Farewell (well... sort of)

This is my Farewell note to my colleagues in BII.
I have to say that I meant most of it, but I still have some unsaid messages which I'm dying to say but I can't.
Not if I still want to keep on working in the banking and finance industry. 

So here it comes... again.. I meant (almost) every word of it.

Dear bosses, colleagues and friends,

It’s been a little over 6 years since I walked into the doors of Lantai 21 Plaza BII.

Time flies and we are now occupying a very nice office at Lantai 20 Sentral Senayan 3.

Have I mentioned that the place is very nice?

I have been given an opportunity to expand my career and take on a new challenge.

I am excited yet a little galau all at the same time.

However, I think my 6 years BII experience has given me enough additional ammo to face a new task in the ever challenging world of Risk Management.

My role in BII Ops. Risk has given me the luxury to come across some remarkable people, both work-wise and friend-wise.

Thanks to:

1.    The entire Risk Management Team for the workmanship and friendships.

2.    The colleagues in Home Loan Group, IT Group, Card Business Group, Operations Group, Regional Jawa Barat, Jawa Timur and Thamrin for putting up with me

3.    The ORM Team of BII Finance and WOM Finance for the cooperation.

4.    Maybank ORM Team for the knowledge sharing and fruitful discussions.

5.    BII Runners - see you at the upcoming KOTR

Special thanks to the 3 generations of Operational Risk Management team which has taught me so many valuable learning experiences, and in some I find the truest friends – lucky me.

I am now getting ready for a new adventure in an old fishing boat to a Mexican beach with Andy Dufresne (naaah, just kidding - I Wish).

Oh and…. EID MUBARAK for those who celebrate, my most sincere apology for the errors.

HAPPY HOLIDAY FOR ALL and see you around.

Warmest regards

Virna Medina

Why We Run

We run because we have to - in my case I have to (official assignment back in 2010)

We run because some of you don’t think we can.

We run to go fast, and we run to go far.

We run for fun when no one’s around.

We run to clear our mind - try for yourself if you don't believe.

We run because we’re crazy - every one kept on saying we can't. WE CAN!

We run because we’re happy.

We run because now we know what it feels to nod at another runner. We understand them, and they, us.

We run to lose weight.

We run to keep it off.

We run to eat creamy cakes and ice creams.

We run to eat lontong cap gomeh.

We run when others won’t.

We run and sometimes we hate it.

But we run and we always love the feeling.

We run up hills and we run through puddles.

We run because it’s poetic.

We run because it’s bad ass.

We run while people sleep and we run because it helps us sleep.

We run because once we have that medal (in my case the finisher medal), you can’t take it away.

We run.

And we run together. We run far. Next year: Half Marathon is my aim.

I WILL RUN HALF MARATHON IN 2013

From Knee To You

Dear Medina

This is your knee. No, the one on the right. 

Idiot. 

Weren’t expecting to hear from me, were you? You thought maybe you could just coast through life doing whatever you want with me without having to worry about my feelings. And I’m not talking about EMOTIONAL feelings. I don’t even know what those are. I’m a knee. I thought I made that clear. I’m talking about PHYSICAL feelings like soreness, swelling, aching, throbbing, burning….starting to sound familiar? The kinds of feelings that you seem to think a couple of Advil and an ice pack can make go away forever. 

Wrong! 

Idiot. 

Look, I don’t mind you using me. I love it when we go running together. I’m literally BUILT for that. And to be fair, we’ve had some good times together. Like the 41:21 in that 10K race in May. That was a good time. And the 41:05 we posted in April. That was even better. But in case you lost count, allow me to remind you that you’ve limped into the doctor’s office 10 TIMES this year, and there’s a reason for that: You and I are in an abusive relationship. 

There, I said it. Boy, that felt good- to finally get it out in the open like that! A real weight off my shoulders. Yes, I realize that I don’t ACTUALLY have shoulders. Don’t be a smart-a*rse. That was a metaphor. 

Let’s get realistic: I’m not what I used to be. And that means YOU’RE not what you used to be. So quit trying so hard to be what you used to be! 


It started with that arthroscopic surgery 20 years ago. What a blast that was! Did I forget to thank you for that? BECAUSE I SHOULD REALLY HAVE THANKED YOU FOR THAT. (Yes, knees know what sarcasm is) We had to sit on our a*rse for months after that, and then you basically bailed on the physical therapy – bad idea. Just because you saw a cheap little plastic model of me in the waiting room that day doesn’t mean you KNOW me. I’m very complex! And I deserve to be treated right. But you thought I could just return to work without the proper recovery. 

