that is nothing compared to this).
Continue reading This is What We Girls Deal with...
星期六, 三月 27, 2004
What is it Like to be a Freetail Bat?
I was reading this while doing the #2. I almost rolled on the toilet bowl crap.. err.. laughing...
Well, we hang out a lot during the day. We hang out in caves, crevices, under caves, inside roofs, anywhere that's dark and warm. Caves are favourite. We hang from the ceiling and crap on the floor, only it seems like we're hanging from the floor and crapping on the ceiling because we're upside down. Crapping when you're upside down is an art. The crap generates heat as it decomposes; also, of couse, a smell.- David Lodge, Thinks...
When it gets dark we go out to eat, insects mostly. We gobble them up on the wing, using our radar equipment. Beep, beep, beep, beep, beepbeepbeepbeep POW! It's cool. I can zap two fruitflies inside a second, flying blind. Tom Cruise, eat your heart out.
The we go back to the cave and crap on the floor. We also crap during flight, to reduce the weight we're carrying. You could say that crapping was one of our chief occupations in life. Eating insects and crapping.
Sex is not so hot, to be honest. We only fuck for six weeks in the year - the whole colony is on heat at the same time. You can imagine the scene: thousands of guys milling about in the cave frantically trying to cram twelve months' screwing into a lousy six weeks. You can seriously damage your health.
The women are only interested in one thing: your sperm. They have some sort of gynaecological trick of secreting it inside their snatches until such time as they want to get pregnant. Then they all fuck off to a nursery cave in some warm spot to have the kids. Only women and children are allowed inside. Back in the male cave we hang out and make do with clawjobs.
I wouldn't mind if the women looked after the newborn kids properly. But when they go out to eat they leave the kids on their own, in unsupervised playgroups, rolling about and fighting with each other, amongst all the bat poo and insect corpses and fruit husks on the cave floor. Or else they hang them in rows on the walls and ceiling and sometimes the poor little fuckers fall off their perches and onto the deck, or they try to fly before their radar is properly tuned and have accidents, crashing into the walls and each other. Our infant mortality rate is a disgrace.
If you survive the nursery, though, life expectancy is quite good. You can expect to live for ten years. I'm nine and a half.
P.S.: Apparently I have to accompany a best girlfriend to Enrique Iglesias's concert next Tuesday (read: another huge dent on my purse). Bukit Jalil Stadium is not my favorite place, but expect an equally dissected review from me on Anna Kournikova's pretty boy.
Continue reading What is it Like to be a Freetail Bat?
星期五, 三月 26, 2004
Power Dressing
Every morning while getting ready for work, I am faced with this contemplation - to power dress or not?
For those who unaware of my current profession, I am a software developer (translates: geek) stuck in a stock broking company owned by a local financial giant (translates: forget jeans@work).
Anyone working in IT will look like they belong in anything resembling a mess, but functional at the same time. We have got no one to impress except our immediate fellow nerds. I know the guys prefer me in chinos, sweatshirts and Trance® trainers any day. That way, they are less embarrassed and more relaxed when seen with me during teh tarik at the mamak stalls behind the office. Personally, I prefer the casual do - less effort, more comfort and I still look upbeat by sunset.
Unfortunately, a financial working environment is not very forgiving when you decide to look sloppy by the big guns' standards. The stock-playing clients can trot along in their shorts and crumpled tees straight from the wet market but we as their service providers must dress to impress.
Women's shirts are difficult to press. We have got the voluptuous curves so the shirts must be cut the same way. Moreover, in this frying and drying weather, it is a torture to be out and about in a fitted shirt, plus tailored jacket plus smart heels. Any attempt to ditch the jacket or coat will produce a half-done, not-quite-there look. The office's fashion police will book it down as incompetent representation of the company's corporate image. One can never be too careful.
** Sigh.... **
Continue reading Power Dressing
星期三, 三月 24, 2004
Packaging Front
In the business of retail, packaging is important. Packaging designers are sumptuously paid for utilizing their creativity to bottle, wrap or box products which will lure us weaklings into making unjustified purchases.
Apple's iBook will never sell so well if not for its sleek white exterior and equally beautiful Mac OS X graphics.
Chocz.'s Aztec will feel a little different if presented in a simple cylindrical mug instead of that authentic-looking beige china cup and saucer (not porcelain as I have previously described). Despite San Francisco’s coffee tasting so much more like coffee, I find that Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's tea-shaped cups and tall latte glasses much more interesting.
How often have you fallen into the trap of buying something you either do not need at all or something of a so-so quality just because it look darn good on the shelve/rack/glass case/window display?
