Everyday Earth Day

When I was a kid, I remember having fireflies coming into my home, being able to swim at Gurney Drive (trust me you don't want to that now), abundance of butterflies in the garden, nesting birds, drinking straight from the tap, seeing owls, kites and mudskippers near the beach just across my house, watching otters frolicking when I went fishing with my dad.. some of the cool things I had experienced then.. Mind you, I was living in the suburbs not a kampung environment pun.

Nowadays it's such a novelty coming across stuff like that in my daily life. I guess we have limited time to stop and notice our environment and what's missing now.. At least my nieces are still exposed to nature when they go over their dad's kampung during the weekends. Kids nowadays susah nak enjoy outdoor activities on a daily basis being unsafe and all..

While driving (SOV ya, guilty as charged) to work this morning and listening to the radio on the discussion on climate change, recycling and stuff, I was trying to figure out what I have done so far(however miniscule).

- turn off tap while brushing teeth, shampooing hair, cleansing face or soaping hands
- take short showers and use biodegradable soap
- run full loads of laundry and only use dryer if necessary
- plan my activities so that I won't be driving around so much ( saves time too)
- recycle newspapers ( note to self : must do it for other materials too)
- reduce plastic bag usage
- reduce foam container usage ( personally i prefer my nasi lemak in banana leaf and newspaper wrapping anyways)
- leftover bottled water used to water plants or refill flower vases
- only use the air conditoner when necessary. I like to drive with windows open in the mornings and walk about for my breakfast and morning papers
- switch off my computer when not in use

Hmm..
There's much more than can be done which helps the environment and saves money too. Will definitely try much harder to reduce wastage and recycle more!

Dad..

Mom and I had a long chat yesterday and somehow the topic came about my dad. Pejam celik dah setahun he has been gone..We had the tahlil slightly earlier back home.

Strangely I am devoid of any emotions when I visit the grave or during tahlil but one nite while driving home from dinner I found myself simply crying. Yes, I admit I am a sentimental person and I really don't mind being sentimental about people who mean a lot to me.

Mom misses him. She is independent but I guess she gets lonely sometimes. She was with him right til the end kan..

Hugs Mom.

Ada masa terkilan jugak bila fikir he is not around to celebrate milestones in my life.. It seems selfish la pulak when I feel that way. But I am glad for the time given to me to be with him as God intended..

Al-Fatihah

What a Week..

Last week was a flurry of activities which had absolutely nothing to do with what I wanted to do.. Yeah, work is work.. and the other daily chores are required to keep life somewhat organized.
I had to deal with some disciplinary issues in the office. A staff meeting was called to address these problems.. Kak Yan and I also brought the matter up to the MD with proposed plan of action. Glad to get that out of the way but I know some are not happy la.. but hey I am just doing my job.

And a surprise addition to my department when I had to interview a candidate out of the blue and absorb him soon after. Well we will soon see how he can handle us ladies in the department hehehehhehe... But there's a likely possibility my partner will be placed in the other company. Bummer... Less kaki la in the office. And more things for me to keep an eye on.

Had a good Saturday though.. Nowadays I like early mornings. So weird that now either my friend or I would exclaim "Eh dah pukul 8.30 malam dah?!" after hanging out in the mall. It used to be "Baru pukul 8.30 malam?!"

Finally managed to watch "27 Dresses". Well at least I am up-to-date with something. Feeling so outdated lately...

I read a post by the charming Matt on being grateful.. So I'd like to share this quote with everyone;

Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars - Henry Van Dyke

Funny Business

The finance and administration department decided to conduct an 'internal audit' recently and is ongoing. There seems to be some discrepancies going on lately...

A couple of us have been entrusted to go undercover and seek clarification or proof on the situation. My colleague and I feel somewhat like a PI right now.. My immediate supervisor is kinda feeling frustrated and disappointed. It's about trust.. and she does not want to escalate this issue to higher management. Nanti the work environment mesti gloomy je. Spoilt her mood la..

But if it is true, memang tak patut la. I do hope that there will be an avenue which this problem can be addressed in a fair manner. Both sides must be able to present its case.. I don't envy her position right now, having to be the whistleblower.. Hmmmmm

You won't like me when I am angry...

Fortunately I won't turn green or muscular when I get angry.. just sharp tongued and emotional (unfortunately for the receiver of my wrath) . Although I do believe I have mellowed, I must admit I still can conjure quite a storm when my limits are tested.

I take pride in whatever I do.. I believe in doing things as best I can. In my work environment, I try my best to deliver and observe good work ethics... To this note, someone once told me I won't be able to do a good job in sales or marketing hhehehhehehehehe... Like that also got ah?

Anyways, what really pisses me off is when I have informed the relevant people on their job scope and responsibilities but they take it lightly. Unfortunately, this attitude of certain people have made ME look bad to the management and outside parties. This happened because when the project was to be assigned, everyone cited busy schedules and having their own jobs to take care of therefor unwilling to lead the project. Fine. I was 'given' the opportunity and have tried my damndest to ensure that whatever needed to be done is carried out.

Of course there were uncooperative people.. critical people and just plain ignorant people. They think that it's not their job and its not important for them to take part. After much gentle prodding, some pushing and whatever.. the task was completed and we obtained the necessary qualifications.

But it does not end here. There are 3 more steps to go before the overall project is completed. I had respectfully asked the relevant people to take over these tasks as it affects their job scope. To date I have received 3 warning letter for non-compliance by the external party.

I am embarassed because my name is their point of reference.

Being unappreciated in one thing.. but I take offence when they do not have any considerations or respect for my reputation.

I can't be answerable for their complacency. 'I didn't know that' excuse is no longer acceptable.

It's so disappointing for me to see this happening. I believe that we can grow to be better and move forwards with the company. This requires team work and effort. But now I feel defeated..

Perhaps I will try to get through to them again when we meet...