19th April

No, it’s not the date to complete at least half your income tax forms.

For those who didn’t know, this is the date 23 years ago that I finally escaped from my mum’s womb. It took me a few hours to get my map and bearings right to find that Exit sign, okay.

You think staying in there was fun?

Aaanywayyy, Friday after work, me and 4 girls ladies from my office went to Delicious in One Utama for dinner to celebrate my birthday. And that of my colleague, Vivian’s.

The prices there were a killer but the quality of food was great. Therefore, worth paying.

Sunday, on the big day itself, I was really surprised and happy for once in a year to receive mails in my Hotmail Inbox coming from Facebook. They were all notifications that I received messages on my Wall.

Potter Sam Leong - Be early Happy Birthday wish for you ~^^

Weng Kheen - Happy bday chris

Vivian Mah Jia Yee - u have an iPhone??!!!!!! damn..derma sikit boleh? hehe.. (Sorry Ms Mah, this phone’s mine.LOL)
anyway, wana wish u Happy Birthday! hope u'll have a great bday..take care! =)

Leong Weng Phoon - hey..happy birthday!!

Amanda Loong - Happy birthday!
Have a great one! :)

Wei Ting - hey happy birthday ! =D
hope u enjoy ur birthday !
take care =)

Mfeederj Elfione - happy birthday chris!!! a year older a year wiser LOL!!!

Rachelle Tan - hey there, happy birthday~

Chong Kim Hiung - Happy B day dude~ ^^ don't wear sunglasses la k? but if you like, no harm put it on haha~

Jasmin Lim - Happy Birthday! =)
Go have tons of fun yea? ;)
*cheers*

Jocelyn Toh Lian Yin - happy birthday! *hugs* :)

Andrew Yong - hey bro! happy birthday man!!!! be sure to have a blast there!

Ker Yong Low - hey hey!! long time no chat wey! happy birthday!! hope you had a great one!! =))

These were just a few. There were also that came in the forms of SMSes as well as personal wishes when I met friends at church. (wah, birthday only go church.) Some came as mushy little cute messages, some got me confused as to who sent it because my iPhone didn’t show the contact person’s name (long story) and I had to slowly search 300over names to find the sender. Some came as call wishes.

These little things made my whole day today. I was very happy for the wishes…especially some that came from friends which I’ve not kept in touch or have not seen for a long time. And yet THEY took the time.

You guys were great!!!

However, these also left me disappointed. Those “friends” who I thought were closest to me weren’t even heard from. Of all the people you expect to hear from on your day.

Some “friends”, huh?

When they were lonely and needed friends to talk to and encourage, you were there for them. But now when they’ve returned to their familiar areas, they never even bother looking for you.

“Action, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends” – George Washington

Could anything be more true, Mr Washington?

I should start re-evaluating who my true friends really are.

New Model. Original Parts.

If you haven’t guessed it yet, yes, that is the title to the newest instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise.

And the first thing I have to say about the screening is….

THE STUPID SCREENING STOPPED 3 FREAKING TIMES!!!

How can such technical problems happen on opening day screening of a much hyped movie?

It was such a bad mistake that so many paying customers started booing the projector operator.

One even exclaimed, “Woi, TGV beli cetak rompak."

But the movie isn’t bad though.

You know how sometimes a movie gets hyped up too much and in the end it sucks? Well, luckily this didn’t go the wrong way. Sure it’s more action than racing this time, but hey, it’s still a nice continuation to the franchise.

I like the way they use more muscle cars than tuners in this sequel. And boy, do those cars make a car enthusiast’s mouth water.

No one can deny that I am a car nut. I love cars down to the core. The designs. The power. The adrenaline.

The starting of the movie shows Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his gang hijacking a trailer carrying gasoline. This part shows the link to Tokyo Drift, when Han was still rolling with Toretto.

The comes the main part of the story, of Toretto taking revenge for the death of Letty by infiltrating Braga’s gang of drug smugglers, along with O’ Connor (Paul Walker) who works for the FBI trying to bring down the smuggling organization.

The clever use of the GPS system and street racing gives a great impact to the feel of racing. It kind of resembles playing a video game. I also like the way they used the tunnel to show precision driving at high speeds.

And Mr Walker, you slid a Skyline wide? Maybe a one-on-one tutoring with Mr Black on drifting?

It was reported that a lot of the stunts were done by the cast themselves. Only a selected few were done by stunt people.

The romance level in this sequel has been toned down. Thank goodness! It spoils the mood a little to see so much action and yet have to endure the mushy parts of it. There may be a couple of scenes, but there was nothing more than exchange of feelings and words. Focus had been given to the driving and the action.

However, when comparing this to the original Fast and Furious, the adrenaline had toned down considerably. Amongst the 4 titles, I would still prefer The Fast and The Furious. That’s a classic. And that was the one that spurred cars and racing fans all over to continue waiting for sequels to the Fast and Furious franchise.

I loved the original cast and action from The Fast and The Furious  & 2 Fast 2 Furious, the drifting cinematic actions of Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift and the precision driving and cars in Fast and Furious 4.

I didn’t like Eva Mendes from 2 Fast 2 Furious because I think she was just another pretty face who can’t act. I also didn’t like the introduction of Lucas Black and Nathalie Kelley in Tokyo Drift. Their acting was as dry as the wooden tables in my office. All shiny but dry.

Sure it’s not that easy to carry on the plot after seeing how Paul Walker and Vin Diesel did in the starting 2 movies. I do give them credits for trying, but the right elements are what makes this movie a hit in the beginning.

It would be good to see if Justin Lin (the director) can infuse the elements of all his franchise and make one giant, over-the-top racing action movie.

If you don’t understand this post, you need to get on down to your nearest cinema and catch this movie. Or if you’ve not watched any of the previous Fast and Furious series, you need to visit your local video store and get a copy. Period.

Growing up

These past weeks, I’ve found myself changing. Hopefully for the better.

My mindset has changed, my priorities had changed, my interests had changed.

I left the whole MTV mindset behind now and moved towards the Financial Times mindset.

I’m now more interested in news, whether normal or business, more than I am interested in songs. And that’s a little shitty for someone who hasn’t even touched the 25 year-old mark.

Maybe this is because of the desire to start building myself up financially and moving towards a more matured thinking. And maybe it’s also towards the fact that my family would soon be starting our own business. Just a small one.

But for me, I’m already planning on whether this business has an opportunity for expansion.

On a totally unrelated topic, there was an interesting discussion on the radio this morning.

The deejays were asking callers if they had talked back to their parents before and whether do the callers think it is a good thing or a bad thing.

Being Asians, we were always taught never to talk back to your parents or elders or superiors. This concept had been drilled into our mind that it’s against ethics to talk back to someone who’s of a higher position. In classrooms, we were never taught to voice out our opinions on serious topics. We just have to accept everything the teacher says, and we learn blindly. Failing to question the norm and push the teachers into explaining facts until that fact is justified.

This makes us Asians non-confrontation nations. Most of us dare not voice ourselves out over things we sometimes do not agree on. Even when we do agree on things and are largely satisfied, we still keep it to ourselves and do not voice it out publicly. We never compliment the chef for an excellent meal, nor acknowledge an employee for a good and thorough service.

So when people give orders, which you’re not fully agreeable with, you’d still kowtow and just accept it for the way it is.

I wouldn’t say everyone is that way. We Malaysians have gone a long way to speaking our minds publicly. But not enough.

We shout out our dissatisfactions, while hiding behind the curtains, hoping that no one will point out exactly who said that.

If we had all been trained to voice opinions and speak our minds at an early age, we would grow up with a more matured mindset rather than one which is half dead and only knows how to take orders and not analyse it.

The Western countries had long started expressing themselves freely and openly and this is one of the reasons they progress way faster than we could ever have. By having discussions and debates, we elevate our mindset and our analysis on issues faced. By keeping things to ourselves, nothing gets analysed and we don’t go anywhere with it.

In fact, if we had escaped from this non-confrontational mindset earlier, Malaysia would’ve been a much more developed and mature nation.

And, please. Debating and arguing on who should be Prime Minister and who should take which State seats is a whole load of bullshit in our country’s issues.

The whole world is debating about the Global Economic crisis and our local news is focusing on who’s going to be PM, who’s quitting the Cabinet and stupid tri-elections.

That’s just so pathetically childish.

I like the way the Obama administration is going. Even their national car maker and one of the biggest car manufacturer in the world, General Motors (GM), has to fight to obtain financial backing from the Government. Or else, it’s pack up and close down.

Same can’t be said with Proton now, can it?

Women and driving

I just realised how long I’ve not blogged.

Been travelling around a lot lately for work and also bogged down with projects at the office. Feels great to have just a moment to sit down to just put in a post or two.

Travelling often, I realise something while I’m on the road.

2/10 bad/crazy irritating drivers on the road are men. So, you do the math and find out how many are women.

Yes, I stand by my words. Especially when you’re in a rush, you tend to notice these sort of things.

Now, I didn’t say that ALL women are bad at driving. Those that are real good behind the wheels are almost as rare as the Malaysian Government awarding Datuk-ship to a good Samaritan. There’s barely 1% of them IN THIS WORLD.

So far, the things I’ve noticed from women drivers are:-

1. Signalling and changing lanes immediately. Just because you’ve signalled, it doesn’t mean you can immediately change lanes and other drivers will jam their brakes and yield.
2. Driving below the speed limit on the fast lane. Don’t you know the function of the last lane?
3. Not showing appreciation when people give way, even if it was a forced situation. Is lifting a hand up to say “thanks” that hard?
4. Slow in giving way to oncoming speeding vehicles, on the last lane on the highway.

Sometimes, I don’t really know whether women drivers are really clueless to driving rules, regulations and road ethics or are they just plain ignorant.

Therefore, I have some advice for you women/girls/females.

1. When you want to change lanes, signal, look at the oncoming traffic, and only change lanes when situation REALLY allows.
2. If you do not want to go over the speed limit, stay in the centre lane and only go into the fast lane to overtake.
3. When other drivers give way, whether willingly or by force, just raise your hand and give a “thank you” sign.
4. If you’re gonna be driving at not-higher-than-80km/h, please, PRETTY PLEASE do NOT buy a Honda VTEC/ Mercedes/ BMW/ any luxury, high performance vehicle for that matter. First of, it’s a waste of money and you can get a Myvi for the same purpose, with better fuel efficiency. Secondly, hazardous to security?

It is well documented that women do not have the skills to manoeuvre at speeds over 110km/h on a busy road/highway. So, please stay in the centre lane and try not to use the fast lane unless for overtaking.

And PLEASE, check your rear mirrors for oncoming cars. When other vehicles flash their lights asking you to give way, do so quickly and not ponder on it for a whole 10 minutes! Don’t make us resort to tailgating you. We don’t intend to do it on purpose, if you’d have only given way.

Now, just so to state, I’m not a sexist. These advise goes out to some of you no-skill, slow poke, stupid-excuse-for-a-male drivers as well. Stay in the slow lane!

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On an entirely different note, my 1.3 Auto Myvi beat a 3.0 Mercedes SLK280 on skills and handling.

That’s a David vs Goliath competition.

Oh happy day~~

When equal isn’t really equal

There was a point in time when women protested to gain equality with men. They wanted to be more liberal and they wanted equal opportunities that is given to men.

After a long while, we men became soft-hearted and gave in to those demands and treated women equal in almost anything humanly possible.

We started having female astronauts, female scientists, female construction crane operators, female cabbies, female bus drivers, female wrestlers, female executives and directors, female firefighters, policewomen, female racers and even female criminals.

Almost all industries, which were once dictated and monopolized by men, have been given equal opportunities to women to pursue. But that wasn’t enough, was it?

They wanted more. Instead of just taking equal opportunities, they now strive to control men in return and lead us by the nose.

After a long evolution of men, we are slowly, but surely, becoming wimps. Don’t deny the fact that you’re not as manly as men once were because, now, we strive to PLEASE women.

We started cooking for them, carrying their handbags while they shop, do house chores for them, follow them around while they spend your money shopping, when they yell you fold and submit, when they’re angry you beg and cry.

Are most of these actions being appreciated? Most of the time, no. And this just makes us more vulnerable to further actions, that led to us being taken by the nose. We submit to their terms.

Somehow, equal isn’t really equal anymore.

Let’s assess some scenarios to see the difference between actions done by a man and similarly done by a woman, and the perception of it.

Scenario #1: Breaking Up

• When a man breaks up with a woman, he/she must have done something wrong. They fight and break up.
• When a woman breaks up with a man, he was a jerk and she was right.

Scenario #2: Cheating

• When a man cheats, most of the time he’s just finding someone else to do things with that he can’t do with his partner.
• When a woman cheats, her current man isn’t good enough for her and she deserves someone else.

Scenario #3: Spending

• When a woman doesn’t pay for dates, the man will gladly pay on her behalf, mostly without collecting back in return.
• When a man doesn’t pay for dates, the woman will be reluctant to part with her money, and Scenario #2 will start and ends with Scenario #1.

The word “gentlemen” is actually a very manipulative word. Women use it to influence men to behave ourselves and to do things FOR women. If we don’t, they just say that we’re “not gentlemen” and proceed to blacklist us.

I don’t speak for all women and men. But this is my general observation from a lot of female specimen.

And some women have a good sense to say that “all the good men in this world are dead.”

Gosh, 95% of the women in this world are born half blind.

Sights and sounds of…..business.

Lately I’ve found myself travelling quite often. Usually outstation whether on day trips or overnights.

For those who don’t know the nature of my work, I currently handle designs and New Product Developments in my company. We have customers spanning from Jitra all the way to Singapore. And at times, we do have Thai customers in our accounts.

Therefore, when the sales people travel to meet their customers on discussions of new projects or new designs or new customers, I am required to travel with them to meet those customers. Well, I too have my own customer. Kampai.

Yes, we handle all food and beverage customers as well as liquor customers. And they’re all over the country.

Just last week, I travelled up north with 2 sales personnel to visit 11 customers. In a day. The trip started with the first customer in Bidor and the last is in Sg Petani.

So, since we were so near the Thai border, we decided to stay over at the small town right at the border, called Dannok.

It was a good choice because a room in a decent hotel in Dannok costs roughly half the price of a decent room in a hotel in Kedah. If there are any, that is.

[Company paying but dunno why are we helping them to save]

But being in Dannok is a whole different experience. Mostly only for the guys.

Things there are cheap. So are a lot of other “things”. The price of a PROPER Thai massage there is about half the price of a Thai massage that is available in Malaysia. At the end of it, the tired body of travelling around is fully relaxed and rested.

But, Dannok is a place of “see but don’t touch”. There was a decent club there that isn’t sleazy and also features live singing and dance performances. There are male and female, Thai and even Chinese, singing English, Chinese, Thai and even Japanese songs to entertain the patrons there. Drinks are decent, compared to those here in Malaysia.

Today (Friday), had to visit my own customer’s filling factory in Muar.

Kidnapped one of my sales person and my QA officer to come along to check out their machinery and filling process.

Left at about 8.30am, reached the factory at about 11am, done everything before noon and then gone down to town to have lunch.

Got back to the office by 3.30pm. Not bad. I’m proud of my Myvi. We even brought back some otak-otak and biscuits from Muar.

This concludes some of the travelling that happened in the past weeks. I left out some but these were the biggest ones.

Now I feel like sleeping in the office.

*Yawn*

Farewell, Willie.

Another fellow friend has just left to continue his study overseas for another couple of years or so.

Recently, a few friends have left KL in pursuit of degrees or for job opportunities.

Jinqyi had just quit her job and will be moving to Singapore for a job opening.

There goes one of my movie buddy.

On Sunday, we had a farewell lunch for William who is leaving for New Zealand to continue his study.

[Farewell lunch @ Italiannies]

[Jimbo and Willie.]

The Shidio gang went to Italiannies for his farewell lunch. 12 of us officially attended the gathering. Those were James, Sammie, Eve, Julie, Ben, Cal, May, Chrystal, Chin Hou, JT, moi and the guest of honour himself, Willie.

[The Shidios @ early period]

Food was great, atmosphere was great. Everyone had a great time mingling and joking about. It’s the last time in the next few months or years that we can make fun of William. And no matter how often the Shidios see each other, we always have something to joke or talk about. Things never gets old.

[The later part of lunch]

Willie will always be one of the most outgoing and funny guys to be friends with. His humour and (sometimes lame) jokes can have you in stitches and possibly rolling on the floor laughing.

Willie    : Kuli!!
Ben        : Chibi!!
Willie    : Kuli!!
Ben        : Chibi!!
Willie    : Ta kao arr??? (Wanna fight?)
Ben        : Chui fu la!!! (Take off your pants lah)

Yes, the good ol’ days. Where we will always have something to laugh about in class because of his antics.

[Eve with nice posing smile]

But, everyone needs to fulfil their own desires and ambitions.

[Us drawing on Willie’s gift.]

[Willie with his original Shidio-designed stationery pouch gift.]

So, this year, there will be more leaving and some possibly leaving. Therefore, the number of friends around me will slowly decrease until they someday finally return home.

[More of the Shidios. Eve wondering what else to photograph.]

Those on the list who’ll be leaving are Sammie, JT and possibly James. 3 more great friends in the Shidio gang. Going off by the end of this year. (I think Ashlei left also)

[Sammie, who arrived late that day.]

Less 3 birthday celebrations. Less Shidio gatherings. Increase in farewell gatherings.

Monday, I went with James and JT to KLIA to send William off.

[Willie looking happy to be leaving Malaysia.]

Savoured some last moments of jokes and playfulness before he goes off.

[Take care dude. Best of wishes for your studies there. Don’t let the All Blacks trample over you and make sure the sheeps aren’t extinct by winter. And don’t accidentally shave off their nipples.]

I wonder when will it be my turn to go overseas to pursue my ambition.

Happy Valentines

Valentines.

The time for endless spending in this festival of romance. For most of you, at least.

For those who’re single, I do understand that some find this the loneliest time of the year. What more when it coincidentally falls on a Saturday.

For those of you who can still find a date to spend the day, great for you. For those who didn’t, like me, there’s no need to be feeling down or lonely.

I only asked one person out. But since that person wasn’t free, I was lazy to ask anyone else. Most of my close friends have partners or have other plans or are too far to meet up.

On the bright side, I saved heaps by not spending on flowers or chocolates or gifts that you schmucks think is a MUST have. Too many of you have been eating up commercialism, if you haven’t noticed it yet.

Okay, back to the topic.

It’s not all about romance and gifts and whatnots on this day. Sometimes people go so overboard with this day and forget the whole meaning of it.

This day should not only be about dating or being with your other half. In my opinion, it should also be a day to remember and acknowledge the people who loved you.

[Saint Valentine was a Roman who was killed for his faith on February 14, 269 A.D. He had refused to worship pagan gods, and some stories say he was a priest who would marry young couples in secret who loved each other but who did not have parental permission. In 496, his 'saint day' was established. He is associated with love because he fell in love with the daughter of his jailer, and would pass notes to her. His final note, before he was executed, read 'from your Valentine'.]

There are people who do bring their girlfriends or boyfriends home and celebrate Valentines. Sure, they may buy individual gifts for their partners. But for dinner, they bring their partners home to have a dinner with their families at nice restaurants. There’s nothing wrong with it.

So, for those of you who are single, dateless and have parents around, why not spend some time with them?

On a totally unrelated note, I was dating a China national woman on that day. And she gave me a great massage on our first date.

Okay, fine. I went to a massage parlour. And, no, not that type that you think. Even my parents went. And I got myself a nice, relaxing massage for my tired back.

The lady even pants me and massaged MY ASS.

I don’t know it but I may have just been sexually violated.

Vacation plans

Well, 2 months into a new year and I’m glad that I’ve been able to fulfil some of my resolutions.

When the clock struck 12am into 1st of January, I made several resolutions/tasks/to-dos that I would fulfil within this year. And now, I can cross off some.

1. Improve myself physically and mentally
2. Face my demons
3. Save some money for a rainy day/investments
4. TRY to be punctual for work
5. Complete all undone tasks
6. Contribute more to things that matters
7. Try to mend some broken friendships
8. Improve my cooking skills
9. Vacation to AT LEAST one good holiday destination

The most recent achievement would be a vacation to a nice holiday destination. And I finally mapped it out yesterday.

I browsed several websites online, surfed into Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia for flight rates and travel periods and finally made my decisions.

I booked a 5 days, 4 nights trip to Phuket on the 1st of May.

This trip costs me RM406 for a two way flight and RM530 for a five nights accommodation. Not bad considering this is one of the hottest tourist destinations. With MAS’s Low Fares, tickets are now more affordable. It was even more affordable than Air Asia…for the time being.

I opted to stay around the Kata Beach area rather than Patong because, it seems that Patong is normally the more crowded beaches in Phuket.

After looking up several (super expensive) hotels, I came across a hotel which looks great and at an affordable price. Very affordable.

Anyway, why bother for such a high class hotel when, at a place with so much activities available, you should be out enjoying the vacation and not be cooped in your room half the vacation.

If you wanna do so, just get a room at your local hotel and stay there. Why bother going away for a vacation to live in a room?

The highlight of this vacation is that I’ll be travelling alone.

Yes, ALONE.

Some already asked me why I’m travelling alone and not with friends or family. Some gave me a suggestion to quickly get another girlfriend and bring her along for the trip.

Well, the answer is simple. Because I wanted to go by myself.

See, first of all, this is not a matter of just a 200-300 Ringgit trip where I can easily pull someone to tag along. This trip costs almost a thousand. And that’s not including spending money. Unless I’m surrounded by millionaires, anyone would find it hard to commit to travelling with you. Or unless, both or more parties had been planning together for this trip.

Secondly, I wouldn’t have to synchronize my travel period to suit the other person. Almost nobody’s schedule and plans are perfect and I don’t want the hassle of “I’m sorry, something came up and I can’t go with you. Find someone else.” or “Sorry, my girlfriend grounded me in my OWN house.” It’s irritating and frustrating to deal with those situations.

Thirdly, I can do almost anything I want. And with no one to cramp my tempo. I like and do tend to do things that I want to do quickly and I don’t really prefer to sit around in the hotel room relaxing, while waiting for dinner time. Relaxing can be done at the end of the day once most of the shops in town are closed. And when you’re finally burnt out for the day.

As I’ve Googled and surfed around the net, I found that there’re tonnes of things to do in Phuket and not just water activities. There were also jungle trekking, elephant tours, ATV rides, kayaking, Thai boxing matches and many more. So, yes, I don’t want anyone to slow me down. I paid for the trip and I am going to enjoy it to the fullest. At the expense of my wallet and bank account, though.

But I think this would be a worthwhile trip. It’s not like I have millions in my account and can come and go whenever I want. Since I am able to go, I better make the best of it. Hopefully with tonnes of photos (anybody can loan me a water-proof camera? Doubt my DSLR or my C905 is water-resistant.)

Any of you with experience going to Phuket, I do hope you can spare some tips and maybe some recommendations.

I don’t guarantee souvenirs.

Think I’ll go to Boston…..

Everyday that I continue living here, I get more and more frustrated.

Frustrated with some of the people around me.

And every time those frustrations pop up again, my priority of moving out of my house goes higher and higher towards Top Priority. I’d probably move out at the first chance I get.

And what’s my plan if I DO move out?

First possibility : Move to another house, away from my family.

Second possibility : Move away to another country to either study or work.

I’m just so sick being here. Some people here are so FUCKING stubborn that I’m through and fed up with seeing them everyday.

Why should I have to suffer anger almost everyday when I could risk just going away to live a lonely,PEACEFUL life. Best of all, I can do whatever the heck I want. And I wouldn’t have to face some pain in the ass everyday.

At least when I’m lonely, I won’t be going around with a sulk on my face and anger in my heart. The least I can do there is find one new friend. Not an impossible thing for me.

What’s the point in living in your own home and not feel happy being there?

I think I'll go to Boston...
I think I'll start a new life,
I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name

I think I'll go to Boston,
I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town, to leave this all behind...
I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset,
I hear it's nice in the Summer, some snow would be nice...

That’ll just be great.

Isn’t moving out part of growing up?

Sometimes, I just feel like quitting everything.

Quit my job.

Quit the people around me.

Leave this house.

And move away to another place where no one knows me and I don’t know anybody.

A decent place far far away from here. A place to just start over.

And the only communication would be a postcard from me saying, “Yes, I’m still alive.”

I wonder if anyone would even bother.

Maybe my dog who comes into my room every morning would.

Pre Chinese New Year analysis

Think I would just stick back to this font..seeing so many people being comfortable with it.

Well, after almost a week of not blogging, I should be able to stretch this post a little more than my usual.

First of, for those who were checking my blog for updates, I’m back and I have finally updated.

For those who come back occasionally, I send you the same greeting.

For those who don’t like the way I blog, TOO BAD. I’m back.

Well, the whole festivity joy started for everyone even before the actual date of CNY. The whole experience of CNY shopping, getting together with friends and even for some, house decorations. It’s a full process that makes the actual day enjoyable and happening.

Well, first of for this post is, updating the things that I did and bought leading to Chinese New Year.

For the past few weeks, I find myself clubbing and drinking more than I usually do. Maybe it’s because of my friend who gets me into Bar Celona for free and drinks at good prices. But still, the fact remains that I’ve upped my activity of going to clubs. And more to follow. Not good? Hmmm…depends.

Next, material things that I’ve gained so far.

Firstly, I bought ONE t-shirt for CNY. It’s bright red, feels cooling, light, has 3 logos on it and costs RM250.

If you haven’t guessed it already, yes, I bought an MU jersey. I love the team and I love the jersey design.

Next on my list, this item was a real dilemma.

With the small bonus I had, I had to choose to either get the phone I was drooling over for the past few months or to get this item.

But then, I decided to split my money up – some for my family, some for savings (vacation, here I come!!) and the rest, to get this item.

I’m talking about a watch.

I got myself a Fossil watch. Cost only RM378 (minus the RM50 rebate for purchasing over Rm400)

I liked the design, less bothered about the price. It’s a bargain if you ask me because Fossil watch designs are beautiful.

For those of you who think only Tag Heuer or Omega or Tissot watches with their overblown prices have good designs, think again.

That wasn’t all.

As if God was watching over me and heard my wants, He decided to bless me with the following item that I purchased. (although I eventually still have to PAY for it)

As if by total coincidence that I decided to go to Summit on that fateful day. As if by coincidence (although I’ve already given up all hopes of buying that item) that I decided to walk into Sony Ericsson in Summit to take a last glance at the phone on my wish list. And as if by total coincidence, I stumbled upon a promotion which includes one for my phone and it allows me to pay by Monthly Instalments, a day before the promotion end, which is 2 days away from CNY.

How much more coincidental can that be?

Yes, folks. I finally got it. I finally got my C905.

I had totally given up hope on it, seeing I could no longer fork out RM2k for that phone after the other expenditures. And then this promotion came around. And I got the last black model available.

Loved the phone’s functions. And its 8.1MP camera. It’s like carrying a compact digital camera in your pocket. Literally.

It IS bulky but I DON’T CARE.

The last few pictures were taken with this phone and so are the following few.

*No, the phone picture and the Lion Dance picture weren’t taken by this phone. Don’t kid yourself. It’s not a DSLR. The Lion Dance is in Vancouver. And I couldn’t have taken the phone’s own picture either.*

On Saturday, took Evon, my neighbour, out for lunch. To repay my debt for being my fashion model for my photography project back during college. Stalled my payback for almost a year now, so I figure, what better time to repay her than before the New Year.

Went to Paddington House of Pancakes in One Utama. Food wasn’t bad but pricey. Good to say it was well worth it.

Sunday. Reunion dinner for most Chinese families. But mine was almost always unusual every year.

Last year, we decided to have TGI Fridays instead of Chinese food. And this year, we wanted to have Japanese.

Plan foiled. Went to Tony Roma’s in Pyramid instead.

First time going there, actually. Given I was in a college not too far from there, I should’ve gone there at least once instead of constantly going back to TGI Fridays. The food in Tony Roma’s is so much more worth the money.

I tried their Ribs Combo (which comes with my order of a Tony Roma’s Sirloin steak) and it was great. Wasn’t enough to fill my stomach but it was satisfying.

Picture a little dark cuz I didn’t opt for the flash

Mum ordered a salad which could turn anyone who THINKS eating salad will make you slim, grow fatter than having a steak meal.

It looked as if they served my mum her salad right out of the mixing bowl.

The total costs of RM200plus was a decent price for a 6 pax table. Could’ve cost much more to go to a Chinese restaurant, where they inflate the price several times over because of the occasion. And I would still NOT be full.

The rest of the night is filled with cleaning and preparing our home for the festival.

HAPPY CHINESE “NIU” YEAR, my dear readers.

*For those of you REAL bananas, “Niu” in mandarin means “Cow”. Capesh?*

Female flasher

Was in One Utama on Sunday with the family for some CNY shopping.

Encountered a very devastating (and indeed funny) incident.

It made a lot of people’s jaw drop open and some even took their time admiring the incident.

It was improper. It was immoral. It was shameful.

A small girl had pulled down that poor cheongsam-wearing doll’s top.

Public flashing is a criminal offence.

Would you pose?

Friday. The end of the week.

Went to Subang Parade with mum at night for dinner since she was alone at home.

Such a good son, right. I know.

Self-praise is an international disgrace.

Had a brief dinner at Nandos and mum wanted to walk around and maybe look at some things in Parkson.

We then passed by the main center area nearing Parkson and that is the place where they usually hold special events or really big promotions.

And the promotion that week was by a lingerie brand called Valisere. Sure, sounds pretty normal. Nothing to get steamed up about. Lingerie isn’t really a BIG thing to be hyperventilating over. Except for you perv.

But right behind some fitting rooms, I discovered this….

A mirror. A clear, full body MIRROR.

Why would there be a mirror on the OUTSIDE of the fitting rooms of a female underwear sale event??

They expecting someone to walk out with just their underwear on and admire themselves in that mirror?

Not that I mind.

Random

On Tuesday, got to follow a Sales Personnel to visit a liquor customer. And no visit to a liquor customer is without free booze and nonsense chats.

Immediately after returning to office, went home and straight to the futsal court. And I managed to score some goals that day. And pass out right after.

Nowadays, there is something bothering me about some people who are in a relationship.

Why do people nowadays seem to think that constant arguments and quarrels while in a relationship is an Okay thing? Like as if it has to happen or else it’s not a relationship.

Once or twice is fine. But if it’s constant, then in my opinion, it’s a sign that two people cannot tolerate each other well. What more after they get married, live together and face each other everyday? What would happen to that marriage?

Like I quote a famous blogger, a relationship shouldn’t take so much work. Or else it wouldn’t be called “a relationship”.

Both are supposed to try to understand each other’s wants and needs and have to be able to tolerate each other instead of starting arguments with each other over petty things.

Sticking to someone who treats you like crap and saying “that’s love” is a whole load of bullshit.

Therefore, I find it hard to give relationship advice to some people. It’s just wasting breath and time. They complain and complain but yet, choose to stay in that situation.

Not like that’s the only bloody fish in the whole damn ocean.

This time, I’m going to take my own sweet time to search for another. Random dating maybe?

Screw New Year’s kiss. Screw Valentines Day. Screw weekend dates. I can occupy myself well enough.

Of schools, sister and police....

Know how I said in another post that I hate the morning traffic?

Well, I'm please to know that they have now deployed more traffic police to ensure that the flow of traffic within USJ and the road heading to the old Subang Airport.

It used to take me about 30 minutes to get to work during rush hour.

Now it takes me about 50 minutes.

What went wrong?? I know in the midst of the new school term starting that traffic will be slightly heavier but this is ridiculous. What's this stupid link between "new school term" and "going to work on a routine basis"?? The only difference is that people who have kids just get up slightly earlier to send their kids off to school. So why is there extra congestion after 7.30am when all kids should already be in school half an hour ago??

Preposterous.

On a related note, I also did mention in my New Year's Resolution that I would TRY my best to get to work on time. Therefore, since I'm a heavy sleeper and one who finds it hard to get up in the morning, nowadays I set my alarm for 6.30am to wake myself up.

That would give me about 20-30minutes of snoozing or rolling around and come 7am, I'd be up and on time for work. Hopefully.

Today, I manage to prep myself up at 7.05am....only to find my sis had entered the bathroom. And all my toothbrush and all were in there. So I had to wait til she finishes.

But she took a whole 25 minutes in the bathroom getting ready and thus, my whole plan of getting up early had been single-handedly screwed up delayed by her.

Boy, was I furious.

And the resulting consequences from that made me exit my house at 7.40am (I only took 10 minutes in the bathroom and 5 minutes to get everything I need and rush out) and I reached work 20 minutes late although I drove at 120kmh.

Yeesh.

And I didn't even get to test my theory out.

On an entirely different note, I'm thinking about changing the font used in my blog.

Does this Century Gothic font look better than the normal Georgia?

Or maybe this Papyrus?

*cough**cough**hack**cough*

For the past week or so, I've fallen victim to the nasty cough and sore throat bug.

Well, actually more like the sore throat bug invited the cough bug along to play.

The sore throat I had was so out-going that, last week, it even had its friend, Fever, along to join in the fun. And fever only came at night and didn't join the other bugs in the day.

But then, the daily activity for me was still normal. I still went to work and coughed my lungs out. I even had to bail early from my company's New Year celebration dinner. That made me miss out on the bottles of wine and liquor that was there.

The bug even got me down when New Year came around and the whole joyous mood, even now, wasn't around since I spend half the bloody time coughing until I feel like my stomach and lungs were literally going to pop out from my throat.

That totally dampened my whole mood, even when I sat at home. I can't eat good food, can't really go out dating for fear some "innocent" girl might just get caught with these bugs and I can't go gym or do strenuous exercises because the air flow through my body isn't really well and my body really feels down. 5 minutes on the treadmill or on the bike and I'd probably be out of breath and pass out.

But throughout the time I was caught with these nasty bugs, there were those who were around to give me advice, ate my Christmas chocolates, took care of me and even pester me to get well.

First off was my mum who tried her best to get me well, Estela who keeps keeping my lunch menu in-check, my boss Ken for continuously asking me to seek a doctor and bill it to the company and Jinqyi for checking to see if I'm okay and giving me the same advice I gave her when she got sick.

Actually, the whole point of this post was me trying out this Windows Live Writer which I've just installed on my computer. Trying the feel of writing with it instead of blogging directly on Blogger.

Anyhuu..Kthxbai for dropping by.