I know I have, very often.
When I give friends their birthday presents, I consider the packaging as part of my effort. I construct the box from scratch cardboards, dress it with wrapping paper with a design and color I think its receiver would love and even fill the spaces inside with tissue paper. If the gift is for a female friend, she can expect to find additional adornments such as ribbon bows, flowers or other suitable ornaments. My friends often thank me not only for the present, but the box as well for facilitating their storage needs.
I suppose it is not entirely bad falling victim to pretty packaging. I manage to put its functional importance into practice. At least my friends always get excited receiving my special occasion offerings.
Continue reading Packaging Front
星期二, 三月 23, 2004
Theater: An Art of Fascination
There is an enormous variety of philosophies, artistic processes, and theatrical approaches to creating plays and drama. Some are deeply connected to political or spiritual ideologies, and other are based on purely artistic concerns. Some processes focus on story, some on the theater as event, some as a catalyst for social change. According to Aristotle's seminal theatrical critique Poetics, there are six elements necessary for theater. They are plot, character, idea, language, music, and spectacle.
The 17th-century Spanish writer Lope de Vega wrote that for theater one needs "three boards, two actors, and one passion." Like any other art, it takes not only passion but specific techniques to develop a good play. Theater technique must be part of the playwright's craft in that whatever is intended to happen on stage must be written into the play, such as acts and scenes, and changes of place. Entries, exits, where and when, the positioning of the cast, in fact all the stage directions must be given in the prompt copy, to instruct each actor of what is happening onstage, where exactly he or she has to be in relation to the back, front, left, or right of the stage, and what he is to do at any one time during the play. Cueing and prompting also are part of stage management.
Luckily as an undergraduate, I have had the opportunities to be involved in several university productions as the set/scenic designer, costume designer/manager and stage manager. Being a part of the production team allowed me to experience the whole process from the standpoint of an audience, and at the same time from the close distance of a team member. I was able to transport myself from the production stage to whatever scene being played out.
I remember crying and laughing with a head and heart full of emotions watching the production practices. The intense pain, suffering and helplessness was so real as my playwright friends demonstrated to his crew how a drug addict injects himself and how a young girl with a teddy bear in her arms wailed with heart-breaking tears knowing her father died for his homeland. On the staging days, the anticipation of having the audiences feel exactly the same way was equally exhilarating.
The director(s), playwright(s) and actors of a theater give their all in imagination, expression and energy to create results not only to be enjoyed as art, but also to be thought-provoking and mind-challenging. Theater continue to hold the ability to make me think of the many issues affecting our family, society and country the way no other form of art can.
Continue reading Theater: An Art of Fascination
星期一, 三月 22, 2004
Massages, Chocolate and Mangoes
My Monday noon lunch hours went (roughly as I remembered it) like this:
1215 hours: Arrived at Janzten's for a wash and blow on the pretext of rejuvenating self before a trip to Chocz., which was essential to cure a seemingly rising addiction. Was lucky to be attended by a hairdresser with excellent massage skills. Her strong and sure fingers applied just the right pressures on scalp, hairline, temples and back of neck during shampoo and rinse - had to surpress self from moaning with pleasure.
1245 hours: Got the lime green couch at planned lunch rendezvous point. Ordered promptly for the drink that caused this, and the dessert craved for but was not available during previous breakfast visit on Saturday.
1250 hours: Shaked knees impatiently for poison to arrive and eyed waiter suspiciously in case he forgot my order (this is definitely an addiction already) while keeping busy with David Lodge (Thinks...). Meanwhile, an expat gentleman at neighboring table studied the directions to enjoy his dark chocolate Nectar carefully.
1300 hours: After 15 minutes of near helplessness, Aztec finally arrived. Could not put porcelain mug down after the initial sip. Could not continue focusing on David Lodge either despite much persistance. The chilli was a little strong but did not cloud over the dark Swiss aphrodisiac. Savored it while it was hot and heavenly.
1310 hours: Mango Tropicana made its way on table. Split ripe mango halves bathed in hot mango sauce were topped off with two scoops of vanilla ice-cream, with whipped sour cream and dark chocolate flakes on the side. Cleared pallete with iced water before attacking dessert. By this time the Aztec was already history. The sourness of the mango blended well with cold vanilla sweetness. Definitely worth a try.
1330 hours: While preparing to settle bill, noticed an elderly gentleman keeping himself busy making sure everything is in order. Enquired waitress while paying about said gentleman. Suspection was proved true, the Swiss man is Mr. Reto Marzari, one of the owners of Chocz. and makers of my current weakness. He presented his card while beaming with pride when told his chocolates are driving its lovers insane.
