Not The Nicest Girl In Town...

The Ocean Calls

2012-02-14T15:20:00.004+08:00

Made reservations, paid deposits and fingers crossed that all will work out. Not gonna mention where i'm headed yet because i want this holiday so bad i don't want to jinx it. Heck, i've even got my bubble solution ready so we can blow bubbles under the sun, by the sea. It's gonna be wicked!

Things People Say

2011-12-30T23:24:00.002+08:00

(Upon noticing a flyer advertising the Lost World of Tambun)
Dad: We wanted to go there once but couldn't find the place.
Me: Who is we? How come i don't know anything about it?
Dad: My sisters and I.
Me: When were y'all planning on going?
Dad: The day after Christmas but we couldn't find the place.
Me: Ask Uncle Pat lah. I'm sure he knows the way.
Dad: No, he doesn't know either. No one can find it. It's the LOST World.

(On my ride home, killing time on Whatsapp)
Friend: Lots of horses are named after rum. If i'm not wrong, there was a horse named Red Rum who was national champion like six or eight times.
Me: Red Rum is the signature phrase from thriller flick The Shining
Friend: Really? I never saw Shining. It was probably named after the real horse.
Me: *Thinks what the fuck? If you've watched the movie, you'll get my what-the-fuck-ness*

(During a conversation about a certain public figure)
Anonymous: I'm not exaggerating when i say he looks like a cock. Seriously, go and look for the ugliest cock you've ever seen and that is his face.

(After checking out my room's bathroom)
Nick: Your bathroom has something that i've always wanted lah.
Me: What?
Nick: A shower right on top of the toilet bowl.
Me: What the heck? What for?
Nick: For when i'm rushing. So i can shower and shit at the same time.

Lights, Camera, Pose

2011-11-20T11:53:00.000+08:00

When it comes to taking pictures, i really don't have many poses to offer. It's either my usual smile with one hand on the waist, an over exaggerated pout, fish lips or a couple of other funny faces. So learning that i had to take pictures for the magazine was nerve wrecking!

We got our makeup done (such a tiring and uncomfortable process, i don't know how the models do it), hair styled and by the end of the transformation, i was dumbfounded at the reflection that stared back at me through the mirror. I can never get used to seeing myself with thick makeup. Plus, after all the years of wearing spectacles, going without them somehow made me feel vulnerable and my eyebags more prominent. During the first few minutes of the shoot, i found myself constantly adjusting my spectacles that weren't there!

Then of course, when you put women and camera (with a professional photographer, no less) into the same equation, you end up with silly and vain shots as well. After the 'official' pictures were taken, we got around to jumping up and down in front of the camera and even proceeded to talk our photog into giving each of us an individual photoshoot for keeping. This will probably be the closest i will ever get to being a model.

Why, Hello Beautiful

2011-11-17T23:02:00.002+08:00

I really should be writing my articles but looklet is so fun! Blazers, coloured skinnies, colour blocking, long necklaces, boots, high heels, asymetrical hem, hi-lo hem...ah, love.

Notes From Work

2011-11-16T08:13:00.001+08:00

Crazy deadlines and additional responsibilities aside, here is a collection of the little doses of happiness that my job has brought me thus far:

It was a mini carnival at the headquarters. Clothes from past productions were going for RM5 a piece! I'm guessing the past productions included wacky game shows, concerts and 80s-themed series. There were neon coloured leotards, super sparkly jackets and clothes that looked like they jumped out of my Mom's very, very, very old closet. I'm sure there were gems hidden somewhere amongst those racks. I just don't have the patience to uncover them.

I love cartoon events. Popcorn, whoopie cushion, stickers and yours truly won a Toys"R"Us voucher! This one was held at a kids' gym and because of that, the chairs came in mini-size too. Those of us who entered the screening room first headed straight for the only two 'normal-sized' couches available. As cute and colourful as the tiny chairs were, the thought of me potentially breaking a chair's leg and landing on my behind in full view of the media is not cute.

A hotel celebrated its 5th anniversary and sent an invitation in a cute 555 booklet (very creative move). There were oysters stuffed into test tubes and to be taken with a shot of cocktail. There were vodka shots with caviar. Then there was an awesome cone-shaped tree where strawberries, candies, chocolate bars and pastries were glued on with melted chocolate. You simply plucked whatever you wanted off the 'tree' and indulge. GENIUS!

More indulgence followed when Polly and i were invited to a casual lunch with Hidden Cities' (on HISTORY, Ch555) star Anthony Morse. I expected a large setting filled with media, where the best one could get was a five-minute chat with Morse. Instead, all there was was a table for 15. There was no air of arrogance about that man and it doesn't hurt that he's a looker too! Pictures, honestly, do him no justice. At one point, Polly was so fascinated by his biceps that she went up to him, asked "May I?" and lightly felt his biceps!

Say hello to Ballsy (on the left) and his no-name neighbour! A colleague went to New Zealand recently and returned with fridge magnets for each of us. So now, i have a dark brown, cute, fluffy kiwi chilling on my desktop's CPU, alongside a mini wooden surfboard, Amazing Race magnets, a calendar, a name tag and a fridge magnet of a generic Vietnamese girl that i initially thought was a figurine of a freaky cult idol.

Had some time to kill while waiting for the office's awesome driver, who volunteered to drop Ee Laine and I off at the stadium for the Chelsea vs. Malaysia friendly match. Except for a slight colour difference of the face and body, i'd say it looks pretty real! When showed to a friend, she really thought it was me chopping vegetables...though she did wonder why my arms were leaning towards the manly side.

Grant Them Eternal Peace, Amen

2011-11-14T22:10:00.003+08:00

As a child, i remember being left at home with my Mah Mah while Mom, Dad and Yeh Yeh head to the cemetery to pay their respect to my late greatgrandparents on All Souls' Day. Years later, Dad felt that i was grown up enough to finally 'meet' my greatgrandparents and decided to grant me my first cemetery visit. Although i was excited about getting an opportunity to say hello to Greatgrandma and Greatgrandpa, i was nervous too. Will there be spirits roaming around? What if i bumped into one? A cemetery isn't exactly a tween's ideal playground.

Soon enough, the fear began to diminish (especially after the departure of my dear grandparents) and in its place was a sense of calm. Cemetery visits were no longer an annual event. We stopped by on Christmas Day, on death anniversaries and whenever we felt like it. Although their deaths mean i now have an unlimited access to them (i speak to them when my heart desires), having a physical place to go to and a physical object to target my conversations to somehow decreases the feeling of loss.

Dear Lord, i ask that you please bless my deceased loved ones with eternal peace and joy, and that the perpetual light continue to shine upon them. Till we meet again, rest in peace and know that you will always be loved and never forgotten.

Vain Pot

2011-10-31T09:45:00.000+08:00

When i received an invitation to a work event earlier this month, i knew i wanted to look nice for it. I planned what to wear a week before the day. I engaged in a Whatsapp discussion with Neerah to make sure that my outfit choice was okay. I rushed to the mall a day before the event to buy a blazer that would go with my dress. And on top of the usual make-up, i decided to put in an extra effort by wearing heels (i rarely wear heels to work events).

When i told all the above to Ee Laine on the morning of the event, she laughed at me and teasingly said, "You should bring a bottle of perfume too, so you can look AND smell nice". I opened my bag and whipped out a sample-sized bottle of perfume and said, "Don't play play. I've planned that too".

Ain't nothing is going to stop a girl when she wants to look good!

One Heck Of A Complex Mind

2011-10-30T12:01:00.000+08:00

For as long as i can remember, my dreams have never been the straight forward kind. They tend to end abruptly, feature humans with faces i cannot see, and have constantly-changing elements.

Recently, it happened again. The dream saw me at a carnival in my neighbourhood. I was sitting amongst a large crowd, waiting for someone to arrive.

The someone turned out to be a man, clad in a black tee and jeans. His face was a blur but he was well built (yummy chest!), appeared to be a mix of Asian and Caucasian, and apparently, my boyfriend. As i was getting up, this boyfriend persuaded me to remain seated. Then out of the blue, he went on one knee and reached for something in his pocket. Knowing that it was a marriage proposal, i stopped him before he could do or say anything. I didn't want to be proposed on a bended knee (this is a fact, fyi) and certainly didn't want it to happen at the local carnival. But i did want to marry him. So i smiled and pleaded for him to do it another day, another time, another place. He laughed too, fully understanding my desire to have my ideal proposal, and proceeded to take my hands as we walked about the carnival... with the ring safely tucked in his pocket and not brought to light that day.

Later on, i ran into my aunt, who seemed to have lost all the extra weight she gained during the past few years, and looked fantastic and much younger. Plus, she was in a nurse uniform. While i was playing with her new stethoscope, i introduced her to the boyfriend, who was also a nurse. When i turned to look at him, i saw a woman (again, no face) in a nurse outfit instead, yet somehow, i was not surprised.

Moving on from the conversation, i bumped into Karen, who appeared looking like she did back in high school. Then there was a classmate, who was gossiping about me behind my back without realising that i was standing next to him. He, as i would later find out, did not recognise me and was surprised when Phan Shean pointed me out.

Then my dream ended without a warning.

Can someone even decipher what the heck all that meant?

We Live On The Second Floor

2011-10-28T23:17:00.001+08:00

Meet my workday-family version 2011!

I love that we have a massive poster of Happy Tree Friends on the office wall with each of our birth dates on it. I love how we take time to buy and write on a card for whoever it is whose birthday is near. I love how we often throw potlucks at the office and end up spending half the day eating and talking. I love how we share gossips about mutual enemies.

Most importantly, I love how we really are like a teeny weeny family despite our differences.

Flashback Of Sorts

2011-10-27T09:09:00.000+08:00

While lazing around at the office, waiting for my Deepavali holiday to officially begin, I uncovered a little self-penned thingamajig I wrote back in 2008 when I was struggling with a new job. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, A Game Called 'Life':

He tells you to live, and you do
He wants you to die, and you do
Without any sign, everything that you have ever had may be stripped off of you
Without any warning, your days on planet Earth may just be cut short
But people say everything happens for a reason
And yes, they do

Though I may have cried
Though I may have wept
I believe that it is part and parcel of this game called 'life'
For when we suffer, don't we also learn?
We learn to not repeat the same mistakes again
We learn to appreciate the simple things in life
For when we give, don't we also receive?
Yes, things need to be bad to be good
The world works on a system of opposites
If it is not for sadness, will we know happiness?
If it is not for death, will we know life?

And so I say to all the negativity that comes my way
Bring it on for what is life without a struggle or two
What won't kill me will only make me stronger
And with that, I look forward to the falls and the rises
Until my last breath, when I can finally sigh
And proclaim that I've succeeded in this game called 'life'

Are Your Stars Aligned?

2011-10-26T22:50:00.002+08:00

I have never believed in feng shui or astrology of any kind. I do however, browse the books because they make a good laugh.

So according to Lillian Too (a sly fox in my opinion), those born in the year of the Monkey and Tiger are "best to stay away from each other" in 2012. Oh shucks. Now what am i going to do with my Dad? Guess i'll have to move away for a year. See you in 2013 Pa!

Then there's Joey Yap, who said single Tigers will, in general, find it difficult to pursue romance in 2012 because the "Peach Blossom Luck is weak".

Like seriously? People believe in shit like these? Oh well, to each his own.

If Love Had A Song

2011-10-25T22:32:00.000+08:00

There is magic in a Disney fairytale that no other animations can recreate. Although I have outgrown my days of watching Sailormoon (thank heavens), Captain Planet and Care Bears (the new version is no where near the original one), I remain to be a sucker for Disney's musical flicks.

This is my favourite song off Tangled, featuring the voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi (who knew Chuck could sing?). This is the song that made me cry and secretly try to wipe away my tears in the cinema before anyone around me noticed. This is what love sounds like.

I Love Clothes

2011-10-23T16:00:00.004+08:00

A while back, I received an invitation to a media appreciation night done 'Broadway' style. Unwilling to spend money on a costume that I would only wear once, I played around with what I already have. One work top from Mum, a pair of socks from Daddy, and my flare skirt later, I became Rachel from Glee. Wearing the outfit to work that day, I felt so out of my element. Calf-high socks have never been my 'thing' and the odd stares I was getting certainly didn't help. And just when I thought my effort would finally pay off, I turned up at the event only to realise that I was the only one who came dressed according to the theme. Bah.

In another story, while raving to my parents about the gorgeous toga-esque dress I had on, and bought for a discount of 50 per cent, my Dad replied, "Did you say the dress was 50 per cent off? No wonder 50 per cent of the sleeve is missing." Ha ha. Very funny Pa.

Men, Listen Up

2011-07-07T14:57:00.006+08:00

Here are five ways to scare away and destroy what little friendship you have with a girl you just barely got to know:

Instead of the usual 'hi' or 'hello', begin a conversation by telling her to hold your hand.

Call her a few hours after she gives you her mobile number. Then a few seconds or a minute into the conversation, tell her you need to hang up and say that you'll call back. Repeat this several times.

If she does not pick up the phone, call her a few more times in one day, just to try your luck. It is okay to also call her after midnight on a weekend.

In your first phone conversation with her, tell her to marry you. Emphasise this point by repeating it several times. Do not forget to also tell her to speak to you in a sexy voice. To really hit the nail on its head, criticise her looks by saying "Do you know how you can be a good wife and daughter? You should [insert criticism here]". For example, try "You shouldn't wear glasses. You should wear contacts".

Do not ask her out for dinner. TELL her to have dinner with you.

Something Good

2011-07-05T10:57:00.002+08:00

So apparently, it rains EVERY Good Friday. Long story short, Mabel lost a bet and had to stomach a family-made concoction made of tom yum soup, a few drops of Coke, rice, a dumpling, yam ice cream, a mashed osyter, and coconut shavings. It smelt like food that has been kept at the back of a fridge for a long, long time. The interesting part of the story? She did not fall sick the next day.

The woman who has an obsession with John Travolta came back for a holiday...and continued to live up to the silly image i know her for. She brought a packet of Macadamia nuts home for me, kept it in the bag throughout our entire outing, and left with it. Fail.

Current fashion obsessions: maxi skirts and sheer tops. Super excited on finding a comfy skirt that doesn't make me look like i spent my whole week indulging in buffets.

Funny thing happened prior to my chat with Archie of The Good Wife. That morning, i took the effort to put on my jeans, find a decent blouse to wear, and slip into my wedges for the interview. And what did my PR friend, Berenice, say after checking out my outfit? "Wah, so casual no need to go to work today ah?".

