tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225331522024-03-13T07:09:21.163+08:00Rhythm of my heartPhoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-76301961317545330132008-11-26T12:56:00.004+08:002008-11-26T13:13:21.548+08:00Inner Peace<div align="justify">Of late, I have come to realise how important "inner peace" is.</div><br /><div align="justify">With inner peace, one is able to look at things in the right perspective, handle situations better and see the right from the wrongs more clearly. Most importantly, one will be able to see the silver lining amongst the dark clouds that loom.</div><br /><div align="justify">If there is a battle fighting within, then more likely than not, the vision will be filled with anger, frustration and impatience.</div><br /><div align="justify">Being a better person takes a lot of self-awareness and discipline...it will be a tough battle, but not an impossible one.</div><br /><div align="justify">I try to support by providing constructive feedback, being continuously patient and loving while the storm roars dangerously... but at the end of the day, inner peace can only be found by the individual who looks within... seek and he shall find.</div><br /><div align="justify">Whatever the outcome, I trust that God will show the right way out and this, I will accept with open arms. I only ask that patience be my guidance in this trying times...and that he wins the battle within.</div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-57425004637959276692008-11-20T13:16:00.016+08:002008-11-20T15:54:51.463+08:00My silent heart...<div align="justify">My silent heart... has been doing a lot of thinking the last few weeks.<br /><br />The saying that "if someone does not love you the way you want them to, that does not mean he does not love you at all; it only means that he loves you in his own way" comes to play in my mind a lot these days.<br /><br />I have taken much time to think about what has happened, and what has been said.<br /><br />Being a woman who was brought up single-handedly by a mother who was widowed at a relatively young age yet was always there for me, I hold true to the believe that kind words, positive encouragement and respect help build a healthy relationship, and that a healthy relationship is the foundation of a happy and lasting relationship.<br /><br />As such, the outlook and appearance of a person never plays any part in building a healthy relationship, because the character of that person will be the main ingredient in all relationships.<br /><br />Appearance plays no role in how much I love a person, especially with the close ones. They may not look anything close to a model physically, but I still love every single inch of them. When it comes to my significant half, I can even love the lack of a 6-pack abdomen, the roughness of his face, and all his other qualities which comes in a package.<br /><br />So I tell him I think he is cute and macho when he asks, which I truly believe and this, I think, is a healthy practise. If he feels good about himself, he will feel good about other things. It is only normal that human seek affirmation about the goodness of themselves at some times, especially from their most loved and trusted ones.<br /><br />Expectation can be a dangerous tool in a relationship, which can work against you in the end. I suppose that I expect him to do the same for me, which he is naturally unable to sometimes, as guys are more critical about physical outlook, and can, sadly, be quite blunt about it as well. So it is no surprise that my expectation of him giving me the same positive affirmation is unmet at times.<br /><br />When I look back and reflect, I then realise that he has also had expectations about me in other ways which I had been unable to meet, like giving him the emotional support in the way he seeks at a certain time. The support I gave, though well-intentioned, had not been well-received at certain times, or at least, was not given in the way he expected it. Sadly, the emotional baggage from his past that he carries will be with him for life and that cannot be erased...<br /><br />I am a person who is always careful and tactful with my words, saying only things that I mean (my motto: if there's nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all!), and dislike confrontation.<br /><br />When faced with someone who is so carefree about the words he uses, says hurtful things sometimes just to spite the other (cruel when he is angry), and thrive passionately in confrontations...I feel that I am truly "lost for words".<br /><br />Most couples are fundamentally different in more ways than one, and so I conclude, that at the end of the day, it is only going to boil down to how much I love the other person to try and meet him halfway, while helping him put behind that "baggage" he carries (whether he realises it or not) further and further away (if he lets me)... He, on other hand, has to love and respect me enough to do the same for me in return...ie make that effort to put away that baggage, to be kind with words, spoken only when he means it, and see that I need positive affirmation from him sometimes, just like anyone else.<br /><br />I can only hope that he <em>will</em> meet me halfway to make this easier for the both of us...and pray that we both win this war together...and that patience is in abundance.<br /><br />So my silent heart seeks peace within both of us, and pray that we will both be better people together.<br /><br />May our love for each other prevail above everything else...</div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-55750803911831937612008-07-08T09:56:00.001+08:002008-12-09T19:36:46.068+08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/SHLKICZW0NI/AAAAAAAAAEE/DfUx2kYI2rY/s1600-h/IMG_2835.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220457157506814162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/SHLKICZW0NI/AAAAAAAAAEE/DfUx2kYI2rY/s200/IMG_2835.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Dome<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/SHLKIVPr-XI/AAAAAAAAAEM/dCWJu1yjfzw/s1600-h/IMG_2853.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220457162566531442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/SHLKIVPr-XI/AAAAAAAAAEM/dCWJu1yjfzw/s200/IMG_2853.JPG" border="0" /></a> Beautiful Florence!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/SHLKIrgGiTI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vNKqhabNLWQ/s1600-h/2007-11-07_IMG_2837_r.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220457168540961074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/SHLKIrgGiTI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vNKqhabNLWQ/s200/2007-11-07_IMG_2837_r.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yummy gelato <slurp!><br /><div></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-85890191537492988692008-03-29T22:00:00.004+08:002008-03-29T23:19:07.497+08:00A stressful week<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Last one week was a pretty stressful one...</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">First, I received the bad news from my boss that the planned KL office setup was not happening. That means I will not be moving back to KL in the near future, not if I were to remain in my current role. I had put my hopes that a transfer was possible. My current job role has been both challenging and stimulating, although guidance and support from my immediate superior could have been better...but that is currently manageable and at tolerable levels. Sadly, with the latest outcome however, it looks like I'd have to start looking elsewhere...and quickly too, as it may most probably take quite a long time before I find a suitable company and job who would "take" me.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Secondly, I went through an emotional (and inevitable) phase of my relationship... It was so tiring talking about it, yet we had to. Clarifying what we both thought and felt about the subject, and what we both expected, was a relief although it was energy-draining. The good thing was that at the end of it, we agreed that we'll work on it together, and I have faith that it will all turn out well.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Got to get back at surfing the net and browsing the job ads in the weekend papers for a job in KL...Wish me all the best that you have. I need loads of it...