Had a really nice mexican lunch at Las Carretas today with the girls (suze, pretty, zztop and cuppacake), rocky babu and A Friend (muchas gracias for the treat!). As usual, was hogging the nachos and then the chicken wings. Didn't take any pictures, but cuppacake did snap a few (bila nak upload kat multiply ni? - cuppa dah upload here!).
Las Carretas is one of my favourite food haunts actually. When I was pregnant with Ali I absolutely crave the steaks there, they have one of the best barbecue sauces in town (at par with Celestial Steakhouse in Kelana Jaya) it tastes just like the barbecue sauces in the States - the authentic N'Orleans ones, y'all. It's probably made from scratch I think, didn't get to ask the chef :)
Highly recommended are the beef backribs, steaks but ultimate fave is the nachos!!!! Crispy tortillas topped with loads of cheese, sour cream, guacamole and jalapeno slices. And must add-on the minced beef.
Sinful, heavenly, utterly divine. It will have me dreaming in Mexican.
p/s: I actually forgot that tomorrow is my filing day at JAWI.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Sunday, July 1, 2007
kaca dan permata
In trying times, you will know who is a friend or foe. Honestly, I have lost a very, very close friend ever since my 'marriage standoff' became officially public. Initially, I felt so betrayed, so hurt - but eventually, I thank the Almighty for showing me who I should trust and who I shouldn't. So, no regrets.
In difficult times too, you will bump into pleasant and unpleasant surprises. I was wholly terharu when my SILs offered their emotional support when I went back to Kedah. I did not expect that from them, because I thought H did such an excellent job portraying me as "the slut". Ironically, I was suprised when a very close family member turned her back against me. It was sad, but like I expected, anything can happen.
Thank you Zaza, for being there - although not in person, but on YM whenever I need to vent out. And to my 87-91 friends who have been a therapeutic group for me to hang out with! Last nite's dinner was fun - steak sandwich, cheese rolls and durian for dinner. What a way to gain a lifetime on the hips!
In difficult times too, you will bump into pleasant and unpleasant surprises. I was wholly terharu when my SILs offered their emotional support when I went back to Kedah. I did not expect that from them, because I thought H did such an excellent job portraying me as "the slut". Ironically, I was suprised when a very close family member turned her back against me. It was sad, but like I expected, anything can happen.
Thank you Zaza, for being there - although not in person, but on YM whenever I need to vent out. And to my 87-91 friends who have been a therapeutic group for me to hang out with! Last nite's dinner was fun - steak sandwich, cheese rolls and durian for dinner. What a way to gain a lifetime on the hips!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
kenapa aku mangkuk sangat?
Ladies, I don't think I'll be getting the KFH job... Here's why:
From: raja.zaxxxx@kfh.com.my [mailto:raja.zaxxxxx@kfh.com.my]
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 2:05 PM
To: Ja*m**n Za**i
Subject: Re: Writing Test
Dear Jasmeen, Thanks and look forward to receiving the one in Bahasa Malaysia next week.
Regards
Raja xxxxxx R. Dato' Seri xxxxx
Head of Communications & PR
Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad
Level 18, Tower 2, MNI Twins11, Jalan Pinang
50450, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
I was suddenly stunned. We had to write this two essays for the writing test, as part of the job interview lah. I submitted the first one to her, then continued on the second one. Suddenly I got the above email. Bila masa pulak ada BM test ni?
Actually the second topic was supposed to be written in Bahasa. I was reading the questions waaaayyy to fast.
Writing Test
Please write a few paragraphs in English on what you think of the traffic situation in Kuala Lumpur. What can be done to improve the situation?
A two page write-up in Bahasa Malaysia on what can be done to attract more tourists to Malaysia in view of “Visit Malaysia Year 2007”
How could I have missed that! The Comms Head must think I'm too gelojoh for the job. Boo *freaking* hoo. Let's keep our fingers (and toes!) crossed.
From: raja.zaxxxx@kfh.com.my [mailto:raja.zaxxxxx@kfh.com.my]
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 2:05 PM
To: Ja*m**n Za**i
Subject: Re: Writing Test
Dear Jasmeen, Thanks and look forward to receiving the one in Bahasa Malaysia next week.
