Shura's off the market

Lil miss best friend is engaged!

(we were 17 back then!)

She flew back from Melbourne just for what-Zamir-calls-it: “Tunang Time! =)”

Oh so gorgeous my lil miss best friend!

I was so very happy for her for finding the most perfect person like Zamir for I know Zam would take care of her like a queen. How do I know? Coz he treats ME like that too when I go over to Melbourne (the privileges of a best friend), what more the girl he’s gonna marry! The perfect guy for the perfect girl =) I’ve only known Zam for as long as Shura has been with him (Duh!) and I cannot be any happier than I already am! They’re just perfect together. It’s still fresh in my mind the first day they got together and we were all skyping just so that they could tell me the happy news =)

Just 6 days in Malaysia and that was the start of my leave from work too. I mean come on, your best friend is getting engaged. You’d definitely drop everything for her, no? Well according to best friend set 2, (vivy&ajjie) : NO! We shall see when Vy gets up that pelamin ok? Anyway, these 6 days were filled with crazy hectic schedules to ensure that the engagement was perfect.  From running around to do her nails, her spa session, getting her engagement shoes (a few hours before the engagement ok! Both of us were panicking to find the right one!), staying up to watch the set up for the tent and just a lot of sleepovers and spending family time. Yes, when shura’s home, aunty and uncle said my name is Alia Shukor. I feel so very loved =)

At ShuZam's Engagement Party

On the real day, I was her personal assistant (Alia, I want brownies! Alia, I want water! I want this! Zip me up! My God, so bossy) cum babysitter to her niece and nephews cum her dulang girl. When night time came, I was as tired as the tunang herself ok. I crashed even before her! Lucky thing I had enough energy to attend her engagement party the night after. Things we do for best friends. I cannot even begin to list down all the things that Shu and Zamir have done for me =)

Can’t wait for the wedding day already! The parents from both sides have warned me to start applying for leave now, coz apparently they foresee me moving from one function to another with them already. Oh God, I wonder what my duty would be. A 3 in 1 perhaps? Dulang girl-bridesmaid-maid.

P/s: If you think she looks gorgeous in the pictures, wait till the real wedding day. All her baju are just OMG-SO-LAWA!

Now I miss those good ol' Melbourne days with the both of them!

I Love You Shushu and Zam!

When it hits me

Today I went up to two of my closest colleagues and blurted:

 “Sometimes, I’m tired of being me. Can I take a break please?”

They understood me almost immediately (knowing me inside out) and assured me that it’s not wrong to feel that way sometimes. They then decided for a happy-thoughts-time over breakfast, and I felt much better. The lil things they do that never fail to make me feel good all over again. I needed that support to get through what seemed like a very tough week this week. I only wished I had all my closest ones with me during these times.

Oh well, 3 more days to get through! I can do this! :)

*Sings Dreamgirls’ songs*

No Pain No Gain

3 weekends ago was tryouts for the Bank's futsal team, in preparation for the Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA) games 2011. 2010 was a year when I had joined most of the sports for the Bank and I have never been any happier to be able to grab that opportunity to represent the Bank. It feels very good to be honest, to be able to contribute back through something that you love doing! Last year was Futsal, Athletics, Bowling and Badminton for me.

Truth be told, work has been taking a lot of my time, hence I've not been visiting the gym the past few months. But I also know that I have an amazing team at work who would drop anything to encourage me to go for it, so I was ready! A one week crash training!

• Tamimi made it a point to spend everyday accompanying me at the gym.
• Faris made sure I warmed up, cooled down properly, and came to the rescue on that Wednesday when I couldn't walk due to my hamstring pull. He's one amazing team manager, has always been and will always be. I came down for training and he had all these prepared.
• Jolyn and Ireen checked up on me everyday to see how I was doing (after my pull) and constantly reminded me to make sure I had enough rest and ate proper food. Such awesome big sisters I have at work.
• Raja scheduled futsal friendly matches on Thursday and I had my usual Tuesday night futsal with my KTJ + London seniors, just so that I could get the hang of the game.

