Monday, January 30, 2012

Jan 30th 2012 - Today, I..


.. reflect upon these while reading the February issue of Oprah Magazine.

I must say I really like the cover of this issue, so arty!

* There is a new series that I must check out - Scandal. Wooo, sounds interesting!

* Solitude. I suddenly realize that I was reading quietly in the office at 6pm. Almost all had left, my laptop did me a favour by going bonkers so I'm left with nothing to do but read.. I miss the time I get to really read and reflect. And it hits me.. some years back, I woke up at 5am everyday (for work). I used to enjoy some quiet time to myself, for myself. Now... assuming; just assuming I could do it again. x Will Power! x Would it bring me some much needed inner peace?

* "Retirement comes before love" - a quote I repeatedly came across from time to time. Is being selfish so trendy now? Money for me first; before for those I love. Hmm... makes sense, since if I get to the state where I'm in deep shit; how many would actually help me?

* Xonex Wooden Art Set, $35 Amazon. Tell me.... Give me some reasons not to like this!? Yep it is the wooden casing that attracted me, then the color pencils.. Not so much of an oil pastels, but people say... art starts with some random strokes, eh? (Ok, I made that one up pfft)
* Freeze your jeans for 24 hours, to get rid of odors without having to wash it. I say... eewwww my lord! Those germs in the freezer and then you freeze food items in it. Holy moly! No! Freaking! Way! I'm very particular about the hem touching the floor, and after one wear, the jeans must not touch my bed at all.. what more freezer.

* Jason Wu's Little Black Dress. Say it with me - OMFG!! Can you see why am I in love with this? Why am I not in the freakin US? Why don't we have Target or whatever stores that sells this!? WHY?
Wait, I have to love another piece of Jason Wu :-

* Seriously... 750ml of cologne? Are you friggin kidding me or was it a typo? $100! Meet Alvarez Gomez Madrid Agua de Colonia Concentrada. Nice to the eyes, I wonder if the lavender mix smells manly? Looking at the picture, I am tempted to use it myself :P

* Silicone does not clog pores. (WHAT?) For as long as I could remember every article I read says silicone is not good for pores. Apparently it does not penetrate into skin; hence it creates a silky film to retain moisture. So all the -cone is good now? What... is lard non fattening next... :S

* "Focus on my cause rather than ego". Soft power = quiet persistence.
This is the most significant learning for me today. Reassures me that it is not wrong or disadvantaged to be an introvert. What I kept in mind most of the day today - focus on my cause. Do not give in to irritations. Forget about anger. Wake up with a smile, go to bed with peace. Take things slow. Breathe, ohmmm.



Sunday, January 29, 2012

Tropical Spice Garden Penang

I've been wanting to visit this spice garden for ages, and finally got to do it this year. I'm liking 2012 already! :D

It was scorching hot on a Saturday afternoon.. but surprisingly once I entered the garden, it was very cooling. Felt like cool evening with all those tall, shady trees.

Before we enter the garden, the staff offered us some citronella oil, a natural insect repellent. I love the smell of citronella oil! So fragrant. Entrance fee was RM14, without a guide. RM22 for guide inclusive.

I find the garden a huge maze. I really don't know if I've explored the whole place.
I like the trails, especially those signs explaining the origins and usage of herbs and plants. Oh they have lots of Misai Kucing which I absolutely love.



There was a cooking class going on, and my, the smell made me hungry! :P
(however I find the price too expensive, not worth signing up for)

I find it rather unfortunate that not all the plants there are healthy, lush green. Some are drying, some sparse, and wilted. Would really love to see some improvement here. Also, the nursery was no longer there. Hmm so if you're interested to plant some herbs / flowers like me, I wouldn't know where to get those.. bummer.

They do however, have a small gift shop selling dried herbs, soaps, essential oils, spices and books. I bought a couple of stuffs to try. The Malay lady there was very nice, gave me lots of tips on the spices.


The air was fresh and crisp, and I really enjoyed the trip filled with pretty flowers. 
I hope to be back again soon! :)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Yeap, and today is one, bloody bloody bad day.
A couple of people at work made a huge mistake and yeppers, as their leader I had to take the bullets.

I can't say I wasn't angry, irritated, sad, disappointed or mental. I think I had a little of each; and kept to myself most of the day.


But people makes mistake. I believe in making an effort in not repeating the mistakes. Somehow it is just so damn difficult to:

- Make your subordinate feel the importance of work quality / impact of mistakes. Not okay to say "I don't know" / "Not too sure". If you're not serious - GET OUT.

- Make your superior understand that we are all human. You don't just yell to correct people's mindset. I don't like being yelled at. If I have a chance, I would quit immediately and let you run the fucking business. (really, excuse my language, I don't give a damn).

I am now officially 300% busier from today onwards.
However I can still smile, laugh and joke as usual..

Because, sometimes you just have a bad day. Nothing that a good sleep cannot rectify.


;;