Stinky Pooh

You know how you always hear about colleagues/work mates with body odour or bad breath? Well, I’ve been ‘privileged’ to experience a cubicle neighbour with smelly feet. I feel so blessed. Not.

This discovery was some time ago but she would normally resort to removing her shoes only after office hours i.e. usually very late when most people have left the office; which is fine considering I don’t last very long after 6pm. Now when you see me rush off and not bother tidying up, you’ll know why.

Lately however, she has been taking her shoes off as early as 10am and has resorted to walking barefoot and leaving her smelly shoes under her desk. As there is no partition below to separate our cubicles, the stench wafts through right up my nose. Whoosh. Pengsan.

Today she was on ‘shoes-off’ mode all day. It was so foul I could feel a migraine coming on.

Moaned to buddy-colleague about this; she charitably handed me her spare deodorant to mask the foul smell. Sprayed up, down and all around. This was certainly effective but not long-lasting. Once the scent evaporated, choked, gagged and stifled.

Not knowing what else to do, I popped down to Waitrose to get some proper air freshener to combat the odour. Propped Glade Lavender right in front of me immediately. Much better. Huzzah.

But my joy was short-lived. I had alternate whiffs between Glade’s Lavender and the Stench. Lavender. Stench. Stench. Lavender.

By then I was desperate to tape the damn freshener to my nostrils already. Oh Tuhan. Busuknya.

At my wits end, I had to resort to taking a walk for a breather every 15 minutes or so. There we are – yet another type of distraction to battle at work. Sigh.

This is only spring and temperature has been mild. I’m suspecting I will not survive summer when days get warmer. I have made my manager aware of my predicament – he obviously thinks it’s hilarious – and duly informed him of my serious intentions of moving to a different cubicle during dire days which I foresee as inevitable with the change in weather.

This appears to be the only viable solution. Seriously, how do you tell your colleague she has toxic feet in the most respectful, polite and inoffensive manner while simultaneously taking humiliation out of the equation?

Whiny Post

Here and now:

Been feeling blue. And stroppy. I have been missing having mum around but I’ll get over it. Work has been okay; as good as it can be I suppose.

These are the days when I feel like I really hate (being in) London, under no fault of hers of course, resulting in wasted energy on whinging + moaning about all things ridiculous like quiting my job, packing up and going back to Malaysia. I'm so emotional + irrational it's not true. Let's face it, I'll never resort to any of it so why do I always go down that road. A complete waste of time.

I should focus on happy times and channel my energy to more beneficial things - like the pile of laundry staring at me and other 'delightful' household chores I've been putting off.

Hence I've made a list of things to look forward to:

• It being Wednesday tomorrow - that’s halfway to weekend, which is always good.
• Friendster flying in this Saturday – have not seen her since last September.
• Bank holiday in May – three days of bliss; maybe do some fun stuff.

Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts. Repeat.

***

Whilst at home:

Mum has arrived safely. No excess baggage. No delays.

• Dad is fine.
• Winnie is too.
• Some Cleo palaver in the morning but all okay now.
• Indoor plants dehydrated (Dad’s in big trouble).
• Both TV and phone are out of order (kilat!).

All good at home-front (plants + tellies don't matter). Another thing to be happy about.

Home-Bound

Tomorrow Mumsy departs for Malaysia. I think she is secretly glad to leave and be reunited with Cleo (and Winnie). I am too. No doubt I will miss having her here but the kitties need her more than I do.

Our Winnie is super-independent gal. Cleo, on the other hand, is very much an indoor cat who, (thinks she's human!), does not have any outdoor surviving skills. Like I mentioned earlier, they (mum + furballs) are never apart any longer than five consecutive days so she has been worried about Cleo’s well-being. She's quite a timid little girl, has poor appetite, enjoys being waited on while she nibbles her biscuits, is very fussy over the hygiene of her litter and can only get back in the house through the front door (no, she doesn't do windows even if they were wide open).

Dadster goes off to work in the morning and doesn't get home till the afternoon; hence therein lies potential problems:

* Should Cleo be wandering in the garden in the morning, she would probably be stuck till late noon before she can get back in to her food + litter.

