IVY-KINI dan selamanya

Hey, I DO KNOW I overload on caffeine!

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:19:05 PDT

I am reporting from Gloria Jeans Coffee @ Sunway Pyramid. Today is 27th Oct 2009, 9pm. If my mind is still clear (it should be!), I have had my 4th cup of coffee within a span of 18 hours.

Being the very OCD and meticulous me, I actually did keep count of the coffee(s) I have had since Petronas started its training:

19th October 2009 - 4 cups

20th - 5 cups

21th - 4 cups

22th - 1 cup (I had a migraine!)

23th - 2

24th - 4

25th - 5

26th - 6

27th (today!)- 3rd + Ice Coffee (Gloria Jeans)

.....and counting....

Petronas' fault! :P They provide black coffee for all 6 meals, daily. I diligently prepare my own latte after each meal => half-cup of full cream milk, added with a dose of espresso into the milk, and no sugar = my perfect latte.

Every colleague of mine noticed. They were in pain when they saw me with another cup and another cup and another cup...... Well, I wasn't alone: three other ppl were seen to overload on their daily caffeine.

When me migrain struck on the 22th Oct, of course, everyone blamed it on my bad coffee habit. Even my trainer blamed my frequent headaches on coffee. Then he imposed some pretty big negativities of coffee "It causes osteoporosis, migraines, lack of vitamins...etc..." I totally agree with him. I've read ample studies about the effects of caffeine overload. It's bad. It's could be as bad as smoking. BUT I CAN'T STOP. How??!!! I REALLY CAN'T. Days after my migraine, there u go again - back to my 6 cuppa day. Not even my hideous migraine could stop me.

I am an addict. Either u are WITH me or you shut it. I had enough of bla blahs regarding my addiction. Just shut it.

THIS IS IT

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:16:48 PDT

I thought...damn, this is the last 2 days of my apparent 'freedom'. I am really going to be working. WORKING. Three weeks back, I finished my Ph.D. thesis (yes, the whole damn plus minus 250 pages) and THIS IS IT: My 4 years of struggle in understanding deeper into the lives of insects and how to kill them is finally over! It's really really over.

It's time to tell the others that I've taken the job in Petronas. It begins this Monday. And then, I am definitely stuck in a working life forever. I told a few of my close friends about my taking the job but I've yet to tell my lab colleagues. They found out about my job mere 3 days back from my own Prof and (uncourteously) not from my own mouth. I dare not promulgate the news cause I had a lot of documents which I've yet to submit to Petronas, hence unable to confirm my status as of a week ago. Sorry labbies, but yey!!! - I am finally leaving the lab. You will all miss me and my big mouth, I know. But I will totally miss you all more.

I would love to dedicate this post to a few of my friends. Many would not know (because u don't RSS/subscribe my blog), but I have had this blog since 2005 and have been actively updating it with lively stories of me. I know no shame when it comes to my life. Probably no secrets. I tell all. Today, I speak as if it's the end of the world, but why shouldn't ppl live in daily appreciation as if the world's going to end tomorrow? To ppl who probably knows me quite well, I love freedom (=Ivy time) more than anything else. To me, no freedom equates end-of-the-world.

Hope it's not in Year 2012 btw.

To my labmates and ex-labbies: Beloved Yati, Handsome but tak-tahu malu Mizie, Quiet Aizat, Witty little Ashraf, Grandma Mogeret, Elegant Ani, Walking Calculator Mahbub, lab clown Arshia, and cutiepie Dahlia: I didn't want to tell u guys I've got a job earlier cause I don't want the whole lab to go hu-hah over some job that has not really really confirmed me yet (a week back). Plus, I don't want to belanja you yet; I am quite broke. Betulll. Let me have my first pay check first, k.

To my besties: Don't miss me too much. Hehehe. I will never 'sell' any of my time just to be with you guys. There's no opportunity cost incurred (really?)when it comes to yum cha, running, swimming, salsaing and clubbing with u babes/guys.

To my Starbucks: Going to miss you! You're really tasty but nasty at times (don't ever, ever drink that Morning Glory bottled juice!) I have had you every fortnight so I'll see you the coming fortnight. Ice blended Cafe Latte with hazel nut flavouring and lots lots of cream for our next date.

To my Darling: My life is not the same anymore after meeting u. It's filled with so much fun and you've lightened my so heavy heart. I am going to miss my SLK as much as I am going to miss your CLK. Hehhehee...When you are in France, don't forget to get me a.....errrr....ahem... bag. Kidding!

To my SLK: You have been the only loyal companion in my live in KL. I have no complains about u. Loyal in both good and hard times. I may have taken advantage and mis-used you ample times and you're are never shy to throw some tantrums. Sorry. But I may have to trade u off soon. But I'll treasure our times (deep in my heart forever). You don't have to be jealous: You may not have an ass, but the next car (Vios, soon) that I will be getting will not be as cute as u are. You're assless, but my new Vios will have a Dugong ass (!?).

To my 'Dear': was just wondering, and I mean really wondering, when will you actually start calling (sms and online chats don't count!).... :P

To everyone else: I WILL BELANJA YOU ALL lahhhhh ONCE I GET MY 1st PAYCHECK. OKAY? Don't pester me. Else, I will spray insecticide on all you pest. arrgghhh!

It's abt losing the Freedom:

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:58:43 PDT

It's like your Real wedding day. The anticipation, the naked truth. Kan-cheong. Freaking out. Once you're in, you know it's quite impossible to get out. Just like your marriage, you are now happy(ier?) you have your 'guy' but you freak out cause u know it will never be the same as before again. Cause you know there's a trade off, a sacrifice. In my case, it's Time. And then you suddenly talk yourself into being a Runaway Bride. "I don't feel like working". I dun really want money as much as I want Ivy's Time. Where is the freedom of waking up at 10am? Or sleep watever time you want? Wear same smelly jeans you have daily? Wear a round-neck tee daily? Where will I ever have the freedom to be so very casual anymore? I believe I might miss the Freedom I've enjoyed for this past 4 years.

