My life and I did it my way...

New Job

2010-03-13T01:02:00.002+08:00

I know, I know that it has been a disgustingly long time since I've written nething here and most people would probably have given up on me alr. Thank goodness YOU didn't.

Started working on 4th January 2010 at Alliance Bank, HQ (CapSquare) as a sales support for Equipment Financing team. EPF is industry hire purchase loans (eg. trucks, forklifts) Basically, I write reports and pull credit checking reports for the sales staff. Crazy January due to many reasons that I shall not state here. You'll have to ask me urself.

Then came Feb and I had to learn Business Premises Financing stuff bcos they were merging in March and that has been, on one hand, super educational and exactly what I wanted but on the other hand as I now learn, SUPER CRAZILY BUSY. So many things to do with people keep throwing documents at me and another colleague (she joined 3 weeks earlier), I really don't know how the previous girl did it. Perhaps that's why she wanted to transfer out. Sure, I learn super a lot but I'm starting to stress a bit at the workload cos it just keeps coming in and NOTHING is NOT urgent. Urgent is now the normal state of affairs.

So my mails now will not be so full of pictures (go to my facebook acciybt for that cos I don't have the time to post and comment here) but shall, in its place, be filled with words of wisdom! .... NOT. As usual, I shall write watever the hell I want! Muahahaha.

So here is an interesting thing I noticed...

A : Z is not working here anymore
B : Where did he went?
A : Non-bank

It feels that if a person is working in a bank long enough, anyone leaving the industry is just termed as non-bank, like going to non-bank is point enough, no need further clarification... as if it's kinda beneath their notice at that point. Interesting...

Also, I am learning so much about loans. How it is done, what is needed, what is checked so here's one tip. DON'T NOT PAY EVEN YOUR CREDIT CARDS FOR MORE THAN A MONTH unless you really have a valid reason to do so. The banks CAN and WILL take credit card settlements into account before deciding on a loan.

Johor-S'pore Part 1: Batu Pahat

2009-12-21T22:34:00.032+08:00

This was such a last minute trip that I'm still left reeling from it! A fren I met from Perth had so kindly offered me a place to stay in Batu Pahat and I thought, why not before I start working and holiday will be an issue? So there we went!!! Thanks Wan Ying!

BUT

Before BP, me and Justin stopped by in Melaka for lunch....

Sorry Mr, didn't mean to take a pix of u

Jonker's Dessert is one of the most famous shop in Melaka. Ofcos the durian chendol is the star but don't look down on their curry laksa or nasi lemak!! This curry chicken was absolutely delicious!

So was in BP and went to the malls (knowing me, BUT OFCOS!!!) and found some really interesting wedding pix concept.

I AM NOT LOOKING FOR WEDDING PIX NOR AM I GETTING MARRIED SOON SO PLS DON'T JUMP TO THE WRONG CONCLUSION.

I just think these are quite special. Enjoy!

Open up to this...

And this is another example...

And ends with this...

Ain't it cool??

Source : Forgot the name of the studio but it's in the top floor of Summit Parade, BP

On the road... blurred pix cos WY doesn't really like her pix posted. SORRY!!!!

After walking the two malls (which took less than 2 hours...) then DINNER TIME! WY took me to a fishing village nearby called Segenting and was warned that it'll be horribly smelly. But being a city couple, we were keen to try eating in it! (and imagining how cheap the price would be totally helped!!)

On the way... dusk!

Now ain't this an idea?

Isn't this divine? On pix ofcos...

You know what they say...

You can take a city girl out of the city
but NOT

the city out of the city girl...

Lol... I plagiarise horribly.

Looking at all the crazily expensive strollers arnd KL, this is a shocker... I was walking in MV looking at the simplest stroller I could find and this totally takes the cake! Why do we need super expensive stroller again???

In the fishing village is actually a popular temple (which I didn't even know was there until we got there) and in it, hosts the biggest fishes I've ever seen so close up!!!

On top of this small little pond, there's a bridge and if I'm not wrong, it's called Lover's Bridge. Quite a nice place to drop by!

And onwards to the main agenda for the evening/night!

There are two rest.s there and this one is right before the temple.

Yay! Right on time for sunset!

The main itinerary... salted egg crabs!

The freshest and best that I've eaten so far!!

A surprising entry

Never seen a pari cooked this way...

And it was great too!!

... and the rest of the casts!

Three ppl... FIVE dishes...

... and the price was?? *drums roll*

Not too cheap but if you take out the crabs (RM45 per kg), we only paid RM34 for the other 3 dishes!

Then we headed to WY's place and planned for supper for the nite but unfortunately... we were too full and it was raining. So all of us tried to recover at home from the bingeing. But it was worth it!

So the next day, BEFORE we headed to JB, me and Justin had one last meal in BP.

Cool holder.

Starter : Thai style fried tao hu
Review : DARN GD. The thai sauce was sour enough but not too much and the cucumber goes well with it as well as the tau hu. Always a classic!

The portion is big too for 4.90. In KL, it'll prob be 8-10. :/

Black pepper chicken ramen
Review : Great ramen! Doubly great if you like black pepper!

The pièce de résistance... Sizzling ramen with Karaage
Reveiw : It so remind me of the one I had in Perth... it has a little taste of ginger with it and the fried quality is just heavenly! Only RM12.90 (arnd there)

WHY DON"T THEY OPEN IN KL???
Currently available in Singapore, JB and BP

So this last stop concludes our stay in BP. Next post will be on JB!

What is a bday without good food for PS?

2009-12-09T13:01:00.023+08:00

Lunch
Venue : Ribs by Vintry, Medan D'sara (behind Victoria Station and Jake's)

I can't recommend this place highly enough. Great place for great food. A little pricy (main meals average 35. The most expensive is RM68, I think) but the food is great. More so if you like to enjoy your wine and chill after food... or just chill with your company and wines. Been there once before which was the reason I ordered my cake from there. The lychee cheesecake was PERFECT! Never even heard of lychee cheesecake but oh, will I remember it now!!! The cheese is in no way overpowering nor was it too sweet PLUS you can still taste the lychee!!

But this time, I ordered a mango cheesecake

Costs only RM75. Apparently the baker is the sister of the owner of Vintry which was why I can pick up the cake from there. Another reason for me to have lunch there. If you're interested, the cake is by Su. A little free advert for her here but I only recommend gd stuff so there!

For starters, we had chilli mussels, something that is HUGELY popular in Australia (or maybe it's just Perth?). Not a fan of mussels but if you are, you would like it. Lil spicy but all good.

Mine : braised pork with white wine

Tender but just so-so. Liked the salad though

Oh! Did I mention that they have special lunch menu where some stuff are 31.90 only? I think that's pretty fair, hey!

Mum's seabass and darn!

It was damn gd. Totally international standard.

Don't believe me? Go and try it yourself

This you gotta try. BBQ pork ribs!

So 5 adults went and it costs only RM220. We had a salad, chilli mussels, two pork ribs, one seabass and a tenderloin. Not bad! More expensive at night but I reckon they provide better service at night too! At least they have locals that could understand us at nite... :/

Cutting cake
Venue : home
Time : before dinner

Okok, I know my hair looks a fright but I was rushing!!!

Look at his concentration on my cake!!! After letting him cut, he came at me with a knife... AGAIN! And really, he exerted force to cut that cake!! He is really one 'wai sik mao'.

Since I let Aidan cut, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't invite Lex Lex (though Aidan did it without invitation). It's really hard to get the kids still AND looking at the camera for a pix to be taken!

Me and grandpa who also celebrated his 93rd bday recently.

Only one word : fantabulous!

Not sure where I've seen that word

Can u see bits of mangoes in it????

Might look too cheesy but really is not!!!

Dinner
Venue : Cafe Cafe, KL

Me and a cup of Baileys

Cafe Cafe is beyond cool. Price is a bit pricy (expect hotel prices) but the environment is amazing! Soft lights, great curtains and with xmas trees (it is xmas time), I have to say that this is the most PERFECT PLACE in KL that Justin can bring me to so cheers!

Thanks B!!! :x

Complimentary appetiser. Damn gd bread.

Would it be insulting to them to compare it with Italliannies?

Looks bad but it's actually buttered mashed potato (I think) and lamb.

Loved the potato (though Justin was disgusted by it) and the lamb was so so (not a big fan of lambs).

His lambshank with coriander and orange... with spinach and ricotta on the sides

I know... orange?

But it was not bad! I stress again, I'm not a lamb-lover...

but I'm a huge HUUUGGEEE beef lover!!

Introducing tenderloin with foie gras reduction... whatever that means. The tenderloin actually came with wasabi cream but I don't like wasabi so I asked the waiter what other sauce I can have. He said cream sauce and I was like... beef and cream sauce?? Hmm... then he recommended this sauce which actually went with another thing on the menu and it is FREAKING DELICIOUS! No idea what sauce is it but I'm guessing it has to do with goose fat liver??

And I was quite fussy as well! I actually was considering the beef vs lamb but as you now SHOULD know, I prefer my beef but I prefer the sides of the lamb (pumpkin puree and spinach cum ricotta) so I basically asked for a tenderloin with a different sauce and different side dishes. Lol! Ofcos being the professional and upper establishment that it is, they humoured my whims. :)

Ahh... what a night!

Chocolate tart and ...

... a lemon sorbet to finish a perfect night...

Though if you've seen Justin's face when he had it, you might not think so.

And I have the pix to prove it!!!...

But I suspect he will not take it too kindly if I post it here...

So in my private collection it shall stay!!

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Yr everyone!

p/s: Oh! N the dinner bill came up to RM200+

Second thoughts...

2009-11-29T10:38:00.003+08:00

I always thought that the Star newspaper is quite trashy with their biasness and New Straits Times provided SOME form of more REASONABLE news.

W R O N G

Came down from my bedroom on a blurry Sunday morning thinking 'why am I awake on a Sunday morning?'. Looked at the Sunday Times (NST) and saw the headline:

Sex and the hubby

Was trying to figure out which husband and wife is so important that their private lives is put on NST front page so I read on. Here is the gist of it...

There is still a high demand for prostitutes in Malaysia... And one of the reasons for this steady demand is apparently busy, career-chasing wives...

Women’s Aid Organisation vice-president Vicky Alahakone said in some cases, the wives were partly to blame for their men straying as they had unwittingly “abandoned” their husbands while trying to juggle careers and the household.

OOOHHHHHH.... forgive us women who wants to give our family a better life.... In our stupidly highly inflated price with no labour union power to fight for a better pay to keep up with the inflation... Why not the woman just stay at home... see how the guy can get enough for the 10,000 kids some people seem to need to have....

But NO! That's not possible because....

“Some husbands seek prostitutes to escape the dreariness of their daily lives by injecting some excitement into their mundane routines.

So even though the woman stay at home and be the good little housewife, it can still be mundane, therefore leading to the same outcome... Hmmm... A Catch 22?

But some men go to prostitutes to exhibit their masculinity and dominance over women, according to a sociologist from Help University College who did not want to be named.

Smart move there.... If I were the Help sociologist... I wouldn't want my name to be on this article too.... I agree with what s/he says... they are trying to place a TINY AMNT OF BLAME on the right party here BUT... my main point is...

WHAT THE F***KING HELL IS THIS ARTICLE DOIN IN THE FRONT PAGE OF A NEWSPAPER ON A SUNDAY?????

Here's the link

p/s : Really thought I was over the 'comment on what politicians/newspapers says' because it is plain rubbish and not worth my time but this really takes the cake...

pp/s : I wasn't wrong that the Star give more trashy news... I was wrong that I felt that NST was better... so now... both of them are trashy!

Oh! And if you're interested... here's a link on a really disturbing semi-political news involving a SUPER WELL KNOWN FAMILY and the stupidity that is our country's Muslim laws...
Summary :

“Therefore, the assets should be immediately returned to Tan Sri Lim’s name, and then redistributed to his Muslim heirs (if any) according to Syariah law. If he has no Muslim heir, then the assets shall be given to the Islamic authorities and they can do whatever they wish. The non-Muslim children are disinherited.” The Syariah Court ruled.

“Even though it is 19 to 1, but because the non-Muslim witnesses refused to swear on the Qur’an before they testified in court, we could not consider their testimonies. In any event, even if they did swear on the Qur’an, the dhimmis… sorry, the non-Muslims would still carry less weight when compared to the testimony of 2 Muslim men. It is not about the number, it is about quality of the witnesses.”

A first time for everything

2009-11-10T17:21:00.004+08:00

On Friday was the first time that I brought Maxine out in my car since Odie passed away...
OK... I can still pretend that Odie is still somewhere because I have brought Max out without Odie before...

Yesterday was the first time that I had to feed Maxine with Odie's food...
Ok... I can still pretend that Odie just don't wanna eat his food... which was why I gave it to Maxine

Yesterday was also the first time that Odie didn't find me when the thunder was so bad...

Today was the first time I brought Maxine out without Odie for his walks...

I can't pretend anymore that he's hiding underneath somewhere that I can't see him for so many days...

Because I have NEVER brought Maxine out for walks without Odie...

There wasn't the frantic barking in his excitement, there wasn't me yelling at him to shut up...

I didn't have to use two pails to scoop the water for them to drink... there need only be one...

I asked my cousin... "Where is Odie? I have been protecting him for so long... I need to know where he is and if he's alright..."

She said, "Odie is in heaven right now... with many angels looking after him..."

I hope they are cos Maxine misses Odie too...

I dreamt abt him the night before... my reasoning for him being there is that he hadn't really passed away... that it was all a mistake... and the crazy thing is... I accepted that reasoning!

At least I got to pat him again... :)

There shouldn't be a first time for everything.... really shouldn't....

RIP Odie Lum

2009-11-05T09:15:00.004+08:00

To those of you who knows me well, you should know that this is something I didn't ever wish that I would have to say.

My beloved Odie has passed away sometime last nite...

It wasn't too much of a surprise cos a few days ago I brought him to the vet and he said, though not critical, we should be prepared. It got even worse yesterday when he wouldn't eat his food even after we put chicken meat in it... compounded by his lukewarm response to his 'bone'.

I know that this is... much better for him... and to an extent, to us as well since we don't need to see him suffer. He went away peacefully while he slept...

He still looked like he was sleeping when I saw him just now....

I have no regrets... I did all I could and I got to spend the night with him since I was in... I'm grateful for that. I'm just sad for me right now.

He was my baby....

He will FOREVER be MY BABY

Short note (reflection from Sasa)

2009-10-27T21:36:00.002+08:00

1. Ppl buy Cookie and Biscuits from Sasa. (one of their best sellers)

2. I wonder at what occupation of a person who buys Breast Beauty Mask. It's RM59 per pack, one PAIR per box and recommended twice weekly use.

3. Sasa sells Pink Nipple... its function is EXACTLY what the name implies.

It was definitely an educational experience. More info in the next post (maybe)...

Palate, Palette

2009-10-08T11:12:00.011+08:00

The other day, Justin surprised me with a trip to a new restaurant! It is situated near Jalan Alor (21 Jalan Mesui) and is kinda isolated but surprisingly popular. The lower deck is a bar/rest/chilling out place while the upperdeck has a dancefloor and also serve for private functions.

Just by looking at the menu, you can see that it is different.

The light is yellow and kinda dim, allowing for a super cozy atmosphere. There are not many tables there but more than a few were filled with ppl just chilling and catching up with their friends.

Definitely recommended for cozy drinking

First time I see a variation of milo! Milo Viennese (RM9) is just milo with whipped cream on top

Tasted like Australian milo cos it's milkier.

Still nice, anyway.

Table decor

Inside the rest (sorry for the screwed up lighting. It's actually yellow-ish)

Table setting..

