Alhamdulillah I am given another chance of Ramadhan. I should be happy, I am happy, but I can't hide the fact that I'm sad to go through this on my own.
College started on Monday and there are so many loopholes in my memory I think if I list down what I know, it'll be a shorter list than your average supermarket shopping list.
Anyhow, the months ahead will be tough. I just have to swim across the tide. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Hari ini dalam Sejarah
18.06.10 - 10.08.10
Barely 2 months. Alhamdulillah, segala pujian hanya pada Allah. Syukur.. at least it wasn't complicated. Seek, and you shall receive. This is for the best, InshaAllah.
What started as a simple virtual hello, ended with a simple phone call. It's amazing how technology connects and disconnects people so easily. Was it better in the old days when they didn't have any of these devices? Who knows.
Barely 2 months. Alhamdulillah, segala pujian hanya pada Allah. Syukur.. at least it wasn't complicated. Seek, and you shall receive. This is for the best, InshaAllah.
What started as a simple virtual hello, ended with a simple phone call. It's amazing how technology connects and disconnects people so easily. Was it better in the old days when they didn't have any of these devices? Who knows.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Amsterdam
The course was surprisingly very very good! My prayers were answered, despite not having a roommate before going there, Yasmin, the sister I contacted beforehand had found herself wanting to swap room as her friend from work could not join her due to visa issues.
So we shared a room, and I couldn't ask for a better roommie! We had soo much fun together, not least because she enjoys snapping pics as much as I do! And it's sooo funny how I felt like I've known her way before we even met. There was one night where we just chatted until the early hours and I think I fell asleep halfway through the conversation, sorry darling! Hopefully we'll get to meet each other soon, really missed her already!
Things I realised:
1) Europeans are sooo much friendlier than English people. Fact.
2) Wearing hijab is a good way of starting a conversation, not just with fellow Muslims, but also non-muslims.
3) I'm sooooo thankful England is very tolerant towards Muslims, as some European countries won't even allow women to wear what they like (read No2). Alhamdulillah.
4) Even if I eat more than 3 meals per day (during the course), or diet extensively (at home), I still end up with the same weight! So diet or not, I won't lose anymore weight? Noooooo!
5) The food there was ah-ma-zing I wish I could stay for another week!
Ok will list more if I remember any other good points.
Tomorrow is college! Ohh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Wish me luck!
So we shared a room, and I couldn't ask for a better roommie! We had soo much fun together, not least because she enjoys snapping pics as much as I do! And it's sooo funny how I felt like I've known her way before we even met. There was one night where we just chatted until the early hours and I think I fell asleep halfway through the conversation, sorry darling! Hopefully we'll get to meet each other soon, really missed her already!
Things I realised:
1) Europeans are sooo much friendlier than English people. Fact.
2) Wearing hijab is a good way of starting a conversation, not just with fellow Muslims, but also non-muslims.
3) I'm sooooo thankful England is very tolerant towards Muslims, as some European countries won't even allow women to wear what they like (read No2). Alhamdulillah.
4) Even if I eat more than 3 meals per day (during the course), or diet extensively (at home), I still end up with the same weight! So diet or not, I won't lose anymore weight? Noooooo!
5) The food there was ah-ma-zing I wish I could stay for another week!
Ok will list more if I remember any other good points.
Tomorrow is college! Ohh nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Workrelatedinjuries
Seriously work is a torture at the moment. Demanding managers all breathing down your neck. All at the same time.
Anyway, been working at hospitals for the past 2 weeks. The intention was to hang around the hospital long enough to be introduced to any medics, but the only 'introduction' I got was a guy in blue scrubs saying a sheepish hello while pouring milk into his cup of tea. It was 8.30 in the morning and he looked like he could do with a few more hours of sleep.
Quite awkward as I was trying to find the loo. All I could manage was a rushed 'Hi' back and left. Like a makcik kehilangan anak tergesa2. haih.. And then stumbled onto a wrong door which said 'Resident Doctor Private Rooms'. That explained the sleepy looking blue scrubber.
Anyway, been working at hospitals for the past 2 weeks. The intention was to hang around the hospital long enough to be introduced to any medics, but the only 'introduction' I got was a guy in blue scrubs saying a sheepish hello while pouring milk into his cup of tea. It was 8.30 in the morning and he looked like he could do with a few more hours of sleep.
Quite awkward as I was trying to find the loo. All I could manage was a rushed 'Hi' back and left. Like a makcik kehilangan anak tergesa2. haih.. And then stumbled onto a wrong door which said 'Resident Doctor Private Rooms'. That explained the sleepy looking blue scrubber.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Que sera sera
Do you remember your childhood dreams? I'm sure everyone had a dream of what they wanted to be when they grow up.