I am beginning to freak out. You listen to people, and ppl tell you things you don't want to hear about working life. (Hey, btw I was always working as in 'my work was in the lab'. PhD=work okay?!?!! But they say that this is Real work. Whatever that means). I worked in BERNAS before for 6 months but I have forgotten how 'so-called Real' work feels already after quitting that job in 2005. So their advices scare you quite a bit. Still...I'll take ALL your advices. Kenny, thanks. Ee Meng, thanks. Lee Ching (my future boss), thanks a lot for today, Cal with her Ferrari back, thanks!

Freedom. I will be missing that word. I want to be dear Jo, where I can find time to do things I love. Things I love is Reading, Jogging, Swimming, Window shopping. But I can forsee the future. There will be no more freedom. Because: I also confirmed continue to teach my loyal students and aunties swimming, I also earlier confirmed teaching some English tuition, and I also confirmed myself into salsa (one more try), and I also confirmed myself into being an unofficial consultant (but I don't get a single cent! just name only) for a techno company and I also confirmed submitting my revamped thesis by this month's end.

That's like 5 other different jobs I'm doing at the same time. But I also believe I can handle them all. Just that I will have no time for a lot of other things i.e. travelling, reading, National Geographic History channel, and Oprah Winfrey at noon.

You'll see why:

In Petronas, it all starts with training-cum-orientation. 16 days straight. I'll check in myself to hostels/hotels around Malaysia (esp. Terengganu) starting October 19. You are not suppose to go home. Nope, not even if your house is 100 metres away. You won't see me in clubs dancing, or salsa-ing, or in swimming pools, or in even in my apartment for 16 days straight. That also means, no dating spree for me too. For 16 days. That's a long time w/o a guy! Shucks. :P

I am permanently working in Petronas Research Sdn. Bhd. WHICH IS IN BANGI! Not Twin Towers. Which means, hah, no jam! May have huge volume of cars, but definitely no jam. You may figure I use the TPM road towards the Race-horse roundabout towards Bangi, but nope, I always always always use the Putrajaya way towards Bangi. Even when I was teaching swimming in UKM or doing my lab work in UPM, I frequently travel that Putrajaya-Kajang highway. Cause I know that jams make me into a terrorist (on the road). I try to escape them as much as I can because I KNOW I can burst into a horning bozo on the road, tailgating and screaming at slow idiots on the road.

Therefore, these 10 days remains the most important 10 days in my entire life, as i know it. I'll treasure these 10 days and do as much things I am passionate about in these 10 days. From today onwards, it's pure plain VICES: clubbing, drinking (not drunk), dancing, salsaing, meeting guys, eating a lot a lot of bak kut teh with pork offal, swim leisurely and training for my upcoming half-marathon @ Penang!

And see u in Ipoh on Deepavali....

P/s: My parents will be 'happy' to see their bitch daughter back home again. I just had a very huge fight with my mum last weekend....*sweats*

Canton-i

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:26:29 PDT

I hate reviewing about food. In fact, I just don't. Try to trackback my post, and you won't find food reviews. But I had to review this one:

Canton-i, Sunway Pyramid

The oversized menu. Typical HK style. (squint your eyes!)

And why one shouldn't confused this HK-style chinese restaurant with Dragon-i: though opened by the same big boss, Canton-i is definitely one notch higher than its overrated twin.

Thanks to an amazing person, who happens to eat good food his entire life (nope, he probably doesn't know what hawker stall food is :P), I was introduced by him to this restaurant. My first time too. The settings and environment was great. Service not too great cause we were the last couple out of the restaurant and we were both bogged by wild stares from their tired staff! "It-is-10-pm-get-your-asses-out-of-the-restaurant stares!"

For your information, I was earlier primed by how un-worthwhile Dragon-i's food is but I was surprised by the different offerings on Canton-i's menu instead. Still very un-worthwhile if you compare a normal wanton-mee out in front of my Puchong apartment (RM3.50) to this Canton-i's at least RM11.00 per plate. Stop judging the food alone. It's the ambience. And it's the first date. You expect luxury.

I chose something different out of the menu. Earlier I thought of playing it safe, cause I don't want to waste/throw adventurous (=different) food in front of a cute guy who was obviously buying me dinner. Wanton-mee is familiar, but I went for Wanton-mee with Goose meat. A bit salty for the gravy and soup (ajinomoto!) but the goose meat was very tender. Tasty. I wallop the skin also. Actually, the skin was the best part.

Then he ordered oily deep-fried ghost wrapped with a thin-slice of chee-cheong fun-noodles. WTF. Such creativity! Who could ever think of such combo. Brilliant!

Then, there's this mantau that when you bite on it, it splurts out its yellow fillings. The taste of 4 melted egg yolks (=think mooncake yolks, but creamier) just burst into your mouth and though you are literally choke by the oncoming eggy lava, you still won't want to swallow it. Cause it's too good. Too good. Too good. Cause there's only two mantau. One's for him, one's must be for me lah. I really wanted to rob him off his mantau. Can't get enough of it. But but but but.....a very bad first-date dish = so sloppy!

Out of the 5 small pics: That's the sloppy dim sum I was mentioning about (purple mantau with yellow eggy in there). 2nd pic from your right. It's called errr...'egg custard bun'

It's more of the experience. Even you would reckon. The food is not THAT flabagasting. But it's better than Dragon-i's, definitely. Both are still good food but I sorta can tell the clear winner in the battle between Canton-i and Dragon-i.

Verdict: 3.5 stars for food and presentation, 4 stars for serving portions, 1.5 stars for myself for misbehaving (soo sloppy) on a first date.

Outcome: He asked me out on Date no. 2. Means, I didn't do that bad, did i?

Other reviews: http://genzie.blogspot.com/2009/03/canton-i-sunway-pyramid.html and

http://www.vkeong.com/2009/food-drink/canton-i-sunway-pyramid-truly-hong-kong/ also corroborated with me that Canton-i is better than Dragon-i.

I'll remember this week: 21-27 September 2009

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:44:08 PDT

This week 21-27 Sept 2009 was filled with food, fun and laughters. Where in the world can I get back this week. If every week was like that, it wouldn't mind getting retarded and...fat.

