Changing Mindset...Is it really difficult?

2008 is coming to an end and new chapter is beginning. I was reminiscing the year 2008 in search of anything significant events to share with readers of my blog. It is truly a challenging year for my career as I explore the new territory that will determine the destiny of my future in Distribution. I keep on asking myself if I am now ready to assume new roles and responsibilities? Many questions arise as I think about my bleak future, one thing for sure, I have yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whatever it is, I am mentally and physically prepared for the battle and I swear that I will never give up until the very last breath!

It is all abut changing mindset and the capability of turning threats to become opportunities. It is about being as objective as possible even when dealing with nonsensicality. It is about being positive, and believe that nobody could change the way I think except myself. I am the biggest enemy of myself. Have you ever wondered why people choose to be reclusive when dealing with unfamiliar situation. I think, it is a sign of inferiority complex due to the inability to adapt to the new surrounding. The mind shuts off automatically and vision confines to only things that you want to see irrespective of the opportunities available to be explored.

I too are not spared from the disease but I acknowledge the deficiency and try to overcome by facing the challenges. For those of you my friends who are suffering from the same anomaly, I have few tips that may help you to overcome your shortcomings :

1. Always move away from your comfort zone.
2. Keep on challenging yourself to achieve the impossible
3. Open your mind to embrace changes
4. Never close your door to new opportunities
5. Be objective and weigh the pros and cons before making any decision
6. Always remember that you are not any less than anybody else
7. Allah is always there to help you

So, for 2009, I will not retreat and I will face the challenges like the Spartans!

Merry Xmas Ho ho ho........

I had just come back from a Xmas party thrown by my Departmental Secretary. She is converted though, but the brother came to visit from the US. I suppose, since the brother is still celebrating Xmas, she has decided to make them as comfortable as she possibly could by hosting a Christmas Dinner for them and friends. Malaysian Hoispitality I would say.

There were lots of food from Nasi Minyak, ayam masak merah, fish sambal, dalca to Grilled Lamb, salad, garlic bread, satay, desserts, cakes and I am so bloody full. It is not even funny! Seriously! It is a good celebration and I have the opportunity to meet my former Boss plus few other old friends. Damn! The bread pudding tasted so good that I could finish off the whole serving....Plus the cookies and home made fruit cakes....So yummy that whoever declined the invitation had missed what you call GOOD FOOD! ha ha ha!

Really, it is not so much of Xmas celebration, it is the spirit of living harmoniously in a land full of diversity. Truly, I am proud to be Malaysian, where people live in peace and harmony. As the clock strikes 12 midnight, I wish everybody who celebrates Xmas....Merry Christmas, to Muslim - Salam Maal hijrah and to everybody - Happy New Year 2009. May next year will keep your spirit high and you will be blessed with Love (Mok) and happiness.....Adios!

Zoo Negara

A lonely leopard...I think it is a leopard...

The Bujang Senang of Zoo negara..waiting for preys...

A huge tortoise......

I want to be a peacock..............

This is one hell of a huge snake and beautiful as well....Looks like Anaconda though....

I was amazed by the snakes in the Zoo, making it my favourite spot as I enjoy watching them slithering their ways through the human made rocks....

Another one resting peacefully even my presence was not felt by this cute creature....

New year Resolutions!

2008 is coming to an end and I need new resolutions. I am really tired of carrying the same resolutions every year! It has become predictable and I know I would not be able to achieve much knowing my past behaviour.

I will turn 41 next year and it is high time that I seriously consider my destiny in this dog-eat-dog corporate world. Afterall, age is not on my side and I am like a woman whose biological clock is ticking vigorously fast. I better do something before I am expired!

Looking back, I can proudly say that I have achieved the goals that I have set on the day I joined MAS. Considering that I am not so politically inclined in the corporate world, I reckon that I am doing extraordinary well compared to the rest of my colleagues who are still stuck here! However, one's perseverance has a limit and I think there are other hidden opportunities which I have yet to discover in the other world!

My only wish in 2009 is to venture into an unchartered territory and who knows I may be the next person to enter Forbes 50 Richest people of the world....

Obama Won and I Miss London!

It was such an historic event last night when Obama won the race and become the President-elect for the USA. I was one of those people who got excited over the winning simply because I have so much hope for better things to come.