1345 hours: Ensured self of ability to walk in a straight line before making return way to train station. Will see tonight if hormones go haywire as a result of Mr. Marzari's dangerous but precious ancient concoction. Should that take place, there will be David Lodge and a cold shower as planned defences.
Addendum: Zarina, are you reading this? You have my number. ** Yaawwnn... **
Continue reading Massages, Chocolate and Mangoes
星期日, 三月 21, 2004
Sex and the City Responsibility
Thank you Meesh for inspiring this post.
No, this is not about that series we are all addicted to. This is about that other real thing that men and women, with warm hearts and hot loins do. This is also not about whether or not we have sex because let us be honest here, a good amount of us do. It does not matter if we are having sex in a relationship or not, casually or with commitment, straight or gay.
Some of us choose to satisfy our libidos when and with whom we see fit. Some of us decide it is best we wait to do it after a certain time with one particular partner. The question is no longer when, where and who. Do we remember, and more importantly are we all truly aware of the repercussions of having sex? If and when we do do it, do we know what we are doing?
The implications of sexual intercouse do not get any less serious whether or not we are in a relationship, or for that matter, whether or not we are married. Trust me to know that there are still women who contract STDs and HIV from their own husbands, the only men they have slept with, ever. Worst still, they cannot get it into their heads how that is possible. Trust me also, that there are girls out there who think they can avoid getting knocked up by remembering their last period dates or by having their guys withdraw before their big bangs. Hell, there are married couples I know personally who are experiencing the shock of their failing 'birth control' plans, and then there are the guys who still believe in compulsory first-time bleeding virgins (of course, most of these men do not even know what really a girl's hymen, let alone how it works). These are all educated, successful and respectable men and women here.
We can all agree that real sexual education is close to non-existant here. That is no excuse to be ignorant and plain stupid though. The rest of the options of being a responsible sexual individual are all out there. Reliable information resources from women's magazines, birth control methods (the Pill is not for everyone), Pap smear (girls, do you really know what this is and when you need it?) and STD tests, doctor consulations... these are available.
Hence, if you do have sex, have it with well-informed awareness and responsibility beforehand, the highest of seismic bliss during, and relaxed affirmation afterwards, knowing you have had it like an adult.
Addendum: This piece just came out today (22/03/2004), my highest respect is dedicated to its author.
Continue reading Sex and the
星期六, 三月 20, 2004
The Sex Siren
This I share with you from the two-inches margin of a book I am still reading. No points for guessing which if you do follow my writings. Tonight is kind of hot.
He was herding his cattle on Mount Gargarus, the highest peak of Ida, when Hermes, accompanied by Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite delivered the golden apple and Zeus's message: "Paris, since you are as handsome as you are wise in the affairs of the heart, Zeus commands you to judge which of these goddesses is the fairest."- Robert Graves, The Greek Myths, Volume 1
"So be it," sighed Paris. "But first I beg the losers not to be vexed with me. I am only a human being, liable to make the stupidest mistakes." The goddesses all agreed to abide by his decision. "Will it be enough to judge them as they are?" Paris asked Hermes, "or should they be naked?" "The rules of the contest are for you to decide," Hermes answered with a discreet smile. "In that case, will they kindly disrobe?" Hermes told the goddesses to do so, and politely turned his back.
Aphrodite was soon ready, but Athene insisted that she should remove the famous magic girdle, which gave her an unfair advantage by making everyone fall in love with the wearer. "Very well," said Aphrodite spitefully. "I will, on condition that you remove your helmet - you look hideous without it." "Now, if you please, I must judge you one at a time," announced Paris ..... "Come here, Divine Hera! Will you other two goddesses be good enough to leave us for a while?" "Examine me conscientiously," said Hera, turning slowly around, and displaying her magnificent figure, "and remember that if you judge me the fairest, I will make you lord of all Asia, and the richest man alive." "I am not to be bribed my Lady .... Very well, thank you. Now I have seen all that I need to see. Come, Divine Athene!" "Here I am," said Athene, striding purposefully forward. "Listen, Paris, if you have enough common sense to award me the prize, I will make you victorious in all your battles, as well as the handsomest and wisest man in the world." "I am a humble herdsman, not a soldier," said Paris .... "But I promise to consider fairly your claim to the apple. Now you are at liberty to put on your clothes and helmet again. Is Aphrodite ready?"