Started of with Setiawan (that's on Sunday tho') which I had ample food! Next day, a crazy text msg asking me for a golf game?!??!!. Hey, me an golf is like chocolates & onions. Nope. I had a great work out at gym @ RPGC, which was amazing cause there was just this ONE cute guy there, and me. JUST THE TWO OF US. GYMing. And then, it was movie at TGV Ipoh. A popcorn movie. "The Perfect Getaway". A cute but macho guy actor there kept my ass and eyes glued to the movie. Best scene of that movie: the way he proposed. Shucks! How I wish.

Then next day: my uncle's new bangalow at Bukit Kinding, Chemor. Right Up the hill. Just like "Up". Amazing view. Amazing house. Amazing jacuzzi. I have always loved his FairLady. But I loved his cats. And yes, for the first time I do admit I love cats. Only his cats. How come his cats are so sweet and adorable? Hate his dogs. A skinny irritating chihuahua and four crazy Rottweilers.

Kevin in KL. Arthur's Day celebration: BLACK EYE PEAS played some of their new songs, a few of their old songs, and most awaited song: Boom Boom Pow and I Got A Feeling!!!! A blast!! Feet killing me adi. THE FIREWORKS was soooo amazing.....loooonnger than the merdeka day ones...... Guinness got too much money...!

Quattro. Love you Pink. 4 tics for 6 pax. Pink, Me, Kevin, Chin Yee, Ling2, Gerry. Danced thru the night. Drink thru the night. Kevin and Gerry and Chin Yee bottom's up for like countless times. Kevin drunk. Gerry ate 4 eggs (wtf!). High cholestrol. Maggi goreng was sooo spicy that even I pengsan. I was little dizzy due to over-dancing (and not drunk!). Kevin hangover until next day. We left him in my car. Overnight. But dunno how he so pandai can walk up to my apartment himself.

Manutd won. Watched Fulham vs. Arsenal at Sri Bayu. 12am. 4 guys and a girl. Yes, I am a football fan. But not arsenal. Nm if Arsenal won. As long as Chelsea lose. They did.

Pavillion: Kevin watched me shop. Didn't shop til drop. Makan food court there. Conversation led me talking about Lenny and his magical powers. AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, Lenny text (via Pink). He senses I was gossiping about him and then he text me. That's creepy.

Sunway Pyramid: Met Lenny and Dev. Lenny showed his magical mind reading power on me(not again!). He happy I am single. Duh! Intro-ed a guy to me. I will be his trophy wife. But said I should career-focus first. 28 is young. Fine! Talk laugh, Talk laugh. Lenny gossips more than me. Cannot tahan. Lenny and Dev talked me into joining salsa again. Dev: If Lenny can dance, so can you. Objective: Salsa gives you good 'performance'.

Today is a new week: All the shit work comes back. Here I am writing thesis, papers and reports again. This week will be shit week.

ASS Language.

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:19:38 PDT

The holidays sudah mau habises. I am so sads and scares. Scares of jams tomorrows. But betters go backs cause in ipoh, i can'ts concentrate on works..and i gettings sooosss fats. Fats like whens I was Form Fives that time onwards....

More weddings comes on next months. Pokais! Pokets kosongs. But see yous in Ipohs...!

*sweats*

Devalued. Revalued.

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:45:32 PDT

Yikes, Petronas offered me a job! (I have not decided to take the offer as of now...still praying about it). When it rains, it pours: three job offers in a week! (shows that my mum's always right).

I went to the Twin Towers to get the offer letter. I thought "Hey, lets see, maybe they offer me some mad-scientist job cause my hair was all frizzy and blown up in places during the interview." AND they did: I am going to be their mad-scientist! They disclosed my basic salary: It's relatively a lot.

Actually, it's not that a lot. Considering I have Ph.D., and I have skipped (missed!) 4 years of real working life. Not like you guys: You have been in the so-called real working world since like what?.....23-24???? So my accumulated wealth will NEVER EVER be as high as yours at any time....so shut up...and don't get jealous with my current pay (and those pretty allowances!!) :P

Basically, it was all about the expectation. I lowered my expectations. I shouldn't. I thought Petronas would buy my brains for RM2800 and guess what, that was what I quoted them (stupid!). But thinking of it: I was a magna cum laude in my degree years, I am geared with excellent laboratory research skills. My on-site experiences are pretty excellent too. I lack industrial experiences; that's why I didn't wanna push my standards too high. Hence, the SURPRISE element kicks in (easier) when something 'normal' happens.

I have suffered 4 years doing my Ph.D. Go get a Ph.D. yourself if you think it's easy! Well, many thinks my knowledge does not commensurate with the gaji. But how not? My knowledge in chemistry and biology is sooooo in depth, irreplaceable and soooo specialised that even one interviewer in Petronas and the CEO of a company called me "indispensable" in this field (and I sometimes I do wonder why am I soo smart *cough**cough*). The CEO kow-towed to me literally. Btw, only a handsful of ppl in Malaysia works directly in the toxicology-cum-entomology-and-application technology combo sciences. I am going to solve the world's climate change problem!

People don't take me seriously: I laugh too loud, I can get pretty fickle and bozo, I'm fat, I talk way too much, I swim and teach like an Aunty, I go clubbing, I drink, drank, drunk and drive, my hobby is facebooking, I read History and Economic books(?!), I kissed many unknown guys(!), I watch too much Astro (esp. History channel and CSIs), etc. From the outside, I looked like a stupid idiot because sometimes I am. But from the outside, you just won't get what's in my brain. It's very very scientific, yet random: elaborated thoughts do fly in every minute. To many, my work seemed insignificant. But just like everyone else, I don't like talking about my work, and not because I am not proud of it: no friends in my klik will know what I do even if I gave them 1 hour no frills quick course. Even my colleagues still don't. Sometimes when I read my own stuff - I go wow-ses! :P

Like I said: I still haven't decided if I would take the job, k? So don't bug me for a dinner yet. I have 3 job offers btw. One fits my personality, one fits my pocket quite nicely, and one can't fit my pocket at all. SO hell......let me think....and pray about it.