</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-72199126058395515592007-12-14T22:46:00.000+08:002007-12-16T00:47:30.426+08:00Of Year End Achievements and New Year Resolutions<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The year end is just round the corner. Shopping malls are already playing jingle bell songs, and tall plastic christmas trees with empty boxes wrapped in colourful present papers underneath them decorate the concourse of these malls.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">White frosty spray pens the wordings "Merry Xmas and Happy New Year" in many glass windows of boutique shops, beckoning shoppers to come in and have a ball buying new clothes.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">It felt like the last Christmas was here not that long ago. Where has the time flew to?<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Looking back this year, it is frightening to think that so much time has gone by, but so little may have changed from last year.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">List of things that has changed, or that I have "achieved" this year are:<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1) changed job roles to a non-accounting based one:<br />There is more to learn about the business in a Commercial role, more external parties to deal with, more challenge overall...yet, there is also more frustration, and more expectation-management to conquer.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2) met a very special guy:<br />It's been more than six months since we "bumped into each other". The times spent together have been both exhilarating and intense for the both of us. He believes that when you meet someone who complements you, you have met the right person. I believe that if you are meant for each other, things will fall in place eventually, creases will iron themselves out somehow.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We had a fantastic holiday in US recently. We learnt so much more about patience, tolerance, and forgiveness for each other. We also learnt how to gamble and be children all over again! It was a memorable one for me...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3) made some new friends:<br />It is so interesting to meet different people from different line of work such as engineers, contractors and commercial people. More often than not, it baffles me how different these people's way of thinking can be from an accountant. You'll start looking at your situations in angles you would never have thought of before!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4) hooked up with some old friends:<br />The latest craze of Facebook has indeed been useful in hooking up with long lost buddies, especially those who have uprooted themselves from Malaysia and now reside in the other parts of the globe. It's great to suddenly get mails in your inbox from close buddies whom you last spoke to 10-15 years ago.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">5) travelled to Europe and US:<br />I had not planned to travel much this year, but as it turns out, I travelled to both Europe AND US this year. It was a great opportunity, one that opened my eyes and let me see the vast disparity between the two greatest nations.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">There, 5 things I have done this year to enrich my life and the life of the people who are important to me.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">New Year resolutions? For the moment, I have none in my drowsy head. Besides, New Year's resolutions never work for me anyway... I'll run off track somehow and will need to "revise the resolutions accordingly".<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">It's past midnight now <yawn>, dreamland time... Falalalala-lala-la-la.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to you!</span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-21153441149755716292007-09-16T19:21:00.000+08:002007-09-16T20:16:07.038+08:00Neo<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">It's been more than 3 months since I met my "last perfect gentleman" and got together. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I spent the last 2 weeks with him, and every single day was lovely...to see the person you love first thing in the morning, catching the train or driving to work in the morning together, sharing happy and stressful moments of work at the end of the day, going through good and not-so-good experiences with each other's support, spending spontaneous weekends in another state, or just lazing around watching Danny Crane's antics together. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>We learnt a lot about each other during this time, both good and the not-so-good... we came out alive, a little scratched, but alive and well all the same.</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span></span><span><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />He has taught me patience and understanding, and in return, I try to give love, care and attention.</span></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span><span></span></span><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I think I found my Neo...<br /></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-90886317775050832172007-07-25T20:31:00.000+08:002007-07-25T21:07:12.016+08:00I wonder...<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">It's raining out there now... I wonder what's the weather like where he is tonight.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">It was a busy day at work for me today... I wonder how his day has been today.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I had good news today at work. I've been granted to go to Netherlands for training this October. If I manage to confirm a seat for myself, this will be my debut trip to Europe. The first thing I did was to tell him on the MSN... I wonder now if our holiday plans will materialise, since he might also be going to Houston for training in November.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I miss him so much everyday. He tells me he misses me to infinity, that there can be no more miss than what he miss... I wonder how long this distance between us will go on.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I love him more and more each day, every moment we spend together, the more we learn abt each other, the closer we become... I wonder if we will somehow triumph through this journey of challenges.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">He is so far the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am letting myself go with him, reckless but taking that leap of faith nevertheless... I wonder if he is too good to be true for me.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I wonder... I wonder</span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-77425276346573581842007-07-16T15:45:00.000+08:002007-07-16T15:48:52.952+08:00Fire!...in my heart<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>This is for my man:</strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The sun shone in my eyes. I could barely see anyone in the blazing sun while shading my eyes with my hand.<br /><br /> We were gathered at the assembly point in the carpark, during a fire alarm.<br /><br />I moved to a shaded spot, and as I looked up, there he was standing not far away from me in his checkered short-sleeved shirt.<br /><br /><br />I gestured him over, and we struck up a conversation.<br /><br />I had chanced upon this gentleman a few days ago, in the corridors of my workplace. Little did I know then, how significant a role he would be in my life soon.<br /><br /><br />He is the last perfect gentleman (as he so aptly puts it); sweet, kind, thoughtful and decent. Today, I am learning about the chapters of his life as the pages turn, and I want him to read the chapters of my life too.<br /><br />In time, I hope we will be writing chapters of our own...</span></span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1165209522555435962007-06-22T18:26:00.000+08:002007-06-24T13:33:52.275+08:00Mysteries of Life<p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">5 years ago, I would have brushed off a younger guy’s advances like dandruff on the shoulders.<br /><br />Today, however, I find myself considering the possibility…perhaps because, guys my age are either married, married with kid(s), or otherwise, unavailable.