the secret life of a bohemian princess who writes for nothing

the art of ...

i believe there is an art for everything, because there's so much beauty hidden beneath, even in the worse hours while your boss attacks you in the office.

there is an art of being cool, an art of being a boss, an art of having a posh lunch, a romantic date, a spontaneous flirt, yeah, almost everything that you could possibly think of.

previously while having a conversation with my girlfriend, we came up with this idea of having our own personal blog with us being the feature writers. we think its cool to write about something that we're good at, other than good shopping tips and the best new brand in town.Talking about being streetsmart sassy young professionals, not just being all prepped up with fancy makeups and tailored powersuits and zero in the brains, or else people would have call you bimbo or dumb blondes. the last thing i ever wanna hear to be said to women. there are so many things women are good at you know?

yeah, we'll probably set up the blog real soon and wait for the others to write and speak their minds.

i'll probably write about the endless ...the art of everything.. (wink wink)

doing nothing

this is one of the laziest weekend ever.

stayed in bed more than i need to for the rest of the morning, and the unproductive hours prolongs which took up the whole saturday.

but honestly, I love lazing around like this, sometimes.

i did absolutely nothing today, other than running the checklist, jotting down extra notes for my work next week, and just cuddling in bed. lunch and dinner was completely taken care of his truly. how easy.;)

there is something special about me and bedrooms. sorta have theraupetic feel in it.and each different bedrooms that I normally sleep in it have some mystery to it. Like my room in PJ, with all necessary makeover once in a while, it does have some kinda sunshine feel to it when you wake up in the morning especially during the holidays. those rays piercing through the window and the sweet smell of grass and birds chirping does made me feel like its better to just stay in bed with a good book.

and in my apartment, currently after the invasion of mak menti, i've been very particular about everything inside my room. I don't know how and why she must have got in, and my roomates are saying because my room smells so pleasant and the carpet and everything else made a major attraction for everyone and everything to stay inside.I've made  the decor fits into 70's charm, but now I'm rearranging to give a new look again soon.got a few more months before i officially move out and start renting a new apartment again next year.

so, i'm stuck with the idiot box watching whatever catches my fancy, and now get back to the productive side with a thick book on one hand after i finish this blog.daddy said i have to read more in other to score, which is why i believe its definitely crucial for this few weeks before the exam day comes.

so people,that's a story for today.

check?

i had a few highlights this week, which I think sums up the major preparations for the upcoming engagement next month.

these few days I've been trying to book my parents on different shopping trips.Gosh, sometimes it would be easier to do shopping together with the whole family, but in the case of mine, that would be highly unlikely.

took my mum to endless shops just to find the beautiful piece to replace the old curtains in the living room. yeah, it has to go well with the wallpaper, and the theme colour she said.like everything has to have the bridal undertone. yeah, right.

I decided not to be fussy with the furniture, I would love the french chic concept but very soon finding myself moving to a new bedroom soon.so, we picked up the sturdy black colour for a classic look.play safe and easy I must say.been scraping thousands for a nice and adorable bedroom, yet, it pays me if I can sleep well and do anything with it.

So i'm done with the home deco department, and finally, it was really to myself, just to make everything comes into good picture soon.

the other day hariah came to my house, as usual we chatted about our normal hectic and boring life, how obsessed we are about our jobs and endless future plans.we're so excited zila is coming back from australia end of this month, so probably gonna hook up a party for all the girls. we're such suckers for girly parties, and never got bored of doing this. I guess we're gonna have more parties this year, especially when we got everyone back in town and more stable in terms of work and squeezing into some precious times together.

hariah was also a part time make up artist, who really succeeded in making her hobby into a fruitful activity. so it is wonderful to have a make up artist as a best friend, because if ever you grew obsessed about the cosmetics, bodycare and endless range of skincare, you can always have someone who could go as crazy as you in sharing the details. she is more than willing to help me out to do my face soon, after her return from Geneva. But Hariah, I think i would rather have you and the girls stay pretty and enjoy yourself during that day. I can always save you for the rainy day!

and yesterday I met weda, who was among the best girlfriends when i was in highschool. we had endless craze for seventeen magazines back then,and i would trade my smashhits in return, i could remember we did little to prepare ourselves for the SPM, the rest was just having fun and exchanging books and gossips.she had this little hobby of snapping photos which i think she had such a great flair in it and i decided to book her to be the photographer, as she could experiment her first experience with her own friend too.

yeah, i did that because i love all her photos she took while she stayed in dublin, and I fancy her for traveling to numerous places just for the sake of enjoying the beauty of nature and the people and it reflected in her many many photographs.Trust me weda, if you ever considered  a side income, this is the best one, and it should really pay the rest of expenses we're trying to pay while we're working and done with our degree!

and in weird hours texting mr swank and making him bored with the details,i think i have done enough to make it into a simple yet perfectly arrange affair soon.