I devalued myself way too much previously. Way toooooooooooooooo humble. Parents always say don't speak about your abilities and be very humble marrrrr. Time to stop.

I want bonus now! :P

Many FIRSTs this September.

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:04:45 PDT

My first page: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

About freemasonry

I bought this: Casio digital watch for teaching swimming purposes.

It's a kid's watch. Very cheap(skate).

See...got light wann..!

I bought this: SK-II facial treatment essence. I've tried the leftovers from FP's (thanks!) and it really works for my skin.
This is my first buy: a very good investment.

I did this: My first manicure.
A neutral colour, but...loved it!
You're right FP, I could get addicted with this.

12 Predicaments

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:33:16 PDT

1. I am Twittering more than usual. Because FB bores me quite a bit now. Hey, join Twitter cause I've no friend to kacau there! http://twitter.com/cchivy . <-------If you scroll thru and see the left panel of this blog, those are my twitter updates @ real time. I also follow 'NajibRazak' just to give my dua-cent worth.

2. I've got 4 weddings up, with 2 funerals down this year.

3. I passed my PTD M41 gov test (Peringkat 1). See my previous post about it.... but now what?

4. (hidden)

5. Swimming business or no swimming business? I would have to answer that very soon.

6. Mum says good things come only with patience. Just a little more patience....and all good things shall arrive (and maybe at the same time). She BEGGED me not to jump to any decisions so quickly as she knows I am very very agitated at my present situation now.

7. No more vacations. Focus on career development. And PBIM run. You can't blame me: I really pokai ady after all the angpows for weddings, clothes to attend them, and petrol back and forth Ipoh.

8. Lecturing? Thinking twice.

9. (Insyallah....) God willing, my Ph.D. viva may be this December.

10. Should I get a pair of Adizero running shoes? $$$$.

11. Pelik sungguh! Era asked me to teach English and Literature. To which I said yes(?!). My England also not very the good, how can to teach! But thank God, it's the Form 1-3 class he was talking about. I might have to re-read Wuthering Heights, Prisoner of Zenda or Great Expectation. Or I shall make all of them read and translate Zaid Ibrahim's "Saya Pun Melayu"

12. Sigh....

"Wake me up when September ends" - GreenDay

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:02:29 PDT

One of my fav song by Greenday. I think it's about time - my inaugural first post for the month of September. I really have been 'sleeping', so today is time to wake up.

There's so much to blog about, but there were certain things that struck me as interesting and worth mentioning:

Kanye West....bullied my no.1 female idol: Taylor Swift. I don't adore Taylor Swift as a person nor her songs. I just adore her curled-hair. And totally love her silver toga gown she wore at the VMAs. But Kanye was totally disrespectful to just barge up there and disrupt her acceptance speech! I feel for Taylor. She, as was everyone else, was appalled by what Kanye did. Good thing many ppl booed. Not even his fans condone his act. Nope, not any thousand apologies could render forgiveness for that act.

Nevermind what happened; it did happened. But what was the cue that made that mad-man go up to just speak his mind at the wrong time. Maybe he's just Gemini, and that's my theory. Very typical behaviour of male-gemini. He has the same birth date as I: 8th June; that's why I think I know why he loves the attention so much and at the same time being reckless about it.

This September began with my OWN (yes, my own) swimming classes. I've got many students who are willing to brave thru' the strict management of my apartment just to be my faithful followers. They showed passion in swimming and that's why I love teaching all of 'em. Now, I have a good many followers in my new religion of swimming. How faithful!! What do you think of the name (of my so-called future swim business): *"DIP DEEP"

*Nope, not just yet. Cause I can't pay for the rent of the pool just yet.

I would have to thank my dearest friend *Jonie for this opportunity. I was always afraid of water-rafting because:

1. I love my body;

2. Though I might have some permanent head damage, I need the head and what's in it;

3. Honestly, I am a little height phobic, that's why I don't go on roller coasters or solero shot (ever again);

4. I love my fingers: All of my digits are designed for scientific research, write, type and Facebooking;

5. I might have to redo my manicure.

6. Kiasi!

But the trip in Ulu Slim has awaken some amount of confidence, and with such crazy friends (or some said I was the only crazy one*) to raft along, I am hoping for the next trip....say at KKB, yah?!

*Jonie, you were sooo composed during rafting! But nope, I'll never ever Kiteboard (try convincing me again).

Maybe I should stick to swimming and running. But some say, I might just die in a car crash, or get knock by a car while running our Malaysian roads......instead. Kiasi is not an excuse.

As Jonie would have said: Trudge on.

Delete the obsoletes

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:22:15 PDT

It's been 3 weeks since I last came back to Ipoh. I quickly notice the changes in my own room. My parents had someone remove the wallpaper that once beautified my entire room. Well, I won't say exactly the word 'beautiful'. I thought it was just different. Today, the wall has just been re-Nippon and I am somehow very happy with the plain new blue. I have never said this before, but I used to loathe my own 'ugly' wallpaper; I didn't tell my parents because I did not want to hurt their feelings for their initial plan and concept of a wallpapered room. Wallpapers may fit a hotel room but to me, wallpapers are a big no-no for private residences.

Many things go obsolete. I dunno if there are people who still paste wallpapers to their houses. Other simple noticeable obsoletes in my room that I've noticed are my printed photographs and their negatives(!?!!?!?!), my Aiwa radio cum cassette player and my KRU's AWAS cassette. That's crazy. But as much as I want to do away and dumb all these obsolete stuff into the recycle bin (not the photographs, of course), I just can't do it now and now!! They have sentimental value. How I wish my parents hadn't discard the old stamp books I once had. Besides Beh, I dare say that no one does stamp collecting anymore.

Oh, ya....one very very obsolete thing in my room: my Encarta encyclopaedia set that cost a bomb (RM1000 at when I was 10 years old was a lot of money) and the Atlas book that came with it! They still had Yugoslavia! Madras was still Madras!

I found another obsolete in my room: The floppy.

Good read:
http://tech.msn.com/products/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=21159559

Q: What's obsolete in your room?