* With heavy rainfall reported in the afternoons, Cleo will have to either seek shelter somewhere or get soaked; she can't get in through windows remember.

* Prior to Mumsy’s departure, there were new neighbours moving in next door and the racket + strangers walking in and out, frightened our little Cleo. She normally retreats into the little cavity in the drain outside the house and this worries mum as she refuses to come out until the clamour subsides i.e. when everyone is gone.

We call Dadster every other day to find out but all we get are sugar-coated type of comments from him: ‘she’s ok’, ‘she’s eating well’, ‘she’s doing fine’. I’m sure dad means well as he does not want to upset/worry mum, but alas, this does not allay Mumsy’s fears about her ‘furry little four legged cucu’.

And so she leaves tomorrow at noon and will arrive in KLIA at 0725 on Tuesday morning. Let’s hope our worries were unsubstantiated and that Mumsy is welcomed by healthy happy cats!

Venice - Spring 2007

Holidays. One can never have too many of it. A bit like shoes really.

Venezia was ab fab; even better than what I remembered it to be. Maybe because when I was backpacking I didn’t have as much time at my disposal. Or perhaps, it could be due to the pleasant weather; it simply wasn’t as hot as it had been back in summer of 97. We were blessed with lovely weather every day - sun drenched with sufficient light breeze to keep you cool.

We covered all four mode of transportation in Day 1 – air, land, water and foot! Landed at Trevisio Aeroporto at about 10 a.m. local time. Cleared immigration + collected our luggage within 40 minutes and after almost an hour on the bus and another 45 minutes on the water taxi, we finally checked in to our hotel, 5 minutes by foot from San Marco Square, at noon-ish. The hotel, despite being centrally positioned, was a little disappointing. It had no air-conditioning and if not for the window, it would have been quite stifling for all three to be stuck in the room together.

Day 1 was uneventful as we were dead beat from all the traveling. We managed a walk around San Marco Square and its nearby surroundings. Wandered through the little alleyways, over bridges and finally stumbled upon Rialto Market. Snapped lots of photos, window shopped and headed back to hotel for dinner and retired early for the night.

The next morning, we took a speed boat to the island of Murano famed for its hand blown Venetian glass. At this three-in-one factory, gallery and shop, you can find jewellery, decorative items and every type of glassware imaginable. Strolled around this beautiful island and our next pit stop to Burano Island, known for its delicate and fine lace, was abandoned as we headed back to Venice to appease the (my) rumbling tummy, however, not after getting a little lost as we had embarked the water taxi going in the opposite direction!

After lunch, did the customary souvenir shopping – water colour paintings for the house and some beautiful Italian silk scarves for the ‘lil old ladies’ back home.

Next on the itinerary - we were in the pursuit of finding a reasonably priced gondola ride. We discovered that prices start at Euro 100 and that business must be slow (May is the peak season I’ve been told) because if you walk away, the gondoliers will offer you a discount of sorts. We found one near our hotel for a little less than 100. Our gondolier – Luciano - was a very informative man who provided insights to the buildings and sights and satisfied all our queries regarding this amazing island. An example – all the buildings are built on wood stilts and it is in fact the water that is preserving them from rotting. How remarkable is that. Luciano steered the gondola with great precision and ease through the little canals, we were suitably impressed!

On the final day we spent some more time at San Marco Square, feeding the pigeons and taking more photos (!), before finally departing for the ‘aeroporto’ to head back to Londres.

This trip was easy paced simply to accommodate our not-so-young guest. We may not have been able to absorb as much as we would had we been on our own, but a slow and relaxing holiday is rather enjoyable once in a while.

Summer in April?

Today must be one of the hottest April day recorded. Feels almost like summer.

Gorgeous flowers in bloom.

Venice Checklist

All set to go!