Spent a weekend night in with friends and what did i take away from the night? Karen spends way too much time on her Michael Jackson wii game. Joyce's idea of the perfect salad is anything served with sesame salad dressing. Weng uses way too many 'dey' in his conversations. Victor needs something else besides checkered shirts. TK will be the first person to introduce a 'joint venture' option in Monopoly Deal. I have the useless ability to remember all the families in Happy Family.

Think Happy Thoughts

2011-07-02T14:02:00.006+08:00

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we should dance"

A recap at the little things that made my life beautiful in the past few months:

The launch of Disney Junior is possible the cutest channel launch I've been to so far. There were colour pencils, crayons and drawings for us to colour. Not surprisingly, i was the only adult in the room who did any colouring! Then there was the performance by toddlers, including one who was more interested in the TV stand than the audiences. Cuteness maximus.

Received a deer necklace from Karen on a day when i was, coincidentally, wearing my fave deer tee. And the day i decided to wear the necklace, was the day one of the antlers broke. So now i have a disabled deer hanging from my neck.

Discovered the beauty that is F&F from Tesco. Them tights are tight! If i have enough of boots and tights, I would rock the look everyday no matter how many times i've had people come up to me and say, "Wear boots not hot ah?".

Pa managed to find me fresh, raw lotus seeds! Beneath the ugly exterior, layers of skin that need to be peeled, and a bitter bud that should be removed are lotus seeds that can take over kuaci's place as the perfect fat-free TV snack.

A Hug I Will Never Receive

2011-06-01T23:29:00.003+08:00

No matter how tough a front I put on, once in a while, i will break down and cry. But there is nothing to be worried about. I just need to cry and like magic, all the tiredness, the pain, the stress will go away when the tears leave me.

But what i found out today is so heartbreaking. I realised that i am never allowed to break down. That i have to be strong all the time. It hurts so much when you turn to someone for a hug and no matter how much tears you shed, and how many times you ask for it, the person refuses to give it to you because he/she wants you to be strong. Because by giving you that hug, he/she believes that you will be spoilt and will no longer be that tough cookie you are supposed to be. No wonder people say rejection can really hurt.

It sucks that what i want from you, i will never get. Maybe i have myself to blame because i expected something that is never meant to be mine. Perhaps i should learn to accept the fact that no matter how i try, our frame of mind will never be the same.

I really put myself out there today. I've never told anyone what i told you today and what was the result? Not only did i not get the shoulder that i was hoping to cry on, i also found out that i gave you another reason to worry. Just great. Which leads me back to the reason why i always tell myself to shut up and not say anything no matter how horrible it makes me feel. Which is the reason why i firmly believe that if i am seriously sick, i cannot breathe a word to you because you will worry even more and making your life more difficult is the last thing i want.

And you. Please understand that me breaking down once in a blue moon does not make me any less independent. I can survive and i will survive. But sometimes i just need to take five and when i do, i want a shoulder to cry on. It's as simple as that.

A hug can seriously change my day for the better today but i didn't get it. If sorry is the hardest word to say, a hug is the hardest act to give.

Cue Wedding Bells

2011-04-30T00:31:00.000+08:00

The royal wedding is a done deal! All four TVs at the office were tuned to it the entire day. Super excited since this is my first royal-wedding experience. Wonder what Kate (pardon me, i mean the Duchess of Cambridge) feels right now? Oh, to be a real-life princess!

Me: You're invited to my wedding with Harry. I'll send you a royal invitation soon. Make sure you come!

Ee Laine: You'll be the 'special' princess.

Me: Yes, i definitely won't be as innocent or girly as the other princesses. England will hate me!

Ee Laine: But lots of people will be talking about you!

Me: I'll make gossip headlines. Berita sensasi!

Ee Laine: Because you're so controversial, they'll give you a reality TV series like the Kardashians.

Me: Yes yes yes! And you can subtitle my show.

Ee Laine: There won't be anything to subtitle because so much of it will be censored! It'll be like, 'The *bleep* is a *bleep* and *bleep*'. Nothing will make sense!

What the? Oh well, guess i can kiss my tiara goodbye.

Everyone Is A Book Waiting To Be Read

2011-04-27T17:29:00.005+08:00

On my daily commute to work, there are a few familiar faces that i see, but do not know personally. Sometimes, i wonder what their lives are like. Why they are who they are, be it weird or ordinary.

There is a skinny, kind-looking, middle-aged man who hums all the time. I wonder if it's a favourite song or a religious chant/hymn?

There is a rather peculiar man who does not give a hoot about the people around him, not in a rude way but in a i-live-in-my-own-world-and-you-don't-exist way. More often than not, he looked like he has walked the whole day, with the back of his work shirt covered in sweat patches. In the evenings, i've seen him cycle around the neighbourhood collecting recyclable materials. Which is he? A hardworker looking to earn an extra buck to survive? An environmentally-conscious soul? Or a plain weirdo?

There is a pleasant, friendly woman who is ever ready to strike a conversation with anyone who is up for a chat. I'm guessing she has befriended at least 5 strangers so far. At times, i see her standing alone in the corner, perhaps waiting for a familiar face to say hi. Could she be a lonely woman at heart, with a share of downs in her love life?

There is a late-20s or early-30s bespectacled Chinese man who makes a stop at KL Sentral. His small lips and nose make him look younger than what i guess he is. He is always in collared work shirts and a great-fitted pants (heaven knows how many men wear unflattering, loose slacks to work) that show off his tush. And every time i see him, i tell myself, "I bet Joyce will like him"...until i look down at his feet. A pair of Crocs. Why would anyone wear good work clothes then spoil it with Crocs? Maybe he changes into his work shoes that he keep underneath his work desk at the office?

There is a grandma-ish lady whose face reminds me of my Mah Mah. While i don't know her personally, i always say a short prayer for her each time i see her simply because she comes off as a very kind-hearted soul. Plus, it is obvious that she is suffering from a leg problem because she has difficulties in walking. Makes me wonder why she is travelling on the train in the first place. Where is her child? Why aren't they taking care of her? What worries is she hiding behind her smile?

Everybody has a story to tell if you take five to watch and listen.

Do The Yan Can

2011-04-11T09:50:00.000+08:00

Long before i knew how to boil Maggi noodles and fry sausages and egg, one man believed in my skills in the kitchen, reminding me week after week that i can cook. A month ago, i finally met the man... and he cooked for me too!

As much as Martin Yan is a chef, he is also a great showman, keeping his guests entertained with witty jokes and a chicken-deboning demo that only took 18 seconds. Plus, out of the few chefs i've had the privilege to meet, he is the only one who thanked me for coming and made me believe that he sincerely meant it because heaven knows how many celebrities say thank you merely out of courtesy.

As i was leaving, i stumbled upon him and after a funny chat about Malaysia and girls who dress sexily, he turned back and said, "Oh yes, honestly, thank you so much for coming to today's event. I really appreciate it." To which my friend replied, "We should be thanking you for coming all the way from San Francisco. You're the one making the long journey here!" I couldn't have agreed better. What a humble man.

Chicken Of The Sea

2011-04-05T10:31:00.000+08:00

Maybe it's the estrogen running in me or the hours i've unconsciously spent watching AFC and TLC when Mom has control of the remote. But i have now developed a liking for cooking *gasp* though it is still limited to salads, spaghetti and food that do not require me to touch raw meat. But what happens if a recipe i really want to try calls for grilled chicken meat, you ask? I buy them from the chicken rice auntie lah!

So the other night, Mom didn't know what to eat for dinner and i told her to pick something off my recipe book. Yes, i am now in the housewives' league where i keep a book filled with recipes. This is item #4 to be ticked off the book.

It has everything that i love: tuna, chilli and capers! Them capers so awesome and salty, i secretly eat them on their own. And just because, i decided to tweak the recipe by topping my healthy dinner with furikake: the second yummiest food after raw octopus with lemon juice and wasabi that Yumiko introduced to my tastebuds. It's basically dried condiments varying from seaweed and sesame seeds to fish roe and salmon that you mix with white rice. Or in my case, with pasta, soups and straight from the packet.

A Map On My Shoulder

2011-03-24T00:11:00.002+08:00

Let this be a lesson to you.

The next time you're watching television and the sky appears to be gloomy, with a potential for rain, get your lazy ass up and take the clothes in first. Do not wait until it starts to drizzle because when that happens, you're going to panic and run to the garden.

Then boom! You're going to slam into the wall and end up bruised.

Vampires Vs Naked Men

2011-03-19T14:40:00.002+08:00

Kanaga: bla bla bla Japan's nuclear leak bla bla bla
Me: You know what? I reckon things would be so much better if we lived a simple, carefree life like Adam and Eve used to. Then there will be no worries about nuclear leaks.
Kanaga: But then we won't have hot vampires to look at! (referring to Damon and Stefan of Vampire Diaries)
Me: Who needs hot vampires when you have hot men walking naked around you?
Kanaga: [laughs]

A Swinging Time

2011-03-07T22:40:00.008+08:00

There are many traditions in my family and one involves my cousins and I gathering at a certain playground once a year. Not twice, or thrice. It's something we do that only happens once and year in, year out, we would end up spending time at the exact same spot in the same playground.

Although this year, i did bring something to make it more fun - Monopoly Deal. Only the best-est card game in town! And this woman here won twice and caused one cousin to go 'bankrupt'. Woot! Family or no family, I take my Deal seriously.

Truth be told, this year's playground meeting was a much needed one for me because prior to it, something very unpleasant happened and knowing that the unpleasantness would continue as soon as playground meeting was over, i simply locked all worries aside and enjoyed the happy moment while it lasted. It was a few hours worth of good times that made the sad period i was facing slightly more bearable.

What would i do without my cousins?

Kuku Ku

2011-03-04T22:41:00.003+08:00

Look at my nails! I have normal-length nails now! And they are painted in awesome pale pink and green!

For as long as i can remember, i've had grossly short fingernails since primary school because i bite my nails. Unlike my friends, I never had to worry about surprise nail checks at school because they were always short anyway. My grandma used to remind me about the amount of germs i was putting into my mouth because of my habit. She once even said that she would rub chili on my fingers to stop me from biting em. I've tried painting them with clear nail polish but it didn't work. I would bite them anyway.

Then the habit took another odd turn. I could only bite my nails as far as my teeth could go. So i found another way that allowed my nails to go even shorter. Pen-knife! (Shock! Horror! Gasp!) Biting my nails till they bleed a little was not out of the ordinary too. (Geez, i'm making myself sound like a freak!) Then i stopped with the knife and improved a little. This time, it was the nail clipper. Hey, at least i was not getting the germs into my mouth!

Then somehow, the habit kinda stopped in January. Prolly because i was so busy working both at the office and at home that i simply didn't have time to reach for the nail clipper. So i decided to paint my nails and what do you know? I was too vain to spoil the paint and decided to cut back on my nail-cutting habit. As the nails grew longer, i got more excited because i could finally see the yellow part of the nail (the part that you trim off) after sooo many years!

I tried removing my nail polish a few times because i wanted to give my nails a breather but each time that i removed all nail polish, i would end up biting one fingernail. Damn, this must be what addicts feel like. It's so difficult to control! So i've had my nails painted again...and i'm guessing they will remain so for a while until my 'addiction' leaves me alone.

Yay for normal nails! Makes washing my hair and scratching my scalp oh-so-syiok!

Red Beard

2011-03-01T09:41:00.002+08:00

Look what i made!

All in 10 minutes with the help of a pair of scissors and an old red t-shirt with holes. Saved me from spending RM35 on a similar looking one on a blogshop! Nice or not? Although Mom said it looked like i was wearing a baby's bib. Hey, all the better to protect my clothes from stain-causing curry and spicy soup lunches!

Sour Mangoes Rock My Tastebuds

2011-02-27T22:27:00.000+08:00

Bought a packet of sour mangoes after lunch the other day. As i started devouring it while catching up on blogs and celebrity gossip on the computer, i noticed a tiny piece of mango. It was weird because Fruit Aunty usually cuts the mangoes into long thin stripes. My first instinct was, "Eat tiny mango first before proceeding to 'normal' mangoes. Must eliminate odd one out."

So i poked it with the stick but somehow, the stick couldn't go through.

Thinking that tiny mango may have gotten in between a layer of the plastic packet, i tried to move it around. Then it hit me. No wonder i couldn't pick at tiny mango...

Tiny mango was my yellow-painted nail! In my defense, the colour was kinda same, okay?

Lesson Learnt

2011-02-13T14:04:00.003+08:00

Yesterday night, i got drunk. Not just tipsy but drunk drunk. It was the worst night out of my life.

I had on an awesome dress but instead of rocking the night away, i downed one too many tequila shots while confidently thinking that i would only get tipsy at best. Well apparently, i was very wrong. The last thing i remembered clearly was waiting on the couch with Joyce while Karen helped a drunk Victor to the toilet. Then the next thing i knew, i had fallen asleep and was being dragged to the toilet where i fell and gave myself a bruise on the knee.

I couldn't walk without someone helping me to. One stupid staff member tried to touch me while helping me. Thank God i wasn't that much of a goner and managed to push his hand away. I vaguely remember being carried into a car, puking outside the car and hearing Karen tell Sidney that my phone is lost. Great. Adding salt to injury.

I couldn't go home looking like a wreck so i crashed at Karen's place instead. And when i woke up, millions of thoughts flooded my mind, mostly concerning the sounding that i was about to face at home. Got drunk, didn't sleep at home, lost my phone - it was going to be one heck of a sounding and well, i can only blame myself.

I am NEVER going to get drunk again. So many disgraceful incidents - being carried out of a pub in full view of hot kuai los is not sexy. I am so ashamed, and knowing that Karen and Sidney had to bust their asses helping me worsens the guilt. Thank you and so sorry guys. This is the first and last time.

Peek-A-Boo

2011-02-13T11:48:00.002+08:00

Ohmigosh, why are these dresses so gorgeous?!? Topshop Malaysia, please please please carry them in your stores and sell them at prices that i can afford!

One Woman's Fragrance Is Another's Stink

2011-02-12T00:08:00.004+08:00

I am not much of a perfume fan. Except for my Elizabeth Arden Green Tea one, all perfumes in my room are either gifts, samples or my mother's. Instead, i prefer lotions because in addition to smelling nice, they moisturise my skin.

Before i go on, you should know that my friends tend to think that i have a wonky sense of smell. They think my Body Shop Grapefruit lotion is smelly. Okay, maybe citrus isn't their cup of tea. So i put on an Anna Sui lotion that i thought smelled sweet, girly and 'safe' for my friends' noses. Lo and behold, they didn't like it too.