Wrong! Again! 

Idiot! 

So 10 years go by and I literally carry your sorry a*rse along until finally I can’t take it anymore and I “fail”. That’s what the doctor said: “Your knee failed.” I failed?!?! Like YOU had nothing to do with it?!?! I don’t care how many degrees that guy had on his wall, he got that diagnosis backward. All that cartilage you took out of me in the first operation; all that muscle you lost around me and never bothered getting back; the fact that one of my favorite and most supportive ligaments was now nothing more than a piece of some dead guy’s butt muscle! Oh, but I failed! 

So you had me “reconstructed” and put me right back to work, and 10 years later…Mr. Right Hip started to complain. To quote Gomer Pyle, “Surr-PRISE, Surr-PRISE!!!” 

“Why?” you asked the next doctor. Allow me. It’s because you didn’t take care of ME! And I had to ask Mr. Right Hip for too much help, and after a while he was like, “Hey, what the hell is going on here?” and decided to “fail” you, too. Something about a “torn labrum”. 


So, now what? Replace us? You really think you can just REPLACE us? Well…okay, I guess maybe you can. But it wouldn’t be the same! You would miss us. You’d see. 

So I’ll tell you what you do…idiot. (Okay, sorry about that last “idiot”. Lots of hard feelings here.) First of all, QUIT being an idiot and start doing EXACTLY what that parade of physical therapists has been telling you to do. And KEEP doing it until I and Mr. Right Hip say it’s okay for you to start using us again like we’re all still 23 years old. We are NOT 23 years old anymore - - but we’re also not done yet. So do your bridges and your clams and your wall-sits, because I REALLY want to get back out there and show those 23-year-olds exactly what we’re still capable of. Brats. 

Sincerely, 

Your Right Knee 


Source: Runner's World Mar 2012
I did change the name at the beginning, to get that sense of ownership. I'll also staple this to my fridge as a constant reminder.

There's Nothing Like a Reunion (part 2 out of 2)

What would make me attend this reunion?

There's only one thing that could get me to go to my high school reunion, and it's an ideal that can never be achieved. My initial thoughts were that before I could go, I would need to reach a level of success that would be absolutely devastating to everyone there I hated. But what would that be? Money? A successful career? A sparkling husband? Fame? It would have to be something objectively awesome. Like JK Rowling awesome. Or Sri Mulyani awesome. Or, I’d have to be Angelina Jolie for showing up with Brad Pitt after won an Oscar awesome.

Actually, there are plenty of people I went to old high school with that I have nothing against. Even a bunch I liked. If I were to meet them in an elevator or at a business meeting or hanging out on a park bench, I'd be perfectly happy to catch up. But that's just not incentive enough. 

So really, apologies to all the perfectly lovely people of XX High School, but you're not incentive enough to sit through exposure to the people I never want to see again. 

So in the end, after chatting with some high school friends that I’m still in touched with, I decided to attend the damn thing. Sure it's not all bad. And sure, the downsides were there. However I’m glad I attended the reunion as I get to meet some people that are really nice (by nice, I don’t mean in your face nice but also in your back nice). Well, these friends are worth attending a reunion for. See you next month for the next gathering (even if the gathering will likely involve less than 5 people). I always think it doesn't matter how many friends you have, it’s how many you keep that matters. And, be sure to keep only the ones you can trust.

Want to know what happen to the girl that the bitches bullied to? 

Continuing about these girls from high school, they actually ended up behaving as they were. That's to be expected. The same thing happen. They're still bitching about this lady, who's done no wrong to them. I felt sorry for them, as this girl ended up with a respectable life. She's a high school teacher and married to some doctor. Way to go girl! That my friend, is what I'd say "sweet revenge". Eat that you two face conniving bitches!

There's Nothing Like a Reunion (part 1 out of 2)

The other day I received a Facebook invitation that gave me pause. My boyfriend watched me open it, and sensed something he'd not seen on his girlfriend's face before. Not anger. Or sadness.

"What is that, hon?" He asked.

"An invitation to my high school class reunion get together in a breakfasting event of Ramadhan." I made this choking sound that he'd probably hadn't or never seen before. 

"Are you going?"

"Good lord, I hope I don't have to."

"Why not?

"Well, baby, I can think of at least dozens of reasons off the top of my head"

For some people, high school is the best thing that have ever happened to them. Their days were filled with the so called friends that they truly enjoyed. People who shared their "values" and "sense of humor".

