A Smörgåsbord of Stuff

Yang

2011-03-18T17:20:00.000+08:00

Roland called me his "isteri yang ku tersayang".

I think he meant "isteriku tersayang"

Meme

2011-03-08T17:48:00.002+08:00

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7.45 am

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Toy Story 3. Yup, it has been that long.

4. What is your favourite sport to watch? Gymnastics.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?

6. What is your middle name? Going by the Chinese names, the middle name would be 霞

7. What food do you dislike? All the Malaysian sauces/pastes made from fermented seafood/durian - budu, cencalok, belacan, tempoyak. I avoid food with too much artificial colouring, they creep me out.

8. What is your favourite CD at the moment? None.

9. What kind of car do you drive? A french car manufactured in Malaysia.

10. Favourite sandwich? BLT. Call me boring.

11. What characteristic do you despise? People who need to step on others to feel tall. Selfishness.

12. Favourite item of clothing? White tops. Any white tops.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Italy.

14. Are you an organised person? Most of the time.

15. Where would you retire to? I haven't seen enough of the world yet, but if I need to decided now, it will most probably be Australia.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? 2006, the year I broke up with my ex-bf. My best friends gathered all other girl friends to celebrate at a nice restaurant.

17. What are you going to do when you finish this? Go home. It's International Women's Day and I'm meeting up with my girlfriends! (And I was done working an hour ago).

18. Furthest place you are sending this? Nowhere, no one else reads this blog. Except for La Isleña, and this is an old meme from her.

19. Person you expect to send it back first? Err... no one.

20. When is your birthday? I was born in March.

21. Morning person or a night person? Morning is more productive for me.

22. What's your shoe size? 5.

23. Pets? I can't wait to own dogs.

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Married life is great!

25. What did you want to be when you were little? A graphic artist.

26. How are you today? Tired but happy because it's been a productive day at work.

27. What is your favourite flower? Calla lilies.

28. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Public holidays and weekends.

29. What are you listening to right now? Co-workers all relaxed and chattering away happily, as everyone winds down.

30. What was the last thing you ate? McD from downstairs. The quickest thing I could grab.

31. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? Blue.

32. How is the weather right now? Sunny.

33. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Roland, telling him I'm meeting my girlfriends for dinner.

34. Favourite soft drink? Not a fan of soft drink.

35. Favourite restaurant? No particular favourite.

36. Hair colour? Black.

37. What was your favourite toy as a child? I didn't have much. There's a teddy bear that I treasured - it was kept in a cupboard most of the time coz it was too precious to play with.

38. Winter or Summer? It's summer all year round here. But I definitely prefer cold weather. Yeah, yeah, the grass is always greener.

39. What is your favourite sport to play? No sports.

40. Gold or Silver? Silver. Gold looks too tacky.

41. Coffee or tea? I love both.

42. Do you want your friends to email you back? None to speak of in the Blogsphere

43. When was the last time you cried? Last month perhaps.

44. What is under your bed? Lint.

45. What did you do last night? Worked on a report I had to submit today.

46. What are you afraid of? Snakes. People close to me dying.

47. Salty or sweet? Salty.

48. How many keys on your key ring? 5.

49. How many years at your current job? 3.5 years

50. Favourite day of the week? Friday.

51. Do you make friends easily? Yes, only when I want to.

52. When did you become an atheist? Never.

53. Are you currently in a serious relationship? Yes.

54. What was your dream growing up? To see the world.

55. What talent do you wish you had? Drawing. And writing.

56. If I bought you a drink what would it be? Right now, I want the Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte.

57. Favourite vegetable? Lady's fingers.

58. What was the last book you read? Reading the Anne Perry series.

59. What sign are you? Pisces.

60. Worst habit? Impatience when I have to repeat something over and over again.

61. If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? I would love to, but it's too dangerous these days.

62. Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude? More optimistic than pessimistic.

63. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? Hope that we can at least have a decent conversation until the elevator is fixed.

64. Worst thing to ever happen to you? Nothing really bad has happened, I've been lucky.

65. Tell me one weird fact about you. I suspect I have mild OCD, which I try very hard to control.

66. What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly? I'd worry about the mess in the living room and then quickly offer you a drink.

67. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? Scary. I watched a little bit of "It" and have been scarred since.

68. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? Just about 2 inches taller would be nice.

69. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Both, depending on what it is.

70. What colour eyes do you have? Dark brown.

71. Ever been arrested? No.

72. If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? Donate some to charity, take my family and friends for a nice dinner, take a holiday.

73. Favourite band to listen to when you're mad? No music when I am mad.

74. What's your favourite place to hang out at? One of the many cafes/restaurants in Bangsar. And now my new home.

75. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.

76. Favourite thing to do in your spare time? Read.

77. Do you swear a lot? I try not to.

78. Biggest pet peeve? Stupidity.

79. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Balanced.

80. Do you believe/appreciate romance? I do.

81. What was the last book you bought? Too long ago, I can't remember. I have stopped myself, as there are just too many books I still haven't read.

82. Name a book you have read MORE than once. Agatha Christie's books.

83. Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? Not yet.

84. Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Definitely fiction.

85. What's more important in a novel. Beautiful language and/or humour.

86. Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment? Several books by Anne Perry. One by JD Robb.

87. Have you ever given up on a book halfway in? I'd prefer to say No, because I have some books which I have read half-way, for months/years now. I refuse to give up.

FAQ

2011-03-08T17:07:00.002+08:00

Since the wedding in January, everyone has been asking me 2 questions:

1. How's married life?
2. When you having kids?

Two weeks after the wedding, one of my aunts touched my boobs and belly and said - you pregnant yet? Yup, I was aghast too. But honestly I should not be, because this was the aunt who asked my mom - how did I find a man who does not mind that I am so fat and that I am older than him.

I have great relatives. Don't you dare envy me.

In place of Xanax

2010-12-16T17:57:00.003+08:00

The countdown begins...

I finally understand why brides-to-be turn into bridezillas.

It is not planning the wedding, it is dealing with people. Unreasonable people. People who do not understand that this is my wedding. I am tired of dealing with people's demands. What I should do and what I should not do.

If you can't help me, just don't give me grief. That is all I ask.

Planning my own wedding should be fun. Not like this. I never imagined it to be like this.

I take deep breaths and tell myself to relax. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not.

I don't wanna bitch about it, but I need an outlet. Once it is out of system, I can move on. So you, my blog, is my outlet. I am hoping to look back on this and be able to laugh about it.

Meanwhile, I will take a step at a time. One day at a time.

23.10.2010

2010-10-23T10:23:00.000+08:00

Today

I will marry my best friend

the one I laugh with

live for

dream with

love

How to know if you are in the city or in a small kampung

2010-10-18T09:00:00.000+08:00

Check the ice in your teh ais/nescafe kaw ais/cham peng.

If the ice is regular ice cube/crushed ice, then you are in a small town/kampung.

If you are in a city, the ice has holes in the middle ;)

By the way...

2010-10-14T23:49:00.002+08:00

... I am back!

I am not perfect

2010-10-14T23:38:00.003+08:00

I've never been that lucky to have huge Bambi-like eyes.

Not only that, I have one eye which has single eyelid (Asians would understand what I am referring to) and the other with double eyelids. Which means one eye looks bigger than the other one. Usually this is masked behind my glasses.

And when I got conjunctivitis on the smaller eye, and it got so swollen that it was barely half the size of the other one.

The difference between both eyes became even more noticeable.

Now the conjunctivitis is gone, and the size is again back to normal.

Unfortunately, people who noticed the swollen eye from the infection still think that my right eye is still swollen because it's smaller than the other one.

Sigh.

275 days and counting...

2010-04-16T09:22:00.003+08:00

I have just been reminded that our wedding is only 275 days away.

And I'm getting my first cold feet.

My heart is still beating furiously as I am typing this, and the only thing louder that my beating heart is the banging of keys on my laptop.

I want to cry. And I don't know why.

Maybe I am overwhelmed at the number of things I need to do. The only thing I have done is only to book the venue of our dinner reception. And our photographer for the actual wedding day. Some friends are saying, I still have plenty of time. Others react with high-pitched voices when I tell them that the only thing I have done is to book our reception venue.

275 days is still a looong way to go. I know. But when we set our wedding day, it was more than 365 days away. What happened to those friggin' 90 days. With 275 days, I have 3x of the same 90 days. Which means a quarter of that time had gone by!

Make no mistake here, I am not nervous about the commitment, I am not getting cold feet about getting married. I am so ready for the marriage.