Aphrodite sidled up to him, and Paris blushed because she came so close that they were almost touching. "Look carefully, please, pass nothing over .... By the way, as soon as I saw you, I said to myself: 'Upon my word, there goes the handsomest young man in Phrygia! Why does he waste himself here in the wilderness herding stupid cattle?' Well, why do you, Paris? Why not move into a city and lead a civilized life? What have you to lose by marrying someone like Helen of Sparta, who is as beautiful as I am, and no less passionate? .... I suggest now that you tour Greece with my son Eros as your guide. Once you reach Sparta, he and I will see that Helen falls head over heels in love with you." "Would you swear to that?" Paris asked excitedly. Aphrodite uttered a solemn oath, and Paris, without a second thought, awarded her the golden apple.
Continue reading The Sex Siren
星期五, 三月 19, 2004
Nectar from the Cocoa Fruit
After several seductive referals, my lunch companion and I made a beeline to Chocz. for the first time. We were promptly seated and guided towards the best selections from the menu. I had not tasted good chocolate for sometime. I only like bitter and dark Swiss chocolate. A few bars of Lindt Swiss dark have constantly disappeared from my fridge for my parents are both chocolate lovers.
I had the recommended tchocolat1 - the powerful concoction of hot chocolate enjoyed by ancient Mayans and Aztecs. Chocpucino is made of dark bittersweet chocolate topped with frothy milk and cocoa powder.
Chocz. serves tchocolat1 in a ceremonial drinking mug that requires one to hold the sacred drink with both hands, bringing it close to your heart and creating an unadulterated chocolate culture experience.The said drinking mug is hardly a mug, it is a beautiful white porcelain cup with a slight stout for sipping. I instantly knew that the chocolate was Swiss. It was wonderfully rich and bitter, just the way I like it. My friend decided to try out the dark chocolate Nectar. The menu included a 5 Steps to Chocolate Heaven modus operandi to enjoy the drink.
Served in a special hand made burner, each set includes a special stainless steel spoon straw, metal cup, ceremonial tea light, chocolate chunks and a serving of warm milk.We did not talk much during the whole course. He busied himself making sure the chocolate did not burn. Afterwards, I concluded that I must be back to try out their chocolate Fondues (with fresh cut seasonal fruits, dried apricots, dates and marshmallows!) and a dessert called Tropicana (fresh mango slices marinated in orange juice served hot with vanilla ice-cream and mango sauce).
Now, let me see if I can keep my eyes open until 5.30 p.m.
Continue reading Nectar from the Cocoa Fruit
Ultimate Do(s) and Don't(s)
Today is a beautiful Friday, my coffee is not working on my sleepy brains and I need a break from coding.
So girls, print these out to stick on your mirror, fridge, forehead... okay I am getting carried away.
Don't believe "Maybe he'll change if we get married."Source: US Glamour April 2004
Do call your parents.
Do own a black, to-the-knee pencil skirt and great slingbacks.
Do believe in something bigger than you.
Don't freak if you don't know what you want at 22, even 32. It'll change anyway.
Don't suspend your life waiting for a man, a job or zero-cal Cheetos.
Don't break it off just because the sex isn't great.
Do break it off if only the sex is great.
Don't wear platforms if you're under 5'4" - they scream "Short!!!"
Do trust than even if you're so-so about babies in general, you'll fall madly in love with yours.
Don't waste energy craving her eyes, thighs or size.
Do ditch this list - but only if you make up one of your own instead.
Addendum: This actually happened yesterday, no kidding. I swear if I was the one driving I would have just knocked that woman down. My driver was too much of a gentleman. So..
Don't ever stand at an empty parking box at a full-house parking lot calling your driver from your phone to come to the spot you think you have the rights to reserve.
Continue reading Ultimate Do(s) and Don't(s)
星期四, 三月 18, 2004
Another Self-Absorbed Post
Thanks to Najah, I am once again trying out a character test only because it is proved to be quite accurate. Reaction after getting the result: What.. I am not going to get filthy rich? :D
Ki System
Natal Year number: 4
Although Pick Yin holds strong views on what is right and wrong, and will readily voice those views if someone's personal freedoms are under threat, she is not nearly so forthright with detail. A practical individual, she prefers the big picture to what she sees as the mind-numbing detail required of many jobs. As a direct result, Pick Yin is inclined to leave tasks to the very last minute, despite the stress that such delays entail. She is best employed in a business with tight deadlines, such as newspaper or magazine publishing.