<br /><br />A few younger guys have took notice of me since I came over to Miri, but it’s been light-hearted, chummy advances of which the attention I enjoyed. Until recently, none of them have managed to capture my attention the way they intended to but fortunately, in the end, these guys turned out to be reliable friends.<br /><br />2 weeks ago, I met this presentable young gentleman, in the corridors of my office. I recently moved job roles, and as such, I was making several trips to move my stuff in boxes from my previous office on the 2nd floor to my new office room on the 3rd floor.<br /><br />He bumped into me carrying my box on my last trip, and offered his help to carry it for me to my room. We connected in conversation immediately, and introduced ourselves. After I thanked him for his assistance, I then carried on with the days work.<br /><br />2 days later, we bumped into each other again. This time, it was at the assembly point in the car park during the fire alarm (it was a real fire alarm, not a drill!). We chatted for almost 30 minutes before I left him in the car park, to join some colleagues who called me to join them to sneak out for an early lunch. After all, the red fire engine was still out there, trying to figure out what burnt, and no one knew how long that was going to take!<br /><br />2 days after that, I received an email from him, asking me if I was the one he met recently. We “talked” on the email for awhile, and then he asked me out for coffee that evening, which I accepted and we spent a good 2 hours at CB. He is based in KL on project-based work, and was in Miri for 2 weeks on an offshore assignment.<br /><br />That weekend, he even called me from the satellite phone when he was offshore.<br /><br />For the rest of last week, he took every possible chance to ask me out for lunches, dinners and suppers, and every possible opportunity I had, I was game. During office hours, we MSN-ed and as a result, I was pretty inefficient in my work last week! It reminded me of the fun in the chase I experienced in my younger days.<br /><br />He has been a perfect gentleman; sweet, kind, thoughtful and decent, and yes, he is younger than I am…a good 4 years too. In addition to that, I knew it was just too much to ask for a “simple” guy. There is no such thing as a simple guy today. With yet more chapters unrevealed, I will wait to see if I am meant to learn the many complicated chapters of his life.<br /><br />It would be almost unwise to start anything between us, as it would be almost impossible to maintain it when we are living so far apart.<br /><br />Tonight, he has flown off to London for a week for a course. Will we continue where we left off when he comes back? Or will things between us lose its momentum and cool off?<br /><br />Geographically challenged, I am doubtful that anything fruitful will come out of this, as I feel that although there’s always Air Asia where “Everyone Can Fly”, to become main contributors to Air Asia’s revenue is hardly a real solution.<br /><br />In spite of everything, I cherish the smile he has put on my face, and the warmth he has shown me in the last 2 weeks. His sense of humour captivates me, yet the mysterious chapters of his life uneases me.<br /><br />But I thank him for showing me a wonderful time, and am glad that I had that chance to have met someone like him.</span></p>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-18980285133421963872007-06-10T18:39:00.000+08:002008-12-09T19:36:46.510+08:00Playing with colours<div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074421277933505602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/Rmv3RE_pDEI/AAAAAAAAAD0/0GXUBpcDZFQ/s320/Father+figure.jpg" border="0" /><p align="center">Father figure... Happy father's day! <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/Rmv3RE_pDFI/AAAAAAAAAD8/bAcxLQOwmkU/s1600-h/A+complicated+sunset.jpg"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074421277933505618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/Rmv3RE_pDFI/AAAAAAAAAD8/bAcxLQOwmkU/s320/A+complicated+sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a><div align="center">The end of a complicated day...<br /></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-89575828717023353262007-04-28T22:42:00.000+08:002008-12-09T19:36:47.130+08:00Nemo on Ice<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNmB5ojE3I/AAAAAAAAADc/H2DiKMFI0j4/s1600-h/IMG_2490.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058498989303993202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNmB5ojE3I/AAAAAAAAADc/H2DiKMFI0j4/s200/IMG_2490.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNgi5ojEyI/AAAAAAAAAC0/ZwIFcgYwzto/s1600-h/IMG_2475.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058492959169909538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNgi5ojEyI/AAAAAAAAAC0/ZwIFcgYwzto/s200/IMG_2475.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNkI5ojE1I/AAAAAAAAADM/6OmBB-z759g/s1600-h/IMG_2500.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058496910539821906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNkI5ojE1I/AAAAAAAAADM/6OmBB-z759g/s200/IMG_2500.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNkwpojE2I/AAAAAAAAADU/9JHYdcxDDhE/s1600-h/IMG_2451.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058497593439621986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RjNkwpojE2I/AAAAAAAAADU/9JHYdcxDDhE/s200/IMG_2451.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">Watching Disney real-life is like a child's dream come true...and so it was also my childhood's dream come true.<br /><br />They played out the whole movie...the colours, the costumes, the props, the songs and the dance...it was mesmerising.<br /><br />We bought matinee show tickets for seats at the side of the rink. Fortunately for us, the turnout for that show was only about 50%. The usherers were really nice and flexible. They allowed us to move to any empty seats we wanted to. So we chose the best seats available!</span></span></div><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">While we were there, we also managed to do a little shopping in Bandar and had a great lunch. For dinner, on our back in KB, nothing beats Escapade Sushi...nothing raw for me though. Once you have tried Escapade, no Japanese Restaurant in KL or Singapore come anywhere near it. Generous with the ingredients and portion of servings, it is lip-smacking and value for money.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Fortunately (or unfortunately) for me, I was stopped by the police twice today. The first time, a regular road block and I was asked my drivers license. The second time, I was asked to pull over on the highway. My friends and I was thinking, drat! I must have violated the speed limit! Turned out that it wasn't related to speed limits at all. It was because my car's windscreen tint was not allowed in Brunei. It wasn't my first time driving my car there and it was never a problem previously. We managed to sweet talk our way out of any summons, but in exchange, promised to have our windows down (so no air-conditioning whenever we were near the city).</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">All in all, today was a truly interesting day.</span></p>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-4895516929714511222007-04-21T21:51:00.000+08:002007-04-21T22:39:56.090+08:00Friendships aren't the way they used to make them<span style="font-size:85%;">A friend is always there for you, standing by you in good and bad times.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A friend will extend a helping hand when you need it.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A shoulder to cry on, a pillar of strength when your life seems upside down.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A soulmate, someone to listen to your worries or complaints.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Wasn't it much simpler to believe all that when we were kids? Unconditional friendships that can last forever.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">When you attain adulthood, there are so many factors to consider.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Friendships are no longer that simple... You need to tread carefully.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Else, a simple friendship can get complicated, a well-intentioned gesture can lead to perplexities.