I am just worried about the wedding day.

Only in China

2010-04-03T12:54:00.004+08:00

Only in China, can you find...

... elderly ladies dancing/exercising in public parks every morning

... couples taking pre-wedding photos (in 5C, no less) at the Temple of Heaven

... gloves pre-fixed on motorcycles for cold winter days

... mobile hairdressers

... girls wearing 4-inched boots (with studs and ribbons) on the slopes of the Great Wall

... old ladies sporting panda hats at the Great Wall of China

... the yummiest Peking duck

... 14 year-old fashionistas in colour-coordinated outfits at the Great Wall

... squatting toilets with kois swimming under you as you answer nature's call

... your host treating you to exotic food like camel hoofs

2010-02-06T19:12:00.000+08:00

Roland's grandma's new maid ran away recently.

They now have a temporary maid from Cambodia. His grandma and aunt have been having problems with her because she does not speak a word of English and they have been communicating using sign language. Another issue they have with the diminutive girl is that she cannot reach some of the cabinets due to her height (apparently she's really tiny). She also has to be taught several times for the simplest tasks. It's just a matter of time before she is returned to the maid agency.

I told Roland, if it was me, I would probably keep her. Just being being here, it's obvious that she needs the money, for her and probably her family too. She's barely out of her teens, I bet it's not easy for her to leave her family and country to a foreign country where she knows no one, just to earn some money.

It is not her fault that she does not speak English. If everyone keeps rejecting her because she does not speak English, she would never get the chance to learn English! (Reminds me of the time when I first graduated and was told a few times that they could not hire me because I lack experience! I'd never get any experience if no one gives me my first job!).

And her small size is definitely not her fault. She's born that way, and I am sure she has been teased enough in her life for her tiny size. I have to see it from Roland's family's point of view as well. His grandma is wheelchair-bound, and it does take a lot of strength to move her from her wheelchair to the car and vice versa.

After this temporary stint, I do hope that she will find a nice family who will give her a chance.

Resolution for 2010

2010-02-02T14:14:00.004+08:00

I have never been one to have new year's resolutions simply because I could never keep them, and before February could say hello, I would have forgotten about my resolutions.

When we ushered in 2010, as usual, I did not bother with any resolutions.

But right now, I think I need to have a resolution for this year (the exact time of the year when I normally would have forgotten my resolutions). The need for a resolution stems from the fact that I will be getting married soon (well, not that soon) and wedding preparations have begun.

Though we are at the beginning of the planning, I have found myself gritting my teeth, counting 1-10 in my head and inhaling and exhaling quietly in measured breaths.

I know there will be many more similar situations from now until our wedding day.

My resolution is to be patient when dealing with people. God knows I need plenty of that.

thetreedweller

2010-01-22T17:47:00.002+08:00

I walked into the café, looking around for that “familiar” face. I was not sure if she would be alone, or with another “familiar” face. I recognized her immediately. She looked exactly the same, though I noticed she’s lost weight.

She broke into a grin when she noticed me walking towards her. We hugged.

There was so much we wanted to talk about, three years worth of sharing. We knew so much about each other, and yet we knew so little about each other. Some parts of the jigsaw were missing, which we quickly filled.

Stories of love lost, love found. Love when we weren’t looking. Love when we weren’t expecting. Love we’re both basking in. Of being cougars. Family drama that surrounds us whether we like it or not. Marriage and responsibilities. Career paths. Children! Baggage, and more baggage.

After 2½ hours, we said our farewells. More hugs, more “let’s keep in touch”.

And after so many years, I finally found out my blogger friend’s real name. J

P/S: Busy bee, too bad you were caught in a meeting. Busy as a bee. Next time, k.

An Awesome Lunch: THANK YOU!

2010-01-11T18:43:00.005+08:00

It was great how people came forward to help with the Christmas lunch we arranged for the kids and old folks at the home we visited (Persatuan Warga Tua (dan Kanak-kanak) Wilayah Persekutuan).

We brought enough KFC for lunch and dinner, plus chocolate cupcakes AB1 baked specially for them. The funds collected (RM 848.88) was more than what we needed for the lunch, so we bought stationeries for the kids (for the new school term) and groceries and treats.

Just like last year, the kids lined up in a row (yes, the totally unheard of thing in Malaysia - queuing! Go to any warehouse sale and you can see how Malaysians could learn a thing or two from these kids) to wish us Merry Christmas. At first, I wondered why they were in a row, until the kid at the front of the line wished me "Merry Christmas Aunty!" (Yes, yes, we're all in the "Aunty" category now).

We wondered why the kids did not start eating even after they each had their KFC snack plate in front of them, and thought they were probably waiting for us to tell them to start. So we said "Go ahead, eat, eat" only to be told by one of the older kids "We must pray first".

Sugee and I looked at each other and smiled sheepishly.

How often do we remember to say thanks for the food that we eat, for the roof over our heads and for the clothing on our backs, if ever? How often do we say thanks for what we have?

Not often enough. But it's never too late to start.

And with that, I am thankful that my Christmas wish came true. I am thankful that I can do something to bring a little cheer to some kids and old folks. I am thankful that I have generous friends who came forward to contribute towards a good cause.

A big hug to the below contributors:

Sugee

Angams

Michelle

Cheech

AB1

AB3

SIL (Sister-in-law)

Roland's aunts & grandma

Roland's mom

Baks

Mika

Love y'all long long time!

My Christmas Wish is Coming True!

2009-12-23T17:31:00.002+08:00

My Christmas wish is coming true!

To date, we have collected RM 588.88! Plus cupcakes!

A big THANK YOU to:

Sugee aka Cool (yes, Sugee means Cool in Japanese)

Angams

Michelle

Cheech (she of the Minty Butt fame)

AB1

AB3

SIL (Sister-in-law)

Will blog more on this later.

My Christmas Wish List - 2009

2009-12-16T15:14:00.005+08:00

In no particular order...

A pair of earrings for regular wear. My ex-boss once told me that you should not leave your pierced ears empty, or luck will flow through. Diamond ones wouldn't hurt ;-)

Dan Brown's latest book - The Lost Symbol. No hardcover though, I prefer paperback (is that even out yet?) Actually any book would do.

A pedicure (and manicure).

A potted plant to replace the one in the office which I brought home but never brought it back.

A new phone. My most expensive phone, that K-can't-remember-which-model, the first one with that 3.2 MP cybershot camera, which I paid ~~a king's ransom~~ RM1,000 for, died after 3.5 years. For the last 2 months, I have been using Roland's old phone. Pictured below is the E52, which I would love to get my hands on, but at RM1200, that's way out of my budget.

A white gold necklace. I have several nice pendants but no necklace. One snapped, and I am allergic to the one I have.

An air ticket anywhere. I am off the last week of December, from Christmas to New Year's and I wouldn't mind a short holiday somewhere. Or next year. Any time, I am not fussy. And I'm cheap, AirAsia is fine. (Hint, hint, AirAsia is having a sale now - see below banner).

A weekend away at a nice hotel. Room service with shitloads of shows - Weeds, Grey's, Drop Dead Diva, Royal Pains. Heard Mad Men is good too. Below pic is from Le Meridien, Kuala Lumpur. Told ya I am not fussy.

A Coach wristlet (model - Brooke) for my lunch-time use. So that I don't bring along my huge bag. Enough for a packet of tissue paper and some change.

Thomas Sabo charm bracelet. I have 2 charms, but no bracelet.

(OK, I lied. Below is my NUMBER ONE wish!)

CASH DONATION

I will use that money to buy some nice lunch for kids at a orphanage. We have done this with Sugee before, bought KFC lunch for kids at some obscure orphanages in Kepong. They are not one of those well-known orphanages (by well-known, I mean, they don't usually get free tickets to matinees nor do they get featured in newspapers). So, come on people, please, please donate generously. Email me at sherrygin[at]gmail[dot]com for my account number.

29.11.2009

2009-12-01T23:39:00.003+08:00

The past two years have been wonderful.
And there will be many more to come.
I would like to take care of you for the rest of our lives.
Will you marry me?

YES.

Friday Snippets

2009-09-11T18:51:00.000+08:00

Work

The Good - Had a one-to-one with Bossman on what kind of help I need and Bossman is gonna write a JD for the new role, which I will review and hopefully, we can start looking for a person for that role.

The Bad - It is the quarter end (again) and when the ending of something, comes the beginning of something else (something else = next quarter). Lots of reports, forecasting, analysis to do, and before long, I will be dreaming in MS Excel format again (yes, it is very blogworthy, and I shall blog about it one day).