I'm done ! I'm done!

I wanna start on my PTK revision soon!!

never had it easy

when i was small, i was never an excellent learner.

yeah, i did score a couple of good grades while i was in school, but success never comes easy for me.

it was through the hardwork, it was about the effort that goes a long way.and somehow, it was never enough.

but through the journey itself, i met people.

when i was little, i used to be so amazed at my dad, who could write poetry about his work. he delivered good speeches, and  i remember he used to bring me to numerous functions when i was young, just to be there and watch him on stage.

and when i went to boarding school, i had this crazy idea of seizing the moment everytime I had my time on stage, be it just because of the dance, the song, choir, emceeing, i had the best time in my life to share what i know with public.

and through the years, i learned to be more dynamic in utilizing the skills.my dad told me i had to be good in order to be successful, but he knew very well that i was not that good to be miss prim and proper.somehow i also enjoyed the otai days in highschool.

and now, it was really about me.

how i made people perceived me.

it was not really easy.

but then again, i had to grow up and learn to take up my responsibility.

but to be good, it might gonna take a looong way.

it begins today.

the worst feb 14th

never in my entire life while I work in civil service, I cried.

but today. I burst into tears. I was wailing like crazy.

Menangis macam baru lepas tengok kucing sendiri mati kena gilis kat jalan raya.

It was awfully and dreadfully torturing. For a few seconds in my life, i feel like i rather just die.

The truth is, I had a really bad day in the office today. I just recovered from painstakingly high fever, missed three working days in a row and just had the courage to go to work today because I just can't bear thinking about my IN tray.

Oh god, it was pathetic. And the worst part, I have not yet fully recovered.

and I was so busy that I can't even eat the whole day. It was my stomach that grumbles and my body was crushing because the freezing aircond is killing my high body temperature. I remember signing those vouchers while shivering and endless silent prayers to God.

how can rm246 be such a big issue? certain mistakes are intolerable.

i cannot make mistake at all. if i do, i jeopardize my division. it reflects the agency.and furthermore, my dad even said he can't forgive me for this.sometimes people said your dad won't be too harsh on you, but he is.At home and in the office, it was no difference.Don't ever let your emotions control you.

so back home, hungry, exhausted and being bullied and my fever is getting worse, and my dad brought the same office issue home, I locked myself up and cried and cried and cried. Until maghrib came and picked my telekung and pray to God.

maybe i was bound to push myself off the limits.maybe i myself don't have the strength.but i can't give up to soon.

i would be too stupid too give up.but i might as well buat bodoh je.

but i do belief what goes around comes around.

extra looong holiday

I told my boss I'm off for a week holiday early next month, with one solid excuse.

I'm going to sit for PTK exam on 12 & 13th.

And I haven't started reading anything just yet. Thanks to Feefa and Syida, they have been so generous in providing what I should read on. Which in my case, I won't have much time to study diligently as I used to in the university. Administration is fairly not as interesting as literature or politics.

and being the usual boss who loves giving extra work - sometimes I think my forehead bears this I-can-take-it look, she sounded rather displeased when I announced my application for one week holiday had already been approved. She knows she's going to crazy without me then. Well, just learn to be more independent and learn more from the rest of the people..should I say that?

well, i think i need those break to gain my sanity back.

Shall come back as a new person..

and new gear for my desk!

happy feet

shoes is the lifelong obsession. And in fact, it somehow runs deep in the family, except for my mum, who was more of extravagant shopper because she likes everything, including what's good for home and her business. She is a different subject matter totally.

So, me and Mas decided on shoe shopping trip the other day.We went to endless shops and carefully trying on each shoes that delights our sights.I'd go crazy over golden and metallic diamante heels, and torn in between whether to purchase or not to purchase.Then there was this great looking traffic red beach slippers with bright sparkling fake rubies and sapphire.If only I could wear that on a relaxed Sunday morning while looking for a chic breakfast cafe.