• Printouts of flight (never again Ryanair) & hotel reservations - checked
• Places To Go guide - checked
• Passports & Euros - checked
• Taxi booked for 4am – checked
• Plants moved to cooler room and watered sufficiently – checked
• Heater timer off - checked
• Cameras, batteries, cables, chargers, etc – checked
• Light summer clothes (weather expected to be around early twenties) – checked
• Electrical cord converter (crucial this) - checked

Last time I was in Venezia was summer of ‘97. It was a backpacking adventure with some course mates across the continent for the last time prior to returning home for good; returning to a new chapter in our life, into the unknown, into the Malaysian workforce.

Looking forward to experiencing her enchanting canals, serenading gondola ride, discovery of hidden alleyways, quaint bridges and the more obvious San Marco Square, Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, for the second time after ten years.

Let’s see what Venezia has to offer and captivate us with this time around. Will be back with lots of pix.

Goodbye London. Hello Venice.

The Prick

Spoke too soon. Just when I thought my work is becoming more orderly and focused, I’m thrown into yet another role which I had to absorb and understand the whole process (and the products, the collaterals, ratings et al) within two days as the person previously responsible for it is leaving for greener pastures (I so envy him) and The Prick, isn’t willing to learn it himself.

I had a mind to tell the Prick to shove his reporting where the sun don’t shine as I had had enough of his unreasonable ways of managing his work, or rather his errant ways in ‘tai chi-ing’ his responsibilities and delegating it conveniently to me, to free up his time. He irks me greatly, it’s indescribable. All I ask is for some consideration. I don’t mind undertaking this task, but don’t expect me to learn it within a blink of an eye and be able to produce it error-free within a day. Let’s see him attempt it if it truly is so simple.

Hence, my Friday was absolutely ruined thanks to The Prick. Was juggling between two urgent tasks as I had to get them done by close of business – am leaving for Venice on Monday, remember?

Despite all my anger, silent protests and time-constraint, I did manage to complete them both but my point is, why can’t some people be sensible and not throw me in the deep end and expect me to swim to the surface effortlessly, all in the short span of time available. I seriously don’t know how much longer I can last. I think I’ve contemplated leaving countless times. To-date it has not yet materialised. Solely because some days are so good while others get so excruciatingly intolerable that I just want to throw in the towel already.

Work-life would surely improve if I could be rid of The Prick. Until such time, I shall remain an unhappy Wharfer.

ABBA Fever

Mamma Mia was brilliant. Fab. Splenderful. Absolutely sensational. My only gripe (there is no pleasing me is there) is the tergedik gedik leading actress, Sophie. Aiyo. Someone kill her already.

Let's get the nitty gritty details out of the way. Venue of the musical: Prince of Wales Theatre in the heart of Picadilly Circus. We were running slightly late; we came in just about two minutes before it started, thankfully. We had great seats though, not the front rows but near enough. The whole show lasted a solid two and a quarter hours (we hadn't even noticed the time, it was that enjoyable) and was worth every cent spent.

Gist of the show: it's an enchanting tale of love, life and friendship set on a Greek island and features ABBA's greatest hits. The storyline revolves around this gedik girl who has three possible fathers. She cunningly invites all three, behind her mother's back, to her wedding to suss out the 'real' one to give her away at her nuptials. Then there was the comical duo, being Sophie's mom's gal-pals. They were the real superstars for me; tickled us to the bones. Not only were they hilarious, they performed incredibly well too. With such powerful voices, they belted out all the catchy tunes effortlessly - Dancing Queen, Chiquittita, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, Waterloo etc. By the end of the show, all of us were swinging to the beat, mumsy included.

We left at about 10ish, all happy, contented, entertained and very satisfied. Occupied time on the way home in the tube by distinguishing everyone's favourite all time ABBA song.

Mum - Dancing Queen
IK - undecided

Yours truly - Thank You for the Music (shame that this performance was very brief)

Currently all we have blaring in the background is Abba, Abba and more Abba!

Reflections & Resolutions

We are already ten days into 2Q of 2007. This is the time where I need to reflect and do some navel-gazing on what I have achieved/changed for the better during first three months of the year and what I am expecting to accomplish for the next quarter; short term goals effectively.

Q1 Highs

In January I managed to cross out one of the to-visit list of countries. Glad I did that, it was certainly an unforgettable experience.

