Saturday, January 28, 2006

DRAMA HABIS

This morning, I wrote an e-mail to Takeshi as usual, talking crap. I had left my purse at home. I drove to work, 20 km away without license. I blamed him for this, saying that I was bowled over by his gorgeousness, when I met him for dinner the night before, which left me ecstatic.

It was a lucky thing that my sister was on leave, she managed to drop my purse at my office before noon, when I had promised to buy Sugar and my HR Manager lunch today.

I have tendered my resignation letter this morning and the adrenalin rush was unbelievable. I was practically slogging my ass off in the office. Trying to tie some loose ends before the long holiday.

Towards lunch, he dropped me an e-mail saying this:-

hey ...sorry..i hv some probs now...damn...cannot really talk or email u so soon...later lar. it has something involving polices....damn!

I panicked. I sent him an sms –Aiya. If you need help, anything to do with traffic, let me know!

He sms-ed me back - No. it’s something criminal. Extortion & kidnap.

I said, Serious shit???? Don’t fuck with me. If you need help, let me know, I can source for you.

He said, It’s ok. Batt running low.

WHAT?? Kidnap and extortion?? Who is the suspect? HIM?? Another mistaken identity? He lost his IC before??

To make the matter worse, over lunch, (I was already losing my appetite), my HR Manager told me a story of being held custody and also being followed by the KGB, while in Moscow when he was young. Russia was a communist country then. When he got back from Russia, he was instructed to provide full report on what he did while in Moscow. He told stories of how a friend of his was being detained by the ISA, how a person was being interrogated, etc. I turned purplish and broke into cold sweat.

Having a wild and vivid imagination, my mind went bonkers - conspiracy theory, how the police is going to scroll his mobile phone book and found that I was the last person who had spoken to him the night before, how my company is going to suspend my salary if I were being held custody as an accomplice, what if they suspend my passport and bar me from going to Bali early February, etc.. as I was the last person to be seen with him the night before….

I called WY, expressing my concern, and she wasn't of much help either. She frightened me further, saying that, if the kidnapping happened last night, I would have to be his alibi and probably need to lie to the police to save his ass by saying I spent the night with him till morning. Chi-sin!! Acting meh?? Kam sit tai??

I am overreacting, I know. On a serious note, if he needs help, I could drop everything and be there for him.

He called me later in the evening and broke down in tears. Alarmed, I advised him to calm down. I asked him, if he is in the police custody now. He said in between his sobs (or was it his usual asthmatic attack?) that he was on his way there.

I frantically screamed over the phone, which seemed to be breaking up, asking, “Are you going to jail???”

He ended the call abruptly, saying he would call me back.

It was such a dread that I decided to call a few friends to ask for any criminal lawyers phone numbers, bearing in mind that, tomorrow is the Chinese New Year’s eve.

The panic was mounting after the last abrupt call. I prayed for a miracle to happen.

It did.

He called, 20 minutes later, explaining the situation.

Apparently, a bunch of hooligans were extorting protection money from the contractor who is renovating Takeshi's house. They had threatened to do something nasty to the house, if he doesn't pay up. The contractor didn't give a flying fuck and said he wasn't the owner and gave them Takeshi's phone number. What a fucking idiot!

Takeshi didn't want to pay . The extortions and harassments went on and on till this morning, one of the workers got kidnapped by the gangster and they asked for ransom. He wasn't even the boss of the workers at the first place. It was the contractor's. But the contractor didn't give a shit. What an irresponsible bastard! Being his compassionate self, Takeshi cooperated with the police and managed to nab the suspect.

He was on the prosecuting side and not the one being prosecuted.

I slapped myself hard in the face. I fret for no reason. I am such a dumbass.

What a bummer!! Then why cry at the first place lak? Ya allah. Drama habis.

In less than one minute, all the profanities you could think of, came right out of my mouth.

@#$%^&*

I heaved a sigh of relief that he was fine! Disturbed and hungry, but he was alright.

It was a good thing that I don’t have any heart ailments. Or else, I could have suffered some serious stroke.

Jumping into conclusion could cause dire consequences.

I really cannot understand why some people could be cruel enough to cause so much harm to other people, who has been innocent all his life and minding his own business all this while. Especially those irresponsible people who did not bother to play their parts to ensure that all those sampah masyarakat to be put behind the bars for good. I guess no one would like to be put through the stress from the hassles of the outcome of the report - going to court, reporting to the police, facing future harassment by the criminals still at large, etc or maybe people were just plain ignorant on what to do when they encounter such problem.

Takeshi felt he was being played like a lifeless puppet by God, if there is one. I understand his frustration, and hope that this unwarranted incident would make him into a tougher person. Not many people would have the guts to report the matter as everyone is afraid of consequences, or probably has no faith in the legislation here. The police did a pretty impressive job, this time.

Hang in there, bud!

Hope the police finds the worker soon.

I seriously hope Takeshi would be alright.

Update (2.53 a.m.):-

The worker managed to escape and lodged a police report with help of Takeshi. I hope this would deter other punks from trying to harass innocent people and causing unnecessary stress and trauma.