I've never dreamed of becoming an accountant. Let me tell you, I am so grateful and thankful to Allah for what I have now. I've once said to my mom when I was 16 that I didn't want to 'end up' being an accountant! I said end up because to me becoming an accountant is like a dead end! Like when you drive looking for a way out and then there's no way out at the end of the road (jalan mati!). And then who knew that I was going to be offered a place to do BSc AccyFin here and now training to become one? Allah knows best.
When I was about 9, I was quite serious of wanting to become a lawyer. I think half of my class in primary school knew about this (if they can still remember!). They always made fun of me for this!One friend, perhaps confusing a lawyer and a magistrates, was making fun of my height and said people would not be able to see my head in the court room cos the table would be too high!
I was really into court cases, and my hero at primary school was of course Karpal Singh. One of the biggest murder cases that was going on when I was in Standard 4 was of course Mona Fendi's case. My mom was into this case, so she would buy this specific newspaper (I've forgotten what's it called now), and everyday they would print the dialogues in the courtroom. I would then cut this and put it in my scrap book. And every sunday, in Berita Minggu, there was a section where they dug up old criminal cases, like Botak Chin for example, and I would religiously cut out these too! If I did this too early you would then hear screams from my mom as she hadn't read the paper yet! In the scrap book I would reference the date and highlight what the commentaries for the cases were. I would make sure I went through this again and again, and I always thought this was a good training to become a lawyer! haha
On the side, I also *secretly* wanted to become a news presenter! I would make up my hair (masa kecik ni tak pakai tudung lagi) and sit in front of the mirror and read the news (konon la). You would hear me saying:
Salam sejahtera, Sari berita penting (style RTM ni) hehe.
Dua penjenayah dari Melaka berjaya ditembak mati polis tengah malam semalam ketika sedang merompak dua rakan di kedai makan.
Selalunya berita jenayah la. Ganas baru orang nak dengar berita. hehe
So yes, I made up my mind at 9 years old that I either would become a lawyer (criminal lawyer) or a newspresenter (reading criminal news, nonetheless). I even had a picture in my mind what and how I would look like when I turn 20 and start my dream job.
I am now 20+ and none of what I dreamed of more than a decade ago had happened, yet. But the dream lives on.
I've never dreamed of becoming an accountant. Let me tell you, I am so grateful and thankful to Allah for what I have now. I've once said to my mom when I was 16 that I didn't want to 'end up' being an accountant! I said end up because to me becoming an accountant is like a dead end! Like when you drive looking for a way out and then there's no way out at the end of the road (jalan mati!). And then who knew that I was going to be offered a place to do BSc AccyFin here and now training to become one? Allah knows best.
When I was about 9, I was quite serious of wanting to become a lawyer. I think half of my class in primary school knew about this (if they can still remember!). They always made fun of me for this!One friend, perhaps confusing a lawyer and a magistrates, was making fun of my height and said people would not be able to see my head in the court room cos the table would be too high!
I was really into court cases, and my hero at primary school was of course Karpal Singh. One of the biggest murder cases that was going on when I was in Standard 4 was of course Mona Fendi's case. My mom was into this case, so she would buy this specific newspaper (I've forgotten what's it called now), and everyday they would print the dialogues in the courtroom. I would then cut this and put it in my scrap book. And every sunday, in Berita Minggu, there was a section where they dug up old criminal cases, like Botak Chin for example, and I would religiously cut out these too! If I did this too early you would then hear screams from my mom as she hadn't read the paper yet! In the scrap book I would reference the date and highlight what the commentaries for the cases were. I would make sure I went through this again and again, and I always thought this was a good training to become a lawyer! haha
On the side, I also *secretly* wanted to become a news presenter! I would make up my hair (masa kecik ni tak pakai tudung lagi) and sit in front of the mirror and read the news (konon la). You would hear me saying:
Salam sejahtera, Sari berita penting (style RTM ni) hehe.
Dua penjenayah dari Melaka berjaya ditembak mati polis tengah malam semalam ketika sedang merompak dua rakan di kedai makan.
Selalunya berita jenayah la. Ganas baru orang nak dengar berita. hehe
So yes, I made up my mind at 9 years old that I either would become a lawyer (criminal lawyer) or a newspresenter (reading criminal news, nonetheless). I even had a picture in my mind what and how I would look like when I turn 20 and start my dream job.
I am now 20+ and none of what I dreamed of more than a decade ago had happened, yet. But the dream lives on.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Is this it?
