Hypothetically speaking....

One fine day.....

You decided to go fishing. You cast your bait and Fish Type-A falls for it.

Would you...

Release Fish Type-A gently from the hook, put it in your bucket and head home.
(Note: Fish Type-A is commonly available in our waters and tastes rather bland. It does not ignite your tastebuds so to speak...)

OR

Would you...

Release Fish Type-A gently from the hook, and set it free to swim in the waters again and wait patiently for Fish Type-B to bite the bait.
(Note: Fish Type-B is not as common, but its taste blend in extremely well with your tastebuds. Downside is the uncertain waiting time and the likelihood of your tastebuds agreeing with its taste after having waited for so long...)

So Fisher(wo)man.... What would you do? I long to know....

-LV-

Promotional Activities

Marketing is important. But, how do we tow the line between excessive marketing and aggressive marketing?

McDs have "I'm Lovin' It" as their tagline. KFC goes with "Finger Lickin' Good", while Tesco goes with "Every Little Helps". These tactics have worked fine and well for these corporations. But, how does this work (in retrospect) with regards to the 'human world'?

We do makeovers, to improve our looks and probably our self-image and undoubtedly our self-esteem (to a certain extent). All these are done with the intention to 'score' in the looks-department and hopefully would enable us to bag a yummy-licious partner. (My inference).

We write CVs with intentions of bagging the coveted job; the one that is the key to all the riches in the world. The one that opens doors to countless opportunities, endless prospects and inevitably useful contacts for the future. But, how many know where to draw the line?

I've come across many individuals (of late) who seem to enjoy 'advertising' their educational qualifications or more ironically their educational status (as in current course and institute of higher education). Seeing this never fails to put a smile on my face. Out of sacarsm? *heh!* But, yes, I never fail to roll my eyes when I see such signatures. How desperate can a person geh? Or should I ask, does it really give them self-gratification from doing so? Unlikely. As very often, the best qualified and well-learned individuals are often the most humble and down to Earth persons you would ever see. Margot, Rodney, Suzzanne, Iain, David, Matti and yes, John.... an idol I love to hate!

At this point, I'm reminded of an encounter with a bloke a couple of years back. We hit off well, until .... until he started bragging about his pay cheque and company car. What joy! I still can't fathom the motive behind his actions. Unlikely to be the best way to try to impress a girl?!?!?!? Well, as I would say, one man's meat is another man's poison. So what's deemed a turn-off for me, might be a turn-on for others.

Point is, we all have to learn how to keep our mouths shut and to remain low-profile at times. Excessive self-promotion aka bragging is a big No! No! How low can one stoop? (Oh, OK that's exaggeration. But, you get my point?!)


-LV-

Stupid Solution to a Non-existing Problem

News that has been hitting local headlines recently: "12 year old girl commits suicide over UPSR results"

Question:
If failure to score 7As (the candidate scored 4Bs, 2Cs, 1D) in the UPSR examinations results in suicide.
Fail CLP means how? (English: What would happen if one fails CLP?)

Answer:
Fail then resit la, what to do! Won't die one.... (English: Worst situation, will just have to resit.)


Note: Who cares about what you got for UPSR when there are so many exams to be taken many years down the road? It's not the end of the world.

-LV-
(hopes to avoid being shot in class on Friday)

Resolutions

I shall repent.....

I shall cease to be critical of the shortcomings of others....

I shall cease to impose high expectations on others.....

I shall learn to appreciate individuals as they are....


-LV-
*down and out*

Sleepless in Seatle (Malaysian version)

It's already 4.08am and I'm still wide awake. Got 7 whole hours of class tomorrow. Goodness!

I hate my sleepless nights in KL/PJ! Must be something to do with the caffeine levels in the teh ais here!

*Here's to another sleepless night! -cheers-*

-LV-

Apam Balik (Tai Kau Min)

I love peanuts (No, I'm not a monkey).

I love Apam Balik a.k.a. Tai Kau Min; my ultimate 'sin' food. Crushed peanuts, heaped spoonful of sugar along with some butter all encased in a 'pancake'. I'm a happy camper! :)

I rarely turn down an offer for one, especially if it's from this particular stall.

And yes, the "Ah Poong" (or whatever its called) is lovely too. It's a super thin version of Apam Balik, without the peanuts, sugar and butter/margarine. Think, something that is thinner than Roti Tisu, minus the sugar and margarine. The sides are super thin and crunchy and the middle is chewy. Lovely!

Managed to snap a couple of pictures of the vendors in action. Didn't dare to go near for better shots, as I didn't wanna risk the embarassment of being scolded in public.

My favourite vendors in action. I marvel at their coordination and dexterity.

(Note: The freshly made 'Ah Poongs')

Tee Hee!!! My favourite Apam Baliks! Not the best picture, as I had to do it quickly or risk shelling from the Uncle.

A not so decent shot of my Apam Balik. *Yummy!*

______

Another point to note:

I need a decent camera. My phone camera is crappy. SE K610i - 2.0 mega pixels, without autofocus... Argghhh!!!! But still, I love it. It's sleek with 3G functions *smiles*

-LV-

Kuching, Sarawak

It was a whirlwind romance (literally)...

