Saturday, June 12, 2010

Of Kebayas and Kurungs

I've been going gaga over baju kebayas and baju kurungs lately. Don't ask me why, I just am. It started, as Sarah would recall, on that day when the both of us were scrambling all over Amcorp Mall looking for something decent to wear to Fidzy's akad nikah. Me being me, I do not have that many a number of traditional dresses suited for occasions such as this. I have a few baju kurungs, yes, but they are worn out from constant use ie during my IIUM days and last resorts for weddings and the like, and I just did not have any decent ones for functions and what not lying around.

Hence began the search.

Now, like I said, I don't have that many of such dress because, well, before this, I never do have that much a reason to put one on. I'd usually have a set or two for Raya, which I would wear for that one reason, and not wear it again for the rest of the year, unless there is a wedding to go to. And it's not like I go to weddings every month. So I usually don't bother myself or my parents to get real nice expensive types. Not because I don't like them, but I just didn't want them to go to waste. And the ones I do have, I just wore them to death when I was in IIUM.

So now has come that stage in life when people around me are getting hitched one by one. And unlike the weddings of my parents' friends or relatives where I dress drably and don't give a damn, I wanna dress up to a friend's wedding. One reason being, hell, I love clothes. And any reason to go clothes shopping puts a bounce in my step. And kebayas and kurungs don't fare any less. And the other reason is because, occasions such as this is a school reunion in itself. I mean, this is when your old classmates gather to see another one in our ranks tying the knot. And I sure as Joss don't wanna look like I tumbled out of bed and into the hall. Call me vain, but I am a little. I like how clothes make me feel. They're one of the only things I splurge on myself.

Let's not discount the fact that Raya is not too far around the corner.

So off to Amcorp I went again. But not before prowling through online shops looking for a design that I would like. With an idea of what I wanted in mind, I set off to PJ. But being someone who is easily distracted by shinies (ie pretty clothes), I was sidetracked by some beautiful lace kurungs and kebayas. Definitely not what I had my mind set on, but pretty in it's own right. Too in love, I got meself a lace kebaya in cream and bronze. But I then got my eyes caught on a maroon and cream kurung. So hey, I bought meself two :)

A splurge, yes, but I am profoundly happy, and can't hardly wait for Raya to come around so that I have a reason to put them on. And oh, did I mention that I might just go buy more? No? Yes, well, I will buy more. The reasonable price and awesomely beutiful cutting and design has got me hooked. And yes, you might just see me prowling the shops again.

Love,
LinZy, lover of clothes

Discaimer: I forgot where I took the pics from, but they're not mine. Sorry to those who own it, in case you read this.

Out of the Bowl

I have to admit, for the first time since I started my working life, I feel appreciated for my quality of work. I feel accomplished, like I'm part of something and I am contributing towards it. I feel like I am needed in order for this machine to function. I go to work with a sense of purpose, and responsibility lies heavy yet easy on my shoulders. I feel like for once, I am an employee.

Setar has been good to me my first month. Although I felt abit out place, I jived easily into the workflow. My colleagues and superiors are nice, and they help me and give me pointers every now and then. Although they are much much older than I am (most of them must be around my parents' age or older, even), they don't make me feel stupid and immature. The benefits here are great, as they give security to me as well as my family. And while the pay is not as great as before, it's a small price to pay for a sane mind.

Before, in Woter Kooler, I was trapped in their fishbowl. I felt as dumb as a 3-second memory goldfish who swam around the tank and was constantly scrutinized to the very detail. Oh, your eyes are too bugged out or Oi, your fins stick out at an odd angle or Hey there, your tail is out of shape. Like please, shut up. They're my eyes, my fins and my tail. And if they are not like yours, then leave me the hell alone. You cannot expect me to be the very same like all the other fish.