I enrolled for some Pilates and weekly salsa classes. Super fun, no regrets there.

I had far too many arguments with IK over petty matters and was feeling frustrated with things at work, missing my family + cats and all I wanted to do was go home. I am trying to let some things go because I just cannot control what/how other people do/think. I think there have been some notable improvements in our relationship.

Q1 Lows

I bought many books to stimulate the idle mind but to-date I am still stuck with Jane Eyre (I lose interest easily if storyline dips; need some drama/commotion/crisis/tragedy to keep me going) while the other books are collecting dust on the window sill.

We had invested in an SLR because we realized our IXUS 40’s limitations which then prompted me to register with company’s Photo Club, with the hopes of honing my (lack of) photography skills. I never pulled through. Shame on me. I am still dwelling on whether or not to read the manual and learn the functions at all.

Not too long ago, I excluded consumption of aspartame-laden food from my diet. I was having far too much diet coke and I wanted to detox my body. After sixteen days I floundered. So much for my body, my temple.

For Q2, the main goal I am striving for is work-related. My role at work is slowly becoming more structured. Although I do hope I can cope with the expectations as I sometimes get panic-attacks thinking about my manager’s hopes and aspirations for me. All I can do is hope to be proficient (and comfortable) in my new role by end of Q2.

Photocredit: iK

All Good Things

It’s gone in a blink of an eye.

My long-awaited four-day Easter break that is. Sadly it has come to an abrupt end and tomorrow it’s back to the grind. I think this is the busiest I've been in a long while - three full days of shopping plus one day of sight-seeing by the beach. Mumsy’s stamina for shopping is amazing. She shopped and shopped but never dropped (!). To say I'm exhausted is an understatement. Not looking forward to Tuesday morning when I will most definitely be struggling to keep eyes open and engage brain into ‘work’ mode. God help me.

I am glad everything went well, tiredness notwithstanding, and was able to make the most of this long break by incorporating as many outings as I could. At least I won’t feel bad when I’m busy at work. I have also given her instructions/notes/pointers/journey planners/Oyster card for her to get by when I’m at work. She is all set to venture Oxford Street on her own. Hurrah.

Sun, Sea and Sand

Happy Easter!

Been a busy bee.

Was in Bicester on Friday. Bluewater today. Shop shop shop. But it wasn't me for a change (!).

***

It's been a great easter with mum thusfar. There's always a story or two about Ninnie + Cleo. Not to mention the continuous supply of yummy food: satay, pineapple tarts, nasi ulam and a promise of more to come - fried vermicelli, roti canai, laksa kelantan.

***

Tomorrow's destination: Seaside city of Brighton.

Huzzah

Mum is finally here.

Emo-Chick

I have been suffering from mood swings. One minute I’m really happy, the next I feel like bawling my eyes out. It’s freaking me out.

***

I’m really overjoyed that mum will be here tomorrow.

I’m sad that dad + cats won’t.

I’m worried for the cats she’s left behind (3 weeks, how will they get by?)

I’m looking forward to the Easter hols – four long days of pure bliss.

I’m frustrated with the lack of structure in my role and work at the office.

I’m excited with the prospects of being able to write SAS codes (better chances of getting the job I’m eyeing when I eventually return to Malaysia).

I’m annoyed with difficult colleague who is making my life miserable.

I’m disgusted with smelly colleague who I suspect is either not taking his showers or not washing his clothes.

I’m furious at my lack of will power resulting in abrupt termination of detox diet (I managed a pathetic 16 days out of 42, disgraceful I know).

I am feeling guilty (but secretly contented) that I have been spending quite a bit beyond my monthly shopping budget – a new CD, a trendy handbag, a pretty ring and some lovely spring clothes too.

I’m upset that I crave and eat too much chocolates and all things sweet.

I have been missing home + kitties immensely that I’m always getting visions of all things familiar.

***

There you go. A whole mixed bag of emotions. I don’t know what is triggering them but I do know that I truly want to go home to familiar faces in familiar surroundings. Hopefully when mum gets here tomorrow it will provide some semblance of familiarity and help me return to 'normal' mode.

