Goodbye 2008... and Hello 2009

I know it's a tad bit early for this entry but I have a feeling that I won't be online when the time comes for me to make this entry tomorrow. I'd probably be somewhere stuck in traffic or something, while new year revelers are ushering the new year around KL.

I know I've been away from this blog for a long time particularly towards the end of this month. Well, I've been busy... yes, that is true. But the real truth is much more than just being busy. So much has happened lately that my world has probably turned upside down and I was floating like a lost coconut in this huge sea of opportunity. You see, I've been unhappy and been questioning my career path for the longest time. I've been running several businesses that were fairly successful but still I wasn't happy. In fact I've been so unhappy to the point of depression. Yes... I was in a state of depression for a while. It's sad...it's pathetic... and I know that if I didn't do something about it, I would be eaten up and be left a hollow shell, like a corpse without a soul.

I did what I needed to do... I had to choose. So, I've chosen. I've decided to leave the shipping industry for good. It's been a long 10 years but I guess all that experience meant nothing if I have been so miserable and continue to be miserable doing things I have absolutely no passion for. I've let go everything that I've built, along with the emotional baggage that was being lugged around for so many years. It was a scary thing to do. Letting go of something that was familiar, even though you know you hate it. After all, that was what's been paying the bills all these while, along with the little luxuries that I've been enjoying.

But I'm glad I did it. I stepped out of that comfort zone and it's not so scary after all. I am able to think straight and focus on bigger things. Things that meant something in my life. And all good things have been pouring in endlessly since. I thank God for opening my eyes and giving me the courage to finally do the right thing for myself.

In 24 hours, we will be seeing a new year. I'll be embracing it with gusto and I believe that this new change will be good for me. I don't know what new adventures I'll stumble upon along the way but what I know is I've to start loving myself a little more each day, if I want the world to love me back. So, here's to embracing a new year and a new life. I dedicate my favorite song from Dina Caroll, "The Perfect Year" from the musical Sunset Boulevard to all my dear friends.

Early Christmas Presents

I've meant to put this up much much earlier but since work and a whole lot of unexpected sh*t happened lately, I've been delaying this entry for weeks. I've been really bad lately with my retail therapy and ended up buying a whole lot of stuff. This is just two of it... I've actually bought myself a new lappy, printer, shoes and a whole bunch of other stuff too. But I don't think I need to show those lah... I've also received my Christmas present from my sister as well today. It's very nice and I luv it very much. Will post it up on the next entry. Anyway, back to what I bought myself from the past few weeks ago...


A cheap Tag for my everyday use since the other one looks a little to flashy.


Love it coz I got an extremely good deal for it.


A new 320GB portable HDD which I got during the PC fair last week, together with my new lappy and printer.

It's Starting to feel like Christmas

It's been a long time since I've updated anything here. Till someone said that I have pontianak here too!!! LOL! Anyway, I've been extremely busy with work and many things happened. Some good some not so good. Anyway, that's what life is all about right? I managed to get my best friends over help me decorate the tree since I wasn't exactly in the mood to put it up this year. In return, they were fed with pizzas and bufallo wings. Hehehe...


My favorite Christmas deco



Not bad for first timers..hehehe

On 5th gear again

Sorry ya'll.... no pics to tantalize anyone today. Just a quick update since I've to be at my sites again soon to monitor the execution works. No 457 in K.L. took up the entire day yesterday and it was such a hassle trying to coordinate window dressing installation while the guys are trying to polish the marble flooring. Took us more than 4 hours just to get the reception hall done since these people have a fetish for 18 feet high ceilings. Can't wait to do my wrap up this coming Friday at this site.

Today, we're starting work at no. 16 K.U. Not as major as no. 457 but nevertheless demanding. My dateline is before Christmas!!!! Same with SS @ KLCC!!!! Hayoo!!!! Ciao... have to go now...

Working under pressure

You have no idea what potential miracles can happen when you work under pressure. This is the first time I've ever achieved my execution work for an office suite in less than 4 days! Imagine doing up the carpeting, wiring, lighting, airconds, wall and window treatment in less than 4 days!! It's quite an achievement. Tomorrow the furniture and workstations should be in and I can collect the balance outstanding. Hehehehe...



