Friday 31 August 2007

being malaysian

Today, Malaysia celebrates her 50th year of independence.

I’m certain that many blogs would have mentioned something on the independence to the build up of the event. And I’m sure many Malaysians would have blog something about Malaysia on this day as well.

Not wanting to be left out, I will write about being a Malaysian.

I’m proud to say I’m Malaysian or Malaysian Chinese whenever anyone asks. I get very annoyed when people stereotype that I’m from China.

I love to tell people how beautiful Malaysia is, where one should go and what one should see when visiting the country.

Malaysia is a beautiful country. A mixture of peaceful highlands, sandy beaches, lush rainforests, bustling cities, busy towns and sleepy villages.

I love how diversified the country is. Because of this, we have the privilege of savouring so many types of mouth watering dishes, understand and experience various cultural differences, and my favourite part is the abundance of public holidays we get because of our multi-racial and multi-beliefs background.

There are so much development and advancement in things. I was surprised when I first arrived in the UK and even now, some of us seemed to have better computer skills than many here.

We have the tallest twin towers, loads of shopping centres, beautiful skylines and an International Airport to be proud of.

There are so many improvements in the past fifty years. So many events created history that Malaysian would never thought we could have done or achieved.

But the question often boils down to ‘are you proud to be a Malaysian?’

This question lies well inside each one of us. It is an answer that either we shout out loud or just keep it quietly inside of us.

I will not say much about this. I’m Malaysian. Period.

I believe that there are a lot of things that the nation struggle with. One thing for certain is the people’s struggle with the government on certain issues.

On the other hand it is also important for people to view things from the government’s point of view. It is not easy being on either side. One has to put order and legislation, whereas the other wants to believe they have the freedom of expression on anything and everything.

It’s not easy but I am happy that we live in harmony, most of the time, anyways.

My vision is to hope that one day Malaysians will learn to appreciate the things around them - good and bad.

For instance, the Negarakuku composition by Wee Meng Chee.

Personally I think it was a very bold artistic expression of his love and impression of the country.

As with any artists, there will be controversy surrounding their works (in whatever form it comes in).

We’ll reach there some day. Some day, I hope.

Happy 50th Birthday Malaysia!

Thursday 30 August 2007

excitement

Yesterday I was ‘moaning’ that I’m not sure what I want to blog about.

Then I had the most ‘exciting’ evening anyone could imagine.

After viewing a flat on Hutton Drive, AD drop me off at the traffic lights at Anniesland. After saying my thank yous and goodbyes, I closed the car door on my right thumb!


I just did what I normally do, close the car door and touch it to make sure that I have closed it properly. However, yesterday it must have been a case of my hand touched the door too fast and the door closed too slowly on me.

I was like ‘owww’. Thinking back I was wondering how come I didn’t reach out with my left hand and open the door but I was actually holding my bag with my left. Of course at the same time I was also just ‘telepathying’ AD to open the door please. He did. I just said that it was okay.

Speaking to him this morning, he said he was sort of grossing out on his way home thinking about it. :P I can’t help saying to him ‘a rugby player like you probably has seen more blood and gore than this!’

Anyways, I was holding on to my thumb walking to the bus stop. I didn’t know I was trying to control the thumb from bleeding or trying to control the pain. It was all blue black and bruised. I was thinking of crying but I didn’t.

I got some plaster from the Central Services Building at the student accommodation. Clean up the wound and potter about my usual things in the evening.

Yes, it was annoying and painful. But I don’t think I broke anything. I just felt numb. Other than that I just felt that I don’t know what to feel.

Anyways that was not all the exciting stuff.

Someone broke into my room while I was in the room! It’s bad enough if your room is being breaking into but with you in the same room!


I was reading on my bed when I heard banging on the glass. Didn’t thought it was my own, I was thinking it must be some boys playing next door. Then I thought it was gun shots, still thinking and believing elsewhere. You can’t blame me believing that there is a possibility of guns, since gun crimes are high nowadays.

When the sound stopped, I noticed that the first pane of glass was broken. I grabbed my phone and went out the room. Shaken by the whole incident and wasn’t very sure what to do, I called TOH. While speaking to him over the phone in the hallway, the second pane of glass broke and I just ran all the way to security.

In normal or other circumstances, I would have probably confronted the perpetrator, had I seen him. Because I wasn’t sure if he was armed or not (especially if it was a gun), I rather not see him or even want to face him. It is hard to say in this time and age, what could happen. Two months ago there was an
attempted terrorist attack at Glasgow Airport and last week an eleven year old boy was shot dead in Liverpool.

It was more important to save my life.

After we managed to get hold of the senior resident, the three of us went back to the flat only to see that the room has been ransacked!

The first thing I noticed missing was my work bag. I was really annoyed and frustrated because everything was in there: my wallet, travel pass, work pass, cheque books, library book, and a list of non monetary value things (which most of them are important things) and then later I realised my iPod as well!

Sitting on my bed all I can pray was ‘Lord, help me understand why this is happening!’

I was moved to another room in another block. While waiting for the police to arrived, I had to make the necessary calls. It took the police quite a long time to arrive. In fact I had to wait for almost two hours!

I was very disappointed. I’m rather surprised with myself that I stayed very calm all time. Very annoyed. Yes. But I was still very calm.

When the police finally arrived, I was very relieved. All I wanted to do was to give my statement and be done with it. It was a good thing to see a good looking policeman and a pretty policewoman.

There were really nice and friendly. PC Andrew Murphy tried to make the situation relaxed. To my great relieve, they have recovered my things. All of them! Even the watch that I didn’t realised was stolen because I only started wearing a watch again a few weeks back.