Regards
Raja xxxxxx R. Dato' Seri xxxxx
Head of Communications & PR
Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad
Level 18, Tower 2, MNI Twins11, Jalan Pinang
50450, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
I was suddenly stunned. We had to write this two essays for the writing test, as part of the job interview lah. I submitted the first one to her, then continued on the second one. Suddenly I got the above email. Bila masa pulak ada BM test ni?
Actually the second topic was supposed to be written in Bahasa. I was reading the questions waaaayyy to fast.
Writing Test
Please write a few paragraphs in English on what you think of the traffic situation in Kuala Lumpur. What can be done to improve the situation?
A two page write-up in Bahasa Malaysia on what can be done to attract more tourists to Malaysia in view of “Visit Malaysia Year 2007”
How could I have missed that! The Comms Head must think I'm too gelojoh for the job. Boo *freaking* hoo. Let's keep our fingers (and toes!) crossed.
one tiny step
I really should be sleeping by now because I didn't get my full 6-hours last nite.
OK, so I emailed my boss and told him I want to take Wednesday off. Why? Because I finally decided that I should go to the Pejabat Agama and file for my divorce. Why? Because I don't believe that he is going to let me go just like that. Without a fight. Whatever it is, I have to file my grievances first.
Yeah, it's a tiny step. It's just a plan. What if Wednesday comes and I chicken out? What if I go to the Keramat Pejabat Agama and they do the "oh-you-have-to-go-to-the-one-in-kajang" act? Will I just get back in my car and drive off?
I am so adrenaline-pumped right now it's not even funny. Bring it on!
OK, so I emailed my boss and told him I want to take Wednesday off. Why? Because I finally decided that I should go to the Pejabat Agama and file for my divorce. Why? Because I don't believe that he is going to let me go just like that. Without a fight. Whatever it is, I have to file my grievances first.
Yeah, it's a tiny step. It's just a plan. What if Wednesday comes and I chicken out? What if I go to the Keramat Pejabat Agama and they do the "oh-you-have-to-go-to-the-one-in-kajang" act? Will I just get back in my car and drive off?
I am so adrenaline-pumped right now it's not even funny. Bring it on!
Will jazzmatazzed have the balls to fill in those forms?
Will she just wake up and decide to just go to the office?
Will she move from making that one tiny step to taking the big leap?
Catch it all here live on Wednesday!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
show me da money
I shocked myself today. Yes peeps, I went to Kuwait Finance House for a job interview this morning. Now I can't really tell you why exactly... A bank? I've never imagined that I'd even consider working at a bank. Me and banks are like oil and water. But I figured I need the money so bad (I asked for quite a chunk from what I'm paid now) AND I think the most important thing is that, I WANT TO FACE MY FEARS.
I've always been terrified working for a financial institution. The only thing I know about finances is - SHOPPING! So here I am applying for a Corporate Comm managerial post at Malaysia's largest Islamic bank. Whenever I draft press releases and something financial comes up, it's straight to the finance people - I don't even bother trying to understand the NAVs, EPS, P&L what have you. Whenever I write drafts for the annual report, I had to read line by line - revenue, turnover, EBITDA and it will take me a while to digest them. When it comes to the bullshitting and the operations review, I'm faster than a speeding bullet.
But the interview was interesting, I got asked (among many other questions):
1. Why did you minor in Theology and Art History?
2. How do you tackle difficult people? How do you convince them to believe in something?
3. Why do you want to leave your current job?
I think I didn't do too well on the interview - I was overly talkative (lupa diri sekejap), I might be overselling myself and I kinda lost that firm first handshake because I was waiting for too darn long in that tiny interview room.
It's ok, I'd have to purchase headscarves if I get this job :)
I've always been terrified working for a financial institution. The only thing I know about finances is - SHOPPING! So here I am applying for a Corporate Comm managerial post at Malaysia's largest Islamic bank. Whenever I draft press releases and something financial comes up, it's straight to the finance people - I don't even bother trying to understand the NAVs, EPS, P&L what have you. Whenever I write drafts for the annual report, I had to read line by line - revenue, turnover, EBITDA and it will take me a while to digest them. When it comes to the bullshitting and the operations review, I'm faster than a speeding bullet.
