The One With My Two Cents Worth

Yesterday, my boss said something to me that made me re-rethink about the establishment that I represent.

My boss found one small article in the sole local English language newspapers (distributed only within the capital city) about the President of this fine country.  The article made the front page, but it was a mere three paragraphs.  To me, the article was not a big deal, because it sounded more like the President's attempt to garner sympathy from the peoples (ps: No matter what the United Nations say, peoples is NOT a word!).  The President has less than 25 percent poll ratings and thus badly needed the support.

Anyway, so my boss told me to send a report to Headquarters about the small article.  I rebutted saying my piece of mind regarding the article but he would hear nothing of it.  He coyly said to me:

"(Headquarters) don't want quality, they want quantity."

I went dumbstruck for a while.

My boss, it seems, is more keen on making sure that I send lots of reports to Headquarters, albeit the lack of substance and quality to them.  He is more keen on having more in hand, then making sure the reports are of benefit to us and our political masters.

This goes so well with what is currently going on within the Headquarters, what with the calling back of our PR in Vienna over the whole IAEA voting scandal.

Press Statement December 5th, 2009

People in Malaysia are now saying that we should allow others from the private sector or "intellectuals" (do such people still exist in Malaysia?) to be Malaysian Ambassadors in the international arena.  They want more "quality" people to be the diplomats of Malaysia.

To me, the quality of Malaysia's diplomats and Ambassadors vary between individuals.  The generation of "quality" diplomats are slowing diminishing due to the course of time (ie. retirement).  Their protégées, meanwhile, are stuck doing administrative work or too burden with substantive matters that others don't seem to care about.

And the new generation of diplomats (albeit the training they have been given) go out in the world with an attitude of self-righteousness that, to many, look outright haughty or snobbish.  I know of a colleague who began her first time as a diplomat in charge of the Embassy because the former Ambassador of that Embassy had just retired and the new one has yet to arrive.  Said colleague went for many months telling people she is the acting Ambassador (which is false - we have a term for the title and it does not imply "Ambassadorship"). Even worse, after the new Ambassador arrived, said colleague still went around telling she is still the acting Ambassador because the new one has yet to present the credentials.  And that's just a recent and geographically close example.

So, in the end, it seems that Headquarters really is doing what my boss said.  They're more concerned about making sure the numbers are met, rather than making the quality of work (and people) are up to notch.  The few of us who know our "station in life" (a popular saying in Headquarters) and who know exactly how to represent our fine nation are being seen rotten by the few apples that stink the barrel.

Sigh.

The One With The Radio Interview

The producers of the radio show finally put up the interview on their blog.

http://thetypicalmistake.com/

Of course, they HAD to misspell my name, despite me giving them my name card.

Go figure!

I sound like a complete dunce!

Hey, I was nervous . . .

http://thetypicalmistake.com/Malaysia.mp3

As momma always say, we learn from our mistakes.

Just don't hold this against me.

The One With The First Few Days Back In Buenos Aires

I'm finally back in Buenos Aires after a 4 weeks vacation in Malaysia, Singapore and Bali.

So far, the 25 hour flight has little jet lag effect on me . . .

First day of work, and already there's tons to do.

Photos and reports of vacation coming soon.

Right now, need to get work done and EAT! since I've not eaten well since I arrived.

Radio interview done and out of the way

Tonite, Petronas dinner party . . .

So not in the mood to socialize.

The One With The First Week Back In KL

Today marks one week since I've arrived in Kuala Lumpur for my holidays. After being out of this country for over 2 years and 4 months (last I was here was back in April 2007), I noticed a few things.

In no particular order:

Drivers

Malaysian drivers are still "signal-turning-challenged" . . . meaning, that their hands are handicapped, and that they lack the proper appendages to flick that stick to indicate their turn - left or right. They STILL tailgate, despite knowing that the driver in the middle lane is driving at the appropriate speed and if that tailgater WANTS to go all F1 on a 80km/h road, they can do so on the right side of the road.