What took them so long was they stopped a suspicious looking guy (and possibly arrested him then) while on their way to see me.

Whatever it was I was so relieved.

It has been a terrible evening for me and I was glad it was over. PC Murphy took my statement, I signed on his wee notebook, and that was all I needed to do. No need for me to go down to the station.

However, they have to take my things for photographic evidence. So I had nothing on me. I had to borrow ten quid from a stranger. Hopefully I will get them back by Friday lunchtime.

Funny thing is that there were quite a few helpful people. Of them, there was the security guard - Kenny, two senior residence - Rebecca (on duty) and Nico, a very very nice guy - Jack, not forgetting PC Andrew and PC Cecil. And I am thankful for each one of them.

Almost forgetting... I'm thankful for TOH as well. Although he was miles away, he did what I would have done and said what I would have said to anyone who was in the same situation. And it was comforting. Very comforting.

When everything was done and settled, I finally went to bed around 3am. So I really couldn't be bothered if I arrived to work on time or not.


I’m considered very lucky to be able to have all my things recovered. The chances of things like this happening are not very high.

I roughly think I know why this happened to me, but I believed there is more to it. I’m sure one day I will know why.

Wednesday 29 August 2007

flat hunting: part one

This morning, I was sitting doing my forecasts thinking what should I be blogging.

As much as it seems that my life sort of revolves around blogging, it is actually not true. It’s just that I have set a challenge to myself to blog everyday, where possible. Besides, I enjoy blogging, so why not? Yes, I know sometimes my posts do seem like really boring and mundane stories that may just bore the tears out of you who take the time to read it. My apologies in advance. ;P

Anyways, I thought why don’t I share my flat hunting experience instead.

So far what I had been doing is sitting in front of the computer poring over flat after flat online. Again and again. Day after day.

The worst thing that I feel for me is the unfamiliar location and surroundings of the property. Say, the flat may look really nice in pictures but the area around it is dodgy or transportation is a problem. So, nice flat but lousy area - no.

Then another thing that I’m rather particular is I want gas central heating. So far, I think and through my experience, I believe that gas central heating is so much (or maybe just slightly) cheaper than electric heating.

TS once said that whatever has a heating element in it is expensive on the electric bills. That means that boiling water, shower heating, boiler, radiator/heater, stove, oven and even toaster will mount up the cost. That is why it has been encouraged that if you want to boil water in the kettle, just boil the amount that is enough for what you need.

One thing that comes up again and again on most listings is ‘white meter heating’. I went around asking what white meter heating is and not many people know what the hell it was. Until I asked one of my colleagues.

Apparently, white meter heating is electric storage heating that comes with a white meter. What this white meter does is that it only turns on (or you can set the timer to have it turn on) when it is off-peak where the charge for electricity is the lowest. Because it uses the cheapest electricity, it is called white meter. Turn on in this case, is when the electricity will be use to heat up the elements. Then what happens is that the heat is stored up and disperses when required. The stored heat will last for about 3-5 hours (I think).

This is not the best heating. Firstly, it does provide instantaneous heating. Say if I’m cold and I want heating but I did not store any from the night before, I don’t get any. Otherwise I have to turn on the electric panel heating, if there is any. Again, as mentioned earlier, electric heating = expensive.

Also from various testimonials, storage heating has not been the most economical and efficient form of heating. Someone said that many prefer to install white meter heating because it is cheaper to install and supposed to be cheaper to use, face value wise. But I think many did not look far enough, or so I think. After all, if storage heating is so good, people won’t consider changing it to gas central heating. TOH said that it is going to cost him £3,000 to change his storage heating to gas central heating.

Another thing is that storage heating normally disperses during the day, which, for me there is no one at home! So what’s the point?

What frustrates me is that those who advertise the flats, does not give clear description of the flat, such as the type of heating and the location of the flat, whether it is ground floor, 1st or whatever.

I will blog about the location of the flat in my next post.

Tuesday 28 August 2007

self inflicted stress

Few weeks back, there was a conversation about stress. Stress eventually just boils down to: it happens because we impose or inflict them to our life.

Does seem as if we have nothing better to do with our time than to put pressure and stress on ourselves.

Think about it.

How many times when you feel stress, you can actually avoid it?

Some may say, ‘but how can I avoid it if, say, people around me are not so clever and make me stress?

The answer to that one is to a) ignore or b) tackle the problem.

I think the only person that can be blame for stress is ourselves.

How often we let things get to us?

How often we let things get out of hand and make us depress/upset/stress?

This whole looking for flat business is getting way out of hand.

Everyday I pore over properties after properties online (sadly, that is the main thing I do at work, and I’m not even a property surveyor/consultant. Enough said!). Sieving through all that is on offer, dropping emails to companies and calling some of them to book for viewings.

Why is it so difficult to find something I like, affordable, view it, sign the paper and be done with it?

My dateline for the property in Aberdeen is drawing nearer. The temporary accommodation I am in will not be available once the students get back to uni. Still I have not found a flat.

The few that I thought I was going to view, eventually had its own problems/issues. It is just so frustrating!!!

TOH was so sweet and understanding. He just said to me not to be so hard on myself. But at the same time said that he understands that I am hard to myself because I want to get things done.

So as usual, whenever I’m overly stressed on something, I fall sick.

*Sigh*

How many times in the past six months I have fallen sick because of stress?!

I’m not the kind that even fall sick but the times in the past six months is just appalling!

Anyways, like it or not, I have to plough on.

I better get back to looking at more properties while waiting for real work to arrive.

Monday 27 August 2007

just my luck

Last weekend I took the bus up the road as my usual weekend routine.