But the interview was interesting, I got asked (among many other questions):
1. Why did you minor in Theology and Art History?
I answered: Because I went to a Catholic school and instead of succumbing to people's worse fears that you will become Catholicised, I found renewed love and interest for Islam.
I wanted to say: Because I am, deep down, a freaking hippie.
2. How do you tackle difficult people? How do you convince them to believe in something?
I answered: Engineers are definitely difficult people to work with, but what you have to do is be friends with them first. Then try to persuade them without actually blatantly persuading them. You've gotta speak highly of their opinions, make them believe that you take them seriously and then go in for the kill. (without actually going in for the kill) Apa aku cakap ni????
I wanted to say: I can put on a dress with a plunging neckline and bat my eyelashes like a damsel in distress.
3. Why do you want to leave your current job?
I answered: I have to be honest with you, it's all about the money.
I wanted to say: Because Rxxhixx is a f*cked up place to work in and in spite of all the good news you read in the papers, I haven't had a bonus in two freaking years. But then again, I didn't wanna badmouth the company.
I think I didn't do too well on the interview - I was overly talkative (lupa diri sekejap), I might be overselling myself and I kinda lost that firm first handshake because I was waiting for too darn long in that tiny interview room.
It's ok, I'd have to purchase headscarves if I get this job :)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
to my bagophile friends...
Splurged on bags during my Jakarta trip, I kinda went through Third World hell to get these babies, reduced me to bargaining like an auntie. Look at 'em and weep...
The Gucci 85th Anniversary Tote. And a bit of a closeup sikit...
This miu miu one is so casual and the soft leather really got me. And it has that laid-back look and roomy enough for just about anything. And it comes with a detachable sling too. Definitely a weekend/shopping bag.
It was love at first sight when I saw this one. This one is my ultimate favourite out of the lot. It's got a bit of a rock chic thing going on here, with the metal plates and studs at the bottom :
This one's a real beauty...Just look at the tassels with the bamboo details. The Gucci logo is also engraved in script, which I thought looked pretty cool. By the way, it's called a Gucci 'race' bag.
These two Guess weekend handbags are dirt cheap it's blasphemous, really. Anyway, they're souvenirs for friends, I'm not THAT greedy.
Finally, after all that bag shopping, plus going crazy over Polo shirts and t-shirts and the boys' shirts I knew there won't be enough room in my luggage bag anymore. I just had to buy this Gucci pull-bag:
Phew! And this is when I DIDN'T have time to shop, I wonder what would happen if I go on a shopping only trip. It's just unthinkable!
The Gucci 85th Anniversary Tote. And a bit of a closeup sikit...
This miu miu one is so casual and the soft leather really got me. And it has that laid-back look and roomy enough for just about anything. And it comes with a detachable sling too. Definitely a weekend/shopping bag.
It was love at first sight when I saw this one. This one is my ultimate favourite out of the lot. It's got a bit of a rock chic thing going on here, with the metal plates and studs at the bottom :
This one's a real beauty...Just look at the tassels with the bamboo details. The Gucci logo is also engraved in script, which I thought looked pretty cool. By the way, it's called a Gucci 'race' bag.
These two Guess weekend handbags are dirt cheap it's blasphemous, really. Anyway, they're souvenirs for friends, I'm not THAT greedy.
Finally, after all that bag shopping, plus going crazy over Polo shirts and t-shirts and the boys' shirts I knew there won't be enough room in my luggage bag anymore. I just had to buy this Gucci pull-bag:
Phew! And this is when I DIDN'T have time to shop, I wonder what would happen if I go on a shopping only trip. It's just unthinkable!
