Exactly today in 1963, the formation of "Malaysia" was formalised and consisted of Tanah Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Both Tanah Malaya and Singapore had gained their independence in 1957 and 1959 respectively. Read more here. We should be grateful that we live in this nation called Malaysia in peace and harmony. Maybe not as idealistic as we want it to be, but at least it is not a war torn country.
Monday, 15 September 2008
Milan & Venice
Ramadhan reminded of Milan, which I visited last year. After finishing my work in Stockholm, I took Ryanair's budget carrier to Bergamo aiport in Milan. Once arrived, my host, Rosalina was supposed to pick me up via the train but couldn't make it as the train was on strike. In Italy, there is a strike everyday from the service industry - one minute its the airline, then its the taxis, and so on. Thank God I arrived safely in front of Rosa's apartment gate. Rosa had been in Milan for about two years now. She's not Italian, mind you. But her name does sound Italian, or is it Spanish...? Anyway, the next morning we were joined by Jam and Ms JB who flew in from Paris after a tradeshow. They checked in and then was ready for a short city tour. We went to the square which is the Piazza del Duomo with the background of the magnificent Duomo di Milano, the second largest church in the world.
Some pics at Piazza del Duomo
The next day, we went to Venice a.k.a Venezia by the locals. Of course the souvenir items caught my eye, especially the colourful masks worn during the carnival, the Murano crystal ware and beads, the leather goods and period costumes that people wore during the Carnival.
O f course, going to Venice isn't complete with a ride on the gondole. It costs about Euro80.00 per gondole during off-peak, but in summer it is double that price. My feeling riding the gondole? It's almost the same as if I'm riding the bot penambang from Kuching Waterfront to cross to Fort Margehrita, and it only costs me about RM0.50. Except that the view was quite nice, we rode in the canal in between the Venetians' homes.
View of the canal
The gondole
Our gondole-man
The bigger canal
Delicious cookies....tapi tak boleh makan sbb bulan posa huhu
Friday, 12 September 2008
Introducing the Mahvelous Miss Fantaghiro
C'est moi & zee mahvelous Ms Fantaghiro(french accent, please!)
Just came back from a 3-hour lepak session with Ms Fantaghiro at Oldtown Kopitiam near Uptown Danau Kota and I'm inspired to write something about her since we're friends for quite sometime now.
I've known her since my Uni days which was about 12 years ago. I gotta admit that she was a weird person back then, but once I got used to her, she's kinda cool. She's a genuine friend, quite transparent and never afraid to say what's on her mind. She introduced me to Shah Rukh Khan, and I watched my first hindi movie "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" in a cinema with her insistance in Dataran Merdeka. She taught me to drink blended cappucino in Starbucks and nibble on quiche in Delifrance. She was the first person in our group (back then) to own a car - Kancil was all the rage in 1998. I remembered her putting down the description of her Kancil's colour in the campus car sticker's application form as "purplish silver". She was also one of the earliest person in our group to ever owned a handphone, way back in 1996. During that time, handphones was still considered a luxury item and only few people owned it. So she was kinda cool in her own way.
Another thing, she was always a non-conformist to peer pressure and rules. Our Uni was kinda set in certain ways to behave, but she became her own person - and I respected her for that. In a way, she teaches me to be myself and believe in my own capabilities. When I started blogging, she's my number one fan. Still is. Always encouraging me to update my blog, so that I can amuse her. She'd always call me up whenever she's bored and said "I'm bored.....entertain me, woman!!!". I tell you, this woman really got an air about her!
All of that, and she is also a great friend, always listening to me when I pour out my woes or bitch about things. She's non-judgemental to me, and for that, I thank you dear friend. In return, I try to be a friend who tries to listen to her, but sometimes end up blabbing more about myself than listen to her woes (sorry Ms Fantaghiro! I'll try to curb myself next time:p). She is the only friend that made the effort to come almost every weekend to my house to hang out for the past five years. I could never have done what she did for the sake of maintaining the friendship. And because of her consistency, she'd always been there for me. Again, I thank you, my dear friend!
She'd gone through some rough times recently, and I see that it did break her spirit a little bit. We grew apart for a while because of circumstances and geography but it didn't mean that we weren't in each other's hearts and thoughts. It did get weird for a while not having her as I used to. But the purpose of this post is to rejoice my friendship with her.