I think I'm losing it. These days all I do is wake up, go to work, come back from work, do some unfinished work, eat, go to sleep, wake up, go to work, come back from work, do some more unfinished work, and repeat the whole sentence again. Yes, it's beyond boring! I hate to think that this was what I wanted to do when I was applying for the job. Work has consumed me inside out. I don't even have time to call home and talk to my parents. I used to call my mom every single day when I was at uni. I was very lucky that they were with me when I started this job, so I talked to them every single day. And then they went home. I'm lucky if I can speak to my mom once/twice a week these days. It's that bad.
I keep on asking myself, is this what I want to do? Not having anything else in life except work? I have some weekend life if I make an effort to go to London. But after having some good laugh, the journey back to Luton is just soo sad. Back to reality and I hate that feeling. It's the same feeling I had when I was at KYS, in the car, near the taman rama2, after a long holiday, or a weekend away. The same feeling. It's just that this time, there were strangers on the train, and I am in a different country. But same feeling nevertheless.
I really shouldn't be too ungrateful. I wanted this job. I prayed and worked hard for it. Allah gave me what I asked. Alhamdulillah. But now I realised it's really not something I want to do for the rest of my life. I can't stand the fact that I'm not doing anything to benefit anyone except the partners who're making lots of money so that they can buy the next model of Maserati.
I keep on asking myself, is this what I want to do? Not having anything else in life except work? I have some weekend life if I make an effort to go to London. But after having some good laugh, the journey back to Luton is just soo sad. Back to reality and I hate that feeling. It's the same feeling I had when I was at KYS, in the car, near the taman rama2, after a long holiday, or a weekend away. The same feeling. It's just that this time, there were strangers on the train, and I am in a different country. But same feeling nevertheless.
I really shouldn't be too ungrateful. I wanted this job. I prayed and worked hard for it. Allah gave me what I asked. Alhamdulillah. But now I realised it's really not something I want to do for the rest of my life. I can't stand the fact that I'm not doing anything to benefit anyone except the partners who're making lots of money so that they can buy the next model of Maserati.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Random thoughts
My heart has been broken many times, but isn't it funny how I'm still breathing and alive.
You may break my heart, but you'll never break my faith in destiny.
Winter may have frozen all the lakes and dried all the leaves, but not for long as Spring will awaken all atoms and refresh all hopes.
The best part of breaking up is making up. Sorry, I beg to differ.
You may not aware of my feelings, but I'm content even if we're together only in my dreams.
Suddenly the winter doesn't freeze me, the warmth of memory beats all blues.
You may break my heart, but you'll never break my faith in destiny.
Winter may have frozen all the lakes and dried all the leaves, but not for long as Spring will awaken all atoms and refresh all hopes.
The best part of breaking up is making up. Sorry, I beg to differ.
You may not aware of my feelings, but I'm content even if we're together only in my dreams.
Suddenly the winter doesn't freeze me, the warmth of memory beats all blues.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Not a happy note..
Have you ever felt like you don't belong? I thought I wouldn't ever feel that way again after I left high school. Yes believe it or not, there were soooo many times when I was in high school I felt like I didn't belong there. This blog has never been a place for me to show my 'other' darker sides, but this will change in this entry...
I was offerred a place at Kys after somebody didn't turn up for her place, can't remember her name now, but the late Mr Ramli Maidin was very kind to offer me a place on that fateful Sunday night on the phone to my dad. Despite everything, I can never thank him enough..
But I didn't try to fit in. I got along with some people, had issues with a few, made some good friends, and did mostly my own things, especially so when I was in Form 3-Form 5. I did not study in the same prep room with my peers for PMR and SPM, found it less condusive to do so. So I set up my study table with the juniors. Thats where I spent most of my time, eating, even sleeping at weekends and doing Yoga! Allah answered my prayers, and I got what I wanted, 8As in PMR and 9A1s in SPM. Alhamdulillah..
And then college. I didn't feel so out of place here cos I felt like I earned a place there although again, I got the scholarship after someone pulled out, she was even in my class at college and was under a different scholarship. But I believe in rezeki, so I worked my ar*e off for A Levels. Maybe I didn't work as hard as I should have, even then I felt I had worked harder at SPM, but alhamdulillah, I managed to get a place at the university of my choice here.
Warwick was the best place, I felt totally at ease with myself. Although I got along fine with everyone, I didn't have a best friend. I was a bit of a loner really. I just didn't share the same taste in terms of activities as some other people. And I did think some people might even find me hard to handle. Anyway, I did work hard at university, and alhamdulillah managed to get a good grade in final year. My university years, are by far the best experience in my life. I got a job at the Warw**k Arts Cen**e, and only after 8 months working I was promoted to Head Steward, so I was already managing almost 16 stewards on a busy night when I was only a second year. I really enjoyed the experience..
