Today is my last day at work. I’ve been anticipating this day with mixed feelings. Joy because I’ll be leaving the past behind and pursuing my dreams, and sadness because I’ll be saying goodbye to people whom I’ve been seeing everyday – some even for the past 7 years. 7 years is a long time. And 7 years is also the perfect number, the number of completion in biblical terms.

Of course over the years, I did entertain the thought of leaving and pursuing my dreams, especially when things got stagnant or rough at work – something you’ll be bound to find in any other places of work as well. But the door was always closed and God didn’t give me the peace to leave, not even when I had other job offers. “It’s not time yet,” I sensed His gentle caution.

I’m glad I stayed on during those times, trying as they were – for they soon came to an end and paved the way for more growth and development for both the company and me. I got to take my love for photography to the next level and developed other skills to contribute to the company in addition to the one I’m trained in. I would never have entertained the thought of leaving had I not encountered a sharp setback. A wind of change. This time, I found that I actually didn’t want to let go. I’ve stayed so long, the thought of leaving was simply petrifying. But the other option was equally frightening – if I stayed on, I’ll die a little everyday.

“Where would I go? What would I do?” I questioned and felt hopeless and fearful.

This time, God gave me the assurance that He will be there for me. He will provide. “It’s time for you to leave,” was what I sensed. When I decided to trust Him and let go of this fear, even without knowing what lay ahead of me, I felt peace. And miraculously, the door to pursue a writing career is opened and my boss was sad but gave his blessings. It was truly beyond everything I could imagined. So, it’s really by God’s grace and provision that I came to this point where I can let go and move on. He opened the doors to the dreams that I have buried and long-forgotten. There was sweetness in the midst of adversity – something I personally think He specializes in :)

I also realize that there is a big difference in being the one who leaves and being the one who is left behind. Mostly, I’ve been in the latter category. I’ve said goodbye to colleagues and friends who left for different pastures. Now that I find myself in the first category, I must say that the pain level is different. I think it’s sadder when you are left behind.

But still, when I hugged Madam Mona for a final goodbye today – my closest friend in the company whom I’ve known since Day 1 there, I nearly cried knowing that I’m also saying goodbye to a wealth of memories both bitter and sweet.

This Friday marks the last day of my present job. After a week’s break, I’ll be starting on my new writing job.

“We’re really gonna miss you,” declared one of my lunch buddies.

“Awww, so nice of you to say that,” I was delighted to hear that I’ll be missed.

“Yeah, who else will tell us interesting stories and amuse us during lunch?” he added.

“Gee, nice to know that I’m gonna be missed for being a gossip and a clown,” I pretended to look affronted.

But yeah, I’m going to miss this gang of fun and easy-going co-workers of mine. As regular blog readers would know, I’m pretty bad at this saying goodbye business. Especially when it comes to people whom I have grown close to over time. My co-workers and I could share whatever thoughts that flits through our minds during lunch hour.

Then Dan had to tease me by saying that they will go for this outing and that outing nearby the office AFTER I have gone to my new place of work. Terrible fellow.

But I know that with electronic communications and such, we’ll continue to be in close touch like we still are with those who have left earlier on. And I know that I’ll have new pals to be made in my new job. “There will be friends there, too,” states my Facebook fortune cookie. God always provides :)

Even though I am not able to cast my vote this year, I attended a political ceramah* anyway. It’s my very first time and I wanted to see and experience what it’s all about. I wanted to hear what the politicians have to say and how they rah-rah* the rakyat*.

DAP organized one in SS2 and I got to know about it through Tony Pua’s blog. It was really close to my office so I decided to drop by. I also wanted to catch a glimpse of the famous Uncle Kit and see him in action. Unfortunately, at 8pm when the speeches were supposed to start, they announced that Lim Kit Siang will be the last speaker because he had two other ceramahs to attend to. I decided to stay for a while longer. I was curious at what normally goes on in such events and wanted to find out for myself, Uncle Kit or no Uncle Kit.