Women

Despite wearing tudungs / hijjabs and having a "holier than thou" attitude towards other non-tudung wearing Muslim women, these females of the species are far from being lady-like. Again, it's not to all, but a broad generalization. They push and shove in crowded areas. They like to shout what they demand from others. And they are not apologetic about showing all that. And all the while, they say bad things of other Muslim women who wear shorts or dont cover their heads as they do.

Oh, and the women nowadays seem to be vicious when they see a potential male that they like . . . tudungs or no tudungs. Malaysian women have come a long way since their "innocent anak dara kampung" (virgin country maiden) ways. They scare me.

Road Signs

I would have imagined that by now, the geniuses behind road planning would have figured out that placing road signs BEHIND trees on the sides of the roads are NOT beneficial to the drivers. Also, placing road signs to indicate the destinations at crossroads AFTER the crossroads will cause people to be CONFUSED!

Manglish

I should consider it fortunate that Malaysians can comprehend and converse moderatly well in the English language. But, I constantly find myself smiling upon hearing the many colourful ways the Manglish language is used in this country. Try sitting and just listening to how people talk . . . It'll brighten up your day.

Being a Foreigner In Your Own Country

So, last week I had to do some business stuff out of the way. Met several people to get things done and whenever first introductions were made, they would automatically speak English to me. And as such, I would reply back to them in English - in my accent(s) that come and go. Then, when they'd ask for my passport as a proof of identification, I'd give them my Malaysian Identity Card, and they'd be left dumbstruck. One, the picture in my ID resembles a younger Kim Jong-il (minus the glasses). And two, when I asked why they assumed I was a foreigner, they said it was on account of my accent and that I dont look like a Malaysian. The latter part intriqued me. And majority of them that I asked back, said it was because I dont have the normal "body and face" of a Malaysian. Yes, I'm just as confused.

Fat Malaysians and Malaysian Food

I suppose, it was the fact that MANY Malaysians remain to be out of shape plays a part in these people labeling me as "a foreigner". I can't help it if I choose to want to want to keep healthy. One MAJOR flaw in Malaysia being such a haven for food and all things food oriented is that the people tend to eat so much and lack in health wellness. The other day, I ordered a salad and mineral water and the waiter had to double check bacause, according to him, people dont order "water" anymore. It's always soft drinks or some sort of fruit juice.

Aside from that, I also noticed that my body can no longer . . . stomach . . . spicy Malaysian foods. Which irritates me, because I love spicy foods. So, now I end up eating so much spicy foods and then having to "visit the loo" on account of the purging. Eat and eat and purge and purge. On a plus side, I have lost weight. YAY!

Oh, and sorry to my friends, but yes . . . the older you got, the fatter you have become. Seems like I am growing on the opposite spectrum of the rainbow. When we were younger, I was the fat one, but as we aged, seems like they grew fatter, instead. So, please don't hate me for that or give me a weird look if the sleeves of my shirt happen to bulge more. I choose to live a healthy lifestyle. You can too.

The One With The First Day Back In KL

Ok . . .

So after almost a 24-hour flight

I'm FINALLY back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

And all I can say is . . .

IT'S SO HOT!

I need the cold winter days of Buenos Aires again.

First day I got here, my main objective was to sleep.

I wasn't able to sleep as much as I wanted to on board, despite being in the spacious Business Class (used up all my Enrich points AND added some Dollars to it . . . no thanks to the "The Powers That Be" and their discreet wish washy policy changes).

So, now it's 140am Malaysia time and jet lag has set in.

And the next day, I got tons to do and some people to meet.

Sigh . . .

I am still excited about going to one of the many Pasar Ramadhans coz I have missed the Malaysian food that are found plentiful during the fasting month.

All that work out in Buenos Aires will so go down the drain . . .

Sigh . . .