Now working for a big company, there are some times when I just feel out of my comfort zone, no friends, just acquaintances, and no-one to turn to when it gets a bit too much. I'm on training at the moment, and the activities are quite intense sometimes. I always looked forward to quizzes cos I could feel myself challenged, but since some people give a weird look if you try too hard, I often find myself trying not to answer everytime. Thank God there's another guy who always tries to get all the points for his team. you won't believe how some ppl gave him the look! It feels like you're in primary classroom and the boys were tired of the girl incessant question! hahahaahhah. This is a true story actually, but it wasn't me! Well maybe that deserves another blog post.
Anyway, something happened today that made me feel quite embarrassed and out of place. When the instructor called somebody from my table to volunteer for a tie-breaker with another team, mind you I have contributed a lot for the team with the points, and its always only me and this other guy in the team that answered the quizzes, the other guys and girls seemed very uninterested. Oh don't let me start of the Irish guy called Mikey he was not only racist, he keeps using foul language whenever he's not happy with something which can be pretty much about anything! He is so rude, when he came in the first day, he didn't even bother introducing himself, and the other day when he was trying to catch up with the rest of the class and was asking for the password, he ignored me when all I did was try and help him! So rude!! Anyway, I thought to myself, I don't have to try and make him like me, he can go to **ll for all I care!
Ah malas nak type lagi. Nak mandi. bye.
I was offerred a place at Kys after somebody didn't turn up for her place, can't remember her name now, but the late Mr Ramli Maidin was very kind to offer me a place on that fateful Sunday night on the phone to my dad. Despite everything, I can never thank him enough..
But I didn't try to fit in. I got along with some people, had issues with a few, made some good friends, and did mostly my own things, especially so when I was in Form 3-Form 5. I did not study in the same prep room with my peers for PMR and SPM, found it less condusive to do so. So I set up my study table with the juniors. Thats where I spent most of my time, eating, even sleeping at weekends and doing Yoga! Allah answered my prayers, and I got what I wanted, 8As in PMR and 9A1s in SPM. Alhamdulillah..
And then college. I didn't feel so out of place here cos I felt like I earned a place there although again, I got the scholarship after someone pulled out, she was even in my class at college and was under a different scholarship. But I believe in rezeki, so I worked my ar*e off for A Levels. Maybe I didn't work as hard as I should have, even then I felt I had worked harder at SPM, but alhamdulillah, I managed to get a place at the university of my choice here.
Warwick was the best place, I felt totally at ease with myself. Although I got along fine with everyone, I didn't have a best friend. I was a bit of a loner really. I just didn't share the same taste in terms of activities as some other people. And I did think some people might even find me hard to handle. Anyway, I did work hard at university, and alhamdulillah managed to get a good grade in final year. My university years, are by far the best experience in my life. I got a job at the Warw**k Arts Cen**e, and only after 8 months working I was promoted to Head Steward, so I was already managing almost 16 stewards on a busy night when I was only a second year. I really enjoyed the experience..
Now working for a big company, there are some times when I just feel out of my comfort zone, no friends, just acquaintances, and no-one to turn to when it gets a bit too much. I'm on training at the moment, and the activities are quite intense sometimes. I always looked forward to quizzes cos I could feel myself challenged, but since some people give a weird look if you try too hard, I often find myself trying not to answer everytime. Thank God there's another guy who always tries to get all the points for his team. you won't believe how some ppl gave him the look! It feels like you're in primary classroom and the boys were tired of the girl incessant question! hahahaahhah. This is a true story actually, but it wasn't me! Well maybe that deserves another blog post.
Anyway, something happened today that made me feel quite embarrassed and out of place. When the instructor called somebody from my table to volunteer for a tie-breaker with another team, mind you I have contributed a lot for the team with the points, and its always only me and this other guy in the team that answered the quizzes, the other guys and girls seemed very uninterested. Oh don't let me start of the Irish guy called Mikey he was not only racist, he keeps using foul language whenever he's not happy with something which can be pretty much about anything! He is so rude, when he came in the first day, he didn't even bother introducing himself, and the other day when he was trying to catch up with the rest of the class and was asking for the password, he ignored me when all I did was try and help him! So rude!! Anyway, I thought to myself, I don't have to try and make him like me, he can go to **ll for all I care!
Ah malas nak type lagi. Nak mandi. bye.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Kebetulan... (orang lain takkan paham ni)...
Ada cerita di sebalik ni.. First cut is the deepest they say. Can't agree more.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mimpi aneh
Maka pada suatu hari inilah mimpinya:
Someone told me that I had to go to Rio De Janeiro, it was a short notice and I was a bit panicky. In the dream I didn't know where Rio de Janeiro was, so when someone asked where it was I said 'oh somewhere near America'. And then (out of nowhere), still in my dream, a friend from high school said 'No, it's in Brazil'.
