Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

"Sweet dreams are made of this

Who am I to disagree?

Travel the world and the seven seas

Everybody's looking for something.."

Yes,everyone is looking for something. Something to make their life meaningful. 

We are in the never ending journey of discovering new things about ourself. Mostly we want to find happiness. To be at ease.

When I was growing up, I had a lot of dreams. I wrote fictions which translated subconsciously into what my heart desired. I've tried to achieve, but I failed a lot of times. My self esteem was not at the best of times. 

Came university years, trials and errors became part and parcel of life. Lessons were learnt. 

Came working world, it's about discovering about myself, looking back on what I have done with this life. It's all about assessing and planning.

We live by Allah's will. I am thankful to be given whatever He has given me. The world seems sweet enough to be living at times, and a place where you just want to hide when things go wrong. Fortunes and Misfortune, they are tests. I'm praying that I'll pass these tests. Amin.

It goes back one round to my question: What am I looking for?

I'm looking for answers that will let me better understand myself and other people, so I can help make a change somehow. That is why I love travelling.

I might started to travel because it seems fun (and I envy those who did when I was growing up), but as I travel from one place to another, it never fails to amaze me how different and unique a country could be.I would take pictures and videos and watched them back once I'm home to keep reminding myself that we live in a world of awesomeness. How great is the Creator of this world that able to pull off such diversities in physiques, language, culture, landscape etc.

There must be a reason why we're so different from one another, and it is all stated in Quran.

Qur'an 49:13

O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, 
and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another.
Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. 

Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware.

In verses too numerous to mention, the Qur'an invites one to reflect upon the signs Of creation: the heavens, the shining stars and their astonishing celestial movements, and the cosmic order which rules over them all. Similarly, the Qur'an urges one to reflect upon the creation of the earth, the seas, the mountains, the desert, and the wonders contained below the surface of the earth, the difference between night and day and the changing cycle of seasons. It urges mankind to meditate on the extraordinary creation of the plants and the order and symmetry governing their growth, as well as the multiplicity of the animal kingdom. The Qur'an commands man to travel in the world in order to witness other cultures and to investigate the social orders, history and philosophies of past people. Thus it calls man to a study of the natural sciences, mathematics, philosophy, the arts and all sciences available to man, and to study them for the benefit of man and the well-being of society

Credit : http://www.al-islam.org/quraninislam/4.htm

Hence, I'll use my experience to teach myself to be better and hopefully to share them with the world. And finally, to be able to do that, I'll need to travel more. When there's a will there's a way right? 

Yes my fellow friends, if you want to help me (as I won't force anyone), please click on the following link and click 'Like' at the end of the entry.

http://mastraveller.com/WhatsNew/IMASTravel/Blogs/Malaysia/2011/03/29/We-Sing-We-Dance-We-Shop-but-We-Don-t-Steal-Things/322/

I know I'm flawed and imperfect but to share positivity and thoughts with anyone who's willing to listen and learn has always been my dream since I was a kid. I once dreamt of becoming a journalist. I know I am not one right now, but if only I could do that even for a day, I'll be thankful enough.

Thank you very much for reading and voting. You guys had been awesome :).

We Sing, We Dance, We Shop but We Don't Steal Things

It's rude not to visit our neighbours. Hence, after 24 years of living, I visited Singapore in 2010. I was impressed by how organized the country was, and more impressed by their state of cleanliness. I considered Singapore as a better and cleaner KL, because it is a big city with shopping malls, and more shopping malls (i.e Orchard Road).

The opening of Universal Studio Singapore brought me back to the Land of Merlion this year. It was just a weekend getaway and I thought I've seen much of Singapore before; visiting places like Bugis Street, Arab Street, Little India, Clarke Quay and even roller bladed at the East Coast Park the last time I was there.

The Mission: UNIVERSAL STUDIO SINGAPORE (USS)
The Verdict: USS was fun, as I have never been to any Universal Studio before. The highlights of USS were Steven Spielberg movie set experience, The 4D Shrek Movie, the Underworld live show and the rides (altho there were not many of them).You could easily spend a day there and to avoid queuing (especially on school holidays), it's recommended to get the express boarding pass.

My First Universal Studio Trip

We LOVE USS!