The search goes on until I found a sophisticated velvet pumps in deep burgundy.From the side it looks like you're wearing a closed wedge, definitely a sexy combo to go with wide legged pants and a wrap around shirt. Double damn because I can't wear pants to work either.So, it doesn't go well with baju kurong or kebaya and I silently pushed the idea of owning the pair in a few seconds.

Mas, went thrilled over a dirty pink peep toe with lace trimmings. It kinda reminds me of the first peep toe in ivory white  I bought two years ago, where I went on a tour from each departmental store in KL just to look for the right size and colour.I was supposed to get that in pink but they totally ran out of stock.I got the white one instead.

I think we spent the whole afternoon scouting and exchanging ideas on which design matches with which outfit. We made our final stop at ISETAN and there I got some ideas for the wedding and for the casual wear for the next season.

And bought 4 inch polka dot peep toe in natural colour and white!! the Nine West my fave!!

Gave a new outlook and feel for my feet.Yeay!!

you know its love when...

1. he was genuinely concern about you staying up late in the office at night, politely advising to go home and said, there's always tomorrow to finish what you've started.
2. surprise you for a dinner after work even when you know he's too tired to drive all the way to pick you up
3. hold your hand tight when you're out of with your friends, under no false pretense that you're comfortable with each other
4. what you gave him to wear became his favorite item
5. be extremely picky about what looks good on you
6. gave you the best advise, and seek your support when he's under distress
7. won't let your independence take full control of yourself, let him be the man in charge sometimes
8. when he misses you the most, said nothing but I miss you!
9. when you're sick, bring you to see the doctor and make sure you take your medication regularly.
10. when he's happy, share his happiness with you
11. when he's sad or frustrated, shared the same feeling with you
12. he's crazy for you!!

call it a day

Ed came to my desk today, smiling happily when he flashes his air ticket to New Zealand next week.He's leaving on V-Day, and was so ecstatic about the trip. Here, in Training Division where I was working all junior officer will have the chance to travel abroad, at least once during our stint.I haven't had mine yet, but doesn't really matter because I've had my Europe tour last year. Going for holiday is no comparable to the business trip.

CT who just came back from Canada, greet me with a wide smile and gave a cute tie pin bearing the Canadian flag. She said she hated the winter, and it was really a challenge to go there for a research on the cost of living for Malaysian students studying in Canada.But who wouldn't love a trip abroad don't you think?

And early in the morning,Feros called me up and sounded so anxious because the representative from Cardiff University came for a courtesy call. Our colleague in charge fell sick so he had to entertain the guest.I thought I had enough of handling overseas payment last year, and was thinking of fully concentrating on local only, but sadly the new guy wasn't there to help Feros up.So alternatively, I just had to be there for the backup in payment wise and adding a little bit of laugh during the discussion. I don't know, it wasn't easy to just pull it to entertain guest like that but we do exchange lots of stories. And meeting new people is like a remedial therapy for me. I receive more complaints rather than good chat in the office, if I might add.So, once in a while,its fun.

The rest of the day, I was signing cheques and vouchers again.My staff came up to me this morning, and politely apologize because the mounting files on my desk, she said "i'm so sorry you have to put up with this,but may God bless you".

I said, "its ok,because I think i'm quite used to it already".

Talking about Alah Bisa Tegal Biasa.

Hmm...did I use the right proverb?

Gosh..my BM is bad!

songs in my head

apparently, these few songs got stucked in my head and somehow I love it very much although it doesn't reflect anything I'm going through right now.

You might wanna check it out too,it was really a hit in Europe, when I went there last year.

Lilly Allen - Smile ( about a girl who's dating a jerk, of which I am not)

Paulo Nutini - The Last Request ( the guy's leaving the girl, again- but seriously I love this song)

James Morrisson - You Gave Me Something

Gwen Stefani - The Sweet Escape

and some others I listen to during  14 hours flight journey...

Try listen to them especially Lilly Allen- I think you're gonna laugh! but kinda explicit lyrics though..

of changing desk

Previously I was in charge of handling overseas payment for JPA sponsors,and now my boss wants me to work on new project for local payment for IPTA and IPTS  all over the country.

The first day as the new desk officer for local uni, I had to attend a discussion with IPTs regarding the payment issue.I was nervous and remain silent throughout the whole sickening hour.

And after that, I had it again.Today.

