"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." --Thomas A. Edison

"I love my job." I have reiterated this statement to almost everybody I meet, and I am officially classified as a workaholic. In fact, nowadays, when my senior sees me on the corridor, he rhymes my name with 'Jean, Jean, the mean machine', or 'Jean, Jean, the working machine'. It clicks. It sticks in my head. The worst part is, I can't get it out of my head.

So, on my last day of my trip in Labuan, when I didn't have to work, or conduct offshore platform visitations, I decided to pay a visit to the nearest shopping mall. As I was walking around alone, I noticed that most people were walking in pairs. Either a guy and a girl were locking hands, walking towards the same destination; or just the guys, smoking together; or girls, crowding around a make-up counter, selecting lipsticks and perfums. Suddenly, I felt as if I was the only single person walking around town.

As I passed by more shops, I noticed that people were shopping, buying phones or clothes, having a hair cut, having meals (with friends and family)... and I came to realize that these are the things normal people do on a normal weekdn, when they are on leave, or have ample time in their hands.

I, on the other hand, began to recount my weekends since I turned my work into my life. On weekends, I work. On weekdays, I work. In the night, I work. On holidays, I work. Day and night, for 365 days, I toil in the fields. No wonder my parents rarely call me anymore. No wonder I've lost count of the days. No wonder I've missed my friends' birthdays. No wonder precious moments has seeped through my fingers. No wonder I dream about my colleagues and my bosses. No wonder I'm highly strung, all the time. No wonder I'm short tempered. No wonder I am lost, when I am not working, because unlike others, I, don't have a life.

I don't go for hair cuts, I don't go for spa, I don't go for holidays. In fact, I gobble up everything in sight within a few seconds, like a piranha, because I need to finish up my work. I don't take holidays because there are so many jobs that need to be completed. I don't go for spa because I can't relax. I don't go for hair cuts and treatment because then I would have to sit idle in a chair for 3 hours! Time is precious. I can't waste it. Or so I thought.

As I continued to observe the simple, mundane activities of these shoppers, I notice that it is often the simplest activities that unites humans. Playing games, walking together, talking, or just by having a simple meal together. This is how humans interact. This is how we get to know one another. This is how we show we care. This is how we tell people "You are important to me." We invest time and effort in the tangible, living flesh; not the cold, hard, metallic coated invisible item called 'work'.

Life is not just about work. There are other balls to juggle, says Byron Dyson, CEO of Coca-Cola. However, to derive so much joy in just work, is a pretty self-destructing act, because we tend to overspend our time on work, and place less focus on the essence of humanity - interaction.

Bertrand Russel once said, "One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important." Now, I am fully aware that I have been misled. I'm lost. I just need to find my way back home. Luckily for me, I have extremely patient family members and friends, who are willing to put up with my weather-changing temperaments. They take it in stride, gently chiding me when I go overboard. I know now, there are other things that are equally as important as work. From now on, I will learn how to work smart.
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”You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play." -- Warren Beatty
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"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

During my trip to the platforms, I met 2 offshore personnel who escaped from the helicopter crash in Sabah waters about 10 years ago. At that time, riding on the choppers were the only mode of available transporation to travel to the platforms.

In my mind, as he mentioned the word 'escape', I imagined him dropping into the sea from the chopper, flapping his arms in the middle of ocean, then hugging his life jacket tightly, hoping that the rescuers would spot him. 

"On that particular day, I was supposed to board the chopper, but my wife begged me to extend my stay back home, as I needed to visit a close relative. Another colleague who was supposed to board the chopper that day, couldn't make it as he was still sick, so he had to request for a last minute replacement, which he managed to find."

Ohhh! that was what he meant by 'escape'.

"We were lucky that we managed to escape from this unfortunate accident. However, all the passengers who perished in that incident were our fellow friends and colleagues. We often fished with them, worked closely with them, and visited each other during festive seasons and on our days off."

Throughout the narration, the guy flashed a smile, the kind that only lucky, jubilant survivors could flash, triumphant that he escaped the gallows, and the cruel hands of fate, for that moment, and is still very much alive, at this moment.

