Merry Belated Xmas and Happy Boxing Day!
I had the loveliest dinner last nite with my Korean friends - Jin Hee, Ju Ae and Heelim. Sung Eun and Mui Shin had flights so they couldn't make it.
Jin Hee prepared some fusili, Ju Ae made some nachos with cheese and baked beans and Heelim made pan-fried teriyaki chicken with broccoli, potatoes and mushrooms. I had the easiest task...salad *HAHAHA*
It was the best Christmas I've ever had so far. When I was back in Malaysia, I'd always go to the clubs or just dine out with friends. Staying home having a small gathering with a few close friends is so much warmer and cosier, more Christmas spirit, I guess.
We had some red wine Heelim bought from Athens and I gotta say this, it was fantastic! I've always been a red wine hater because most of them are so dry but the one we had last night was sweet. After the meal, we had some of my Baileys and watched Love, Actually at Ju Ae's place.
The only hitch was that I had an argument with Shyan over the phone. It was one of those that almost led to a breakup. And I shed tears in front of my friends. God, that was so humiliating. But it's at times like these that you see who are your real friends. I'm glad to say that all of them are ^_^
Would really love to upload the pix here but unfortunately, I seem to be having problems with doing that on blogger now *shrug*
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve...wish?
Please tell me I'm not insane.
Memories of him came in sudden surges that disrupt my sleep.
Remember 石头记 and the prelude entry right before it that I wrote in June 2006? I got so restless that I had to drag myself from the bed and sit in front of my laptop to read it.
I actually relished in the memory like it was the most exotic cuisine that I couldn't bear to finish. The last bite was excruciating. I would like to have another serving but having it again immediately steals away some of the tastes, if you know what I mean.
After a year, I still haven't changed.
In fact, I've always been like this since we parted. Whenever I'm alone at night, I would think about him. This obsession didn't just start a year ago but had always been there since the day he disappeared from my life. I don't see an end to it any time soon.
It's tormenting me, really. What did he say exactly at the pool? I wish I remember.
Maybe the reason I can't let it go is because I'm still expecting an answer from him. Well, not exactly expecting, since I didn't even ask him anything to begin with. I wish I had the courage to do so at the time, though. But I know no matter what happens, I would never do it. That's how much of a wimp I am.
It's been 10 years. Whenever he creeps into my mind, I would wonder if he still remembers me. If he still remembers the nerdy girl who always tried to oppose him. I don't even know if he knows my name. Well, I hope he does from the way Adlena and Linda had been calling me. But he never called any of us by our names so I simply can't be sure.
And I would wonder whether he thinks about me the way I think about him sometimes at night, which is quite unlikely *dry laugh*.
God, this is ridiculous and it's driving me crazy!
I keep guessing the reason behind everything he did and hoped I wasn't paranoid, that the truth will turn out to be what I want it to be.
I just need another meeting with him again. I swear if I ever run into him again, I'd call out his name even though I'm not sure whether or not he remembers me.
I'm not sure what I want from it but I would really wanna talk to him again.
It's probably wishful thinking on my side. After all, it's been ten long years. We may not realize it but we might have become extremely different from what we had known ourselves to be.
How I wish I could go back to that lazy afternoon in Adlena's house when we looked at each other across the fence.
Be careful what you wish for. So that was just a thought. I'm too selfish to give up everything to go back now.
But seeing and talking to him is on the top of my wishlist now.
Right now, I want it more than anything.
Memories of him came in sudden surges that disrupt my sleep.
Remember 石头记 and the prelude entry right before it that I wrote in June 2006? I got so restless that I had to drag myself from the bed and sit in front of my laptop to read it.
I actually relished in the memory like it was the most exotic cuisine that I couldn't bear to finish. The last bite was excruciating. I would like to have another serving but having it again immediately steals away some of the tastes, if you know what I mean.
After a year, I still haven't changed.
In fact, I've always been like this since we parted. Whenever I'm alone at night, I would think about him. This obsession didn't just start a year ago but had always been there since the day he disappeared from my life. I don't see an end to it any time soon.
It's tormenting me, really. What did he say exactly at the pool? I wish I remember.
Maybe the reason I can't let it go is because I'm still expecting an answer from him. Well, not exactly expecting, since I didn't even ask him anything to begin with. I wish I had the courage to do so at the time, though. But I know no matter what happens, I would never do it. That's how much of a wimp I am.
It's been 10 years. Whenever he creeps into my mind, I would wonder if he still remembers me. If he still remembers the nerdy girl who always tried to oppose him. I don't even know if he knows my name. Well, I hope he does from the way Adlena and Linda had been calling me. But he never called any of us by our names so I simply can't be sure.
And I would wonder whether he thinks about me the way I think about him sometimes at night, which is quite unlikely *dry laugh*.
God, this is ridiculous and it's driving me crazy!
I keep guessing the reason behind everything he did and hoped I wasn't paranoid, that the truth will turn out to be what I want it to be.
I just need another meeting with him again. I swear if I ever run into him again, I'd call out his name even though I'm not sure whether or not he remembers me.
I'm not sure what I want from it but I would really wanna talk to him again.
It's probably wishful thinking on my side. After all, it's been ten long years. We may not realize it but we might have become extremely different from what we had known ourselves to be.
How I wish I could go back to that lazy afternoon in Adlena's house when we looked at each other across the fence.
Be careful what you wish for. So that was just a thought. I'm too selfish to give up everything to go back now.
But seeing and talking to him is on the top of my wishlist now.
Right now, I want it more than anything.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
No fair
I'd wake up and stare up at the ceiling in a daze, or turn on my side and stare into space, wondering what exactly am I doing here.
That's what's been happening a lot lately.
I guess they gave me too much days off that cause my mind to wander.
After getting my laptop and plugged in to the Net, I've become kinda an anti-social creature. I would lie down on the bed in my darkened room and watch Taiwanese drama series I downloaded online. Or I'd sleep off an entire 24 hours and live a totally decadent life.
I begin to wonder what I'll be like after the contract ends in 3 years. Will I be tired and fed up of this job like many others and quit or will I stay on, feeling equally fucked up or loving every second of it?
Up till now, my schedule pretty much sucks. How was it that when my friends go on standby, they get pulled out every single time but I only get to sit at home and rot? And most of them get European destinations I yearn for so much while I only get destinations down under like Australia and places I'm familiar with, like Malaysia and Singapore?
I probably shouldn't complain so much. My roster isn't terrible or anything. I just wish I can get more of what I want. But life probably isn't about getting the cake every time eh?
I am certain about one thing however, if I don't start getting more flying hours, I'd earn considerably less than my peers. Now that is what's really bothering me.
Ever since I got here, the company always seems to miss me out for many things. Why is it that my friends don't need to fight for what they want but I have to?
It's sickening.
Fingers crossed for my next roster.
That's what's been happening a lot lately.
I guess they gave me too much days off that cause my mind to wander.
After getting my laptop and plugged in to the Net, I've become kinda an anti-social creature. I would lie down on the bed in my darkened room and watch Taiwanese drama series I downloaded online. Or I'd sleep off an entire 24 hours and live a totally decadent life.
I begin to wonder what I'll be like after the contract ends in 3 years. Will I be tired and fed up of this job like many others and quit or will I stay on, feeling equally fucked up or loving every second of it?
Up till now, my schedule pretty much sucks. How was it that when my friends go on standby, they get pulled out every single time but I only get to sit at home and rot? And most of them get European destinations I yearn for so much while I only get destinations down under like Australia and places I'm familiar with, like Malaysia and Singapore?
I probably shouldn't complain so much. My roster isn't terrible or anything. I just wish I can get more of what I want. But life probably isn't about getting the cake every time eh?
I am certain about one thing however, if I don't start getting more flying hours, I'd earn considerably less than my peers. Now that is what's really bothering me.
Ever since I got here, the company always seems to miss me out for many things. Why is it that my friends don't need to fight for what they want but I have to?
It's sickening.
Fingers crossed for my next roster.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Welcome to Piggie Sty...
Haven't washed my hair in 2 days.
My clothes are hanging in a messy pile on the metal rack.
Multiple plastic carrier bags are scattered on the floor.
My dressing and side tables are in absolute chaos.
The wires of my new Altec Lansing 5.1 speakers are entangled in a wild curly black mess.
The headphone jack of my 2-day-old Fujitsu Siemens laptop doesn't work and I think the problem lies in the too-new Windows Vista operating system.
Gotta get my lazy ass down to IKEA's Plug-Ins to have it fixed tomorrow...well, later today to be exact...it's already 0135 Dubai time.
Did a 12-hour home standby but was not pulled out. Well, at least I still got paid while snoring away.
Please give me a good roster for December *fingers crossed*
How I am living such a decadent life is beyond me. By the way, I haven't showered today. Won't be, judging by the time, gotta hit the pillows soon.
My friends are wondering how a homo sapien can actually live in this pig sty kinda room I've settled in comfortably. I have no complaints, though. There's plenty of space for me to make a mess in.
My room looks like I've been living here for a year even though I'd been here for only 2 months. Well, that makes it all the more cosy and lived-in. I'm happy with that. But one of these days I gotta clean in somehow, cos I won't be able to stand the mess for very long as well.
Anyway, this entry only serves the purpose to show people how uncivilized and disgusting I am.
God...how I just love to do that.
My clothes are hanging in a messy pile on the metal rack.
Multiple plastic carrier bags are scattered on the floor.
My dressing and side tables are in absolute chaos.
The wires of my new Altec Lansing 5.1 speakers are entangled in a wild curly black mess.
The headphone jack of my 2-day-old Fujitsu Siemens laptop doesn't work and I think the problem lies in the too-new Windows Vista operating system.
Gotta get my lazy ass down to IKEA's Plug-Ins to have it fixed tomorrow...well, later today to be exact...it's already 0135 Dubai time.
Did a 12-hour home standby but was not pulled out. Well, at least I still got paid while snoring away.
Please give me a good roster for December *fingers crossed*
How I am living such a decadent life is beyond me. By the way, I haven't showered today. Won't be, judging by the time, gotta hit the pillows soon.
My friends are wondering how a homo sapien can actually live in this pig sty kinda room I've settled in comfortably. I have no complaints, though. There's plenty of space for me to make a mess in.
My room looks like I've been living here for a year even though I'd been here for only 2 months. Well, that makes it all the more cosy and lived-in. I'm happy with that. But one of these days I gotta clean in somehow, cos I won't be able to stand the mess for very long as well.
Anyway, this entry only serves the purpose to show people how uncivilized and disgusting I am.
God...how I just love to do that.
Monday, October 29, 2007
6 weeks of tears & laughters...
That's right.
I finally graduated from the Emirates Aviation College on Thursday, 25 October 2007. Being a cabin crew isn't just about coffee, tea (or me). It's about being able to take care of your passengers from take-off to landing and ensuring they are comfortable throughout the flight.
When they have diarrhoea, what medication should be administered; how to treat asthma, angina, heart attack; even how to deliver a baby (yeah, cutting the placenta and all); first aid - bandages and all. Cabin crew are actually authorized to give more medications than a nurse! But of course we have medical backups on the ground to back us up, so don't worry about us killing you by accicent (doesn't sound very assuring, does it? hahaha).
And there's General Safety. Even opening the fucking aircraft door has a 4-step procedure! When to open a door and when not to...procedures of opening doors during an evacuation...safety features on the door. GOD...I never knew there are sooooooooo many ways to open a damn door! And emergency drills, there are 8 cabin doors on an Airbus and we gotta know the drill and the equipment to take during an emergency for each door by heart.
Training wasn't hard but there was definitely a lot of things to memorize and I think I killed a considerable amount of cells in my little brain. But thank God I'm still quite good at memorizing things haha.
Ooooh, and we also have to restrain pax if they behave strangely. How's that for the stereotyped airhead softie cabin crew image?
And even though we have graduated, it doesn't mean the end. Before every flight, there'll be a briefing and the Purser (senior cabin crew in charge of the whole aircraft) will ask each crew member on duty either a safety, first aid, security or service question. If you fail to answer it correctly, it's in the Purser's discretion on whether or not to give you a second chance. If you fail again, then you'll be offloaded from the flight and it's a big deal. It delays your promotion and everything else, bad record for your file too.
Batchmates
By the way, I didn't shed much tears during training. I feel so inhuman. Most of us cried either because of stress, homesick or things like that. The only times I felt like crying were when I was so frustrated because the stupid taxi drivers couldn't understand my bloody directions or the management didn't process my documents right. See, I'm a weirdo who cries for the tiniest and silliest things but major things just don't seem to bother me...I dunno why. Sometimes I feel so stupid about the things that get my eyes and nose sore.
Oh and the culture shock I experienced was tremendous! In a good way, though. I enjoy observing the antics of others during parties. Believe me you, there's so much to see and I do feel like a psychotic stalker. It's not something you get to see very often among Asian cultures *wink wink*. I feel extremely fortunate to be among this group of people. As one of my trainers said, we are a privileged lot living in our own bubble. However, I hope I won't get too carried away cos I still need to go back to the real world someday.