With my London loves

and I...definitely exhausted myself. Deep down, I really wanted the spot in the team. But I know that there are a lot of potentials out there that I had to compete with and so I wasn't putting my hopes up too high. Plus, I was super duper (duper trooper I tell you) demotivated when I got my hamstring pull, I could cry! I was told that I cannot play if it doesn't heal! :(

To add icing to the cake, I successfully woke up late on the tryouts day *sigh* (good thing Ireen checked up on me!!), panicked, showered, grabbed my bag and rushed straight to the office! Got to the office, and Faris was already waiting, and I of course quite immediately crashed in the car. Good thing he drove! I FORGOT TO EAT BREAKFAST! Pfft...

Empty stomach and close to 3 hours of futsal killed me. I was hit with a major headache afterwards, all the way till 11 PM the same day. Crazy thumps in my head just loved me too much. I've never had anything so weird like that before, but maybe because I had so many things to do as well. But anyway, 

I MADE IT INTO THE TEAM!  :):):)

So, I guess the migraine was well worth it? Coz I'm one very happy girl - being given the opportunity to again represent the Bank! Let's go CIMB! :):):) 

It's all about DREAMGIRLS

"Me and my baby goin downtown! Downtown"

"Me and my baby gonna check check check out the site!"

Two days after our official launch, a THOUSAND tickets have been sold!! Dreamgirls, truly bukan sekadar angan angan

Read about our article here :

http://www.murai.com.my/article/default.asp?article_id=9477&c=1&s=1

Anyway, my friends have been so very supportive (and probably more excited than I am, eventhough I'm the one in it and not them. What love and friendship can do!) and asking bout tickets. In my previous post I mentioned that you could get your tickets from 

http://www.airasiaredtix.com/Events/Dreamgirls/

But holddd on a second! Guess what? Be a member of our Fan Club and get a further 10% discount for your Dreamgirls tickets! All you've got to do is spare 2 minutes and fill up this form from Broadway Academy! So quick! Go go go!

See you guys at Istana Budaya this July! Hopefully I won't fall off the stage!

:):)

*Goes back to singing and dancing around*

"I'm looking for something baby, something that'll give me a rissseeeee"

"I'm looking for something baby, like a real nice surpra-aaa-aai-iissss"

DREAMGIRLS goes LIVE!

"Eh! How's your rehearsals for Lat (the kampung boy) coming up?"

"Excellent! We're planning to bring it back to Ipoh soon"

"Really?! Awesome! Like me, I really had a good time la when we did the second Cuci cuci the Musical the other day, you guys sure will la for Lat"

"OMG, you were really good during Terima Kasih Cinta the musical. I managed to catch it the other day"

"Hey! I watched it too, and I loved the lil girl, she's so talented"

"Were you in it too Alia?"

"Errr....I said I went to watch la! Not perform.... :S"

"Ahhh. What was your first performance? Mine was Puteri Gunung Ledang"

-____-

"I can still back out now, right?.... I. AM. A.... Banker. The only time I sing is when I'm counting those money"

Everyone stared at me blankly.... That's really a sign for me to leave, no?

Of course NOT! It's an opportunity I should grab! :)

THE MOST AMAZING Press Conference I've been invited to! EVER! 

With Indi, Cheryl, Dina, Dafi, Marvin and Joy

Mind blowing!

Like you guys don't already know it? DREAMGIRLS will be staged this July, 

Some of our greatest Malaysian talents, who are also performing for DREAMGIRLS this July!

The sneak preview at the Press Conference - Joy, Ruzana Ibrahim, Elvira Arul, Tony Eusoff, Dafi, Cheryl Samad

Our Anchor and also DREAMGIRLS' music Director - Casey

Our other anchor, Marvin with Cheryl Samad. Guess their roles?

Dominic as our Assistant Music Director, and also my part time waffle buddy during music class :)

Stay tuned to find out which roles Tony Eusoff and I are playing! :)

...and Stephen Rahman Hughes?

This week was the start of it all. All of us cast have started on our full day rehearsals! ... and of course I nearly died from exhaustion!! Training for Broadway IS NOT EASY ok. And then, what with juggling Broadway, Work and YCM. But one thing's for sure, I had one of the most amazing Broadway training today with Joanna Bessey (Dreamgirls' Director), Megat Sharizat (Assistant Director) and the best part was during choreography session with Michael Xavier Voon (Choreographer). Did I tell you that my team is super amazing! They're a bunch of great happiness!