By the time it was 8-ish, there were quite a number of people gathering around the makeshift stage, about 200 folks or so. The weather was balmy and humid and a few people were fanning themselves. But everyone bore it with nary a complaint. They seemed prepared to stand on their feet all night long. The eagerness and anticipation of the talks ahead were clearly etched on their faces. We were not disappointed. The speakers that night were eloquent, dynamic and multilingual. They passionately spoke about things that you don’t get to see in the mainstream media. This was their night, their chance to have their say out loud in public. To share their side of the story.

Amongst the speakers, I was especially impressed with Haris Ibrahim. This renowned human rights lawyer wants to see a true Bangsa Malaysia and this he conveyed with utmost gusto and finese. Everyone clapped and cheered him on after almost every sentence uttered. Everyone was in a cheerful and festive mood. By then the crowd had more than doubled.

The other DAP candidates who were new faces took time to introduce themselves and mingle with the crowd. After Dr. Cheah gave an informed and intense speech, I heard an uncle behind me commenting, “Hmmm, not bad lar this fella.” I suppose it was a mixed crowd. Some wanted to support the party even though they are not PJ area voters. Some PJ voters were curious as to what the local DAP candidate would do for them and wonder how well their causes will be defended. And some others turned up because they were errr… just curious as cats.

I had to leave half-way through the event because of work the next day – didn’t manage to hear Tony Pua nor Uncle Kit speak. I left rather reluctantly, and couldn’t help noting of how different it was during school days when I dragged my feet to attend one boring ceramah after another. Who would have thought that ceramahs can actually be so… fun and exciting! Better go while you can – the next round of ceramahs will come around again only after 4 years or so.

Here are some pics taken with my camera phone:

Translation:

Ceramah – Talk
Rah-rah – Motivate
Rakyat – People

I’ve been waiting with bated breath for voting day just to be disappointed when it’s announced to be held on 8th Mar – the day that I won’t be around town. I’m so crushed and angry at this unfortunate state of things. There is still a slim chance that I can vote (if I land earlier than expected and if there are no jams on the road all the way to Klang) and I’ll grab it if I can.

The General Elections 2008 has been a hot topic of conversation amongst us Malaysians these days. There are a lot of people out there who are dissatisfied with the state of things. I’m one of them. I was a victim of snatch theft more than a year ago. The thugs were never caught, my belongings never came back to me and the crime rates just got worse. My mom herself became a snatch theft victim (for the second time in her life!) not too long after my sad episode. The thing that made me angry was not only was she badly hurt in that incident, but it also left a deep-seated fear in her. Not forgetting a friend was robbed and murdered in her very own home just last year.

I want to feel safe walking on the streets again. I want to see crime rates be reduced and that innocent children not be preyed upon by sadistic abductors. I want to see changes – positive and open-minded ones be made in our education system, making it world-class and producing high-caliber Malaysians who can take the nation to greater heights. I want to see a fair and just judiciary system. I want to see tolls being abolished. I want to see our nation’s moneys and resources be put to good use for the benefit of the general rakyat with no marginalized segments. I want to see corruption end. And most of all, I want to see freedom of expression and to practice individual faiths without fear.

So, besides spreading awareness through conversations with friends and all, we can do our part to see the much-needed changes be put in place. Here are some ways on how you can make a difference:

• If you can vote, VOTE. And vote wisely.
• Know your rights as a Malaysian citizen. Read up on the Federal Constitution. If you know your rights, you will not cower in fear nor be intimidated when you see the representatives of the law. You will also know when to speak up when laws are being amended that is in direct violation to this supreme law of Malaysia.
• If you are a parent with school-going kids, be an active partipant of the PIBG (Parents Teachers Association) and speak up when you see them enforcing laws that are not in line with the Federal Constitution or in violation of human rights.
• Donate to the party/candidate that you have confidence in. Volunteer to man the booths on Election Day. They need all the support they can get.
• Pray for our country and politicians – for wisdom, justice and integrity in ruling the nation. For strength to stand on what is just and good for the rakyat.