Natal Month number: 2
Compassionate and supportive of others, Pick Yin is something of a perfectionist who will find it hard to delegate even routine tasks. Pick Yin is hard-working and good with details, but to get the best out of her, Pick Yin needs to know that in the end her efforts will be properly rewarded and acknowledged.
Natal House number: 7
Life is likely to provide Pick Yin with many different challenges, but in the end she will overcome the difficulties and make solid progress. She is prone to talk about subjects on which she has little knowledge, but her communication skills are such that she can be quite persuasive. She needs to focus on her long-term objectives.
Comments based on Western Grid
1 Although Pick Yin may be reasonably talkative in public, she finds it difficult to express personal feelings to those closest to her. In employment terms, this inhibition is of little consequence.
2 Sensitive to criticism and naturally intuitive, Pick Yin has a natural ability to detect insincerity in others. Because she is a sensitive soul, Pick Yin can be a solid friend and a good listener. As a result, she will get on well with colleagues, whilst being more than capable of handling office politics.
3 With a creative mind and a good memory, Pick Yin is honest, straightforward and optimistic. She will achieve her aims. She is capable of creative thought, and will appreciate art and music. She also enjoys an excellent memory - a significant advantage in any employment.
7 Pick Yin will find life's lessons hard to learn. She will suffer from loss (of possessions or those she loves) before questioning the cause of that loss. It is likely that Pick Yin will develop a faith of some sort, and although it need not necessarily be a religious faith, it will nevertheless be something that she holds onto against all the evidence. Potential employers need to find out what that faith entails.
88 A perceptive individual, Pick Yin takes little on trust. She maintains fixed views which once established are difficult to change. Conscientious by nature, she will make a good businessman or accountant, but being naturally perceptive, and unwilling to accept views of others without solid evidence, she may well turn to philosophy.
9 Ambitious to improve her lot, Pick Yin will constantly push forward to achieve something in her life, yet this ambition will be balanced by humanitarian ideals that will lead her to support causes that may demand self-sacrifice.
[The Arrow of Activity: the numbers 7, 8 and 9] Enjoying the outdoors, Pick Yin is someone who will perform best by being busy. She dislikes confined spaces, and needs both physical and mental exercise. A good walk in fresh air is an intellectual catalyst like no other to Pick Yin, whose need to be constantly occupied is an asset to any employer.
Comments based on Chinese Grid
1 Pick Yin will make some money and enjoy a reasonable standard of living.
2 Pick Yin has an average mind, and without the numbers 4 and 9 in the Chinese version will not enjoy a creative existence.
77 Although Pick Yin has spiritual leanings, she prefers the ceremony of religion to the faith that underpins it. With 3 ones (in the Chinese version) Pick Yin will also be blessed with good luck.
8 In the absence (in the Chinese version) of the numbers 1 and 6, she will be good with money and details. She will be happier if the Chinese grid includes the numbers 5 and 7.
9 Although Pick Yin is ambitious, her ambition is tempered with humanitarian ideals.
[The Arrow of Suspicion: Lacking the numbers 4, 5 and 6] Pick Yin is a cynic who worries too much about the downside. She needs to recognise more of life's advantages.
Continue reading Another Self-Absorbed Post
星期三, 三月 17, 2004
I Was In (Incubus)
By 1850 hours I was parking illegally on some grass patches outside the Securities Commission. The police were for once being nice and excused Incubus fans of summons for the night.
The Bukit Kiara Equestrian Resort Indoor Arena was already packed by then, the crowd mostly kids on a school break who had set camp there since noon.
The venue allowed some slack for us - the gents and ladies were exceptionally clean and no bouncers harassed anyone to part from their mineral water bottles, umbrellas or even video cams! I could not get a picture without owning a digicam (yet), but if I manage to score one from a friend I will post it later.
The opening acts were Pop Shuvit and OAG, nothing to shout about. Radhi is decidedly not very good live - he did not care to keep the most of his item's original tune. By 2045 hours I was about 15 meters away on the free-standing ground. The show was finally going to start.
That was a huge mistake, for afterwards no other items managed to bring us close to the early climax achieved.... ehem. I lost count of the total songs performed.
The sound quality was close to school-rock-gig level because none of the Marshall amps were stacked (or at least placed) on stage sides. They were sitting put at the center, the drums on the right and turntables on the left. Gadget arrangement does affect the audio result and it was disappointing to see the pros screw up the most important element of a rock concert.
One mentionable item was the drum solo (the guitar solo was almost jazz for the love of God!). Brandon strapped on a Japanese-looking single barrel and joined in. His attempt on a guitar was less impressive. I liked his mop of curls which added much character during all those head-banging moments.
