Small Change = Big Difference

I received some startling news yesterday.


My name is shortlisted to attend "Induksi" which is scheduled to be held at the end of this month. If you do not know what Induksi is, it's kinda the rite of passage before you can become a confirmed staff. So, my name was shortlisted. I had applied for Induksi since end of last year but to no avail and here it is, wedged between my very hectic schedule, a must attend Induksi session.


Looking at the dates (it's scheduled for 23 November - 5 December) I had to alter my trips (shorten my holiday to Manila by about one day, miss my course in KL and immediately attend the CSSR conference right after Induksi), I discovered that I will be traveling straight for 26 days!! I mean traveling from one place to another without ever coming home *yikes*. Seems like I am going to live out of my suitcase in a couple of weeks time *gulp*.


So, with that small change (by adding in Induksi), my traveling schedule starting from 18 November and ending on 14 December will be:


KK - Manila - KK - Perak - KL - KK - KL


I'll be back to my home only on the 15th of December. I have never travelled so extensively before so let's see how I'll take all this journeying stuff.


And my next traveling session would most probably start on 20th December til 25 December covering Penang and Singapore. Super hectic, I must say.


Let's bring out the luggage bags, peeps!


Cheerio!




xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Getting Published

I have always dreamed of being a writer, although it never occurred to me that I would write non-fiction; I always thought that I'd be a fiction writer (with all those romance influences by the likes of Judith McNaught, Amanda Quick, Nora Roberts and such).

Anyways, this is the second time that I've written with Prof KJ (no, he is not our ex-Prime Minister's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin). For those of you who know or have heard of him (he's the one giving talks on writing and publication, by the way), there are many stories circulating 'bout Prof KJ out there and some of them might not be positive. Having work with the person himself on our two books, I would have to say, he is not what others say about him, so should you have doubts about working with him (on academic matters) then, it'd be best that you contact him himself so that at least you'd get a clear picture of the way he works.

So, our second book got published *yeay*. This is how it looks like:

And this is the advert done by UPM Press (who is the publisher, in case you're wondering):

And, if you're interested in ordering, this is the form:

It's super tiny, I know. Alternatively, you may want to look up http://www.penerbit.upm.edu.my/ instead.

Happy reading peeps!

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Travelling Thoughts

I did tell you that I will be travelling a lot in these two months right? Well, now that I have time to spare, let me share with you my travel schedule for November and Decemeber.

All aboard? Love the new seat covers in MAS flights =)

November:

First week: The only week available for me to complete all my tasks and not to mention fitting in a few meetings (on some days there's like three meetings in a day! Imagine leaving a meeting room just to enter another one!).

Second week: A four-day study trip to Shah Alam with my students.

Third week: Family holiday for six days to Manila, Phillipines.

Fourth week: Back from the Phillipines, and then off for a four-day weekend trip in KL for a training session.

Fifth week: Back from weekend trip and it's already December!! (time certainly flies fast!)

I'll go where the ticket takes me to *aha!*

December:

First week: Off to KL for a four-day conference in which I am one of the presenters.

Second week: Back from conference and straight to KK, Sabah for a two-day meeting, then flying off for the weekend in KL for another four-day weekend training session.

Third week: Back from KL. The only week available for me to tie up any loose ends.

Fourth week: Off to a one-day training session in Penang, then a short holiday for five days in Singapore during Christmas week.

Fifth week: Back from Singapore and straight to a conference in which I am one of the organizing committee.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at our destination. It was a pleasure having you on board and we hope to be meeting you again.

So, all in all, fourteen days of traveling in November and another sixteen days in December. Hectic, ain't it? Well, that's what I thought too. Apparently my lifestyle will soon join the likes of fashionista jet-setters and let's just hope I'll look as fabulous as they are when disembarking from a plane *cheeky grin*.

A good book is definitely a great traveling companion, it doesn't complain the cramped space and it keeps you occupied.

The funny thing is, I never would have thought that this is the life of an academician, I mean, I always thought that an academic would be confined to classrooms and although there are opportunities to fly, those flying trips would certainly be to conferences and such. Apparently, I was wrong. I used to work in the marketing line and that work entailed me to reap the benefits of traveling, now that I am in the academic line, well, to my surprise, I am traveling more than I've ever been before!

I love traveling on half-empty planes, they're quieter =p

Well, I am not complaining, really, I'm not. Let's just say that I am looking forward to the challenge; you know, micro-managing your time so that you can actually complete what you have to and be at two or maybe three different places at the same time *heh heh*. Anyways, what I really want to say is, let's just see what happens; I mean, a good fashionista would never back down from a good challenge and as they say, what doesn't break you, makes you stronger *Girl power! Yeah!*

Nay worries, I'll certainly share my travel tales, kay?