Instable domestic political landscape, countries in war, rising fuel cost, financial crunch....It seems that the world is in peril. Uncertainty is everywhere! When Obama won, I look back to his promises made during campaigning ~ with regards to his foreign policies and his promise to review and mend the ties with Muslim countries which show us some lights at the end of the tunnel. I also wish that the stimulus package to salvage the ever declining economy state of the USA will help to keep recession at bay so at least country like Malaysia, which relies heavily on bilateral trade with the USA can minimise the impact of the economy crisis!


While watching BBC that night on Obama historic winning, my attention suddenly caught the city of London at the background. Suddenly, I miss London so greatly! The last time I was there was last year in Summer. Normally, London will be my annual ritual, I have never missed going to London since 2003. I remember strolling the Oxford Street, Marble Arch and walking like a mad man in London since I normally have only one day to buy all the stuff in my list. I also remember visiting my favourite Malaysian Restaurant at Mara Building where I can get a complete meal comprising of rice, meat and vege at GBP5.....

Well, I seldom travel now and if plan to do so, London will definitely be high on the list as the conversion of MYR to GBP is very favourable now.

4 Nov 2008

The date is so significant as it is the USA Presidential Election. Well, technically it is yet 4 Nov in the USA due to the time difference.

It will be an interesting election as I watch it closely. So whose gonna win? Obama or McCain? Why is it so important? To me, it will affect not only the world political landscape, but also the world economy. Obviously, if Obama wins, there would be policies change, for the better, I hope. We have been living in such an instable worldwith wars, financial crisis, pollution, I am just getting fed up!

If Obama wins, he will be the first African-American President for the USA. In a melting pot country like the USA, where the indigineous race are almost insignificant, I reckon that it is not an issue. Afterall, American civilization started long long time ago. So a first black president may gives the USA a different perspective in the way they see things. I am sincerely hoping that the bilateral relationship between Islamic and Western countries to improve. There will be lots of good things to come if this is achieved.

Back in my home country, Malaysia, the UMNO election is also significant as it will chart the ways how this country will be managed next year once the reigning Premier steps down in March 2009. I sincerely hope that these two significant event will provide a twist of changes to the current political and economy climate of the world.

The 80's That I know

I was listening to Hot FM on my way to the office this morning and the the DJs were reminiscing the 80's with loads of songs from that era. They even get calls from the people who grew up in 80's to relate stories and memories during that period.

To me, it as an emotional journey back to the 80's listening to all the songs that I was familiar with when I was growing up as a teenager. I almost drowned in a flood of emotions as each songs took me down that memory lane. Songs like Kepulangan - Razis Ismail, Jejaka Idaman - Raja Ema, Sekadar di pinggiran - Francisca Peters....They bring back those feeling of good old days when things are less complicated and pretentious.

Well, today I wish to highlight some of the important events that happened to me through the 80's :

1980 - My mother followed step dad to further his study in London and I stayed back with my Grandpa in Tawau. I remembered sending her off at the airport and cried hysterically when my mother boarded the aircraft. I was almost 12 then, and I remember that my grandpa resorted to cook me my favourite chicken meal just to pacify me. It was a terrifying incident and I was traumatised for almost a month! End of that year, I received a scholarship from the Sabah Foundation to continue my study in Kelantan. Surprisingly, my grandpa allowed me to further my study alone in a foreign land!

1981 - I went to Kelantan in early January together with hundredths of other Sabahan students and that was the first time I took a ride on the A300 of Malaysia Airlines. I quietly promised myself that I will strive to learn harder so I can get a job with MAS. It was a tough year for a 12 year old kid having to adapt in a foreign land as well as to compete with the creme de la creme in Kelantan. Well, I come from a small town in Sabah where there are hardly any competition to me in school apart from one Chinese girl that I could not topple from the no. 1 spot. By the way, I won a silver medal for the 4 X 100m where I was the 2nd runner in the team. I forgot to tell you that I was also the finalist of the 100m final for boy below 13 and I came out 5th or 6th, blame it on the gun. I was freaking out with the gun used by the referee.

1982 - I was in form 2 and I felt a bit older as I now have juniors in form 1 and I started to have penchant over English songs. I was listening to variety types of musics and the one that I remember the most was from Scorpions - When the smoke is going down. My other colleagues were listening to mostly metal rock songs which I found to be extremely loud, rebellious and could be anti-semantic. No wonder most of my friends who listen to this type of songs always end up in the Disciplinary Teacher's room. Well, I have no issues listening to those songs except the noise produced from the music exceeded the permissible decibel level that human being can tolerate. At least I thought so!