I was lucky cos my classmates (I didn't say batchmates cos I think batch means all 3 groups and I only wanna focus on my group) were a fun bunch and all the trainers for our group were nice and kind. Which is why most of us didn't repeat and we were the biggest Abinitio group at the graduation, I suppose ^_^
Following the graduation, most of us will be on our own. Cabin crew is a lonely job because of the vastly different schedules you might have from your friends. Moreover, we are in a foreign country and not all (if not none) of our close friends are here.
I'd be expecting to see less of my batchmates, which is really sad cos I miss their company so much. I might not even see or fly with them at all in the future, what with over 8000 crew (and still counting) in Emirates. There are a few of them whom I'm really fond of but I'm not sure if we'll see each other again.
Anyway, check out my pix on http://www.friendster.com/tallibeth
I finally graduated from the Emirates Aviation College on Thursday, 25 October 2007. Being a cabin crew isn't just about coffee, tea (or me). It's about being able to take care of your passengers from take-off to landing and ensuring they are comfortable throughout the flight.
When they have diarrhoea, what medication should be administered; how to treat asthma, angina, heart attack; even how to deliver a baby (yeah, cutting the placenta and all); first aid - bandages and all. Cabin crew are actually authorized to give more medications than a nurse! But of course we have medical backups on the ground to back us up, so don't worry about us killing you by accicent (doesn't sound very assuring, does it? hahaha).
And there's General Safety. Even opening the fucking aircraft door has a 4-step procedure! When to open a door and when not to...procedures of opening doors during an evacuation...safety features on the door. GOD...I never knew there are sooooooooo many ways to open a damn door! And emergency drills, there are 8 cabin doors on an Airbus and we gotta know the drill and the equipment to take during an emergency for each door by heart.
Training wasn't hard but there was definitely a lot of things to memorize and I think I killed a considerable amount of cells in my little brain. But thank God I'm still quite good at memorizing things haha.
Ooooh, and we also have to restrain pax if they behave strangely. How's that for the stereotyped airhead softie cabin crew image?
And even though we have graduated, it doesn't mean the end. Before every flight, there'll be a briefing and the Purser (senior cabin crew in charge of the whole aircraft) will ask each crew member on duty either a safety, first aid, security or service question. If you fail to answer it correctly, it's in the Purser's discretion on whether or not to give you a second chance. If you fail again, then you'll be offloaded from the flight and it's a big deal. It delays your promotion and everything else, bad record for your file too.
Batchmates
By the way, I didn't shed much tears during training. I feel so inhuman. Most of us cried either because of stress, homesick or things like that. The only times I felt like crying were when I was so frustrated because the stupid taxi drivers couldn't understand my bloody directions or the management didn't process my documents right. See, I'm a weirdo who cries for the tiniest and silliest things but major things just don't seem to bother me...I dunno why. Sometimes I feel so stupid about the things that get my eyes and nose sore.
Oh and the culture shock I experienced was tremendous! In a good way, though. I enjoy observing the antics of others during parties. Believe me you, there's so much to see and I do feel like a psychotic stalker. It's not something you get to see very often among Asian cultures *wink wink*. I feel extremely fortunate to be among this group of people. As one of my trainers said, we are a privileged lot living in our own bubble. However, I hope I won't get too carried away cos I still need to go back to the real world someday.
I was lucky cos my classmates (I didn't say batchmates cos I think batch means all 3 groups and I only wanna focus on my group) were a fun bunch and all the trainers for our group were nice and kind. Which is why most of us didn't repeat and we were the biggest Abinitio group at the graduation, I suppose ^_^
Following the graduation, most of us will be on our own. Cabin crew is a lonely job because of the vastly different schedules you might have from your friends. Moreover, we are in a foreign country and not all (if not none) of our close friends are here.
I'd be expecting to see less of my batchmates, which is really sad cos I miss their company so much. I might not even see or fly with them at all in the future, what with over 8000 crew (and still counting) in Emirates. There are a few of them whom I'm really fond of but I'm not sure if we'll see each other again.
Anyway, check out my pix on http://www.friendster.com/tallibeth
Friday, October 19, 2007
Life in Dubai
Just a short update...
Training had been excruciating. Never studied so hard in my life before.
Got the biggest unit in the entire building (there are only 26 of these outta the 13 floors building!)..YAY~! But the location of this building sucks. Glorious civilized fortress in the middle of nowhere - desert construction site...how charming...BUT BUT...I still don't intend to move cos other Emirates buildings have smaller living space.
Anyways, I'm closest to my Korean classmates - Heelim, Ju Ae, Jin Hee and Sung Eun. Also Gerel from Malaysia.
I look crap in the uniform - it seems like these baggy oversized coats are hanging off me. And I have to wear bright red lippie!!! GOSH!!!
Things here are extremely expensive. AED/DHS (Dirhams) is almost the same rate as MYR. And the prepaid phone card starter pack here costs AED165 WITHOUT any credit inside!!!
A broom costs at least Dhs8. But that's the worst of the lot i.e. fizzy brush that doesn't really clean. The average ones cost around Dhs18. How's that for a wretched broom?!? Dustpans are rather hard to find too. Probably because the people here are so wealthy that they only use vacuum cleaners?
GOD...everything is so inconvenient here and cab fare is burning a huge hole in my pocket, especially when I have to rely on taxi to get everywhere here! Aaaarrrrggghhhh!
But I will SURVIVE!!!
Training had been excruciating. Never studied so hard in my life before.
Got the biggest unit in the entire building (there are only 26 of these outta the 13 floors building!)..YAY~! But the location of this building sucks. Glorious civilized fortress in the middle of nowhere - desert construction site...how charming...BUT BUT...I still don't intend to move cos other Emirates buildings have smaller living space.
Anyways, I'm closest to my Korean classmates - Heelim, Ju Ae, Jin Hee and Sung Eun. Also Gerel from Malaysia.
I look crap in the uniform - it seems like these baggy oversized coats are hanging off me. And I have to wear bright red lippie!!! GOSH!!!
Things here are extremely expensive. AED/DHS (Dirhams) is almost the same rate as MYR. And the prepaid phone card starter pack here costs AED165 WITHOUT any credit inside!!!
A broom costs at least Dhs8. But that's the worst of the lot i.e. fizzy brush that doesn't really clean. The average ones cost around Dhs18. How's that for a wretched broom?!? Dustpans are rather hard to find too. Probably because the people here are so wealthy that they only use vacuum cleaners?
GOD...everything is so inconvenient here and cab fare is burning a huge hole in my pocket, especially when I have to rely on taxi to get everywhere here! Aaaarrrrggghhhh!
But I will SURVIVE!!!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Sienzzz...
Already aug 10 and that bugger from Sarawak still hasn't made any move to view my room. Sent him a reminder 2 days ago and he said he would call me when he's coming. This morning I couldn't help but sms-ed him this:
When are you viewing da room? Pls understand dat i hv waited long enough n i cant keep holding da room 4 u. Tq
Is it too harsh? But at this point, I don't really care anymore. If he's not renting it, then I'd probably have to pay the rent anyway. If the room still doesn't go by September, my deposits would be gone as well. So be it. I'm so tired of all these, man. Never had so much trouble renting out a room before. They used to go like hot cakes. But no matter how many notices I put up now, all of it disappears the next day and I wait and wait but still nobody calls. Up till now, only one girl has viewed my room and although it seemed promising, she didn't reply afterwards. Hrrrmmmppphhhh~~~
When are you viewing da room? Pls understand dat i hv waited long enough n i cant keep holding da room 4 u. Tq
Is it too harsh? But at this point, I don't really care anymore. If he's not renting it, then I'd probably have to pay the rent anyway. If the room still doesn't go by September, my deposits would be gone as well. So be it. I'm so tired of all these, man. Never had so much trouble renting out a room before. They used to go like hot cakes. But no matter how many notices I put up now, all of it disappears the next day and I wait and wait but still nobody calls. Up till now, only one girl has viewed my room and although it seemed promising, she didn't reply afterwards. Hrrrmmmppphhhh~~~
Monday, August 06, 2007
姐姐妹妹站起来!!!
An old man in his 60s was sitting behind a TARC girl across the aisle from me in the bus. I was on my way to work. The girl kept glancing backward at the man then scurriedly changed to the seat in front of her. I was tempted to move over to where she had been a second ago because the sun was glaring down fiercely on my side. However, I hesitated, may I say wisely haha. I was thinking, "If she ran away like that, surely there's something wrong with that seat, or the man at the back". I began to observe the man and sure enough, his hands were placed over the seat railing and crossed over to the seat in front of him, where the girl had been. Thus, he must had been harassing the girl. Minutes later, a couple of college guys boarded the bus and took that seat. The jerk quietly folded his arms back. Now, isn't it weird!
I was thinking to myself about what a wise decision I had made for not taking that seat when I heard some hissing noise on my left. I knew the sound came from the old man so I ignored him. By now, the students had alighted at TARC and there were only around 7-10 passengers left in the bus, heading to the LRT station. When the bus stopped at the LRT bus stop, I felt something gripping my left shoulder. It was the dirty old man! There was a steel rail right beside me and he pretended to be holding onto it to get up from his seat but he was actually touching me! Obviously I wasn't smart enough, shoulda moved really far away from him and not just across the aisle! The only relief was he only got my shoulder, if not, I'd really kick him in the crotch! But at the time I wasn't able to do anything because I was running late and everyone was getting down. I just managed to glare at him with all the hate I could muster and left in unvented frustration! The nerves!
By the way, then I realized he was the very same son of a bitch who also sexually harassed me 3 years ago! Only now he's much older and has ageing black marks on his face. In my heart I was cursing so that he gets rammed by a speeding trailer and his brains splatter all over the place and his mutilated body be eaten by wild dogs. That's the end he deserves!
Well, 3 years ago I was on my first designing job since graduated from college and I still wore formal attire then so I guess I looked more feminine. This fucker was on the bus and he kept eyeing me up and down. I tried to ignore him but outta the corner of my eye, I could see he was still doing it. I glared at him several times but I think he had extremely thick skin as a seasoned psychopath. So I couldn't stand it any longer and yelled at him, yeah, right in front of everyone in a packed-as-sardine-can bus! I yelled, "Tengok apa tengok? Tak pernah tengok orang ke?" He simply gave a lame leacherous smile and replied,"Mana ada" while turning his pathetic head toward the window. Good thing was, he never looked at me again.
This morning while I was boarding the LRT, I felt something pinching me while everyone was pushing to get in. But it wasn't very crowded. And if someone accidentally touched you because he was jostled along or whatever, surely you won't feel him pinching you REPEATEDLY right?! Well, I did! And he was pinching me in the ass! I was thinking "What the fuck!" My hand was beside my butt and he began to grab that as well! So I turned around, pushed his hands away, looked him straight in his eyes (geez I wished I coulda pierced his head with that look and have him crumple to the floor) and scolded,"Apa ni? Sentuh-sentuh!"
The shithead was a guy in his 20s but I couldn't be sure whether he's Malay or Indon. He appeared shocked because he probably didn't think molest victims would retaliate. Well, he got the wrong person today! For a moment there I doubted myself and worried about whether I had wronged him. But thinking back, he didn't defend himself and just stared at me and other passengers wide-eyed and shrunk to a corner, tell me if that isn't GUILT, what is? Worst thing is, no one around me reacted. It was just like nothing happened. No one put in a word to help me. Or maybe it all happened too fast for them to realize what was going on, I dunno.
Anyway, I briskly stepped over to a spot far away from the bugger. When I was about to alight, he was still standing near the door. So while waiting for the LRT to stop completely, I glared at him again. He had the cheek to look back at me. So I glared at him till he was too embarrassed and looked away. There was a Malay lady beside me, well I hope she didn't think I was glaring at her, cos I really wasn't.
So I was thinking, what the hell is happening! Been a long time since I got molested. I thought I look fierce enough now that all molesters steer clear of me! But really, I know 9 outta 10 girls (or make that 10 outta 10) suffer incidents like these but they choose to keep quiet most, if not every time. This genuinely angers me no end.
C'mon, we are the victims here! Why are we girls so ashamed to reveal who's the crook? Seriously, if we girls all stand together and scream every single time we are molested, I think you'd heard a scream go off every 5 seconds in the LRT, the bus, the crowd, wherever. Nah, I'm actually trying to say that if we all unite, then these bastards won't have a chance at all. There'd be no more girls for them to molest cos everyone would scream. Then they can all go home and get themselves silicone pads if they really wanna grab something. They can even grab their own dicks okay, I thought they'd get more aroused that way?
These are only a couple of incidents I'd been through. But there are a lot more which will be too long-winded for me to mention here.
I only have one advice to all the girls out there:
DON'T KEEP QUIET WHEN YOU ARE SEXUALLY HARRASSED. SCREAM! LASH OUT!
Don't let those bastards get away scot-free!
Let's all stand together and show them what's GIRL POWER! GRRRRROOOOOOAARRR!!!
If you need counselling or confidence booster to keep these bastards away, just let me know. Will be more than willing to give you further advice.
I used to get molested so often during secondary school that I developed a phobia of going out. I dared not wear sleeveless tops or short skirts. I covered myself in oversized tees and baggy jeans but still the nightmare kept haunting me, molesters couldn't keep their hands off me! And I WASN'T even pretty! In fact, I was a tomboy who looked like Nobita in Doraemon! Believe it or not! It was the darkest time of my life. I really can't imagine how girls who got raped pull through their traumas cos I was only molested and I almost couldn't take it then. I think those girls who overcame it are really honourable and no one should look down on them. They need all the support they can get!