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love

Reading this book is like being transported to another life, you know, the one you wished you had. Well, not for all parts of the book, but the good parts (that's kinda cheating right?) *sheepish grin*.

Have book, will fly, that's me! =)

Had an opportunity to read this book on my way down to Terengganu. Well, since my work life is so hectic that it kinda affected my personal life, I only had an opportunity to pick up this book at the airport when I landed in KL.

Definitely reading this book made me want to pack my bags and leave, for a year-long vacation. I mean, why not? Why the hell not, right? Well, I certainly would love to pack up and go, except that I'd come back with no job, and that is not really an option right now. Especially looking at my financial obligations. Uh-oh, a BIG NO.

Anyways, I really have to say that this is one of the most interesting auto-biographies that I've ever read (not that I've read that many, anyway). But you certainly don' find auto-biographies describing about meetings with a fortune-teller, aptly named Ketut Liyer (and that is a kinda funny name, if you ask me) and a healer named Wayan. What's truly interesting is that I've been to Bali and I never saw Bali as Elizabeth Gilbert did. It kinda made me want to go over and experience Bali again, just so that I know the way how Elizabeth experienced Bali.

And another thing, I never thought I'd be interested to visit India (except for maybe a trip to Kashmir and another trip to the Taj Mahal), I mean, let's be realistic here, I live in the hot and humid country of Malaysia and to visit another hotter and more humid country that Malaysia? Geez, I'd pick Italy over India in a jiffy. But then again, looking at the way she described India, I think maybe I can make an exception and visit it, well, maybe someday.

So, my verdict on the book? Definitely more than I expected. I loved the tales of love (both lost and found) and I love the way she journeyed to really find herself, which is kinda the whole story. I'd recommend this book to any gal-pal out there, it really is an amazing read, I'm sure you'll love the book as much as I did (unless, of course, chick-lit isn't really your thing, then just don't torture yourself into reading it just because I said it's good, okay).

Happy reading peeps!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

These are very interesting times..

Despite the cryptic title, I actually have absolutely NO wish to be cryptic.

Unfortunately, I am out of time.

However, I would like to note that, I am looking forward to some very interesting times ahead.

Therefore the CRYPTIC title.

I know! Corny isn't it?

Well, if you must know, I am not toying and nor am I teasing you. However, I am excited at the prospect of my future. Hopefully, things will turn out the way I hope it would be (at least the directions at which I am heading to seems mighty clear in my head).

So, just a quick recap on what's going to happen in this two months prior to 2011:

1. I will be traveling a lot. I mean, a WHOLE LOT. Well, if you must know, it seems like I will be boarding the plane every week (to-and-fro of many different airports) or at the very least every two-weeks. But, needless to say, I am looking forward to each and every one of my trips (so far, there will be three flights in November and four flights in December). And the best part is, I will be traveling to TWO different countries (outside Malaysia), both trips I am really, really looking forward to *wink*.

2. I will be venturing into something new. Nope, I am not telling now (cause I don't want to jinx anything). But I am hopeful for the future and I hope it is as bright as what I foresee it to be. However, I will say that it is a new direction for me (a business venture of sorts) and NO, that doesn't mean I am quitting my job (cause I seem to be enjoying the challenge that I am facing right now, with my job, I mean).

3. My book got published!!! This is a triple yeay to me *yippee* I really, really wanted to post a photo of the book on this blog but I have very little time to spare, hence, the lack of blog entries. I promise I will post it once I can squeeze in some spare time for blogging. This is my second book and by the looks of it, it's my best so far. I am working on another writing project but time seems to be of the essence and thus it is still on the outline stage.

Let's leave it at three items shall we?

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista Escapades: Terengganu

I am really lucky that I had an opportunity to come again to Terengganu. The last time I went to Terengganu was 13 years ago and I really loved my stay there, so much so that I was really looking forward to my trip to Terengganu this time.

If you're flying to Terengganu, you'll be touching down at this airport.

Coastal road from Kuala Terengganu leading to Dungun, where we were staying.

Let me just highlight the best parts, you know, just in case you feel like stopping by Terengganu any time soon;

1) The Food

Some of the cakes and dessert might be a tad too sweet so eat sparingly (if you value your waistline and your health, of course)

Well, this is not to say that the food is so great, and actually not everybody is into fish, but then, I'd say that the Keropok Lekor (and some call it Keropok Losong) is definitely a must-try item. It's great as an afternoon snack or an any time of day snack. Just in case you don't know, it's made out of fish and flour (if I'm not mistaken) and the raw version kinda looks like giant worms (looks yucky, I know, but definitely tastes yummy).