There are many other ways as well which you can add in the comments section if you like.

We all have a voice, let’s use it.

I was honored to be invited to shoot Sita’s cosy and utterly lovely home which she fondly calls ‘Casa Sita’. Sita’s a freelance interior designer with a flair for mixing and matching a hodgepodge of furnishing materials (including some very unlikely ones) and making a beautifully decorated home out of them. Presenting to you some shots of Casa Sita:

As you can see, there are some changes to this blog’s look. Not really intentional but the upgrade process hit a snag and one thing led to another and now you are staring at a transitional look.

Shall tweak more on this when I have the time. Off to a shoot now.

Be good!

There’s a new happening watering place in town just right across the Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa. That place is Borneo Rainforest – the brainchild of Tiara Jacquelina. TV Smith cordially invited this blogger to the launch and after battling the perennially heavy traffic jam on the LDP, I arrived 20 minutes late. Dang, should have used the NPE. I was pleasantly surprised that a lot of people came about the same time as me. I was enthralled by the very picturesque place Borneo Rainforest is located in. There were pretty lights everywhere and it was surrounded by lots and lots of water – the man-made lake as well as the man-made waterfall. These water features made the whole place look and feel cool. An open-air concept that is truly workable even in the midst of our humid climate.

We all had to register at the counter before being allowed to walk into The Ruai which was located within the Bistro. This was where I encountered some slight difficulty that comes when one is in-between jobs:

Receptionist: Please fill in your name and put you name card into the basket.
Me: (wondering if I should put in my current business card because I’ll be uncontactable in less than 2 weeks) Errr… I don’t have a name card. I’m kinda in-between jobs right now. (stopped myself from explaining to her that I’m not unemployed, just waiting for my last day to come and, nah… save it lar)
Receptionist: Oh, in that case, can you state the reason you are invited in this column instead?
Me: Ok.

As I wrote the word ‘Blogger’ on the empty space, a sunny bright beam came to her face. “Ooooh, you are a blogger! Welcome! Here, I’ve got some press release and a door gift for you.” She handed me a beaded necklace and the press release. I was as pleased as punch. Who would have thought that the blogger word could mean so much? Bloggers have a much more elevated status in our current society compared to just a few years ago. Back then, not many people appreciate the idea of blogging and much less know what blogging was all about. “Wah, why publicize your life stories and air your dirty linen in public? LOA*, izzit?”

But now, business owners and media mongers know that bloggers are a potent new form of word-of-mouth. And they are careful to treat us with the utmost respect and friendliness.

And so I entered into Borneo Rainforest that looked and felt well… quite close to a real rainforest – if you discount the upbeat music, dressed-to-kill party people and free flow of booze all around. Yep, it’s one snazzy tribal-looking jungle alright. Borneo Rainforest is actually made up of three different and distinct areas – the Cafe, the Bistro and the Ruai. I walked past the Bistro with its totem poles and private spaces with cosy corners. And headed to the Ruai where TV was sitting happily guzzling lashings and lashings of beer. This is the place where the bar counter is located and “Ruai” (a Sarawakian word) means a space for people to get together in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. I have my doubts about the casual part though – all the people there looked dolled up and dressed to the nines. One lady was dancing the whole night away. In golden stilettos. How she managed to do that, I had no idea. I loved the music that they played – a groovy mix of music from the 80’s and some head bobbing house music. The DJ of the night was one Psycho G.

We were treated to special performances by a band, some guys playing with some recycled looking thingies, Camilia and of course, Tiara Jacquelina herself. She is all that I imagined her to be – lovely, petite, down-to-earth, fun and buoyant. And the lady can sing! She crooned a Sheryl Crow number to her delighted fans.