But thank God, I'm fine now. And needless to say, I can watch my own back.
Have you ever been molested before? What was your reaction?
Next time some filthy bastard molests you, ask yourself this: Did I do anything wrong?
Obviously you would not have done anything wrong. You are simply standing there and someone starts grabbing you, that's all.
So if that's the case, why are you so ashamed to scream and let others know that he molested you? He should be the one feeling ashamed!
One way we girls can look out for each other is picking out the psychos and let others know so they won't fall prey to these garbage of the society.
So SCREAM! (when you need to, of course. Don't simply scream for nothing, okay)
I was thinking to myself about what a wise decision I had made for not taking that seat when I heard some hissing noise on my left. I knew the sound came from the old man so I ignored him. By now, the students had alighted at TARC and there were only around 7-10 passengers left in the bus, heading to the LRT station. When the bus stopped at the LRT bus stop, I felt something gripping my left shoulder. It was the dirty old man! There was a steel rail right beside me and he pretended to be holding onto it to get up from his seat but he was actually touching me! Obviously I wasn't smart enough, shoulda moved really far away from him and not just across the aisle! The only relief was he only got my shoulder, if not, I'd really kick him in the crotch! But at the time I wasn't able to do anything because I was running late and everyone was getting down. I just managed to glare at him with all the hate I could muster and left in unvented frustration! The nerves!
By the way, then I realized he was the very same son of a bitch who also sexually harassed me 3 years ago! Only now he's much older and has ageing black marks on his face. In my heart I was cursing so that he gets rammed by a speeding trailer and his brains splatter all over the place and his mutilated body be eaten by wild dogs. That's the end he deserves!
Well, 3 years ago I was on my first designing job since graduated from college and I still wore formal attire then so I guess I looked more feminine. This fucker was on the bus and he kept eyeing me up and down. I tried to ignore him but outta the corner of my eye, I could see he was still doing it. I glared at him several times but I think he had extremely thick skin as a seasoned psychopath. So I couldn't stand it any longer and yelled at him, yeah, right in front of everyone in a packed-as-sardine-can bus! I yelled, "Tengok apa tengok? Tak pernah tengok orang ke?" He simply gave a lame leacherous smile and replied,"Mana ada" while turning his pathetic head toward the window. Good thing was, he never looked at me again.
This morning while I was boarding the LRT, I felt something pinching me while everyone was pushing to get in. But it wasn't very crowded. And if someone accidentally touched you because he was jostled along or whatever, surely you won't feel him pinching you REPEATEDLY right?! Well, I did! And he was pinching me in the ass! I was thinking "What the fuck!" My hand was beside my butt and he began to grab that as well! So I turned around, pushed his hands away, looked him straight in his eyes (geez I wished I coulda pierced his head with that look and have him crumple to the floor) and scolded,"Apa ni? Sentuh-sentuh!"
The shithead was a guy in his 20s but I couldn't be sure whether he's Malay or Indon. He appeared shocked because he probably didn't think molest victims would retaliate. Well, he got the wrong person today! For a moment there I doubted myself and worried about whether I had wronged him. But thinking back, he didn't defend himself and just stared at me and other passengers wide-eyed and shrunk to a corner, tell me if that isn't GUILT, what is? Worst thing is, no one around me reacted. It was just like nothing happened. No one put in a word to help me. Or maybe it all happened too fast for them to realize what was going on, I dunno.
Anyway, I briskly stepped over to a spot far away from the bugger. When I was about to alight, he was still standing near the door. So while waiting for the LRT to stop completely, I glared at him again. He had the cheek to look back at me. So I glared at him till he was too embarrassed and looked away. There was a Malay lady beside me, well I hope she didn't think I was glaring at her, cos I really wasn't.
So I was thinking, what the hell is happening! Been a long time since I got molested. I thought I look fierce enough now that all molesters steer clear of me! But really, I know 9 outta 10 girls (or make that 10 outta 10) suffer incidents like these but they choose to keep quiet most, if not every time. This genuinely angers me no end.
C'mon, we are the victims here! Why are we girls so ashamed to reveal who's the crook? Seriously, if we girls all stand together and scream every single time we are molested, I think you'd heard a scream go off every 5 seconds in the LRT, the bus, the crowd, wherever. Nah, I'm actually trying to say that if we all unite, then these bastards won't have a chance at all. There'd be no more girls for them to molest cos everyone would scream. Then they can all go home and get themselves silicone pads if they really wanna grab something. They can even grab their own dicks okay, I thought they'd get more aroused that way?
These are only a couple of incidents I'd been through. But there are a lot more which will be too long-winded for me to mention here.
I only have one advice to all the girls out there:
DON'T KEEP QUIET WHEN YOU ARE SEXUALLY HARRASSED. SCREAM! LASH OUT!
Don't let those bastards get away scot-free!
Let's all stand together and show them what's GIRL POWER! GRRRRROOOOOOAARRR!!!
If you need counselling or confidence booster to keep these bastards away, just let me know. Will be more than willing to give you further advice.
I used to get molested so often during secondary school that I developed a phobia of going out. I dared not wear sleeveless tops or short skirts. I covered myself in oversized tees and baggy jeans but still the nightmare kept haunting me, molesters couldn't keep their hands off me! And I WASN'T even pretty! In fact, I was a tomboy who looked like Nobita in Doraemon! Believe it or not! It was the darkest time of my life. I really can't imagine how girls who got raped pull through their traumas cos I was only molested and I almost couldn't take it then. I think those girls who overcame it are really honourable and no one should look down on them. They need all the support they can get!
But thank God, I'm fine now. And needless to say, I can watch my own back.
Have you ever been molested before? What was your reaction?
Next time some filthy bastard molests you, ask yourself this: Did I do anything wrong?
Obviously you would not have done anything wrong. You are simply standing there and someone starts grabbing you, that's all.
So if that's the case, why are you so ashamed to scream and let others know that he molested you? He should be the one feeling ashamed!
One way we girls can look out for each other is picking out the psychos and let others know so they won't fall prey to these garbage of the society.
So SCREAM! (when you need to, of course. Don't simply scream for nothing, okay)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Excited and frustrated
Can't wait Can't wait I just can't wait!!!
My notice looks like this:
Can't wait for my brand new life to start!
I'm in the countdown phase right now. Hope everything will go well...the medical in Dubai, my training, exams, some personal stuff and finally the probation. Looking forward to the day when I can proudly tell myself in my Emirates uniform that I am officially one of them.
Also anticipating the Taiwan trip with my 2 sistas. Was just discussing with them over MSN and phone about who'll bring what to lighten the load.
Sold my quaint little study table last night. 5 minutes after I finished putting up the notices and was walking outta the lift, a guy called and I asked him to come view it later.
My notice looks like this:
The guy came with his girlfriend, I assume. They were pretty friendly and the guy is from Batu Pahat, so technically, he's from the same home-state as me. He tried to bargain, I was selling it for RM20 and he asked for RM15. But it was so new so the lowest I could go was RM18. To my delight, he agreed and took away the table immediately. OOOOH...only then I felt the sadness creeping up at me. That I was giving away a table that's been with me for 5 whole years!
But gosh, how I wish that couple are the one who's gonna rent my room! Cos they are so friendly and nice! Surely they won't have any problems fitting in with my current housemates...unlike me hahaha. Not that lucky though, I haven't even met the guy who's gonna rent my room!
He's currently in Sarawak taking care of some legal docs for the sale of his shop (or so he claims). He also has another shop in KL. For gracious' sake he's only 21! Yeah I know there are lotsa young entrepreneurs out there but well, over the phone, I still feel dubious about it. The world is a scary place nowadays ya know. Moreover, another one of my housemates is a girl. She will be living under one roof with this guy in the future so it's better to be careful.
He told me he would come down to KL around 28th or 29th of July but later told me he couldn't make it so have to wait till 8th or 9th of August. That BUGGER!!! However, he was OK with all the payments and was willing to pay me ASAP. But I dare not accept it! Cos we haven't seen him yet, how to rent to him like that ar!?! He was gonna ask his GF to send the money over but after much thoughts, I asked him to pay on the day when he comes to view the room.
Hope everything goes well...
Monday, July 16, 2007
Manhattan Fish Market, Midvalley makes me barf!
Went to the ever-crowded-on-weekends Midvalley Megamall with Shyan yesterday. Made our way through the ocean of weekend shoppers and finally stopped in front of Manhattan Fish Market.
There was a sign stating,"Please wait to be seated" at the entrance. So as obedient as we always were, we just stood there and studied the menu while waiting for their staff to guide us in. 3 minutes passed without anyone taking notice of us and we were thinking,"Hey, am I invisible to you?!". Most absurd thing was, a few of the staff had actually made eye contact with us but simply chose to ignore us! Man, do we look like paupers who can't afford to dine in your majestic fishy market?!?
Outta no other choice, we sauntered into the restaurant and seated ourselves. Cool, I'd never known MFM practices self-service. Woulda gone to the Long John Silvers next door if I had decided to serve myself (-_-). So we were expecting the staff to serve us after the initial disgust. But all we observed was the staff still walking to and fro' all over the place, carrying only a few serviettes, forks and spoons, a glass of water, etc without ever really accomplishing anything! A Malay couple in a corner were already showing disgusted and impatient expressions because no one served them too for God knew how long. It's interesting to note that 80% of the staff there were Malays too. I've always been fascinated and amazed by their efficiency - or the lack of it to be exact.
Finally, we managed to call over a waitress and gestured to her that we wanted to order. She came over and asked us about our orders. I was lamenting silently,"Gosh you should really go to an ophthalmologist to get yer eyes checked cos they look pretty blind to me! Can't you see we don't even have any menus here?!" With tension building inside me and Shyan, we politely requested for menus.
She came back with only ONE menu. Smart girl. I guess she was expecting me and Shyan to have a romantic moment by huddling closely together to read the menu. How sweet. Unable to stand her stupidity but still keeping my cool, I said,"Can you give me one more menu please?"
After that was settled, a waiter came to take our orders. We asked him something and it took him forever to understand us. We asked in English twice then BM 3-4 times but he looked like a blur sotong to us because he couldn't give us a definite answer. By now I was really getting high blood pressure. Would wanna throw him into a pan and fry him if possible, but no one must eat him in case they become as peabrained as him!
After much difficulties, we finally finished ordering. A bowl of soup and some garlic bread later, our maincourse still wasn't here. Looking around, even people who came in later than us were already happily enjoying their food. The staff even served other patrons quite speedily in terms of handing them the menus and taking down the orders. So why were we the ones getting hell?!
Thus, we asked the waiter who took our orders to check for us when would it be ready cos obviously ours was really late. When our seafood platter finally came, we decided with resignation that they probably gave our order to someone else by mistake. See, we've seen at least 4 or 5 platters with the exact same content go to other tables. If they didn't serve it to someone else by mistake, tell me why were we served 5 minutes later than people who came in 10 minutes later than us?
We were definitely extraordinarily full after the meal, mostly thanks to the anger and frustration we felt, not because of the food we ate. Even getting the bill from them took forever. The bill came up to a total of RM82.xx - I can't remember the last 2 digits.
We would be more than willing to pay that price if the service was good because honestly, the food was just so-so. And what's more, with average food and CRAPPY service, we really thought it was a rather expensive meal.
In fact, it's one of THE most horrible meals I've had in years! Basically, it was nightmarish because all I felt was the angry "qi" building inside me throughout the meal! Man, I felt so damn bloated from it!
So people, if you are reading this, NEVER EVER go to the Manhattan Fish Market in Midvalley unless you wanna pay them to get pissed! I dunno about other MFM branches in Malaysia, they might be a hell lot better but the one in Midvalley is really a hellhole in itself!
There was a sign stating,"Please wait to be seated" at the entrance. So as obedient as we always were, we just stood there and studied the menu while waiting for their staff to guide us in. 3 minutes passed without anyone taking notice of us and we were thinking,"Hey, am I invisible to you?!". Most absurd thing was, a few of the staff had actually made eye contact with us but simply chose to ignore us! Man, do we look like paupers who can't afford to dine in your majestic fishy market?!?
Outta no other choice, we sauntered into the restaurant and seated ourselves. Cool, I'd never known MFM practices self-service. Woulda gone to the Long John Silvers next door if I had decided to serve myself (-_-). So we were expecting the staff to serve us after the initial disgust. But all we observed was the staff still walking to and fro' all over the place, carrying only a few serviettes, forks and spoons, a glass of water, etc without ever really accomplishing anything! A Malay couple in a corner were already showing disgusted and impatient expressions because no one served them too for God knew how long. It's interesting to note that 80% of the staff there were Malays too. I've always been fascinated and amazed by their efficiency - or the lack of it to be exact.
Finally, we managed to call over a waitress and gestured to her that we wanted to order. She came over and asked us about our orders. I was lamenting silently,"Gosh you should really go to an ophthalmologist to get yer eyes checked cos they look pretty blind to me! Can't you see we don't even have any menus here?!" With tension building inside me and Shyan, we politely requested for menus.