With 'Charlie Chaplin'

Love the Vintage Car

The mission was accomplished. Was that the end of the trip? Well, not when you were with friends who knew how to have fun! As one of us was celebrating his birthday during the trip,we toured Singapore once again as he barely remembered the last time he went there. We visited the tourist spots once again, but this time with surprises along the way.

Eating the famous 1 dollar Ice Cream

Activity: We Dance
Where, When,  How: We were in Esplanade, taking jumping shots and doing silly performance in front of Esplanade. Okay, touristy activities were done. Time to search for foods. As we walked towards the MRT Station, somebody stopped us and asked us to dance with them (something about Rocky Horror Show). I was excited because I thought they're going to do a flashmob but they ended up showing us some moves and asked us to repeat them again. Still fun because I never been stopped and asked to dance by strangers before (I was never the happy feet).

Jumping in front of Esplanade

(No dancing photos as we were busy dancing and the video was too embarassing to show to public.HA HA)

Activity: We Shop but Never Steal Things
Where, When, How : First place that comes in mind for shopping in Singapore must be Orchard Road. Well, we found a different place to shop in Singapore, where we discovered a row of authentic and indie shops selling clothes, shoes and all things custom made and vintage at Haji Lane, nearby Bugis Junction and Bugis MRT Station. They weren't cheap but the feeling of buying things that were not mass produced was satisfying indeed.

One of the funky shops on Haji Lane

Indie Inspired

Activity: We Sing
Where, When, How :After all the walking, dancing and shopping, we decided to eat at this cool place, Wanna'B Cafe situated in Arab Street. The environment were laid back (as we were seated on the cushion, japanese style) and the choice of fusion foods were decent. What made this restaurant unique was the stage with drums, guitars and microphones  provided for you to let you have your diva/idol moments (hence the name Wanna'B). That led to the singing part, when we unashamedly sang in front of public as customers got to use the stage and sang three karaoke songs for free.

Cool place to hang out with friends

The WannaBs

Feel like a rockstar 

Verdict of Second Singapore Trip: I thought I have seen them all in my first trip, but you'll never know what you could find in store the second time around. This applies to all the other countries as well, hence I'll have to go to every country I went/going to at least twice so I could be surprised again.

Awesome friends

A wise man once said, "To travel is better than to arrive". Well, just to add to that wise saying, "To travel after arriving is even more better!". Plus, it's a major bonus when the people you're with love the travelling part like you. Thus, my Travel Diary for 2011 had commenced successfully (and dramatically, with the singing and dancing).

Don't Look Back in Anger.

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Oh my. There were a list of this. But mostly things that made me had the awesomest year of my existence.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Some of them alhamdulillah. I will and I don't really put much pressure on them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My 2nd sister to my first ever niece, the cutie pie Irdina Zafreen.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No immediate close friends/families but there were death in extended family. Al Fatihah for them.

5. What countries did you visit?
Singapore, UK, France, Italy, Cambodia and Spain (in those order).

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More courage and more patience.

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

25 April 2010 - Old Trafford, Spurs vs United 

8 Dec 2010 - Barcelona Training Ground, Meeting Leo Messi

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
It's between winning the contest of a lifetime or getting my driving license. IMMMENSE.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Failed my driving license on first test.Alhamdulillah got through it the second time.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The usual cold/fever. 

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Messi Special Edition Jersey and my first car.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My families and friends.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one.

14. Where did most your money go?
TRAVELLING.Money well spent :)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
SO many things. The excitement runs throughout the year :)

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
I wanna be a billionaire. I felt like a billionaire with the blessing fortunes I had.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or saddest? sadder this time of the year.Wayy sadder.
ii. thinner or fatter? So-so.
iii. richer or poorer? Alhamdulillah I hope richer. Amin.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Helping the less fortunate.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Relationship drama.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
N/A

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
I fell in love way back in 2007.

23. How many one-night stands?
N/A

24. What was your favorite TV program?
How I met your mother. I'm a hopeless romantic like Ted but I admire Barney's awesomeness.Oh, and GLEE.I like to be happy :)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is a strong word, so I don't hate anyone.

26. What was the best book you read?
Richard Branson Autobiography.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Bruno Mars.LOL.

28. What did you want and get?
My driving license. Thank u. 

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Inception.Brilliant.

31. What did you do on your birthday?
Shift Training and celebrated with Mr Memon.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
For me to be less angry.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Corporate lass changed to Casual Everyday (with some random 'I think I'm stylish' style).LOL.