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:20:01 PDT

I don't even play 'FRIENDS FOR SALE' application anymore on Facebook....but Pink spotted this on her facebook, and even I got goosebumps!!!

my selling price is $111,100

STOP FOLLOWING ME...or Pink!

MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:49:33 PDT

Clockwise from top left: Pink, William Quah, Me with the crowd building up below us.

20,000 rockers.

Okay, it's a 1.3 MP phonecamera. So, we did look kinda flat 2-D.

Apart from Fipink being called "Aunty" by a bunch of kids sitting next to us in VIP (Gold) area, MTV World Stage was a BOMB! What a blast!! So wanna go to rock concerts again! Hoobastank was my ultimate favourite, though many would agree that All American Rejects (AAR) was THE act of the night.

Shucks! THE kids who called us aunty

Those with Gold tics like us were usually famous ppl/invited guest. Xandria Ooi and hubby was sitting right behind us; Niki Cheong too; a couple of Cleo Bachelors spotted; Kenny Sia dropped by though he left quickly for the mosh pit (ref: Niki Cheong). In the early hours, NTV7's William Quah was spotted behind us with his thick English accent; we spotted Joey G and last but not least, our bestie: Raj who jumped from Platinum to Gold to Mosh Pit to everywhere. And there was a couple of famous celebrity but we don't give a damn anymore. What matters is what's on the stage.

I think Hoobastank playing the theme from 'Ghostbusters' as an attention-builder towards the song The Reason was crazy crazy crazy! It came as a surprise. After Ghostbusters, the lead, Doug Robb labelled the crowd "ridiculous"!

Kasabian was the final band on the list, but we left after AAR's "Gives Me Hell". So did most of the crowd. I pity Kasabian with the dwindling crowd, but business' as usual. The volcano at Sunway Lagoon 'erupted' at the end of all of it but we both missed that (Reference: Niki Cheong) cause we were both left right after rocking with AAR. And also, who the hell are the Kasabians?!?! Sorry for my ignorance for the music industry of late....but I know the Kardashians though.

MTV doesn't fail. Good organizing. Good weather (I know Pink would also agree that it was so-not-cool to bring an umbrella). And best of all, there was no traffic jam cause we kiasu-cum-oldies left early for home, while the whole of Sunway was still partying at clubs nearby.

Pink and her Pope (or Nazi?) salute to AAR.

Pink has a better camera phone. So, wait up for new pics.

Check out MTV WorldStage Live in Malaysia on MTV 28 August 2009 (on Astro, of course).

Bali 8-10th August 2009

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:06:22 PDT

I don't really know what is it about Bali, but it makes me wanna go back again. I told Jonie that probably I'll return to Bali in another 2 years time because it's time to save $$ for New York. But the inkling feeling of returning to Bali is lingering hot. It could be because of my short(ened) stay there. The less you get, the more you yearn.

It was a short trip, but bare in mind, I had seasoned travelers together with me in this trip -Jonie, Riza, Cynthia (and parents were avid travellers) who just can move (or not move i.e. hatta yoga!) and can make up their minds real quick. Which is soo important! They said to have from Plan A to Z, just in case 25 other plans don't work out. But in my own observation, the whole trip was not planned at all! We've covered relatively a lot of places in spite of the lack-of planning, and because all plans(?) went so smoothly, you'd thought it was planned! (ok, sound like tongue-twister already).

But I can pin-point one factor to the smoothness of this trip - it was Wilson! A native to Bali, he was Nina's Friendster buddy. Errrrr....pretty creepy, but like us, even Nina has never met him in person 'til this Bali trip! And despite not knowing anyone in person (as well as Nina), he joined us in everything we do and everywhere we went. We were pretty bless to have our Indonesian friends too - Nina, Riza and Wilson - who were the key in braving thru' all language barriers, much-much-cheaper bargains, know-hows, and the north-south-east-west of Bali island with our rented coklat Avanza.

PEAK PEAK PEAK PERIOD:

Even Riza sighed at the sight of the our own human race in Bali. He's been to Bali many times and probably is his second home, but he has never seen soo many human beings in Bali in his entire life. Well, I told my dad: "How not to mingle with the Whites, eh???!?!?! Wanna avoid terrorist??? How to avoid??? And btw, Noordin M. Top looked like everyone else!" I blame the surfing competition held at Kuta and the National Day of Singapore.

Top's still alive! So smart lah, this Malaysian. 'Proud' of you :P

Terrorist-on-the-road: This man just lie on the road bringing the whole Ubud's traffic to a standstill about 5 min. I dunno why too. The polisi came and apprehended him.

Trivial: In Malaysia, TERRORIST ON THE ROAD means, bad drivers...like me.

We stayed in Legian for a night at Fourteen Roses Hotel which was the epitomy of a modern balinese architecture; the vicinity was way beyond my expectations. But where I was staying in Ubud was ...hmmphhh...unbelievably amazing. I still dunno the name to this hotel. And yes, because the place that we stayed in Ubud did not have a name (yet)! It was a genuine balinese style family home-turned-hotel (bed & breakfast). And if there was one compliment about this hotel, it was the rooms!

Hotel in Legian Room in Ubud.

You have to try the ever, famous, highly recommended babi guling. But nah....we all went to Bumbu Bali which was located exactly next to babi guling stall instead. I laughed and laughed to myself; my travel mates as well as Mr. and Mrs. Chang looked in amazement when I didn't wanna order any specialty from Bumbu Bali restaurant. Yes, you've guess it: because there's an exact franchise at Bandar Puteri Puchong - also by the same name. I've patronized the one in Puchong like 5 times. Why should I eat the one from Bali? The food in Bali is, of course, exactly the one served in Puchong's Bumbu Bali. Meh!

Oh, which reminds me I need to get to Bandar Puteri soon. Ivy-out!

P/S: more Bali pics at HERE

PTD M41

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:16:29 PDT

I went for a civil service entrance exam specially for Admin & Diplomatic officer (PTD - M41). I know, I know, many people will now start questioning my intentions to be one, but it's about Malaysia. I do love Malaysia. Nothing political of that sort. Doesn't mean I sokong the current government either, although I am supposed to (you have to be politically inclined to the Ruling gov.). I believe in Malaysia. Malaysia needs me or someone like me now (chehhwah!). I know I am just one drop of water in the vast ocean, but surely does make a ripple.