Friday, January 27, 2006

CRISIS

I am quite disappointed with myself that I am beginning to fret even if I were to make a simple decision. I used to be more assertive when it comes to what I want. Clear cut. No hesitation till the extent of being heartless at times. Nowadays, I don’t really know what I want.

I am changing a job this coming March. It was sooner than I thought it would be. The job landed on my lap just because of another person’s misfortune. Nothing to do with hitting below the belt to get it, it was just meant to be. The previous employee just left because she was sick. Very sick in fact.

The initial thought of getting a job near home is like a dream come true. Gone are the days of waking up at wee hours in the morning, braving the horrendous jams, the car park that closes sharp at 8 pm – restricting my time to ease the shopaholic in me lurking in KLCC every now and then, expensive food, sudden flood if there was a heavy rain, the cranky elevators, etc.

The current job offers more in terms of remuneration and perks. Free parking, free driver (car pool), uniform (no, it’s not a manufacturing firm), free yoga classes, line dancing classes, just to name a few. I would be doing something slightly different from what I am doing now. It is going to be more challenging as the new job scope would involve in some operations. I was excited and scared at the same time. Working in a new environment always scares me. Believe me. Even if I had changed my job numerous times, I still get the jitters like every other new employee in a new company.

The thought of not letting people down, especially those closest and dearest to you, scares me. That is why I was a bit stressed out over the past 2 weeks, contemplating on the move. Further, it is not fair for Sugar, as she is now expecting her second child. It was a good thing that she wasn’t in the trimester that I am leaving. It pains me to see her struggling to clear the workload all by herself. I had been trying to scout a suitable candidate for her, the moment I stepped out of the interview 2 weeks ago. I had been doing in advance, the things I am supposed to do in 6 months, to ensure she doesn’t have to do much when I am gone.

I am going to miss the juicy gossips we shared, the stories of her little son, the look of awe on her face whenever I told her about the fast paced life that I am living as opposed to her ordinary one, teaching her practically all vulgar words you could find in Cantonese/Hokkien, how her 3 year old son began to say “Wah Lau Eh” because of me, and most of all, her patience in dealing with the cranky me.

To aggravate the level of stress, all of a sudden, a few old flames popped out of nowhere in full force, all calling me at the same time – trying to keep in touch for the coming new year. They wanted to catch up to see how I have been doing.

My confusion was further added with sudden flash backs of the good old times and reliving the pain that I had been through. The bottled up feelings in my once hollow soul were way too much to bear. And to make the matter worse, I decided to pour my angst on the people who were nice to me, especially someone who had been truly good to me even if we haven’t met. I am truly sorry.

Tonight, I met him for the first time. We had a quiet dinner at some nice, cozy Thai restaurant near Bkt Ceylon right after my Nihon-go class. It was perfect. He made my day. Thank you, Takeshi. Hope he would reap more karma from the good deeds he has done and, may he always be well and happy.

Monday, January 23, 2006

REMINISCENCE OF CHINESE NEW YEAR


Unlike last year – where reunion parties were lavishly being held, this year – I didn’t join any of them. Chubby is on diet – so we didn’t have dinner. Over the weekend, I was at YCF’s house, just watching tv, yakked a bit, gossiped a bit, and also to exchange CNY gifts. This year, YCF gave us nga ku (some fried sliced vegetables, I think) and as for myself, I gave them a walnut cake, papaya, mandarin oranges and cashew nuts (Considering Chubby is on a diet). Chubby is giving us some fried stuffs too, trying to make us fat. I know she wanted so bad to win the bet! Anyway, I paid Chubby RM50 for her success of shedding 8 kgs to date! I have lost only 2 kgs over the past one week when I finally decided to go on a diet.

I went for last minute shopping at Jusco for the house with sister. Jusco was packed to the brim on weekends. Everyone’s cart surely has alcohol in it by the cartons. It was a joy to see everyone’s face lit up with beaming smiles. Everyone was indeed in new year’s mood.

Hair salons were also packed to the brim. Almost every lady customer with long hair, emerged from the salon with curly hair and copper shaded highlight. I heard Japanese perm is the in thing this year and so does the color copper. My short hair is also highlighted in copper.

Ever year, my brother would be the one sponsoring dried minced pork. Our all time favorite is always Brother Kiew’s. Sometimes, I also like Bee Cheng Hiang. Dried minced pork from other brands – well, I think is not as good as Brother Kiew’s. My sis told me – even her Thai colleagues would sometimes ask the visiting managers from Malaysia to bring them some dried minced pork – the one with the picture of a boxing rooster.

We still missed both our late grandmothers, even if they had passed on for 3 to 5 years now. No more fussing over the two old ladies, buying them some new clothes, telling them not to do too much housework, and watching tv together with them, sharing a joke over cups upon cups of kopi-O, the smell of my paternal grandmother’s rokok daun, which I sometimes helped to fold when I was a little girl, the small casing made of shells which hold my maternal grandmother’s bedak sejuk, which she religiously applied after she took her bath, getting ang pows from the two elderly in the family, the first thing in the morning.