Unfortunately, the bus was delayed for about 20 minutes in Glasgow. Fine. Got on the top deck of the bus and then fell asleep within minutes. Everything seems well while we pass through the normal destinations: Perth and Dundee.

In my mind, I think that when we arrive in Perth, it is another hour to Dundee. And then from Dundee it is about another hour or so to home. However, not long after leaving Dundee, I was jolted by the swerving of the bus. With what little knowledge of vehicles, I knew what the swerving means.

In my mind, I was like ‘please do not tell me it’s a burst tyre.’ The bus slowed down and not far ahead was a lay by. Bus stopped. Driver got off. Inspected. Then came back in the bus. Still not moving. Then people started getting off the bus.

Okay, people looking, smoking their cigarettes and busy bodying out there. I won’t be surprise it was a burst tyre, but where is the announcement? 10 minutes later, Mr. Bus Driver came up the top deck to say that there is a burst tyre and a bus is out on its way.

Great! -__-

Quick text home. And then more waiting. Finally a bus came and took about 55 or so of us. Just as I have loaded my luggage and climbed on the bus, Mr. Bus Driver said the bus was full. Right. So I had to wait for the actual rescue bus. This was the 6:45pm bus from Glasgow to Aberdeen.

So there we were three passengers and Mr. Bus Driver. Four other passengers got a lift into Aberdeen.

Mr. BD was nice and in the most responsible manner, brought us over to the other side of the bus to see the burst tyre. It was really bad. Being the back tyre of the driver’s side, Mr. BD couldn’t carry on the journey, even though the bus was a six wheeler. Had one of the middle ones burst, we could still make the remainder 45 minutes journey.

The waiting for the rescue bus didn’t seem too long as Mr. BD was a really nice chap keeping me and Singaporean girl company. The other passenger didn’t join us. Not long after that, the rescue bus came and Mr. BD continued the journey back.

It was kinda cool. Kinda. Since there were only three of us on the bus and Mr. BD.

We finally arrived in Aberdeen two hours later than scheduled. I don’t deny that it is not a great start to the weekend but I am thankful that we arrived safely. Commends to Mr. BD even though it was his first experience with a burst tyre, he handled the situation very well.

Now, I just need to send in my complaint letter. Might just get a refund. Fingers crossing!

Friday 24 August 2007

the morning after


The office looked rather quiet this morning. It took about an hour or so before the rest of the people turned up.

It was indeed a great night.

The evening sun was beating down. People mingled. The free bar helps. It was quite a few drinks before folks get fed. By then everyone was in a really good mood.

Yes, the weather did play a big role. Those who were there looked tanned this morning.

The location was beautiful. Mesmerising. The BBQ was on the docked Maid of the Loch. Everyone was relaxed. There were 230 of us. Wow! It was a feat feeding us all. The girl who was doing the BBQ must be commended on her efforts but there should have been more people helping her and there should have been more food.

I need a good helping of food if I’m drinking!

Oh well, it was a really good night no doubt about it. There were so many names to remember. So many Johns until I was confused. Maybe I should start calling every guy John. ;P Not a good idea I think.

Drink log: four bottles of Magners, two bottles of Corona, one glass of Bucks Fizz, a wee dram of whisky on rocks

Today, another desk. After so many times sitting at desk with the mouse on my left, it was really weird having to reach out my left hand to nothing.

Desk log for this week: three
Desk log for last week: four

Can't wait to get my own desk.

Funny this morning, when I tried to zip up my bag it was easy to zip compared to last Sunday. Was rather perplexed.

I dropped my iPod in the kitchen today. Felt a tug and then in my mind was like ‘oh nooo…’. Everything seemed in slow motion. The iPod flew across from the breakfast stool. It yanked off from the headphones. Next thing I heard was this loud smack on the floor. My heart just ached, so badly. Oh my poor iPod! My aching heart… Now it has a chip. So sad. It’s not even a month old I think.

Catching up on Kenny Sia’s blog, he was reviewing the iPhone. It looks really fine. Should I get one? Hmmm…

This weekend is the opening of new Apple Store on Buchanan Street and I’m away! Free shirts giveaway to first 1,500. I think I will try to get my Tuesdays occupied with free live concerts at the store.


p.s.: Posting #100. Yaay!!!

Thursday 23 August 2007

sunshine and happiness

Yesterday’s weather was just wonderful. Saw the weather forecast the day before that it will be 22°c but I won’t be surprise it was more than that.

Spent an hour lunch sitting in the sun with AD. It was too nice that we didn’t want to get back to work. If only…

After work, it was still warm and sunny. So I went to the Botanic Gardens. The garden was busier than usual with the wonderful weather. Had a quick visit of Kibble Palace before finding a nice patch of grass to settle down.

It is not easy when sitting on a slope wearing white skirt. Luckily I had my jacket with me so I can sit on it. It was so nice and warm, having the evening sun beating down. After a while, I turned and lie on my stomach reading. But it was just too nice. Eventually the book became my face rest, listening to Texas, I then fall in and out of sleep under the sun. Doing what I love most, lying on the grass.

Bliss!

If TOH was here it would have made it all perfect!

I think I’m much tanner than him now. He is so going to be teased by me.

Am hoping the weather will stay on nice today. The Client Company has organised a BBQ on the boat at Loch Lomond. Almost didn’t get to go because of logistics issue. But all is good. We even get to finish an hour early!

Am counting the hours. BBQ. Beautiful Loch Lomond, that I have heard so much about (click for pictures).

What more can I ask for in a new job?