Our starters.

Right: seafood chowder (RM19). Lots of seafood in it... taste good too but I prefer thick, blended ones. Still! It's gd.

Left : Chicken lollipop (RM10). House specialty. Justin drooled all over it. To his defence, it's really good. Very well marinated and fried. Goes quite well with the sauce too!
Great finger food!

They served a bun and their house butter which is mixed with herbs.

Nice!

And that's my Thai Roast Beef Sandwhich (RM16). Simple but absolutely lovely to eat.

Do go and try it out if you're feeling adventurous and in the mood for fusion. I don't usually do fusion but this place gets my vote!

Macau

2009-10-01T14:13:00.031+08:00

I got back from Macau a week ago. Went with my mum and her sisters and boy, is that a trip to remember. Some good and some... not so good but I got to go so I'm not gonna complain. Spent 4d/3n in Macau and surprisingly, it wasn't as boring as everyone warned me it'd be... if you like food that is...

MGM Grand Casino/Hotel

While there, we were told that there's a firework competition with two displays of firework every Saturday and that Saturday was the second last one! It was really cool cos they tried to sync it with music as well. How am I to watch the Merdeka fireworks and whatnot after this????

Outside MGM Grand

Smiley face!

Lobby of MGM Grand. I think the interior deco is awesome!

Tourisy picture moments outside the casino in MGM Grand

I think this tree looks magical!

After watching the fireworks, I couldn't resist going into a local McD (which has DOUBLE PORK burger) and ordered something only to see this.

Weird, eh? But whatever works for them!

So after my first day in Macau, I went back for a bath at the Royal Hotel. Nice hotel btw. Walking distance to Senado Square and St Paul ruins (which I only discovered a few hours before my flight). After a totally decadent and loooooong bath, I came out to see this!

They had parts of the mirror cleared of fog!

Now THAT'S hospitality for you. Me and my mum was so impressed.

Never forget that little things matters!

2nd day at the Venetian hotel/casino.

But first we walked to Rio de Cunha. Nice to walk and look-see-look-see

One of the back lanes there is so HK!...

Actually, the whole of Macau reminds me HK! They even communicate in Canto!

This is a bakery along Rio de Cunha in which...

... I ordered the uniquely Portuguese desert, Serradura! And a Macau cofee

They compliment each other SOOOOOOOOO well...

At first, I thought Serradura was a cake (well... it LOOKS like one!) but it's actually cream topped and layered with sugar and crushed peanuts. It might seem SUPER sweet but this shop's wasn't! The cream wasnt too sweet or jelak that even my mum liked it! And boy... did it go with coffee. Bitter Sweet as per the name of the shop!

So while we were there, me and my mum decided to also check out the BEST pork chop bun in the whole of Macau. They only sell from 3-5 each day!

The queue at 2.45pm...

This is the famous pork chop bun!

Basically fried pork chop sandwiched with sourdough bread.

And this one is REALLY REALLY gd. The pork chop was really well marinated.

And I was the only one who bought ONE after such a long queue.

But it was WORTH it!

Plus it didn't take that long cos everyone only have to say how many they want at the counter.

So with a satiated stomach, we walked back to the Venetian to catch the Cirque du Soleil, Zaia. There must be a certain irony when I missed the Cirque for 3 yrs in Perth but caught it in Macau... So here's the insides of the awesome Venetian!

Love this pix

My bro would have LOVED AND BANKRUPTED them...

Ain't it grand?

Somehow that it felt too obscenely and ostentatiously grand.

Kinda like Elizabeth Hurley's marriage in India.

Back to Macau...
Since everyone needed a pix of themselves there to 'prove' that they really were there...

If you can... try and read wat is provided in the meal that costs arnd RM60

Unfortunately, there was a low typhoon on our third day so it was raining the WHOLE day. So we just tried and stayed indoors. Went to Grand Lisboa (owned by Stanley Ho) and there were so many treasures in there. Check this out!

That's a wood caving. Not that impressed? Seen it all before? What if showed you...

...that it is the center part of...

THIS
The details was A-MA-ZING. There were monkeys, people, gates, buddha amidst the Chinese forest-mountain scene.

We HAD to go to Senado Sq and St Paul ruins despite the rain.

Right before we need to go to the airport, we snuck into a nearby recommended-by-the-receptionist restaurant and had a great baked pork chop with Portuguese sauce rice. No more Kim Gary Portuguese sauce for me...

... nor Malaysian Portuguese tart for that matter!

It was interesting going to Macau. Went into casinos and watched ppl gambling with different casinos servicing different clientele. Lisboa had mainly housewives/si lais, Venetian more Chinese businessman and tourists (spotted a few pros running from security!) and Wynn apparently had a guy betting HK40k (RM20k) on a single bet. Phew! What I didn't notice were teens on the street so I asked around. Apparently the youngsters there hang out in China as if it is just crossing from KL to Selangor!

Just when you wanna scream...

2009-09-13T02:19:00.004+08:00

That IMP flying on top of that beautiful birthday cake (at only 2 yrs old, I might add) is my eldest nephew. His name is Alexander Gan (but I call him Lex Lex just to irritate my sis... I call her dog [which has became MY dog now] Max Max... you can see why she's a wee bit miffed at that???) and is my sister's son. I only have one sis and she's the eldest in the family. So anyways, back to my story...

Lex2 likes to come into my room at night for whatever reason... and one thing he LOVES BEST is to mess around with my book collection which is conveniently situated for his height. If you know me well, you know that I dun like ppl messing arnd with my books... esp a kid who will NOT take UTMOST, SUPREME, PRECIOUS care of my books. So yesterday was one of those night... which was compounded by my sister NOT being there to supervise his sabo-ing.

Which means I had to keep an eye on him..

So I sat there watching him for all of 20 min while he terrorised my books (he often likes to terrorise my cute little doggies as well) and generally made baby sounds (aka noise). I kept telling him 'No!', 'put that back properly', 'put that back the way you found it' and 'no, you didn't find it that way'.

After repeating this for 20 min... it gets quite irritating...

I was preparing to strangle him alr...

So I closed my eyes for a moment while lying on the bed to calm myself...
(And the bed was QUITE comfortable...)

After just a few seconds, I noticed the room was suddenly silent...

So I opened my eyes a little to peek at what he might be up to...

He was looking at me for a while, silently... as if considering something...

Then he STOOD UP and WALKED TO THE DOOR

He opened it and SLOWLY walked out before quietly closing it behind him.

My God... he thought I was asleep (or maybe just that I wanted to sleep) so he quietened and left quietly for me to sleep... And just when I was preparing to strangle him...

The DARNEST things that kids do... is this. They drive u up the wall and just when you nearly had enough, they do the DARNEST things....

*heart melts again*

Life as a bum...

2009-09-07T19:38:00.021+08:00

So lately all I do is wake up at 1030-11, leave room at 12-1, get lunch, do some errands, nap in the evening and then it's dinner time in which my bf will be here and spend the rest of the night with. That's pretty much the template of my life as a full-time bum and this bum is getting a bit sick of it (nvr thought I'd say that!). But on my journey as a professional bum, here are some pictures of my many lunches and dinners (and even teas!!) So yeah... this post is abt pictures of fooooooooodddd!

In Green Box, Sg Wang

Hartamas : Celicakes

Cute little cupcakes! And they taste good too! But I prefer vanilla

Plaza Damas : Café le Passione

Coffee art : capuccino...

AND IT TASTED GREAT TOO!

one of the best coffee shop I've been to

Latte

Love the detail : they provide a cup of water as well!
Also like the plate

DEFINITELY lurveeee the SUPER FLUFFY pancakes!

OUG : chu yuk fun mee (my fav!)

You gotta have it with the chilli or not it's incomplete

Sam : Don't salivate too much over this pix

Mv : Delicious (also available in 1u and BV2)

Spicy Crab Meat linguini.

Not bad. No where near as good as the one I had in Perth but it'll do...

for now...

Braised lambshank pie. Not recommended.

Justin : Looks gd to the eye but taste bad in the mouth
PS : I don't think it's that bad... it just isn't gd

Bread and butter pudding with vanilla sauce

Not the best my mum had but worth a second visit by me, I think

:)

PJ : SuChan

The plan was only to have a drink there...

but I couldn't resist leek and potato soup...

boy, did I regret it. Their potato was not mashed so it lacked the thickness that I craved

But who said I can't enjoy the cake and coffee anyway?

Nice cake, nice coffee, nice hot chocolate but stay away from the soup

Sunway Pyramid : Bubba Gump (just had it for lunch today)

Mum's chicken burger. Love how they serve pickles on the side... Love pickles!

Great fries and great coleslaw

My baked seafood rice

A bit too fishy in all but an ok mains anyway..

Warning : only for those who can take LOTS of cheese

And the crème de la crème of the visit:

L O L

House BBQ

2009-08-31T00:46:00.011+08:00

Heya!

Just another update on what I've been up to. Yup! Still a bum and it's starting to get a little weary. Can't wait to get this Masters thingy done with... either I get it or I don't! If I don't, I'll be joining the labour force hopefully by next yr! But for now... I'm enjoying life... Here's what happened last night for our 'Merdeka BBQ'.

p/s: our main aim was actually to test out our new BBQ pit!

Sis' beef skewers! The pineapple was really good!

Tasted like those you get on your pizza from Pizza Hut

BB starting the fire!

Look at everyone obsessing at the food!

My two little guard dogs!

I define the word guard VERY loosely when it comes to them...

Food, glorious food...

Green light for BBQ! Testing 1,2,3 a success!

Note: This pix is small cos I have not obtained everyone's permission to post this. No one can really be recognised unless you know these individuals.

Just a small gathering... family only

The secretly hidden Portobello mushroom, left for last and eaten only be a selected few!!

Me is included ofcos!!

Rm5 per piece. YUUUUMMMMYYY!!!!

The baked potato was quite good...

if you put a of butter on it as well as a little of melted cheese, liberal amount of sour cream and topped with bacon bits!!!

Long hiatus!

2009-08-04T23:40:00.018+08:00

Hola! By now the numbers of ppl who would check this blog should dwindle down to... less than 5 I would say. Hahaha. I know I'm the worst at keeping things updated so here's one update for those who still have a little bit of faith.

I've been back for 3 weeks alr and today is the second day that I was really free (the first happened yesterday). I've been going out back to back to catch up with frens and stuff. Crazy! But now it's lessening to a more normal degree.

I'm applying for Master in Clinical Psych within the month and hopefully I'll get in. They only accept 15 students and between me and another fren, we alr know 10 applicants! Arggghhh. But right now... though I wanted to work for a bit, I have yet to write out a CV. Wonder if I'll ever get around to do it within ithe next few weeks... Yeah... I doubt so too! Hehehe.

Here are some pix of my month long hiatus!

Our first date since I'm back for good in Ole Ole Bali, Sunway Pyramid.

Caramel Presso. Perfect if you like affogato

Nostalgia... This is actually the menu for otak-otak! That place is awesome for snacks!

The soda biscuit was just the right touch! Love the detail. Nostalgia galore!

After two full days of unpacking, here are my treasures from Perth!!

These DID NOT include those I have left behind, donated and thrown away. :x (yup! I have a shoe fetish!!)

I love Delicious' three-tiered tea-time special. 70 bucks for two but can easily feed 3

Scone! Looks like a cute burger! YUMS!

Ohana - dad, bro-in-law, 2 nephews and grandpa.

We even went to zoo negara!! (It's a democratic country... I was coerced by the other 2)

During the sealion show

Savannah Walk

Me and the loving hippos. They were like Romeo and Juliet!

My fav animal cos he looked so damn stoned!

This chimp sat like a human and it was so eerie to me...

Mum reminded me that it is we who sit like them... as we are the predecessor and they, the ancestor.

AND HERE ARE THE LONG AWAITED PICTURES OF MY BABIES!!!!!

TA DAAHHHHH!!!!!

happy or sad? : now sad

2009-07-09T23:32:00.004+08:00

As I finished packing my stuff... I looked around my near-empty room and sat on the bed with a sigh....

The same bed that I've been snuggling in for one and a half yr...

The same one that heard and helped my loneliness...

The same one that comforted me when I was in pain.

Then I looked at the long table which is always messy..

But now it's not... It is quite clean and everything can be itemised.

Next, I looked at the small table beside my bed with the lamp on it...

Oh... how many books has been on that table as the nights passed by...

My cupboard is now empty save for a box, two shoes and the vacuum cleaner...

As well as dozens of, now empty, hangers...

... I don't know why but I still cannot bring myself to clear the two pair of shoes...

These four walls has been my haven for 1.5 years but represents my world in the past 2.5 yrs,

Perth might be boring but it was home... for awhile...

Syd/Melb Part 1 (Syd first!)

2009-07-06T12:05:00.028+08:00

That's the pix of my meal in Sydney. We (me and my fren) decided to go Blue Mountain that day so had only one hour to spare for meal before we had to leave for the day tour. We just went somewhere near our nice hotel (Iblis King on Wharf St - affordable and conveniently located within walking distance to Chinatown and general Sydney CBD). It's a bacon and egg roll though it looks more like a burger than a roll to me... Aussies do love their bacons and their rolls.

This is the famous Blue Mountains of Sydney.

It is named thus because of the blue hue of the faraway mountains. I was told by my fren that it is because of the eucalyptus scent which causes the light to be reflected differently...

or some such explanation. Hahaha. Nvr said my memory was gd!

Enjoy the following few pix of the view!

We tracked the unpaved jungle for this picture!!! THere was even a risk of us getting lost in it!!!! And we were running out of time (because we last minute only decided to go there, not realising that it's that far. As usual with tour, there is a time constraint.)

At the end of the tour, we cruised along the river (I'm still not sure what's the river that waters Darling Harbour) to take view the city lights.

We decided to visit Chinatown and I couldn't resist trying this Jap rest that has a lot of ppl in it even though it's late (well, for cities in Aus, 10pm is considered late since all the shops closes so early...). That shop is gd! They were kinda like Pasta Zanmai which sells a fusion of Jap influence in pasta. This is linguini with salmon cream sauce. Yummy!

On our second day, we walked to the famous Sydney Opera house cos SOMEONE wants me to take a pix of it... When I pointed out that he can get it online... he said it's different... I also pointed out that he's not there either ways so what's the difference? Care to enlighten me, anyone who understands that person??? So there this is my journey walking there...

Okok, I admit... looking at my journey now... perhaps I should have consulted the map before we started just walking straight from our hotel. Hahaha. But then I wouldn't have discovered my cake shop!!! See!! Everything happens for a reason!! It was my D E S T I N Y !!!

The French Pattissarie. Enough said...

Isn't the rose motif beautiful?

What I ordered.

The middle red one is called Zulu and it's to D I E for. It's a chocolate cake with a little mousse kinda texture though it's not mousse cos it's much more solid... maybe more like a slightly moist cake... with the core of melted... ALMOST fudge chocolate in it. DAMN BLOODY GD!! Not too much chocolate at all! The texture was perfect and let's not get me started on the taste! If you like chocolate... you'll LOVE that. A bit expensive (Aus 9 I think) but WELL WORTH the price. The brown one is coffee which is really nice as well but no where near the fuchsia one, made of berries. So fresh that even my fren who don't like desserts love it. Perfect in everyway but since I'm a choc lover... Zulu wins hands down!

THen right next to the patissarie is a Guylian coffee shop! I didn't know it exists!! I had an affogato which is basically a shot of espresso with vanilla ice-cream and, in this place, a touch of liquor. Needless to say I was in cloud 9 by then.

A perfect sunny day for pictures.