When I was a child, I always liked to stay on in my grandma’s place in Taiping till the 9th day of Chinese New Year, where the Hokkiens would celebrate it auspiciously to commemorate the deed of the Jade Emperor. This is where the authentic and conservative Chinese customs are still being adhered to; long lines of red fire crackers that turn everyone deaf by midnight, lush stalks of sugar cane decorated every altar, pineapples decorated with red joss papers to signify wealth, a whole roast pork on a red elongated tray, children playing with bunga api and displaying their hidden talents by drawing graffiti on the concrete floor.

I would take every year as it comes and hope that my childhood memory of the New Lunar Year, would forever remain vivid in my mind. I am just afraid that, one day, we would not be able to witness these minute details anymore as time progresses, it erodes the simplicity of living. People spending more time at work, pursuing their dreams, sometimes, failing to take time off to observe what this festivity means to them.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

REMEDY 101

My friends complained that I am always on leave. And they thought I was merely being a bum for abusing the medical leave. (What would you do if you have 20 days of annual leave per year? Use it lah, of course!)

On the contrary to what most of my friends think, I seldom take medical leave. Last year, I was on MC for only 3 days (I faked 2 of them – he he! I was simply too tired to go to work).

As the Chinese New Year is approaching, everyone tends to fall sick due to the weather – it is always unusually warm or due to one’s own gluttony – mandarin oranges being the main culprit, dried pork, pork floss, assorted cookies etc.

For me, it is a yearly sickness. Almost every Chinese New Year, I am plagued with high fever, terrible cough, runny nose, terrible sore throat, and subsequently loss of voice. This year, I vow not to let it happen as I am going to Bali early February.

I could feel that my body is heating up at this moment as I am writing this. For your info, I hardly take Mandarin Oranges. This year – I am going to eat less. So I hope, this would help me to curb the notorious annual sickness. Prevention is better than cure.

For the past few days, I had been downing Chinese herbs with rock honey to cool down my body temperature. One thing terrible about me is, I tend to get overly heated quite frequently. Even a bar of chocolate (50g) would send my hypothalamus glands into frenzy. (Yes – I am a hottie. Ha ha ha!)


Whenever I feel that I am going to get sick, I would definitely drink the concoction. I would also take Refresh – from a direct selling company, which consists of sophorae bean, shiitake mushrooms, mulberry leaves, lemon and asparagus. Works like a charm.

So today, I am sharing with you my remedy. I hope it works for you, too!

Hope you have a healthy Gong Xi Fa Cai! May the year of Dog brings you much happiness, love and prosperity.

Saturday, January 21, 2006

MEME OF THREE

Aiyah … kena tagged by James.

Since Chinese New Year is round the corner, 4 is definitely not an auspicious number. So, I am changing to 3. Yes, I am a dumbass.

3 jobs you've had in your life

Clinic nurse in Selayang
Carlsberg’s umbrella girl at some golf tournament
Waitress at Sixth Happiness

(For your info, I have had 12 jobs. Ha ha! These are the first 3 jobs that I had since I reached legal age. I was also a child laborer.)

3 movies you could watch over and over

Forrest Gump (7x to date)
About a Boy (6x to date)
Out of Africa (5x to date)

3 TV shows you love(d) to watch

CSI
The Apprentice
Rome

3 places you've lived

Taiping
Setapak (TAR College days)
Selayang (Inner Jinjang)

3 places you've been on vacation to

Thailand (Hadyai, Songkhla, Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya)
Sarawak (Kuching)
Singapore (Ang Mo Kio)

3 places you would rather be

At home watching TV/ Sleep
Kinokuniya
Agjov Beauty Salon

3 of your favourite foods

Nasi Lemak (Public Bank)
Bak Kut Teh (Bing Bing’s)
Mom’s kick-ass minced pork with potatoes

3 websites you visit daily

Blogspot
Maybank2u (Tarak duit. Have to check everyday for a miracle to happen)
Yahoo

3 tagged

Yuin
Kampungkai
Mr Nyabek

P.S. If you people wanna do meme of 4 – by all means!

P.S.S. If you people think I
am damn gatal for only tagging men.. I tried to tag Emma, but she's already been tagged!

Thursday, January 19, 2006

ARE YOU HAPPY?


‘Haven’t you got everything you need?’

‘I have everything a woman could want.’

‘What’s wrong with your life then?’

‘Precisely that. I have everything, but I am not happy. And I’m not the only one either; over the years, I’ve met and interviewed all kinds of people: the rich, the poor, the powerful, and those who just make do. I’ve seen the same infinite bitterness in everyone’s eyes, a sadness which people weren’t always prepared to acknowledge, but which, regardless of what they were telling me, was nevertheless there. Are you listening?’

‘Yes, I’m listening. I was just thinking. So, according to you, no one is happy?’