When I woke up, I was thinking to myself: Do I really know where Rio de Janeiro is? No. Then how come I can actually come up with a correct answer, albeit through a different character??? and all day at work I was thinking about this dream and I checked google, it is Brazil!
So how did I know the answer in my dream??? Weird....
Mimpi hanyalah mainan tidur.... tapi saya sangat suka kalau mimpi...hehehe
Someone told me that I had to go to Rio De Janeiro, it was a short notice and I was a bit panicky. In the dream I didn't know where Rio de Janeiro was, so when someone asked where it was I said 'oh somewhere near America'. And then (out of nowhere), still in my dream, a friend from high school said 'No, it's in Brazil'.
When I woke up, I was thinking to myself: Do I really know where Rio de Janeiro is? No. Then how come I can actually come up with a correct answer, albeit through a different character??? and all day at work I was thinking about this dream and I checked google, it is Brazil!
So how did I know the answer in my dream??? Weird....
Mimpi hanyalah mainan tidur.... tapi saya sangat suka kalau mimpi...hehehe
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Selamat Hari Raya Luton!
Selamat hari raya buat Kakak di Segamat, Bangcik dan keluarga di Kelantan, Bob di Sg Petani, Abah mama dan adik di Luton! Adik sampai semalam, jadi kami beraya berempat taun ni!
Yey makan ketupat! Yey dapat cuti hari isnin (nasib baik manager baik, thanks Neil!)
hari isnin jalan2 london ya Allah permudahkanlah!
P/s: sedeh kesian kat bob raya sorang2 dengan kawan2 dia...
Yey makan ketupat! Yey dapat cuti hari isnin (nasib baik manager baik, thanks Neil!)
hari isnin jalan2 london ya Allah permudahkanlah!
P/s: sedeh kesian kat bob raya sorang2 dengan kawan2 dia...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Old flame
My old flame is engaged to be married! I guess I expected it to come sooner or later. Who was I kidding, we never made any promise, so the inevitable is here whether I like it or not. Yes, deep down I still have the same feelings, but I am a coward and always have been when it comes to relationships. Plus, sparks are not enough to make a fire last when the wind's too strong.
Maybe God had planned it this way, for me not to know it earlier is a blessing in disguise, it would have affected me even more if I knew it two months ago, when I was very vulnerable emotionally.
So he's engaged, and I am not dreaming it, all it took was one sentence and all was revealed. So what do I say? What do I do? Thank God for YM! You can't tell my expressions! I was numb for a few deafening seconds and then I said what other sensible people would say when told such news. But if you knew me, you'd say I was lying. Was I? God knows.
It was too much to bear, so I said my goodbye and wish secretly he'd know my feelings. The truth is he never will. The distance is too great. No bridge would be able to connect it. 11 years. God has it been that long? I have told myself time and time again to move on, so don't say I never tried. I've always been a loyal person. So there's no exception here. But I believe in destiny so mine will come maybe not in the form of the person who I've been loyal to for more than a decade. But he will come.
Maybe God had planned it this way, for me not to know it earlier is a blessing in disguise, it would have affected me even more if I knew it two months ago, when I was very vulnerable emotionally.
So he's engaged, and I am not dreaming it, all it took was one sentence and all was revealed. So what do I say? What do I do? Thank God for YM! You can't tell my expressions! I was numb for a few deafening seconds and then I said what other sensible people would say when told such news. But if you knew me, you'd say I was lying. Was I? God knows.
It was too much to bear, so I said my goodbye and wish secretly he'd know my feelings. The truth is he never will. The distance is too great. No bridge would be able to connect it. 11 years. God has it been that long? I have told myself time and time again to move on, so don't say I never tried. I've always been a loyal person. So there's no exception here. But I believe in destiny so mine will come maybe not in the form of the person who I've been loyal to for more than a decade. But he will come.
Monday, March 16, 2009
14 March 2009
I have to blog today as I'm officially an aunt for the second time! Woohooo. Well actually the baby boy came into the world last nite around 10pm. Abah broke the news over the phone. Alhamdulillah!
p/s: full name belom tau, aufa kot? tau fu fah? hahaha siap la esok kena gelak kat skolah. opps sorry fafa, nanti maksu pos baju okes!
p/s: full name belom tau, aufa kot? tau fu fah? hahaha siap la esok kena gelak kat skolah. opps sorry fafa, nanti maksu pos baju okes!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
The end of Woolies
The news have been replaying the same news stroy over and over again. I couldn't even recall what people use to call it, before credit crunch got into our vocabulary. (side dish: anyone still using the thick physical dictionary? They must have a hard time having to upgrade it every single time a new word came about)
Anyway, we went to Woolworth a couple of times since the news about their administration came out. There isn't one in Luton, the branch closed way before the whole company collapses-early this year and the nearest one is in Hitchin (about 30 mins away). I remember having a conversation with a local Lutonian about Luton not having a woolies ( I love the chocolate there, my visit to ole coventry town would not complete without a trip to wollies). Many loved the pick&mix there and some joked, even if no millionnaire wanted to save woolies, at least save this part for the sake of the kids who wouldn't be able to enjoy the variety on offer. I never tried them but they looked quite good.