Wednesday 22 August 2007

scouting

I meant to blog this for a while. However certain events such as the ‘death’ of a friend, thrown me off my blogging ‘schedule’.

This year Scouts all over the world celebrates the centenary of scouting.

Scouting back in my school was like the coolest extra curricular activities to join. However, I can’t remember exactly why I didn’t join it any earlier, possibly due to clash in time with my piano classes. Anyways, finally when the new school year started in 1995, I decided to join the scout troop.

Ever since then, there is no looking back.

I remember the days when we used to practice marching under the hot sun and at that time it was ‘group punishment’ if something is not good enough/right/up to standards. It built discipline and of course it improved our skills too.

However, as the years go by, many new members of the troop come from daddy’s and mummy’s child background; and plus our school is somewhat considered ‘posh’ with Datuk and Datin’s children; the troop received quite a few complaints on unacceptable ragging or rather disciplining. These complaints come in heaps especially after camping trips.

Camping is probably one of my favourite parts of scouting. Living in the outdoors, going for days not having a proper shower, cooking with fire we built on our own and with limited resources and outdoor activities that comes with it.

I don’t deny that I don’t like all of the outdoor activities. Among those I love were jungle trekking. Once we had to track in the river and even cook our lunch by the river. I don’t really like the obstacle course, especially after raining. The reddish mud always stains the clothes and you just feel so mucky. Of course, looking back, I think I actually secretly would have loved to go in the mud. Then there is climbing over the wall, I think it was about 10ft high, can’t really remember. I hated this because I had always been rather conscious of myself. So I normally cheat and walk around the wall.

The other great thing about camping is going for camps or Jamborees. My favourite was the Goodwill Camp which is held annually between the Malaysians and Singaporeans. From those camps I made some really good friends who are still friends today. I also love the district jamborees.

One of the best experiences I ever had was participating the Asia Pacific Jamboree which was held in on the east coast of Malaysia, Terenganu. It was by the beach, it was extremely hot and the activities were abundance! It was there I had my first taste of abseiling (so cool) and vertical wall climbing (though, sadly I didn’t even make quarter of my way up). We wanted to do the flying fox but I remembered there was a huge queue. It was at this Jamboree we met delegates from many countries around the world including some European scouts as well.

Camping after my schooling days was slightly different then. We used to sleep in cars since most of us drive. Once in a while we would sleep in the open under the stars, which was my favourite since city lights always blind out the beautiful night sky.

After my schooling years, I continued to attend the weekly meetings, even though I was no longer part of the troop, as a student of the school. Everyone was family and it was somehow only natural to meet up.

However, I then went for my Wood Badge Leadership Training. I only did up until level two due to college commitments as well as leaving the country to further studies.

The 21st World Scout Jamboree was held in Gilwell Park in Chelmsford, UK, this year to celebrate the centenary. There were days that are open for visitors only. I was thinking of going for the visitor days but logistics proved otherwise. Too much hassle for me to make the journey down south. Other commitments also hampered my decision of going.

Looking back my scouting years, I’m glad that I took the decision to participate the movement. Although I managed to complete a few badges, I didn’t made it to becoming King Scout, the highest award in Malaysian Scouting. It would have been great but...

Through scouting, I made so many friends from the country and across the sea (Singapore, we still joke about this) and also did so many outdoor activities that had enriched my leadership and life skills.

Of course one that seemed to stick on (to a certain degree) is ‘be prepared’. But lucky for me, being a woman that comes easy.

I love scouting and never had regretted it. I may just pick up where I left and continue one day. And as they say ‘once a scout, always a scout’.

Tuesday 21 August 2007

internet convenience

We don’t realise a lot of things or convenience we had until it is taken away from us.

Having the convenience of broadband internet access as and when I need at home was excellent! Last week for the first time in a while I felt very bored even though having internet access.

It is most annoying when you are faced with the following notice:

Http: Error
Status: 403 Prohibit
Description: Organizational Policies Prohibit access to this page
Note: If necessary, please contact your System Administrator for resolution

After a few browsing here and there and my usual routine works, I’ve discovered that quite a few sites fall under this category.

For instance, I was trying to access to Ikea’s website last week and it showed the same message! Otherwise, some sites will load but no pictures appear.

So it is very annoying that I can’t check mail. I can’t even check my company mail. I can’t even let my company know my forwarding office email as my network access has not been set up over here at the Client’s site. How annoying!

Maybe I should go and have a word with my System Administrator and let them know that I need those access for my daily function.

However, am so glad today. The Big Guy arranged for my user account and thus I now have email access. A bit of relieve there.

Also, I managed to find out that I can get free one hour access per day from the local library. I think it is really good especially I’m considered as a ‘Visitor to Glasgow’. Still, it was annoying to find out that some social networking sites I can access and others that I can’t.

Without much or limited time for web base email access, I can only hope and pray that people don’t forward mails to me. Fingers and toes crossing.

It’s been a while since I used a local library internet access. It never fails to give me a buzz of ‘excitement’. Seeing the counting down clock at the bottom screen ticking every minute away, pushes you to type faster than normal, curse more (even if have to be whispered because it is a library) when the page uploads at super slow speed, and forwarded mails just pile up because they are not important enough to read with the clock ticking away.

It is during these times that you realised how much time each of us actually spend online.

I’m glad that I can still access to blogger from work so I can still blog. Although I must admit that I should spend only a reasonable amount on it. And I better touch wood before I jinx it.

The student accommodation I live in temporarily has internet access. But last weekend I tried to start up my laptop but it cannot upload because of corrupted system files. Need to get POCO to look at it. No laptop, no access, equals to too much annoyance!

Must contain those stress spots/pimples and grey hairs.