34. What kept you sane?
My families. And friends. And words of wisdom.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ryan Giggs.Alex Ferguson, Leo Messi, Tun Mahathir, Richard Branson and Oprah (I've met 4 of them).

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Anything involving violence. 

37. Who did you miss?
Mr Memon :(

38. Who were the best new people you met (in person)?
My old/new colleague.People I've met on my trips.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
That dreams are not impossible. 

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a Waving Flag
And then it goes back, and then it goes back
And then it goes back.

The rain made me do this. I'm a rather mellow person. And I'm someone who holds on to memories a bit too much.

A woman worth.

I have started 2011 with….a fever!

Yes, I’m down with fever all week long. Until now I still have cough and flu. Yep, with a ‘bang’ I celebrated my New Year.

Not complaining as I am still alive. Alhamdulillah.

I don’t know why but when I think where I am right now, where I’m about to doubt my abilities to be someone great in career, and when I’m about to blame it on the toughness of ‘Men’s world’ I live in, something will knock some senses to my brain. In this case, Oprah did.

I have just watched an episode on US Women Army. They dealt with war. The whole shenanigans. And a lot of them were going through divorce and child custody battle. And worse, homeless. Oh my, how my ‘hardship’ seems like this tiny bit of nothingness. Those women went through hell on earth and they still kept their heads up high. Still had so much pride of what they did/are still doing for their country. Although they were left homeless after they became veteran.  

That was a slap in a face for me. Sure, I am working in a majority filled men industry, but at least nobody tried to rape or kills me in the process. It’s just the difference in environment and work culture. That’s all. I’m braving through this stage of life, still overwhelmed but intact. I love challenges, and I like to believe in the saying, “whatever that doesn’t kills you, will only make you stronger.”

Everyone wants an easy life, where money is overflowing and you’ll get things done your way. Some people are blessed with trust fund, some people with genius minds like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, they earned their money the creative way. For us working class citizens, we sail through life by being the best at what we do. But maybe being the best at what you love to do is the ideal life everyone is aiming for. So in the meantime, every time the ‘giving up’ feeling resurfaces, remember to stop doubting yourself, and be awesome instead.Awesomeness goes a long way!

P/S: To all the superwomen out there, you women rock! (Especially my mom.Hee).

2010, the year that was.

First of all,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Let's welcome 2011 with open embraces.

Wow. What a year it had been. A year older, a year wiser? Let's be forever young at 24?? (middle 20s crisis.LOL).

I just had to be thankful to Allah for had given me an awesome year. It's flawed of course, but it was nearly perfect. Here's the highlight of my life in 2010:

1. Singapore with friends. First time took the night train so that was the first of many things. It was great and I miss UTP when I thought of hanging out with them. And one of them is married now. Time does flies.
2. Match in Old Trafford, then off to Europe. That was like a dream came true. Plus, the companies were great. Really a trip to savour for a lifetime.
3. Got to work with my no 1 choice company. Well, it's still early to give any verdict if it's still a dream company (but the pay is definitely a dream came true :p). The sad part was leaving the peeps in Bumi Armada. They were really awesome.
4. Won the biggest contest in my life. Got to see the current best player in the World, Lionel (Leo) Messi in Barcelona. It was on par with the OT trip. Totally still awesome.
5. Gotten over my fear of driving and finally got my license (yes I was a loser no more!Haha) and a car. Hopefully it'll be formalized on paper soon!. Guess it's not as scary as I thought. Maybe I should try Bungee Jumping next. LOL.
6. Love lost and found. And lost in translation. End of 2010 was a confusing time for love. I guess it's the neverending mystery.
7. Life is short so death is imminent. Let all be aware and let us not strayed off the right path. Amin.
8. On 30th December 2010, Malaysia had become the champion of AFF Suzuki Cup. That was a historical footballing event. A great end to 2010.

2010 showed me that dreams are not impossible to be realized. So I hope in 2011, I'll dream bigger and they will come true. If it doesn't, well, life goes on. Here's a toast for the year that was and the year that begins today. Have a great year ahead everyone!

Meeting Messi, cherry on top of the cake :)

Okay. I’m supposed to write about the much awaited trip of my life.

………

OMG. I’m blank. Not because I don’t have anything to write but because I was so out of adjectives and verbs to describe this trip.

Awesome will be my overused phrase. But I’m going to use it anyway. Ha Ha.

