This rates a mention, even if he was a Man U player, and is poised to be their 'global ambassador' after he retires as a professional player.
Congratulations should go to the guy. It was such a talked-about cap, that Capello would have been a villain for a lifetime had he never allowed Beckham the glory of his 100th game for the Three Lions, regardless of whether he leads the English national side to a title in any international competition.
It was reported that William Gallas asked Becks for his jersey at the conclusion of the international friendly match in which Becks achieved the acclaimed milestone. Becks declined, telling reporters later "I think he forgot what match it was for me". Au contraire, sir, I think Gallas knew exactly what game it was, how valuable that jersey is, and how much it would go for, if he ever decided to sell it! Did Becks seriously think the French player had forgotten, especially since Becks got a standing ovation from both England and France supporters when he was taken off in the 63rd minute?? Pleeease la.
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Saturday, 29 March 2008
finally, an update.
Well. I'll try to cover as much as I can, though now that I've waited this long, I'll scarcely be doing justice to the wonderful things and activities that I've done over the last week and a half. But I'll try.
On Tuesday night last week (i.e. a week and a half ago), after I'd accumulated yet more bruises during futsal (despite wearing shin guards), I received a text message from my aunt, asking if I was interested in going to the KL Stylo Fashion Festival the following night. Why not, I thought. The show for Wednesday would be Ben de Lisi's AW 2008 collection. I was hence set up on a 'blind date' with my aunt's friend's daughter, who, I was told, is a second year design student at Parsons in New York.
Oh drat, I think. What to wear to not look like a dag next to a design student from NY. I don't have much in my closet here - mainly work wear and a very limited amount of evening/weekend wear. My train of thought as I was packing to move to KL was that I'd be spending most of my time at work, so I didn't really need to many 'party' clothes. So I pulled together what I could, and ended up feeling rather overdressed next to my new friend.
Good thing we got along quite well and had things to talk about. Otherwise it would have been a pretty awkward and long night.
The show itself was ... interesting I guess is the word I'd use. Firstly it was pouring outside, which resulted in the roof of the makeshift show tent springing a leak right onto the runway. One of the models nearly slipped. That might have also been caused by the fact that (as Tara pointed out), the stilettos were one or 2 sizes too big on some of the models, and they looked really uncomfortable. Actually, the models looks pretty uncomfortable, period. Some walked with very little grace, most were protruding their hips far more than was natural (and reasonable), and they may have been told not to smile, but seriously, did they have to look like they wanted to pick a fight?? Seriously, the models were so distracting that we almost forgot to look at the clothes. Further, when we saw them at the dinner/after-party, they consumed nothing except cigarettes and beer. Gross.
I guess I should talk about the collection, seeing as it was a fashion show. I adored most of the gowns, but thought the separates and short dresses were a little too 'runway' and are just not the sort of thing I can ever imagine myself or anyone else wearing. At least, not in the combinations that they had. Towards, the end, Tara pointed out a few guys in the back row opposite the runway from us who stood out like sore thumbs [see the last photo in the sequence below]. They were dressed too casually, and they all had their phones out, snapping photos of the models. Their heads and cameras each model as she made her way down the runway and back. They looked so dodgy! All in all, I'm glad I had Tara for company. It made what might have been an ordinary night pretty fun.
The following day, I went home to Kuching for the weekend with grandma. Being Easter weekend, my brother was back as well, as he had a public holiday on Friday, but I had to take a day off on Friday, as Good Friday is not a public holiday in West Malaysia (but it is in East Malaysia). Strange, huh?
Friday night, we were invited to stay at a farm about 45 mins from the city. The house was built over 30 years ago and styled on an ethnic Sarawakian longhouse/village house and is owned by a former public figure who, for the most part, resides in the city. All sorts of natural material was used, but with a very modern twist. There were woven rugs and even woven walls made of bamboo, rattan, and belian wood, to name a few. The house is undergoing refurbishment and renovation, so a few walls of exposed brick have also been thrown in. Though there is electricity, there is no hot water, internet or television. It is such a beautiful place; a getaway on 40 acres of land. When it started pouring rain that night, it was such a refreshing feeling, so different from the hustle and bustle (not to mention the humidity and pollution) of the city [see second picture below]. I also loved (of all things) this shower: the pebble stones in place of a plsstic/rubber bath mat. There was even a toilet that is 'outdoors' i.e. not completely walled up, that sort of transitions into the garden! There were other guests of the owners there as well that night, and a merry time was had by all.
