SECOND TIME KUCHING

My past few days in Kuching submerged me in the culture of a small loving town, with wonderful people.

My four days in Kuching was no doubt filled with work, but the great thing is that, this time, I got to spend more time sight-seeing and eating around town as compared to my first trip to this "Cat"town.

Being in Kuching as an Ipoh-KL girl makes me pretty distinctive in that small town - I think I felt people looking at me different, as in they knew that I'm from out of town and doesn't fit in. And they are really nice. In big cities, people do not treat you that way if they know that you are from somewhere else. They won't make you feel belong, let alone make you feel special.

Kuching people are very down-to-earth and humble - even a Datuk doesn't act all snobbish to a point where you actually forgot that you are dealing and talking to a Datuk. Our client is a Datuk and we kept calling him by his first name, to a point where we forgot that he is a Datuk.

When we arrived, we went for a delicious curry chicken rice meal, very famous in Kuching because you keep hearing people talk about where's the best place for curry chicken rice. After lunch and a long day at the client's office, we proceeded to dinner quite late but we managed to indulge in local food such as kuo chip pan tiew (ketchup keuy tiew), kolo mee, o-jian and roasted chicken. Our first night was made more interesting when we found a new toy called the 'arrow helicopters' - the toy basically consist of 2 components - an elastic rubber band and 2 flaps with lights. Using the rubber band, you launch your flaps into the air and they shall spin like colourful coppers in the air before slower descending in mid-air. The lights make the whole thing very beautiful, especially at night. It's quite fun to play with, especially if you are competing as to who can launch the copper higher. But me being me, I had to hurt myself when playing this. I sprung the flaps wrongly and the launch into my middle finger - i felt the burning sensation instantly and it was hurting like mad I was so worried that I might have lost a middle finger. I guess it's God's way of telling me to use my middle finger more appropriately.

Before we knew it, the sun rises on the us and we greeted our second day early. It was off to the client's office. But dinner was kind as we went Italian! I LOVE ITALIAN (among other things)!!!!!!!! So ya, it was great to be greeted by an assortment of cheesy (literally) Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, etc. It was a happy meal.

Third night was awesome too as I met up with my friend from Kuching. Had dinner at one of those well-known cafes in Kuching and although the meal was simple, we had some great laughs that made the whole night super special.

Then it was the fourth night. Our clients brought us, together with the media to one of Kuching's most famous seafood spot - aptly named Top Spot. We were treated like kings (oh well, the food is for the media but we rode along hahaha) as we were impressed with almost 9 different dishes - all famous dishes from Kuching. I gloated with glee at the sight of the food but then sad that we can't finish most it.

After a few days of, well considered half laid back working, we were back to serious business for our event. It was really late nights as usual, basically just getting things ready for the big day.

Generally, I realized that it is safe to say that Kuching people are different from KL folks; they take things in a slower motion - well I guess they are less hectic and more relax in that way. In some ways it is good, but I guess if we are looking at progress, sometimes, this could be a drawback. I mean, if it takes a waiter takes more 20 minutes to get the bill or more than 20 minutes to provide you with a Menu, it speaks volume about their style of work. Oh well....at least they are nice. We can't complain.
KL people are always on the go - we want things done fast and we are always chasing time....perhaps we should slow down? Well, only you can tell which life suits you more.

SO KUCHING?
Great place to relax and enjoy food...but perhaps, not work hahaha.

Have fun folks.

With Lotsa Love
TammyC

THOSE WHO MIND DON'T MATTER, THOSE WHO MATTER DON'T MIND

Why does it bother me so much when people wants to be a@#-es and hurt your feelings?

Why do I care so much what others think about me?

There are people who says things that are hurtful (whether on purpose or not), and sometimes, I just don't know why I can actually feel upset about it for days.

The other day, someone just screwed me when I had to consider something, and me, being an indecisive person had always have the tendency to think longer than I should.

I mean, what wrong did I do for actually voicing out my thoughts. Are we not in a free country anymore that I can't even think aloud as to whether or not I want to spend my money on something? I mean, why is it even wrong to think about whether or not I want a particular object especially when it involves money? Think before you spend, right? 

I'm actually over it, you see, but I'm just a bit sad at myself for letting things like these ruin my day.

You see, I think I have the right to think out loud when making decisions, but I let those who are insensitive ruin my day. Why?

And why do I even have to care what others have to say about me, when that person is unimportant? But I guess that I value the friendship, and thus I care, but perhaps, a good friend would never do anything or say anything like that to hurt you....

At times like these, I always consider myself lucky because I always have true friends to turn back to; friends who just accepts me for who I am and has always been politely honest with me. Being straightforward with your friend is a good quality, but how you say it determines what kind of person you are.