On top of that, I felt like a failure. I felt stupid, unwanted, good for nothing and a waste of space. Most days I spent the my time after work crying or staring into space feeling like a loser. I was weary of that. I was tired of sobbing uncontrollably in Asdil's arms being weak and insecure. I couldn't deal that way. I am not that kind of person. It was not fair to myself, unhealthy. I didn't recognize my own self in the mirror. I was a shadow of myself. It wasn't fair to the people I love having to bear the brunt of my insecurities and anger. I couldn't treat them that way. I just needed a way out.

And Setar was it.

Don't get me wrong, though. I miss my friends in Woter Kooler. Being in that team, made the torment bearable. With them, I could smile through my pain, even on days when I escape to cry in the restroom. They were good friends to me, and I felt accepted and well loved and happy. Unfortunately, it is not reason enough to stay.

At the end of the day, it's the work that matters. While earning the money that puts food in your belly, a shelter over your head and a bed to sleep in is the point of being employed and earning a good salary, you have to enjoy what you do. And you need to be appreciated for they work that you do so that you may stay on and keep on doing said work. You need it to stay sane, to be able to wake up each morning and want to continue living the way you do. We all need a reason to keep pushing on.

So for me, Setar is my saviour. Of course, it may be too early for all this to be said. It may be so that I ain't seen nothing yet, but I'm with the strength I've re-gathered after surviving my last experience, I am sure I can go though whatever they throw me. I think I am a much stronger person now than before. Just give me time.

I think I'll shine through.

Love,
Linzy

P/s: My one and only Asdil, thank you for putting up with me during those difficult times. Your patience and words  and comfort gave me strength when I had none. I love you.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

FidZy & Shu are Married!

I cried, but very discreetly, at Fidzy's akad nikah. It was out of happiness, pride, and a teeny bit of envy. But the good type of envy :) They looked so ecstatic that I wish I could have been in their shoes. I'm so happy for them both. My heart feels like exploding with wordless joy. My best friend's married. She looked wonderfully happy. And that makes me happy. I still can't help smiling an inward smile, thinking of all the conversations we've had in many years past. Those late night chats about the guys in our lives and our hopes for the future. And it has come to this. Fidzy and Shu married. Somehow I knew they'd find one another again. And for that I am glad :)

Congrats Fidzy babe and Shu :)

Sidenote: Shu, you better take care of her, dude. I'll hunt you down if you hurt her. But then again, I know that you won't.


I love this group picture :)
Too bad the rest of the gals couldn't stay longer.

*Ish...mamat baju biru tu pulak yang over. Love you Sayang :)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Reflections

When I think about it. And I do mean, really think about it. I find that I don't need this broken glass to reflect my own face. Don't need these shadowed memories for me to hide in shade. I've been all I can, and I'll be so much more; you'd hardly see yourself in your damned broken glass I'd left on the floor.

I've got my own, my mirror in hand. And what's glass but only sand?

What's sand but the infinite time? Little pebbles of moments never quantified. Only a fleeting glance of a breaking wave. Washes up to shore then back again.

Mine is the infinity of time. The reflection from the sea. The strength of the crashing waves.

I don't need your facade, your fickle heart.
My footsteps are in the sand, and with it I make art.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Deus ex Machina pt 2

This is what I fear a remake of Buffy would be like:


Say it isn't so.

Tell me they'll dump the idea to make a Buffy remake WITHOUT JOSS!

Original post here.