The following day, we went to a village closer to the border of Indonesia, Tebakang. There, in just about the only eatery in town, run by the Penghulu (head of the Kampung), we had (amongst other things) wild boar, turtle, and prawns so large they could almost be mistaken for lobster. So good.
Saturday night was dinner with the paternal grandparents at the Sarawak Club, followed by a meet-up with friends from futsal at the usual haunt to watch the English Premier League matches that were showing that night.
On Sunday, I joined the guys for futsal on Sunday. Really didn't play well, but it was good to see some of the other guys again.
Tomorrow, I will be meeting up with a tutor from IH, Andrew, who is in town for a wedding. I am so behind on the local news that I didn't realise the KL marathon is on tomorrow. So getting into the city centre will be a nightmare. Public transport it is!
On Tuesday night last week (i.e. a week and a half ago), after I'd accumulated yet more bruises during futsal (despite wearing shin guards), I received a text message from my aunt, asking if I was interested in going to the KL Stylo Fashion Festival the following night. Why not, I thought. The show for Wednesday would be Ben de Lisi's AW 2008 collection. I was hence set up on a 'blind date' with my aunt's friend's daughter, who, I was told, is a second year design student at Parsons in New York.
Oh drat, I think. What to wear to not look like a dag next to a design student from NY. I don't have much in my closet here - mainly work wear and a very limited amount of evening/weekend wear. My train of thought as I was packing to move to KL was that I'd be spending most of my time at work, so I didn't really need to many 'party' clothes. So I pulled together what I could, and ended up feeling rather overdressed next to my new friend.
Good thing we got along quite well and had things to talk about. Otherwise it would have been a pretty awkward and long night.
The show itself was ... interesting I guess is the word I'd use. Firstly it was pouring outside, which resulted in the roof of the makeshift show tent springing a leak right onto the runway. One of the models nearly slipped. That might have also been caused by the fact that (as Tara pointed out), the stilettos were one or 2 sizes too big on some of the models, and they looked really uncomfortable. Actually, the models looks pretty uncomfortable, period. Some walked with very little grace, most were protruding their hips far more than was natural (and reasonable), and they may have been told not to smile, but seriously, did they have to look like they wanted to pick a fight?? Seriously, the models were so distracting that we almost forgot to look at the clothes. Further, when we saw them at the dinner/after-party, they consumed nothing except cigarettes and beer. Gross.
I guess I should talk about the collection, seeing as it was a fashion show. I adored most of the gowns, but thought the separates and short dresses were a little too 'runway' and are just not the sort of thing I can ever imagine myself or anyone else wearing. At least, not in the combinations that they had. Towards, the end, Tara pointed out a few guys in the back row opposite the runway from us who stood out like sore thumbs [see the last photo in the sequence below]. They were dressed too casually, and they all had their phones out, snapping photos of the models. Their heads and cameras each model as she made her way down the runway and back. They looked so dodgy! All in all, I'm glad I had Tara for company. It made what might have been an ordinary night pretty fun.
The following day, I went home to Kuching for the weekend with grandma. Being Easter weekend, my brother was back as well, as he had a public holiday on Friday, but I had to take a day off on Friday, as Good Friday is not a public holiday in West Malaysia (but it is in East Malaysia). Strange, huh?
Friday night, we were invited to stay at a farm about 45 mins from the city. The house was built over 30 years ago and styled on an ethnic Sarawakian longhouse/village house and is owned by a former public figure who, for the most part, resides in the city. All sorts of natural material was used, but with a very modern twist. There were woven rugs and even woven walls made of bamboo, rattan, and belian wood, to name a few. The house is undergoing refurbishment and renovation, so a few walls of exposed brick have also been thrown in. Though there is electricity, there is no hot water, internet or television. It is such a beautiful place; a getaway on 40 acres of land. When it started pouring rain that night, it was such a refreshing feeling, so different from the hustle and bustle (not to mention the humidity and pollution) of the city [see second picture below]. I also loved (of all things) this shower: the pebble stones in place of a plsstic/rubber bath mat. There was even a toilet that is 'outdoors' i.e. not completely walled up, that sort of transitions into the garden! There were other guests of the owners there as well that night, and a merry time was had by all.