1983 - SRP year...I aimed to get the best ever results as I was making good progress in a tough boarding school environment. It was the year where Michael Jackson becoming an so popular that everybody wear that low hanging tight pants and dual colour shoes! I was listening to Thriller, Billy Jean, Beat it, David Bowie - Let's Dance, The Police - Synchronicity, Every Breath You Take, Nena - 99 Red Balloons (one hit wonder) and lots more. Despite my interest, I obtained 8As for my SRP - 5 A1 and 3 A2. Not bad for a boy from rural area. By the way, I was elected as the School Librarian - despite not being a nerd! How elusive it was!

1984 - I decided to enrol myself in the Science Stream and started learning Chemistry, Add Maths, Biology, Physics apart from the other compulsory subjects. That was the year the school constructed a computer lab and we get our first Apple computer! Study was so so and I try to be more relax after slogging myself out in 1983 with SRP books. After all boys also wanna have fun....That year was the introductory year to music from Madonna - Like a virgin, Cyndi Lauper, Whams & George Michael - Careless Whsipers. I listen more to top of the pop and I started to develop liking towards UK's musics. My favourite group was Duran Duran, New Orders, Spandau Ballet, Kajagoogoo, Ultravox, Rick Ashley, Lionel Ritchie - Hello and many more. By the way, I was awarded with the best student for Geography in 1983 SRP. That was an achievement! Not bad! I took Bahasa Arab for SRP although I was in form four and as I have predicted, I failed the subject - what do you expect when I was the first one to get out from the exam hall after 30 minutes and wrote the essay in BM although I wrote the in Jawi!

1985 - It was the SPM year - I have to slave myself again with books and notes. The subjects are getting harder and I also have to sit in for my 1119 English, a paper from the UK. I was quite sluggish in my study and I was also fighting with my inner feelings. Having live in Kelantan for several years, that was my last year before I enter college for higher learning. I knew that my time in Kelantan will be up after the SPM examination. I was battling with my emotions - I have to leave behind friends, foster family, brothers and sisters. I listened to less number of musics as I was behind in Add Maths and Physics. Then the big day came and I tried my best. The rest I leave it to God! By the way, I did well in the trial to be called for an interview by JPA for a scholarship to further my study abroad.

5 years of memorable experiences with blood, sweat, joy and fun in Kelantan. I will never ever forget those experience as it helps to shape up my career now. I ended my episodes in kelantan and continue my journey to the college in Shah Alam. by the way, I obtained 1st Grade for my SPM - 1 A1, 1 A2, 5 C3, 1 C4, 1 C5 (I obtained P7 for my 1119, pass but not outstanding). My next entry will talk about my years in the KPP/PPP and the USA.

Tribute To A Friend!

Yesterday, one of the team member that I recruited in my former Unit came to see me in my office. He informed me that he is taking the Voluntary Leave programme (VLP) which was initiated by HR in response to the economic downturn that is affecting MAS bottomline. He told me that he received an irresistable offer to work for a company in Bahrain for one year. He also told me that his last day will be on 1 November 2008.

Although he has the option to join back MAS work force after one year, I have my doubt that he will be back. Nevertheless, I am not going to talk about his decision in my entry today, but I want to reminisce about this person which is fondly known as Hilmy amongst brothers, sisters, friends and bosses.

I remembered when I first saw him at the Ticketing Office, Admin 2 where he has just been transferred from the operation unit to assist the Admin unit with Government Refund. He was a very quite person who seldom uttered a word. He was so timid and hardly ever acknowledge my presence whenever I went to visit his office. I stumbled upon him smoking at the smoking area at the back of my office and that is when we started to engage in communication.

I sense that he is an intelligent person and most importantly he has the commitment in delivering the task given to him (He used to stay overnight in the office to finish off his workloads). At the same time, one of my team member was also on the verge of getting a promotion somewhere else. hence , I thought the timing is right since I was also searching for a team member that has sound ticketing knowledge to assist the Internet Booking section with the operational issues.I offered him the post and he did not think twice of joining me in the unit. I was happy because I don't have to persuade him and immediately I initiate his transfer to Online Channel Unit.

He joined my team towards the end of 2007. As I have suspected, he was a quiet type of person and hardly talk. I swear to God that I would make him change! Day goes by and he managed to adapt to the new environment fast despite the fast phase of working style in Online Channel. He was able to assimilate with the work processes and able to understand the system that he has to use in completing his tasks.