An eventful period of my life, I would say. Don't have much recollection of what I did during the 3 months I was there. But one thing for sure, I must admit, I miss the place.

Yes, some may call me crazy. But, there's this nagging feeling deep within that constantly draws me back to this place.

It might be the laid-back lifestyle.

It might be the friends and people.

Or, it might be simply because of this feeling; "3 months, and I've not known the city as much as I would love to."

(Yet again, the longing to explore)

This city has changed a lot since I left. Modernisation in the works. (Cinemas and shopping complexes in the works according to KH) I can't even recognise the airport from the many pictures I've seen! *Gosh!*

From this...

Kuching International Airport (pre-renovation)

Picture taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/shinyai/273286104/

To this....

Kuching International Airport (post-renovation)

Picture taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerdrazor/136903113/

One thing for sure, I'll definitely be back. Reasons unknown.

Kuching Waterfront

Picture taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/aida_rahman/770044630/

Yes, I will be back. I promise. But, when?

This place has its own rustic charm. It's only a matter of time...

-LV-

To Travel and To Explore

I once dreamt of working in the rainforests, ala Jane Goodall. Saving the wildlife, conserving our environment. Hence, the idea of being an environmental scientist did play in my mind for quiet sometime. But alas, I came to realise that this dream of mind would have to pave way for something more viable in the long run.

Fast forward 7 years later, as I sit here typing this blog entry, my urge to travel is greater than ever. But then again, reality strikes. Without a proper job and qualifications (well, I still need my CLP) where am I going to find the money to travel? Hence, my dreams of backpacking round the world or cycling across Central Asia goes down the drain. (Yet again!)

In the next few years to come, work commitments would definitely tie me down. Thus, my best bet would be to get a job that would provide me with the opportunity to jet-set around the world. But well, how many lawyers do that? Perhaps, I'm in the wrong field. Should have done some international development (read UNDP) or maybe medicine (read WHO Humanitarian Aid programmes). I envy K who will be heading off to Thailand with UNIDO, envy S who used to do humanitarian work in Afghanistan, envy D who set up a medical aid agency in his home country... Will I be able to do that?

Yes, I could just complete my CLP next July and dump everything behind, pack my bags and go globetrotting, reading to blind kids, building schools, running developmental programmes. But, I realise, it would be a selfish act to do so. I can't just dump everything behind. Plus, at times, I do feel the need to settle down (read stay rooted) at one place. (This in part played an important role in my not applying for the IGS in Manchester).

There are many other means by which we could help make a difference. We just have to be at the right place, at the right time.

Nonetheless... It's time for me to join the rat race... and to contribute whenever/whereever possible

First Impressions

Was speaking to KH on the phone 2 days ago and it was brought to my attention that it's neigh time that I update my blog...

______

But anyway...

This timely reminder has transported me back to an issue that was first brought to my attention by M. First impressions.... I would dare say that M and I share much in common; common values and probably personality and character traits to a certain extent. We both place importance on first impressions. Confidence, speech and mannerisms play an important role (in our opinions) when 'sizing up' new acquaintances. And it suffices to say, we're right most of the time.

But yeah, it's very true (IMO) that it takes only 10 sentences to be able to tell (roughly, but not always accurately) one's personality. Though, what I think is of greater importance here is how one reacts to a person whom he/she dislikes. Some would distance themselves from him/her; whilst some would still try to act civil towards that individual. It's a matter of personality and adaptibility of the other party as well.

Well, first impression is what that gives a general potrayal of oneself, gives someone his/her job and probably, ensures success in reality shows like Survivor (yes, I'm a sucker for this series).

My point is; first impression matters, but it's not everything. Do give others a second chance and who knows what will be waiting at the other end...

-LV-

Food, Glorious Food...

Time flies, and it's been 7 weeks since I uprooted myself from the place I've called 'home' for the past 3 years back to the greener pastures of Malaysia. Well, I guess I'm one of the few who do not think that the grass is greener on the other side. I could safely assume that I'm one of those who (naively) believe that; when there's a will there's a way. In other words, opportunities are aplenty whereever you are. It's just the person and the effort put in that makes a difference.

Anyway, I've been rekindling my love affair with all things Malaysian. Most importantly, food. Well, those who know me well, know I don't eat hefty portions. But yeah, there are still some stuff that I love to adore..

Ais Kacang, Kuih, Apam Balik, Ipoh White Coffee.... and yes, mangosteens and rambutans! J'aime

Ais Kacang (Stall no. 15 @ 36 Stall; Kampar, Perak)

Kuih (Kampar Market @ Night) - Pardon the bad lighting

Ipoh White Coffee (Ipoh Old Town Kopitiam, Mutiara Damansara. But the best one can be found at Ipoh Old Town - Kong Heng coffeeshop if I'm not mistaken)

I've got a picture of my favourite Apam Balik hidden somewhere, but can't seem to find it now. My guess is that it's prolly hidden in bro's phone. Well, shall leave it for my next post then.... :)

PS: The rambutan tree has just started to bear fruit. Can't wait to lay my hands on the ripe ones! It's been 3 long years. Yes, a very long time indeed...

-LV-