Poison : A day in Life

A Brand New Chapter Emerges

2006-08-26T13:54:00.000+08:00

It was hard trying to explain to people I know very well the reason behind my temporary closure. While I was contemplating between withdrawing myself from blog land completely, a turn of event took place that shook my world completely. You would have thought you've seen it all, experienced it all, feel it all but you when you do finally see what I see and feel what I feel, then only perhaps you would be able to come close to what my new chapter is about.

Between contemplating of picking up where I have left off and starting a fresh new chapter, I chose the latter. Everyone deserves a fresh new beginning. A fresh new start. No longer are we the same person we used to be. Don't believe me, ask yourself this.... how had you perceived about certain issues in life 5 years ago? How about we go back further 10 years ago? Or even 15 years ago? Your life experiences would have changed you a little. Offering you new perspectives. This new chapter I hope, will bring you some light into some of the issues you may have experienced yourself and your honest, original and diversified opinions is most sought after so you can help the author to better understand the issues being tackled.

Welcome to my brand new chapter "From Poison's Eyes"

Where It All Ends...

2006-07-30T13:37:00.000+08:00

Setiap yang bermula pasti akan berakhir

Di saat perkenalan baru bermula,
Di saat persabahatan baru terjalin,
Di saat kau memerlukan seorang teman,
Di saat yang indah baru berputik,
Di saat kebahagiaan baru dikecapi,
Di saat segalanya pasti,
Di saat inilah aku mulai merasakan
Catatanku sudah sampai di penghujungnya...
Mungkinkah akan kembali?
Mungkinkah kita kan bersua?
Mungkinkah itu satu kemungkinan....

~Hasil nukilan asli dari warga blogger yang dikenali sebagai Poison~

A Whacky Wicked Wild Nite

2006-07-29T12:45:00.000+08:00

FRIDAY: 21 July 2006, 1 Utama

It all took place here though somehow yours truly seemed to have gotten it mixed up with Dave's Deli. Apparently, both of these joints are under the same management and who would have thought Dave's Deli would have a bistro concept of fine dining. After desperate attempt at trying to locate the other bloggers, I finally made my way to Dave's. Everyone was already seated fully loaded with intensifying urge to devour the very morsel that they order.

We were seated nearby the bar located at the back of Dave's and right above us is this huge board and one can't help but zoom into a rather catchy label that brings a whole new meaning to sausages and satisfaction guaranteed. *grin*

Among some of the entrees/appetisers to get tantalise the stomach.

They can't get any better than this can they? Go ahead.... you know you want to. You know you got to... You know you just have to salivate, drool and curse us all for putting up these photos. Two of dishes ordered even has satisfaction guaranteed label that led to a lot of "Waaaahhh.." and not to mention "Ooohhhh...."

But the best is yet to come when I spotted a rather intereting sign that is just too good to pass and after a bit of photoshop you get this...

The karaoke session that followed became a whacky and wild event that sees a lot of laam, rock, balada, pop, Spice Girls wannabe and even some Italian connection.

Whacky, Wild and Wicked night it was indeed not to mention a lot of wet time laughing their hearts out when yours truly tried some cantonese phrases to knock cocka off his pants when he took a wrong tunnel and end up almost in Kota Damansara and out of The Curve.

A Feel Good Night

2006-07-15T18:20:00.000+08:00

It was a feel good night indeed with plenty of food to fill up the stomach and not to mention plenty of good company to keep conversations flowing, jokes pouring and cameras clicking. You probably have read about it all in my twin's blog, LB, May and Ah Tak.

Everyone seems to agree that they will never look at another naan the same way again. *grin* This place deserves a thumbs up for great food at such reasonable prices. Though it boasts of an airconditioned diner with authentic north Indian cuisine, the price is not those of Bombay Palace. So, the next time you feel like some Indian cuisine, hop into Tandoor Wallah Restaurant located at No. 82 Lorong Maarof, Bangsar. I don't have any contracts with the restaurant and if I do, I'll make sure they give discounts to all bloggers who drop by. *wink*

All the tech savvy folks (including my twin with her new baby) later adjourned to Centrepoint for some starbucking good time. Some tutorials lessons with LB on photoshop and a few assignments later, I managed to come with my own postcard. *grin* A very special thanks to sifu LB with his tech knowledge. All he got from me was "Waaahhhh!!!!", "Oooohhh.... like that one...", "waaahhhh... I didn't know that", "eh how ah? how you did that? Where do I go? Eh slow down la.... I'm a slow student wor.." Lucky for me, my tutor was a patient man and he goes on to show me step by step by step including some assignments I must complete by myself so he can test how much I have learned. So teacher... how ah? How's my postcard? Pass or not? *grin*

Meanwhile, my twin was pretty excited at learning that May's MacBook has built-in camera which and so begin the cam-whoring agenda. I almost got distracted too but I had my homework to complete. Of course, the Starbucking agenda would not have been complete without me drooling over May's baby, Mackie. You have to see this baby to appreciate the beauty of MacBook and why May is just so infatuated by it. Glossy screen and high resolution that makes any picture look ten times even better.

Ah Tak went all crazy with his lens clicking away his DSLR camera. We had a chance to hold his baby and took some photos with it. I think the camera was just as excited having some slender finders fiddling with it. Wakakakakka.....

Some Secrets Are Best Kept

2006-07-13T10:21:00.000+08:00

Things haven't been the same

Since you came, into my life

You found a way to touch my soul

And I'm never, ever, ever gonna let it go

Happiness lies in your own hand

It took me much too long

To understand how it could be

Until you shared your secret with me

Something's comin' over, mmm-mmm

Something's comin' over me

My baby's got a secret

You gave me back the paradise

That I thought I lost for good

You helped me find the reasons why

It took me by surprise that you understood

You knew all along, what I never wanted to say

Until I learned to love myself

I was never ever lovin' anybody else

My baby's got a secret with me...

"Secret" - Madonna

Madonna sings about them. Wisteria Lane is full of them. Secrets. Some Secrets cause ache and pain and misery. Other secrets are just plain lie. The ones meant to be kept are the ones which can cause the other party heartache and misery. Some secrets are not meant to be shared to protect the ones we love or the ones we care very much for fear of hurting their feelings. These type of secrets are the ones you carry to your grave.

Some folks just don't get it. They're your nosy neighbour around you who thinks that your secret is an open secret to everyone else. Some nosy folks just don't seem to get that and butting into other peoples's life where they don't belong. Not all secrets are meant for sharing no matter how high and mighty you think you are and no matter how justified you think it should.

Selamat Jalan - Bon Voyage

2006-07-11T10:53:00.000+08:00

Every good thing must come to and end. The Rainforest World Music Fest 2006 had been a memorable event for me and my partner in crime. I think as an outdoor person, we appreciate the fact that the event is held outdoor with plenty of good spots to park our mat and absord the surrounding festive-like atmosphere. Unlike the usual concert you get else where, the RWMF is a unique experience altogether. Besides getting a dose of fusion music, you will also be experiencing the most talked about Sarawak's hospitality. That my dear, you get in huge doses. But don't only hear it from me, go and experience it yourself.

Leaving behind wonderful feeling of being home does make the heart ache. Here's what Sarawak is famous for... the controversial paper that closed down now has a new name in a spanking new tabloid size.. Not forgetting the famous kuih cincin, ikan masin terubok and the Satok market selling almost everything to do with ikan bilis (the locals call them ikan pusok or what you would know as the anchovies). Before heading back to KL, we got a taste of the local dishes and this time I ordered kuey tiau tomato while my friend ordered the Laksa Sarawak. These will be things I miss a lot about Kuching, the glorious food!!!

If you intend to visit Kuching some day, I would highly recommend Singgahsana Lodge. Not only this place is located within a stone throw away from the famous waterfront and Carpenter St. where you can get all the local arts and crafts including the famous tikar Sarawak (locally made mat made of tree bark or bamboo). The rooms are rather affordable and despite being categorised as a lodge, this place offers clean and comfortable stay. The Singgahsana staff are ever so charming and friendly and ever so ready to help you out whenever you need one. They keep the place tidy and clean to make your stay more comfortable. Here, you'll be walking around barefoot on its timber floorings and the penthouse is decorated almost like what you'll see on the ruai (verandah) of a rumah panjang (longhouse). Almost like home away from home.

L - R : butterfly chair ~ main entrance ~ room next door ~ staircase to 2nd floor ~ lounge/reception area and more butterfly chairs ~ reception desk

L - R : Penthouse at rooftop ~ The Bar ~ Pangkin (lounging area) ~ staircase leading to penthouse and Ramsay Ong's travel photo

We got lucky this time for the flight did not delay as much. I managed to snap of picture of our plane donning the Man U logo and colour. For a minute that, it felt like I was going to fly to Manchester until of course I got on board and was greeted by the Air Asia's flight attendants. Oh well, perhaps one day.

If you're into Jazz, the Miri International Jazz Festival is definitely the place for you to catch International acts. I had exprienced the Phillips Jazz Festival held at Mont Kiara some years back but have not heard about it much since then. This festival made its debut this year some time in early May. With the Visit Malaysia 2007 taking place next year, perhaps it would be a good time for you to visit this wonderful Land of the Hornbill and get into some Jazz action in May. That'll be another good reason to celebrate the month of May, the Miri International Jazz Festival. *wink*

It's Almost Coming to an End

2006-07-09T01:44:00.000+08:00

"Sweet Vibrations" Workshop being conducted

L to R: sape - Joseph & Henry (ORANG ULU DUO); erhu - Tay Hua Set (PERSATUAN ORKESTRA TRADIDI ORIENTAL KUCHING); qil qyaq (TENGIR TOO); morin khuur - Migdorj Tumenbajar & Yanlav Tumursaihin, ih huur -Uuganbaatar Tsend-Ochir (EGSCHIGLEN); maravany - Kilema (KILEMA); the Sweet Vibrations ensemble

Rainforest World Music Festival 2006 is coming to an end and on the third day of the 3-day concert, there was certainly plenty to expect in next year's event. After all, RWMF will be celebrating a decade of Music Fest. Yes folks. The RWMF had witnessed 10 wonderful years of celebrating world music. A special event that will also coincide with Visit Malaysia 2007. Already the organizers are talking about holding a special celebration to commemorate the event.

"Kissing Cousins" Workshop in session

Bidayuh bamboo instruments meet Madagascan ones

Yet despite barely even back to the city jungle of KL, I am already looking forward to coming back the RWMF 2007 scheduled to be held between 13-16 July. Even my partner in crime seems to agree. My trip this year had brought some bonuses to me. I spotted Gette another Kuching blogger whom I have never met before. Now you may wonder how I could guess Gette. Well, simply because she had Ducky with her. I just had to say hello and of course, take picture with Ducky to prove to you all that I've met the celebrated duck of Kuching. *grin* It was like killing two birds with one stone when Gette introduced me to Andrea. What a small world indeed. I was excited at my unexpected meetings that I even took photos with the celebrity duck.

The much anticipated group from Madagascar, Kilema received such a loud cheer for they were quite entertaining during the workshop in the afternoon. The following performace by Calle Sur of Latin America has the crowd in a wild and frenzy mood as they samba the house down. Even the crew themselves can't help but dance to the samba rhythm.

I hope I could come back next year. Perhaps as a volunteer just for the heck of it. We will see.

I can't bear to add any entry about the World Cup. My hope with France was run over by Italy. They played well the Azzuris. If I had been rooting for them, I would have been proud. Les Blues gave it their best shot. We cannot begin to imagine what could have caused Zizou to be so angry that cost him a red card. It had to be something so profound that he did what he did. Oh well, it is all over now and perhaps in 2010, we get to see some African nation in action. I would love to see Ghana, Senegal and even Korea make it to the semi. A hope that will have to wait another four years.

The Land of White Rajahs

2006-07-08T19:59:00.001+08:00

They say rain is always a blessing as water represents the elements of life. All things grow with water. So at the opening night of Rainforest World Music Fest (RWMF), it was probably a sign of blessings. It rained and it stopped and it rained again and then the sky cleared. Though it drizzled in Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), that did not deter the participants who came to see some wonderful line-ups of musicians. According to Marita, it was pouring mad in Kuching city so we should have count our blessings that the weather was holding up well at the RWMF.

Today, we took a bit of a break and decided to so a bit of exploring the city including a visit to the museum where Stephen Bennett, a potrait artist was having an exhibition. Residing in New York, he is known as a the portrait painter and if you have USD 5,000, you can commission Bennett to paint a life size portrait of you. Before you discount him for the price he pays, you should probably get to know this guy and his work of art. I had the opportunity to see his painting up close and personal. One wonders how he does such life sizes paintings on canvas. He has even painted the guy known to us all in the movie "The gods must have been crazy". Remember the old African guy who went looking for his sons when they fell into a tanker of water?

I showed my friend a street called India Street Mall where there is a small lane that leads to Main Bazaar. This lane is famous hence it was called, India Street Lane. Reason being, Main Bazaar is an area famous for rich Indian spices of all kinds. As we strolled further along the row of shops, we came across a rather interesting signage of a dental clinic.

Kuching's vast history of the Brooke family has left behind some buildings with a long heritage history to it. Hence, you will see some buildings being preserved as national heritage. There is also the occasional shop which preserved its early signage and its nature of business.

Dinner had to be nothing less than all things seafood. In Kuching, you get that in abundance, fresh and not to mention very reasonable price. We went to Top Seafood Centre which is located at Bukit Mata Kuching. Just oppsite the Jabatan Hasil building. Butter fried prawn, dried chilli squid, midin (a local jungle produce of Sarawak) and steamed fish was ony the menu list not realising that there were only two of us to finish 4 dishes. But eventually, we did *grin*

Flight AK5208 Departing LCC Terminal @ 1255hrs

2006-07-07T08:00:00.000+08:00

*Passengers of flight AK5208 to Kuching is now boarding at Gate 12*

Here's a peek at tonight's programme. If you have never experienced sape (see picture) music before, you will definitely be enthralled at the soothing sound of the Iban guitar. A truly amazing sound that just will mesmerize your senses. Pictures here is Jerry Kamit, a musician and an avid sape player. Think Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi.

7th July 2006 (Friday) Night Show Programme

07.30pm – 07.35pm SAPE MUSIC FROM SARAWAK
07.35pm – 08.35pm CHUNGMYUNG ART TROOP (Korea)
08.40pm – 09.10pm GENTICORUM (Canada)
09.15pm – 10.15pm HOTEL PALINDRONE (Austria)
10.20pm – 10.50pm CALLE SUR (Latin America)
11. 00pm – 12.00am NAHAWA DOUMBIA (Mali)

* Due to unforseen circumstances, AYNUR of Turkey is now not able to be at the Rainforest World Music Festival

The Stage of RWMF 2005

My room at Singgahsana. Nice or not?

What greeted us at the entrance

Some of the stalls selling crafts and souvenirs

The opening act, Sape Music from Sarawak

Chungmyung Art Troupe (Korea)

Hotel Palindrone (Austria)

Nahawa Doumbia (Mali)

More on RWMF Venue

2006-07-06T08:25:00.000+08:00

Perfect Venue For Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF)

What better venue to listen to the resounding rhythms of the rainforest than in a living museum dedicated to the preservation of the indigenous cultures on the island of Borneo? Under the imposing shadow of Mount Santubong, and in the midst of a virgin rainforest at the edge of the South China Sea, lies the award-winning...

Only 45 minutes away from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and a stone's throw away from the quiet beach resort area of the Santubong Peninsula, the beautiful 17-acre Sarawak Cultural Village presents inhabited replicas of the traditional dwellings found in the interior and coastal areas of Sarawak, thus preserving the architectural traditions of the many different ethnic groups that make up the population of Sarawak.

This culturally rich environment provides the backdrop for the Rainforest World Music Festival. The music workshops and daytime activities are held in the replica longhouses and other traditional houses, informally seated on mats while listening to rhythms from all over the world blend with those from the jungles of Borneo, to the delight of musicians and audiences alike. Nighttime concerts are held on a stage built by the lake, under the open sky and in an informal ambiance, sitting on the grass lawns and dancing to entrancing world beats.

About Sarawak

It has been described as Asia's best kept secret. Now the secret is out. Sarawak is a place for history, mystery ,romance and exotic adventures. The land of the fabled white Rajahs, the hornbills and the orang utans.

Its rainforest houses the world's richest and most diverse ecosystem. The ancient virgin forest is also home to 27 ethnic groups with their own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. Their ancient cultures may differ but they have one thing in common, their warmth and hospitality.

Arrive in Sarawak and you step into adventure. You can stroll for a morning in the national park near your hotel, or you can trek through pristine jungle, or spend days exploring the world's most extensive cave system.

If history thrills you, visit caves that were inhabited 40,000 years ago, learn how Indian and Chinese merchants traded for Sarawak's exotic products centuries before the first Europeans came here. Hear stories of princes and pirates, of headhunters and explorers.

But if that is more excitement than you need, relax on our beaches on the South Chine Sea, scuba dive off reefs where you will be alone with the sea, or just enjoy a round of golf on one of our excellent courses. Sarawak has something for everyone and a welcome for all.

After all, "Selamat Datang", "Selamat Datai", are some of the different ways to say welcome in the many languages of Sarawak.

Sarawak State Official Website

FIFA World Cup Final

It is official folks! Italy & France will be playing at the final match to be held in Berlin. These two old rivalries will surely be an exciting match to watch. But then again, any World Cup finals are irrespective of which team get to the finals. Let's check out some interesting facts about these two teams just to get the excitement going. France last won the World Cup in 1998 and was the defending champion which did not score a goal in the World Cup 2002. Les Blues did not make it into 2nd round back in 2002. If Les Blues win the Cup this year, Zizou will go down in history as the celebrated player for France as he proved to his critics that age does not matter. To this very day, people are still talking about his dazzling performance in 1998 when France hailed the cup.

Italy last won the World Cup in 1982. These Azzuris will definitely put up a good fight. With most of their star players (Del Piero, Totti, Viera) already in their early 30s, this year may be their chance at winning the cup. Italy is three times World Cup Champion. France has only won the cup once.

The World Cup tournaments have been played 18 times including this year and 7 countries have won the cup so far including Italy and France. So looks like this year we will not see the figure increase. Here's a simple trivia for you...

1) Which team won the most number of World Cup?

2) How many times did this team held up the Cup?