Me and my fren went our seperate ways after lunch because of differing interest. I was supposed to go to Double Bay which I heard that it's a posh shopping area in Syd and I wanted to see how posh. It was quite like Bangsar only posher. Then I went to Paddington which is the local youth shopping area (one street full of shops) and look what I found!

Cupcakes!!! Love 'em. Fav is Red Velvet.

Then while walking some more, saw this 3d cake shop. I love 3d cakes!

Our last night in Sydney before flying off to Melb was spent in a grill house called Hurricane's. Sheryl Saik recommended it to me, saying that it has the BEST lamb and pork ribs. Kinda has a posher Tony Roma/ Chillis vibe to it.

This is the view of the river + Darling Harbour from the rest.

Check out the size of my pork ribs! And I wore a bib!!

It was huge but the meat is very thin so not to worry! I'm not a monster for finishing it.

What shocked me was bumping into Jesline Lau whom I haven't seen for five years (since my days in Taylor's college). Seriously! In Sydney! We met in Subang, I live in KL, she lives in Sarawak and we meet on my last night in Sydney! Amazing! I was shocked!!!

Another thing that happened was during my meal, a call came but the place was much too noisy for me to understand the caller so I went out. I noticed that a few ppl glanced at me but didn't pay too much attention cos I was on the phone but when I hanged up and was walking back into the restaurant, there were more glances! As I neared my table, I finally realised why they were staring... I WAS WEARING MY BIB!!!! *faints*

- to be continued.... -

This is what I do when I'm upset...

2009-06-12T20:02:00.003+08:00

Some crab tagliatelle. Quite nice

Though I don't deserve it...

Hot choc with 2 marshmallows

Though I don't deserve it...

Exam time is near....

2009-06-07T13:41:00.014+08:00

Ahhhh... finally winter is here... Has been the hottest autumn ever! Getting colder and colder now! This is the view from the arts building of UWA.

What do you do when it gets cold?... What I DID do anyways....

Make soup! And in my case, bak kut teh!

My landlady was eating with me. Yums!!!

Exam is on Tuesday and what should I be doing on Friday? GO SHOPPING WITH JU LEE!!!!!! Muahahaha

And our day ended with me and...

And those were not the last of it...

I was so tired after walking Harbour Town that I didn't even had energy to look at my precious shoes!!!

We went back to city to wait for time when we saw....

a line outside this shop....

We, in a typically 8 move, went and see what is so interesting and noticed the sign outside the shop...

50% of everything

ONE DAY ONLY

and the brand? G U E S S

so.... I ended with

my landlady said this is so me...

AND

I couldn't resist! I swear I thought for 15 min (I even hogged the mirror!)

(both bags = Total $160)

Kinda like buy 1, get 1 free for Guess!

Mum said that will be my bday present but I'm happy :)

JL got herself a bag too! I wonder if she thinks it's lucky that we picked TODAY to go shopping...

But that bag was seriously gorgeous... The colour is superb! Love the green!

So here's the tally for today!!!

6 shorts, 2 bags, a dress, a pair of jeans, gloves, hat and a necklace!!

Guess how I'm still feeling??? (2 days after the fact)

Bittersweet

2009-05-28T20:33:00.010+08:00

On a less serious note:

Was sitting the train home when the lady next to me took out a newspaper she just bought (cos it was still folded nicely) and flipped through it here and there. I didn't understand how she could read so fast when suddenly she folded the newspaper in a weird way and I finally understood that she was looking for something : sudoku. She folded the rest of the papers and kept it in her bag. Then this other lady (I was on sudoku-lady's left while the other is on her right) had her eyes stuck to sudoku as well even though she can only watch! It was a lil funny to see sudoku-lady moving sometimes and the other lady moving along with her just so that she can see/read it.

It then occurred to me... how come it's usually the women I see who're doing sudoku, bypassing the news which she could have read during the journey since she has no trouble reading while traveling? I looked around the train and noticed a few other guys reading the newspaper for the news. So what's the fascination by female of sudoku?

On a more serious note:

Today is my last day of uni life... as a student. This whole semester has been bittersweet. At the beginning, I was a bit confused cos I'm taking all electives and very different subjects. I have quite a problem with Macroecons because the style is just different from what I'm used to. They seem to delight in asking a question but the answer they want is to the question WITHIN the question so if you can't figure out what's the question WITHIN the ques... you're screwed...

In the middle of the semester, I just wanted time to go faster because... well... just because it's in the middle! Now that it's the last day of uni life... (and maybe the last day of my life as a student), it seemed a bit sad. I learnt so much this semester because of all the electives I took and I'm thankful for it (mostly anyway...). It opened up my eyes to so many things!

Just if you're interested, I took: Eng (Print/Screen Culture), Linguistic 1101, Econs (Macroecons, Money and Finance) and Anth (Business anthropology).

Eng would prob be my fav subject this sem and econs (though I'm struggling in it) is prob the most interesting.

In English, I was exposed to ppl who really talk as if their world revolves around literature... (with lots of bombastic words) that it sometimes felt quite philosophical.

In econs, wow... that was a mine of info. I remembered when I was in primary school, the Msian govt was promoting 'inflasi sifar' and now I learnt that 0 inflation is actually undesirable. I learnt so much about inflation, the banking system, interest rates (did a super tough essay on it) and quite a bit about the world financial crisis now.

Skip these two para if you're not interested in econs.
p/s: to know more abt the US sub-prime crisis, go here. Trust me, it's worth it if you're interested. Credit crisis made for easy understanding with great visualisation to support it.

It was interesting to learn about the huge budget deficit the US has been operating on for years and to know that the money is actually funded by Asian savings. I find it ironic that the money we strive so hard to save is used to finance the increasing household debt of the developed countries. We're wrong in assuming that the money is coming from the developed to develop the developing economy (quite a mouthful, eh?).

So because it's so different from what I've been studying (last yr I did full Psych units), it was wonderful... a great end to a journey (hopefully it is an end... I just got 50% for my mid-sem in econs!!! *cringes*).

If my mum ever read this (cos I know my dad won't), I'd like to let her know this opportunity to study here is greatly treasured and appreciated. To my parents who have worked incredibly hard to enable their kids to have a chance like this.... I learnt so much here and let's face it, studying, not working while not having to worry about money ain't hardship (though there were hard times in the beginning). Because of them, I was able to fulfil one fo my dreams which was to be able to live and study overseas... this opportunity seriously has made all the difference and was everything I hoped for. I was able to meet many interesting people, get to know old friends better, immerse myself in another culture and learnt so many things from great lecturers and sometimes tutors too!

A few things I find interesting about Aus (from the top of my head now):

1. How much they treasure their BBQ. Even have a nickname for it, 'Barbi'

2. How conventional they are in regards to gendered behaviour eg. Guys must drink beer etc

3. They don't smoke as much as ppl in Msia.

4. How they like to modify names.... the bottle shop (shop selling alcohol) can be called bottle-o... Steve can be called Steve-o by close mates... Jeremy can be called Jazza by close mates etc.

5. The students here might be more outspoken but they're not great at giving presentation either.

6. I don't find that ppl here say what they think as first thought. They seem to enjoy complimenting each other a lot. Perhaps true honesty were left for close frens?

6 more weeks before I conclude my stay in Perth to go back to Msia for good. Looking back... it was a great journey. I went places, adventures, holidays and learnt so many new things... Now to prepare for exam (the following week!!) and then settle all my stuff here...

A little part of me... and a question

2009-05-08T17:08:00.004+08:00

Roughly 11 years ago, I was preparing to go UK with my mum and her side of the family. At that age, I was still swimming every Sunday with my parents. At that age, I think I was still swimming 5 laps per week. One of those weeks, (I can't remember exactly how that came about), my dad struck a deal with me. If I swam 10 laps, he'd go UK with us as well. And I did (while crying into my goggles because I didn't wanna swim 10 laps but I wanted him to go)... and so did he!

Fast forward 11 years later, I was sitting in bus 24 heading home when it struck me... It wasn't because of me that he went! He probably alr decided he wanted to go but was teasing me about that extra 5 laps!!

1. This only occurred to me more than a decade later...
2. How naive I was... and how growing up can change the way you think... or am I just more skeptical now as a result of growing up?
3. If you know me well, the the idea of my dad teasing me is... well... is something!!

So I was wondering... how many other times had my dad teased me but yet I didn't notice cos I was too young?

On an ENTIRELY different note, I have a situation to ponder about:

If a person borrowed the same book from the library 6 times but still have NOT read it... Is the book good or bad?

Melbourne bansai! part 3 (last one, I promise!)

2009-05-02T22:10:00.023+08:00

Ok, ok... I think I'm hearing 'enough about Melbourne alr!!' but it's my blog and I post what I want, capiche?? Oh! Here's something awesome! Kinda geeky that I like it but I've always had a soft spot for stationaries.. I was in this.. stationary shop, for want of a better description, and I just loved everything in it! They sell leather bound books... the type you see in old books? The types from the... 18-19C? Anyway, hard to explain. And I fell in love with seals! The type of seal that they used to seal letters in the olden days when there's no glue! The stamp was 40 bucks and the wax was 9 each. Sobs! but it was gorgeous!!! ... ... No, I'm not a loser!... Though the shopkeeper probably thought I was pitiful (pitiful does NOT equal loser!) anyway so she stamped a seal with my initials onto the shop's card. I LOVED ITTTT!!!!!! Actually came to the same place last year and hadn't been able to forget it!

If you tilt your head to the right, you'll be able to see it.

Love it, love it, love it, LOVE IT!!!! ARRRGGHHH

Where was I? Oh rite... after a night about town... I looked like this during lunch time...

Last Day: Thursday
Location: Rosco's (Chevron)

Fortunately, our drinks (mine and my coz), looked better.

My... I can't remember what it was anymore! Dang! Suffice to say that it's a type of coffee.

Her prettily decorated hot chocolate! It tasted good too!

Zucchini soup. Sounds bad but INCREDIBLY gd. Have I mentioned that I love soup?

... like A LOT?....

Then we were joined by Bern and Yen, making four of us in this little party. Bryan couldn't wake up!

I think the pictures speaks for itself if I enjoyed my lunch or not?

*Cheshire cat grin*

I can't remember what we did after lunch alr. But we went to a Japanese stonegrill rest. that I wanted to try since last I came. And we did! Thanks for humoring me, guys!

This is the lady teaching us how it's done.

So now let me tell you how it's done!

It's basically served on top of a very hot stone. See above? All of it are not cooked. You cut off the huge slice of beef one by one and just leave it on the stone until you're satisfied with the 'done-ness'. If you like it rare, just touch it lightly both sides. If you liked it well-done then just leave it but we were told not to cut everything all at once or the meat will loose it's moisture and dry up fast. It was certainly something different and after a late lunch, just perfect. Me and my coz shared it. The meat was really fragrant and it's nice to control the 'done-ness' of the beef.

Alas, with a heavy heart, I bid farewell to Melbourne and my wonderful coz!

Taken from the night plane I was on

But in many ways, I was glad to be back in Perth. Ofcos I had incredible fun in Melbourne but it was quite like KL... hectic. Good for a holiday but I'm happy I don't actually live in Melbourne though I'd reconsider if they let me work in the 'stationary' shop. Hahaha. I have 'hectic' all my life when I go back to Msia for good so give me slow, quiet and leisurely Perth for now. But thanks for the memories... AND THE BOOTIESS!!!

Not the anatomical kind...

Not very flattering here but it's nice!

Nice? I got these and the one above for 70 bucks total. Quite a bargain for high boots!

And the ultimate Coup de Grâce

I love them, don't you???

It's alright if you don't. It's M I N E. Muahahaha. Not easy to find one my size, ok???

Melbourne bansai! part 2

2009-04-19T23:35:00.026+08:00

Day four : Tuesday

I met up with TSL who was kinda enough to ferry and accompany me around her area. We had dim sum (again) which was kinda average though I love the pao (again) and then head on to Chadstone. So here are some random pix that I think are nice...

Inside T2 tea shop. So many teas!

I like the deco in the shop. Nearly bought one of those huge mugs!

Lovely English Rose decorated pots, teacups and saucers!

A cuppa tea??

Day 5 : Wednesday
Had lunch with my coz then went to my favourite cupcake shop (Little Cupcakes) in Collin St. Look look look!!!!

You gotta love the deco because I certainly do!!

White chocolate, lemon, cookies and cream, belgian chocolate and... I can't remember what's the last one!

My absolute fav: Red Velvet!

Then Bern and Yen accompanied me to Docklands, only to find that we were at Harbour Town!! Hahaha. But ofcos this Harbour Town is bigger though it is still new so not fully occupied yet. Nice place to shop!

p/s : Harbour Town is my fav shopping place in Perth. It is kinda like a FOS and warehouse so clothes here should be the cheapest in Perth.

Then we stopped by Flinder's Station on the way home to get...

Churros!!! Kinda like a Spanish doghnut, I am told.

kinda like sorta Spanish 'yao char guai' actually... ...

with chocolate and/or caramel topping!

Bryan offered to cook that night while Yen and Bern brought soup!!

After serving, we realised that the table only has FOUR chairs and there are FIVE of us so...

One had to sit on the edge of the sofa! Hahaha. Sorry Bern!

After dinner, we went bar hopping!! So my coz and I put on our identically styled boots...

and headed to Rooftop! Apparently Melbourne is all about rooftop bars? A bit chilly at night but thank goodness for the heater next to me. It was kinda nice to be drinking and chatting on a dark roof with lights surrounding us. I was told that Rooftop is turned into a summer cinema during the summer!

Looks weird now... ppl usually take pix with other ppl but I took it with a heater??

The gang minus Bern

Melbourne from the Rooftop

We then journeyed on to this really cool place which was near closing time but allowed us to order one round anyway. It has a big 21 number on top of the door but other than that, I have no idea what it's called. It has a very chinese influence to it even though it's a bar. Continue on to get what I mean. Beware! Supreme amount of photos alert due to cam-whoring!

Cheers!
This could be the only wine I would drink!! Doesn't taste like alcohol at all! Sweeet!

Yen (who's a dessert chef) teaching Bryan the proper way to serve wine!

Two wannabe gangsters... huh! No ladies wanna layan u guys also! Wakakaka.

Observe the red lanterns... As I say, Chinese influence.

Then...

Suppertime!!!

We then went to another lounge but nothing much to take pix of and we were kinda winding down so we just chatted. I shall end this post here cos I realised how loooong it is so a short part 3 will be coming soon!

Melbourne bansai! pt1

2009-04-17T18:16:00.021+08:00

Just got back from Melbourne this morning and I think it deserves 2-3 posts so this will be part 1!

Firstly I want to say thanks to all those who have been kind enough to show me all the gd stuff and accompany me. I'm sure it'll be a hell lot different if not for you guys. So huge huge thanks to May and Bryan for housing and accompanying me, Yen and Bern for the bar and food hopping and ofcos Sue Li for driving me and teman-ing me for one whole day!

Sorry, May! I know I wasn't supposed to post this. Hehehe.
Not many ppl read my blog anyways so no worries!

From l-r: Bryan, Yen, Bern and my sweet coz, May
p/s: Sorry guys! I know this ain't a flattering pix of everyone but this is the only pix of everyone without me that's partially acceptable!

Now that I'm done with my "acceptance speech", here goes.

So I left on Friday midnight, reached Saturday morning and straight went out to eat!!! Hahaha.

First Day: Saturday
First stop: Collin St. waffles!

Choc banana waffle. Yums! Mine was better though...

Choc STRAWBERRY waffle.

Sinful, I know but who cares... yet... Will suffer when I get back.

mark my words...

Melbourne Central:

Look at all the pretty cupcakes!!!