Let’s hope I find a flat soon, set up my access and go back to my normal routine.

Monday 20 August 2007

breakfast

It’s week two of my new job.

Last night I couldn’t sleep. It was annoying as I was so tired but I had too many things on my mind. The timing was just perfect(!). Yeah right!

So wanting a wee lie in this morning, I overslept instead. Luckily my workplace is rather flexible but it wasn’t that bad, I was only late a few minutes, ten minutes top.

No breakfast/coffee/tea in my stomach, I am craving for Nasi Lemak (coconut rice). Yuummm… Even better if I can have Nasi Lemak Sotong (coconut rice with squid in sambal) with one whole egg instead of the usual quarter. If this is Malaysia, I would have bought something along the way into work or I could just nip out to buy it. But noooo…, there is no such convenience here. :(

Yesterday (Sunday), after waking up, TOH and I went to Justice Mill for breakfast. We had the Scottish Breakfast: fried egg, bacon, lorne sausage, black pudding, potato bread, and bake beans, and I had it with a nice cup of mocha (which was a little too sweet for my taste). It was great. A nice fry up but I can only have this not too often. Not the healthiest of food, I would say.

Coming back to work breakfast, I miss the mornings when working in TYL. I love the simple fried noodles from the vegetarian stall a stone throw away in the mornings. Sometimes for a treat I get some fried vegetarian stuff or even a fried egg to go with the noodles. It does make a lot of difference.

If Aunt I stay over, we often end up at the coffee shop across the road from work where I would normally have Milo kosong ice (Milo ice without milk or sugar), two soft boiled eggs and roti bakar (toast) served with butter and kaya.

Other times, I would maybe grab a bowl of noodles: kueh teow soup (broad flat noodles in soup), asam laksa, pan mee (always the thin ones with an egg), curry noodles or whatever noodles. I love my noodles if you have not notice by now.

Other mornings, I would just pick up mee goreng (fried noodles), nasi lemak, curry puff or some kuihs from the stall just at the bottom of the pedestrian flyover opposite Kelana Jaya LRT (Light Rail Transit) station.

I always love breakfast and think that it is the easiest meal to decide what to eat. But sometimes I prove myself wrong. There can be a wide selection to choose from as well.

Anyways, I better get back to work. But before that, I think I’ll grab a cup of tea and muffin. Boring!

Wednesday 15 August 2007

lottery

A few times I got roped into conversations about winning the lottery ticket. The most obvious question is what would you do if you won £1m?

That is obviously a big sum of money to spend on, compared to many of us don’t even have a fraction of that money stashed aside. My friend, Ian said that he will need to take time off to think about what he is going to do with the money.

Honestly, I’m not sure what I would do with the sum of money. Go on a big shopping spree? It’s only common right? So, typically, that would mean, buying things that you’ve always wanted: something that is a necessity, such as property; luxury vehicles; go on holidays; designer stuff; so on and so forth.

Pay off debts. It would also be sensible only to invest some or a certain part of the money so that you can have a never ending supply of money.

Many spend it on their family and friends, not forgetting donating to various charities.

I think that is about all what many would do.

Life’s just rather predictable.

Maybe the only difficult part is to really think of what you want to spend on. Even if say, buying a car, there are just so many choices, or even buying a watch, the theory is the same.

But whatever each of us decide to do with the money, there will always be a long list of possible way to spend.

However, the most important thing is win the ticket.

Over the weekend, a lady from East Kilbride (about 10 miles outside of Glasgow City) won the Euromillion Lottery Jackpot of £35m (click for news).

Lucky for some.

Now that is an even bigger sum to £1m, it will take 35 times more to think of what to do with the money!

Since I’m moving to Glasgow, maybe just maybe I will have a shot of winning something from the Lottery.

Now, I just need to go and buy myself the winning numbers.

Tuesday 14 August 2007

nomad

Arriving in Glasgow on Sunday, I was annoyed to find out that the subway closes at 6pm. So I missed the last subway to my accommodation near Botanic Gardens.


After some fretting (what's new...) I finally got the bus to Hillhead. Walking through the Botanic Gardens, the rolling sound of the wheels from my trolley bag broke the silence of the peaceful park surroundings. It was a really nice park, I must say.


The Queen Margaret Student Residence (University of Glasgow) was a really impressive accommodation. I have a very spacious ensuite room, with a large study table, loads of wardrobe storage, phone, internet access and even a tv jack! Talk about comfort! It is miles better than what I've seen in RGU or AU. The common room has a nice and well equiped kitchen and spacious lounge with tv.

After a quick bite I took a walk to my office. It wasn't the best journey as it did pass through some rather dodgy area. The walk was 50 minutes, there were some uphill and I don't think that is what I want to do everyday. Mind you, if I do walk to work everyday, I would definitely lose weight, even if it is just a week.

So on my first day of work, I have a walk to the subway station, took the subway and then bus to my office. The journey was about the same 50 minutes but much safer. I wasn't too impressed.

I started work with another guy, who was from my company, in the same situation as me, working for the client. What was even more disheartening was that the office did not preprare desks for us, we didn't get a pass for the doors, no induction, no access to workstation or email. That was a great welcoming! Not!

The day didn't go on too well, I think by lunchtime I just wanted to go home. Home to Aberdeen! I was feeling rather down. The pile of reading material given too us wasn't helpful either. I was so bored I could die!

I met up with a girl who I met in church on Sunday, in Anniesland, where she lived. I thought I want to live in Anniesland since it is just a 10 minute train ride into work. I can't deal with travelling, first day blues, and looking for a flat. By the end of the day, I was so depressed.

