With you.

And if I were to write it in Malay it would be even better…

Hari ini, aku bahagia.

Dengan kamu.

For now, I will share some photos which I will see everyday, where I will work and start my career.

And I will walk through this door on the day I start my career with PETRONAS.

While preparing myself flavoured water, less sugar. Same great taste, just a bit more healthy.

Eat healthy

I know it is very tempting to put as much as salt and sugar to suit our taste buds. For a non-permanent pleasure? As the food and drinks pass the throat you will taste nothing.

Let’s not sacrifice tomorrow for the sake of today’s pleasure. Take less sugar, less salt.

Interesting enough

I came across this tweet by @ming29:

I reckon u should pay less if u order drinks without sugar.

I second this motion! If I own a restaurant, I will promote drinks with less sugar will cost a bit less than normal. 10¢ to 20¢ perhaps. I know that is a lot. But I want to educate people.

If I can’t give my people money, then I will take less money from them.

Today, I bought a table for my computer. A small one, and I need another one. There is no IKEA in where I live so it would be hard for me to find a perfect table for me. Few minutes ago, I browsed through IKEA Catalogue and it gave me inspirations for my future room or house.

Framing the door

The idea of framing the door with pictures is new. I might use it for my room. Alternatively, you can try the wall decoration similar to the unofficial video for the song Hey, Soul Sister (view it here).

Book shelves and open space

I’m a fan of space. Free up my mind to foster ideas.

Proper “Thinking” Chair

Or a simple chair for me to relax and read my books or magazine during weekends.

Skip the normal shelves

At least the colour. Get contrast colour for your book shelves for it to react as a statement. That is why painting your wall with a perfect colour is important. Both have their own profile.

Wooden floor, tall mirror

I found there is a perfect match between these two.

At least two of these

As I have a lot. One for me, one for my woman.

Naked windows

Take another step further. Introduce a new wavelength of light that brighten your living room.

Work from home

My workstation.

Other

I have not include the kitchen, bedroom etc. But I hope these would somehow inspire you to create something out of it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money.

Personally, I believe that regardless the price, if the style match perfectly it would be priceless. Don’t rush, just relax and plan. Let me know if you have any questions. Ciao ciao!

• Food hunting
• Tour around Kuala Terengganu
• Off to Kapas Island (Pulau Kapas) by boat
• Jet skiing
• Snokerling
• Finding nemo
• Shopping
• and more…

I’ll share some pictures later in my facebook. But for now, all I can say is you have to go there yourself. Pictures may tell thousand stories, but the feeling and experience are something you can’t capture within pictures.

14< hours

I have been working with Julien Sharp more than a year now. So far, we’ve worked together despite the time difference.

• UK (GMT +0/1) – Miami/NY (EDT -5/-4)
• UK (GMT +1) – Denver (MDT -6)
• NY (EDT -4) – Malaysia (GMT +8)
• Denver (MDT -6) – Malaysia (GMT +8)

Few minutes ago, I had my sahur, early breakfast before the Fajr time (5.40am). The 14 hours difference given an opportunity for me to complete some of my work before and after the office hour in Denver, while our clients getting back us the next few hours (while I was sleeping).

It’s an ideal cycle. The only challenge is to setup a conference call and so far, there is no problem.

It has been a long time that we didn’t go for holiday together in a family. I believe, when I start working, I will get my family a holiday package so that we can spend few days if not a week, in Langkawi Island.

Picture: Langkawi (Cable car ride)

I love you mom! I love you dad! And all.

If you are taking the cab next time, check out the meter. Have at least 10% of the amount you have to pay. Or just round it up and add extra dollar or pound.

More than a money

Sometimes, a tip could change people. And I believe in changing people bit by bit. Education can educate a man, but wisdom and attitude are totally a different level.

Imagine what a tip could do. A taxi man once refused to talk much, maybe he just had a bad day with the passengers but a single handy tip at the end of the ride would make them smile.

A simple tip could separate you from other customers in a restaurant. You got in, they recognize your face and imagine the service you will  get next time. But remember, the tip must come from your heart. Not wanting all the rewards that come along with it.

Big issue - UK people would know this well. A magazine which help people to build their life. They will get half of what they are selling. It’s “a hand up, not hand out”. They aren’t begging, they are selling. I love when people make the effort to change their life.

They deserve a tip. Well, at least if you are not buying them. Don’t make a face. At least smile and say “no thank you” nicely.

Share the cup

Some people are not as fortunate as you are. You have a computer or even a smart phone to read this article. Why don’t you be a little generous next time. Wherever you go, wherever people are serving you. Give tips.

If you already did. Perhaps while you’re queuing for your coffee, pay for the next person in line. Do it the American style.

Nowadays, we expect more from people, but we ourself aren’t willing to give more.

Unless the service you receive is crap, yes I mean totally crap, you won’t give it away. Instead, you give something more valuable – comment.

Guess what I found, Dave Patel on GQ (Yeah, I know the issue has been out for quite a while now). He’s looking sharp and it gave me such an inspiration to dress up for my working life.

It is simple yet sharp and effective. So, I guess I got at least 6 looks which I could use for the first two weeks.

Let’s dress to impress.

P/s: Guys, you got to have the copy while stock last. Try to ask the store or email the GQ office near your city. They should have it.

Starbucks

“Can I have a grande Hazelnut latte with cream on top.”

“I’m staying in”

“Do I get discounts for using my own cup?”

Subway

“Can I have a foot long Italian Herbs & Cheese Tuna Mayonnaise.”

“Yup (Cheese and toasted)”

“Lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onion and pepper.”

“Light mayonnaise and BBQ”

Cardiff Bus

“Can I have a day pass please?”

“Thank you (as leaving the bus)”

Cardiff Taxi

“Can you send me a taxi to Victoria Hall. I am going to the city centre. My name is Rafie (you spell it wrong anyway).”

General Phonetic

Oh yes, I am a fan of… NANA. N for November. A for Alpha. N for November. A for Alpha.

Phone number

“Zero, Seven, Nine, Six, Five, Five, Six Five, Five…”

“Six Five Five (again?)”

“(Yes, I know what I’m saying) Yes, Six Five Five, Two Five.”

“Can I repeat it once again? Zero, Seven, Nine, Six, Five, Five, Six Five, Five, Two Five.”

“Yup, you got it.”

And some friends will praise for the number, quite close to Pizza Hut.

Tea

“Would you like a cup of tea?”

“Yes, please.”

“Sugar and milk?”

“Yes. One or two sugar.”

For now, that is all I can remember. Will add few more as these memories come flashing back.

Well anyway, we walked around the city centre again yesterday. As we walked along the Trinity St. (behind the Cardiff Tourist Centre), there was a man playing piano accordian. Dad reached out his pocket of memories and shouted “Besame Mucho“.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about music that was written on 1940, 15 years before my dad was born. Few hours ago, I googled it and found it.

If you can’t appreciate the music, perhaps the translation of the lyric? I present you, Besame Mucho – Kiss Me A Lot.

Thanks dad!

Kiss Me A Lot

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
As if tonight was
the last time.

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
Because I fear to lose you,
To lose you later.

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
As if tonight was
the last time.

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
Because I fear to lose you,
To lose you later.

I want to have you very close
To see myself in your eyes,
To see you next to me,
Think that perhaps tomorrow
I already will be far,
very far from you.

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
As if tonight was
the last time.

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
Because I fear to lose you,
To lose you later.

Kiss me, kiss me a lot,
Because I fear to lose you,
To lose you later.

Because I fear to lose you,
To lose you later.