She came back with only ONE menu. Smart girl. I guess she was expecting me and Shyan to have a romantic moment by huddling closely together to read the menu. How sweet. Unable to stand her stupidity but still keeping my cool, I said,"Can you give me one more menu please?"
After that was settled, a waiter came to take our orders. We asked him something and it took him forever to understand us. We asked in English twice then BM 3-4 times but he looked like a blur sotong to us because he couldn't give us a definite answer. By now I was really getting high blood pressure. Would wanna throw him into a pan and fry him if possible, but no one must eat him in case they become as peabrained as him!
After much difficulties, we finally finished ordering. A bowl of soup and some garlic bread later, our maincourse still wasn't here. Looking around, even people who came in later than us were already happily enjoying their food. The staff even served other patrons quite speedily in terms of handing them the menus and taking down the orders. So why were we the ones getting hell?!
Thus, we asked the waiter who took our orders to check for us when would it be ready cos obviously ours was really late. When our seafood platter finally came, we decided with resignation that they probably gave our order to someone else by mistake. See, we've seen at least 4 or 5 platters with the exact same content go to other tables. If they didn't serve it to someone else by mistake, tell me why were we served 5 minutes later than people who came in 10 minutes later than us?
We were definitely extraordinarily full after the meal, mostly thanks to the anger and frustration we felt, not because of the food we ate. Even getting the bill from them took forever. The bill came up to a total of RM82.xx - I can't remember the last 2 digits.
We would be more than willing to pay that price if the service was good because honestly, the food was just so-so. And what's more, with average food and CRAPPY service, we really thought it was a rather expensive meal.
In fact, it's one of THE most horrible meals I've had in years! Basically, it was nightmarish because all I felt was the angry "qi" building inside me throughout the meal! Man, I felt so damn bloated from it!
So people, if you are reading this, NEVER EVER go to the Manhattan Fish Market in Midvalley unless you wanna pay them to get pissed! I dunno about other MFM branches in Malaysia, they might be a hell lot better but the one in Midvalley is really a hellhole in itself!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
A round up
It was a whirlwind of hospital and clinic visits, a case of flu and subsequently menses but praise the Lord I survived through it all and let's hope that the future will be promising!
I submitted my medicals to Emirates last Friday and they replied on Saturday saying they'd received it. Weird...I thought over there, they don't work on Fridays and Saturdays? And on Monday, they replied again telling me my medical has been approved! Yay~~~!!! Their efficiency is truly commendable!
Prob here is, they only said that it has been approved but there's no further instruction regarding the employment. So does it mean I can resign already (I already have haha)? Or I just wait for their email? Due to these doubts, I sent them an email voicing my concerns 4 days ago but I have yet to hear from them. Oh well, maybe they still have other things to settle before giving me the greenlight. Wish me luck!
Before you start thinking I'm an assuming swell-headed stuck-up bitch for resigning even before they ask me to, because I am probably too confident about the whole thing, allow me a chance to explain. I was gonna resign anyway, regardless of the outcome. If I don't leave this company anytime soon, I don't think I can do it later. So might as well take the risk.
In between this, I had to make the huge decision of declining Paprika's offer to work as a copywriter. It's an experience in a 4A's advertising agency which I really look forward to. But at the time, I was due to go for Emirates' medical checkups and I assumed it would take up at least 2 weeks' time for everything to come through. And I was down with flu so I couldn't proceed with it so imagine my stress then!
Paprika had been really kind in offering to pay my 2 months notice compensation for me, on condition that I'm bound to the company for a year. It was a pretty fair deal, which was why I felt extremely guilty for stalling their time for so long. Realizing I couldn't drag it any longer and their sincerity really doesn't allow mw to do that either, I decided to come clean with them.
Andrew fom Paprika was quite surprised when he heard it. However, he said that he really appreciated my honesty. Geez, glad would be putting it mildly...I was RELIEVED!!!
After a coupla days, I proceeded to handing in my resignation letter to my boss and told them the truth as well. Another reaction of surprise. But they were cool about it and granted me the leaves I needed to do my medical tests.
Glad that I made the right decision! At least I didn't need to worry so much since then! It was killing me holding everything inside!
So right now, I'm looking forward to the trip to Taiwan with my 2 elder sistas. Simply lurrrrrrrrrrrrve Taiwan! Just hope I'd have enough time to pack my stuff, rent out my room, move out and spend time with my family and friends after I return from Taiwan to prepare for Dubai!
Thank God and please guide me all the way!
I submitted my medicals to Emirates last Friday and they replied on Saturday saying they'd received it. Weird...I thought over there, they don't work on Fridays and Saturdays? And on Monday, they replied again telling me my medical has been approved! Yay~~~!!! Their efficiency is truly commendable!
Prob here is, they only said that it has been approved but there's no further instruction regarding the employment. So does it mean I can resign already (I already have haha)? Or I just wait for their email? Due to these doubts, I sent them an email voicing my concerns 4 days ago but I have yet to hear from them. Oh well, maybe they still have other things to settle before giving me the greenlight. Wish me luck!
Before you start thinking I'm an assuming swell-headed stuck-up bitch for resigning even before they ask me to, because I am probably too confident about the whole thing, allow me a chance to explain. I was gonna resign anyway, regardless of the outcome. If I don't leave this company anytime soon, I don't think I can do it later. So might as well take the risk.
In between this, I had to make the huge decision of declining Paprika's offer to work as a copywriter. It's an experience in a 4A's advertising agency which I really look forward to. But at the time, I was due to go for Emirates' medical checkups and I assumed it would take up at least 2 weeks' time for everything to come through. And I was down with flu so I couldn't proceed with it so imagine my stress then!
Paprika had been really kind in offering to pay my 2 months notice compensation for me, on condition that I'm bound to the company for a year. It was a pretty fair deal, which was why I felt extremely guilty for stalling their time for so long. Realizing I couldn't drag it any longer and their sincerity really doesn't allow mw to do that either, I decided to come clean with them.
Andrew fom Paprika was quite surprised when he heard it. However, he said that he really appreciated my honesty. Geez, glad would be putting it mildly...I was RELIEVED!!!
After a coupla days, I proceeded to handing in my resignation letter to my boss and told them the truth as well. Another reaction of surprise. But they were cool about it and granted me the leaves I needed to do my medical tests.
Glad that I made the right decision! At least I didn't need to worry so much since then! It was killing me holding everything inside!
So right now, I'm looking forward to the trip to Taiwan with my 2 elder sistas. Simply lurrrrrrrrrrrrve Taiwan! Just hope I'd have enough time to pack my stuff, rent out my room, move out and spend time with my family and friends after I return from Taiwan to prepare for Dubai!
Thank God and please guide me all the way!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
I dunno what to say...
The past 2 days had been a mad spin of interviews and surprises. Everything still feels a bit surreal to me. There are so many stories to tell I think I gotta split them into sections to avoid confusion.
SIA Interview on Sunday - 10 June 2007
Shyan gave me a ride to Concorde Hotel for my 1010 hour appointment. I hated it cos we had an argument when we left the house. What a great start to my interview! He was grumpy because he played computer games till the wee hours of the morning with his friends and had to wake up early to send me out. I wanted to get there by myself initially but he suggested giving a ride to me. Oh well, I was lazy to take the bus anyway, so I asked him for a ride in the end. But why must he give it to me with a black face since he suggested it himself? Sometimes I really feel like throwing a punch into his face!
Fortunately, the unpleasant drama in the morning took a turn and things began to look up. When I reached there, the girls attending the 10.10 am appointment were already lining up to register. It was so unlike the first and second time I was there - it used to take an hour to just wait til your turn, i.e. if your appointment is 9.30am, you will only be registered at 10.30am. Then wait for another 5 minutes to get your measurements done and another 5 before you are ushered to the interview room.
Anyway, it was pretty swift this time. By 10.30am, me and the other 9 girls were already in the interview room and began introducing ourselves one by one. 5 outta 10 girls in my group were selected. We proceeded to a counter to get our certificates verified and waited another 10 minutes for the kebaya fitting test. I was eliminated during that round in my last attempt. Thus, I was a bit nervous about my posture.
I walked as naturally as I could and tried to slow my paces. Then we were whisked outside to wait for the results once more. 6 of us went in for the test and ALL of us passed! What a joy!
Then we waited ultra-long for the one-to-one interview. It seems that the longer you wait, the more nervous you'll become! To make matters worse, the male middle-aged interviewer did not look friendly at all! He looked austere and strict, to be precise.
Finally, it was my turn and I went in with a blank mind. The interviewer tried to lighten the mood with small talks and I did my part as well by joking that my name sounded like teddy bear. It seemed to work because he gave an amused chuckle.
Why do you want to make a sudden career switch? What is good customer service to you? How much do you know about being a cabin crew? What do you know about our new airbus? When you encounter a problem, how do you solve it (very general)? When you are working in a team, are you always in the leader or follower position? Which position do you prefer? How long do you plan to fly?
Those were the questions I was asked during the 1-to-1. Luckily I could answer all of it reasonably. Phew!
When the interviewer finally jot down my name on the sorta like permit allowing me to proceed to the next round, I breathed a sigh of relief and actually couldn't really make out what he was saying at the time! Thank God he didn't fail me after all!
I had a break of 2 hours until the water confidence test so I swung around to McD for a bite. I was starving because I had forgo my brekkie. Never have much of an appetite too early in the morning. I returned to the hotel at 3.30pm. They gave everyone a life jacket regardless of your swimming abilities. We went into the pool 5 by 5. The guys went first.
After getting outta the pool, you'd be required walk in a straight line toward the interviewers to allow them to observe your posture. You have to held out your hands when you reach them to be examined for any visible scars. Finally, you turn around to check for any flaws on your back and walk back to the first position you started with.
We all waited in the meeting room once again after the test. The result was read to us shortly after. The final interview will be held 2 weeks later and they will give us further notice for that.
By the way, a few girls from the Emirates interview also turned up for this one. Really, the more you attend these interviews, the more familiar those faces become! Most of them made it through the water confidence test too.
After I got home, Kathryn informed me she had received the rejection email from Emirates. After I finished all my chores at home, I went to the cyber cafe to check my email with a thumping heart. Thankfully, I did not get it at all. But I was still scared and decided to keep on checking.
Junior Copywriter Interview - 11 June 2007
The next day, I took an MC from my job in order to attend the eCosway interview. I wouldn't had been there if the guys from Paprika had called me last week. Since they didn't call, I thought maybe it was a goner and pushed it outta my mind.
The interview with eCosway was a half-hearted one. I wished for it to end as soon as possible so I could go home and rest.
* * * * * * *
I noticed a missed call on my cell from Andrew (Paprika) on my way back and called him back immediately.
It seemed they had decided to take me in after all. On top of that, they'll buy me out for 1 month outta my 2 months notice so I could join them sooner. But as always, there are T&C attached. I was required to stay with the company for at least a year. Upon hearing this, I was thinking, "What if I'm accepted by Emirates? How am I gonna get myself outta this?!?" So I calmly asked him what is the compensation scheme if I breach the contract. He said I would be required to pay them 2 months worth of my salary then. But I'm still not sure about that though.
They were gonna mail me an offer letter first. I advised them to send by normal mail instead of registered since there won't be anyone at home to receive it during office hours. Moreover, it will buy me some time while waiting for EK's reply. They will only prepare the contract after I have accepted their offer. I certainly hope all these will take up a lot of time before I sign the contract because hell, I still didn't know EK's result!
The Surprise...
With a heavy heart, I took a nap beside Shyan. Yeah he MC again because he played computer games with his buddies again till 3am the night before so he couldn't get up for work. And he even cold-shouldered me for asking him to come home early! The nerve!
Don't get me wrong though. He's usually a great guy. He loves me more than I love him and almost always takes great care of me. But sometimes I really don't understand why he does the things he does!
So anyway, I woke up bleary eyed when my cellphone rang. No number was indicated on the screen. I thought it was my sister calling from Hong Kong and answered the phone.
A pleasant and slightly accented male voice came from the other end. He said something more for a while before I could make sense of what he was talking about. It seemed he was calling from Emirates. Ok. Wait. Emirates? Emirates! EMIRATES!!!
Finally, he said, "Actually, I'm calling to inform you that you've been selected for our final....(I couldn't catch what he was saying). He went on to elaborate the details to me and told me to expect an email with all the instructions and relevant documents attached. He even gave me a joining date!
I asked him for his contact details in case of any queries and he ended the conversation by wishing me good luck for my medical. It was pleasant talking to him because he sounded to be smiling constantly! But I had to strain a bit to make out what he was saying through his middle-eastern accent. It was all good though.
* * * * * * *
Now I'm still waiting for the email to proceed with the medical checkup. Please please let me have it soon cos I'm really running outta time with all the stuff chasing after my back! I'm truly thanking God for all these great opportunities but I also need a sign for me to sort them out.
Sincerely praying for your help and guidance, God.
Amen.
SIA Interview on Sunday - 10 June 2007
Shyan gave me a ride to Concorde Hotel for my 1010 hour appointment. I hated it cos we had an argument when we left the house. What a great start to my interview! He was grumpy because he played computer games till the wee hours of the morning with his friends and had to wake up early to send me out. I wanted to get there by myself initially but he suggested giving a ride to me. Oh well, I was lazy to take the bus anyway, so I asked him for a ride in the end. But why must he give it to me with a black face since he suggested it himself? Sometimes I really feel like throwing a punch into his face!