I do hope that she stays strong and can get past the black dot in her life. I hope that she draws strength, love and courage from our friendship to face whatever it is in her future. I do not want to lose my best friend because I value our friendship too much.
So, dear friend, take care and remember that Allah loves you more than I do.
Happy Belated Birthday, Jamilah!
Jam and me on the streets of Milan '07Dear Jamilah,
Happy belated birthday on September 11
When you told me yesterday that it was your birthday
and you waited for me to wish you, I felt bad
I am so sorry that I have forgotten you birthday
You know that I am terrible with birthday dates
So please forgive me in this shortcoming.
That aside, I want to wish you many happy returns of the day
May Allah bless you always and grant you with rezeki in the future
You are a beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful and funny person
You always think things through, and dispenses the best of advice
You are like a rock on which everybody depends on
Certainly for me, as I always look up to your wisdom
and enjoy our conversations and hanging out sessions
I think I have found a kindred spirit in you
And hope that our friendship continues to flourish in the future
Happy Birthday, dear friend!
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
More pics on batch 3
More pics of the kitties in my kitchen, just romping around with Mami in the background.
Monday, 8 September 2008
My Kitties: Batch No3
They were born late July 2008. Unfortunately, I wasn't home to witness it as I was in Rompin with my mum. Hubby took some pics of Mami in labor. All in all, 3 kitties were born this tim. They have soft, medium long hair. Ironically the looked almost like the second batch.
Kitties about 1 month old, still sleeping in the box
Kitties romping around
Feeding time - about one and half months old now
He's my favourite kitty - very elegant demeanor
Their favourite napping place when I allow them in the house,
Eating whiskas with his Mami
Tired after romping around, they sleep on the rug on top of their cage
I've decided the fate of the kitties: one will be given to Aja, my hubby's sister. She was promised orange kitty from my second batch but that didn't materialize as that kitty was stolen in front of my house. So I kinda owed her this kitty....
Another will be given to Gojie, my office mate who had generously agreed to take all three of the kitties when I told her that I didn't want to seperate them.
The last kitty, maybe I'll keep him. The black one, I like the black kitty. Well not really black, he's more tortoise-shell colored.
Basically, I've taken care of three batches of kitties, starting from September 2007. It's a bit difficult rearing cats when you live in the second-storeyed flat. The space is very constrained for the kitties to run around.
With the first batch, I was a bit clueless on cat's hygiene. I had to keep them in a cage to prevent them from crapping around the house because the kitties dunno how to crap in the litter box. So they had to crap in the cage where they sleep and I would have to clean it everyday. I was under a lot of stress. Then the kitties developed some type of kurap. I had to cut off their fur in order to rub in Canisep, the anti fungal cream. In the end, my hubby decided to bring the kitties back to kampung coz they'd have more space to run around. Only one survived, while one kitty died and one went missing. He turned out to be one sleek black cat. Still dunno how to crap in litter box at least it was discreet to do it on grass or sand.
Batch no 2: I had more experience with cat litter. So, when the kitties started crapping and peeing, I put them near the litter box and forced the kitties on the sand. They got the drift and I managed to toilet train them. Again, they outgrew my flat and I had to give two away. One kitty was supposed to be given to my sis in law got lost, so I'm replacing it with the third batch.
Waiting for three months to seperate the kitties from their Mami. Till then my house will be quite havoc with the kitties running up and down the furniture, and even treating us like a furniture when they jumped on us. Will post more pics on the kitties later on.
Kitties about 1 month old, still sleeping in the box
Kitties romping around
Feeding time - about one and half months old now
He's my favourite kitty - very elegant demeanor
Their favourite napping place when I allow them in the house,under the kithen table and behind my periuk
Eating whiskas with his MamiTired after romping around, they sleep on the rug on top of their cageI've decided the fate of the kitties: one will be given to Aja, my hubby's sister. She was promised orange kitty from my second batch but that didn't materialize as that kitty was stolen in front of my house. So I kinda owed her this kitty....
Another will be given to Gojie, my office mate who had generously agreed to take all three of the kitties when I told her that I didn't want to seperate them.
The last kitty, maybe I'll keep him. The black one, I like the black kitty. Well not really black, he's more tortoise-shell colored.