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Friendships just aren't the way they used to make them...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-47915395820706235392007-04-11T18:27:00.000+08:002007-04-11T18:42:31.121+08:00I am still alive!<div align="justify"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">It's been so long since I blogged. More than a month now.<br /><br />Anyways, gotta keep this short. Don't have the time to blog so much at the moment.<br /><br />Seeing numbers flying around me as I type this...maklumlah, major budget exercise going on.<br /><br />But I am still alive & kickin', yay! AND I finally got my transfer officialised on 1 June, double yay!<br /><br />Catch is, transfer form was signed by my boss in exchange for my signature on the confirmation form, haha.<br /><br />That's ok, eventually I had to come to terms with my confirmation of employment. Also had to give my word that I will be stickin' around here for at least another 2 years...unless circumstances beyond my control change.<br /><br />Hopefully, the new job keeps me happily on my toes, and that includes having a good boss and colleagues.<br /><br />We'll see. Wish me luck!</span></span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-22888457032235182602007-03-02T23:56:00.000+08:002007-03-03T00:47:44.126+08:00Pinky Piggy Year<span><span style="font-size:85%;">Kong Hei Fatt Choy! Xin Nien Kuai Lek!<br /><br />Happy Chinese New Year!<br /><br /></span></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">It's a pink, pink piggy year this 2007. I like things piggy...I've even got a soft pink pig lying next to my radio in the car, accompanying me in my journeys on the road.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">A friend, Kris, said my pig badly needs a bath, as he's been sitting there by my gearbox for at least 2 years :) She confirmed this when she sneezed continuously the moment she held up my pink piggy.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Nope, he hasnt had his bath, am too lazy. Besides, what if he fluffs up or wrinkle up after a bath. Then he'll look strange, and unpig-like...no, not taking chances.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">It's been a good beginning so far. I think the Pig year will bring great opportunities, opportunities which I hope, will be both enjoyable and rewarding to dive into.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I had a great 2 weeks off for CNY this year. Longest CNY leave I've ever taken in my entire working life. It was nice to spend time with my beloved mother in Melaka. It's been a long time since I was able to spend so much time in my hometown Melaka. So much has changed in the last 10 years, progress and development has now changed sleepy-hollow Melaka town to congested Melaka city.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">During the hot-hot CNY period, travelling in and around Melaka in my mother's 27-year old Honda with no air-conditioning was a real sauna experience. How did we ever manage to get around and about in our younger days in that car with no air-conditioning really baffles me. I think I lost at least 1kg of water weight each time I drove about in that Honda. One night, about 10pm, as my mother and I was cruising down the bridge on the Melaka highway in the Honda, it sputtered and sputtered, and then gave up on us. Thank goodness for Johnny, my mother's long time mechanic, and my cousins, who came to our rescue immediately. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chap Goh Mei is in 2 days time (darn, no proper river here to throw mandarin oranges). </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">CNY came and is almost over soon. Before we know it, year 2007 will be near its end, and the pink piggy will oink away while his little friend, Jerry, will squeek in softly.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Oink-oink! Let's see what wonderful and exciting things our piggy friend has in store for everyone this year.</span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-12421147814445024432007-02-02T23:56:00.000+08:002007-02-03T00:28:25.393+08:00Rumours<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Is there any company where people dont get involved in rumours?</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">So far, all the companies I have worked in "thrive" in rumour mongering. As if there isn't anything else that's more exciting.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">One of my colleagues (an irritating one) asked me straight in my face today whether it's true that "someone" told him I will be transferring out to another department soon. He even knew which department! He did not even bother keeping it discreet and asked me loudly in front of another 2 colleagues.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Well, I had to tell a white lie...I denied it. To me, it's still not true because it's still not confirmed. I am supposed to apply for the job when it is posted for vacancy. The position is not even vacant yet!</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Where do these people get their sources of rumours? It amazes me. And why do people bother wanting to "verify" something that had nothing to do with them?</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Unfortunately, I think I lack practise in telling lies, white or otherwise. I dont think the 3 of them were convinced with my answer. Perhaps my surprised expression (I was very much caught off-guard), or my slightly shaky "no", gave me away? I just walked away, leaving them to ponder whether I was lie-ing or not.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Why do people enjoy spreading rumours? Is there nothing else exciting in their lifes, that they have to resort to rumour mongering to spice their life up? Don't they understand the meaning of "private & confidential"?</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-60632279583173779832007-01-27T23:30:00.000+08:002007-01-28T15:26:03.778+08:00Blackmail...<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>Interview went well. Better than I had expected...I think. Actually, I don't really know...<br /><br />So, I've been musing around....<br /><br /></span>My "current ex-boss", KK, was not as supportive of me taking on this new job, not as much as I had hoped. I was quite taken aback, from all that he said during the talk we had a few days before I went for the interview. Not that he didnt think I would be doing a good job out of Finance, but that I'll be getting limited exposure due to certain circumstances surrounding that job. As such, he thinks that I would not be able to carve my career path in that direction in the long term, and if I do return to Finance line, my years spent outside of Finance could work against me. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">To a certain extend, I agreed with what he said, especially on the circumstances that surrounds the job which requires negotiation and persuasion skills...and yet, I cannot agree with him that I would not be able to maximise and use this exposure to my advantage in the long run. I am of the opinion that there are ways to work around those circumstances, and still play the cards to my favour.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Fortunately, my boss, Andy, supports me and thinks otherwise, that this exposure will be extremely useful to me later as I would be able to learn the mechanics of the O&G industry. This would be valuable knowledge, and together with sharpened negotiation skills, I would be able to give value-added advisory services which any O&G company will find useful.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I'll take my chances, whether the "game" I play turn out in my favour or otherwise in the end. Life is always a gamble anyway...but being an accountant, I'll make sure that I'll be taking "calculated" risks as much as possible.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The interviewer called KK up immediately after our interview. Apparently he was quite impressed by my background, and KK thought I was so "d*mn good at impressing" the guy...Of course, what KK meant was, that he thinks I "talked big" to the guy just to impress him. Actually, my interviewer merely asked me what kind of work I did when I was in UT and in the merchant bank, and whether I was involved in negotiations before. I explained what I did back then, and told him what negotiation deals I was engaged in and the specifics of the work involved. Nothing extraordinary.