Fortunately, the unpleasant drama in the morning took a turn and things began to look up. When I reached there, the girls attending the 10.10 am appointment were already lining up to register. It was so unlike the first and second time I was there - it used to take an hour to just wait til your turn, i.e. if your appointment is 9.30am, you will only be registered at 10.30am. Then wait for another 5 minutes to get your measurements done and another 5 before you are ushered to the interview room.
Anyway, it was pretty swift this time. By 10.30am, me and the other 9 girls were already in the interview room and began introducing ourselves one by one. 5 outta 10 girls in my group were selected. We proceeded to a counter to get our certificates verified and waited another 10 minutes for the kebaya fitting test. I was eliminated during that round in my last attempt. Thus, I was a bit nervous about my posture.
I walked as naturally as I could and tried to slow my paces. Then we were whisked outside to wait for the results once more. 6 of us went in for the test and ALL of us passed! What a joy!
Then we waited ultra-long for the one-to-one interview. It seems that the longer you wait, the more nervous you'll become! To make matters worse, the male middle-aged interviewer did not look friendly at all! He looked austere and strict, to be precise.
Finally, it was my turn and I went in with a blank mind. The interviewer tried to lighten the mood with small talks and I did my part as well by joking that my name sounded like teddy bear. It seemed to work because he gave an amused chuckle.
Why do you want to make a sudden career switch? What is good customer service to you? How much do you know about being a cabin crew? What do you know about our new airbus? When you encounter a problem, how do you solve it (very general)? When you are working in a team, are you always in the leader or follower position? Which position do you prefer? How long do you plan to fly?
Those were the questions I was asked during the 1-to-1. Luckily I could answer all of it reasonably. Phew!
When the interviewer finally jot down my name on the sorta like permit allowing me to proceed to the next round, I breathed a sigh of relief and actually couldn't really make out what he was saying at the time! Thank God he didn't fail me after all!
I had a break of 2 hours until the water confidence test so I swung around to McD for a bite. I was starving because I had forgo my brekkie. Never have much of an appetite too early in the morning. I returned to the hotel at 3.30pm. They gave everyone a life jacket regardless of your swimming abilities. We went into the pool 5 by 5. The guys went first.
After getting outta the pool, you'd be required walk in a straight line toward the interviewers to allow them to observe your posture. You have to held out your hands when you reach them to be examined for any visible scars. Finally, you turn around to check for any flaws on your back and walk back to the first position you started with.
We all waited in the meeting room once again after the test. The result was read to us shortly after. The final interview will be held 2 weeks later and they will give us further notice for that.
By the way, a few girls from the Emirates interview also turned up for this one. Really, the more you attend these interviews, the more familiar those faces become! Most of them made it through the water confidence test too.
After I got home, Kathryn informed me she had received the rejection email from Emirates. After I finished all my chores at home, I went to the cyber cafe to check my email with a thumping heart. Thankfully, I did not get it at all. But I was still scared and decided to keep on checking.
Junior Copywriter Interview - 11 June 2007
The next day, I took an MC from my job in order to attend the eCosway interview. I wouldn't had been there if the guys from Paprika had called me last week. Since they didn't call, I thought maybe it was a goner and pushed it outta my mind.
The interview with eCosway was a half-hearted one. I wished for it to end as soon as possible so I could go home and rest.
* * * * * * *
I noticed a missed call on my cell from Andrew (Paprika) on my way back and called him back immediately.
It seemed they had decided to take me in after all. On top of that, they'll buy me out for 1 month outta my 2 months notice so I could join them sooner. But as always, there are T&C attached. I was required to stay with the company for at least a year. Upon hearing this, I was thinking, "What if I'm accepted by Emirates? How am I gonna get myself outta this?!?" So I calmly asked him what is the compensation scheme if I breach the contract. He said I would be required to pay them 2 months worth of my salary then. But I'm still not sure about that though.
They were gonna mail me an offer letter first. I advised them to send by normal mail instead of registered since there won't be anyone at home to receive it during office hours. Moreover, it will buy me some time while waiting for EK's reply. They will only prepare the contract after I have accepted their offer. I certainly hope all these will take up a lot of time before I sign the contract because hell, I still didn't know EK's result!
The Surprise...
With a heavy heart, I took a nap beside Shyan. Yeah he MC again because he played computer games with his buddies again till 3am the night before so he couldn't get up for work. And he even cold-shouldered me for asking him to come home early! The nerve!
Don't get me wrong though. He's usually a great guy. He loves me more than I love him and almost always takes great care of me. But sometimes I really don't understand why he does the things he does!
So anyway, I woke up bleary eyed when my cellphone rang. No number was indicated on the screen. I thought it was my sister calling from Hong Kong and answered the phone.
A pleasant and slightly accented male voice came from the other end. He said something more for a while before I could make sense of what he was talking about. It seemed he was calling from Emirates. Ok. Wait. Emirates? Emirates! EMIRATES!!!
Finally, he said, "Actually, I'm calling to inform you that you've been selected for our final....(I couldn't catch what he was saying). He went on to elaborate the details to me and told me to expect an email with all the instructions and relevant documents attached. He even gave me a joining date!
I asked him for his contact details in case of any queries and he ended the conversation by wishing me good luck for my medical. It was pleasant talking to him because he sounded to be smiling constantly! But I had to strain a bit to make out what he was saying through his middle-eastern accent. It was all good though.
* * * * * * *
Now I'm still waiting for the email to proceed with the medical checkup. Please please let me have it soon cos I'm really running outta time with all the stuff chasing after my back! I'm truly thanking God for all these great opportunities but I also need a sign for me to sort them out.
Sincerely praying for your help and guidance, God.
Amen.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Transition
I took a half day off and went to another copywriter job interview yesterday. The company's Paprika Global this time. It's a real advertising agency but I'm not that excited, what's with all the things pending in my life - my resignation from my current job (which requires a bloody 2 MONTHS notice!), Emirates interview result, my next job, Taiwan trip. And all these are inter-related i.e. if I get a new job before August, I might not be able to go to Taiwan. This is truly a period of transition, hopefully for the better.
Anyway, I was interviewed by Andrew and Jermyn. Jermyn is actually the MD but he has a huge tattoo on his right arm, which I think is real cool. It was peeking out from under his polo shirt. Everyone in the office was really casual with jeans and tee, which was expected since it's an agency.
They asked me about the books I read and honestly, I've left it pretty much on the backseat since high school. Books are rather expensive here in Malaysia. But I've been trying to pick up what's left of my English through reading a coupla books. I think my English is sinking like the Titanic and to prevent it from vanishing completely from the face of Earth, that's why I'm making the switch from designer to copywriter. I wanna find the old Shakespeare in me!
Anyways, I told them I read Enid Blyton in primary school and Jermyn was like extremely surprised because he said Enid's for the 70s kids, like himself. Now it was my turn to be surprised because my circle of friends back then were mad for Enid. Andrew gave a look of doubt to Jermyn because he didn't think it weird for children to read Enid Blyton. Then I found out that Jermyn is from Singapore so I said probably Malaysia is slower than Singapore in the reading field. Unsatisfied with that, Jermyn asked whether I knew Aesop Fables. Hell yeah...Tortoise and the Hare. He exclaimed with a satisfied grin and turned to Andrew,"See! She knows! 13 years difference and she knows!"
I was like,"Huh?" But I was happy that I surprised them there haha. However, I still don't understand what's so strange about me reading Enid Blyton's books?
I went on to cite Christopher Pike and Francine Pascal as my influences. On my most recent read, it was Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. And they checked it out on the Internet straightaway because a laptop was conveniently in the room! That felt a bit scary. Jermyn asked,"You didn't read it because it was an NY bestseller?" I replied No. In fact, I didn't even know it was a bestseller until recently.
Then we proceeded to talk about advertising and they inspected the copywriting works I've done. I answered their questions as honestly as possible and to the best of my ability. Since I wasn't expecting much from this interview, I wasn't the least bit nervous so I was able to treat it like a normal chit-chat. After all, I understand that with my lack of experience, getting into a proper agency like that would be quite difficult.
I also presented to them the 2 advertising campaigns I was required to prepared, so as to tell them about my opinions on the ads. For the overseas ad, I chose Pepsi. This is really fun, go watch it. I'm rather surprised that Coke didn't take legal action against Pepsi for this. Or was it banned altogether? But thank God we lucky mortals still get to see it on the Net!
As for my favourite local campaign, it's gotta be DiGi's Yellow Guy Campaign! That's just one of them back there, you can go here to check out the rest.
The overall comment about me was:
1. English command
According to Jermyn, advertising agencies are divided into 3 tiers. Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, Naga DDB and the likes are easily Tier 1. Tier 3 is similar to the company I'm currently working for. Paprika is Tier 2. And I'm glad to announce that he categorized me into Tier 2 copywriter because of my writing style. By the way, prior to the interview, I had to do a copy test of coming up with a headline, body text and an action line based on the pictures they gave us. I had to choose 3 outta the 5 pictures. They would only invite potential candidates to the interview based on the test result. However, my English command is slightly not up to par. So I still have plenty of rooms for improvement, which is true, that's why I was there.
2. Experience
Well, what can I say...
3. Background
My background as a graphic designer is probably the biggest plus point because I'd be able to help out the design department if I'm done with the writing part. Will that make me a slave? I think that depends on the employer.
I should have thanked him for the advices but I didn't find the opportunity to! That's my biggest regret for the interview.
So anyway, now I'm in for a wait. But I'd rather forget all about it because the chances of getting it is slimmer than Twiggy.
On another note, I heard from Jaku that the last time her friend applied for Emirates, she was rejected 2 weeks (sharp) after her final interview! Today is exactly a fortnight after my final with them so I'm getting a bit nervous. Hope I don't receive any rejection emails any time soon! According to Jaku, no news is good news! Hope the news is a good one when it finally comes!
Speaking of airline interviews, this Sunday will be my third attempt with Singapore Airlines. Just received their invitation yesterday. Unlike during my 1st and 2nd attempts, now I don't feel nervous about it at all. Whatever will be, will be. Attending these interviews really mature me in a short span of time! I would strongly suggest anyone wanting to grow up fast to go to these interviews! LOL!
Anyway, I was interviewed by Andrew and Jermyn. Jermyn is actually the MD but he has a huge tattoo on his right arm, which I think is real cool. It was peeking out from under his polo shirt. Everyone in the office was really casual with jeans and tee, which was expected since it's an agency.
They asked me about the books I read and honestly, I've left it pretty much on the backseat since high school. Books are rather expensive here in Malaysia. But I've been trying to pick up what's left of my English through reading a coupla books. I think my English is sinking like the Titanic and to prevent it from vanishing completely from the face of Earth, that's why I'm making the switch from designer to copywriter. I wanna find the old Shakespeare in me!
Anyways, I told them I read Enid Blyton in primary school and Jermyn was like extremely surprised because he said Enid's for the 70s kids, like himself. Now it was my turn to be surprised because my circle of friends back then were mad for Enid. Andrew gave a look of doubt to Jermyn because he didn't think it weird for children to read Enid Blyton. Then I found out that Jermyn is from Singapore so I said probably Malaysia is slower than Singapore in the reading field. Unsatisfied with that, Jermyn asked whether I knew Aesop Fables. Hell yeah...Tortoise and the Hare. He exclaimed with a satisfied grin and turned to Andrew,"See! She knows! 13 years difference and she knows!"
I was like,"Huh?" But I was happy that I surprised them there haha. However, I still don't understand what's so strange about me reading Enid Blyton's books?
I went on to cite Christopher Pike and Francine Pascal as my influences. On my most recent read, it was Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. And they checked it out on the Internet straightaway because a laptop was conveniently in the room! That felt a bit scary. Jermyn asked,"You didn't read it because it was an NY bestseller?" I replied No. In fact, I didn't even know it was a bestseller until recently.
Then we proceeded to talk about advertising and they inspected the copywriting works I've done. I answered their questions as honestly as possible and to the best of my ability. Since I wasn't expecting much from this interview, I wasn't the least bit nervous so I was able to treat it like a normal chit-chat. After all, I understand that with my lack of experience, getting into a proper agency like that would be quite difficult.
I also presented to them the 2 advertising campaigns I was required to prepared, so as to tell them about my opinions on the ads. For the overseas ad, I chose Pepsi. This is really fun, go watch it. I'm rather surprised that Coke didn't take legal action against Pepsi for this. Or was it banned altogether? But thank God we lucky mortals still get to see it on the Net!
As for my favourite local campaign, it's gotta be DiGi's Yellow Guy Campaign! That's just one of them back there, you can go here to check out the rest.
The overall comment about me was:
1. English command
According to Jermyn, advertising agencies are divided into 3 tiers. Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, Naga DDB and the likes are easily Tier 1. Tier 3 is similar to the company I'm currently working for. Paprika is Tier 2. And I'm glad to announce that he categorized me into Tier 2 copywriter because of my writing style. By the way, prior to the interview, I had to do a copy test of coming up with a headline, body text and an action line based on the pictures they gave us. I had to choose 3 outta the 5 pictures. They would only invite potential candidates to the interview based on the test result. However, my English command is slightly not up to par. So I still have plenty of rooms for improvement, which is true, that's why I was there.