Basically, I've taken care of three batches of kitties, starting from September 2007. It's a bit difficult rearing cats when you live in the second-storeyed flat. The space is very constrained for the kitties to run around.
With the first batch, I was a bit clueless on cat's hygiene. I had to keep them in a cage to prevent them from crapping around the house because the kitties dunno how to crap in the litter box. So they had to crap in the cage where they sleep and I would have to clean it everyday. I was under a lot of stress. Then the kitties developed some type of kurap. I had to cut off their fur in order to rub in Canisep, the anti fungal cream. In the end, my hubby decided to bring the kitties back to kampung coz they'd have more space to run around. Only one survived, while one kitty died and one went missing. He turned out to be one sleek black cat. Still dunno how to crap in litter box at least it was discreet to do it on grass or sand.
Batch no 2: I had more experience with cat litter. So, when the kitties started crapping and peeing, I put them near the litter box and forced the kitties on the sand. They got the drift and I managed to toilet train them. Again, they outgrew my flat and I had to give two away. One kitty was supposed to be given to my sis in law got lost, so I'm replacing it with the third batch.
Waiting for three months to seperate the kitties from their Mami. Till then my house will be quite havoc with the kitties running up and down the furniture, and even treating us like a furniture when they jumped on us. Will post more pics on the kitties later on.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
To all the shoe fetishes out there.....
This post is especially dedicated to Lisa, who is a known shoe fetish since our days in Uni. I know how you love comfort shoes. Got them original Clarks shoes at last month's Clarks Warehouse Sale somewhere in Shah Alam. Eat your heart out, Lisa!!!
This is black suede "Trek Mary Janes" (RM120). I intend to make this as my walking shoes when I go for long walks or traveling. I wanted it in maroon colour but they don't have my size. Its very, very comfy and soft.....somehow it reminded me of another pair of black Mary Janes that I had when we were in Uni. Lisa, remember that you used to call my Mary Janes "kasut babi"??!! Haha..... Brings me back to the time when we were in Tanjung Bidara and Melaka town, I brought along "kasut babi" for the weekend. Good times, good times...
This pair is called "Sweet Girl" in brown leather (RM100). I think that this pair goes well with summer dresses...think long flowy, flowery skirt or even a gypsy skirt. I haven't worn this pair yet coz it's not exactly office material. Maybe can wear it with my pantsuit or even baju kurung...
"Cowell" in sand leather (RM90). Love the colour coz it's quite neutral. Black for office is quite boring. I've worn this with absolutely everything - pink baju kurung, pink pant suit, lime green pant suit, etc. So sue me if you think I'm color blind (help! it's Ziah the fashion police) hehehe...
This is black suede "Trek Mary Janes" (RM120). I intend to make this as my walking shoes when I go for long walks or traveling. I wanted it in maroon colour but they don't have my size. Its very, very comfy and soft.....somehow it reminded me of another pair of black Mary Janes that I had when we were in Uni. Lisa, remember that you used to call my Mary Janes "kasut babi"??!! Haha..... Brings me back to the time when we were in Tanjung Bidara and Melaka town, I brought along "kasut babi" for the weekend. Good times, good times...
This pair is called "Sweet Girl" in brown leather (RM100). I think that this pair goes well with summer dresses...think long flowy, flowery skirt or even a gypsy skirt. I haven't worn this pair yet coz it's not exactly office material. Maybe can wear it with my pantsuit or even baju kurung...
"Cowell" in sand leather (RM90). Love the colour coz it's quite neutral. Black for office is quite boring. I've worn this with absolutely everything - pink baju kurung, pink pant suit, lime green pant suit, etc. So sue me if you think I'm color blind (help! it's Ziah the fashion police) hehehe...
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Trivia time
Trivia courtesy of Ash.
26. Favorite sound? Maroon 5
( ) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school - did it with Nor in Form 5, class of 1995, went to the first and only McDonalds in Kuching then.
(X) Been to Canada - specifically to Calgary for a tradeshow then to Banff to see the mountains but sadly it rained and snowed so weren't able to see the sights.
(X) Skipped school - did it with Nor in Form 5, class of 1995, went to the first and only McDonalds in Kuching then.
(X) Been to Canada - specifically to Calgary for a tradeshow then to Banff to see the mountains but sadly it rained and snowed so weren't able to see the sights.
( ) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane - hated it when my ears are blocked due to the pressure. Especially painful when I was having the flu!
( ) Jumped out of a plane
( ) Jumped out of a plane
( ) Been on a Helicopter
(X) Been lost - actually a good way to learn about roads
(X) Been on opposite sides of the country
( ) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean - went snorkeling in Pulau Lang Tengah
( ) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
(X) Been lost - actually a good way to learn about roads
(X) Been on opposite sides of the country
( ) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean - went snorkeling in Pulau Lang Tengah
( ) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang Karaoke - haven't been to Redbox in a while...
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only? Paid for my breakfast, which was about RM3.
( ) Sang Karaoke - haven't been to Redbox in a while...
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only? Paid for my breakfast, which was about RM3.
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? I'm sure I had but couldn't remember it hehe
( ) Made prank phone calls
( ) Made prank phone calls
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose? Yup, but can't remember exactly when and why I laughed so hard..
( ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain - it was during a school break in my kampung and the rain looked oh-so-fun, end up with my sis playing in the rain
( ) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( ) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
( ) Gone ice-skating
( ) Gone Skiing
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
( ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain - it was during a school break in my kampung and the rain looked oh-so-fun, end up with my sis playing in the rain
( ) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( ) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
( ) Gone ice-skating
( ) Gone Skiing
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) Cried in a movie -- yes, I'm more sappy these days...
( ) Been to a drive-in movie
More about me:
1. Any nickname? no
More about me:
1. Any nickname? no
2. Mothers name? Cikgu - that's what most people call her
3. Favorite drink? Cincau
4. Tattoo? Does temporary ones count?!!
5. Body Piercings? On both ears.
5. Body Piercings? On both ears.
6. How much do you love your job? Okay I guess, still learning
7. Birthplace? Pahang
8. Favorite vacation spot? The islands for snorkeling
9. Ever been to Africa? No
10 Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yup, tiger biscuits. Was on a crash diet with my
sis many2 years ago. Couldn't do it again tho' hehe
10 Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yup, tiger biscuits. Was on a crash diet with my
sis many2 years ago. Couldn't do it again tho' hehe
11. Ever been on TV? Was interviewed once by Astro to comment on the movie Matrix. I had no clue what's the movie about and was asked to bluff about it haha
12. Ever steal a traffic sign? No
12. Ever steal a traffic sign? No
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes, but as a passenger. Read it here.
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door? 4 door.
15. Favorite Salad Dressing? Nothing in particular. Don't do salad much.
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door? 4 door.
15. Favorite Salad Dressing? Nothing in particular. Don't do salad much.
16. Favorite pie? Shepherd's pie (same answer with Ash!)
17. Favorite Number? 5
18. Favorite movie? Midnight Talks (Polish)
19. Favorite holiday? Bali
20. Favorite dessert? Not particular. Chocolate, maybe.
21. Favorite Food? Domino's pizza
22. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
23. What do you do to relax? Watch TV and DVDs all day long
24. Favorite toothpaste? Colgate triple action
25. Favorite smell? Love in Paris by Christina Ricci26. Favorite sound? Maroon 5
27. Famous person you'd like to meet past or present: nobody
28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Still married, great career, superb house.
29. Furthest place you will send this message? Just in my blog
30. Who will respond to this the fastest? I welcome anyone to repost this trivia
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Updates on workplace
Yesterday already reported duty in my new workplace - Research Division. Had our first division meeting with the Director, who is also new there. Turns out that I will be heading the Kajian Taburan unit. However, this is work in progress and I will be an understudy to a colleague who was also hands-on in this project. The survey focuses on the trends of traveling or visiting tourism hotspots by local or foreign tourists. Seems like I'd missed out the fun part, when we actually get to go on the field - around major tourism destinations in Malaysia and interview people. Now the survey is in the final process of reporting & writing and giving feedbacks. So, I'd to follow up from there...what a bummer. Hopefully, I'd have the chance to go on other surveys next time or be sent for overseas courses. Since I'm out of Convention division, there will be less traveling for me - I was scheduled to go to Cyprus and Victoria, Canada this year. Due to this transfer, my chances are off.