During our visits, there were hardly anything worth buying for really. The good chocolates of course had been scoured by many a visitor during it's last few days of opening. On our last visit to the Milton Keynes branch, all the fixtures and fittings were on sale too. Even the manager's desks, the employees' lockers, racks, shelves, every single thing. The whole store still had items left over though, old socks, dusty shoes and kids apparels, rusting nuts and bolts, the odd plastic bins, the old cds that nobody wanted to buy either because the singer was rubbish, or they already had a copy, or they hated the song. Or all of them, or they'd rather listen to the free youtube.
Looking at the unwanted shoes, the nuts and bolts, the pink shorts and skirts, and many other stuff that were still in plastic boxes on the floor: I wonder what would happen to them. Would the employee bag them for free and give family and friends after they left Woolies and tried to look for another? Would they be given to charities and the homeless? Woul they be recycled?
What would the employees do? They've been quite helpful in helping Woolies end on a high note, but everyone knows the market is as gloomy as ever, Woolies is not the only one in the retail industry loosing its prominence: Officer's Club, Whittards of Chelsea, Zavvi, and the kitchen supplier MFI. And experts are saying hundreds more will face the same fate soon. Which means the chance for these employees to find a job in the retail industry is arguably slim.
Thankfully there's jobseeker's allowance for these people, and redundancy payments to help ease the burden, but even these money came from from 'someone else's' pocket. How long would these continue??
Let me just finish this cup of Milo as for now....
Anyway, we went to Woolworth a couple of times since the news about their administration came out. There isn't one in Luton, the branch closed way before the whole company collapses-early this year and the nearest one is in Hitchin (about 30 mins away). I remember having a conversation with a local Lutonian about Luton not having a woolies ( I love the chocolate there, my visit to ole coventry town would not complete without a trip to wollies). Many loved the pick&mix there and some joked, even if no millionnaire wanted to save woolies, at least save this part for the sake of the kids who wouldn't be able to enjoy the variety on offer. I never tried them but they looked quite good.
During our visits, there were hardly anything worth buying for really. The good chocolates of course had been scoured by many a visitor during it's last few days of opening. On our last visit to the Milton Keynes branch, all the fixtures and fittings were on sale too. Even the manager's desks, the employees' lockers, racks, shelves, every single thing. The whole store still had items left over though, old socks, dusty shoes and kids apparels, rusting nuts and bolts, the odd plastic bins, the old cds that nobody wanted to buy either because the singer was rubbish, or they already had a copy, or they hated the song. Or all of them, or they'd rather listen to the free youtube.
Looking at the unwanted shoes, the nuts and bolts, the pink shorts and skirts, and many other stuff that were still in plastic boxes on the floor: I wonder what would happen to them. Would the employee bag them for free and give family and friends after they left Woolies and tried to look for another? Would they be given to charities and the homeless? Woul they be recycled?
What would the employees do? They've been quite helpful in helping Woolies end on a high note, but everyone knows the market is as gloomy as ever, Woolies is not the only one in the retail industry loosing its prominence: Officer's Club, Whittards of Chelsea, Zavvi, and the kitchen supplier MFI. And experts are saying hundreds more will face the same fate soon. Which means the chance for these employees to find a job in the retail industry is arguably slim.
Thankfully there's jobseeker's allowance for these people, and redundancy payments to help ease the burden, but even these money came from from 'someone else's' pocket. How long would these continue??
Let me just finish this cup of Milo as for now....
Empat belas tiga puluh & two-oh-oh-nine!
As we welcome the new year, I can't help but look at how the past year has been for me, so many ups and downs, so many new things learnt, new experiences, new failures and wins. Let's summarise shall we:
January: After an incidental chat with a group mate at Warwick Library, I realised I needed to do something with life after graduation. Taken the advice and acted upon it in less than 3 days. Alhamdulillah I can never thanked you enough friend. (I told him about this and hope Allah balas sewajarnya InsyaAllah).
February: Went for two nerve wrecking interviews and along the way had help from friends. Very pleased with the results and helped me concentrate on exams more. Got the best present ever for my birthday, a job offer!