Vanilla with strawberry topping. Not bad but still prefer Little Cupcakes in Collin St.

Second Day: Sunday

Bryan said that we looked like two dead bodies except that our faces were not covered. We really do sleep like that even though it wasn't particularly cold. Which was what lead to the following event.....

We were supposed to go to this crazy cheap flea market BUT:
1. My alarm still followed Perth time aka 2 hours late. The flea market closes at 12.30 and we woke up at 1
2. My coz's alarm was set at PM

Sigh...

So we "drowned" out sorrows by having really fresh fish from this placed called 'Hooked' in Chapel St. Gd food for a reasonable price. Though it's weird that they put pickled ginger in my salad...

I had the grilled fish while she...

had the original fish and chips

Third Day : Monday

The last time I was in Melb, Sheryl almost bludgeoned me with her words on why I didn't go to Shark Fin House to have dim sum. Apparently it's as good as the best HK dim sum so I made an extra effort this time to go with my coz!

And AMEN to her for that! We had the BEST dim sum that we've ever eaten in our ENTIRE LIFE. Everything we ordered was good, the usual dim sum (Ha Kau, Siu Mai) to the slightly different ones.

This is my personal favourite.

I always liked char siew pao esp if the 'pei' is not the normal white-pao type. This was AWESOME!! The top part is a bit crusty, the inner pao part is soft and densed and the meat was first-class... not those they simply stuff pork fat etc. I MISS ITTTTT!!!!!

Traditional ha kao and siu mai.

Even though the prawns were fresh and the 'pei' was perfect, the siu mai triumphed over ha kau this time. It's just so fresh and juicy!!!

Since we didn't have any vegs, we thought this prawn salad thingy would be a great ending to our dim sum. And so it SHOULD have been if not for the sudden outpour of fresh...

EGG TARTS!!! And guess whose favourite these are??

It was better than Tong Kei (which, in my opinion, has the best egg tart in KL). It was tiny, sure, but did it pack a punch! Crust: Perfect, Egg : Perfection!! You can really taste the taste of the egg!

I'm not dead Part 3

2009-03-26T19:31:00.022+08:00

To continue....

Where was I? Oh right... pig intestines and cupcakes.... Don't really sound right putting those two in the same sentence but we shall ignore that and try not to picture it.... (reverse psychology).

Moving on....

We hired a car for the weekend... It was not only his holiday but mine as well as I didn't really have the chance to really explore Perth cos I don't have a lot of people to go with with the same interest.

We drove to Swan Valley with the aid of GPS! Unfortunately, neither of us drink which is a big waste since you can go wine-tasting hopping. We first went to Caversham Wildlife Park which was cool. It's definitely better than a zoo! And you ain't been in Aus until you've seen (and hopefully touch) a kangaroo and a koala, right? You can do it here! We even got to see baby kangaroos (called Joey here).

Sorry for the small and not very clear pix, zooming does that to a pix.

And this really cool owl!

It's called a masked owl!

Two donkeys in the pix. Guess which is my bf??? Hehehe.

And since Justin hasn't been to those farm shows before, they also have it here! A farm show is basically a show on how the Australian sheep shearers shear sheep to get cotton and their way of life! (eg. dog herding the sheeps in, billy tea!).

But the host certainly didn't say that you could molest the sheep....

We then went to have Margaret River Chocolate Factory. Nothing much there unless you've a huge chocolate lover. They had all types of chocolate and I bought the chocolate milk just to try it out.

For lunch, I've already selected a place through hours of research and came up with Edgecombe! It's a vineyard (but ofcos!) and its eating arrangement is an open space right in front of the vineyard. They partially fenced the area to give a hint of seclusion and it looks all the more romantic with vines climbing around the fence! There were plants overhead and with the day being so sunny but windy, it created a great environment. People (mostly families) eating and chatting leisurely. Romance in daylight!

Isn't it wonderful?? We wanted the bench seat but it was alr reserved.

Nice pix, if I do say so myself! Too bad now I'm afflicted with pimples... Shouldn't have changed moisturiser...

We had a little trouble ordering our food though the choice is kinda limited but the satisfaction was limitless.

Entree : Grilled bread with asparagus topped with shaved parmesan

It was looks and sounds simple and weird but it was SERIOUSLY gd. A perfect example of 'good things comes in small packages' .... though perhaps this was not what the original author intended it to be used for... I enjoyed every last bit of it. The asparagus were freshly taken out of their garden that morning (or so I was told)! I had the steak and he had the fish of the day.

It's nearly as good as Angus Steak House but Angus would still win. The grilled potatoes and onions were SCRUMPTIOUS.

I guess I don't really have to say that I enjoyed my lunch A LOT?

Very fresh fish. Seriously gd as well. And both of us couldn't get enough of the mashed pumpkin (the orange thingy behind the fish and underneat the asparagus?) . It taste exactly like sweet potato... only BETTER!!!!

Did I say I loved my lunch???? Let me remind you again.... I LOVED MY LUNCH THERE. Wish that time could have stopped at that moment... then again if it did, I wouldn't have been able to go to Hubbles Yard....

We then walked around the small vineyard and I took this pix.

Grape for the wine isn't the same as grape for the table.

We even plucked one to try out and it was ridiculously sweet! My question is, why would anyone choose to use something so sweet and make it into something so bitter??? Apologies for my ignorance.

The next day, we went into Freemantle again but this time at Ju Lee's reco to eat in Hubbles Yard. For that, I will forever be in Ju Lee's debt. It's just a small, quaint, corner shop but oh, what a shop!

He ordered this lspinach, fetta and lamb suffra and unknowingly with every bite that Justin fed me, I said it was so good. It's not only SO good. It's DAMN FREAKING gd. In the end, I ate 3/4 of his meal since he didn't like the salad (which is DAMN FREAKING gd as well). So yeah, the whole thing was DAMN FREAKING FANTASTIC. But mine isn't bad either! Prepare to drool (especially mum!!!).

Banana pancakes with maple syrup!!!!

The pancakes were light and fluffy but kinda dense as well! Goes so well with the banana and syrup. I tell you.... I think I've died and gone to heaven that day. I will go back to Hubbles Yard if it's the last thing I do!!!! Will bring you here too, mum!

The insides of the cafe.

I was told that the avocado bread and the cheese mushroom is quite gd, making everything there GREAT! Hahaha. Next round!

He finally discovered the loving power of Utopia bubble tea!!

So that concludes our trip! I made use of the car as long as I had it by buying all the heavy stuff so that I don't need to carry them later. It was great having a car and I was nearly addicted to it. After fetching him to the airport, it was catch-up-on-studies time and I've been busy catching up till last weekend. Then now I have to prepare for assignment and a mid-sem test next week. Weirdly, this is the busiest semester I've ever had and I do take into consideration that I had a lot to catch up on. But it's good that I'm so busy cos most of my friends have already graduated. Thank goodness I still have Wan Ying to have dinner with me or not I might just become a social recluse and a hermit!

I'll be going to Melbourne in the middle of April to see my coz! Can't wait!!! But now to plough through the assignment and test....

I'm Not Dead part 2

2009-03-20T22:50:00.015+08:00

Hola! I'm back! I gave myself the night off. Did some CRAZY shopping till I blew NEXT week's budget so technically, I can't even use a single cent next week.

ARRRGGGHHH....

I hate it when I blow a budget... hmmm... I'm speaking as if I had no say in whether to blow the budget or not! Oh! Before I blabber on about being back in Perth with Justin, pls allow me to congratulate...

Ch'ng Ju Lee
Sheryl Saik Wai Cheng
Adelln Sng
Indira Harsodjo
Margarita Bautista
Sonam Dodani

on their graduations!

I wish I could graduate with them but I have one more sem to go. :( It's kinda lonely now but it's been a pretty busy semester so far so I'm still hanging in there.

OK! The highlights of my trip back in Perth. Me and Justin went to Freemantle for the 'famous' fish and chips (which I think is normal... I even think Manhattan Fish Market does it better) but since it's so famous, might as well let him try.

Alas, it was no different from the first time I've been there. It's quite normal though it's a bit fresher. Definitely don't warrant the hype....

Then we went to a next-door tourist attraction. It's called Little Creatures brewery, an award winning bewery. Bro had it for Aidan's bday party last month and most of the ppl who tried it loved it... though it's a bit weird to me why a kid's first bday serves beer as well...

Anyways... the unique thing is that it is half brewery and half restaurant. Check out the interior!!

It was quite cool and I wanted to try some stuff but I was full cos of the fish and chips earlier and also I had something else planned for later that evening. Then we walked around and basically went....

It was a super DUPER hot day and it really was a long walk. We went to the Freemantle market as well, though in which order I can't really remember. The next day, we decided to hit the beach! It was a great sunny day!

AHA! For modesty reasons, I will NOT post any pix of us in our swimming attire. :p I planned to go back and cook dinner but because we were DYING for an ice-cream, we missed the bus. Sigh... So we went to a nearby restaurant and had something light because the next bus is one hour away...

This is just lil' ol' me. Gd camera angle. Muahahaha
Him patiently waiting for food.

Will not post pictures of the food cos I didn't like both of them. One was a cold soup (I LOVE to try soups in restaurants here) and the other one was goat meat cooked with olives and capsicum. It's official. I HATE OLIVES.

So since we had an early dinner, I thought of bringing him to supper. Sheryl Saik actually brought me there to have that particular dish so all credits of introducing a wondrous thing goes to her. It's a chinese restaurant in Northbridge called Uncle Billy's (the name in which will forever be etched in Justin's heart with a bittersweet emotion).

INTRODUCING....

Pork intestine fried with salt, garlic and chilli! Goes best with porridge.

It doesn't taste AT ALL like intestines. I think it's pretty well marinated. The outside is crispy but the insides are tender! Seriously! And the garlic thingy is well fried and mixed. It's uber delicious!!! Just ask Justin! A few days ago, I said I was thinking of going to the city for dinnner and he said 'What??? Uncle Billy's???'... Tell me, does it sound the same??

Don't knock it till you've tried it.

I will post three last pix for you to salivate/appreciate before I leave.

It's actually a marshmallow on top.

Maltesers.

THis is actually my fav! Strawberry topping on top of vanilla cupcake!.

There will be one last part to conclude my 3-4 months absence (though most of my post is about my first two weeks back in Perth).

tO Be cOnTInUEd...

Advert 2

2009-03-16T19:57:00.006+08:00

Just another sth that struck me while I was waiting in the bus stop abt something that happened to me last month. Here goes...

I worked part time in Parkson, Sunway Pyramids for a total of... roughly 20 days out of two months. Elemis counter was situated right next to the Parkson exit (right next to Kim Gary). So during my first few days there, I went for lunch at a nearby hawker place (Ming Tien, next to The One Academy) and dropped my bag. When this happened, I my MAC lip liner fell out but I only realised it half an hour later, right before I started work again (that was when I needed to touch up). So I rushed back to the place but I couldn't find it! With a broken heart, I went back to work. I was already considering buying a new one the next day but due to lots of special occasions (aka buying gifts), I was broke and couldn't even spare RM50. I loved that lip liner... So for the next week, I was without my lip liner (sob sob). I went back there to eat again but I knew I wasn't going to get my lip liner back.

Wait!!!!

You must be thinking 'yeah yeah yeah... so what? This is so boring...' Be patient...

The 'point' of the story is coming up...

As a counter girl, there really isn't much for you to do except wait for customers so there I was just being lost in space when suddenly an Indonesian lady walked in from the exit with a Chinese boy (remember that the exit is right next to my counter) and she was going to walk past when she suddenly looked at me. So I enquiringly looked back. Not being a racist or anything but she really didn't look like she was looking at the products since she was looking at me.

And no, she is not a talent scout or a spy from the upper echeleon of the company.

She approached me holding a pencil... and I was like, OMG! THAT'S MY LIP LINER!!!! She excitedly asked me if it was mine and I kept saying 'ya' and 'terima kasih'. Perhaps I should have sounded more grateful but in truth, I was flabbergasted! (A rare sight for those who knows me) She asked me why haven't I gone back there to eat and I said I had. So why didn't she see me? I have two theories, one which is hilarious (at least to me).

1. (not so hilarious) She wasn't there when I was there.

2. (prepare to laugh) The first few days I started working, I put on heavier make-up. Then, as usual with all workers, we get lazy so the other times I ate there, I didn't put as much make-up. But weirdly enough, the day that she found me, I was wearing the exact same make-up as the first time I ate there!

Welcome home!!!

So here are the main points of my story.

1. Things happens for a reason.

a. If I had bought the lip liner the next day, I would NOT be happy with this event.
b. If my counter was not situated next to the exit, she probably wouldn't be able to find me

Consider this : she had no idea where I worked beside a guess that it should be in Pyramid. You know how big Pyramid is so the odds are pretty much against her finding me again.
The fact that she even bothered to come all the way to Pyramid in hopes of finding me to give it back to me is a miracle!!!! Remember that this happened TWO WEEKS LATER.

2. There are still good people in Malaysia. The Chinese boy with her? That's her supervisor. Can you imagine your supervisor escorting you to find someone you're not even sure if she's working in Pyramids for a MAC lip liner???

3. There is still hope!!

Advert

2009-03-15T20:45:00.005+08:00

Just a slight detour before I forget. This is not the continuation of my 3-4 mth update rather, just stg I wanted to share (and I'm sick of catching up with my studies for the mo). Here it is!

So according to the package, M&M's have broken up!!! The horror!!! I didn't really understand it until I bought it and looked inside....

It's all blue!!!!

What happened??? Why did they break up???? Can't we all just get along anymore???

Don't worry, I haven't gone loony yet. But what my first thought was.... erm... let me see how I can put this...

Have you ever seen shows where the diva of the show (usually a teen) ask her (I don't know why it's usually a diva and not a divo) underling to split the M&M's into separate colours? Well, problemo solved!! So for those who are obssessed with wanting to eat the colours seperately, now is a gd time to hoard the M&M's! I wonder if this will help boost M&Ms' sales....

I'm not dead! Part 1

2009-03-12T20:42:00.016+08:00

Greetings earthlings! I have just arrived back from Planet BusyHavingFun. My apologies for the long silence for the planet had no means of 'blogging' facilities. Anyways... HOLA! So sorry for the long long LOOOONNNNGGG (that's an iconic sign, JL!) Long update so I'll just shorten the past.... 3-4 months to the most recent (and those that I have gd pix of!)

Firstly! My v-day cake!!!
Not one of my best pix but we're happy and that's all that matters! And we... (or maybe just me?) LOVES fruit cake (aka low mantainence... NOT).

While I was back in Msia, me and bb went to Melaka for a day trip! Needless to say, it was eat, eat, walk and eat, eat!

Who goes to Melaka and NOT have chicken rice balls have NOT been to Melaka... and that's that!

Hahaha. I didn't go all the way there JUST to have these... though it was a HUGE reason to.

Him with a rice ball... and a yummy sight it is... the riceball I mean...

I love ondeh2... esp gd ones where the gula melaka inside just EXPLODES in ur mouth... And also I love my phone which is able to take such amaxing pix! Worth the money!

I know I look so touristy here, with the hat and the post box but in my defence, it was a SUPER hot and glaring day... and the post box is so old and small and antique looking! You don't get them in KL no more... I think...

We went into a temple (there are so many temples in Melaka and I didn't know it. Hahaha. So much for my history and geography) and did this!

So Korean, don't you think? Alas, we're only in Melaka.

We had the satay celup and durian cendol too but since I have other photos to show, I shall end my Melaka trip here.

Right before I came back, I was with mum and she decided to treat ourselves with a gd steak... actually... I was the one who wanted the steak and good meal but moving on...