Anyway, had to learn new jargons for research such as data cleaning (where the officer need to vet thru the questionnaires to make sure each question is answered by the respondent). My head's already spinning from the handing over notes from my predecessor, luckily she was still around to explain things to me. Reason that she was still there at her old place was because she couldn't move her things to the new place as the officer there who was also suppose to move, haven't packed his things. He haven't packed his things because the new place that he was suppose to move have a space problem. So, in turn I was unable to move to the new place until 4pm this afternoon.
Have plugged in my computer, but haven't turn it on to test it. On the survey, have to wait tomorrow when my partner, or rather mentor, comes back to teach me all about this survey. Haven't unpack my boxes for fear of moving again temporarily due to office renovation.
Already feeling a mixture of sad and happy at the new job. Sad because I'm leaving Convention which have been my learning grounds on tourism and specifically the MICE industry. I have made many friends in the course of six years be it from the office and also the tourism industry - from hotel, travel agents, PCO and association. As I told my colleagues, the move to Research is not a parting as I will still be around to support them. I'm also feeling happy because I will be learning new things and most importantly, I won't be bogged down by my previous projects. Being in Convention, you always get a lot of ad-hoc projects which is normally last minute. As far as what I'm told in Research, the job's is scheduled and at times, routine.
So, shall see what lies tomorrow onwards....
Anyway, had to learn new jargons for research such as data cleaning (where the officer need to vet thru the questionnaires to make sure each question is answered by the respondent). My head's already spinning from the handing over notes from my predecessor, luckily she was still around to explain things to me. Reason that she was still there at her old place was because she couldn't move her things to the new place as the officer there who was also suppose to move, haven't packed his things. He haven't packed his things because the new place that he was suppose to move have a space problem. So, in turn I was unable to move to the new place until 4pm this afternoon.
Have plugged in my computer, but haven't turn it on to test it. On the survey, have to wait tomorrow when my partner, or rather mentor, comes back to teach me all about this survey. Haven't unpack my boxes for fear of moving again temporarily due to office renovation.
Already feeling a mixture of sad and happy at the new job. Sad because I'm leaving Convention which have been my learning grounds on tourism and specifically the MICE industry. I have made many friends in the course of six years be it from the office and also the tourism industry - from hotel, travel agents, PCO and association. As I told my colleagues, the move to Research is not a parting as I will still be around to support them. I'm also feeling happy because I will be learning new things and most importantly, I won't be bogged down by my previous projects. Being in Convention, you always get a lot of ad-hoc projects which is normally last minute. As far as what I'm told in Research, the job's is scheduled and at times, routine.
So, shall see what lies tomorrow onwards....
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Marhaban Ya Ramadhan
"Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, telah wajib ke atas kamu berpuasa sebagaimana telah diwajibkan ke atas umat-umat yang sebelum kamu, semuga kamu menjadi orang yang bertakwa."
Surah Al Baqarah, ayat 183
Surah Al Baqarah, ayat 183
Ditegaskan oleh Rasulullah SAW melalui sabdanya yang diriwayatkan oleh Ahmad, An- Nasa'i dan Al Baihaqi dari Abu Hurairah, yang bermaksud:
"Sesungguhnya telah datang kepada kamu bulan Ramadhan bulan yang penuh berkat. Allah telah fardhukan ke atas kamu berpuasa padanya. Sepanjang bulan Ramadhan itu dibuka segala pintu Syurga dan ditutup segala pintu neraka serta dibelenggu segala syaitan......."
(petikan dari blog Hynhar - Endless Love)Selamat berpuasa kepada family, sahabat handai dan semua Muslim...
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Transfer Order
I've received transfer order to go to Research Division effective 1 September 2008. I was quite shocked at first as I was told (thru the grapevine, actually) that I would go to International Promotions, seeing that I've got good PR (ahem!). Personally, I wanted to go to Domestic Division as I would learn and experience a lot of local tourism products and destinations. Being in the Convention Division for 6 years now, I realized the importance of knowing your local tourism products as I always get to meet top decision makers from around the world. This is where my PR skills become handy as I would bluff my way through conversations pertaining to local products & destinations from reading brochures and hearing colleagues describing about it.