The Ugly - I am so overworked that I'm gonna turn ugly soon. If I do not get my help (see The Good), it will not just be Ugly, it will be Nasty.

Good Busy

The Good - We have made the offer.

The Bad - The other party is taking his bloody own sweet time.

The Ugly - We may rescind the offer.

Friday

The Good - It's a Friday, y'all!

The Bad - I am still waiting for my ride (It is 6:51pm now)

The Ugly - Is what I will turn into if my dinner isn't yummy as I am so dying for something yummy.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Back... With No Updates

2009-09-03T18:48:00.003+08:00

Yes, this place is so neglected that it is growing cobwebs and I am beginning to forget the password to this place.

It has been a combination of bad busy and good busy.

Bad busy - a colleague resigned and I am left doing 4 persons' jobs. Why four? Because, between the two of us, we did 4 persons' job. So now, there's only me. In my annual evaluation, I hope my boss fills in "very high risk" under the column "Risk of Flight".

Good busy. Hmmm. I will share soon *keeping fingers crossed*

I shall endeavour to update more often. And it's a promise. Yes, I promise to endeavour to update more often. Still a promise.

Money CAN Buy Happiness

2009-08-21T17:38:00.003+08:00

When we were in Bangkok recently, Nephew was given some money to buy something he liked. He spotted a tiny Lego set he wanted and it was THB 320. He was short of about THB 100. I told him, to ask everyone nicely for THB 20 each so that he could buy the gift for himself. I prodded him to ask Sis for THB 50 as she is known to be a bit tight-fisted.

"Kuku, may I have THB 50?"

"What do you want to buy?"

"My own happiness."

Nephew turns 9 today.

A Minty Birthday

2009-08-06T08:30:00.001+08:00

It did not take long to plan.

All I needed to do was to gather a few friends and told them to free their Sunday. Brunch was the initial plan. We were listing our guests when I suddenly had a brilliant idea. Why not a karaoke party coz Cheech is a karaoke junkie!

AB3 was skeptical, "but you would so suffer through it."

"Yeah, but it's not MY party, it's HER party and she was totally love it!"

We had a theme - green and white. I wanted to make it minty. Booked a VIP room, got some green and white balloons, green and white cupcakes (with mint chocolate chip!), green ribbons to decorate the room, and a green gift!

(for some unknown reason, this pic just wouldn't rotate!)

She was totally surprised (she expected it was just a lunch date between Q, me and her) as she never expected a surprise birthday party (you could tell from her attire that she was ready for a lazy Sunday - sweat pants from Hard Rock Bali and tie-and-dye tee from Bali, too!) Much less at a ktv joint. I think she absolutely loved the fact that we had a theme, loved the balloons floating in the air and did I tell you that it was a ktv party?!

We sang a medley of songs - Michael Jackson's hits, Malay songs, Jason Mraz, Pink, Katy Perry, oldies, two Chinese songs. And of course, where there's music Cheech must dance! It was a riot! Everyone had a good time.

A special shoutout to: Casey, Mika, Q, AB3, Sae Min (next time, please don't forget to inform Gavin of the theme), Gavin (next time, please ask Sae Min if there's any theme), Chris, Roland - THANK YOU for making the ktv party a success.

A VERY special shoutout to Cheech - Happy Birthday Babe! May your arse stay fresh and minty always. xoxoxo

There's Always A Reason

2009-08-03T18:38:00.002+08:00

Any one who has lived in Malaysia knows that double parking is a way of life here. In some parts of KL, you can double park even if there is a police beat box barely 50 metres down the road and no, you will not get a ticket for it.

We parked in a proper parking lot in front of the bank. When we came out, there was a car double parked behind our car and the driver was no where in sight. Roland gave a short honk. The lorry driver parked right next to our car gestured with his palm, asking us to wait and I could hear him say that the owner was"at the bank". A few minutes passed and the driver of the car who was blocking our car (and the lorry next to us) had not returned.

We found it odd that the lorry driver next to us, whose vehicle was also blocked did not kick up a fuss. We guessed it was probably someone he knew.

I could see Roland's nostrils flaring. His patience was running thin. I quietly told him, it's okay, we are not in a hurry. Let's wait a while more.

And then we saw this old pakcik in hobbling out of the bank. He looked like a person who has survived a stroke, but whose movements are severely impaired. He was walking at half a step at a time, with the aide of a walking stick. He saw us in the car and waved his hand to apologise. Roland and I both quickly replied with a wave and a smile, indicating, it's ok, take your time.

I looked at Roland.

He said "I would never have forgiven myself if I had honked rudely and loudly. No wonder the lorry driver asked us to wait. He must have seen the pakcik walking in. There's always a reason."

Luggage Limit

2009-07-31T14:47:00.002+08:00

“There is a luggage limit for every passenger on a flight. The same rules apply to your life. You must eliminate some baggage before you can fly.”

I found this in a blog this morning. It was just two days ago my bestie, AB1 and I discussed the topic of baggage.

After every relationship, you walk out with a ton of baggage. Do you carry the same baggage into the next relationship? Does the next relationship stand a chance at all, when it is weighed down so much from the beginning.

When Roland and I first got together, I told him of my insecurities. He knew of my baggage as we had been friends for a while before I ~~put the spell on him~~ charmed him with my personality. I told him that I had my baggage and I was working on them. I did not expect him to deal with my baggage, it was not fair to him. However, I told him that I hoped for his understanding and patience while I worked on them.

He stood by me, as I dealt with my issues. Always watching and ready to offer a shoulder, an ear at the slightest indication that I needed his help. We talked, we discussed, we shared. Even when I did not make sense, he understood.

We have come a long way. We haven't reached our destination. YET.

But the flight is definitely getting smoother.

Verdict: After One Month

2009-07-31T11:00:00.001+08:00

It has been a full month since I started going to the gym.

The first week, I went about 4 times. The second week, I clocked about 5 times I think. The third week, I got the flu and was at home most of the time. I wanted to go to the gym but AB1 advised against it as exercising when you are sick can make you sicker. The fourth week, 3 times.

So how has it been for me?

I like how pumped up I feel after a workout. I like how fresh I feel and I am not feeling as lethargic as I did. It all sounds so cliched, I know but it's the truth. I have more energy, I feel healthier. After working up a sweat, I feel so much fresher.

The last 2 years, I don't have dreamless sleep anymore. Apparently you dream every night. It is only whether you recall your dreams the next morning. If you had a good sleep, then chances are you will not recall your dreams. Only when the sleep quality is low, do you remember your dreams. Even after 8 hours of sleep, sometimes I do not feel rested. For the last month, I'm glad to say that I am better rested on fewer hours of sleep. And I don't remember my dreams the next morning (most of the time at least). I take it as a sign that I sleep better now.

Do I feel happier? I can't tell. Exercise stimulates endorphin production and endorphins makes you feel oh-so-good. I cannot see a marked difference in the way I feel. However after each gym session, I feel happy that I enjoyed my exercise very much. That's definitely something good.

Another thing which I enjoy very much about exercising is this is another activity which I get to do with Roland. We both love good food, we love watching TV (though we hardly have time for it these days, we usually catch up on our shows during weekend getaways like this), we enjoy movies (sometimes different genres), we love travelling (which we hope to do more, alas our next trip to Jakarta has been cancelled). We have our own hobbies which the other does not like, him with his anime and me and reading. So, going to the gym is another activity which we both share and love and we get to spend time together. Killing two birds.

So what's my verdict about exercising and gymming?

Noice. I loike. :D

(Ask me in another 6 months time. I'm praying hard that I will still give you the same answers).

Popeye

2009-07-21T00:01:00.000+08:00

The house on the left was occupied by a young Hainanese family with 2 kids - a boy my age, Aun and his younger sister (I can't remember her name).

Aun and I used to play in the evenings, he was one of my few playmates then. I don't recall any toys, mainly playing in the compound of our houses. He was a pretty docile boy, and I used to be the leader in all the games we played. He was happy to just follow my lead.

One evening, we were playing in the compound. I think we were about 5 then. All three of us were huddled together, digging dirt with some sticks. I don't think we were planting anything, just squatting together and digging and digging while talking.

I don't know what prompted me to tell Aun "if you eat a bit of soil, you will be strong like Popeye". Popeye was like da man! No matter what Brutus did to him, he would always triumph in the end.