With the Jules Rimet Cup now in the permanent possession of Brazil after their third World Cup™ triumph in Mexico City in 1970, FIFA commissioned a new trophy for the tenth World Cup™ in 1974. A total of 53 designs were submitted to FIFA by experts from seven countries, with the final choice being the work of Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga.

He described his creation thus: "The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory".

The current FIFA World Cup™ Trophy cannot be won outright, as the regulations state that it shall remain FIFA's own possession. The World Cup™ winners retain it until the next tournament and are awarded a replica, gold-plated rather than solid gold.

The new trophy is 36 cm high, made of solid 18-carat gold and weighs 6175 grammes. The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite while the bottom side of the Trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup™ winner since 1974.

More about the history of FIFA World Cup

Meme - 10 Things I Miss Of Mom's Cooking

2006-07-05T21:11:00.000+08:00

I got tagged by Ka..t on food meme. So here goes nothing...

♥ Meme - 10 Things I Miss Of Mom's Cooking ♥

1. Steam Fish - sounds like a simple dish but with all the extra toppings and stuffing like dried chinese mushrooms, shallots, ginger, onions, dried prawn, kiamchai (salted vege) and diced chillies all smothered with assam jawa sauce. Errr... what's assam jawa in English?

2. Pansoh Manok - simply translated as chicken cooked in bamboo. My mom's signature dish which happens to be part of the Iban's traditional menu. She sells them every year during St. Thomas' Annual Parish Sale event and it is always a huge sellout! Usually sold out within hours! Chicken smothered with ginger, shallot, onion, lemon grass cooked inside a bamboo over fire (just like as you would cook a lemang)

3. Pork BBQ - the secret is in her marinate.

4. Curry chicken - the secret is using fresh spices only bought from an Indian lady at the wet market.

5. Fried Beehoon - as simple as it sounds, mom always seem to have some extra secret as to how to make the beehoon taste and smells delicious. Hou hiong ah...

6. Steam Fruit Cake - the secret is in the recipe. Steamed for approximately 4 hours and include a dash of Martell to keep the cake longer in the fridge. Not forgetting a teaspoon of nutmeg that emits this aromatic heavenly smell. The moist fruit cake is just heavenly...

7. Steam Nut and Horlicks Cake - cooked using similar methods as the steam fruit cake, this recipe includes chopped walnuts, cashew nuts, condensed milk, horlicks and apong sugar (a local thick sugar made from the apong tree)

8. Tempoyak goreng - this recipe calls for tempoyak (durian paste) fried in oil with chili and anchovies. Awfully good with nothing else but hot steaming rice

9. Tomato Prawn Mee - this requires the use of yee mee but not those big brown ones you find in KL. In Kuching the yee mee tastes so much better. Sometimes Mejaaku at Maju Junction will have this yee mee available. Specially flown in from Kuching

10. Five Spices Duck - I don't know how to describe this but this one is yet another one of her signature dish. Every Christmas, this dish is a must and never missed as relatives of my dad would never fail to ask for it. It's sometimes known as the black sweet and sour duck. That's coz the dish is dark brown in colour with spicy taste of spices, lemon grass, ginger, etc... My favourite of them all though I'm not such a huge fan of the duck.

There you go. The 10 things I miss about my mom's cooking. But frankly, any mom could always make a simple dish taste so wickedly delicious for her biggest secret weapon is none other than cooking with L.O.V.E. Don't you agree? *wink*

Just Around The Corner...

2006-07-04T18:25:00.000+08:00

It's almost here. Just 2 days round the corner and I'll be on that flight to Kuching, joining thousand other visitors to experience the Rainforest World Music Fest 2006. Another fellow blogger will be flying in on Saturday with his friend from Costa Rica. On Friday night, I will be partying the night away at the opening concert night. For safety reasons, the organizers are setting a limit of visitors to 7000 as compared to 8000 the previous year. It is indeed huge and attended by European visitors alike, the Rainforest World Music Fest is an experience like no other. Here's a quick look at the performers who will be taking part at the RWMF 2006.

~ TENGIR TOO (Kyrgyztan) ~LEX YEUX NOIR (France) ~ CALLE SUR (Latin America) ~ GENTICORUM (Canada) ~ KILEMA (Madagascar) ~ MALAYSIAN DHOL FEDERATION (Malaysia) ~ NAHAWA DOUMBIA (Mali) ~ AYNUR (Turkey) ~ EGSHIGLEN (Mongolia) ~ HOTEL PALINDRONE (Austria) ~ CHUNGMYUNG ART TROOP (Korea) ~ PEATBOG FAERIES (Scotland) ~

Also performing : BIRINGKEN TUA'ANG (Sarawak) , YAP TING (Sarawak), CHINESE PRECUSSION - TRADITIONAL ORIENTAL ORCHETRA OF KUCHING (Sarawak)

Despite the language barrier, cultural differences, country of origins, for 3 nights, every visitor at SCV will be united through the power of music. Endless possibilities of making new friends, meeting old acquaintances, bumping into old classmates, strengthening ties, etc. In fact, two years ago, I even bumped into Man Bai (the singer). I certainly hope that they come up with better souvenir t-shirt design. I envied the volunteers' t-shirt. They have a great design on it than those on sale as souvenir. Quoting the infamous phrase from What Craps blog, "How Crappy!".

So much is happening this week. LB, the president and chairman of HUG HUG CLUB MALAYSIA has finally landed in Malaysia taking a break from Italy to reunite himself with his old flame, Lormaikai and everything Malaysian. Not forgetting to meet up with all his HUG HUG CLUB franchise owners and hold a BBQ pool party to commemorate his homecoming. Oh hang on.... the latter sounded like my agenda. *wicked grin* Let's hope that el presidente can keep up with his schedule.

Let's not forget, the much awaited movie, Pirates of the Carribbean:Dead Man's Chest is scheduled for release next week. Another bloggers' movie date in the making? I certainly hope so. I'm always game for a group movie date. It's so much more fun! Don't you agree?

FIFA World Cup final. Have you made your predictions? Who will be expected to play at the final game in Berlin? We will soon find out after the Germany vs Italy match at 3am (Malaysian time) on July 5th, 2006 and the Portugal vs France match at the same time on July 6th, 2006. I will still be rooting for Germany. Who would have thought that my two teams, Germany and Portugal are still in the running for the cup. I am keeping my fingers cross to see Germany in the Final. We shall soon see...

Till then, why don't you check out what is hot in Berlin, the venue of FIFA World Cup 2006 Final match.

BERLIN

Population: 3.5 million

What's the vibe? Germany's HQ of cool. The cosmopolitan metropolis is a magnet for creative types and does everything with flair, from the trendy squatters' bars to the clean and efficient U-Bahn. Expect progressive art and architecture, cutting-edge fashion and an eclectic nightlife.

Catch the match: Selected games will be broadcast at the historic Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of the city's division but now a popular tourist attraction.

Miss the match: You could spend the entire four-week tournament in Berlin, watch no football and still not run out of things to do. There's the mile-long East Side Gallery commemorating the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie with its engaging museum chronicling the brave attempts of GDR citizens to flee to the West, Norman Foster's redesign of the Reichstag, and the Friedrichshain district – home of the szene (scene) for young Berliners. Visitors searching for a more serene experience could hire a self-drive cruiseboat to see the sights from the network of canals.

Halftime snacks: Moroccan restaurants are in vogue, while good sushi, French, Turkish and Indian food is widely available. Don't leave without sampling the classic Berlin Currywurst – a German sausage smothered in a spicy sauce.

Superman Returns

2006-07-03T14:39:00.000+08:00

A bloggers movie date seems to be on the agenda on Sunday and I was excited to go and watch Superman Returns. The newly opened cinema, Cineleisure at The Curve proved to be quite an experience boasting ample chair space and very comfortable seats though it probably could not beat the huge leg areas found at GSC 1 Utama. Oh well, Cathay and GSC were still better than TGV.

This much anticipated and much awaited movie boasts of new casts and the hero at 6 feet 2 weighing about 240 lbs with a pair of blue eyes. We were all swooning at Routh with his chiselled look, his lean body his oh so wonderful smile (uncannily similar to that of Christopher Reeves). The other hunky dory alpha male that deserve a lot of swooning is Richard, fiancee of Lois played by James Marsden. Nephew of Perry White, the assistant editor at Daily Planet and a pilot as well. You'll see what I mean if you catch this movie.

We decided to meet up for lunch at The Curve before heading to the cinema and decided on Little Penang, a franchisee of Little Penang Midvalley. We noticed that the food was a far cry from the one at Midvalley. Probably that's coz the original cooks are still found at Midvalley and they may have kept their secret recipes in tact. Still, it was not a bad meal. We waited for JKN who has invited his friend from Costa Rica to join us. I'm not kidding. She had flew in from Bangkok and will be joining JKN at the Rainforest World Music Fest 2006 at Kuching, Sarawak. I am counting the days... 3 days to go and this Friday I'm taking off to join thousand others in this annual event. A huge event for Sarawak for the participants are not only local but foreigners as far as Italy, Spain, German, Switzerland, etc... you get the picture. It is HUGE!

Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella, Sam Huntington, Eva Marie Saint, Kal Penn, Tristan Lake Leabu

Director: Bryan Singer

Genre: Action

Synopsis: After a long visit to the lost remains of the planet Krypton, the Man of Steel returns to earth to become the peoples savior once again and reclaim the love of Lois Lane.

Let's not forget the baddies now shall we....

Leading the pack, Lec Luthor played by Kevin Spacey

(As Jason, 5-year old boy played by Lake Leabu, 'You're bald")

Clash of the Titans

2006-06-30T18:52:00.000+08:00

Quote of the Day

"If I take a penalty I will hit it so hard that if I miss it, it will at least take the goalkeeper's head off."

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez in light hearted mood about the possibility of their Friday quarter-final tie with Germany being settled on penalties.

Appearances
14 (1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)

World Cup honours
Winner (1978, 1986), finalist (1930, 1990)

Key players
Hernan Crespo, Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Zanetti, Juan Sorin, Carlos Tevez

Appearances
16 (1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006)

World Cup honours
Winner (1954, 1974, 1990), Finalist (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002), Third-place (1934, 1970), Semi-finalists (1958), Quarter-finalists (1962, 1994, 1998), Second-round (1978)

Key players
Michael Ballack, Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger

Another June Birthday Bash

2006-06-27T21:17:00.000+08:00

The month of June seems to celebrate quite a number of bloggers' birthday including Seng Kor & King's Wife. I was invited to join the birthday bash held at the All Stars' Cafe, Midvalley. But you would already know that. You would already have read about it as A Night to Remember and Field Report # 125 : Birthday Meet. In fact, you would already have seen the photos that were posted here. So I would not bore you with what you already know, read and seen. Suffice to say that it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening that went on till the wee hours of the night.

Yes, I know that this post was published a tad too late. So what else is new? *grin*

Never Argue With A Woman Who Reads

2006-06-26T18:21:00.000+08:00

One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book. Along comes a Game Warden in his boat.

He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"

"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")

"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading."

"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."

"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you," says the Game Warden.

"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."

"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.

Celebrating Birthdays in June

2006-06-18T10:03:00.000+08:00

The pressies: Journal and lavendar incense - Aromatic Oil Burner - Complete Baking Book - Borneo Pearl Bracelet

My twin and I decided to celebrate Marita's and Bookworm's birthdays after Marita returned from her jungle trip in Taman Negara. Dinner was held on Friday at Vivo, The Curve as we decided to go for pasta and Marita is already craving for some nice chicken salad, a welcoming break from her Taman Negara menu. We were also joined by papa Bookworm and little Bookworm.

The evening started with an array of pastas, chicken salad, foccacia bread and pizza. It ended with Tiramisu and Cheesecake. While waiting for our orders, Jomel brought along some Turkish Delights which Selba bought during her trip to Turkey. We all went oooohhhh.. oooohhh... ooooohhh... Hang on. Oh, that was me. Wakakaka.... It was wickedly delicious. Never have I tasted Turkish Delights such as these. There were soft and chewy-like and packed with wonderful nuts. No wonder my twin finds it hard to resist their charms and we were lucky to be able to have tasted them *grin*

The main courses : Chicken salad, Foccacia, Marinara Penne, Spaghetti

The "Oh So Sinful Desserts"

After dinner, we even checked out the latest Klang Valley offerings, Cineleisure at The Curve. I even managed to purchase tickets for X-Men : The Last Stand after being rejected by GSC as all shows were fully booked over the weekend.

The evening ended up with 5 exciting adults and 1 curious underage at Royale Bintang lounge to catch Alleycats performance. This band has been around for as long I can remember. I was barely in primary school when the song "Sampaikan Salam" and "Hingga Akhir Nanti" became huge hits with their fans and I can still recall bits and pieces of the lyrics. But to our disappointment, they had to cancel the evening's performance due to sound system malfunction. Sigh.... still we manage to catch the FIFA World Cup scores on their big screen and catch up on some juicy details of how mama and papa Bookworm met *grin*.

Good food, great friends, even greater companies made the evening a thoroughly enjoyable one.

Happy Birthday Fahim

2006-06-16T09:30:00.000+08:00

This was the boy who recently celebrated his birthday on 11th June 2006. You would see some resemblance to the boy in my December blog. He is that same boy only now he has turned 2.

Getting a big birthday hug from "The Bear" - Doing the little jiggy dance

The birthday cake and cousin - The game - Group Photo with "The Bear"

World Cup Fever - Are you feeling it?

2006-06-14T19:59:00.000+08:00

My excitement about football (soccer to the Ozzies and the Americans) usually come about once in every four years. Not EPL, NFL, UEFA and certainly not Footy (despite being in Australia for 4 years). Yes. You guessed it. FIFA World Cup. This love affair came about while I was studying in Australia back in 1994. But it was certainly not love at first sight. I was spending the winter holidays with friends in Tasmania when the World Cup fever was taking place. The soccer fanatics actually set their alarm clocks at 3am just to catch the game! This, they vouch never happens when it was time for classes. I was not surprised.

I fell in love with the excitement of the game somewhere in 2002. But it was not purely soccer mind you. No sirreee... I was more attentive towards the players than I do towards the matches. Those tones legs, perky buttocks, lean body and not to mention there were plenty to choose from. They were Italians, Germans, Brazilians, Koreans, South Africans and the lists go on. It was here then on that my love for the game developed further and I started rooting for the underdogs. Back then, it was South Africa for beating France at the opening match, if my memory serves me right. I was also rooting for South Korea for being the underdogs and it got them all the way into the finals.

The Socceroos fans

The match between Japan and Australia was rather interesting when Japan led the team with their first goal in the first half and which they maintained till the second half. Who would have thought that the Ozzies could scored 3 goals in the second half. Yet, my disappointment was somewhat compensated with the 2-1 win by South Korean against Togo. A long way to go for the South Koreans but there's hope for this team.

If you had read Malay Mail dated 13th June, you would notice a familiar blog being reported in an article that talks about FIFA World Cup. Interestingly enough, his title caption does not reveal much until of course, when you actually surf his blog. So, when you do check out his blog, let me know which jersey you like best *wink*

Missing In Action, Girls Nite Out, The Band

2006-06-11T18:06:00.000+08:00

When I finally had the chance to take a look at my blog (I have been stalking too much of late), I realised that my last entry was dated 25th June! (There's an error on this date. It should be read as 25th May as pointed out by my ardent fans *grin*) I have not been making any new post for almost 2 weeks. I know a lot of people (this part makes me feel so good and so warm inside) has been wondering what's happening to me, to my new camera, to my new glossy pictures, to my postings.

So as to not disappoint my ardents fans (wakakakkaka...) here are some overdue pictures using my brand new camera (finally, I got myself a digital camera so as not to be feeling left out with all my other blogger friends) during our girls night out with Selba at Planet Hollywood.

The World Cup promotion - the order (I can only manage to capture 2 due to my lack of experience and the other photos were kinda blurry...) - the most absolute favourite drink called Home Alone - the latte - the sugar sachet that goes with the latte.

Sound check prior to stage show - the guitarists - the band Ernesia comprising of 2 female singer, 1 drummer, 1 keyboardist and 2 guitarist and 1 bassist.

10 of Life's Simple Pleasures...

2006-05-26T08:20:00.000+08:00

I got tagged by Albie. I still owe my twin a TAG. If you had read my message posting, you'd know that I lost all content of my TAG when I was trying to save it. Arrrgghhh!!!

But who am I to disappoint anyone so here goes nothing. I'll get on to it.

Name 10 of Life’s Simple Pleasures, and tag 10 other poor sods to recall theirs. The catch: Try to be original and not use things that others have already mentioned. What? Only 10? With only 10 as the limit, here's goes nothing....

My 10 Simple Pleasures...

1. Having a hot cup of latte while it is raining outside
2. Bathing by the waterfall after a long hike. Bliiiisssss....
3. Seeing the happy look on my siblings as they open their Christmas presents
4. Hot steamy rice with butter and fried egg (my favourite as a child)
5. Writing and sending out greeting cards to friends
6. Sinking my teeth into May's super-duper snickerdoodles (*grin*)
7. Making new and wonderful friends from blogging
8. Dancing in the rain
9. Cleaning my toilet
10.Watching sunset by the beach

Seeing that Albie has been so kind to TAG only 5 from the original 10, I will also insist on tagging just 5 people.

1. Jomel (my twin)
2. De Book Worm
3. Oreos
4. Selba
5. King's Wife

For A Good Laugh, When You Need It

2006-05-23T20:36:00.000+08:00

Fibionacci, Dried Sotong, RWMF, Blogging

2006-05-21T08:45:00.000+08:00

The Bloggers Movie Nite was attended by 6 bloggers. Four of whom I have already met while the other two were somewhat anonymous to me though I have seen them around other people's blog. JKN somehow managed to get lost at TGV when the movie was scheduled to be held at GSC (plush seats, wide leg area and delicious popcorn). But that did not deter him from making his way to GSC where Seng Kor offered to wait outside for him while the girls make their way in the cinema hall. Of course, we almost got lost ourselves when we went up the escalator only to realise that Hall 2 is downstairs (straight ahead after the main entrance). Just when we were wondering how did JKN get his info crossed.

We also bumped into Bookworm who was there with her hubby and Little Bookworm. She was quite upset for GSC had refused her entry. Something to do with the movie ratings.

