A funny video that is scoring huge hits and gaining my hometown 'fame'.
Yep showing many aspects of the Muar lifestyle I've led in the past.
"Ma bo de hua yu,
wo gan dao shi beh hua hi,
li bei song,
wo jiu hor li kua wa zhong kin zi gi"
Nice chorus. Haha
Many elements are familiar to me when I've watched this video.
1) Wetex the only decent shopping centre to go to, to buy pirated dvds
2) Tanjung - go there to watch the monkey and watch pple feed monkey... lao gao
3) Early morning eat shiu mai, not HK style ones, but the coarser Hokkein style ones... sho bi
4) Tanjung early morning, got old pple do the Tai Chi Qi Gong 18 styles. Last time when I was very young, it was very very 'in'. Early in the morning, the radio will play... "Hu... Xi.... Hu.... Xi..." (breathe in, breathe out)
5) The travesites - the fond memory where my aunt drove us around at nite to try to catch a glimpse. Only saw one kinda wrapped up one. Then the story of them hanging around their petrol station pumps after closing hrs.
6) Muar known for the furniture biz and its mainly done by Chinese.
7) Yar and the chinese and malays dun really live in racial harmony. Do call each other names though I dun know what those malay words mean.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A weekend too short...
It was a fun weekend, at least for me.
Strange stuff
Strange things keep happening to my memory or brain function. I keep hearing one thing, yet think it is something else. All these happened in the past 2 weeks.
Eg 1
My sister was lamenting, "Why nobody eats the jelly made by Mom? Its so nice"
In my ears, I heard it as that.
In my brains, I thought of it as
"Why nobody eats the jam made by Mom? Its so nice" Well of course, pple eat jam in the morning, now's afternoon, of cos nobody eat.
Think I answered her, but then realized the mistake. Duh selective distortion.
Eg 2
I was writing KaiGi (meeting) in jap, thinking I wrote it as that, it turned out I wrote KaGi (key)
Hmm memory really not working or I am doing selective distortion of information... it ends up with funny results though. Better try to sleep more. Maybe its the less than 6hr of sleep daily.
Eg 3(just happened yesterday)
I hopped on the bus with a collegue heading in the same direction. She got down, I was SUPPOSED to get down one stop after her to transfer to another bus. I was half remembering the pool game me and my sisters played, half thinking of heading to buy toto on my way home, half thinking of sleeping, half stoning. I had naturally assumed that I was on the bus home.
Suddenly I saw the street sign, BKE highway, jolted me back. Eh since when does that bus head onto the BKE unless its heading down town. I thought I was on the way home, it should pass by Bukit Timah instead... Wait a minute, I didnt get off the bus! I am heading down town! Argh!
So the story continues in the next section about doing stuff.
Did some stuff that we all used to do
Well the story ended off with the heroine speeding down to Orchard unintentionally. She couldnt alight cos it was too late, hence town it was.
Smsed Tab and asked her along.
While waiting, went to Lucky Plaza basement to buy toto. 1 task down.
Went back to Far East then waited. Tab arrived and we headed to Kuai Le Wo to eat hotdog, drink Kung Fu tea, our main meal. I was nursing gastric pain by then. It was near 4.30pm then? I was munching something around 4pm. Ate my first meal at 8.30am.
Then we headed to Gelara, to eat Waffles and Ice-cream. We tried to count and recall the last time we ate the 1/2 priced waffles. It seems like dam long ago. The time can actually be counted in years! Tat time when Tab was still in tuition, >2yrs.
I was telling her about the Pool games with my sisters. Its so long since I've last played. Remembered the last time was my birthday with the gang, and it was after graducation. We headed down somewhere in town to play.
Anyway I was out with my 2 sisters on sunday. We ate Pizzahut, then walked around. Then we went to an arcade and played the $2 pool there. Played 2 games each, round robin style. I beat the youngest sister, first sister beat youngest sister, finally we faced off. I lost, haha.
Was telling Tab about it, then she remarked, It has ALSO been years since we all last played pool.
We walked around, doing the usual. She shop, I look and ask. There is a nice Shark bag tat cost $65. Its not that big but is a backpack style. Argh will have to carry it with me everyday for 2 mths.
When we reached Isetan, had to seriously drag Tab from the bag and wallet and shoe section. I mean physically pull, poke, tug, push from the back. Her taste... totemo takai ne (expensive neh)
Saw a nice hat that actually fitted me nicely, those Oliver-twist cap, only prob is it cost $70 bucks! I will have to wear it everyday for 2mths and walk everywhere with it. Then pple might think I am covering a balding spot or wat. Well I took 2 photos, using my phone, will slowly look for a similar one bah...