Before heading out with Joyce and Karen a few evenings back, i slapped on my current fave: Body Shop's Satsuma Body Butter. It smells fruity and makes me feel as if i just spent an hour soaking in orange juice. So as i hopped into Joyce's car, i made them smell my hands, feeling rather confidently that this time, they would approve of the smell. I mean, it's orange. You can't go wrong with orange! And just what was the responses i received? Karen didn't like it and Joyce said i smelled like a taxi.

Say what?

New Year, New Surroundings

2011-02-05T23:00:00.006+08:00

Because CNY eve at home is equivalent to noisy get-no-sleep firecrackers night, we tried something different this Rabbit year - we packed our bags (and Zipper's toys) and headed to somewhere more quiet to spend the night.

And i'm not kidding when i say the place is quiet. It is so far away from the city that cows take their morning walk along the roads!

A phrase that i hold dear to my heart. Home is family and family (all my awesome extended family included!) is love. And when you have love, all is good.

You No Vajayjay! Out!

2011-02-02T11:17:00.000+08:00

The next time you take the KTM, hop on the middle coach. But only if you're a woman - or at least look like one - because if you're not, female passengers in the coach will likely stare at you as if you've just committed a crime, while more daring ones will snap at you and go 'Ladies only!'.

Some time ago, the management at KTM decided to implement a ladies-only coach for the safety of the fairer sex. Sure, it does create a more comfortable environment because getting squashed together with a bunch of shes feels better than getting the lower half of your body jammed next to a male stranger's but is it really safer?

I've read comments in newspapers where women complain about men passengers infiltrating the coach. I've spoken to female friends who love this KTM thingamajig.

I think it's selfish.

Yes, i am a woman and you can call me a bitch for siding with the other side but i reckon the move is very unfair. There are three coaches and now that one is off-limits to men, that means they've got lesser space, lesser opportunities to board the train during rush hour. If ladies get a coach to themselves, shouldn't men get one too? And what about women in non-ladies coach? Shouldn't they be ordered to use the special coach?

I use the ladies coach when i cannot get into the other two coaches. I use it on days when i'm wearing ugly outfits that i don't want the men to see me in (oh shut up, you know you dress up to look good for the opposite sex). But do i really need it? Of course not. On any other occassions, i try to avoid the ladies coach because i don't support the idea at all. But by doing so, i'm also taking up space for male passengers. And i don't like being in this predicament.

Honestly, i think many of the "But it's safer" talk is bullshit. Oh come on. Some of the females know that they love the ladies coach simply because it's emptier. It's so annoying to see the female coach empty when the rest of the passengers *cough* men *cough* have to stuff themselves into the other coaches. It's ridiculous. Plus, it isn't all that safer. Females can pick pockets too! And if you've actually taken the KTM, you'll know that many of these females are fucking rude...worse than the men!

Next Stop: Brisvegas

2011-01-26T16:18:00.000+08:00

Hi, my name is Lea and i will be your tour guide for today. Welcome to Brisbane City, a not so popular city in Australia. Here, you don't have to worry about travelling all the way Down Under only to be surrounded by Malaysians and Singaporeas ala Melbourne, or about living in a crowded city area like Sydney that slightly resembles Kuala Lumpur.

Below, you will see The Cathedral of St. Stephen, the first church in Queensland and a 147-year-old gothic revival work of art, where i spent almost (i say almost because there were days when i chose sleep over mass...my bad) all my Sunday mornings for two years. During most of these times, i would end up sitting near a very old, petite, hunchbacked, white-haired lady. Every time that i saw her, i smiled, thanking God for keeping her alive and healthy enough to go to church. During my trip back middle last year, i looked forward to seeing her again but unfortunately, she was nowhere to be seen. Random stranger, wherever you are, I wish you well.

I'm not a fan of History hence museums rarely make it into my travel itineraries. However, i've visited Queensland Museum countless of times because it's free and because there are three floors of animal-displays! That's an animal lover's version of a theme park! I love love love the ocean display where marine creatures hang from the ceiling and are positioned against a beautiful blue background replicating the ocean floor.

My cousin once said that she would like to be a bird so she could shit on her enemies. I love that idea but apparently, being a bird is not easy at all. Flying, if you ever develop wings at all, is super difficult! I couldn't lift my 'wings' above my shoulders! If i were a bird, i would probably end up falling dead on my enemies than shitting on em. Oh well, at least the enemies get hit anyhow.

And on the second floor is the grandest display of all. Carefully arranged according to size in a massive glass case is an extensive collection of stuffed animals ranging from the littlest shellfish to the biggest mammal in the animal kingdom. Because the layout of my blog is not 2937261 meters wide, the images do no justice to the actual display. It really is awe-inspiring in person!

Across the river from where the museum sits is the city area where buildings with old architectural charm meet new modern skyscrapers. Where i spend most of my time shopping and eating yummy Korean food. Where plenty of goth teens hang out. Where clubbers go (Hungry Jacks!) after a night of drinking and hitting on good looking people. Damn i miss Brissy.

Dum Dee Dee Dum

2011-01-20T10:52:00.003+08:00

Me: Hey Ma, guess what song is this. *starts to hum the tune of The Wedding March*
Mom: Sounds familiar but i don't know lah.
Me: You will know this lah. It's so easy. Everybody knows this song!
Mom: Oh, is it this? *starts singing a totally different song*
Me: Nolah! It's so easy if Zi can speak human language, even he can give the answer!

An hour later...

Me: Hey Pa, guess what song is this. *starts to hum the tune of The Wedding March*
Dad: Is it from a TV series?
Me: Nope. *hums again* It's damn easy!
Dad: I don't know lah. Or maybe you're just not humming in tune.
Mom: *laughs*

Potong betul.

Sleepover Recipe

2011-01-01T11:42:00.002+08:00

What you need:
People who allow you to be who you are without judging you
DVDs, including horror movies and a complete SAW series
Monopoly Deal, PlayStation and a camera
Hats, wacky glasses and other party favours that tickle your fancy
McDonald's set meals
Lots of junk food and soft drinks
Club music, including We No Speak Americano's 'Papa Americano'
Mattresses, pillows, comforters, blankets and plenty of empty space on the living room floor

It's funny that people call it a sleepover because it seems that at a sleepover, you do everything else besides sleep.

'Tis The Season To Be Jolly

2010-12-29T22:08:00.002+08:00

Christmas, like always, is the most beautiful time of the year. And i don't say this simply because i believe in the birth of Jesus Christ on one beautiful day in Bethlehem. I say this because i reckon it is a holiday celebrated by people of other religions. Be it a Hindu, a Buddhist or a Muslim, you see them buying presents, putting up Christmas trees and marvelling at the beauty of festive decorations at malls. It is one time of the year when so many people of different beliefs come together to celebrate a religious holiday that is not their own.

My Christmas this year was as expected, great. Sure, things have been different since my Mah Mah and Yeh Yeh left us but that doesn't mean it isn't good. There were the usual good food, great people and presents but no Christmas is ever the same thanks to the different happenings that take place and put a smile on my face.

As a kid, Christmas Day at Dad's home was often filled with the smell of curry and chocolate. Mah Mah would make curry to celebrate the day while Aunt Rita would come visit with her homemade chocolate cake in hand. Hoping to help Dad relive the beautiful days that were, Mom decided to do the same. And that was why instead of turkey, stuffings and brussel sprouts, i had a meaningful Christmas Eve dinner of chicken curry and chocolate nutty brownie.

I've stopped shopping for Christmas (or any other celebrations) clothes for the past few years. One, i cannot buy new clothes weeks earlier and wait for Christmas to wear it. Two, i think it's ridiculous to stress on getting an attire - shopping should be fun. But miraculously, this year somehow worked out for me because while Christmas-gift shopping, i found out that the top i've been eyeing on is on a 50% sale! And my dear heels that have been sitting in the cupboard for a month now, waiting for an appropriate event where it can make its debut, finally got its chance thanks to the Christmas mass! Super loving this outfit.

Christmas cards are beautiful. It's sad that so few people send them these days because of the convenience of email. Sure, emails are easy and free but they don't 'feel' sincere. Anyhoo, i was given THE BEST CHRISTMAS CARD EVER this year by a dear friend. Having grown used to usual folded cards, i was slightly surprised at this glittery one that is good enough to be a deco. While marvelling at the beauty of it, i noticed something and started laughing my lungs out. There, at the centre, was a little picture that only the dear friend knows how much it means to me. Creativity = 100 points. Sincerity = 200 points. Thanks! (Oh, dear friend, Mom just saw this picture and asked 'Why do you have a picture of a tomb on your screen?'. Haha! Choi! *touches wood*)

Christmas day 2010 played witness to the addition of a new member of the family. Meet Rachel. She so real, she even gets a baby seat! She is one part of the Baby Alive line with an ability to eat mushy bananas and drink apple juice. She also giggles, burps and says smart things like, "Yummy in my tummy". Apparently, there is a more expensive version of the doll that poops! And it comes with a juice mixture and diapers! What in heaven's name happened to normal dolls that do nothing but eerily blink? Tsk tsk tsk. Technology these days...

Then there's Mr Andrew who got a vest from Dad. He was so excited about it *cough* vain *cough*, he went to his room to try it on immediately after opening the present. The next thing i knew, a businessman-looking lad somehow assumed my t-shirt-wearing cousin's identity and came down the stairs. A before-and-after transformation worthy of a makeover reality series!

There is one more week left until the end of Christmas. Make the most of it, have a blast and a kickass 2011!

Tiny In Size But Big On Value

2010-12-08T19:12:00.000+08:00

Few months ago, i was out with a dear colleague and somehow, glue gun, hairband skeletons and pendants came into the topic. I asked her if she knew where to get em because sometimes, my hands get itchy for some DIY action.

Then to my surprise, i received them as gifts for my birthday this year. Knowing that she remembered and took the effort to get them means a lot to me. No expensive gift can beat a gift that comes from the heart.

Now, someone get me something to glue!

A Proud Product Of UQ

2010-12-07T22:09:00.000+08:00

When i first started college yonks ago, i knew i wanted to go overseas but never really envisioned it happening because well, i wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. But i was born into a family that i am very thankful for, and who was willing to cut back on their own expenses to make the dream come true for me. So welcome to the University of Queensland, Australia!

For someone whose previous college is a mere two-storey thing (i still love you Taylor's ADP), this is education heaven. It's so cool it not only has a few lakes, colleges, libraries, cafes and museums (including one with an upside down wooden Hummer), it even has its own ferry stop! Oh yeah.

Distorted Minds In The 21st Century

2010-11-30T21:22:00.003+08:00

Today, i met a little boy and this happened...

Boy: Are you a [his race] or Chinese?
Me: I'm a Chinese. Why?
Boy: You're a Chinese?
Me: Yes.
Boy: Oh, then you cannot enter heaven. You'll have to go to hell.

I don't blame the boy one bit for saying what he said. He's prolly 9 at most. What does he know? What shocked me was the fact that there are adults out there who are passing on such ridiculous information to innocent children and giving them a wrong perception of life. Shame on them.

When You Give, You Will Be Given

2010-11-16T18:30:00.001+08:00

If there's one thing i love about working where i work now, it's the amazing CSR opportunities i get. There's just something about giving back to society that makes one's day.

And to the Indian auntie and Carl, who head the feeding centre at St. John's church, i take my hats off to you. Doing what you do is not easy and certainly not a profitable job, but yet you do it anyway. You are a glimmer of hope in a world where almost everyone is all about making money. Thank you.

Doing Diwali Cina-Style

2010-11-14T21:45:00.007+08:00

Instead of chicken varuval and murukku, my Deepavali this year was spent with dim sum, chicken rice and the best salt-baked chicken i've ever had. And because my family take food seriously, we didn't want to settle for just any dim sum or chicken. We endured a two-hour train ride to Ipoh, ate till our hearts content, and hopped on another two-hour journey home seven hours later.

Because we didn't drive there, we had to rely on taxis and our feet to get us around. At one point, we walked for more than an hour trying to find our way from the dim sum restaurant to the soya bean place and then to Ipoh Parade. Half way through, some of us gave up and caught a cab instead. Those who braved the long walk to the mall were greeted by Daddy, who immediately shook everyone's hands and said, "Congratulations. You've made it to the next round of the Amazing Race". Haha! I never knew Dad is an Allan Wu-Phil Keoghan wannabe.

During our early chicken-rice dinner, we made up for all the kilos lost while walking. Everyone headed to the train station with bigger bellies and declared that they've had enough food to last until the next day. But of course, being Malaysians, we live to eat. A couple of hours later, we ordered nasi lemak from the train's cafeteria. So much for being stuffed.

Having arrived at the train station an hour earlier, we had time to kill and popped into the nearby Majestic Station Hotel for a visit. Built in 1917, it houses a really old elevator with stairs circling it and has a hotel room corridor (pictured on the right) unlike any others i've seen. Sure, it has great history but a hotel that has been around since the World War and prolly housed many war officials (both good and evil i suppose)? No thank you. But if antiques, rustic charm and ghosts are your cup of tea, then knock yourself out.

Till the next excursion, tootaloo! Funny how it sounds like "to the loo", which was what some of us did after this picture was taken. Hey, all the chicken and siew mai have to go somewhere right?

I Depend On Me

2010-11-01T16:02:00.003+08:00

There have been times when a few acquaintances and male strangers have said something that i find unacceptable.

"Aiyah, just find a boyfriend and get him to pay for your holiday lah."

"Suruh lah pakwe you bayar."

"I want to marry a rich man so that i can buy all the branded goods in the mall."

All i hear is, "I am a useless woman who cannot make my own money and only know how to spend my boyfriend's money." Excuse me, but i am capable of earning a living too.

It's more than fine with me when a man offers to pay for something... but not all the friggin time, and you don't exploit his wealth - he's a boyfriend, not a bank. I can never wrap my head around the idea of constantly spending a partner's money. Don't they feel useless for not being able to pay for their own unnecessary purchases? If they can afford it but aren't willing to pay for it, don't they feel ashamed for being so selfish?

A relationship is a two-person venture and when you want him to give, you should expect to do the same too. You don't just take. The person who coined the phrase, "His money is my money and my money is my money" is a selfish bitch who will live a miserable life when her man comes to his senses and dumps her sorry ass.

I'm Their Little Chicken

2010-10-30T23:56:00.003+08:00

Say 'G'day mam' to two of my oldest (literally) friends: one of the reasons that saw me flying back to Brissy middle this year.

When you meet people who are much older, you tend to expect awkward silences and a lack of conversational topics. That however, wasn't the case with Val and Maria. These fashionable mamas are very much young at heart.

At times when the shop (where we work) was quiet, the cheeky Val's idea to bring in people would be for us to "go out to the shop with out cute little outfits and do a belly dance while playing the tambourine!" And believe it or not, i used to turn to the classy Maria for advice on hair and make-up. In fact, she was the one who convinced me to get my maxi, which i reckon is one of the best fashion decisions i've ever made.