Mind you, this would be my first production, and I am super excited! Why, who (in my shoes) wouldn't be? I'm the only Banker. Get the picture? The rest of my team are none other than our very own Malaysian artists, singers, performers, actors and actresses! Pressure much? I nearly fainted, I swear to God. What have I gotten myself into? I'm OMG-no-where close to them! LOL.

Do you get it now, why I am so very very happy and privileged to be in this production? It's like a once-in-a-lifetime-dream-come-true to perform with talents that Malaysia has produced and Malaysians are proud of! :):):)

So, what are you waiting for?! Get your tickets here at 

http://www.airasiaredtix.com/Events/Dreamgirls/

P/s : Stay tuned for sneak previews of our rehearsals and what happens back stage. Free tickets you asked? Hmmm...

I Am Inspired

Note: This post has been pushed up due to readers' demands :)
Warning: This is a very very very long post

Naturally as a person, I’m easily motivated and inspired. Previously I’ve mentioned on how music can make me feel very happy and subsequently feel motivated quite instantly. Magical! This time, from listening to a great leader.

Yesterday, I attended the Great Women at Work series hosted by Young Corporate Malaysians and this time, we had Natasha on board. The Managing Partner of Ethos & Co. She was nothing less than a great inspiration to all of us, especially so for every female working in the corporate world. She is one of the female leaders that has it all at her fingertips! From the likes of the corporate world to the greatest maternal instincts. She knows her priorities alright!

• She mentioned that years ago, we used to compare ourselves with Singapore. But today, our base of comparison has moved to Vietnam. Scary indeed!
• Then, the participation of women in the labour force is the lowest in South East Asia – 45.7%. Of which, only 13% of professionals and management, 12% of GLC Directors, 6% of corporate directors and 7% of CEOs of Bursa Top 100 companies.

One of the other key points she touched was that most top management women either are not married or they do not have kids. Now, I can truly relate to this. Where I work, the high flyers (Disclaimer: Not all) are either not married, or they are married but they have a relationship with their work instead of their husbands (yeah, they’re in the office most of hours of the day) or they end up getting married to someone in the firm. I clearly remembered the first week when I joined the Trainee programme, my trainer jokingly cautioned us to get to know our fellow trainees/senior trainees, colleagues and people in the bank. Reason being because, we might just end up with one of them coz they are about the only people you will see. Imagine the shock in everyone’s face! Of course I don’t deny that many have chosen their other half from the Bank too. But I choose to believe that that is because of the genuine law of attraction, and not because they have no option. Afterall, why wouldn’t you want to date an Investment Banker? I think they are awesome! ;) So, two investment bankers put together, HAH! You get a power couple. Good deal I’d say!

And then, she also mentioned that previously, when she joined Accenture and was there for 8 years might I add, the team would take about a year to complete a project that would take probably 3 months to complete today. Vast difference indeed, but she said that that only allowed her to follow through a complete project unlike today where we are too focused. What would need 3 in a team last time would probably have 10 today – 2 to handle clients, 2 to handle the structure, another 2 to vet, 2 to go through, 1 to approve, 1 sleeping member. Haha! Efficient much? I’m just giving an example la ok. Say it to today’s generation and they will definitely see it from a different angle. They’d probably conclude that “Hey! We just need 3 months la. You guys dulu dulu need one year. So tak efficient”. EGO.

She then moved on to quickly slip in some advice to the ladies in the room and that is to GET MARRIED EARLY and HAVE KIDS EARLY. Not to mention consecutively too, to achieve economies of scale. Why? Because then they’ll grow up together, in the same era, same generation of toys, same generation of cartoons. Senang mummy and daddy, anak anak can play together and live happily ever after. Tak la pening when mummy and daddy balik kerja nak melayan different wants and needs from each and everyone of the daughters and sons! Genius! Did everyone not get a shock again?! This time both the girls and guys in the room. For a moment there, the question “Haa, so bile nak kahwin” could be heard from all over the room. Haha!