I think I had the longest meeting this afternoon. We invited Bank Islam to do a product presentation in the office today, as a follow up from a meeting at UITM last week.I get bored with long discussion, and end up munching kueh from one plate to another. Eddy who sat next to me only smiled and just I finished the second plate, he asked ; " Perut ade berape?"

Haha..I said ; "Ko nampak ade brape?"

"aku tak nampak.."

"sebab tu la 2 pinggan tak cukup kut", and I smirked.Eating can ease a lot of stress, you know.

We're supposed to come up with the final decision by today, ambitiously we're trying to reduce complaints received from the students who kept complaining the scholarships were received a few weeks late when the new semester opens.Yeah, been there , done that before. back in IIU when we normally complained about the Finance Unit who always delayed the fund transfer.Never even thought of doing this job, when it turns out I have to monitor local universities in order to make sure that the students received their money as soon as possible.And I am still trying to figure out why they love doing this ...

It was not an easy job. Signing vouchers is easy.Signing cheques which bear huge figures is fun. You have the authority to it. But I was never too proud of what I do everyday. When your everyday job becomes a routine, you barely see the interesting part of it.

Then, the other challenge. The people. Your boss, your subordinate,the public.

I managed to keep my cool so far. I had people shouting at me everyday,but I can still bravely put on my fake smile.To me it doesn't matter.Its part and parcel of life.

And finally, when the meeting almost ends, my colleagues told me,we might have to set up other meetings with other universities to figure out the best payment procedures for them too.Which mean, I am going to spend less time in the office this year.Have I had enough of airport duty, sleepless nights in KLIA and Subuh and breakfast at the fast food outlet over there?

God, more meetings? What exactly I'm driving myself into?

the beautiful dimensions of multitasking?

a new bedroom

i may sound funny for the fact that I only spent a couple of days in a month in my own private bedroom at my parents place and was thinking of a full makeover this year.

but , yeah. I said to my dad the other day, I wanted a new bedroom. Get a new colour, pastel coloured wallpaper in baby blue and all white furniture. A French chic look.

He said, it has to go well with the rest of other rooms in the house, that got me in dead end to plan for the rest of six rooms which never really had a concept in the first place.

I always want to think of my home as a kindergarten, with a large library with dusty books on the shelves and a spacious garden with endless supplies of herbs and local fruits like a small dusun.

and my room is like a treasure chest. It has undergone series of rearranging for new stuff and I have tried my best to minimalize my things. Which is, impossible.

but I carry on reading on french chic design these few days, I hope to  finally draft something out and purchase a few deco items in march.

can I have some extra hours to do this apart from my demanding work schedule?

owh... how I wish!!!

on the thought of reading again

My dad just came from Manila today, and he gave me a few books and comics from Phillipines. I could tell that he went to numerous bookshops in Manila to find interesting books over there.

He bought a couple of books about Jose Rizal, and two copies  of comics relating to the legendary writer. I have always wanted to read about him anyway, and his books were received with open arms.

On the thought of reading his books, heavily on Philippines political drama, I was juggling my thought on reading General Order and Malaysian Constitution which were a great challenge because it wasn't interesting but highly a must of every administers to know. Too bad if it was like a bible for PTD like me.

Yeah, reading and PTK...next month.

A challenge.

I could easily finish a book on Audrey Hepburn's philosophy of life, self help book on workaholic ( the respectable addicts) and books on home decor in a week, but can't finish the first page in GO in one day.

Tell me how to get interested with work related books?

wasn't that easy, was it?

lalalala...

february and valentine..

it is february and love is in the air again.

I spent most of the time these few days on the road, driving from one destination to another, and every time I turn on the radio, I recall endless commercials about V-Day.

Is it true that you have to wait until the very V-day to celebrate love and compassion?

To me, it wasn't the case.Although it would be a lovely thought to get a bouquet of rose , chocolates and a fancy dinner.But I am not so much a lover of these..including the flowers...let's skip that and head for dinner only, haha.

Well, you don't have to wait until Feb 14th to celebrate love. To show the person you love you really care about him. Every other day on the calendar matters to me, because everyday you could always think of something new to say and to surprise him, maybe just spontaneously surprise him at his door and say I love you? and thousands of other ways that could thrill each other.

Even if you're miles apart, communication is the key.You're with him even not physically together. Because, there will come a day and after that, to spent your life together with him.Its worth a wait, I think.

I was thinking of taking V-day this year in a different style.

Maybe with the girls...what do you say?

Segafredo Zanetti would be an awesome place to meet....