So, today I was out with a few buddies for dinner and suddenly, I'm again beginning to doubt my future, where I'm heading to, and what my life would turn out to be on the road ahead. There are people who feels that I'm a hypocrite, for staying in a job that I, well, never plan I would do, and for not chasing after my dream of being a writer.  

I realized that expecting people to understand how you are feeling or why you do the things you do is sometimes a complete waste of time and feeling sad over the fact that people just doesn't get you is quite stupid.

I do not need to explain to others why I'm doing the job I'm doing (well, one obvious reason is because it pays, duh!) or why I'm not doing the things that I said I would be doing. And I do not need to tolerate those who criticize me for my actions or the road I take because these are choices I made due to my circumstances, which frankly, only people who really cares about me, understands. I'm guilty as well because at one point, I judge people the way I hated others judging me, and now, I understand that, oh well, I don't fully get the situation that others are in and I have no rights to comment on how others live their life. 

I'm glad to say that I'm happy with how I'm living my life now and although there are times in which I am so clueless, I try never to lose sight of my dreams, and I will definitely try out things I want to do someday, somehow.

So ya, work...

There are good times; there are bad.

The most satisfying times are when you get complimented for achieving something or when getting a job done well. 

The most dilapidating moments are when you screw up so bad, you get screwed by your clients. Usually, it's due to my carelessness.

Well, life is never easy...sometimes (or everyday), I question my capabilities....

I hate that I'm so friggin careless....

But I guess I'm learning everything I can, and saving up as much as I can, so that one day, I can further my studies and land myself in a job where I love every aspect of , where facing the challenges is nothing but a breeze because I love it so much, that quitting is not even an option.

I toast to that day. I'm still driving down that road....

And finding my direction

And learning that difficulties and critics are just part and parcel of life

I'm going to learn to live with this quote:

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss

How true...

With Lotsa Love

TammyC

FIRST DAY OF WORK

When things don't go your way, you just sit back, vent a bit and then just forget it I guess.

Horrendous first day at work for the year 2011.

Everything went on well until the end of the day when things got rough. I do not like to point fingers; and I guess the most important thing is to get the thing settled. However, sometimes the journey isn't pleasant. 

Must learn to not show obvious dissatisfaction.  

Can't help but had to just screw my boss. Can't help it. It's the Leo in me that's taking over. 

But another lesson learned, another day passed.

Oh well, perhaps it's days like these that makes life worth living and worth fighting for, because as the day draws its curtains, only will you hear the applause - somewhere ringing I guess, although there might not even be a set of audience.

May the second day of work in the year 2011 be a smoother one.

I still have tonnes to do and I kinda swore to myself that I'd blog more often this year.

I feel like I'm losing the inspiration I need to write and I do not want to lose that part of me. I do not want to lose the part of myself that I love. 

I can't stop thinking tonight: What if 2011 will continue to be that bad? Oh NO!!!!!!!!!

It's just a taste of bitterness and I'm down like this? Girl come on! 

Anyway....

Randomness out of the blue:

Film - I want to further my studies in Film Studies!

Movies & Cinema - Haven't been watching much movies lately...can you believe it? I'm actually lazy to go to the cinemas

January - All eff-ed up this year

Sarawak - Hope I will finally have a good time there the next round I go

Next week - Praying to the Lord and the deities and every single God there is out there that everything will be well as planned

Rascal Flatts - God I love them!

With Lotsa Love,

Tammy

IT'S A WRAP 2010

Greetings 2011.

Hello 1.1.11.

11 is my lucky number and the year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese calendar, so I guess I expect 2011 to be my year. (I expect every year to be my year)

So what's happening in 2011?
For one thing, I'm turning 24 (but I still feel like a teenager.)

Most people see a New Year as a new beginning, I guess I'm also one of those who look at every new year as a start of something new, something better.
Then again, I also try to see every month as a new beginning, especially if I've had a terrible month previously.

Although it's advisable to put the past behind us, I think in the beginning of every year, we should also ponder the lessons learnt in the past year since it's part of maturing into a better you.

2009 was a tough year from me as I plunged into adulthood, juggling the fact that I'm no longer a student and having to bear with reality that you can't always get what you want, or do what you want to do in life because truth is, it's not always that easy.

2010 sees me putting the horrible 2009 behind and starting over with a new job, which I have developed a love-hate relationship. But generally, I love my current job because it's exciting and there's always something new to discover and learn although there are also aspects of it in which I'm just freaking sick of.

I think the biggest lesson that I've learnt in 2010 is that sometimes, we have to learn to love what we have while searching for the things we want.
I still have things or dreams in which I'd like to pursue and although it seems far fetched, it could be closer than I think. I guess what I'm saying is, I've learned to enjoy the moment, live the moment and take things one step at a time because if I believe, my road shall lead me to where I want to head to.

