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!!!!!!!!!!!! 

CHAPPITY CHAP...RAPPITY RAP...MAINLY CRAP

It's been too long...

I forgot how it's like to have my fingers pumped up with only pure energy, mind filled with inspiration, and have words just flowing through the fingertips to the keypads, generating lines of alphabets that expresses what I am thinking and what I wanted to say.

Time constraints make it hard for people to contribute to blogs. I wonder how some people does it. I have so many things I wanted to say in my blog but everyday,  I feel drained out of energy after my day at work and multiple Facebook page checking. What a life....a life filled with nothing but just constant worries about work. But then again, it's really tough for me when I have no work to worry about. Life is about finding balance and sometimes, IT IS SO HARD TO FIND THE BALANCE!

Today is one of those off days for me; in fact, let's just say these few days.

I was all hyped up and re-energized over the weekend, but I guess my hormones got the better of me and I'm left with feeling all so down and moody, but trying to keep things going with a forced happy smile on my face. Some people might call this situation, feeling 'emo', which I totally don't get, but ya, I guess feeling 'emo' is when you suddenly feel so friggin' down and your mind only thinks of all worst possible things and just couldn't see any light. I dislike the term 'emo' but I think that doesn't fit my personality, so I guess I'll stick to the term 'hormonal-mood-swings-due-to-the-time-of-the-month'.

Symptoms:

I feel like nobody in the world likes me

I hate myself 

I couldn't stand myself

I just want to sleep and do nothing

I can't think straight

I get overly sensitive about what others think or say (perhaps not even about me)

Today was another hectic day; due to lack of sleep + aunty's visit, I practically can't function after 3PM. All my emails were crappy, my tone of voice like an evil witch, which I believe made some people think that I'm a patronizing bitch and control freak woman, who just gives orders without compassion. Am I? Sigh....I hate being the freak that gives orders. I hate having to chase people and nag people about stuff....but darn, that's my job! How? And I try to say as many Thank You and Sorry for troubling as possible, but I guess that doesn't cut it, huh?

Had to deal with a 'black-faced' bulldude these two days and seriously, why do I need to take those sort of attitude? What did I do wrong? If I ask because I do not know something, does that mean I'm at fault for not being as 'smart' as you? It is really my first time and I had to ensure that things go well - so ya, you've done it multiple, or ya a gazillion times before and so, can't I be a bit agitated and on my toes on my first? I mean I had to ask and be sure and why is that a problem that deserve that arrogance on your pathetic face? I hope that this is the last time that I have to deal with that sorta attitude, because honestly....I don't know if I can take it anymore. I hate feeling stupid and useless and intimidated by people like that.

And I never understand why I'm that kinda person who cares so much about what other people think about me, when I guess, the most common sense tells us that IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER. Today, I keep speculating how the guests would think of what I said earlier etc etc...pains my head really. On normal days, I guess I'd just say, "F it, you don't need to give a darn...", but today is not a normal day. My head wonders and ponders on the consequences of my words and actions...and do I look like a kid? Don't even get me started on me looking like a kid...Although I like it sometimes, sometimes I just HATE THAT I LOOK LIKE A KID BECAUSE I AM NEVER TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND IS ALWAYS UNDERESTIMATED.

Life is tough; which I guess is good.

I guess all I need right now on such a moody day is to chip in some time to blog and vent; and cook myself underneath my comfortable warm blanket on such a cold day. Ah....heavens.

May next week and January be better and more bearable. January 2011 is spelt HELL.

Nite folks.

May 'He' be with me.

With Lotsa Love

TammyC

HIGH HILLS

Bukit Tinggi is beautiful.

Nice view. Its French-European concept reminds me of Liverpool, but less cool since we're only confined to a few metres of city space.

The only thing that freaks me out about travelling up to Bukit Tinggi is the ride and car sickness up the hill.

The rest of the trip was almost perfect.

Great place, great people, great food. Love outings like these.

It wasn't really all holiday because we had company training on the hill top as well.