So, so, SO depressed!!!


This morning, I was walking through the Botanic Gardens to the subway station and I thought, hey, I could do this, walking through the Botanic Gardens everyday. The subway and bus ride to work today was much bearable.

However, I did have my first encounter of an unfriendly Glaswegian.

I got kinda emotional on my way to work. I thought to myself, I can't be doing this everyday. I can't be crying everyday. So I sort of accepted the day and thinking about what my client boss said yesterday that 'everyday will be a better day'. It did help though, with me blasting My Chemical Romance, it's my new anti-stress music, since I don't have No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom.

Which was great. I had a great day today! It was so much bearable. I found something interesting to read on the intranet. I didn't fall asleep and I didn't feel bored. Me and the new guy, I must think of a name for him, hung out for lunch today. And it was a great day for us newbies.

Although I must say that today we both moved to two different desks, still no access to doors or computer. :( Not impressed.

So my current status: nomad. Nomad at work, and sort of nomad in Glasgow. Okay, I shouldn't say that, I have a nice accommodation, it's not that bad. But I just want to get my own flat and settle down here!

Soon. I must be patient.

I'm looking forward to work tomorrow. (A real change compared to what I felt on Monday night!) I need to find out if I can blog from work.

Sunday 12 August 2007

end of festival, begining of adventure

The AIYF: Festival Finale last night was really good. There were really good performances. I'm sure my sisters would have love the dances. I loved the music. Kutapira and Gary Straker's Steel Band were there again.

And the last performance was excellent. How it should end when there are so many different performances performing together.

Now, I think I want to go to next year's AIYF as well.

Anyways, I'm starting to feel heavy by the thought of going to Glasgow. Honestly, I'm dreading it. I don't want to go to Glasgow. But a change is a must and it should be good.

Let's hope...

Saturday 11 August 2007

maaan can we talk!

It was a gweed movie
There were a few profound lines
A.R.K.
One Act of Random Kindness at a time
We hid so much tae drink
I love ma gift
A ye were chuffed with yirs
We talked the night awaa
Had cheps a cheese tucked awaa
We love tae argy-bargy
We drank so much tea
I remembered melk this time
And then mair yapping
'Are ye asleep?'
Mair chatting
Ye left me with a silly grin es mornin
Foo much mair can we talk
Faa kens
Only God ken

Drink log: six Gin & Tonic, two pints of Guiness Extra Cold

Friday 10 August 2007

moving on

There comes a point in life you just bite the bullet and take on whatever that comes to you. You know that it is about time. You trust that it better be good. And you just earnestly hope that it will be.

Last night was TS's leaving do.

While sitting at Wild Boar with TS, his beautiful other half, and our friends, I can't help reminising the times we all spent together. Since most of us worked together or used to worked together, it was nice to think about the banters and gossips we shared, the annoying customers we had, the times we had been spending together, and so on so forth.

But it does come to a point that we all have to move on. Me going to a new city, a new job, a new exciting phase of my life. TS moving home, to a better life, to be closer to his dreams. Mrs. T-to-be is engaged. And the others in their own time, going on to better things in their life, more exciting experience that each of them will savour.

I grinned at myself, for not wanting to move away from my comfort zone. All the cool people have move on. Some of them also move away from the city. It is just inevitable. Sometimes it is just better to leave the familiarity to something more exciting and pleasing.

I know I will miss the city that I have called home. And I will miss my friends, close friends and those whom I call family.

But it is a step that I must take. It is a step that eventually all of us will take.

Drink log: six Gin & Tonic (one was spilled by the clumsy cow!)

Wednesday 8 August 2007

guitar day

Am so shattered!


Last night's David Buckingham's guitar performance was really good, in fact it was excellent! The opening performer, talented Ian Watt who is from The Broch (Fraserburgh) entertained the crowd sitting in the candle lit club.

Both performers had the crowd thirsting for more of their music.

At the last minute I managed to get KW to come along with me. We had so much fun at the concert and a good chat the whole night.

I only went to bed around 3am!

Drink log: 3 bottles of Magners, 3 Gin & Tonic


This morning's guitar workship with David Buckingham was ace!

No one turned up for the workshop except for me. So I had a private lesson from a professional. How priviliged is that!

David was very patient. I haven't played classical guitar for years and after two hours of lesson I left with a strained wrist, stretched and numb fingers. David was very encouraging and I learnt to play the Soleá. Now all I need is lots and lots of practice! It is a really good piece.

Anyways, if you are interested to listen to David's music, click on his name to his website.

It has been a glorious summer day. Came home from the workshop, quick vegetation at the computer and then out for some sun before meeting up for lunch (or in my case brunch) with AZ. Which in the end turned out to brunchner or breakfastlunchdinner. Man I'm so stuffed.

Being stuffed and shattered, the only way to end the day is to vegetate in front of the idiot box watching Heroes. Bliss!

Tuesday 7 August 2007

it's here!

Guess what finally arrived!!!

Three things:
#1. My much awaited ipod video (black!)
#2. Western Digital My Book external drive
#3. Second birthday card from POCO (since the first one didn't arrived)


After much contemplation of getting an ipod, I finally took the plunge of buying it from Amazon with the external drive that POCO recommended a while ago.

I can't let POCO know that I bought an ipod, he will flip! I mean FLIP! He is so against ipod, for reasons probably only known to him, okie, he did tell me why...

Anyways, my first encounter with an ipod was TS's. I was very impressed by what this small object can do and being a sucker for packaging it is only a matter of time before I get my hands on one.

