Eukanuba Launches Online Search for Extrodinary Dogs!

Now this is definitely a show I can watch!

Did you know that dogs can see in the dark, hear things from 420m away, run over 72/kmph, pull over eight times their own body weight?

Yup, dogs are indeed very extraordinary! (existing dog lovers - I'm sure you can attest to this.)

So, to celebrate this, Eukanuba is set to launch the global premiere of its TV series Eukanuba Extraordinary Dogs. Each episode will focus on fascinating aspects of the dog's life, exploring the wonderful world of man's best friend.

This show premieres on Saturday, April 23 (that's tomorrow) at 1.50pm on the National Geographic Channel (Astro Ch 553) and will run for 13 episodes, ending on July 16.

Plus, Eukanuba will launch its official facebook page on Monday, April 25 for dog lovers across Asia to share their stories about extraordinary dogs. Plus, they'll also host an online campaign to find their next extraordinary dog to star in an upcomingo Eukanuba campaign. How cool is that?

I wish my dogs were still alive though. I'd very much love to enter them for the campaign!

How extraordinary were they?

Well it's not like they jumped thru hoops of fire or became CIA agents. They were extraordinary because they were such unique characters. Plus they lived such long and healthy lives with us...

Both of them lived for a super long time - Ben for 15 and Bo for 17 human years (the average median of a dog's lifespan is about 10-13 years but of course this varies by breeds). That's pretty old for a dog!

They were extraordinary because they were my best friends :)

Have you got a pet story to share? Please do!

Marchesa for Playboy!

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

I've already expressed my love for Marchesa designs in an earlier blog and bunny ears.... OMG OMG OMG to see collaborative work with these two are simply magnificent!!!

OMG OMG OMG I'm so excited that I'm actually speechless!

Image taken from this story.

Double bleh

Remember when I blogged about how much I don't like blogging from the office (but just can't help it at times)?

My first blog post of the week Free Your Mind just makes me even more irked...

I mean, seriously? Why does my alignment run like that??? I don't get it. I really don't. I have no problems with getting it right with my own netbook but it's just the office desktop that messes everything up...

If anyone knows how to troubleshoot this, I would really appreciate some help/advise/suggestions.

Thank you!

Indie Aid Japan

In the spirit of helping, come support Indie Aid Asia and help raise more funds for Japan!

Indie Aid Japan is a 28 track, digital download compilation album. It's a collaborative effort between artists - some who are accomplished and award winning, the others who are bedroom and garage musicians from all around the world to help the tsunami victims of Japan!!!

It only costs USD6 (that's roughly 20MYR) which is WAY cheaper than a regular CD... plus you'll really be helping out these indie artists in getting their sound out.

Oh and if you're feeling generous, you can donate more too! :)

If not, you could always just take a listen - it's free anyways... and then help spread the news!

p/s: puppy's track is listed there too!!! Let me know if you can spot it :P

Free your mind

I was scouring webpage after webpage looking for an inspiration to write (for work of course) and instead I found inspiration to write something here :P Found this website which has 50 questions That Will Free Your Mind... and as I read thru the first few ones, I thought "Oooohhh blogpost!!! Blogpost!!!" Yeah, so anyways... here's my take on the questions... 1. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? Seriously, in the last few months... I've had so many things on my mind, I had to actually sit back to figure out how old I am. But I guess I'd have to say mid-20s. I really don't feel like I'm about to hit the big three-o. 2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? Never trying. I hate the feeling of knowing that I never tried. At least if I failed, I know it's something I'm not capable of... but to go through life thinking "What if..." just kills me 3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don't like and like so many things we don't do? Society and peer pressure. We do what society says we should do or else we're outcasts or weird or eccentric. 4. When it's all said and done, will you have said more than you've done? Yes that's for sure. Much as I'd like to take action, I talk and think more than I actually do. Shameful, really. 5. What is the one thing you'd most like to change about the world? You know, I'm not too sure. There are just so many things - but I guess patience? 6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make your rich? Smiles and hugs!!! 7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you're doing? When I first switched jobs, I thought I was doing what I believed in. I thought I was done chasing my career dream, that I've landed my dream job. Yeah... only to realize I didn't and now I'm doing it because I said I'd commit myself to it. 8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? If that were true, I'd want to quit my job and just backpack across the world! So much to see, learn and experience and so little time. 9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

Not much. I'm not a very aggressive kind of person. I've pretty much lived my life the way it's been planned out in the past. I didn't move to the city for college because mom wanted me nearby. I went to university in Australia because mom wanted me to (I wanted Canada - and the shitty thing was, BOTH universities accepted and exempted me for 2 years on their degree programs. Canada was 4 years in total, Australia was 3. You do the math). I'm working because society says this is what you should do after completing your tertiary studies.