Shiela Majid's Cinta Jangan Kau Pergi

Ku sadari kesalahan ini

Yang membuat segalanya

Gelap jadinya

Oh Kasih ku

Ku harap kau mau

Memaafkan menerima pengakuan ku

Jangan kau diam lagi

Ku tak sanggup menahan

bicaralah kau sayang

Jiwa ini tak tenang

Cinta jangan kau pergi

Tinggalkan diriku sendiri

Cinta jangan kau lari

Apalah arti hidup ini

Tanpa cinta dan kasih sayang

My Interpretation in English:

I realize this mistake

That caused it all

To be engulfed in darkness

Oh my love

I hope you can

Forgive me of my confession

Don't remain silent

I cannot bear it

Say something, love

This soul is restless

Love don't you go

Leaving me alone

Love don't you run away

What's the point of this life

Without love and pasion

ps to Jehan: Yes, lately it's been mushy. Bite me!

Sarah McLachlan's ANGEL

Spend all your time waiting

For that second chance

For a break that would make it okay

There's always one reason

To feel not good enough

And it's hard at the end of the day

I need some distraction

Oh beautiful release

Memory seeps from my veins

Let me be empty

And weightless and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of an angel

Fly away from here

From this dark cold hotel room

And the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage

Of your silent reverie

You're in the arms of the angel

May you find some comfort there

So tired of the straight line

And everywhere you turn

There's vultures and thieves at your back

And the storm keeps on twisting

You keep on building the lie

That you make up for all that you lack

It don't make no difference

Escaping one last time

It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh

This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

In the arms of an angel

Fly away from here

From this dark cold hotel room

And the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage

Of your silent reverie

You're in the arms of the angel

May you find some comfort there

You're in the arms of the angel

May you find some comfort here

The One With The E-Ticket Finally Reconfirmed

So today my E-Ticket FINALLY got through.

Just have to call MAS in Buenos Aires to confirm that they have it in their system.

I shall not write in detail of the outrage that entailed when I was informed that my tickets for route EZE-KLIA-EZE were on confirmed economy class.

All I'll say is this: The boss' secretary who applied a month or two before I did this year got approved business class for her family of four, whereas THIS single guy only got a confirmed economy class.

The reason behind this "justificitation": No allocation left.

Note: I requested the tickets more than 3 months before my leave.

As I always say in situations like these:

GO FLY KITE!

When I wrote back to HQ to inquire on why I was given such a treatment, no one dared to respond officially. The previous circular(s) regarding this matter were clear. However there were NO ammendments to the circular that mentioned all are to fly on economy from this point on.

NOTE: The upgrading from economy to business applies ONLY on MAS.

And if they accused me of requesting it late, I should remind them that I had actually requested from LAST YEAR, but due to a certain Minister coming to visit at that time I was approved the tickets, I was instructed to postpone my trip back.

I shall not do that, unless I really am ultra pissed.

Currently, I'm just mega pissed.

My questions to you folks are these:

If the powers that be don't seem to adhere to their own circulars, why should the rest of us?

Therefore, if they can pick and choose, I think it should also apply to all.

After all, if one part of a contract is not carried out, does that not make it null and void?

That said, I'll be flying from EZE on September 6th (Sunday).

Arriving in KLIA on September 8th (Tuesday).

Can't wait to catch up with fellow Dip, Devrin on board the plane, since by coincidence, he too is flying back for good on the same flight, but boarding from South Africa.

WOOHOO!

I'll be in Malaysia for a month (give or take a few days).

Last time I was in Malaysia was back in April 2007.

Buka puasa together, anyone?

The One With The H1N1 Theme Song

For those of you who are still paranoid about the Swine Flu A(H1N1)

When you wash your body, wash your hands, too.

Leona Lewis' rendition of "I Will Always Love You"

If I should stay,
I would only be in your way.
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you ev'ry step of the way.

And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
You, my darling you. Hmm.

Bittersweet memories
that is all I'm taking with me.
So, goodbye. Please, don't cry.
We both know I'm not what you, you need.

And I will always love you.
I will always love you.

(Instrumental solo)

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love.

And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I, I will always love you.

You, darling, I love you.
Ooh, I'll always, I'll always love you

The One With A Love Almost Lost

My friends know me as one who is heartless.
Not rude or mean . . . Just emotionless.
The "In your face" attitude kind of thing.
And I don't believe in "love".

Till I found it.

And almost lost it.

Now, coz of my own undoing and stupidity, I'm on the verge of losing it again.