By humor I mean putting others down to make themselves look good. Saying one thing when they actually meant another opposite. Praising this particular girl when they actually bitch about her all year long. Telling bad things about her to others (including me). Well... you know what? I don't want that kind of friend. I'd rather befriended the girl they're bitching about. She's actually done nothing wrong to these girls. Being part of this group I actually felt bad and in no time I decided that I want no part of it.

These high school characters are actually never stay in touch after high school. Enter Facebook. Thanks to Facebook these people that I am particularly fine without are sooo back in my life. Well... great job Facebook. Thanks to you now I have these "wonderful" people back in my life. Thanks to you I have to answer to lots of unwanted friend requests. BF (Before Facebook), I have absolutely no contact with any of them and I'm like totally OK with that. Now I have somewhat like hundreds of unwanted friends (which is impolite for me to reject, since I actually knew them before). I believe some of them referred to me as "arrogant bitch" and yet manage to maintain sweet and friendly face expression when face to face. 

How Lovely!

Next: should I or shouldn't I?

Who's Your Favorite Screen Legend?

Lately I've been seeing lots of classical movies. I mean classical, black and white movies from Hollywood's Golden Era (1930s-1950s).

Garland and Temple

Growing up, I used to hear my mum's admiration towards Elizabeth Taylor and Monty Clift. So now that I have enough knowledge and resources (internet connection that is), I've done my share of admiration too. I watched some popular classical movies during my childhood (I enjoyed Shirley Temple and Judy Garland Movies). They always had a certain quality that brings me to smile and always been able to cheer me up. 

 Judy Garland

 Shirley Temple

The first classical movie that I purchased was Breakfast at Tiffany’s. As a fashion lover, I've heard a lot about Audrey Hepburn and thought that I'd like to see Breakfast at Tiffany's. I was lucky they have it on DVD here. So I purchase the DVD along with Jane Russel and MM's Gentleman Prefer Blondes. Can't say that I enjoyed both movies. Holly Golightly (Hepburn's character) doesn't impress me all that much. She's too artificial. Okay, probably she's a lonely lady, but I think she's a bit shallow. I searched for Audrey's other movies and kinda liked My Fair Lady and Roman Holiday. But I can't say that she's my favorite. 

Pride and Prejudice

Then I accidentally found Pride and Prejudice starring Greer Garson and Sir Lawrence Olivier. I have a certain niche for Jane Austen’s movies and I think this version of Pride and Prejudice was the best of all (even though the movie made Lady Catherine de Bourgh looked like a Saint). I actually liked Lady Catharine – which was portrayed in such a comical manner. The movie was so funny and witty, I completely got under the spell of the classical cult. Greer Garson and Olivier’s portrayal of Elizabeth & Darcy is by far the best of all version of P and P. So I started searching for Garson’s films, sadly I can only found Mrs. Minniver, which I think is great and Garson’s performance was outstanding. 

The Leading Ladies

Shirley Temple was my next target. She was soooo cute back then. I also adore Eleanor Parker, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, Olivia DeHavilland and Maureen O’Hara. I think they’re the most beautiful stars of the Golden Era. But no one beats Kate Hepburn. I find her very distinguish. She had a strong character that went all the way through her movies and the role she played.

 Eleanor Parker

 Ava Gardner

Greer Garson

 

Kate Hepburn

The Leading Men

After that it was Rock Hudson, the one actor my mother frequently mentioned, other than Monty Clift. And boy.... Hudson was one hot male. I mean, really, really hot. Who would've thought that he was gay. He was so perfect and had on screen chemistry with Doris Day, it's creepy.

Of course I stumble into Cary Grant and adore his debonair style and acting deeply. I liked Houseboat (with Sophia Loren), Philadelphia Story - PS - (with Jimmy Stewart and Kate Hepburn) and Holiday (with Kate Hepburn). I really think they have one of the strongest chemistry in the History of Hollywood.

Next, I've heard that You've Got Mail was a remake of an old movie. Turns out it was a really really old movie: The Shop Around The Corner. Starring Margaret Sullavan and Jimmy Stewart. I really really really liked the movie. Much better than the remake version and I completely adore Jimmy. Especially after I saw Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, directed by Frank Capra. I love the following scene so much. 

