The Pondering Introvert©
Grüezi. 안녕하세요. The day I began to live is the day I discovered being an introvert was awesome - Maxime Lagacé
Friday, January 22, 2021
Punctuality in MY
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Day 1: Langkawi 122520
Since the pandemic started, I have not gotten any break, vacation, getaway or even a staycation. The last getaway I had was just before I started this job which was August 2019 to Penang. During this difficult time, let's not talk about overseas vacation. Let's face the truth and be practical.
Finally, I managed to get a super short albeit something I really needed for a long time now. All our vacation plans had to be canceled, put on hold, or delayed for God knows how long. My assumption is for another year. Even a staycation sounds like a luxury these days.
So, let's not talk anymore. 2 weeks before Christmas, we have decided to cruise to Langkawi. It's not the best bet for an island, but this would do for now.
We drove to Kuala Kedah, held one night in Alor Setar (or in fact, it was just a couple of hours) before we headed over to the jetty.
Here you go, my snow fish. This place is kinda secluded, so you need to search for it with their little humble signage. It is made to order, so you might need to wait awhile.
We then went over to Kuah for dinner. I have never done anything like this before but everything has a first time, right? It was just the 4 of us but holy cow! We finished 10 dishes with one big jar of ice lemon tea and chinese tea each. Obviously, we had food coma. haha!
It's time that we explore more domestic traveling. It's not that we can right now, but this is the chance during the pandemic whenever the government ease the restrictions. We are lucky that we have beaches and islands in Malaysia.
Let's Cuti-Cuti Malaysia!
Monday, January 11, 2021
Happy New Year 2021!
Friday, June 26, 2020
Thank You!
I'm not sure if I haven't been here for a really long time, or any other reasons, I find this really pretty. haha. In the end, I got the job. Congratulations to myself haha. Of course, I went the second time to say thank you!
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Part 4: Reykjavik, Iceland
Right after that, we went lurking around town since it was our last day there, not forgetting the souvenirs, for my fridge and cupboard. haha.
Sadly, luck was not on our side, we couldn't get to see the Northern Lights due to bad weather condition. Bad weather meaning it rained. It can only be seen when the sky is really dark meaning we gotta get out of the city to witness it. That, depends on luck too. This time, we didn't get to. Try again next time. At least, we got to see a beautiful scenery in Iceland!
Monday, June 15, 2020
PayPal - check out - 043019
This is my story of 2019. It was a long journey I had with PayPal. Some might know that my major is in hospitality. That didn't work out well because of the long hours and almost zero EPF. Hotel line isn't for everyone. Certainly not for me.
When PayPal came to Malaysia, I was trying my luck from a job fair in Midvalley. That was in 2011. It has been a long time. Fast forward to the end of 2018. Some of us heard rumors that it's about to close down. Nobody can give us an answer because ... management will keep their lips sealed. Thinking that, we prepared ourselves quietly, mentally.
Chinese New Year 2019 came and a few days later, we were all told to go to a nearby hotel (walking distance of course) at a specific time. There, we saw bouncers, our directors, some big bosses flew in from the US. What is happening? Well, looks like the rumors are true afterall. So many questions popped into our head the same time. I'm sure the same for the others. Maybe, some are smiling deep inside. But, just a minority. Questions like what will happen to us? What's next? How can I find another job that pays me the same? What kind of job should I apply for? When can I get a job? How do I tell my family? It was an emotional scene. I saw people broke down into tears with the fear of uncertainty. We were then brought into a room with each department separated. We would then be told our exit date. It happened too abruptly. We weren't prepared at all though we knew it before the actual announcement.
2 months later, we saw ourselves out from the exit door and that's the end of our PayPal journey. Some of us have been there 3.5 years, 5 years and myself? 7.42 years. We might have lost our jobs, but, we gained knowledge, opportunities and most of all, friendships. The company gave us a lot that it will never be the same anymore. Now, it depend on us to put in the effort, to keep in touch. It's no longer going to work having the same person sitting beside us anymore. There are no more iphones giveaways as lucky draw gifts for annual dinner. Haha.
Truth to be told, the culture has become toxic over time. 7 years over is a long time. It has become very localized that it's no longer a place everyone enjoys. Yet, they stay because .. with the amount of work, there's nowhere else that would offer the same pay.
As for me, I enjoyed my time there. It's sad to part ways but, we gotta do what we gotta do. We will meet half way. One door closes, the other opens. I applied for more than 100 over jobs with only 5 interviews being called. It wasn't just us getting retrenched. There were other companies too. So, we ain't competing with the only other 800.
To those who are still looking for a job and with this virus flying around, all the best. Opportunities will come knocking your way soon. Have faith.