‘Some people appear to be happy, but they simply don’t give the matter much thought. Others make plans: I’m going to have a husband, a home, two children, a house in the country. As long as they’re busy doing that, they’re like bulls looking for bullfighter: they react instinctively, they blunder on, with no idea where the target is. They get their car, sometimes they even get a Ferrari, and the think that’s the meaning of life, and they never question it. Yet, their eyes betray the sadness that even they don’t know they carry in their soul. Are you happy?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘I don’t know if everyone is unhappy. I know they’re all busy: working overtime, worrying about their children, their husband, their career, their degree, what they’re going to do tomorrow, what they need to buy, what they need to have in order not to feel inferior, etc. Very few people actually say to me: “I’m unhappy.” Most say: “I’m fine, I’ve got everything I ever wanted.” Then I ask: “What makes you happy?” Answer: “I’ve got everything a person could possibly want – a family, a home, work, good health.” I ask again: “Have you ever stopped to wonder if that’s there is to life?” Answer: “Yes, that’s all there is.” I insist: “So meaning of life is work, family, children who will grow up and leave you, a wife or husband who will become more like a friend than a real lover. And, of course, one day your work will end too. What will you do when that happens?” Answer: there is no answer. They change the subject.’

‘No, what they say is: “When the children have grown up, when my husband – or my wife – has become more my friend than my passionate lover, when I retire, then I’ll have more time to do what I always wanted to do: travel.” Question: “But didn’t you say you were happy now? Aren’t you already doing what you always wanted to do?” Then they say they’re very busy and change the subject.’

‘If I insist, they always do come up with something they’re lacking. The businessman hasn’t yet closed the deal he wanted, the housewife would like to have more independence and more money, the boy who’s in love is afraid of losing his girlfriend, the new graduate wonders if he chose his career or if it was chosen for him, the dentist who wanted to be a singer, the singer wanted to be a politician, the politician wanted to be a writer, the writer wanted to be a farmer. And even when I did meet someone who was doing what he had chosen to do, that person’s soul was still in torment. He hadn’t found peace yet either. So I’ll ask you again: “Are you happy?”’

- An excerpt from The Zahir, by Paulo Coelho-

Monday, January 16, 2006

A WALK IN THE RAIN


Yesterday, I took a walk in the rain.

As my family members were busy painting the house, I offered to help. But since there were no extra brushes, I had to go out and get one.

It was drizzling when I stepped out of the gate and then, I hesitated. My sister told me to drive to the shop. The distance to the shop is too near to drive. My father said, the shops were not opened on Sundays. I insisted I saw one open when I went out earlier to buy groceries for my mom. My cousin sister told me to ride the bicycle. She must be crazy. My aunt told me to call another relative to borrow from them. What? Borrow? I don’t think so.

Dismissing their advice, I chose to walk instead, because I needed the exercise anyway. I took an umbrella and made my way through the rain. It was then, the rain started to pour heavily. I had two alternatives – run back home or continued on. I chose the latter.

The road started to flood. I quickly ran and managed to get to a row of shops for shelter before I was drenched totally by inconsiderate and idiotic drivers; who seemed to enjoy speeding their cars faster on wet roads.

Much to my dismay, my dad was right. The hardware shop open for only half day on Sundays. I cursed myself for not listening to my dad. I cursed myself because I didn’t drive. I was glad I didn’t take the bicycle, though!

As I was wiping myself dry and waited for the rain to stop, I engaged myself in deep thoughts.

This is how everyone has been running his or her lives. When people were offering advice, some of us heed, some of us don’t. When people offering suggestions to make our lives easier, some of us prefer to opt for the road less traveled just for the extra challenges or insisted on the alternative, which we think, is right.

When our lives became difficult, we blamed it on the conditions – God’s act, bad luck, weather, lack of support from parents/friends etc. We never blame ourselves for not listening to people.

When some people happened to make it big – we became envious. We assumed the person has the right connection, all the luck in the world, money, good looks, supportive parents/friends, but chose to remain oblivious of their persistent hard work or the risks they have taken.

This is what I have learnt from my walk in the rain.

I learnt that I should just shut up and listen to people, but at the same time exercise discernment and also caution. If I want to pursue my dreams, I should go all the way, whole-heartedly and not to give up. Even if the end result is not up to my expectations or according to my heart’s desire, I should be glad that at least, I have tried.

When I make mistakes, I should learn from it, in order not to repeat it like a fool. And learn not to blame others for my own misfortune.

I chuckled at my foolishness and decided to walk home in the rain. I might get uncomfortable along the way home, but it was just temporary. I knew when I reach home; I could jump into a cozy, hot shower.

In the end, I didn’t paint the house as my aunt couldn’t tolerate my Van Gogh-ish brush strokes. I helped to clean up the mess instead.

Inspired by Paulo Coelho, the Zahir.

Friday, January 13, 2006

THREE AND A HALF FEET

Today at the doctor’s…

Doc: So, now we have taken your measurements – they are .. how should I put it..they are way.. way.. off …

Me: *Feeling sorry for myself*

Doc: I like my women to be imaginative…

Me: *thinking to self* (your women???)

#He meant those women who came to his clinic to seek slimming advice.

Doc: Your measurements now.. with the extra inches… from all over your body, if added up together, can come up to 3 and a half feet.

Me: *Jaw dropped*

I am freaking stressed up now. Chubby had lost 6 kgs todate. I am so sorry to have lost the bet to her – sorry fellow readers to have disappoint you! But, I am not going to give up now.