Capraesque Addiction

And from there, I started looking for Jimmy's Movies: It’s a Wonderful Life (IWL) and Philadelphia Story (PS). All Mr. Smith, IWL and PS were directed by Capra and without a doubt got addicted to Capraesque (Wikipedia has its own page for this term). Capra’s films usually carry a definite message about the basic goodness of human nature and show the value of unselfishness and hard work. His wholesome, feel-good themes have led some to term his style Capra-corn, but those who hold his vision in high regard prefer the term Capraesque. Nobody does movies like Capra did then. Dead Poets Society and Forrest Gump are very few examples of movies that I think probably pay a tribute to Frank Capra. Hail Capra!

Coop!

My admiration (and addiction) to Capra got me in very deep in Old Hollywood Era. After finding Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur), I didn’t watch it until almost a year! After I watched it, I couldn’t take the movie (and Gary Cooper) off my mind. Gosh! I love that movie so much. I’m deeply, madly in love with Capra and Cooper! Modern Hollywood tried to remade the movie (remember the silly and awkwardly stupid Mr. Deeds starring Adam Sandler?). Mr. Deeds was a complete insult to both Capra and Cooper.

On my watch list (ready in the hard drive of my laptop) are the following Coop’s movies:

 

Coop won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Alvin York, the pacifist turned war hero in 'Sergeant York' in 1941. Such was Coop's fame and stature at that time the real life Alvin York had refused to authorize any movie about him unless he was portrayed by Gary Cooper. He won his second Academy Award for Best Actor and great critical acclaim for his controlled, understated portrayal of the embattled marshal facing his enemies, and his destiny, alone. Saw both movies and thought that Coop was way better and more believable as a cowboy than John Wayne. Coop was that everyday guy we can all relate to. 

In the end, the magic of Hollywood was created and peaked in the Golden Era. Dozens of major stars were born. I am so grateful that I came across these movies. Don’t know why but I got really tired of Modern Movies and found I enjoy TV Series more than the movies. But still, TV series are no comparison to Silver Screen movies, so I wander around and got lost in the Hollywood Golden Era and found myself not wanting to go back to the present time. I found my entertainment in Capra, Cooper, Stewart, Hepburn, Gardner, Grant, Loren and Garson.  

My last words of this post:

Brad Pitt stripping naked or fully clothed Gary Cooper eating an apple... ? Oh gosh almighty, the second one please!

After 3 Years, I Decide to Write "about me"

I’m a pretty complicated person, don’t try to understand me. Chances are you’ll be completely wrong. There are so many things that make me who I am, and some you’ll never understand.

Don’t judge me based on what you read or see, you’ll probably end up completely wrong. I’m not going to say I’m different from anyone else you’ll ever meet, because honestly, I’m not.

My music player is my best friend. In terms of music, I’m the weirdest lady you’ll ever meet, plain and simple. I’m me, and that’s something no one else can ever be. I enjoy Belle & Sebastian. On the other side I love Kanye West and his larger than life ego. Male ego tend to attracts me so much more than inferior feeling. 

If we don’t know each other I’ll be extremely shy, but if we’re close there’s a chance you’ll want to sew my mouth shut.

For someone my age, I’ve been through a lot. I believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and learned from them.

I’m single, and it doesn’t bother me. I’m not looking for that perfect prince charming. I want something, someone real. Even though I’m single, it doesn’t give you the right to flirt with me. Have some respect, yeah?

When it comes to my own problems, I’m very pessimistic. But towards other people's struggles, I’m the most optimistic person in the world.

I have a split personality. I live half my life like I’m seven, and the other half like I’m fifty-seven.

I enjoy raining season, except for my allergy to cold weather.

I am what I am and I don’t care what anyone thinks, if you have a problem with me, then that is your problem.

I feel like I never get enough sleep, and I’m almost always tired.

I love my Samsung Galaxy S and hate (but secretly like my crackberry), and I think that makes me a little bit hypocrite, don't you think? ;)

I stand up for what I believe in, even if it means standing alone.

I’m shy yet outgoing, loud yet quiet. An angel, yet a devil. I’m a walking contradiction.

I hate improper spelling and grammar, I don’t know why but I find it extremely annoying.

I don’t take compliments well, I’m insanely self conscious and I never really believe them when they’re said to me. I tend to be cautious of a very sweet compliment. Afraid that the sweetness will give me diabetes.

In the end, I’m just another person on this planet who’s bound to be forgotten.

You think you’d know me pretty well after reading my "about me", but in all honesty: I’ve barely scratched the surface of ‘about me.’ If you don’t like what you read then sweet, I really couldn’t care less. I really am a nice person in the end, so talk to me. I won’t bite.

Life, take it or leave it, is a bitch. It’s not fair and it never will be.