Disclaimer: Comic from Hijinksensue.com

Friday, May 14, 2010

These last few weeks

I haven't been in the right frame of mind to talk about the things that have been happening for the past few weeks. Everytime I begin to attempt typing out my thoughts, I am stunted by my inability to write and/or put them into words. So here's what I've been doing these past few weeks

  • I left WKESP officially on the 29th of April 2010. More specifically, I left Aust-B. I had a very very long cry, not being able to believe I won't be walking into that office again and see them each day. They gave me hugs, which made me cry harder and they all had a procession for me, walking me to the door, for one last time. Leaving them feels like letting go of family. But the best thing about family is that, they're always there for you. I'm halting any entries about leabving WK at the moment until I can sort out my thoughts and feelings.
  • I moved out of Cyberjaya on the 30th of April. Ash did most of the job. I packed everything up and he loaded it into the van we borrowed from my uncle. Then we drove to PJ and he unloaded the van for me. I couldn't have done it without him (thanks Sayang). And of course, thanks to my family, too. Who helped me carry the second round of stuff. Yes, I have that much stuff...mostly books and clothes.  
  • Starting on May 3rd, I am now an employee of the Star. To be specific, a sub-editor for the Star. The Star newspaper that I've been reading daily. Feels almost like a dream. It's different here, but I like it. Work-wise, I do feel very much more accomplished than how I felt in WK.
  • I'm now living in PJ. Around the Tropicana area to be more precise. No, not next to Tropicana City Mall like people keep asking. It's near the Tropicana Golf Resort. The condo is called Bayu Puteri Tropicana. It's quite a nice place. House is a bit of a fixer-upper due to an irresponsible landlord, but I'll manage.
  • Did I mention my working hours are from 4pm to 12am daily? Uhh, yeah, I start work at 4pm and leave for home around 12am. Wonderful hours for me, cos that's when I work best. And it's not like I have a nightlife anyway, so it's no problem for me. I get to see Ash in the daytime and spend more waking hours with him especially since now I live about 15 minutes away from him and not 50 minutes like when I was in Cyberjaya.
  • I'm still getting used to my new area, new job, new schedule, new house...alot of things are still on my mind. But all in all, I'm feeling content right now; like things are falling into place, just need a few things sorted before they can fit even better.
Love,
Linzy

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A Tribute to a Fellow Nyn9r

I've been behind on the current news these past few days, I've hardly touched any newspapers, nor even I have the time to switch on the tv for the 8 o'clock news. Heck, I'm not even home for the 8 o'clock news.

So I was shocked when I saw several of my schoolmates joining groups dedicated to a 15 year old boy named Aminulrasyid.

Who is this boy? What happened? And then I read the news...

My heart stopped. Why would the police shoot a 15 year old boy dead? What did he do? Why this juvenile who is not even of age to be tried as an adult? This boy who is the same age as my brother?

It hit especially close to home because, it simply was. The boy was from Shah Alam. Section 11. I used to hang out there often. Spent many a lazy day at the mamak. The boy went to my school. Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seksyen 9. He's stepped on the same ground I used to tread when I was his age. I sat in those same classrooms. I stood at attention in that same hall. And at his age, in that school, PMR looming closer, I felt the wonder of tomorrow, and a future that soon will be mine.

And his was taken away from him.

What could warrant a shootout at a young boy? 26 shots went into him for what? For driving without a license? For doing what any kid would do caught in the act...running away? Where is the justice in that? Even if the police couldn't see who it was, how old the driver was...why shoot him 26 times? In cases like that, why couldn't they shoot the tyres so he couldn't get away? 26 times? That was shooting to kill. That seems like the doing of some trigger-happy bunch of people.

Here was a 15 year-old boy who went to take the family car for a spin, but had a run in with the police and tried to get away, just a mere 100 meters from his home. And to stop him from taking off, the police shoot him. 26 times. Tell me what in the bleeding hell is that.

And the excuses I've been reading? I think it's all pure BS. The initial report, I can hardly believe. I think they're stories to make up for a terrible mess up.

Perhaps I am cynical, but I've been having a hard time believing in people nowadays. And perhaps I'm just too skeptical, but I cannot imagine what I read be the actual case.

And the saddest thing? This boy will probably never see justice be upheld.

So dear Aminulrasyid, may you rest in peace, and may Allah bless you. And I pray that justice be met. Amin.

A former Nyn9r,
Hazlin

Do read:
This, and
This.
And tell me what you think.