The movie? It was almost how I have imagined it when I read the book. Though the ending was somewhat not quite what I imagined it to be. You see, in the book, Robert Langdon and Sophie were suppose to have some chemistry going on where in the end they had kissed while talking of the future. But in the movie, the chemistry between them was not portrayed much except during the scene where Sophie tried to calm Prof. Langdon (he is clausterphobic) by massaging his head during the ride at the back of the armoured van. The plot is just as interesting with plenty of twists but you'd already know that if you have read the book. The only thing that we find rather offending was some movie patrons (we suspect the people sitting in front of our row) has brought in dried sotong. If you have ever taken dried sotong (squid) you'd know what kind of damage the smell could do to you.

Dinner at Vietnamese Kitchen was a delight. I decided to go for the sliced beef noodles instead of the special one (No.8) We realised that ordering by number is way easier than trying to pronounce beef noodles in vietnamese. Of course, the first thing that arrived were some white small plates as we had ordered some entrees/appetisers. May was already busy whiping out her camera. Like a bunch of excited kids, we all wrote our name on the napkin while May arranged them closely together so she could get a shot of it. And here's how I wrote mine...

The entree/appetisers we ordered

Photo: Courtesy of May

The food came and everyone just started digging in and for a while, our table was silent. Everyone were engaged in their choices of noodles. Yes. Everyone had noodles. I caught a glimpse of Red Bubble on the menu while the waiter took our orders. I asked the waiter about Red Bubble concoction for it had bubbly look with a slice of lemon with red colour at the bottom tier while the top tier was of clear colour. It looked awfully good on the photo. Believe it or not, it was a combination of ribena with sprite. Dee (our triplet) quickly place the same order and we both enjoyed it thoroughly. It was really refreshing.

After a hearty meal, conversations began to pick up pace and I soon learned that a fellow blogger will be attending the Rainforest World Music Fest after reading my entry about it. Conversations just never ended as we excitedly learned that JKN is rather talented. *wink* I shall not reveal too much what that talent is but suffice to say that all five of us went "waaaaahhh...." at the same time *grin*

When we adjourned to Starbucks, it was not for a round of coffee but for more chats as the restaurant was already busy sweeping floors and wiping tables. We were the last patron to leave. While at Starbucks, we picked up more conversations as we begin talking about LB's coming home, about his blog entries containing tantalising cakes, dishes, desserts, etc..., the hug hug club franchise, about skype, about technologies, about iBook's browser, firefox, downloading stuff, about what Seng Kor does, about office location, about bumping into another blogger and realising it only after bloggers meet, about a lot of other things. But wait, what about drinks you say? We were stuffed to our face after Vietnamese Kitchen that we couldn't possibly think of ordering anything else. We then said our goodbyes and parted way.

In the words of May, "twas a good, good night out". Indeed it was my dear. Indeed it was *smile*

P/S: You'd notice that this entry is late. I had to save it in draft for two days before finally putting it up. Sorry folks!

It's Officially Closed

2006-05-15T19:55:00.000+08:00

The Bloggers' Movie Nite is now officially closed. We thank you for your response. To those who can't join us this coming Saturday at Movie Nite, don't despair. There's more movie night in store. At least, that's what we hope. To those who had confirmed their attendance, we will keep you informed on the showtime as they have yet to release the time details. See you at the movies! *smile*

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T20:50:00.000+08:00

Photo: Courtesy of King's Wife blog

I had the opportunity to meet up with King's Wife at IKEA today. What surprised me was how hot she looks. Yes. This mother of two is one hot mama. Just like my twin. *smile* Today, IKEA celebrate Mother's Day with a special chocolate moist cake. Here's to all the mothers out there. My utmost respect and a salute to you. We wouldn't be the person we are today without you.

Celebrating Birthdays in May

2006-05-12T18:00:00.000+08:00

Two lovely and charming girls I know are celebrating their birthday on 12th May. I am dedicating today's entry to both these sweet girls who happens to share the same birthdate only born at separate years. If you know who they are, drop them a birthday wish message here. I'll make sure they get your message. *smile*

To: May

Front Message: The secret to an enjoyable birthday can be found in achieving balance.

Inside Message: Forkful of cake, spoonful of ice cream, forkful of cake, spoonful of ice cream...

To: Little Bookworm

Front Message: Little Lady...

Inside Message: You are the queen of cute! Happy Birthday

When you put your mind to it

2006-05-09T19:00:00.000+08:00

Day 3 : Approaching the open sea heading for OBS Lumut

Looking back at this picture, it brought back a lot of memories from my adventurous hey days. It was a kayak expedition that spans 3 days 2 night covering a total length of 120 km. Who would ever imagine yours truly could cover 120 km in 3 days. I was never such a sports person in school days nor was I into sports. I played a smatter of netball, badminton and ping pong but that was it. I was more of the club gal. English Club, Drama and Music Club, Geography Club, Kumpulan Pengakap ke-27, Girls' Brigade, to name a few. I was never athletic period.

Then, something took over and I was hungry for adventures. I would be going camping almost every month. Almost twice a month! That was me. My adrenaline was pumping and I became fascinated with mother nature and thirsting to taste her nature. To embrace her charm and beauty. She is almost magical in many ways.

When we were told that we were to organize the expedition, I was excited and anxious at the same time for I knew nothing about kayaking. Not to mention, the expedition would mean serious logistic planning including charting out the course of the expedition. The expedition was also a collaboration with the Outward Bound School of Lumut (OBS). Their involvement ease our mind a little on logistics matter but then there was the physical side I was not prepared to face.

Over the next few months, as the plan begin taking place, the physical training also begin shaping us all up in preparation for our expedition. Over the next few months we began our physical training to build stamina and Saturday mornings were spent at Titiwangsa lake to train on the technical aspect of kayaking including what to do when the kayak turns over. Self recovery of kayak, manouvering our kayak, do's and dont's of kayaking, proper technique of kayaking, rafting, sign language, etc. I learned a lot from my office friend who used to be a national champ in kayaking including slalom race (downstream extreme kayak). There was no turning back. I was hooked on kayaking and everything I need to know about kayak.

Would I be able to achieve the same feat today? I doubt so but then again, with the right group, a great partner, who knows. I might still be able to reach the shores of OBS Lumut. After all, nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. This time, I think I'll just take an easy cruise down a river with fh20 or check out the irrawaddy dolphin sightings.

Adventures In the Making...

2006-05-05T18:44:00.000+08:00

2 months and 2 days to go before I take that much needed break. 2 months and 2 days to go till the next Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). 2 months and 2 days to go till I get to hang out with a bunch of strangers and party all night in the middle of a hundred year-old rainforest celebrating world music. 2 months and 2 days. RWMF 2006 here I come!

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo.

Its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the audience, who come from near and far.

The festival site also sets up a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists, all this contributing to a fun filled, wholesome festival experience. World Music plus a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery.

The last time I was here was somewhere in 2004 but did not stay throughout the whole 3 days. This year I intend to take a short break and apply for annual leave to attend the opening and closing night of the RWMF. My partner in crime, an avid adventurer and traveller herself will be joining me. It started off as just a normal conversation where I mentioned about the upcoming RWMF and the next thing we know, we were already making plans to catch the festival in Kuching.

She handled the transportation (flight details) while I took care of the other logistics such as accommodation. While browsing on the RWMF official website, we found a rather interesting place called Singgahsana Lodge. A guesthouse located in the middle of the town which is nearby to Main Bazaar shopping area and a stone throw away from the Kuching waterfront.

The adventurous side of us took a liking at this place and began enquiring for available room. We were lucky to secure a two bedded room with common toilet/bathroom. At least, we won't have to resort to camping by the riverbank or sleeping on the park bench. We're not fussy about acommodation. As I mentioned in my booking email to Singgahsana Lodge, I don't have that high expectation. Just clean toilets and towels will do. A tidy bed would not hurt as well. No need for feather-filled pillows or 300 thread counts bedsheets. No need for five-star service and doorman or porter or butler service. Just courteous and friendly staff will do. But with the decor as cool as these, any adventurer would appreciate its unique and friendly decor. Not to mention the feeling of being home away from home.

2 months and 2 days... I'm just counting them days.

See you at RWMF 2006!

"A Bloggers Movie Nite" - Are You Game?

2006-05-03T18:39:00.000+08:00

During dinner conversation at Coliseum Restaurant on Tuesday, we started talking about organizing a bloggers movie day out. It was an idea sparked from my twin while we were watching Failure to Launch on Sunday.

For those who have read the book, you may have anticipated this movie. But even if you have not read the book, well, this movie involves a thrilling murder investigation that unearths a secret that could change the course of history.

So, if you care to join us, let us know in advance so we can get tickets in advance. By the way, unless you know of other cinema that serves up a wicked range of food like fish and chips, 1901 hotdogs, corn in a cup, nuggets, etc, I am suggesting that GSC 1 Utama become the venue of choice. Large seats and plenty of leg rooms are but some of the favourtie features of this newly opened cinema at 1 Utama. Here's the rest of the details...

Movie : The Da Vinci Code

Venue: GSC 1 Utama

Date : 20 May 2006 (Saturday)

Time : 7.00 pm/8.00 pm (to be confirmed)

By the way, there is a revised admission rate for 2 weeks between 18th May - 1st June 2006. It'll be RM11 per seat. Check out www.gsc.com.my for details. By the time I added this last paragraph, my twin has already posted her entry Groovy Nite where she list down the logistic details. So, if you're game enough to join us, make sure you read all about it in her entry. See you at the movies!

Did Your Tuesday Night Got Sizzling?

2006-05-03T11:52:00.000+08:00

I was excited when Jomel asked me to join her for dinner with Marita. Now, I had met Marita last year during my Christmas holidays in Kuching. We hit off rather well over chicken rice (to die for) like two long lost friend. So, Marita is no longer a stranger to me but the rest of the people who will be there that night are those I have yet to meet in person. I was rather nervous (like any first date) and not to mention excited to meet my twin's blog friends (no longer will I be the one who is just reading it on their blogs). But most importantly, I am excited to meet Little Miss May. The talented cook, rock climber, avid adventurer, traveller, etc... (yet to find her other undiscovered talents *grin*)

Soon as I got inside the restaurant, my twin began introducing me to Fishtail and Bookworm.

I needed little guessing that the little one is Little Bookworm. The first thing I noticed about Lil Bkworm is her cute smile and charming dimple. The kind where old grandma would love to just pinch and squeeze the dimples out. I was of course refraining myself from doing so, in case it'll be the last time I get to see Bkworm or never making it on the invited list for Lil Bkworm's birthday party (she shares the same date with Lil Miss May but she'd already know that).

It's funny how I used to only read their blogs and getting an insight into their world without ever meeting them in person. Tonight, I have added three more people to the list (ooppsss... I mean three and a half. I forgot Lil Bookworm there. She does not have her own blog yet but she's definitely being mentioned a lot by Bookworm) of people I met from the blogsphere. Finally, I was meeting the personality behind the blogs I read. No longer are we strangers. No longer are we known only by our blog titles or blog pseudo.

Conversations just poured in while we waited for the food to arrive. I even joked with Jomel and Marita when they ordered their "fake beer" (that's what I call Shandy beer). I in turn, ordered a Shirley Temple. Fake cocktails. Hehehehe.... But the steaks. Those were the real deal. Some like it medium rare and some like it well done. Some chew them fast and some take their time. But everyone was only concerned in getting all of it in their tummy.

Lil Bookworm was a great company (mama Bookworm must be so proud) as well. She was sweet, charming and a great conversationalist amidst the *ahem* adults group. She was impressed with my Nokia 6170 phone. Awwww shucks! *blush*. I told her that it's an old phone but she was impressed with the nice simple design. It's clean lines and simple fold. Wah! This girl could one day could be a commentator on tech stuff.

Picture: Courtesy of my twin.

For more picture sensation, please click to her entry titled "Sizzling Nite"

Both Lil Bookworm and I concurrently agree that we are definitely scared of the Captain. The Captain, I suspect, should have retired about a decade ago but had most likely been offered employee share option scheme which kinda is why he's still around taking orders and dons the Captain badge. When I finally placed my order, I decided to keep it safe by ordering using no. 52 (sizzling NZ lamb chops). To which he replied saying "sizchelling? sizchelling right?". I nervously blurted out a simple reply... "yeeesss".

No one dared to order dessert though talks of it went round the table. Not after all that bread, steaks, potatoes, sphagetti, fish and veges. After the "tabik kehormat" (salute) to May, we all hitched a ride in Jomel's car.

If I could sum it all up, it was a night of good food, great atmosphere and smashing companies spiced with plenty of sizzling jokes. I know some of them had already posted up their stories up with pictures of the steaks. Read my twin's version in her Sizzling Nite. If you want to see pink tomatoes, stop by Simply Sizzling and if you enjoy a good read and be entertained, you simply must bite into Sizzling, Steaks, Tabeks, and Toilets. But of course, if you're not too crazy about red meat, you'll find Grilled, Not Sizzling very enticing as well.

May had suggested a bloggers' movie day out. The movie? The Da Vinci Code. Due out? May 18th. Are you game? *wink*

At The Movies

2006-04-30T22:35:00.000+08:00

Jomel : What's this movie called again?
Poison : Failure to Launch. It's a chick flick movie. You'll love it!
Jomel : Oh.... the movie title sounded like some action-packed thriller kinda movie.
Poison: I know. It's quite odd isn't it but it's starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey. He's such a hottie!

This movie is about a 30-something man, who still lives with his parents and everytime he wants to break-up with a girl, he'll bring them back home (where he still lives with his parents and it works all the time). He's a guy who is phobia about commitment (according to his friends) but when he falls in love with the woman of his dreams, she is not all that he thinks and she is having a tough time trying to avoid falling for her client's son (his parents hired her to get him to leave the house). There were also plenty of hillarious moments especially when the father turned his son's room into his nude room.

I am excited about my latest CD purchase, IL DIVO. I meant to get them from Towers Records two weeks ago but was appalled to see that they are priced at RM48.90. What?! Their latest CD titled "Ancora" is priced at RM43.90 (I think) but what irks me is that their self-titled CD is way older and yet priced so expensive. Naturally, that kinda put me off and I decided to look elsewhere. As I was waiting for my twin to catch Failure to Launch, I was hanging around MPH and noticed that they were also selling IL DIVO cd. I picked up the CD to check out its price and to my astonishment, it was selling for RM39.90. Whoa!

And so I bought IL DIVO at RM39.90 and gleefully paid way less than what I would have paid at Tower Records. The total music experience? Priceless.....

Il Divo is a quartet of four exceptionally young men (not to mention very hot looking dudes) that was put together from around Europe by American Idol's Simon Cowell. With formally trained voices, they are able to take popular songs, old and new, to another level. Hence, bridging the gap between pop and classical music. Their multi-national identity reflects the universal appeal of the music. Il Divo is an Italian word meaning "Divine Performance" or a a male Diva. Their songs are not sung entirely in English but also Spanish and Italian which oozes charm and romanticism. These guys are talented and I highly recommend you to listen to IL DIVO. Their rendition of "Regressa Ami" or "Unbreak My Heart" (Toni Braxton) to you and me is by far my favourite. Listening to their voices in harmony and delivered with awesome power will make you realise that they are indeed the male diva in the making...

More Update on SCB

2006-04-21T10:42:00.000+08:00

My twin (Jomel) has made another visit to see SCB and she has better news for us in Hop, Hopper, Hoppest . SCB has been showing positive signs including opening her eyes and able to communicate by blinking her responses with her eyelids. Halleluyah! She is a fighter and a very strong lady (as reported by my twin).

Jomel had also mentioned to SCB, that if she wakes up, we will have a bloggers party in her ward. I think we should do just that to celebrate her feisty spirit and to let her know just how much she is missed and loved.

Let us all continue to pray for her well-being and if you have the time, do drop by Gleneagles for a visit and do take note on the visiting hours as per Jomel's advice. Otherwise, you can drop your messages and well wishes in For Siao Char Bo, a special dedicated blog for SCB courtesy of Simmie.

Strong Phrases

2006-04-20T12:09:00.000+08:00

This was what I received in my email today. Who knows... perhaps some of these phrases can come in handy and help you deal with some of your relationship. I know I have used "COUNT ON ME" quite a fair bit throughout my life. As the famous phrase of all time once said, "A Friend in Need Is A Friend Indeed"

The following phrases can enrich every relationship:

I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. 'Being there' is at the very, very core of civility.

I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. It is a powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship.

MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong."

PLEASE FORGIVE ME - Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up to he has been in the wrong, which is by saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME - "A friend is one who walks in when others walk out." "Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there, indicating "you can count on me."

LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be non-conformists, have unique projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness - everyone has dreams that no one else has.

A Special Entry For A Special Lady, SCB

2006-04-19T14:17:00.000+08:00

When you first started your blog, either by accident or as a birthday present, I bet you would not have believed the amount of impact it would have on your life. Technology has certainly changed the way we make new friends or acquiantances from the conventional method of face-to-face meetings. In fact, half the time, we made new friends through chatting, IRC-ing and/or blogging. Half of these new friends are people we meet and/or yet to meet in person (face-to-face) through the internet. SCB (siao char bo) was one such person. I found her blog through my long lost twin. Today, at about 1.00pm (Malaysian time), the bloggers circle had united to pray for her speedy recovery.

It is indeed very touching to see how we can all unite through the world of blogging even though we may not know someone personally. We only get a short glimpse of their personality through the lives that they share with us on their blog. This blog is like one big circle and I wouldn't be surprised if somehow an old friend is blogging away as we don't even know it. This is the world of blogging.

SCB was admitted to Gleneagles Hospital since April 8, 2006 and fell into coma (no wonder there seems to be a long silence in her blog). Almost immediately, well-wishers and messages of "Wake Up" had been pouring in her blog. Through the blog network, people are posting up get well wishes in their blogs. She was not short of visitors at the hospital as well.

Here's hoping that she recovers soon. If you do read this SCB, know that you are much loved by bloggers alike. We all pray for your speedy recovery. Amen.

To follow-up on SCB's condition, make your way to the following blogs...