The only things I control the course of my life is via my vices/indulgences/whatever you call it.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

I'm more worried about doing the right thing. Because most times it's the more difficult and challenging choice to make. 11. You're having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do? Been there, done that. Depending on who all these people are... but to be safe I've had people bash up my best friend in front of me... and my best friend talking shit about my boyfriend. Most times, I'll leave them to it and dont' add on anything. After all, it is their opinion, and everyone's entitled to a few, aren't they? I mean, to me - it sometimes doesn't really matter because I know that person and in situations like these, mostly likely I know that person MUCH better than they do... so just smile and drink your coffee. 12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Sleep more. 13. Would you break the law to save a loved one? Depends on what the loved one did... 14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? All the time... I am after all sharing my life with an insanely creative person 15. What's something you know you do differently than most people? Live life? 16. How come the things that make you happy don't make everyone happy?

Because I'm able to find joy in the simplest things? Because I'm not as materialistic as most other women?

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What's holding you back? Bungee jump. Fear holds me back. 18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Yes... but I'm not entirely sure what it is... still trying to figure it out.

19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? Well the pup and I have been in discussions about moving to Melbourne but that's still in planning and will take a while before we really see any results from there. 20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator go faster? To close the doors, yes. Other than that - sometimes... if the elevator takes too long... I do it mostly out of boredom though... 21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? Joyful simpleton. I love not having anything much to worry about. Makes life so much more worth living! 22. Why are you, you? Because I am not you or anyone else for that matter. 23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? Depending on which friend you're talking about :P 24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? The latter. Both my best friends live in different countries and despite the time differences and work schedules, we still make time to talk all the time... 25. What are you most grateful for? The people in my life - past, present and future. Without them, I would never be who I am and the person I will become. 26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? Hmmm... I'm not that all sure really. 27. Is it possible to know the truth without challenging it first? Gee this is deep... I guess it depends on the situation, really... 28. Has your greatest fear ever come true? *sigh* which greatest fear? If you're talking about something that I worry about before turning 30 then yes. If not then my greatest fear before I hit 40 has not happened yet... phew! 29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?

Okay... five years ago I was 24. What happened at 24.... well I was leaving Australia to come back to Malaysia and it was really upsetting because I had to leave my sister (from other parents) behind. We had lived our lives together, literally 24/7 since we were 16... and for the first time in my life I had to really be on my own.

I remember waking up the next day in Malaysia and I cried. I cried because I was alone. I cried because I couldn't go online to talk to her. I cried because I hadn't gotten a cell phone yet so I couldn't call or text her. I cried.

So yes, I remember that time 5 years ago when I was exteremly upset and yes it still does matter. She's still in Australia and I'm still in Malaysia. We haven't physically seen each other for about 4 years now and I miss her like crazy!

30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special? Hanging out with my grandfather. I'm about two or three years old... he's sitting in his usual chair and I'm standing on his feet. We used to play the "swings" where I stand on his feet and he lifts his legs up straight and I go from standing straight to "flying". It's special because it's one of the few memories I actually have of my childhood. I don't remember much as a child. 31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

When I was in university - living on my own (well not really on my own because I had my sister with me) in a foreign country and really standing on my two feet.

I loved being responsible for myself. I loved making decisions for myself. I loved seeing how well I lived my life there.

32. If not now, then when?

Hopefully I'll be able to do that again in less than five years time. Fingers crossed!

33. If you haven't achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

I don't know... my pride? My dignity? My sanity? 34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing and walked away feeling like you've just had the best conversation ever? Yes :) Well not really best conversation ever... but just the best time fo my life... 35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? Where there's black, there's white. Where there's good, there's evil. Where there's love, there's war. 36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

I guess. Most times it's a gut instinct. Other times it's just something you have to know over time and experiences.

37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

In a heartbeat, yes! 38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

More of what I enjoy doing. I really don't mind work... I just don't like it when I'm doing something that doesn't matter to me or that are against what I believe in.

39. Do you feel like you've lived this day a hundred times before?

Oh yes, definitely. I feel like I'm living this hour over and over again.

40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

I'd say about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago... I remember being very upset with someone and thought that it might be the end of the road. Then a flicker of hope (yeah okay I know it's such a bloody cliche) came and showed me the way. 41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

I really shouldn't answer this. I don't even know why I'm thinking of him.

42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

Well if the average human life expentancy is 40... sure why not? 43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

I think being alive, is just really feeling thankful. Truly living is appreciation for everything.

