Helping out

It's been quiet in here for awhile huh? Been really busy these few weeks....our 2nd garage sale cum food bazaar was just over last Sunday which was a bigger success than the 1st one in February and it was more merrier and of course more fun because we had more friends participating selling their old stuffs and FOOD and more people came. I guess the 'food' attracted them. It was a lil difficult controlling my own 'shop' because I'm also helping my boss selling her old stuffs which are mostly clothes and stuff toys, so I need a lil assistance from 1 or 3 little or I mean young assistances to help me out - had to give them some tokens after that. I'll blog and post pictures about this later soon.



Right now, I'm busy helping out my ex-colleague & beastie, Melissa and ex-boss in the BIMP-EAGA Expo 2011 which will be held on 12- 15 March 2011 at the Sabah Trade Centre. I feel good helping them out although it's only for a week and I've been doing events for about 10 years now. That's my nature of work and almost everyday is a different routine which is great - never get bored. FYI, participating countries in the expo are from Brunei, Indonesia, M'sia, Philippines (a must from this 4 countries), China and Australia. It's more interesting than our Sabah International Expo because of Ms Susan (my ex-boss) contacts connection, we have like about 20 booths from the Philippines and they are selling alot of interesting stuffs. And the cool thing is that we'll be having our special VIP guest H.E. Fidel Ramos, Former President of the Philippines coming to officiate this event together with our Sabah Chief Minister. Met Mr Ramos at our 2004 SIE - the unique thing about him is that he wears glasses with only the frame and a cigar in his mouth without a smoke wherever he goes.

I'll be back in here again soon with more updates and music to share - so check me out ya!

Final Preparation for the SIE2010

Next week will be a super duper busy week for me and my colleagues (from MICCI Sabah, FSM & SIE Secretariat). Although I did manage to update my blog today (to de-stress my mind) but work in the office was actually non-stopping and overloading but it's fun to be that busy - so used to it. I'm glad I'm able to cope with work stress just fine. My office (MICCI) seems to look like a paper factory these days....there's just papers & files everywhere. We are actually tightly busy with our final preparation for the Sabah International Business Conference 2010 (SIBC2010 - which MICCI Sabah is chairing again this time round) and the Sabah International Expo 2010 (SIE2010 - chaired by FSM). We'll be moving to the SIE Secretariat at 1Borneo Hypermall, where the SIE will be held, starting this coming Monday, 11 Oct. The SIBC will be held on 15 Oct (Theme: Growing Money from Trees), whereby the SIE will start from 15 - 19 Oct. There will be about 400 booths (both local & international participation). There will also be visiting diplomats and we're expecting about 20 countries participating in the SIE. SIE is one of our company's major event held bi-annually (it was last held in 2008) and we jointly organise it with FSM and the Sabah State Government. This will be my 5th SIE as part of the working committee.

So people - do go and visit the SIE2010 on 15 - 19 Oct at the 1Borneo Hypermall (exhibition site is located in the basement/car park area). It will be fun & interesting!

I'm sure next week we'll be working like hell...rushing to have everything organised, just be prepared to look like pandas (ha...I mean we might have baggy eyes for having less sleep). But at the same time it will be lots of fun...you know meeting people and getting free stuffs from the exhibitors ( I hope). So looking forward to it but still can't wait to get it over and done with!

Company's Annual Luncheon 2010

Last 27 July, our company/chamber had our Branch Annual Luncheon held at the Magellan Sutera's (Sutera Harbour Resort) Grand Ballroom. I got back to work on 1st July (from my 2 months maternity leave) and only had like a month to organise this event. The luncheon was attended by about 370 people including the Chief Minister of Sabah as our Guest of Honour and other VVIP guests (sorry can't post pics of them).

We had western set menu. I missed out the food tasting session in June, so I thought the menu was just okay this time...not up to my likings though. Pictures here that tells....

The Appetizer - Grilled Vegetables Antipasto with Grissini Stick & Balsamic Vinaigrette:
The Main Course - Herbs Crusted Reff Fish Fillet with Tomato Butter Stuffed Chicken Supreme with Harisa Sauce Young Garden Vegetables & Pesto Mash Potato:

The Dessert - Chocolate Jaffa Volcano:

With my collegues from the Sabah International Expo 2010 (SIE2010) Secretariat - Sonia and Christy:

With guests from KFC (Sabah) Sdn Bhd - Regina (a friend of my friend (Dolly) and Datin Anna Au:

After the event - over and done with:

It was a rushing thing to do but at the end it was well organised - over and done with. So I'm quite satisfied with myself (ha!).

