Clouded nights
Perfect life in disguise
It's a pity
Because that's what we call - life

I need a truck load of $$$ to live a life in KL

In conclusion, I don't think I can survive living in KL - money wise that is.

Being back in KL for a week has made me realize how expensive living a life here can be. No doubt if I move back to KL I'd save on things like:

1. Rental
2. Utility bills
3. Car maintenance (Dad's more than willing to be my personal chauffeur too)
4. Health insurance

BUT if you consider prices of things dollar-for-dollar and without converting it back to AUD, things are just SO expensive.

Case Study: Expected Salary of $3,000 (irregardless of the currency it is denominated in)

1. MAC Eye liners : Melbourne 1% vs KL 1.9%
   Upon conversion, it is priced at 2/3 of what I would pay in Melbourne. But hang on, you're talking about paying RM57 for one eye liner?
   


2. Dior Ultra Shine Lipstick : Melbourne 1.16% vs KL 2.5%
   One Dior Ultra Shine costs AUD35 or AUD31.50 @ the Duty Free. It's RM75 here. That's approx 2.5% of a RM3k salary.
   
   
3. Hallmark Cards : Melbourne 0.17% vs KL 0.73%
   Dad's birthday was on the 11th. My Sis and I went to B'sar Village to get him a card from Hallmark. I thought I heard the cashier wrongly when she said RM22. RM22 for a CARD? I don't know about you guys, but a RM22 card for someone who earns RM3.50/hr @ KFC is a lot of money. That's more than 6 hours of work.
   


4. Coffee : Melbourne 4% vs KL 10.67%
   I am a coffee addict. Surprisingly, I managed to function pretty well without a drop of coffee this week. Maybe because I didn't really have to use much of my brains during my trip back. It's AUD3 for a cup of cappucino. Here, it's at least RM8. I take two cups of coffee per business day. Back in KL, coffee consumption will take up close to 10% of my monthly salary.
   


5. Clothing : Melbourne 5.00% vs KL 8.33%
   I feel the pinch when I pay AUD150 for a Satch or AUD180 for a MCM shirt. It's RM249 for a good one @ Zara (and quite frankly, I wouldn't go elsewhere if you intend to get something cheaper). When my Sis told me that Banana Republic will be opening their first store in Singapore shortly, I got excited. I got even more thrilled when she said they may be opening one here in KL. Uno Secondo! I used to pay at least USD80 for an ordinary business shirt. I'm assuming they are expecting to charge something like >RM350 per shirt. That's quite a bit of money for a shirt if you're earning in local currency.

So in conclusion, even with FAMA's subsidies on rental, car and etc, I don't really think I can afford living in KL.

Dad's birthday

Night out @ Oasis

Central Market w/Mom & Sis

It's been a long, long time since I had an Orangina!

Back in KL

... for a short one week.

It's been 26 hours since I've been back and it's been good. I can choose to list a couple of things which I'm not over the moon about, but no ... I shall concentrate on things that matter more.

A couple of admin stuffs to start of with:

1. I've got my pre-paid local number. It's not my policy to announce my contact details here - so those who have my msn ID, go check out my contact. Otherwise, send me a quick email.
2. I'll be heading back to Melbourne on Saturday evening. I have to apologize to those whom I will not be able to meet up with this time around - it's a constant battle between spending time at home with the family and going out at night with friends.

All those aside, I've already managed to double my calory intake. Sadly, I haven't found a way to also double my metabolic rate. Trust me, I already feel physically sluggish - if you get what I mean. Nasi Lemak first thing in the morning - as much as Sui Lin usually makes me crave for them in the morning - I do not recommend having Nasi Lemak as your first meal unless you want to have the sensation of an erupting volcano in your tummy for the next couple of hours! *urgh* I've had my sotong balls, sugar cane drink, peanut pancake and putu pirring (still sitting in the fridge) from Pasar Malam. *burp* I still long for my Roti Canai w/fish curry - breakfast anyone ?? (I do realize it'll have the same effect as having nasi lemak in the morning, thanks)

What's up for the rest of the day is nothing but shopping ... and more food. Mom's bringing me to the up and happening One Utama - extended version. So, if One Utama is the mall to go these days, can someone enlighten me and tell me why are there still so many mad people rushing around at Mid Valley on a Sunday night? *shakes my head in disbelief*

Any suggestions for cheap O2s or HP pda phones, anyone? More updates to come ...

The Relatives

Yum Cha w/the Family (I think it was @ the Swiss Garden)

Welcome Home, with a BIG QUESTION MARK

Upon arrival, my Sister made it quite clear to me that my room no longer belongs to me.

It is officially her warehouse/storeroom/office.

Long awaited update

No - I have not forgotten my Blogspot login
No - My life has not exactly been stagnate
Yes - Due to the circumstances I was in, I could not blog most of them
Yes - I do feel awful for leaving my friends in the dark

In a nutshell:

I've recently switched jobs. I, as expected, was escorted out of work on Tuesday morning upon handing in my resignation letter. I will be starting my new job on the 14th of August with another Bank in the City. So no more driving into work like what I've been doing in the past (city parking's out of the question). Instead, I'd be taking the #109 Port Melbourne tram into the City, which is pretty good to be honest. 2 minutes drive to the tram stop whereby parking's always guanrateed plus, it only takes me another 15 minutes get into the City. And the best part is, the tram stops right infront of my new office. Although it is sad to leave the NAB, I am definitely looking foward to the new role and responsibilities I'd be undertaking.

I'd be sitting for my exam on Friday - so wish me luck everyone! And then I'd be making a quick dash back to KL for the week. I keep telling everyone that Mom's on the verge of disowning me purely because I haven't been back for > 2.5 years. Given the fact that I'd be back for only 7 days, I may not be able to catch up with everyone so if I end up missing out on anyone, you've got to forgive me! It's going to be a constant juggle between wanting to catch up with friends whom I haven't seen in ages with spending time with my family and worse of all, the possibility of having to meet relatives which I'd rather give it a skip.

That's it from me for now ... catch up with you guys & girls when I get back rom KL.