Jokes aside, she also touched on the importance of having the discipline to reflect. Always know your priorities, have options in life and be prepared to walk away. In any relationship or work path. If we are able to do that, then we are definitely in a relationship/career path (that we have chosen) for the right reason. I concur! Hence why I have always believed that if you cannot carry the name of your chosen company well enough, you have the option to not work for them, so leave. And if you cannot stand being in the relationship, why fight? You'd always have the option to be out of it. It all bogs down to the choice that you make. There is no right or wrong in this world, you choose to do it because you think IT IS RIGHT for you.

Natasha has also emphasized that should you have problems, talk to the people whom you trust and who you know can make a difference. To have faith and to believe that things can only get better is a very powerful tool. For this, I can never thank Allah enough for giving me the best team at work. Really, the minute Natasha mentioned this, Siti caught me smiling so wide. I have always had the privilege of having the best superior, the best mentor, the best boss, the best team in the world. So understanding, so encouraging so willing to teach and so very caring. They’ve become more than just my colleagues, they’re like a family to me already.

Today, being the youngest in the team and trusted with excellent projects only increases my confidence and boost up my morale by the day, really! To me, a good team can only be defined by the ability for each and everyone of us to motivate the other. To give honest and constructive criticism and to be able to speak top-down and bottom-up on any concerns and issues. A satisfied, contented and motivated team is a productive team! And where it is a flat management, it’s even better. And for that, I have always been exposed to the privilege of being able to speak to my bosses freely. Even our CEO and Deputy CEOs. Mr deputy only sits a stone-throw away from my cubicle (yes, we have an open concept at work) and he never fails to wish us good morning everyday that he is in the office. Now that, is what every company needs. The priceless closeness.

Finally, to make sure you are overqualified for what you do. Reason being because at the end of the day, you’ll be able to be efficient at work and at the same time finish up in time to make way for your loved ones (ie: her husband and 3 beautiful children). I’ll be honest. I am not close to being overqualified in what I do. I started off not knowing anything at all about investment banking! But hey, if you cannot be overqualified, then learn it.  From not knowing anything to being able to take control of projects, that’s progress. The main concern was to make sure that at the same time that you excel at work, never ever forget your priorities outside of work. Life is not JUST about work. Work life balance is the way to go, and if Natasha can do it oh-so-successfully, to be where she is today, it’s not an excuse that we need to be so power/work/money hunger to make it successfully in life.

To me, passion plays a powerful role. If you love something, you’ll make sure it goes your way no matter how many tries it takes. If you love something, you’d be so willing to sacrifice to make it happen. If you love something, you will never feel tired in all the million and one attempts to make it successful. So do what you love, and love what you do. It’s the greatest tool ever! And for this, I can fully relate it to my love for my work, my YCM, my Broadway and my sports team. I will always look forward to try my best no matter how tired/how late it is.  

I guess at the end of the day, that’s why we need options. To me, the option also translates as an option to make sure you lead a happy life. Afterall, you make your own choices, so you create your own happiness!

P/s: Told you it is very very long

Spotted

...this year in GTI's graduates' magazine - at the UKEC Career Fair 2011 in London recently.

The article that was published

Some have started to question my loyalty (jokingly of course). Reason being because, some (who are now) Khazanah scholars or those who have intentions to apply for internships have come up to me to ask for advice before, and I've also become very close to my ex team that I used to intern for during my first year summer break at Khazanah. To be chosen as the intern representative, for such a prestigious company, that's just something I did not know how to do, but hey, I caught up along the way! :)

Manning Khazanah booth with the team in London as one of the company's intern representatives upon completing my stint. Just excellent memories with them :)

Then, when my friends in Australia and the UK spotted me when I was in PwC's graduates' magazine last year (again spotted at the UKEC Career Fair 2010) and in the PwC advertisements for the internship programme (at the Graduan Australia's Career Fair in Melbourne).

Appearing as (yet again) one of PwC's intern representatives in the company's magazine and advertisements (apparently for being a well-dressed intern. Me? I always wear slippers I thought! :S) in previous years.