This AWESOME trip began nearly 4 months after I received the call that I won the biggest prize in my life back in August. I still remember the excitement of receiving the news.  But the waiting period decreased the level of excitement to a point I could put the trip off my mind.

Then, the trip was back ON! I was nervous + excited + overwhelmed. Packed my stuff up and board the plane. It was an awfully long journey (as we had 2 transits, Abu Dhabi and London) but when we stepped down in Barcelona Airport, the reality started to sink in: I was finally in Barcelona, Spain, one of the countries I have always wanted to come to and I was about to meet the best footballer (arguably) in my generation less than 24 hours time!

When we arrived at the hotel, NH Constanza (which was a really nice hotel), we quickly had to freshen up and went for our City Tour. Maxis booked the whole bus for 14 of us. As some of us were rushing to get the stadium on the same day, I couldn’t really absorb the beauty of Barcelona on that first day because I was still tired from the all the travelling. Park Guell by Gaudi was one that stood out on that first day trip (Apart from the world famous Sagrada Familia).

We used the metro to get to the stadium and some unfortunate events occurred (namely pickpockets and racist) so my mood was. In addition to that, I was so frustrated when I saw the second team players’ names on the scoreboard (except for Pique) and NO Iniesta, Xavi, Villa and most importantly MESSI! The stadium was not 100% full but the atmosphere was still great. Reminded me of Old Ttrafford. The Champions League song that I often heard soothed my frustration for a while. The first half was a bit slow and then when I saw Messi warming up in the second half, my spirit soared. The whole stadium did anyway. Messi played! They won 2-0 and I would say it was not the best of the team (or match) but watching Messi in Nou Camp made up for all the flaws I had on that first day in Barcelona. At least in my football list I can tick Champs League off.

Second day. The most awesomest day of my life. Sure, I’ve met some great footballers (when MU came down to KL) but meeting them face to face, get their signature and take pictures with them, in a place where great footballers are produced and trained, was the first for me. Touring Nou Camp Training Ground with explanation by Messi’s personal manager, Paolo was great. He decided to allow us to watch the first team trained (my jaw nearly dropped when he said it) but unfortunately the team was practicing their strategy hence we couldn’t watch them. When we entered the main training field, only Abidal left with his practice. Guess no Iniesta and Xavi.Again.Sigh. But while waiting to get inside, we ogled the players’ cars, like Villa’s and Messi’s and could just berangan of having that much of money to buy anything that you want. There were fans outside, waiting for the players to come out so they could get their signatures. On normal days it can reached hundreds. Crazy to think how big football players are, especially of Barcelona FC stature.

Messi was walking, with his wet hair, and very fresh smell of soap/fragrance towards us. OMG, he looked so adorable and so like how I imagined him to be. It was kind of chaotic with people taking pictures and the organizers asked us to quickly prepare our stuff for him to sign. And guess what? I was the first to go! So kelam kabut and so speechless, and it ended so fast. Of all the things I thought of saying to him, nothing came up. After my turn was finished, I just watched others and couldn’t stop taking pictures. I never stared and look at a guy as long as I did with Messi. He looked so shy and didn’t really say anything (he couldn’t speak English). The session was brief it felt surreal. I was hoping there would be a question and answer session but after all the photographing and signing, he went off with his brothers and manager. We all tried to digest that we have just met one of the legends of the beautiful game. As we went out one the fans was cheering for us. Guess they were full of envy. Haha.

After that, we went jalan-jalan and some of us extended our stay in Barcelona for few days. We took the Turistic Hop On Hop Off Bus and it was a really good way in seeing Barcelona as they are frequent and cover a lot of places. Barcelona was a really beautiful city, with gorgeous buildings and the houses on the hill, very picturesque indeed. Gaudi architecture would definitely left you in awe with the uniqueness and eccentricity of his buildings. Plus, Spanish people were beautiful (as expected) and it’s winter, so I got to see beautiful people in jackets/coats and boots. One of my favorite locations in people watching so far (besides Paris).

One of the days in Spain, mama and I took a flight to Granada, where the famous historical Alhambra stood through the test of time. It was such a beautiful place no words could do it justice. If you happen to be in Spain, this was the place to be where you could observe the convergent of Muslim and Christian history and architecture.. Nasrid Palace was beyond awesome.