Doc prescribed only salads for dinner, juices (preferably celery or carrot) in the morning. Light sandwiches for lunch. (Man!! This is practically starving!! Christ!). Not a very bright idea to start dieting now since Chinese New Year is round the corner!

He said, I should eat like Westerners – meat in the middle, potato and salads by the side, instead of rice as the main course, and meat and vegetables by the side. And he said, rice is the food of third world country, because, poorer countries cannot afford meat, so they fill themselves up with carbohydrates.

He has his fascinating way of explaining things.

I almost wanted to ask him – Japanese eat rice too. But they live longer than anyone else in the Western countries where, obesity now is their endemic disease! But I chose to remain silent.

Now, as I am writing this, I had refrained myself from eating dinner. I am going to have an apple and some juices instead. It is a long, long, way to go… but I hope I could persevere.

I will be very depressed due to food deprivation, so.. I guess I won’t be blogging for awhile till I get the hang of it.

Temptations this week:-

Tomorrow – Curry sting ray in Sentul to celebrate CK’s birthday. I guess I could only eat the cucumber at side, used for dressing.

Sunday – Someone is twisting my arm to buy him claypot cheese crab in Tropicana. I guess I could only watch him eat.

Now now.. this is already getting really, REALLY depressing.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

MANLY STATEMENTS

For some reasons, I think like a man.

My friends chided me for thinking that sex can be done without love (however, that doesn’t mean I am a slut! I am celibate! Remember!).

I flip channels endlessly with the remote control.

I hate window-shopping.

I cannot stand indecisive people – women are usually the ones being fickle minded. Although sometimes I might appear to be fickle minded, I am not. I call it accommodating.

After conversations with some friends, I find that, I’ve made several statements/remarks, which normally would come out from the mouth of a man, nonetheless, tickled them to death:-

1. When asked how to solve any relationship problems amicably: Just cook the man a nice meal, and give him a blowjob.

2. When a friend expressed pity, regarding a young woman who was totally drenched in the rain: Is that woman wearing a white t-shirt?

3. When a friend sent me e-mail of pics of Ms Universe contestants in evening gowns: Do you have the ones in swimsuits?

4. When a jealous friend complained about a colleague getting so many presents from her beau: That colleague must be really good in giving blowjobs.

5. When a friend expressed his disbelief that his very married best friend is having an affair and brag about it: As long as the wife does not know, it won’t hurt her. He would get over it soon and return to her. Most men will stray, anyway. Which cat doesn't eat fish??

6. When asked about what kind of a man I would like as a life partner: As long as he is fuckable, I'm fine.

7. When asked for advice on what to do with the girls who are relentlessly offering themselves to him, my very good looking friend: If you get to eat, don’t waste. Have an orgy party, and decide later. Remember to use rubber.

8. When asked to describe a lady to another guy who asked what makes me think she is beautiful: She got a pair of nice tits.

9. An advice for a friend who felt a bit stressed out about his job: Have more sex.

10. When a friend commented good looking guys are heartless and told me to be careful: Who says anything about having a relationship?

I still bear vengeance like a woman though. Sigh. Need to work at that.

* The above statements were made to humor my friends. They are not meant to hurt anyone or to sound condescending.

Monday, January 09, 2006

SEVEN WONDERS OF SELAYANG

I had been chided by my many friends who think I am being ridiculous for not knowing the good stuffs to eat in Selayang after staying here for 16 years.

Firstly, half of the time, I am not at home. As I am working in KL, I always come home late and usually had my dinner in KL and, never get to sample the food in Selayang. Secondly, my mother cooks all my meals when I am home (usually weekends) so I hardly go out to eat unless my mother decided to have the day off. Thirdly, when my mother decides to have the day off, my family members would usually ta pao for me as I always wake up only at noon, so I am not sure where on earth they get the good stuffs from…

Not wanting to be labeled as ignorant in my own dwelling place, I decided to go on a glutton crusade in Selayang (not all at once though!). I am glad to say that, Selayang is capable to offer numerous choices of food that delights one’s gastronomy.

1. Vegetarian at Restaurant Hoy Yuen (Breakfast only. Close on Thursdays)

This restaurant is situated at the second junction after Shell Station, next to Kodak.

I accidentally stumbled upon this stall one morning when I was back from FRIM for my once in a blue moon jungle trekking. I was thinking of what to get for my mother and aunt as they were going vegetarian for the day and was happy to have found this place.

They offer Mee Jawa, Kon Lo Mee, Wan Tan Mee, Curry mee and most of all – don’t forget to try the delicious home made fried wan tan. Godamnit. Heaven costs at only 50 sen per piece.

I took Ed here before one morning for breakfast and he loved it.

2. Lala Chien (Brunch to Lunch only)

The shop is situated at the new market place (Medan Selera Selayang) right after the furniture shop.

To look for this shop, check out the rojak push cart next to it. But remember, if you wanna eat the happening lala chien and fried rice that come in banana leaf, please don’t sit at the rojak place. It is quite ridiculous that they are rivals albeit selling different things. The rojak is not bad – but the assam laksa is a big no no!

