Nothing much... Just to add another 1 small piece of funny incident of the night. When deciding on what appetiser to order, I read out the list of items under Roma's Combo to hubby dearest. I said something like... "It has potato skins, buffalo wings... etc... etc... bla... bla... bla...".
After which he replied "I think we take the onion rings lar... Since we already ordered steak for our main"
I cocked up an eyebrow & wondered what does the steak got to do with our choice of our appetiser? Seeing my confusion, he added "yalar... got beef steak already, why still wanna have buffalo?"
My brothers & I were laughing so hard that we can't order & the waitress had to wait till we stop... Then my dad added that he honestly thinks that he'll make the same blunder in mistaking the chicken wings for a buffalo too! How in heavens does a buffalo sprout wings? and Why in the world did they name the dish "Buffalo Wings" anyway?!? So confusing...
Who knows... We can't explain to the westerners why we name our Chinese frog dish "Spring Chicken" either. Just another 1 of those quirks...
Don't worry honey... I won't think of you as a "Himbo" (Storm's term for the male variety of Bimbo - as she's sick of hearing the term Bimbo used on Storm too often). Just.... Uninformed...
Tuesday 29 April 2008
'Baby' Brother's Birthday @ Tony Roma's
Though my youngest brother (Ming) is already 19 come this Birthday, but he's still & will always be the 'baby' of the family. The most mischievous of the 3 of us, he always has a way in 'indirectly' indicating to us where he wants to celebrate / what he'd like to eat.
So when I planned the birthday 'party' with my parent, Shen (my younger brother) & Mei Ling (Shen's girlfriend), I knew he'll have a few 'posh' places in mind **wink** **wink**
Anyways, initially Ming wanted to go to Saisaki for the Japanese buffet @ UOA near KLCC. However that place is getting to damn expensive & no longer worth it. So I suggested another venue - Tony Roma's. No.... not the one at the Curve, but their new outlet at the Gardens (Mid Valley). Wow! It was really good...
Now let's see if I can remember what we ordered :
1. Roma's Combo (a variety of appetiser consisting of buffalo wings, potato skins with melted cheese on top, 1 other appetiser I can't remember what was it, some celery & carrot sticks with a variety of dips)
2. Martini Shrimp (no... there's no hint of alcohol in that appetiser... It's just served in a giant Martini Glass; thus the name)
3. Full Rack Ribs (yummiest of all & the meat around the HUGE ribs are quite tender too. I belief it's the signature dish too)
4. Grilled Lamb Chops (quite dry - would be better with some sauce coated on the chops; but quite yummy when it's still hot)
5. Lightly grilled Cod Fish with Garlic Butter Sauce, Fragrant Rice & Brocolli (Delicious! The fish is so fresh & tasty and the rice is soft & fragrant... Highly recommend those who would like to avoid red meat)
6. Steak & boneless ribs combo (just to try the boneless ribs variation. Shen sums it up real nicely. The ribs meat without bones is just as tasty & nice; but the ribs with the bones is more satisfying as you sink your teeth into it & tear it off the bones - nothing like a nice bit of 'barbarian'-ism in having a satisfying meat meal! hehe...)
7. Shrimp with Pasta (Out of all the mains, this is the most disappointing one. Don't get me wrong though. It's good, but compared with the rest of the mains, it just lose out...)
All in all everyone enjoyed the meal very much, not to mention basking under the attentive waitresses service. Daddy even had a plastic 'bib' tied around his neck (which he admitted later that he actually thought the waitress is offering some plastic 'gloves' to tackle the ribs - too late... by the time he found out that she's actually handing out bibs, she's already in the midst of tying it around his neck! hahaha..........).
I think we were the noisiest lot in the restaurant, not to mention the most relaxed cos' we just pass our food around, totally forgot about the use of utensils & enjoyed the satisfying use of our bare hands, take pictures like it's our first time in a restaurant, making funny faces & gestures in front of the camera (the proper still pix in front of camera is no longer 'in') & the greatest shocker of all - baby bro & daddy teasing the waitresses (baby bro took pix with 1 of them too!).
We were having so much fun that I forgot to bring out the party poppers that I specially rushed to PJ Old Town to get it - what a shame... bet we'll shock even more patrons with it! **devilish grin**
Phew... Fortunately my recommendation this time is ok. It's always tricky trying to introduce western food to daddy cos' he's a bit picky & it's very rare that he finds any western fare appetising. Surprisingly this time he whole heartedly agreed. Though it does cause quite a bit of damage on the pocket but it's worth it.
The only regret I had was that :
1. I forgot to bring my camera, so had to 'ciplak' from Mei Ling for the photos
2. I did not manage to throw a similar party / birthday dinner for Shen. Not that I love him less or anything, but the timing at that time (20th Mar) was at the period when I was really very busy & can't make a trip to Malacca. Sorry bro... Don't jealous ar...
Lastly, I would like to make a disclaimer that I am in no way paid to comment / advertise / praise on Tony Roma's food. Nor do I have any shares / am related to the restaurant in any way (if I am, I wouldn't be paying for my meal - wouldn't I...) :-p
p/s : Thanks Mei Ling for the nice slideshow of the pix taken during the dinner & the lunch at Genki Sushi - KLCC outlet the following day.
So when I planned the birthday 'party' with my parent, Shen (my younger brother) & Mei Ling (Shen's girlfriend), I knew he'll have a few 'posh' places in mind **wink** **wink**
Anyways, initially Ming wanted to go to Saisaki for the Japanese buffet @ UOA near KLCC. However that place is getting to damn expensive & no longer worth it. So I suggested another venue - Tony Roma's. No.... not the one at the Curve, but their new outlet at the Gardens (Mid Valley). Wow! It was really good...
Now let's see if I can remember what we ordered :
1. Roma's Combo (a variety of appetiser consisting of buffalo wings, potato skins with melted cheese on top, 1 other appetiser I can't remember what was it, some celery & carrot sticks with a variety of dips)
2. Martini Shrimp (no... there's no hint of alcohol in that appetiser... It's just served in a giant Martini Glass; thus the name)
3. Full Rack Ribs (yummiest of all & the meat around the HUGE ribs are quite tender too. I belief it's the signature dish too)
4. Grilled Lamb Chops (quite dry - would be better with some sauce coated on the chops; but quite yummy when it's still hot)
5. Lightly grilled Cod Fish with Garlic Butter Sauce, Fragrant Rice & Brocolli (Delicious! The fish is so fresh & tasty and the rice is soft & fragrant... Highly recommend those who would like to avoid red meat)
6. Steak & boneless ribs combo (just to try the boneless ribs variation. Shen sums it up real nicely. The ribs meat without bones is just as tasty & nice; but the ribs with the bones is more satisfying as you sink your teeth into it & tear it off the bones - nothing like a nice bit of 'barbarian'-ism in having a satisfying meat meal! hehe...)
7. Shrimp with Pasta (Out of all the mains, this is the most disappointing one. Don't get me wrong though. It's good, but compared with the rest of the mains, it just lose out...)
All in all everyone enjoyed the meal very much, not to mention basking under the attentive waitresses service. Daddy even had a plastic 'bib' tied around his neck (which he admitted later that he actually thought the waitress is offering some plastic 'gloves' to tackle the ribs - too late... by the time he found out that she's actually handing out bibs, she's already in the midst of tying it around his neck! hahaha..........).
I think we were the noisiest lot in the restaurant, not to mention the most relaxed cos' we just pass our food around, totally forgot about the use of utensils & enjoyed the satisfying use of our bare hands, take pictures like it's our first time in a restaurant, making funny faces & gestures in front of the camera (the proper still pix in front of camera is no longer 'in') & the greatest shocker of all - baby bro & daddy teasing the waitresses (baby bro took pix with 1 of them too!).
We were having so much fun that I forgot to bring out the party poppers that I specially rushed to PJ Old Town to get it - what a shame... bet we'll shock even more patrons with it! **devilish grin**
Phew... Fortunately my recommendation this time is ok. It's always tricky trying to introduce western food to daddy cos' he's a bit picky & it's very rare that he finds any western fare appetising. Surprisingly this time he whole heartedly agreed. Though it does cause quite a bit of damage on the pocket but it's worth it.
The only regret I had was that :
1. I forgot to bring my camera, so had to 'ciplak' from Mei Ling for the photos
2. I did not manage to throw a similar party / birthday dinner for Shen. Not that I love him less or anything, but the timing at that time (20th Mar) was at the period when I was really very busy & can't make a trip to Malacca. Sorry bro... Don't jealous ar...
Lastly, I would like to make a disclaimer that I am in no way paid to comment / advertise / praise on Tony Roma's food. Nor do I have any shares / am related to the restaurant in any way (if I am, I wouldn't be paying for my meal - wouldn't I...) :-p
p/s : Thanks Mei Ling for the nice slideshow of the pix taken during the dinner & the lunch at Genki Sushi - KLCC outlet the following day.
Wednesday 23 April 2008
Farewell to the "Lady in Mask" - Part II
To those following my blog, some may wonder what we finally got for our dear Lady Behind the Paper Mask. Well, after much searching & cracking the cranium, we finally got her :
1. Man Utd T-Shirt (Nike - original)
2. Collector's Man. Utd. Sticker Book
It was quite a strange selection process when my hubby & I went scouting for the T-Shirt. At first we wanted to get the jersey, but 2 things stopped us :
1. they only have size L & XL (& the size L can fit both my hubby & his tummy with room to spare!)
2. it has made in Thailand label (not that it is of lower quality... but... you know... the connotation)
We then found a T-Shirt that has Man Utd logo & the Nike logo. Though it's not the customary red / black colour (it's white) but it fits all criterias including the size. My hubby checks the label again & this time it's printed "Made in Turkey". He then said "this should be ok lar... At least Turkey is one of the 'European' countries..." **eyes rolling**
The other funny bit to share here is that she got excited just looking at the Collector's Man. Utd. Sticker Book that the Nike T-Shirt seem to be temporarily forgotten! It goes without saying that the T-Shirt is the more expensive of the 2.
Hmmm.... It makes me wonder.... we have Storm (& her exploits is well known in this blog). Now we have this reaction from lady in mask who's co-incidentally Storm's neighbour... One wonders if Storm's antics is contagious... **wink**
Anyway, when she finally got to opening her prezzy & found the T-Shirt, she was beyond ecstatic too... phew! My job is a complished! Was quite a feat trying to find her gift! After all, am not a football fan (don't even know the players names, let alone their field position).
1. Man Utd T-Shirt (Nike - original)
2. Collector's Man. Utd. Sticker Book
It was quite a strange selection process when my hubby & I went scouting for the T-Shirt. At first we wanted to get the jersey, but 2 things stopped us :
1. they only have size L & XL (& the size L can fit both my hubby & his tummy with room to spare!)
2. it has made in Thailand label (not that it is of lower quality... but... you know... the connotation)
We then found a T-Shirt that has Man Utd logo & the Nike logo. Though it's not the customary red / black colour (it's white) but it fits all criterias including the size. My hubby checks the label again & this time it's printed "Made in Turkey". He then said "this should be ok lar... At least Turkey is one of the 'European' countries..." **eyes rolling**
The other funny bit to share here is that she got excited just looking at the Collector's Man. Utd. Sticker Book that the Nike T-Shirt seem to be temporarily forgotten! It goes without saying that the T-Shirt is the more expensive of the 2.
Hmmm.... It makes me wonder.... we have Storm (& her exploits is well known in this blog). Now we have this reaction from lady in mask who's co-incidentally Storm's neighbour... One wonders if Storm's antics is contagious... **wink**
Anyway, when she finally got to opening her prezzy & found the T-Shirt, she was beyond ecstatic too... phew! My job is a complished! Was quite a feat trying to find her gift! After all, am not a football fan (don't even know the players names, let alone their field position).
Sunday 20 April 2008
A Day At The Spa
Yesterday, Gangsta Mama, Storm & Myself went to the Andana Spa at Glenmarie. We bought some vouchers at RM120 which includes a 40minutes massage, free-flow food & drinks (which includes fresh fruit juices & Haagen Dazz Ice-cream), usage of the spa facilities (i.e. jacuzzi, steam bath, dry sauna etc) and the lounge area (with Astro, DVD players, flatscreen TVs, magazines, recliner sofas) - not to mention the royalty treatment!
As usual, when there's Storm, there's Blog material... I shudder at the thought of the length this blog is going to be in documenting our girl's day out... :-)
Firstly, on friday, when we plan on the Spa outing, I mentioned to Storm that I'm planning to bring my own massage lotion & asked her whether she wants to bring her own. She replied "Will cooking oil work?" with a wicked glint in her eyes (& an equally wicked smile)... Jeezzz... She's getting from bad to worse!
3rd highlight - After having more snacks & the quorum is now complete, we then went for our massage (since the spa facility is just up, I don't want to be the 1st to try if we'll be electrocuted - so safer to go for the massage first! LOL). Upon entering the room, we found 3 lady masseur - 2 slim ladies of China nationality & 1 local but about nearly 1.5-2 times my size. Gangsta & I got the slim ladies & Storm (just her luck) got the bigger sized lady!
We were stripped (quite professionally I must admit... we lie face down & extend our arms over our head, with minimal effort, they pull our loose camisole of our bodies) & our short was pulled half way down to expose our butt (yeah... they massage the butt too, but not the most comfortable of all places). The masseur was just starting for a few minutes when I had to turn up to speak to Storm's masseur cos' she's the only one there who can speak Cantonese & English (I'll explain the significance of this later...) The massage was good & all of us agreed that the massage on the neck & head region was SOOOOO Heavenly!
After the massage, as usual, Storm has her say of the experience (knowing Storm, I must warn that nothing should shock you by now... expect the most outrageous). Here goes:
As usual, when there's Storm, there's Blog material... I shudder at the thought of the length this blog is going to be in documenting our girl's day out... :-)
Firstly, on friday, when we plan on the Spa outing, I mentioned to Storm that I'm planning to bring my own massage lotion & asked her whether she wants to bring her own. She replied "Will cooking oil work?" with a wicked glint in her eyes (& an equally wicked smile)... Jeezzz... She's getting from bad to worse!
- Oh & I should also mention that towards the end of the outing when we were dipping in the jet / jacuzzi pool, she said "If I offer RM200 & dare you to bring the cooking oil for the massage, will you do it?" - trust Storm to come up with such questions... Anyway, I asked if I actually need to use the cooking oil in my massage; of which she replied "Of course! With RM200, it's more than enough to clean your back after that!" I think I rolled my eyes... & replied "Yeah... & pay thousands RM to clear the acne that formed on my back!?!"
3rd highlight - After having more snacks & the quorum is now complete, we then went for our massage (since the spa facility is just up, I don't want to be the 1st to try if we'll be electrocuted - so safer to go for the massage first! LOL). Upon entering the room, we found 3 lady masseur - 2 slim ladies of China nationality & 1 local but about nearly 1.5-2 times my size. Gangsta & I got the slim ladies & Storm (just her luck) got the bigger sized lady!
We were stripped (quite professionally I must admit... we lie face down & extend our arms over our head, with minimal effort, they pull our loose camisole of our bodies) & our short was pulled half way down to expose our butt (yeah... they massage the butt too, but not the most comfortable of all places). The masseur was just starting for a few minutes when I had to turn up to speak to Storm's masseur cos' she's the only one there who can speak Cantonese & English (I'll explain the significance of this later...) The massage was good & all of us agreed that the massage on the neck & head region was SOOOOO Heavenly!
After the massage, as usual, Storm has her say of the experience (knowing Storm, I must warn that nothing should shock you by now... expect the most outrageous). Here goes:
- I asked if the massage was ok for Storm since she got such a huge lady! My first impression was she would break Storm's bones. Storm's reply was the usual unconventional "Yeah! When I was told she'll be massaging me I was thinking - oh boy! She sure hope she's not a 'les' used to the masculine role!" errrr.........?
- "I got a little worried when I felt a drop of cold liquid on my butt! Oh no... I hope she's not drooling over my butt!" (since she has the wild imagination that her masseur is a potential 'les') someone really needs to do something with Storm's imagination! Gangsta mama? any suggestions?
- Remember when I told you at 1 point I spoke to Storm's massuer? Well, the first thing Storm asks after the massage was "Oh yeah! Did you see my butt when you looked up to speak to my masseur?" in a rather indignantly (a feigned one) I must add. double errrr......? Why in heavens do I want to peep at your butt Storm? Unlike your active imagination & assessment of your masseur - I would much rather remain straight thank you...
4th incident... We were watching the King & I - the Yul Brynner version. Both Gangsta mama & I agreed that Yul Brynner is definitely the more dashing & royal version of the King of Siam as opposed to the many other remakes / versions of the movie. Storm commented that it goes to show that her previous remark that footballer Zidane is "handsome" is not too far off the mark then... Since both Zidane & Yul Brynner are bald! I think both Gangsta mama & I gave up at this point...
Well Storm... Thanks again for the blog material. I hope my blog doesn't get banned despite some 18+SX stuff that you commented on. =)
Oh and before I leave, I would like to add that at the start of the spa, we have agreed to ban on topics related to Voldy. Despite our best efforts, Voldy is still being discussed sporadically. However, I would like to congratulate ourselves for being able to stop having Voldy from entirely invading our de-stress session & belief we have achieved what we came for. We're thoroughly de-stressed. Belief it or not, by the time we left, it was around 9+pm! That's a total of about 10hrs (at least for me... am really milking all my RM120 worth! =p).
Girls... We really should do this more often... Wouldn't mind extending the invite to the rest of the gals... Do tell me if you're interested & will make sure to call when we have another of our Spa session.
Wednesday 16 April 2008
Farewell to the "Lady in Mask"
Last Friday we threw a farewell party for our "Lady in Mask"...
She wanted to have the farewell at McD for 3 reasons :
1. She's a "carnivour" that only takes meat & no green vegetables in her diet
2. She wanted to have a McD style party with baloons & fun toys
3. She wants a clown...... hmmmm...... (remind me again her age?)
Anyway, we over-ruled her & brought her to Alexis @ The Gardens instead. We do however try to accomodate her wishes. No clowns unfortunately, but we do have a few tricks up our sleeves **wink** **wink**
Here are some pix of the "extra props" we brought :
you can imagine the "horrified" looks on the waiters.... but we warned them...
and here comes the "Lady Behind the Paper Mask!"
and... as usual, our party turned into a "conference" on the faults & errs of Voldy, so you'll see serious faces around the table (with the exception of Storm, not surprising...) :
which then resulted in the venting out of stress as evidenced by the condition of the paper strips that flew out of the party poppers we popped before lunch. Look at the following before & after photos.
A picture says a thousand words. In this case, 2,000. So, need I say more? :-)
All in all, it was a good party & we wish our "Superlady" all the best in her future job.
p/s: your gift hutang dulu... It's coming up... Susah lar wanna get a gift for a lady who has everything (including d colourful mask!)
Tuesday 15 April 2008
More pix of Ilhana
Finally mama gangster gave me the pix that I want of Ilhana... The one with the 'air liur meleleh-leleh' :-D
Baybeelicious!
Thursday 10 April 2008
Most Athletic & Best Body Nomination?
I think the Ranking for people comparison in Facebook is seriously faulty...
I would readily admit to
#2 cutest =)
#3 best travel companion :-)
#4 best dinner companion ;-)
#4 best mother (potential) - well if you have gangster mama & Storm as a comparison.... ???
But....
#3 most athletic - huh???
#3 person with the best body - double huh???
I don't get it... Either the person is teasing me OR have serious visual impairment OR they are extremely unfit that the lift will definitely beep even when he / she is the only 1 in it! Whatever it may be, thanks for the vote of confidence though... Not that I'm complaining... More people to con on FB!
Lots of Love,
FB Bully
I would readily admit to
#2 cutest =)
#3 best travel companion :-)
#4 best dinner companion ;-)
#4 best mother (potential) - well if you have gangster mama & Storm as a comparison.... ???
But....
#3 most athletic - huh???
#3 person with the best body - double huh???
I don't get it... Either the person is teasing me OR have serious visual impairment OR they are extremely unfit that the lift will definitely beep even when he / she is the only 1 in it! Whatever it may be, thanks for the vote of confidence though... Not that I'm complaining... More people to con on FB!
Lots of Love,
FB Bully
Jelingan "Maut" Ilhana
I was trying to figure out the translation for "Jelingan" & I just can't come out with an English word for it. Finally I google it & found "ogle flirtatiously"! Hmmm... That is not exactly the look that I got from Ilhana.
I tried again & I got a phrase! - a glance through the corner of the eye / to look out from the corner of the eye. That's more like it, but it's too long to put on the title! I can't have "Ilhana's glance through the corner of her eye"... hehe... Anyway, to cut the long story short, I use the Malay term above instead.
So, to those who wonder who is Ilhana..
She is our very own Gangster's daughter (see pix). See the cheeky look... Like mummy :-) It actually happened quite some time back, but am only putting it down in writing now.
What happened was, I made an appointment with Mdm Gangster to meet her somewhere. She was in her "HUGE" Car (to fit her Gangster title) with her twin sons & Ilhana (her daughter - aka daddy's princess **wink** **wink**).
You see, Mdm Gangster has managed to "bully" her daughter at the tender age of 1.5 years old to raise her hand when her name is called. She raise her hands to names such as :
1. Ilhana
2. Princess Ayah
3. Buchuk Macham Mama aka Busuk Masam Mama (Don't ask me why... Ask her Gangster mama)
So Mdm Gangster wanted to demonstrate Ilhana's latest "achievement" to auntie "FB Bully". She asked Ilhana "Sape buchuk macham mama?"
Suddenly.......
Ilhana gave a "jelingan maut" to her Gangster Mama! That jelingan... That 1 look conveys a thousand words! Such as :
- Mama... must you tell everyone I'm Bucuk Macham!
- Mama! I am NOT Bucuk Macham (at least NOT in front of strangers!)
- Mama! You're embarassing me! I have a cute image to uphold here!
etc... etc...
Both Gangster Mama & FB Bully Auntie was shocked! Wow! At such tender age, she knows how to "Jeling!" & what a sharp 1 that was... We really regretted that it happened so fast that we did not manage to recover fast enough to take a photo of her 1st Jelingan!
Well Mama Gangster... That is 1 bundle of "trouble" you've got there... Looks like you have Gangster Jr in the making!
Wednesday 9 April 2008
Stories of Storm - Yet Again!
Ok... I'll be "merciful"... It's not entirely about Storm (Again!); but her contribution is enough to warrant a title under her name (Again!)
But before I go into Storm's narration of her Karaoke session with Wolverine; I'd like to share about her own Karaoke session in the past first. I feel that it is important to share this other story to give a sense of how "unique" Storm & Wolverine's Karaoke session can be... ;-)
We (the ever patient office-mates) were told that she once sang "Phantom of the Opera" & she even found the Karaoke VCD to sing along to! Poor Wolverine had to sit through the whole session too (I'm sure the rest of us were thanking our lucky stars that we were not present in that "pre-historic" event)!
Now, knowing how amazing her Karaoke session was; what can possibly top that!?!
Well, apparently Wolverine sang "Beautiful Maria" & there's a section in the lyric that reads
"the taste of you remains"
which Wolverine accidentally sang (or was that on purpose??? Knowing the couple, it hard to guess...)
"the taste of your remains"
Naturally Storm picked this up... and her verdict was?
"Wolverine is a corpse-eating-cannibal"
Hmmm.... Imagine... That statement coming from someone who GURGLE & SLURP on her Maggie Cup Noodle (& may I add the classic "thumping" action!)
Until the next Storm saga... here's the "innocent" & constantly "horrified" author signing out... :-)
But before I go into Storm's narration of her Karaoke session with Wolverine; I'd like to share about her own Karaoke session in the past first. I feel that it is important to share this other story to give a sense of how "unique" Storm & Wolverine's Karaoke session can be... ;-)
We (the ever patient office-mates) were told that she once sang "Phantom of the Opera" & she even found the Karaoke VCD to sing along to! Poor Wolverine had to sit through the whole session too (I'm sure the rest of us were thanking our lucky stars that we were not present in that "pre-historic" event)!
Now, knowing how amazing her Karaoke session was; what can possibly top that!?!
Well, apparently Wolverine sang "Beautiful Maria" & there's a section in the lyric that reads
"the taste of you remains"
which Wolverine accidentally sang (or was that on purpose??? Knowing the couple, it hard to guess...)
"the taste of your remains"
Naturally Storm picked this up... and her verdict was?
"Wolverine is a corpse-eating-cannibal"
Hmmm.... Imagine... That statement coming from someone who GURGLE & SLURP on her Maggie Cup Noodle (& may I add the classic "thumping" action!)
Until the next Storm saga... here's the "innocent" & constantly "horrified" author signing out... :-)
Stories of Storm - Again
Yes! It's Storm again... Contributing Blog materials to laugh over!
This time, she's having her usual in-office-maggie-cup-noodle-dinner. Half way down her "delicious" instant noodle, her hp rang (emmiting her trademark spooky ringtone from the movie "Psycho"!). She chatted on the phone & at the end of her conversation accidentally threw her plastic-maggie-cup-noodle-fork into the waste paper basket, only to realize too late that she still had noodles in her cup!
Oh Storm... What are we to do without your antics... :-)
If you think that was it... Well, obviously you don't know Storm... ;-p
She IM a friend of hers, mentioning about the incident & informing him that she's using her pencils to "fish" out her noodles. Her poor friend is duped yet again & offered to rush to her cubicle to offer the much needed missing fork! Having an ounce of mercy in her blessed Stormy soul, she stopped him from coming by informing that she's using her bare hands, so there's no need of the hassle. The poor guy must have fallen off his chair reading her admission...
Storm finally finished her cup noodle by turning the cup over & "thumping" the content down her throat (errr... yes... Storm is a woman who's as 'delicate' as a flower & shy away from the sun... unfortunately we can never jive the image with the antics...)!
When she told us (her poor terrorized office-mates) that she slurp down the content when "thumping" the content... I offered that you can never SLURP when you're thumping something down your throat! It should be more like a GURGLE! Slyly she looked at us & said... Exactly... I GURGLED, then I SLURPED!!...
Oh boy... The imagery!
Thanks Storm for the much needed office laughter amidst the BIG dark cloud of Voldy's presence.
This time, she's having her usual in-office-maggie-cup-noodle-dinner. Half way down her "delicious" instant noodle, her hp rang (emmiting her trademark spooky ringtone from the movie "Psycho"!). She chatted on the phone & at the end of her conversation accidentally threw her plastic-maggie-cup-noodle-fork into the waste paper basket, only to realize too late that she still had noodles in her cup!
Oh Storm... What are we to do without your antics... :-)
If you think that was it... Well, obviously you don't know Storm... ;-p
She IM a friend of hers, mentioning about the incident & informing him that she's using her pencils to "fish" out her noodles. Her poor friend is duped yet again & offered to rush to her cubicle to offer the much needed missing fork! Having an ounce of mercy in her blessed Stormy soul, she stopped him from coming by informing that she's using her bare hands, so there's no need of the hassle. The poor guy must have fallen off his chair reading her admission...
Storm finally finished her cup noodle by turning the cup over & "thumping" the content down her throat (errr... yes... Storm is a woman who's as 'delicate' as a flower & shy away from the sun... unfortunately we can never jive the image with the antics...)!
When she told us (her poor terrorized office-mates) that she slurp down the content when "thumping" the content... I offered that you can never SLURP when you're thumping something down your throat! It should be more like a GURGLE! Slyly she looked at us & said... Exactly... I GURGLED, then I SLURPED!!...
Oh boy... The imagery!
Thanks Storm for the much needed office laughter amidst the BIG dark cloud of Voldy's presence.
Monday 7 April 2008
Opppsss.... They Did It Again!
KTM did it again!!! I was at the Seremban station waiting for my train to KL Sentral this morning & guess what... 2 trains were cancelled (yet again...) & I finally board the train at 8am. Then, with 3 train loads of people crammed into 1 train, naturally there were no place to sit & normally if you have no place to sit at Seremban, you can expect to remain standing for the whole 1hr 15mins it takes to travel to KL. I was fortunate that there was 1 space after Nilai; but many were not as fortunate though.
Will need to remember to wear flats next time...
Jeezzz.....
Will need to remember to wear flats next time...
Jeezzz.....
Sunday 6 April 2008
Super-Children!
I remembered a newspaper report recently of a 3-4 primary school children who attempted to commit suicide by popping hypertension pills because a teacher scolded / punished them due to their poor results in 1 of the subjects. Fortunately they were found early & though they are in serious condition, they managed to be saved.
Then there was another case of a 12 year-old girl who got scolding all the way from school back to her apartment for scoring poorly. Feeling depressed, she took the lift up to the 13th floor (she lives on the 8th floor), set aside her school bag & jumped down the building. It goes without saying, she did not survive the fall.
I look at children now a days & compare them to my childhood, I find myself feeling thankful that I at least HAVE a childhood. These children are a highly stressed lot. Imagine having exams even in Kindy! Tuition before entering primary school. Tight schedules of tuition, ballet, music, taekwondo etc... etc... that they didn't even have time to play; & when they do, they were reprimanded for being "naughty" / "lazy". They are expected to form sentences, fill in the blanks & read books at the age of 4-5! Age 3 if possible!
The common reason for such stresses on children?
1. Everyone is doing it. If I don't send them to all these classes, my child will be left behind, then he'll develop inferiority complex!
2. The world nowadays is different from before. Previously, a degree will do. Now a degree is so common that you'll need at least a doctorate in future to secure a job / have a brighter future
3. They like 'xxx' (i.e. ballet / piano / violin / karate / painting etc), so I'm just "nurturing" their interest & talent!
Who are we kidding! That poor kids are having bags heavier than lugging a PC over their shoulders! Their schedule are packed with "goodness" that even the PM's schedule would look like child's play! Their spectacles gets thicker than their puny finger each year they progress. The expectation keeps getting higher that scoring 90 but at position 20 out of 30 in the class is not acceptable...
I know... I know.... Most parents will tell me, you're not a parent yet, you'll not understand. You'll want the best for your child. Hmmm..... So is this what we call as "The Best"? The Best for who? The child / the ego of the parent?
I can't guarantee that I'll not fall into the same "Kiasu" race of driving my kids up the wall in my effort to make them "Super-children"; but I certainly hope that when I have a child of my own 1 day, I'll remember to read this article of mine & I'll be reminded that at the end of the day, my child is still a child. Give him / her time to enjoy her adolescence. I have mine, why can't they have theirs? Give them space to develop as a well rounded person... and may I constantly be reminded that they'll not turn into a LOSER just because I fail to send them to multiple extra-curricular classes after attending Kindy!
Then there was another case of a 12 year-old girl who got scolding all the way from school back to her apartment for scoring poorly. Feeling depressed, she took the lift up to the 13th floor (she lives on the 8th floor), set aside her school bag & jumped down the building. It goes without saying, she did not survive the fall.
I look at children now a days & compare them to my childhood, I find myself feeling thankful that I at least HAVE a childhood. These children are a highly stressed lot. Imagine having exams even in Kindy! Tuition before entering primary school. Tight schedules of tuition, ballet, music, taekwondo etc... etc... that they didn't even have time to play; & when they do, they were reprimanded for being "naughty" / "lazy". They are expected to form sentences, fill in the blanks & read books at the age of 4-5! Age 3 if possible!
The common reason for such stresses on children?
1. Everyone is doing it. If I don't send them to all these classes, my child will be left behind, then he'll develop inferiority complex!
2. The world nowadays is different from before. Previously, a degree will do. Now a degree is so common that you'll need at least a doctorate in future to secure a job / have a brighter future
3. They like 'xxx' (i.e. ballet / piano / violin / karate / painting etc), so I'm just "nurturing" their interest & talent!
Who are we kidding! That poor kids are having bags heavier than lugging a PC over their shoulders! Their schedule are packed with "goodness" that even the PM's schedule would look like child's play! Their spectacles gets thicker than their puny finger each year they progress. The expectation keeps getting higher that scoring 90 but at position 20 out of 30 in the class is not acceptable...
I know... I know.... Most parents will tell me, you're not a parent yet, you'll not understand. You'll want the best for your child. Hmmm..... So is this what we call as "The Best"? The Best for who? The child / the ego of the parent?
I can't guarantee that I'll not fall into the same "Kiasu" race of driving my kids up the wall in my effort to make them "Super-children"; but I certainly hope that when I have a child of my own 1 day, I'll remember to read this article of mine & I'll be reminded that at the end of the day, my child is still a child. Give him / her time to enjoy her adolescence. I have mine, why can't they have theirs? Give them space to develop as a well rounded person... and may I constantly be reminded that they'll not turn into a LOSER just because I fail to send them to multiple extra-curricular classes after attending Kindy!
1st World Facilities?
We have heard a lot about our KL Sentral & the facilities within. The rail services, the feeder busses & taxis, the linkages to KLIA etc. Despite the "success stories", I think there are still many areas for improvements.
1st of which, our KL Sentral are not exactly "Central". Reason? Not all rail lines crossess at Central. STAR for 1 & the monorail is strangely abruptly stops at Brickfields; which is probably juat another station away from KL Sentral itself.
So, for example, I'm staying in Bandar Tasik Selatan; naturally I firstly need to get myself to Tasik Selatan station. That would be by bus / taxi / personal vehicle. I have the choice of taking the KTM Komuter that goes straight to KL Sentral / the STAR LRT that totally avoids KL Sentral. I'll get back to the KTM Komuter later; but assuming I take the STAR LRT because the frequency of train arrival is higher, I'll need to stop at Hang Tuah station, walk a distance & take the monorail to Brickfields. From there, I'll need to cross the busy Brickfields main road, across a field to KL Sentral (which is highly inconvenient if it rains).
Some esteemed politicians will then say, well take the Komuter then. Well, if these people ever get out of their luxurious cars once in a while & for-go their special out-riders that clear the busy road for them they will find that the services for Komuter is so poor that a person can really get fired for constantly getting to work late (if their office doesn't practice flexi hours). I had numerous occassion experience not only delays, but sometimes 2 scheduled trains are "missing" altogether. When that happens, 2-3 train loads of people will be waiting at the platform. When the train finally comes, there will be 2-3 train load of ppl crammed into 1 train (not to mention the 2-3 train load of ppl being extremely late for work)!
I have experienced this 1st World Facilities but 3rd World Services on numerous occassion. The last straw was last Thursday when the weather was really bad & I can't get a taxi home. I had to take a taxi to KL Sentral, then take the komuter to Bdr Tasik Selatan. Again it was delayed & all I get were continuous apologies over the PA system. Then when the train finally came but the crowd built up to such a considerable size, you get crap announcements like, kindly do not jam up this train, pls be patient, the next train will be arriving in 10mins; everyone are advised to take the next train if you can't fit in. I was too tired to push & shove, so I waited... and waited... and waited... Finally, by the time I got back home, it was 2 hours from the time I left office!! I could have reached PD in 2 hours!
I seriously hope something is being done to improve our transport system. We're no longer a 3rd World Country. If we're to have 1st World Facilities, we need to upgrade our services to that of the 1st World as well. Otherwise, we can boast all we want, the facilities are useless to the people.
1st of which, our KL Sentral are not exactly "Central". Reason? Not all rail lines crossess at Central. STAR for 1 & the monorail is strangely abruptly stops at Brickfields; which is probably juat another station away from KL Sentral itself.
So, for example, I'm staying in Bandar Tasik Selatan; naturally I firstly need to get myself to Tasik Selatan station. That would be by bus / taxi / personal vehicle. I have the choice of taking the KTM Komuter that goes straight to KL Sentral / the STAR LRT that totally avoids KL Sentral. I'll get back to the KTM Komuter later; but assuming I take the STAR LRT because the frequency of train arrival is higher, I'll need to stop at Hang Tuah station, walk a distance & take the monorail to Brickfields. From there, I'll need to cross the busy Brickfields main road, across a field to KL Sentral (which is highly inconvenient if it rains).
Some esteemed politicians will then say, well take the Komuter then. Well, if these people ever get out of their luxurious cars once in a while & for-go their special out-riders that clear the busy road for them they will find that the services for Komuter is so poor that a person can really get fired for constantly getting to work late (if their office doesn't practice flexi hours). I had numerous occassion experience not only delays, but sometimes 2 scheduled trains are "missing" altogether. When that happens, 2-3 train loads of people will be waiting at the platform. When the train finally comes, there will be 2-3 train load of ppl crammed into 1 train (not to mention the 2-3 train load of ppl being extremely late for work)!
I have experienced this 1st World Facilities but 3rd World Services on numerous occassion. The last straw was last Thursday when the weather was really bad & I can't get a taxi home. I had to take a taxi to KL Sentral, then take the komuter to Bdr Tasik Selatan. Again it was delayed & all I get were continuous apologies over the PA system. Then when the train finally came but the crowd built up to such a considerable size, you get crap announcements like, kindly do not jam up this train, pls be patient, the next train will be arriving in 10mins; everyone are advised to take the next train if you can't fit in. I was too tired to push & shove, so I waited... and waited... and waited... Finally, by the time I got back home, it was 2 hours from the time I left office!! I could have reached PD in 2 hours!
I seriously hope something is being done to improve our transport system. We're no longer a 3rd World Country. If we're to have 1st World Facilities, we need to upgrade our services to that of the 1st World as well. Otherwise, we can boast all we want, the facilities are useless to the people.
Long Distance Relationship
Though I can't say that KL & PD is exactly long distance, but it's really getting more & more difficult each week to part with hubby dearest come Sunday night / Monday morning. I'm beginning to hate this 2 timing of the week & my dread normally starts now.... Or rather as early as this morning.
It makes me wonder how our forefathers manage, coming all the way from China & migrating to other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia or even the USA; leaving their family behind.
I wonder how many more years do we have to have such an arrangement of meeting only on weekends. I also wonder how it would be like if we finally do manage to have a family of our own. What then? The child would only get to see his / her dad once a week?
I'm seriously thinking of a career shift... But what?
It makes me wonder how our forefathers manage, coming all the way from China & migrating to other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia or even the USA; leaving their family behind.
I wonder how many more years do we have to have such an arrangement of meeting only on weekends. I also wonder how it would be like if we finally do manage to have a family of our own. What then? The child would only get to see his / her dad once a week?
I'm seriously thinking of a career shift... But what?
Wednesday 2 April 2008
Coffee or Cup?
I came across this very interesting piece of story that sort of articulated some of my thoughts in my previous writing. Enjoy :
"The happiest people in the world are not those who have no problems, but those who learn to live with things that are less than perfect."
A group of graduates, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the simple and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this:
- Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups.
- They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.
- Sometimes, by concentrating on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."
1. Live simply
2. Love generously
3. Care deeply
4. Speak kindly
5. Leave the rest to The All Mighty
Life either shines a light OR casts a shadow! Shine a light & Smell the Coffee!!!
Beautiful....
"The happiest people in the world are not those who have no problems, but those who learn to live with things that are less than perfect."
A group of graduates, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the simple and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this:
- Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups.
- They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.
- Sometimes, by concentrating on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."
1. Live simply
2. Love generously
3. Care deeply
4. Speak kindly
5. Leave the rest to The All Mighty
Life either shines a light OR casts a shadow! Shine a light & Smell the Coffee!!!
Beautiful....
Time Flies When You're Having Fun?
People used to say, time flies when you're having fun... I think it's no longer true... I might be under tremendous stress / dread facing a particularly tough spot in my work / am very-very busy due to the nature of working in Finance & yet I still find my life to be speeding by me so fast that I feel I have not lived my life to the full YET in my adult life.
I'm surprised when I suddenly realize :
1. I'm approaching 30
2. I have been married for nearly 4 years (end this year) now
3. It's already April 2008!!! & I felt like I've just started the year!
Don't get me wrong, I am thankful with what I have. In fact I felt extremely blessed because my life has been relatively smooth sailing...
I have never need to worry about my education. I have supportive parents that guided me all the way throughout my student days.
Then I was offered to a prestigious secondary school with the best teachers in the country!
Entered local university without much of a struggle
Secured a job before I even graduated!
Got married to the most patient man on earth - not easy living with a perfectionist :-)
Everything seem to be pre-planned without much of a struggle (with exception of work)...
But it scares me when I start asking questions like :
Is that it?!
I'm nearing 30, but What have I done so far?!
What will I be remembered for? Just another working ant?
I'm seriously reflecting what I want in life to make it richer (& I'm not talking about the materials). Since time is flying by at light speed, I wouldn't want to reach 50 & find myself regretting that I have not done this / that...
I guess 1 quote from a Chinese premier is very true. When your stomach is hungry, all your effort will be focussed on fulfilling the fundamentals (i.e. food / shelter); you don't have the time nor strength to think of luxury such as a "meaningful" life. Maybe I'm reaching the 2nd stage of my life where I can afford such "luxuries"?... For that I am thankful...
I'm surprised when I suddenly realize :
1. I'm approaching 30
2. I have been married for nearly 4 years (end this year) now
3. It's already April 2008!!! & I felt like I've just started the year!
Don't get me wrong, I am thankful with what I have. In fact I felt extremely blessed because my life has been relatively smooth sailing...
I have never need to worry about my education. I have supportive parents that guided me all the way throughout my student days.
Then I was offered to a prestigious secondary school with the best teachers in the country!
Entered local university without much of a struggle
Secured a job before I even graduated!
Got married to the most patient man on earth - not easy living with a perfectionist :-)
Everything seem to be pre-planned without much of a struggle (with exception of work)...
But it scares me when I start asking questions like :
Is that it?!
I'm nearing 30, but What have I done so far?!
What will I be remembered for? Just another working ant?
I'm seriously reflecting what I want in life to make it richer (& I'm not talking about the materials). Since time is flying by at light speed, I wouldn't want to reach 50 & find myself regretting that I have not done this / that...
I guess 1 quote from a Chinese premier is very true. When your stomach is hungry, all your effort will be focussed on fulfilling the fundamentals (i.e. food / shelter); you don't have the time nor strength to think of luxury such as a "meaningful" life. Maybe I'm reaching the 2nd stage of my life where I can afford such "luxuries"?... For that I am thankful...
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