Have to start concentrating on the home in KU, CH immediately after this.... mau pengsan dibuatnye! The owner for the condo at SS has just wired the deposit from London. So, I guess that has to start work as well. Thank God the unit at CC only needs attention when the owners are back from Lagos end of Dec. I need some breathing space.

Birthday Celebration

Last week was extremely hectic with work. I guess it really shows by how often I update my blog as well. Anyway, Saturday was Fiq's birthday and we had to plan something despite all the brouhaha that was happening around our own busy schedule. The moment we got the greenlight from Meen's doctor that he could travel, we all began a frenzy search for a location (Nampak sgt last minute planning kan??) Since school holidays have started, it was extremely difficult to get a place anywhere. Finally, we managed to get a condo at Genting (Genting pon jadilah kan...) at super peak period rate (ok gak lah lepas split the bill among us, sans B'day boy).



So, the 5 of us went for the first time in donkey years as a group for a short break cum private birthday bash on my baby elephant. I'm so glad we did this because I've almost forgotten how it feels to actually have fun. That night, all diet rulings went out the door for all of us (including the patient, LOL!) and we feasted on the worst of a kind, fat laden meal, junk food and of course one of the most delicious moist chocolate cake that was wolfed down before any pics could be taken. The rest of the night went by in the comforf of the apartment telling each other silly jokes and making up our own games.





One of my best friend told me something that really caught my attention while we were having tea at one of the cafes that day. He said, "It doesn't matter how many more birthdays I will have, what's important is each one I have is memorable enough for me to last a lifetime." How true... BFF and Happy birthday!!

Christmas came early!

I came back pretty late yesterday and saw this notice from the postal services stating that I've to collect a packet from the post office. Well, I went there this afternoon during lunch and received a pleasant surprise package (not packet!) all the way from Illinois, USA! I was so excited and happy to see the contents of the package when I opened it! Cathy and Mena, you both are the best! I've the perfect Christmas present on the way to your front door too. So do keep a look out. Meanwhile, check out what I received...


Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ and Buffalo Wing sauces from Chicago, Tabasco Chipotle pepper sauce and Heinz Curry Ketchup (It's actually from Europe!)


This would be a hit on grilled meat!

I can't wait to try this!!!! The caption says it all, right? ;-)

Thanks again for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts! Love you girls! *Hugs!!!

Back on track

After bobbing around like a lost buoy at sea for a month, I've finally found my momentum to work again. This month is going to be one hectic month since I've concluded 5 homes for ID and furnishing works. I had to decline the 6th home since I can't cope with the current load. It's the quality that matters, not the quantity. That's why I've not been extremely active online lately. ;-)

The last 2 days was spend focusing on the soft furnishing of a certain condo at an exclusive enclave within the KL city center. I've decided to play around with the camera during one of my breaks.


I had to work on the floor since the sample blocks could not fit the table anymore


One of the selected materials


Might be using this for the wardrobe doors.


Hmm... don't think this will work on the concept.


Pure Thai silk curtains anyone?


Organza sheers and more sheers!!!

Another healthy dinner

Boy am I on the roll!!! Came back from the office and I decided to grill some chicken breast meat which I like having with wholemeal pita, coral salad and of course honey and garlic barbecue sauce. Walla!!! This was my extremely easy, healthy and delicious dinner!






Wolfed these babies down in less than 10 minutes. LOL!

Lamb Chops

I've decided to go back on a high protein diet since going semi-vegetarian (is there such a thing? Ahaks!) somehow does not give me that extra boost and I've been loosing way too much weight doing that. Anyway, I wasn't really in the mood to work albeit all that pile of mountain on my desk that needs tending to. So, I scooted over to the gym early today and got back in time to make some lamb chops. I've not had lamb for sooooooo long!!! I almost forgot how divine they tastes like. Very simple preparation this time... just a dash of cracked pepper, paprika and barbeque seasoning before pan grilling them with a bit of olive oil. I served them with a bed of side mesclun salad drizzled with light French dressing. Gotta make sure that I pop a pill to counter act on the vinegar though. :-P




It's actually two pieces of artery choking, fat laden lamb chops!