I started to learn a lot from him with regards to human relationship (although he did not preach it directly to me), he likes to post question which I sometimes find it difficult to answer and he always tell me his thought about how he see things in life (even though through YM). What else can I describe him? He is a very adorable person that you can hardly feel upset with, he always throw you a smile despite how busy he is with workloads and he shows his undivided commitment to get things done. Most importantly, he always shows me the same respect irregardless of his feeling at that time.

To my friend, Hilmy, no matter what job that you will be doing after this, do it whole heartedly and with full sincerity. Even if it is so difficult that it makes you feel like quitting, be strong and do not give up. It will not be easier but I know you have the perseverance as demonstrated by your intention to take up the new job. May this be the platform that will lead you to many other exciting and challenging experience in life. For all the failures that you have experienced, be it in your career or love life, put it aside and learn as much as you can. For all you know, this too shall pass. I wish you luck in your future undertaking, and most importantly do not forget that you always have a shoulder to cry here in Online Channel Unit.

Adieu my friend, my brother, my teacher (sometimes).......Au revoir! I will always remember you. See you in FaceBook or YM after this.

My Siblings....

Hardly anyone knows that I actually have 6 siblings with my step mother. I myself often forget how many siblings that I have and let alone remember their names. Don't blame me but the situation did not permit me to to get closer to them.

Lately, I try to get acquainted with my long loss siblings. After my parents got divorce, I stayed with my mother and for only reason that known to God, I have chosen to stay away from any controversy that may hurt the feelings of both my parents, although I have to admit that my Dad was at the losing end. It was a bitter experience that I do not wish to remember. Nevermind! What important now is the time is conducive for me to foster the relationship and who knows I may be able to take it to the nex level.

My Dad remarried after the divorce and with my step mother who I hardly know, I have 4 Brothers and 2 sisters. The eldest is Mohd Azri, followed by Azmi, Azlina (Wati), Azrif (Bobby), Azril (Boboy) and Aziani. There you go! Azri is already married with two kids and currently working in Labuan, Azmi is also married with two kids, Azlina is married to a Johorean and also has two kids, Bobby is currently working in KL and will be engaged to lovely lady from Perlis by end of this year, Boboy is working and staying with Azri in Labuan and Aziani is sitting for her STPM by end of this year.

I went back to BKI on Sunday for some personal business and I took the opportunity to visit my Dad's grave. later, I spent around 1 hour at my step mother's house and took picture with my youngest sister. It was a trip worth remembering and I hope everything will go well.

For my friends out there who may face the same predicament that I have experienced, just remember that no matter what you you have done or decide to do, you cannot deny that blood is thicker than water! Before it is too late, savour the moment while it is still there. To all my brothers and sisters, you guys will always have a pair of extra ears to share your joy, pride and problems, most importantly a big brother that you can rely on.

The Only Child Syndrome

I was having my morning smoke at the back of my office on Thursday morning when one of the Call Centre staff approached me asking about my last Raya Holiday. She were asking me if I celeberated the Raya with my siblings which I quickly explained that I am the only child in the family. I also explained that I was celebrating the Raya with my uncle and auntie only since my parents have passed away.


She was taken by surprise to learn that I am the only child in my family and quickly make a quip about my so obvious traits as a Mama's Boy. I started pondering on the statement and Thinking that it will be a good topic to write on my blog. Afterall, not everybody has the priviledge of growing up as the only child in a family.


Let me share with you the typical syndrome of the only child based on my real life experience. When, they are at young age, the only child tends to be very territorial with their belongings or to the person that they are closed with. It is just like a possession. It is the sub-conscious mind that reacts almost immediately due to the environment that they grew up in. The meaning of sharing is almost non-existence, afterall, who do they want to share them with?

They can be very bossy too due to all of the attention given. Everybody from Grandpa to Uncle will try to please you out of fear that they may be no longer become the favourite Grandpa or Uncle. So, the only child will have the audacity to run people's life which is fun.

However, it is not all negatives, actually the parents have roles to mould the only child behaviour to avoid all those mentioned above from happening. I am glad my mum did although not necessarily I can get rid 100% of those traits above. Nevertheless, one point to note, an only child normally have the highest loyalty level to the person that they love or trust as it is not easy for them to trust people.

The only child in a family also grows up to be one of the smartest kids in school due to the undivided attention from the parents. They pick up knowledge easily and they tend to be very clever to outwit you whenever they feel that they will ot get what they desire.