So I went to the net to check what's gd and since we wanted to eat in Pavilion, Angus Steakhouse came up! And let me tell you... that's one place I'm DEFINITELY going back again... If you want steak... that IS THE PLACE TO GO for steak lovers. It's a steakhouse with a japanese touch to it and though the price is a bit steep (roughly RM80 per person but there are RM60 set lunches) but it's definitely WORTH EVERY LAST BIT.

Here's the interior.

They even had the waitress wear those French maid costumes! Very quirky but cool.

So we ordered set lunches (cheaper that way) which comes with bread and butter, soup of the day (carrot soup, I think it was), the chosen main meal and tiramisu.

Here's the first course. Even the bread was yummy! Crusty on outside, soft and dense on the inside.... YUMSY! together with...

a creamy carrot soup and that told me that this will definitely be a GREAT lunch.. the soup was exactly what I wanted... thick creamy... those where they blend it with potato for the texture? I thought I could only get it in Perth but THERE IS HOPE!!!

I so love my tenderloin... It is wrapped with bacon and grilled to PERFECTION. Seriously, I have NVR eaten such a gd steak before. It was scumptious, delicious, delectable, heavenly, divine, mouthwatering... well, you get my drift ;)

My mum's was quite nice too! Hers was a sirloin with apple sauce. Sweeter and lighter than mine but comparable in taste though it is in a wholly different category. It's like you can't compare Titanic with Independence Day. But she enjoyed hers and I LOVED mine.

The tiramisu was really gd too, served with cream and chilled fruit on the side. If you haven't guessed it already, yeah, I had a darn fantastic meal. Thanks mum!

Apologies for the late post and have a Happy New Yr!

2009-01-03T10:58:00.016+08:00

I guess I didn't uphold my promise to write a post before the year is out. My apologies! Crazy crazy time every single time I'm back in KL. I've been to Penang with my friend, Hui Yeen, her bf and my bf. It was great! Here are parts of my journey.

Stop over at Ipoh for chicken rice!

View from our hotel. Trust me, the water DON'T look as nice real life
Justin not in the picture because he has to TAKE the picture. :p
Our first meal in Penang. It's kinda of a novelty, being half museum and half restaurant
This is the outer part of Sire. Walk along the corridor and you'll see....
Isn't it pretty??
BB and me in front of our food. Wanna get a close up on what we ate? Too bad if you don't. :p

Some kinda saffron soup that tastes weird at first but grows on you. Nice!

Super nice lamb chop! The sides and mint sauce are great as well. Scrumptious!! Mamma Mia!

I just like this pix of my Cinnamon coffee.

My fav pix of this Penang trip.

HY and me with a pantomime (is that what he's called?)

The role reversal of the 'uncle' forcing the 'innocent little girl' to drink at a nightclub... only this is happening in a hotel room... is that better or worst????!!!!

Our last day at a seafood rest in Tambun which is kinda like eating in Klang. This pic, kinda looks like I took in a lake around the Amazon or sth.

That concludes my Penang trip. I had loads of fun, needless to say. And I still stand by wat I say... PENANG DRIVERS ARE CRAZY.

New Yr just passed and I went to a look out point and got to see about 7 fireworks at once, covering PJ and KL. Small ones but a great experience. Stuck in the jam for half an hour and we thought we were smart parking halfway up the hill and walking the rest way up. Oh well... could have been worst.

A word of advice...

2008-11-02T15:59:00.005+08:00

I'm super busy right now so just a quick something that I'd like to share with everyone from my Social Psych text book (which I'm doing notes on). Feel like dying. Anyway, here goes.

Holmberg & Holmes (1994)
373 newlywed couples, most of whom reported being very happy when resurveyed 2 yrs later, those marriages that had soured recalled that things had always been bad. The results are 'frightening' they say, " such biases can lead to a dangerous downward spiral. The worse your current view of your partner is, the worse your memories are, which only further confirms your negative attitude".

It's not that we are totally unaware of how we used to feel, just that when memories are hazy, current feeling guide our recall. Parents of every generation bemoan the values of the next generation, partly because they misrecall their youthfull values as bring closer to their current values. And teens of every generation recall their parents as - depending on their mood - wonderful or woeful.
p. 82-83.

Moral of the story:
Take into context what you're feeling RIGHT NOW when recalling certain events for it will colour it. So the next time you feel angry at your bf/gf, try to remember the gd times and not focus on the bad or your relationship is just one downhill slide...

Extra info: Murray et al., 1996, 2000
Positive ideals of one's partner are gd omens. Idealization helped buffer conflict, bolster satisfaction and turn self-perceived frogs into princes and princesses. When someone loves and admires us, it helps us to become more the person he/she imagines us to be.

Extracted from Myers, D. (2008). Social Psychology, p. 112.

Emotions part deaux??

2008-10-27T17:28:00.003+08:00

Hola!

That first word should clue you in on how I'm feeling at the moment but just in case it didn't, I'm HAPPY! Wanna know wat brought on my happiness?? One word...

S - H - O - P - P - I - N - G

It's an incredible therapy and I should recommend it to the psychology association. Just a snippet of a very cute conver. I had with my bf yesterday...

PS calls Justin after reading seeing distressing news. As soon as he picks up the phone...

PS : He got his ex-gf pregnant! I knew I shouldn't have done it and now I regret it! I hate it! It was too good to be true!!
Justin : What happened??? *concerned and anxious*
PS : Grey's Anatomy....
Justin : ... ... ... (for abt 5 sec)

Wat I shouldn't have done? Before that, I was deliberating if I wanted to watch the new season of GA or not. At the end of season 4, Meredith and Derek FINALLY end up together. It's a drama so definitely sth will happen to the main protagonists and I dunno if I can handle them breaking up again. Gets quite annoying...

*spoiler ahead*

But the gd news is, I read that the ex isn't really pregnant! Phew! If she was really pregnant, I'd be so sad and I wouldnt wanna see it... Now that I knew she's not (and with Sondra Rhimes [the creator of GA] promising that MerDer wouldn't be breaking up on and off again), I'm thinking of continuing... Not a very gd time since my finals is in the following week... Hehehe.

Emotions

2008-10-25T00:16:00.006+08:00

It's been so long since I've actually written abt my emotions here so I though I'd give it a shot right now. Here goes...

I'm feeling....

Tired
Been a long day. Woke up at 730am (yes, a.m.) to get ready for presentation at 10am. Haven't been able to sleep well these past few nights as well, which is quite rare for me. Why? Cos I'm..

Frustrated
You see, I have a system of doing things. Ju Lee says I'm a reward-seeker and when I think abt it, I am. To motivate myself to do things, I prepare a reward for myself. I actually have two assignments due next week (60% and 30%) and one lab exam (25%) so I started one of my assignments a week ago and actually got it done. But because I got it done, I let myself slack and couldn't obtain my goal for the day... This frustrates me cos I actually DO have time to study for exam but I'm just wasting it away... and while wasting my time away, I feel...

Homesick
Almost everytime at the end of the sem (exactly arnd this time), I get homesick. I miss the food, my dogs, me driving, family and ofcos, my bf. I miss hearing the stupid sigh of my dog whenever she got comfortable or whenever I pick on her when she's lying down.

Also the other stupid, stuck-up dog who has selective hearing and only listens for the word 'bone' or 'schmacko'.

Miss going out with my bf. Miss yum cha with frens. Wanna eat whatever without multiplying everything by 2.8. Miss my family invading my room at all hours of the day (gasp!!...)... well... miss to a certain extent cos it's just so darn quiet. When I'm back home, I wish for the quietness and SERENITY of Perth. Oh! and the showers here! Very gd water pumps.

What else am I feeling?

Anxious
Abt my future. Long story so to cut it short, whether am I doing Honours or not.
Abt my exams. Not very confident with one of my subjects and feel that I am not studying enough. Refer to the paragraph subtitled 'frustrated' above.

I think that's about it for now. That's all I can remember now in this brain-dead condition. Wiall be sleeping soon...

p/s: Don't worry. All this will pass, I know. Just to justify the very spontaneous decision for the post's title.

Food!

2008-10-12T21:26:00.005+08:00

A few weeks back, I went to a restaurant located for away from where I stayed. I usually don't go out at night but a friend offered to fetch and it was supposedly a very good German rest so what else is there to think abt? I had a bratwurst and shared the pork knuckles with the others. Look at the pix and DROOOOL...

Bratwurst... the mashed potato was AWESOME

HUGE pork knuckles...

I actually also had a bread and butter pudding which was seriously the best I've ever had... Too bad I didn't take a pix of it cos I thought that it was too dark for my camera to capture. And while we're on the subject of food.. I actually made lamb chop today, with the recipe a courtesy of Sheryl Saik (have to give credit where credit is due). Here's my meal!

Justin said the lamb chop looks burnt and it's NOT. Though it is well cooked... I prefer my meat to be med-well. The egg is also not burnt. I put cheese in it so when the cheese touche the pan, it turns that colour quickly. Have to learn to control the texture of the meat but otherwise, I have perfected the taste!

Sex and the city...

2008-10-11T23:52:00.005+08:00

Why do guys always say 'you know I really don't want to hurt you' and followed by explaining something that, prior to the event, KNEW that would CERTAINLY hurt you. Isn't that a blatant lie and wouldn't falling for that line makes you a fool for accepting that or even feel placated that 'at least he knew'?

Been watching the first two seasons of sex and the city. Just finished the last episode of the second season today. I always thought that it was all about four girls having... well... sex! And friendship ofcos but the first season pleasantly surprised me. Each episode raised many pertinent issues (if you're a girl) but I felt that the second season lack the 'oomph' factor of the first, with a higher focus on sex. Even though having a sexual partner is like changing clothes to know abt it) relationship with Mr. Big (her on/off bf... well... it's officially off now since he's engaged... for the moment) is quite relatable by many women. Questions such as 'can you really be friends with you ex' and 'when does pain for love becomes too much pain' are really gd questions. This show is not JUST abt four girls having sex (to my surprise) but their friendship, love lives (a LOT of those... seen too many breasts on-screen) and well... life!

One episode that particularly struck me was when Charlotte said that 'why should we be made ashamed of our successful career' in reference to her lower-income bf. It is true... If we make more, we have to be extremely careful to not thread onto the supposedly 'alpha male' toes just to make the relationship work. Don't even get me started about equal treatment. Ahh... the pains a woman have to go through for a relationship.

In the last episode, Carrie tried to befriend with Mr. Big, while convincing herself that she's over him alr... why would you go out on a limb to try to maintain friendship with an ex anyways? Wouldnt it totally complicate things? Not to mention future relationships. Note that the relationship between Asthon Kuscher, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis is an ANOMOLY, NOT the norm. Oh! And Miranda's ex also tried to befriend with her but and after having a friendly dinner... they had sex... surprise, surprise.

These are the thoughts that struck me while watching the show. Don't really have much to say about my life right now hence this post cos I really thing the rheoterical questions raised in the show were quite valid.

randomness...

2008-09-09T20:43:00.013+08:00

I went to a very special concert a week ago. It cost me AusD144 (prices go up to 900 which I think was the fastest to sold out) and it was worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY. Though the venue reminded me a bit of Bkt Jalil but when the lights are out and focused on the stage... the music was magical. Who cares about the venue as long as the music is gd! Now, many would definitely disagree with me for calling the music nice as 90% of the concert-goers were prob middle-aged thus for the first time I went to a concert minus 99% screeching tweens/teens. This was more for the folks and grandfolks (mostly mums, grandmas, aunts.. u get my drift). But really... going to this concert makes a mockery out of the previous ones I've been.

Ahhhh... even his name is music to my ears. I was very fortunate to be able to find someone to go with me since like I say, 90% of the audience were of... erm.. a certain age. PLUS... I think there were only abt 5 Asians (including 3 of us) out of... approx 11,400 (sources from review). He sang mostly popular opera songs.. I decided not to get the program (list of songs he's gonna perform with info abt him and his performing guests) cos it cost AusD20 = RM60. By intermission however, I went in search for it because all of the songs are really really gd and I wanted to... ermm... dl... it... Neways! Here's the list!!

Sheryl Said said that the second part is better than the first prob because she was more familiar with the songs that he's famous for while the first one were filled with classic opera songs. I loved his guest singer, Baritone Gianfranco Montresor. His deep voice was pitch perfect! Both of them duet a few songs which got me wondering what could two man be singing about in an opera. I mean... coeds are usually love songs so what are can two guys sing about which wont make them sound gay? Ahh... the sound system was really good. It was not surround sound so you know where the sound is coming from which reminds me of how a real opera house would be like. And the Tzech Philharmonic Orchestra played two pieces solo which were really gd as well! Though I would have liked him to engage more with the crowd but maybe he is not that proficient in English. Anyways, Tina Arena (Australian's local singer... you might know here from the Zorro soundtrack when she sang ' I want to spend my lifetime loving you' with Marc Anthony) came out in the end and dueted some English 'pop' song (Can't Help Falling In Love, The Prayer) which was still remarkably gd none the less. This concert made me wanna invest in a gd sound system in the future! (Though I draw the line at 5k).

While searching for the number of people who attended the concert, there were a few reviews which claims that he is a very weak opera singer... that he crossovered to pop which makes him a false opera singer, tempted by commercialism (which he himself admitted the latter claim). To my thinking (though I'm by no means an opera expert/critic), the ability to crossover and bring classical into the mainstream again is invaluable. Since he debuted, he has sold over 50 million albums, putting him in endorsement value on par with Luciano Pavarotti. Singing with a mic might make him a 'fraud' but it seems kinda conservative to categorise ppl and criticise so harshly... then again ppl who are expert in opera music are probably conservative... Anyways, saying that I enjoyed the conert would be a HUGE understatement of the yr even though he didn't belt out some of my favs which (if he did) would be a waste of the orchestra's talent as they are not opera songs (Bessame Mucho, Cuando Me Enamoro). This could prob have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity since I doubt he'll come to Malaysia. Did I mention that his wardrobe is from Armani?

I have been studying (stifle your gasp everyone, pls. Tis most unseemly...) since last night because the unit outline reported the wrong chapter and me being the unobservant person that I am, I only noticed it halfway through the wrong chapter. OK, I did waste three hours watching the last DVD of Goong again this afternoon... *giggles* To my defence, it was a very interesting chapter!! You don't believe me? Look at the topic I was mistakengly reading!

Interesting, right?? You would have done the same right???

I tell u... if you learn psych and really apply it to your everyday life, you can throw those self-help books away whether it's for love or how to manage your employees (unless u don't know how to apply and needs the author to specifically direct you to do sth like AA's 12 Steps). I was supposed to read about 'Helping' (it's really a chapter!) which was chapter 12. Anyways, I still need to read this chapter during week 11 (I'm in week 7 now) so it won't be that much of a waste I guess. Besides, I saw this WONDERFUL saying that I just HAVE to share it...

Ain't it the truth??

Here are some other random stuff I found that caught my eye...

I love digi cam, don't you?
From Myers, D.G. (2008), Social Psychology, 9th Ed

2008-08-30T13:42:00.003+08:00

Another really quick one. To my knowledge, Malaysia Today has been blocked due to, and I quote, "This is the article... that resulted in Malaysia Today getting blocked. However, it seems it is not the article but the 172 comments from readers below that article that was the brunt of the government action. Maybe now you readers will be careful with what you post lest, again, we suffer the " (RPK).

So the bottom line is, Malaysia-today has been blocked by the Malaysian government so since I'm in Australia, I can access it. Here are the alert from the website with its mirror site to those interested...

ALERT
Malaysia Today is being blocked by Malaysian government. To access use the address http://www.blogger.com/ You can check the site status at http://m2day.org/ or google for "Malaysia Today ".