Ahh... yes . It is hard to imagine losing so many close buddies in a single incident, altogether at the same time. Perhaps, in tribute to the loss of the lives of their dedicated colleagues in their journey to the most risky and dangerous plant operations in the middle of the ocean, these offshore personnel continue to work offshore, for more than 20 years. It made me realized that sometimes, work, is just work. It is not worth risking your life over it, not when your family depends on you for livelihood and your presence lights them up. At that moment, I resolved to be more accomodating, by requesting for data only when it is absolutely necessary and I know for sure, that I will be using it. 

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. They may be the last moments you never knew you'd be having when you kissed your child goodnight, hugged your spouse, or spoke to your parents on the phone. Or they may be the moments you bade farewell to your friends, only to realize that seconds or days later, they'd be gone forever. Life is too short to be angry at every single soul, every single second. Be humane. Be loving. Be forgiving.

Trip to the Mountains

I've been less busy of late; less meetings, less presentations, less ripples, less excitement, less attention. Lessof everything. Which is good, in a way. Too much of a good thing, after all, might prove to be toxic. In my case, it's work. Hence, recently, I jumped at the opportunity to join a trip with the PETROSAINS team to the northern state of Peninsular Malaysia.

Aptly named Pengkalan Hulu (Starting point of a harbour), it is located in the most northern side of Perak, right at the Malaysian-Thailand border. Interestingly, it is located 380 metres above mean sea level, which means it's a town surrounded by hills and mountains. A rather attractive sight, if you've been staying cooped up in the office, like me.

Having been strapped to my desk for 8 months in a row, looking at the green trees, green hills and green grass truly captivates me. I have forgotten how nourishing my native state, Perak, looks, after being too caught up in my work. My mind, which has become hazy from the work load, is gradually clearing up.

As we approach these far-away trees, its shape and colour gradually take form in my mind, replacing previous thoughts of untangible work and reports.

The shapes and colours fill up my mind until all I'm thinking of, are trees, forests, hills, flowers and rivers. Soon, sleep beckons as we seem to be driving towards the land of no-retun. Gradually, my eyelids become heavier and heavier, until they can't hold themselves up anymore.

Nursery Rhymes and Stories

After four hours upon hitting the road, we are still in the car. Our eyes are glued to the windows. Even the driver, who's supposed to concetrate his eyes on the road, just couldn't help being attracted to the natural beauty on both sides. Had it been me driving, I would have gone off course, driving across rivers and swamps, staight into the hills.

The sun soon rises up from the east, and a layer of thick mist soon settles upon this quiet region, as if it's saying, "Awww... such a pretty, lazy, warm morning. Let's rest for a while, before continue our journey upwards." And so, they choose to stay at a suitable height, halfway betwen the roofs of the hills of the wooden huts, and the peak of the mountains. What a pretty sight indeed!

Soon, little human babies awaken, sending mummies hurrying to the kitchen to cook and fill up their tiny, empty stomachs. Smoke rise up from the chimney, into the cool, minty air. Coconut trees sway in response to the whispers of the wind; rubber trees shaking of golden, holey leaves. "And, why not?" they exclaim. "t's a good day to get a sun tan." Young green babies sprout from their branches, greeting us as we wheeze past them.

The rivers, having been tormented by yesterday's storm, are now flowing cautiously downstream. Carryiing with it, ,parts of trees and branches in its belly. Fishes are hiding behind the rocks, for they know the little humans are awake. Having eaten their counterparts, they will definitely come back for more. Lest they want to end up in a frying, sizzling wok, they had better stay hidden in the brown, murky waters. Being fried, is definitely not a pleasant feeling. Especially if you were duped, cut up and torn apart.

Ahh.. it's a blissful life. what more could one ask for? A picturesque scenery, right out of the book of Little Red Riding Hood. A nursery rhyme creeps through my mind:

Row, row, row your boat,

Gently down the stream,

Merrily, Merrily, Merrily,

Life is, but a dream.

Back to Basics

Pengkalan Hulu is a town that's situated next to the Belum forest reserve. It is a heaven for adventure seekers such aswhite water rafting, jungle trekking and rock climbing. It's also famed for its abundant hotsprings and waterfalls. It is authentic and frequently attracts 'back to nature' enthusiasts.



The town is simple. It has all the bare necessities. Banks, schools, post offices, void of any fast food oulets, fas take away meals or ready made coffee on the go. Oh, no. People here are contented to leave things just the way they are right now.