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">KK had never asked me about my previous exposures, as he didnt care much about it. To KK, I am accountant, and the Accounting line best suits me. Never mind that I hate doing accounting work, because I am good at it. After working for KK for 8 months, he acknowledged to me, Andy and Mike (our Finance Director) that he was impressed at my steep learning curve and the in-depth knowlegde I have about SAP. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">But he forgets (or rather, choose not to see) that I also have other skills and exposures not accounting related (although could be finance related), and this is where my interest lies. I truly believe that if we have a passion for something, we will learn very quickly about everything there is to it, and as a result, we'll do a great job on it, and hopefully, come out of it largely satisfied.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Finance in my company consists mainly of accounting and reporting work, 85- 90%. I try to spend about 10-15% of my time to perform system and process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency in our financial data and reporting, while developing and instilling in my staff the importance of understanding the end-to-end processes. I am fairly good at trouble-shooting because I always try to make sure I understand the principles behind the set-up, which not many people bother about.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">However, that is not where my passion lies. I enjoy doing research and valuation work, looking for angles where approach can be used to maximise value for the company. Perhaps if I had not done corporate advisory work in a merchant bank before, I would very likely be quite happy doing what I do now.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Nonetheless, I am working towards trying to steer my boat in the right direction. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Sadly for Andy, since he came on board last month, several vacancies are in urgent need to be filled as the budgetting cycle will soon kick-off in March. As a result, Andy has tried to negotiate with me a "deal", where I need to help him out to fill another urgent vacancy for a couple of months. This will hold me back from my transfer for about another 6 months. I am not keen to help him out this time, because he has, on one too many occassions, thrown me into the choppy sea and expected me to swim out of it towing the boat behind me.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">This is not a vacancy I would want to fill even if I was in dire need of a job to pay my house mortgage!</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I'll have to figure out a diplomatic way of worming myself out of this one. I don't want to seem like I am ungrateful to him for helping me to get the transfer, and yet I don't want to get my hands dirty with the pile of garbage waiting in that position. I hope he doesn't "force" me to do it in exchange for that transfer...you know, like blackmail?</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">So, again, wish me luck so that I dont end up having to do another "rescue" job for Andy...at my expense and unhappiness.</span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-88528449133287636762007-01-20T13:17:00.000+08:002007-01-20T15:30:22.115+08:00Direction<div align="justify"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">It was in November 2006 when my 2nd quarterly probation form was due for completion to be signed and handed in to HR.<br /><br />My boss had then wanted to confirm me in my employment although officially, the probation period for a new hire was 12 months. It was apparently, not uncommon that management would want to confirm a staff earlier than the 12-months timeline, unless that staff was exceptionally bad in his/her performance.<br /><br />At that point, it dawned on me that I should also be thinking about my career direction. Up until now, I had gone along with the flow of things, unsure of where I wanted to be or what I wanted to do.<br /><br />After 6 full months of managing a staff of 6, doing cost management accounting and reporting (50%), budgeting (30%), cost recovery advisory work (10%) and process improvements (10%), I find that I had benefited in many ways. I now understand the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) environment better, have a better feel of the cost and system setup in the SAP system, stumbled upon many faulty areas and fixed up about 80% of these (the 80-20 rule applies, good enough), trained my newly graduated staff in analytical skills, and fostered better relationship with the more veteran staff.<br /><br />KK was the boss I worked for when I first came into this company. Andy, my ex-boss 5 years ago, is now my boss again effective Dec '06, as KK has been transferred out to do special projects and Andy has been transferred to take over KK's position. Both my bosses have been giving me positive feedback on my team's performance, and commented on the driving force behind my team's improvement.<br /><br />However, almost 9 months has passed since I came over to Miri. Overall, work has not been particularly exciting for me, pretty mundane stuff although I managed to make a few improvements and changes here and there. I am, not surprisingly, already itching to look for something more challenging to work on. At the moment, the most challenging part is to try and get the people around me to co-operate to get results. While there are some who are eager to listen, contribute ideas and work together to make improvements, there are others who cannot seem to want to get out of the "old ways" of doing things, and worse still, many do not even know why they are doing things the way they have always been doing it!<br /><br />My bosses tell me that I have to do some form of "expectation management" within myself, so that I may handle situations better, and be more patient with the responses I receive most times. True, I confess that expectation management is an area I very much need training on.<br /><br />All these had played a role in my recent decision... to reject confirmation of my employment. I have never done so in my entire 10-years of employment history, rejecting early confirmation.<br /><br />The way I saw it, why commit myself to the company when I cannot yet see the light at the end of the tunnel? Talking to both my bosses, KK and Andy, has not given any results. I had asked to know how long more I needed to be in my current job before I can move on to something more business-related, less accounting- and reporting-related. I had gotten wishy-washy responses, non-commital replies, that they will look for something which might suit me more "soon". When they asked what I was interested in, I was very specific in my respond (Investment Finance or Mergers & Acquisition team) but was disappointed again to be told that the job I am interested in is for "high level" people, so is therefore, currently out of my reach.<br /><br />First, they tell me that they are "very impressed" by my steep learning curve, and my strong leadership qualities which lead to my team getting back their sense of direction, and that they are happy that I was able to make improvements especially in the system which, in some areas, had not been properly setup for the last few years, causing reporting hiccups and countless manual adjustments.<br /><br />Then, they slap me with the anti-climax statement that I am "not ready" to be in the Investment Finance or Mergers & Acquisition team. I am "too young", I dont have enough industry knowledge and my CEP (Current Estimated Potential) points (an appraisal system currently practised) have to be assessed at "Senior Management" level before I can even think of being positioned in those teams.<br /><br />Well, if I'm outstanding in the normal operational jobs, but yet, not good enough for the "high flying" jobs, is there anything else in between for me, to earn that "mature credibility" and "industry knowledge" they are looking for, to move on up?<br /><br />They could not give me an answer...instead they asked me in return what other jobs I may be interested in (more "realistic" jobs).