Saturday night was dinner with the paternal grandparents at the Sarawak Club, followed by a meet-up with friends from futsal at the usual haunt to watch the English Premier League matches that were showing that night.
On Sunday, I joined the guys for futsal on Sunday. Really didn't play well, but it was good to see some of the other guys again.
Tomorrow, I will be meeting up with a tutor from IH, Andrew, who is in town for a wedding. I am so behind on the local news that I didn't realise the KL marathon is on tomorrow. So getting into the city centre will be a nightmare. Public transport it is!
Monday, 24 March 2008
What a (long) weekend
So much to write about, had such an exciting weekend, but didn't even have time to blog when I was at home (and had wireless internet at my disposal). I will try to do the full round-up tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Just one more piece...
The nightmare before ChristmasI spent (pretty much) all of yesterday sitting in my aunt's living room, finishing up a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle that my cousin bought and started around Xmas. Apparently it has provided some entertainment for some visitors to their home. For me, it was a worthy excuse to procrastinate and not some 'homework' assigned to me by my manager. [So now I sit in a major coffee chain on a Sunday afternoon doing my 'research']
There were a few gaps left in the puzzle. Amazingly, I managed to fit a few pieces together for each gap, and the rest kinda fell into place. Sounds easy right? In truth, I sat in that living for about 3 1/2, maybe 4 hours. Every time it started to get frustrating and become a seemingly futile exercise, I managed to fit another jigsaw piece in, giving me enough excitement and motivation to carry on a bit longer and before I knew it, the whole afternoon (save for the walk to the nearby shops to get 'kaya' , a local coconut spread, with my cousin) had been spent doing the puzzle. Yes, I am easily amused. But it was also that sense of satisfaction when you stick the piece in and it just...fits. So this carried on for however long it carried on for...
Hope my aunt and uncle's friends don't get too disappointed the next time they visit, anticipating to spend some time on the jigsaw. Hm...makes my aunt and uncle seem like slightly dull people if their friends looks forward to doing a jigsaw when they come visit. That is far from the truth. My young cousin, however, probably formed a new opinion of me: a real dork who'd rather stare at a jigsaw than play with her.
Sunday, 9 March 2008
A Wedding and time with family
Ok. Time to recap the last 2weeks. Or weekends at least...
My parents (and other relatives) came to KL on Friday night. We drove up to Cameron Highlands the next morning for mum's cousin's wedding. The reception was held at the Carmeron Highlands Resort, which is I think is known as the most luxurious hotel up there. The chef was flown in to prepare the meals, and there were beautiful flowers galore.
Having seen my mum's extended family at various family gatherings over the past 6 or 8 months, I'm starting to get to know them quite a bit, although admittedly there are far too many of them to remember! At least now I know which ones are actually related to me - i.e. which ones are my grand aunt and grand uncle. Dinner was pretty good, as was the hotel's buffet breakfast, and the buffet lunch... mmmm....
This weekend, we had pre-Hungry Ghost festival prayers for my grandfather. As the Malaysian elections were on, we left the house at 7am! It was a long day, ending with dinner and shopping and having lunch out in between. Dinner was at a place called Fatty Tiger in Cheras, which serves fresh water fish. We had a dish last night that was fish head only. Whilst that's not unusual, this bit of info is: It was the head of a single 45kg fish! It was quite tasty, though I didn't fancy the really thick skin too much. Apparently the thick skin is similar to that of turtle. I wouldn't know - never had turtle. I did, however, start eating a dish without knowing what was in it, only to hear my uncle mention 'frogs'!! That pretty much killed my appetite for that dish...
In the afternoon, mum, A and I went to Midvalley to look for cameras as there was a digital fair on (actually it was just mum and me; A just tagged along and probably got really bored). So I now have a proper camera, after a fair few years... A offered to take a few photos as they were finalising my purchase:
* being a bit impatient to get my purchase :)
* Signing $$ away...
My parents (and other relatives) came to KL on Friday night. We drove up to Cameron Highlands the next morning for mum's cousin's wedding. The reception was held at the Carmeron Highlands Resort, which is I think is known as the most luxurious hotel up there. The chef was flown in to prepare the meals, and there were beautiful flowers galore.
Having seen my mum's extended family at various family gatherings over the past 6 or 8 months, I'm starting to get to know them quite a bit, although admittedly there are far too many of them to remember! At least now I know which ones are actually related to me - i.e. which ones are my grand aunt and grand uncle. Dinner was pretty good, as was the hotel's buffet breakfast, and the buffet lunch... mmmm....
This weekend, we had pre-Hungry Ghost festival prayers for my grandfather. As the Malaysian elections were on, we left the house at 7am! It was a long day, ending with dinner and shopping and having lunch out in between. Dinner was at a place called Fatty Tiger in Cheras, which serves fresh water fish. We had a dish last night that was fish head only. Whilst that's not unusual, this bit of info is: It was the head of a single 45kg fish! It was quite tasty, though I didn't fancy the really thick skin too much. Apparently the thick skin is similar to that of turtle. I wouldn't know - never had turtle. I did, however, start eating a dish without knowing what was in it, only to hear my uncle mention 'frogs'!! That pretty much killed my appetite for that dish...
In the afternoon, mum, A and I went to Midvalley to look for cameras as there was a digital fair on (actually it was just mum and me; A just tagged along and probably got really bored). So I now have a proper camera, after a fair few years... A offered to take a few photos as they were finalising my purchase:
* being a bit impatient to get my purchase :)
* Signing $$ away...My new toy is the model that is in the foreground...Yes, I know it's not top-of-the-range, and some people may think it's not a good-enough camera, but so far, I've taken a few pictures with it, and am pretty happy with what I've seen.
We then had lunch at Alexis in Bangsar: risotto and sawarak laksa. yum. The risotto contained white truffle oil, mushroom, caramelised onion with merlot, and grated pecorino...divine. Was a little upset that I managed to drop a small amount of it on the table at one point...
Today, played futsal and had lunch with some of A's friends from uni. Had quite a good game, even though I didn't score. As usual, had a couple that ricocheted off the near post. So very annoying. But learnt that some of the guys work at rival firms, so may be seeing them later this year at the inter-firm games.
Need to catch up on some sleep so will probably go to bed soon even though it's only 9.40pm. Was a little sleep-deprived this week and didn't get a chance to sleep-in this weekend coz of prayers on Saturday and then futsal this morning. Also think I've been drinking too much coffee at work - had a headache this afternoon, so probably a withdrawal thing. Yikes. Not good.
Today, played futsal and had lunch with some of A's friends from uni. Had quite a good game, even though I didn't score. As usual, had a couple that ricocheted off the near post. So very annoying. But learnt that some of the guys work at rival firms, so may be seeing them later this year at the inter-firm games.
Need to catch up on some sleep so will probably go to bed soon even though it's only 9.40pm. Was a little sleep-deprived this week and didn't get a chance to sleep-in this weekend coz of prayers on Saturday and then futsal this morning. Also think I've been drinking too much coffee at work - had a headache this afternoon, so probably a withdrawal thing. Yikes. Not good.
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
A longer post soon
Haven't really had time to update. Was away for the weekend and work is quite crazy this week. Hopefully this weekend I'll have time to do a longer post with pictures. I'm hopeful.
More things about toilets that I want to share - yes, this could well be a topic that I revisit every so often - is some strange things that happened in the course of one day: First, someone was singing in the toilet while doing a No.2. Later in the day, there were 2 women talking about breast-feeding, then at the end of the day, someone else answered her mobile, again while doing a No.2!
Am looking for a new camera, because I realise how much I'm not documenting, such as family gatherings. Had my eye on one, but just read the reviews and apparently it's not too great (though it is kind of within my price range). Will have to keep looking I suppose, if I'm not willing to put up with the supposed inadequacies of this one. For now, I'd like to get some sleep!
More things about toilets that I want to share - yes, this could well be a topic that I revisit every so often - is some strange things that happened in the course of one day: First, someone was singing in the toilet while doing a No.2. Later in the day, there were 2 women talking about breast-feeding, then at the end of the day, someone else answered her mobile, again while doing a No.2!
Am looking for a new camera, because I realise how much I'm not documenting, such as family gatherings. Had my eye on one, but just read the reviews and apparently it's not too great (though it is kind of within my price range). Will have to keep looking I suppose, if I'm not willing to put up with the supposed inadequacies of this one. For now, I'd like to get some sleep!
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