A couple of weeks before the interviews, I had the most upsetting result for one of my assignments. It was really bad considering the amount of research and time spent on it. To be fair, it wasn't my best essay ever, but I really had numerous chats with the lecturer, more than I had with any other subject. Had even sought for moral support from the senior person, the lecturer himself, and my personal tutor. I knew then it was impossible to change the result, but I guess I was comforted by the fact that many shared the same fate as me.
It wasn't easy to forget, but I knew I musn't let it consume me.
March: No highlights? I was too consumed with work!
April: Trying to revise as early as I could, and exams came in early this year too!
May: Exams!
June: Lost 5kgs in time for graduation and before Mama came. All thanks to moving halls, panicking about not finding a place to live after graduation and work. What a shame that I have gained more than that since living in Luton with my parents! The cold weather doesn't help I tell you!
July: Graduation!!
August: Moved to Luton. Bade sayonara to my old laptop and bought a new one.
September: Started college and meeting new people, started a new routine of going to classes, with homework to finish and exams to sit for.
October: Raya in Luton with parents after 3years!. New experience for my parents and to a lesser extent, me. Not to mention the nerve-wrecking moments when Abah was stranded in Dhaka by British officers. Scary scary moments. Couldn't concentrate in class, but everyone was so helpful even my Law tutor tried to help by recalling his stories of being stranded in Korea. He always has a story to relate to everything!
November: The result came out! Alhamdulillah, passed all papers! Dreading the next phase!
December: Loved all the trainings, stayed at nice hotels, met nice people, lovely desserts. ahh bliss.. On the side: started client work.
Bring on 2009!
January: After an incidental chat with a group mate at Warwick Library, I realised I needed to do something with life after graduation. Taken the advice and acted upon it in less than 3 days. Alhamdulillah I can never thanked you enough friend. (I told him about this and hope Allah balas sewajarnya InsyaAllah).
February: Went for two nerve wrecking interviews and along the way had help from friends. Very pleased with the results and helped me concentrate on exams more. Got the best present ever for my birthday, a job offer!
A couple of weeks before the interviews, I had the most upsetting result for one of my assignments. It was really bad considering the amount of research and time spent on it. To be fair, it wasn't my best essay ever, but I really had numerous chats with the lecturer, more than I had with any other subject. Had even sought for moral support from the senior person, the lecturer himself, and my personal tutor. I knew then it was impossible to change the result, but I guess I was comforted by the fact that many shared the same fate as me.
It wasn't easy to forget, but I knew I musn't let it consume me.
March: No highlights? I was too consumed with work!
April: Trying to revise as early as I could, and exams came in early this year too!
May: Exams!
June: Lost 5kgs in time for graduation and before Mama came. All thanks to moving halls, panicking about not finding a place to live after graduation and work. What a shame that I have gained more than that since living in Luton with my parents! The cold weather doesn't help I tell you!
July: Graduation!!
August: Moved to Luton. Bade sayonara to my old laptop and bought a new one.
September: Started college and meeting new people, started a new routine of going to classes, with homework to finish and exams to sit for.
October: Raya in Luton with parents after 3years!. New experience for my parents and to a lesser extent, me. Not to mention the nerve-wrecking moments when Abah was stranded in Dhaka by British officers. Scary scary moments. Couldn't concentrate in class, but everyone was so helpful even my Law tutor tried to help by recalling his stories of being stranded in Korea. He always has a story to relate to everything!
November: The result came out! Alhamdulillah, passed all papers! Dreading the next phase!
December: Loved all the trainings, stayed at nice hotels, met nice people, lovely desserts. ahh bliss.. On the side: started client work.
Bring on 2009!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Warwick for a brief
Very brief indeed. We were there for less than an hour I think. I was very excited to show my parents where I called home for the last three years. But the weather was not helping much it was freezing cold and by the time we got there it was already almost Maghrib.
I was quite disappointed that the security didn't let us past the barrier to Lakeside. My dad really wanted to see the lakes and the wheat plantation. What a shame.
We went to Royal Grill before leaving Coventry and thanks to that I was really sleepy in the car.
It felt really good whilst praying in the Prayer Hall. Seeing familiar places, familiar spots in prayer hall where I used to spend a few nights when I was feeling quite low in energy to take the bus home or when I had to work at 9 on Sundays (bus doesn't start till 10am on Sundays, hence overnighting in the cold Prayer hall was needed).
There were doing major constructions on the Student Union and Arts Centre. But the eatery at Arts Centre was open, the last time I was there it was shut. They changed the old wooded chairs to white ones. Or repainted the old ones, I don't know. The Front of House office where I used to report for work was shut, if not I could've said hi to Emma or any other stewards on duty.