Some tips for parents with an only child :

1. Stop giving your 100% attention to them especially when they are whining!


2. Start teach them responsibility so they will learn the discipline of completing a task


3. Send them early to pre-school so they can mix around with other kids at their tender age.

It is not hard at all to raise an only child if you have the perseverance! For those who befriend with an only child in a family, just be patience when they started to become territorial and avoid any unnecessary arguements ; that is if you value the friendship otherwise, do as you please!

Tips For Attending An Interview

1. A friend asked me some guidance to overcome nervousness during an interview. As promised, I outline some tips that he can use during the interview.
2. First impression is very important as it will determine whether the interviewee will ever consider you as one of the potential candidate for the position.
3. Therefore, make sure that you look at your best and feel comfortable with what you wear.
4. Prepare your CV and certificates prior to the interview. Place all the documents in a proper document file and in chronological order so the interviewee will understand and will not ask many questions. Remember, you may not be able to remember all the relevant information related to the document. If there is any controversial information, just leave them out. You don't want to spend time trying to explain. As an example, incomplete exam results, failure in finishing your study and so forth.
5. Come early to the interview so you will be more relax while waiting for your turn outside the room. Refrain from smoking if you are a smoker as it may dry up your saliva and you will find it dificult to talk due to dry mouth.
6. It may help to calm down by chewing a gum and it also prevent bad breath during the interview.
7. During the interview, smile, be polite, seat properly with your torso against the back of the chair and look the interviewers straight in their eyes.
8. If a question being asked, listen carefully and try to understand it before you start opening up your mouth. If you don't understand, it is alright to ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question. If you understand the question but you do not have a clue how to answer them, just be frank and tell them that you don't have enough understanding to respond to the question. Apologise and reassure them that you will learn more about the subject once you get the job.
9. Interviewer appreciates and prefers an honest candidate.
10. When answering questions, take few seconds to plan how to organise your answer. Begin, with identifying the salient points first and arrange them in a format that will create a smooth story flow so the interviewer can understand the points that you are trying to make.
11. Do not over complicated things and end up with points that you are not very familiar with. If needed, just give an overview of the ideas and admit that you will need to learn more in order to have better understanding of the subject.
12. Focus and smile along the way and you will find yourself the winner at the end.
    
    Good Luck! All the best and may the forces be with you!

Am I that Serious?

I was taken aback when a friend of mine in Jakarta told me via YM that the topics that I have posted are rather serious and suitable for grown ups only! As if.....!

So I have decided to let my hair down today and talk about the "feel-good-story" where it will make you smile while reading it.

I was listening to the song from Pussycat Dolls ~ When I grow up, while driving to the office this morning.

[Verse 1]
Now I've got a confession
When I was young I wanted attention
And I promised myself that I’d do anything
Anything at all for people to notice me

I have changed the wordings a bit cause I don't fit into the last phrase.....Well, it is true. When I was a kid I enjoy attention and whenever I visit my parents friend's house, I will identify anybody in that house that may like my presence and I will start following them everywhere they go in the house. I will start asking all those nonsense questions just to get their attention. Pretty annoying huh?

[Bridge] But I ain't complaining
We all wanna be famous
So go ahead and say what you wanna say
You know what it's like to be nameless
Want them to know what your name is
'Cause see when I was younger I would say

[Chorus]
When I grow up
I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star
I wanna be in movies

I really hate the feeling that nobody acknowledge my presence when the attention should be centred around me and me and me. I am the most adorable and cute little rascal that will start fidgeting if my needs are not being attended to. Plus, I could not understand the whole adult conversation......I do watch TV a lot and my favourite programme was ~ Donny and Marrie, does that ring a bell? Yes I want to be famous, I want to be a star and I want to be in movies. I used to mimmick a lot of the movies or TV programmes characters ~ The 6 Million Dollar Man, Captain America, Lost in Space ~ that funny Dr Smith..."Never fear Smith is here" line. I memorise it and I even try to dress up like them.

Then I went to secondary school/University and started to get myself exposed to a more complex characters. I started to add in complication in life and I want to be more than just a TV or movie characters.

When I grow up I wanna see the world
Drive nice cars
I wanna have Groupies

I started to develop the passion for cars ~ sports cars - Mustang, Mazda RX 7, Toyota Celica. Oh Yeah! I joined a clubbing group and painted a town in Dallas red every wekeend. It almost cost me my degree though. We attended concerts ~ Blonde Ambition Tour by Madonna in 1990; I failed my Thermodynamic paper - purposely so I can extend my stay in Arlington for another semester in Spring 1991.