Justmeoonly - "It has to be said"

Babybokchoi - "Fellow Bloggers Unite"

month-of-may - "A Prayer For A Friend"

nine3nine4 - "Please Everyone Wake Her Up"

rojaks - "Monday Just Can't Get Anymore Worst Than This"

Simmie Lang? - "For Siao Char Bo"

whatcraps? - "A Prayer For Her"

My Queasy Thursday

2006-04-13T12:24:00.000+08:00

My lack of proper food over the last 2 days and my overdose of mangoes probably is the cause of it though I have not been able to make any deductions as to why I'm feeling rather queasy the whole morning. My stomach felt bloated and this has nothing to do with my period but more of that queasy feeling. I've been burping so much hat I am probably even more bloated now. Let's hope I don't burp my way into becoming a blowfish. My stomach has been acting up a lot since this morning and I have yet to figure it all out while the rest of my body seem to go into a slow hibernation mode. But my bloated stomach sounds trivial if anything. For my long lost twin has just announced that she will be taking a hiatus on blogging. to channel her focus on pursuing her dream and to finally pursue earnestly a promise she had once made to herself.

As queasy as I may feel about her "Do you know where you're going to?" entry, her decision to finally pursue her dream and keeping a promise she has once made to herself. We will all miss her no doubt. But it is time for her to get back into action and to once again allow her unstoppable self to do what needed to be done. I wish her nothing but the best and hoping that perhaps I will still be able to read/hear of her success stories. Perhaps this is what she needs. To get herself out of her comfort zone and to allow her to shine once again. So here's hoping that she continues to bedazzle people with her charm, wit and her passion. We hope, she will send us the occasional mail to let us know how she is doing *smile*

Miscellaneous Monday

2006-04-10T22:49:00.000+08:00

Scrambling off my bed this morning, I was really excited to spend the morning not working *grin* and get myself absorbed in IKEA free coffee and breakfast at 99 cents! This plan would not have been possible without the ever ingenious twin of mine who had taken the liberty to arrive very early to chup (reserve) us two cups and a table.

We started the day with coffee (refillable) and 99 cents breakfast and a lot to chat about. It was nice to be in IKEA at this hour for there was less maddening crowd (very rare on other occasion) and most of the people who was shopping there were full-time homemakers. Amongst the usual homemakers, retirees, tai-tai wannabe and the tai-tai, there were also a few working folks who had taken Monday off enjoying the morning at IKEA. Again, we (my twin and I) had somehow managed to pick brown as the colour of our outfit. Again, further proof of us being the long lost twin! *smile*

We ended up in the Curve where I got my sandals fixed and where we began hunting for a pair of pearl earrings for my twin. We ended up with almost the same thing. I got a red stripped wrap around silk blouse and earrings at dirt cheap price. After all that walking around, I suggested we get something sweet like Gelato ice-cream and lucky for us, we found Lecka Lecka at the lower ground. I the tiramisu in a cup. My twin has suggested that we stay on for lunch (it was already way beyond lunch time when this conversation came up) as she will be meeting her other twin for she is in town. You mean, your other twin is not from this part of town? I queried. Nope. She's here on work. She's from KK. Ah.... so, here's the connection of my other twin. Besides being born in the year of the Tiger, we too share the same horoscope, Saggitarius. She was born just a day earlier than me.

Paddington (reminds me of the market in London and the cartoon character with yellow wellington boots) was suggested for our makan session and we had fun ordering though Jomel and I shared our dollar pancakes (luckily we opted for a shared plate as the portion is huge for one person who have had Gelato ice-cream) which was heavenly. Despite being categorised as a savoury dish (there were franks, bacon strips, guacamole and campsicum), they served it with maple syrup. Strange to some of you but the syrup simply complemented the dish and it was quite a refereshing exprience for us. We'll have to thank our other twin and her friend for bringing us there and the lovely pictures which they took.

Not realising it was already getting way past 5 pm, we had to call it quits for Jomel has to head back home and spend some time with her little K & S while yours truly had to put her stomach to rest. Miscellaneous Monday was made up of. great food, great bargain and wonderful company. I wouldn't have it any other way *smile*

Fiesta Friday

2006-04-07T10:18:00.000+08:00

A fiesta is where everyone usually get together to celebrate an event and party! In a metropolitan city like KL, the hotspots (not the one where you hook up your WiFi laptop) will already be prepping up for a Friday Nite Fever with bartenders filling up the liqour stocks and ensuring that there is enough liquour to drown every partygoers. There's always a good reason to have a fiesta especially when Tuesday is a public holiday and some folks I know are taking Monday off to enjoy a longer weekend ahead. And why not? You'd only need to apply for Monday off but end up with 4 days to chill. So, on a Friday like today, there is every reason for me to have a fiesta and look forward to the long weekend. If you have guessed it, I am taking Monday off.

But there's also a lot of other reasons to celebrate on a Fiesta Friday. My twin will be having a Fabulous Friday as she closed a couple of cases on her Triumphant Thursday. Superstar Saturday, I will heading to GSC and catch Gubra, a much anticipated movie by Yasmin Ahmad. By the way, if you happen to be around GSC Berjaya Times Square on April 9 (Sunday) around 8.00pm you might just catch Yasmin herself in person who is there to watch Gubra with her blog fans and friends. Adflin Shauki will also be taking part in a Gubra flashmob with his blog fans on the same day around 3pm but not sure which venue. If you're lucky enough, you might just bump into him so keep a camera handy. Sinful Sunday may be spent indulging on cakes and coffee (perhaps even a blog or two) while Marvellous Monday will be spent stalking IKEA for their free coffee and Terrific Tuesday will be spent thinking that Whacky Wednesday is nearby for Fiesta Friday.

I'm still loving every minute of Radja Band (hot Indonesian band) and their album "Langkah Baru". This band apparently has released another new album called "Aku Ada Kerna Kau Ada" that literally translates the title into "I have because you have". But my translated version would have to be "I am because of you". What do you think? Any commercial value? *wink* . They are currently busy on tour promoting their new album in Indonesia. My current favourite has to be "Ta'kan Melupakanmu" (literally translated as "will not forget you") from their Langkah Baru album. Also from the same album is a catchy tune titled "Bulan" (literally translated as "Month") Here's a snippet of the lyrics Bulan:

Di pesta tahun baru itu

Pertama kali kita bertemu

Kau tersenyum kepadaku

Bergetar rasa hatiku

Sebulan kini t'lah berlalu

Kau t'lah menjadi milikku

Bahagia rasa hatiku

Bercinta denganmu

reff:

Januari aku berkenalan denganmu

Februari aku mendapatkan cintamu

Maret April Mei Juni kita

S'makin menyatu

Juli Agustus September kita

Mencoba.. tuk saling setia

Here's my translated version. I have tried my best to keep it as close as I can to the meaning of the original lyrics. Here goes nothing...

In the last New Year's party

We met for the first time

You smiled at me

My heart pounded madly

A month has gone by since

You are finally mine

Happiness is how I feel

To be loving you

reff:

January I got to know you

February I went on to love you

March April Mei June we

became ever more intimate

July August September we

tried... to be faithful forever

Here's hoping that you're having a Fiesta Friday while you enjoy your weekend catching the movie Gubra or simply trying out that new King Pie or having that oh so sinful cake and coffee or just blogging about like you usually do. *smile*

Much Ado About Umizaru

2006-04-06T12:16:00.000+08:00

When I finally sat down to watch the movie Umizaru, it was already 10.30 pm (Malaysian time). The movie started with a flashback scene where two divers were on a rescue mission inside a sinking ship. As they were scouting along the inside of the ship, one of the diver made his way into a cabin and that was when the ship rocked causing him to be trapped inside. The partner tried to free the door open but to no avail. Checking his tank metre, he realises that it was almost at a critical level where he needs to make his way up for air. A heart wrenching moment was when we see his other partner's hand waving frantically while he had to swim back up.

The scene then zooms in to current time where the Head of the program, Mr. Minamoto began calling out names of the trainee. This compelling drama tells about the trials and tribulation of a group of young officers who want to be part of the Japanese Coast Guard elite team of salvage and rescue divers. It also touches on issues such as camaraderie, friendship, sacrifice, dilemma decisions but most of all, it talks about the strength of the "buddy" system. You see, the trainees soon learned that to be part of the elite team, they had to work as a team with their buddy. Our hero, Senzaki (played by Hideaki Ito) was paired up with the weakest trainee from the group which he felt will dampened his chance of ever graduating from the program. A turn of event changed all that and soon he learned to work hand-in-hand with his "buddy" and sure enough a strong bond of friendship was forged.

So what does it take to be the best? The fastest swimmers? Strongest competitor? Physically fit? Yet the strongest of them all is not purely on being physically fit but mentally as well and soon Senzaki learns this lesson as the story unfolds itself.

And if you were posed with the following scenario...

Two divers.

40 meters underwater.

One tank with only 30 bar, enough for one to return safely.

What would you do?

For Mishima (Senzaki's nemesis), he coldly replied (without even batting an eyelid) that he would not hesitate to leave his buddy behind given the situation. Was this cruel of him? Is he heartless and self-centred? What about Senzaki. What was his reply? You're gonna have to watch this movie yourself or otherwise, you can always catch up on some comprehensive reviews of Umizaru from Midnight Eye or Pony Canyon.

On a lighter note, the movie also has quite a lot of funny scenes with plenty of swooning, drooling, sighing and dreaming of Hideaki Ito who plays the hero, Daisuke Senzaki. Oh, and there was also some buttock baring scenes. These are divers mind you and usually when the rest of their body gets tanned from sun exposure, their buttocks... well, you'll have to find out for yourselves now won't you *wink*. Of course, one can't help but get drawn into Ito himself who looks gorgeous when he puts on a serious face and cute when he smiles or laugh and looking every bit of a hearthrob in his uniform *swoon*. So, I've included a few shots of Ito including one with his uniform on so you too could swoon along with me *wink*.

Indonesian band, Umizaru and King Pie

2006-04-05T16:39:00.000+08:00

I am currently crazy about Indonesian band. It started with Sheila on 7 and has now included Peter Pan and Radja Band to the list. The latest purchase (about a few hours ago in KLCC) would be Radja's "Album Perdana".

Incidently, I found the Umizaru VCD and bought that as well. I've been meaning to watch this movie when I saw its trailer but never seem to find the time. Umizaru was based on the highly-acclaimed manga by Syuho Sato. It's a story about the trials and tribulations of 14 young Japan Coast Guard officers trying to survive the extremely rigorous fifty-day training camp to become part of the elite team of divers where only 1% of all Coast Guard officers actually made it to the team.

Known as the "Umizaru" by the local community for their wild drinking and carousing in town, they (Umizaru) soon learned that trust and friendship are the pillar of their much needed success as the search and rescue divers are about teamwork with ones partner, or "buddy". Amidst the group is a guy (the hunky dory hero) name Daisuke Senzaki (Hideaki Ito) who thinks that he was born for the job but when he is partnered with the weakest candidate in the group, Hajime Kudo (Atsushi Ito), what unfolds is a highly compelling drama where the most unlikely partnership soon turned into forged friendship under the intense demands and turns of events.

As I made my way back to the train station, I came across a spanking new booth just outside of Coldstorage supermarket called "King Pie". The Australians have such strong affair with their pies. Want something light? Have a pie. Want a snack? Have a pie. In fact, pie-eating is just part and parcel of the Ozzie culture just like Vegemite and throwing a barbie (slang for barbeque) on weekends.

On the recommendation of the lady at the counter, I opted for the steak pepper pie. Steak and pepper make such a wonderfully delicious combo don't you think? The pie is covered with fluffy pastry as you bite into your pie, you will taste juicy tender beef smothered in thick sauce with hints of black pepper. So the next time you need to snack on something light, have a King Pie.

A Much Anticipated Movie by Yasmin Ahmad

2006-04-04T19:06:00.000+08:00

If you're a big fan of Yasmin Ahmad's film (Rabun, Sepet) you know you just have to book yourself a ticket for her next movie release, Gubra. This is a must see Malay movie that has a very simple script with dialogues that reflects the diversity of being a Malaysian. What is it about Yasmin Ahmad's movie that made a lot of Malaysians falling in love with it? Maybe it's the script that we love so much with lots of mixed languages, the way we are used to conversing in our everyday lives. Maybe it's the rarity of a Malay movie that has a mixed variety of audiences watching it. Maybe it's the simplicity of the storyline.

I stumbled across Suanie's review on the screening of Gubra. If you have not seen Sepet, well you might want to buy the VCD or alternatively, you can borrow mine. In her review also, she had revealed some spoiler (as she calls it) that has something to do with what happened to Jason in Sepet. If you rather not have your movie session spoilt because you know part (maybe most of it) of the plot, then I suggest that you skip the review and just go watch it yourself. Me on the other hand, I opt to read the review (can't stand the suspense for I have waited 2 years for the movie), go watch the movie and later buy the VCD/DVD version (based on my last experience with Sepet, there were some scenes that got cut by the censorship board and the VCD has all the uncensored scenes that was cut out from the movie)

This movie will be released this coming Thursday, 6 April 2006. So, who wants to go watch it with me? :)

Something about Coffee and the Cup

2006-04-03T16:10:00.000+08:00

I came across this rather interesting analogy from the comment page of Yasmin The Storyteller that was posted by The Razzler. It immediately reminded me of an old email which I received years ago. The message is worth pondering and perhaps some of us will not feel pressured to have the job that makes people go green with envy. At least I can say that I have lived my life, the way I intended it be and still get to enjoy my coffee along the way.

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups made of Porcelain, Plastic, Glass, Crystal, Some ordinary looking, Some expensive, Some exquisite. He told them to help themselves to hot coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in their hands, the professor said:"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap looking ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups and worse, you were eyeing each other's cups.

Now if life is coffee , then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change. Some times, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it.

So folks, don't let the cups drive you..., enjoy the coffee instead.

It's a mad, mad, mad city of kiasuism

2006-03-30T12:27:00.000+08:00

It was only when I was studying in Melbourne had I learned about being kiasu (loosely translated as “don’t want to give in” or literally “cannot loose” attitude) from my Singaporean friends. Needless to say, it become an interesting topic at our café during break or whenever they joke around amidst their Singaporean peers.

Needless to say, I would never have thought kiasuism (having the kiasu mentality) would one day land on our shores and begin its quest to rule the city of KL. Check out our roads and you can see kiasu drivers showing off their ability to whiz in and out of lanes during any traffic jam or when queuing up at the tol plazas people cut in the line. And if you are a working community who regularly take the public transport in the morning, you will see more of the kiasu in action. You see them at the train stations most of the time. Size does not matter and neither is the colour of skin nor the academic background of a person nor the gender of the person. We have become what we thought is the ugly side of a civilized society. If in any time you are dying to see some kiasu in action, just join me early in the morning while waiting for the train. There’s a lot of shoving and squeezing just trying to make it into an already full to the brim coach. Forget about waiting for the next train or be concerned for one’s safety. It’s kiasu in action and no man nor woman would wanna be the one to loose out.

If you ever have the pleasure of taking the train during the morning/evening mad rush, take your time to see for yourself how people embark/disembark from the carriages. And please, your attempt at trying to be civilised and polite will fall flat on you as people just shove you in as you disembark from the train. Forget about making numerous annoucements as reminders at the station because hardly anyone listen or they choose to ignore the public reminders. They prefer to be kiasu.

Everyday I witness commuters who rather take the risk of dashing in an already full to the brim carriage just before the door closes hoping that they'll make. Lucky for me, my ride a very short one with only 2 stops away from the Sentral station. If you think that only the men take these risky stunts, well, think again.

Your Pretenciousness

2006-03-28T20:08:00.000+08:00

I bumped into an old classmate of my college years. She was wearing a red knit wear blouse and looked rather relaxed so I jokingly asked her if she's becoming a tai-tai wannabe. To which she replied.. "No la... I'm working". Which is a fine answer to me. Perhaps she didn't understand the joke (I know my twin and a few other bloggers could appreciate the joke).

You see, she had been an old classmate which I had not seen for a very long time and the last time we ever had a decent chat was 2-3 years back during a small reunion. But she always have this penchant of being "Your Pretentiousness" way back since college years. You see, this airhead (I use this term loosely as I can't seem to forget the time when she was asking her roomate how to cook Maggi mee. And you thought I was being harsh eh...) only talks and mingled with a certain type of people. Now before you jump to conclusion, let me describe to your that Miss Pretentiousness is not linked to any royal family nor was her wedding the most sought after news in Tatler nor her parents being linked to any minister nor that she married a Datuk or Tan Sri or whatever of that sort. But this Miss Pretentiousness is just ... well what can I say, pretentious.

To the question "So, what are you doing now? Still doing that legal stuff?" to which she replied "Oh no, I'm working for *insert name of company* doing investment banking". You see, despite working in the financial institution industry, I don't have much clue about people who are "doing investment banking". She could have further elaborated nicely but being the Miss Pretentious that she is her reply came as "doing investment banking la..." when I further asked what exactly does she do in investment banking (knowing full well that she graduated in law and even practised law for a few years since she graduated).

You see, if someone were to ask me, what I did at Corporate Communications, I would naturally tell you, I do press releases, CEO's speech, annual reports, events management, etc... those sort of stuff... you would probably get a better understanding of what Corporate Communications is about. But had I been Miss Pretentious myself, I'd probably say something like " doing Corporate Communications la..." To which you'd probably swear "b*t*h" under your breath.

But then again, this is Miss Pretentious. It is expected of her. How can I expect her less than being the perfect Miss Pretentious. Now where do I sign up for Miss Pretentious class? Perhaps it is the only language she knows how to communicate. So, maybe it is I who will have to learn the art of being Miss Pretentious....

Here's to all the women I know...

2006-03-23T19:48:00.000+08:00

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts, they seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
This was what Maya Angelou said...

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

" I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Please send this to some phenomenal women today. You will boost another woman's self-esteem........CHEERS!!!

Been There... Done That

2006-03-22T13:05:00.000+08:00

(Jeram Berungut Expedition, 2003)

Over the past seven years, I had the opportunity to be involved in so many outdoor activities. From hiking to camping, white-water rafting, kayaking and going off roading. For most city gals, it would be considered as the biggest nightmare to consider the fact that one would have to make do without the public amenities such as a decent bathroom let alone having to take your bath in the river or having to make do without life's luxuries such as a decent bed, aircond and not to mention fresh bed linen. I was once that city gal but who had learned to love the great outdoors. Of course, my initial experience was not without shortcomings but I had learned to overcome them as I learned how to appreciate mother nature and embrace all that she has to offer.