I felt as if I was back to somewhere safe. I really liked warwick. It has been kind to me. I have so much good memories there. I loved my jobs as Steward there and really missed watching good shows for free. Movies, concerts, comedies, even selling ice creams. I enjoyed them all. The last concert I did was perhaps Jason Mraz concert, I was already at Westwood by then, he was literally 5 metres from where I was standing the whole time, but it was such a bummer that I didn't have my glasses on, my vision could have been better. But the experience was amazing!
I was quite disappointed that the security didn't let us past the barrier to Lakeside. My dad really wanted to see the lakes and the wheat plantation. What a shame.
We went to Royal Grill before leaving Coventry and thanks to that I was really sleepy in the car.
It felt really good whilst praying in the Prayer Hall. Seeing familiar places, familiar spots in prayer hall where I used to spend a few nights when I was feeling quite low in energy to take the bus home or when I had to work at 9 on Sundays (bus doesn't start till 10am on Sundays, hence overnighting in the cold Prayer hall was needed).
There were doing major constructions on the Student Union and Arts Centre. But the eatery at Arts Centre was open, the last time I was there it was shut. They changed the old wooded chairs to white ones. Or repainted the old ones, I don't know. The Front of House office where I used to report for work was shut, if not I could've said hi to Emma or any other stewards on duty.
I felt as if I was back to somewhere safe. I really liked warwick. It has been kind to me. I have so much good memories there. I loved my jobs as Steward there and really missed watching good shows for free. Movies, concerts, comedies, even selling ice creams. I enjoyed them all. The last concert I did was perhaps Jason Mraz concert, I was already at Westwood by then, he was literally 5 metres from where I was standing the whole time, but it was such a bummer that I didn't have my glasses on, my vision could have been better. But the experience was amazing!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Selsdon Park Hotel
I am now at the hotel in South Croydon on training with the firm. It's a truly amazing place this is, the facility is superb, the hotel itself has been extablished since the 1920s! That's really something, isn't it! There's a golf course, acres and acres of land at the back of the hotel which I have not yet got a chance to roam, and the room is absolutely fantastic. Although I am feeling a bit lonely that mama dan abah are in Luton and not with me, I wish they were. I should have forced them to come, but there's costs to think about as well, but the room is massive, I really am feeling quite lonely in here all by myself.
Today before dinner somebody bumped into me and started conversing in bahasa melayu, and I could tell he's not had a practised in a while, but it's truly impressive really. Jamie used to work in Brunei, and had a friend in Kota Kinabalu and he's done Gunung Kinabalu twice! Mentioned it to him that I did it when I was 14 too. We had a nice chat and would have gone on for a bit longer until he realised I hadn't had my dinner.
Went to have a quick dinner, the meals.. well, there's not that many that I could eat, they tend to put wine or some other forms of liquor in most of the dishes which the waitress/waiter would kindly point out for me which was nice. But they do have halal chicken, although they seemed to unable to comprehend that when u put alcohol into the sauce that goes with the chicken, the meal would then be haraam. Oh well, need to educate them on them.
Oh ya, we did the synchronised swimming today (on land) during the intermission session, we performed last and ended first! Although we were all over the place with the synchronisation to be honest! We were the only group with natural sound, in other words, we hummed the danube song as our background music, there's another group with music, but they got it off computer which is not really that creative haha.
Ok need to get some sleep for tomorrow, I need to be early, as I was one minute late this morning!! Not impressive!!!
nitee
Today before dinner somebody bumped into me and started conversing in bahasa melayu, and I could tell he's not had a practised in a while, but it's truly impressive really. Jamie used to work in Brunei, and had a friend in Kota Kinabalu and he's done Gunung Kinabalu twice! Mentioned it to him that I did it when I was 14 too. We had a nice chat and would have gone on for a bit longer until he realised I hadn't had my dinner.
Went to have a quick dinner, the meals.. well, there's not that many that I could eat, they tend to put wine or some other forms of liquor in most of the dishes which the waitress/waiter would kindly point out for me which was nice. But they do have halal chicken, although they seemed to unable to comprehend that when u put alcohol into the sauce that goes with the chicken, the meal would then be haraam. Oh well, need to educate them on them.
Oh ya, we did the synchronised swimming today (on land) during the intermission session, we performed last and ended first! Although we were all over the place with the synchronisation to be honest! We were the only group with natural sound, in other words, we hummed the danube song as our background music, there's another group with music, but they got it off computer which is not really that creative haha.
Ok need to get some sleep for tomorrow, I need to be early, as I was one minute late this morning!! Not impressive!!!
nitee
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