I understand now the saying:
"If you love someone, let them go."

I don't really want to let go
But if it means that the other person is spared the suffering, I would . . .

Again, I just want to reiterate . . .
I DONT WANT TO LET GO!

It's up to the other person, really.
For them to decide.

I'll leave it as that.

The One With A Few Updates

It's been a while since I last updated my blog.

Alot has happened.
Alot I've forgotten.

I got the A(H1N1) (suspected) swine flu.
Was home quarantined for two weeks.
Managed to be the ONLY (known) Embassy closed for a week due to it.
Yes, it takes a drama prince to get that to happen.
But I doubt that what I had was the swine flu.
I didn't have all the symptoms.
And I got major pissed at the Hospital that I went to.
They didn't do any tests and only prescribed flu medications which included antibiotics and pain killers.
None of that Tami flu medicine for me.
They lost my x-ray and wouldn't admit it.
Yet, they were able to diagnose my illness.
Argentina still ranks second highest in deaths due to the H1N1 virus - after the US, of course.

Managed to fix my broken notebook - but it's still with lots of glitches.
Paid ALOT of money to get it semi fixed.
And now my notebook's system is in Spanglish.
Gonna have to buy a new one.

Been doing more traveling.
My time in Argentina is fast coming to an end.
But not anytime TOO soon, I hope.
I still have 3 years of traveling to catch up on.
Oh, and I lost my snow virginity last weekend in Chile.

Going to Malaysia this September for vacation.
Got some drama related to that, too.
Not going to dwell too much into it, just sufficient to say I am VERY VERY disappointed with the current management in my Head Office.

My vacation will also see me go visit nearby countries.
Will tell where in future blogs.

Already warned my parents that when I go back for vacation, they are forbidden from bringing up the "M" issue.
M as in marriage.
They're getting pushy in their old age.

What else?

Can't recall much else.
If I do, I'll add on to it.

To Me

In continuation to my post earlier today:

During breakfast, I was listening to Leona Lewis' rendition of Snow Patrol's RUN:



I'll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all I've done



And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Away from here



Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you, dear



Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak, I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say



To think I might not see those eyes
Makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbyes
I nearly do



Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you, dear



Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak, I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say



Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you, dear



Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak, I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say


This became my muse for what I wrote during breakfast:


Walk my way
I'll be here waiting
To the winds, I'll pray
To bring you to me


Even if you can't hear my voice
Know that I'm whispering your name
Even though my arms are far from you
Its embrace still holds us close together


Run to me
I'll meet you here
Keep your faith in me
Yours I hold within


Knowing I can't look into your eyes
Justifies my loneliness here
But I'll still be here waiting
Against time to be together once more

The One With A Strange Dream

Last night, I had a particularly strange dream. What was more rare was the fact that I recalled the dream . . . This is something I have always had the unfortunate (un)ability to do.

Anyway . . .
I dreamt that I could fly. I could also manipulate the thoughts and actions of others (which, I already can do in real life, what with me being the Evil Mastermind that I am). I was living on an island. And somehow, I also had the ability to find pearls. Round creamy colored. Big and small.

So, there was a couple who managed to persuade me to tell them where they can also find the pearls on the island. I pointed it out on a map for them. But when they went to look for the pearls, the man and woman could not find any. I flew to that part of the island and I easily found plenty. And I also found the biggest pearl there was. I manipulated the man and woman to go find pearls elsewhere while I continued looking. Then I realized they had found some on the beach near where I was looking. So, I went to them and, again, made them go look elsewhere. I took their pearls for my own. I do not recall what I did with those pearls, but I do recall that by sending them away, I had made the couple angry with me.

Then it was sunset. Everyone on the island retreated indoors. From behind glass walls, they looked at the sunset across the horizon. I, on the other hand, decided to continue looking for pearls on the beach. It was then, that I realized that in my dream, the sunset is dangerous . . . much like radiation, hence the need for people to retreat behind the glass barriers.

Unhindered, I kept looking for pearls. Getting closer and closer to the sun on the horizon. Then, I heard a voice saying (and I remembered this vaguely) "Death awaits you while others look from the distance." I remembered that when I heard that, I flew back to the barrier, but, alas, it was too late.