Research Division have never crossed my mind, I must admit that I'm a bit scared of what lies ahead. Going to Reserach is something that is totally new to me and I would have to learn research techniques, SPSS, not to mention new environment, new challenges, new boss and new colleagues. Feels like I'm ready to move....I should move....I have to move since I have already served one division more than 4 years now.
I'm now trying to tie all loose ends on my future projects, hand it over to my colleague, start packing all my things. Most of my contacts and colleagues said that it's a waste that I'm going to Research. Its like I'm being put to cold storage. But I don't think of it that way. I think having a Research background, dealing with facts and figures would strenghten my knowledge in the tourism industry. I start with a clean slate and try to learn as many things as I can.
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Turning the big 30
Yesterday was my birthday. I'd turn 30, but I still feel the same ole me. Oh well, age is just a number as the saying goes. Anyway, there were some things that I've thought about achieving when I turn 30:
1. Have a Master's degree;
2. Have kid/s;
3. Buy car.
Obviously, no 3 is easy enough as I've just bought a proton Saga sometime in June. So that's done. I was suppose to do no 1 this year, but due to some financial situation, I had to put it off for the moment. Plus, I'm not so keen on the idea of going back to school, especially when I'm struggling with work. And I realize that I've only been thinking about it but I have not actually desired it enough to actually go for it. I just needed a Master for my own satisfaction of having a Master and be in the same league with people who already have it. Does that makes sense?
No 2 is more tricky. We are not planning not to have a baby, but we still haven't got one yet. Not that we really want it desperately and subject ourselves to all the things that can get one preggers pronto. Maybe it's not my cuppa yet, but who knows in the future. So no 2 is subjective. I don't object to people having babies, but I abhor people forcing me to have one too. Just for the sake of having a baby because I'm already turning 30. Please don't force your ideals on me. I will only have a baby when I'm ready to have a baby. 'nuff said on the subject.
1. Have a Master's degree;
2. Have kid/s;
3. Buy car.
Obviously, no 3 is easy enough as I've just bought a proton Saga sometime in June. So that's done. I was suppose to do no 1 this year, but due to some financial situation, I had to put it off for the moment. Plus, I'm not so keen on the idea of going back to school, especially when I'm struggling with work. And I realize that I've only been thinking about it but I have not actually desired it enough to actually go for it. I just needed a Master for my own satisfaction of having a Master and be in the same league with people who already have it. Does that makes sense?
No 2 is more tricky. We are not planning not to have a baby, but we still haven't got one yet. Not that we really want it desperately and subject ourselves to all the things that can get one preggers pronto. Maybe it's not my cuppa yet, but who knows in the future. So no 2 is subjective. I don't object to people having babies, but I abhor people forcing me to have one too. Just for the sake of having a baby because I'm already turning 30. Please don't force your ideals on me. I will only have a baby when I'm ready to have a baby. 'nuff said on the subject.
Monday, 25 August 2008
Weekend happenings
Didn't have time to catch up on my DVD collection this week. Over the weekday had my aunty and little cousin at my mum's house, so I pop in for a quick visit on Wednesday and late Friday afternoon. Had Potluck on Thursday to bid farewell to yours truly as I was going to be transferred to Research Division effective September. Sad to go but looking forward for a new challenge.
My sis-in-law came over during the weekend, so I spent all day Friday cleaning the dishes, doing laundry, cleaning out my house especially the spare room into livable condition. She was suppose to receive her scroll in Bachelor of Management from Open University Malaysia. My hat goes off for her as she managed her career, family and study for four years to complete this particular degree. Seeing her and all the other graduates in the Merdeka Hall, PWTC almost make wanna go back to school.
After her convo, we went to Petaling street (to celebrate?!). Same old same old Petaling street only a little bit of improvement with the covered walkway but more Bangladesh/Indonesian/ Thais are peddling their fares. Bought a RM50 Gucci watch from original price of RM120. Tip to buy in Petaling street:
1. Never ask for the price of the item unless you want to buy the item;
2. Always bargain at least 50% of the price;
3. If you have bargained for the item, you must be prepared to buy it or feel the wrath
of the owners - heard horror stories about this like there were snipers on top of the
Petaling street buildings to take out annoying customers. May be true, may be an urban
legend, who knows.
4. Best time to shop in Petaling street is when they have just started to open up, slightly
around 7pm. Best time to bargain ridiculously low as the Chinese believed that the first
customer will bring luck and more business, so they are more willing to part with their
goods at lesser price.