With Tan Sri Dato' Azman Mokhtar & Dato' Johan Raslan
A picture's definitely worth a thousand words.
I was still serving Khazanah when this picture was taken. The next year, I moved on to PwC

This year, here I am in GTI's magazine.

Difference is, I was fully representing CIMB this time around :) I am indeed so in love with my own Company, yup, you heard me right.

Them in UKEC did an amazingly excellent job for the Career Fair this year and I'm so very proud of the team and it never fails to remind me of the good times I've had during my 3 years service in the UKEC :) My favourite cousin has now continued the family involvement. I am definitely very proud of you Azwan!

I have always and forever been very thankful to be a part of all the 3 prestigious companies, indeed. To be of service to them, and to be so much in love with every team that I have made friends with. Till today, we are all still in touch (some are still in the company whilst some have moved on). Whatever it is, I never stopped counting my blessings from my first day of internship - I have only learned a lot, and to have been chosen to represent all the 3 companies that I have served (and am still serving), in its own different way makes it more meaningful to me. Being given the opportunity to represent something you are so very fond of, that's a superb deal! :)

To be honest, I never knew that I was in all these advertisements/graduates' book until someone spots me and get all excited to see a familiar face, they will either call me or bbm me a picture! This time, my friend in London spotted me :)  A pleasant surprise!

So happily motivated - My Secret

As I was organizing my lil wardrobe, I realized that I actually don't have that many clothes. Unlike my girlfriends, who don't really wear the same top one too many times, I, on the other hand, only have damn a lot of (free) Milo T-shirts, or Malaysia's track tops/track bottoms/ official sports wear or Selangor state sports attires. Gosh...I am so boring! and to have those lines of clothes instead, suddenly seems unacceptable for a girl!

Then I opened another section and instantly felt so happy and sad, both at the same time.

Yes, some of the million and one rhythmic gymnastic costumes that I used to wear, during my 8 years of service to the Selangor state and my one and only Malaysia. For this, I was like a real girl. We don't wear the same costume one too many times, probably for a maximum of 3 competitions and that's it. Mind you, sometimes, we might need between 6-8 different costumes for one tournament, in a year there 's probably an average of 10 competition. You do the maths!

Crazy days when the tailor made millions just because of our duty to the state and the country. For the good of sports in our country I tell you! :)

One of my favourite!

Well anyway, eversince I made the decision to leave gymnastics and pursue education instead (well, I did enjoy the times when I did not have to study nor go to school often last time! All I had to do was to train everyday, and travel around for competitions :P), I have never stopped my very-known-to-many habit.

That is - To watch videos of my idols and my ex-teammates, or even us ( me and my team) perform and get enough motivation and bring me the greatest happiness. Yes, every single routine and competition were recorded. Secretly, sometimes, I tend to start dancing too! (whoopsie). And this will be the time when you can witness me being swept away on cloud 9, a bit lost in my own world and being overly inspired! Sometimes, I zone out in my own Disneyland. My closest will often take this opportunity to tell me whatever unpleasant news they might have, coz I'll just be too happy to even realize. Shura and Phoebe are the two who were truly converted, from thinking I'm a psycho in KTJ (always with my iPod) to knowing me the best now. Definitely motivation at its peak! :):)

Many times, people have asked me if I'd ever put my daughter through what I've been through. 8 years or torture training, travelling and competing. I'd say NEVER. But come to think of it, I've had nothing but the best of BOTH worlds. 8 years of sports (without much studying) and Alhamdulillah, I made it through Uni and got myself to become and Investment Banker now. A pretty awesome deal I'd say! But only because I have a discipline and supportive, not to mention strict set of parents. I am so very blessed indeed.

I never did let go of my love for performing arts. Right now, as I continue to watch Caroline Zhang and Sasha Cohen and Irina Tchachina perform, I only wish, if I have a daughter next time, my daughter will one day become like them :) 

My idol - Irina Tchachina

Caroline Zhang - So young and talented

Ok, I should start saving up now! Ice skating and rhythmic gymnastics are such expensive sports, I'd be paying through my nose if I don't start saving now :P I miss my 8 years.

