When working on Saturday

My company has declared 4 days of mass vacation during Raya. It was divided into 2 days before Raya and 2 days after Raya. However, we have to replace our leave on Saturdays. The replacement started today. Of all the days, TODAY… What’s so significant is today? Today is the release of Harry Potter final book!! And I obviously has booked it earlier at MPH. I was so excited to read the book after being disappointed by the latest Harry Potter film that I watched last week. Seriously, is this the same guy who directed the first Harry Potter film? Coz both was sucks. I know it’s hard to squeeze all the story in the Kamus Dewan thick Harry Potter book into 2 hours of movie, but give the film some credit la. Especially the part when Sirius Black died. He’s the only family that Harry Potter has and put la some emotion when Black died. Make it longer the scene to let the audience feel the loss and sorrow that Potter felt. But there’s nothing to be felt. Trust me, I can cried when anybody died in movies if given the right dose of emotion (I cried watching Four Brothers, 300 and all the action movie where they have somebody died. It’s normal ok. It showed that I have feeling and passionate about life. Huh).

Anyway, here I am stuck in the office doing nothing progressive cause my brain didn’t program to work on Saturdays. But fear not, I already applied for half day leave and after this I can rush to Mid Valley to collect my book with Zainal. Oh, he also one of the victim that couldn’t collect his book because he has to wait for me. Hehe…

I have this idea that guys don’t like to read books. Well most of the guys I know at least. Btw, magazine is not consider a book ok. Let’s be fair la, there are some girls who don’t read books too la. But not as many as guys la kan. However, if the guy read Harry Potter books only, it would meant a lot to me already. Because, Harry Potter has this ability to make want to know more when you read it. If you want to read Harry Potter to sleep you off, you make a grave mistake. Instead you will stay up all night long to finish up that book. This was not only happened to me only but few people I know. But there was a rare case that that person actually didn’t finish up a chapter and fell asleep and just stop reading that book It’s either she doesn’t understand English or she just doesn’t understand English. That’s the only reason I can’t think of. Oh yeah, maybe she can’t read.

Maybe I should do book review after I finish up reading that book. And other books too. Yup, like the travel tips I did. That’s remind me a book that I really recommend to all. Oh, that would be in the next post.

Accepting oneself

You always heard people said that 'I don't care what people say about me as long as I'm happy'. That's a good principle as long as you don't make stupid stuff that make other people's life miserable. But that principle is only true only and if only it's apply to other people that you don't know.

When it comes to someone that you need to get approval with like your boss, your parents and your future mother-in-law, that principle might not be suitable. Especially your future mother-in-law la kan. Coz usually father-in-law is not so fussy like woman right.

Then your 'does-she-approve-me-if-I....' would took place. Questions like

1. Does she really want to let his youngest son to marry me?
2. Does she approve me if I don't know how to cook (the fact that his son is a better cook than me)?
3. Does she think that I suitable for his youngest son & would take care of him like she did?
4. Does she want a girl like me?
5. Do I fit all the specifications that she had in mind?
6. Will I be her best daughter-in-law ever?
7. Does she mind if I wake up late on weekends (weekends je)?
8. Does she think that I can produce cute grandsons and granddaughters for her?
9. Does she accept the way I am (coz that would a lot of areas that I need to rework, reprocess and re-engineer to improve myself, considering my current position)?
   
10. Does she accept her daughter-in-law wearing Optimus Prime mask saying 'This is Optimus Prime' with no purpose basis (on second thought, does she really want a Optimus Prime obsessed girl with deep knowledge of Ultraman and thinks anime character can be soo handsome (but his son is the most handsome of all time, hands down))?

Ok... I'm being paranoid here. At the end, she just want his youngest son to be happy and loved right. I'm sure he feels happy and feel loved right now, right.

The bottom line is, we always want approval from others. Maybe not from all the people (unless you are running for presidency) but to those that close and important to us, we seek their approval unconsciously. We need to be accepted by the way we are to feel that we are someone in this world and part of this world. Even one person is enough to give us some confidence. But to find someone that really accepts us the way we are is the hardest part. Sometimes even family just won't recognize our true self especially if we are different from the others. Therefore, always cherish people that care and accept you in their life.

Would be nice to wear this during Halloween

Yeah, like Malaysia celebrate this Halloween lah. On second thought, not necessary Halloween je... now also can right. I want this:

Optimus Prime Voice Charger Helmet.
Product Features * Become the mighty leader of the AUTOBOTS! * The ultimate headgear for any OPTIMUS PRIME fan, strap on this awesome helmet and rule the galaxy with awesome electronic features! * Hear conversion sounds of OPTIMUS PRIME changing from a truck to a robot and back again, or hear OPTIMUS PRIME movie battle phrases like, "I am OPTIMUS PRIME!", "The DECEPTICONS must be stopped!" * Easy-to-adjust straps allow you to fit the helmet comfortably on your head. * Adjusts to fit head sizes ages 5 through adult

So cool... I can look and sound like Optimus Prime. wooohhooo...
Found this in NST. Really funny article & the reason I want to buy this:

Mild-mannered reporter RIDZWAN A. RAHIM suddenly booms with authority when he puts on the Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet.