I woke up.

The thing is, I know that death awaits us. But, in this moment of living, life is already here with us. I would rather embrace that, than to fret over uncertainties of the future.

The One With The First Of The New Generation

On 8 May 2009 at 2216 hours (Argentine time), I got an sms from Ma saying that my brother (Izuwan) 's wife (Ain) had given birth to a healthy 3.2kg baby boy.

My first thought was "Oh, forgot they were preggers."
Yes, that's so typical me.
And the fact that I missed their wedding coz someone shredded my leave application to return to Malaysia for that occasion,
made me realize I'm missing out on my brothers' milestones.

Another brother of mine (Fahmee) told me that they named the baby Alexander.
I was disappointed, coz I wanted to use that name for my own.
(wink wink, babe)

It wasn't till a few days later did I manage to talk to Ma.
She said that baby Izzafiq (see picture below) looked so much like me when I was born.

Really, Ma? REALLY?!


Looks more like a mini Yoda.
The hood didn't help none.

So, yeah.
I'm now officially an Uncle.

I'm still undecided on where I stand on kids.
I want to have some of my own one day
(WE do)
But for the moment, I'm not sure if I like kids.
But, they seem to like me lots.

Sigh.

Welcome to the World,
Izzafiq bin Mohd Izuwan

The One For Mi Sol

I like to take a song, get rid of the lyrics, and rewrite new words to the music.

Here's one sung to Beyonce's "That's Why You're Beautiful" for Mi Sol . . . . te sabes quien eres.





The ice walls around me
Now melt with your intensity
That's why I love you so . .

The emptiness now feels full
With the love you've shown me
That's why I love you so . .

Chorus:
I don't really care . . .
How Why When Where
Just words to me
The answers are there . . .
Within both you and me
Just hold me close . . .
And you will know . . .

The blindness once misguided me . . .
Now you've shown the light . . .
That's why I love you so
Guide my heart to your side . . . Love . . .
Help me find my way . . .

Repeat Chorus

I've lived my life alone
Not needing anyone else
My spirit used to wonder
Unknowing where it should go
But now it's found its proper place . . .
Right next to yours

That's why I love you so
That's why I love you so . . .

ROMANTIC (FAVORITE) MOVIES (tagged by Ms. Viva Vogue)

Please copy the following rules in your post (as usual)
1. You have to point out 5 romantic movies that you would love to share with your loved ones..
2. It doesn’t have to be in order.. as long as you love the movies, it will be fine..
3. You have to tag another 5 person to answer this tag.

I was tagged by Ms. Viva (NOT) Vogue. I guess considering how St. Valentine's Day is approaching, everyone is in a lovey dovey mood. For the record, I do NOT do St. Valentine's Day. It's been too commercialized and over done.

Sigh, I'm not a big fan of romantic (aka, chick flicks), but here goes.

In no particular order, the nominees for my favorite romantic movies, are:

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
What's not to like about this classic adaptation of a love story?
Oh, and they have singing dining utensils. Need I say more?



LOVE ACTUALLY
I am SO NOT a fan of the "oopsie daisy" actor, Hugh (more like Ew) Grant. But let's face it, the Brits do know how to do good romantic movies. I like how they spin all these different love stories into one movie. My favorite is the little boy's "first love" story and how his dad helped him get the girl. A must see for all.
Note: My favorite all time scene in a movie is the final scene of NOTTING HILL. Hugh Grant's character is sitting on a bench in the park, reading a book. Julia Robert's character has her head on his lap, smiling. That's the best scene from a movie.



GREASE
Come on, people! It's a classic. Dancing and singing "teens", though the actors were probably in their 20s or 30s back then. And of course, this was pre-fat John Travolta years.
GREASE LIGHTNING!


EVER AFTER: A CINDERELLA STORY
I like how they take a classic fairy tale story and gave it a more modern twist. In this one, the chick kicks ass!



A KNIGHT'S TALE
I love love how they make a movie that's set in the past but add in modern touches. Especially the costumes, the songs, and how they talk and act.