I'm not sure when those white distinctively looking headphones first appear, whether it was ipod or not. I remember once on the bus after tuition classes, my best friend June and I saw this boy with white headphones (or was it beige? hmmm.. ) that we first laugh at it. Mind you, that was easily twelve years ago. Well, I think it of course wouldn't have been ipod.. hehhee..

Now, you want to be caught with having an ipod! No more black headphones, unless you get those really good ones, huge black headphones. hehhee..

I'm so pleased with my newest indulgence. Though, I must slap my wrist for spending impulsively... Yikes!

Am a bit disappointed that I won't be able to attend Gary Straker's steel pan workshop as all the places were full. But am looking forward to David Buckingham's performance tonight and his workshop tomorrow morning.

Sunday 5 August 2007

music filled week

Last night's AIYF: World Music Night was just amazing!

It was my first experience of musical concert in the Music Hall even though I had visited the place on numerous occasions: graduations and career fairs.

It was really different compared to going to a concert at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (Petronas Philharmonic Hall). There was no announcement that the concert was about to start but concert goers were very 'disciplined' if that is the right word to use! When the lights dimmed, the hall was quiet and the concert started promptly. No numerous announcements to remind concert goers the dos and don'ts. It was the same for intervals as well. I was very impressed.

But then again, my last trip to the Dewan was quite a few years now. Things may be different now, who knows...

Music Hall is not as majestic as the Dewan but what was more important was the performances.

The concert started with Gary Straker's Pan School, followed by Edinburgh National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCos), then by Ian Watt on the classical guitar, Kutapira and after the interval was Ceol Mor.

I was pleased to know now the name of the instrument that I was in awed of for quite a while, steel pan. I first saw a pan performer busking along Westminster and was very impressed at the instrument. You've got to hear it to understand what I meant!

Kutapira was another one of my favourites. The members were a very talented group, some playing more than one instrument or changing instruments in a performance. Same goes for Ceol Mor.

What I liked most about the concert is that it was a diversified concert, a taste of music from around the world. Of course, I can't deny that I would love to hear more of the steel pans and the percussion ensemble, Kutapira.

What I would have loved most was for all the performances come together and do a finale. It would have been a great closing for the night. Who knows, there may be something like this on the Festival Finale, which by the way I have bought ticket to! Am so looking forward to it!!!

The walk home was really nice as it was a really cool and breezy night, it would have been a really nice night to just sit in the garden and chat the night away, kind of night.

Now, I'm torn what I'm going to do next August!

Today I finally got my windows washed. After almost two years of living in this flat and saying so often that I will go and wash it, I finally got the deed done. And I must admit, I got a little emotional! Because the windows are so clean now! What a little work can do wonders! Am so going to take pics of it! Yeah, I know I need a life...

Next week, it will be days spending in front of the computer looking for flats (I hope!). I will be working at the restaurant on Monday, but the rest of the week is going to be busy (which I am sooo loving it!). Tuesday night: David Buckingham in Blue Lamp, Wednesday morning: guitar workshop with David Buckingham, Wednesday evening: Rotaract gathering (it's been too long!), Friday morning: pan workshop with Gary Straker's Pan School, Saturday night: Festival Finale! and Sunday: going down the road after church.

I need to call to book my music workshops tomorrow! Soooo excited!

Saturday 4 August 2007

tartan day 2007

In all my years living in Aberdeen, I've honestly never been to any of the Tartan Day celebrations. I'm so glad I had the chance this year. Just when I'm about to move away from this city I so love. :(

I was really pleased with myself that I could get up early (after the usual bed lounging, which POCO is still teasing me about until this very day...). The weather was excellent: sunny and breezy. It was one of the best for a few days, bear in mind, this is summer.

After some necesary wandering and shopping, I headed off to Castlegate where most of the action is taking place, it is where the Massed Pipe Band March and the enactment of King James IV visit to Aberdeen ends, so I thought, that would be the best place to wait. Armed with today's copy of The Scotman's, my favourites: pain au chocolat, pain au raisin and italian coffee, I was looking forward to nice and relaxing day.

Walking past the Town House, I saw some red Tartan Day signs there. And since I've never been into that building, why not? The Local History Fair was being held there. I was more impressed and excited with visiting the building! I later found out that the building is not normally open for public and I was really pleased. Too bad TS was working, otherwise he would be impressed with the ceilings and deco of the building too!

The Town House is where important decisions pertaining Aberdeen City (and possibly the Shire is being made there). The Town and County Hall have very impressive gables. There were many pictures of past Lord Provosts and beautiful paintings adorning the walls and along the stairs. I had the opportunity to visit the Lord Provost's room, which was very grand. One of the rooms, I didn't catch what was the name of it, was decorated full of clan crests on its ceiling.


Best part of visiting the Town House was I had a private tour of the top floor which was closed to public. Here, the local archives were kept and councillors' rooms are housed on this floor. It's the mini version of Palace of Westminster. Am so thankful to that kind stewart for bringing me around!

After the visit to the Town House, it was almost time for the parade on Union Street. Once again, it is amazing to see the usual busy street was closed to traffic for probably half an hour and all you see are people thronging on the streets.

Whilst waiting for the pipe band and the enactment of King James IV and beautiful sixteen year old wife Queen Margaret, his knights, heralds, musicians, bishops and noblemen coming down Union Street, I had a very nice chat with a nice elderly man.

The medieval parade ended at Castlegate where there was a medieval performance for the visiting King.


Later, I made my way to St. Nicholas Kirk for a guided tour and a look of the excavated east kirk.


My Tartan Day celebration ended with a nice relaxing afternoon in Union Terrace Gardens, reading my papers and listening to live concerts, where traditional music, entertainment and culture from the City and Shire were being showcased. If anyone knows the Brit soap (rather, Scottish soap) River City, Joyce Falconer who plays the character Roisin, made an appearance at the concert.