My sis-in-law came over during the weekend, so I spent all day Friday cleaning the dishes, doing laundry, cleaning out my house especially the spare room into livable condition. She was suppose to receive her scroll in Bachelor of Management from Open University Malaysia. My hat goes off for her as she managed her career, family and study for four years to complete this particular degree. Seeing her and all the other graduates in the Merdeka Hall, PWTC almost make wanna go back to school.
After her convo, we went to Petaling street (to celebrate?!). Same old same old Petaling street only a little bit of improvement with the covered walkway but more Bangladesh/Indonesian/ Thais are peddling their fares. Bought a RM50 Gucci watch from original price of RM120. Tip to buy in Petaling street:
1. Never ask for the price of the item unless you want to buy the item;
2. Always bargain at least 50% of the price;
3. If you have bargained for the item, you must be prepared to buy it or feel the wrath
of the owners - heard horror stories about this like there were snipers on top of the
Petaling street buildings to take out annoying customers. May be true, may be an urban
legend, who knows.
4. Best time to shop in Petaling street is when they have just started to open up, slightly
around 7pm. Best time to bargain ridiculously low as the Chinese believed that the first
customer will bring luck and more business, so they are more willing to part with their
goods at lesser price.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Weekend movies marathon
Weekends were meant to be for the movies, or in my case, catching up on my collection of DVDs. I think that my personal pirated DVD peddlar, Raja, is very, very happy with me. I spend at least RM100 to buy his DVDs every month. My choice for last weekend's movies marathon are:
Lars and the real girl
A story about Lars, an introvert guy who has a whole load of intimacy and insecurity issues that lead him to buy a sex doll for his companion. Lars named the doll 'Bianca' (who incidentally looked a lot like Angelina Jolie!) and brought "her" everywhere he goes. Because everybody in his town loved Lars, they decided to humor him in this delusion. Ryan Gosling is brilliant as the withdrawn Lars and notable supporting casts are Emily Mortimer who played the sweet and well intentioned sister in-law, Patricia Clarkson as the local doctor/shrink, Paul Schneider as Lars's brother Gus. The movie is slow at times and a bit on the dark humor side, but it showed the main character slowly and surely finds his own self. Only watch this if you are prepared to follow the story through because the ending is quite sweet.
Penelope
The overall feel and theme of this movie is a lot like 8tv's series"Pushing Daises". In Pushing Daisies, the main character have a special gift in reviving dead people and like Penelope, regards this as a curse. Penelope's curse is that she was born with ears and nose that looks like a pig! Not until she finds true love with "one of her own kind" i.e. the blue bloods. So her mother tries very hard to match make her with all the blue bloods that they could find, right until they meet with Max Campion, played by James Mc Avoy. This story is very fairytale-like. I would've like it better is James McAvoy used his scottish accent rather than using an American accent, sorta losing the romantic factor in my opinion and he was suppose to be play a blue blood. I've yet to watch him in "Wanted" (Angelina Jolie is so overrated!), but he was very intense in Hallmark's remake of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Juno
Lars and the real girl
A story about Lars, an introvert guy who has a whole load of intimacy and insecurity issues that lead him to buy a sex doll for his companion. Lars named the doll 'Bianca' (who incidentally looked a lot like Angelina Jolie!) and brought "her" everywhere he goes. Because everybody in his town loved Lars, they decided to humor him in this delusion. Ryan Gosling is brilliant as the withdrawn Lars and notable supporting casts are Emily Mortimer who played the sweet and well intentioned sister in-law, Patricia Clarkson as the local doctor/shrink, Paul Schneider as Lars's brother Gus. The movie is slow at times and a bit on the dark humor side, but it showed the main character slowly and surely finds his own self. Only watch this if you are prepared to follow the story through because the ending is quite sweet.