One of the best times of my outdoor experience would have to be off roading. You see, a 4WD brings you to places that you would never dreamed of going and overcoming obstacles that an ordinary vehicle would not be able to tackle. Cooking in the jungle often brings out the creativity in you. You'd be surprised to hear that we cooked fish ala thai, sotong masak sambal (sambal squid), fried rice, mixed vegetables, etc. After all, why limit your palate to canned food and dry meat when you can have fresh squid, fresh fish and hot rice in the middle of the jungle. Any seasoned off roader would tell you that the food always taste ten times better in the jungle. Which is why an icy cold milo or ice blended mile would be the most sought after items being in the jungle. Who said you can't have all those things, one would only need a generator, an ice blender (which can easily be packed into the 4WD), milo, condensed milk and errr... ice??? Ah... but it is possible if you have things called the travelling Coleman ice box. Ask any camper and he would be able to tell you what it is. It's a box that can keep ice for up to 3 days! Provided you keep the ice in blocks. How do you think we can store all those fresh stuff anyway.

Bathing is not an issue just so long you can keep up with the icy cold river in the morning. It's very invigorating but if you cannot keep up with the icy cold water, then fear not for there is such a thing as hot shower. Yup! The 4WD can help to heat up the water and voila, hot shower in an instant. Just make sure you keep a few buckets of water nearby.

At night there is plenty of entertainment around. Just close your eyes and the jungle orchestra would come alive. The kind of sound that we all would have taken for granted having lived in the city for too long. Then, if you're not into the "orchestra", perhaps a good story is more of your palate. Just listen to the many tales and experiences shared by the avid and seasoned off roaders. Otherwise, there's bound to be some musicians around strumming their guitar and start on a ballad or two. But believe me, it will not be long before you land your head on your pillow (air pillow) and start dozing off for the day had been a tiring one and tomorrow, there's a lot of cooking and packing to be done and off we go to the next camping site.

Viva La Blog!

2006-03-10T20:56:00.000+08:00

I meant to blog this earlier. I meant to put up the pictures I took during my last jalan-jalan (walkabout) trip. I meant to do a lot of things but time seems to elude me and work seems to be the centre of my focus currently. If you are in the financial service industry, you would know the amount of enquiries, calls, complaints, etc that one receive in a day. I know that many of you (blog stalkers) are wondering if I'm ever gonna blog anymore. I am my dear. I love writing and blogging had been a platform where I can write creatively in any particular way I like. The joy I get sharing a part of my less than perfect life (whether it is romance, life, work or just full of nothing) while dealing with singlehood, the prospect of having to return to my hometown and work, and life's issues. I am still here. Very much alive and kicking. I am still the old me who had found my way to this blog world and having made many many wonderful friends along the way. Some of whom I have met in person. Some of whom we have exchanged opinions and sharing some of them. Some of whom I have managed to call friends. Some of whom I have found rather interesting but have yet to make that face to face encounter.

I am so touched by the way how people are always on the lookout for your blog. Never failing to drop a comment or two along the way and even if you had not, I do not hold it personally against you. I am just happy that you have found your way into my blog and having read them. That is also fine by me. To those whom have relentlessly left their comment, I hope I have not failed to reply them with some (or maybe not) of my witty remarks. I have truly enjoyed reading and replying them. I am touched by the way how some of you who had taken the liberty to create a link to my blog from your blog and how their stalkers gang began stalking my blog and soon I begin to have more hits today than I did when I first started writing this blog. I am touched. I have kept my circle of blog to a small manageable group for fear that I may not be able to satisfy everyone or keep everyone entertained or keep up with some witty remarks or some interesting stuff to write about. Though I know that this blog is mine personally and I am not obligated to entertain everyone who drops by here but I can't help but feel that I should keep focus on what I had set out to do with this blog of mine.

Today, I am blessed with a wider set of friends who share one same passion and that is writing. I have enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know some of you personally. Perhaps this blog of mine has achieved its objective after all.... making new friends through the one thing I know I am passionate about, creative writing.

After being dormant for so long, I would thought that I will run out of words to write/blog. Looks like, I was wrong. I was once known as the chatterbox and even got the highest vote (sms was not popular back in the early 90s then during my college year) in the category of chatterbox. My twin could probably verify this for you. So, I guess I have not completely lost my ability to be a chatterbox *burst out laughing*.

If you are one of my stalkers (you know who you are and if ever in doubt, please check with the registrar of stalkers), I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. This blog has indeed been worth it. If you are not my stalkers, don't worry, lifetime registration membership is available. If you have just dropped by and decided that this blog of mine is not really worth your time, thank you for having dropped by.

I have dedicated this blog to you simply because it is timely. Simply because you have never failed to drop by even if it means having seen the same last entry for weeks now. You have been wonderful to this blog and if truly the fantasy of becoming a millionaire were to come true (Fantasy Island entry in LB's blog) a big huge blog party would be thrown in your honour celebrating friendship, blogging, life and life's bollocks. Cheers!

It's Valentine's Day Again

2006-02-14T20:45:00.000+08:00

Here comes Valentine's Day again. February 14th always seems to be a time where people get more and more creative in trying to present their loved ones new means of expressing their undying love. I once read in the newspaper that a guy actually presented 999 stalks of roses to the girlfriend. I do hope she's got a lot of vases in the house. Someone actually commented (after having read about the 999 stalks gift) that they prefer to get 1 stalk a day for the next 999 days. And so they asked me, what about you? What would you like on Valentine's Day?

My reply was..... a simple red stalk would do. Just to remind me that I am the one and only.

To all by blogger mates and especially to my twin, here's wishing you all a very special Valentine's Day.

A Funny Kind of Perspective

2006-01-27T16:45:00.000+08:00

Subject: How many women can a man marry?

Two cousins attended their first Church wedding. After the pastor pronounced the couple man and wife, one asked the other, "How many women can a man marry?" "Sixteen", replied the other. Queried as to how he could know the answer so fast, the cousin replied, "Easy. You just add it up. 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer and 4 poorer".

I'm sure you have read this joke before from your email inbox. I enjoy receiving such emails from time to time because these are the kind of emails that would enable you to just sit back and laugh out hard. To take a 5 second break to laugh. Laughter is the best kind of medicine. Any why not? It's contagious but definitely a welcoming break at any time of the day. Life after all has to lived to its fullest. So why fret, moan, rant, complain when a good laughter could help relieve all that in an instant.

A day such as today should not be spoilt by problems of any nature. After all, it's the last working day and we have a long weekend ahead (to those working in KL, we get additional 1 day off to celebrate Federal Territory Day. Woohooo! We'll try not to make the other folks envious of us... heh...heh.... we will try *grin*) to look forward to not to mention all that eating and all that merry-making in conjunction with Chinese New Year. Food! Now that can put a smile on anyone's face at anytime of the day! So here's a tip for the day, if you happen to be driving back to your hometown or heading to some holiday destination in the next few days, take some food along. It'll ease all that jam tension.Better still, carry some interesting joke book and make laughter your best friend on your road trip.

The Price of Blogging

2006-01-26T19:05:00.000+08:00

"Can a Blog Get You Fired?"

Apparently, you can. According to the article by Gemma Crisp in the February issue of CLEO Malaysia, there were already a number of women who were unceremoniously fired from their job due to their content. They got "dooced". An insider term for being sacked due to the content of your blog.

Could it happen to you? According to the Internet trackin site Technorati (www.technorati.com) a new blog is born somewhere in the world each second (now imagine that....). The problem with this, is that people are blogging without being aware of their responsibilities as an author, says David Lindsay, technology expert from Monash University in Victoria, Australia.

According to the article also, under the Malaysian Law, as long as the information is published as false, malicious and printed for the purpose of defaming a living person or company, it falls under libel and legal actions can be taken against you. If you blog contains libelous material about your employer or co-workers, beware, you could end up in world of trouble. While you may think your online moaning is just a way to let off steam, chances are they won't share your sentiment.

This my dear friends is not an issue that we can take lightly. Indeed, there is an ongoing debate of whether blogging can get your career/job in trouble. The rule is this, for as long as your blog cover other topics besides work and/or regarding your employer, you should do just fine. But go beyond that and you might just be called in for questioning.

There is the old English saying "think before you jump". The next time you get the urge to let off steam about your workplace or your employer, you might want to think again. There is nothing malicious or libelous about blogging. After all, it has helped many of us gain new friends and enabled knowledge transfer across the globe while for others, it has become a lifelong companion knowing that there are people out there who empathise and share in a common problem about life. All the article is trying to say is "think before your type". Let's not give blogging any more bad publicity than that it already has got.

It's the ATTACK OF THE TAG!

2006-01-23T19:06:00.000+08:00

It's the attack of the TAG again and this time, I got hit by King's Wife. I do hope she'll be kind to me next time when she wants to get to know me better. Hehehe... Like ask me out for a cuppa and delicious cake or something like that. *hint*

Anyway, here goes nothing...

4 Jobs I’ve Had In My Life
- Bakery (while waiting for my SPM results back home in Kuching)
- Banquet helper (odd job while at Monash Uni Gippsland)
- Perfume Promoter (summer job in Melbourne)
- Business Development Executive (first job I landed during the economic downturn period. I have moved to other departments since then but still within the same company. My passion has been for corporate communications)

4 Movies I Could Watch Over and Over
- Sleepless in Seattle (for the hopeless romantic like me)
- Forrest Gump (I can never get enough of "run Forrest run" or "I got nipped in the buttock")
- You've Got Mail (I can never get enough of Meg Ryan)
- Lord of the Ring Trilogy (I read the book first before way before the movie came out)

4 TV Shows I Love(d) To Watch
- Friends
- Absolutely Fabulous (BBC version shown in Australia)
- Sex In The City
- Mr. Bean

4 Places I’ve Lived
- Sarawak, Malaysia (my birthplace and school days)
- Selangor, Malaysia (my college days)
- Victoria, Australia (my uni days)
- Kuala Lumpur (currently residing and working)

4 Places I’ve Been On Vacation To
- Tasmania (went on a 5 day tour round the huge island)
- Langkawi
- Kota Kinabalu
- Great Outdoors of Malaysia (on 4WD expedition)

4 Places I Would Rather Be In
- Exotic islands like Mauritius or Maldives
- Taman Negara
- Home in the comfort of my bed
- Great Outdoors of Malaysia on a 4WD expedition

4 Of My Favourite Foods
- Chocolates
- Pasta
- Sarawak Laksa
- Capati

4 Websites I visit Daily
- The Star Online
- Yahoo Group Mail
- Hotmail
- Stalking all my favourite blogs

4 Unfortunate Souls Tagged
- Keatix (Yes. Keatix you happen to be unfortunate soul no. 1)
- Mac (I had tagged Simple American earlier but as he had mentioned, he was already tagged and so Mac, you're gonna be unfortunate soul no. 2)
- Marita Paige (Sorry ole gal, you're the unfortunate soul no. 3)
- May (My dear, you happen to be the unfortunate soul no. 4)

Go ahead.... make my day! Hehehe....

Single Mums Have Dreams Too

2006-01-15T19:39:00.000+08:00

I came across this interesting piece of article written by Chong Sheau Ching. If the name sounds oddly familiar to you, well, it should. She is the author of Stories for My Mother and Working @ Home and she has her own column in The Star called Stories for My Mother. This gutsy single mother and strong opinionated lady had been known for her straight talking stand on many issues.

Here's an excerpt of what she had wrote in MPH Quill, Aug 2005, Issue 9

A single mother told me about her broken dreams, "I used to have dreams about a happy married life with a loving husband. Once the dreams crumbled, everything in my life seemed to fall apart."

"I realise that my dreams were fake and they were based on lies. Now, I live life as normally as I can without any dreams or hope for my future. I am not happy but I pretend to be happy in front of others."

"Were my dreams were an illusion? Was it my fault in the first place for dreaming too muc hand living life as if I had nothing else but those dreams? I've tried to get over my broken dreams but I am too afraid to dream again."

Her sharing led me to reflect on my own broken dreams as a single mother - big ones and small one - that had brought me grief, despair and frustraion. I can now look at these broken dreams without feeling hopeless and sorrowful.

I have walked a long path to learn to dream again. My dream is to be happy and contented, and doing what I like. The inspiration came from reading autobiographies, acclaimed short stories, and historical novels.

I saw how successful people turned impossible dream into results. Their dreams were borken many times, but they persisted on their journey.

I have always had strong admiration for all single mums out there who had perservered on tirelessly. I have great respect for them who despite all odds against them, managed to beat come out tops. I say this loosely as I know that there is no such thing a small feat for this group of gutsy single mums. Their perserverence is not without struggle and a lot of hard work. Here is my hero. For she never give up trying, never give up hoping, never give up!

Dreams never die. They just come out differently from the way we have mentally painted them. For as long as we don't give up pursuing our dreams, it will not die. After all, great friends will never allow another friend to walk that long path alone. They will always be there to support and nurture new dreams being built. After all, single mum have dreams too.

We All Need A Good Laugh

2006-01-14T18:49:00.000+08:00

Baik Punya Cilok ( U ) - Bahasa Malaysia
Run Time: 120mins
Director: Afdlin Shauki
Cast: Afdlin Shauki, Hans Isaac, Awie, AC Mizal, Harun Salim Bachik, Patrick Teoh, Carmen Soo, Harith Iskandar, Ida Nerina.

Lu Cilok Gua... Gua Cilok Lu...
An amusing story about Wak and his friends who plan to rob a pawnshop when the owner, Tauke Wong, refuses to allow Wak to redeem his grandmother’s brooch. After numerous discussions and rehearsals for the BIG robbery day, the guys fall into a trap! Someone else has stolen their thunder! Watch them try to get out of this mess as more surprises await them.

_____________________________________________________________

I meant to blog about this movie. The one which I managed to watch during its first week of release. I had always enjoyed Adflin Shauki's directing and this one proved to be worth every cent I spent. It was funny all the way and Adflin has certainly proved to us his worth as a director with a sense of creativity never before seen on Malaysian big screen. Even the way the story was narrated became an eye opener and soon you will discover how the intro intertwined with the rest of the plot.

As each plot unfolds itself, we begin to appreciate Adflin's sense of creativity and somewhat different from his earlier movie, Buli. It is refreshing to see new ideas being brewed in a manner not so obviously Apek Senario nor Mami Jarum but still comedy nonetheless. This is where Adflin's experience through his stand-up comedy stint plays a great important role in delivering the movie plot. In short, I had enjoyed Baik Punya Cilok immensely. Something worth watching and he's someone worth noticing as well for being the new and upcoming director.

If you have not watched it, I highly recommend this movie. For a good laugh. For good company. For supporting young creative directors in the making. For whatever reason, you will never be short of laughs and giggles and more laughs.

Taking Road Trips

2006-01-13T22:21:00.000+08:00

By the time I am writing this, my twin would already be on her way to Haadyai and probably almost reaching her holiday destination. We all have read about her antics when it comes to packing and how she will have to pack extra for little K. Not to mention all the anxiousnesness that we all experienced when making any trips for that matter. The more extra baggages we carry, the more headache it can bring.

So, what about holiday that makes us so? Why does our heart beat anxiously so? Is it the expectation that we can be someone else while our real self take a break? Perhaps its the possibility of an adventure... the one thing that we all yearn for. A great big adventure which life can offer.

I have always loved taking trips. Every holiday adventure has its own unique memory that can never be duplicated no matter how hard we try. For instance, there is that great scone adventure I had with a close girlfriend during our Cameron trip and there was that last minute trip planned during my last Langkawi trip. I come to realise that I have a strong preference for last minute planned trip. Don't get me wrong. I love planning a trip as well but unplanned trips have more adventures to it and they're the kind which allows you to make up plans as you go along and where planning is not necessary but you will need a group of friends who could appreciate the spontaneity of a plan and who are always up for an adventure.

You see, you must admit that there are certain group of friends whom you could share an adventure or two while there are some whom you probably would think twice before asking. Admit it. We all want a great holiday experience and do away with cranky, whining and demanding company. Selfish? I think not. I believe that each of us is entitled to our dream holiday where food is a plenty and great company even more.

I am always on the lookout for road trips. They're the best mode of holiday where you get to savour different kinds of adventure and experience different kinds of local hospitality. My longest so far would have to be my Tasmania excursion back in 1994 while I was studying in Australia. I had the opportunity to join group of friends who were going on a five-day trip around Tasmania beginning from Launceston - Queenstown - Hobart - Port Arthur - Launceston. We passed by so many towns and at one time we even ran out of gas on our way back to Launceston. Lucky for us, the gas station owner was a very friendly guy (no doubt, the warmth of Ozzie hospitality is strongly felt in this town) that he offered to come by the station and sell us some gas. If only I had remember to jot down his name. He practically saved us from having to sleep in the car in the middle of winter!

So the next time you are being offered to go on a road trip, perhaps you should give it a go first before you reject the idea completely. As the famous marketing tagline for the Australian outback , "You will never never know, if you never ever go". Who knows, you will probably end up with a long blog to tell us all about it.

When the twins get together

2006-01-12T17:51:00.000+08:00

Photo courtesy of : Jomel (Long Lost Twin)

This was meant to be posted on Wednesday but ended up only on Thursday. Sorry folks. In fact, I meant to write a long description of what we did etc..etc... but of course you would have picked up the whole story from my twin's blog with pictures and all. As I was writing this, the radio was playing Ruth Sahanaya, Keliru (my twin, she would know why this piece of info was included in and deemed very necessary).

Nevertheless, not to disappoint my fellow stalkers (I come to understand there's a small legion building up) to read up on our little rendezvous at The Curve, Ikea and Ikano. Yes. We covered three areas within one afternoon starting at 2.30pm on Tuesday when the rest of the Malaysians were celebrating Hari Raya Qurban (also known as Hari Raya Aidiladha). We were celebrating friendship, motherhood, womanhood, childhood, red riding hood (err... okay maybe not) but mainly to enjoy each other company for the day.

I was nervous. My heart was beating hard against my chest. I wonder if she will like me. No, I'm not referring to my twin but rather little K. She put my worries to rest after my few attempts trying to have a conversation with her. Pretty soon, we were warming up to each other... maybe it was my charm, maybe it was my persistency, maybe it was my warmth.... I don't know. But I want to believe that it was her charm and warmth and made me feel at ease. Obviously, a well-known trait that she inherits from her mummy (my twin).

From my brief outing with K, here's what I can describe of her...

She loves books and if her mummy becomes a millionaire, a mini library will be top on her list
She loves puzzles even if she could barely put them together
She loves Barbie and all things pink
She loves IKEA especially the bedding section
She loves cake
She loves noodles
She loves shopping malls

So, the next time you get invited to her birthday party, you would have an idea of what to get her *wink*.