And what i appreciate most is that they never expect me to think the same way as them or belittle me for my lack of experience - a trait that is very hard to find because many grown-ups i've met usually want me to think or behave like them because "they're always right".

From the bottom of my heart, thank you ladies.

Six Feet Underground

2010-10-28T16:26:00.003+08:00

I tweeted about it. I texted my friends about it. I posted a Facebook status about it. It was the best RM13 i've ever spent. Well, Gai thought it was a waste of her money but meh, she's into different things so it doesn't count.

The room was dark and mostly empty.

Throughout the entire experience, there was silence (minus a few exclamations of 'Ohmigosh' and 'What the fuck?'). Every inch of my body tightened as stress and tension took over me. I was worried. I was relieved before being disappointed again. I was angry. And i teared a little too. It was not what i pictured the experience to be. It was so much more.

Although so little was said and done, the messages conveyed were loud and clear and very troubling. And that to me, was what made the experience all that worthwhile. To be able to turn less into more is something only a few gifted people in the industry can do.

Buried.

That is the experience i am referring to. Go catch it in the cinema while it's on. The best indie flick to date.

Ohmigosh. Ohmigosh. Ohmigosh.

2010-10-16T01:58:00.003+08:00

It's 1.59am on October 16.

Yesterday was a great day because:

a) I was on leave
b) I had time to catch the repeat of Thursday's TARA4 and got an eyeful of the hotness that is The Riches
c) I went on a shopping excursion with Karen and Louanne and got a really awesome party dress, (although i will prolly have to starve the entire day to rock the look) and some pretty necklaces from the best store in the world, Forever 21
d) I had Nando's grilled vege and chicken for dinner

And about 10 minutes ago, i read an email that made me even happier than i already am. Karen, Joyce, Louanne...where are you ladies? I wanna share my excitement! I'm not gonna say anything now because i don't want to jinx it but if all goes well, i can finally tick off a very important item in my to-do list. I know i shouldn't have such high hopes because i may be disappointed but to be even given this tiny glimpse of hope is a great achievement to me! Super exciting! Thank you God!

Now, i'm gonna try to calm down a little and go to bed. Sweet dreams!

I Could Eat Fruits All Day

2010-10-10T11:05:00.002+08:00

One cup of Marigold yogurt (my fave yogurt brand!) with extra topping of passion fruit
One half of a passion fruit
Five baby tomatoes
Three strawberries
One whole peach

And that ladies and gentlemen, makes the ultimate breakfast for champions. Now excuse me while i *burp*

Boredom Is My New Best Friend

2010-09-30T15:09:00.000+08:00

I am bored. In Malay, that would mean, "Saya bosan" and in Cantonese, "Ngo ho sien". Yup, i think you get the point.

Today, i came into the office and found out that the IT geeks have decided to block Twitter. Great. Now that i no longer can stalk random Twitter accounts, what the hell am i supposed to do to kill time and to take a break from writing articles? Thank heavens i can still do some online window-shopping. So i clicked into one of the blogshops i visit daily and was greeted with this:

"This website has been blocked. The reason that you have been block is 'Porn' category is not allowed in your policy."

Yeah, dresses, tops and leggings are totally porn-ish. When people see them, all they think about is ripping the clothes off and having sex. Fools. And it only gets worse from there.

They've blocked Tumblr because it's a 'Social Networking' site and i just found out that they've blocked AXN Asia's official website because it's in the 'streaming media' category (just because the site allows users to stream full episodes of TARA doesn't make it a streaming media site, you dimwits!). Mind you, my job involves writing about AXN Asia's programs!

One of my last hope for entertainment was to look for a certain guy on GTalk whom i layan when I have writer's block and have nothing to do. Surprise, surprise...GTalk's blocked too!

So, besides the awesome emails from friends, today has been an absolute bore. So much so that i went to check out a bunch of cook books and instead of photocopying, decided to type out all the recipes i'm keen on trying.

Whoever who suddenly decided to block these sites, i don't want to friend you.

I Am Me. You Are Not Me.

2010-09-29T20:47:00.003+08:00

I really hate it when people think they know me better than myself. Excuse me, but are you me? Do we share the same brain with the same thoughts running through it? I'm guessing no. So zip it and stop acting like you know me so well.

And it irritates me even more when they think i'm angry when i'm actually not. Then, when i tell them i'm not angry, they get angry because they think i'm lying. Oh, so just because you think i'm angry then i'm supposed to be angry?

By the end of the conversation, they would end up being correct anyway because all their talk about me being angry would really make me angry.

Fuck.

A Walk To Remember

2010-09-12T11:31:00.004+08:00

While having the best seafood meal i've ever had, Ning Yi told me that she felt something on her head. Lo and behold, a bird has decided to gift her with its droppings. Lucky for her and unlucky for me, it landed on a hard-to-reach area and i was handed the duty of cleaning it. What a way to kill any sense of contentment i initially had from my lunch.

So after the shellfish indulgence and poop-cleaning, we decided to walk around the beach and noticed Q1 (the world's tallest residential apartment located at Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast) in the far-off distance. Since Surfers was our next destination anyway, we thought we'd just walk in the direction of Q1 which looked at most about an hour away. That way, we would get to enjoy the less popular areas of Gold Coast instead of being cooped up in a bus.

We stumbled upon so many beautiful quaint little parks where people would go to take a breather from daily life and to walk their dogs. If people from other countries can manage to keep their parks so clean, why can't we in Malaysia do the same? Most of our parks are either heavily vandalised or covered in litter. Super gross.

After walking for while, i looked up and noticed that Q1 is no longer visible! We didn't have a map, we didn't know where we were and our only location marker has seemed to disappear amongst other skyscrapers in the horizon! But we weren't planning on giving up just yet. We did what we thought would be the best bet: we walked along straight roads (hey, they'll have to lead us somewhere right?).

By that time, we had probably been walking for over an hour since our departure from Labrador (where the seafood market was). The decision to stick to main roads turned out to be the right one because it brought us to yet another gorgeous park by the sea. This one had a super fun playground that made me wish i was young enough to play! There was a flying fox thingamajig that allow kids to swing themselves from one end to the other, a scooter track with obstacle courses, and best of all, a monorail-like ride that goes around the playground when you cycle!

The road finally led us to residential areas and that was when i thought we were really screwed. With so many junctions, how are we to know which turn to make? While i suggested we stay as close to the main road as possible, Ning Yi thought it would be a shorter route if we cut through the homes. So we did it her way. And after about 15 minutes of admiring houses, we saw the sea! We continued walking along the sea and just when i thought we were going to get lost again, we saw a familiar stretch of buildings and beach, and there was Surfers Paradise in all its glory!

By then, we had walked for about two hours and we made it just in time before the sun decided to retire for the day. It was the longest walk i've ever had but also the most adventurest and the most rewarding. Definitely a walk to remember...

It's Okay. It's Just A Minor Fall.

2010-09-07T21:25:00.003+08:00

Today, you scared the shit out of me.

I don't blame you for whatever that happened because it wasn't your fault. The blame is all on the asshole who i believe will lead a disastrous life because to quote a friend, "Karma is very slow, but she is very good." However, i do wish that you learn how to tone things down. Sure, it sucks for anybody to experience such nightmare but is it the end of the world? No.

I'm not saying, "Don't call me when you're feeling shitty because you'll make me miserable too" and i do hope that you stop thinking so because that is not what i meant when i told you that your call worried me. I love you and i want you to be able to talk to me when you're down. I want you to know that my shoulder is always open for you to cry on. I want you to know that come rain or shine, i'm here for you. But i really hope that you stop turning a molehill into a mountain because this whole drama thing you have going on is not fun and can be very scary to everyone who loves you.

If only you could understand...

Taking Five

2010-09-06T19:49:00.000+08:00

With a few clicks, i lost a few thousand bucks and would eventually go on to lose more. But it was ohsofrigginworthit.

After thinking about it since January 2008 and really thinking about it since late 2009, i finally decided to do it. I bought a return ticket to Brisbane for a 10-day long escape. Initially, i was worried about spending that much money on a place that i've already been to. I could have visited Eun-hae in Korea, Sue in Hong Kong or Yumiko in Japan but I couldn't resist the temptation of going back to a place where some of the best moments of my 20-something life were lived.

The trip came at a really good time too because a couple of weeks before my departure, i wasn't feeling too good about myself. I felt like a total failure and things between my mom and I weren't that fine and dandy. A certain issue was making me feel like i was a worthless piece of crap. I really wanted to talk about it but didn't know how to bring it up to my friends here. I didn't want people to go "Aiyah, never mind lah" because i cannot not mind it. It was definitely getting to my head.

So off i went for a much-needed holiday on June 30 which included a really comforting lunch where i finally got that issue off my chest. Thanks, you two! *Gives you a giant-bigger-than-the-biggest-planet hug* (Note the rainbow in the picture on the right!)

Okay, enough with the soap opera. On to a few random pictures i like that do not fit into any of the Brissy-related posts i am planning to write.

Finally Getting There

2010-09-03T02:09:00.001+08:00

There are many things that i have yet to tick off my to-do list and one of them is getting drunk. Yup, in the few times i've hit the town at night, i've never gotten myself overfilled with alcohol...until the night of Eda's birthday party at Changkat.

Well, i didn't actually get drunk but i was tipsy and well on my way to getting totally hammered if i had knocked back a few more shots, Sangrias and Long Islands. So what did it feel to be in such state? It was fucking amazing (provided you know how to keep it under control and have awesome friends to watch over you lah)!

Expecting the night to be a sober one, i was surprised when my head started getting slightly dizzy after a shot of tequila on an empty stomach. Funny thing was, i only felt it a few minutes after Joyce and Karen were recovering from theirs. Haha. My body system is super slow. So anyway, a few more drinks later, the high was still somewhere lingering in my head and i thought, "Why not?" and downed more.

Then, the next thing i knew, i needed to pee quite frequently, and i just felt happy and carefree. Yes, there were a couple of things i've done that night that i would never ever ever ever tell my parents but altogether, i was happy being the don't-think-just-act girl i used to be back in school. For once, my mind was not working overtime, thinking about things that need not be thought about...

...and i like that. Except for the act i had to put on when i reached home and Mom asked me about the party (speaking to your mother with a heavy head is not exactly the easiest thing to do), and for the minor headache i had to endure the next morning. I woke up thinking "Oh shit, i forgot to remove my makeup!" only to run to the mirror to see that my face is clean. Funny thing is, i couldn't remember removing my make-up or taking a shower. Oh wait, i think i did. Oh wait, maybe i didn't. Ah! I don't know!

Edward Sullen Eats Chinese Food And Goes Bowling

2010-09-01T21:32:00.003+08:00

Question. What is the noisiest thing one can ever encounter in their lives? Answer. My family.

If you were at Mid Valley today, watched the 1pm screening of Vampire Sucks (which doesn't suck at all!), dined at Kim Gary and played bowling at Cosmic Bowl, and heard really loud noises, i'm sorry. That was us having heaps of fun. And for once, i managed to knock down more than zero pins during bowling! Woo hoo!

You know how some people say that in order to have a good time, you don't need money? It is true. All you need are lots of free bookmarks with the alphabets 'A', 'E', 'L' and 'S' on them, a camera, and a bunch of crazy people.

A girl i know once told me, "Wow, you're having another family dinner again? You guys are really close, huh?". Heck yes, we are. We so tight, you wouldn't wanna mess with any one of us cos it means you're messing with everyone of us.

Almost everyone who knows me well knows that i can get pretty shy sometimes, especially when it comes to taking pictures. But there's just something magical about my family that allows me to let my guard down and do silly things in the middle of a shopping mall and not give a rat's ass about what passers-by will think.

P.S. Did you know that when rearranged, my name Lea S. actually spells 'SALE'? Well, that explains my love for shopping - I am born to do it!

Answering The Call Of My Stomach

2010-08-29T23:31:00.001+08:00

In the 10 days that i spent in Brissy in July, not only was I a happier person, my stomach was too - though my weight wasn't. I went back to all the yummy places i used to eat at! It's funny when i tell people that Brisbane is home to some of the yummiest food i've ever had, i realise that almost 95% of the food aren't even Australian!

Without further ado, this is how i, in Karen's words, "celebrated life".

You haven't had awesome Korean food until you've dined at Mad Tong San - home to the best kimchi chi geh and kimchi soon du boo i've ever had. So good that my Korean friends declare the food as "better than Korean food in Korea!". So good that i had it three times during my vacay.

I've never been a fan of crepes but when you have crepes stuffed with lots of cream cheese, raisins and accompanied with ice cream and sour strawberry sauce, who can resist? Say hello to The Ultimate (top of the picture) from Pancake Manor, a beautiful restaurant that was previously a church.

Ohmigosh, don't even get me started on the dim sum. It's nothing like what we have in Malaysia (in a good way!) and more closely resembles Hong Kong's dim sum, although i do reckon we have awesomer siew mai. They have my all-time fave fried squid tentacles! Yum to the Mee.

If you're in Aussie and looking for a fab Caesar Salad, you'll want to head into the Coffee Club. Although Caesar Salad is one of the easiest salads to make and is available almost everywhere in KL, they are never complete. Some places don't serve the salad with hard-boiled egg. Some don't come with bacon bits. And most don't have anchovies. Coffee Club has 'em all! And i heart Aussie's sushi rolls too, available at most food courts. Just two rolls and you've got lunch covered cos they're not the tiny ones we get in KL.

Of course, i can't go back to IH and not relive my uni days with some good ol' IH food (that blob of orangey stuff on the plate in the left photo - it's not as bad as it looks) and my all-time fave alcoholic soda Vodka Cruiser (flavour: ice). Why isn't it available in Malaysia? Why?!?

And i decided to save these images for last because it's hands down, the best seafood i've ever eaten. During one of the last few days of my trip, Ning Yi and I decided to hunt down Charis seafood market in Gold Coast that Joanne told us about. We feasted on prawns, a crab, a Moreton Bay bug (it's not a bug lah, just the name - picture second row left), oysters and fish & chips. The crab was THE BEST one i've had. Except for the oysters and fish & chips, everything was just boiled and placed on ice so you get the original taste of the seafood.

Then, we had some stomach space left and decided to get more prawns. But me being me, got so tempted by alien-looking seafood that i got a spanner-head crab and some marrons. By the end of the super-long lunch, Ning Yi and I vowed to never eat seafood again for the rest of the year. We were ohsofull but ohsohappy.