We went to London for our last night and met Shafini. It was bloody cold and the day was over so quickly we rushed to get our shopping done (especially in Primark.LOL).

All in all, the trip might not be as perfect as I would like it to be (especially the weather and the short daytime) and I might not be the perfect companion to my mother (sorry Mama!) but it’s right up there with my Euro Trip earlier this year. Both were football related trip, so I guess I am Maxis Biggest Football Fan. Haha. What a way to end my 2010, the year that is beyond awesome it could be legendary (I know it's getting lame but that is really how I felt!Haha). And I have my families, friends and Allah to thank for. Thank you and Alhamdulillah.

Merry Xmas, Happy New Year and let the awesomeness keeps rolling in for the next year J.

P/S: Thank you MAXIS. You are committed to the game.

ROLE MODELS.

Everyone has role models they admire. People who are defined by their success, who inspire you to dare and dream. Today I'm gonna write about my role models. People that I look up to when I'm growing up, and when I am clueless about life and feels like giving up.Or people I just simply adore.

1) Tun Dr Mahathir :
I'm sure he's most Malaysians beloved role models. Despite whatever his nemesis said about him, I'm growing up hearing stories from my late grandmother of how great Tun was. All his contributions to the country, surpass whatever mistakes he had done, in my eyes that is. My long life dream was to meet him in person, and when I knew he was UTP Chancellor, I wasted no time in going to his public lectures. I even stayed outside the hall under the scorching sun to catch a glimpse of him. I was sure I could finally shook his hand during my convocation but he only did it in the morning session :(. I thought I could never see him again, but God willing, I finally get to shake his hands and took pictures with him in...KLCC. The sad thing is I don't know where I put the picture :(. To have met him in this lifetime is priceless.

"Work should be enjoyed in the same way that we enjoy playing. A bored worker is as bad as a bored player. He does not win. A bored worker does not produce. He merely marks time. He is a wage slave." Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

2) Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, the whole lot of Manchester United squad (LOL):

For the obvious reasons. They are my favoritest football team in the whole wide world. Sir Alex for his winning mentality and Ryan Giggs for his loyalty and superb football even at the age of 37. They motivated me when they win things, lift up my spirit and yes, they occasionally lose, but their never give up attitude (which can be shown in so many matches, where they turned from the losing side to winning side(1999 Champ League Final, 2008 Champ League Final among the honorably mention) really amazed me. Football can indeed influence your life. And I had the chance to meet them (more like watching them in real life) when they went here for Asia Tour. I also managed to get Scholes, Van Der Sar and Sir Alex signature. He's like inches from me, it's unbelievable. Again, mission accomplished.

 “At the end of this game, the European Cup will be only six feet away from you and you’ll not even able to touch it if we lose. And for many of you that will be the closest you will ever get. Don’t you dare come back in here without giving your all”.Alex Ferguson’s half time team talk during the 1999 European Cup Final

3) Sir Richard Branson

He's the coolest entrepreneur in my opinion. I started to like Richard Branson when I read his autobiography. I have to admit I don't know him before but his life experience was amazing. He started off as his own magazine editor (which I had always long to be once upon a time), worked his way up with hard works and eventually made it. He flew around the world in a hot air balloon, he dares to take so many risks and diversify his business, and the best thing is he owns an Island! Oh, besides all that, he's a philanthropist at heart. His life is just awesome. I would jump at any opportunity to meet Sir Richard.

I cannot remember a moment in my life when I have not felt the love of my family. We were a family that would have killed for each other - and we still are. 
Richard Branson 


4) Oprah Winfrey

Should I explain more? She had done so many wonderful things for so many people. She had made so many dreams come true. She's every woman inspiration. The fact her show is ending is just really sad. I couldn't see anyone else to replace Oprah. Thanks for being the ultimate champion for women (and even men) all around the world Oprah!:), I can just dream of meeting you, cause I don't know how would I react if I ever get to see Oprah.

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. 
Oprah Winfrey 

Well, I am best at day dreaming. I was a pessimist once upon a time, but as I am growing up, and as I have met eye to eye with some of my role models (although no words exchanged and they won't remember me) , I would say the grass is indeed greener on the other side. These people had made an impact in this world. I hope to achieve even a tiny bit of that success. And be quoted by someone someday (yes, I love quotes.LOL).To end this post, here's another one of many inspirational quotes by Oprah:


Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.