Remember to be early to avoid disappointment. This shop operates from 11.30 am onwards and by 2 pm, the goodies would be finished.

3. Bing Bing Bak Kut Teh (Dinner Only)

Operating from a corner house, right at the junction opposite a furniture shop and Kwan Tung Seng.

Stumbled upon this shop – also after jungle trekking at FRIM. Now you know why my exercise never work?? Been here with the fei chai gang before their trip to KK sometime in March last year. This is a good place for BKT in Selayang but not as authentic as the mother of all BKT in Telok Pulai, of course.

* No pics lah.. all BKT look alike what.

4. Loh Mee at the main road of Taman Intan Baiduri (Breakfast and lunch only)

My dad used to frequent this small stall tucked away at the roadside. This shop serves the best loh mee in Selayang – they also serve kon lou mee. Both are equally good. The eggs are being marinated in the loh mee soup to harden it. Each bowl of noodles is served with one whole egg, and generous amount of fu chok, minced chicken and sliced cabbage. It comes with thick gravy of egg and black soya sauce.Ask for extra sambal for the extra oopmhh!

This dish is highly laden with eggs (read: high cholesterol), my dad had stopped eating regularly since he suffered from stroke a few years ago.

5. Roti Canai (24 hours)

Restoran BBS, the same row of shops where Maybank is situated on the other end.

The roti canai comes with deliciously thick dhal and unforgettable generous serving of sambal. This shop serves the authentic Indian cuisine – of course, nothing beats Gem Restaurant when it comes to Indian cuisine but this is close enough.

After I had the roti canai here, I never want to have my roti canai anywhere else!

6. Claypot Pan Mein (7 am to 9.30 pm)

At the sidewalk next to a mamak shop, before Wendy Cake House.

As usual, I didn’t even know about its existence till Ms Gan told me she always had her share of pan mein whenever she came here to give tuition. She recommended the claypot pan mein – curry flavored.

If you ask for pan mein, they will come in normal bowl or normal plate (if ordered kon lou). So you have to specify “CLAYPOT”.

The people here are quite moronic so you might have to bear with the slowness – even if there are not many customers around. (Pan mein sellers are morons? Look at the Chilli Pan Mein in Kin Kin) I think these people should hire some marketing staff – the food is good, just that lack of exposure to public.

7. My mom’s fantastic cooking!

A friend once commented, Hokkien people don’t really know how to stimulate the palate. I beg to differ. Look at the size of her daughter (me!). This friend is welcome to come to my humble home and sample my mother’s cooking! Come only on weekends and by appointment only. And if you are lucky, if my aunt decides to cook on rare weekends, you would get to sample signature dishes of famous chefs, from all over the world. (My aunt is an avid follower of cooking shows).

Saturday, January 07, 2006

DORMANT

On yahoo messenger today..

Char Siew Bro: Wah.. why so dormant?

Me: Dormant? As in staying at home?

Char Siew Bro: Yeah.

Me: Yeah lah.. very broke.

Well, due to my over zealousness in booking Air Asia free air tickets (Yeah lah.. I damn kiasu) , I somehow overlooked my bank account balances. I have to save money for my forthcoming trips. It didn’t help either that I busted both my credit cards on insurance, air ticket bookings, my vanity rituals, some social events, Christmas, etc last month.

So.. I have to stay home for awhile before my trips. Bali is due on 4 February. Oh.. I can’t wait!

Today, I pampered myself with strawberry swiss roll from Sun Moulin. I can’t deprive myself from goodies, even if I am broke. I delight in simple pleasures, and this is one of it.

At RM6.50 for a roll, it is quite worth it. The strawberry jam used to be thicker but not this one, which I got from Lot 10. The KLCC Sun Moulin seems to be offering swiss roll with thicker strawberry jam.


Ah well, never mind. This is just as good as it gets when you are stuck at home during rainy days and it goes on well with a cup of milo + Nescafe.

Ah.. I made a new pair of swanky eye wear as well.. talk about being broke…. I had to.. coz my HR Manager complained that my spectacles are getting too small for my face. A nice way of putting it rather than saying, You have grown larger by the day, girl!! No thanks to him for ta-pao-ing nasi lemak from around KL for me to sample almost every other week!!

Shopping is my forte now. I am embarrassed to say that; 3 out of 4 times, when the same friend called me, I was in the changing room, trying out some clothes. He thought full time shopping is my job, and I thought he is a pervert for calling me whenever I am naked.

Geez.. not a good time to indulge in senseless shopping. Oh man.. if only money could grow on trees.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

UNWELL

For some reasons, I am feeling a bit depressed these days. Some close friends did noticed that I was a bit.. off. Am I having a mid life crisis now? At age 30? Not even 30 yet! Pushing 30? I thought aging is not an issue for me. Or Ann said, it was because of my self-imposed home quarantine over the weekend had my brain cells gone mad. It was a relaxing weekend though, I could say.

Little things irked the shit out of me.