PayPal, thank you for the experience and friendship you have given me along the way!
To all my friends, I don't work for them anymore. Don't come texting me for free consultation 🤣🤣🤣
Check in
Hi yo, I'm back! How are y'all? I hope everyone is safe and well. Who would have thought that I'll be back in situation like this.
I know for a fact that Covid-19 started in December last year, escalated to around the world in March. I was about to visit China in March when the pandemic happened. I had my first ever trip to China in 1999. Let's just say that the entire experience wasn't very pleasant and I was still a teenager. Haha. 21 years later when I decided maybe, I should give China a chance, shit happened. So it got cancelled and they forfeited a few hundred. It's not fair, it's not our fault but...Yeah things happened. It is what it is. The virus was just hitting China back then, so I booked a hotel in Laos with the purpose of escaping a wedding. That didn't happen too. For obvious reason. I even had plans for Europe, everything is cancelled 🤭🤭🤭
We have to adapt to changes. Let us all do our part as part of our social responsibility. It's not about us, it's about our community, society and future. The situation is really meant for introverts. haha.
What have y'all been doing? I have been working, Netflix, coloring and working out. These are the main things that I have been doing for the past 3 months. Now that they have opened up almost everything, I think it's about time that we re-visit how we work. Working from home certain days should be considered. As long as results are delivered, why shouldn't we? I honestly enjoy working from home haha. Next question, is the gym really necessary? I'm really considering not renewing it once it ends. With 5 hours of being stationary, it's bad. Effort and time has to be put in.
Last but not least, stay safe y'all!
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Part 3: Reykjavik, Iceland
I have no idea how many waterfalls we went in total in the entire trip. Having said that, I enjoyed every waterfall I went to. There's something unique in each and every one of them. I love this place, the Guldfoss The Waterfall. It's very refreshing
When you follow a tour, be prepared to start the day early. Super early because everything is packed within a few days. I have been to quite a few countries during winter. Winter nights are of course longer then the days. However, I have not been to a country with just 3 hours of day light everyday during winter. This is Seljalandsfoss. If I am not mistaken, this is already 8am. And here we are, without sunlight. This can get a little depressing
We then spent the next 2 hours here in Skogarfoss Falls. It's relatively long. We don't need that long. Yeah, another waterfall haha
The sun is starting to show itself. This is Reynisfjara Halsanefshellir. This is a great place to take picture haha
The famous black sand beach, Vik, The waves can get aggressive. Hence, always look back, or make sure someone is watching it for you. There was a case previously where a tourist died. Such a way to die. Tragic.
Skaftareldahraun. Lava. It was just 5 minutes stop. Nothing much here
When I arrived here, it felt like I've been transported into a whole new world. Very scenic, a whole new level of beauty. Jokulsalon, Glacier Lagon.
Skaftafell National Park. hehe. Amazing. But, I couldn't feel my feet and fingers anymore.
We left all these beautiful places, like a dream come true. Throughout the entire trip, we have not seen an actual sun light. This was the best the weather could do for us. Woohoo anyway hehe
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Part 2: Reykjavik, Iceland
Super early in the morning, we were brought to this place. The reason many people visit Iceland is for the Northern Lights. It's either you're lucky, or you're not. This is a Northern Lights Center, an introduction to Northern Lights of countries with Northern Lights and how it happens
After the sun goes up a little, we arrived at Thingvellir National Park. Diving is permitted here in certain areas. It's a World Heritage park before. It's known for its history and geology. Ooh, I was freezing.
We were given 20 minutes in this park, quite ridiculous. We had to sprint all the way up back to the coach. Damn!
Here we are at Laugarvatn Fontana. It's filled with natural minerals and the center they have has steambath and pools.
This is where they make their own lava bread. They dig it to the ground and leave it for 24 hours. A day later, voila, the bread is ready. And omg, it's so damn good. Thank God I don't live there. I'll gain weight in a week. Just imagine the smell of the bread, spread with butter. Damn.
Next step, to Geysir. Regular eruptions at every 8-10 minutes
Look at the people and the camera, trying to capture D moment hehe
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Part 1: Copenhagen, Denmark
After a night in Dubai, here I am! In Copenhagen, Denmark
This is the Christmas market, obviously only happen during the Christmas season for about a month
This is where everyone goes. The highlight of Copenhagen. Well, we didn't have the time to go. It was just for a night here before we flew off to Iceland, our main destination
Christianshavns Kanal in Danish. It's not that difficult to guess. Christianshavns Canal in English. Chtistianshavns refers to a neighborhood.
The wind was really strong, we were freezing. It's about time we find some shed.
What's next? Brunch time!
This is still within the Christianshavns area
Boat rentals are popular for sightseeing but of course, for other purpose too