<br /><br />Last week, I finally decided to go and have a chat with my Finance Director, Mike T, to find out what other kind of jobs there are in the group of companies globally. He told me a few, which sounded relatively more interesting than the usual accounting and reporting jobs, but ended by saying that, again, I am "too young" and do not have enough industry knowledge. I left his room feeling more down than before.<br /><br />I have, hence, decided to continue to look for more suitable jobs elsewhere while "serving my time" here for as long as it takes. In the meantime, I shall make the best of my situation and get the most out of my experiences.<br /><br />Seeing my lack of enthusiasm in the career track the company offered, my sudden chat with the Finance Director, and my hush-hush phone conversations outside my office grounds (KK and Andy happened to stumble upon my secret rendezvous), Andy and KK has quickly reacted to recommend me for an upcoming job opening, which I acknowledged interest in.<br /><br />I am due for an interview sometime soon, so I may find out about the job scope. I hope this job can offer me that in-depth industry knowledge I look for, so that it''ll be beneficial for me in ANY oil & gas company... and I hope that accounting and reporting functions will only form a minor part of the job scope, if at all.<br /><br />I am supposed to keep this confidential until the matter is settled. So wish me luck in my upcoming interview! Hopefully I make it through with flying colours. Otherwise, it's back to my mundane management accounting role!</span></span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-49775769600533294952006-12-24T16:47:00.000+08:002008-12-09T19:36:48.205+08:00Christmas on Orchard Road<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">It's been more than a month since my last posting. I've been busy, travelling and sorting out year end issues (which reminds me...I gotta work from home tomorrow on Xmas day, sigh). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I'm currently faced with a most complicate issue that goes back in history for about 4 years, so can you blame me for having a lack of enthusiasm? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">In any case, on my last visit to Singapore early this month, I was fortunate enough to witness the twinkling Christmas lights and pretty holiday deco of the famous Orchard Road. I stayed in Meritus Mandarin Hotel, smack in the middle of Orchard Road, and right next to Takashimaya. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Here, I attempted to take a few night shots, most of which, sadly, turned out blur as I had no tripod to keep the camera stable. With slower shutter speed, and wide exposure to capture the lights, no way it could have turned out any better. Here are some better ones... </span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_9sTuVnpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/lUhrYywgIzY/s1600-h/Long+legged+Santa+&+Elf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012503847937351314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_9sTuVnpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/lUhrYywgIzY/s200/Long+legged+Santa+%26+Elf.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_-ezuVnrI/AAAAAAAAABE/8shscBYX8Fc/s1600-h/Silver+tin+man.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012504715520745138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_-ezuVnrI/AAAAAAAAABE/8shscBYX8Fc/s200/Silver+tin+man.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_8qDuVnmI/AAAAAAAAAAc/i11yloLHn8E/s1600-h/Pier+at+Vivocity.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012502709771017826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_8qDuVnmI/AAAAAAAAAAc/i11yloLHn8E/s200/Pier+at+Vivocity.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_-ezuVnqI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Cju2VLOSxd0/s1600-h/Night+fountain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012504715520745122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_-ezuVnqI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Cju2VLOSxd0/s200/Night+fountain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_-fDuVnsI/AAAAAAAAABM/LSwKmlZ6yMs/s1600-h/Xmas+tree.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012504719815712450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_-fDuVnsI/AAAAAAAAABM/LSwKmlZ6yMs/s200/Xmas+tree.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nvCq1YX5eIA/RY_-ezuVnqI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Cju2VLOSxd0/s1600-h/Night+fountain.jpg"></a></span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1163263979485738712006-11-11T21:53:00.001+08:002006-11-12T01:39:45.610+08:00For Money, or...?<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">I had quite an extraordinary day yesterday. I later mulled over the numerous sentiments I felt...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My company organised a Finance Community seminar, in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations. During the seminar, we shared highlights and successes of the Finance community in the last quarter. My Finance Director, Mike, commemorated the event with his presence.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The seminar was ended with a slightly different flavour this time... a group of executives from Std Chart (SC) was invited to share with us the basics of foreign exchange : the Ringgit's co-relation with the economy's trend. This group of executives arrived in a fashion of their own...all dressed in 3-piece black suits, and then they clipped and clopped their way in on the laminated floor. Wow, talk about an impressive-seeking entrance!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">When the time came for them to speak, not 10-minutes had gone by when the laptop battery decided to take a break from all that finance terminologies. One of the speakers, JT, an economist with SC, (whom I thought was pretty cute) carried himself well speaking about forex in a hall of strange faces. It wasnt long before a backup laptop was fixed up, but not before JT "instructed" one of our senior Finance management to move the whiteboard upfront!</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">JT could NOT be more than 30 years old really.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">After the seminar, a makan-makan Hari Raya was served; there was yummy lemang, satay, satay sauce, mee jawa, and lots more. Out of the 4 SC personnel who came, 3 of them had to rush off to catch their flight back to KL, with JT alone leaving for Singapore the next morning.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I was quietly enjoying my second helping of lemang with satay sauce when JT approached, declaring that he was having the best beef rendang he had ever tasted. Well, of course, Malaysian local food is a class of its own!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Shortly after that, another colleague of mine joined us. During the ice-breaker conversation of who came from where and a bit of career history, JT mentioned that he liked the slower pace of Miri life. He went on to say that he loved going to his "holiday houses" in Bali, Australia, etc (I think I kinda shut off at that moment), blah, blah, blah, and he lives in a semi-D in Singapore. Show off? Nevertheless, I was impressed (with his financial position), and started to ponder about my own predicament. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Owning just <em>one</em> house sucked me dry! Then I took this job in Miri with a paycut...was I going in the wrong direction? Having said that, things havent been so bad since I came. Pretty good work-life balance, you take some, you give some. All I need was one house, I didnt need so many all over the world anyway. I think I'm ok.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I recollected this exchange to a colleague this morning. He thought JT was trying to impress me...was he? JT did ask me to join him for a drink, which invitation I had to turn down though. Perhaps his many properties didnt catch my attention the way he planned. Should it?</span></div><div align="justify"></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1162785028414382672006-11-06T10:55:00.000+08:002006-11-06T11:50:28.526+08:00Glory of Angkor Wat<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Two%20Angkors.0.