44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

Hahaha it's gotta be a gut feeling you get to know when. No one can tell you when. It's like jumping off the diving board. The coach or mom or dad or your teammates can scream at you "JUMP NOW!!!" but if you don't feel it, don't do it. Simple as that. 45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? Because much as we CAN learn, mistakes are usually costly. 46. What would you differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

I'd love not wear as much clothes. I'd be a hippie if I could!

47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

At work, never. At home - usually when I'm in bed, awake in the mornings.

48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions open expressed this love?

I love dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs - basically cute furry little animals. I love playing the piano. I love dancing ballet.

For the first one, well I have two guinea piggies so yeah I feed them, make sure they get good quality food, talk to them that sorta thing. I love giving them little treats - like a slice of green apple once in a while (especially when I'm prepping some Bircher muesli) or a teensy bit of screwpine leaf or a nice cold piece of Romaine lettuce when I come home from work.

Piano and ballet - I wish I could express myself thru these two but unfortunately with time and financial constraints, I'm not able to. They're in my future plans though!

49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?

Maybe. Because yesterday I rushed home from work to play Bomberman and Super Mario Bros. Puppy installed these old skool games on the pc outside and I'm going nuts over it! 50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself or are you letting others make them for you? Unfortunately I'm letting other make them for me. I'm in a phase where I just want to sit and let them worry about everything. I'll just do what I'm being told.

Such a spaz

I just realized that I've received quite a number of comments over the past years and never replied. Such a n00b. :( To those whom I've never replied, I'm terribly sorry! I've set the notifications to be sent to my email now so I'll always know... so keep 'em coming!!!

New beginning

Puppy starts his new job tomorrow....

That means a lot of new adjustments to our lives - which I'm half looking forward to and half dreading....

That also means that the kids have to eat brekkie before we leave the house instead of around noon... and dinner will be the usual time...

But it's all good :)

We're off to a new start in our lives and it's a great thing to be having!!!

My next new kitchen toy...

... will be a butter curler!!!

Imagine all that pretty butter curls sitting on my table at brekkie!!! :)

*wriggling toes in anticipation and excitement!!!*

Maybank's new security feature

For the past month, every time I log into my Maybank online account, I was prompted with a pop-up saying that they'll be upgrading their security services.

Last week when I logged in, I was greeted with a notification asking if I'd like to upgrade now, so I clicked yes. It brought me to a page with about 25 images or so and asked me to choose one. It was quite weird... so I randomly clicked a white flower.

Then they asked me for a security phrase. So I typed in "Take your pants off and jacket". After that, there were the usual three security questions that only I would know the answer yadda 3x.

After that whole process I was thinking "Wow they really went through quite a bit eh?"

Yeah... right...

Because now EVERY TIME I log in... Maybank displays that for the whole damn world to see.

I mean seriously??? If I were to be prompted "Please choose an image/type in your secret phrase to confirm your identity." I wouldn't be as pissed...

Geez... it's not like it's even a trick question... at least they could show me the wrong image/phrase...

So much for "better security"

Bah!

What's your secret ambition?

I remember asking a friend this sometime earlier in the year, and she answered excitedly "A storm chaser!"

And I'm like "Really? A storm chaser?"

She nodded really enthusiastically.

Then she asked me... what was mine... and the first thing that came to mind was a giraffe.

O_o

"Coming from you, I somehow don't find it that all surprising," she said. "But think about it... it could be a good driver/motivator..."

So I did... It took me a while... but I think I know what I secretly would love to do but I know I cannot.

Yes, a prima ballerina. And to dance the role of the Swan Queen no doubt.

I've been obsessed with ballet since I was young. Mom never let me go for classes. She was afraid that I'd walk like a duck (that's how she described turned out legs). Instead, she plopped me down for piano lessons, which I did like.

I finally got my chance to dance... when I turned 18. A little late by then, and I will admit, it was a little embarassing to be joining the five year old class, but still, I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

I took on the Cecchetti method, which apparently a bit more rigid in terms of training. It was said that Ceccheti had mentioned "It is more important to get it right once than to do it a dozen times carelessly."

I loved learning about the positions for my hands and feet, how to do a plie properly, working on my posture and techniques at the barre, learning new French words... it was a dream.

Classes went on for about 18 months till I had to call it quits. My teacher had decided to get married and take a hiatus and I couldn't find another teacher. Plus, it was getting expensive.

But the feeling of tying on your ballet slippers, are just magical....

I wish I had enough time and dedication to go all the way. I'd really love to go en pointe. I've tried wearing pointe shoes and standing... it really is difficult and four out of five times, my calves cramped up.