The afternoon stretched into evening and Jomel suggested that we have dinner together. The evening ended with us belting out Ruth Sahanaya's song...

Mungkin hanya Tuhan

Yang tahu segalanya

Apa yang ku inginkan

Di saat-saat ini

Kau tak 'kan percaya

Kau selalu di hati

Haruskah ku menangis

Untuk mengatakan yang sesungguhnya

( korus )

Kaulah segalanya bagi ku

Kaulah curahan hati ini

Tak mungkin ku melupakan mu

Tiada lagi yang ku harap

Hanya kau seorang

Kau tak 'kan percaya

Kau selalu di hati

Haruskah ku menangis

Untuk mengatakan yang sesungguhnya

( korus )

A great ending to our afternoon of cakes, swedish desserts, coffee, tea and noodles. Amidst all the singing, K was already dozing off and dreaming of her mini library filled with her favourite books while the mummy and her twin were coming up with their next get together plan, a karaoke session where "Kaulah Segalanya" will definitely be on their top list *wink*.

"You got Tagged" - I got what?

2006-01-08T16:55:00.000+08:00

What do you do when you get tagged? Tag someone else. Hahaha!!!! To tag or not to tag? Consider this, if you ever get tagged, don't think of it as being a blog torture. Think of it as there's people out there who wants to get to know you better and that they would only tag people they know as friends. So, I've been tagged and I'm not sure if I should scream of fear or just shout with glee. I'd rather be the latter for I enjoy entertaining with my writing. I hope *fingers crossed*. Besides, I am touched to be tagged by none other than my long lost twin. So here goes...

The RULES : Remove the Blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone else up a notch. Then add your Blog at the bottom spot.

1. The Life of An Independent Babe
2. My All
3. i s a n y o n e O u t t h e r e !
4. A Blog Dedicated to my Little K & S
5. Poison : A day in life

You then select 5 people to pass the love on to. Yes, only 5, not 15 (thank god!)
1. Keatix Adventure (How can I not get him involved. Hehehe....)
2. Gina Gets Her Groove (She has loads of experience with the nasi lemak around KL)
3. Kampungkai (For being the young and upcoming aircraft engineer)
4. Paradise Lost (This lady has ways with words and I always enjoy reading her blog)
5. Mac (The other Kuching blogger I know whom I know besides Marita)

What were you doing ten years ago?
Jan 1996 - It was my 3rd year at Monash University, Gippsland campus. If you can't figure out where it is, the link should give you an idea of its location (2 hours from Melbournce city) in the state of Victoria, Australia. It was my 3rd best year of trying to balance between assignments, lecture classes, tutorials, pubs, Uni nite (every Thursday night at Churchill's pub), international students' night where the Hahn Ice (Australian beer) was free flowing in my first and second year at Uni, booze, Ozzie barbie (slang for Barbeque), dancing, exams, relationships, libraries, IRC (chatting on the internet was hot in my 2nd year), live gigs and shopping (only during sales time).

What were you doing 1 year ago?
Jan 2005 - Working and being single. Was still trying to adjust myself with the new department at this juncture. I was transferred to the Human Capital Management Department (a.k.a HR dept) in Oct 2004. Back then, I was involved in a lot of interviews especially the Management Trainee Program where I was interviewing close to 100 candidates in Dec 2004. It was a great experience for me but I still loved Corporate Communications stuff. I miss it all....

Five snacks you enjoy.
1. Tiramisu (the original Italian style that's to die for)
2. Potato crisps (must be original flavour or onion & sour cream on occassion. Oh, it has to be either Pringles or Lay's)
3. Nuts (Pistachios being the best or American honey glazed nuts)
4. Chocolates (Celebrations, Kit Kat, Twix, Snowflakes)
5. Butter n kaya toast (the old kopitiam style with thick crust bread)

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics off your head right now.
1. Kerinduan (Sheila Majid. She's got a great distinctive voice and very jazzy as well)
2. Heaven Knows (I can't remember the original singer but it like Daniel's rendition of this number. Who is Daniel? He's the Malaysian Idol 2 winner)
3. Mungkin Nanti & Bintang di Surga (Peter Pan. I just love this Indonesian group and their music. Their whole album Bintang di Surga is my favourite)
4. Killing me Softly (Aretha Franklins. She's got great vocals. My favourite karaoke number. Hehehe...)
5. Gemilang (Jaclyn Peter. First Malaysian Idol winner. She's got the vocal to kill)

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire.
1. Open up a little cafe in New Zealand/Australia and bake all my favourite recipes (maybe a joint venture with my long lost twin. Hehehe...)
2. Buy a beach house in New Zealand/Australia and send air-tickets to friends and invite them

to come over for BBQ during summer or invite them for a white Christmas holiday.
3. Fantasy island BBQ at the Maldives (please refer to LB's fantasy island plan)
4. Get the BOSE home theatre system and flat panel TV so friends can come over to watch movies.
5. Buy 4WD to go for off-road trips (will invite you bloggers as along)

Five bad habits.
1. Swear four-letter word at stupid drivers espeically those who never seem to know how to use the signal lights (I'm still going through rehab on this and try to reduce the number of four-letter word to three-letter).
2. I think too much at times.
3. I get cranky quite easily.
4. I can get impatient very easily (this trait is somewhat similar to my long lost twin. Omigawd!Again? Hehehe...)
5. My heart rules my head, too often (another similar trait with my twin. Hehehe...)

Five things you like doing.
1. Reading a chiclit novel while sipping a cup of caffe latte.... (does this sounds familiar to you? You've read it at Jomel's blog? Well, you would by now realise why she's my long lost twin. *grin*)
2. Sipping coffee and having sinful cakes with wonderful friends (I can't help but have similar traits to my twin. Even more proof that we are twin)
3. Take off-road trips on a 4WD and camping out.
4. Fantasizing about a lot of things
5. Take "Jalan-jalan Cari Makan" trips. Sweet....

Five things you would never wear, buy, or get new again.
1. Anything with animal prints (it'll never look good on us human. You'll never see them wearing human prints right? hehehehe...)
2. Clothes with ruffles (We're no longer slave to the renaissance era)
3. Pinafore
4. G-string panties (I wonder why people come up with this underwear when it is just soooo uncomfortable. I mean, why torture your ass...)
5. School shoes (those white Bata or Pallas shoes during school days)

Five favourite toys
1. Green mini iPod
2. iBook
3. Scrabble
4. Monopoly
5. Barbie dolls (back in primary school)

Finally, I've completed my assignment! Woohoo!!!

Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan (The End of 2005)

2005-12-31T22:18:00.000+08:00

Photo: Courtesy of Ah Tak

I arrived in KL on Friday (30th December) night and had barely unpacked by bag when I got reminded by my girl friend that we had a date on New Year's eve. A date with a group of friends to go jalan-jalan cari makan. Destination: Kuala Selangor. Pax: 8 adults + 1 kid. Menu: Seafood!

We end up at Riverview Seafood Restaurant at Kuala Selangor and began ordering crabs (I am alergic to this stuff but I don't mind seeing my friends diving into one), fish, baby short bean with peanuts, fried oyster omelette, la la, fried rice and fresh coconut juice. It was rather breezy or should I say, windy which makes eating an even more blissful. We talked and drank and ate till our plates were clean! Cost: RM216 (this included another round of crab after the first plate was cleaned up within minutes). Total: Priceless....

Next on our program was a trip to Bukit Malawati in Kuala Selangor for a ride on its choo choo train up the hill overseeing Kuala Selangor. The so-called "train" was actually running on wheels and had about 4 carriages. Oh well, it was still a fun ride as it us up on the hill where we enjoyed the breath-taking view of Kuala Selangor. Cost: RM2 per adult. Total : Priceless...

If you had thought that this is the end to our Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan segment, well, you're dead wrong. We concocted a last minute program and decided to head to Ulu Bernam R&R for pau and coffee. Off we went, in a convoy of 3 cars and decided to take the shortcut via Rawang taking the scenic route which takes us past the Selangor's fruit farm on the outskirt of Batu Arang. Our route took a change midway on the highway as we decided to head for Tanjung Malim instead (Ulu Bernam is further up) for Yik Mun is also famous for its pau and not to mention good ole white coffee. We took the Tanjung Malim exit and head for Yik Mun Restaurant.

It was worth the trip for we ordered the good ole butter and kaya toast (Yik Mun uses thick crusted bread toasted to crispy perfection), white coffee and pau. We talked and drank and ate till could eat no more.

I spent the rest of the evening of New Year's eve at my apartment. The last time I ever took part in a New Year's eve revelry was somewhere in the year 1999 celebrating the dawn of the new millenium. I swore that it would be the last time I'll ever let myself out on New Year's eve on the street. There were too much sweat smell and sweaty party goers to begin with. From the balcony of my apartment I could watch the fireworks display so I'm not missing a thing. I was still nursing a full stomach and the thought of Yik Mun's butter n kaya toast just puts me on seventh heaven.

Happy New Year to you dear bloggers. I've made some great new friends here and I am blessed... Oh, I found my long lost twin too... *smile* Cost: a lot of blogging. Total: Priceless...

Let's Do Lunch - The Poison & Marita Way

2005-12-28T20:28:00.000+08:00

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting up with Marita in person during my Christmas break in Kuching. We decided to meet up for lunch on Wednesday and I asked her to bring me to the place which serves up great chicken rice (the one which she had blogged about earlier). So off we went to New World Cafe in Central Park. I was not disappointed. No sirreee! The rice was soft and moist (not too wet nor too dry) and not to mention very tasty.

The afternoon was filled with conversations like two long lost friends. I got to know her a little better and I must say, she was someone you could get along real well in a very short period of time. A very down to earth person, we hit it off almost instantly. What more could a gal ask for when she's back in town for the hols. Good food and great company.

It's Christmas Folks!

2005-12-25T11:25:00.000+08:00

We wish you a merry Christmas

And a happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin;

Good tidings for Christmas

And a happy New Year!

If you had read my earlier blog as to how my Christmas nearly became a disaster, then you will know why I was in KLIA on early Sunday morning when everyone would probably be at the church attending the Christmas mass. It was the best I could do after having failed to secure any earlier flights. Hence, the trip to KLIA and why I missed out on the Christmas Eve dinner at home.

For many years now, I had never fail to get home before Christmas Eve. The airport is a madhouse at this time of the year ferrying all the Sabahans and Sarawakians back to their hometowns. But nothing could be compared to the madness that I experienced on Christmas Day itself!

There were 5 Air Asia flights plying from KLIA which were scheduled for take-off at 7.00 am, 7.05 am, 7.10 am, 7.15 am to places like Penang, Sibu, Kuching, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. Add international flights to Phillipines and Indonesia to the list and you could find yourself having to queue up amidst a huge mass of people all wanting to leave KLIA. There were so much confusion and not to mention plenty of anxiety as I was wondering if I'll get to check-in on time for my flight that was scheduled to leave at 7.45 am.

When I finally landed on Kuching International Airport, I was greeted with the sound of drilling and hammering and not to mention a lot of unsettled dust. The airport was still in the the midst of renovation work and they had to redirect us around to the customs counter which looked spanking new.

When I finally got home and saw the Christmas tree with all its decorations, it finally felt like Christmas. I'm home! Merry Christmas folks!

A Well Spent Afternoon

2005-12-21T10:03:00.000+08:00

I've been eyeing on a charm bracelet for quite a while now. The minute I saw it, I was head over heels in love with it. So, the next best thing for a gal to do is to make she goes out and buys it!

My long lost twin rang me up yesterday and asked if we could meet up for lunch at KL Sentral (nearby my office) as she will be around the area to register for her CFP course. I was of course delighted and the timing could not have been any better. This means I could pass her the Christmas present that I bought for her.(I was at One Utama last weekend to get some Christmas shopping done when a pair of turqoise colour earrings caught my fancy and I thought it would make a nice Christmas gift for my twin. It'll be a perfect match with the turqoise colour top that she was planning to wear in Pangkor and now maybe Haadyai)

I was surprised that she got me a gift. It was a paua shell necklace (sorry picture will have to come later...) in blue and I loved it! It was after all my favourite colour! She's already put up photo of her turqoise earrings and I'm glad she liked it.

But that was not the end of the afternoon. We went to KLCC after she had her registration for the course sorted out. I wanted to get my "abolute must have" charm bracelet while she was looking for a cropped top. We ended up with 2 cropped tops and 2 accessories purchases... each one owning one item each. So you see, it was an afternoon well spent.

Christmas Walkabout

2005-12-20T22:08:00.000+08:00

If you have ever come accross Marita's earlier blog, you would have noticed that this was the same tree she took except that it was covered with purple baubles. I remember telling her that I simply adore that picture she took for it was rich in colour and the angle she had taken the picture was able to capture the gigantic feel of this Christmas tree. Yes, this is the same Christmas tree that can be currently seen at KLCC. I was in KLCC yesterday evening to check out the year-end sale at ISETAN.

I have been going around malls to see which thematic decor I like best and I must say, the one I called "A Magical White Christmas" at Midvalley would be at the top of my list this year. They really took the theme "magical" further by enhancing shoppers' experience through a variety of their events including several magical characters dressed up in fancy costumes to delight children and adults alike.

It's four day to Christmas folks! I'm already getting rather fidgety as I look forward to taking that flight home to good ole Kuching. Marita, I've got a bottle of red from the Napa Valley and it's got your name written on it! Hehehe.... Cheers!

An Almost Christmas Disaster

2005-12-20T11:12:00.000+08:00

It's 3 days to Christmas and I am thinking of nothing but home. I can't help it. The Christmas season always seem to make me mellow and sentimental about going home. I don't usually fret about going home but this trip I make every Christmas season is something worth fretting about. I would hate to think that I have to spend Christmas alone amidst the concrete jungle of KL. There is nothing wrong with KL folks but my heart always yearn for home every time I think of Christmas. In fact, all my colleagues at the office know that I will always take off for the Christmas hols. After all, not many people at my office come from Kuching and celebrates Christmas for that matter.

My Christmas plan got off on the wrong footings. I had planned to go back on Friday evening or night the earliest. I had not made any early bookings this year thinking that with plenty of offerings from MAS and Air Asia, I would have no trouble getting a flight. I was dead wrong! I checked with MAS and the only seats left in on Business Class on Christmas morning. Next economy seat out in 29th Dec! I thought... why would I want to pay a bomb for a seat that is already on Christmas Day itself. So, I went to try with Air Asia. I began to panic as I saw the word "Sorry but there is no flight out on 23rd December 2005". I tried the 24th and all I got was the early morning flight. I began to cringe at the thought of being grounded with no way near being home.

By the time I wanted to confirm my booking, it was already taken up! I panicked even more. So I even tried for the 25th with my fingers crossed. First flight out from KL to KCH is at 7.00 am and without batting an eyelid, I went for my kill and after all that anticipation and anxiety, my seats are finally confirmed. Looks like I will be going home on Christmas morning after all. Let's see, what I'll be missing on Christmas Eve this year...

Christmas Eve dinner - I'm gonna be missing my mom's dinner and all that family togetherness.
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass - an annual affair that I make sure I attend to seek presence with God having missed out on a one-year mass. A very family affair as well.
Presents under Christmas Tree - Me and my younger brother will always make sure everyone has a present to open on Christmas Day. Looks like the presents I get will only be sitting under the tree for barely a few minutes (due to flight schedule)
Christmas spirit - the anticipation, the excitement, the hustle and bustle preparing for Christmas.
Christmas shopping - Me and my younger brother will always be the one to run our mum's errands including buying food and stuff for Christmas including looking for that perfect red wine.
Christmas chores - not a part I like but still essential as part of Christmas Day preparations. Still as exciting for we will be busy taking out the Christmas utensils to be used during Christmas.
ASTRO programmes - I don't have one at my apartment in KL so going home also means catching up on movies via ASTRO.
Lighting up candles - It's a family tradition where we will light up candles around the house on Christmas Eve.

Looking back, I made a promise to myself that next year, I'm getting the early confirmation and bookings. I wouldn't want to have to be stuck in KL alone eating my Christmas Eve dinner in front of the telly and wishing I was back home in Kuching. Oh well... Better planning next time perhaps. Maybe it was not meant to be and so I am already adjusting my Christmas Eve plan. Perhaps I'll go to St. Mary's cathedral for the Midnight Mass and try to get some decent dinner plan going. Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise somewhere...

Christmas Cards

2005-12-18T12:24:00.000+08:00

It's a week to Christmas and I think that a Christmas card is just apt. Cards are one of the best ways to let our friends know that though we may have not been in touch for a long time yet they are always close to our heart. But with the advent of e-card and sms, sending cards in this tech savvy century seems so trivial. After all, one has to shop for cards, write on the cards, seal them up, paste a stamp on the envelope and send them through the post officce.

Technology enables people to choose convenience over thoughtfulness. I say this because everytime when I send a card, every thought goes to ensuring that I pick the right one with the right wordings to the right person. So you see, sending card is not merely a trivial matter but one that requires quite a lot of thought put into it. I love sending and receiving them for they allow me to cherish the beautifully designed cards with equally beautiful wordings and I could keep them for years to come. Such traits are nothing less of a hopeless romantic. I can't help it...

With Christmas drawing itself even nearer, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and if you would like to get a personalised card sent by yours truly, well for starters, I'm gonna need your address. Merry Christmas folks!

Wishful Thinking

2005-12-17T18:17:00.000+08:00

If you had read my earlier blog, you would have recognised this face. Isn't this the most perfect photo of a child looking longingly at the cakes? We (a group of colleagues from the office) just got back from a friend's house for lunch in Klang and decided to have coffee and that was how we ended up at Coffee Bean in Subang Parade. It had been ages since my last trip to Subang Parade mall.

This boy, he's a big fan of Mawi by the way. How I know? Everytime he sees Mawi on TV, he'll be prancing around the sitting room. All you need to ask is where is that and he'll point you to Mawi's face on TV while chanting "Mawee... Mawee...". Yes. He is very adorable.

This scene brought me back to my childhood times which seemed like aeons ago. Me and my siblings will get all excited as we look forward to attending the annual Children's Christmas Party at the St. Thomas' Parish. There were plenty of games and of course the highlight of the event is the Christmas presents exchange time. Ah... those were the days....