What article, you ask? Go to this link if you're interested.

luscious strawberries!!!

2008-08-24T14:50:00.007+08:00

First batch....

Check out the size of this strawberry! (and I have big hands...)
Ofcos there has to be a pix with me eating my luscious strawberries!!!Eat ur heart out!

Enough about my strawberry fetish. Nevermind they are luscious, huge, sweet and juicy... ahem... So anyways, hola! Second post since I've been back, the first a really hurried one. As usual, my life here is normal, boring (which ain't a bad thing) so I really don't know what to write abt! I have classes only three days a week (wed-fri, with thurs only one lecture) so quite a free sem. Cant seem to get a job cos seek.com.au dun work and I always forget to write a CV to hand in personally. What else, what else... My friend (who lives a few floors down) and I am sharing dinner so she cook, I wash and we'll split the price of our raw materials. Quite a gd deal as it saves me a lot of time and let's face it, I'm not a very inventive or a gd cook. But one night, she went to a party, leaving me to fend for myself so this is what I did....

Let's have a closer look at my SCRUMPTULICIOUS garlic bread....

It was so gd!!! I so am not ordering garlic bread outside alr... I put lots of butter first, then a layer of French cream cheese spread, a smattering of diced garlic and Italian herbs!! *saliva dripping*. Because the French cream cheese has CHEESE in it, after it's out from the oven toaster, it was a little... hmm... baked-cheese-like but a very LIGHT taste to it so it was PERFECT. Was looking for a garlic bread spread from Woolies but they didnt have it so I picked this up instead. YYYUUUMMM! Goes REALLY well with the soup... which tastes like Campbell's ox-tail soup that me and my dad used to really like when I was younger. Nostalgia...

Round two of luscious strawberries!!!

What can I say? Strawberry season is here. Hahahah

Did I mention that I'm back in Perth??

2008-08-18T12:45:00.004+08:00

Hola!

This is PS reporting from Perth (again). Been back for abouta week alr. Have to make this a quick one because i have to go off in 9 minutes! So timer... START!!

Firstly, I'm quite happy with the fact that it seems the whole of Malaysia stop and actually watched Chong Wei fighting for the elusive Olympic gold (although truthfully, I didn't expect him to win). It was a little bit of a thrashing but he still didn't give up in the end which is showcase the true spirit of Olympic! It was quite cool to watch a 'cool' place like Itallianies in The Curve to be packed with ppl watching the game live!

Sources: From TheStar.com.my

Cheers to the Malaysian spirit and to Chong Wei. A medal is still a medal! And how many of us Malaysians can say we've even TOUCHED an Olympic medal? Don't sneer at such a feat just bcos he did not get gold!!

10 min up bcos was distracted by googlechat. Hehehe. Will post real soon with scrumptious strawberries!! Ciao!

Music that makes u shiver...

2008-08-03T02:31:00.005+08:00

Have you ever had one of those experience where u listen to a particular music that makes your skin tingle, heart full and eyes wide open (accompanied by varying degrees of jaw-dropping)? Here's one for you.

Il Divo and Leona Lewis on youtube. Hope your comp has a gd sound system and can handle this.

I just saw Leona Lewis performed in MTV Asia Award (on TV) and she was AWESOME. Only words with the equivalent meaning can describe her gynormous talent. Her voice were EXACTLY the same as her record... And she was not lip-syncing cos even though her voice was exactly like the record, the rhythm was not as exact. Then I realised 'but of course! she has already proven herself in X-Factor' and reality contests like that is much more capable in producing/showcasing real talent. It was a far FAR cry from the Pussycat Dolls who opened the award show. I still stand by my opinion that Nicole cannot sing... They are entertainers, as far as I'm concerned, NOT singers. She probably wouldn't get too far in such competitions. Her voice was unpleasant to the ear, not similar to her record and just 'blah'. Sure, her voice is powerful at times but that's not enough is it?

On the other hand, I was introduced to Vitas, a Russian singer and his 'Taiwanese counterpart'. It is entirely preferential which one you wanna watch first although I suggest watching the first one to see how it is done and then only the second one...

1. Vitas 2. Taiwanese 'imitator'

The good, the bad and... fate..

2008-08-01T01:02:00.007+08:00

THE GOOD
After months of wheedling and promises, Justin has finally brought me to Shogun, 1u. Shogun is primarily a Jap buffet rest but it has other food as well, with many varieties at only RM 48 for lunch on a weekday. We went there for lunch and then watched X-Files after that. Here are some pix of Shogun and the food there.

Shogun interior

Let me magnify stuff for u...
One whole lamb shank (tasted ok, meat was quite tender)

Me happily eating between 12.00-1.30pm.

Him posing for a pix

THE BAD
As I happily ate, watched a movie (and left unsatisfied) and journeyed home, I was informed that tonight's clubbing plan was cancelled. I was quite irritated with the person for reasons which shall not be made known to all. We passed by Baskin Robbins 31 when I remembered today WAS the 31st which means 31% off of all hand-packed ice-cream. Me and Justin bought a pint and shared it. Once I reached home, I became a pig and had a quick nap when TRAGEDY STRUCK! As I woke up, I had a slight stomach pain which very quickly snowballed into HUGE stomach pain. Justin (afterwards) was convinced that it was food poisoning, probably from the food in Shogun. What I did not mention in the above post was that some food (esp fish) tasted bad, not fresh. I only had a very small portion. And truth be told, I didn't really eat super much. I felt like I wanted to 'bake chocolate cake', vomit and faint all at the same time. It hurt so much! Thank God Justin was arnd and he quickly got 'po chai yuen' for me to eat. It hurt for abt 2 hour more where I drifted in and out of consciousness (probably I forced myself to fall asleep and not fainted). Justin took extreme good care of me during the few hours which I'm so grateful.

After abt 3 hours of torture, I was finally 90% well. I saw Justin home and came back to my room to bath. During the painful time, it hurt till I sweated A LOT. At one point, my bed was kinda wet (not from accidentally terkencing!!) so I needed to get my bath. Then I had a sudden insight... this is what matters most, surely? My bf saw one of the worst side of me and still he diligently nursed me. Though his sense of humour was a bit off when he mentioned that child- birth would prob be a few times more painful than what I went through... All other problems could be talked-through (to a certain extent) but if you find a person who loves you (and you him ofcos), sees and am willing accept the good, the bad and the ugly side of you, it is priceless. A person who would take care of you when u're ill, a person who will TRY to put you first... It makes all the hardship and frustration go away. Whenever I feel angry or frustrated in the future, I will try to think back of this day and know that the rest is immaterial. He would not let me down when it comes down to it.

and... FATE?
So where does fate come in? Here's the weird part... if my friend hadn't canceled, we'd be on our way to a club and I'd experience this pain in either a car or a club (which would NOT be comfortable) and I'd never get to realise what I realised.

Just as a post-script... I'd like to mention that in the second last paragraph where I mentioned about love is NOT contradictory to my previous post where I said that the media over-romanticesed love. I'd never said that it was unimportant, merely over-romanticised. Love is not the only ingredient in a relationship though it is a very much desired one. Good luck to you in finding one and I hope you don't have to compromise too much for it.

Photo from Deviant Art by Lohey.

Finally, eh??

2008-07-29T16:24:00.006+08:00

Ok, I know I have been neglecting my blog ever since I hopped on a plane to get home. And you're right, if not for my promise, I still might not write anything until I'm back in Perth. Bad blogger, eh?? So what have I been doing since I've been home? Three words... HAVE A LIFE. Watched at least one movie every week in the cinema. Met up with friends, spent nearly everyday with bf and ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN!!! ahhh... the freedom. Didn't go out-station this time except for Genting. Talking abt Genting, I have a bone to pick with them.

So I turned 21 last December and am LEGALLY eligible to enter Genting Casino. While I was there, ofcos I wanted to go in (although it's not my first time). Armed with a REAL IC and a BOUNTIFUL of confidence, I walked into the casino, expecting to produce my IC when.. to my never-ending disappointment, THEY DID NOT ASK TO CHECK!!! I was deprived of the satisfaction in proving that I AM at least 21!!! The first time, they didn't check. The second time I went in, I looked at the guards in the eye and this guy asked me how old I was. After telling my age, I was again anticipating to produce my IC for validation but YET AGAIN THEY DENIED ME THE PLEASURE! How frustrating is that????

Oh! While I was in KL, my coz from Melb also came back. Met up with her and got this opportunity to fly in a four-seater aeroplane arnd KL. Her friend have an airplane license and he needs to practice anyways.

Since I spent so much time lepaking here and there, I can't remember exactly what I did. So I'll just mentioned about what I did yesterday! Went Red Box and then TGIF with my Taylor friends. It was great. Only three of us in Red Box and six in TGIF. 4/5 others are out-station/overseas.

It was great! Everyone was exactly the same as last time, as mentioned by my bf (who INSISTS on being mentioned in this post because he's sitting right next to me now. Justin :Yo ). I met them during A-Levels where we were in pre-law class in 2004. Fast forward four years, I'm the only one of this six who opt to do something out of law. Two in this photo alr graduated, two going into third yr and one in second year. So I prob know a lot of lawyers in the future (don't mess with me, ahem). Not to mention one of my best friend is also studying law locally.

Throughout this month back, I re-connected with many friends. Each group of friends are different in their own way. I have a group whom I met during my year in HELP (psych students), old school mates, gfs and the above group. It kinda brings to mind wat a long journey I've been through and yet, I'm still young (relative to the average life span). Makes me wonder what else is awaiting for me in the future and will 'us' of the future still stay as close to the 'us' now and in the past? Will we get to take such pictures in, say, 10 years from now?

My friendship circles are quite funny. While I was in Perth, I don't contact with people regularly (only close ones) maybe due to time differences (some studying in UK) or maybe the lack of common ground except the fact that we used to be in the same course/class/school. But once I'm back, I make the effort to meet up with them to catch up and it was kinda like I'd never left (minus extra Malaysian gossip) or even we'd never been apart much. Some people MIGHT find it awkward in such situation where u have not seen a person for a yr and chatted maybe twice in MSN but have to meet up. I have quite a few friends whom I can do this quite comfortably (chatted for abt 3 hours). So what makes a friendship last? Common interest? Bond? Shared experiences? Effort?? Me thinks effort definitely figures in the equation but what else?

I just downloaded the first and third season of sex and the city. I know I'm really out-dated as I should have watched it years ago when it first came out. It has been hailed as a replacement to comfort food or something to do for a girl's night in. After watching the first two episode, I have to agree. The second episode was titled 'Models and Mortals'. It's about the fascination of Manhattan men for models to the extent that the title 'modelisers' were given to men who only date models. Why would guys settle for short-term pleasure in the sense that they're serial daters which implies a certain lack of emotional involvement. Or maybe the lack of emotional involvement don't bother them even in the long run. (though I heard that you actually get BORED of sleeping arnd. Imagine that!) How could u sleep with so many different people in a month, which goes on for a few years, even though you're not ready for a commitment?

I think that the world now is too liberal.. too... short-sighted. Like those who sleep arnd, one day they prob will get bored of the whole 'game'. In the olden days, people only have sex when they're married (at least for girls lar...). As I grow older, I developed a certain respect for some of the olden ways and advice. I like to keep a few tradition going because it makes sense (like CNY reunion dinner). Take the sex-after-marriage issue. If we sleep arnd so early in life, what is there to look forward to in later life but the 'same-old, same-0ld'. If you co-habit before u marry, true you can see if you guys can live together but there's also a higher chance that you might split up. Oh, I can hear some protesting 'then it's better to split up earlier rather than after you marry!'. In a sense, it is true but marriage is different from co-habitating. Once married, there is a DEEPER pull for you to make it work! The western media over romanticized love, in my opinion. U hear so many 'fall-out-of-love-so-let's-divorce' excuse that it's ridiculous! Sure, love is important but so is commitment between a couple to MAKE IT WORK. This observation made is through experience AND observation.

Wahh... from my intention to just type a few words to a fully-blown post! Gd job, PS!

Plagiarism...

2008-06-15T01:51:00.003+08:00

Sorry for this cut and paste job. Thought it was too gd an article to miss and I don't have time to write my take on it as finals are finally here so here goes. Oh! Btw, it's abt racism. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Johor Umno called non-Malay, ungrateful immigrant!

By Raja Petra Kamarudin

Last month, Umno Johor said that the greatest mistake they made was in giving the non-Malay immigrants citizenship in August 1957. Now that they have been given citizenship they show their ingratitude by voting for the opposition. Yes, non-Malays, even those born in Malaysia, are immigrants. And, being immigrants, they must vote Barisan Nasional. And if they do not vote for Barisan Nasional then they are ungrateful.

Yes, voting is your right. This is your right according to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. Malays can vote for whomsoever they would like to vote for because the Constitution allows them to do so. Malays, therefore, can vote for the opposition. But, if you are non-Malay,
then you must vote for Barisan Nasional because you are an immigrant. If you vote for the opposition then you are a traitor, you are ungrateful, and it was a great mistake giving you citizenship in 1957.

Tun Dr Mahathir's father was born in India. But Tun Dr Mahathir can vote opposition. He can even oppose Umno like he is doing so now. In fact, he can even become the Prime Minister. He is not an ungrateful immigrant who should be sent back to India. Tian Chua, however, can't oppose Umno. Tian Chua, whose family settled in Malaya long before the Portuguese came in 1511, is an immigrant. And if he is not happy and if he opposes Umno then he should go back to China. And Umno Johor regrets giving Tian Chua citizenship in 1957 but does not regret giving Tun Dr Mahathir citizenship.

Why? Because Tun Dr Mahathir is Muslim while Tian Chua is not. But if Tian Chua circumcises and takes on the Muslim name of Musa Bin Susah and marries a Malay woman, then he need not go back to China and Umno does not regret giving him citizenship in 1957.

Commercial Break : This is so funny man. Hahaha. Oh. And I think the Tian Chua referred to in this article is the Information Chief for Parti Keadilan Rakyat. No, I did not know right off my head. Did a little google search.

The Malays have a very warped view of justice. Malays practice two standards of justice. There is one standard for the Malays and another for the non-Malays. And 90% of the tax is paid by the non-Malays and 10% by the Malays, says Tun Dr Mahathir. But 10% of the scholarships must go to the non-Malays and 90% to the Malays. And when they propose to change this to 40% for the non-Malays and 60% for the Malays, the Malays raise a hue and cry. And they call this justice. And they say Islam is about justice.

If this is an example of Islamic justice then I just shudder to think what would happen if Muslims start becoming unjust.

Note: Pls do not take this article as an incitement of anger. It was put in gd taste and meant to be a satire.

sat·ire

1.	the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.

2.	a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.

3.	a literary genre comprising such compositions.

(From dictionary.com)

follow up on previous blog

2008-06-07T01:22:00.004+08:00

Just thought that it was too big a coincidence that this issue was raised again in the most recent post in blog.limkitsiang.com (For those who don't know who is Lim Kit Siang, my bet is you won't be interested in this post so you can just save your time and skip it altogether). These excerpts was written by an author in Lim Kit Siang's blog named Dr. Azly Rahman. If you'd like to read the full version, pls go to http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/06/06/lim-kit-siangs-blog-written-by-a-malay/#more-1256

A Malay child of Merdeka
Azly Rahman

As an adult growing learning multiple ways of knowing about the world, through people of multiple cultures, I often ask the question of what will happen to the children and grandchildren of Mr Wong Seng Kuang, my Jawi teacher in Johor Bahru, Ah Lan the lady who taught my mother how to sew clothes for a living, Dr. Das of Jalan Ah Fook near Sungei Segget who treated my childhood illness and taught me how to be “patient” about wanting to make changes in the world, Mr PV Kulasingam my fearful-looking headmaster, Miss Chan my favourite Maths teachers who suddenly became angry at me a day after the May 13, 1969 riots, Miss Yap, Mr Ambrose, and Mr. Ng my English teachers who taught me to love the language when I was struggling with other subjects, and countless other “non-Malays non-bumis” I have come to be indebted to – those who have contributed to the “subjectivity” of what I am as a “cultural being living in an ever changing and evolving world of shifting cultural constructs.”