So one thing I've learnt about ballet is that, it takes a lot of energy and skill to look that graceful. I thought it was easy... but it sure as hell wasn't.

Given a chance, I would say yes to ballet classes again in a heartbeat (granted that I have the time and money to spare).

So yes, my secret ambition is to dance! What's yours?

Earth Hour

You know how the hype about saving Mother Nature has taken over our lives by storm in recent years?

While I think it's a noble effort to TRY to get people to help conserve energy through Earth Hour (held traditionally on the last Saturday of each March from 8.30pm-9.30pm local time), I think it's just a bunch of fluff.

Yes. You. Heard. Me. Right.

FLUFF

Why?

If you really want to help save Mother Nature and conserve energy, ONE hour per person in ONE year isn't making that much of a difference.

This whole Earth Hour thingie, is just so that posers can feel good about themselves.... like they've done something.

Think about it. Most people are doing it to be cool and go around telling others "Hey I turned off all the electrical appliances in my home for one hour during Earth Hour, did you?"

You think I'm being cocky, I know... but seriously... think about it... participating in Earth Hour only is like going on a crash diet. And we all know that's not the best way to lose weight.

If you really want to help save Mother Nature and conserve energy, try reducing your carbon foot print on a daily basis.

Be a localvore!

Try to eat foods that are available locally as much as possible. The more imported your foods are, the higher the carbon foot print. Of course the occassional indulgence is allowed but, really... keep it occassional.

You could also try to grown your own stuff. With living space constraints, it's not really possible to plant enough fruits/veg to sustain you (and your family), but it still helps a bit. Plus, at least you'll know the quality of the fruit/veg that you'll be eating!

Save electricity!

Use energy saving bulbs and remember to turn lights and switches off whenever not in use. This can really make a difference in your electricity bill

You should also check your electrical appliances at home. Some might be old, second-hand or even hand me downs. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes these older ones tend to lose their efficiency and consume more energy.

Travel more carbon foot print friendly!

Carpool if you can. Most people think it's not cool to carpool any more and that being able to travel by yourself in your own car is some sort of luxury. QUIT that thought!

If you can, try to take public transportation as well. It takes a longer time but hey at least it's cheaper than driving and you'll never have to worry about parking... right?

If it's close enough, walk! A little exercise will help lift your spirits and keep you healthy too :)

Oh and if you really don't need to, don't fly.

Recycle!

This is really simple, but it can get a little time consuming. Separate your trash daily - plastics, paper, glass, aluminium... that sorta thing. And make sure if it was a container, like a juice bottle or a soda can, rinse it out first. If it was a pizza box, throw the inner piece away but recycle the outer box.

Bring your own shopping bags. Now this is not an excuse that Malaysia has just implemented this new "fad" and all that nonsense. I've been personally doing this for six years now and believe me, it was bloody difficult getting the cashiers at the supermarkets to let me use my bags and not plastic bags. Plus, these days, all the shopping bags come foldable/collapsible so they're really compact and will fit in your handbag.

(Personally, I carry two shopping bags with me on a daily basis. This is just in case I need to do some shopping, I'll have no excuse.)

You can also recycle your old bits of fruits and veg into compost. It's really easy to do and it's great for your garden!

Remember, a little goes a long way!

If you want to know what your carbon foot print is here or tips on how to reduce it... click here!

Here's mine. I'll be entirely honest, I wasn't sure how much electricity we use at home because I don't have the bill with me... so it was an estimate.

So at the end of this all... NO I will not be taking part in Earth Hour. I believe in doing things in the long run.

Note: All images taken from Getty except for the print screen of my carbon foot print.

He got it!!!

No that's not him... that's just some random guy in a pic I got from Getty (thanks!)

Anyways yeah... puppy GOT THE JOB!!!

The dude was so impressed with him, he offered the pup the job on the spot :)

This calls for a celebration!!!

I like!!!!

Christian Dior AW2011/12

Louis Vuitton (worn by Kate Moss) AW2011/12

And last but not least, Georgina Goodman's sketch for the Royal Wedding.

bleh

Sometimes I really hate blogging from the office... well not that I'm supposed to but it's a good outlet for me to express myself....

Why?

I cannot cut/copy and paste ANYTHING here.

So I can't show excerpts, I can't embed videos.... I can only type and attach images... which sometimes just irks me like crazy....

Oh and the alignment stuff here goes nuts too... some days it looks fine... other days, no matter how I format it, it just doesn't want to listen to me.... (this post will likely look like I have no idea where the "Enter" button is)

So yeah... that's the reason why I haven't been posting as often (as I should or as I like).

