The Love for Dogs

Lately I have been thinking a lot about things, it’s like I am having some kind of realization. No the world is not coming to an end. But what’s different about the world today is how I see it now as oppose to how I see it then. It is as though mother earth and I are connected somehow or other through an unsound channel. I don’t exactly know how to explain it in words, but it’s just the feeling. I believe it is in each and every one of us – a calling.

I believe as we grow older (and hopefully wiser) we think less of ourselves and more about people and things that surround our lives. Each one of us individuals has a passion for something. I think my calling is to help animals. I’ve always loved animals, big or small, fins or skin…

Hell – I ride on them.....

Feed them

Pat them

Take pictures WITH them

Take pictures OF them

And sometimes…I even behave like ‘em!! Oh wait.....that's the bf!

But there is one animal that I hold very close to my heart. =)

The furry 4 legged. No…not cats! I don’t really fancy them, plus they have 9 lives, so if they ran out of them – I’d say they had a good run. This entry is dedicated to all the stray dogs out there and people who have contributed to making a dog’s world a better place.

Yes, it is an eye sore to see strays. We do not like them when they come close to us when we are eating now, we do not like to see them in our neighborhood, he hate the sounds they make at night….hell, we even hate the sight of them dead on the highway. The question is, if we hate seeing them everywhere, where else can they go to?

They too were given a life to live. It’s sad enough that they have to make it in this cruel world all on their own. Not to mention in a country like Malaysia where dogs are considered non-halal, and the fact that dog meat trade is getting bigger and bigger not only in China, but also Rusia (I think it’s the results of Rusian marrying Chinese immigrants from the damn border – they don’t make very cute kids you know?)

It’s a pity that we see so little of them and yet, they think so highly of us. Dogs are intuitively trustworthy animals and are considered the most loyal amongst all. Sure, draw them with food and then make food and money out of them.

Just a few months ago, I passed by a pet shop and I saw a poor looking young cocker spaniel. He has such sad eyes and was just skin and bones. No, he was not starved nor abused – but he is a product of mutation.

Dog breeders these days do not share the common goal of the olden days breeders. Dog breeders came up with the idea of breeding dogs so children of the future – us – live to see an authentic breed of dogs and be blown away by each breed’s characteristic and behavior. But dog breeders today are all out for $$ and only $$, so they think of the cheapest and easiest alternative. Consider it trade dog prostitution. Mama dog forced to mate with her own pups, and siblings and well, you get the picture. Because it is not a natural thing for 4 legged to be forced to do what used to be nature calling, their babies result in sad pictures like the above.

The question is, what are we doing about it? Are you just going to agree what a sad world it is to be a dog and do nothing about it or are you going to go out there and do something about it. If you think about it, there are so much we can do. Save a stray, make them your house guard. Give them food if they come to your table. Try aid a wounded dog if not too aggressive. Volunteer in dog shelters on your free time. If you do not have free time, contribute via food or cash. Give out your used clothes or old shoes. You’d be surprised how happy a four legged will be to have one side of your shoe as toy. If you can’t help, go tell a friend who tell another friend who may be able to help.

I met a very nice lady recently. She has been volunteering in dog shelters around Klang Valley for the past 15 years. She said

“The world may not change if you help save a dog, but the world will surely change for that one dog”

and I can’t help but to agree with her….

Spirit of the Lurve Month

I think the world is running out of love this month of the year because typical madly in love couples are going all out proclaiming their love for one another.

And I am guilty as charged =(

Because it’s that time of the year where everyone gets all lovey dovey about this funny little thing call LOVE – I reckon I should blog about him. No, not many people know him or know of him until recently (thanks to FB - beats all conventional methods)

In a way I am thankful if not grateful to have found someone who makes me laugh and feel good about myself no matter how horrid the situation or feeling may be. He is the one person who truly embraces all that I am – good or bad. (we all know which weighs more)

This is soo going to make me look like fool but I'm blogging either way - all in the spirit of Valentine!

I love it when he is all goofy and funny but absolutely hate it when he mumbles,

I love how he pats my stomach when I am having a headache

And how he eats my leftovers like it’s a brand new dish

I love the way he makes those squeezy face - I swear I see an angel sometimes

I guess in another word, I just like how my world go round now that he came in =)

Happy Valentine Day People.....and Have an awesome Chinese New Year!

Twisted Kid

The other day - Jon, Matt and myself were in SS2 to pay our phone bills when we came across this small Chinese boy – not more than 8 years of age.

He was alone, outside the closed DiGi center – very clean innocent looking boy, sitting around on the security roller chair. He had in hand….a small bird. (Not, not his twinnie, a REAL bird)

It was a disturbing sight, but what he did was even more disturbing.

He not only placed the birdie on the chair and started poking it with his index finger, he was also tapping/short throwing it like a ball on his palm. Get this – the bird was alive! It just couldn’t fly because it has its tail cut off (birds without tail can’t fly btw) When he realized that we were talking about him, he took the tortured birdie on his palm, hand extended in front, and walked towards us. It was like REAL TIME HORROR MOVIE SCENE. Not kidding, it was rather scary to ME at least.

Jon scolded him and told him to put the bird away when he marched towards us, he kept quiet and turned back, but he had a “smile” on his face. He then went over to the curb behind the wall, extended his hand with the birdie where I can see it, and started squeezing it. I swear I’m not kidding.

The only thing that crossed my mind at that time was.... “Oh damn, he is going to grow up to be a very dark and twisted boy who finds pleasure in torturing others” or he is going to end up as a pedophile.