When I grow up
Be on TV People know me
Be on magazines

Then I started working and I have decided that glamourous world is just not my cup of tea. I join a corporation ~ seriously! Thinking that I will be the next Bill Gates.....It is just a dream. Well, I did get into TV ~ one of the morning talk show and I also appear in local paper - of course talking about my company's product...I wish I can promote myself more but I am just an ordinary staff so I have to stick to the topic. I remember watching the Group Communication staff looking at me everytime I started talking. She is afraid that I will start promoting my self instead of the product. But...I am still not in magazine...By the way, does appearing in a small corner or the magazine looking for pen-pal count?

When I grow up Fresh and clean
Number one hunk when I step out on the scene

I wish! But almost! I swear to God. Had only I shed all the bulges and listen to my trainer, I would have that to-die-for muscular body that every male dream about.

But be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it
But you just might get it
But You just might get it

Phew! I just might get it...Thank you Nicole for reminding me.

[Verse 2]
They used to tell me I was silly
Until I popped up on the TV
I always wanted to be a superstar
And knew that singing songs would get me this far

Yeah! But I am lucky as I did not appear as a Superstar but I did pop up on the TV! That is important for all of you to remember.

[Bridge]
But I ain't complaining
We all wanna be famous
So go ahead and say what you wanna say
You know what it's like to be nameless
Want them to know what your name is '
Cause see, when I was younger I would say

For whatever it is, just pursue your dream. That is the point that Iam trying to make. I don't want to comment on the rest of the lyric as I am yet to be a trendsetter and not the hot topic of the town (But please note : I can stir a commotion if I want to). By the way, I drive a nice car ~ to my standard la....

So my fellow friends, brothers and sisters, when you grow up (if you have not been a grown up for any reason that I could not be bothered), chase the rainbow, who knows it will fall on your lap! And Alim, if you are reading, I am not a Serious Person as you think I am!

Open House

I am not a fan of "Open House"......seriously! Neither do I object those who wish to do it.

It is the hassle of going through the traffic that turns me off. Imagine, the volume of traffic generated by hundredths open houses in an area, it can bring traffic in KL to a complete halt! To make it even worse, there are no traffic police to direct the traffic unlike during the morning rush hours.

I always enocunter headache to find a vacant parking space when I arrive at the venue. Where the hell can I park my car? It seems that all visitors or empty parking spaces have been filled up with cars. More often, I have to park my car miles away and I am being forced to walk under the scorching heat of the sun right on my bald patch! How terrible is that?

Another uphill task at the venue is to socialize with a bunch of people who you have no ideas who they are. It is even worse when they learn that you work in an organization which is very critical to the masses like MAS. They will interrogate you just like an ISA victim with non-stop questions about the airline. The safest way is to declare that you are unemployed and lead a mundane lifestyle or you put up a sour face that no souls on earth will even dare to ask your name. But, that is not the whole concept of an open house! It suppose to be a cordial affair and an invigorating situation where you mingle and uncover what is hidden under the social fabric of the society that you live in.

Don't get me wrong....I am not opposing open house but I hate the fact that it has become so commercialise with everybody tends to showcase the wealth that they have accumulated since the last open house. It is the traffic jam that I have to contend with and it is the hassle of finding a parking space. By the way, I have to attend an open house at a friend's house in Kg Pandan by 12pm today and before I start complaining, I have to get ready so I will not have to endure the traffic jam and the problem of finding a parking space. I promise that I will be kind to the people there. Anybody care to become my chauffeur? ;)

Love Disturbia!

I choose this topic for my entry today...Why? Love is such a universal word that any living beings in this world have experienced it at least once unless they are in the utterly denial stage of life..Muahahahahaha!

Everybody experiences love as soon as they were borned to this world...It is the love of your parents that brings you to life. Their love therefater is extended to you (but of course your mum would have to divide her love between you and your dad...that explains the fighting between them I suppose).

The context of love in my writing today is the mutual profound feeling between two human beings that have no blood relationship or whatsoever. Often, I am being approached by friends who seek an advice on how to handle their love problems. Most of the time, I am proud to play my roles as Dr. Love who can prescribe the medicines for remedial. Sadly, most of the cases are closed to be moved into the emotional Intensive Care Unit.

Why does one torture their feeling just because of love? Can't they just treat love like water under the bridge? For God sake, it has passed by. Move on with life and find a new lover. Then, it strucks me ~ Love is a journey of emotion that is built based on trust. Once the trust is broken, all hell breaks loose. The feeling of hatred suddenly waved in and all the good memories vanished like water going down the faucet sink.