2010 is a year in which I rediscover myself as a grown-up; a working adult who no longer does things by the book, and tries to adapt to the fact that the real world is harsher and a gazillion times more difficult than the marshmallow I had in college (I mean, looking back now, it does seem like a marshmallow in comparison although I swore it was hard-rock back then). Working is a whole new ball-game and I'm just beginning to tap into it. So 2010 was my first step and 2011 will see me venturing deeper into the this world and embracing all the career challenges thrust upon mini-me. To be honest, I'm very excited although I'm also very worried and skeptical about my capabilities to deal with something so huge.


Blessings in 2010:
Getting to know my great colleagues - every single one of them are exceptional individuals, whom which I've learned so much from - their experiences, their stories, their character and skills have all helped me become a better person.

SW, I consider her my personal mentor, although she does have her weaknesses (who doesn't), I've learned what is true leadership from her. I feel motivated working for her and it's a blessing to have her guide me along the way through my 9 months of working with my current company.

Learning more about my job and meeting so many different people and clients - although my clients are tough, I'm grateful because every single one of them made me stronger and tougher. I'm still careless, I still have a lot of weakness and I haven't perfected my flaws, but learning to satisfy difficult clients can be the most gratifying at times. Still a long way to go because they are still not satisfied. Could 2011 be the year?

Every single day where I can still smile and move on with live.
Every single day where I can come home and see my parents and my family.
Every single day where I get to warm up and cuddle in my bed...
Every single time my mum and dad smile at me.
Every single day of 2010 is a blessing....
My family surviving all the financial challenges thrown unto us at the beginning of 2010.


Trip of the year 2010:
Although the most awaited trip is the one with my college buddies, it wasn't the best trip of the year. The best trip was the one I went with Stef and CY because we conquered all the best eating spots in Ipoh and Penang. Had a wonderful "Bean Sprout Keuy Teau" in Ipoh, "Tau Fu Fah" at Happy Fountain before pedaling 3 more hours to Penang for a taste of Gurney Drive's famous Laksa and Fried Kuey Teau. Heavenly!!! Then it was sun-tanning and swimming in the hotel before another round of delicious hawker centre lunch to satisfy my craving for local food.

Second up was the Bukit Tinggi trip with my whole company. It was fun although I experienced car-sickness on the way up and down Bukit Tinggi. But generally it was a great trip where my and my colleagues screamed our lungs out to the songs on radio and had a chilling night at Genting.

Most enlightening experience of 2010:
Creative Writing course by BGF 
I learned so much during the course, not only on writing but also to believe in dreams and never give up. Thanks Mr. P.C. Shividas for the inspiring talk; It made me believe in the power of attractive - that every step I'm taking is leading me to my goals and dreams although I do not see it in the near future, but things are pulling me there.


Most Dramatic moment 2010:
My car window got smashed while me and my colleague were waiting at the traffic lights. She was robbed off her handbag. Freaked us both out and waiting at traffic lights have never been the same again.


Funniest Moments 2010:
Too many to remember. Generally my colleagues are all goofballs and we basically just laugh about everything.

The one I can think of is the one involving Stef, Darlene and the dude-next-door fighting over a Christmas present. Was bloody hilarious I cried....


Most angry moments:
Got let down by 2 friends

Other highlights:
- Discovering Glee
- Andrew replied my birthday wish
- Bought a new phone


Best Movie 2010:
Eat Pray Love


Song of the Year:
It's impossible to name one

Hunk of the Year: Cory Monteith

Comedy of the Year: Modern Family


TV Series of the Year: Hello? Do you need to ask? GLEEE!!

I've had a great 2010 and 2011 is going to be better.
I haven't really got the time to think about my New Year resolutions and I guess this is a good time to give it some thought. New Year resolutions might sound lame and cliche, but perhaps these resolutions give us something to achieve throughout the year. We need goals....

So ya....

2011 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS:
Enjoy and live life to the max
Work hard, set a career goal, get a promotion and earn more
Be more meticulous!
Travel at least 3 times
Must keep my movie and music blogs active!
Must try to exercise a bit more hahahaha (okay this one sounds like it's not happening already)
Must be nicer to everyone and stop judging!
Must save RM10k for my 2013 Europe backpacking trip
Must find my Cory Monteith (please come to Malaysia)

AIM FOR THE SUN (I improvised) SO THAT IF YOU FALL, YOU SHALL FALL AMONG THE STARS!

That's all folks!
This is 2011. And I smell something good. :)

With Lotsa Love
TammyC
ps: Please pray that everything is smooth-sailing on the 3rd of January. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!