The encore item was Are You In (I graduated to 5 meters from Brandon by then), after my favorites - Talk Shows On Mute and Here in My Room. I was soaked and smelled fishy by 2315 hours. My feet and knees ached from what little pogo stick stints attempted. Incubus was almost below satisfactory (their only attempt to get personal with us was a few lame "terimae kazzee"(s)). Once you have been to Linkin Park's memorable performance, this is nothing close to comparable. But then again, LP was something else.
Continue reading I Was In (Incubus)
星期一, 三月 15, 2004
HL Maintenance (for Men)
I finally found the anwser to this, courtesy of this month's US Glamour. Is your guy high or low maintenance?
According to Adrienne Brodeur, just heed these telltale signs.
You know he's low-fuss if...
He likes the way you look in flat shoes and your favorite baggy cargos.You know he's going to be a handful if...
He's capable of making travel arrangements, dinner reservations and (bonus!) doctor's appointments.
He likes to make out - even when he knows it won't lead to sex.
He's not threatened by your amazing, talented girlfriends.
He knows the difference between a pot and a frying pan, and can cook more than two varieties of eggs.
You turn him on even when you're not wearing your $200 Agent Provocateur undies (though he's especially appreciative when you do).
He doesn't get angry (read: feel blamed) when you are having a bad day.
He can keep quiet as you parallel park.
He listens.
He talks to his mother every day (worse, gets an allowance; worse still, lives with her).Now that the scales are balanced, I will rest my case. Heh heh...
He's in analysis - five times a week.
When he doesn't get to yoga, it's not pretty.
He can't handle you giving him directions, even if only you know where you're going.
He whines (just once is too much).
His way of being empathetic is telling you how whatever you have just told him - your woes, your big news, your latest story - affects him.
His penis has a name and, yikes, a voice.
His e-mail address is exceptionally cute (topdawg@aol.com).
He checks his voice mail/Black Berry/beeper during a "romantic" dinner.
No matter what, he can't miss his weekly poker night/football game/Kabbalah discussion group/______ (fill in the blank).
He thinks he's low maintenance.
Continue reading HL Maintenance (for Men)
There is Only One Bad Vote
I cannot believe I am writing about the elections, but I am. This is also just a one-time (albeit a little different) rant.
I was actually so full of myself that I had considered not voting! Of course I am a good citizen and have registered TWO years ago when SPR had a counter at one of the the malls I was shopping at. Come this GE season I am also a responsible girl and checked that I am a registered voter. I had a thought about the logistics later, and discovered I may be too lazy to get myself all the way to some school to cast my vote.
Then it hit me - if most people have similar thoughts to mine this country will be screwed very shortly. I came across an article about women fighting relentlessly for their voting rights duing the ages of our grandmothers and great grandmothers. Women's suffrage goes back a long way for some countries. We Malaysian women are blessed, being able to vote and stand for election right after achieving Independence.
Women in Kuwait do not yet have the right to vote or to stand for election. In the United Arab Emirates, where the Parliament is officially appointed, neither men nor women have the right to vote or to stand for election.And here I was feeling lazy??!! If I can spend a few hours shopping, I will spend the whole day (if that is what it takes) voting. There is only one bad vote - not voting.
Continue reading There is Only One Bad Vote
星期日, 三月 14, 2004
Do We Settle for Second Best?
Another Sunday evening was spent in the not-so-freezing cinema with melted cheese-dipped nacho chips and a tumbler of iced Milo. This movie drove me insane with laughter and almost tears. It has been a long time since I last watched Jack Nicholson, and it has been ages since Diane Keaton made any box-office worthy appearance. The sex is good (I was so afraid Harry was going to cut up Erica's bra!), Jack is born for acting and Diane is timeless.
Love can be discovered and experienced regardless of your age. This is a movie about hope. Sure, Paris is such a cliché, the East Hampton beach house is close to predictable and Marin inevitably listened to her mother thus she got married and pregnant all in the space of six months. That said, every once in a while, a movie like this just reminds us never to give up.
One little thing that irked me though. Erica actually settled with Julian before Harry took a few heart attacks to realize he cannot go on without her. Do women with such strength actually turn into weaklings once their hearts are broken by someone they truly love? Is having someone better than having no one?
I am no movie critic but I suggest that you go and see this if you have not already. If you are a single girl like me, bring your girl friend(s). If you are a single guy, also bring your girl friends. If you are attached, beware that at the end of this flick, you and your other half may rediscover where you both stand in your relationship.