When I knew I really wanted to do this, I called a friend of mine who is already in the civil service with federal gov, but under the Perak administration. He's under the Economic Planning Unit, placed under Perak state government umbrella. He's Chinese, okay??!?!?! (uuurrrggghh....stop asking about race; typical Malaysian!). Since he has been thru' this presumably tough gov. exam, I asked him for tips. Also, there are so little Chinese (race again?!) in civil service that he said it would be easy for me to get in (and not harder as everyone would expect). And then I can spend tax-payers money on luxurious trips around the world as a diplomat. Kidding!!!!!!! (BTW, this friend just came back from training in Tokyo and Osaka, fully paid by tax-payers money(?)).

What's weird: I hope by the time I get into the government as a civil servant, it would be the current opposition ruling the federal gov, no?! Hope. And more non-bumis would have applied for civil service by then (I guess). Which makes my life easier, because I have less competition now than later on.

So, I promulgated my interest in PTD. And then: the uproar. And of course, friends have presumably tested me in a many LOL ways; friends who started testing me questions like e.g. So, who killed that Mongolian girl: A. PM B. Baginda C. Suicidebombing D. Wife. I told my friends I would 'gladly' (coercingly!) select 'Tiada di atas' if given the choice.

And when the real exam day arrived, I was calmed. In my examination hall in Putrajaya, out of 100 ppl, I spotted only 3 Chinese and about 10-11 Indians. My opinion: It is not about why the government is soooo biased towards bumis in the civil service. It is the non-bumis the ones NOT APPLYING to get in. And then, if 1 chinese gets cut-off from civil service cause he/she didn't pass the exam.....then the big huuuuh-hahh starts in the media implying "oooh, chinese get kick out due to double-standards in selection", or " hey, it's 1/3 or 33.33% chinese get kick out from entrance exam". If you look into the numbers correctly, it's all about the impact. Non-bumis feeeeel the impact more if they were not selected for civil service because of the less no. of applicants! So, it's rarely about the race. Look at the big picture, please.

If you've been thru' Form 6 - the first part of the questions are easy. It's like Pengajian Am. But with general questions e.g. "which of these movies did P. Ramlee acted in?", "what is Phishing?"....etc. But the second part was the hardest due to the time given to answers 40 maths and IQ questions in mere 45 min. I went panicky, of course. But who wasn't panic that time, eh?! Essays were okay: I answered the BM question about H1N1 and Influenza A, while I talked about the definition of success and its correlation to academic achievements in the English essay .

So, nothing political at this point (of the entrance exam). But it gets tough. However, I pray to get into the next part "THE ASSESSMENT" - physical fitness tests of timed- 2.5km run (yes!), mock parliamental debates, speech in BM and speech in English. Oh yes!

Can't wait.....

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:25:49 PDT

My lovely deskboard....

....a little closer.....

....closer.....

.....closer, closer....

YES!...

...it's the MTV World Stage (Live in Malaysia) passes that everyone is DYING for. Literally!

SCREAMMMMM!!!! And I have the GOLD passes. Which means, it's time to shake the hands of the lead from Hoobastank!

Thanks FP and Gary's sis (muaks!) You've made my year!

Here we go again.....

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:09:22 PDT

Yes, It's back!

I mean, it was back for months.....

Let me rephrase: It's not back, it has always been FOLLOWING me.

This is one of many incidences. Many many incidences. I just managed to capture this with my handphone although it is disallowed at petrol stations.

Other blog posts regarding 111 or 1111 following me (since last year):

http://cchivy.blogspot.com/2008/11/1111.html

http://cchivy.blogspot.com/2009/06/mysterious-1111-andor-111-phenomena.html

P/S: if you didn't know, Alan's b'day is 11 November. Come on, what is the chances of meeting a guy with that bday! No kidding!

I guess only....dunno yet.

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 07:27:58 PDT

I guess I've been watching too much movies lately. No worries, most of them were d/loaded or paid for.

I guess I NEED to do this coming interview really well. You know why? - this bloody interview had cost me a penalty ($$$) by AirAsia and cost me one day less off my Bali trip.

I guess I passed the Petronas interview. But their small prints are making me really really worried. They are non-conclusive. Nevermind.

I guess (before Yasmin Ahmad pass away) during the interview, I bragged about how I adore Petronas' advertisement associated with Yasmin, and how it really made an impact on our lives - had gotten me this Petronas job. :P

I guess I still have the heart to continue teaching in the university as a lecturer because it's SAFE and although many would say that it does not fit my personality, I guess it did fit me in a way though. I am slowly learning to love teaching/research.

I guess I am in love with Aikido again. Err...nope...nope...I think it was all about loving and missing my old aikido mates. I guess everyone in this world knows I cannot do feminine dances (salsa) and sooner or later will be back roughing people up.

I guess I am now very in love with jogging. And I said jogging (=slow)....and not running. And slowing down on swimming cause I guess it is causing me zits on my skin and ruins my hair.

I guess I am baptized.... "guessss"...cause people had said that one would change after baptism, but..hmmphhh...I'm doubtful of any changes in me.....yet.

I am single...but I guess everyone still thinks I am not. "Where's-your-bf?!"-question(s) keeps cropping up every time I attend a family event. I guess it is for them to guess what my status is, cause I'll just answer them with a smile. And they would guess I am toooooooo choosy when it comes to guys (which I totally deny!). All my aunts/cousins are preparing to introduce guys to me. One introduction was a 12 year old guy/boy.......(I'm dead).

I guess I don't mind now not living in KL. I have thought of The USA to do my postdoctorate (and that's working, okay?!). My dad requested of me to work in UTAR as a lecturer. Well, I don't mind....but hey, it was the Kampar campus that he's talking about!