2. Experience
Well, what can I say...
3. Background
My background as a graphic designer is probably the biggest plus point because I'd be able to help out the design department if I'm done with the writing part. Will that make me a slave? I think that depends on the employer.
I should have thanked him for the advices but I didn't find the opportunity to! That's my biggest regret for the interview.
So anyway, now I'm in for a wait. But I'd rather forget all about it because the chances of getting it is slimmer than Twiggy.
On another note, I heard from Jaku that the last time her friend applied for Emirates, she was rejected 2 weeks (sharp) after her final interview! Today is exactly a fortnight after my final with them so I'm getting a bit nervous. Hope I don't receive any rejection emails any time soon! According to Jaku, no news is good news! Hope the news is a good one when it finally comes!
Speaking of airline interviews, this Sunday will be my third attempt with Singapore Airlines. Just received their invitation yesterday. Unlike during my 1st and 2nd attempts, now I don't feel nervous about it at all. Whatever will be, will be. Attending these interviews really mature me in a short span of time! I would strongly suggest anyone wanting to grow up fast to go to these interviews! LOL!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Violent? ME?!?
I've always been a bit intimidated by Shyan's mom. I'm not normally not worried about meet-the-parents session. Even if I do, I think I always do a pretty good job covering it up. But well, there had been some misunderstanding between me and the lady, which thankfully had been sorted out so I've tried to be extremely courteous ever since.
Anyways, the Mom was here in KL from Kuching last week. So me and my boy took her around the 1 Utama area for makan and shopping. Everything went well until we made a trip down to Petaling Street. The weather had begun to turn bleaky and rainy starting late afternoon.
I was sharing the umbrella with Shyan's mom and everything was going smoothly albeit in a helter-skelter way. The Mom was just about to step into a shelter made up of food stalls when she suddenly turned and her cheekbone right under the eye smacked against the curved handle of the brolly I was holding.
I was so damn scared because I thought I had given her a black eye! Imagine a run-in like that with your possible future mother-in-law! I started apologizing profusely and kept asking her if she was alright. It was truly a relief that she was very understanding and didn't seem to mind about it so much.
Shyan's teasing remarks about the whole incident certainly didn't help either. I guess he just loves making fun of me...in a good-natured way of course. As the happy-go-lucky person I am, I also begin to think that it's really not a big deal after all.
Know what, I've hit a female trainee teacher in the face during secondary school too! Before you start yellin' at me for being a freak with violent tendencies, let me explain that it wasn't done in purpose too of course!
I was scribbling feverishly across the blackboard trying to solve a difficult Maths question and was pausing to shake my right hand a lil' bit because of the sore caused by the brisk scribble. So I was shaking my hand with all my might when suddenly I felt that I've hit something. And that something turned out to be the poor teacher's forehead or somewhere I can remember. It seemed that she appeared out of nowhere and I was too engrossed with solving the question to notice her. But thank God she didn't make a big deal out of it and just laughed it off.
So there you go, I am a clumsy elephant sometimes and I'm certainly not proud of it but those do make the funniest memories to remember!
Anyways, the Mom was here in KL from Kuching last week. So me and my boy took her around the 1 Utama area for makan and shopping. Everything went well until we made a trip down to Petaling Street. The weather had begun to turn bleaky and rainy starting late afternoon.
I was sharing the umbrella with Shyan's mom and everything was going smoothly albeit in a helter-skelter way. The Mom was just about to step into a shelter made up of food stalls when she suddenly turned and her cheekbone right under the eye smacked against the curved handle of the brolly I was holding.
I was so damn scared because I thought I had given her a black eye! Imagine a run-in like that with your possible future mother-in-law! I started apologizing profusely and kept asking her if she was alright. It was truly a relief that she was very understanding and didn't seem to mind about it so much.
Shyan's teasing remarks about the whole incident certainly didn't help either. I guess he just loves making fun of me...in a good-natured way of course. As the happy-go-lucky person I am, I also begin to think that it's really not a big deal after all.
Know what, I've hit a female trainee teacher in the face during secondary school too! Before you start yellin' at me for being a freak with violent tendencies, let me explain that it wasn't done in purpose too of course!
I was scribbling feverishly across the blackboard trying to solve a difficult Maths question and was pausing to shake my right hand a lil' bit because of the sore caused by the brisk scribble. So I was shaking my hand with all my might when suddenly I felt that I've hit something. And that something turned out to be the poor teacher's forehead or somewhere I can remember. It seemed that she appeared out of nowhere and I was too engrossed with solving the question to notice her. But thank God she didn't make a big deal out of it and just laughed it off.
So there you go, I am a clumsy elephant sometimes and I'm certainly not proud of it but those do make the funniest memories to remember!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Of Throat and Anus...
My body has been wrecking havoc lately.
First, there was the sore throat that didn't heal for a fucking 3 months. Can you believe I actually endured the entire Chinese New Year with an excruciating sore throat?!? All the goodies I ate really elevated the severity too, I guess. Yeah, serves me right. And I'm also a firm follower of spicy delights. I remember going to the doctor for sore throat medicines once every 2-3 months during the past year. I guess the most medication I took was antibiotics. Not good. Now the virus causing me sore throats have mutated and evolved into stronger nightmares so I have to take very strong antibiotics - Amoxycillin for the time being. Thus, I'm now gurgling down water like mad, which explains for the even more frequent runs to the toilet (I've always been a urine-prone person haha).
And guess what? I finally had a case of piles (haemorrhoids) last Saturday!!! Yeah I know it's nothing to shout about but I simply feel like doing so!
I think it must have stemmed from my history of having chronic constipation. I often get swollen lumps near my anus and had been bleeding recently (no, the blood wasn't from the lumps, it's from somewhere inside the anus) while pooping. But the lumps were quite small and would retract or subside within a few hours. The blood was bright red, which I found out later on the Internet that it might be rectal bleeding. Rectum is very close to the anus, therefore blood from that area is bright red because bacteria hasn't the time to pollute it. Dark red blood indicates bleeding from the colon or somewhere deeper inside. I normally bleed after I had spicy feasts, I mean really spicy ones, like having them for 3 meals a day. But lately it bleeds even though I've had mostly porridge for dinner! Thus, I'm not without worries! Gonna do a full body checkup soon!
Anyway, the lump this time is really big and the pain is killing me! Previously it only felt itchy. I really hate to admit that I have piles! It's so embarrassing! But later I realized that it's actually quite a common problem in today's fast paced society where people simply don't have time or are just plain lazy to take care of their own bodies (like yours truly). Actually everyone has haemorrhoids, it's just that only a number of us are unlucky enough to have it manifest on our bodies, which is normally set off by constipation. In fact, I know a lot of girls who have constipation.
But thank God I feel a whole lot better after taking the medications, which included pills made from herbal taken twice a day and suppositories once a day. The suppository are to be inserted into the anus. I was thinking,"What the heck?! I'm in pain down there and I gotta ram this tampon-like thingy into it? Gee, I feel so homosexual right now". The nurse was kind enough to advise me to lubricate it with baby oil first if I really have a hard time inserting it (now I REALLY feel homo). Luckily, the suppository slid in easily with no pain at all. PHEW!
Oh, and I also took some painkillers from the doc which DID NOT work at all! The pain was still there whenever I contract the muscles there after I peed or when I'm about to sit down or stand up. The lump has begun to shrink since. Hope it will shrink even faster! Well, at least the pain isn't as severe now. And I'm thankful my piles aren't the really serious ones that require surgical removal or the ones that actually have part of the rectum falling out the body. I certainly hope it won't come to that! So I'm drinking a lot of water, stuffing myself with fruits and veggies and trying to lay off the spice a little.
Okay, I know no one's interested in my bowel movements or piles. Then again, no one is gonna read this anyway. So this piece is just for myself, and probably people out there suffering the same ailments as me.
First, there was the sore throat that didn't heal for a fucking 3 months. Can you believe I actually endured the entire Chinese New Year with an excruciating sore throat?!? All the goodies I ate really elevated the severity too, I guess. Yeah, serves me right. And I'm also a firm follower of spicy delights. I remember going to the doctor for sore throat medicines once every 2-3 months during the past year. I guess the most medication I took was antibiotics. Not good. Now the virus causing me sore throats have mutated and evolved into stronger nightmares so I have to take very strong antibiotics - Amoxycillin for the time being. Thus, I'm now gurgling down water like mad, which explains for the even more frequent runs to the toilet (I've always been a urine-prone person haha).
And guess what? I finally had a case of piles (haemorrhoids) last Saturday!!! Yeah I know it's nothing to shout about but I simply feel like doing so!
I think it must have stemmed from my history of having chronic constipation. I often get swollen lumps near my anus and had been bleeding recently (no, the blood wasn't from the lumps, it's from somewhere inside the anus) while pooping. But the lumps were quite small and would retract or subside within a few hours. The blood was bright red, which I found out later on the Internet that it might be rectal bleeding. Rectum is very close to the anus, therefore blood from that area is bright red because bacteria hasn't the time to pollute it. Dark red blood indicates bleeding from the colon or somewhere deeper inside. I normally bleed after I had spicy feasts, I mean really spicy ones, like having them for 3 meals a day. But lately it bleeds even though I've had mostly porridge for dinner! Thus, I'm not without worries! Gonna do a full body checkup soon!
Anyway, the lump this time is really big and the pain is killing me! Previously it only felt itchy. I really hate to admit that I have piles! It's so embarrassing! But later I realized that it's actually quite a common problem in today's fast paced society where people simply don't have time or are just plain lazy to take care of their own bodies (like yours truly). Actually everyone has haemorrhoids, it's just that only a number of us are unlucky enough to have it manifest on our bodies, which is normally set off by constipation. In fact, I know a lot of girls who have constipation.
But thank God I feel a whole lot better after taking the medications, which included pills made from herbal taken twice a day and suppositories once a day. The suppository are to be inserted into the anus. I was thinking,"What the heck?! I'm in pain down there and I gotta ram this tampon-like thingy into it? Gee, I feel so homosexual right now". The nurse was kind enough to advise me to lubricate it with baby oil first if I really have a hard time inserting it (now I REALLY feel homo). Luckily, the suppository slid in easily with no pain at all. PHEW!
Oh, and I also took some painkillers from the doc which DID NOT work at all! The pain was still there whenever I contract the muscles there after I peed or when I'm about to sit down or stand up. The lump has begun to shrink since. Hope it will shrink even faster! Well, at least the pain isn't as severe now. And I'm thankful my piles aren't the really serious ones that require surgical removal or the ones that actually have part of the rectum falling out the body. I certainly hope it won't come to that! So I'm drinking a lot of water, stuffing myself with fruits and veggies and trying to lay off the spice a little.
Okay, I know no one's interested in my bowel movements or piles. Then again, no one is gonna read this anyway. So this piece is just for myself, and probably people out there suffering the same ailments as me.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Emirates Final Interview
I had a mild fever last night. To prevent it from developing into a full-blown inferno, I took again the medicines I got from the doc on Sunday. My colleague says I'm probably too nervous about the interview. Hell, I dunno, I try not to expect too much, so why should I be nervous or excited at all?
I went to sleep quite early this time. At around midnight - after I got all the documents ready and photocopied and did another facial mask to get rid of the fatigue showing on my face.
My final interview appointment was 9.45am. But I was already there at 9am. I tried not to feel anything as Kathryn (another candidate) told me it was supposed to be a casual chat and I shouldn't be nervous.
The girl from the time slot before me was already waiting outside the room when I reached there. Approximately 45 minutes was allotted for each candidate but the actual interview time may be less. I greeted the girl and proceeded to the ladies. When I was back again, the girl had already entered the room.
I waited about 10 minutes before the girl finally came out and informed the interviewer that I had already arrived. I continued waiting as the interviewer did not give me further instructions to enter the room.
It was another 5 minutes' wait before the interviewer, Randa, popped her head out the door and invited me to enter. We greeted each other with a smile and out of the blue, she exclaimed, "Oh, I see something interesting already! Come inside!"
I was a bit surprised but happy that at least we had something else to talk about. As soon as I entered the room, she took hold of the fancy keychain on my bag and commented about how nice it was. The keychain was actually made up of a portion of a faux bold gold necklace my friend bought for me from Hong Kong and a black dangly keychain that I bought at Momoe, Midvalley. I told her I combined the two because the black keychain wasn't quite visible against my dark brown bag, so I added the gold bit because that necklace was very tacky anyway. Well, I didn't explain to her in as much detail as in here but it was close to what I told her. Anyway, the little chitchat really lightened up the situation!
By the way, there was only 1 interviewer this time. I heard some of the girls had 2 interviewers.
The interview began with Randa collecting all the necessary documents from me. Then she quizzed me on my past experiences as a waitress. Did u go the extra mile for customers? What was the situation like? Have you ever helped a customer solved a problem? How? Was there ever a situation where you were working in a team and there were problems that need to be solved? How did you solve it? Were there any negative comments from people about you? How did you handle and overcome it?