Whilst the Lord Provost (equivalent to Lord Mayor) Peter Stephen was introduced, Joyce informed the crowd that the council had just had their meeting on introducing ASSBO. ASBO - Anti Social Behaviour Order, in my opinion, has been much talked about in the past. Anyways, Joyce's ASSBO, with two 'S', actually meant Anti Social Seagull Behaviour Order. She then proceed with reciting a poem from a seagull.

It was really funny (note to self to look for that poem). And I must agree with her, this ASSBO should be introduce soon. Even one of the horses from today's parade was not excused, having seagull droppings on its bum!

With the Aberdeen International Youth Festival being held at the same time, I don't think I will make my way to Edinburgh's Fringe this year (as much as I want to). I think I will leave it for my plans next year, including attending the annual much acclaimed Edinburgh Military Tattoo (which by the way, sold out in January this year!).

Got myself a ticket to watch tonight's AIYF concert: World Music Night featuring Ceol Mor. Am soooo looking forward to it.

I must say, spending time alone is not that bad. Of course, with a lot of solo time and travelling, I'm actually really enjoying every bit of it. Doing what I want to do, when I want to do. Bliss!!!

Right, I better get some rest before tonight's concert!

Friday 3 August 2007

face it


I've been rather stressed out with events that had been coming my way.

One thing that I didn't really expect, even though I DID read the post a few times, that Andrew's friend Ethan would have fake Andrew's death.

Of course it touched a nerve Ethan.

But at the end of the day, I'm glad it wasn't true. And yes, as gullible as I was, I did suspected the integrity of the post but I guess death is definitely not something you toy about. Yet, Ethan did it. Your writing is definitely commendable. Hats off to you!


That aside, looking for a flat in a city that you knew hardly of, is not easy.

I'm thankful for technology that I can find for flats online. But not understanding and knowing the location is somewhat stressful. Thank God a quick call to Craig made me felt a little calmer.

Yes, I know I have probably quite a lot of time. I shouldn't really rush it. But I guess I can be quite critical at stuff at times.

As much as it is nice to know that I don't have to start work until a week on Monday and that I'm so blessed to be paid for sorting things out, it is not an excuse not to get things done. Okay, I know I'm just stressing myself out unnecessarily.

Maybe I should just ignore all the logistics and issues, go and vegetate in the cinema watching one movie after another. hmmm...

There are so many questions that I want to ask. So many advice I want to seek. By giving a certain degree of respect to some, sometimes I feel that I'm not getting what I really want. Even worst, how can I politely turn down what I don't want?

At the end of the day, I guess one just have to be ruthless.

I know I'm different, complicated and fussy, not all in that order. Or maybe in that order, who knows?!

Whatever it is, I have to plough on. Stress less and get on with it.

It's the weekend after all...

By the way, I've finally got my provisional driving license. That was really fast!

Thursday 2 August 2007

closure

Just got back from Glasgow. Good closure.

Work started yesterday. Had a meeting with Client which I will be confirmed working for (since the last Client found someone more experience than me...). I'm supposed to be starting work in Client's office on Monday but has been postponed to the Monday after that. So here I am sitting at home, shaking legs, trying not to look like a wreck, and getting paid for it.

I'm so blessed!

In reality, I'm supposed to look for a flat, sort things out over here, pack and be prepared to move down once everything is settled. In the mean time, I will be shuttling between Glasgow and Aberdeen, with stopovers in Perth and Dundee (well, the bus stops at those cities... lol). 3 hours and 15 minutes, 149 miles each way. Again, I'm so blessed to get my temporary accommodation paid for in Glasgow.

Met one of my colleagues (woooh... work mate!!!) who is assigned to the same client yesterday. He's Malaysian and has a huge, I mean HUUUUUGE kalikai on his neck.

Malaysia memang boleh! (Malaysia absolutely can! - ask me if you don't understand)

It was good to finally(!) see Craig and Ally after much delays. We had a really nice and relaxing evening. We got some really fine Malaysian take away... Yum! Although, we did say that we must not frequent there once I move down. Since both of them love Malaysian food, I may as well unleash some of my cooking confidence cooking up some Malaysian food. After all, we all are skint pups... hehehhee...

This Malaysian Chinese restaurant (Asia Style, although I think the menu printed the name as Aisa) serves 'Malaysian Pancake'. Craig was telling me how amazing the pancake was. And looking at the chinese name for it 'poh piah', I was like why not, since it's been so long that I had one. Thinking that it is the usual Popiah we get in Malaysia, I was really anticipating it, since our dearest Craig said that it comes in a really big portion.

With visions of big, fat, filled Popiah in my mind I was already salivating. Only to find out it was Roti Canai (Roti Parata)! Much much MUCH to my disappointment. It was freaking £2.50 each!!! I could just go and buy the frozen ones and cook the curry to go with it! For that price there would easily be six or eight in a pack.

Anyways... it was good though, since haven't had that for a while, too. But STILL!!!

In some ways can't wait to go back to Glasgow, 'cos there is so much to sort out. So much to explore. So much to find out of.

TS must be laughing no, the usual sniggering of my antics. I think he will also be saying 'I told you so!' or at least throwing me that look.

Yes, you were right.


In a totally unrelated issue, it's so annoying that the postal workers has decided to go on strike when I'm waiting for my Amazon purchases!

In more randomness, was listening to The Feeling's 'Love it When You Call'. What's wrong with you calling her?! I'm sure she LOVES it when YOU call too!