Both parties suddenly find their mind at the stage of Disturbia :

No more gas in the rig
Can't even get it started
Nothing heard, nothing said
Can't even speak about it
All my life on my head
Don't want to think about it
Feels like I'm going insane
Yeah

Allow me to quote lyric from Rihanna's latest single....Hey! It is not plagiarsm. I am merely borrowing words and I do give credit to her..at least.

Back to my topic again, seriously..Why does this happen? Does the good times they had before mean absolutely nothing? That is not the case, really. They do appreciate those fond memories and infact they will keep it till their very last breath. It is the feeling of getting even ~ you ruin my life, I ruin yours....That is what I call REVENGE...but why?

Remember when you want to know whether the other party can sleep or otherwise after the incidence, or whether the other party has found new love interest, or whether the other party can move on with life. You always pray the opposite and you will still think that you have done so much that the other party will crawl back to you. For the love of God, move on...

It is easy to say it then done, right? But I have the best persciption to this, PRAY to your God and ask for the strengths to pick up the pieces where you have left and rebuild yourself confident to find a new love! Nothing beats the LOVE of God and with Him you wil find the ultimate happiness.

What has passed just leave it be and replace those hatred with more love. Pray for the other party happiness instead of their destruction. Trust me, you will be able to move on. Whenever you fall in love again..give your unconditional love. For whatever the other party has done remember the lyric from Justin's.....What goes around comes around. If you are the victim, God will give the other party the taste of their own medicine.

Remember, whenever your love life becomes entangled again, communicate. There is no harm in comunicating as it is the most effective ways to iron out issues. Only the guilty party avoid communicating out of fear that the truth behind their so called falling out will be revealed. For whatever it is, don't be scared of love.....go and find it somewhere over the rainbow.

Whatever Love problem that you may encounter, remember this "This too shall pass..."

Love you all! Mwaaaah....Make Love Not War..Peace!

I shall talk about communication in love next..so watch out!

Dr Love signing out.

Choices in Life

There are always choices in whatever we do...Be it career, travelling, eating, sleeping and etc. It is a matter of making the right choices after weighing the pros and cons, that is what I call judgement call. I am the umpire of my own life!

It is all about making the right choices and that is how I feel ever since I went to study in Kelantan.....To assimilate or not with the Kelantanese people while pursuing my dreams and ambition. I know that to be able to learn effectively is by mixing around, and I am glad that I have made the right choice. It is the same situation when I went to college in KPP Shah Alam, there were not just Kelantanese enrolling in the college but also students from all over Malaysia. The diversity of the culture in Malaysia is just amazing and can be mind-boggling too! I suppose I have chosen not to click with one group only thus I diversify my social network by mixing with students from other states as well...But one thing that I notice, it is not the same with these students...The Kelantanese will flock together, the Sarawakians do the same thing....Is it about the languages that make it easier for them to communicate or is it just the scoial norm? One thing for sure, I have made my choice and I glad I did.

When I joined the workforce in 1991, I have no idea what career is all about, what matter most then is I want to work with the national carrier...MAS. Money was secondary then. I have made my choice again. I joined the IT Department as a System Analyst despite graduating in engineering field. Why? Because I have made my choice i.e. to work with MAS. As years passed by, the urge to learn more about the airline industry surpassed the needs to have more money. I made my move to the marketing area and becoming a market researcher. It provided me with a much bigger perspective about the industry and I began to appreciate more the complexity of the airline business and the diversity of ideas of the people that works in the company. I learn to compromise and incorporate my ideas in the projects that the company has embarked on. I have made my choice again.

Then, eCommerce came, not wanting to limit myself with the marketing knowledge, I took up the challenge and switched to Distribution to work in the Internet Booking Project. I have made my choice again. It is a non-stop process and I would not know how long I will stay and doing eCommerce, only time will tell.

It is the choices that I have always preached to my team members, staff and bosses....The choices that we are given by God. You also have the choices and it is all up to you to use all the experiences and intelligence that you have to make the right choice. If all avenues have been exhausted, consult your friend or mentor or parents to get a second thought BUT never make the choice just because someone say so! You are a loser at the end....SO what are you waiting for? make the choice and move on to make it happen....

More about me....

In 1980, my parents, my mum and step dad went to UK as my step dad was pursuing his study. Initially, I supposed to follow them..I could not Imagine what would I become had I followed them......but my Grandpa did not agree with the idea as he preferred me to stay.