Another tough decision

My previous employer insisted of not letting me go, so they offered me a promotion with a better pay. So this week I’ve to come up with a decision that may hurt either one party which is tough. But at the end of the day, it’s one choice I have to take – a better plan for my life and future. I actually missed my previous job cos I enjoy establishing contacts with people and getting more exposure in the business industries. And I felt like I’m turning into a hermit if I stay longer in this new company – so dead boring and less challenging. I realized that being there, I can’t expand my knowledge well enough – just simply can’t grow. I think you know clearly what my decision’s gonna be. Being in a corporate world for more than 10 years makes me a very competitive person and loving any challenges there is.

I recently bought an inspirational/self-motivation book from MV Doulos called ‘Live Like You Were Dying’ by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman, and which is based on Tim McGraw’s (the Grammy award winning country singer and husband of Faith Hill) song with the same title.

One of those words from the book inspired me to make the right decision. And it goes like:

“What’s the secret to success?” I asked. “Two words”, he said. “Right decisions.” “How do you make right decisions?” “One word,” he said. “Experience.” “And how do you get experience?” “Two words,” he answered. “Wrong decisions.”



So now I think I'll be going down that same career path again but with a whole new perspective.

Coping Up

It's been more than two weeks now since I started my new job. And I'm coping up but unfortunately feeling a lil d-motivated at first...well I thought I'll be happy but what do you expect...1st day of work in a totally new environment is always not the happiest moment of all. But like I say I'm coping up, being patient, having cool attitude and everything will be okay....(I pray and hope). Talking about enjoying what you do (from my last post)...I'm trying to shoo out those negative thoughts and try to enjoy my work now. I'm doing extreme self-motivation right now! Ya..I do need some moral support from you friends/readers too!

So after this, I'll be feeding my soul with this free art project! Feel free to join me in Feed Your Soul. Remember, art can free your soul!

My last event?

Finally today, our company's major event this year, our Annual Luncheon is over and done with and probably my last event with MICCI. Phew after nearly 9 years I'm leaving MICCI - maybe not for good yet cos they (the bosses) do not want to let me go just yet and they offered to increase my pay but it's still lower than the new offer in my new workplace which I'll be starting my new duty as Administration Manager this coming Thursday. I will miss MICCI tremendously but I will try out this new post first. The good thing is (with this new job) I'm gonna have a secretary of my own to assist me...that's something new and good step to climb up the ladder in the corporate world - so wish me luck people!

Today at the Annual Luncheon, it was chaotic-ly busy as usual but so glad that the Chief Minister (thank goodness the State Assembly Meeting finished early) did turn up but a few Cabinet Ministers did a no show which is so frustrating to those member companies who hosted them. I was too busy to even take photos of the food except the last course - the dessert (Strawberry cheese cake with wild berries sauce - yummy and beautifully presented). We in the Secretariat table sat with a young Japanese businessman who came all the way to Tokyo just to attend the luncheon. Since he called us at the last minute and the VIP table was already filled up, he doesn't mind seating with us. He was so super friendly, humble and speaks good English.

Anyways, since my card reader is not working (shucks!), I'll post some photos later ya.

I'm really, really gonna miss organising/coordinating events after this. Just imagine all the contacts you can get. This difficult decision is for my family and for my own good. I hope things will turn out well.

Short and Sweet

Just a quick hello while I'm still buzzing around in the office. Been tightly busy and need to do some catching up with few urgent matters - proper handover, looking forward to my new job, organising 3 to 4 company events this month, CJ being a fussypot nowadays and yada yada etc. I really need another break...I just did once last monday/took emergency leave but end up doing painting with my CJ (wanna see?).

Anyways, I'll be back here soon for more updates but for now I wish I could live in this picture - quiet (or maybe not) and cosy.


And also enjoy this unique & oh-so cute picture taken from my fav illustrator/artist, Holly Becker's blog - decor8.


Happy Wednesday everyone!