In short, I ask the question – what have this nation done to the children and grandchildren of these people through the policies we create to alienate each other?

Because in my profession as an educator, questions are more important than the answers, I present them as such below:

After this Merdeka, celebrations will we all be called the “new bumiputeras”? Will the false dichotomy of “Malays” versus “non-Malays” and “bumiputeras ” versus “non-bumiputeras” be abolished? Will we come together as “true blue Malaysians” that will progress through the guiding national development philosophy crafted by the principles of scientific socialism, multiculturalism, affirmative action and meritocratic principles in a balance, and the respect, cultivation, and preservation of indigenous cultures that sustain the dignity of each race?

Will more financial aid be given to the deserving students of all races? Will more scholarships be given to “non-Malays” or “non-bumiputeras” so that they too will enjoy the fruits of labour of the parents and grandparents who toiled for this nation? Will more deserving “non-Malays” be given the much needed aid to study abroad and to come home and serve, so that they will take pride in building the nation that has been kind to them? Will this new preferential treatment cure the ill-feeling and silent animosity over the awarding of resources amongst the different races?

Will the children and grandchildren of great Malaysians – Soh Chin Aun, V Arumugam, Santokh Singh, (the grand-daddies of the real Beckhams of the Malaysian cultural iconoclasm) and Andre Goh, M. Jegathesan, be given scholarship they deserve?

Will preferential treatment be given to those born after the Aug 31, 1957 to their children and grandchildren as well?

It will be a shame to the hard work of the “founding fathers” of Merdeka if we do not work towards providing equality, equity, and equal opportunity to the children of all races. It would kill the spirit of Merdeka.

Our Merdeka gone astray?

This Merdeka, we have gone astray. Race-politics has reached its boiling point. It is predictable as a consequence of the outgrowth of politics in a pluralistic nation. Scholars who write about the difference between nationalism and socialism have predicted the bankruptcy of the former, in an age of globalisation and mass consumption – in an age wherein blind nationalism has become a blinder for the politics of plunder.

This Merdeka, let us extend our special rights to all who deserve to live a life of dignity, based on the principles of universal declaration of human rights. In a nation wherein the three major races help build the nation, the nation must now belong to the children of all these races. It is the logic of the brighter side of Social Darwinism – that all must be made fit to survive, not through natural selection but through an inclusive philosophy of developmentalism. It is an antidote to racial discrimination based on a sound philosophy of peaceful evolution.

We cannot continue to alienate each other through arguments on “social contract” that is alien from perhaps what Jean Jacques Rousseau the great wrote about some 300 years ago – a philosophy that inspired the founding of America, a nation of immigrants constantly struggling (albeit imperfectly) to meet the standards requirements of equality, equity, and equal opportunity especially in education.

The social contract in which he was referring to was the alleged contract agreed upon by the races where Malays are given their 'special rights'.

How do we come together as Malaysians, as neo-bumiputeras free from false political-economic and ideological dichotomies of Malays versus non-Malays, “bumi” versus “non-bumis’ and craft a better way of looking at our political, economic, social, cultural, and psychological, and spiritual destiny – so that we may continue to survive as a species of Malaysians the next 50 years?

As a privileged Malay and a “bumiputera”, I want to see the false dichotomies destroyed and a new sense of social order emerging, based on a more just form of linguistic play designed as a new Merdeka game plan. Think Malaysian - we do not have anything to lose except our mental chains.

I very much liked what he wrote. He seems a pretty well-learned man and I'm envious of the days when I actually learnt a little of Darwinism, Rousseau and jus soli though for the life of me, I have no idea what the latter two is about anymore. I envy those who know so much about philosophy but it ofcos came with dedication and hard work which I'm sorely lacking.

Anyway, that is neither here nor there. He is a very gd example of the New Bumi that I've been hearing about but not met. Well... as much meeting as this type of media allow anyways. The New Bumi to me was kinda like... the monster 'lochness'. It was heard of but nvr found. He cleared up my mind about the 'we' against 'them' prob of previous post and showed that what I thought of was not wrong and even gave an alternative. This issue is NOT a 'we' against 'them' problem but a social prob born from the fact that we were kinda MADE (shockingly) to distinguish the 'we' and 'them' which was strengthened by social injustice.

Are we going to limit ourself to an otherwise infinite possibilities?
http://gilad.deviantart.com/art/Casualty-of-War-69916654

The problem now is not about social groups as I first thought, but the step towards social equality (will there ever be?). I wonder how it escaped me... perhaps I was not as immune to social conditioning as I thought I was...

Just as an ending note and a little trivia. Did you know that little kids have no concept of me, girl, you guy mentality unti the teachers made the distinction when they said 'u girls line up together and u boys, line-up in a seperate line'?

The social and cultural attitudes that teachers bring into the classroom often lead to biased attitudes among children and perpetuate prevailing social inequalities.
Ramachandran, V. in Gender and Social Equity in Primary Education

bumi vs Non-bumi

2008-06-02T13:20:00.007+08:00

First, I'd like to apologise for writing about this again.. I know to those who always read my blog that I'm constantly blogging about cases like this but these are the things that I feel strongly about. I have seen so many great students who do not get scholarships and with the news that those undeserving one with an average grade getting it just fires me up.

PETALING JAYA: Increasing the quota for non-bumiputras for Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships without increasing the actual number of scholarships has drastically affected the bumiputras, the Umno Youth Education Bureau said.

Why don't we just change Public Service Department to Bumi Service Department?? At least if your name is Bumi Service Department, you can criticise on who gets what...

Its chairman Ahmad Ikmal Ismail said while the bureau agreed with the Government to give more scholarships to non-bumiputras, it did not agree with the way it was done.

“The quota for non-bumiputras has increased from 10% to 45% but the number of total scholarships has remained at 2,000.”

Ahmad Ikmal said this meant that scholarships were being taken from the bumiputras to be given to the non-bumiputras.

“We object to this move because it now means that 700 scholarships for bumiputra students are gone,” he said.

Are the non-bumis not part of the public as well? Don't our parents pay taxes that HELPS FUND these scholarships? And you wonder why I don't feel like living in KL anymore... My future income tax are used to benefit a CERTAIN type of public only. Pls research on why our professionals are going overseas to work. If you had not done something like this in the first place (or have not ttempt to correct this now), you wouldn't have to resort to wooing them back!

Ahmad Ikmal said a better way would be to use the New Economic Policy concept to increase the number of total scholarships. He said this was to ensure that the bumiputras were not affected and the non-bumiputras would get even more opportunities.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/2/nation/21425360&sec=nation

At least this makes more sense but seriously... creating such a distinction in services to bumis and non-bumis would only result in the widening gap btw the races. The fact that I wanna come back is by no means bcos I like living in Malaysia, merely that my family is there and the people are great (WHICH IS INDEPENDENT OF SUCH STUPID NOTIONS). KL is so dangerous, unfair and filled with ppl taking advantage left and right. No appreciation of basic morality and prices increasing to a rate that it's hardly supportable by a normal income. Maybe I'm just used to little village that is Perth. I know things are very much diff in Melbourne...

I hate the fact that we are have learnt to be helpless (yes, that is a true psychological condition. It's called 'learned helplessness') where, in a nutshell, we just give up. We have been conditioned (in simpler terms, just interpret it as trained) to think that we can't do anything about things so we just stop trying even though there IS a way... The last election was a good example of ppl waking up but I still see many people who conform helplessly to the status quo. I am by NO MEANS trying to incite a revolusi but I just wish more would get off ur butt and do something about...SOMETHING instead of just paying lip-service. Go watch V for Vendetta. Maybe entertainment like that might inspire if non-fiction articles could not.

Then again here I am thinking... it will always be 'us' against 'them'. The fact that we, complex social beings that we are, would always form groups. In one of the post by Tun Dr. Mahathir, he blogged about how no other place in the world has schools that teaches in their mother tongue rather than the national language and converse fluently in the mother tongue and not the national language. Maybe in a way that the bumis are championing the bumis, I am championing the non-bumis as well... Ahh... psychology has realy made me psycho. Finally...

Proud moments...

2008-05-24T19:16:00.009+08:00

I had bulgogi (Korean marinaded beef) with soba (Jap wheat noodle) and fresh lettuce (some sorta vegetable) and it was luxurious! Definitely cost less then it would have been outside. And really yummy too! Bought marinated bulgogi back from Melbourne and left it in freezer until I couldn't resist it nemore! Am attempting to marinade own bulgogi next week. Watch this space! Neways, this is one of the ways u eat BBQ bulgogi and I highly recommend it...

1. Put bulgogi onto lettuce...

2. Wrap it up...

3. Finally, say ahhhhhhh......

Did I mention that it was delicious??? And the fresh lettuce was INCREDIBLE. I didn't know that the ones in Msia were imported so not as gd.

One nostalgic meal...

What is this, you wonder?? Let me put it in context for u to see...

Roti canai and dhal!! Found packet dhal which only needs reheating. hehehe

Ahhh... The nostalgia of mamak. It only needs teh tarik or teh-o ais limau for perfection!

Had a terrible week... three assignments to hand in, two on Monday and one on Friday. Thank God I started earlier but even though I'm heading towards the last two weeks of my lecture before study break, I have one more report and presentation. A bit jittery cos I never had so little time to study for exam. Usually I start 2-3 weeks prior but now only have one week... So I went a bit hay wire last nite, after handing in the Friday assignment. Hadn't shopped like this in AGES and it felt DARN gd.

It's quite awesome cos I bought all those ( 8 tops, 1 bag, 1 belt, 1 jeans, 2 skirts, 2 pants and 1 dress) for a total of $104. With the exception of my brown bag at the upper right hand corner ($19), none of the items cost over $10. Even my jeans was only $10! Hahaha. The sales were crazy. The reason I had so much tops was Jay Jay selling 3 for $10 (bought six tops there). Don't worry, not all of it are mine or not my cupboard would have exploded alr. It was a very gratifying day...

A conversation with a stranger...

2008-05-19T20:50:00.004+08:00

PS was walking to the bus stop at 835am to catch her bus when she noticed an elderly man sitting at the bus stop's bench ahead of her. They greeted each other courteously and had small talks to pass the time.

Elderly Man (ED) : Are you here for the bus?
PS : Yeah. Aren't you?
ED : No, I'm just resting. Was punishing my legs.
PS : Punishing ur legs? Why?
ED : Because they are weak (he walks with a cane)
... (some other small talk)

PS : Are you from Perth?
ED : No, I moved here from Melbourne.
PS : Oh! Why'd you move here?
ED : Because my wife told me to. I always listen to what my wife says. There's no better reason, is there?
PS : Hahaha. Nope, there certainly isn't.
ED : She just told me one day that we're moving to Perth and I said yes, dear. Hahaha.

*PS smiled at this point but was hesitant to ask about the wife when he continued...*

ED : Sadly, she passed away two years ago. It's quite weird because I always listen to what my wife said, a man who can't even boil an egg suddenly have to do it himself.
PS : I'm sorry... Don't you have children here?
ED : Yes, a son.
PS : But you don't live together?
ED : No!

* At that point, PS just remembered that in Western culture, the kids usually move out from the house which means this man is living all alone now*

ED : Where are you from?
PS : Malaysia
ED : *looking a bit confused* Which country is that?
PS : Erm.. Malaysia IS a country.
ED : Oh! I always thought is was a district... a state.
PS : No, it isn't. It's a country. *smiles*
ED : Alright, I better get going now. Have a good day *smiles warmly*
PS : You too. Take care.

PS watches ED slowly walk using his cane.

A crossroad where two people met by chance and exchanged a little of their life with each other. I really don't know how to describe my feelings as I watch his back slowly getting smaller. Compassion for his loneliness, hope bcos he can still smile so nicely and wishing that he'll stay like that... A conversation with a stranger has strangely put things in better perspective.

Headlines for today...

2008-05-08T14:06:00.005+08:00

Headlines for today... ... The Star.com.my
Thursday, May 08, 2008

Pakatan Rakyat : 4
Raja Petra : 2 (both most viewed)
Dr. M : 2 (both most viewed)
Ministry : 2 (one, most view and ofcos it's abt tax!!!)
Najib : 1 (most viewed)
even RICE : 3
Where's Badawi??

With Dr M stealing so much headlines lately, show's the PM?

Most Viewed
Body found in car boot, girl’s boyfriend and father arrested
Mahathir: Danger of defections is real
Court allows Muslim convert to return to Buddhism <--- only can happen in Penang?
Raja Petra refuses all visitors
Bloggers not immune to the law, says Najib
Ministry's study on highway concessions may see lower rates <--- woo hoo!!!!!
King approves extension of Mohd Khalil’s term as governor
Dr M: Long time before Asean can be like EU
Raja Petra agrees to post bail (Update 2)
Maxis offers anti-spam service for cellphones

A bit statistical today bcos i was just in stat class..

Typically... typical

2008-05-02T13:16:00.004+08:00

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/2/nation/21132266&sec=nation

PM: Cancel telecast in Dewan Rakyat
By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

KUWAIT: The Prime Minister said he was ashamed at what had transpired in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday and agreed that live telecast of the proceedings should be scrapped.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he was in the Dewan at the time, adding what happened was just “too much.”

“I felt ashamed if people watched television and saw what was happening in our Dewan. In my heart, I also felt that all this happened because there was a live broadcast at that time.

This is bloody typical. Bad things happen so let's cover it up. The girl is raped cos SHE WAS WEARING INDECENTLY?? So the girl is at bigger fault then the rapist?? Why don't he target THE MPS WITH THEIR STUPID MOUTH and "too much" actions..

“Each (MP) wanted to make himself or herself seen debating or ‘aksi’ (acting) in the Dewan. That was how I felt,” he told reporters yesterday after a brief visit here to attend the 4th World Islamic Economic Forum closing session.

To a question, he said that if Information Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek decided to cancel the live telecast, he would agree.

So instead of cancelling the program, why don't we CANCEL THE MPS? oh.. cos then there would be less pie in which to chomp on...

He said the question of transparency of what went on during proceedings should not arise because sessions were open to all, noting that the media was free to cover the proceedings and report on whatever happened.

The public, too, were free to come to the Dewan to follow the proceedings, he added.
“There are no closed sessions. People can go in anytime the Dewan sits. That’s transparency. Whoever is interested to see if their MPs are talking in the Dewan or not also can come to KL when Parliament is meeting,” he said.

So he's expecting someone from Sabah/Sarawak or even Melaka to go to KL just to watch a parliament meeting when it is so much easier to just have HALF AN HOUR of live telecast?? Come on... we're not all made of money... unlike the interviewee... So if he's all for transparentcy, what's wrong with fascilitating the rakyat with better service?

Abdullah also took to task MPs who used words like ‘Big Foot’ and ‘Big Monkey’ in the august House, saying that “words like that should not be used.”

No kidding... *smirks*

He said that according to decorum, when an MP wanted to raise a point of order or ask for clarification, he has to get up and wait for the Speaker to acknowledge him.

“He or she cannot just speak whenever he or she pleases or shout. We have high quality microphones. Even when you speak softly into it, people can hear what is being said (so there is no need to shout),” he remarked.

