Watch This Space

2011-06-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

A Sparrow Story

One day, a sparrow beaten and near death from freezing temperatures was flying low; trying to seek shelter when a load of cow dung fell on top of him.

Crying out in dismay, the sparrow cursed at his awful fate when he eventually realised that the cow dung was warm; and its dampness hydrating.

He sang loudly for joy as he felt himself slowly rejuvenating.

Not long later, a cat comes along.. pulls him out of the pat of cow dung and starts cleaning his feathers; only to eat the sparrow up whole.

The moral of this story:

Sometimes the people who shit on your head may not necessarily be your enemies.
Your friend may not necessarily be the one who pulls you out of shit.
One should never sing when covered in shit.

2011-04-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Food For Thought

A piece of writing from one of the late White Rajahs of Sarawak to the people of the lands that brings to mind what it means to be a Sarawakian.

I got this off a friend from Facebook and it really struck a chord.. hopefully it did with other fellow Sarawakians as well.

Farewell Address in the State Council to the Sarawak People by Charles Brooke

“I beg that you will listen to what I have to say, that you will recollect my words, and endeavour to call them to mind when I am no longer with you. I will make known of what is in my mind to my successor, but I can only be responsible during this my lifetime.

“I have lived in this country now for 60 years, and for the greater part of that time as Rajah. I know that I feel as you do in every way regarding the present and future for the existence and welfare of the inhabitants. I think after so long a period you will allow me to open my mouth and give my opinion truthfully.

“Has it ever occurred to you that after my time out here others may appear with soft and smiling countenances to deprive you of what is solemenly your right, and that is the very land on which you live.”

“This land is your inheritance on which your flesh and blood exist, the source of your income, the food even of your mouths.

“If this is once lost to you, no amount of money could recover it. That is why the cultivation of your own land by yourselves or by those that live in the country in important to you now.

“Cultivation by stranger, by those who might carry the value of their products out of the country to enrich their shareholders ? such products should be realised by your own industries and for your own benefits.

“Unless you follow this advice you will lose your birthright, which will be taken from you by strangers and speculators who will in their turn become masters and owners, whilst you yourselves, you people of the soil, will be thrown aside, and become nothing but coolies and outcasts of the island.”

2011-04-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

China Will Grow Larger

Back in my Uni days, it was the norm to patronize cybercafes, mushrooming in every corner of SS15, Subang Jaya.
The name of the game.. well if you were "in" at the time was

Command & Conquer: Generals Zero Hour

Favourite General: China Tank General
One of the phrases commonly heard mid-battle was "China will grow larger"

General Ta Hun Kwai
Source: http://www.cncgeneralsworld.com/

My recent business trip to Guangzhou showed none the less.

2 Years ago, I remember a Senior Manager and I in conversation:

A: Do you know why China will never take over the world?

Me: No,why?

A: Because they are copiers. They know nothing more than imitating already existing products.

Me: Oh.

Today, however, the story seems very different.

China, with the world's largest population, in my eyes has evolved into the next generation of Innovators.

An idea for every need; Making existing products BETTER is probably what China represents today.

Of course, the gawdy colours and over-the-top lightings and MIDI music incorporated even into feats of construction still stay true blue to China's proud declaration of MADE IN CHINA and PROUD TO BE CHINESE intuition, but Chinese innovators have taken a great leap forward into defining "The Way of the Future"

Infamously China:

The New China:

The Asian Games Stadium (Guangzhou)

Need I mention the AWESOME food:

Sour Spicy Sweet Potato Noodles and Exploding Meatballs

Malak Hotpot

Indeed; China will grow larger.

To keep up, pay a visit every year and see how increasingly impressed you become.

Til then, China will keep us guessing..

2011-04-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sarawak: Change vs. Transformation

Recently, Sarawak was caught up in its State Election.

Here are my key take-outs from this monumental event:

Politics and Religion do not mix.
Politicians with the title "Businessman" do not go very well.
Racial segregation although not acknowledged does exist.
Development is a RIGHT!
Change is inevitable for advancement, but initally starts with Transformation.
Transformation is induced from past learnings and the NEED to Change.

Confused much?

Maybe things will be clearer next election.

See you at the polls in 5 years!

Life after dim sum

2009-11-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

After being in Hong Kong for about 5 weeks, you start to get the hang of things.

The streets and lanes worth exploring and those that are not.. you kinda pick them out real quick.

Most may not know that Hong Kong is divided into two parts.. Kowloon (a.k.a the real Hong Kong that we know from Young and Dangerous 1-7.. and don't try to tell us Malaysians otherwise..) with delights such as Chou Tofu (Smelly fried fermented beancurd), Curry Fishballs (which I finally mustered up the courage to try and loving it!), Egg balls (:/) etc..

And then there's MY Hong Kong (a.k.a. Hong Kong Island).. there's Central where I work and live.. more like expat central.. which can only mean lots of bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes (a.k.a. Nirvana.. or is it..)

The question is.. being a song-spoilt Malaysian, and let's get past the art of dim sum shall we..

I've found that Hong Kong lacks.. believe it or not.. variety.

Strings of shops serving local far in Central, tiny as they may be.. boast a reputable portfolio of celebrity patrons.. only to sell.. the exact same things.

Noodle shops: wanton, beef brisket and/or innards, dumplings, stewed pork

Roast meat shops: cha sio.. siu yuk, siu kai.. siu ngap.. siu ngor

Aiyo.... and then also got Dai Pai Tongs a.k.a. Dai Chow places.

Some dirty as hell, food so-so la. and some with more established premises.. so so la.. pork ribs with black bean sauce is king!

Don't get me wrong, I've had some fab eats around here. at once in a while patroned specialised restaurants..Teo Chew, Thai, Korean, Shanghainese, Indian etc.

Food here is of standards and of course, you pay for it.

And btw, Malaysians, Kim Gary is a LIE! There is no Kim Gary! Let alone Mr. Kim Gary.. whom I don't recognize nor understand his over-expressions of new cheese baked seafood items on the menu..