You will be asked to give specific examples here. If the interviewer thinks the example is not sufficient, she will ask you to give another one. The key here is to relax and talk normally. Don't let your nervousness affect you and it will be fine.
Right now I can only keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best! But I would have to forget about it for awhile first because I gotta wait 6 long weeks for the result!
Best of lucks to me!
I went to sleep quite early this time. At around midnight - after I got all the documents ready and photocopied and did another facial mask to get rid of the fatigue showing on my face.
My final interview appointment was 9.45am. But I was already there at 9am. I tried not to feel anything as Kathryn (another candidate) told me it was supposed to be a casual chat and I shouldn't be nervous.
The girl from the time slot before me was already waiting outside the room when I reached there. Approximately 45 minutes was allotted for each candidate but the actual interview time may be less. I greeted the girl and proceeded to the ladies. When I was back again, the girl had already entered the room.
I waited about 10 minutes before the girl finally came out and informed the interviewer that I had already arrived. I continued waiting as the interviewer did not give me further instructions to enter the room.
It was another 5 minutes' wait before the interviewer, Randa, popped her head out the door and invited me to enter. We greeted each other with a smile and out of the blue, she exclaimed, "Oh, I see something interesting already! Come inside!"
I was a bit surprised but happy that at least we had something else to talk about. As soon as I entered the room, she took hold of the fancy keychain on my bag and commented about how nice it was. The keychain was actually made up of a portion of a faux bold gold necklace my friend bought for me from Hong Kong and a black dangly keychain that I bought at Momoe, Midvalley. I told her I combined the two because the black keychain wasn't quite visible against my dark brown bag, so I added the gold bit because that necklace was very tacky anyway. Well, I didn't explain to her in as much detail as in here but it was close to what I told her. Anyway, the little chitchat really lightened up the situation!
By the way, there was only 1 interviewer this time. I heard some of the girls had 2 interviewers.
The interview began with Randa collecting all the necessary documents from me. Then she quizzed me on my past experiences as a waitress. Did u go the extra mile for customers? What was the situation like? Have you ever helped a customer solved a problem? How? Was there ever a situation where you were working in a team and there were problems that need to be solved? How did you solve it? Were there any negative comments from people about you? How did you handle and overcome it?
You will be asked to give specific examples here. If the interviewer thinks the example is not sufficient, she will ask you to give another one. The key here is to relax and talk normally. Don't let your nervousness affect you and it will be fine.
Right now I can only keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best! But I would have to forget about it for awhile first because I gotta wait 6 long weeks for the result!
Best of lucks to me!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Emirates Interview
I slept at 3am after all the preparations of doing my nails, facial mask and clothes fitting. Then I struggled to crawl out from my bed at 5.30am to take a shower and put on my makeup.
Such was how I prepared for my Emirates interview.
I didn't pin much hopes in it because I knew it was the toughest airline to get into and the pay is also the highest.
Despite leaving my house at approximately 7.15am, I was still nearly late for the 8am appointment because of the infamous traffic jam along Jalan Genting Klang. But thank God at least the line was moving and I made it to Renaissance right on time. There, I met again with Kathryn and Rachel, whom I met during the agent's screening test.
Andrew, the agent from Sass Atlantic, gave each of us our nametags with a number that was written on a piece of sticker we were to attach to our tops. I got a number 4, which I thought was great because it has always been my lucky number and it has been infinitely related to me throughout my life.
The interview began with the 2 interviewers - Angela and Randa, showing us the Emirates corporate videos. The final video was extremely entertaining as it was a music video featuring a number of their cabin crews playing instruments and singing. Gotta say they are really talented. There was rap, R'n'B, sitar, indian song, etc.
First Round - Group Discussion
I think there were about 50 girls at the interview that day. We were divided into 4 groups of 10-12 (estimation because I'm not quite sure). I was in group 1. Two groups go into the interview hall at once and the group discussion was conducted simultaneously but separately. We sat according to numerical order in a circle.
First, we needed to find out 2 things not included in the CV about the girl sitting on our right side. I was to introduce Allen, who likes to eat chocolates and her favourite movie is Lord of the Rings. My introduction was short but there were some girls who elaborated the points into 3-4 things.
Then we proceeded to the discussion. Our topic was "Should mobile phones be given to children and if yes, at what age?". It was the exact same topic as the agent screening test. As we were discussing, Randa went around the circle to observe each of us and scribbled down the remarks on the forms.
After the discussion ended, we had to do the reach test and finally we proceeded to wait outside the hall for the result. We waited for quite a long time - around 15 minutes before Randa came out to put the results on the table. Each of us got a note regardless of the result with our numbers written on the top left hand corner. So when I got mine and it read, "Thank you for your time...", I thought, "Okay, I'm gonna waste my leave again and go home early". But then the next paragraph, it read, "...successful of proceeding...". I couldn't believe my eyes but really thanked God for letting me pass this!
The advice that Andrew gave us really worked. Just help each other out and don't be too aggressive. The most important thing isn't the answer but the way you express yourself. So it doesn't matter whether you give the right answer. Don't be too stubborn with your opinions. My advice on the "find out 2 things about the girl on your right" part is - when they say 2 things then make sure you only say 2, NOT 3 or 4 or 5. Because as Andrew repeated to us during the briefing time and again, they look for people who follow instructions. Most of the girls who got too carried away were eliminated. It's easy to disregard this when you are trying to stand out from the rest. So gotta be careful. There will also be traps like these throughout the interview so just be careful.
Second Round - English Test
The English test was a written test which was fairly easy in comprehension but it's the answers that were the killer! It was very tricky and there often seemed to be more than one answer is suitable for the question. So, really think carefully before you answer!
The final section was the essay but it carries no marks so it's a safe bet to do it at the very end. I think maybe they are only trying to see how you express yourself. The passing mark for this test is 32/40.
Third Round - Group Discussion
This time, we discussed in a smaller group of 6-7 people. The topic this time is more difficult.
Question
Assuming you are the management for a company which has its sales and revenues dropping significantly over the past few months because of excessive workload and its staff morales had also degraded considerably. Organize a 2-day getaway to motivate the staff. Discuss about the destination, budget and the activities to be done there. Take into consideration that 2 of the staff can get quite intoxicated during parties, most staff are married and with children.
Again, bear in mind that the answer is not important. Don't claw at anyone who doesn't agree with you. Instead, acknowledge a good idea from others if you heard one. If you really have to express a different opinion, do it with a moderate tone of voice and don't be too stubborn about your own opinions.
Elimination was after every round.
Finally, came the Psychometric test, of which there will be no elimination thereafter. It consisted of 185 questions to be completed in 40 minutes. Listen to the instructions given by the interviewers carefully as they might be different from the ones in the booklets. There will be no rights or wrongs in this test as it's merely a personality test. But there were a few IQ and Maths questions at the end.
At the end of the day, 35 girls were shorlisted to go to the final interview. It was a huge achievement and even Andrew commented that we must be the best batch from Malaysia ever. Because previously, they never managed to get this many girls shorlisted to the final in Malaysia. The batch who had the interview a day before us had 16 girls go to the final.
Applying for Emirates is really a huge investment of time and money. We had to reshoot all of our pictures in formal attire - 1 full length and 4 passport photos. The requirement is to put on some light makeup, wear skirt suit and court shoes (plain with no decorations whatsoever). They expect nothing to be too fashionable. And we have to place our hands on either side of the body and can't stike up any pose. You might wanna put one of your legs slightly behind the other to avoid looking like a gargoyle. But make sure both legs are fully visible or you're gonna have to reshoot your pictures and send it to them by registered mail and waste your hard-earned money. What I did was took 2 pictures in different pose and let the interviewers choose the better one.
In addition, we also have to submit 2 full length casual photos. These can be pictures you took while you were on vacation so you don't have to retake it again. The interviewer was so nice to even suggest that we could just show them a few of our personal photos for them to choose the best ones.
Aside from that, we have to provide them with 2 business emails (i.e. abc@streamyx.com; abc@hsbc.com) of our employers. Strictly NO public domain emails (i.e. yahoo, hotmail). But I'm gonna give them my colleagues' emails instead. Obviously, I'm not in the position to let my bosses know I'm applying for other jobs and the people who know my work performance better are my colleagues since they've worked with me closely, right?
The final interview will be where they dissect your personality and quiz you on your strengths and weaknesses. Andrew says as long as you can balance out your weaknesses with your strength and it should be alright. Really hope so.
Hope everything will go well for my final interview. I'm trying not to pin too much hopes on this one because in case I don't succeed, at least I won't be so disappointed. Hope for the best, though. Notice how many "hope" I mentioned back there? Geez!!!
Wish me LUCK, people!
Also calling all my GUARDIAN ANGELS!
Such was how I prepared for my Emirates interview.
I didn't pin much hopes in it because I knew it was the toughest airline to get into and the pay is also the highest.
Despite leaving my house at approximately 7.15am, I was still nearly late for the 8am appointment because of the infamous traffic jam along Jalan Genting Klang. But thank God at least the line was moving and I made it to Renaissance right on time. There, I met again with Kathryn and Rachel, whom I met during the agent's screening test.
Andrew, the agent from Sass Atlantic, gave each of us our nametags with a number that was written on a piece of sticker we were to attach to our tops. I got a number 4, which I thought was great because it has always been my lucky number and it has been infinitely related to me throughout my life.
The interview began with the 2 interviewers - Angela and Randa, showing us the Emirates corporate videos. The final video was extremely entertaining as it was a music video featuring a number of their cabin crews playing instruments and singing. Gotta say they are really talented. There was rap, R'n'B, sitar, indian song, etc.
First Round - Group Discussion
I think there were about 50 girls at the interview that day. We were divided into 4 groups of 10-12 (estimation because I'm not quite sure). I was in group 1. Two groups go into the interview hall at once and the group discussion was conducted simultaneously but separately. We sat according to numerical order in a circle.
First, we needed to find out 2 things not included in the CV about the girl sitting on our right side. I was to introduce Allen, who likes to eat chocolates and her favourite movie is Lord of the Rings. My introduction was short but there were some girls who elaborated the points into 3-4 things.
Then we proceeded to the discussion. Our topic was "Should mobile phones be given to children and if yes, at what age?". It was the exact same topic as the agent screening test. As we were discussing, Randa went around the circle to observe each of us and scribbled down the remarks on the forms.
After the discussion ended, we had to do the reach test and finally we proceeded to wait outside the hall for the result. We waited for quite a long time - around 15 minutes before Randa came out to put the results on the table. Each of us got a note regardless of the result with our numbers written on the top left hand corner. So when I got mine and it read, "Thank you for your time...", I thought, "Okay, I'm gonna waste my leave again and go home early". But then the next paragraph, it read, "...successful of proceeding...". I couldn't believe my eyes but really thanked God for letting me pass this!
The advice that Andrew gave us really worked. Just help each other out and don't be too aggressive. The most important thing isn't the answer but the way you express yourself. So it doesn't matter whether you give the right answer. Don't be too stubborn with your opinions. My advice on the "find out 2 things about the girl on your right" part is - when they say 2 things then make sure you only say 2, NOT 3 or 4 or 5. Because as Andrew repeated to us during the briefing time and again, they look for people who follow instructions. Most of the girls who got too carried away were eliminated. It's easy to disregard this when you are trying to stand out from the rest. So gotta be careful. There will also be traps like these throughout the interview so just be careful.
Second Round - English Test
The English test was a written test which was fairly easy in comprehension but it's the answers that were the killer! It was very tricky and there often seemed to be more than one answer is suitable for the question. So, really think carefully before you answer!
The final section was the essay but it carries no marks so it's a safe bet to do it at the very end. I think maybe they are only trying to see how you express yourself. The passing mark for this test is 32/40.
Third Round - Group Discussion
This time, we discussed in a smaller group of 6-7 people. The topic this time is more difficult.
Question
Assuming you are the management for a company which has its sales and revenues dropping significantly over the past few months because of excessive workload and its staff morales had also degraded considerably. Organize a 2-day getaway to motivate the staff. Discuss about the destination, budget and the activities to be done there. Take into consideration that 2 of the staff can get quite intoxicated during parties, most staff are married and with children.
Again, bear in mind that the answer is not important. Don't claw at anyone who doesn't agree with you. Instead, acknowledge a good idea from others if you heard one. If you really have to express a different opinion, do it with a moderate tone of voice and don't be too stubborn about your own opinions.
Elimination was after every round.
Finally, came the Psychometric test, of which there will be no elimination thereafter. It consisted of 185 questions to be completed in 40 minutes. Listen to the instructions given by the interviewers carefully as they might be different from the ones in the booklets. There will be no rights or wrongs in this test as it's merely a personality test. But there were a few IQ and Maths questions at the end.
At the end of the day, 35 girls were shorlisted to go to the final interview. It was a huge achievement and even Andrew commented that we must be the best batch from Malaysia ever. Because previously, they never managed to get this many girls shorlisted to the final in Malaysia. The batch who had the interview a day before us had 16 girls go to the final.