So, there you have it. Among my favorite Romantic Movies.
Now, who to tag?
I don't care really. Whoever wants to do it, go ahead and consider yourselves tagged!

Comments?

The One With The Not Sure What To Say On The Tardiness On Updates

I know
I know

I owe d'whole lot o'ya some updates on some of my recent adventures.

I got dem as drafts in this here Blog.

But I also uploaded pictures (minus the travelogues) in my facebook.

So, y'all just entertain yerselves there before I actually come a'sittin and write som'tin.

But I reckon I better do it fast, coz I got some more adventures due in a few weeks time.

Y para TI desde TU "pololo" (how i hate that noun):
tkro!

The One With the Mar del Plata New Year's Vacation

Normally,
I'd write a story to explain the events that happened, but on this occasion,
I'll let pictures do the talking and narrate ever so slightly.

So we left for Mar del Plata early on Wednesday December 31st morning. This is me walking from apartment to train stop to get train to go to bus station to get bus to go Mar del Plata. Then, I turned around, because I forgot the bus tickets.

This is the book I've been reading for MONTHS now. On my final pages, actually. I find it VERY different from the movie, but just as fun. I tried reading it on our way back to Buenos Aires, but I got car sickness all the way back.

I was the only one that had ONE bag - a knapsack. So I didn't have to "check in" any luggage.

Btw, can I just say, the bus system in Buenos Aires is chaotic. Our bus tickets said that the bus is due to depart at 9:45am from platforms . . . and here they gave us like 10 different platforms for us to choose.
So, we arrived at 9:40am at the platforms, and seems like our bus wasn't there. We asked around and NO ONE knew which bus was going to Mar del Plata. At this point we thought for sure we had missed the bus.
Then, at 9:50am, the bus finally pulled into a platform. Sheesh!
We boarded and 5 minutes later, we were off.
FYI: the ride was around 4-5 hours, despite them saying it was 6 hours.

We checked into our hotel and quickly went out to find a place to eat. This was it. Food was fast-food but kind of nice. As usual, I was famished, but with not much of an appetite. Oh, and we shared this food:
Although, I did not share the anchovy looking thing, the rest of the seafood platter was delicious.

Our hotel was called Dora. It had a 4-star rating.
I wonder in what Universe they got that 4-star rating? It was not even worth 3. This is me looking out from our breakfast venue on the 7th floor of the hotel, trying to see if the day was going to be cold or not.

FYI: For a beach city, it was always cold. The sun was there, but so was the chilly winds. Made for no fun.

Even on vacation, I'm on call.

This is a milkshake of some sort. It's called licuado. It's with milk and banana. My favorite. And look at the size!
Everyone knows I like them big.

This orange juice was so delicious coz it was so naturally pulped.

This building caught me by surprise. It was inffluenced by Arabic design and architecture, coz there were Arabic wordings all over it, and the lunar moon thing on the top made me think it is a mosque.

Another thing that caught us by suprise was the abundance of these so called "Pakistan Shops". They were all over the place, selling things from "hindu clothes" to sheeshas to Egyptian souveniors to Chinese souveniors. It was just too weird.

We had lunch at this nice restaurant.
We wanted to go there again for dinner, but it was too far a walk.

Me goofing off after our loooooong walk along the beach fronts.

Oh, my lordy! I looked so skinny in this picture. That's what happen when you get sick for 3 weeks plus and don't eat at all.
But I loved it!
The looking skinnier, not the sickness part.

And finally, a scene from our final dinner and night at Mar del Plata. This is me getting some air outside the restaurant we had dinner at.

Overall, the trip was an experience. The beaches were mainly filled with ghetto people. Not many good looking people around. That was a major bummer! The days were cold. There wasn't really much to do. Casinos were everywhere. Couldn't find a good seafood restaurant. In the end, didn't have that nice seafood salad we were aiming for. Oh, and I got sick on New Year's Eve after we finished our weird buffet dinner at the weird buffet restaurant. So, I dampened the celebrations some.

Would I go again to Mar del Plata? I think not.