WHAT: OPTIMUS PRIME VOICE CHANGER HELMET
IT’S LIKE: Something for the costume party, except that you can actually sound like Optimus Prime, leader of the good guys in Transformers.
MISSING FEATURE: Won’t let you turn into a truck.
PRICE: RM169.90
AVAILABILITY: Jaya Jusco, Toys R Us. It’s everywhere.

I heard some electronic voices coming from your desk. I thought you were watching a pirated copy of the Transformers movie but when I turned around, it was Optimus Prime himself sitting at the desk.
Hah! That’s because I have this Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet from Hasbro. So now when I say “I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots”, people will believe me. I no longer sound like a mild-mannered reporter.
Yeah, I must admit I was surprised. The helmet has given you such leadership qualities. Is it heavy?
Leading a pack of robots to save the world is always a heavy responsibility.

No, I mean the helmet.
Oh. No, it’s just plastic. It has adjustable straps on the inside so anyone can wear it; from children to adults. The visors are yellow but you can see quite clearly. This is important because you don’t want to be yelling “Die, Decepticon scum!” at your mother because you thought she was your brother.
But the real reason why you’ll pay RM169.90 for this thing is the mic inside the helmet.
Speak into the mic and you’ll sound like Peter Cullen, the voice behind Optimus Prime in the original 1980s TV series, as well as the movie that’s opening tomorrow.

Sa-weet!
Ah, but the helmet probably won’t be of much help if your voice is already like Alvin of Chipmunks fame to begin with. In fact, the instruction says you should use a deep voice when talking into the mic.

So what else can the helmet do?
Apart from the voice changer, it has two other buttons. One button will spew Optimus Prime battle phrases while the other will emit realistic transformation sounds. You know, “khu-khu-khe-khe-khi!”.

Alright! So I’m set for battle. I talk like Optimus Prime, I even make transformation sounds like Optimus Prime. But can I actually turn into a truck?
A: You’ll be surprised. There are fans who like Transformers so much, they have created robot suits that will allow them to actually transform into vehicles. I’ve seen the videos on YouTube.

You’re beginning to sound like a weirdo. I meant that question to be a joke. I didn’t expect you to say yes.
Oh, and perhaps it will also help if you are actually a contortionist?

Look, can we get off the subject?
Alright, alright. But as far as I’m concerned, this helmet is good enough. My fantasy of becoming the leader of the Autobots has been fulfilled and my life is complete. The only other helmet that I have always wanted is the Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet.

Oh yeah, that’s one cool gadget as well. All the guys I know want to sound like Vader.
I’ll go one better. Not only would I sound like Vader, I’d use it to scare the postman. I would also go around saying “This is CNN”, thereby puting James Earl Jones out of business.

The Youtube clip I found is this one:

On serious side: I really want this but is too pricey for something that you just want to fool around.... Haha... any Bill Gates here that want to present me with this? =)

Travel tips - Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island is one of the many island in east coast of Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. It was divided into Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian) and Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian). Both islands are next to each other and you can take boat to go there. There is no significant different between both island (according to me la) as both give you the clear blue water, white sandy beach and many snorkeling area.

Since I just come back from there, there's few tip I would like to share to those who likes to travel there with tight budget and at the same time enjoy every moment of your vacation.

Tips on traveling to Perhentian Island if you are a budget traveler:

• We can take boats to Perhentian Island at Kuala Besut jetty. How to get to Kuala Besut. If by air, take flight to Kota Bharu. From Kota Bharu, take taxi to Kuala Besut. Usually it’s around 1 hour and cost from RM50-RM60. By bus, you have two options. There’s a bus company called Mahligai that take you direct to Kuala Besut. It’s usually departs from Putra Bus Station, Kuala Lumpur at 9-9.30 pm and arrives at 5.30am. There are many other bus company but they only take you to Jerteh. From Jerteh to Kuala Besut takes about 20-30 minutes. You can take taxi (cost around Rm12-15 per cab in daytime. Not sure if it’s different on the wee hours) or bus (cost you only RM1.50 per person but the schedule is very unreliable).
• Use backpack as your luggage. This is because between the jetty to your resort in Perhentian Island, you need to change to smaller boat. May resort doesn’t have jetty and you are force to cross over the boats in the middle on the ocean. It is wise to bring backpack as it is easier. Imagine you bring the rectangular plastic luggage that have wheels, it’s heavy and you need to balance yourself with your beg at one hand to cross over the boats. Hmmm… dangerous. But don’t worry, the boatmen are very nice people, they will help you.
• The first boat departs from Kuala Besut usually at 9am and the last one at 5pm. But there’s one travel agency, Kuala Besut Travel Agency, their boats depart at 7.30 am. And their people will wait for you when you arrive at Kuala Besut at the bus stop even at 5.30am. Other travel agency only open at 8am. Including mine. Sigh.
• Don’t be afraid if you arrive at 5am coz there’s few restaurants that already open and you can hang out there. And there’s surau nearby. And there’s also parking lot that charged you on day-to-day basis. Suitable for those for drive to Kuala Besut.
• There’s a lot of resort / chalet there on the island, from the most expensive (Perhentian Island Resort) to RM 20 per night chalet. Depending on your budget, you can choose these varieties of chalet at various locations on Perhentian Kecil and Besar. The backpackers’ chalet usually is a walk-in basis with no booking service. Some resort reserves some chalet for walk-in and doesn’t open to travel agency to book. You can check out this website: www.pulauperhentian.com.my. & www.perhentianisland.com.my.
• I’ve been here twice and both trip I stayed in Flora Bay Resort which situated in Teluk Dalam, Perhentian Besar. Likes is very subjective. Some might not like it but I like this resort. First trip was 10 years ago but last month I went there, the place was still the same. Same white sandy beach. Clear blue water. What I like that the waves are not so big, very calm and you can even see a school of ikan bilis swimming by the beach. They provide many hammocks under the trees and you just can sleep by the sea in the afternoon without fearing of sunburn. The people they are friendly and they don’t disturb you.
• The thing about Teluk Dalam beach is there are many other resorts such as Everfresh, Fauna, Samudera and Arwana. So you can choose the variety of food at different restaurants. I’ve taste Flora Bay and Fauna and both are delicious. These resorts also have their own dive centre fro those who wants to scuba dive.
• Where sun screen / sun block. It’s not about getting tan or scared to get tan but to protect from sunburn. There’s one guy in our snorkeling trip got sunburn on the first trip and can’t join for the second trip. Rugi jer.
• For snorkeling trip, there are many prices on what I observed. My travel agency (Anjung Holidays Travel Agency) charged RM 35 per person per trip but at Flora Bay Resort, they charged RM45 per person per trip. However, I already checked area of the trip cover and both showed the same place, which is marine park, turtle area, shark area and spring water. I think 1 trip would be not enough especially if you go in the evening coz the turtle couldn’t be seen. I went twice and both trips were at different place and time except the shark area. The evening trip usually at 2pm and the morning trip at 10am.
• Make sure that your boatman (aka tour guide) showed you the exact place. My boatman actually swam together and brought us to the exact place to see the sharks. And some other area in the marine park where you can see a school of big fishes (a kind that size of more that half of your body). It would be a waste if he just drop you at a place without you knowing what to expect. You might end up seeing the same species of that small fish at every stop.
• To make your snorkeling fun, bring a loaf of bread. Fishes will surround you to eat the bread. The second trip we were lucky to bring the bread coz then only I felt like a part of nature. Even bigger size of fish (a size of 2 palm hands) came to enjoy your bread. They are very gentle creature. Except 1 fish, the others never bite you. Ok, maybe they might confuse your hand with the bread once a while but it was not painful. The best part is that they will stay with you for a while even after the bread finish.
• If you have the water resistant camera, this is the time to utilize it to the maximum. The view under the water was breathtaking. If you don’t have, don’t worry. You can always buy the instant camera (the one that come with the film & once finished, you can’t refill the film). It’s around RM37-40 for 27 shots. Ok lah… The pictures were acceptable la. (For example: You can see my previous post where there’s picture of swimming with fishes. That pictures were using that camera.)
• It’s advisable to bought your mineral water before going to island. The price was twice than normal. The large mineral water (1.5L) is enough la per person to carry & drink at least for 1 and half day. Bring biscuits & snacks coz everything there was expensive.
• However, the food there was not very expensive. Not the certain point of too expensive that it’s not acceptable. The range was ok and asked for seafood coz their seafood was fresh.
• Don’t go to Kuala Besut and Jerteh on Friday. All shops closed except grocery shop. Enough said.
• Lastly, just enjoy the every moment. Life might not as exciting as in the city but it’s very relaxing and calm. The people over there are very friendly and they did everything is no rush manner. (That’s explains the unreliable bus schedule). After 3 days there, I was also infected with that no rush symptoms. It was nice to live in place where you don’t have to rush from one place to another place. (And it’s good for your heart too. Hehe)

Can’t think of anything to add. If there are any more tips, I will update it. Btw, those who has any tips on Perhentian Island, please add at the comment.

Note: Instead of just describing of fun I have and what I did, it’s better for me to do this travel tips thingy right. At least can give some points to those who interested of going that place.