I Believe In The Powers Above

2010-08-26T15:40:00.001+08:00

Today, i received a forwarded email from Daddy. In the Power Point file were quotes taken from a campaign ran by one of Singapore's church. One of them said:

For a moment there, a tear nearly rolled out of my eyes. Yeah, i know that quote may not have came directly from God. In fact, it could have come from the mind of any Tom, Dick or Jane. However, i do believe that He loves us all and it's nice to be reminded that when no one else gives a shit about me, at least i know He does.

L For Lea

2010-08-21T00:20:00.002+08:00

L = Likes hot men
E = Easily annoyed
A = Animal-lover

What is in a name? Well, according to the Urban Dictionary, a lot.

Did you know that Lea means "a girl who makes the guys go crazy with her charm and sex appeal. She flirts extremely with them but never ends up hooking up unless she is in a relationship"? I have no idea where they got that from but yeah, i'd take that.

And thank God my parents didn't go with Leah instead because this name means "a girl who ends up in bed with every guy". Who knew that one little 'h' could make so much difference? It could turn one from a sex bomb to a whore.

Then there are also these:

"A lesbian who attacks straight women in hopes of turning them gay." - The person who wrote this definition obviously hasn't met me.

"A Singaporean loser. Likes to seek for attention." - Boy am i glad i ain't a Singaporean!

"Lea is a talker and a do-er. A problem-solver and a dreamer. Captivating and quirky. Late for everything but worth waiting for. Dedicated but never completely satisfied with the end result." - A dreamer? Heck yes. Quirky? Well, i may dress a little weird sometimes. Late for everything? Kepala otak engkau.

Cuci-Cuci Services M Dalam Kurungan Sdn Bhd

2010-08-12T15:14:00.002+08:00

Okay, if i had known that the plot for Cuci the Musical 2 is the same as the first one, i probably wouldn't have spent RM123 on the ticket. RM123 is a lot to pay for something you've watched before. RM123 is worth a pair of shoes! It is worth at least 20 days of lunch. But then again, RM123 for over four hours worth of Hans Isaac? I guess the deal's pretty sweet after all!

Apart from a few improvements in props and the musical sequences, this version saw Jaclyn Victor in the role that was originally played by the amazing Adibah Noor (who set the bar darn high). As good a voice as Victor has, i think she still doesn't quite have 'it' to pull the character off. I mean, a skinny girl with a crazy craving for pisang goreng vs. a large girl with a crazy craving for pisang goreng? How can anyone not think that the latter is more believable?

However, i have to give props when it is due. The show is still funny regardless of the number of times you watch it because the ad libs are ridiculous! From Afdlin Shauki's jelly belly shake (so cute, i'm gonna die!) and a Tamil-speaking Awie, to Nabil's uncontrollable laughter and Hans' failed attempt at not laughing, the four men sure know how to bring the house down. If you didn't watch it, it's your loss!

Now, if only i can get the people of Tall Order Productions to answer my email and send me a copy of the soundtrack, all would be better. Well, not really. All would be better if i could take over Vanida Imran's character when she's on the gondola, doing a duet with Hans. So romantic!

Saying Goodbye

2010-08-04T08:47:00.001+08:00

"If you stop asking why you were killed instead of someone else, stop investigating the vacuum left by your loss, stop wondering what everyone left on Earth is feeling... you can be free. Simply put, you have to give up on Earth."
- Franny, a deceased character, of The Lovely Bones on finding eternal joy in heaven -

While reading my book-of-the-moment during a usual morning trip to work, these few lines struck a chord with me. What's it like to let go of everything? What awaits me after death?

My religion has thought me that upon dying, i will be placed in limbo and then, one of three things will happen. I will either go to heaven, rot in hell, or be stuck in limbo. I'd like to think that heaven is where my eternal home will be. And my idea of heaven is a place up in the skies where we walk on fluffy clouds and are surrounded by the most beautiful shades of blue. It is a place where you never feel pain. A place where everything is possible. A place where you can meet and talk to God anytime. And most importantly, a place where I will be reunited with all my deceased loved ones - animals, Catholics and non-Catholics included.

But the majority of my curiosity lies not in the next life because i believe God will take care of that. What i wonder about is the act of dying.

I think that certain people know when they are going to die. My late aunt, who when she was in the hospital, preferred not to receive visitors. Heck, she didn't even tell her closest friend that she was down with cancer. But a few days before her death, she told another aunt that she would love to have us visit. Maybe she knew her time was up and wanted to see us one last time?

It's scary to think that one day all this will be over. How does one find the courage to close one's eyes and exhale the final breath? While i have no problem giving up the material goods, the same cannot be said about bidding goodbye to remaining loved ones. How can one find the heart to leave one's family to cry and mourn over one's loss? How is it possible to not worry for them? How can one let go?

I guess i'll get my answer when i too have to exhale that final breath. And i pray that if i am to die a horrible death, my parents will not be around to feel that pain.

The Things I Hear

2010-07-30T09:43:00.001+08:00

When people around me talk to other people, i sometimes listen. Some people call it eavesdropping, i say it's just a part of the many soundwaves that naturally find its way into my eardrums. It's not like i, on purpose, move nearer to the person to hear better. I was just there. So if they didn't want their conversations to be heard, they should shut the fuck up or talk insanely soft.

But that's not the story i want to tell.

I was on the train home from work and heard a conversation two young women were having with each other:

Girl 1: Do you know what foie gras is?

Girl 2: What's that?

Girl 1: Oh, it's duck's liver.

Girl 2: Liver? Ewww.

Girl 1: Yeah. They stick a tube into the ducks and force-feed them until the expand.

At that moment, i thought, "Wow, it's amazing that this girl is helping to create awareness of the ugly process that goes into making foie gras." Until suddenly...

Girl 1: So the other day, my mother and i had it.

Girl 2: *smiles*

Girl 1: It's very expensive. It's sooo nice!

WHAT THE FUCK? Based on the earlier part of her conversation, i didn't see that coming at all. So much for thinking that she was anti-foie-gras-cruelty.

Ah Neh, Nandre Banana Leaf!

2010-07-29T15:13:00.004+08:00

Look who had an awesome Saturday!

Three of my fellow gorgeous Spykermans and I got together to try something different apart from the usual movie-dinner-shopping outing. Accepting Crime & Investigation channel's invitation for a fitness class (a promo for Steven Seagal's new series on the channel), the four of us headed to Celebrity Fitness for an hour of Body Combat, followed by steam baths and sauna.

Initially, i thought i wasn't going to survive it because my previous Body Combat class was a nightmare. I don't know how Karen does it! But on the second try, it was slightly better (or maybe it was because the trainer saw how unfit we were and went easy on us!) though my poor unfit body paid the price the next couple of days. Sore like gila!

Anyhoo, after gym, we did something that if our Body Combat instructor saw us do, he would have flipped.

We ate. A lot.

The banana leaf rice picture is only a teeny weeny portion of our mega lunder (lunch & dinner). We had fried chickens, fried squid, chicken varuval, rassam and four drinks. In the midst of eating, a waiter came by and asked if we wanted more food. Before we could answer, he looked at our table and said, "Oh, there's no more space to fit anything. Your table's full!"

Definitely one of the fun-est weekends i've had. And an accomplished one too because Mabel and I managed to rope in another person to our side - the sour side. Everyone, say hello to new Lea's-style-Boost-Lemon-Crush addict, Esaline! Edaline, when's your turn?

Dream A Little Dream Of Me

2010-07-25T10:05:00.002+08:00

I had a somewhat beautiful dream last night that i never want to forget...

There were people all around me. The man-made 'sea' was filled with party-goers and everyone was having a blast. I walked on the sand, feeling the soft grain between my toes while talking to Karen. We moved towards a nearby tent to get food and to sit and chat.

When i walked in, there were PlayStations and televisions lined up at the side and men were transfixed with their games. That was when i noticed a familiar face. I knew it was him but i wasn't entirely sure because i hadn't seen him in a while and he looked slightly different. I continued staring at him and when he caught my eyes, he stared too. But he didn't smile.

I turned away and saw Louanne and Joyce sitting on a round table. They gestured for me to come over. Karen was already there. She went over when i stood frozen staring at him earlier. In the middle of a story that Karen was telling, i got a call. It was from him. Turned out, it was him at the PlayStation area. Although we were near each other, he decided to call me instead of walking over to chat.

On the phone, we did the usual 'Hi, how have you been?' and then, he said something about him wanting to be with someone. I knew it was a hint. I knew his 'someone' was me. I smiled and told him that i wasn't going to say anything unless he told me straightfowardly that he wanted to be with me. I didn't want to say 'yes' only to find out that i had misread his hint. I didn't want to risk being humiliated.

After a while, he still refused to come clean. I was very eager to say 'yes' but still, i held back. I wanted confirmation. It was then that he came and stood in front of me. I smiled and i knew he knew that i wanted what he wanted as well. But both of us were shy.

Then out of the blue, he gave me a kiss. It was just a simple peck on the lips. I closed my eyes and cherished each nanosecond of it while it lasted. He pulled back and i simply stared at him with my lips slightly apart. I didn't smile. I didn't say anything. I was so caught in the moment, i just blanked out. Then he leaned in for another kiss and i wanted to grab his hair and kiss him back but i was still in shock. After the second peck, he stopped and said, "You can kiss me back, you know." I laughed.

Unable to believe that it was really happening, that 'we' could finally happen, i asked him if he was sure he wanted to be with me. After all, i am not the prettiest girl on the block. He just smiled. Then i took the leap of faith and said, "Okay, i'm going to commit to this. Let's make this work."

...and the rest of my dream remained a blur. But it was good enough that i woke up and immediately sat in front of my computer to type this while listening to Katy Perry's 'Thinking of You' - a song that i once listened to in your presence. A song that after so many months, still reminds me of you.

Just My Luck

2010-07-12T14:43:00.003+08:00

God has been pretty kind to me a few days ago. In a flight to Brissy with many old folks, families and kids, He placed me next to a macho Aussie who reminded me a wee bit of Tobey Maguire. When i got to my seat, i wanted to smile at him but he looked unfriendly so i didn't.

With a few hours left to arrival, he asked if i could make way for him to get out of his window seat to go to the toilet. When he returned, he gave a friendly 'thank you' and that was when i thought, 'Hey, he ain't that scary after all.' So i started the conversation and found out that he was on his way home from South Africa. Like any other bloke, he was there to catch the World Cup and also found time to go cage-diving with the sharks. How amazingly awesome! After marvelling at his holiday, i didn't know what else to say and that was it. The end.

On my rather empty flight back to KL, i was hoping to get a seat in an unoccupied row so that i could stretch my legs. Approaching my window seat, i looked up and saw the person who was to sit next to me for the next eight hours: a tall, broad shoulder, slightly unshaven, brown-haired hottie! Immediately, i gave up my desire to sit in an empty row and prayed that he wouldn't move too. Hot flying companion trumps leg space any day!

Once i got seated, i noticed from the corner of my eye that he turned to look at me. Taking it as an invitation to strike a conversation, i smiled, and he introduced himself as Jack.

Turned out, he was on his way to what would probably be one of the best experiences of his life. Not wanting to work in bars like his friends, he decided to take the plunge and signed up for a job as an English teacher in a primary school in China...and he doesn't even speak Chinese! Then we talked about my job, Langkawi being a place where KL-ites go to get drunk, his sky-diving trip, and our wrecked necks - sleeping comfortably on airplanes is impossible!

The conversations (and his cute face) certainly made the flight less torturous. And then this happened:

Me: So, what were you doing before taking on this teaching job?

Jack: I just got out of school...

Me: *looks at him*

Jack: ...high school

Great. The one time i meet an amazing person on my flight and he turns out to be younger than me. Hai yah.

A Long Lost Me

2010-06-28T08:31:00.002+08:00

I had to make origami for work the other day and was rummaging through my shelves when i stumbled upon these:

I'm not good at drawing really because all these drawings are something i've replicated from drawings seen in my Enid Blyton books, comics and whatnot. Nothing that i created on my own but still, i think i make a rather okay copycat back then. I remember spending nights in my room secretly drawing when i was supposed to be studying.

I miss that.

I miss the creative energy i used to have. Not only did i draw, i also enjoyed playing the piano and singing simultaneously. I attended auditions (sing, dance, host - i've done it), i performed during school events, i agreed to coach my class for our inter-class choir competition...then somehow all these started to stop one by one.

Self-conciousness hit and i guess i am no longer as confident as i once was. I think i'm too fat for showbiz. Too ugly for TV. My voice is mediocre for the singing industry. My drawings are well, not technically my own creation. I suck at piano and my dancing, well, who wants to see a hippo dance?

It's really sad because doing those things really did make me happy.

Old Lea, i hope to find you again.

Lend A Hand If You Can

2010-06-26T00:54:00.000+08:00

What do you do when you are given free flight tickets, free accommodation, free meals and an opportunity to do charity at the same time? You take it.

Along with a group of strangers from my workplace, we flew to Sabah. Our mission was to help build a school canteen at a remote village school in Semporna. And when i say remote, i mean you-live-in-wooden-shacks-in-the-middle-of-a-friggin-jungle remote. Every morning of our 4D3N stay, we had to wake up at wee hours of the morning for an over one-hour long journey from our hotel overlooking the sea to Kampung Sungai Tuhok.

Initially, i had doubts about going because i knew no one amongst those who got selected to participate in this voluntary project, but i'm so glad i did it. The experience was eye-opening!

Most of the school is made of wood. It's only one-storey and they have a few different blocks, including a tiny little make-do canteen (it used to be a store where they keep sports equipment) that is probably the size of my living and dining room put together. It really does make you realise how blessed we are in the city to have big schools with good amenities.

While the men were assigned to build a shaded pathway from the classrooms to the new canteen, the women received painting duties. And interestingly, the locals bought pink paint (i can hear the boys boo-ing already) for us. I swear, we the ladies, had nothing to do with their colour choice. It was a funny coincidence.

I am so glad to have been a part of this. To know that i'm contributing a teeny bit to make their lives better feels good. And best of all, i befriended a bunch of kids who i adore. My fellow volunteers kept laughing at me because i had a crew of school girls and a trio of school boys following me around!

Even though i struggled to understand their language, we still had a ball. We learnt how to give flying kisses, we learnt how to say thank you in Mandarin, we learnt how to make silly faces while taking pictures, and we learnt that rain makes the field really muddy.

Awesome holiday? Check. Befriended new colleagues? Check. Discovered new culture (at the Kampung, they serve curry puffs with fried mee hoon stuffed in em!)? Check. Charity work? Check. Put smiles on the little ones' faces? Double check.

Daddy Cool

2010-06-21T22:12:00.002+08:00

I love my daddy because while having dinner yesterday...