I remember Aun asking how much he needed to eat to be strong like Popeye. Just a pinch, I said.

I nearly told him that I was just pulling his leg. But I did not.

So he took a bit of soil and swallowed it. He asked when would he be strong. I said, just wait until tomorrow.

I don't remember if he ever came back to me about that.

Malaysia (Tak Berapa) Boleh!

2009-07-16T21:31:00.001+08:00

The recent ruling to stop teaching Mathematics and Science in English is the worst decision made under Najib's administration. It has been 6 years since this program started and the government felt that the objectives were not achieved and decided to scrap this program.

I lived in a rural area until my teens. No one in my village spoke English, but my mom had the foresight to send me to a school in the town area, where I would get better education, and at least, learn how to speak English.

We speak a little bit of English at home, I conversed with my friends in English and Malay in school. Even with 5 periods of English each week in school, and speaking English to my friends, I was in for a shock when I went to university.

Everything was in English. The text books, the reference books. Some lecturers allowed our assignments and projects to be done in English but there were some who insisted we submit our work in Malay.

I saw my dorm-mates read their reference books with a dictionary next to them. Every other minute they paused to look up the meaning of words.

When the government decided to teach Math and Science in English a few years ago, I was overjoyed. There is hope for our children.

But now, that hope has been snatched away again.

Over - Easy Eggs

2009-07-14T20:21:00.005+08:00

One of my earliest memory of me as a child was when I was about 3 years old. Our house was the middle one of 3 similar houses. The Paks lived on our right, while the house on the left was occupied by a young family.

The Paks had 6 kids, the youngest of them was Pony. Pony was 7 years older than me. During the day, it was very quiet in our house. Only Mom was around, Bro and Sis were at school and so were the Pak children.

I used to run over to the Pak's house and chill out with Mrs Pak. For some reason, I called her Mama and her husband Papa.

Our houses were all alike in design. They were the typical Malay houses on stilts, but the kitchen and bathroom areas were on the ground floor. I remember sitting on the kitchen steps while Mama cooked lunch.

Every time I went over, she always fried me an egg - done over-easy, or "hor pau tan" (wallet egg). I recalled we used to have conversations, but not what they were about.

Dear Papa has passed on many years now, but last I heard Mama is still around. She must be in her 80s now.

Until now, every time I have over-easy eggs, I think of Mama's "hor pau tan".

Bribery

2009-07-01T23:19:00.006+08:00

It is every mother's dream that her child's first word is Mama or Mommy or Amma, as in AB1's case. She is no different, she has been teaching Baby Girl to call her Amma from the time Baby Girl could squeak.

When Baby Girl started saying "mmmm" each time she eats something yummy, AB1 grew more hopeful that "Amma" shouldn't be too far away. After all, it's just a matter of "aaa" before and after the "mmm".

Baby Girl's vocabulary has been growing faster than her mother's grey hairs. She is now 2 years and 3 months. When bored, she puts her hands on her waist and says "what shall I do now?"

But "Amma" is still elusive. Each time she tries "call 'Amma'", Baby Girl replies "nooo..... Amacheeee" (which is what she calls her grandmas). After many fruitless attempts, she even tried to get her daughter to call her Mommy (which is me), but to no avail.

Last Saturday, I gave Baby Girl a stuffed elephant made from Thai silk, which I got from my recent trip to Bangkok.

Her Amachee coaxed her to thank me, "darling say, 'thank you Mommy'" and that cute little thing immediately echoed "thank you Mommy...." (I am omitting the fact that she called me Mommy another two times that Saturday).

Her Amma couldn't believe her ears - after 9 months of looking and feeling like a beached whale, 2 dozen bottles of Gaviscon, contractions, stitches, dirty diapers, midnight feeds, terrible-two tantrums...

And her darling daughter called her bestie "Mommy" first.

Never question the power of a Thai-silk stuffed toy elephant.

10 Things I Learned on My First Day at the Gym

2009-07-01T22:36:00.007+08:00

1. There are 2 categories of attire of the gymmers. The flabby ones wear long and loose t-shirts, usually short-sleeved but the already skinny and muscly ones wear body hugging tees (for the males) and midriff baring tees (for the females).

2. The showers are great, due to the strong pressure of the shower heads.

3. It is never too late to join a gym (I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I would join a gym, but here I am, my first day!). It is very heartening to see old folks on the threadmill, doing weights, and I was a bit ashamed that it took me this long to start exercising.

4. If you think you are too fat, and are afraid to be seen exercising in a public place, don't be. There are people who are larger than you. No one cares about how you look, everyone is there because they want to be healthy.

5. Good music helps you do that extra bit as I pushed myself that liiiitle bit harder listening to Gym Class Heroes belt out Cookie Jar.

6. Having a gym buddy is very important to get you off your fat ass. I was lucky that Roland was also keen to (re)join a gym and even when I had doubts about signing up, he told me "if you keep finding excuses, you're never gonna do it".

7. The sauna and steam room are really good to open up your pores and squeeze them black and white heads out! Must remind self to bring exfoliator next time.

8. Even though there are elevators to this 4-storey gym, no one uses them!!! Everyone uses the stairs! *cry*

9. How unfit I am as I climbed 4 flights of stairs (see no. 7).

10. And the most importantly thing I learned... it's gonna take a whole lot of effort to be this size again *wail*

Bangkok: June 2009

2009-06-30T21:20:00.003+08:00

It was our first proper and complete family holiday, we have been on trips together before but Bro was always missing. It was Dad's first trip to Bangkok, he never could find the time to join us before his retirement.

We had to plan carefully, as we had a 9 year-old with us (plenty of entertainment required) and old folks (walking with enough rest in between, and yes, I think I fall in this category as well). Mom wanted to shop, Sis-in-Law (SIL) wanted to eat, eat and eat.

Our trip was a very short one, just 5D/4N for a large city like Bangkok.

In a nutshell:

Food * * * * *

Shopping * * * *

Sights * * *

People * * * * *

Company (no comment)

People * * * * *

The Thais are a bunch of friendly people, and so different from Malaysians. Every time I hear someone mention Malaysian Hospitality, I think to myself, what a load of crap. We are nowhere near the Thais (nor the Indonesians). Every restaurant, cafe, food court, roadside stall we went to, the service was excellent. When shopping, you can ask for the price, bargain and if you choose not to buy, you will not be thrown rude comments. The Thais really know what customer service is (and not reserved just for mat sallehs).

Sights * * *

We did not have time for much sight-seeing. We spent a day at the Safari World (aka zoo) where we saw lions and tigers roam in the "wild". They are well-fed, quite unlike the malnourished ones with protruding ribs you see at our zoos.

Another day was spent visiting the Bang Pa In Palace and Ayuthayya (similar to Angkor Wat, only on a much smaller scale) and on a boat cruise along the Chao Phraya river.

Shopping * * * *

We checked out Siam Paragon, things are generally more expensive but of course, some things are cheaper there.

If you are of regular size, do go to Platinum. Seven floors of clothes, prices ranging from THB 100 to THB 400 (MYR 10-40). It is similar to Sg Wang Plaza, only a whole lot more stores. Not really a place for a claustrophobic person.

My only complaint is that I did not get to check out Chatuchak.

Food * * * * *

I almost feel that I should devote one whole post on food alone. Many people I speak to were surprised that I had such awesome things to say about the food in Bangkok. I must state that everyone in my family except for dear Nephew loves everything and anything that is spicy so Bangkok was like heaven to us.

Mom and SIL had very specific things they wanted to eat. I was not really particular.

1. Sorntharn Restaurant near President Park Service Apartment

Every dish was good but the most notable dish has to be this cold salad of raw crabs topped with sauce of chilli, tomato, garlic and lemon. I was a bit apprehensive at first but Mom reminded me that it's just like eating sashimi, only this is Thai sashimi. I needed no further prompting.

It was really awesome. The taste of the cold crabs was fresh and sweet, and the fiery chilli gave it some ooomph (ooomph that went south to the rear end, I later discovered!). On the pic on the right, you can see the roe, which tasted really different when cooked. Instead of the firm texture we are used to, the roe is very light and you can just slurp it up. I found it very interesting.

Top Left: Deep fried fish with a very nice and refreshing mango kerabu.

Top Right: Braised goose feet with mushrooms and pork belly.

Bottom Left: Sun dried and deep fried pork.

Bottom Right: Braised prawn with glass noodles and mushrooms.