This then, is Frank Sinatra. ** Dancing like Nick (What Women Want) **
When an irresistible force such as youSinatra is obviously Nancy Meyer's favorite. Good night lovebirds and Singletons!
Meets an old immovable object like me
You can bet just as sure as you live
Somethin's gotta give
Somethin's gotta give
Somethin's gotta give
When an irrepressible smile such as yours
Warms an old implacable heart such as mine
Don't say no, because I insist
Somewhere, somehow, someone's gotta be kissed
So, en garde, who knows what the fates might have in store?
From their vast mysterious sky?
I'll try hard ignorin' those lips that I adore
But how long can anyone try?
Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might
Chances are some heavenly star-spangled night
We'll find out just as sure as we live
Somethin's gotta give
Somethin's gotta give
Somethin's gotta give
Somethin's gotta give
Somethin's gotta give
Continue reading Do We Settle for Second Best?
星期五, 三月 12, 2004
I Can't Make the Kill
I first learned chess strategies at the age of 12. No one knows how to play chess in my family (Dad gave up trying to teach me Chinese chess - I love the 'flying elephant across the river' move). Hence I got the boys from my class, and the classes next door to play with me.
By the age of 16, I frequently found myself in chess competitions, usually being one of only two or three other female contestants. Now as a working girl, I represent the company in wrestling (the pieces) it out with nationwide professionals.
I get cold feet every single time on the battlefield, especially if I am facing a Kasparov-skilled blonde with thick glasses, murderous eyes.
This is not because I do not know how to play well, but because I usually cannot manage to make the kill. I usually win the game by reducing the opponent to his lone King and using up less time (total standard competition duration is 20 minutes) for more points.
The boys used to tease me for not being able to execute a good checkmate. I work on improving ever since then. It is proven that a person's strategies and moves in a chess battle reflects his or her actions in real life aspects as well. I am begining to feel that I cannot work out the final moves to achieve victory in my career. Sometimes I can see the required moves but do not know explicitly the correct sequence. Other times it is all in a blur but I can see myself winning in the end.There is only one solution - practice more with opponents who always manage to slay me mercilessly under 20 minutes. Chess is a great game to stimulate the mind and test the persistance of spirit put under pressure. Thanks to TiFische for a beautiful capture of my favourite warriors.
Continue reading I Can't Make the Kill
星期三, 三月 10, 2004
Men are Equally Difficult to Understand
Have you ever been in a situation where someone particular in your life can either make or ruin your day?
I know I fret over nothing at times, the woman in me always cannot help trying a little too hard to translate his every gesture and words into some sort of meaning. If he fails to answer my SMS or returns my calls a little late, I get restless although I am often guilty of the same delays myself. Then suddenly he will come around to tickle me and make me laugh at the time I least expect any action of affection from him.
Hence it is confirmed, some men just do not have a clue on how to express care (so that women get it). I can never write him off as not caring and I can spend the rest of my life trying to understand him.
Continue reading Men are Equally Difficult to Understand
星期一, 三月 08, 2004
Women Who (Do Not) Want It All
I am not married and do not have babies. Obviously I have not gotten it all (by a certain standard) but the question is: Do all women today want it all?
The word all today is (I think) pratically the whole package: a sky-rocketing career; a great husband; a managable mortgage; and of course, wonderful (and managable) kids. It will be perfect if the said sky-rocketing career is also flexible enough to allow us to work from home or on flexi-hours in case we fail to secure a nanny.
In this century women are ever more empowered. A good percentage of Malaysian women make it to tertiary educations and have the ability to secure financially rewarding jobs once mostly or only dominated by men. We are able to pay our own rent, buy our own cars and still have extra to assist our immediate families. Amongst these women, many have made their own choices in regards to their course of life, while others just sort of fall into being the kind of individuals society naturally expect them to be.
We have so many choices but may not have the courage to choose those less considered, or even frowned upon. I believe that a woman who chooses not to marry, or to marry but never to have kids is totally able to live an equally complete and fulfilling life - in her own terms, compared to the next who has it all. Women who are brave enough to make these choices should be respected for their individuality and character.
It is easy to fall into the wanting it all trap. Sometimes that just does not work for some of us, whether or not we admit it. The minute we see a girl friend saying "I Do!" or another shopping at Mothercare, we just cannot wait to jump on the same bandwagon. Before we realize it, it will seem like our whole lives are turned upside-down, our careers spiraling downwards and our five-year plans thrown out of the window.