Me: Eh, that lady looks familiar.
Dad: Which one?
Me: There, the one sitting behind our table. Oh, i remember! She's my high school teacher! Did you know i once slept in her class?
Dad: *Looks at my teacher then looks at me* I don't blame you. I'm already sleepy looking at her.

Haha! Happy Father's Day pa!

Operation: Recharge

2010-06-11T01:27:00.003+08:00

Some time in early May, i packed my luggage and got together with a trio of friends for a beach retreat in the little island of Perhentian Besar.

Fully expecting to be dropped off at a jetty, i was stunned when our speedboat stopped a few metres from the shore. Thoughts flooded my mind: do they expect us to swim to shore?, oh shit my luggage is going to get wet!. Then came a smaller speedboat and all of us had to move into it, while clumsily lugging our luggages along. Thank God nobody fell into the sea!

Interestingly, that was not the only surprise of the day. The island was so small, there was practically only 3 things to do: get in the water, eat, stay out of the water. Worse, there is no electricity from 12pm to 3pm and the scorching sun (i swear, the sun there is ten times hotter!) surely didn't help. After a couple of hours, i was bored and secretly wishing for the 4D3N vacay to be over. You can take a girl out of the city, but you cannot take the city out of the girl.

Then, the next day came and i started to get a hang of the lifestyle. For the coming days, it was a cycle of sleep, eat, snorkel, eat, chill, swim, eat, sleep. It felt good. It was unlike my other beach getaways where entertainment and technology were easily accessible. It was nothing but private moments between yourself, your thoughts and Mother Nature. It gave me a sense of belonging. It felt like i was 'home' and at one with the trees, sand, water and marine creatures surrounding me.

Everything was so simple, it's special. Even if you had nobody to talk to and could only sit by the beach and look out at the horizon, it would still be okay. Nobody cared if you carried a Gucci or a Cucci, nobody bothered about how little cloth you have on and nobody gave a rat's ass about you because there, it felt that everybody was on equal grounds. Even if you wanted to show off your wealth, there was nothing really you could buy or dress fancily to, to flash your cash. There were no false pretense and expectations to live up to. You just had to be.

We stayed at Mama's Chalet and although it didn't have the best beach of the lot, the staff were amazing. The smaller size of the Chalet (compared to bigger, resort-like accommodations at the island) meant that you received more personalised treatments. People remembered you. They were constantly up for a chat. They said hi and a smile was never hard to find. It was honestly like one big family, if you allowed them to be.

KL is a great place to live in but after Perhentian, i do wonder if city life really is all that. Yes, we get comfort and the occasional pampering but it's also a more complicating world. And when it comes to life, i reckon less is more.

License To Shop

2010-06-01T09:03:00.002+08:00

Since i've submitted all my articles for the month and am free, my editor sent me on a last-minute assignment to get a gift for our secretary who is retiring. I wanted to head straight to Mid Valley after work but editor said to do so the next day, before coming in to work. Are you kidding me? I don't have to wake up early (because shopping malls only open at 10am), I get to spend lesser hours in the office that day, and I'm being given the permission to shop rather than sit at my work desk? Heck yes!

And what made the deal even sweeter? While walking about, i managed to do some shopping of my own! Guess who's the proud owner of an insanely cute top with pictures of kittens on it? Meow! Totally in love with my collection of animal tees!

Blood Is Thicker Than Water

2010-05-30T14:35:00.000+08:00

A few days over four years ago, my dear Yeh Yeh embarked on the second (and the best) chapter of his life - to enjoy a life of eternal joy and peace in heaven. And to celebrate the great man that he was, his children, children-in-law and grandchildren got together to do what Malaysians do best at every special occassion: eat.

Since i was too busy tucking in (when you're eating with my family, you better be fast... because the slowest of em' all ends up with nothing on their plate!) after a tiring day of visiting my departed loved ones and inspecting a new house, i thought i'd hand the photographer duty over to my five-year-old cousin.

Anti-clockwise from top right: if you can't tell from the obvious hints, we went to a Chinese restaurant (that provides tissue bought from Tesco) for dinner, had steamed fish amongst other Chinese dishes and washed it all down with soft drinks and red wine. And the picture on the bottom right? A self-taken picture of the photographer. So young and already a camtoddler, oh what has the world turned into?

When a few of the teenage cousins were busy playing with their phones at the table...

Me: Look at the young ones these days, always with their phones.
Esa: When we were their age, we only had toys! And had to eat quietly.
Nick: When has our family EVER shared a meal quietly?
All three: [laugh]

Come to think of it, it's true. The rule of not talking while eating certainly doesn't apply in this clan. My family runs on chaos and noise! Some of the wacky things that have happened at dining tables across Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya include dipping lollipops into a concoction of Coke and Sprite before popping em into mouths, pants unknowingly dropping to knee level and revealing the wearer's panties, an onion slice flying from the inside of one mouth onto the plate of another, and daring each other to consume fish's eyes for RM10. Crazy? That's how we roll.

Get Off My Lawn!

2010-05-26T22:34:00.005+08:00

The car made a turn into the front porch, outside my house's gate. I opened the door, getting ready to do my usual after-work-'How are you?' greeting exchange with Zipper. Before slamming the car door shut, i turned to look at the bush of purple flowers at the lawn next to me. Something didn't feel right.

I looked harder and there, in the bush, something was looking back at me. Because the sun has set, the light has gone off for the day and everything seemed to be a blur. I still didn't know what was odd about the bush. Then somehow something clicked and i blurted loudly "Ohmigosh. A snake!". The thing heard me, turned and slithered back into the bush. Mind you, it was NOT small. It was about 1.5 inches thick!

I stood there for a few seconds as my mind tried to register what my eyes just saw. I noticed its tail slowly creeping back amongst the leaves. It was green, and i believe had a yellow and black stripe running along its sides. Ohmigosh, i just saw a snake and i wasn't at the zoo!

Mom thought i was joking until she saw me standing still for quite a while. Fear overtook me and my body simply didn't know how to response. What the heck are you supposed to do when you see a snake? Sure, you've watched movies on snake encounters but when the real thing happens to you, for the first few moments, all the knowledge you've acquired is as good as none.

So i brought Zipper into the house and closed the doors. I sure as heck wouldn't want any thing slithering into my home! My heart was racing. I did the only thing i knew. I called the DBKL. No answer. Great. Then i dialed 994. Great, it's engaged. Then i contacted the Fire and Rescue Department and praise the Lord, someone finally picked up! They passed my details to the firemen and within a few minutes, a huge fire truck was parked outside my house (very speedy response! i initially thought they wouldn't care).

The firemen started looking around. Neighbours came out to see. I heard people saying "There's a snake? Don't scare me lah". I was praying that they would find it and, although i love animals, kill it. I dislike snakes. Especially ones that are not trapped in cages.

The men came into my garden, looked about and still no sign of the green creature. That moment, i wondered if neighbours thought i was hallucinating because as luck would have it, i was the only one in the entire crowd who saw it. Then after a while, the men and their big truck with the siren lights flashing headed back to wherever they came from.

My heart sank. Why did they leave without catching the snake? They're supposed to overturn every stone, chop down every tree, dig every hole until the thing is found! But of course, you can't go on hunting for something you don't see. Knowing that it could probably still be out there scares the crap out of me.

Oh, what a day today has been! Snake, please go away thank you.

Oh, Look Who We Have Here

2010-05-22T13:07:00.014+08:00

Over the past few weeks, i was granted the opportunity to speak to and meet a couple of TV's popular faces...

Out of all the hosts i've met, leave it to Ian Wright to make the craziest entrance ever. No, appearing casually out of nowhere onto the stage is simply not his thing. This avid travel junkie has to take it a notch higher by doing a sexy shadow dance then crash through a paper wall and onto the floor. It was insane!

The man makes a great story teller too. I would be happy to just sit and listen to his stories the whole day. Here's one.

According to him, Damascus, Syria is the best place for souvenir shopping because they've got the craziest lingeries in town, despite being a religious center. Hey, holy people need some crazy sex once in a while too. There are knickers that play tunes - from Happy Birthday to Love Story - and more recently, Ian discovered that they've got a one-of-a-kind bra. Both the cups are made of feather and with one clap, all the feathers will drop, revealing the boobs of the wearer. How insanely kinky!

Then there's my French affair with one very tall and pretty Laura Calder. On that day, in a restaurant at the Berjaya School of Hospitality and Tourism, she took away my French food virginity.

Now, i wonder if i'll ever get to meet Rocco Dispirito and Jamie Oliver? Discovery Travel & Living and Asian Food Channel, hook me up please!

She's Six Foot One

2010-05-22T01:38:00.002+08:00

While i was channel surfing last week, i came across this TV series on Granada TV (Ch 735) that's hillarious! It's about Miranda, an awkward 34-year-old woman who tries to fit in with her girly friends and strives to win the affection of her (very hot!) friend Gary. This is the first episode of the series...

I sorta see myself in her in the sense that i get pretty nervous around the guy i like too. Definitely one of the funniest characters i've seen on TV to date. I hope she'll leave you in stitches as she did to me. Enjoy!

More of the episodes are available here. Or you could simply tune into Granada every Friday nights at either 6.30pm, 8.30pm or 12.30am.

Damn, the Gary dude is really, really hot.

When Crazy Meets Crazy

2010-05-18T21:49:00.002+08:00

Before you read on, you should know that:

A. I am a fan of the TV series Supernatural

B. Supernatural focuses on two insanely hot demon-hunting brothers Sam and Dean

C. I heart Sam and sometimes pretends that he's mine

D. My friend Ee Laine hearts Dean

So, while i was at work today, i got an email from Ee Laine:

Ello ello...free to have lunch today?

Of course i am. My husband is filming Season 6 with your husband mah. So no time to be with me. One day we should surprise them and fly to their filming location!

We should! Erm, i just realised that i didn't bring money, would you mind paying it for me first? I'll have Dean bank the money into your account later.

No need to bank in so susah lah. Just tell Dean to pass it to Sam. Sam will pass it to me when i see him this weekend. We're flying to South Africa to live in an expensive safari hotel cos he knows i love animals. How sweet. I heard you have something planned with Dean this weekend too! You joining him for demon hunting?

Sam tells you everything huh? We decided to take a break from demon hunting and do something romantic. Seaside maybe. Lay on the sand in his arms, look at the stars...but if we bump into a demon half way, then we might change plan. We're spontaneous!

I was fully expecting to see a reply going, "Wake up woman! You're dreaming!" but no, girl layan my imagination and played along. Yay! I love my crazy friends!

How Sour Of You

2010-04-28T22:24:00.002+08:00

I fell in love with this in Australia and boy, am i glad to know that Boost (the awesome-est juice bar ever!) is now available in Malaysia! They even have the same buy-10-free-1-stamp card that i had back in Aussie too! So the next time you are at KLCC, Mid Valley, Subang Parade or Bangsar, pop over to Boost and give it a shot.

And if you, like me, love sour drinks, then you have to try lemon crush. It's a combination of sorbet, ice, lemon juice and orange juice. But i strongly recommend you try it my way - ask the staff to do away with the orange juice. More power. So power that every time i tell them to only use lemon juice, they say the same thing each time: "Huh? Very sour you know." Awesome.

Lady Luck Went On A Holiday

2010-04-22T00:31:00.007+08:00

If you cursed me yesterday, then good on ya because it worked...

I had a phone interview at Mid Valley at 5pm, which meant that i would be able to get home earlier than expected. Since i hardly get the opportunity to dine with my parents on weekdays, i thought i'd seize the free time and do so. I even gave up an opportunity to attend a makeup-brand's focus group and snag goodies!

So while on my way home, i called Mom, who was working late at the office. Nobody answered. Thirty calls later and still the same. Thinking that she might have gone home, i dialed home only to hear Dad telling me that Mom's still not back.

I arrived at the train station and tried reaching Mom again. Nothing. She was supposed to pick me up. I contacted Dad who then told me to catch a cab to Mom's office. He said, "Maybe something happened to her phone cord". I couldn't help but think, "Maybe she passed out and nobody knew. Maybe she locked herself in the toilet".

There i was at her office area. Almost all the offices were already closed for the day and the worst part, since all the offices looked the same closed, i had no idea which was mom's office! I saw one with a partially opened grill and started banging on the door. No one. Then i called Dad to ask which was Mom's office. Halfway through, my phone died. Great.

I tried standing by the road, looking up at the offices and shouting for Mom. No response. Tried looking for a public phone but of course, the darn area didn't have a public phone in sight! Ended up having to borrow a stranger's phone! I think i must have scared Dad a bit because he was like, "Wait there. I'll come". So poor Dad walked all the way from my place to Mom's office (which was not really all that near).

While waiting for Dad in that quiet area (it was getting dark too!), i saw a lady and asked her if she knew where ABC office was. Turned out, the woman could only speak Mandarin and i had no idea how to explain in that language. Then i started walking to the other end of the row and what do you know, i saw the door to my Mom's office. It was open. I just didn't notice it earlier. Plus, plastered on the door was the name of my Mom's office, in massive fonts too mind you. What the heck lah.

So i knocked really loudly on the door and there was Mom. Finally. Turned out, the phone cord somehow got loose, which explained why Mom didn't pick up my calls - the phone didn't even ring! Then after a while, Dad finally reached. Poor Dad. I made him walk all the way for nothing.

And the worst part of the day was, it was really nobody's mistake. The whole drama started because the stupid phone cord got loose, so i didn't have an outlet to unleash my irritation on. Ergh.

So much for wanting to get home early and enjoy a stressless dinner. Should have just went with the darn makeup thing.

It's Complicated

2010-04-15T22:13:00.002+08:00

Most articles by men, about women, often center on the latter being complicated. First, they want you to be honest to them. Then the moment you admit and say yes, you look fatter today, they get all emo at you.

Poor men. I'm a woman and i admit, my kind (most of us at least) is complicated. We're just born with a complex mind.

I honestly wish that we could be as straight-thinking as men. It would make life so much easier.

Just today, i texted a guy i like. He replied a few minutes later and although my heart was jumping in excitement and my fingers were keen to type a reply, my mind says, "No. You cannot show how excited you are. Wait for another few minutes (or even better, a day!) before sending your reply". So i did. I saved my answer as draft and let a few minutes pass before hitting the send button. Then when he replied, the cycle repeated itself.

So stupid.

Hello! How Was Your Day?

2010-04-14T20:50:00.005+08:00

Today i realised that when you put grey and sky blue together, you get a pretty combo!

Rocking my awesome flats from Cotton On (a shoe in my size at only RM29? get out of here!), Forever 21 leggings in a colour that Karen would describe as 'so you', and a grey top that mom bought from the market long ago - i think it kinda makes me look like i'm wearing a table cloth though.