Penelope
The overall feel and theme of this movie is a lot like 8tv's series"Pushing Daises". In Pushing Daisies, the main character have a special gift in reviving dead people and like Penelope, regards this as a curse. Penelope's curse is that she was born with ears and nose that looks like a pig! Not until she finds true love with "one of her own kind" i.e. the blue bloods. So her mother tries very hard to match make her with all the blue bloods that they could find, right until they meet with Max Campion, played by James Mc Avoy. This story is very fairytale-like. I would've like it better is James McAvoy used his scottish accent rather than using an American accent, sorta losing the romantic factor in my opinion and he was suppose to be play a blue blood. I've yet to watch him in "Wanted" (Angelina Jolie is so overrated!), but he was very intense in Hallmark's remake of Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Juno
This is a really cute movie in terms of dialogue and humor but the issues faced by the main character in the movie is heavy and real. It's about teen pregnancy and giving away the baby to a suitable adopting parents. I really love the characters dialogue especially between Juno, her dad, step mom and best friends. I doubt it in real life you can talk as cool as that. Like when Juno's dad and stepmom (played by Allison Jenney) referred to Juno as " stupid and irresponsible daughter" not in an angry tone but rather resigned. I have to say that I'm a bit dissappointed that Justin Bateman's character turned out to be an ass (spoiler alert!). I loved him in Arrested Devlopment, always trying to be the responsible and sane person in the series.
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
Either you'll love it or you hate it, that's what the reviews said. And it's not because of the Israel-Palestine factor (don't wanna dwell on that). With all the hype about this movie, I expected more from Adam Sandler's movie but I was dissappointed with Mr Sandler. For one thing, his accent in the movie is really atrocious - you can tell that the script are American words but spoken in bad middle eastern accent, nothing much on the storyline, the slapstick comedy is just stupid (banging old ladies in hair saloon!?!!) and what's with his crotch bulging out of propotions??!! Don't expect too much from this movie.
Other DVDs that I plan to watch this coming weekend: Hancock, Wanted, Sex and the City.
Monday, 11 August 2008
A walk down memory lane 2: Kuching
Aerial view of Kuching from Merdeka PalaceI was in Kuching from 6 - 8 August for a conference. There were 4 of us from the office and we stayed at the 3 bedroom suite in Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites right in front of Padang Merdeka, Kuching. I was very excited to go for this trip because Kuching was another place where I grew up. It really did bring a lot of nostalgic memories, seeing the somewhat familiar places and streets where I used to walk, hearing the oh-so-familiar Sarawak language being spoken everywhere and eating the oh-so-sedap mee kolok....in short, I was happy to be back in Kuching.
We arrived in the afternoon on 6th August and immediately checked in Merdeka Palace. That same afternoon we went for a city tour and one of the places we get to visit was the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. We went there to observe the orang utan during its feeding session around 3pm. I was gawky eyed, eventho' I used to live in Kuching but I've never seen a wild orang utan up close. Of course they were dangerous but we were able to observe them in their natural habitat. We were told that there was a dominant alpha male called Ritchie, who weighed around 100kg. Other orang utans were afraid of him, therfore during feeding time the others would run away when Ritchie came. We were told that the difference between a Borneo orang utan and the Sumatran orang utan is that the Borneo orang utan would grow cheek pads as they get older. Thus the younger orang utans look more or less like a monkey, only bigger in size.
Ritchie during feeding time
Orang utan with a 2-week old baby gripping hard to its body
Another highlight during this conference was its headhunter's theme party. We were taken to an Iban Longhouse in the Sarawak cultural village at 8pm. Upon arrival, we were dressed in a native top and kain batik bottom and a headress. Weird combination but it did got us in the mood to party, Iban style!
The native gear
Then, an Iban warrior, or Sea Dayaks, as they were known, gave our group a blessing in Iban language. They were a lot of "ooohaaaa" going round which was a form of greeting other people.
Setting in the Iban longhouse, seating on the floor
The Sarawak cultural village troupe entertaining us with traditional sape and singers
Proud of my Sarawak pouch which I bought for RM10 at Waterfront
Later, we were asked to dance following the steps of the Iban warrior and there were some games played. All in all, a very memorable night with a lasting impression on Sarawak's culture. Sadly, I was in Kuching only for 3 days and our conference schedule was very hectic with dinners. I wish that I had more time to walk again around Kuching going to all the old haunts which I'd love. I'd walk from pasar Satok through the National Library, through Jalan India and past the Charles Brooke memorial, through the Main Bazaar and waterfront....the good old days....
Right now listening to cd called "The Primitive Sound" compilation of traditional music of Sarawak ethnic group.....aduh...rinduk hati.......
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