We had some time for leisure (basically, just chit-chatting), but the craziest was just driving all the way up to Genting Highlands after dinner. It wasn't a bad idea although I suffered through the journey up and down haha. I love the chilly nights up in Genting; reminds me of some great times. 

The worst experience, although kinda cool, was vomiting in front of Colmar Tropicale.

My colleague and I were both suffering from severe car sickness and once we got out of the car, both of us started throwing up our dinner and the Starbucks coffee we had up in Genting. Excellent but the small of our crap was phunky! Haha.

I guess part of the reason I enjoy the trip, and more and more my job is that I realized that I treat all my colleagues like part of a family. Even if it's a family with flaws and disagreement, there are happy moments spent together. 

Times like these sorta make me feel that the lows in my life are all temporary because right now, I', happy with  a different view of things - a happier one. I'm learning each day new things and also realizing that I can learn to love things I never knew existed. I mean, I still face the occasional challenge and is held back by procrastination, generally, I am loving what I do, I really am.

I might not say it in front of my colleagues, because I'm never comfortable expressing deep felt feelings and emotions when unnecessary...but I seriously enjoy every minute I have with them although occasionally, they bug the crap outta me haha.

It's amazing how they all managed to slowly change me into someone different - I feel for the better for myself, to see things from various perspectives and now, I'm trying to learn how to see things from a larger picture. I'm not there yet as I'm still learning every single day and if previously I said I have no job satisfaction, I have now because every single day I live with a purpose. I head to work knowing exactly what I need and what to do for the day and when unexpected things pop up, every screwing I get, anything that pulls me down...at the end of the day, most of the time taught me lessons that I truly appreciates. 

I'm still quite a negative person, despite my upbeat, carefree personality...

I still lack confidence....

I have many weaknesses that I wish I could erase...

But where I am now highlights all these to me and with time, I hope that I can continue to improve and be better.

Besides home, my office is another place I feel that I belong - my second home.

And honestly, how many can say that.

Overtime, the struggles and pains and challenges and scoldings I got from my bosses and clients, all these are experiences that I will never forget.

And as I move along, I realized how much they all mean to me. We are like a family; each with our own personality and uniqueness, and that makes the team special.

I'm amazed that people can argue and disagree with each other and then reconcile as if nothing happened. I always believe that a good and strong team consists of people who can deal with each other on a daily basis, despite disagreements and arguments. And I guess I'm privileged to be part of such a team.

I'm also very blessed to know that I'm working with people who cares for me.

I hope I'm not a victim of the "plastics"; many people say I'm naive and gullible and tend to trust people too easily, but I sincerely feel that they all truly care for me. 

That being said, nothing lasts forever. Roses wither. Our bed of roses could just fade into a pile of dead petals.

People change. Perhaps one day, we can't stand each other anymore and just have to move on.

But at this very moment, I'll preserve the happy memories we had - the good times we all spend together as a team, as friends, as a family consisting of Mamasan, Papasan, seniors and aunties hahaha. :)

I'm a person who always go with wind.

I've things I've always wanted to do for myself, but I guess, there are also things that other people do for me and for that, worth the sacrifice.

Will remember the crazy 'pops', the Glees, the sing-along song sessions, the gossips about whatever crap there is that's none of our business
(My two kakis at work, my days will be a tad duller without them)

Will remember my lovely, loud and funny 'mamasan' a.k.a. female boss a.k.a. the big big sister I never had
(Swear words never come out so funny)

Will remember the serious but also goofy BIG boss who sometimes remind me of my dad 
(Better say the brother I never had to avoid a pay-cut, in case anyone comes across this) 

My senior...the seniorita in white...