Murphy's Law

IK and I have work schedules that are very ‘accommodating’ at best and annoyingly unfair at worst.

Let me give you an insight to our routine. When IK is busy with outrageous deadlines to meet, resulting in late nights, you can put money on it that I will most certainly be able to get off work as early as 5-ish. When I am stressed with work up to my ears, he will happily leave the office to reach home in time to catch Everybody Hates Chris.

We have been noticing this pattern and wonder if it’s purely innocent harmless little coincidences. Initially we merely formulated this theory in jest. Strangely enough, it has occurred every so often that it’s not funny any more.

At first glance this may sound beneficial for both parties – when he is tired I’m already home and dinner is ready and vice versa. After awhile, this arrangement just seems so wrong. We can hardly sync our time together, especially for dinner as well as during the times when I am free I tend to email/call him more often than I should during my endless coffee breaks and have him grit his teeth over the telephone answering my trivia ‘give me 5 reasons why you love me’ to amuse my bored-self! Thankfully, IK does not seek to be 'entertained' by me when he has time on his hands. But you get the point; it wreaks havoc in our life.

So today, when he got in at 8.30pm (I was already at home hours ago; hair washed, dinner sorted, net surfed), he said, ‘You’re going to have a great few weeks ahead’, I was not impressed (despite this translating to: I'll have it easy at work).

Late nights, driving lessons, exams to study for. And Mumsy arrives this Thursday.

Murphy’s Law indeed.

The Blues

Why does the weekend always seem to go by ever so quickly and why are they never ever enough?

Although I must say I achieved quite a bit this weekend.

• Major grocery shopping early Saturday morning,
• Obligatory call to home (mumsy isn't impressed with new restrictions imposed to liquid items carried in hand baggage),
• Toby cleaned and waxed (ok ok I did not lift a finger for this),
• Met friends,
• Dinner at Bayswater,
• Managed to slip a two-hour nap in between,
• Sorted tonnes of laundry, ironed, swept, vacuumed, cooked,
• House cleaning for guest due who is due to arrive in four days!
• Blogged!

I have been a busy girl and that's why I think I need yet another Sunday.

New Friend

I blog-hop anonymously a lot but rarely, if not never, leave comments on anybody’s blog unless they are friends. One blog I chanced upon a few months ago that sparked my interest was the post on a particular blogger’s experience in cat relocation. Let’s refer to said blogger as ‘she/her’ for simplicity shall we. This was a matter close to my heart as I was in the same position awhile ago when I had to leave the Motherland and was seriously considering bringing Winnie along.

In early January, I was heading to the country that the blogger had relocated to, for a holiday. I thought why not ask if she could provide some helpful tips on what I can expect of the country. So for the first time, I dropped her a comment, thankfully she reciprocated and after many email exchanges, we sort of agreed to meet for coffee when I was in her territory. Due to my limited time and her busy schedule, we had to forego the meet-up but agreed that hopefully one day our paths may cross again (little did we know that it would be this soon). We continued to communicate via emails and I, leaving comments in her blogs and before long she declared her plans to come to London in March. We were given a second chance at meeting, how great is that?

Yesterday we finally met up and it was great to say the least. Initially I was apprehensive about the meet. Making new friends at this age seemed daunting. I had my reservations and many 'what-ifs'; what if it were totally different being face-to-face as opposed to communicating via internet? But it turned out just fine and dandy. On my part I really think she’d be someone I could spend a lot of my time with. We had one big thing in common, our love for cats and I guess the majority of our conversation centred on feline-related topics. It is also a bizarre coincidence that our husbands work for the same company (well technically the same). I think we chatted for a good three hours, non-stop; there was so much to share! As she had lots to do and not enough time, we had to put on hold this new friendship of ours and rely on virtual sessions i.e. chats/emails/blogs for now. Perhaps one day soon she will come back here, and me, travel there. Or, maybe when we are both back home for good, we could nurture this friendship to the next level, who knows.

Without a doubt, the blogsphere is a wonderful virtual place that can bring (real) people together. It's just incredible what the internet can offer you.