I guess they are lonely. Cause I KNOW (no more guessing) that they are.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:50:43 PDT

Sometimes, and just some times, I can't stomach surprises (because I love planning):

Take Bali for instance - I've planned it 3 months back. I've booked and bought everything and anything. You named it (except getting a new pair of bikinis). But when a pretty good job interview comes from no where and breaks my original Bali itinerary, my toleration level went to its lowest of low. You will definitely know when I am low on toleration: my migrain starts, I can't sleep 'til 4am. While the problem is already solved, I'm still agitated because I loved the original plan. "I LOVE MY ORIGINAL PLAN". I've changed the flight details and able to attend the interview, but I still tak boleh tahan why things have to be the way it is.....

But you see, I don't learn. Again, I've ALREADY planned for the whole PBIM in November. Yes, even booked the hotel. But why (I asked myself to stop!)? Though I KNOW that some 'surprise, surprise' will come knocking and breaking the Penang's itinerary, just like it did on this Bali trip, I still insist in booking the hotel early. WHY AM I SOO STUBBORN and still planning on 'planning'? Because in many ways, I do believe I suffer a mild form of OCD:

I cannot help but to rearrange my apartment's sofa: realigned it parallel to the cupboard. Each sofa must have 2 pillows before I can sleep soundly. The hangers in the drying-line must face the same side. My wardrobe is colour coded. All my Ph.D. stuffs on computer are all meticulously foldered and sub-foldered. But you can't say I am entirely OCD too: My mags/books/files are strewn all over the cabinet and room, my clothes are simply hanged although colour-coded, my fridge has something rotten in it 'cause I can smell it, my bags are recklessly placed around, and I think I am having a panic attack now cause I can't find my liquid paper!

But pray pray pray that this whole Bali trip is gonna work out! Jo, I can't wait for you to come to KL prior to that...!

Sorry for the rantings.

Ivy-out!!

Hiatus

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:32:39 PDT

As my relationship takes a hiatus, I got on track quickly with my career. It was more like a break, and I asked for it: He wasn't PERFORMING. Yah. Monetory-wise. And it was bad timing for him and I too. I went into a quick realisation that with or without him didn't matter at all: I prefer 'without'. I lost myself while with him. No regrets on my decision for the break. I am back to the real me again. With him, I was always always always solemn.

And within a week, I was back on track. REAL QUICK. I finished my whole thesis in 2 weeks! All 5 chapters with references, 130 pages, 1.5 spacing for the draft to reduce paper wastage and the environment (do I actually give a damn!?). So, the real thesis with double spacing plus all the rubbish extras i.e. acknowledgement, appendices, etc. will make my thesis about 200 pages. Which will make my Prof. a very unhappy man as he expects the Harvard rule of any thesis exceeding 150 pages as "sure-a-lot-rubbish and redundancies". It's really up to my examiners now to proofread and criticise my work which could take up to 6 months!!! Wosrt still, my semester fees depends on their diligence in reading my work. As of now, though I have completed EVERYTHING - as long as they don't finish criticising my thesis, I am stuck with paying my semester fees of RM2000!!!

Hiatus on my Ph.D., my relationship: I feel relief nowadays, though I do miss the whole lovey-dovey parts of boyfriend-girlfriend activities and I do miss my Ph.D.-work stress! Cause stress can be quite euphoric for me.

With nothing on my mind, I prepared myself for the interview with Petronas. They wanted a scientist. Let me tell you, I was more excited than nervous! I was working out my Law Of Attraction and praying hard. The interview toook damnit - 2 hours!! Which is good, cause the likeliness of them rejecting an applicant after interviewing him/her and wasting 2 hours of their time is LOW. That's just my bloody hypotheses on HRM. I really really hope I get it. Pls Pls Pls. The interview went very well (again, to my opinion. So, respect it). If I get this job, I'll be sent to Torino, Italy to learn more about surfactant and lubricant sciences (which is quite pesticide related)! I wanna see the Shroud of Turin, but is it kept there?.

I know this is childish. But after the interview, I took advantage of the electronic pass to access KLCC's Tower 1. I went to all the lifts to several floors....then I went to almost the highest point that I dare to reach with my pass. From the 43rd floor, the view was amazing! I think the security would have gotten a shot of me from their CCTV going up and down the lift for no apparent reason. Hope it will not lead to a mugshot! The only complain which I had was the haze, which clouded the beauty of KL City. Another set-back: I had no camera.

I will be in Ipoh from today til Monday. Again, it's regarding my health...and my mum's grumbling. Nothing big, just AGE catching up on me. *wink* "Doctor, I'll pay you lots, just remove the problem." This time more of my money flying off again cause it's a specialist! How to save $$$ arr?

How my Father made me.

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:11:45 PDT

I was borne into a Christian family. I don't have a choice. My dad is the only one being Christian, or I would say, 'has-a-spiritual-faith' amongst his 6 siblings. To date, my ku-ma and uncles are free-thinkers. They are not even Buddhist. And don't even speak about my mum's side of the story. My mum is the only Christian too amongst her 10 siblings! Initially, mum is not devoted to Christ; she's just devoted to my dad. But my mum serves the Lord as faithful as she can with her culinary skills, and you can't blame her - she doesn't know to read a single word from the Bible. But thank God for giving her strong ears and her 99.9% attendance in church (Sundays)!

My dad reads the Bible from cover to cover and has never entrusted his life to anyone but to the Lord Jesus Christ. He made sure his children go to Sunday School and learn whatever in church - Bible-stories, singing, acting, dancing, English, reading, mixing, playing. Today, I am proud to have a dad who is still active in church and ministries, and lead a very successful family (me!). I too surely want a family of my own that is Christ-driven. Because I can truly testify that I have been personally touched by God and the Holy Spirit. No way I would let my family be 'free-thinkers' though a huge significant part of my life have, is and will be devoted to the sciences. Sciences are here to help people understand nature but I prefer if certain things are left unexplained. If YOU CAN EXPLAIN EVERYTHING, YOU'RE ALREADY GOD. Read "A Brief History Of Time" by Hawkings, S. - last sentence, last page. IF YOU CAN EXPLAIN EVEYTHING, YOU DON'T NEED GOD. That's why, I added, you won't have the solution to a lots of things.