Friday, June 22, 2007
shopaholic me
Yesterday, after we closed down our booth we headed to Mangga Dua, crossing our fingers that the shops will still be opened at 7 pm. One Singaporean dude from the exhibition actually convinced me that the shops open till 9.30pm (ya rite, only if you're Carrefour that is). We reached Mangga Dua at 7 pm, and there were only 3 or 4 shops that are still opened. Chehhhh!!!! Dissapointed, I made it a mission to go on the next day. Taxi Driver cakap, "Buk, di sini kalau mau belanja kedainya bukak jam delapan, ini namanya Pasar Pagi".
I held on to the Taxi Driver's words. This morning I woke up at 6 am, and left the hotel at 7 am by cab konon nak avoid the macet lah. Amazingly, the road was quite smooth and I arrived at Mangga Dua as early as 7.30 am. Hey, I went alone ok! (Thanks Mat Nor, for giving me a bit of time off from the exhibition).
When I got there, the shops were still closed, so I asked the guard what time they actually open. And guess what, NOT 8AM lah...they open at 9AM. (I got duped again, this time by Mr Taxi Driver). So I waited in front of the mall like one looney woman.
The waiting was all worth it. Well Mangga Dua is one heck of a hectic place, you just have to know where to look, really. (I'll take a photo of the bags that I bought so you guys can drool over it ok).
After Mangga Dua it was straight to the exhibition, I got there at about noon. Thank god for the guys, they did a really good job on the booth even without me. Since it's the last day, we were busy handing out all the brochures. By 3.30 we were quite done, and by 4.30 we were already at Plaza Grande, Block M.
Outside Plaza Grande, there is a labyrinth of small shops selling fake goods, clothes, accessories and the works. The place was quite dodgy and gross but hey, what is going to Jakarta without experiencing a dose of the Third World environment. Here I was with two guys that I was not even close with, Abza and Suffian. These guys were cool. Why? Because they can tolerate my shopping - and they're cool shoppers too, I mean guys usually can't tolerate women when they shop. The best thing is, I actually bought 2 Guess bags for like RM20 each, is that a sweet deal or what?
At Plaza Grande I bought 3 Polo shirts and by that time I could feel that my feet are just dying on me. Here I am at the hotel room, putting my feet up while typing this. I'm going to shower in a bit, just letting my poor feet rest for a while.
Tomorrow we're going back to KL and I must tell you, I had fun! Can't wait to come back again and hopefully next time with my girlfriends to Bandung! Any takers?
I held on to the Taxi Driver's words. This morning I woke up at 6 am, and left the hotel at 7 am by cab konon nak avoid the macet lah. Amazingly, the road was quite smooth and I arrived at Mangga Dua as early as 7.30 am. Hey, I went alone ok! (Thanks Mat Nor, for giving me a bit of time off from the exhibition).
When I got there, the shops were still closed, so I asked the guard what time they actually open. And guess what, NOT 8AM lah...they open at 9AM. (I got duped again, this time by Mr Taxi Driver). So I waited in front of the mall like one looney woman.
The waiting was all worth it. Well Mangga Dua is one heck of a hectic place, you just have to know where to look, really. (I'll take a photo of the bags that I bought so you guys can drool over it ok).
After Mangga Dua it was straight to the exhibition, I got there at about noon. Thank god for the guys, they did a really good job on the booth even without me. Since it's the last day, we were busy handing out all the brochures. By 3.30 we were quite done, and by 4.30 we were already at Plaza Grande, Block M.
Outside Plaza Grande, there is a labyrinth of small shops selling fake goods, clothes, accessories and the works. The place was quite dodgy and gross but hey, what is going to Jakarta without experiencing a dose of the Third World environment. Here I was with two guys that I was not even close with, Abza and Suffian. These guys were cool. Why? Because they can tolerate my shopping - and they're cool shoppers too, I mean guys usually can't tolerate women when they shop. The best thing is, I actually bought 2 Guess bags for like RM20 each, is that a sweet deal or what?
At Plaza Grande I bought 3 Polo shirts and by that time I could feel that my feet are just dying on me. Here I am at the hotel room, putting my feet up while typing this. I'm going to shower in a bit, just letting my poor feet rest for a while.
Tomorrow we're going back to KL and I must tell you, I had fun! Can't wait to come back again and hopefully next time with my girlfriends to Bandung! Any takers?
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