Well, the lady also seems to be a business-savvy person with a keen eye for location and details. Sunway is always spilling at the seams with a crowd of people. What better place for them to hang out than Rainforest? If they have enough of the party scene for one night, they can always traipse over to the Cafe and enjoy the famed Chili Crab and Sarawak Laksa ;)

Anyway, enjoy the pics taken with my dad’s point and shoot. Didn’t feel like lugging baby around yesterday night :P

*LOA – Lack of attention

At Ariel book’s we sell real colorful books – in more sense than one :)

Bezzie and HS saw this on their second honeymoon in Sydney. Happy 1st anniversary, guys! And thanks for the pic! Can’t believe more than a year has passed since I last saw them in Aussieland. Time really and truly does fly!

Oh, and to refresh your memory, here’s the pic of my very first bookstore. Also, taken by Bezzie & HS. I think they’ve got CC and bookstore karma!

:D

Hello peeps! As you can see, I’ve been too stressed out/busy having fun/lazy (take your pick!) to blog lately. I’ve got that mental constipation thingy again that comes from not blogging for an obscene amount of time. So many things to blog about – I think my friends must have gotten tired of hearing me say, “Ooooh, I must blog about this!” just to see my outdated Chinese New Year grin staring back at them every time they load this page. My apologies, dear readers. You guys still love me, right? :P

With that in mind, let me blog about something that has been at the back of my mind for the longest time. Yes, it has something to do with cheese.

When I came back from my holidays in Tassie last year, one of the most precious things I brought home was a cube of 2-month old cheese. My friends and I acquired it in some dairy farm and carefully sliced into four small portions. As an aside, during the cheese tasting session at the dairy farm, I found that 2-week old cheese tasted like the normal Kraft’s cheddar slices and 2-year old ones were so dry that they are rather crumby. The best of them all was the 2-month old cheese – full of flavour and yet still retaining the slight gooeyness that makes cheese so… cheesey.

Ok, back to my cheese. While the others gobbled theirs in Tasmania, I was determined to make mine last for as long as it could. After all, goodness knows when I’ll ever visit Tassie again. And besides, good things are meant to be savored, not devoured in one bite. So that morsel survived the plane ride home and was reverently placed in the fridge at home. Every day, I would scrape a tiny bit of it to put on my crackers and bread for breakfast and tea. Although it was so minute compared to the cracker, it made a world of difference to my snack. That cheese had the power to transport me to ecstatic culinary heights. I figured at the careful rate that I was going, that cheese was good to go for another month at least.

Until one day when I opened the fridge to pay my daily homage to it and discovered that it was missing.

Oh the shock, the horror. That awful sinking feeling in my stomach. Don’t even let me start on the plethora of emotions and thoughts that came crashing to the very depths of my soul.

I closed the fridge door slowly and turned to face the suspects.

“Who moved my cheese?” I said in a deceptively quiet voice.

My mother had the grace to look guilty. My dad did not.

“Well…” my mom began. “Your dad was hungry just now, he saw your cheese and…”

“Popped the small thing into my mouth,” dad said cheerfully. “That darn cheese was lying there for the longest time, I thought you’ve forgotten all about it!”

“He thought he was doing you a favor by finishing it,” mom said helpfully. “I did try to tell him that you treasure it but… it was too late.”

I sighed and tried to think of the whole sad situation in a positive light. At least the cheese did end up in someone’s stomach and not the trash can. Perhaps this can be my dad’s foray to the world of cheese appreciation.

“So, did you like it?” I asked him.

“Like it? Heck, no! That thing tasted like salty sawdust. Kraft’s cheddar is so much better!” he grinned and took off.

Oh, my poor poor cheese! To meet its demise so early before its time in the stomach of someone who didn’t know how to appreciate it.

Sometimes, life can be so ironic.

Sigh.

Disclaimer: Rat, as in the Ratatouille type, not those dirty vicious rodents.

Photo credits: JS

And to all Malaysian readers, happy holidays! Gong Xi Fa Chai!