A walk in the park

Lately my schedule has been chock a block full and the impact is dawning upon me. With whatever little time I have, I made myself a date to take some time off and basically do nothing at Sentul Park.

Didn't manage to take many pictures... I'll explain why at the end of this entry.











Thought Sentul Park is beautiful and well kept, there is one big flaw in this set up. While I was trying to capture the beauty of this park, a man approached me and told me to stop taking pictures and get off the park grounds. I asked why? He said that this is PRIVATE PROPERTY. Ok yes, agreed Sentul Park was developed by YTL Corp. and it is privately owned. But correct me if I am wrong... I believe that I've read that YTL Corp. decided to create the park as a gift back to the COMMUNITY. I did not see ANY SIGNBOARDS stating that photography is not allowed and more importantly, why make a park that no one can enjoy, except for mebbe some hot shot big names for their private functions??? So stupid!!!

Red Ribbon Gala Fashion Show - Elie Saab

Last Saturday has got to be the most exciting, scary, tired and new experience all rolled into one for me. I had my first major photo shoot assignment during the Red Ribbon Gala 2008 fund raising event. The highlight of the event that night, apart from the charity auction was the fashion show from Elie Saab's Fall & Winter 2008 Couture Collection. These are some of my shots during the fashion show. Still lots to learn because I believe I've the most un"canggih" camera amongst all the other full framers, ahak!

ELIE SAAB

Yesterday, I was privileged enough to be invited for an exclusive press conference with Monsieur Elie Saab, who was specially flown in for an charity fund raising event. Elie Saab is an A list fashion designer, who's gowns have been worn and featured on Hollywood stars and celebrities such as Halle Barry, Beyonce, Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives), Vanessa Williams and many more. To know more about Monsieur Saab, you can check out his website here.

Meanwhile, here I am, this very raw and green amateur photographer standing side by side with the professional press photographers, trying my best to cover the event. These are some of my shots during the event.




A full house press conference


Monsieur Elie Saab


YB Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir at the press conference


Saw this your journalist busy jotting down her note pad


Can't wait for the actual event tonight!

Walk the walk or talk cock?

Lately, I've been haunted again and again by a ghost from my past. In my line, I deal with many people and they basically categorize in two main group. Those who talk and DO and those who talk and HOPE. I've had enough of people who HOPE in my life. These people HOPE that one day they will strike the lottery, HOPE that wealth comes from alms instead of hardwork, and the worst, HOPE that they can leach on you forever! Why don't you HOPEFUL people get your fat ass up and start DOING instead of HOPING if you want to be successful??? It's time to wake up and smell the city smog coz life ain't as beautiful as you think it is! Everyone's gotta work their ass off to reach the top. So, stay away from my crop!


On a lighter note, I saw this interesting staircase during a photo shoot session last week.


Sometimes life is like this spiral staircase...

Hospitalised!

I received a SMS message from my best friend that he has been admitted into the hospital again. So, after my brief meeting with my real estate agents, I decided to head downtown to see how Meen's doing. While on the highway, it started pouring like cats and dogs. As we all know, traffic will automatically turn to standstill the moment it starts to rain in the Klang Valley. It took me 3 hours from Jalan Duta to reach Prince Court Medical Centre instead of the normal 15-20 minutes!!!


Look at the traffic!!!!


Stagnant...


I had so much time that I could take my camera out to shoot some pictures of the Twin Towers!!!

Meen's doctor was transferred from Glen Eagles to Prince Court. So, dapat juga lah merasa 5 star diva service from the newest and most exclusive medical centre in KL. (Sib baik insurance ko cover Meen!!! :-P)

Anyway, after having to inch my way through traffic for 3 hours, I finally arrived looking like some ghost from Christmas Past and extremely famished. So, I dragged the patient out from his suite to the cafeteria for a quick meal. BTW, the food price at the cafeteria is very potong leher! We ordered and this is what we had...


My Pad Thai. Yummy jugak lah.


Can you believe this is hospital food? Price mengalah hotel 5 star occay!


Makanan pesakit yang takmo kalah... Piri Piri Chicken Chop. Sedap banget!


Pesakit yang kena remand satu minggu. Sian...