10 Things I Like About Ramadhan

Currently on a semi-sleeping mode... so most likely will be 5 things instead of 10...hahaha

1. I got tired easily, meaning I took off to sleep much-much earlier... I looooove sleeping but sometimes having trouble when in stress like so many other working women.

2. I love the peacefulness (helloooo.... Allah bind all the devils and satans). Even in a very amazingly wicked traffic jam I get to enjoy the contemplation during those jammed traffic.

Now... my eyes feel sooo heavy

3. I get to eat a lot at night (which I enjoy very much, compared to other months).

4. I really-really enjoy praying during ramadhan, hopefully will increase my faith after-wards... Insya Allah.

5. All the buka bersama things, suddenly everyone is arranging another event with friends, family, colleagues, etc... I like the silaturrahim during Ramadhan.

6. Now.... I can picture my bed in my mind...looking so delicious.... ahh.....I'm coming dear bed..... zzzzzzz

I Laughed, Astonished, and Laughed a Lot More: Fringe and Other Underrated Shows

Don't you find it annoying when you're talking about something and nobody seems to be aware of what you're talking about? Especially when you're talking about some TV show that you really-really enjoy watching.

Seem that you're the only one in your circle that is watching the show. Hmmmm.... I find it sad. I'm anxious - if not dying - to talk about my following addictions (according to my very own personal rating).

I. Fringe - I laughed, astonished and giggled

Before I watch it, I never thought i would like Fringe. I didn't enjoy the X-Files (Sci Fi show, also JJ Abrams' creation). I've been watching it since it first aired and I'm glad I did. Now I can't stop wandering what's going happen next. It's my new addiction. show

Woooow. Is the first thing i said when I watch the first episode of Fringe. At the beginning i thought this show wasn't going to be interesting but when you start watching you get caught by the exciting episodes, the wonderful experiments and the great characters. I think that there aren't other actors who can play Olivia and Peter. I think both of them and Walter Bishop the "mad scientist" are hilarious. John Noble really give it a twist. This is an edgy show that you'll enjoy while you have the courage to watch (as you may become a Fringe Junkie like me).

Luckily Fox decided to extend this show, proven by the skyrocketing rating (become 3rd most anticipated show after "the big bang" and ). So.... it's not actually overrated. The premise of an "alternate universe" is just too irresistible.

Oh, and here's my fave quote of the show (I just adore the Bishops - both father and son).

Peter Bishop: How's it going, Walter?

Dr. Walter Bishop: I plan to urinate in 23 minutes.

Peter Bishop: Good to know.

Dr. Walter Bishop: I'm telling you because I'm going to need help unzipping my fly.

II. Castle ... I hope and I laughed

I was surprised at how much I love Castle. I love the interaction between Beckett and Castle, and between Castle and his mother and daughter. Some murder shows take themselves too seriously and get too gory/gross. Castle has a few graphic images, but in general the tone stays fairly light. Just right for watching after a long day at work.



Nathan Fillion shines as Richard Castle in this show. His quirky behavior is endearing. I must say, this role seems to be written just for him. The writing for this show is great. I was worried this show might get "the axe" like "Life", so glad it's sticking for a third season. The rating is actually good, so not exactly underrated.


III. Jericho .. I'm amazed and surprised.

Was heartbroken when I heard it was canceled and ecstatic when the fans helped CBS change their minds to at least give this show a "proper ending". I recommended this to some friends and they love it. It's refreshing to watch a show like this, that's never been done before and see things that unfortunately in today's day and age aren't that far fetched to possibly happen here someday.


It's refreshing to see someone touch on something new because I too care less to see anymore Crime Scene Investigations, one more reality show or new spin off of some stupid game show. Still mourning.


IV. The Mentalist & Life - I surrender for broken men (as usual)

I already did a post on both shows before, but maybe a hint the Mentalist, since Life is dead...

The Mentalist might be compared with NBC's "Life." Although The Mentalist's Patrick Jane is not nearly as quirky as Life's Charlie Crews, both are driven to find out who killed people once close to them. In Jane's case, his wife and daughter were shot by a serial killer he had disparaged during his phony psychic days.


Simon Baker, as we quickly see, is capable of carrying the load. Jane is a clever blend of characters he played on "The Guardian" and "Smith." This role is tailor-made for Baker, who has a flair for playing irreverent characters who are crucial to the success of the system even as they tweak its authority figures. As a detective/consultant with above average observational powers, Simon Baker manages to be both playful and haunted - a neat trick. The fun of the show is in seeing the world through his eyes.

I'm hoping The Mentalist will stick for more and not be in the same fate as Life :'(