I am still not baptised. I was borned 28 years ago this month, and yet, not "born-again". My dad never worries about me throughout his life but he's clearly worried about my ONE thing: I am not baptised...yet. Today, in church, the sermon was about 'born again' and the Holy Spirit. As usual, I have to frankly admit(!), I am a sermon-critic, a self-deceiver; probably Science has led me to question and be hyper-critical about everything. I choose to listen to what sounds nice to my ears in church. I can't take too much of the Good News because I feel guilty and will leave the church before sermon ends. I always leave the church early if the sermon is boring or makes me feel guilible. I have not taken the wine and the bread for a long long time (I can't remember when was the last time I took the Lord's supper), just because I believe I've so much sin in me and believed that if I am not baptised, I don't deserve the Lord's supper. For a long time, I have not mixed with my church friends because I can't take in what they say; everytime I've a problem to share, they will hand me no good solution but quotes such as: "Look to Jesus and He will help you." I always think: "Come on, if I don't solve this problem, not even God can help me." Really. "Stop saying God will bless me!" I am slowly falling out because I want true solutions to earthly matters. I am slowly becoming a 'free-thinker'. I only believed in my hard work and my diligence.

It is no accident. Today is significant. Just when I almost became too narcissistic for my own-liking, God sent an angel. Literally. She just approached me just as I was about to leave the pew early. She caught me. She said one thing that got me all shocked and immediately I knew she was God-sent: "Did you hear the message? It's about born again. It touched you, didn't it?" I almost replied "Yah, it touched me and saddens me, and that's why I am leaving early because I don't want to hear the message anymore". I think her conversation with me later on is kinda classified, but the outcome was clear: I'm going to get baptised! I can't wait to tell my dad.

Thank God for my dad. Sadly, Alan's dad just went home with the Lord. And I pray for Alan to see what I've experienced so far in my walk with Christ. He's open to faiths but I wish he wouldn't rely on himself too much, a mistake I have made. We both are strong people, that's why God make us both so weak so that we seek him now. I really can't wait for July 09. I wonder how different I would be after the momentous day.

Happy Father's Day. I've got 2 FATHERS. YAY!

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:01:43 PDT

the mysterious 1111 and/or 111 phenomena following me 9 months back has once again emerged. FYI.

I've experience this a week back and last week alone in three crazy occasions:

1. Petrol Station - my pump stopped at that count.

2. Petrol Station - someone before me pumped to unit 1111 and I saw this count before my turn.

3. Digital clock at home - so many times!

Love does not envy

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:05:28 PDT

I might not know what will have happened if it were to happen to me: two deaths in a span of 3 months? Especially if it involves the death of a love one. Sorry... two love ones.

I know can never be an enough support to Alan. It was such a huge loss in his life...times two! What words could ever comfort him, I truly wonder?! I hope my being there in his time of grief was sufficient. Actually, the best would be to keep my bloody mouth shut (because I can be blasphemous at the wrong time). And because it is as simple as I-don't-know-what-to-say-to-him anymore. I did thought, whatabout: words of comfort (e.g. Don't cry, you're a guy, remember)? Encouragement (e.g. You must be strong...cause, I heard you lift 50lbs weights in gym)? or Morbid jokes (e.g. I've just watched 'Drag Me To Hell' and almost died...tooo...)? Shit..I'm joking even now...

Nope, I didn't cast those words in any way.

But yes, I have kept my mouth really shut this time. You wouldn't guess, but I've said very little. I didn't even utter any words of comfort, encouragement or of course, dare to joke. I did say simple words like "sorry for your lost & can I help in any ways?" and "you need to eat, you're getting thinner and so is your hair". Because the last time I 'said' something on a funeral was at his mum's wake 3 months back. And that created a scene!! I cast a curse and bad-mouthed a tak-tahu-malu punya bitch I met in the funeral. Now, I held back.

It might be a wrong time but I really really really wanted to said "I love you" to him. The only three words I truly wish to express now. Because I truly am. Sigh... three most expensive words are about to explode (at the most inappropriate moment?). And why am I sighing, eh?!? Isn't it simple to say? "Just say it"

Why I didn't say it (and regretted now) was because he love his (late) father and (late) mother so much that if I say I love you, it would seem like I am trying so hard to get his love and attention now. Selfish. And because I expect him to reciprocate (those words) in action or words too, now. I know he won't be able to do during his grief. This is all because I thought "I LOVE YOU" was 'expensive'.

My mistake: I utter I LOVE YOU sooooooooo rarely, it is now lost in translation. If I were to say it more frequently, I wouldn't have problem saying it to him right now, when he needs it the most.

So, my advise is to say those (three) words as frequent as possible because you do not know when your love ones will leave. 'Love does not envy'; the Bible made it very clear. I've sin, I truly was envious of his love.

FYI, I did watch "Drag Me To Hell" today. It's true, I almost died of a heart attack.

My WISHLIST

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:29:53 PDT

Exactly these:

Prada sunglasses

Taylor Swift's mane

GSC GoldClass Movie Ticket on a good movie

Sony Ericsson C510

Bikini-ready hot bod

Burberry Heather tote

The All New Honda City in red

Keurig coffee brewer brewing a 'blue mountain'

Stingy Mode: ON

cchivy@gmail.com (Ivy) — Sun, 31 May 2009 22:21:13 PDT

Stingy

versus

Sting-y

I am now officially my Professor's research assistant/tutor. For 4 months. Very, very much less money compared to my scholarship and swimmings combined, but I hope that will do to sustain me these months.

So sorry people: take not that from this very minute, I'll be switching to my 'stingy mode', which ultmately means there won't be any form of fine dining, no belanja-belanja, no binge drinking (on Starbucks, I mean), less clubbing, SHUCKS! no jalan-jalan cari makan, and big no no to shopping of any form. No worries, I'll be back to 'over-binging mode' when I get my first real job.

I would have to binge on my Bali trip though. And that too I had saved a lot on the tics already. Can't wait to splurge on Bali!

No, I'm not going to be that stingy to lose my fashion sense!