In a dilemma

Just a quick one....(maybe)

1) My mood is still in its gloomy state. I simply can't write anything here...for now BUT I've to force myself. I know I'm acting silly but just like any MJ's fan, I'm still in deep mourning for him since his death...I still can't get over it. I listens to his music everyday now - especially the Jackson 5. I'm gonna do MY OWN personal tribute to him very soon.

2) This July will be a super duper busy month for me...just can't finish my office to-do list and un-routine workloads...among others are:

- Just done with coordinating a financial clinic with Maybank at the Le Meridien KK today;

- Part of the organising committee & starting to get busy for the Inter-Chamber Golf Tournament - Chief Minister's Challenge Trophy to be held at the end of this month at Nexus Karambunai Resort;

- Preparing for our company's Branch Annual Luncheon to be held in early August at STAR, all invitation to VVIP's are out, RSVP's to do in the next 2 weeks, calling member companies to take tables/seats for the luncheon, food tasting, hope the Chief Minister (our Guest of Honour) do turn up and not tell us at the last minute he can't make it or else it will be total chaos and etc;

3) I've made my decision (finally..after much thinking) to leave my current job after nearly 9 years due to a better offer with better pay for a managerial position near my hometown (which is great - nearer to my family) - with a heavy heart of course but this is a good opportunity to make some difference/changes and improvement in my life. However, my boss won't accept me leaving and willing to keep this job for me, just in case I'm unhappy with the new one and at the same time will negotiate with HQ to raise the pay I WANTED from before (how sweet! but we'll see how things goes). This year will have me do lots of transitions in life - for the better;

4) I finally got a new car of my own - a light blue coloured Proton Saga (the new Saga version) that I might need to drive to my new workplace very soon;

5) I desperately need a new hairdo - we'll see this weekend.

More from me later ya....

Quickie Wednesday

Here's whats and hows my day today in random order....

1) Just came back from attending the Organizing Committee Meeting for the International Education Conference (IEC) at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) this afternoon. The IEC is proposed to be held in November this year...there's too much things to be done and to be finalize with too little time and just hope they will not postpone it again;

2) My daddy came home for just 1 week vacation and he'll be leaving for Penang early morning tomorrow...so we're gonna spend some time with him tonight. Will be missing him again! And oh ya he's finally on Facebook (ha!);

3) So inspired with Sugared Songbird's creativity...I so want to do and create stuffs like these!;



4) Looking forward to watch "Tranformers: Revenge of the Fallen" but firstly I've got to watch Part 1 (pity that...I've watched the cartoon but not the movie and I know who's Optimus Prime (ha! again)


5) Met up with some sweet and lovely people/friends today.

Pretty good Wednesday today!

Quickie Hi!

Just a quickie despite being a lil busy this week.

1) Attended our company's Committee Meeting at Sutera Harbour Resort (as usual, I'm the minutes taker) and we celebrated our Chairman's 80th Birthday (but he looks like he's still in his 60's - he's damn healthy and still going strong as an 80 year old & he's an Indian). So now I'm aspire to live longer like him - eat and live healthy! And not to forget - lots of exercise too, ha!

2) Shucks! Kris Allen won the AI crown instead of the guy with eyeliner & black nail polish - Adam Lambert. It's okay, Kris deserved to win too, I thought his performance last night was good as Adam.

3) I'm going jogging today...oh maybe just brisk walking.

Later from Mama Rock

Now a better worker

Glad that everything is over and done with. I've coordinated and handled 'alone' a 2-days training workshop on "Upgrading Skills to Enhance Productivity at the Workplace on 28 & 29 April at the Promenade Hotel, since my boss was away for a personal leave. There were only 10 participants (mostly executives from 3 large & well-established companies) including myself (because I think I too need to improve myself) and that's why its very easy to handle. It was more like an informal training workshop and all of us has become like a 'family' after these memorable 2-days. I could say we all had fun, we laugh alot and freely share our opinions & experiences. I enjoyed and we all promise to keep in touch as friends. So now I think I want to be a better worker...more productive I guess(?).





Well, since it will be a long weekend & tomorrow is Labour Day, I would like to share here 10 Working Tips for you and I:

1) Do not get into trouble
2) Aim for greater heights
3) Stay focussed on your job
4) Exercise to maintain good health
5) Practise team work
6) Rely on your trusted partner to watch your back, take your time trusting others..
7) Save for rainy days
8) Rest and relax
9) Always smile when your boss is around
10) Nothing is impossible

I learned that SUCCESS is a journey....so work towards it. HAPPY SMILEY WEEKEND!