Bubble (dog in the bag)

The partly dysfunctional family

and 

Sheerry, our accounts lady who has yet to take a photo with me. :)

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

Tiny booth and holding hands

Everyday as I walk out from my condo's entrance, i'd see a security guard guarding the housing area opposite our condo. Most of the time, he attracts my attention. If u r guessing that i'm rambling again abt another hottie, then u r wrong. He attracts my attention because of his relationship with his son. Every morning and sometimes after work, depending on his shift, i'm blessed with a sight of warm love between a father and a son. I remember once, his son was singing with him inside the tiny security booth. Aww that is one of the sweetest moments i've witnessed. Sometimes, I see both of them holding hands, walking down the slope, perhaps heading home. I think to myself, both of them must be the happiest people alive. I guess sometimes we define happiness with material items, but I truly believe that the happiest moments can only be defined by spending time and being with the people u love and care abt the most. Our happiness when we buy a prada or gucci last only perhaps until the time we want a new louis vuitton. But time spent with someone we love preserve itself in the form of memories. I believe that little boy will grow up with fond memories of him and his daddy in the booth and holding his daddy's big hands as they head home after daddy's long tiring day. No offense but I dun think the father and son are extremely rich, but I have a strong feeling that they are extremely happy and contented. I guess sometimes, that's also the thing that matters most. And i'm glad that I too have had some really fond memories with my parents. I'm blessed. With lotsa love, TammyC

OVER THE YEARS

I realized that kids grow up different from how they used to be when they are little I guess.

Looking back, I wasn't the same 7-year-old kid back then. 

I've become more outspoken and talkative as compared to a shy me back then.

It's amazing how people change through the years.

I've come to conclude that the people I meet throughout my life and circumstances around me made me who I am today - good or bad, I'm moulded and shaped by the people I encounter and perhaps sometimes, what I went through.

Every single person I meet in my life have taught me something, whether I love or dislike, I believe I got something out of that relationship. 

I'm happy these few days because I realized that, I can say now that although my life is kinda stressful, I'm beginning to get used to it and I can actually say, I kinda like what I'm doing. 

I am once again happy and contented with life.

People change.

When I see naughty, stubborn and rude kids, I wonder if that's what they'll be like in 5 years time.

You could be surprised. They might turn over 180 degrees. This is a personal experience - not me, but someone close to me.

You don't know what happened, or who changed them, but they just became such a lovable kid as they grow up.

So I guess we should never hold grudges (easy to say, hard to do), because the person we know now, might be different the next time you see them.

But then again, if the person continue to suck, by all means, boycott them.

That is all. 

With Lotsa Love,
TammyC

I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE AGAIN WITH HOLIDAYS

There are different types of trips and I guess before you sign up for any, you need to make sure you know exactly which type you sign up for. 

Here are the few types of trips that I've identified:

Family trips:- The whole family, mum and dad, sis and bro are all involved. Some bigger family trips involve even aunts and uncles. Basically, the objective of this trip is to strengthen family ties. I used to join loads of these trips when I was younger. I guess it's time to plan for another family trip soon.

Couple trips:- The most romantic type of trip where a boy and girl, girl and girl or guy and guy hangs out together. The duo could be dating, married or just friends but the couple trip is basically just for two people. But if you ask me, couple trips cater for 2 romantically inclined souls. So usually during couple trips, couples become intimate and their relationship should grow stronger. Best spots for couple trips would be beaches and romantic spots, but then of course it depends on the couple. One thing I know for sure is that, if you are single, NEVER EVER PARTICIPATE IN A COUPLE TRIP because "WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BE A LIGHTBULB?"

Girls' trips:- This is a trip where all the single ladies would join just to have a good girl time. This is the trip where a bunch of girl friends can hang out, let their hair down, set yourself loose and perhaps forget about boys. It's a feel good trip where you just chill and do things girls love doing...Oh well, perhaps if one of them gets lucky, you could help be a wing man to set her up too..

Gang trip:- A bunch of students hanging out and just having a blast. This is a trip where a group of friends go wild and crazy. Usually extremely fun! It is most common for college/university students to organize gang trips and it is very fun because during this stage, you are young, free and adventurous - so the whole bunch would do crazy things and tryout cool stuff. 

Solitary trips:- For those who just want to spend some time alone and get away from others or the world around you. I've yet tried out solitary trips but I think I'm going to need one real soon. Sometimes, I guess I just need a break from everyone, from everything around me - I just want to be alone with the beach. Go to a place where no one knows me....just me.