I mean, what the hell was he thinking? Where on earth were his parents? I am just ultra pissed just knowing that I could have done something, but instead I walked away – knowing that I contributed to the tortured birdie’s death…..and that sucks!

A New Begining

I wanted to post this entry earlier…when everyone is busy blogging about their New Year and stuff. But for me, New Year starts TODAY – Feb 1^st, 2010.

Why? Because today, I am going to leave behind all the sucky experience I had in the past year, and take on a new challenge in life.

Today, I’m starting a new job in a non WPP agency.

Today, I am no longer in account management.

Today onwards, I will be in planning instead *smile*

Hell, it is nerve wrecking to know that I am already 3 years into advertising, and taking a new role in planning without any experience whatsoever IS a high risk if it does not turn out well. It’s going to be really tough, adding to the fact that it’s a 2-man show (my boss and me) … but I am optimistic. I know I can do it if I strive hard enough.

2010 is going to be a good year, I’m positive =)

But that doesn’t make my 2009 a horrible year either. It has however, been a roller coaster ride for me. My first quarter of 2009 was definitely the highlight.

I was promoted to be a Jr. Events Manager after 4 months in Nasty Inc. Although I complain and whine a lot about sharing my workplace with 12 stinky dogs, I truly enjoyed it. (and it pays well too) I had a boss who supports me – the type that you can call when you’re pissed drunk in some night club and she will come in no time to bring you home.

I can proudly say that I helped organized the coolest parties in the Hitz world in Penang and KL.

......and also launched the most talked about technology in Malaysia at that time. MNP – in which Maxis won over DiGi by miles. Roving in huge trucks really helped with acquisition, and within few months, Maxis market share larger than ever.Then there was the iphone launch in Malaysia

The clients may not be the easiest to work with, but they show their appreciation and that is what counts

Other highlights in 2009 includes;

In April, I went to Jogjakarta and Bali together with Kuan Mei, Kean Shiong, Simpson and Livan….

In Bali, I finally bungy jumped - the legal way.

(The one in Phuket doesn’t count because it’s not certified)

The wedding bells were ringing in 2009 too. First in line was Darshini & Nick! They are like the cutest couple ever. Nick was soo lost in the wedding, and Darshini stole the limelight cos she was just soooooo pretty!!

The other wedding that brought tears to my eyes were Kuan Mei & Melvin’s wedding, mainly because I was there throughout their courtship, through engagement and now, marriage. They have always been someone I could always count on too.

Life has been good…for the first 3 quarter at least. But me being human, nothing is ever enough. Grass is always greener on the other side. So I decided to leave events and go back into agency life with Grey. That was my excuse at least. But the truth is I felt like every single minute of my life was being sucked out because I had no time for friends and family, went through a few bad patch when it came to relationship, and every day I just worked and worked and worked. That is all there is for me… I desperately wanted my life back.

I took on Grey because it was an awesome portfolio. I learnt a lot from there but as time goes, I realized that the account management team was very weak and I couldn’t progress further, but I was determined to stay till at least the end of the mega launch this August. I wasn’t determined enough obviously! =p

When my spirits was weak, I got a FB message from my first agency Strategic Planner. He asked if I would like to explore being a Strat planner. To be honest, it has never crossed my mind. He interviewed me over a bottle of beer @ Bangsar and walla, I was offered the job. So, I left Grey after 8 months, and joined Publicis under the leadership of Chats – my direct boss and mentor…and here I am today! =)

Today, I have my beloved friends and family supporting me, my fortnightly lepak session with my hommies, my 4 legged friend behaving well, my own laptop to work with, not to mention under the guidance of a a world renowned boss - no experience, no idea what is in store for her, but just as determined and excited……writing another chapter of my life.

Oh did I mentioned along the way, I found a funny man to call a bf *winks*

All About….Hair~

Dec marks the 6^th month of me in Grey Global Business Unit. I am surprised that it has only been 6 months. It seems like I’ve been here for much much longer. To be frank, as much as I complain about work I am genuinely happy working here, but somethings gotta give…..

I have an awesome team working on Pantene account. My producers are the nicest in the industry. My clients are understanding and have heapssss of budget. I get to do lots of production work.( Back in BBDO, I only get to do print because TV productions are “seniors” portfolio – bullshit) I am fortunate to be working alongside with ASEAN Grey counterpart.

Of course I was skeptical at first - from a hip telco account to hair product? Even my mum wasn’t too sure. But skeptical as I am, I took up the position and with that one small step it opened up a window of opportunity for me. I have never seen hair in that light before! I’ve never been the hair-proud type and had always hated the typical hair shampoo ads. Little did I know, it is these typical executions which are the hardest to achieve.

And….

You won’t believe the amount of words the hair industry people use to describe hair. If you think dry and damage is good enough, you are fooling yourself. Clients and agency can sit in a 2 hour long meeting just debating on hair condition. And terms that were used? Try to think along the lines of healthy, shinny, happy and juicy hair – Now you know why I am growing side-ways aight? Because discussing about hair makes me feel hungry!

And that one thing I absolutely love about working here is that they truly practice team work and client-agency partnership to the core. Even just an AE, we are given the opportunity to develop an idea together, clients seek our opinion on decision making, planners appreciates our input. In a simpler term, we have a say in everything…and our opinions matters!

But like I said, some things gotta give….and some opportunity rarely come by and it’s too irresistible to turn down so….with a heavy heart – I’m leaving Grey to embark on a completely new role in advertising =)