Price:

THB 2000 (about MYR 200)

2. Kungten Restaurant (on Nawamin Road)

(This is the part where I'm too lazy to talk about the trip but I shall post pics of the wonderful food *evil grin*)

Top: Steamed mussels, deep fried fish, salted baked fish
Bottom: Clear tomyam soup, grilled prawns

3. Kueh Chap at Chinatown

Pieces of pork heart, intestines, tripe, roast pork with rolled noodles in peppery soup, and served piping hot.

4. Somtham

Papaya salad served with salted baby crabs.

5. Can't remember the restaurant but it's only like 30 mins from Pattaya. We had 8 dishes (all seafoood) + 1 fried rice for Nephew, for only THB 2200 (MYR 220).

Top: Stir-fried squid with salted egg yolk, spicy and sour squid

Middle: Deep fried fish, steamed mussels, grilled prawn

Bottom: Fresh oysters, oyster dip, baked crabs

(Note: Apologies for the different sizes for the photos. I lost the plot after a while)

The Rebranding of Sexual Harassment

2009-06-17T00:33:00.000+08:00

I've just heard about a company who strongly "encourages" a few selected female employees to perform for the head honcho (and the rest of the company) during their annual dinner.

Performances by staff during annual dinners are nothing extraordinary really. It is free entertainment and everyone has a good time. Usually new recruits get this privilege.

However, there are criterias set by this company (or rather the head honcho) - age, height, weight, and probably even vital statistics. (I fail on all accounts - too much, too little, too much, too little, respectively). Some accounts say that photos of potential candidates are sent to a selection committee for review (without the candidate's permission of course). If selected, it's mandatory that you perform.

The dress code is skimpy outfit (think bikini), and you have to ~~gyrate~~ dance on stage. The winner is handsomely rewarded.

I was aghast when I heard this. It must be a chinaman company, I thought. Coz I have never heard of anything like this before (well, you have to count Hugh Hefner out, of course). Imagine my surprise when I heard that it's a large corporation, a well known name in the industry.

I told Roland about this. I asked, can you guess what company is this? He got it right on first try. I was surprised, coz I thought my news were hot off the press!

He mentioned a friend who works there and all those rumours are true. Because this friend is one of the selected performers. She has been selected to sing for their annual dinner and yes, she has to wear something sexy. How sexy, I have yet to find out.

I was even more shocked when I heard this friend has agreed to perform for the annual dinner. Allow me to state that I am not against any performances by staff during annual dinners. What I disagree is on the requirement to dress sexily for the benefit of the big guns.

Why would a woman subject herself to such harassment? For promotions and money? One might argue that a prostitute or a stripper do the same thing. True. But what one does in one's private domains is one's business. Here we are talking about a company annual dinner. It is a work affair (!). I asked myself, what would I do in such circumstances and the answer is pretty simple and straight forward.

I mentioned this to a colleague. She did not react much, citing "every company has it's own cultures".

I told her, agreed, all companies somehow have their own culture. I am an open-minded person who welcome other people's opinions and views. Hmmm... culture.

So... As this disgusting act can be rebranded as "culture", so, can we expect 6-foot males, with 6-pack abs to be parading in g-strings or maybe some manhood covers, in the program for the annual dinner? Let's not mention vital statistics. Howzabout a... umm.. say an 8 perhaps?

(I kinda dig this one, it has an ethnic feel to it, whaddya think?)

Be Right Back... Again

2009-06-10T18:00:00.002+08:00

Buttons vs. Bags

2009-06-09T12:29:00.005+08:00

I am on the lookout for a camera - a point & shoot. If I need to explain to you what a PnS is, then it's very likely that this is the camera is that most suited for you. If you still don't know what I mean, then I suggest you limit your photo-taking skills to those photo kiosks found in shopping malls (insert coin, smile, click), as you are not likely to be out of the frame (have you seen how small those kiosks are?).

Anyway, I've been eyeing this baby here:

A Panasonic Lumix LX3 retails at RM1,799 (though I am sure you can get it at RM 1,600 if you scout around). Maybe it is at this juncture that I should mention that my budget is around RM 500 (my parents have always taught me to dream BIG).

Do you see the problem now?

But I had a solution. I told AB3 that I will save up for my Lexy (yes, I have even chosen a name for my baby). I will set aside a small amount each month. I even mentally patted my own back for my money-saving plan.

Until I went to Bali. Our last hour in Bali. At the airport. We were there so darn early, none of the cafes had opened yet, so we browsed the few shops which were open at that hour.

And I saw this:

Dearest Lexy,

I know Mommy promised to come get you soon, but something came up darling,
something that is beyond Mommy's control. Please be patient ok darling. Mommy
promise to come get you ~~soon~~ one day.

Yours lovingly,
Mommy xoxoxo

Random Happiness

2009-06-05T19:35:00.000+08:00

It's Friday, my brains are fried and my ride is not here yet. Found this at Lekker Lekker Lekkerste and I'm tagging myself.

6 little things which makes me happy:

1. Books - especially books of short stories. I love how stories can be told over just a few pages. Each time I go to a book sale, I seek these books out. It matters not who the author is.
2. Rainy nights - only when I am at home.
3. Holidays - especially when it is a free and easy holiday, with eating, sleeping and watching tv the only things on the itinerary.
4. Hoity-toity cakes! I am not a dessert person but for the last three years, I have grown very fond of those hoity-toity cakes - rich cakes with cream, fudge, cheese, anything at all. The richer the better. I am just not a fan of the plain butter cake or the plain chocolate cake.
5. When Baby Girl still comes to me and kisses me, even when I have not seen her in ages.
6. A brand new handbag, especially at a discount.

Bali: May 2009

2009-06-04T22:18:00.003+08:00

In a nutshell:

Sights * * * * *

People * * * *

Hotel * * *

Beach * * *

Food * *

Company * * * *

Sights * * * * *

90% of the population are Hindus, the remaining 10% are Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. You can see temples and shrines at almost every corner of the island. Offerings (tray made of palm leaves, laden with flowers of all colours and fruits and a single joss stick) are found at these shrines, on five-foot ways, street corners, on the roads, simply everywhere!

My favourites, in descending order:

Tanah Lot - it was low tide, so we could walk right up to the huge rock where a 15th century Hindu temple sits. We were deprived of a sunset due to heavy clouds.

Uluwatu - What we missed at Tanah Lot, we were rewarded with the most beautiful sunset ever at Uluwatu, right next to a 11th century temple, which is perched on percipitous cliffs, 70m above the ocean.

The kecak dance was spectacular. The sun bidding us adieu provided the perfect background for a cultural experience, with 53 male dancers going "kecak, kecak, kecak". (I asked Cheech and AB3 to imagine 53 men with bodies like Daniel Craig, topless, with Brad Pittesque looks and both had to wipe their drool off). What was more amazing were the female dancers, lithe and supple, with fluid movements.

Tip! The monkeys are a nuisance - you have to be careful of your belongings, especially sunnies perched on your head. They are wont to steal them and just cast them down the ocean, Tom Fords or not.

Kintamani - Mount Batur is a still active volcano, the last eruption was in 1965. Our guide, Pak Yasa pointed out a wisp of smoke from the side of the mountain. Adjacent to the volcano was Batur Lake, looking very serene and tranquil.

People * * * *

We were charmed from the time our guide greeted us "Selamat Datang" at the airport. Pak Yaza (pronounce Yessir :D ) was friendly, accommodating, informative, everything you could ask for in a guide. Our driver, Pak Made was quieter, but a very nice man nonetheless.

We learned that Balinese call their firstborn - Wayan, second born - Made, third - Komang/Nyoman (not sure which or could be both) and fourth - Ketut! Throughout our stay, Pak Yaza refered to us as Wayan, Komang and Ketut!

Tourism is their main revenue generator, so at every place we visit, we were heckled to buy souvenirs and/or "services" by children and women especially. By "services" - I mean hair braiding and temporary tattoos. We were advised to just ignore them, but it's hard to not at least say "tak mau, terima kasih" (no, thank you).

Hotel * * *

We stayed at Bali Prani hotel, located at Tuban. We were fooled by the description on their website which says that "Stepping out of the Bali Prani Hotel you are just a few steps from all the great restaurants, terrific shopping and exciting night life for which Kuta beach has become famous." Maybe they forgot to mention that they meant Goliath's steps. And then some.

Apart from the distance from Kuta, the hotel is a nice, cozy and clean place, with a quaint little pool, enough for some soaking and swimming after a long day of sightseeing. It was definitely value for money.