Abdullah said if an MP who was speaking at a particular time refused to “bagi jalan” (give way) to another, it was not right to pick a quarrel.

I always thought that that was common courtesy... does that mean our MPs have none? How worrying...

“But there was all this quarrelling, accusations – and just no decorum. Everyone wanted to talk at the same time. That is not right. I have been an MP for a long time and I know what has been (the practice),” he added.

Yeah, he has been an MP a long time and knows the practice so does he practice the practice as well?? I can't believe the nerve of this guy. He's ACKNOWLEDGING such a BIG flaw in the current proceeding and he wants to CANCEL THE TELECAST???? Which is in the wrong here... the proceedings or the telecast??? Does he even realise the implication of his words???? My mum always taught me to think before I speak...

Oh! And a little bird called JL told me that Mahathir is now officially a blogger!!

http://www.chedet.com/

Is it me or does all the other politicians-turned-blogger (unlike the original blogger+politicians eg. Jeff Ooi, Theresa Kok, Lim Kit Siang...) realised internet power of the Generation X and now is doing damage control? Even Mahathir joined the blogging band wagon! But hits to his site is DARNED impressive. JL just visited it about 1.5-2 hours ago and it has a hit of 66k and now it is 79k!! That's 13,000 hits in 2 hours!!!!!

There's one news that greatly sickens me this week. I believe no news have made me so sick before... I'm sure most of you have heard of the Austrian case of John Fritzl by now... He's the crazy and rubbish excuse of a man (to put it mildly bcos my family reads this) who held his DAUGHTER CAPTIVE FOR 24 YEARS and fathered 7 children by her, one of which died as an infant. My God... she was held in a dungeon! He first lured her into the underground cell when she was only 18. The cell has no windows and her only contact with the outside world is the radio and television. Inside with her is three of her kids where the other three was raised by John and his wife. His wife was told that Elisabeth (the victim) left to join a religious sect and left the kids for them to raise. John has 7 children with his wife as well. I cannot tell you how disturbed I am by how this... this... trash could do such a thing... I am beyond words... Is he human? He might be a homo sapien but... this is NOWHERE NEAR humane.

Melbourne part 2

2008-04-28T00:14:00.028+08:00

ahh... where did I stop and how do I start? Hmmm... Oh! My meet-up with TSL!!! She only came for lunch ( so bad hor? Ppl go so far to meet her and she only had lunch with me... but luckily she treated me for the lunch so I forgive her. kikiki ).

Why do I look weird in this pix?

That's us in front of the state library. We had lunch and realised we haven't taken a pix so we randomly just took one right before she left with her fren. After that I walked Melbourne city alone. Walked all the way to RMIT and then through Chinatown back to Flinder's Train Station. Wasn't walking towards newhere, just wanted to explore Melbourne Central area for awhile. Was in Myers and noticed... before that, do u wanna know how much a CITRUS PRESSER cost??

Wanna know what this RM550+ CITRUS PRESSER looks like??

Why anyone wanna pay 200AusD to manually squeeze orange/lemon is beyond me. Why don't just get a juicer?

This is just the Westin hotel. Gorgeous building. Wonder if I'll get a chance to live in the suites...

So I was on my way home at Flinder's when I saw some cute snacks that I just HAD to buy...

Jap pancakes! Delicious!
They used the same sauce used for my beloved Tako Tao aka Takoyaki

Oh, my Chuuros! Aka Spanish doughnuts... Damn gd. May said it's like 'yao char kuai'

STOP!!!
A word of warning : I apologise if all the stuff is related to food but Melb to me was shopping and food. Sorry if this is not ur thing or if it makes u salivate. Muahaha..

To continue..

Gd chinese roasted food is hard to find in Western country but trust Melb to have it. The siew chu yok really kinda melts in ur mouth! Nvr thought possible but now proven wrong.. Check out the duck's skin!!! Thin and bloody crispy! *slurp*

Ok... maybe I should take a break from the food I've been having. Here's some pretty pix of me with pretty hair done by my pretty cousin... A part of my trip to Melbourne is to get a hair cut and to dye my hair by my cousin, May, who is studying to become a hair-stylist. woo hoo! Free hair cut! It's really expensive to do hair here... Tak sampai hati...

My hair was sooooo straight! I haven't had straight hair in TWO YEARS +. Wahh.. missed it so much. My week in Melb is prob the week where I get the best hair of my life! Thanks so much guys! Here are the two future great hair-stylist (not that they are not great now...)

Don't mind her. She's busy eating and haven't had enough sleep.

Bryan eating dim sum as well. His hair-dye is so cool! Apparently it can turn 7 different colours and this is the fourth or fifth one.

Small picx of us cos it was shaky. My camera don't function well at night...

My new hair, cut, dyed and temporarily straighten

On my final day in Melbourne, thought I'd give my two co-conspirators a rest since they have to go to class/work on top of taking me all over. So I woke up at 1030 and went out on my own. Thier house is a small studio apartment situated right in the city. I only had to go out, catch a tram and in 10 min, I'm at the center of Melbourne where all the shops are. After 5 days, I kinda know my way around that area already. Neways, my last day there was coincidently ANZAC day which stands for Australia-New Zealand Army Coalition day. It was the first time Australia made an army of their own (independent of British) and fought .ANZAC day is a public holiday in memorial of those who died in the line of fire during whichever war they were participating in.

I actually spotted a sticker identifying an antique car's CLUB.

It was quite cool, with people at the sides sometimes clapping their hands...

Seeing this man in the wheelchair made me come face-to-face that these people were IN THE WAR. Like, seriously... they were there. This guy might not be paralysed but I saw some that were in wheelchair... but they were there despite the fact that they WERE in wheelchairs. Seeing the medals on their coats was quite an awesome sight. Most of the people in the march, as you can see, are old people and their participation was even more awe-inspiring to me. They fought, lived to tell it, am proud to have fought and joined together that day in honour of their perished comrades. I was humbled for a moment...

After watching for about half an hour, I went to get Ju Lee's Krispy Kreme. Yes, from Melb bringing back to Perth. A dozen cost about 20 bucks which is NOT CHEAP. But I have to admit that it's better than J.Co. Pretty much the best donut I've tasted. Luckily I bought half a doz for myself. Kikikiki. After that, I walked up and remembered that Sue Li asked me to try Max Brenner's choc and off I went since I have time... so are u ready to salivate??

Before I show you the pix, I have something to say :

All chocolate lovers should go on a pilgrimage at least once in their life to Max Brenner

My cheesecake with self-dip choc strawberry and a milk Frappe.

The drink is not overly special but the CHEESECAKE IS HEAVENLY!!! Here's a closer look...

I
AM
VERY
MEAN,
RIGGGHTTT???

Unfortunately, I'm NOT done yet.

Ok, I'm done now. Thus concludes a very enjoyable, memorable and fun trip to Melbourne.

- TA DAH -

Melbourne part 1

2008-04-22T09:54:00.025+08:00

I am currently still in Melbourne while writing this. Have been pestered to post up pix so here they are. Am enjoying my stay A LOT. Melb makes Perth look like a quiet village. As my bf said, 'you look like you came from a village and am in a city right now'. Thank goodness my cousin live right in the heart of the city so taking trams here really convenient. Problem is the trams are DAMN costly here. A day pass costs 6.50. A two-hour pass costs 3.50 (I think). Neways... Here is my journey so far...

This is the bus I took from the airport. Looks a bit like a jail bus, hor?

No rest is given to a girl who just got out of the plane at 5.50am. Got to the city at abt 6.30, went to May's (my cousin) house where she spent like an hour doing up my hair. Straight on to Victoria Market!! Look at the masks!!! Don't even dare to ask for the price...

My first meal in Melb. The hotdog damn gd, so is the hot choc!

Flinder's Street station! Look at all the tram lines!

This is where all the food and stuff starts after a brief intro (and a slightly tourisy pix)

Tiramisu banana crepe! Yums on a cold day man...
Just to show that I was there cos I don't really have a lot of pix of myself... Hehehe

These are all hand -carved and -painted soap! Pretty rite?? Some smells really nice, some... erm.. not so nice...

Looks nice? But tastes not so nice...
Bryan and me grovery shopping while May holds the camera!
Lord of the FRIES! Wakakaka. They put cheese on top and then melt it with HOT GRAVY! Didn't take pix cos was too busy eating and by the time we remembered... ... ...
May n me 'fat hou' before going to Crown Casino casino. Lost 70 that night. sobs. was so close in getting it all back when SOMEONE left the table. Sigh...

But worry not! I was able to resist temptation and leave that place with a heavy heart. Then saw this gorgeous caramel choc cake and just HAD to try it. Ohhhhh, it's one of the best cakes I've had, seriously... All three of us thought so. Yums.... The pix is in May's phone. Will post if I remember. Neways, with a heavy heart (and a lighter pocket), I continue my journey the next day starting at...

where May and Bryan studies saloon management. Lots of quaint little cafes with a Paris kinda feel to it. Went into...

And had....

CUTE OR NOT?? CUTE OR NOT?????

It's a really small shop but it's REALLY cosy! And two doors down....

It might not look much to you but it's really kinda like a dream place for me. The books are bound with leather (I think) to fashion the books of olden days. They are GORGEOUS on the outside and empty in the inside so that we can write on it. Totally gorgeous! Love this little place... and I admit I have a little fetish on these type of stationaries. They even sell....

Letter seals!!

Not the animal...
FYI: This was used to seal letters last time in the absence of glue. The whole set cost $43 buckaroo. They even sell quills! (go wikipedia to find out wat that is if you dunno. going out
sorry!! )

I shall leave you with a last pix I took from Bridge Road (where I bought a scarf, a shirt and a sweater only and not the $250 jacket that I REALLY REALLY want. Sobs...)...

Wat the hell??

2008-04-10T15:45:00.002+08:00

Can someone pls tell me how robbers can get away from ROBBING A SHOP IN KLIA??????? I always thought airports are one of the safest place in the world and security SHOULD naturally be much tighter there with cameras, security guards, police officers and what not. HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN??? This is quite ridiculous...

6 hurt in KLIA shootout, robbers get away with RM3.5m
By ANDREW SAGAYAM

SEPANG: Armed robbers shot six people in a three-minute heist at KL International Airport and escaped with S$1.5mil (RM3.5mil) on Wednesday.
In the 7.30pm incident, two moneychangers were walking to Gate 8 with the money and two security guards when six robbers alighted from a BMW car and confronted them outside the gate.

The robbers, believed to be armed with two automatic pistols, shot at the legs of the four men, who collapsed.

An off-duty lance corporal and a Nepalese worker who happened to be in the area were also shot in the legs.
One of the robbers then grabbed a bag containing the money, which was to be deposited at an outlet on the fifth floor of the airport complex, and they fled.The guards opened fire at the getaway car, but did not manage to stop the robbers, which included a woman.
Police later found 40 bullet slugs on the floor.

During the shooting, an off-duty lance corporal and a Nepalese worker were also shot in the legs. Five glass windows at the entrance were also shattered.
Sepang OCPD Asst Comm Zahedi Ayob said the moneychangers and guards were seriously injured in the legs.

“The robbers grabbed the bag containing the cash and fled in a vehicle believed to be a four-wheel drive. As the armed robbers were making their getaway, the two security guards fired at them but missed,” he said.

The six victims were taken to a clinic in the airport and later rushed to the Serdang Hospital.
It is learnt that one of the security guards is a policeman from the city police headquarters.
Police believed the robbers were involved in robbing a man later in Putrajaya.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/10/nation/20080410000536&sec=nation

P/s : sorry haven't been updating blog. busy with... i dunno what. Hahaha. plain lazy maybe. Goin to Melb in a week! Can't wait!!!

me! cook!

2008-03-25T15:01:00.014+08:00

I don't know why this yr I cook so much more than last yr. Maybe cos I can hitch a ride to the market more easily so can buy stuff without lugging it all the way home. Some probably would not taste wat I've cooked but hey! I'm actually not too bad at it! Here are some of the stuff which I have (very proudly) cooked...

It may not look much to u but it's Japanese curry! Yum yum yum I tell u. Quite easy to make..

It tastes exactly like the one in Jap rest... well.. the ones I've eaten neways...

Emperor chicken night with vege! (I'm eating healthily!!... kinda..)

Oh! And today could be my PROUDEST moment.... ... ...

BAK KUT TEH!!! wwwhhhhhheeeee....

Ta dah!

Had that for lunch just now and even though it's not hard to make (thanks to Claypot ready-made spices packet), I'm so proud and happy. I'm not sure if I can find bak kut teh here and even if I could, it's prob double or triple the cost of me making it. I'm having it for dinner too! It'd prob taste even better.

Just another random event, went to Freemantle and finally had my fish and chips. Been here a yr and this is my first. Sad, hor?

Supposedly the most famous and tasty fish and chip rest. in Perth but some have found better but neways...

It is situated next to the river so the sitting there that day with the breeze blowing while eating f&c... wahhhhh!!!

fish and chips look small but that's cos of the camera angle. Couldn't finish the chips. Shared seafood chowder with another friend. After the first taste, the texture and everything is quite nice actually...

me & Sheryl. She's the girl whom I hitch a ride with :)

Me and Ju Lee was walking though uni one day and noticed this RIDICULOUS poster, promoting the Asian Club or sth like that. I CANNOT believe that they used HIM as the poster boy and their SLOGAN, my God... their slogan... It's the lamest thing I've ever seen, particularly after his recent scandal. I love asians?? Wt.....

Eww...

one day....

2008-03-09T18:59:00.005+08:00

As Ophelia said, 'one day you're on top of the world, and the next you're upside down'.

Don't worry if u dunno her cos she's just a character from War of the In-Laws 2 (tvb drama). But this saying is so true for BN. How the mighty have fallen. From 90% secured seats to failing to obtain 2/3 majority for the first time in the history of BN. I'm happy that this happened because the government seriously need a HUGE wake-up call. It is not cool to ignore what the people feels bcos the people are the one who actually has the power. Like the movie 'V for Vendetta', we must not fear the govt but the govt should fear us as the power lies within the people and as of last night, it showed that change IS possible if people just go out and MAKE IT instead of moaning abt inflation, crime rate etc. Someone I know said that she has never been so proud to be Malaysian as she is right now. I might not share that sentiment whole heartedly but I can relate to how she feels. I don't think ANYONE expected such a big wind of change. There was even an article in malaysiakini dated a few weeks back on not expecting a big change. (http://122.0.17.30/editorials/79213)

I was up last night till one being so excited and it's really crazy on how many ppl actually is checking it on that websites with the latest news on the counting actually crashed (malaysiakini, ntv7). Maybe the excitement is partly due to the 'we're in a group doing similar stuff and we like it' kinda feel. But I do pity the MAJOR embarassment of some of the failed candidates like Koh of Penang and also a little for Samy Vellu. I know the latter had it coming for him with all those arrogant things he said and also the stupid toll hikes but still...

I'm proud that Malaysian has finally spoken up though I was wondering why didn't BN win this time? They had the EC in their pocket, buses full of prospective voters to Kelantan and the 200k postal votes. Was it because the opposition was successful in preventing the EC from cheating bcos the dirty laundry was finally aired or BN can't even win with those 'aces' tuck up their sleeves?

Anyhow, the opposition has A LOT to live up to and only 4 yrs to show results. I wish all of them luck and hope they are able to deliver what they promise or not everything will go back to BN in the next election or worse, people loose ALL hope in both BN and opposition thus losing hope of Malaysia.

Oh! And my mistake. Apparently students from Australia was allowed to vote but a very VERY messy affair it is and unfortunately I only got to know it today. Should have gone to Malaysiakini sooner. :p