Secretly, I never ever ever ever EVER fail to watch all the videos, particularly before I have a big exam, or presentation or what have you. All because, I get so very happily motivated after
- that everything and anything just seem possible afterwards :) 

I'm Loving It

Last month I was here! 

and yesterday, I just got back from....I don't think it will take you a million years to figure this out too! 

CIMB Singapore!

(yeah yeah, I'm a psycho like that. I get so very motivated when I see my office all around the world! :):))

That's me at our new office on Orchard Rd. Really, even if you tell me to work on weekends, I will gladly go over ok. The place is awesome and, well...all the shopping malls are just beside it, so yeah. Work on Sunday? I'll be there. On time.

It was a very short business trip down to Singapore actually, but we did managed to get quite a lot done so I was very very happy and motivated. I have also fallen in love with our Singapore team!! They're an awesome bunch! For now, it's back to reality and I have a full on week ahead scheduled right before me! Will blog bout Singapore soon! :)

Zombied

Lately, my mind has been swamped with just work.sleep.sports.work.sleep.sports. So much for wanting a work life balance! I didn’t even make it to ANY of my music classes this week

*cries blood*

haha… ok, drama je tu

I run on auto-pilot these days. My systems know where to go without me having to direct it. My hands know what to reach out for without my brain having to translate it. I drive home and I don’t even remember the journey back home. Workload has definitely picked up at the speed of lightning and because of that I’ve become so absent minded lately!

• I forget to lock my car and will only realize it when it’s time to go home. Dangerous I know.
• I forget that I tend to leave my phones all over my work table coz I cannot be bothered to carry them around.
  (Yes, my shortcoming is, trusting everyone in this world. My boss has warned me to be aware of my surroundings coz it’s not all sunshine, butterflies and rainbows out there! Hmmph)
• My nerves forget to coordinate well. I kept dropping my phone this whole week and it’s annoying me. If you know me, I’ll get so upset if gadgets fall that I’ll be quiet for a longggg while till I’m able to digest that “It’s ok to drop your phone sometimes”
• I forget (read: too tired) to get changed and will fall asleep in work clothes. Sometimes, I’m so tempted to just go to work straight after I wake up! :D
• I forget to eat (this week, not until either Firdaus/ Tock checks up on me only then I’ll remember) and I’ll end up running on Nestum coz I can’t be bothered to go look for food afterwards.
• I confidently applied soap on my hair this morning instead of shampoo. Grrr…I was wondering why I smelt like soap only!

However, something I really respect about my colleagues since day one, is that no matter how stress or sick they are, they never fail to put on a smile and they never ever raise their voice. You know how when you’re tired sometimes and you just can’t control your moods? Does not happen where I work J Plus the fact that a few has fallen sick this week, they’re amazingly still happy and driven!

And I have this problem of missing them (in the office) when I have to travel for work. I’m so difficult to let go like that. Oh well, for now, I’m gonna need my system to buck up for a meeting in Singapore tomorrow till the weekend. It’s gonna be a very hectic trip down and I need to be back in KL in time for my Trade Finance course at 8am on Monday! Mamma mia! I hope I won’t forget (or sleep through) to catch that flight in a few hours.

I surely can fall asleep right about now. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. I’m not even kidding. See you guys in Singapore!  (OMG, I haven’t changed my money to Singapore dollars!)

Time to do a three-days catch up first with lil miss best friend since I'm gonna be away for three days :) 

Look who was already on Skype waiting for me to come home from work today! :)

Shura getting all excited!

And this girl who accompanied me throughout when I did work :)
Her classic line was
"Hey, do work la! Look at stock market on Saturday!"
LOL

The day I introduced lil Doctor to the stock market

And a surprise that arrived from London today, nicely placed on my bed!!! :):) It's from Aisyah! 

Thank you Syah!!

Gosh, from a hectic, crazy week, oh-so-much-to-handle to a perfect day! It's an amazing feeling to have the most perfect 'extended siblings'! Them three never ever fail to make me happy :)

I LOVE

You're most welcome!

I guess the more you give, the more you get!

...and I guess I just gave my inspiration away to share with the rest of the world?