Lunch at Puteri

2005-12-15T13:55:00.000+08:00

In the small bowl is the mushroom soup

If you must know, lunch decisions with my office mates can be quite a tug-of-war. When someone makes a plan, there is bound to be another who tries and suggest of other plan. After a bit of tug-of-war, a couple of phone calls later, more deliberating, more alternative planning and confiding, we would usually end up with a broken plan and we all would end up at our usual makan place. That would be the food court at KL Sentral. Usually, I would play by ear and always take a sideline approach when it comes to dealing with the situation. Me. I'm not picky and I am ever more willing to walk far and wide to get a good meal on one of my adventurous day.

But today, I had to put my foot down and finally we are able to stick to the original plan. Hence, lunch at Puteri Restoran. The serve one of the best mushroom soup (not the mat salleh kind). We like....

An afternoon of sinful indulgence

2005-12-13T09:51:00.000+08:00

I took the afternoon off and made plans with Jomel (long lost twin) to indulge in something sinful and by that I meant coffee and cakes. She agreed and Midvalley became our meeting point. Let me warn you in advance, I had not been going to any malls lately if at all. So, you'll have to excuse me when I say that I was mesmerized (like a 5-year old) with their Christmas decors which I aptly named it, "A Magical White Christmas". I whipped out the camera and took as many nice shots as possible. (Hey Marita, what do you think? Good enough or not? He he...)

I finally met up with Jomel and we decided to have coffee and cakes at Coffee Bean. They were promoting their Christmas menu and in the spirit of Christmas, we gave them a try. We were not disappointed and it was good the the last bite!

By now, I would already have read it all in Jomel's blog. So, what does two tiger sage talk about when they meet for an afternoon of sinful indulgence? Apparently a lot! We found even more similarities in the way we think and even our perspectives on several issues were somewhat similar. What can I say.... she is after all, my long lost twins. And oh... by the way, I'm no chic nor am I a babe as how she had described me *blush*

I was amazed and impressed at how she manages to keep her slim figure even after 2 kids! So, the way I figure it, she only needs the gym for toning and little else. Perhaps also a chance to bump into interesting character at the gym *wink*

Note: It's another 10 days to Christmas and counting... Have you made your Christmas list yet?

14 Days to Christmas

2005-12-12T13:53:00.000+08:00

Away in a manger

Away in a manger,
no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus
laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the heavens
looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus
asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing,
the poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus,
no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus;
look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle
till morning is nigh.

It's 14 days to Christmas (that's in 2 weeks time) and I can't help but feel all warm and fuzzy as Christmas draws nearer. But what about Christmas that makes us feel so? What is the truth behind celebrating Christmas. Read about The Real Christmas - a dummy's guide in Jomel's blog.

Christmas is rich in traditions which, despite modern commercial exploitation, it is about celebrating the birth of Christ. The season of Christmas is a symbolic tradition that bring people and families together and connects all Christian through their faith. I received an email from a good friend of mine who was thanking those who had took part in the recent charity drive that will enable 100 poor families to celebrate Christmas. In his very own words... "I truly thank you all from the bottom of my heart because every year you'll respond very positively and the heart is great and this year the good Lord shone His light and it is for all of you".

There are of course many ways you and I could help share some of that Christmas warmth. If you can't think of any, the Share-A-Gift campaign currently being organized by MPH is a great way to start. So go on, spread some of that Christmas joy and put a smile on a kid's face today!

I recently stumbled upon...

2005-12-09T11:30:00.000+08:00

Single Picky Girl. A collection of columns by Janice Wong during my recent trip to MPH at 1 Utama. As I flipped the first few pages of the book, my attention was drawn to Part 1 : Journal of an SPG (Single Picky Girl) title. I was rather intrigued and to find out more, I just had to read on. As I went on to flip the following pages, the title "When Mr Right comes at the wrong time" caught my attention and so I began savouring her writing... I was not disappointed. The stuff she writes about are subjects close to my heart. After all, in the words of Richard Lim, the senior editor of The Straits Times in his Foreword, "who among us have not been caught, at one time or another, in situations that she writes about?" Perhaps, this is why I can't seem to resist purchashing her book.

A single's world is full of advisers who say this: You don't have a partner because you are too picky. Lower your expectations.

But lower them to what? To less than love? I am not really picky, I think, just discerning ~Janice Wong~

Hitting the Three One

2005-12-05T19:40:00.000+08:00

I always enjoy my trip to Cameron. I could be making a trip every month and still love the way things are at Cameron. The crisp highland air, the luscious green ferns and wild flowers. The wet traces of dew, the smell of mornings, the sound of crickets and bugs. It's my kind of holiday anytime of the year.

As my imagination whisks me away to Cameron, I suddenly find myself on top of Mt. Brinchang embracing its panaromic view and enjoying my hot scones over a cup of tea. Now that, my friends would have been a birthday to be remembered. But alas, work has got the better of me and I could only share that moment with you dear readers in this blog. Oh, and if you're celebrating your birthday today, "Happy Birthday" to you. We happen to share the same date.

You may have been here on one of your trips to Cameron. The Ye Olde Smokehouse. If you have not, I highly recommend it. And if you don't have money to splurge like yours truly, well, you can always try the alternative way of enjoying your time here. Tea and scones. While their scones are to die for, it is the fresh strawberry jam over melted butter that makes up the total YOS experience. Add a hot pot of tea and you would could almost swear it was like being on the English soil.

The 5th of December also reminds me that Christmas is just another 20 days to go and counting...

Mental note: Must make Christmas shopping list

Celebrating Jomel's Day

2005-12-02T17:15:00.000+08:00

Front Message:
You were born to flourish and to dance beneath the sun...

Inside Message:
You are a radiant flower, not a fragile, timid one. Be beautiful. Be brilliant. Hold your head up high. Spread your arms. Embrace your life and boldly touch the sky. Hope your birthday's inspiring.

This is a special blog dedicated to Jomel's birthday to enable the rest of our fellow bloggers to celebrate her birthday online the virtual way! And like many other birthdays, there has to be the cake and the present to complete the picture...

To: Jomel

From: Fellow Blogger & Long Lost Twin

Message:

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

I'll Be Home For Christmas

2005-12-02T16:20:00.000+08:00

i'm dreaming tonight of a place i love
even more than i usually do
and although i know
it's a long road back
i promise you...
i'll be home for christmas
you can count on me
please have snow and mistletoe
and presents by the tree
christmas eve will find me
where the love light gleams
i'll be home for christmas
if only in my dreams
********

We may not have snow nor mistletoe but this song always brought me closer to home. And as I countdown my days to Christmas and looking forward to going back to a place that knew me well, I can't help but feel somewhat sentimental whenever I play this song. As Christmas is a time of sharing, I will be blogging more about the spirit of Christmas just to show just how much I love Christmas (I know long lost twin would share my sentiments). The joy, the blessing, the sharing and the giving. I hope that through this, it willl at least help relieve some of the sentimental feeling I am getting as we draw nearer to Christmas. After all, as the saying goes, "Home is where the heart is" and I left mine not in California but in Kuching. So folks, join me on this journey if you wish (hey, it is not like I am going to leave you without a choice now would I) and let us start counting down 23 days to Christmas...

The return of December

2005-12-02T10:41:00.000+08:00

Date: December 1, 2005

December is here and I'm very excited about it. I have many reasons to be excited about December. I'm excited because...

... I will be going back to Kuching.

... it is almost the year-end.

... Christmas is another 24 days to go.

... I get to taste mom's cooking again.

... I hope to finally meet Marita and the rest of the Kuching bloggers.

... I get to eat my favourite authentic local dishes and drink the local coffee.

... it's time for Christmas shopping and I get to shop for Christmas presents.

... it's December!

The other thing about December is I get reminded of my birthday. There are many reasons why a person should celebrate their birthday. For me, this is a day where I get to celebrate life! My life! While there are some who does celebrate it in much style with parties and such, I prefer a more mellow kind of celebration where all that matters is that I get to spend it with my friends.

Of course, more importantly, December also means I begin my countdown to Christmas. As as start, it's 24 days to Christmas and counting...

"Till Death Do Us Part"

2005-11-30T17:50:00.000+08:00

"Marriage is a contract between two parties in the hope that they can stay together till death do they part"

If you had watched yesterday's episode of Desperate Housewives, this scripted narration would have been vaguely familiar. As I was watching yesterday's episode about fidelity and trust, I began pondering on the topic of "marriage". After all, the opening narration does bring about a rather interesting topic and after having attended numerous wedding affairs, I could not help but wonder if the situation holds true. Don't get me wrong folks. I'm not against marriage. No sir! After all, some marriages last a lifetime like our parents and our grandparents. They were truly the beholder of "till death do us part" vow.

Obviously, there is a generation gap between our time and our grandparents'. After all, back then life was so much simpler. The role of the husband and wife were not as complexed compared to this day of age. Today, there is a cross over of roles as many women today play the role of being a wife, mother and career women. So, what does it takes to make a marriage work these days?

As I watch some of my friends walk down the aisle and in some cases, walking up the pelamin, I had always wished them well "till death do they part". Little would I ever imagine, that while there are those who will end up together for as long as they both shall live, there are some who had irreconceivable differences that led to separation and in the end, divorce. Recently, I found out that a friend of mine has had his marriaged annulled after almost 10 years of marriage.

There is a Malay saying that goes "Kalau sudah jodoh tak ke mana". Simply put, if its meant to be, its meant to be. If this is the case, then how does a marriage breaks down even after a man and a woman meet their jodoh (partner)? Is there then, such a thing as "The One" or perhaps we have to change our perspective and look for "The Somewhat One"?

As I draw nearer to making a conclusion that in this life, we can never get all that we want. After all, there were those who wanted a tall, dark and handsome husband with a career to boot but end up with a dark and handsome husband with a steady job but being no where tall. So, in this day of age, do we get to pick our fate or are we left to fate and cupid to set us up with our "jodoh".

Getting a Perspective

2005-11-29T18:15:00.000+08:00

In life, we are always trying to get a perspective of things. Our whole life is a stage that consists of many events. Some good, some bad and some remains to be a lesson to all of us.

I attended an open house affair last night. She was a very close friend of mine whose husband passed away in a flight accident during what was suppose to be a training session. News of his demise was reported in the newspaper. It was a very distraught affair as he left behind four kids (2 boys and 2 girls). I was distraught myself. She was a very happy-go-lucky lady who was also like my mentor when I first joined the company. We eventually became close friends. I knew that despite all the consolation and sympathy wishes from friends and family, all she needed was for the husband to tell her in person that everything will be alright...

I wonder how has her perspective changed. Sometimes we all wonder as to how we get a new perspective everytime and event took place in our lives.

My Dream Pool

2005-11-29T11:40:00.000+08:00

This was taken from my office floor at Level 12. I was curious to see if the camera could shoot from behind a glass window. Obviously, it can do so without even a hint that I took it from indoors.

I miss going to the pool. If I had a pool like this one, I would be swimming my hearts out.

The Incident In A Cinema

2005-11-26T19:53:00.000+08:00

I bought me tickets to watch "Just Like Heaven" at the newly opened GSC cinema at 1Utama (New Wing). It was me, myself and I and a romantic comedy. Perfect afternoon with the perfect movie in the perfect atmosphere of the new GSC (huge seats, raised head rest and slightly reclined seats) except that there is no such thing as "perfect". I checked me tickets (I learned from a friend's lesson that it is always good to double check ticket for date and time of movie. There I was strutting my strut proudly claiming my best seat in the cinema when lo and behold, there was a kid in my seat. Someone has taken over my seat!

Whoa! Where did this kid come from? Did I read my ticket wrong? Was I in the wrong theatre? So I whipped out my ticket stub and in the darkness of the theatre hall, I scrambled to read my ticket. It read "Just Like Heaven, Hall 13, Seat no. B8". So, I checked with this nice young couple if it was Hall 13 and if they're watching "Just Like Heaven" as well. To which I got a "yes" reply from both of them. This was not only confusing but I was on the verge of exasperation as the movie was about to start any minute! So the nice boyfriend of this girl helped to check the kid's ticket stub (he was holding 5 tickets as the whole family was there to watch the same movie) There to my horror... he was also holding a stub with seat no. B8. No!!! What's going on? It is not possible... And the same nice fella checked for the date which was written "27/11/2005". Phew! I sighed. I had a valid and correct ticket at that time. But I was still dumbfounded as to how the whole family did not realise that they bought tickets for Sunday's show. I couldn't even bring myself to mention it to the father with his four young kids looking confused and surprised. And so we had to sort matters out on the side as I try to explain nicely that my tickets was for seat B8 and I had the correct date and time of the show.

The poor father was surprised himself as he explained he has asked for today's show thought the ticket was printed 27/11/2005. I was already almost annoyed because not only I do not have my seat, I had to stand at the back of the cinema while he went to sort things out with the management. I can only pray that he hurries as the show was already starting. A personnel of GSC came with his torch and all and sorted out about the seatings. Some movement were made and finally I was allowed to take my seat. The movie was already starting but luckily I did not miss much though I was feeling awful for having had to ruin other people's time at the movies. There goes my perfect aternoon in a perfect setting with my perfect movie. There is no such thing are "perfect". Oh well... all was not lost and I still get to the part of the movie where Reese came out of her coma only to not remember David and as the movie came to an end, I was already sniffling away silently. What to do... all Tiger Sage are hopeless romantics and yours truly just cannot hold back the tears... be it the sad part or the happy ending part.

So, if you're a hopeless romantic like me who had seen "Just Like Heaven" and has shed some tears towards the ending of the movie (I shall not reveal any other tear moment part), do share with me and let me know that you too shared my sentiments.

Note: Don't you just love Elizabeth's hair. She looks good even as a living spirit! Lucky chick!

The Friendship Deal

2005-11-23T17:11:00.000+08:00

Friendship. Does it really stand the test of time or does friendship gets a makeover as well? As I ponder on these questions after having read a rather interesting feature article on Gina’s blog, I began to audit my own relationship with my friends. Yes. Audit. Evaluate. Call it what you like but I had re-evaluated my own friendship. Those which was offered to me and those that I offer friendship.

Over the years, I came across many different kind of friends. Friends whom you play with during school recess, friends whom you bring home to meet your family, friends whom you share your deepest darkest secrets, friends whom you share your tears and joy with, friends whom over the years lost contact and then suddenly they re-appear in your life only this time they became ever more meaningful than they were before, friends who is a colleague who ended up being a very close friend, friends whom you confide with when it comes to handling personal matters, friends whom you fall in love (though I must admit, this part never happens to me as I don’t seem to know how to fall for a friend no matter how close one gets), and the list goes on…

I always believe that it is not how many friends we have but how many we truly cherish and work hard at keeping the friendship. And then there is frenenemy. Friends whom you thought and they seem to portray themselves as your friend but end up bitching you behind your back with your other friends. And here I thought that this kind of drama only took place in high school and college. After all, we knew very little then... we were young and hasty and then there was the whole “gang” thingy. Like a clique where a group of gals get together where they share the same fashion taste, share the same taste for men, share clothes, share secrets among many other things. But as I got older (always working on the wiser part) I realized that even when you already hit the big 30 you still get frenenemy.

As I kept on reading Gina’s blog, I was wondering if in our pursuit for technology, we have become too hi-tech and loose our hi-touch? Are we responsible for the creation of frenemy? Perhaps it was nature's way to ensure that we appreciate our real friends better. Perhaps it is to enable us to become a better friend in the process as we re-evaluate the way we treat our friends. Are we sensitive to their feelings and do we empathise with them. Or has it always been about "Me! Me! Me" only?

When it comes to friendship, what is the real deal? Have we truly give it all into friendship or has it only been about one person's self-satisfaction? Friendship after all is about giving and taking. We take the good and the bad of a friend and accept them as who they are and not as how we expect them to be. It does require a lot of understanding and empathy on our part if we intend to make the friendship work. Our friends are after all only human and they cannot satisfy everyone. We can't satisfy everyone. But we learn to see beyond the differences and keep the friendship deal.

TGIF

2005-11-18T14:47:00.000+08:00

It's Friday. Yay! This week felt so long and work just sucks. Actually, it's the new environment that I have to adapt myself to and not so much the work. I can't help it. It's the attachment I have with my old office, the great food nearby and a good friend (very very close colleague) I had to leave behind while I had to move to the other building in Sentral. All the packing and unpacking was a chore that I could do without. But it's Friday and I am so looking forward to the weekend of doing nothing. Today is more of a rambling of mine. I think I now understand how Marita feels when she said she has been feeling rather down. I'm feeling somewhat the same.

Sometimes you just don't feel like writing though you know you feel like it. Again. More rantings and at this juncture, I'm not even sure if I make much sense let alone come up with a readable piece. I envy Bertha and her gift of penning words like it was river nile.

Recovery Time

2005-11-07T20:12:00.000+08:00

Rendang ayam, rendang daging, ketupat, lemang, Raya cookies, nasi himpit, kuah kacang, nasi beriyani and the list goes on and on. These were among some of what I have savoured during the Deepa Raya festival. Deepa as in Deepavali and Raya as in Hari Raya. Once again, this year the festival of light and the Hari Raya festival coincides with one another marrying two celebrations at one time. Both celebration with its own festivities and not to mention glorious array of food. Some traditional, others were added along as time goes by to meet the ever changing demands and what's in fashion at the time. Nevertheless, traditions are not forgotten in every household.

I've barely recovered from the ever so long weekend. I think there should be a day to recover all that long break. Deepa Raya is a rather significant time for me. It's a sign that December is drawing near and that Christmas is fast approaching. The season of giving and receiving. Oh joy! Oh joy! A time to be meeting old friends and maybe make some new ones along the way. The time to bring out that good old Christmas CD, a time to celebrate and to be thankful for the things we have. A time for celebrating. Yes. It's almost Christmas and already I'm playing "I'll be home for Christmas" by Michael Buble.

Hari Raya Celebration

2005-11-03T19:07:00.000+08:00

It's Hari Raya once again and life in KL becomes quiet once again as city folks heads back to their beloved kampung (hometown) to be with their loved ones. During this time, it's just wonderful to be able to roam around the streets of KL with no jam, very little cars and did i mention no jam. I was thinking now this could be a great time for me to catch up a few movies with less people forming a queue and getting tickets would be a breeze. I was wrong. I was DEAD wrong.