Cross yer fingers, matey!

Pup's got a call for an interview - sound effects with a gaming company...

Fingers crossed everyone :)

Image taken from here.

yummy burgers!!!

We just came back from dinner with mum at Carl's Jr. You know times have changed when you as the child, brings mum out for a burger meal and she's all excited about it.

p/s: mum was excited about this because there is no Carl's Jr in Ipoh and her only burger choices are McDonald's and Burger King.

The puppy chose to have the Portobello Mushroom burger....

While mum and I shared the Guacamole Bacon Burger.

It was absolutely yummers!

Since mum's enjoying eating burgers... the next time she comes by for a visit... I'm taking her to The Daily Grind for a Lamburghini!

Lesser of two evils

I was just thinking about it in the washroom today... which is worse

Using toilet paper to dry your hands

or

Using a dryer to dry your hands

Think about it for a bit.

Paper = Dead trees

Dryer = Energy consumption

Just a random thought.

Happy Friday peeps!

Oh and btw, mum's on her way down for the weekend :) I'll have to sneak out of the office in a bit to go pick her up though... still wondering if I should say anything or just go out....

Still thinking...

I did, didn't I?

I got a call today from an agency asking me what time will I be arriving for their event. Which made me uber confuzzled <-- see? I love using this portmanteau!

The dude kept insisting that I RSVPed for the event and it's going to happen tonight at 6.30 and if I'd be there and I'm like "What the hell kind of event is this???"

So after a few more mins of wrestling information out of him, he told me to go check out this website.

*lightbulb* I asked "Would I be able to get a copy of the RSVP that I sent over?" because heck, I wanted to see proof!

THEN he tells me "Oh it was sent by post..."

I'm like "Dude I haven't stepped into a post office in ages... I'm pretty sure I didn't RSVP..."

"Yeah but I have your name in my database... it says you RSVPed 9.03am on February 25th..."

So for a moment, I thought okay... maybe I did RSVP for it... so I said I'll take a look at the website and asked if he could call back in an hour's time.

Looked at it... SO not my thing. He's so gonna get it when he calls back

What ticks you?

1. When people who live or work on the 2nd floor take the damned lift.
Walk dammit, WALK! You're only ONE flight of stairs away... heck, my old work place was three storeys high and I used to walk up and down every day IN MY FRICKIN' HEELS!

Every time I'm in the lift and it hits the 2nd floor, I always feel like saying "Dude, you're one floor away... take the stairs,"

Okay fine, if you've got some health condition or are pregnant... but the other people... geez!!!

2. Female drivers who think they're great drivers
I really do. It's a known fact that generally women have a poorer sense of estimation and accuracy when it comes to driving. There are some women who are good drivers and a handful that are great drivers. Other than that, you other women out there fall under bad drivers who probably don't even realize it.

Why do I say that? I've been in SO many scenarios where either I'm with someone who is like that... or I'm driving behind someone like that.

Eg: I'm in the car with a colleague. She gets in, doesn't put on her seat belt and places her left elbow on the arm rest and speeds off. Alternates stepping on the accelerator/brakes as she pleases (mostly because she's going too fast and ends up tailgating someone for most of the journey). Doesn't use the indicator when she switches lanes or turns at corners. Texts while driving - Okay fine I admit, I do this too, but at least I keep my eyes on the road enough to not sway out to the other lane every 5 seconds.

Yeah so that's what ticked me off today :P

How about you? What ticks you off?

:(

I haven't had a horrid dream in a really long time and I really hate it when I wake up in tears...

Just now I woke up from a dream where reality was just so weird and unusual, but normal at the same time, it made me uber confuzzled (learnt this new word from Mann. It's a portmanteau of confused and puzzled. Cool eh?).

Yeah so in my dream, puppy broke up with me and asked me to move out. But since he knows its hard for me to just find a place, he said I could stay here till then.

And it was just so weird coming home to see him at his desk playing some game or mastering some track, knowing that he heard me coming in and he didn't even flinch a muscle (this is of course a metaphor because if you're playing games or mastering a track, you'd be flinching plenty of muscles). There was no more welcoming hug, there was no more "How was your day bunny?" and there was no more kiss on the forehead.

Instead I walked past the room door, looked in and said "Hi, I'm home..." and all I got was a grunt.

Anyways I checked the dream dictionary and in a dream, if your boyfriend says he doesn't love you any more, that's just your own insecurities in a relationship. Either that or both of you are just going through a relationship cycle/new level where you might feel left out or you don't really get what he's really going through.

What a dream to have right before my birthday... :(

w00t?

*sigh*