God is great....if it is meant to be, it will. I was offered a full scholarship by the Sabah Foundation to pursue my study in one of the boarding school in Peninsular Malaysia. Sekolah Menengah Tg Faris Petra or formerly known as Sekolah Menengah Sains Kelantan. Really, the urge to live outside my hometown was so strong that I took the offer, not knowing the obstacles that I would face..

So I was in Kelantan and my parents in the UK...Two different world with their own challenges. My only problem was the language...I did not know that such variation in the Bahasa Malaysia language exist in Malaysia. If you can't beat them, join them....So for the whole one year I spent my time studying the language....

How are you - Guano demo?
That thing - Gotu
I don't like it - Tok berehi

Come What May.......

I was reminiscing the lyrics sung by Ewan McGregor and written by David Baerwald and I supposed that how I describe my feeling towards MAS...Come What May....I will still be here and devoted my life and soul until the very end.

By the way, this second entry will not continue on my background as I have decided to postpone the posting to a later time where I feel it is more suitable to reveal more about myself.

I joined MAS on 15 October 1991, fresh from school after obtaining my Degree in Industrial Engineering at University of Texas at Arlington. Being young and ambitious, I joined the airline despite my mum's slight objection. Why? She wanted me to work in Sabah while I wanted to be in KL...Well...I am used to a big city like Dallas so small town like Kota Kinabalu will definitely bore me to death...Furthermore, I will be working with MAS so I still have the opportunity to come back home using my discounted tickets as and when I feel like going back home or when she wanted me to be there.

MAS ... Malaysia Airlines System....Penerbangan Malaysia..or whatever you want to call it...is the place I call my second home. Things have changed rapidly since I joined the airline in 1991. Sometimes I even find it difficult to fathom the reasons that led to the changes...The management cited changes in the competition landscape that is unavoidable....Economy crisis, Financial crunch, emergence of LCC and so forth. MAS has to change or be changed BUT I think some of the changes are just unnecessary.

If it ain't broken why fix it? But then, I realise that they are individuals who are so highly ambitious and want to climb up the corporate ladder fast that also contributed to the changes. I reckon that I am not one of them, but most of the time, I have gotten myself trapped in the battle...One thing so obvious is one's aspiration to be on top will get someone killed in the course of reaching the peak....It is a vicious cycle...survival of the fittest. It is just like the perfect storm that MAS is riding on currently.

In parallel, I am riding my perfect storm as well. As long as I know how to manoeuvre my ways, I will emerge as the survivor at the end...Come What May...

Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before
I want to vanish inside your kiss
Every day I'm loving you more and more
Listen to my heart, can you hear it sings
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time

Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste
It all revolves around you
And there's no mountain too high
No river too wideSing out this song
I'll be there by your sideStorm clouds may gather
And stars may collide
But I love you until the end of time

Oh, come what may, come what may
I will love you, I will love you
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place

My 1st Attempt to descibe myself in a blog!

People say that you would not know until you try it!

I guess that is true.....My name is Azlan, born 40 years ago in a state in Malaysia known as land below the wind, Sabah. Sadly, I do not know much about the state as I spent 80% of my time in Peninsular Malaysia. Do I regret? In a way, yes, I do. On the hindsight, it has provided me an opportunity that I know I would have never achieved should I choose to stay and grow up in Sabah. A career.

Anyway, this is the beginning of my journey in the blogging world. Sharing my experience, my thoughts, my opinion, my passion with whoever that are willing to learn new things from me. Hey! Afterall, sharing is caring. I would do just that! Try it, and see if I like it or if someone is willing to read the articles that I will be posting.

By the way, the name EddieDaniel is my blogging name...why? I just love that name. Where do I get it? Don't ask! I am a person full of imagination and it often run wilder than I can think of! Let me start by introducing myself properly...it is good to know the background of the writer before you decide to continue reading...Right?

I grew up in the second largest city in Sabah, may be third(who cares!), Tawau, Sabah. My childhood is very much the happiest moments of my life. what do you expect? Being the only child and grandchild to the loveliest mother on earth and her parents! Her name? I almost forgot to mention her name...Hajjah Dayang Harijah Awang Merican...a very hardworking and resourceful mother who never knew what does being tired mean.....Oh! I nearly forgot, my Dad, a chap by the name of Awang Tanjong Hakim (spelt Ah Kim in his birth certificate). By the way, they were divorced since I was 7 or 8 years old I think.....

Wanna hear some more???...Next time or else you will be bored to death...