It was merely a concocted concept to fool poor souls like myself who dream of watching triads in action, scantily clad woman smoking cigarettes and opium dens where u sit and drink tea all day while enjoying a view of a bay with junk boats surrounding tall buildings and eating dim sum while happily slurping my borsch soup and tucking into typhoon shelter noodles.

Sigh.. bring back the HK malaysians know and love..

Lai Liu Ngau Yin (Pissing beef balls) and Sek San (God of cookery)!!! Where are you?????

True ka?

2009-01-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

This reading is based on —
Birth Name: Victoria Ting Bao
Birth Date: 10/13/1985 (October 13, 1985)

Your Inner or Soul's Urge: This is spiritual and emotional expression more than physical. It is your heart-felt desires, your incentive, how you look at life. Here are your areas of personal satisfaction.	Number: 5 You yearn for personal freedom in every direction, including expression of free will; for change, variety, and constant new opportunity; and to learn about life in all its phases. The new, the unusual, the progressive -- these are where your enthusiasms are. Waiting around, being stuck in routine, and petty details are personal agitations. Because of your desire to experience everything in life to its fullest before you let it go, you may tend to overdo sensual experience such as sex, alcohol, drugs, and food. Instead of formal education, much of your wisdom comes from your tremendous range of activities and your contact with people of many classes and races and walks of life. This can put you in great demand as an alive and witty lecturer or teacher. You tend to be flexible, progressive, and restless. You can enhance your life experience even more by increasing your sense of loyalty and your patience, better defining your purposes in life, and not scattering your attention so much by going too many directions at once.

Your Personality: This is physical expression more than spiritual or emotional; your outer self, the way you express when meeting others. It may or may not be the real you.	Number: 7 You appear dignified and poised, intellectual, and somewhat aloof. When first meeting someone, you appear hard to know, but are friendly and a good talker when better acquainted. You emit a strong sense of self-knowledge. While discussing familiar topics, you are convincing and appear at ease. However, in unfamiliar areas you can make statements you later regret. Your personality gains when well-dressed and groomed; good style with straight lines and touches of color and sparkle, possibly of expensive materials.

Your Quiescent Self: Stripping away all outside influences, aspirations, ambitions, "shoulds", and "shouldn'ts" -- this is you when you are alone; just you and your dreams..	Number: 7 You have a cosmic connection with spiritual wisdom. The Ancients are no stranger to you. In fact, you share their knowledge. You are known for who you are, and people seek you out to hear your words of wisdom. You live in an old, beautifully restored house; your library is full of precious and rare books and your study is adorned with classic art. Your thoughts and pleasure are meditation on the philosophical and spiritual wisdom of the masters of old.

Your Destiny or Ultimate Goal: This is your desired lifetime accomplishment. It is a key to a useful and happy life, and to feeling fulfillment during your latter days.	Number: 3 Your destiny lies in areas of creativity and its use to help people find inspiration and joy in living. As you express your artistic talents, your beauty, and an optimum mix of sincerity and joy, you come closer and closer to fulfilling your destiny -- which also includes popularity, personal happiness, romantic love, and money. You have integrity and are kind, patient, cheerful, artistic, creative, and a constant source of pleasure. And use your inspiration and imagination to spread your happiness by direct people contact and by writing, speaking, music, painting, decorating, or acting. You are a social person and enjoy entertaining and being entertained -- talkative and usually well dressed.

Your Life's Path: Here are clues to what fate has in store for you. It indicates the type of encounters, events, and opportunities you are likely to experience along your physical life path.	Number: 1 Your path is along the lines of expressing self-reliance, individuality, and the proper expression of will. You may have been born into a family with domineering, interfering, or unyielding parents. Be that as it may, there probably was tension and conflict of will during your growing up years. Your life is strewn with challenges and opportunities to express your will, your independence, and your initiative. You are a leader, strongly individualized, and demand the right to think and act according to your own ideas and convictions. Originality, invention, will power, and courage are native to you. You have keen perception and good concentration. Be wary of any tendency to start a project, then becoming bored with it and starting a new project before completing the first. Develop your body, mind, and spirit to the highest point of efficiency. Refuse limitations. Cooperate without losing your individuality. You seem to complete tasks better when left alone. Promotion to positions of leadership come easier to you than to some people, especially if you make yourself invaluable wherever you find yourself. Ambition is a significant driving force.

This Year's Path: Here is what you are likely to encounter this year -- your feelings, your predominant perspective, and the type of situations, circumstances, and opportunities you tend to attract during the calendar year.	Number: 7 This is your year for personal reflection and perfection, a year of introspection. You feel like analyzing everything you have been and are doing. You think about beauty, love, perfection, and what life is all about. You spend a good deal of time alone, getting acquainted with yourself and your new inner power. This year you gain a better understanding of your emotions and your spiritual nature. Take time out to rest, study, read, and travel, and to look at life from a different angle. Find outlets for personal creative expression. If you have psychic, spiritual, new age, or mystic interests, this is the year to pursue those studies. Quality is your standard.

Next Year's Path.	Number: 8 This is your year of achievement, your year to make great strides in business, employment, promotions, monetary compensation, and/or the accumulation of possessions. It is your harvest time. You feel ambition stirring, a desire to better your financial condition. To accomplish this, it is necessary to be businesslike, efficient, and practical all year. Many opportunities present themselves. To gain your rewards, move forward in a businesslike manner and with sustained effort. Your state of mind, mental capacity, education, experience, and self-confidence are all part of your success and financial advancement. You feel desire to make a special effort to improve or bring to a successful conclusion some of the ideas and dreams of the past years. This is a year of action. Place your abilities on the market with a sense of self-confidence and authority.

Last Year's Path.	Number: 6 This is a year of service for you, a duty year. You feel you're assuming new responsibilities. People make more demands of you this year. You are needed in many directions. Warmth and good will toward others, along with love and harmony, will make everything worthwhile. Justice, fair play, and honesty are important. It is a year for unselfish service. Take care of your health because without it you cannot help others. Find time for rest and relaxation. This is a year to be thorough and conscientious about everything that you do. It is a year of fine and friendly influence for marriage, tranquil home conditions, and traditional family activities. You may feel a strong desire to get settled.

A whale of a time

2009-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Okay.. so there weren't actual whales.. not even whale sharks.. or sharks or green turtles.

Damn.

Tajang & I gracefully stepped into the Land Below the Wind on the 29th of Dec 2008.

Painful goodbyes were said at Kuching International Airport as we boarded our fully occupied flight to Kota Kinabalu.

My passion for animals has always been fired by the National Geographic, Discovery Channel and my own self-exhuberating love for creatures preferably with less than 4 legs and who cannot take flight (i.e. insects).

Marine life on the other hand, is a whole other chapter. I am captivated by the kooshkin jelly-like organisms that are perhaps more complex than we'd like to think.

Fishes, jelly bugs and coral I saw in a whole new light.. amidst the stingings from little jellyfish that didn't really pose much of a threat.

These communities that were once confined to me by the telly or salt-water aquariums became within inches of me.. and between the bubbles from my exhaling breath, I was hooked.

Our lodge was a quaint B&B. As claustrophobic as it was, it was nice and pleasant. Tucked away in a red-light district, next to a clambering of seafood restaurants was were we called home those 6 days.

The KK Waterfront proved popular with tourists, like yours truly and we were treated to a New Year's celebration amongst expats and locals alike. Sunset..AWESOME.

BTW, One Borneo was utterly disappointing.

Don't go there.

Nuff sed.

The jetty at Sutera Harbour already sparked my enthusiasm when I saw a small reef inhabited by fishes and sea urchins caught my eye amidst the sparkle of the clear blue waters perched by the rocks.

The moment I stepped onto the island, I was in love.

Again. Nuff sed. This time on a good note =)

Our instructor: C.J.

The dive course was straight to the point. No beating round the bush.. and in 4 days..5 confined water sessions, 4 open water sessions including a boat dive(!) and a full day classroom session and written exam (of which I scored 94%!) we were PADI-Certified Open water divers!

The weekend was fueled by gynormous amounts of alcohol and great company courtesy of Ann and Claudine.

We were brought to their favourite waterholes featuring one of the best live bands I've seen in my life. Oh yea.. we also did the tourist thing where we went to this big open air seafood restaurant with cultural performances and ok ok la seafood with a tourist price twist!

The nightlife in KK is hoping at hotel pubs like Rumbar (Le Meridien) and Shenanigans (Hyatt)

Standing on its own, Razzmatazz in the middle of nowhere-atazz is a hoping establishment playing sounds alike to that at Supper Club Singapore with a local twist.

BTW, did you know slot machines are legal in Sabah?!!!!

My ultimate fav Cai Tsen Dao machine was in operation!!!

After winning, losing then breaking even, we decided to call it a day.

Winning ingredients for a mega-fun gambling session: Good Company, Tong-ing money together and continuous chanting for Cai Tsen Dao, Ingots and Gold Coin formations!

BTW, we won one of those lucky lucky draws where they take pictures of the screen and give you cash on the spot!! (not much la RM200 nia)

Sabah.. two thumbs up.

Bigger, blacker than ever, I was devastated to leave.. but duty calls..

Sipadan.. I'll see you soon.

Of beer and peers..

2009-01-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

Consider my previous blog entry void.

My trip to Kuching consisted of food food food, booze booze and more booze and most importantly friends and family that I hold so dear!

Trips back home are always too short as there rarely seems to be enough time to do EVERYTHING!

I had to compromise on KY kolo mee, open air market and Tu Ka Peng... but was compensated with many bottles of Tsing Tao and Tuak.

I had a friend who happened to be down on business and she joined Tajang & Co. the day before I came and subsequently joined in on the festivities when I arrived.

She was somewhat taken aback by the closeness and the hospitality that we are made up of. I wish she could have stuck around for the festivities but she had to return for a family affair.

I like to take pride and will toot my horn whenever and wherever possible of my group of friends.

Different ethnicities and races know no boundaries as we are brought together by a closeness not many people will ever know.

I had to reassure myself before going back that I may not be expecting the bond we all shared to prevail.. but my sleight of judgement proved me wrong!

And I am glad it did.

Being back in JB and even spending New Year's away from them almost killed me.. but I got to spend much needed time with the Jungle Boy.. but that's another story to tell.. of KK!

In less than 3 weeks, Kuching will be shaken by my returning wrath!

And I am so looking forward to it! Even though it might mean not taking leave for the next 6 months.. I don't care!

I'll be home =)

the new old me.. the old new me

2008-12-17T01:48:00.000-08:00

So it's about a week to Christmas! And I'll be going home in a matter of days! But still.. busy week ahead of me.. busy weekend ahead of me..

I'm sitting here pumped with anticipation of babi soup.. KY kolo mee.. Big Mouth chicken rice.. drinks at Junk Bar.. just chilling with everyone. and yet at this moment.. a wave of uncertainty sweeps me back to myself sitting on my couch..thinking..

I haven't been back since September. Not long ago if you think about it.. but long also if you think about it.

One concern.

Was back in Ipoh recently and my friend looked at me and said.. you know.. there's something about you that's different. Me prodding and poking about in his head ended with this conclusion: I don't know. just different. Could be JB.

Don't get me wrong. Good times bad times in Ipoh aplenty. Likewise with JB. I would say I'm enjoying my independence.. my having lots of time to contemplate and sometimes not enough time at all.

Work here is pretty much work. Bearable.. sometimes not so bearable.

Drinks after work help. Too many drinks leave me stoned and purging the next morning.

This is me having too much time to think:

So i was thinking.. I'm worried if I go back to Kuching.. it might seem even foreign (*gasps of gasps!) to me. There are so many new places and new faces.. and new old faces.. and faces.. I don't know if I can keep up.

Perhaps its the fact that everyone has moved on into their own routines and here I am hoping to come back to everything that I know.

I'm just someone who left.. and comes back occasionally.. but hopefully not forgotten.

At the same time, I can't help but feel that I will never again be the professional bum having 2 hour yum cha session(s), going for 11 hour happy hours and being able to do anything without a care in the world of my future worldly possessions and my accomplishments on planet Earth.

It was just me.. being.. me.

And now I'm me.. worrying about whether I should buy a car.. or property.. or my year-end appraisal and bonus.. or the endless projects I have to churn out.. and the limited days of leave that I have.. and having planning vacations in advance..

And I'm not sure if everyone can still picture that me as me.. now.

And I hope they won't be disappointed.

hmmm..

time for a cigarette.

A drink perhaps?

drinking.. yes.. the drinking..

comes with the job.

love it.

hate it (mostly the mornings after).

deal with it.

it pays my salary.

life goes on.

2008-09-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

To Motivate:

1. All these things that I have done- The Killers

2. Do you want to- Franz Ferdinand

3. Monkey Wrench- The Foo Fighters

To Party!!:

1. Sing it back (Whatever remix also can)- Moloko

2. The Creeps- Camille Jones & Fedde Le Grande

3. Let me think about it- Ida Corr & Fedde Le Grande

4. Mr. Brightside- The Killers

5. Take me out- Franz Ferdinand

6. Who do you think you are?- The Spice Girls

7. Great DJ- The Ting Tings

8. Chelsea Dagger- The Fratellis

9. Bohemian Like You- The Dandy Warhols

10. Cream- Frederico Franchi

11. Beautiful Life- Ace of Base

12. Romeo- Basement Jaxx

13. Little L- Jamiroquai

14. It won't do (Without you)- Tim Deluxe

15. Everything- Kaskade

Our Song(s):

1. When you were young- The Killers (The K-Rock version )

2. The Look of Love- Nina Simone (Madison Park vs. Lenny B. Remix)

Ipoh:

1. Shivers- Armin Van Buuren

2. La Vie Boheme!- OST Rent

3. The Tango Maureen- OST Rent

4. My Oh My- Aqua

5. Tiada Lagi- Amy

6. Ku Katakan Dengan Indah- Peter Pan

7. Mercy - Duffy

8. Labels or Love- Fergie

JB:

TBD soon.

Who knows.. here goes!

2008-09-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

The year 2008 has brought a lot of changes.

1. I'm no longer a bum. My professional status has been revoked.

2. Officially no longer a freelance Accounting student. And have got them pictures to prove it.

3. Have travelled throughout the North Region of Peninsular Malaysia in the last 5 months.

4. Picked up a smattering of cantonese from Ipoh.

5. Am currently trying to navigate my way around Johor Bahru without the aid of GPS.

6. My body clock has been adjusted to wake up at 6.30 am every working morning.

7. Massive weight gain from Ipoh- currently being rectified via futsal training 3 times a week.

Life is good.

Missing my family and friends from all over! =(

There seem to be more and more people to add to that list every time.

But, the future is NOW.

aka JB.

Armed with Gerald Woo Wai Keong, we're ready to invade Sg guns ablazing with our Pool Skills (ok.. Gerald.. not me), Massive Alcohol Intake (again.. Gerald nia) with our fellow army of MLS (Msians Living in Sg) and of course the HMs (Honorary Malaysians- a title we've bestowed to only an elite few) to annoy you with our casual constant incorporation of BM in our conversations and dissings of all sorts- anyone & anything.

Also, we have explored the lesser known nooks and crannys of JB for a decent hangout and to our delight, we've found a few keepers!

And I owe Rina bak kut teh. Which I've found ;)

So how liao?

Time to take JB by storm!

Who knows.. here goes!

A bonus treat!!

2008-07-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Miss Ting!

..on forgetting your I.C., Driving License, ATM card and Credit Cards

Congratulations on reaching the Perak Stateline before realising what had happened.

Congratulations to me!

I fucking hate mondays.

Happy 2xth birthday Rina Lee!

2008-06-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

So the weekend is over.. everyone has slumped back into their workday routines til Friday comes again.

As with here.. a five hour bus ride, dinner and another two hour drive later, here I am, back in Ipoh.. at my communial rep table.. scratching my head of how much paper work and presentations i'm expected to spew out for next week's regional cycle meeting..

BUT..

a weekend well worth it!

Rina Lee's birthday comes once a year. the drinking celebrations however, probably happen every week... like all birthdays.

cause it's always someone's birthday to celebrate with endless bottles, cocktails and shooters.

but i'm so glad i took time off the get my ass down to singapore this year (FINALLY!) to check out the hoo-hahs.. and you know what?

it was SO worth it.

I can see why Rina's so at home in singapore...

great friends and great colleagues!

not to mention the countless places to go that DON'T close by 2 a.m.

Happy 2xth (pantang ma say the number) birthday Jia Jia!

Thanks for having me down!

may you be blessed in all that you do and have a great year ahead!

may all your project senapangs be executed right on target and may the rides of shame home be forgotten cause it was so damn worth it..

right? right? =P

enjoy!

*love*

the future is NOW

2008-06-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

i finally have Wi-F

and YES its legitimate..

RM50 for 3 mths under Perak's statewide wireless thangy..

no more illegal stealing of my neighbours' connection by painfully holding my laptop out

of the window of my condo on the 7th floor.

we are in business people!

here's to the continuation of the dlding of The Reel McCoy, FunFactory, Pointbreak and etc.!

2007-10-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

the compassion of things

Compassion is a funny thing.

We feel compassion for people in war-torn countries, those in poverty etc etc.

And then there's a different kind of compassion.

One that is fueled by post a negative event(s)/circumstance(s).

For example,

We can feel compassion for friends who take things for granted all the time and one day realise that they don't have any more friends. ( ITYS!! but then again you feel sorry for them)

We feel compassion, for that crazy guy at open air who harresses people for small change only to sit down beside you and order a bowl of kolo mee, siobee and a glass of soya milk (What the &@#*!) with all the loose change he has collected from us pansies alike and then walking away aimlessly and oh so kesianly. (aduh kesian...)

Or that piece of shit guy who cheated on you only to get AIDS (actually.. that might make me feel good.. and want to get tested)

Or that dog to whom you threw your last and oh so precious piece of char siew to only to have him ignore it but gets his tail stepped on shortly after. (aww...poor doggie)

Maybe we need to feel that we have been cheated or have lost something before we can feel compassion towards the subject matter.

Has somebody pissed you off today?

Have you been taken for granted today?

Were you cheated by someone today?

Have you been hurt/ disappointed at/in somebody for a long time?

Well its called karma baby! and its gonna come back to bite some asses!

I have a feeling you're going to be feeling real compassionate sometime soon!

the big 2-2

2007-10-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

It seemed like yesterday when I was flipping through my date book noting that my birthday (in 10 months) was going to be on a Saturday.. like that can celebrate on Friday night hoh?

Yesterday, was that Friday.

Along with my eyebags similar in size and color to Egyptian dates, 9 friends and I had dinner before stopping by two bars and finally settling at our fourth stop of the night; the all new and improved Oregano restaurant located at Jalan Central.

Dinner was excellent. The perfect balance of good food, good company and good conversation.

We have also concluded that there is nothing to do in Kuching at night after a big meal except to have a couple of drinks. So a couple of drinks did we have.

The atmosphere at Oregano was obviously alcohol-driven, but that doesn't mean that the Cheekee Monyets can only get along while intoxicated... right? right??

Turning twenty two doesn't scare me. The pre-mature wrinkles might.

But while the nightlife and unhealthy habits have held my hand every time I've been scared to enter a room, I often look around for familiar faces, and seek comfort as do I start to recognize them around me, unraveling in all that seems dark yet intriguing.

And yes; the unhealthy habits have got to go, Vicky.

Thank you unraveling familiar faces in the darkness that I know and love!

Thank you everyone for the wonderful presents, your company and your well-wishes!

I am truly blessed.

2007-10-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

twenteee twooooooo

http://vickyyy.multiply.com/photos/album/19/twenteee_tooooo_

MINE MINE PINK PINK MINE MINE

2007-10-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Wah.. so long haven't written anything..

been mega busy with the usual tests, exams and assignments.. so far so good people!

Anyway, it's been quite awhile but I thought I'd put in a post to commemorate an early birthday present....a pink Nintendo DS from Tajang sweets!~

Wah... cantiknya the colour! and the console is so interactive! better than the PSP if you ask me.. battery lasts longer.. you can talk to it.. blow into it.. touch screen it.. joystick it.. WAHHH... the possibilities are ENDLESS!~

and I no longer have any need to visit Hock Lee centre because I've got my Taiko Drum Master game on DS which you play with TWO styllusses!

Woohoo!!

You just hold the stylluses, one in each hand as if they were drum sticks and pound away to the likes of Flight of the Bumblebee, Super Mario theme etc..

I'm still looking into how to unlock new songs cause the game is somoa in Jepun language .

Also there's this coolio hospital game where you conduct surgeries. Kudos to Sophia for passing that bitchy stage.. HELL YEAH!!! It's called Trauma Centre.

See.. you follow the instructions given by the nurse (sometimes she can get quite loso) and conduct the surgery. Sometimes she doesn't know better also.. and she might doubt your surgical instincts.. but what does she know right? she's just a hentai-looking nurse. and she apologizes profusely in the end anyway. Her name is Angie by the way.

Anyway, these are just some of the games I managed to download off the internet thanks to my wonderful R4 Chip which allows you to store games in a memory card because DS games are too expensive to buy in our part of the world with our weak RM.. how to compete?! haiya..

ooo.. ultimate attraction thats got EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE shouting 1234!!!!!! (the name of my beagle is 1234) COME HERE!!! into the microphone.. NINTENDOGS!

Can touch touch, play play with the little bugger..

can teach it/them (yes you can beli/adopt more than one!) tricks, participate in competitions etc etc..

kewtnye.. and then you have to call into the microphone to make it come.. or say commands to teach it stuff.

Wah... good for destressing.. also got other games to increase brain power, brain activity.. etc

still in the process of tinkering with it.. haven't had much time over the last couple of weeks... but on every occasion possible it makes an anti-social out of anyone handling it.

and P.S.I think Ive converted 3 people to date into wanting one like REALLY badly!

till you get yours.. I'll be enjoying mine!!

Thanks Hon

Rating: +

My Personality Profile

2007-09-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

Your Personality Profile TraitPercentage Openness94% Conscientiousness38% Extraversion69% Agreeableness63% Neuroticism69% Trait Explanations Openness You are much more intellectually curious and sensitive to beauty than most. Your beliefs tend to be individualistic and frequently drift towards the unconventional. You enjoy your imagination and the exciting places it takes you! Conscientiousness You are spontaneous and fun, and like to do unexpected things that make life that bit more interesting. You aren`t completely unreliable, but you`ve been known to slip up on occasion. Extraversion You are energetic and active. You enjoy and actively seek out social occasions, and especially enjoy talking with a big group of people. Agreeableness People get along with you easily. You are considerate and friendly, and think that other people are generally honest and decent. Neuroticism You tend to be self-conscious. You react emotionally to situations more than most, and can find it hard to control your negative feelings.

I stole this from the Crew.. just had to post it

2007-09-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Today, in Malaysia, there is no longer just the

Chinese. Along the way, the Chinese people divided

beyond dialects and religious faith. We now have

denomination within the Chinese. The major three

groups are Regular, Cina, and Ah Beng.

The Regular group is the minority, making up less than

20% of the Chinese people. This group has the

following characteristics:

Speaks English as the first language.
Thinks the world owes them a living.
Uses the Internet more than the other two groups combined.
Loves the iPod and/or IKEA.
Watches one or more of the following TV series: "Sex And The City", "Friends", or "CSI."
Thinks that the Regular group is way larger than it is and makes fun of the other groups, particularly the Ah Beng group. Why? Because it's fun.

Recent studies have also shown that there is a growing

splinter group within the Regular group known as the

CPWTTANC group. (CPWTTANC is short for Chinese People

Who Think They Are Not Chinese.) This growing subgroup

are considered elitist by some and are found making

statements like "I wish I were in the U.S." or "This

never happened when I was studying in Australia." They

also tend to speak with an unidentifiable accent. The

women may also prefer to date white men from foreign

countries with the excuse that local men just "don't

understand me" and have the secret desire to be taken

away to the U.S. to live in a sitcom.

The second Chinese group, Cina make up approximately

55% of the Chinese community. (Cina is derived from

the Malay word Cina which means Chinese and is

pronounced "chee-na". And you will have to say it in a >

condescending tone for effect.) This group is

considered mainstream and contribute to the numbers

that reflect development in the country. They are the

masses in context of the Chinese community. In other

words, if you want to sell something to the masses of

Chinese people, the Cina is it.

The Cina are identified by the following traits:

Speaks Mandarin or Cantonese as the first language.
Generally quiet, self-effacing, and obliging but are actually shrewd and calculative.
Sees Taiwan as the place to be.
More likely to forward chain email to people in their address book.
Goes to Halo Café or Wow Wow Café BY CHOICE at least three times a year.
Has Astro hardwired to Wah Lai Toi.
Calls a music video an MTV instead of music video.
Knows all the dim sum dishes by name.
Seventy percent of lighting at home generated by flourescent lights.

The last group are known as the Ah Bengs . This term

was probably made up by the Regulars in the early 80s

during the cultural invasion that saw the mass import

of music and movies from countries like Hong Kong,

Taiwan, and to some extent, Japan. This phenomenon saw

the more open-minded and runaway members of the Cina

group defect into Ah Bengs and its feminine

equivalent,

Ah Lian. They just took their Alan Tam and Anita Mui

a little too seriously.

Perhaps the most made-fun-of group not only by its own

Chinese people but by people of other races, the Ah

Bengs are often seen as people living on the edge and

have more flamboyant tastes.

One may identify the Ah Beng by these tell-tale signs:

Built-in visual self-defense mechanism that keeps people away from them.
Have enough amplifiers in their one car to power speakers for six cars.
Hair not in their original colour.
Volume of voice is automatically five decibels higher than everyone else.
Excessive use of the phrase "Kan Ni Na Bu Ciao Chee Bai(Although, to be fair, some members of the Regular group have been reported to use the phrase on a daily basis as well.)
Once a fan of one of the following groups: Vengaboys, Dr Bombay, Aqua, or the Cheeky Girls.
Their Proton car does not look like a Proton car due to modifications.
For the Ah Lians, have at least one bag fashioned after a furry animal complete with the head.

2007-09-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Your Life Path Number is 1
Your Life Path Number represents the path you should take through life and the talents and skills you have to make your journey a rewarding one.

The 1's life path is marked by developing their individuality, decisiveness, and force of will. They are meant to be leaders. Their endurance will ensure whatever task they tackle will get done on time and right.

Your Life Destiny Number is 3
Your Destiny Number sheds light on those things you must accomplish in your life to be fulfilled.

Your destiny is to create, and inspire others to create. You were meant to express yourself, to share the joys of creation with others, imbibe those fortunate enough to know you with the powers of creation and the joys of unbridled enthusiasm.

Your Soul Number is 5
Your Soul Number describes your deepest desires and dreams and the person you truly want to be.

Your passion is to be free of limitations. You have a lust for change and the variety of experience which comes with it. You are rebellious and sensual by nature. Routine bores you and you loath having any limitations put on you.

Your Personality Number is 7
Your Personality Number reveals the "external you"--the personality traits others will know you by.

A 7 Personality Number is the mark of a person deeply absorbed in the pursuit of spiritual and cosmic knowledge. 7s are intelligent, perceptive and introspective. It comes as no surprise that the 7 Personality is an introvert. 7 Personalities can be difficult to get close to. They have the air of a mystic about them and can be quite aloof. Also, 7s love their privacy. However, the 7 Personalities' wisdom and knowledge will draw people to them, and in the end they will realize sharing their knowledge is as rewarding as gaining it.

Your Maturity Number is 4
Your Maturity Number reveals the person you will come to be--your true self.

You will learn the value of hard work, discipline, and organization in your early years. As you grow older you will contribute to things that are destined to last. In your later years you will have built things of lasting value. You may have some health issues to which you will apply your organizational skills to lessen their effect on you.

The 4 Pinnacles
Pinnacles represent moments in your life in which you realize current goals and learn some of life's lessons. If you are at the beginning of a Pinnacle, then they can be used as a predictive tool to assist in managing your future. Your first Pinnacle begins at birth and last until around the age of 27. Your Second Pinnacle last through the next 9 year and the Third Pinnacle last for 9 years after the Second Pinnacle has passed. Your Fourth Pinnacle picks up where the Third Pinnacle ends and last throughout the rest of your life

Your First Pinnacle Number is 5

A number 5 Pinnacle is a time of change. This is period in which you will cast off restraints and develop your personal freedom. You will learn to be flexible and adaptable, to hold your ground and not run from the changes which confront you. A number 5 Pinnacle is a time of change. This is period in which you will cast off restraints and develop your personal freedom. You will learn to be flexible and adaptable, to hold your ground and not run from the changes which confront you.

Your Second Pinnacle Number is 9

A 9 Pinnacle means you are in a period where your love for your fellow man will be at its zenith. In this period you will play healer and inspirer to those around you. A 9 Pinnacle is never easy. You will be asked to sacrifice meeting your own needs for the good of others. You may experience the pain of loss, but in the end will be rewarded by fulfilling your soul's need to ease the pain of others.

Your Third Pinnacle Number is 5

Your Fourth Pinnacle Number is 6

A 6 Pinnacle notes a time of love and devotion to friends and family, or possibly the building of a new family after a divorce. During this Pinnacle your energies will be focused on your home-life. You will nurture your loved ones and beautify your surroundings as much as possible. During this Pinnacle that which is in your heart will come to the forefront.

The 4 Challenges
Challenges denote personal weaknesses and temptations you will have to overcome and strengths you will have to develop to fully realize your goals. The 4 Challenges have the same time frame as the 4 Pinnacles.

Your First Challenge Number is 3

The Challenge the number 3 puts before you is to learn to speak truly from your heart. You will have to overcome the negative traits of the number 3, which include superficiality, hyperbole, egocentrism, gossiping and disorganization.

Your Second Challenge Number is 1

A 1 Challenge signifies the struggle to become independent, courageous and have faith in your convictions. If the number 1 appears as your first Challenge you are learning to define your self. Should a 1 appear in your other Challenges you are learning to remain true to your self and become more confident.

Your Third Challenge Number is 2

Your Challenge is to learn how to manage your natural sensitivity to others, aversion to conflict and need for harmony in a way that will not repress your own needs. In time you will learn to balance your needs with those of others.

Your Fourth Challenge Number is 4

Your challenge is to learn the value of practicality, discipline and organization. A 4 challenge is rarely easy. You may find yourself boxed in by boundaries. In this period you will have to learn to be patient, open-minded and flexible.

The 3 Cycles
Cycles occur in 28 year periods. The First Cycle last from birth through your 28th year and is called your Formative or Seed Cycle. The Second Cycle--your Productive or Fruit Cycle--begins at age 29 and last through your 56th year. The Third Cycle, your Harvest Cycle, begins with the coming of your 57th year and last throughout the rest of your life. Your Cycle Numbers tell you the lessons you must learn and goals you must meet to stay on your Life's Path and achieve your true destiny.

Your First Cycle Number is 1

A 1 Cycle indicates a time of action and development. If your First Cycle number is a 1, you are gaining independence and confidence. There may be times when you feel alienated from those around you. A 1 in the Second Cycle reflects a time when you will be confident, determined and able to lead others. A Third Cycle 1 indicates a time in which you will be independent and dynamic. You will be very independent and self-discovery will be a major preoccupation.

Your Second Cycle is 4

This is a time for you to put things in order. You will address many of life's practical concerns during this period. Discipline, order and a willingness to work hard are your greatest allies during this Cycle.

Your Third Cycle Number is 5

Change and the development of personal freedom are the earmarks of a 5 Cycle. You will find fulfillment and joy in the adventures this Cycle holds for you. This Cycle will show you life at its most exciting.

Your Birthday Number is 4
This number is most influential between your 28th and 56th year. While it is not the most important number in your profile, it does have an effect on your Life's Path and Destiny.

You need stability and order to be happy. You are pragmatic and reliable, disciplined, honest and fair. You can be relied on to get any job done.

Your Personal Year Number is 5
This number tells you what is happening in your life this year. This number should be used to help you avoid setbacks and focus your energies on those areas of your life where you are most likely to achieve your goals.

You are in a year of change. This is a good time to move in new directions, take a few risks. A 5 year is also a time when your curiosity is at its zenith. Make time to sate your inquisitiveness, travel, and explore interests which you have never made time for before.

Your Personal Month Number is 9
This number tells you what is happening in your life this month. Use this number in the same way you would your Personal year number, but apply it only to the current month.

This a month in which you should clean up loose ends, let go of the past and prepare yourself for the future.

Love at first sight!!

2007-08-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

Can't sleep.. what with all the excitement that's coming up tomorrow..

so came online to visit one of my cyber shrines... www.lesportsac.com

(i'm a great fan btw)

only to come across something that I've totally fallen in love with!

And guys.. its legit this time because

I don't have anything from this collection ( and i've been dying to collect this one for a loooooong time now) and
I don't have a backpack, so I deserve one.

Check this out:

Lesportsac's Tokidoki Nuvola Bag in Spaggia Print..

And it comes with a qee too!

wah...

All Hail Tokidoki for Lesportsac Summer Collection 2007

all drugged up and nowhere to go

2007-08-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

you stupido!

(in reference to my medley of sicknesses.. flu.. fever.. sorethroat.. you name it)

all hail decolgen! the yellow and pink burger pill that'll kick your flu's sorry ass home.

today's 2 hour lecture seemed to fly right on by.. i felt like i was walking on air..

i even contributed actual ideas for a friend's short film. i even drove a car!! ( don't try that at home boys and girls)

And now.. im all floaty with no where to go.

i want to go out. i shouldn't go out.

so fidgety..

can't drive. won't drink. won't smoke.

stay home lo.

get well soon vicky!!!

2007-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

I'll keep dreaming you'll be with me and you'll never go

2007-07-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2007

Rainforest pictures are up on my multiply courtesy of Yoke Mei and Fiona due to limited availability of space and time to upload them a second time.

2007-07-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

What a Weekend!!

Talk about hardcore.. RWMF 2007 was the bomb! We had a record number of friends who came down from all over..3 rooms.. unlimited booze.. minimal clothing.. and the beach! What more could we ask for?

Taking the crew around was tiring but also fun! We went around Azza burger 4 times.. as pointed out by Wan San, went to my house 5 times in 2 days, played 3 hours of futsal straight.. ate ate ate ate.. ate some more.. and partied til the wee hours of morning!
Rina came down for the RWMF weekend and she kept disappearing.. hence the crew nicknaming her "The Disappearer"!

We played Circle of Death on the second night of RWMF cause not everyone went to the concert. Luckily there were no casualties. We managed to draw a substantial crowd from the noise and ridicule that was permeating from our antics.. and we drank everything from whiskey to beer.. to vile concoctions of beer + midori + vodka (ugh!)

All hail the Circle of Death!!

The stoler that I am has stolen these are two pictures from Rina because Yoke Mei and Dyan have yet to give me the pictures from their cameras.. Apologies!

Can you see my Tai Tai fan getting it on with Kedung's cleavage? BTW, the fan suffered a cruel fate when it broke towards the end of the night =(

Here's Kedung acting all googly cute.. The dehydration is getting to us.. you can see Yoke Mei trying to pau my mineral water..
L-R: Dee, Mei, Fiona, Vicky and Kedung

BTW, Dee is a new friend I made, who came down with her parents for the RWMF and who happened to be Yoke Mei's friend from UK and coincidentally is also her neighbour in USJ 5!