Tip! If this is your first time travelling to Bali, I would advise you stay at Kuta. I mean like really in Kuta (and not just "a few steps from Kuta"). You might wanna ask the hotel, exactly how many steps from Kuta are they talking about. There are tons of hotels in Kuta, from Hard Rock Hotel to small cozy inns (there are plenty at Poppies Lane 1 & 2).

Beach * *

Nusa Dua - there are plenty of water sports for you to enjoy - jetski, parasail, banana boat, etc. Kuta is famous for surfing, but no motorised water sports.

I am not impressed with either beaches. Maybe because of the hype surrounding Bali, I had higher expectations. In fact, I find the Datai beach at Langkawi more beautiful.

Food * *

We had seafood dinner at Jimbaran beach. The tables were set on the beach, the sounds of the waves serenading us as we dined. The highlight of the dinner was the ambiance, and not the food.

I'd like to believe that Balinese food is much better than what we tasted, because we were not impressed at all. For people who live to eat, to suddenly eat to live, that's just so wrong.

Tip! We were lucky to have stumbled upon Bamboo Cafe, a nondescript cafe along Poppies Lane 1. It was easily the best food we had in Bali throughout the trip, and I hate to believe it had to do with several hours of walking in Kuta, being hot and muggy, with achy feet and dying of hunger and thirst. Bintang beer was smooooooth and cooooool... We even ordered a plate of baby lobsters! Food is good and cheap (only RP 182,000 or MYR 63 or USD 18). We had 2 bottles of large Bintang beer, 1 fruit punch, 1 Coke, 1 sweet and sour chicken + rice, 1 fried chicken + rice, BBQ pork ribs + chips, 1 jaffel (a very distant cousin of waffle - banana and honey sandwich - lightly toasted) and 1 plate of baby lobsters (4 pieces). Yup, good and cheap.

Tip! Try their martabak (close to our murtabak, only theirs is deep fried and look like spring roll). Our mamaks can learn something from them! And also terang bulan which is apam balik (similar to pancake, with filling). You can have a choice of filling - chocolate sauce, corn, peanuts, etc. Yum!

Company * * * *

I would gladly have awarded 5 stars but I had to take out a star from Cheech. I would have taken 2 stars out but I'm only taking one out, to maintain our friendship (Hahahahaha - insider joke). The reason for only 4 stars - I was deprived of sleep, thanks to Cheech.

AB3 and Cheech are great travelling companions, if you can ignore their jokes (Confucius says a man who run behind a bus will get...? Scroll down for answer).

.
.
.
.
.

... exhausted! (Stupid joke? Totally).

It was a good trip. A much needed holiday. Thank you girls!

(Wayan, Nyoman, Ketut)

Be Right Back...

2009-05-24T15:46:00.002+08:00

Update: Bali Trip

2009-05-19T12:36:00.006+08:00

.

(Yeah, PRECISELY!)

We are still at this stage

Twisting and Contorting

2009-05-15T18:23:00.004+08:00

When I signed up for yoga, I envisioned myself in the latest yoga gear, a mid-riff baring top, showing off my washboard stomach (yes, it is MY fantasy, I can dream whatever I want!). Soothing music plays in the background, cool breeze from the air-conditioner blows gently as I twist and contort my supple and lithe body in unimaginable ways. I imagined that each week I’d walk out of the yoga centre with a spring in my step – feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

As I said, it was fantasy.

Each week, we start off with the Sun Salutation. Imagine doing that 12 times as warm-up exercise.

After that, there would be like another 737 (I’m sticking to 737 coz it sure feels like that many) other poses to do, 735 of them which I cannot do because:
1. My belly is in the way
2. My leg/hand/body cannot support my weight
3. I tried to reacquaint myself with muscles which have since gone to retirement in Florida
4. The pose isn’t meant for humans, only chimpanzees with extra long hands.
5. All of the above.

Each week I leave the yoga centre wishing I could roll down the staircase, as I put one foot in front of the other. Beads of sweat glistening on every single pore, with limp hair plastered to my scalp. Tongue sticking out, not unlike the picture below.

Hardly the whole Zen-like feeling I imagined it to be.

But the good news is – I am loving every single minute of it!

Guide to Planning a Trip with your Girlfriends

2009-05-15T12:15:00.005+08:00

When planning a trip with your girlfriends, here are the general guidelines (and in blue, what we have done so far in our “planning”):

1. Decide how many of you are going, best travel in pairs, especially when booking rooms. Cheech saw cheap fares and ~~forced~~ persuaded AB3 and me to go. She even offered to pay for the fares as my birthday pressie. So yeah, three of us.

2. Agree on a destination – preferably somewhere none of you have been before. Or you might have some people yawning away with the “been there, done that” look on their face whilst the others go “wow, look at that!”
Bali. Because of the ~~cheap fares~~ beautiful beaches, culture, wonderful people.

3. Budget – it might be a tad difficult if some decide they are gonna pitch tents by the beach while the rest sleep in king-sized beds with down-feather pillows, with butler service.
Cheech and AB3 are more of the down-feather-pillows type whilst I am the roll-your-sweater-into-a-pillow type. They kindly agreed to roll their sweaters as well.

4. Decide if you will get a tour package or book everything yourselves and decide on the itinerary. The former is easier but lacks flexibility and you are usually herded like cows from one destination to another. The latter provides flexibility and you decide on what you want to do/see. Requires a LOT of planning.
We have decided on free and easy (did I say that this requires a LOT of planning?) Have we started planning the itinerary yet. Err… NO.

5. Refer to No 3 and book the tour package or accommodation/transportation/etc.
(Skip to No. 9 if you choose the tour package)
We have narrowed down to 2 hotels with different budgets. Have we booked the hotels yet? Err… NO.

6. Arrange for transportation – you can choose to hire a car/van with a driver (usually acting as a semi-guide). If you choose to take trains/buses, make sure you get a map with the bus/train routes.
All 3 of us know someone who knows someone who knows a good driver. Have we contacted any drivers yet? Errr… NO.

7. Plan your itinerary.
All 3 of us know someone and/or someone who knows someone who knows the not-to-be-missed sights/places/restaurants. Do we know what the sights/places/restaurants are? Err… NO.

8. Get a packing list done so that you do not forget important items like ~~condoms~~ passport.
DONE!

9. Enjoy yourselves!
Abso-f*cking-lutely!

Since the only noteworthy thing we have done so far is this (even that was something leftover from our trip to Cambodia in 2006), allow me to share with you, gentle readers, our wonderful packing list:

(P/S: Did I tell you that our trip is 9 days away and all we have is this ~~measly~~ wonderful packing list?)

My Karma Cheated on Your Dogma

2009-05-14T14:02:00.003+08:00

On the way home last Friday, I received a text message: “Hey are you married already?”

It was my ex-bf. We shall call him.. um.. Stu. Short for Stupid.

Don’t you love it when your ex texts you outta the blue, not asking how you are, but instead wanting to know your marital status. I wish I could have answered “Married but now divorced, with 2 adopted kids, and now seeing this wonderful guy, and we have adopted another one, and yeah, I have 3 kids with him, so yeah.. I’m good.” Wait a sec, that’s Angelina.

Anyhoo…..

Dear Stu has just had his heart broken by his gf, now, ex-gf. Let’s call his gf, now ex-gf, B1tch. Well, coz she is a.. umm.. b1tch (we’ll get to this soon).

Dear Ex had been dating B1tch for 3 years and 4 months. Recently, she’s been talking non-stop about this guy, let’s call him Steve. Coz well, Steve is his name. So every day, her conversation with Stu, has been “Oh Steve said this, omg he is SO funny”, “Steve has 2 eyes, TWO eyes, would you believe that?”. OK, you get the drift.

And so Stu felt something was amiss. He confronted B1tch about Steve, and she said “oh, Steve is just a good friend, darling. By the way, Steve said this today.. (insert stupid joke).. OMG, don’t you think it was just SO hilarious?!”

So, one fine night, Stu cooked a special dinner for B1tch (who was at a meeting at work and would be back late). Stu texted B1tch’s co-worker saying that he has cooked her a special meal, what time will the meeting finish? At 11.20pm, the very nice co-worker texted Stu, saying “pssstt… B1tch is on her way back, hope you get lucky tonight mate!”

Stu waited.

And waited.

How large is that island anyway? One can get from one end of the island to another within an hour, especially at that hour.

At 12.20am, he called her mobile. It has been switched off. He tried over 20 times.

He then called Steve. It rang thrice, the third time, it was cut off after a couple of rings.

