working ahead

What a long hiatus from blogging!
So much has been happening.
My sister was in town, that was an intensely family-time.
Then we packed off my nephew who's left to settle with her abroad.
Then -- oh so much work!!!... And still... oh so much to do at work!
It's not slowing down, and I don't anticipate a down time for a long time more. Maybe not till December.

I'm busier still now because I'm working ahead - something I do when I've a holiday planned in just a few weeks.
Something I did (at the expense of almost popping a nerve) weeks leading up to my trip to London/Paris earlier this year; and something I'm doing now, leading up to my trip to ---- Koreaaaaaa!

That was - Korea.
Yup, that's my next foreign holiday destination.
So excited about it ... but am so frenzied with work!
I can do this, oh yes I can.

my birthday

Last Saturday was my day, and it was perfect. Nothing could have made it better, and I've my darling partner to thank for that.
I had a '2-day-before-birthday' present given me on Thursday. "To wear to dinner on your birthday," he said.
My day started with me receiving a bouquet of 2 dozen red roses, delivered to me at my door step.
Lunch was at a quaint little Hainanese restaurant in PJ SS2, and pampering soon after in the form of a long massage at a Thai reflexology place, also in SS2.
Short nap when we got back home, so I'm more rested for a romantic dinner that night, which I thought was the plan for the evening.
Got dressed later that evening and we're off to dinner.

Walked into the restaurant, TJ Haus in Subang.. and WHOA!... what do I see?
I see many, many faces, of friends and family, looking at me, grinning widely, and as soon as I stepped in, they stood and started to sing 'Happy Birthday', in one voice, clapping along, all well orchestrated!
My partner had planned a surprise birthday party for me!!!

I don't think I can fully describe how I felt that moment, when I realised what was happening, when I realised that the night was my surprise birthday party, put together by my partner, with the aid of those friends and family members who were present that night.
Silly me started crying... but I really can't help that. I cry when I'm overwhelmingly happy too. Of course I did eventually stop after pulling myself together.

That was my first surprise party, and only I hope, for this year's birthday has particular significance to me, and I'd like for this event to mark that significance. I was happy, and am still happy. I'm uplifted, just thinking about the party, that incredible night, when I felt extra extra special.

bbq by the pool

A bunch of us got together for a poolside barbecue, to celebrate the recent 'full moon' festival. There was great food and of course, plenty of drinks.

We had this by the pool at a friend's condo.

The party started off with everyone being perfectly proper, but naturally as the drinks kick in... the real fun begins.

Funny and unfunny jokes, hearty laughter, silly teasing, and a few guys being unceremoniously thrown into the pool. But it was all done in truly good and easy fun.

We did create quite a ruckus and in doing so, got the attention of other non-participating residents, who no sooner did alert the guards, who came after us with a stern warning to keep things down.

We did however managed to continue partying for a good one hour or so afterwards simply by coaxing the guards with some cans of beer.

Oh how easy that was! Drinks, kept to a decent dosage.. do help so much!

pretty in salwar kameez

I'm feeling so feminine and sweet today, dressed in a salwar kameez. I'm meeting my Muslim work friends to give them Ramadhan goodies, and thought that being in a traditional attire would convey respect.
This one was tailored in Rajasthan India, and what an impeccable job they did! One can't get this type of quality tailoring here.

Hmmmm... Regal Rajasthan with its beautiful palaces and colourfully dressed people and herds of camels by the roadside and intricately woven and designed fabrics, and proud proud locals.

rushdie wonder

He is an incredibly talented storyteller, that Salman Rushdie. I just finished one of his books. Read Midnight Children last year, another this year (finished it over the last weekend, the book was a Valentine gift), and have one more, Shalimar The Clown, which I'll put off till next year, when I'd be ready again to take on Rushdie. That's how it feels like when I embark on reading his work, something to 'take on'. I've got to psyche myself to face a twisted, mind-boggling, wow ride of a read.

I shan't try to be a book reviewer for I don't think I know how to do that, but in my own simple words, I'd best describe his work as a true challenge to read. My Dad aptly said of him, ".. if we find him a tough read, we're perhaps not ready intellectually to read him." Yes, he could be right.

Rushdie demands all of you, his narrations are intense, he commands your fullest attention, stray for a moment and you'd have to re-read some passages to understand what he's saying, to not miss the least bit of his creativity. His stories are multifaceted and the characters, colourful and vast. And he doesn't care to make it easier for the reader by giving his characters simple names. His work is staggering brilliance.

Sir Salman Rushdie is a genius.. and that's putting it mildly.

reckless riding

My friend was telling me about his friend who works in Singapore, commutes using a motorcycle.
His bike had skidded and he fell, hurting himself and damaging the bike. No major injuries, fortunately.
The police is on location immediately, and... he gets a summons.. for reckless riding! Ever heard of anything like this?
But of course it's got to happen in Singapore, where else?
I was tickled silly when I heard this!
Funny or not, kudos to Singapore for their renowned Singaporean efficiency!
Malaysian leaders should wake up and learn a thing or two, or plenty, from this tiny neighbour of ours!

multiracial no more

We've got leaders who don't think before they speak, if they do ever think at all. They're known for their derogatory, offensive, dumbass statements more than for anything else. Either insult and question the non-Malays or hurl insults at the women folk, these seem to be the favourite agenda when on speaking assignments. Or are they just so dense that they don't know what else to say?

I try to recall something constructive and smart uttered by these people (the said leaders) who've parked themselves in privileged positions, secure in the knowledge that the leader of the pack is no smarter than them; and absolutely nothing comes to mind. Their words are either atrociously hateful, e.g. 'pendatang', or violently chauvisnistic, e.g. 'women ask to be raped'. Or they just go round and round the mulberry bush, i.e. say a mumbo-jumbo of words that don't actually communicate anything intelligent or conclusive.

The latest is non-Malays being called 'pendatang'. This prompts me to imagine a Malaysia that's non multiracial and multicultural. Imagine a Malaysia without Indians and Chinese and Punjabis and every other non-Malay race. Imagine a Malaysia without Christmas, Chinese New Year, Wesak, Diwali. A Malaysia with only one language. A Malaysia with only one colour, with no Temples and Churches, with only one type of cuisine (for imitated Chinese, Indian and other cuisine don't equate authenticity). Imagine living one's days at work and with friends and neighbours and while out anywhere, surrounded only by the one's own ethnic race, the only race left here.

Not a pretty picture at all, it'll be a very sad little country.
I'd wan't my Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi friends with all their cultures and everything that's them. I want them all.

a microwave meal

Piping hot and delicious and it took my partner just 15 minutes to prepare, from the cutting and chopping, to the washing up. He's quite the expert at maximising the uses of our microwave and creative too. He's whipped up some yummy microwaved meals before, but yesterday's chicken casserole tops the lot, thus far that is, for I know there are more varieties in store.

Last nights dinner was chunks of boneless chicken, cubes of potatoes, peas, green pepper, onions, in a rich black soya sauce; and bread to soak it all up with. It was really good - light (dinner like a pauper, we're trying to subscribe) and filling, and being the darling that he is, he made sure too that there was no cleaning up for me to do!
I'm such a lucky girl!

there's no substitute to swimsuits

It's just not right, substituting proper swim wear for casual shorts and track-pants and t-shirts; and behaving like it's perfectly acceptable!! It's an annoying sight and it ruins the whole 'holidaying by the pool' scene.

This is what I had to put up with recently during my Kuantan weekend. In fact, I've had to tolerate this nonsense at every one of my beach holidays here in this country - with the exception of Berjaya Tioman, where I had seen the pool staff actually confronting such senseless guests.

There'd be this huge signboard showing what a proper swim wear is, both for women and men, yet so very many people, locals of course, totally ignore this requirement. More peeved I am with the hotel management for not ensuring that patrons do adhere.
The idiocies we have to live with!

browner than brown

That's my colour, after my Merdeka weekend in the sun in Kuantan.
I spent my time by the beach, frolicking in the sea and lounging by the pool.
One would wonder why, when my original colour is already a tan; but try as I might, and I don't really try that hard, I just can't stop myself from basking by the pool when I'm on a seaside holiday.

I don't care to stay out of the sun, I don't care to pick out a swimsuit that minimises skin exposure, and if I feel like getting into the waters for a swim, I'll just do it, even at the expense of getting burnt in the scorching heat.
It's just way too much fun!
Even when knowing that I'll always always chide myself afterwards, for being so carefree.
Which is precisely what I've been doing since yesterday, everytime I look at myself in the mirror, and as I administer creams and oils to my sun-bruised skin.

Oh well... I'll look myself again.. soon... in time to plan for my next beach retreat.

a Thailand affair

I love Thailand. It's my favourite country. I can't fault it even if I tried.
(I'm intrigued by Moscow/Russia and Germany too but I've not been there yet...)

My first Thai experience was Haadyai; it was fun, a group of us by bus from KL. But my love affair with Thailand started when I went to Bangkok on a work trip. We stayed at the plush Metropolitan Hotel, and when my sponsored days were over, we moved to the much more affordable Siam Regency hotel.

We took a cab from Met to Regency. It was drizzling. On arrival, I went to take my luggage from the taxi booth while my partner settled the cabbie fare. As I was lugging at my bags, a guy on a bike stopped nearby, moved his bike away from the traffic, came up to me and started pulling out my bags. I panicked! I thought I was being robbed in broad daylight, in the midst of high traffic!

Fortunately my partner got to me before I could cause a commotion and being one who has a lot more faith in mankind than I do, he assured me that that man was actually just helping us. In my panic I hadn't noticed that the man had gestured towards the sky (indicating rain), towards the luggage and the walkway (indicating offer to help); and more importantly his facial expression - friendly, warm. He was no young lithe fellow and he couldn't have gone far with our bulky stuff - and silly me hadn't thought of all this either. This stranger was simply helping us, simply being hospitable. I've never experienced anything like it.

We went exploring later that day. Map in hand, very touristy in appearance, looking lost. A guy stepped up to us and asked us, "Where you wanna go?!!". We told him, he gave us clear directions and sent us on our way. I thought this too was incredible. We didn't ask for help and he didn't have to approach us. But he did come up to us and small though the act might be for him, it did wonders on my impression of Thailand.

These are just two fond memories I have of the country/people; I've got plenty more from visits to ChiangMai and Phuket. It is my belief that Thais are generally warm kind hospitable unprejudiced people, and so, the ongoing unrest in Thailand, the state of emergency in Bangkok, do very much trouble me. Thailand, for me, is a land of peace, and the people deserve nothing less than just that - peace and stability.

doctors aren't always smart

Aside from my personal doctor at a clinic in my neighbourhood, my experiences with doctors have never been pleasant. I realise that just because they're doctors, they're not necessarily definitely smart. I mean, once I had thought one has got to be of above average intelligence to be a doc, but wiser me now, has learnt that that's not true.

When I was under employment, my panel doctors were never kind.. I remember two docs who actually bark. It's like they don't have to be nice because they know that I'm not paying the bill. But this changed when I became senior management at one of my past employment. Their tone of voice and facial expressions were softer, more pleasing... maybe they thought I could determine their continuity as panel with the company. I couldn't of course.

Now, I've found myself this really gem of a doc. When I consult with him... I know I've got his fullest attention. And he actually mulls over my prescription, about what's best for my ailment, even when I go to him with a common fever/flu. Now how great is that!

I'm thinking doctors today because I've got to see one next week, not to consult with but to discuss with, and I'm dreading it, not because she's nasty (for I now pay my own medical bills), but because I don't know how I can make her see reason. If I succeed, I might just change my opinion about doctors.

pigeon curry anyone?

They're poultry so they should taste like chicken, tastier maybe since they're smaller in size. I can cook the curry, but the bird's got to reach my kitchen all cleaned and cut, and cleaned. And I can't and won't get anyone to do all that bloody work for me.

Up on the fourth floor of my apartment building, on the drainage pipe just below the roof, a family of pigeons has made home. I'm on the first floor, and the pipe is right above where I have my clothes rack for drying laundry. So there's the problem that's got me thinking pigeon curry. The floor is covered in pigeon filth and although the cleaners do quite regularly wash it all off, unless the pigeons find another home (or are dealt with), the cleaning is pointless.

I've had to move my laundry rack further out on the landing which is fine on a sunny day. The original spot however offers shade and I had the luxury of just leaving my clothes to dry there, shine or rain. That spot was just so perfect; and that's why I'm now nursing murderous thoughts, but animal rights advocates needn't pounce on me.. bcause these are just thoughts, they'll never turn into action. Nope. Never. Ever. Really. I won't.

old girls

Maybe it doesn't help build social skills, which is my one argument against Facebook, but I can't think of any other faults with this networking tool. Thanks to FB, i'm able to keep in touch with friends overseas, and local, and best of all, have found old friends from my Convent days.

I had a long chat with one old friend today who found me on FB. I haven't seen her nor spoken with her for over 20 years, and while we've been in touch on the FB for the past few months already, I had been just a wee bit nervous about calling her up today. What does one say to someone after a 20 year hiatus? We had some good times back when I was in Form 5 and she in Form 3. We hooked up well back then, the bunch of us Catholic girls, but I'm so very different now and she likewise, I'm sure. It would be horrible to discover, after attempting to rekindle our friendship, that perhaps now we don't have anything in common at all. It would be horrible to have this tarnish the sweet memories I have of then.

It's a heartwarming discovery for me everytime it happens; that when we've formed a friendship once, be it quite recent or so very long ago, it's a friendship that lasts, that when revisited, the affection and warmth just seep back into it like it's always been there, like there's never really been a hiatus afterall. And today, my long chat with my old girlfriend was that moment re-experienced.

wasabi ice cream

Wasabi is just great, a must for me with every Japanese dish. I had a sushi lunch today with my friend at Sushi Groove in OneUtama new wing. The dishes were good and having a variety of sushi instead of a bento box or rice with several Japanese dishes, is perfect when lunch is meant more to catch up with my friend instead of eating. It was like having dim sum (which incidentally was my lunch last Saturday).

There was plenty of room for dessert and while the all-time choice would be green-tea ice cream, I decided to be adventurous and go for the wasabi ice cream. No regrets, but I certainly won't ever have that for dessert again! The flavour is sweet at the start but as is the nature of wasabi, the pang hits later, just at the point where my throat starts. I could manage this confused state of having a dessert for about 10 teaspoon scoops, but it got unbearable after that.

Dessert is meant to be a delightful ending to a meal. I think I got faintly scorched with this dessert!

fraudsters at AM Assurance

AM Assurance is a thorn in my side. No, to be more accurate.. a thorn in my life.
It began 11 years ago, when an AM agent came selling an insurance plan. He said, "RM83,000, the maturity sum upon your retirement; for just RM100 a month." It sounded great. I was young(er) and this sounded like a good way to save. I bought it.

Some years later, I discovered that I've tied myself to a whole life plan and not an endowment plan (that matures upon retirement). What was I to do?.. I believed that I had been tricked by the AM agent, believed that there was nothing I could do about it, and I continued paying.

A month and a half back, I discovered that the signature in the original form (life assurance proposal form) is not mine. Now there's a reason for me to believe that I've been tricked for sure and, that the content of the said proposal form, which serves as the basis of the original purchase, is disputable.

So I raise the matter with AM. What happens now? AM Assurance ignores my call to investigate, ignores my questions, and actually tells me that they have 'decided' to continue the policy as is! There's a Azllynah Bakar who is the head of claims there. I've been dealing with her to get this sorted but frankly, I don't think she understood my letters, and neither did she understand what I was saying when I spoke with her!

AM is the most incompetent insurance company, financial institution for that matter, that I've ever worked with. On their homepage, they've got this line - We put extra effort to cater well to your insurance needs. Let us make you smile.

In truth, what they meant to say is - We put extra effort to trick you into believing your insurance needs are met. Let us make you weep and suffer! - this is AM Assurance in all its glory!

paddington pooh!

Met my friend for dinner last night at Paddington Pancakes at The Gardens. I went there with high expectations, having enjoyed the food at the same outlet in 1-Utama.

But no.. Paddington's at The Gardens is such a letdown. Savoury item arrived looking miserable, and tasted plain. The sweet item was not too bad, but 'not too bad' was not my expectation.

Pooh!.. to Paddington's at The Gardens.

kudos to AirAsia

I love AirAsia! Because of them, now everyone can fly... me especially!

So, they've launched a new promotion yesterday, cheap air fares KUL-Melbourne. Air fare plus maximum baggage plus a meal plus comfort kit, and it's still so much cheaper than Malaysia Airlines!

I've just bought Dad's air travel to Melbourne for Christmas. RM1872 versus RM4300!! He's just made himself a healthy saving... thanks to AirAsia.

Now why can't we all just be very pleased with AirAsia's success and lend them the support they need to rise further..?

Long live AirAsia!

51 years and non the wiser

In In The Valley Of Elah, Tommy Lee Jones hung the American flag upside down to signify distress.

This nation is in distress and everyone knows it. The country needs leaders who will think of the people's plight first before the self. How has this become too much to hope for? Has corruption blinded them so? How much wealth is enough? Has it become impossible for them to stop 'taking'? Do they prioritise harvesting from every possible remotest opportunity, over working at resolving the tonnes of problems we're engulfed in?

Racial harmony?.. That's a myth. By making statements intended to make us believe that we're living in harmony, doesn't make it true and won't make it happen.

The proclaimed 'respect' of all religions, is a farce. There is no such thing, not in the true sense of the word. There is just one religion that matter and the rest, well, those just have to exist as best as they possibly can, under constant threat.

The events we witness daily, our politics and the current state of this nation - these are clear examples of greed over conscience. At 51, we've sunk to the lowest state of affairs. At 51, we're in a state of shame.

calm after the storm

No, it is the calm after the storm. Last week was a whirlwind of work. Not a moment to rest, up at 5am, home at 11pm or after. I must say though, despite thinking often that I'd not be able to keep up anymore, I had enjoyed the whole rendezvous of meeting so many people with such varying personalities, requiring my constant attention on how I engage them. Perhaps I should do this a bit more often.