To make matters worse, I was at my wits end to reject a friend’s invitation to attend her wedding dinner this Friday. This friend – I haven’t met her for like.. 12 freaking years? I wish I could have spontaneously tell her to her face – well, go f*ck yourself. If you don’t bother keeping in touch for 12 years, why now?

I am quite pissed with myself that I didn’t bother to adhere to the guidelines that I had set for myself regarding attendance. Geez! I miss my bitchy self.

As I was driving home in the rain today, the first song that greeted me in the car was Unwell, by Matchbox20. How apt.

Unwell
Matchbox 20
(More Than You Think You Are)

All day staring at the ceiling
Making friends with shadows on my wall
All night hearing voices telling me
That I should get some sleep
Because tomorrow might be good for something

Hold on
Feeling like I’m headed for a breakdown
And I don’t know why

[chorus]

But I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell
I know right now you can’t tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you’ll see
A different side of me
I’m not crazy, I’m just a little impaired
I know right now you don’t care
But soon enough you’ve gonna think of me
And how I used to be...me

I’m talking to myself in public
Dodging glances on the train
And I know, I know they’ve all been talking about me
I can hear them whisper
And it makes me think there must be something wrong with me
Out of all the hours thinking
Somehow I’ve lost my mind

[chorus]

But I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell
I know right now you can’t tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you’ll see
A different side of me
I’m not crazy, I’m just a little impaired
I know right now you don’t care
But soon enough you’ve gonna think of me
And how I used to be

I’ve been talking in my sleep
Pretty soon they’ll come to get me
Yeah, they’re taking me away

[chorus]

But I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell
I know right now you can’t tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you’ll see
A different side of me
I’m not crazy, I’m just a little impaired
I know right now you don’t care
But soon enough you’ve gonna think of me
And how I used to be

Yeah, how I used to be
How I used to be
Well, I’m just a little unwell
How I used to be
How I used to be
I’m just a little unwell

I’ll snap out of it.. soon. Thanks, Takeshi, for being there.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

FIRST DAY IN SCHOOL

Sasha and Lok Lok, getting ready for school this morning..

Today marks the first day of school for Malaysian children. My godson, Adrian, had his orientation one day earlier yesterday. Mom had been fussing over the two monsters, Sasha and Lok Lok to get ready. My boss, Sugar, was on leave today to take her son, Sam to school.

Everyone will definitely remember their first day in school. Over lunch at home yesterday, my family and I had a hilarious time reminiscing our first day in school.

Mother said, I was the bravest one. When she took me to kindergarten on the first day, I told her to go home after I had settled in class, saying I would be alright. (Even if I was placed in a class where everyone was older than me by a year, due to late registration – I didn’t know that I was the youngest in class!).

My cry baby sister, cried the entire week. My brother, having my nomadic cousin brother with him, enjoyed his first day in school. While waiting for my mother to fetch them from school, he played football with his new found friends. My nomadic cousin brother, being the meeker one, walked about anxiously on the pathway and cried because mom was late.

Well, good luck to pre-schoolers. Today is the first day where ¼ of their life be succumbed to years of education since the colonial days. That is life sentence to me.

Sasha and Lok Lok did surprisingly well in school. My sister, who curi curi took time off work to see them in the nursery, was shocked to see that both of them were actually well behaved… probably not for long..

Sasha needs to get rid of the pacifier. Sigh. That’s the susah part.

Monday, January 02, 2006

OUT OF AFRICA


If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon
lying on her back, of the plows in the fields
and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers,
does Africa know a song of me?
Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on,
or the children invent a game in which my name is,
or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me,
or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?
- Karen Blixen-


The past few days of holidays were spent in front of the idiot box (tv). For a very long time, I haven’t been watching marathon movies. Since, it was a holiday and a long weekend, I decided to stay home and watched some tv.. and ended up, watching almost everything that HBO and Cinemax had to offer. Yes, I managed to bargain with the people in this house to let me watch other than Wah Lai Toi.

I watched re-runs of Mona Lisa Smile, Final Destination 2, The Legend of Bruce Lee, Born of Fourth of July, etc, just to name a few.

I can’t believe my luck that I get to watch Out of Africa today, a 1985 production, which was accredited seven (7) Oscars to its name.

I could even recall some of the dialogues. I had watched Out of Africa almost 5x and each time I watched it, it seemed to get better. I love Meryl Streep. There is indeed some sizzling chemistry between Meryl Streep’s Karen Blixen and Robert Redford’s Finch Hatton (Denys), which the actors today rarely could portray.

I would like to share with you, some of the scenes and dialogues I loved most in this movie:

Favorite scenes:-

When she first met Denys and Berkerley and they ended up having dinner and told stories till the end of the night.

When Karen ventured out into the safari to carry supplies to her promiscuous husband, Baron Bror Blixen, the scene where she drove away the lions which came to attack the herds of cattles, by merely using a whip.

The shampoo scene right in the middle of the safari. (Who could forget that??)

The first flight that Denys took Karen, mesmerized over the scenic horizon of Africa.

The sight of baobabs trees, overlooking the sunset.

When she wanted so much to own Denys by marrying him, after bathing in the sea over the sunset.