B1tch eventually got home at 2.30am.

Apparently, she went for some drinks with her co-workers after the meeting. Nothing harmful. He asked her about Steve, she said no. She didn’t meet him.

In the middle of the night, Stu suddenly thought about her phone. He decided to check her text messages. (Maybe he isn’t that stupid after all). He found several messages from Steve, one of the text message was “My legs were still trembling after you left”.

Woke her up, she said that yeah, she met Steve after that and they had a couple of drinks, that was all. No sex. Maybe the alcohol gave him the trembles. Hmm.. maybe I should ask Stu, what drink exactly did they have? Do you reckon Stu would have asked about the trembles-inducing drink? Shiver me timbers.

I digress.

Listening to Stu tell me the story, it was déjà vu.

Because that was exactly what happened between Stu and me when he cheated on me with B1tch.

Exactly 3 years and 4 months ago.

What goes around comes around.

Hello My Name is...

2009-05-08T12:36:00.003+08:00

After the restructuring in the company, we have been dealing more with our colleagues in China - mainly via emails and calls. It really brightens up your day when you receive emails from people with the most interesting names.

My first encounter with a unique name was Cranex. Yes - my guess is maybe she cranes her neck a lot, hence the name Cranex.

And then, I spoke to someone called Cythera. I had to send an email to her after our call, and after repeated efforts and I still went "Huh? Could you repeat that please?", she finally spelled her name for me. Yeah, silly me. How can I not know how to spell Cythera. Duh...

I've been receiving emails from Forest, Spring (very hippie-like) and today Arson. I naturally shared these interesting names with my colleagues here and everyone has a story to tell!

There's a lady with the surname Foo, and she calls herself Beauty. Yup, Beauty Foo. Of course, came the inadvertent question, is she beautiful. Au contraire, apparently.

Another one who works at a travel agent - and can you guess what her name is? Holiday. No, she doesn't just sell holidays, her name is Holiday.

Roland knows a guy called Alpha. Who has a twin brother. A younger twin brother. Can anyone guess what the brother's name is? Bingo! Beta.

I can understand Forest, Spring, Beauty and even Alpha. But who in the right mind would call himself Chimpanzee?

What's the ~~weirdest~~ most interesting you have ever encountered?

(All names are true, and we personally know the above persons.)

Prayers

2009-05-05T13:53:00.004+08:00

I am praying hard now. Praying hard for 2 persons to get their wish.

For a colleague for deserves a bundle of joy.

For a friend who deserves all the love in the world:

Cameron Highlands: R & R & R

2009-05-05T13:22:00.004+08:00

Roland had just started at his job, so taking a holiday so soon was impossible. Last weekend was a long one, so we grabbed the opportunity to head towards Cameron Highlands for complete R&R.

We had nothing planned - absolutely NOTHING.

The only words circling in our heads were to eat, sleep, rest and catch up on our shows! We went equipped with instant noodles for those chilly nights, breakfast stuff (eggs, sausages, bacon), Californication season 2, Private Practice seasons 1 & 2. For good measure, I even brought my lappie, thinking I could have time to work a little when Roland gets some shut-eye (yes, I was optimistic).

I love, love Cameron Highlands. I love the cold weather, I love all the tea plantations there, all that greenery, all the hills. It's such a tranquil and beautiful place. The perfect place to rejuvenate the body, soul and mind. I love how cold it can get and I love snuggling under the comforter.

We have our favourite restaurants there - one in Tringkap which whips up a delicious deep fried black pepper tilapia served with cucumber and pineapple salad. Another in Brinchang which serves yummy deep fried black pomfret in a spicy and creamy sauce (email me for directions).

I am back - rested, relaxed, rejuvenated.

Friday Fill-in

2009-04-24T16:49:00.003+08:00

1. Apparently there's some sort of new fad going on, where you place mints in your crack.
2. Today is a sunny day.
3. 2009 has been a surprising(ly good) year so far.
4. I had a sandwich and cupcake for lunch and that was it.
5. For too long I've been thinking that I am a weirdo for seeing colours in names but now I know I've just got synesthesia.
6. I am not obsessed with symmetry; I am not!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some girlfriends time (plus helping AB1 file her taxes), tomorrow my plans include eyebrow-threading and yoga and Sunday, I want to spend some quality time with Roland!

Minty Butt

2009-04-23T16:31:00.006+08:00

You know sometimes you come across a statement which totally blows your mind, your jaw drops and you have to physically lift your jaw up again, stop for a second, scratch your head, give each other perplexed looks and wonder "now wtf did that come from?"

Last night, we came across such a moment. It happened right after we finished our desserts of durian pancake, and all that was left was the sprig of mint which was the garnish and Cheech said :

"Eh, so, who wants put the mint in between their butt cheeks?"

Like, huh???

I have weird friends.

(P/S We have all changed her name on our phone book to Minty Butt)

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Not Take The Quizzes on Facebook

2009-04-16T13:45:00.004+08:00

Number 3
When you do NOT set your privacy settings on facebook NOT to display all your recent activities on the mini-feeds and you do the quizzes during office hours and it is displayed for all your co-workers (and bosses) to see.

Number 2
When you might accidentally take a quiz which is related in any way to sex (e.g. "How Are You in Bed?"), especially when the guy you are dating also works in the same office as well and it is displayed for all your co-workers (and bosses) to see.

Number 1
When the results of the above mentioned quiz (i.e. "How Are You in Bed?") show that you are
"Fast & Nasty - You are a dirty devil in the sack! You're up for anything & your willing to try out weird & wonderful things!"

and the guy you are dating also works in the same office as you and it is displayed for all your co-workers (and bosses) to see.

I'm just saying lah...

A Letter to Baby Girl

2009-04-13T18:50:00.002+08:00

Baby Girl,

You turn TWO today.

How is being TWO different from one?

Many ways.

You are twice as talkative. Your vocabulary is getting larger by the day (thanks to Pocoyo and Little Einstein). We are tickled pink by the seemingly ordinary words you are learning each day like when you said “Hi guys” to your Amachi and aunt. Or the time when you got stuck and you hollered “Help, please help me!”

You are twice as active. Before, you had to watch your steps, one foot placed after another carefully while maintaining balance. You toddled along, and sometimes, when you are too excited to remember that you are not yet two, you land on your bum-bum. But now, not only are you able to run, you are also able to dance, jump, push, climb, pull, carry, chase, wriggle, tickle… yeah, you get the drift.

You are twice as naughty. You don’t like to play by the rules, you make the rules. You are very independent, and want to do everything yourself. You get impatient when we try to help you. Each time, I bet you were thinking “what’s with these old fogies? I am, after all, two already.”

You are twice as beautiful. From the time you were born, it was obvious you’re a looker. What’s amazing is the transformation you have been through from the time you were born, as if you wear a new look every season. All winning looks. Each time we think you can’t get any more beautiful, you prove us wrong.

You are twice as smart. You know exactly who to bully, how to be all quiet and demure when you have done something naughty. You know how to give your Mommy a fuzzy warm feeling by rushing to her even though you have not seen her for more than a month. You know you have all of us wrapped around your tiny fingers, and boy do you know how to milk it for all it’s worth.

But most importantly, you are LOVED many times over.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl.

Love you lots,
Mommy

The Boat that Sailed Away... Or Not!

2009-04-10T13:00:00.004+08:00

I have heard about you for a long time now.

I have never been a fan of your type, despite what I have heard. I remember back in 2007, I came in close proximity to you. A friend asked if I wanted to be introduced to you. I so wanted to, but at the last minute, I chickened out.

When I shared this missed opportunity with my friends, they could only say WTF, why didn’t you? What were you thinking? Well, clearly you were NOT thinking. WTF.

My mind kept going back to the time when we nearly met. The hundreds of whatifs swirling in my mind, dizzying me worse than macros and functions in Excel. Would our relationship have lasted? At that time, it would have been a long-distance relationship. How would I have handled not seeing you for months on end, or worse, for years? Would you cheat on me? What if it didn’t work out? What if we’re not compatible? It could have been just a one-off thing, a one-night stand. Not my thing but at least I would have been able to say “been there, done that”.

I often think back to that time. The missed opportunity. But I knew, deep inside my heart, I will get another chance. I knew not when, not how, not where. But I knew.

And last night it happened.

IT happened.