I am not advocating women to stay single or child-free. We just need to re-evaluate ourselves and see if things we think we want are really the things we want. On a lighter note, if you do want it all, like me (oopps I just gave myself away...); Carmen Reid's Three in a Bed and Did the Earth Move? are recommended to fill up your chick-lit slots.
Continue reading Women Who (Do Not) Want It All
星期五, 三月 05, 2004
Pink Shoes? My Girly Hormones Riot!
Caveat: This is a girly post.
Shoes are important. Recently I am more and more drawn to pink ones. This is alarming, considering I have about eight pairs of black ones (one of each style.. girls will understand).
I wore the ballet pumps frequently now to the office and the guys shared one comment - 'cute'. I never get 'cute' from them.
It is a nice break from the torturing heels and boring black office pumps. These few busy (and sickly) days, I can run around with much more speed and bounce.
Now I am eyeing the shoe on the right. Three-inch heels, but the heel column spans wide enough to be managable and not back-breaking. Do they have Kate Spade here? I will settle for a look-a-like.
Continue reading Pink Shoes? My Girly Hormones Riot!
星期四, 三月 04, 2004
High Maintenance vs Low Maintenance
What kind of women are considered as high maintenance and vice versa? I have been considered low maintenance more often than not. I am not sure that is necessarily good.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Billy Crystal : There are two kinds of women: high maintenance and low maintenance.
Meg Ryan : Which one am I?
Billy Crystal : You're the worst kind. You're high maintenance but you think you're low maintenance.
I have never taken more than 10 seconds to order an Apple Crumble a la Mode.
Continue reading High Maintenance vs Low Maintenance
星期三, 三月 03, 2004
System "Down"
This machine malfunctioned yesterday morning due to a suspected viral attack. Many system files fueling crucial applications and the operating system were flushed through a backdoor TCP/IP connection port 20 and 21. The flushing occured periodically every few hours, I spent more time on the white ceramic throne than anywhere else. Adding to that, my overclocked processor overheated due to the cooling fan slowing down. The temparature at 1300 hours was 103.68 degrees Fahrenheit.
By 1400 hours, I attempted to download the patch from a nearby antivirus site. Unfortunately the server was not available, performing backup during lunchtime. I came back to the office for a meeting by 1430 hours till 1715 hours and luckily no flushing occured during that few hours and my processor cooled down a bit.
The patch download script at 1730 hours went as follows:
Doc: Yes?The downloaded patch contains these files - oral rehydration salts for all the lost fluids, charcoal tablets for unwinding, Lomofil for killing off the diarrhea, antibiotics and Ranbaxy Paracetamols for the temperature. I would have liked to give you visuals of the charcoal pill (black little darlings) at least (inspired by Huai Bin) but I do not possess a digital camera yet.
PY : I have severe diarrhea.
Doc: And?
PY : And also a slight fever.
Doc: And?
PY : That's it.
Doc: That's it? Any sore throat? Any gastronomic problems or discomfort?
PY : No, just diarrhea.
Doc: Okay, I will give you medications for the diarrhea and PCM for the fever.
PY : Thank you.
Doc: Can you work tomorrow?
PY : Yes.
Take care my babies, this machine has to slow down a bit.
Continue reading System "Down"
星期二, 三月 02, 2004
Her Mother said: Girls Gotta Marry!!
It is confirmed.
The season of friends getting hitched is upon me, and my feathers are ruffled every once in a few months, sometimes weeks.. depending on the intervals between weddings I have to attend. Before the end of this year, those who are still single (on paper) amongst girl friends of moi can be counted with just one hand.
Wedding travel is tiring. Our convoy of five cars in total headed for Sungai Buloh after a one hour delay (some girls take forever to paint their faces, worrying of a meltdown disaster under the blazing Sunday sun) at the Penchala Rest & Relax station.
Meanwhile, I stuffed my growling tummy with gas station chicken puffs (surprisingly delicious) and others took the opportunity to pump and wind.
When we finally reached the bride's house and then the buffet tables, my green kebaya was half-soaked despite my very cool air-conditioned car.
With the Singletons among us about extinct, my SGF is getting restless. She complains that her mother is about to fix her up with some cousin, no doubt a very well-doing one regardless of whether there are any chemistry between them. I am glad my parents are cool and are aware of the fact that when I marry, I marry. We women today know how to plan our future. We also know it when we meet the man we want to marry. No point rushing the natural progression of how things are meant to be.
To all mothers with cold feet:
"No, the clock doesn't really start to tick until you are 35." (Sally) - Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally
Continue reading Her Mother said: Girls Gotta Marry!!
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