Keropok Lekor is deep-fried (just in case you didn't know)

Voila! The finished product. Dig in!

Raw Keropok Lekor. Looks kinda yucky, right?

Enjoying some keropok lekor at Pantai Teluk Bidara.

Another thing, the laksam is also a must try. It's like noodle soup but the soup's main ingredients are fish and some herbs and spices. Some might not like it cause it's not everyone's cup of tea you see, but if you're adventurous, why not give it a try?

And this is how Laksam looks like

And on hot, sunny afternoons, you might want to wash your food down with some ice kacang =).

2) The Beach

I love watching the sunset.

Gosh, the state of Terengganu is sooooo fortunate to have such a beautiful coastline. And the best part is, the sea and the beach looks great (not like certain beaches here in Sarawak). The hotel where we stayed was right by the sea and waking up to the sound of waves crashing to the beach was really the highlight of my morning.

If you're into high end escapades, then I'd recommend you Tanjung Jara Resort. We stopped by Tanjung Jara for a visit the other day (my mum wanted to go to the spa) and the place is utterly beautiful. I know that fashionista's who needs a lil' TLC would certainly get their fair share of LOVE and CARE there.

Sneak peek of what Tanjung Jara has to offer..

Getting massaged next to the sea *sigh*

Or lazing in a hammock

p/s: they have honeymoon packages *yeay*

3) Crafts and Shopping

Terengganu is famous for its Batik, a hand painted cloth that is definitely pricey. If you're looking for a souvenir, this is certainly one of the places that you can find them.

The famous Pasar Payang

Batik prices usually start from RM150 and above. Pricey but definitely worth it as no Batik is identical to the other (since it's hand-painted *duh*). I certainly took one home with me =)

An array of Batik cloth for sale

4) Places of Attraction

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit Kuala Terengganu, Dungun and Kerteh. Kuala Terengganu has some of the most beautiful mosques and among some of them are:

Masjid Kristal

The color of the domes is what gave the name Masjid Kristal to the mosque. 

From the main entrance leading to the mosque.

Domes and more domes..

The architecture of the mosque..

The view from the back of the mosque.

And minarets..

Stopping to pose at Masjid Kristal.

Masjid Terapung

This mosque is also known as Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah (also my spelling might be wrong *opps*)


You could also opt to visit the Terengganu Museum:

Dungun (where we stayed) is a small town just 2 hours away from Kuala Terengganu.

And this is a photo of me doing jumping jacks *haha*

5) The People

What I most envy is the relaxed attitude that most people in Terengganu have. It has this atmosphere of slowing down and taking your own sweet time (which I feel is lost on city-folks sometimes). However, do note that their driving is absolutely horrible so you might want to be a tad careful on the roads.

A fisherman cleaning his boat in Dungun

A kid happily playing at a playground in the middle of the wet market compound in Dungun

A kampung road in Dungun, Terengganu.

So, feel like jumping on the next plane to Terengganu? Cheerio!

Happy camwhoring peeps!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Kampung Rituh Labuan

It's funny that a village has the same name as a federal territory, but then again, considering you have England and New England, York and New York, for us here on the Borneo Island we also have our very own Labuan (the Federal Territory) and Kampung Rituh Labuan (and not as you might have expected, New Labuan).

We went there during the weekend for a community service (or more appropriately, the students were servicing the community and I was busy snapping photos, or at least pretending that I was busy so that I wouldn't be called to trim the lawn and such). This is one of the activities that the students must fulfil as part of their assignment for a subject called Personal Development (in which I am NOT teaching), but as their own lecturer couldn't make it that day, I became the substitute.

As I have never accompanied my students to a community service (and never ORGANIZED any) well, I really wasn't ready for what was in store. Firstly, I really did not realize that the weather could be so HOT! I mean REALLY, REALLY BOILING HOT (and here I was in my shirt and cardigan, trying to look the part of a strict and no-nonsense lecturer) but unfortunately my attire didn't really help in that sweltering heat *ouch*.

However, what really surprised me was the spirit that my students exhibited over the whole community service thing. They were divided into three groups, lawn mowing, painting and cleaning the hall. It was hot (absolutely and most horribly) and they were all industrially working (like ants carrying bits of food that are bigger than they are) without regard to the heat (or maybe with regard to the heat, working faster completes the job faster, don't you think?).

At the end of the day, I couldn't help but feel proud (even though I wasn't even in the organizing team and only accompanying them and clicking here and there) but I do feel that they have exhibited a sense of maturity by being able to organize and coordinate such a huge activity.

Bravo to all of them! You did well. There is hope for the mindless youth after all *cheeky grin*.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo