Alone again

Ben just left tonight and it is such a weird feeling, being alone again. We spent a few days in Kuching with my family. Ben went a few days ahead to do some touristy things as we had a pretty packed weekend - kayaking, my cousin's engagement dinner, etc, etc, etc. He got to see some wildlife, climb (part of) a mountain, experience some of the nightlife, and taste some local dishes. My family made sure of that last part. The laksa my siblings love, my dad's durian selection prowess, butter prawns at the Sarawak Club, home-cooked food...Poor boy never got the chance to stop eating!

It is not going to be easy being apart again.

When I previously wrote about changes in this blog, I was referring to changes in my environment. But often there are mental and emotional changes that come along with external changes. I have noticed some in myself - some I like, others I don't. But if those changes make you a better person, you can't complain, right?

Waiting

If you're wondering why I haven't been updating the blog, it's because Ben is here!! It has been so nice to have him around to talk to and hang out with most days. We haven't been able to do as much as we would have liked together, coz I'm working and don't qualify for leave yet, and I haven't been able to suggest much to do around here as I am unfamiliar with the place myself. But he has gone exploring around the city and out of the city on his own, something I probably wouldn't dare to do!

This weekend we will be in Kuching. He is already there and has probably seen more of the tourist-y things outside the city than I have. We have plans to go white-water kayaking on Friday, which is exciting but a little scary at the same time. I've never gone kayaking in my life and it looks hard (coz I know the kayak is capable of tipping over when you're off balance). There's also going to be a dinner to celebrate/announce my cousin's engagement. Big family dinner. Yikes.

I have spent half my workday waiting for my work to be reviewed. I want to go home, coz that would be the start of 6 days off work (2 days public hols, 2 days unpaid leave, and 2 days over the weekend), but it feels like I am never going to go home tonight.

Excited and Dumb

I was, probably for the first time in many years, looking forward to going home. Sure, it was only for the weekend, and I would have gotten to see dad for less than 24 hours and mum is away, but I still felt excited at the thought and that is pretty rare. But a mistake on my part and a string of events meant that I missed my flight home, and wasted money. So I decide to do what I love doing today. Bake and exercise. Banana cake is in the oven, and kickboxing this afternoon to vent :)

But Ben is coming tomorrow and will be here for a month and I am so excited. No definite plans as yet, but some ideas have been thrown about and the folks and relatives are being very nice about it, which is a relief.

Dad just called and asked if i wanted to come back today. Sigh. So tempting, but not practical. It would have been a less than 24 hour trip home... :(

Not much has been happening at work either. I haven't been updating this blog from work coz it's not right to be doing it, but really some days have been the real doldrums. There was the prospect of working on a pretty exciting project, but that fell through, so now I'm back to doing the bits and pieces handed to me.

It's so depressing. Thinking about going home and then not going and then going and not going. Argh. I'm going crazy.

A different environment

After years of living abroad and for a certain period, in a single bedroom apartment, living in someone else's house was always going to take some getting used to. What I didn't foresee is how hard it would be to get used to the constant ranting of a jaded human being.

It has also been a bit difficult not having friends here like the ones I hung out with in Kuching. The traffic and the cost of things, coupled with the fact that I don't exactly know where to go to get cheaper things, means that it is both extremely time consuming and expensive to go anywhere. So I bought a book on the weekend, and hopefully that'll keep me occupied this week and/or weekend.

Last week we celebrated a colleagues' birthday at a nice cafe and I had a grilled vegetable sandwich. It was so good, and made me miss Melbourne coz it's always so easy to get food like that everywhere. Here, you have to go to special cafes that charge RM15-18 for something like that. It converts to about AUD$5-6, which is quite reasonable if you make AUD, but less so in RM.

Also miss playing futsal with the boys. Can't wait to go home next weekend and have a good kick around.

First field assignment!!

Work has been picking up, but I still find myself with nothing to do some of the time, although admittedly down-times are becoming less frequent. And starting to get to know the people. Spent much time talking on my 2-day field assignment. I've been told that I'm quite lucky to be able to have gone on an assignment so quickly. Apparently field assignments are not that common...boo. Luckily, I had a good time on this one and will have good memories that ensure I look forward to the next one, if/when it comes.

We had to meet at the office at 5am to make the 4 hour drive and get there in time to get to work, so I was up at 4 am. Tried to stay awake the whole trip to keep the driver (manager) company, but eventually the heavy eyelids won, and I had a 1/2 hr snooze. While on the trip, I got to catch up with a guy I knew during my high school days (GW), and he took us to dinner and drinks. Good that we didn't have to think about where we were going to have dinner that night. And of course, it was great to be able to catch up with yet another person from my childhood that I can still have a decent conversation with.

No exercise this week, except for Monday. Feel like crap. Can't wait for squash tomorrow. Never thought I'd say that. haha...

A New Phase in Life

Many things have happened in the 2 weeks that I've been here and since my last post. Part of the reason it has taken so long to put up a post is I still don't have the internet at 'home'. But that cannot be helped, because things have been a little hectic since my arrival in KL a fortnight ago. And it hasn't all been work-related. The moment I touched down in KL, I learnt that my grandfather had just passed away, so it was all a crazy string of events from there. I reported for work on the assigned day, then took 2 days off for the funeral and to recuperate.

I have just finished my first full week at work and it was pretty tiring. Getting up at 6 or 6.30am every morning for 5 days feels really foreign and it will probably take at least a couple of weeks for my body to adjust. In the meantime, there's always coffee :)

I'm slowly learning my way around the crazy streets of this very busy city. SLOWLY. And a couple of my senior-er colleagues play squash. How random is that.

Playing futsal this afternoon. Fun!

A New Adventure

I'm off tomorrow for a new phase of my life - professional work. I commence in KL on Wednesday, but will be going to KL tomorrow to spend the rest of the Aidilfitri holidays with my folks and extended family - including a 'cousin' from HK whom I haven't seen for a year. Yay!

Have mixed feelings about leaving. I know it's an awesome opportunity with a good firm, but at the same time have become somewhat attached to the gang here. It has taken me a couple of months to get into the groove, and just when I'm starting to 'get' them and enjoy (most of) the time I spend with them, I have to uproot myself yet again. Last night was my farewell dinner (which turned into lots of drinks), and they arranged for a couple of slices of tiramisu to be brought out (one for me, the other for a birthday girl). It looked gorgeous and I was very touched :)


Sometimes I wish I wasn't so adaptable to my environment; it sucks having to leave.

But bigger and better things await in the brighter city, and I am optimistic about settling in there well, too. I shall attempt to update the blog every few days (perhaps keep up the twice-a-week frequency that I seem to have unconsciously adopted), but I do apologise if this does not eventuate over the next couple of weeks, as there is currently no internet connection available at my future place of residence.

Until next time, take care, peeps. *muah*

The Malaysian 'Astronaut'

How hot is he?? Haha. And he's an orthopaedic surgeon, restaurateur, part-time model...who knows what else?

But the reason for this post is not to gush about him specifically. Rather, it is to talk about an event that occurred last night just prior to the launch of the first Malaysian into space. Many Malaysians gathered at the National/Independence Square to witness the lift-off. There was apparently a huge screen, kind of like the one at Federation Square in Melbourne, and footage of the launch was being showed on the screen. Then, what I deemed a typically Malaysian thing happened. The screen stopped working. *shock! horror!* What do we do now??!

The only other screen available was a small television belonging to the crew of a local network, TV3. Obviously, everyone couldn't crowd around that screen. In the end, for the launch itself, a crew member hoisted the television on his shoulder, and turned on the spot, so everyone could get a glimpse of the launch! I wish I had been there to see it.

2 hours later...

and I look like I stepped into the shower with my clothes on.

We had a mixed futsal session today, and 10 people showed up, so I played and ran my heart out for pretty much the entire period. Reinforcements came in the second hour, but I stayed on the court. Perhaps unconsciously making sure that I get the desire to play futsal out of my system before I move to KL, because who knows when I'll get to play there.

However, I get the distinct feeling that in the morning, I will regret the decision not to wear shinguards for a mixed session, which is what I normally do. I don't mind the shinguards so much, but I do find it hard to run, especially in a long session, with football socks. They get too slippery. So I thought I'd brave it today and just wear short normal cotton socks. But tomorrow I'll look like someone took a stick or metal rod to my shins and even my thighs. I can feel it.

Packing for KL has begun, but I haven't got very far at all.

I have been having a blast the last 2 days, lots of laughs from friends here and from B. From C bum-slapping his imaginary horse, to waving at strangers in the post office, and pink ear muffs, it has certainly been a very entertaining couple of days.

Busy Bee

Ran some errands for mum today, and also got some things done in preparation for my move to KL.

The first - and I am stoked about this one - is my visit to the dentist. Normally, these are few and as far between as I can help it. I loathe going to the dentist because despite my well-aligned teeth (I'm the only one among my siblings who didn't have to wear braces), there always seems to be some cavity that has to be filled, no matter how well I think I've looked after my teeth. I thought that I'd better have them checked here, lest they pose some problem in KL which would result in an exorbitant consultation fee compared to Kuching prices. So I braced myself for a long sitting in the dental chair. It turns out, the only time I had to sit for a long time was in the waiting room (a 45-minute wait!), and apart from some cleaning, it was all good! No cavities! Probably the first time in my life.

The second was not so much fun. I went for a facial, and despite my feeling that my skin has improved in the last week, the truth was apparently very different. At one stage, the 'facialist' (I wouldn't call them beauticians) applied some cream that dries up and works sort of like a pore strip. The blackheads are meant to attach to it, and you pull them out when you remove the strip. They have used it on me before, across my nose, and there were no problems the last time. Today, however, she applied it all over my face and neck, and upon drying, proceeded to rip the thing off my face! It felt like she was tearing my skin off! And then, she put on some anti-blemish gel that must have some salicylic acid or something with a similar effect on my face, and it just burned and bit and stung! Kinda like rubbing salt in a wound, and decidedly less fun than the trip to the dentist.

I have finally signed the contract that I received in the mail last week, and will be off to KL this Sunday, to commence work on the 17th October. The position has a fairly boring name, and most people have puzzled over why I would want to work in that line, but from what I know of it, it is pretty interesting and dynamic. My immediate superiors were my interviewers, and I am happy that I will be working under them. Now to begin packing, or at least thinking about what I will pack!

Proof of battles

How do you like my bruise? It was half the size before tonight's futsal session, and nowhere near as dark and obvious.

After a really good futsal session on Sunday, I was really disappointing and disappointed tonight. But I did score some goals and managed to entertain everyone with a supposed corner kick, except that I managed to scoop it straight up so it came right back down in a vertical line.

It's Finally Here!

My employment contract is finally here. Strangely, instead of lunging for the pen and flicking through to find the dotted line, I find myself a little anxious about signing my foreseeable future away. Does everyone feel this way??

Watches

Still haven't received that contract so I'm not talking about the job yet.

There are many things I could collect. To name a few, bags for all purposes from sport to dinner, rings, and watches. I asked mum today if I could get a new watch. I had a few at one stage, but they died, one by one, and I was recently left with just one - the most expensive piece. I guess it's true what they say about paying more for quality. Anyhoo, as I am about to start work, I don't fancy the idea of wearing such a good watch every single day. I'd rather keep it just for special occasions. Luckily, mum agreed so we set out today to find me a new watch.

Honestly, there were at least 3 or 4 pieces that I could choose from in terms of budget and functionality (ie for everyday wear), and many more that were out of my price range, such as a RM 7000+ black Rado watch. One of the sales assistants didn't seem to understand that I wanted a cheaper watch than the one I already had, and kept trying to push Longines and Omega watches. Like, hel-lo??

In the end, I settled for a Kenneth Cole Reaction piece that is simple, yet it can be worn both to work, or paired with casual clothes for the weekend. Not cheap-cheap, but didn't break the bank, either. And I love the numbers. The watch that I originally had in mind was a Casio Sheen with numbers that faced sideways, but the face of that watch didn't suit my small wrist. This one has numbers that are just as funky, so I'm happy.


Next I am aiming for either a white Citizen Wicca, or a Swatch. Another thing to add to my list of stuff to save up for...

"Putus tali"

Literally translated, the above phrase means broken string. In this story, it relates to a broken racquet string.

I went to play badminton on Wednesday night after yet another trip to the nation's capital for interviews (more on interviews later - I'm close to having a job, so I'll write about it more when it's all confirmed). There were a whole bunch of us that night, and I didn't know more than half the people there. One of the guys asked M for a racquet to borrow, and M passed him one, giggling like a little boy (as he usually does). I wasn't paying much attention as I was talking to BG, but I vaguely heard a few giggles and snickers from the people around me. The next thing I knew, almost everyone had burst out laughing, and when I looked up, I saw that the guy, E(who happens to be M's brother), had tried to hit the shuttlecock, not realising that M had given him a racquet with no strings! C saw that the racquet had no strings, giggled, and fed the shuttlecock to E, who obviously puzzled at why he had completely missed the shuttlecock! The whole situation had everyone crying with laughter. For me, it was made all the more funny by the sound of M's laugh. Hilarious. I'll try to attach a sound clip of him laughing one day :)

Something else for your viewing pleasure:
I originally took a photo of this truck/ute to show my dad - it belongs to his friend's company. But then I noticed the right wheel at the back - it's not even fully on the curb!

Breakfast at Tiffany's

I watched this movie this morning. Don't think I've ever seen it, despite knowing the name, or if I have, I must've been very young and don't remember. I think it's more likely that I haven't, because I watched Gone with the Wind when I was very young, and I remember that.

Breakfast at Tiffany's is such a romantic movie. I know Casablanca is often touted to be the love story of all time, but I haven't seen it. Breakfast at Tiffany's is pretty good though. And I guess I can see why Tiffany's is so strongly linked to romance, love, all that kind of stuff. The fact that the store has been around for a long time probably helps, too.

Audrey Hepburn looked so perfect and the movie is proof that fashion really does repeat itself. What she wore in it, circa 1960 is so fashionable today, from the the highlights in her hair, to the big sunglasses, and down to her black alligator shoes.

Waiting for Hairspray to start showing in Kuching cinemas (that's right, it's not showing yet!). Then I'll have to find someone to drag along to see it. That might be a little more difficult.

Sick Mind

I don't know if this news has been given extensive coverage overseas, but it certainly has here. I imagine it has been overshadowed in the World News by politics and the case of the Chinese girl left at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.

An 8 y.o. Malay girl went missing on August 20, purportedly dragged screaming into a van. A nationwide 'missing persons' campaign was launched, with banners put up everywhere, and flyers with her picture being circulated. On Monday this week, about 4 weeks after she went missing, her body was found in a sports bag. A post-mortem done on her body revealed that she had been sexually assaulted (news link), and that it had caused her rectum to rupture, get infected, and this may have been the cause of her death. Her parents did not even recognise her when called in to identify the body. The only way of confirming her identity was dental records and DNA testing.

As parents, you would never hope for your child to no longer be alive, and this girl's parents could not believe that the body they were looking at was that of their daughter's. They could not recognise her, claiming she looked only "50%" like the little girl they knew. Unfortunately for them, there were medical explanations for the changes in her appearance. They have now accepted the results of the DNA test and dental matching, and have lain her to rest.

It is such a sad event to have happened, to the family, and also to the girl to have endured what she did in the final month of her life. What sick mind could have done such a thing to an innocent child? Why didn't anyone try to stop the kidnapper? May Nurin rest in peace now that her ordeal is over.

Blogs

Why do people blog? I know it's not a major issue in the world, but there are many reasons why people put their thoughts and/or private lives on the world wide web. Some people loathe the fact that some bloggers talk about their daily lives.

Blogs can be an avenue for people to air their views, vent their frustration, or just make observations. Others use it as a kind of diary, making notes as they go through life. And then there are those who use it as a way of keeping in touch with people the world over - friends, family, relatives, acquaintances. Still others just feel like sharing information, tips on various matters, and wisdom with the world at large. These are just a few possible drivers for the popularity of weblogs.

I started this blog with the intention of keeping friends up-to-date with the goings-on in my life after Melbourne. It has slowly evolved to include everything mentioned in the previous paragraph, although the majority of it is still kinda of like an open diary. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I find it personally a bit offending when someone says that blogs like mine are pointless. I used to wonder why anyone would blog at all (thinking, who has time to read it?) but like some social networking tools on the internet, I have found their benefits. Everything in the one place (and you won't be losing this diary!), which is especially handy when you're moving all the time, traveling etc. By the way, it's not advisable that you put your travel plans on your blog, for safety reasons.

And so we live and let live, and hope that others will do the same. And keep their mouths shut if they can help it :)

Book covers

We all know the saying - never judge a book by its cover. Sometimes, the contents are just so obvious, other times, you get fooled. Today, I learnt some bits of info that reinforced my views of certain individuals, and other bits that completely took me by surprise. I guess it really is hard to know a person's story unless they're really open, or you get to know them better with time. Like tonight, those bits of information that surprised me still do not give me the full story, so I shall have to be patient and pick up clues and information as I go along.

Completely unrelated topic:
Lots of time to think about anything at all means that I'm starting to come up with a list of things that I'd like to have eventually, though hopefully I'll be able to afford them sooner rather than later :)

I know I've already had a car but I didn't buy it with my own money. Next time, I'd love a BMW, like the 1 series. I know most people would think that the 1 series is a waste of time as it's considered an 'entry level' car, might as well get the 3 or 5 series, but I quite like the size of the 1 series. And the 2-door version, particularly. However, if I have to be more practical, then I'd love a Toyota Prius, for its friendliness towards the environment and the wallet.

I have long coveted a Tiffany ring, and maybe one day I'll own one, when I have a job (and money) and pluck up enough courage to enter one of their stores! They look so posh! I normally consider my tastes to be pretty simple and classic. When I went shopping with B just before I left Melbourne, in a moment of madness, I chose what looked like a glitzy ring over a plainer one, and now I wonder why. So I know that if I were to get something that is worth quite a bit, I'd go simpler (but not too plain and boring). I guess being able to strike that balance will come with time. Everything takes time, it seems. Can someone please tap Hiro Nakamura's brain already so that we learn how to stop time??

Ooh, speaking of which, Heroes boxed DVD set. Released. Another item on my list :)

stuffed.

I have just gotten back from my grandfather's birthday dinner and am so full, it's ridiculous. Didn't help that we had an intense soccer session today, so I was too tired to be hungry. Typical Chinese 8 or 10 course meal, with a side of loud, sometimes horrible karaoke singing for 3 hours. I'm not sure how you're supposed to have a social extended family gathering (read: about 12 tables) when you can't hear the person next to you. Now I have to go to bed. It's almost 11, and I have to get up at 6 to send dad to the airport, then prepare for my interview at 8. Not even sure I can sleep, just waaaay to full.

oooh...I'm going to be an aunt in about 7 1/2 months' time!! wheeeeeeeeeee

'Old' Girl

I have tried to fit in here, and as I mentioned in a previous post, was getting a bit attached and quite reluctant to leave, but recent events have put my mind at ease, and if I move to a different city to work, I''ll have almost no qualms about leaving.

It also reminds me why, before I left to study overseas, I usually hung out with older kids. Now even the older ones don't seem their age. It's disappointing, but a relief at the same time.

51st post

Didn't realise I had hit 50 posts the other day!! Woo-hoo!! Although I admit that my posts have become fewer and farther apart. Oh well.

I am into my 20th hour awake, having gotten up at 5am today to catch a flight to KL, attend an interview, then catch a flight back within 12 hours. It was mum's birthday so I didn't want to stay in KL for the night. We had dinner at home, some more of that Tiramisu ice-cream cake that we're slowly working through, and then I went off to what may be my last session of futsal before I start working. Maybe, because I have no idea how soon I may have to start work...and it depends on if the team actually gets disbanded...and whether I get something in Kuching.

As for the jobs, now is the heavy rain after the drought, and I'm stressed in a different way. All of a sudden it seems that I'm spoilt for choice (if I do get offered a position for all the ones I've got going now), and my decision could really end up being very significant. Or maybe not. After all, it is my first job. Some have told me if I don't like the job, or the field, I can always change cause I'm still young. Others have said that it would define my career so I have to choose carefully and 'not jump into the first job offer'. Which do I choose? I know both cases can be true.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, coz I've only had one offer out of the possible 3 so far...

Decisions decisions

Did I mention how much I hate making them? Especially if it could make or break your career, but you don't quite know, at this stage in life, how the decision could affect it.

Busy, busy weekend

I mentioned in the last post that I was going to see a concert that night (Friday, 7th August). The performers were 4 vocalists (I'm not sure of their ages), who formed the Bel Canto group. From what I can gather, they all reside in Kuching and were lucky enough to find a vocal coach in this city. They do not do this full time (wouldn't be able to make a living out of it here!).

The night was themed 'An Affair to Remember' and it was held at the Sarawak Tourism Complex Performing Arts Hall. The 4 vocalists were each a bass, tenor, alto and soprano, who performed a wide range of songs from Mozart's Requiem to the the more contemporary 'When You Believe' (off the soundtrack to The Prince of Egypt) and even the Turkish March. They were accompanied by a pianist, a drummer, and for one song, a (somewhat out-of-place) traditional dancer.

Each vocalist performed a solo piece, the best of which, to our family, was Cinema Paradiso by the bass singer. The tenor tried to give a lively performance - a lot of hand gestures and moving around the stage - and this was fine during the solo performance; unfortunately it made him stand out a bit too much in the group performance, and he overshadowed the rest of the singers.

There are a few ways in which the concert could have been improved, such as forbidding the consumption of food and drinks during the performance - there was a family behind us who kept munching on sweets and the rustling of wrappers and plastic bags was annoying and keeping me from concentrating fully on the beautiful rendition of Cinema Paradiso - and prohibit late comers from taking their seats until the song has finished. Also, perhaps turn up the microphones on the vocalists so we can hear them when the drums are thrown into the mix, as they were quite drowned out.

Each performer had their strengths and weaknesses. For example, the tenor noted above, and the soprano whose voice was quite mesmerising, but was a little stiff (and, in my humble opinion, a little overdressed) in comparison with her fellow performers. Their inexperience showed with some patchy parts, and they seemed to really tire at the end, however it was a good effort by the performers over about one and a half hours, which is no easy feat. Good entertainment overall.

On Saturday, I met up with 2 groups of friends - one here for the weekend, the other the group of school friends because L was going back to Germany the next day. Had dinner with dad's younger brother who is back for a holiday from KL.

Sunday, we went out for a family lunch to celebrate Mum's bday, and in the arvo we presented her with the tiramisu ice-cream cake that sis and I made, as well as some CDs we bought to go with her new car :) It was a bit tricky getting it out of the pan I'd assembled it in, but we managed.

Mum was pretty pleased with it all, and the family seemed to like the cake, which was good. I didn't want the same thing that happened to dad's. It (literally) went to the dogs.

Then it was off to futsal for what may will probably be my last Sunday session for a couple of months (hopefully it won't be longer than that), but that's IF the team stays together. Female politics I think.

Ok, this week has gone by waaaay too quickly. I can't believe I'm on Friday already. Too freaky.

The week so far has consisted of a night where I felt completely hopeless, an interview, catching up with family friends V and S again, and tonight being Thursday, futsal.

The interview went well, I think. Just waiting to hear back from them - in 2 weeks!

Futsal tonight was a mixed session with the boys, which was fun. I wish we could do it more often, but they probably prefer to have all-boys games more, because it is a lot more organised. I was keeper for a bit, during which time I got smacked in the face with the ball, bumped into someone's back and conceded quite a few goals (I think I'm better on the field!). And now my knee doesn't feel quite right, and I have a blister that refuses to pop/heal. On the upside, I scored a couple of goals, had a fairly good run as defender, and my toe that was cracked? Well, I've had it bandaged for most of the past 1-2 months, and guess that paid off, because the cracked part fell off tonight, but the replacement nail had already grown underneath! So no pain, and I don't have a weird-looking toe nail. Yippee!

I also saw someone I haven't seen for almost 14 years, which was completely amazing. Somehow, he recognised me, and called me by my nickname, which only family and people whom I grew up with in my old neighbourhood use. He was one of the guys I played street soccer with growing up, so it was quite ironic that we should meet 14 years later at futsal courts. Mind you, if he hadn't called me first, I would not have paid him much attention, but once I saw his face, I knew who he was. Unbelievable.

For the rest of the week, the plan is to see a concert tomorrow night (what's with all the concerts all of a sudden?), and then my brother will be back for the weekend, to celebrate mum's birthday, and also to spend time with my sis before she leaves on Monday. And futsal, though it seems that I will have to leave the session early for a family dinner. Guess I'll be pretty busy.

p.s. I have been absolutely horrendous at updating the foodblog. Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze that in amongst all the weekend hoohah.

Scaredy cat

She stands amongst the trees
There are many
But she is one
On her own

She sees the bough
Reaches for it
Pull it down?
Pull herself up?

She wonders
Wanders
For a route out
The dense shrubbery

"Big girls don't cry"
But the child inside weeps
She needs some shelter
From herself, from the dreams

She braces against
Gust of wind
Bitter chill
Avalanche

Soul detached from body
Mind from spirit
Watch the life, joy, smile,
Dissipate, disappear

One day
Perhaps
She'll find home
Time will tell.

Mad week.

It has been quite a busy week since my last post. Gosh, has it really been that long?! This has been a week of full-on eating out, attending a concert, catching up with friends I have not seen for a looooong time, and a tiny bit of sport.

On Monday, I flew to KL to attend an interview scheduled for Tuesday. It started to rain just before the plane took off, so it was a very bumpy flight, and made me feel quite ill for some time afterwards.

The interview itself went ok, and I got offered a position (that was different to the one that I applied for). I'm considering the offer, because various parties feel it would not be in my best interests to take up that position.

Tuesday night, I went out for dinner with an aunt and her family, and was gifted with a gorgeous ring from her friend's newly-opened store in Bangsar Village. Both her friend and I were recipients of her goodwill (i.e. supporting her friend's business). Can't complain, can I?


On Wednesday, I hung out at said aunt's place, and met up with a couple of guys from futsal who happened to be in KL at the same time. It was a very strange night, because I met a couple of other guys I had not seen in a while, and didn't even know they were all connected in some way. This includes one whom I was supposed to meet with but never got back to me to confirm(!). By the end of the night, the 2 I came out to meet had gone home, and I hung out with a group I barely knew. I went to bed at 1am that night; annoyingly, I woke up at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep!

Thursday - I came back to Kuching, and dragged myself to a mixed futsal session. It was the eve of Malaysia's National Day. I have never seen the venue so quiet, almost eerily so. Only 3 courts were being used, and the light must have been so attractive to the insects, because there were hundreds if not thousands of them flying around our faces and into our ears that night. Many lives were sacrificed... We squished them, not intentionally, but somehow they got under our boots.

Friday was the celebration of Malaysia's supposed 50th year of independence. I say supposed, because there is a debate about whether Malaysia was formed in 1957 or 1963. The argument goes that Malaya achieved independence from the British in 1957, but Malaysia was formed in 1963, when the East Malaysian states (Sarawak and Sabah) and Singapore joined Malaya in September of that year. Regardless, it was an opportunity for many a patriot to stick miniature flags to their cars, attach flags to the bonnets of their cars, and hang them from balconies and shophouses in the days/weeks leading up to the event.

I know that I woke up late on Friday, after another restless night (fell asleep at about 4am), and can't really remember what I did the rest of that day :) Oh, how could I forget. We went to the airport to see off a friend whom we played junior squash with. She's my sister's age, and is going to start college in Harvard! On a scholarship! Another candidate for, if not already a member of, the Overachiever's Club. :) But she deserves everything that she has achieved and will probably one day be a famous scientist.

Saturday afternoon, we went out for lunch at a 'fine foods' outlet. Then it was squash with the sister. That night, mum and I attended a charity concert, where I met a couple of my futsal teammates, and one of the guys I met up with in KL, R (who is the boyfriend of one of the girls). It was nice to see familiar faces! lol. I'm starting to feel pretty comfortable with this couple, partly because I have seen them in a social setting that does not involve shouting and chasing a ball. After the concert there was a 'wine party', so for the second time last week, I drank alcohol. If you know me, you'll know that this is unusual. Even more unusual is drinking the company of people I haven't known for long. But from what I know of R, apart from the fact that he has a girlfriend, he's decent, and not the type to take advantage of a girl :) Well, mum was there so I didn't have anything to worry about. lol.

Yesterday we had a Korean/Japanese family lunch, which was quite good. Then I met up with some friends from school, including one who's back for a holiday from Germany. It was good to see them, although I look forward to a one-on-one catch up session with LL over lunch tomorrow.

Last night, we had dinner at the Sarawak Club with 2 other families. One family we see every once in a while at the Club; the other we haven't seen in ages, much less caught up with as a family! The latter are the girls that I grew up with, until the age of 10 when we moved to the other side of town(!). I missed that neighbourhood, where everyone was so sociable and friendly. I used to climb over the low wall that separated our car porch from this family's, because apparently walking out the gate and into their garage was too much effort for me ;) Then there were the evenings playing street soccer, barefooted, with the boys who lived in the other houses around ours. This is probably where my love of soccer comes from, before I even started watching the EPL. Dinner was such a laugh, and the conversation was so smooth, it was like we'd never been apart. But that, as someone once said to me, is how you know you've got a friend for life. You don't see each other for years, but one day you meet, and you talk and talk and talk, and then talk some more.

Today I went to a bank to get more information on a particular position that some people have suggested I consider applying for. Basically to get a feel of whether I would like the work, and can see myself doing it. I can see myself doing it, but not necessarily for the reasons that most people would think of.

That is the last week and a day in a quick wrap. You can understand now why I have not been able to update this blog as much as I would have liked!

Battered and Bruised - and a little envious.

We lost in the quarter-finals of the futsal comp, for the second comp running. It's annoying, we should've won but were a bit unlucky, but we played better this time around than we did in the last tournament, so we can hold our heads a little higher.

At last count, I have one broken toe nail, 6 blisters of varying sizes and at different stages of their 'life cycle' i.e., still watery to popped, and 6 bruises on my legs. Oh, and a bung knee, and sore hip. They are mostly the culmination of an intensive week of futsal, although the knee thing has been coming and going, and the toe nail was cracked almost a month ago... But with all the bruises on my legs, I probably have no choice but to wear pants to my interview on Tuesday. Thankfully, the other parts that I cannot cover (like my face) are unharmed.

I managed to score 2 goals in the first game, where we thrashed our poor opposition team 6-0. Shoulda saved the 'goal credits' for a game when we really needed to score, like the quarters. I think I need to learn to dribble the ball. But not too much. Don't want to be one of those annoying folks who think dribbling is the answer to everything, and never pass the ball :)

Whenever I go for futsal, a lot of the boyfriends/husbands of my teammates are there. They are lucky that they have someone to give some moral support. And on days like today, every boyfriend and/or husband was there. And some friends of my teammates. Even quite a few of the guys who help coach the team were there. All sorts of people except those who are supposed to be my nearest and dearest.

A Wall of Flowers

This is part of the interior of a shop in Kuching, iGlool, that sells shaved ice that is flavoured/sprinkled with whatever you choose. I think it's pretty funky, and it's probably time to add a picture to my blog.

ow ow ow

Everything aches. I have played futsal 3 times in a week so far, and tonite will make it 4. I don't want to - I think it would be quite counterproductive, but after a bit of pestering from the coaches and teammates, I relented. I'm going to 'take it easy'. Yeah, right. Last night, I tried to 'take it easy', and all that happened was I banged heads with someone, and fell down on another occasion. It's supposed to be a game where you use your feet/legs, but my head, wrists and arms hurt today, apart from my right shin, my left hip, a cracked toe nail, and a blister on another toe. Not to mention my bum (when I fell). The things I do for my team. What I don't understand is why we had to learn a completely new formation last night (especially when we're not the most adaptable team), which was meant to be the last session before the tournament proper, and why suddenly people who didn't turn up for scheduled training sessions wanted an extra one tonight!

Late nights in front of the computer.

What am I doing, you may ask? Writing (typing) resumes!!! I know it doesn't sound that exciting but it is when you find positions that you would die to have! It means that at 2am you are still typing at about 50 wpm. Your mind is racing, and you are practically jumping up and down in your seat. Granted this may be from playing futsal this evening, and a quick hit of squash in the morning, but who cares!! I'm excited. So excited. But I must keep my head. I just hope that I can convey this excitement in a grown-up way if I get interviews for these deeeelicious positions! *slurp*

Of Stippers and Other Things.

I shall not be boring you with my mundane daily activities too much in this post. Suffice to say that I have been reading lots and played futsal with boys last night in preparation for my attacking role in this weekend's tournament. I scored a few goals, made a few assists, and they are trying to drill into my head that I need to control the ball more.

What I really want to blog about is what's been in the news. Yes, it seems like it has been a busy few days in Australian politics and it has been quite entertaining to observers such as myself. Someone apparently leaked news that the very popular leader of the federal opposition party got pissed while on a 'taxpayer-funded' trip to New York to attend a United Nations meeting. He allegedly then visited a strip club. Now, if this was any other politician, or any other guy, for that matter, there would probably be a massive uproar, and said politician would probably be forced to resign or something. The leader of the Labor party may be very publicly very Christian, but he is also Aussie, and an Aussie who doesn't drink at all is practically unheard of. At least he could admit to the blunder (unlike some other politicians).

Even a member of the government has come out to say that he was with the then-shadow foreign affairs minister. Add to that fact the statement from the club's owner, and you have one very weak scandal. There was a very amusing comment in an article published in the Star newspaper (Malaysian daily) yesterday. I can't remember who said it, but to paraphrase, he (R) went into the club while drunk, but the PM, while sober, led Australia into the war. Even the leader of a Australian Christian Lobby thinks that it was not an unforgivable mistake and that if anything, it would probably endear him to the voting public, as they would see that he is human, after all. So, what next? This is not the first attack of the year on the opposition leader, but the attacks on his credibility have been feeble. Is the government getting desperate?

The other thing that caught my eye in yesterday's Star, is the report that Facebook would cost Australia $4billion as a result of loss of productivity in the workplace. Funny, and I can so see it happening. I know that people sign up for networks related to their profession/workplace/firm. I wouldn't say that I'm addicted, but from personal experience, it is pretty useful SOCIALLY. I only signed up coz my dear cousin kept pestering me to, and for many months, it remained quite dormant. But 8 months later, I used it to send out invites for my farewell gathering. It has put me in touch with lots of friends all over the world that I've been out of touch with for a few years. I do consider it for social use, though, and imagine that thanks to Surfcontrol, the firm that conducted the study, employers are going to start blocking access to the site. Ironically, Surfcontrol may well benefit from this, as it sells a web and email blocking system (according to masher.com)!!

53 New Messages!!

My shock when I opened my email today, and saw that number. Of the 53 new messages, about 25 were sent in the last 3 days. wow. Fortunately, most were facebook alerts. *I feel special*

Really enjoyed catching up with friends in Singapore. JC and her bf were such good company. I met them for lunch on Wednesday, and that night joined them and another friend for dinner and then it was mahjong until 12.30am!

On my last night in Singapore, JC and her bf took me out clubbing with a couple of her (male) friends. Had so much fun dancing, even though I didn't know the guys before that night, and Singapore clubs and bars are smoke free indoors!! I really didn't want to leave, but everyone else was tired so we left. I got home, and 2 of my aunts were still awake. This was about 3am!! It was a little insane. I was hyper, and they were talking about renovations and interior design.

I got back from Singapore yesterday afternoon, had dinner with the family and some of dad's golfing friends. Very good company. We had a cake that was covered in green cream, flags, a golfer, a green, bunkers, the works. I had originally intended to make one, but because I was only getting back from Singapore late in the afternoon, mum asked someone else to make it. She did a pretty good job.

Today, we baked an orange butter cake for dinner with grandparents tonight, (in case you hadn't guessed, we are celebrating dad's birthday) and made green coating and reused the decorations from last night's cake!

Went for futsal training, and a week and a half of eating and no exercise (apart from walking and carrying shopping bags...) hit me hard when I felt really really tired after less than 10 minutes! Guess I've been indulging a bit more than I realised. So I have to try and restore my fitness a bit (not that it has ever been that good!) before the tournament on Sunday. Yes, another one. Thankfully, they haven't kicked me off the team for missing a week and a half of training :)

More long days in heels

Today was another day in heels, but not as bad as Friday. Maybe I'm getting used to it??

Had another interview today, and met some people who are/have been involved in HR. It has been quite a learning experience, and this is not withstanding the seminar that I attended yesterday on an unrelated matter.

When mum and dad were here, we had dinner at the Tanglin Club's Tavern, and lunch at the same Club's Churchill Room. At the Tanglin Club, you are not allowed to use your mobile phone once you enter the front doors of the Club. So I was a little afraid that I might get told off for using the camera on my mob, but nothing like that happened. Dad, Brother and I also visited the Singapore Cricket Club, had a walk around.

The funny, quirky thing that has happened twice is salespeople in shops feeling the need to tell me what a particular thing is. When I went to Nike to buy my futsal boots, I picked up the womens/boys boot, and the store manager said "That's for indoor soccer" or something along those lines. I replied "Oh, I know". I'm not sure who was more stunned - her (she was very shocked that a girl plays futsal!) or me. Tonight, I was thinking about buying a shirt for Ben, and again the storekeeper said "this is a men's shirt". I mean, hello! Did she expect me to think that I could actually fit into that shirt? Do I look that much like a foreigner, or just extremely dumb? :)

I have bought quite a bit. Probably the most I've ever bought on holiday. Which isn't hard, because I've never really bought heaps in one trip before. But still, I'm stunned.

A Long Day...in Heels

This has been quite productive shopping trip so far :) Not heaps, but have already bought some things.

The interview went alright, and went to see a friend of mum's about a possible investment and/or line of work. She used to work at a very famous departmental store here, as a marketer, and man, is she good. Or maybe she's just good at talking herself up :) Either way, was very interesting and inspiring!

The only downside to yesterday is that I had to walk all over Singapore (very quicky, as they do here) in my heels and so the toe that I cracked playing futsal is looking a little worse than it originally did...Whoops. But I got to buy a pair of shoes so I could keep walking. They were only as comfy as a brand new pair of shoes can be, but they were flat, so I didn't keep stubbing my toe into the pointy end of my heels.

It's 8.25 a.m. Most of my family is still asleep. Lucky them.

Packing in the wee hours of the morning.

It's 2 a.m. and I'm still packing!! This is what I get for putting it off and spending the night at the football (soccer). Pooey.

Off to Singapore in the morning. Finally heard back from a company that I applied to, so I know that I'll have at least one interview! Packing when you don't know what you're packing for is not much fun, which is why I kept putting it off. That, and I didn't want to wrinkle my work clothes.

The football was ok. It was a very empty stadium, and not a very friendly crowd. Not to Bayern Munich, anyway, who played Malaysia in the first match. Bayern won 2-1, unfortunately Malaysia's only goal was courtesy of an own goal. I felt a little sorry for the Bayern kids (they are under 19, so yes, kids). The crowd was so hostile that S and I really wanted to support Bayern!

The second match was between PSV and Chelsea, PSV coming away with a 1-0 win. Chelsea were unlucky - could have been a draw had the post not stopped a spectacular shot at goal. Yes, I say that the post stopped it, coz the keeper was beaten.

I seriously have no idea how I'm going to wake up tomorrow. Which probably means I should go to bed now. Nightey nite!

So many jobs, so little time

Been a pretty crazy day, in terms of applying for jobs. There have been a few interesting ones, mainly in HR, but luckily open to accepting grads, so fingers crossed. Have CVs on the brain. Bet you I dream about them tonight. Did some applications in the morning. Then drove mum to work this arvo coz we had the rego sticker removed from the clunky car in preparation for selling it, so it is now compounded in our garage. Hehe. Then more applications tonight.

The Champions Youth Cup hosted by Malaysia starting tomorrow. Under-19 teams from clubs like AC Milan, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Man U, Boca Juniors etc will compete as well as ... Malaysia. What? Malaysia's a club? Anyway, the plan is to go and watch Malaysia play Bayern, and PSV play Chelsea tomorrow in Kuching. Only RM 12 for both games!!

In other news, I saw a cookbook today and the title was "50 Recipes for Diabetes!" Now, I know perfectly what it meant, but I thought it was pretty funny, coz it could be interpreted as recipes to make you diabetic instead of recipes for people with diabetes. Hehehe...sorry, lame, I know. This is what you get when you write resumes all day.

Not-much-physical-activity Day.

Not much to talk about today except that it was another hot day. My sunnies broke, so driving is a pain, literally.

Went for another facial this morning (beautician's orders - have to shrink those pores!). It wasn't as painful as the previous couple of visits, but still got comments on the blackheads on my nose and how they reappeared so quickly (my last facial was a week and a half ago). I don't see what else I can do. I've been pretty vigilant about the whole 3-step face care thing. But I have to admit, overall, my skin's better.

In the afternoon, I took the car to get checked, kind of the equivalent of the Australian RWC. We are getting rid of our clunky car, that my parents kept mainly for 'the kids' to drive. We're all grown up now :) Here, the cars are checked in one central (read: HUGE) plant, instead of by individual registered mechanics. Which of course results in long waiting times. I sat in the crowded office by myself for almost 2 hours. Luckily, I was prepared and had a magazine with me.

So that was my day. Told you there wasn't much to talk about. :)

So humid it makes me want to barf.

It really has been really humid.

Dinner last night was Japanese again, this time at Tomoe. But I didn't mind. It was actually quite good and cheaper than the night before. On Friday night, we were tossing up between the two places, and chose one. We should have gone with the other, but none of us had ever tried it out, so we went with what was safe. Next time.

Today, the usual breakfast with extended family (although I must say that numbers are dwindling, slowly but surely), then second breakfast at 10th mile, for the reknowned kolo mee. Apparently people from all over Kuching and beyond 'make the 20 minute drive' (accordingly to a newspaper cutout they proudly display on their cigarette cabinet) to eat here. I thought my noodles were a bit hard, but I've never been a big fan of kolo mee...

Went for futsal training - another comp coming up! But I think I've cracked the toe nail on the big right toe, which probably means that I really should get new shoes, because the tops of my current pair are wearing out. The coach also wants each of us to get a ball. As in a futsal ball, not a ... never mind. That'll be at least 12 balls every training session!! Sounds a bit much, no? That's a lot of things I have to get. And new sunnies. Mine kinda broke, a little :) Did you know that 80% of UV rays are absorbed by the time you turn 18 or something?? Better get the kids started early on them.

Speaking of kids...Observation made last night at dinner is that parents who can't be bothered entertaining kids just seem to give them Gameboys, even when eating out. Either that, or it's the only way to keep them quiet and in their seats. Same goes for kids reading during meals, at home or eating out. Should the 'educational' aspect of reading justify this? It still seems quite rude and anti-social nevertheless.

Also, this morning sis pointed out a little girl who decided to sit on the floor of the coffee shop when we were having kolo mee. It was gross!! The floor was wet, dirty, all the things you expect a coffee shop floor to be, and we were surprised the mother didn't start yelling straightaway for the girl to stand up. It was making me really queasy after that kolo mee, just thinking about that dirty floor, and that girl eating her breakfast. I would've taken her home right away to scrub her under the shower for 10 minutes. And douse her in antibac soap or something. Anything!

p.s. Note to self: must NEVER start playing the pokies. Started playing this free online game called bejewelled. Takes a bit of thinking but I think what I'm really drawn to are the flashing lights and satisfying sound everytime you get 3 or more jewels in a row!! Haha.

p.p.s Having worked at the pokies, I'm sure Ben would find this highly unamusing. He probably will tell me off for even suggesting addiction to the pokies. Don't worry, I'll stick to the free game for now.

Night out on the town

We never made it to Buntal last night. Something about waiting for an hour for someone to pick us up. Apparently this 'someone's' car clock was an hour slow, so he thought he had lots of time. Didn't know Malaysia had daylight savings. ;)

Having decided that it'd be too late for dinner if we took the hours' drive out to the seafood village, we settled on Japanese instead. From memory, this place is really popular and almost always fully booked. I was surprised when we arrived and there were lots of tables available. DY didn't like the food, although I think the rest of us were ok with it. But if it really was that bad, then maybe it the lack of patrons was an indication of the current standards of that restaurant.

After dinner, we went around the popular hangouts - Soho and Mojo - but they were not as crowded as they normally are, even at 11.p.m. or so. After a while, we decided to leave and go to a bar at the Civic Centre, called Links. It was completely empty, which was a real pity because it was such a gorgeous place! There was a triangular-ish bar, a round booth with high timber walls for a bit of privacy, and beautiful furniture. But the best part of all was the view. Links is situated on the 2nd level of the Civic Centre tower, which means that patrons practically overlook all the buildings in Kuching! I can only guess that it is unpopular because of the slightly higher price of drinks, and its isolation from the other night spots. Oh, and the waitress (or the bartender) messed up my order. I asked for Lime Caipirinha, she came back and told me there wasn't any lime, so I asked for peach instead, and when my drink came, I was given a mixture of lime and peach! It wasn't too bad in terms of taste, but I thought it a very strange event nonetheless.









Gorgeous, isn't it? This is just one end of the bar.

New template

It rained so so much this evening/night. I was late for futsal coz I had to drive so slowly.

I have changed the template again, away from the black of the past day or so, but I'm not feeling like going back to the polka dots yet. Besides, my flower header fits quite well on this one :) Hope you like it.

A (slightly) Brighter Day

Feeling a bit better today after a chat with a certain guy :) No brownies for guessing who that is!

I had actually gone out the night before last, and had a pretty good time (this was before the crap hit the fan yesterday). Caught up with a couple of school friends, GH and JH, and met a couple of new people. We stayed out til 1 a.m., going from one place to another, starting from 'dinner' (none of us ate much, we ordered 'prawns' and got charged RM 12 for each 'prawn'!), to coffee and cake at the Hilton, then to the eateries north of the river for cuttlefish. But it seems the excitement was too much, coz the other girls are now not feeling well. So our lunch date for today is cancelled. Bit disappointed, but hoping we can meet up for dinner at Buntal (village where there are lots of seafood restaurants) tomorrow night. Fingers crossed!

Ben's sumo robot beat all the other competitors from other uni's and even organising company's robot yesterday! I was going to link the videos to this blog, but that would require me to explain what each is about, and I think Ben would do that better. You can view the videos on his blog.

What to Live For?

Walls closing in
No escape
Cornered
Trapped

A hand on her face
Bony fingers
Cover her mouth
Silences her

A white light
Blinds her
Stopped in her tracks
Breathing shallow

A desperate gulp
Reach out
She can't have it
Just an illusion

The light goes out
Plunged into darkness
Nothing to guide her
Not a sound heard

Running
For hours
She is still in the same spot
The road led nowhere

Not today what she was yesterday
Muscles forget to smile
A sting on the cheek
Hand across the face

Lifeless limbs
A head hung
Wilting flower
Fallen, broken
_______________________________________________________

I refer to a previous post about not saying and doing the right things. Or rather, saying and doing the wrong things. Constantly. It is a battle that I have with myself every single minute that I am awake and apparently I have been getting it all wrong. ALL. WRONG.

So can someone please give an answer as to the above question, the title of this entry?

1 month 4 days

Congratulations to me...I have successfully managed to maintain a blog for just over a month now. hehe. 28 entries (29 counting this one). Most entries I've ever made into any single diary. yippee!

Mirror, mirror, on the wall.

[I think the hardest part about these blogs is not the writing, but coming up with the titles. Half the time, they are the last thing I type in!]

Recently, I have begun dreaming of a world where we can speak and do nothing wrong. But that is not the world we live in.*

To a certain and limited extent, I am speaking in relation to a topic that has been around for a while. It affects not just women, but men as well, although they probably don't talk about it as much as women do. This topic is body issues.

From childhood, through our teens and adulthood, many comments are made about a person's appearance. These can sometimes be off-handed, possibly even well-meant, but unless they are positive comments, they are seldom helpful to a person's self-image and esteem.

In recent months, weeks, and indeed days, this topic has arisen in my day-to-day life that I am astonished at the frequency and appalled at the consequences: in one situation, friends have fallen out because one chided the other about putting on weight; in another, high school friends have refused to meet up with everyone else because they were so self-conscious about how they looked now. I can confidently say that we were more excited about catching up after a few years than to pick apart their appearances.

[I might know how they feel. I went through a period of massive weight gain when I first left home, and if that wasn't bad enough, was constantly teased and reminded of it, even by people whom I hardly knew and who I no longer have anything to do with. It was hard for me to shop in Malaysia, because the clothing (pants, especially) were just not cut for the girl with bigger hips and thighs in mind.]

We make so many comments in our daily life that we don't stop to think what it could be doing to this generation. Is it any wonder that so many have body issues and turn to anorexia, bulimia and any diet at all in search of a salvation? Why do we not say, 'that dress looks great on you/matches your eyes', 'you really know what suits you', 'you pull that look/outfit off so well' more, rather than 'you've put on weight' or 'you're too skinny'?

I know that to a certain extent, this is the result of old cultures. The Chinese think that if you're 'rounder', you show that you're prosperous. I have always maintained that a distinction should be made between being 'prosperous' and being unhealthy.

What is wrong, if a person eats what they want but does not gain weight, either through exercise, or they eat healthily, or because of their genetic make-up? Why should they be made to feel that it is wrong to look the way they do? What if they actually don't look good with a rounder face? One cannot assume that they look the way they do because they want to, nor that it is okay to criticise them without knowing their story. It is insulting and hurtful.

Of course, I do not profess to speak for everyone in this matter. I comment based on observation and personal experience. But I do think that as long as someone is happy with themselves and is healthy, they should be left well alone in this matter.

* In relation to my dream world, I shall discuss other 'realities' in time.

Grand Re-opening Dinner of Club - and more baking!

It was finally the night some Kuchingites have been waiting for for a year - the re-opening of the Sarawak Club. It was held a day after the one-year anniversary of the fire, because the Cheif Minister wanted to attend the whole event but had a prior engagement on Friday night, so the dinner was postponed a night. [In the end, he didn't stay the whole night - he left at about 11.30 p.m., but we shan't hold that against him :)]

The food was pretty good, including the much-talked-about signature dish, buttered prawns! There was sushi to start, and shiitake and abalone mushrooms... mmm...

I did my own hair, and was pretty proud that my hair stayed up all night. It definitely wasn't perfect, but at least I didn't have to go to a salon to have half a can of hair spray in my hair, only for the bun to fall out half-way through the night (it has happened before). I think I may have offended some people with my dress - low cut etc but you can't please everyone, can you?



Yes, the crazy baking machine is at it again, this time with orange cupcakes (unfrosted). Recipe and picture on the foodblog.

Lightning, Thunder, and the Lights Went Out

SO. It rained and rained and rained today. Where is all this water coming from? There was also thunder and lightning, and one so close to our house that it caused the power switch to trip. We decided not to turn the power back on immediately, instead waiting til the turbulent weather subsided a little.

Got an unexpected but very welcome call from GH, a friend from school, today. We went to a cake shop in town and talked about all sorts of things. Was indeed a welcome activity for a Friday night.

[Randomness] A person's past shapes them - it makes them the person they are today and it's importance should not be undermined. Having said that, they should not do things just because it reminds them of their past. They shouldn't do something now just because it's something that they used to do. Get it? I also despise double standards, arrogance/snobbery/pompousness and materialism. Cannot stand them.

Past Number 1 songs on your birthday

I almost forgot - I was driving home after dropping sis off this morning, and the DJs on the radio did what they always do: recap songs that were number 1 on this date. Ben, in case you were wondering, the songs mentioned were "Satisfaction" (Rolling Stones) and "We are the Champions" (Queen). Great songs.

Semi-productive day

I got up early this morning (as early as any person on 'holiday' should) to send sis to work. Then I went to the tailor to pick up a skirt that I needed altered, but it wasn't ready. Patooey.

Picked the sis up early (she was bored, nothing to do in the labour ward this morning, apparently), then went to have coffee at local popular hangout (1st time since I got back!) and then went shoppping. Yes, there is shopping to be done in Kuching, you just have to know the right place, and I think I found one of them! It takes a while to sift through all the small boutiques around town - if you take the time, there is usually a beautiful piece lurking amongst really mediocre pieces. I wasn't particularly taken by the dresses at the shop this morning, although there were a couple of stand-outs, but the range of tops and short sleeved, cropped jackets is superb. I got a pair of white pants from the clearance rack. Not only did it make me look pretty good - no thunder thighs for once; will have to wear with at least a slight heel, but no matter - it was only RM38 AND it was a size S!! This is exciting not because I've lost weight, but normally I'd wear at least at M if not an L in Malaysia, especially when the clothes come from Hong Kong. Supposedly, their stock comes from Singapore. I ain't complaining. Most importantly, I think I struck up a good relationship with the shop owners. May lead to better discounts in future??

After lunch, I made gingerbread cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting. I'm not sure, but I think that subconsciously I wanted to make something for Ben for his birthday. Obviously, I couldn't, but I think that's where the urge to bake came from today. Recipe available from the foodblog. I tried different moulds and cupcake wrappers today, but one was too big and the other too small. Trial and error, I suppose.

When that was done, sis and I headed to the Club for squash. I didn't mention in the previous blog or two, but I played for the first time on Monday after about 3 or 4 weeks, and it was absolutely appalling. I was so annoyed. Today was slightly better, but quite a long way off, I think, from the standard I played just before I left Melbourne.

The only major thing I didn't manage to do today was apply for jobs. That is why I consider my day only semi-productive. I was browsing for vacancies tonight, but need to get around to writing resumes soon.

Kinda slow at the mo

Time for another post, I suppose!

Attended a seminar last night, about unit trusts. Basically, people put money in trust funds and the bank pools this money to make investments in various projects, in Malaysia and overseas. It's basically a form of investment to grow your capital and, to a lesser extent, your income.

I spoke to both Helena and Ben tonight, which was really exciting and fun. I need fun, because I really do think that I am going bonkers.

It's Ben's birthday tomorrow - wish him a happy birthday!

Apologies if my posts have not been very exciting - life's kinda slow at the mo!

Unexpected win!

I can't believe I beat Reid in Dream Team. Despite my inability to make changes to my team, I managed to score 1901 points, and beat Reid by about 30 points. I imagine he's fuming.

Just can't get enough

Today was the day that I've been waiting for since I got back to Kuching. The futsal tournament. It was fun, although we (team name: Cheekee Monyets; monyet = monkey) were told we could've played better and therefore placed better than 3rd in the 'losers' league. The result was way off what we were aiming for, BUT I scored 2 of our team's total of 3 goals!!!! In crucial matches too - meaning, the 2nd game in the group stages, after we lost the first one 2-1, and one in the the 'losers' final. We were buggered by 1 p.m. - 5 x 15 minute matches in 3 hours! Still, I am actually contemplating taking up the guys' invitation to play again in a couple of hours, a mixed friendly. Crazy?? I think so... but sooo much fun! The girls on my team are hoping that I don't get a job outside Kuching, so I can keep playing with them.

Ben pointed out not-too-subtly that I have not posted anything for days *it was just 2 days!*, so to give you a quick wrap-up, Friday I went to the printer to sort out some history book stuff, then caught up with a high school friend, Sharon, who's doing her placement at the local public hospital with my sister.

Couldn't make changes to my Dream Team coz the page just refused to load, so I'm expecting a thrashing from Reid this week! :s But the Saints beat the Hawks, and Sammie Fisher had another ripper of a game. *eye candy*

Saturday, went and had a facial done with mum - painful but that's what I get for being vain! Supposedly, if I do it enough, my pores will shrink. I'm not sure then that getting it done yesterday was very logical, given that I knew I was going to be running around and sweating (like a pig) all of today.

Hm...I think my bed is calling me. Nap time.

Act for the Future, not for the Past

I was going to have a reasonably early night, but I have a bone to pick, and I don't think it should wait. Who with? In general, people who don't put safety first, and today, more specifically, the Malaysian Defence force and the cabinet.

Last Friday, a Nuri helicopter carrying armed forces personnel crashed. Only in the last day or two did they find the wreckage. There were no survivors.

It appears that this is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. According to The Star Online:

"The incident was the latest of several crashes, many of them causing the death of armed forces personnel, involving Nuri helicopters."

In today's newspaper, it was announced that the cabinet approved for 20 helicopters between 30-40 years old(!) to be phased out in the next 3 years. They decided this yesterday. Yesterday! Now, I'm no expert on helicopters, but surely one that is 40 y.o. should have been replaced ages ago?

Why has it taken this long to act? Why does it take not one, but numerous tragedies to push the Defence Force and the government into action? I am so dumbfounded and incredulous at the thought that lives are put at risk to save some money. Defence force personnel have pledged to serve their country and keep its people safe, but sadly their sacrifices do not seem to be valued enough. Their families should not be repaid in this way. It is not just that they have lost loved ones, but having to wait for days for the bodies to be found, and feeling somehow that the loss could have been avoided, had the choppers been replaced earlier. No amount of apologies or compensation money for widow(er)s or families can replace a life - that was someone's parent, life partner, and/or child. When will anyone dealing with aircraft (and safety issues) get this?

Three years ago, my sister's friend lost her father, a well-loved local politician, in a helicopter crash in Sarawak in 2004. If memory serves me correctly, it took 2 weeks to find the crash site. I did not know the family personally, but the waiting period alone must have been a terrible thing to go through. My sister's friend was 16 at the time, and had siblings younger than herself. That crashed also claimed the life of one of my parents' friends.

So, I ask again, whether the loss of life was necessary and avoidable. The most recent crash was not the result of some natural disaster, or anything outside human control. If it had been, then maybe it would arguably have been unavoidable. But crashes that are the result of faulty aircraft? I think that those in charge should be more accountable. Don't just say 'we'll buy new ones now and "pray" that nothing happens with the other old aircraft in the meantime'. I don't buy that, and I don't think other Malaysians should either.

Greenland is covered with ice, and Iceland is very nice

Famous words from the female assistant coach on the Iceland team in D2: The Mighty Ducks, one of my favourite movies as a young teenager. Of course, this had nothing to do with the fact that the very hunky Scott Whyte was playing the bad boy Gunnar Stahl (he appeared again in D3, playing a different character). Back in the days of laser discs(!), we used to go to a place called Home Entertainment, where you could rent a movie and watch it in a private room. The whole family used to go, and on occasions, with family friends or my cousins. Good memories, always lots of fun. That line is very helpful when you're trying to remember which is which, and I recited it (sis joined me halfway through) while watching Fantastic 4 this afternoon. There was a shot of Greenland and all the snow-capped mountains. Looked cold but at the same time, very nice and serene.

On the subject of movies, I watched The Notebook on telly last night. As it was on free-to-air, all the kissing (and the very minor almost-sex scene) was obviously cut out, so it made the movie a little disjointed and unsatisfactory. All the same, that movie never stops me tearing up. I know, I am such a girl. But when a girl asks a guy how come he never wrote to her, and he replies (truthfully), "I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you every day for a year", *swoooooon* how can you help but to feel a tugging at your heartstrings? You have to watch the movie to understand. Preferably the full version. It loses some of the impact and lots of the passion otherwise. :)

It's Raining but I'm a happy girl

I am happy this arvo for I received a box (actually I had to go and pick it up, coz Pos Malaysia couldn't be bothered sending it, after they had opened it up for a customs check - luckily, as far as I can tell, it's all there). I was so excited because I have been waiting for it for 2 weeks. Who would've thought that a girl could get so excited about a beaten-up box? It looks like it's about to explode! Thank you, Ben, for posting it :)

I have also finally received my shipment. I haven't fully unpacked it yet, but I'm getting the feeling that I have loads and loads of tops/shirts, but not enough pants/bottoms. Oh well. Guess I know what to look out for next time I go shopping!

...time keeps dragging on...

Still haven't finished the history book. Now it's getting annoying.

I have Folsom Prison Blues stuck in my head. Hence the title of this post. It could've been worse - I decided against using the line "I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die...". I don't actually feel like time is dragging on. In fact, it's shooting by a bit too quick for my liking.

We took the relatives who are visiting to Magenta for dinner tonight. The Uncle needed a bit of persuading, but he enjoyed the food. As usual, the portions were huge, the presentation superb and the taste exquisite. My lamb shank was divine - the meat tender and beginning to fall off the bone. Photos to come in the foodblog.

Need. To. Sleep. Earlier.

Rainforest and Rain

Had fun at the Rainforest World Music Festival. No, it didn't rain then, but it is raining now. Will post more details when I'm not rushing to get to bed :)

Came back to Kuching today, and brought the relatives and their friends to lunch. One of them made the comment that she has come to expect sub-par standard (local) food in Sarawak. She mentioned roti canai. Well, she should try some real Sarawakian food if she wants good food! The number of mamak stalls and the like in KL mean that to be competitive and sustainable, the roti canai sold must be good or excellent. In Sarawak, Indian food is not the dominant hawker cuisine. Try la something really local, Aunty! I mean, having brought KL-ites out this same weekend and watching them Hoover (i.e. vacuum) up bowl after bowl of laksa, kolo mee, and belachan bee hoon (read: dishes that Sarawak is actually famous for!), I was so insulted that such a comment was made. To know the best places for local food outlets and cuisine, one should really have a local guide, something that I don't think she has had here.

Played futsal with boys tonight, really enjoyed it. Scored a hat-trick, which of course isn't necessarily a priority, but you can't deny that scoring is always a confidence booster. Maybe I'll put off retirement from this crazy game for a little while longer. ;)

Rain and thunder outside my window. (It's like Thunder! Lightning!)

Enough food for a week...

Quick post - I really should start sleeping earlier.

I brought Mel, Boon and their friends out for lunch at Padungan today. They ordered soooo much food, I don't know where it all went. But it is great that they are enjoying Kuching food so much. Everything from Belachan bee hoon and laksa to kolo mee and fresh coconut - we had it all, and they ate it all.

Just about finished with the history book. Just have to get The Brother's approval, and finalise the photos.

Didn't go to Rainforest today, but will tomorrow.

Miss The Boy terribly.

It's the Overachievers' Club - and she's the Chairman

I actually missed a day *gasp*! I was being so good, keeping you updated (however many people 'you' are, coz I'm not convinced that many of my friends are actually reading this on a regular basis :) ) about the non-events everyday. Oh well, it had to happen sometime...

I thought I had just about finished editing the history book, when I realised that I had missed a page when I was doing the formatting, and that actually affected the following pages, so I had to reformat from page 48 (out of 121) onwards! Not cool.

Mel arrived today, and I picked her and Boon up from the airport at 9 a.m., after dropping sis off at work. I treated myself to Starbucks at the airport (yes, it's been open for about a week now), and was quite impressed with the latte I got. Thanks, Radja! Great service first thing in the morning starts your day off on the right note.

Dinner was at the Sarawak Club Main Hall with family friends. Still some glitches to iron out in the kitchen, and we ordered waaaay too much food. The title of the blog has nothing to do with this post - it's just a comment I made to mum over dinner, and she thought I was being serious. We all had a good giggle about it.

Saints won again, beating the Crows by 2 points. I seem to have all the wrong players on my Dream Team though. I had that cutie, Sam Fisher, last year but not this year. He did well last year and the form seems to have carried on into this season, despite an injury earlier in 2007. But they won. They won! *big grin*

P.S. I will be thinking of you guys at Starbucks when I'm at the Rainforest World Music Festival tomorrow

Just call me Editor

As you can see, I almost missed a day. Almost. I have actually been busy today. Apart from the occasional nap *grin* I have been busy helping to edit a book on the history of the Sarawak Club. Growing up, it was my second home, because I was there for squash training just about everyday of the week. Almost exactly a year ago, most of the Club went up in smoke, literally. So my brother compiled a book on its history for the 'history corner', and I have been proofreading it, ready for the grand re-opening in a fortnight. Another job prospect for me :)

Apart from tomorrow morning, when I will be stuck at home because I don't have the car, I will be running around town over the next couple of days or so. Feels so good to be doing something.

Foodblog

Just lettin' y'all know that I've added a new post to xanga.com/foodinfatuation. Enjoy. It took sooooo long because I wanted to get the pictures in the right place! All for you, Sam.

Mayday, mayday

On a high but crashing. Quickly.

One rainy day

Started as a beautiful day. Baked chocolate orange cupcakes (I'm making up for the time I didn't bake for 3 weeks) to give to neighbours who live in Canada, but are back for a holiday. It was pouring with rain after lunch, so I couldn't go over. Am now waiting for sis to get home so that we can go over together.


...you like...?


Found out as of today that I will be unemployed for a little bit longer. So it's back to the drawing board for me. Am going to try harder for Singapore now, I think, but still not ruling out KL. The phone that I have my heart set on is the Dopod C730. I have been searching for reviews on it to make sure it is exactly what I want, and I came across this review today. Part of it says:

This sleek Smartphone is built to empower users who crave power and connectivity... The C730 is designed with the ambitious professional in mind.

I wish I could show this to prospective employers who doubt that I am driven. Or get them to put me on a squash or futsal court. That could work, too. I know I'm ambitious and competitive, I just don't see any point in going around bragging about it in everyday life, and acting as if I want to pick a fight with everyone. It makes you and the people around you miserable.

Going to see the neighbours now.