You are sweet, not overbearingly or cloyingly sweet, never imposing on me like how the rest are wont to do when they want to impress someone. You are soft to the touch, very gentle as you know it's my first time. You didn't hurry me, just waited patiently for me to get over my excitement! Can you blame a girl for getting excited? It's not every day that you get a 2nd shot at something! Much less a moment like this! You definitely have more depth that the rest, they are most fluff than anything else.

You are everything I dreamed it to be.

And more.

So MUCH more.

So, so, much more.

I think I am falling in love *fuzzy warm feeling*

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

(Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donut)

Meme: Fours

2009-04-08T14:59:00.005+08:00

Four jobs you've had in your life:
~~Thankless crap carrier~~ waitress, ~~dealing with stupid engineers and tech support~~ planner, ~~thankless number cruncher~~ analyst and (soon-to-be) unit trust consultant.

Four movies you could watch over and over:
(It would be easier to look for Four Movies I did not sleep through)
Hearts and Soul (don't ask me why), all of the Friends episodes, all of Sex & the City (yeah, I know they are not movies but this is my blog, so I can do whatever I like, so there!)

Four places you've lived:
Batu Kawan, Taiping, Langkawi, Penang

Four TV shows you love to watch:
Grey's Anatomy, Californication, American Idol, Amazing Race
(they are about the only shows I watch currently)

(Favourite) Four places you've been on vacation:
Perth, London, Vienna, Paris

Four websites you visit daily:
Gmail, facebook, google reader, thestar.com.my

Four of your favorite foods:
Sashimi, lamb (cooked in any way), duck (also cooked in any way), pasta.

Four places you'd rather be:
In bed ~~cuddling with Roland~~ with a good book, in Italy and/or London (and Brighton) with Roland, at any Club Med with my girlfriends, Perhentian Island.

Four albums you can't live without:
None, I don't listen to music much.

And I tag - you, you, Kress and Eddie (I am assuming I have 4 readers, of course).

Menuficent Menu

2009-04-07T14:14:00.006+08:00

(Click image to enlarge)

Translation:
Kampung - village
Kebaya - a traditional Malay garb for ladies
Cik - Miss
Nen-nen (colloquial) - A very crude Cantonese word for breasts

To view the menu yourself, please visit:

LOONG GRILL FISH
69G, Jalan 1A/41B,
Pusat Dagang NZX,
PJU 1A, Ara Damansara,
Petaling Jaya.

Tel: 03-7885 0252

Business hours: Daily 11am to 11pm.

You Make Me Feel Brand New

2009-04-06T18:13:00.007+08:00

Being the ~~old fart~~ sentimental fool that I am, we were listening to Lite FM (no offense to this radio station) on the way to work this morning, when the song "You make me feel brand new" came on.

[Click here to listen to this song]

Throwing caution to the wind, I ~~croaked along in my toad mating-call voice~~ sang along.

Roland turned to me, with an incredulous look on his face:
"you know this song?"
"you know this song?"
"you know this song?"

"And why wouldn't I.know.this.song?"

"This song is by The Stylistics! How do you.know.their.songs?"

*rolls eyes*

"Eh hallo! I was born in their era, what do you know?"

Cheh! Tak tau malu. Coming from someone born in the 80s. *rolls eyes*

Why the Drama?

2009-04-01T18:30:00.007+08:00

My friends always tease me about my ability to keep in touch with friends. I have known my best friend for 27 25 (AB1: *wink*) years now, my other best friend for 21 19 years (AB3: not sure if you 'd understand this), and I still contact friends from primary and secondary schools, uni, my ex-colleagues.

Friends matter to me.

Some time last year, I decided to purge a friend from my life. She was one of my closest friends. She was always there for me, and she mattered a lot to me. Many things happened which affected the friendship but finally the camel's back broke. I had never stopped being friends with anyone before this, it was a shock, even to me when I felt the time had come for me to distance myself from her. Most of my friends were shocked, even Roland. When I told him that I do not want her in my life anymore, he quietly asked me if I was sure. He stood by me and respected my decision.

I still answer her calls/texts/IM on the rare occasions she approaches me. Always civil and polite. I guess I can never have her 100% out of my life as we move in the same circles.

Life was fine.

Until yesterday, Cheech asked me if there is something she could do to patch our friendship back. She spoke to our mutual friend a few days ago, who confided in Cheech that she cried about this recently. Cheech misses hanging out with the both of us like how we used to.

My first thought - why the drama?

I am still trying to figure that out - why the drama?

Pretzel

2009-04-01T18:07:00.002+08:00

I have never been an active person - I loathe sports. I hate sweat, I hate the smell of sweat, I hate the sweaty feeling. The only sports/exercise which I remotely like is swimming, mainly coz I cannot feel the sweat.

Not living near any pool is my excuse for not going swimming as often as I should (read: not in the last year even, and I shall not mention that there is a pool where my bf lives).

Last year, I had severe back ache and after consulting an orthopaedic guy, we figured out the root of my problem - prolonged sitting and my sedentary lifestyle :P He prescribed back exercises and swimming.

I did it for.. umm... ~~a week~~ as long as I could.

For the past few weeks, I noticed some dull pains near the small of my back and my legs. That was when I began freaking out. There is no point seeing a doctor again when we all know what the root cause is.

And so I enrolled for this:

How I Spent My Weekend

2009-03-24T18:37:00.007+08:00

While every Tom, Dick and Marimuthu talks about the economic crisis, bailouts, retirement funds, stocks, all a dear friend of mine could talk about is the 350z.

A brand new car costs about RM 450-500k but you can get a second hand model for less than RM 200k depending on the year.

Amongst his requirements:
- 2005 model
- 17"/18" rims (I can't remember which, but I know it's definitely not 19")
- 5-spoke rims (dear Cheech keep saying stokes!)
- silver/white
- leather seats

After 300 kms of driving around in the Klang Valley (Damansara Uptown, TTDI, Penchala, Kampung Baru, Cheras, Sentul, Batu Caves, Selayang, Taman Megah - and yes, in that order too!) and seeing many cars, I have concluded that this machine, whilst beautiful is not built for the woman whose hips look like she's given birth at least a dozen times.

The bucket seats are low and deep. Imagine trying to smoothly slither out of those seats. First, to slither out, you need to gently place your feet outside the car. But what if your legs aren't long enough and you can just hang them dangling over the side. And if you are looking at holding to the little handle that is above the car door, it ain't there! What do you do next. You try to reach out to the little hole on the door where you can hold the door. Well, honey, it's right to the front of the door, which is not within your reach!

So what do you do next? Your best bet is to have some one yank you off your seat from the outside.

Totally not stylish.

Save a Tree (and a Child)

2009-03-12T17:10:00.004+08:00

“Gosh, that’s your second cup of coffee today, and you’re using yet another paper cup!”

A few heads turned towards me.

“When’s your birthday? I should get you a proper cup or a mug. So you don't need to waste paper every day."

Now, all heads were at my direction.

No one believed me when I said that yes, I try to not use paper whenever I can help it. I recycle almost everything that can be recylced - paper, cans, bottles, plastic. It's not difficult at all. We accumulate all things recyclable and every weekend, we drop them off at a mobile recycling centre.

Pertubuhan Amal Seri Sinar collects recyclable items and all profits go to the needy and underprivileged. Items which can still be used are donated to homes and orphanages. PASS set up mobile centres at residential areas, where you can drop of unwanted items or even recyclable things. If you have a bulky item, you may contact them and they can arrange for the items to be picked up from your house.

This is definitely a win-win situation - save the environment and do a little bit of charity work along the way.

Just One More

2009-03-06T18:23:00.001+08:00

It started off just like any other All-Hands meeting we’ve had in the past. The senior guy comes to town, we are all herded to a conference room to listen him drone on and on says words of encouragement, all with a very impressive powerpoint presentation. It’s a drill which we go through every quarter.

Until the last bit.

“Before I finish, I would like to stress three words to every one in the hall – just one more.”

“If you are in sales, before you leave for the day, just one more call. It could be the call which brings in a large deal”.

“Even before you shut down your computer for the day – you answer just one more email. It could be the email which your colleague or customer has been waiting to hear from you.”

Those words keep ringing in my head the rest of the day. How true. If only we can apply that in everything we do. Just that extra bit might make a difference.

Just one more minute on the phone with your loved one could make him feel extra special.
Just one more dollar to the homeless guy you pass every morning on the way to work.
Just one more word of encouragement to your co-worker when she/he is frustrated with your boss.

JUST ONE MORE.

*reaches out for just one more pineapple tart in the jar*

Ta-da!

2009-03-06T17:17:00.001+08:00

It’s about time.