It was a nice Tuesday, waffles and walking around. Feels like a weekend, minus the crowd. Only if didnt have to wake up early the next day.
Strange stuff
Strange things keep happening to my memory or brain function. I keep hearing one thing, yet think it is something else. All these happened in the past 2 weeks.
Eg 1
My sister was lamenting, "Why nobody eats the jelly made by Mom? Its so nice"
In my ears, I heard it as that.
In my brains, I thought of it as
"Why nobody eats the jam made by Mom? Its so nice" Well of course, pple eat jam in the morning, now's afternoon, of cos nobody eat.
Think I answered her, but then realized the mistake. Duh selective distortion.
Eg 2
I was writing KaiGi (meeting) in jap, thinking I wrote it as that, it turned out I wrote KaGi (key)
Hmm memory really not working or I am doing selective distortion of information... it ends up with funny results though. Better try to sleep more. Maybe its the less than 6hr of sleep daily.
Eg 3(just happened yesterday)
I hopped on the bus with a collegue heading in the same direction. She got down, I was SUPPOSED to get down one stop after her to transfer to another bus. I was half remembering the pool game me and my sisters played, half thinking of heading to buy toto on my way home, half thinking of sleeping, half stoning. I had naturally assumed that I was on the bus home.
Suddenly I saw the street sign, BKE highway, jolted me back. Eh since when does that bus head onto the BKE unless its heading down town. I thought I was on the way home, it should pass by Bukit Timah instead... Wait a minute, I didnt get off the bus! I am heading down town! Argh!
So the story continues in the next section about doing stuff.
Did some stuff that we all used to do
Well the story ended off with the heroine speeding down to Orchard unintentionally. She couldnt alight cos it was too late, hence town it was.
Smsed Tab and asked her along.
While waiting, went to Lucky Plaza basement to buy toto. 1 task down.
Went back to Far East then waited. Tab arrived and we headed to Kuai Le Wo to eat hotdog, drink Kung Fu tea, our main meal. I was nursing gastric pain by then. It was near 4.30pm then? I was munching something around 4pm. Ate my first meal at 8.30am.
Then we headed to Gelara, to eat Waffles and Ice-cream. We tried to count and recall the last time we ate the 1/2 priced waffles. It seems like dam long ago. The time can actually be counted in years! Tat time when Tab was still in tuition, >2yrs.
I was telling her about the Pool games with my sisters. Its so long since I've last played. Remembered the last time was my birthday with the gang, and it was after graducation. We headed down somewhere in town to play.
Anyway I was out with my 2 sisters on sunday. We ate Pizzahut, then walked around. Then we went to an arcade and played the $2 pool there. Played 2 games each, round robin style. I beat the youngest sister, first sister beat youngest sister, finally we faced off. I lost, haha.
Was telling Tab about it, then she remarked, It has ALSO been years since we all last played pool.
We walked around, doing the usual. She shop, I look and ask. There is a nice Shark bag tat cost $65. Its not that big but is a backpack style. Argh will have to carry it with me everyday for 2 mths.
When we reached Isetan, had to seriously drag Tab from the bag and wallet and shoe section. I mean physically pull, poke, tug, push from the back. Her taste... totemo takai ne (expensive neh)
Saw a nice hat that actually fitted me nicely, those Oliver-twist cap, only prob is it cost $70 bucks! I will have to wear it everyday for 2mths and walk everywhere with it. Then pple might think I am covering a balding spot or wat. Well I took 2 photos, using my phone, will slowly look for a similar one bah...
It was a nice Tuesday, waffles and walking around. Feels like a weekend, minus the crowd. Only if didnt have to wake up early the next day.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
I am a wonton?
This happened last friday bah when Tab, Candle and FH plus moi went to Pitstop, something like settlers' cafe, for some games after dinner.
First we tried Taboo but it was too lingustically-challenging for Candle, and I was too mentally-challenged after a dam long day of work. Hence our pair werent really doing well.
Then we switched games to Imaginary (not sure of the name, too stoned to notice. Was intially very stoned, but after Taboo, even more stoned) Its a stereotyping game. A person is chosen, a question is asked abt the person with 6 possible answers. The answer with most pple choosing it is the right one. Hence the term 'stereotyping'. Eg If Hellbound was a colour, which would Hellbound be?