And while we're in the topic of clothes, i can't wait to wear my maxi to the charity dinner this Friday! The maxi is finally coming out of the closet after being stuck in it for more than two friggin years!

Ipoh, Kami Mali Lah!

2010-04-05T13:56:00.009+08:00

Since the death of my Ma Ma and Yeh Yeh, Chinese New Year has been slightly different. Back then, we used to gather at their flat for steamboat on the eve of the new year. I would stay for the night and the joyous celebration would continue when everyone returned again the next day.

But now that we cannot gather at their place, we decide to take it a few kilometers further to Ipoh instead. And when in Ipoh, eat tau fu fa from Funny Mountain and enjoy fresh lotus seeds! Seriously, lotus seeds are the awesome-est Cina snacks ever. Lotus seeds = the new kuaci.

Wanting to try something different, we gave our usual hotel a miss and opted for something slightly more expensive this time around. And this new place, surprisingly, comes with, apart from the customary soap and shampoo, other items like toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shaver, lotion and even slippers. The cheapskate in me is super happy!

"I wouldn't give up my family for anything. Not for all the chocolate in the world." - Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses." - Joyce Brothers

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." - Desmond Tutu

"We cannot destroy kindred: our chains stretch a little sometimes, but they never break." - Marquise de Sévigné

While hanging out at the lobby, Kimberly wanted to play with my camera. When the five-year-old returned it, i noticed that it came back with a photo...

...of a dustbin. It is a pity that we are not blessed with the privilege to remember our first encounters with the objects of our world. The world, as seen through the eyes of children, definitely is a whole lot more exciting.

The Circle Of Life

2010-04-03T21:54:00.003+08:00

I was supposed to visit a second-uncle (my Ma Ma's nephew-in-law) at the hospital today. But instead, i went for his wake.

Everything happened so fast. On Wednesday/Thursday, we were told that he was admitted into the ICU. On Friday, his condition worsened. Today, he passed away.

Everything happened so fast. He was diagnosed with pancreas cancer around Chinese New Year but didn't tell us about it. The doctors suggested an operation that would cost RM50k. Being the great husband and dad that he was, he decided to skip it and save the money for his family instead.

He was told that he only had about six months to live. Between that time and his death, he even went to work despite his condition for another day at work meant another day of salary for his family. Also, he took his two children (both still in high school) to a Buddhist temple for a talk about the circle of life. He was preparing his kids for his death.

So a few days ago, his health took a shocking dive, which resulted in a death that surprised everyone in the family. It was only two months into his six-month-period left in this life. He was only 49.

Life is so fragile. One minute you're okay, the next you could be lying six feet underground.

Uncle, although i only saw you at most five times a year but out of these few visits, i can tell that you're a great man. So i really do hope that you rest in peace and enjoy the new chapter in life. Don't worry about Auntie and the kids. I saw them today and your kids may be young but they are holding up and I believe they will take good care of Auntie. Until the next time, RIP.

These Shoes Are Not Made For Walking

2010-03-30T21:49:00.000+08:00

On 90% of my work days, i go to work wearing sandals (ah, the joy of a non-formal dress code). 9.9% is spent with my feet wrapped up in ballet flats and the remaining 0.1% days will see me in high heels. For a girl who loves pretty stilettos, i should be wearing em' more often but the thought of walking about in them (i do not drive) gives me shivers.

Then last Friday, vanity took over me and i decided to wear heels to the launch of E! News Asia. Usually, i am against wearing heels to work events because there will be plenty of walking and standing involved but i guess i wanted to look nice for any mat sallehs that may be at the launch. So i picked my second-least pain inflicting heels.

Bad idea.

I didn't notice how worn out the shoes have become. The padded area where the balls of my feet go are no longer as comfy as they used to be. By the time i got to work in the morning, my feet were already hurting, and i've got two blisters at the back of my ankles. But still i braved the pain. The venue required guests to climb a flight of stairs to get to the entrance. Great. By that time, i was really feeling it. And the two blisters i had? They burst.

I wanted to enjoy my interview with the hosts (i still reckon E! should have gone with unfamilliar faces)...

...but i was too occupied thinking if it was possible for me to head back to the office and then home without passing out because of pain. No drama here. It was that terrible. When i got back to the office, the sole of my left shoe came off and i had to take an otherwise unnecessary walk to the nearby cobbler.

Back at the office, i removed my shoes and walked about barefooted and noticed a friggin blister on the sole of my foot. One that's the size of a five-cent coin! But yeah, i made it home safely albeit shaking slightly because of the torturous ordeal.

My dear awesome heels, we've had some good times together but it's really time for you to go. I want to give you another shot but i don't fancy risking experiencing another pain like Friday so goodbye. Enjoy shoe-heaven!

My Favourite Colour Is Blue

2010-03-28T23:36:00.004+08:00

I stumbled upon this video while surfing on YouTube a few years ago for anything Blue-related and got this. Still cracks me up everytime i watch it. Where got people so perasan one?

And this one is a prank played on Blue themselves. Find out how far they would go in order to please one of their biggest fans. Super funny!

My Four-Legged Love

2010-03-07T00:18:00.003+08:00

Seven years ago, Dad told me he was going to buy the textbooks i needed for a new year in high school. After a couple of hours away, he reached home and honked. Since i was already seated comfortably in front of the TV, i was annoyed at having to drag my lazy ass up to open the gate for him to drive the car in. Upon doing so, i walked past the car to get back into the house.

It was then i noticed that something seemed different. I stopped dead in my tracks, walked back to the car and there, sitting next to Dad in the car was a puppy. I was stunned. Dad told me to carry him into the house and i couldn't. I've had fishes, a kitten, hamsters, rabbits and heck, even a chicken but a dog? How the heck was i supposed to deal with a dog?

Turned out, Dad secretly went to SPCA to pick a dog out, to keep me company. Mom was not too pleased about the new addition to the family because of all the cleaning and feeding. I was simply too stunned. For a girl who was afraid of dogs, it took me a while to get used to the fact of having one at home.

Any dog owner will tell you that the first day is usually the toughest. He took his first dump in my parents' bedroom and that night, he wouldn't stop barking, even when we turned the lights on and kept him company in the living room. So, we had to let him out of the cage and allowed him to walk about at home while we slept. Out of the few rooms, he ended up sleeping in mine that night and we woke up the next morning to puddles of pee and poo scattered around the house.

Though he has his naughty moments (many of them, actually), Zipper brought something very special into my life the day he stepped into the house: he taught me how to love animals. He is the reason why i believe in animal rights. He is the reason why i'm no longer afraid of stray animals. He is the reason why i now pay more attention about the plight of animals around the globe. It is amazing how one simple creature (which unfortunately, many take for granted) can teach you so many things.

I just got off from watching Marley and Me and i cannot even imagine what it would feel like to lose Zipper. Already, i can see more white hair growing around his eyes and he gets hurt easier these days. I know as long as the clock keeps ticking, i will have to lose him someday but it really does frighten me to think of a life without him. Life is so wacky. You get to bask in the joy of a new family member but with that also means having to put up with the loss of an additional family member in the future.

Zipper Spykerman, I love you.

Our Respect? Out The Windows.

2010-03-01T10:26:00.003+08:00

I came across a story on a blog sometime during the start of Chinese New Year and in it, the writer wrote about having to attend a semi-empty funeral of a love one. Semi-empty because many opted out of paying their respect for fear of attracting any bad luck this Chinese New Year.

Is this what we have come to? Luck over respect? Lady Luck doesn't come often but she doesn't go away as soon as she sees a coffin either. Oh someone please hand me a bucket because i'm about to throw up.

Seriously, what is wrong with these people? Someone has just left us and they decide to stay home instead of going to bid him/her a last goodbye because their stupid feng shui book tells them that they'll be doomed if they do so during the festive season? Please take all the feng shui crap and Lillian Too poster and shove it where the sun doesn't shine.

That Heartless Dude With A Lot Of Heart

2010-02-11T22:41:00.000+08:00

Please allow me to gloat. I've been going to concerts since i was 12 and many of the times, i always look enviously at the reporters and photographers who get to attend press conferences, parade around town with their media tag and watch the concert upclose in a section closed off to the public. So imagine the happiness when i got a call from my editor telling me to not only attend the concert and press conference, but also to interview Kris Allen. I finally get my own media tag!

If you go hunting for Kris Allen press conference details on the Internet, i'm pretty sure you'll notice many of those who attended the conference will write about Kris and the Malaysian souvenir that he received: a keris. Kris' keris, get it?

Then came my time to interview the Idol himself. Ohmigosh. This is the friggin man i was watching on TV last year. The man i thought, like all other Idol winners, i would never get to see live. What you see on air is really what you get. While he's not the best celeb in terms of giving interesting interviews, he is funny and i think he doesn't even realise this. He's insanely humble and really lives up to his boy-next-door image.

Okay, this has got to be the most drama-free concert i've been to. Having a media tag does make a lot of difference! At first, we were ushered into a room with two televisions. My first thought: "Oh shit. Are they going to make us watch the concert from here?" Thank God, it was just a waiting area. And this waiting area is nothing like the long queues i am so used to waiting in. We were served food, champagne and wine. And when the time came, another door opened and we simply sashayed into the ballroom while the public is still kept waiting outside.

We had a section to ourselves at the front of the stage. A few selected lucky winners got to join us there too. Though i was so thankful for the front view, i know how it feels like to be a fan and forced to stand behind a bunch of media people who probably don't even care. But boy, was i happy that night. This is what i've been dreaming of on many occassions! Being in front also mean awesome-r pictures and video...

And Kris Allen has a cute band! This guitarist/keyboardist of his (the name's Cale - i did my research) is super hot. Kinda reminds me of Sylar from Heroes. And this time, even Ee Laine has to admit that my taste is good! See? I can spot a good thing when i see one!

Please let more opportunities like this come! STAR World, organise more concerts and invite me! Sigh, let's hope that my office comes up with an entertainment magazine soon so i can start writing about things that i really give a hoot about.

They Asked For It

2010-02-10T15:35:00.001+08:00

"Orang asli fights off tiger with rock" - The Star, 7 Feb '10

Every time i read the papers and come across such headline, the first thought that comes to mind is, "Why did the animal attack the person in the first place?". I am one who always believe that animals, unlike humans, do not cause harm without a reason. Nine out of 10 times, they are probably threatened into doing so. It annoys me too that most media often report such stories by either playing up the injuries or taking a victim's-courageous-fight-for-life angle. What about the cause?

So this recent incident talks about a man who went into the forest to collect petai, got attacked by a lurking tiger and escaped by fighting off the mammal. He even played the pity card: "Asked whether the attack would deter him from going back into the forest, Yok Meneh said he had no choice but to continue as his family’s survival depended on the produce he collected."

Then, yesterday, i came upon this headline which made me happy:

"Orang asli was trying to kill tiger, not collect petai" - The Star, 9 Feb '10

Finally! After so many reports that paint a horrible and false image of animals, the truth is highlighted. The idiot caught the tiger in a snare and when he returned to kill it a few days later, he was attacked. Unfortunately, the tiger did not survive. They found his body few meters away and his detached limb still in the snare. And, authorities reveal that there are no petai in that forest so his whole collect-petai-need-money shebang is bullshit. He's lucky he walked away with just a 15.2cm deep wound on his back for all the torture that he has done on the poor mammal who is merely trying to survive in a world of selfish humans.

I remember Steve Irwin once said something along these lines:

"We teach you how to watch out for crocodiles because we want to keep you safe. By keeping you safe, we keep the animals safe because more often than not, every time after an attack (regardless if it's the human's fault), the animal ends up being killed."

So fucking true. We are the beasts. Not them.

For When You Don't Have Fingernails

2010-02-10T01:13:00.000+08:00

This, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the most ridiculous but useful tool ever created by man.

Is it...
a) A pen with a funky top?
b) An egg whisk?
c) A pen that also doubles as a whisk?

It's none of the above. It's actually a nifty gadget you use to scratch your head. The 'pen' side of it is actually the handle, while the 'whisk' is used to scratch your scalp.

It's so comfortable. Almost as good as going to the salon (for goodness sake, it's a hair salon, NOT a hair saloon!) to get your hair washed and scalp scratched. Awesomeness!

Random Night, Random Surprise

2010-01-19T22:21:00.007+08:00

We were sending each other emails about having a dim sum breakfast with Kevin. I don't know what happened but that plan pretty much flew out the window when Joyce started talking about clubbing. One thing led to another and we found ourselves at Zouk on a Saturday night...and it was a tequila frenzy from then on.

A total of 5 drinks and 33 shots later, everyone was ready to let loose. And the amazing part was, i came home and realised the next day that i did not even bother checking out a single guy! Which is a major shocker if you know me well enough. It was a girlfriends' night out indeed. Okay, that kinda sounded like i'm a lesbian. Anyhoo...

I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of girlies to go crazy with. A toast to tequila shot #34 in the coming months! And thank you for screaming with me! *Wink*

This May Be My Period Talking

2010-01-14T21:58:00.002+08:00

I never like to keep my feelings a secret because to bottle up everything is not healthy. Which is why i am so darn annoyed at you. Of course, you are not the one to blame because it is me who cannot find the courage to speak my mind and to tell you how i really feel about you.

Sometimes i wonder, would things be different if i had a little more guts? But that is basically where i stop every single time. I leave myself to wonder 'what if'.

I guess i don't really want to tell you because deep down, i know the answer is not going to be something i want to hear. Plus, i am scared that things will deteriorate from then on and being able to see you but not say hi to you would really suck balls.

I know i think too much. I really try to not be that way but every time you are involved, i just become like that. You have that effect on me because you are someone i like. Someone i actually give a rat's ass about. Someone who is one of the few in the past years who can make me feel this way. Someone whose attitude attracted me way before the looks (which is very rare in my case).

Argh, if only i can just go up to you and say, "Ding dong, i like you lah. Now please give me a chance and like me back."

Lord, Have Mercy On You

2010-01-10T21:25:00.005+08:00

I came to work on the 8th wearing a crucifix and a pendant of Mother Mary.

I knew this was the day that the fools who were supposedly 'fighting for God' would gather to protest the usage of the word Allah by non-Muslims. I knew there was going to be drama (these sore losers seem to be very good at it). But i also knew that come rain or shine, i am proud of being a Catholic and would not let these fools force me into thinking otherwise.

What i didn't expect though, was to read about the burning of a church first thing in the morning. And then three more by the time i leave for the weekend.

What religion would condone such acts? No Allah or Buddha or Lord Shiva or Jesus would say that it's okay to perform harmful acts towards others or their place of worship. I was disgusted at the state that some rotten apples in this country have become.