I've been to all of the trips above, except the solitary trips.

Every single one of them special and fun, in their own ways, although on the couple trip, I learned that I was the brightest lightbulb ever.

I had a blast over the weekend to Ipoh and Penang - one of the best trips ever!!

I satisfied my taste buds by eating the best Penang and Ipoh food.

I got to relaxed by the beach.

Life was great 2 days ago.

I realized that holiday is mandatory because it helps rejuvenate and escape from the hustle and bustle of life. I think life is most of the time stressful and sometimes, you feel that it's meaningless, but I guess that going for holidays help you escape the harsh reality that work life brings you...it's like you've flown away to fantasy land or something, where there is just nothing worth worrying about. 

It's like I've forgotten how great holidays feel.

I've fallen in love again with holidays.

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

Looking forward to the next relaxing holiday

PENANG-IPOH YEAH!

Woohoo! 

Finally a holiday that I can shout happily about!

Am currently in Penang with my boss and colleague; it really is a girls' trip - just us, food and the beach! 

Went to Gurney Drive and I'm soooooooooo happy.

Every time I set foot on this island, it is compulsory that I visit Gurney Drive to savour the food. I really love the food there and I don't understand why over the years, people find that place uninteresting. I mean, I can never get enough of Gurney Drive - the atmosphere, the colours and sounds of the place and the variety of food glaring in front of me, seducing me into trying out each and every single dish served. It is Penang's identity. If one missed 

Started off our trip at around 10am and we dropped by Ipoh (my hometown) for a taste of some  infamous  steamed chicken and kuey teow. So ya, NEVER LEAVE IPOH without trying the steamed chicken, bean sprouts & kuey teow. As an Ipoh girl, I've never really appreciated the steamed chicken, the bean sprouts & kuey teow, and never really thought about how easily accessible these dishes were until I moved to KL. Now, imagine, I'd actually drive almost 3 hours just to get a taste of that when previously, it was just a 15 min drive away. I should have stocked more in my stomach to last me 30 years. 

Anyway, I've never seen the place that packed before. It is amazing and an eye-opener for me. Most of the people who dined in the restaurant were from KL, (most of the car plates indicated KL-Lites). It's amazing really to know that many many many people make road-trips down to Ipoh just for a taste of delicious.

Haha.

So after a heavy lunch, we still made way for some dessert and Funny Mountain for some Soya Bean drink and "Taufu fah" (Taufu with sweet syrup - one famous local dessert).

My God, brings back loads of memories.

This place called "Funny Mountain" has been operating for years and has been serving the best Taufu fah in Ipoh. The best is that it is drive-through. Basically, you park your car by the roadside, and then there will be a waiter getting your orders. They'll send over your orders and you can just enjoy your dessert in the comfort of your car. 

It was my dad's favourite place - we use to go there every week.

This trip back, really brought back memories of those good old days where daddy drove us around town every Sunday for lunch; except now, I'm all grown up and driving a car!!

After a satisfying lunch, it was time to conquer Penang!!!!

When we reached, we head straight to Gurney Drive and I am so happy that I found the taste of  Laksa that I've been searching for! Honestly, why would anyone say that Gurney Drive's food is not nice?

So after Gurney Drive, we are faced with the challenge of locating our hotel. 

We know it's along the main road of Batu Feringgi - but had no idea where exactly. So up we drove, swerving the twist and turns of the long and winding road and finally............we made it!!!!!!

The place is gorgeous...simple with a Japanese touch.

I love that it's so near the beach.

It's perfect for relaxation, and that's just what we need - to get our minds off work and just focus on having loads of fun that is not tiring. 

I guess I love an escapade like this - just myself and a few close friends.

Nothing else.

Perfect.

Sometimes the simplest things in life makes you the happiest.

With Lotsa Love,

TammyC

ps: Saw a lot of cute guys here man, but all unavailable...why? :P