Quite back on track

Felt so dead boring last week...our internet line was down for a few days (not sure if it's because of our very old-fashioned modem or the server was badly affected due to some upgrading works going on?????) After tired of complaining to TM...our office finally decided to change/upgrade our modem & router to the latest brand there is that's in the market right now...going wireless lah konon...it's time for a change...we should have done it before.

I had a very bad cold last Thursday...stuck in bed with high fever and now with a terrible dry cough...just hope my Carmen will not catch this virus bug....thank God right now, she's still ok.


Anyways, I bought Stacy's debut album "Aku Stacy" to get myself back on track...I need to listen to some upbeat music at the moment...to be inspired to write some songs. The album has 7 tracks and I think 'Gagap' is a cool song...I like! Another Sabahan talent to be proud of!

Inspired lately and will share some updates......

Been tight up with so much work recently. I've just got over and done with organising a Briefing on Goods & Services Tax by PricewaterhouseCoopers last Thursday and looking forward to our Branch's Committee Meeting followed by lunch hosted by one of Suria Group's company tomorrow. Afterthat...I'll go yeah and phew! Despite the busy-ness, I've been inspired to do a little bit of art projects lately (finally) and I've been working on them during the nights after my Carmen has gone to bed. I'll share something about it soon.

Well, some more later...but right now need to get back to my inspiration.

XoXoXo from Mama Rock

Eating & Chillin Out

I've been eating and chillin out with some friends alot prior to the CNY holidays last month. And so gaining weight and losing weight is totally uncontrollable at that time. But how could I possibly not love eating....maybe I can still love food but be strict on my diet (aiseman)...I love anything that has cheese and mayonaise on it...gosh...you've got to stop girl! Losing weight is in my to do/to be list this year...please don't laugh but pray for me and wish me luck..HA!

Anyways, I went out eating German food with my girlfriends at Gunter's Gasthaus...a cottage-like restaurant located along Jalan Tuaran. The food was just okay and lil pricey but still affordable (if my pocket belum berlubang lah or in other words pokai) They should have a better or interesting beverages menu though and makes the price worthy (and not like a cuppa of coffee @ RM6 - too much!)

Check out the cool stuffs you can see there and thanks to Emilia and Mimie for being my photo shoot model wannabes (you gals rock - stay DDG (drop dead gorgeous)!)






Two of the dishes we had - Black Forest Style Potatoe-Mushroom Casserole and Fish Fillet Au Poivre Noive:













And then in early January, my company organised a "Talk on Economic Outlook" at the Marina Club, Sutera Harbour Resort. I had a nice lunch at their cafe with a pretty view and the food was good but heavy....and our function went well with more than 70 attendees...good response and a great time to start the new year. I had a better and yummy version of Pineapple Fried Rice and my colleague had Nasi Goreng Makcik...nice food presentation.




I also had a farewell lunch for Emilia together with my boss, Stella and Mimie just recently at Promenade Hotel. No doubt their buffet lunch is a thumbs up....loving their dessert...look what I had (greedy huh....I know I'm killing myself)!



Okay...happy drooling:P

Memories of Sabah International Expo 2008 (SIE2008)

It was more than 3 months ago that we last had the SIE2008 (15-19 October), and I'm recalling back the fun times and memories....although those are one of the stressful moments for me this year. It will be my company's turn to chair the next SIE in 2010...but I'm gonna think twice if I'll still be around to help out...I'm kinda fed up of going through it again...and this will be my 5th time (since 2002). I had pretty great colleagues this year in SIE2008 and we worked together as a team just fine.

Here are a few of the memories through pictures....

The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia came to officiate the Opening Ceremony of the SIE2008



There were nearly 400 booths at the expo, and some selling stuffs I liked.....



With Fathi (photo above) from the Nigerian Booth (a fashion designer and she's pretty for a Nigerian) and with a young and flirty Governor of one of the province in the Philippines (photo below)


With Louis, a Jazz musician, bag designer and entrepreneur from Nigeria....showing off one of his cool bag...I like!

With the SIE babes....Mimie, Emilia and Melinda