All hail RWMF 2007!!

2007-06-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

One paper down, 2 more to go!

In brief:

Couldn't sleep last night.
I dreamt I was playing futsal for an hour and a half. I know this because I went to bed at 11.30 and woke up at 1 am after scoring a goal in the finals. Any questions? o_O

Exam this morning.
Must have gone well because I did not bite my nails once, fall asleep and I wrote consecutively for 3 hours(?!). double o_O

Glanced at the clock in my car..12:45 pm.. ideal time for cheng lovers to be at our usual spot. So made a few calls.
Got a new pen+highlighter-in-one and its BRIGHT PINK compliments from Beat and her drug supplier.
I'm pleased to report that cheng was on form today. I didn't even have to place any order.

Went home, went on spy mission with dad.

Here's the really long-winded part that took us a long long time to get to where we wanted- Superstar Karaoke:

Fiona and Yang came to pick me, sent her grandma home, pick up documents and red plates from her husband, picked up a car, sent it to Yang's house, went to see baby at nanny's, went to 4 1/2 mile, tapao-ed food from this ajinomoto-loving restaurant, and went up to Superstar to watch Christine karaoke because she has to prepare for a competition which starts on Wednesday and when she wins she will chia us dinner because she's gonna win loads of $$$ and become F-A-M-O-U-S!!! *clap* *clap*.

That's quite a lot to put in one sentence.

Conclusion: Me= agitated, in need of sleep.

Finally got home around.. waitaminute.. i don't even remember what time i got back. But it was dark.. so maybe 7 something.
Came home and straight away zonked out until 1145pm.

Hungry. So called Christine... went to Jolibee and met up with Chris and Keneng. Watched some nonsensical (even more so cause we couldn't really hear) movie about something like the beer drinking olympic games and about 1/3 of DOA before calling it quits and going home.

How eventful!

Futsal tomorrow night.. now there's something to look forward to.. especially the naan and tandoori chicken after!

Countdown to next paper: 7 days

Countdown to freedom: 11 days

2007-06-02T02:47:00.000-07:00

We came.. We saw.. We conquered!!! (almost la..)

Here's us taking an outdoor rendezvous sometime in December 2006..

Spontaneous and oh so unprepared.

Girls had their handbags overstuffed with the guys' handphones and wallets, scantily-clad in bikinies and boardshorts and selipars..and not the oo-grip kind mind you. The type kena water will *SWWweSSSSsssssH.. Kepaik.. SPLaSh!!!* which did happen to some peeps.

And we so cleverly..as usual had to divert from the designated route and proceeded to create our own trail..

We were sun-tanned and/or burnt, dehydrated, sleep-deprived.. i could go on..

but it was fun!

Here's to reminisce our promiscuous adventure on top (or a fifth of the way) Mount Santubong:

Sophia and I contemplating whether to move our asses.

Looking a bit distraught..but still ber-posing. If you look close enough, you can see Chris carrying his handbag.

Ee.. Christine: Got suck in or not?! Haha..jk..

Can you see Sophia replenishing her energy?

2007-05-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

We Want We Want We Want!!!

This poem was written on the 21st of August 2006 in Rodney Lim's eMarketing lab in Swinburne Sarawak.

I would like to acknowledge the following people who contributed to the inti of this poem:

Daniel Chen (who was beside me in e-Marketing lab)
Desmond Wong (who was on MSN and was in another lab in Swinburne)
Raymond Tan (who was on MSN)

so i can say what i want:
i want to fly
i want to have x-ray vision so i can peep at daniel
i want to cut my hair like the girl working at zhen zhu
i want to go home
i want i want i want

what do you want daniel?

daniel:
i don't want anything.
i want EVERYTHING.
i want to fly
i want to have x-ray vision so i can peep at myself
i want to cut my hair like the girl working at zhen zhu
i want to go home
i want i want i want

what do you want desmond?

desmond:
i want a cash printing machine
because i want money
because money can buy everything
and i WANT EVERYTHING
i want to fly like a duck because ducks fly further and superman was my second choice so its not counted
i want to shine torch light straight into my eyes
i want i want i want

what do you want raymond?

raymond:
i want to fly like superman
i want to have xray vision so i can peep on the girl that works at zhen zhu
i want to play futsal tonight
i want i want i want

Altogether now:

We want We want We WANT!!!

2007-05-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Do You Know The Cheekee Monyets?

If you don't, brief introduction shall we?

Futsal has been a sport long dominated by the ball-scratching, male species, causing much boredom and frustration amongst their female counterparts who have had to sit on benches at venues like Sportsplanet (http://www.sportsplanet.com/) and watch a bunch of guys chasing a ball up an down what looks like cement painted floor (I have since then acquired the ability to differentiate decoflex from paint to parquet and turf) thinking.. *sneer* that looks easy.. anyone can do that!

Since then, women have filtered their way into futsal courts all around the world, including Kuching.

Presenting the Cheekee Monyets.. a vibrant multi-racial, multi-lingual and sometimes multi-temperal team.. MY team.. or OUR team.. in the event that someone from the Cheekee Monyets comes across this post.

I show you jersey first..

Front

Back

Now lets check out the team... or most of it anyway..missing a few peeps..

Ok. Missing in the picture are: Jess, and Jane.

My boss- Second from right.

L-R: Sofia, Eiza, Ann, Bi, Sherina, Moi, Ju, Diana, Beat and Adeline.

Look power leh.. Show you some more pictures.. wearing jersey wan..

Aiya.. Sherina why you blink?! Btw.. we just won some mini-league shortly before this picture was taken.

Got nicer ones.. but gotta bluetooth from someone tomorrow. Must remind myself.

If you're free.. check us out at http://www.gofutsal.com/modules/teams/browse.php?id=930

And next time you're in the neighbourhood, come support us at one of our games!

Monyet Kenja No.11 over and out.