Coz after this post, I did not stop getting incoming emails from many ( and I mean so many). Some I know, some I completely don't! But I can tell that these people that I have never but will one day (InsyaAllah) meet, are amazing. Overwhelming indeed :)

To those who messaged me through my email and facebook messages, I would just like to say you're most welcome in return for your thank you, and at the same time, thank you for your very kind words :) It may just be a short email/message, but be assured that you've managed to successfully transfer great happiness to me! Happiness is contagious :)

I thought some were very cute too! "Thank you for transferring over your happiness. I suddenly feel so happy I want to do work now" and "Can I trade places with you and be happy all the time?". Another was for me to consider writing an inspirational book. The encouragement definitely multiplied my happiness and made me more motivated to write :)

However (and unfortunately), truth be told, I do not have the best writing skills in the world. My true love lies within the numbers 1-9! I love me numbers alright! :) Hopefully one day in the future, I will make more time to pen down my thoughts and share my motivation and happiness around with everyone and by then I would've mastered the writing skills! Amin

Btw, it's not 24/7 that I'm filled with jellybean happiness! That's really not human la ok. I do have my stress moments too sometimes. Just that it's very very rare :)

Have a good week and stay happy everyone! Much love! :)

Meow

“I don’t know why, but I’m feeling so very happy. I have butterflies in my stomach, but I still don’t know why, and it’s annoying me that my systems are so on cloud 9. I think I need to attend a happiness-management course la”

*SIGH*

I actually said that to my boss O.o

Today was definitely a very weird day. I don’t even know how to explain it.

I came to work and I felt so calm and contented (read: Extremely). So weird. I was feeling super happy and thankful all of a sudden, but it was nothing of the adrenaline-rush kind though. It was just calm but at the same time it’s like a Disneyland was growing in my system up to the point where I did not feel hungry, coz I had butterflies in my stomach. Hmmm… Sometimes, you know like how in the movies, that moment when someone achieves victory and the music in the background would be one of those very inspiring ones (minus one) and everything will be played on slow motion? Don’t you feel motivated? I don’t know la how to explain -__- But yeah, I thought it was weird so I also went up to my colleagues and said “I don’t know why I’m so happy. Help?” (with a sad and worried face ok! Haha!).

They were taken aback by my question and my bizarre explanation up there, but they were quick to assure me that it’s not weird to them coz they’ve seen this happening loads of time; when they witness me from afar and I would smile at the computer/documents by myself and everything just seem so pretty and happy (and of course I don’t hear them calling me when these moments take place. Whoopsie!). Now, when did that happen?! I’m being watched in the office, jeez, stalkers alert!

I was feeling so very grateful about everything first thing in the morning when I woke up. So much so that I found myself smiling so wide when I got out of bed, all eager to get to work. I knew I had a lot of work waiting for me, but I was excited at the same time to dive into it. Times like these make me count my blessings, coz there’s so many things to be happy about and days seem shorter too! Next thing I know, it’s 9pm already…and I did not feel tired at all! Knowing that it’ll be a few more hours at work, we all decided to treat ourselves to a good dinner with all our favourites afterwards (you’re here in spirits Saiful!). An excellent team definitely makes up for everything.

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However, secretly, I think it must’ve been all these awesome yellow snacks working its magic though. My happy stash at work :) 

...and then, I came home to this fat kitty that was nicely placed on my bed. Mama is the best in the world!! I love days when she surprises me with lil happy things :)

My favourite Patchi chocolates

Exactly 8 people made me happy today! :) From my colleagues to my family and my best friends. They’re so awesome! *award winning smile*

Too Easy?

Paid to be happy

Seriously. 

Sometimes I wonder if it is unfair that I get rewarded for being happy. Literally paid just to be happy

The past few weeks it has been nothing but happy times (if I discount the exam period of course, since I was to stress to even notice what was happening around me. Or so my family members said!)

• I am always happy at work, it's beyond crazy I tell you. It's mental! 
• Then, I get called to do photoshoots and I always end up making new friends and having the best time!
• Afterwards, I get to do what I wish for at work. Yes, wish, not ordered to. "I secretly wished that I had an opportunity to work in that project" and BOOM. It falls onto my lap, and I will be stressfully-happy working through day and night on it!
• Finally, I get to do what I love, and get rewarded for it. Work, Broadway, Photoshoot, Work, Sports training for the Bank, etc.