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Two%20Angkors.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Climb%20up.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Climb%20up.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">It was a spectacular sight, the magnificent ruins rising up to the heavens...rising at 70 degrees steep. The temple's grounds are vast...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Apsara%202D.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Apsara%202D.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">...and it's sculptures were impressive...ancient and detailed.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sunset at Phnom Bakheng Hill... with beautiful life budding within the old ruins.</span><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Sunset%20at%20Bakheng.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Sunset%20at%20Bakheng.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Life%20among%20ruins.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Life%20among%20ruins.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">There I was, standing in the present, looking through the doorway of yester-years.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A little girl with her Energizer bunny shies away from the scorching heat.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*I was sweating like a pig in the sauna*.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/past%20or%20present%20bnw.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/past%20or%20present%20bnw.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Young%20&%20Old.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Young%20%26%20Old.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Two%20Angkors.jpg"></a><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Stone%20hedge-like.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Stone%20hedge-like.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Stone hedge in Siam Reap?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lovely sights, great photographic opportunity...but sadly, poverty plagues the local people. It'll take many years and much great effort before the people can be economically more developed. In the people's effort to achieve development, the authorities should preserve Cambodia's authenticity in every aspect.</span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1160840804649321732006-10-14T22:52:00.000+08:002006-10-14T23:46:58.580+08:00He...<div align="justify"><span><span style="font-size:85%;">He turned up unexpectedly, all the way from Kuching. Last time we met was a couple of years ago, I can't even remember exactly when.<br /><br />He has...matured. Less hair on his crowning glory, much lesser on the top, otherwise he still looks the same. Tall, tan, trim with a pair of twinkling slit eyes and a generous smile.<br /><br />He's still as sweet as before, soft-spoken and gentle...said I'm beautiful that night...wow, it's been a long time since a guy told me that.<br /><br />He was a perfect gentleman, always has been...you see, he's a vegetarian (for religious and health reasons)...because the religious reason was there, I had to behave too (dem! haha).<br /><br />He is passionate about his religion...I had vegetarian dinner 2 nights in a row because of him...<br /><br />He brought me to meet some friends and associates of his, comrades pursuing similar beliefs. Nice bunch of people...they said I look "different...pretty", ...2 compliments 2 nights in a row? wow! what's going on? <haha><br /><br />He gave up a life of material things, and came back home from Japan to drive this humane effort 10 years ago. </span></span><span><span style="font-size:85%;">But it was great, to get to know that "other" side of him...the side he so passionately believe, to help the poor and the less fortunate.<br /><br />He came, and then he left 2 days later.<br /><br />I wish him all the best in his noble efforts.</span></span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1159776728740114272006-10-02T15:52:00.000+08:002006-10-02T16:12:08.753+08:00The Empire<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/DSCN4991.0.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/DSCN4991.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Ok, he's not part of The Empire...he's my boss!<br /></span><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Dinner_aiskacang.0.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Dinner_aiskacang.0.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">And these...are my talented counterparts. Talented in shaking their boogie! Phewit!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Ok, ok, I'm getting to my point...Nah, these are photos of the spectacular Empire Hotel & Country Club...but their service has LOTS of room for improvement...I mean LOTS of room!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Empire_front.jpg"></a><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Empire_front.jpg"></a><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Empire_front.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Empire_front.jpg" border="0" /></a></span> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Empire_poolview_day.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Empire_poolview_day.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></span><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Empire_escalator.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Empire_escalator.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Empire_lobby.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Empire_lobby.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Empire_poolview.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Empire_poolview.jpg" border="0" /></a></span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1157991994162901622006-09-11T23:04:00.000+08:002006-09-12T11:01:30.916+08:00To love and to cherish...<span style="font-size:85%;">...till death do us part.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Now doesn't that sound familiar? That usual phrase we often hear when a couple exchanged vows of matrimony. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Well, it's corny, and sugar-coated...life isnt all "happily ever after" like the movies. It's a conscious effort to work at that relationship, more so after marriage as it can get stale after the first few years. And usually, one party works harder at it than the other, sadly.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ever heard of the "7 year itch"? If your marriage makes it through happily until the 7th year, your marriage is safe. True? Far from it. Wait till that sexy b*tch comes along and seduces your husband, because 7 years later, your husband would be having more money than when he first married you. $$ is a sexy quality in men, for many young girls...A guy friend recently insists there's truth in that. I don't deny it one bit.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">All conditions are impermenant, you just have to try and make sure that the changes are positive, that you adapt to them and come out the winner either ways. Stay on top, that's the key. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">When parents split up, the kid will suffer more emotional trauma than you can ever imagine. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">When the father keeps a mistress, or has an affair, again the kids will feel the scar it leaves on their lives. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">And sometimes, when death really do us part, and the other one remarries, the situation should be handled with utmost care, or all hell can break lose. Remarrying is ok, but the approach with the children should be delicate.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">When I was little, I used to believe that all marriages were made in heaven, that one day everyone meets their first love, and will get happily married and that's the end of the story...until I grew up. Of course, there are a few people who actually married their first love...