Applying for Emirates is really a huge investment of time and money. We had to reshoot all of our pictures in formal attire - 1 full length and 4 passport photos. The requirement is to put on some light makeup, wear skirt suit and court shoes (plain with no decorations whatsoever). They expect nothing to be too fashionable. And we have to place our hands on either side of the body and can't stike up any pose. You might wanna put one of your legs slightly behind the other to avoid looking like a gargoyle. But make sure both legs are fully visible or you're gonna have to reshoot your pictures and send it to them by registered mail and waste your hard-earned money. What I did was took 2 pictures in different pose and let the interviewers choose the better one.
In addition, we also have to submit 2 full length casual photos. These can be pictures you took while you were on vacation so you don't have to retake it again. The interviewer was so nice to even suggest that we could just show them a few of our personal photos for them to choose the best ones.
Aside from that, we have to provide them with 2 business emails (i.e. abc@streamyx.com; abc@hsbc.com) of our employers. Strictly NO public domain emails (i.e. yahoo, hotmail). But I'm gonna give them my colleagues' emails instead. Obviously, I'm not in the position to let my bosses know I'm applying for other jobs and the people who know my work performance better are my colleagues since they've worked with me closely, right?
The final interview will be where they dissect your personality and quiz you on your strengths and weaknesses. Andrew says as long as you can balance out your weaknesses with your strength and it should be alright. Really hope so.
Hope everything will go well for my final interview. I'm trying not to pin too much hopes on this one because in case I don't succeed, at least I won't be so disappointed. Hope for the best, though. Notice how many "hope" I mentioned back there? Geez!!!
Wish me LUCK, people!
Also calling all my GUARDIAN ANGELS!
What can you do with RM1?
The visit to Hospital Kuala Lumpur 2 weeks ago was a pleasant one. Who says government hospitals are inefficient? They have really improved a great deal from the old days.
I was there at about 7.45am and there was already 6-8 rows of patients waiting in line in front of the numbering counters. There were about 6-8 counters there giving out the numbers. We waited until 8pm when the counters opened promptly and I got my number within 10 minutes.
Then I proceeded to the consultation hall consisting 17 consultation rooms. Here, I waited 15-20 minutes. Each room consisted of 2 doctors if I'm not mistaken. got a young female chinese and after I told her all the symptoms and showed her the referral letter, she referred me to the hospital's specialist straightaway.
However, I was in for a long wait at the ENT specialist - about 2 hours. The doctor assured me that there's no foreign matters in my throat but it's a bit red. The nurse gave me a prescription form and I went downstairs to the dispensary to get my medicine. I got a box of Amoxicillin (antiboitic), nasal/oral spray (which looks scarily like asthmatic spray) and a gargle. These medicines all look awfully expensive! But guess what, I got all these - the consultation of 2 doctors and the medicines for a mere RM1!!! What can you do with RM1 nowadays?
I sure ain't complaining about their service at this point. Everything was wrapped up by 11.30am. If I had gone to the private ENT specialist I made an appointment with earlier, it would have cost me RM120 just for cosultation and treatment. Imagine...now I got all that with only RM1!
P/S: My throat feels better already but I got a fever yesterday so it's infected again, DAMN!
I was there at about 7.45am and there was already 6-8 rows of patients waiting in line in front of the numbering counters. There were about 6-8 counters there giving out the numbers. We waited until 8pm when the counters opened promptly and I got my number within 10 minutes.
Then I proceeded to the consultation hall consisting 17 consultation rooms. Here, I waited 15-20 minutes. Each room consisted of 2 doctors if I'm not mistaken. got a young female chinese and after I told her all the symptoms and showed her the referral letter, she referred me to the hospital's specialist straightaway.
However, I was in for a long wait at the ENT specialist - about 2 hours. The doctor assured me that there's no foreign matters in my throat but it's a bit red. The nurse gave me a prescription form and I went downstairs to the dispensary to get my medicine. I got a box of Amoxicillin (antiboitic), nasal/oral spray (which looks scarily like asthmatic spray) and a gargle. These medicines all look awfully expensive! But guess what, I got all these - the consultation of 2 doctors and the medicines for a mere RM1!!! What can you do with RM1 nowadays?
I sure ain't complaining about their service at this point. Everything was wrapped up by 11.30am. If I had gone to the private ENT specialist I made an appointment with earlier, it would have cost me RM120 just for cosultation and treatment. Imagine...now I got all that with only RM1!
P/S: My throat feels better already but I got a fever yesterday so it's infected again, DAMN!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Sore throat...oh go away!
I'm going to the Hospital Kuala Lumpur located next to Bulatan Pahang tomorrow at 7am.
Been having sore throat and throat discomfort for 3 months straight!
Mom's been lamenting that I should lay off the spices, especially kimchi. She even suggested it could be cancer! Gosh, don't scare me ok! But hell, I eat kimchi, like, once every coupla months. And I've restrained myself from eating spicy food for about a month now and a week ago I just broke the fast.
And my throat still feels weird. It isn't painful now but feels like something's blocking the air passages. Nope, haven't got runny nose or phlegm. But shit, I can't even be sure whether or not I have phlegm. Because I can't seem to purge out any. However, it certainly feels like phlegm. Aaaarrrggghhhhh!!!
God bless me it's not anything serious. Hope the appointment to see the government specialist will be soon enough. If not, I might go and see a private specialist.
But damn, how I hate private specialists! They are notorious for conducting blood- (or money-) sucking activities to their patients. Gone are the days when good old docs are compassionate and genuinely care for their patients. Now it's all about money!
Frankly speaking, government hospitals now are a huge improvement from the past so yeah, go check them out. We've paid them all those taxes every year anyway, so why not utilize it to the fullest? Would be dumb not to. All you gotta endure is possibly a few hours' wait and your medical bills are only a coupla RMs, far cry from the blood suckers.
So I'm gonna charge in there the second it opens its door tomorrow.
Been having sore throat and throat discomfort for 3 months straight!
Mom's been lamenting that I should lay off the spices, especially kimchi. She even suggested it could be cancer! Gosh, don't scare me ok! But hell, I eat kimchi, like, once every coupla months. And I've restrained myself from eating spicy food for about a month now and a week ago I just broke the fast.
And my throat still feels weird. It isn't painful now but feels like something's blocking the air passages. Nope, haven't got runny nose or phlegm. But shit, I can't even be sure whether or not I have phlegm. Because I can't seem to purge out any. However, it certainly feels like phlegm. Aaaarrrggghhhhh!!!
God bless me it's not anything serious. Hope the appointment to see the government specialist will be soon enough. If not, I might go and see a private specialist.
But damn, how I hate private specialists! They are notorious for conducting blood- (or money-) sucking activities to their patients. Gone are the days when good old docs are compassionate and genuinely care for their patients. Now it's all about money!
Frankly speaking, government hospitals now are a huge improvement from the past so yeah, go check them out. We've paid them all those taxes every year anyway, so why not utilize it to the fullest? Would be dumb not to. All you gotta endure is possibly a few hours' wait and your medical bills are only a coupla RMs, far cry from the blood suckers.
So I'm gonna charge in there the second it opens its door tomorrow.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Sweet Valentine
It was Valentine's Day yesterday. I'm never interested in this overly commercialized festival. In fact, me and Shyan have never celebrated it ever since we went steady. Sure, if it doesn't fall on weekdays, we'd probably go somewhere nice and have dinner but it always falls on weekdays.
Hence, every Valentine's Day in my life came and went just like any other day. Well, I'm a lazy bum who doesn't care to be romantic. If my other half makes an effort to make it special, of course I'd be more than happy. Don't misunderstand, we love each other to bits. But we just can't find in our souls the romaticism in us. Moreover, as cliche as it sounds, it's Valentine's every single day for us. Hah!
I wouldn't mind if my V-day is lukewarm, but my bosses just spoilt it for me last nite. It's got to do with the pitch job that they wanted us to work on even on Sunday last week. It's a huge campaign stretching across billboard and press ads, brochures, and such. I better not disclose so much in the company's interest.
I try not to mind having to do overtime on V-day. I thought,"Oh well, I probably can knock off around 9pm." But last night, LAST NIGHT a.k.a. Valentine's Nite, I went back only at MIDNIGHT! Sweet, huh? Thought so.
Anyone who's gone for pitching would know for a huge project like this, the designing agency is already set up by the client beforehand. They just open it for pitching because they are going by the procedure. Anyway, I don't think we can get this job and they briefed us at the eleventh hour, how're we gonna come up with work to impress? We were only wasting all our time and holidays doing something that'll be flushed down the drain. I certainly hope the company won't get the job because if we do, there'll be a damn lotta work and we the staff will get nothing in return. No bonus, no raise, no company trips, NO NOTHING!
We're not just talking about bonus from last year's profit, but 4 entire years! According to my senior colleagues, they haven't receive bonus or a salary raise for 4 years. Where had all the money gone? Okay, you can stop having pity on my bosses because they really don't deserve it. Trust me. They only deserve the bitter fruits of my wrath (whoa, sounds literary back there!). Stop all the talks about how the company might not be earning any money.
As I said, they got a brand new car and laptop for themselves last year, within a period of 3 months. Their office is located in a prestigious business address near KLCC and they'd been there for close to a decade. Surely you'll know how expensive the monthly overhead cost will be? Jobs kept coming in and for each, they charge astronomical figures that's comparable to 4As companies. They never give any of their clients any hampers during CNY either.
Think I should leave?
Thought so.
Hence, every Valentine's Day in my life came and went just like any other day. Well, I'm a lazy bum who doesn't care to be romantic. If my other half makes an effort to make it special, of course I'd be more than happy. Don't misunderstand, we love each other to bits. But we just can't find in our souls the romaticism in us. Moreover, as cliche as it sounds, it's Valentine's every single day for us. Hah!
I wouldn't mind if my V-day is lukewarm, but my bosses just spoilt it for me last nite. It's got to do with the pitch job that they wanted us to work on even on Sunday last week. It's a huge campaign stretching across billboard and press ads, brochures, and such. I better not disclose so much in the company's interest.
I try not to mind having to do overtime on V-day. I thought,"Oh well, I probably can knock off around 9pm." But last night, LAST NIGHT a.k.a. Valentine's Nite, I went back only at MIDNIGHT! Sweet, huh? Thought so.
Anyone who's gone for pitching would know for a huge project like this, the designing agency is already set up by the client beforehand. They just open it for pitching because they are going by the procedure. Anyway, I don't think we can get this job and they briefed us at the eleventh hour, how're we gonna come up with work to impress? We were only wasting all our time and holidays doing something that'll be flushed down the drain. I certainly hope the company won't get the job because if we do, there'll be a damn lotta work and we the staff will get nothing in return. No bonus, no raise, no company trips, NO NOTHING!
We're not just talking about bonus from last year's profit, but 4 entire years! According to my senior colleagues, they haven't receive bonus or a salary raise for 4 years. Where had all the money gone? Okay, you can stop having pity on my bosses because they really don't deserve it. Trust me. They only deserve the bitter fruits of my wrath (whoa, sounds literary back there!). Stop all the talks about how the company might not be earning any money.
As I said, they got a brand new car and laptop for themselves last year, within a period of 3 months. Their office is located in a prestigious business address near KLCC and they'd been there for close to a decade. Surely you'll know how expensive the monthly overhead cost will be? Jobs kept coming in and for each, they charge astronomical figures that's comparable to 4As companies. They never give any of their clients any hampers during CNY either.
Think I should leave?
Thought so.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Have A Taste of My Wrath
Here's a quick update...
Subsequent to the previous entry, I began my little gesture of cursing my bosses silently almost daily. Well, it seems that my work paid off and after 2 days of cursing, something happened. My friend actually suggested me to curse them to have cancer. But that was too evil for a sweet little thing like me to do so I settled for something else.
Curse #1
Their Ford Escape is brand new. I wish a drunk Indian will smash their car with a parang til it looks nothing like a car anymore.
Reality: Pauline's (female boss) car got a summon ticket this morning.
Curse #2
Pauline's laptop is also new. I curse that it will be infected with a formidable hardware virus so that it's reduced to useless steel.
Reality: Steven's (male boss) computer had a downtime today. I dunno what was wrong with it but according to my colleague,"His computer's down."
Curse #3
May they get sick during Chinese New Year.
Reality: Yet to be realized.
Verdict
Although reality isn't so cruel to them, I'll be waiting to see if I can have the sweet taste of my third curse. Yeah I know it's bad to curse people during Chinese New Year. But well, they deserve it.
Subsequent to the previous entry, I began my little gesture of cursing my bosses silently almost daily. Well, it seems that my work paid off and after 2 days of cursing, something happened. My friend actually suggested me to curse them to have cancer. But that was too evil for a sweet little thing like me to do so I settled for something else.
Curse #1
Their Ford Escape is brand new. I wish a drunk Indian will smash their car with a parang til it looks nothing like a car anymore.
Reality: Pauline's (female boss) car got a summon ticket this morning.
Curse #2
Pauline's laptop is also new. I curse that it will be infected with a formidable hardware virus so that it's reduced to useless steel.
Reality: Steven's (male boss) computer had a downtime today. I dunno what was wrong with it but according to my colleague,"His computer's down."
Curse #3
May they get sick during Chinese New Year.
Reality: Yet to be realized.
Verdict
Although reality isn't so cruel to them, I'll be waiting to see if I can have the sweet taste of my third curse. Yeah I know it's bad to curse people during Chinese New Year. But well, they deserve it.
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