Picnic and a bike ride

I am currently in KK for work purpose. KK has been home to me 12 years ago, for 3 years, so it's always always a pleasure to come back here. Back then i had never entertained the idea of working here..maybe the broke student element in me couldn't look past degree life haha.

Anyhow, the work site i am currently visiting is situated around 45 minutes from my hotel. Seeing that sun rises early in this part of Malaysia, and the morning meeting starts at 7.30 am..we had to push off at 6.15 am. This concerns me because i'm a breakfast person. A huge breakfast person. I would not forgo breakfast until it's something terribly urgent.. and even that i mostly will find a way to sneak in some bites before any huge meeting.I firmly believe breakfast sets the right tone for the day, so i figured out i need an early room service.

Turns out, this hotel packs breakfast for early bees like i am. AWESOME. OK maybe it's the same with other hotels (that i somehow couldn't figure it out), but knowing this brightened my morning. 

So around 6.00 am a staff sent a bag, of which i pictured a paper bag. Oh well, even better cos i get to keep it :D The packed breakfast comprises of fruits (apple and pear), an orange juice, pastry (danish, croissants) and sandwiches. Oh, and one bar of Kitkat. 

I enjoyed the pack throughout the journey, and kept the sandwiches for post morning meeting. Delicious i tell ya.

Once we got to the site, the excitement to join the first meeting was kinda off the charts so we head to the control room sans helmet. Sigh. Had to turn back obviously. 

As the day progresses, we had some ideas what to look for. The weather was beautiful, clouds and blue sky so it was just nice to roam the area. But come lunch time, i seriously couldn't take the heat and long walk. Considering the area we'll cover are huge (it was not meant to be a long walk anyway) i begin to wonder if we could borrow some bikes.

Yes, every personnel there rides a bicycle. It's kinda cute but same time a practical and sensible thing to do. There are pickups as well, but i don't think we're that privileged and worthy of haha.

We asked around and yes, found the bikes. Apa lagi, memang suka lah :D last time i rode one was..15 years ago maybe. So i felt like a big kid, decked in yellow coveralls, safety boots and helmet and smiling under the hot sun. I practically smiled at every technician and contractor i passed whether they're in the process area or on a bike.

It's one of the nicest memories i have here, that's for sure. I wish i can take a picture and post it up, but it is one serious violation due to safety. Until it becomes a memory, i shall enjoy rest of the trip doing that :)

Bigger picture

About 14 months ago, I initiated a career plan. It was done after series of discussions with my husband and those long daily commute. The plan was quite simple really, ....uproot my little family (and I) to one of the regional facilities.

Fast forward to 6 months later.. i found out my request was denied at the very last minute, and much to the receiving party's dismay. It was in February this year, my birthday to be exact. 

Of course i took it badly. 

..but not in the flip-tables-and-fingers kinda way. I excused myself early that day, went home in daze and hurt. Shortly, rumors saying i was crying and throwing a tantrum flew around.

Whoever started that rumor, may Allah forgive you for the intent of defaming my character.

It took me a month to get over it.. i mean, life has to go on right? I had my platter full with tasks - either by choice or not, i was grateful for the "distraction". I also started fun fridays, which i'm not gonna disclose here. But i can assure, it doesn't involve alcohol/drugs/gambling. Ha.

Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, early October. I was sent to Miri for a few days. This happened few days after my technical assessment. As expected i wasn't too happy of the outcome. But what can i do, besides throwing a straight-line-lip movement? 

On that Miri trip, i worked with a manager who patiently listened to my woes. I tried as much to appear emotionless, i think. oh, before that.. right after my technical assessment, i suddenly decided to challenge my assessor.

I asked him if he could do something to change my current skill level.

He did, the very next day. I was too shocked to found out he's booked me a seat to Bintulu! Which happened to be on the same week of this Miri trip.

Ok, back to that manager...

He told me few things that somehow put me back in perspective. Of my career plan.

1. Which one should come first, business needs or your needs? I am so glad i didn't say my needs is what the business needs too. 

2. If it's meant to be yours, it will be. But it will happen on His will. I was confused whether he meant the transfer, or the technical gaps. 

3. Believe that something greater will come out of this. Now, i am not cynical. It just didn't occur to me until much later.

We spent our free time in between work, to discuss this. Then it hit me suddenly...

• maybe this guy is giving the answers i need.
• maybe this guy's words are that something greater.. 
• maybe if i didn't go to this trip, i wouldn't know or see from a different angle

He changed my outlook on this plan. 

Ok, back to the Bintulu trip. I worked with a senior manager this time. Similarly, it wasn't long before he could sense i need help.

And the next thing i know? Insya Allah i am visiting Kimanis next week.

Ya Allah, to think it all started with an assessor...and a manager on one project that i was so confused about. The case of Allah is the best Planner hammers straight to my soul.

Can you imagine from one guy it has now escalated to this commitment? I am so thankful alhamdulillah. I hope Allah rewards these guys for providing opportunity to someone they barely know. 

Ok then, time to sleep!!