Favorite dialogues:

Between Karen and Kamante, a kikuyu

Karen: Good Lord. Your leg has got worse. You should go to hospital.

Kamante: This leg may be foolish.It may think not to go to hospital.

Karen: This leg will do as it pleases.But if you will take it to hospital... I will think that you are wise. And such a wise man as this, I would want to work in my house... for wages.

Kamante:How much wages would come to such a wise man as that?

Karen:More wages than come from tending goats.

Kamante: I will speak to this leg.

Denys and Karen when she argued about marrying:

Karen: Do you ever get lonely?

Denys: Sometimes.

Karen: Do you ever wonder if I am lonely?

Denys: No, I don't.

Karen: Do you think about me at all?

Denys: Often.

Karen: But not enough to come back.

-edit-

Denys: I'd mate for life. One day at a time.

I'm with you because I choose to be with you.

I don't want to live someone else's idea of how to live.

and I won't love you more because of a piece of paper.

Karen’s last speech during Denys’ funeral

"The time you won
your town the race...
we cheered you
through the marketplace.

Man and boy stood cheering by...
as home we brought you,
shoulder high.

Smart lad,
to slip betimes away...
from fields where glory
does not stay.

Early though
the laurel grows...
it withers quicker than a rose.

Now you will not swell the rout...
of lads that wore their honors out.

Runners whom renown outran
and the name died...
before the man.

And round that early laureled head...
will flock to gaze
the strengthless dead...
and find unwithered on its curls...
a garland...
briefer than a girl's."

Now take back the soul
of Denys George Finch Hatton...
whom You have shared with us.

He brought us joy...
and we loved him well.
He was not ours.
He was not mine.

Part and parcel of life. We cannot always have what we want. We could only try our very best and make do with what we have.

Sunday, January 01, 2006

WISHES FOR THE YEAR


I had a conversation with an interesting person last night. Since both of us were ushering the new year at the comfort of our homes, (via yahoo messenger), we made a few wishes, (me- toasting with red carmenere and him, shiraz - winner for young havest) which I think, are too irresistible in order not to blog them. So, here they are…. in no particular order:-

His wishes

• To good and healthy life
• To friendship
• To....the crusaders and the muslims .... may they find peace
• To the terrorist...may they find peace and boredom of killing
• To lousy drivers.....suckers..may they have manners
• To mother nature..have mercy
• To my weight...increase!
• To my effort in work....be rewarded with good health...and money
• To your japanese language...may u converse like a geisha
• To your car....may it be a rally car
• To careers....satisfaction and recognition
• To your house...may it turn into a designer's pad...
• To George Bush..may he realise his stupidity...and do something good....to the world
• To travels...may we travel to more places further and longer without jeopardizing our career...hehee
• To you, may you find the real deal in your profession
• To outstanding balances......may we be free from debt may it be monetary or...kind
• To teachers of calibre..may they be happy and rewarded
• To Malaysian police men, may they upgrade themselves a bit and keep themselves off squatting exercises
• To cells, may they keep on being original and don't be fucking showoff and mutate. cells in everyone..stay put!!!
• To south of thailand....may they find peace and may the crazy killers be brought to justice and peace restored
• May your handphone be so sophisticated that it can withstand shock and rain and snow...
• May we be surrounded by true and genuine frens always
• May we be free from harm and danger
• May we be able to offer help to anyone who need them

Mine

• To great sex and multiple orgasm
• To the lonely hearts, may they find great love
• To the orphans, may they find loving family
• To the pets in the pound, may they find good owners who treat them like darlings
• To the tsunami victims, hope that the funds get to them, and not taken away from so called coordinators or government
• To my waistline, hope they don’t grow too fast, with the food I am taking
• To Sasha, hope she minds her manners in school
• To you, hope you recover from flu/asthma soonest possible
• To your gay boss, hope he finds an assistant who can tolerate his PMS
• To you and your gf, hope you guys patch up soon
• To you, hope you realize you are perfect enough
• To the Monk, hope he finds nirvana
• To Sekinchan Boy, hope his hair stop thinning
• To you, hope you get to travel to your heart's content
• To Malaysia, hope they stop doing anything stupid for Malaysia Boleh feat
• To cheese cake, hope they come in lower calories
• To photography, hope both of us can take smashing photographs all year long
• To you: hope you get what your heart wants
• To the seafood in Tanjung Sepat, hope they remain fresh all year long and do not succumb to over rating
• To you: hope you find peace within your heart always
• To WY, may she finds the JUST RIGHT man soon
• To Ann..may she be healthy always
• To Kim, hope both mother and baby will be perfectly alright
• To government officers - may they properly understand the word: EFFICIENCY
• To Malaysians: may they realize, an accident is not a freak show - and pls dont stop to look
• To Cherry: may her life be full and happy
• To Party Girl: hope her parties get more happening, and her collection of LV handbags beats Imelda Marcos' shoes collection
• To Pakistan, hope they have enough coats to keep them warm in winter
• To my aunt, hope she kena 4D banyak banyak.
• To Angel, hope she had found peace within her heart and soul