The queue was no where short and the line was already forming itself like a snake taking it's afternoon nap. Lucky for yours truly, I had made an early reservation of ticket through M-Cinema (one of the beauties of mobile telecommunication services) the day before. Most of which were city dwellers who either do not have a kampung to return to or decided to celebrate Hari Raya in the city. I was so hoping for some peace and quiet and not to mention never having to queue up for popcorns and caramel sugared-water (coke to most of us). But lo and behold, if the telephone booking counter line was short, it made up for at the popcorn counter.

I decided to stay home the following day and catch up on all the tv programs. I'd rather hibernate at home than having to fight my way through the crowd for food (very limited shops were opened during the festive season) or just to catch a movie.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated with much fanfare as it denotes the end of Ramadhan, the fasting month. It also celebrates yet another successful fasting month and to the retailers, yet another great month of extra sales. To others, the festive season also means extra holiday and in this case, it was a very long weekend. Long indeed for it coincided with Deepavali, the festival of light celebrated by all Hindus.

Hari Raya would not have been the same without the much anticipated and much awaited Open House that all Malaysians are so familiar with. Every year ministers and celebrities alike organize their open house with much fanfare. Of course, this means plenty of free food and the opportunity to shake hands with them or the very least, to be able to rub shoulders with them.

So to all fellow bloggers celebrating Aidifitri, here's wishing you Selamat Hari Raya.

Feeling Festive...

2005-10-25T20:13:00.000+08:00

Huuraah!!! It's the festive time of the year once more. This time we have Deepa Raya (Deepavali and Hari Raya being celebrated one after another due to its date) coming up again and I'm so looking forward to celebrating both festivities. Being a Malaysian, one cannot help but be feeling festive. After all, any reason is always a good reason to celebrate and this time, its the Deepa Raya. Moreover, the fact that there will be a long holiday ahead does seem to put a smile on everyone's face whether you're celebrating Deepa Raya or not. I love our festivals in Malaysia. It unites people, bond families and strengthen camaraderie. In a multi-racial country with diverse ethnic groups, harmony is always created through festivities and the attending of "open house".

Shopping complex is playing Hari Raya songs and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is jam packed with people selling all sort assortments from food to apparel to foot wear to jewellery to songkok to table clothes... you name it, they've got it all at the Ramadhan Bazaar. I always love mingling amongst shoppers at Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman while observing people using their creative skills to promote and sell their goods. If you happen to be around KL at this time of the year, you must (I wouldn't take no for an answer) take a trip to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and embrace the experience. Here's a tip, always BARGAIN BARGAIN BARGAIN!!! That's the beauty about the Ramadhan Bazaar. You can always get a good bargain. Provided you know how to bargain. The power is in your hands.

The one and only...

2005-10-19T18:40:00.000+08:00

I am committed. There I've said it. It's not what you think. Don't get me all wrong. It's nothing like that. I'm not getting hitched. I'm getting married. I've finally made a decision. After all that searching and getting to you the kind I like or don't like. What suits me best... finally, I've only got the hots for Mac (a.k.a iBook G4). Like I've said, it's not what you think and I am not getting hitched.

If Marita has her Fuji Finepix S9500 to toy with, then I have my iBook G4. I've been giving it too much thought but finally, I've decided that it's now or never. It's a Mac that reflects the person I am. I want it to reflect me. Like the style I wear (more like all scrambled ensemble) and the kind of phone I use (nope, it does not even have 3G or video or any of that techie stuff other people have)or the kind of coffe I drink (I love caramel macchiato but even the locally brewed coffee of Sarawak still beats Starbuck anytime).

I'm fussy? Well, only because I have to commit myself to a computer loan and becoz they don't come cheap (anything above RM1000 is not cheap mind you coz I don't own any Gucci or Prada yet alone any Manolo Blahniks) and because they were not paid by some sugar daddy (that actually would have come in rather handy). It's my hard earned money and if I were to have to sign some one-year loan, it had better be worth it. But with the Mac, it is definitely worth it ALL!. The date is set. Next Tuesday. Me and my Mac. Isn't Mac cute? (refer to the photo). He's white and already I'm shopping for a cute bag to go with it. Sometime next week, I'd probably be blogging my way from Starbuck while sipping my hot caramel macchiato... bliss

Living in an over commercialised city

2005-10-14T20:07:00.000+08:00

I love advertisements! In fact, I can never get enough of them. Print being my favourite followed by TV ads. I love it for its creativity. I love it for its ideas. I love it for its sense of humour whether they make sense or not.

Don't get me wrong, I love advertisements but the over commercialization of festivals leave me somewhat appalled that people would go all the way to charge more than a hundred ringgit for buka puasa dinner. What's this? Can this be right? Is there no law to curb such over dramatised price? Have we already been exposed to such blatant over commercialised prices without knowing it? Will we continue to become slaves to commercial revolution? You have the right to choose so use your right wisely.

I'm baaacckk!!!

2005-10-13T17:13:00.000+08:00

As I was uploading the recent photo collection only do I realise that my last blog entry was June 14. Can you imagine that! Hmmpph!!! It felt like I was sliding into an endless pit with no way out. My writing skills seems to be a tad bland after 2 months of hibernating. A lot of things happened within 2 months. So many things happened yet I don't know where to begin. So many stories to tell yet I don't know where to start. So, I shall start here. Now. Today. For we don't live for yesterday. We live for the tomorrow.

*Hooroo...

(That's Australian for goodbye)

Sleep little baby...

2005-10-12T18:16:00.000+08:00

Sleep little baby...
Originally uploaded by Mizz Poison.

How bliss life must have been for this little child who sleeps soundly on his mother's shoulder. That's the kind of sleep everyone should try to get to rejuvenate one's body. This was one of my favourite photo taken of my godson Fahim when he fell asleep on his momma's shoulder. Sleep little baby... don't you cry...

Tea Farm 2

2005-06-14T18:06:00.000+08:00

Tea Farm 2
Originally uploaded by Mizz Poison.

Looking at this photo reminds me of serene beauty and the many wonders of mother nature. Her bounty and her gifts to us human. This was taken during one of the many trips I took to Cameron Highlands. Ahhh.... the cool highland weather, the luscious strawberries, the warmth of teh tarik (tea served the Malaysia way), that fresh flowers that I never fail to buy by the dozens (for they are dirt cheap!!!), that to-die-for scones at Ye Olde Smokehouse and Tcafe, and much much more... If ever you intend to visit Cameron, do take a break at the Bharat Tea House and order your pot of tea while enjoying this majectic and picturesque view of the tea farm. That simple pleasure one cannot miss while visiting Cameron. P/S Just don't forget to share us your photo upon your return :)

Christmas Visiting

2005-06-13T15:51:00.000+08:00

IMG_0100
Originally uploaded by Mizz Poison.

It was Christmas 2004 and I was back in Kuching for the holidays. I'm trying to post some photos here and this seems to attract me most for it was taken during the season to be jolly. I love Christmas! It is one of the best season of the year where families get together celebrating togetherness, opening up our homes to friends, relatives and carollers. Ah... Christmas truly is one of the best season of the year. It's full of warmth, passion, compassion and self-reflection of all that had happened in our lives.

Here's to more Christmas to come...

Of bitching and backstabbing

2005-06-03T17:56:00.000+08:00

CONTINUED....

Where was I? Oh yes. The academy awards for being a bitch. Now... if only they'll organize an academy award for being the best bitch, it'll give me a good reason to shop for that gorgeous red dress at a discount with hair to die for and a killer pair of heels (preferably Manolo Blahnik's)

So here's a blog dedicated to all the bitches (defined as people who once had been bitched by other green-eyed women) out there whose only fault is to be born different, bold, daring, vocal and opinionated. Come what may... you'll come out stronger, wiser and of course gorgeously popular. Trust me! They'll keep on bitching and you'll keep 'em thalking and bad that next "Best Bitch Award". Absolutely fantabulous darrrllliiinggg....

The owner of this blog does not hold any responsibility for any offence it may or may not have made in the process of writing this down. You have been warned and if this article had been offensive in any way, well, it was intended that way one way or another.

Of bitching and backstabbing

2005-05-31T18:48:00.000+08:00

Be warned. Today's feeding of the Poison blog contains some strong vocabulary that would and could offend you. Hence, please read on with caution. You have been warned. If you don't like what I have to say, you may choose to skip this blog. My sole blog duty is keep this blog as open and as honest as possible without being biased on the topics written. I am but a servant to the harsh truth that most our community prefer not to talk about.

You and me bitch about people and get bitched by people. That's the cold hard truth. There! I've said it and I cannot retract. I'm sorry... but that's what talking behind someone's back is all about. BITCHING. You may or may not have had the opportunity of being bitched. Maybe coz you (like me and the rest of this world honey) bitch about people. So, why do we bitch? If we get down to the roots of why people bitch all the time, it simply boils downs to one... JEALOUSY. Oh yes. It does not take Einstein to figure that one out. Think about it.... do we have other valid reason for all that bitching? In the end, it's all about venting out our emotions.

Today I learn not to take offence when people do bitch about me. After all, I'm not running any popularity contest nor am I in any reality show. Correct me if I am wrong. What makes people bitch about you? Could it be not for a fact that you're popular? Could it be that your already found popularity gets people to bitch about you? Popular enough that people just bitch about you? Possible. So, maybe that's what popularity brings your... unwarraned attention to the thing you say, do or express. If you are strong opinionated individual, vocal, loud, brash and forward you will be bitched. Does being forward, opinionated not to mention bold gives other people the right to bitch about you?

Either way, my reaction to all the bitching is to give no shit (pardon the language. I have warned you didn't I? After all, one can only feel touched if not honoured for having been the centre of conversation. A topic they choose over so many others. After all, isn't negative popularity still make you "popular"? Now if only they'll organize an academy award for being the best bitch (TO BE CONTINUED...)

Dream a little Dream...

2005-05-26T19:22:00.000+08:00

The American Idol 4 finale is here!!! Yay! Yes. Yes. I am one of those hopeless couch potatoes who has nothing better to watch (I have yet to get Astro connection) but a range of reality TV shows. You can say, I'm a sucker for Reality TV but only those that keeps me on my toes like the American Idol, Average Joe, The Apprentice, What not to wear, Xtreme Makeover, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Malaysian Idol. I'm a junkie for reality tv ever since 8tv went on air. Speaking of which, Rina, I just love your Quickie show.

Last night, I was watching American Idol 4 and I'm rooting for Bo Bice. Go Bo!!! You have my votes! Yeah!

You see, the American Idol or even Malaysian Idol for that matter, allows people to temporarily forget about their life and focus on the life of others who are being captured on national tv to share with million others, their dream... Aaahhh... the Malaysian Idol. The Malaysian experience of reality tv on our very own backyard in the spirit of Malaysia Boleh. I'll give them 100 points for their daring spirit and only 10 points for real talents. Of course, having said that also, I'd give 100 points to those having real talents and for their dedication and commitment to make it to the finals. And what's the deal with Akedemi Fantasia? More like much ado about nothing. Other than Vince, who truly is talented not to mention disciplined and dedicated, the rest are just resting on their laurels for fame and glam. Did they think the road to succes was going to be easy?

And so my dream is to see Jac (1st Malaysian Idol) battle it out at the world Idol and make the rest of the Malaysians proud. We can only hope she will show them Americans and Simon alike that Malaysia truly Boleh!

So, keep on dreaming... and keep your dream alive for who knows any one of us could be the next Idol. All you have to do is dreaaammmm..... ZZZzzzzzzz

Interesting Discovery

2005-05-24T17:41:00.000+08:00

As I was going through some search on the topic of RWMF, I came across a rather interesting blog that belonged to Marita Paige entitled Silver Linings. What fascinates me more is her views on topics of men, singlehood and living a life filled with nothing but shy guys. How very true. The guys we like are either...
a) Gay
b) Married
c) Engaged to be married
d) Self-centred
e) Hopelessly shy

Maybe we have to move to Mars and try to understand this phenomenon better. In this new century when life becomes more complicated and relationship becomes more complex with more new definitions coming up that describes the relationship of a man and woman, one wonders what will happen to the future relationship of a man and woman? How much more complex can a relationship become and be defined? Has society revolutionized so much that relationship is no longer simply about matters of the heart?

As I ponder on this age old question and wonder if all the good eligible guys had decided to go back to Mars? Or maybe, we have become so obsessed about being liberated that we only look for a relationship when we think we were ready and by then, all the eligible ones had been shipped back to Mars.

And as I continue to ponder on these thoughts... I wonder if I like to be the one pursuing or be pursued. When we have the guys pursuing us, we tell them off simply because they were too much for us to handle and that we were not ready... when we finally are ready and we begin to pursue guys seriously, they all are either...

a) Gay
b) Married
c) Engaged to be Married
d) Self-Centred
e) Hopelessly shy

Go figure...

It's been a while

2005-05-11T06:39:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I last jotted my entry. There are things that had happened and things that had not happened the way I would like it and things that had happened not the way I wanted but that's what the human folks call life. Along the way, I had volunteered myself for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2005. Absolutely no idea how I got selected. More so, I have absolutely no clue as to what prompted me to volunteer myself... maybe it was the nice t-shirt I saw on the organizers but they were not on sale (I had the pleasure of attending the RWMF 2004). Maybe it was the RWMF fever. Maybe it was the exciting prospect of meeting new Sarawakian friends. Maybe I begin to feel that I have begun to lost touch with my roots. Maybe...

Maybe it was the crazy party people I saw at the fest last year. Maybe I want to be part of that crazy party people. Maybe I'm looking for some magic amidst my fellow Sarawakian. Maybe it is where I'll find my answer. Maybe...

Turning 30 in style?

2004-12-13T19:02:00.000+08:00

So how does it feel to be single at 30? About a week before my 30th birthday, I found out that a friend of mine has decided to join the ranks of "married" folks by getting engaged. Sure, all of us are happy for him. Despite the sudden decision and the quick engagement date, we were all happy for him. Finally, one of our 30-year old will be getting hitched. So, where does that leave us (referring to the other 30-year old)? Never had I imagined being single at 30. But here I am being 30 and still single.

Does turning 30 and still single means we have missed the boat? How does one become the new age single of 30 somethings? As we grow older, are we also becoming more picky in selecting a partner for ourselves?

Breaking up is the hardest thing to do?

2004-11-23T18:00:00.000+08:00

For the initiator, it is never easy to say "let's break-up". Especially when the other party does not know of it yet but will soon get his/her heart broken. So much so, there's plenty of songs written about breaking-up. So much so, there is an art to breaking-up. So much so, it involves a lot of drama as it can emotionally drain a person. But why do people break-up? Is there such thing as a good timing to breaking-up?

No matter how many time we have gone through break-ups either we initiate it or it was initiated by the other party, we always never fail to feel bad to remorse about it. So, why the break-up? People break-up for many reasons and no matter how much we say it's never fair, in truth, is life ever fair? My brother recently broke up with his girlfriend. Though he never really announced it proper it was my instinct that made me asked him how is his relationship going on with the girlfriend. And that was when he broke the news. Though I was never that close with my younger brother yet deep inside me I can sense his loss. It was by mutual agreement of course but nevertheless, it's the feeling of losing that someone special you had shared part of your life with that makes breaking up the hardest thing to do.

Breaking up is never easy is I know.... and Abba seem to know this well enough to make the phrase part of the lyric to one of their singles.

Still Singling Away

2004-11-22T18:06:00.000+08:00

The idea of attending another wedding is always a sure sign that I can be liberated being single and all. But at the end of the day, one just has to look to the left (or the right) and notice how empty the seat is and in a desperate attempt to not sound paranoid of feel desperate, I usually chat away with friends but that nagging feeling always find its way back.

I was attending yet another wedding and this time, it was held at a ballroom somewhere in KL. Everyone looking resplendant and not to mention the blushing bride seem to be... well, blushing. Standing tall next to the bride is the bridegroom missing only the shining armour and his horse. Dressed in the traditional baju melayu suit matching pelikat and tanjak, he looked ever so proud to finally show the world that he has scored himself a bride. I can only wonder what goes through the bride's mind as she walks down the aisle smiling prettily...

As I began to picture my "fairy-tale wedding" in my head, I realise that every girl would have their idea of a "fairy-tale wedding". What's yours? After having attended countless number of weddings (and usually they are malay type weddings), I would have to say that nothing beats having your closest friends and colleagues attending your wedding amidst the sea of uncles, aunties, cousins, great grandaunties, great granduncles, nephews, nieces, third cousin, etc...etc.. would be the best wedding of all. To share that one special moment with people that truly matters. And no ballroom type wedding for me that's for sure. Just open air wedding by the beach with a sunset at the background and surrounded by thousand of candles and tealight. Where people can come in just their pareos and loose shirt, linens and khaki pants with no formalities and no frills.... just a good old family and friends gathering to cheer on the auspicious occasion. Where people need not worry about evening gowns or suits or formalities. Just good old fun where people will remember by its simplicity so they can focus on the main agenda; the exchange of vows made by two people who are determined to grow old together till death do they part....

While that picture is still building in mind, I was of course awoken by the sound of music from the movie Puteri Gunung Ledang describing about the "Asmaradana" of both the bride and bridegroom while they put up slides of all the photos of growing up. Yes. The final call of embarrassing the bride and groom before they head off into couplehood.

Best wishes to the bride and groom and like the good old wordings from ancient vows.... till death do they part....

The Elder Sister

2004-11-19T11:34:00.000+08:00

If you're a female, single, living the city, the eldest in the family, have got a 19 turning 20 young brother that is still studying and happens to be the youngest in the family, supporting your youngest brother through university, then you would know where I would be coming from.Ever have a sibling that you just don't seem to understand much and seem to have all the brains and all the good results but are so disorganized? I have and sometimes he just drives me up the wall. No matter how much you try to not be like the "nagging mother" they already have in their closet, no matter how much you think they should be treated like an adult, well, don't. If they cannot decide simple things such as which flight to book and what course to take or which university to apply, you need not bother treat them like an adult. Just tell them what you want them to do!Still, there is an old malay saying "takkan putus air dicincang". Blood is certainly thicker than water and no matter how much we would love to hate them, we hate not to look out for them. After all, family is still family and no amount of ignoring could take away the hideous little remark they made nor take away the pain of seeing them make more mistakes (usually the same old one) over and over again.Maybe its our way to learning as well. Maybe there is never a right way or that one method to teach a brother and no amount of anger or bitterness could wipe away the fact that we are after flesh and blood and perhaps one day they will learn to appreciate all that constant nagging. One day.... maybe...