</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Harsh realities of life, all of the above I've either seen (with friends and relatives) or personally witnessed the effect of it one way or the other. Thank the Lord Buddha that I always managed to stand by my principles, although there were a few times when the devil cast its spell of temptation and knocked me out silly...ok, ok, so I might have had to smack myself back to the righteous path a couple of times, but I pride myself in being able to do so...in the end. Not that I didnt slip a couple of times, but many I know have easily fallen full into the arms of the devil's temptation and lost their way.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Personally, I've witness so many marriages crumbling because there wasn't enough substance in the relationship to begin with. Lust or love...be careful which is which. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1157349908659704382006-09-04T14:02:00.000+08:002006-09-04T15:41:21.263+08:00Merdeka!<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Merdeka day can mean different things to different people.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">On 31st August 2006 at almost 1pm, I received an sms from a fellow buddhist of the dharma. I was informed that the Venerable Chief K Sri Dhammananda had passed away peacefully at approximately 12.45pm that afternoon.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">It was also Merdeka for the Chief Reverand, freedom from suffering in his old, ageing body...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Let's transfer our merits to him and wish that he may be well and happy, wherever he is.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Here are 2 websites showing photos of the eulogy in memory of the Chief at the Vihara Temple and the funeral at Nirvana Memorial.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jeffooi.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.jeffooi.com/</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.oonyeoh.squarespace.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.oonyeoh.squarespace.com/</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />May the Blessings of the Triple Gem always be with us all.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!</span></div>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22533152.post-1156177396174598482006-08-21T21:50:00.000+08:002006-08-24T08:41:04.380+08:00The Jewel of Sarawak<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">Last weekend was one of the most unique weekend for me. I explored Gunung Mulu National Park.<br /><br />There are only 2 ways to get there - you can either take a bus (or drive up) to Kuala Baram from Miri town followed by a boat ride up Sungai Baram to Mulu, or catch a 20-minute fokker plane ride from Miri airport to Mulu airport. With the new Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) airline, it's really affordable and highly recommended compared to the 4-5 hour bus & boat ride.<br /><br />Mulu National Park, which is as large as Singapore, is denominated by three main mountains - Gunung Mulu, Gunung Api and Gunung Benarat, covered with green madness. Gunung Mulu is the second highest mountain peak in Sarawak and holds one of the most spectacular limestone cave systems on earth. But I didnt go there for the forest. No, Mulu's main attraction lies deep beneath the surface, hidden in the forested slopes of these mountains.<br /><br />According to our tour guide, Mulu has the world's largest chamber, with a capacity to hold about 40 Boeing 747s! 4 main caves are open to the public, namely Lang Cave, Deer Cave, Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave.<br /><br />On our first day, we explored the Lang and Deer Cave. Lang Cave was founded by a Berawan hunter who had gone boar hunting one day back in the 1970-s. There were so many wild boars there that he kept the place a secret for many years, because coming home successfully with a boar each time he went hunting made him look good with the women. After much prodding by the other men, Lang finally revealed the secret spot, and so they named the cave after him, and opened it to public in 1985. </span></div><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Lang%20Cave.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The cave was spacious and well-lit with yellow lights. As we made our way down the cement pathways and plankwood walkways, the chambers looked like it was held up by frozen melting cream pillars.</span> </p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Deer Cave was something else. Its vast magnitude caverns makes it the largest cave passage known to man. Standing inside it, you'll feel so tiny and wonder what else there is in those dark corners where no light could reach. As we made our way inside, there is a stretch of walkway that is strewn with a thick layer of "guano" (bat's droppings). The wiff of "guano" embraced us, so we held our breath (or breathed through our hanky or something). At the end of the passageway, we came to the Garden of Eden, where the Shower of Eden lies, allowing rich green vegetation to thrive. We had to be careful as earwig insects (they sting) infested the hand railings deep in this cave, and the bats love them. At the southern entrance of this cave, Abraham Lincoln's profile is etched in the rocks, guarding the entrance. Deer Cave is also the home to many species of bats. Around 5-6pm, they'll circle outside the entrance of the cave before flying off into the skyline in a long black line.</span></p><p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/deercave.4.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/deercave.5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/IMG_1211.1.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/IMG_1211.1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">We then had to rush back to the national park ranger house as a storm was on its way. We walked back so fast our legs hurt, but we made back on time. Later, just as we sat in the boat back to our resort, it poured frogs and beasts (since there's no cats nor dogs there!)<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/IMG_1234.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/IMG_1234.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>The next morning, we visited Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. On our way to these caves, we made a stop at a Penan longhouse settlement. Their living conditions were extremely basic with no proper sanitisation system (but they did have Astro). They laid their colourful handicrafts out for sale on the wooden flooring covered with plastic mats, and their little children with runny noses and tear-streaked faces were running around playfully without a care in the world.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/IMG_1308.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/IMG_1308.0.jpg" border="0" /></a>After a 10-15 minutes stop, we made our way to the Wind Cave. By boat, it took us about 15 minutes on the Sungai Melinau to reach the entrance of the Wind Cave, so named because of the cool breeze you feel as you walk along the narrow passageways. Its rock formation was magnificent here.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/Clearwater.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/Clearwater.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="justify">We then took the boat to the picnic area near to the entrance of the Clearwater Cave. I think I must have climbed close to 200 steps through the forest before we reached the Clearwater Cave's entrance. Reminds me of the steps to the Batu Caves temple back in Selangor! After huffing and puffing, Clearwater Cave proved a worthwhile effort when we witnessed the crystal clear stream flowing out from deep within its walls. </p><p align="justify"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/1600/IMG_1336.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5719/2292/320/IMG_1336.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="justify">Outside at the picnic area, you may dive into the inviting but icy cold clear pool.</p></span><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">We had a 3.30pm flight to catch back to Miri, so we had to make our way back to the resort quickly to be able to have a "mandi kerbau" before we head to the airport. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;">All in all, it was a great experience.</span></p>Phoenix Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380427237437949371noreply@blogger.com7