They seem to take it all in stride. Chatting idly over a cup of coffee, whiling away their time in front of the only TV in a shop while the cook leisurely prepares a meal. There's not a sign in sight hat reminds sus of the hustle and bustle of city life.



All these seem to convey a message. "What's the hurry? Take it easy. Take it slow. You'll get what you want ultimately anyway. It's just a matter of time."

Attractions in Pengkalan Hulu

Perhaps, Pengkalan Hulu is not a small town after all. Its shops may seemed to be focused in a small area, however, its villages are pretty wide spread. Here, we have names like Kuak Hulu, Lata Kasut (Shoe Waterfall) and Bukit Sejuk (Cold Hill), simple and straight to the point.

One of the main attractions in Pengkalan Hulu, is a man-made lake near the town. On the day we arrived, the locals were celebrating Pesta Air (Water Festival). As we drove by the lake, both sides of the road were filled with colourful make-shift stalls, selling all sorts of food and beverage. Some even took the opportunity to sell clothes, electrical goods and services. It was such an excellent opportunity for entrepeneurs that the narrow lane was packed with cars, vans and people.

On that day, the organizer even organized fishing competition, duck catching competition, egg searching competition... Hmm! I must say... it enticed not only kids, but also curious grown ups who wished to recapture their childhood!

Safari!

So, after leaving your 'kampung' for so long, what do you remember about it the most?
For me, I remember cycling on the roads, past rubber trees and oil palm estates... That's what I remember most.

However, on the way to the school, we were stopped by really brown and healthy cows crossing the roads; grey sheep trotting elegantly in their mini-herds; skinny goats munching on juicy wheatgrass early in the morning; white lambs without Mary sherperding them; oh! and ducks too! yellow ducks, white ducks swimming happily in the lakes, and crowing chickens early in the morning!

Ahhh.... this is just like visiting Old McDonalds farm all over again! Saw every animal except the horse! Hope to see Black Beauty the next time I come!

Fruits

It's been such a long time since I travelled North. Hence, I was pleasantly surprised to see many stalls along the highway selling fruits of the same kind. Durians, mangoes, dragon fruits, pomelos,,, all of which are my favourites! Ahh... those sweet delicacies... their fresh fragrance tempt me to buy all of them! Plus, they look so ripe and inviting too, except for the ciku! heheh!

Mangga Cukanan

Mangga Lemak

Ciku

Pink Jambu

Buah Delima - Pomegranade

Limau Tambun - Pomelo

Dragon Fruit - Buah Naga

Magic, Passion and Enthusiasm

The day we arrived in school, about 100 kids attended the career talk/motivation programme. It was pretty interesting. The day started simple enough, with warm up exercises and fun ice-breaking games.

Then, we embarked on a personality test, where the kids ticked what sort of activities they liked to do in their free time. Before we started the test, the MC asked, "So, tell me, what do you like to do in your free time?"

The kids looked at one another shyly, wondering who should answer this question, when a brave kid answers, "Panjat pokok petai (climbing petai trees)" and smiles happily! Contented that he has finally answered, he turns to look at his friends, and all of them had a great time agreeing and laughing with each other.

I was shocked. I expected answers such as reading, cycling, playing computer games... but he actually answered climbing trees? hehehe... How adventurous and lucky to be able to indulge in long-forgotten past times such as these. He had the luxury of having a river by his house, a tree to climb when he's bored... games that did not involve looking at a 12" by 12" screen perpetually.

When the 'scientist' performed 'magic tricks', the kids were so taken in that they immediately put on this bewildered look, and literally scratched their heads, eyes wide open with wonder! Just by looking at their expressions of awe, one could have imagined the magician performing really mind-boggling, unexplained mystery actions , with magic dust and sparkles glowing in the hall, and the kids, with question marks, hovering above their heads. "Pop! Pop! Pop!" goes the question marks. Hence, it is highly appropriate then, that the PETROSAINS tagline is 'Creating Wonder'. They truly create wonders everywhere they go!

Then during the hangman competition time, the kids were required to come up with their group's names. They were very creative and original. Some of them thought of names like 'Ceria Selalu' - Always Joyful, which I think is pretty simplistic and docile. I just have to say this to myself, 'duh!', with a raised inflection of the tone. Of course they want to be happy forever!

Well, oh well.. we certainly hope that, at the end of the day, the kids were motivated and impressed to work towards achieving their goals!