Life is always better in Overseas ....

When I am in KL, often others said to me, "Oh you are so lucky, life in Australia is so much better than Kuala Lumpur". In KL this la that la, like a place where so many crimes and other unfavorable situations. Its always better in overseas especially developed countries.

Well, just last week, while I was sleeping, hoping this beautiful friendly place is what other people told me. Dreaming the place with such Calm, peaceful, and safe. Suddenly, my dream was interrupted with a sudden noises from outside.

I overheard a man breathing heavily sounding very disturbed and unhappy. I looked outside, and noticed he was kicking the fence made of wooden planks. He kicked very hard so that every plank will come off. Initially I did not know what was the fuss, I thought a cat made a noise outside. I whispered loudly, like "OOI". However, when I looked out, I saw the man was continuing with his Bruce Lee kick.

Later a girl came to him, and gave him a hug. He seems calmer then they walked off together. This is just one example of how people can react in the neighborhood. They take on other people's properties or a person to feel better. So tell me now, why we always compare where we live with other places?

The outcome, is below :

Don't Judge Me laaaaa...

Recently again at my host's place. He told me he doesn't like to be judged. He didn't want to question others and judge the person. Hence, he will rarely ask anyone about their background and their doing. He felt by doing that he is avoid judging anyone.

Then I asked myself, can this be real in the real world? When I talk to a stranger, I would ask questions in order to find out who the person is. Once I know the person, then I may form some opinion based on my experience. I thought it's all natural. As a courtesy, of course this opinion would not be shared as it may contain offensive or in favor's opinion. The reality I found is when it's in favor, or positive, I may say, "Oh wow you are smart", or "You are so kind". The person may feel good about it. At the same time, the negative may sound like 'You are so arrogant'. Then the person may become furious. But the net of it, my mind already made a judgement, in one way or another.

I guess, there is no right or wrong reason to make judgement, however, in our daily social life, we need to show some social etiquette. When I keep my opinion to myself it does not mean I am not judging, I just didn't want you to know what I am thinking. However, probably it may make you feel better for not knowing the truth.

Argument

I had dinner with my host today. However, it was heated up and sound like a big argument in the restaurant. All eyes on us. What actually happened was a discussion of my host career and life. I tried to brainstorm some of the decision he made in life. However, it took a sharp turn when I told him he can be replaced if the company made some major decision. I was trying to let him know the good and bad side of his decision especially in making other people aware that he is very important and indispensable.

I may had put the word wrongly and I could sensed his ego was bruised. He started to think I was making judgement on him hence I asked questions which may oppose to his actions. However I was trying to brainstorm so that he aware of the consequences for sounding arrogant. In the end he ended up defending and I was trying to make my own point as well. I do not think I was giving him a counseling but sharing my own experience with him. The outcome was loud debate in a tiny restaurant. He told me later many eyes were looking at us, but I told him I wasn't feeling shy. We are merely getting our point across. I guessed next time I will not discuss such heavy subject on a dinner table.

Giving

This year according to my Chinese zodiac, I need to donate in order to collect good fortune. Hence I made it a point to do so. I may not be rich enough to hand over cashes to a stranger everyday. Therefore I came up with a list of giving.

- give to the needy on the street be it be food or cash
- make someone's day by encouraging them
- offer my help when I could
- donate to the non government organization
- donate blood

I pledge to do at least on of the above each day.

Job interview

I am looking for a job within the company I am working in. Today I went for an interest interview. Meaning in case the hiring manager is interested to hire me later, she can keep me in mind.

I was quite confident of what the hiring manager wants, however, I wasn't sure if she prefer financial background or IT background. I am mostly with IT skills. Anyway, when I met the manager the meeting was quite casual. However, the manager was struggling to understand my resume. I ended up first 10 minutes explaining to her my experiences according to the resume.

As we moved on, I found she prefer financial background, but at the same time I recognised she needs my skills too, but the priority is on financial. I told her I wasn't dissapoint with the meeting, because what important is I have established this network with her. IF she has opportunities or know someone who is hiring, probably she can let me know.

She gave me some tips on what area I may want to expand, however, it was something I want to stay away. I just nodded and acknowledged it. All I can do is to wait and put my fishing line into the seas. If it's mine it will be hooked up :)

Communism

I am currently staying at a host in Sydney and he happens to be a Malaysian. He is very ambitious and an idealist. Knowing his strength he feels he must work hard to make a lot of money for older age. He also dreamed of having a girlfriend who fits all his criterias.

I feel it's important when we are younger it's worth to take risk and try. After all there is nothing to lose especially at the of below 30. I perfectly understand that need to challeng yourself. However today I shared my view especially my need to change job. A job with low pay and probably low appreciation. I told him we tipped too much to greed due to capitalism. And the unlucky poor people won't able to survive. I feel there should be balance but I don't plan to change everyone. I can only do my part.

My host disagreed with me. He felt capitalism is great and I am a communist. You reap what you work hard for and things got advance due to capitalism. He felt if the person can't afford to buy say an iPad then they don't deserve to enjoy it. But after many rich people made money they donate to the poor. He felt it was such a great cause.

I feel there is truth to what he says but I feel there should be a balance. To me the root is our behavior. We are driven to think being rich is being loaded with money, then everything follows. I feel its more than that. It's the behavior of being able to give whether you are rich or poor does matter to me. When you are willing yo give we tends to be balance.

However in this world they are good and bad behavior people. it's hard to balance but everyone deserve to be respected. If I quote what my host thinking, I feel he may not respect people who are poor and unlucky. For them they didn't try hard and act up. At the back on my mind if only everyone is given a fair chance, and that begins with you and me.

Kung Hei Fatt Choy 2012

I wish all my reader a very happy Chinese new year. I wish the year is filled with meaningful and quality time both at home and work. Most importantly great health to everyone.

Kung hei Kung hei.