About 4pm, i heard that the fools have begun to smash windows of cars with rosaries or crucifix in it. Turned out though, that this was just a rumour because the cops couldn't find any such car. People started pointing fingers at the government, saying that this whole issue is a part of their big plan to misuse power and gain more control over the country. Political drama or no, it is wrong.

Someone then told me that we should save all our money and leave this country for good because it is eventually going to the dogs. I then passed this on to another person and this person said something which made sense. "No, we shouldn't leave. We should stay and fight."

While i don't think anyone should retaliate by burning mosques (we don't need to stoop so low to prove a point), we should join forces and prove that even in these testing times, we as Christians have the faith and willpower to remain strong and survive this uncalled-for war.

Apparently, the total damage is now up to 10 churches. Well fools, do all the damage you want because a church is at the end of the day, a building. The real church lives within our hearts and no amount of molotov cocktails or whatsoever would be able to burn that down.

And in the middle of the day, i stumbled upon a beautiful message on Twitter courtesy of @Beckerzville regarding this hoohah:

"You came into our church, desecrated our Holy Host and lived to write about it and all we did was feel sorry for your ass. Why? That's faith."

Fools, i wish you good luck when your time comes to leave this world. Trust me, you're going to need lots of it in that final destination of yours.

My Boss Is Not From Hell

2010-01-09T22:39:00.006+08:00

Me: You lah, talk so long! Or else i could have went to sit with him.
Editor: Where is he?
Me: He left lah.
Editor: Why didn't you tell me?
Me: How to tell you? Other people were here lah.
Editor: Aiyoh! Give me a nudge lah. Don't be so selfish next time. I want to know who is he! Now i know where your mind really is during meetings! [Laughs]

My boss is so awesome, i can talk to her about things that people don't normally talk to their bosses about. And i also recently found out that she thinks Mark Wahlberg is mighty fine too. Finally, someone who agrees with me!

After hearing so many stories about bosses from hell, i'm glad i don't have to experience it. Which also makes it all the more difficult for me to leave in the future. Can i take my boss with me to whatever my new job may be?

You Say Devil's Curry, We Say Debal Curry

2010-01-03T22:35:00.002+08:00

Since 24 hours is way too short for Christmas, we decide to extend the party to a three-day-long Christmas frenzy in another state: Malacca!

Everything about Malacca is so old - the buildings, the tradition, right down to the locals who patronise Jonker Walk at night to listen to Chinese uncles and aunties rock out on the public karaoke machine. The chicken rice restaurant that we went to for lunch is so old, it doesn't even come with a complete set of roof! And the church we went to? It was built in friggin 1710!

And the state is so old-fashioned, i even got reunited with the Daubers, Stones, Fillets, Tacks and other Happy Family. So happy! Along with tali getah and teng-teng, it is one of my favourite-est childhood game. Anyone up for some old school fun?

Evening was spent basking in the beauty of Christmas lights with fellow Eurasians at the Portuguese Settlement. Everything's so pretty there during Christmas. Imagine 90% of the neighbourhood covered in colourful lights (even ordinary bushes) and gorgeous deco, with most of the people understanding Christmas as the birth of our Lord and not merely a public holiday when people give gifts.

And guess what? Thanks to my aunt's keh-po-chi-ness, we found a fellow Spykerman: my grandfather's cousin! Woo hoo! I'm so psyched to head back there again to officially say hello and extend the family circle!

Except for the yummy brinjal at the Portuguese Settlement, I still don't think Malacca (or Penang for that matter) is a food haven. Whatever they have there, we have in KL. It's just the whole shebang about it being a foodie's joint that is making everyone think they've got good food there. So overrated. And have you tried driving in Malacca? Darn roads are so confusing. Most of them only go one way! You can get from A to B easily. But to return from B to A, you first have to pass C, D, E, F and G.

Thank God for the company!

Experience The Pain, The Relief, The Sadness, The Joy

2009-12-30T07:13:00.000+08:00

I've watched an elephant give birth on Animal Planet but i've never seen anything like this.

If you're not a fan of blood, i say watch it anyway. Yes, there will be blood but most importantly, there is also a story. A story that you can understand even if you don't speak elephant language. A story that speaks so much emotion even though there were no spoken words.

Be awed.

Ours May Not Be White But It's Still Awesome

2009-12-27T10:40:00.000+08:00

How was your Christmas?

On Christmas eve, i was so exhausted. Had to bathe Zi and make him smell good for the big day, decided out of the blue to scrub the gate, washed the ingredients for salad, wrapped Zi's present and yet still found the stamina to make it through midnight mass without feeling sleepy! Christmas carols were sung so many times (and in such high-pitched melody) that i really thought i was going to lose my voice the next day.

And this is my awesome DPerkins dress and Santa hat! The dress is so simple yet so versatile. Allows me to play with my belts and accesories. I likey very much! Even thinking of getting it in different colours. Ren, Joyce, shopping at Pyramid?

It's weird that although my family does the same thing year in and year out for Christmas, it never bores me. Some people like to leave the country for a foreign Christmas experience. We usually gather at one of the family's home for a day of bonding. And awesomely, this year, my parents and I get to play host! The better part is, i made salad and nobody who ate it walked away sick!

I'm happy with my presents this year. Including a shocking one from the best boss one could possibly ever ask for. She gave me a friggin Coach key chain and Bobbi Brown makeup! For a mediocre girl who is contented with her Sungei Wang bag and Maybeline products, this is indeed a pleasant surprise. Where else lah to find such awesome boss like that? Now, if only i can figure out how to use the blusher without making myself look like a clown.

There's still New Year, a family day and Chinese New Year to go. Super stoked. The end and the start of a new year is always the best time for giving and sharing. Spread the love y'all!

Christmas Is In Town

2009-12-25T00:00:00.001+08:00

After a super rush month (i think i continued working every night at home after work for two weeks in a row!), it's finally time to fully bask in this special holiday. May your hearts be filled with the joy and spirit of the season. I hope you have an awesome Christmas! I can't wait to open my presents!

Random fact: Dad made this little crib many years back! It's made from unwanted wood and an old plastic window blind that we no longer use. Even added an old cross from my old necklace at the top of it. Super dad indeed.

Happy birthday Jesus! I love you!

The Day Ten Voices Meet A Red Box

2009-12-23T09:03:00.000+08:00

We fell on our bums while ice-skating. We screamed our lungs out at the Scream Park. Recently, we got together to pretend to be rock stars (and Bollywood dancers).

On this day, i learnt a few things.

I learnt that Red Box is no fun. You are made to endure the MTV channel for a minute or so after every song. What a waste of time. And though most of their songs come with the original music video, they don't have lyrics. Now, what the heck is the point of going to a karaoke when you have no lyrics to sing along to? Geez. I'll take Neway anyday!

I learnt that there are people in this world who don't know the Beauty and the Beast song! Oh what horror! I also realised that you should not judge a person's music taste by their age. Andrew may be 14 but he is very familiar with Elvis Presley's numbers - songs that are so old school even i don't know about them!

I learnt that any song can become a karaoke hit. Even one sung by a semi-naked frog who keeps flashing his dick. Even one which lyrics carry no meaning and are practically made up of a repetition of four words: ring, ding, brem, ba. (The blogger video application somehow made my video super dark. So just listen to the audio lah.)

I learnt that Jai Ho is the new Macarena. There are no standard moves. When you hear the song, all you have to do is stand up, pretend to turn a lightbulb above you, put your palm flat out and pretend to ask for money, and in Edaline's case, hold on to an imaginary motorcycle handlebar?

And finally, i learnt that my family is partially crazy (in a good way of course) and that's why i love them to pieces. Hmmm, maybe we can try sky diving on our next Cousins' Day Out?

When Work Gives You Stress, Look At Shoes

2009-12-22T17:04:00.002+08:00

One of the prized furniture in my home is my shoe cabinet. No, it's not an award-winning design nor is it expensive. But i love to see my shoes organised instead of thrown into a pile. Pretty shoes deserve pretty treatment too!

So anyway, i spent one weekend cleaning and reorganising the cabinet. And when i start cleaning, i usually end up throwing things because i don't like to keep things that i no longer use, unless they have sentimental value. More unnecessary stuff = more things to clean!

Packed a few shoes for my cousin who has got big feet like me! And threw some away. My treasured boots from Aussie went to the dumps too because it has been left alone for too long, causing its PVC to wear out and tear. What a tragic moment! Darn Malaysian weather that is so not boots-friendly.

Once finished dusting and relabelling my shoes boxes, i realised that i now have a whole empty row to fill! Pretty shoes in size 9/10, come to me!

My Name Is Lea And I Like Bad Boys

2009-12-21T00:25:00.001+08:00

When i watch TV or movies, i rarely get smittened by romantic characters like that guy in The Notebook, Jack in Titanic and honestly, those are the only two romantic characters besides Romeo, that i can think of right now.

What do tickle my fancy though, are the rough and tough characters. Think the Winchester brothers from Supernatural, Ari Gold from Entourage, Volchok and Trey from The OC and Chuck from Gossip Girls.

I remember how jealous i was at the forbidden romance between Phoebe and Cole in Charmed. One's a demon fighter while the other is a demon. Two contrasting worlds united with one passion: love. It's so dark but so sexy. So romantic. So exciting. So wrong yet so right.

Now, i'm not saying that i want my man to be on the other side of the law. I don't want a guy who creeps out at night to go kill people. But i like someone who is not exactly a goodie two shoe. Someone with an interesting story to tell. Someone who is not easy to understand.

I love the fact that Ari Gold curses like nobody's business. I love that he can be such a prick at times. I love that he checks out other girls. But most importantly, i love that ultimately, he loves his wife and hates people who cheat on their spouses. That's the twist that turns me on. Someone who is misunderstood. Someone who appears to be horrible on the outside yet sweet on the inside. Like a chocolate with a soft caramel filling in the middle. You just have to know how to find your way to the good part.

Can you please find me a demon busting guy who is slightly obnoxious and rude but is a good person at heart? It would help if he looks like Jensen Ackles too.

Yeah, i know. I watch way too much TV.

Scribble-Doodle-Doo

2009-12-05T23:57:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was an awesome day because...

...I woke up from a nice dream about that fella who shall remain unnamed.

...Lu Yi (representing her client) dropped by my office with Starbucks for everyone. That girl is so ter rer, she's her own boss now. And she's only my age! Respect!

...I was not sleepy during colour-sep yesterday. Must be the two coffees i downed earlier. And i was so awake and at peace (must be the Christmas spirit) that i even found time to do something i haven't done in a long time, and can only do when i'm really calm - draw!

...after so many delays, I finally got to buy my parents dinner! One of the many things in my grown up to-do list can now be crossed off. I feel accomplished. They've spent so much on me and so little on themselves so now i want them to enjoy themselves.

...mum gave me money to buy that self-learn language CD i want as a birthday gift! Speaking of gifts, i want to hug Ren, Joyce and Louanne so tight until they cannot breathe. Thanks for the presents (i am loving the bags!) and for having dinner with me!

Life Is What You Make Of It

2009-12-03T00:00:00.002+08:00

Wow. I'm 23. That's only 2 more years to go before i become a quarter of a century old.

But you know what? I am surprisingly okay with it. I don't want to turn back time. I don't want to be 18 again. I am comfortable.

Growing up means learning and experiencing things that a younger me would not understand. Without the disappointments, how will i know who i can really count on on a rainy day? If i did not get cut off my allowances, i will not know how to be financially semi-independent (i still live under my parents' roof so technically, i'm not all that independent yet).

Plus, i love the fact that i'm no longer schooling but am now working. They say enjoy school life because work is going to be hectic. I say, school is fun but work is a whole new experience to love too. I feel more in control of my life. And this may sound odd but i was so excited when i went for my first self-paid holiday this year and when i received my first bill ever! Responsibilities are scary but when fulfilled, they give you a sense of pride. A feeling that says, "Congratulations. You are now ready to take charge of how your future will turn out."

With that said, I'm still slightly disappointed because i have yet to learn how to drive. And i don't know if i'm making the right choice by choosing to spend on a holiday next year than on my first car.

Also, I've only got a little over 4 months before i hit the 2-year mark in my job. When i took on my current job, i gave myself 2-years to settle down into the working life before heading out to conquer my career goal or at least move into AMP. I've gotten comfortable with this job. I'm scared of change. What if my new boss is horrible? What if they don't like me? I talked to my editor about this and she said, "Don't get comfortable. You cannot lose sight of your goal!" Couldn't have said it better. Lord, please give me that chance and i'll take care of the rest.

So yeah, growing up is scary but it's just another step towards knowledge and life that i am more than willing to take. Bring on 24!

It's My Blog. I Can Be As Random As I Want.

2009-11-30T15:12:00.000+08:00

I dislike drinks that are passion-fruit flavoured because they are so sweet, they can give you diabetes at the first sip. The fruit however, is probably only 15% sweet. Which means that it’s super sour. Which then means that it’s perfect for my tastebuds!

I doubt I’ll get diabetes in the future because I don’t have a sweet tooth, except for ice cream. Who the hell says no to ice-cream? But I might end up with high-blood pressure and/or gastric because I’m in love with sour and salty food. Yum!

Killing One Softly With Each Puff

2009-11-28T13:17:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, my parents and I went to visit one of dad's old neighbour whose father has just passed away. Apparently, he had been sick for quite some time and even required an oxygen tank to help him breathe. A day or two before he moved on, he told his son to put one of his pot of roses to the side of the garden. And miraculously, on the day that he died, a rose bloomed.

He was a smoker. One side of his lungs failed long ago and the other one only had 30% left. Once, his heartbeat even stopped. He was brought back to life, and then decided to quit smoking for good. Alas, the change did not come soon enough because his health continued to deteriorate, finally succumbing to death a week ago.

It is a pity when i see people falling victim to the cancer stick. While i don't hate smokers, i certainly don't agree with that lifestyle. Plus, don't they know that it makes them smell? A dear person once experimented with smoking and it pissed me off. I remember telling him/her "Why pay for cigarettes to kill yourself slowly? Might as well take a knife and stab yourself. It's free."

I don't know if that was a little too harsh but that is exactly how i feel to this date. I hate it when people tell me that they smoke because it helps them to release stress. What a whole load of bullshit. I have my own issues to deal with but i don't smoke.

Some smokers will say, "Hey, at least i'm not doing drugs." Hello, if you compare yourself to someone who is worse than yourself, of course you're going to look like an angel. Why not compare yourself to a non-smoker?"

And don't get me started about social smokers. That's like a 'sophisticated' title for those who smoke because they want to belong. Because they think it's cool. I reckon a social smoker is more disgusting than the usual smoker.

If you smoke and are offended by this, well, i don't care. I'm not forcing you to quit smoking so please don't force your habit on me.