I happily go to work. I get paid salary. 

I happily sing my heart out, I get rewarded.

I happily have fun at photoshoots, I get paid.

I happily train for the company for Futsal and Athletics, I get allowance. And sport shoes. And shirts.

Too easy isn't it? But then again at the end of the day, I believe that only we ourselves, can make something that happens a happy or a sad one :) I'm sure stress at work for someone else is not a happy thing, but it is a very happy one for me! Weekend's coming soon! and I have a million and one things to clear before Saturday. Oh God help me. I'm already a walking zombie.

...but I'm too inspired after Natasha's session at YCM's CEO Series tonight, and I'm too motivated about work. Now I cannot sleep! Oh dear me. I might as well continue doing work

Magical Colleagues

I'm DONE! 

No no, many more papers to go, but just let me be happy for now k. That was only one day down. I haven't factor in the other papers coming up, plus the CIFA, and then the Trade Finance course, plus the License I have to take under the Securities Commission regulation. Belum tambah lagi the possibility of....eh macam macam betul.

Anyway, past 3 days have been so hectic. I was on study leave, but at the same time I was also called into work at times. So my brain was in and out of the work and exam framework, I had to master the art of switching and selecting the different parts of my brain to work on my exams and another part on work.

So the total damage in 3 days: I've gained weight (due to the happy exam food, or if I do say so myself). I've gone 'subconsciously' fairer (due to the amount of Soya milk I gulped down). I've accumulated a mountain load of stress (but my blood pressure read 'low'. Psycho machine). I got probably 15 hours of sleep in 3 days (due to a nervous system in my body) and...I've been nothing but a walking zombie! I look like one too :S

I MISS WORK! = (

But you know what is magic? When someone can appear in front of me when I needed motivation and crazy amount of encouragement the most and they can make me feel so very happy. They're my colleagues. and no, I'm not kidding.

3 days of being on leave literally killed me. Working from home doesn't count, coz you are not surrounded by your colleagues. Amazingly, they called ever so often to check up how I was doing, and I'm serious when I say that even a short 2 minutes call is enough to brighten up my day :)

Then come exam day, we made sure that we will walk into that exam hall feeling very happy no matter what. So we all woke up early and decided to brainstorm over McDonald's breakfast and it was really sweet that we all shared our meals (properly divided burgers into 2 parts) and coffee since no one was too hungry. It was just the company that we wanted. Mission accomplished! We were singing to Katy Perry Firework on our way to the hall filled with so much happiness! :) May I add that we spent post exam times together too eventhough I was really a walking zombie.

P/s: Rahman attracted more attention (than our singing) amongst our other competitor bankers though because he was wearing pyjamas pants to an exam! haha :P

and then,

Them. My ultimate favourite, my own TCB 13 loves

Truth be told, I'll never in a million years trade to be in any other batch than this. My timing was just perfect when I joined the company. We've become like a family, and I've become so very very close to them. They'd come to my rescue anytime, any day! and I've experienced this first hand! They don't even allow me to drive when they're around. Or they'll check up to see if I'm staying late at work and whether I've eaten. They get me medication when I'm sick, and they cover for me when I am away. They are ever so encouraging in all that I do (be it work or not. Whether they approve of it or not) and at the same time so overprotective to make sure no one takes me for granted, ever. Gosh, I am so manja with them. But only because they manja-kan me too! 

=)

It has now touched just a little less than a year and a half since I first made friends with them. Since my first day in the office with them. And now, we've all experienced our very own - first ever bonus payout and everyone has settled in quite comfortably at our respective departments. I've never been more proud of each and everyone of my kakak and abang! 

=)

That was us at Busaba just after our very first bonus (we now understand the happiness that comes with "the letter" that companies issue out). Complete attendance! Everyone actually made sure they made it to the reunion no matter how late. It was a perfect night (amidst the fact that Azy and I were stressed up about CCP and the others about PKMC exams)