1) Red
2) Blue
3) Green
4) Yellow
5) Black
6) White
Needless to say, think most whom know me would have chosen (3) even though I, myself may choose (5).
Well one qn was the type of soup I would be. The steoreotyped answer was "wonton". Huh? Why am I a wonton? I had chosen clam chowder cos I eat that. Candle's reason was I was most cheena amongst them. Havent heard from Tab or FH yet about that reason. One thing I learnt is that the stereotype of me is kinda clear-cut. Hmm sad pple can read me like an open book... I have layers you know (lifted from Shrek)
First we tried Taboo but it was too lingustically-challenging for Candle, and I was too mentally-challenged after a dam long day of work. Hence our pair werent really doing well.
Then we switched games to Imaginary (not sure of the name, too stoned to notice. Was intially very stoned, but after Taboo, even more stoned) Its a stereotyping game. A person is chosen, a question is asked abt the person with 6 possible answers. The answer with most pple choosing it is the right one. Hence the term 'stereotyping'. Eg If Hellbound was a colour, which would Hellbound be?
1) Red
2) Blue
3) Green
4) Yellow
5) Black
6) White
Needless to say, think most whom know me would have chosen (3) even though I, myself may choose (5).
Well one qn was the type of soup I would be. The steoreotyped answer was "wonton". Huh? Why am I a wonton? I had chosen clam chowder cos I eat that. Candle's reason was I was most cheena amongst them. Havent heard from Tab or FH yet about that reason. One thing I learnt is that the stereotype of me is kinda clear-cut. Hmm sad pple can read me like an open book... I have layers you know (lifted from Shrek)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Some words about that Staff Outing....
Yep it was doomed to failure when the P first told the rest during contact time that the parent volunteer gp wanted to celebrate teacher's day by sending us for a 3D2N stay @ xxxxgol (an ulu area in spore) First P asked those who wanted to go, a few hands raised. Then P turned the question around, who didnt want to go, one hand went up. Hence it was decided this way. It was to be held on a weekend, fri til sun @ xxxgol. U can literally hear all the teachers thinking to themselves, "spend a weekend with my colleuges, I'll rather spend it with my family."
As I didnt want to stay on Sat or Sun, my precious weekend, I signed for the friday one. It meant I had to stay over but heck I could leave in early noon of Sat. Fair enough, I showed my face there. So it meant I stayed back after school til 6.30pm plus doing admin, marking exams papers, tallying marks, supervise a bit of cca. It meant I had to pack my bag and lugged it to work as its not a good idea to spend 1hr 10mins to then fro to get my luggage after work. Basically by the time we reached the place, I had been awake almost 12hrs, working 10hrs plus. Didnt have lunch, hungry for dinner. I had a quick shower and felt much more refreshed. Man its really good to have a bath after a LONG day.
We set off from work, a measley 5 of us. Arriving at the place, it reminds me of a bungalow low rise dormatory. Yar the beds were double storied with a connecting common bathroom which didnt have any toilet paper. Didnt squeeze in a roll cos my bag too full. Note to self-always squeeze in a roll if i am going anywhere... ulu.
There we were joined by 2 other collegues, then by 2 other parents. They had bought lots of fruits. We ate that as a primary dinner with the 2 packs of snacks I brought along. Asked another who was on the way to dabao. We played some poker games using the deck of card I brought. Notice the pattern? Using 2 of the stuff I brought along in anticipation of lack of activities there. It didnt hit 3 cos I didnt have the toilet roll. Anyway the other collegue arrived with our dabao dinner, we ate a secondary dinner. He was asked to bring his set of mahjong.
Later after dinner, I went to the bed. I laid down, talking mainly with the other BT who was with me. We kept commenting abt the state we had landed up in. It was a friday, a time to go out chill and relax. We were still there wearing masks, facing pple whom have seen the whole day. Then the number of pple staying overnite was pathetic. 4 including myself. The BT went to a friends' place. After she left, I just dozed off. The next thing I knew, I was woken up around 6.30am by the noise of the other two noisily getting ready for the next activity on Sat morning.
We were to get ready and go for a guided tour of Pulau Ubin. Its a first for me, but then again, its not exactly that I have never been in nature before. Living in malaysia with gardens, fields, playing in the garden, going for hiking trips like Taman Negara, bat cave, climb hill, canapy walk, Redang, Tioman, mangrove swamps, monkey-watching at the tiny strip of sand of a beach at my hometown, I have seen my fair share of animals and plants. So to sum it up; there are some things that I have never seen before but most of it is "seen those before, done those before".
The interesting things happened before we went to Ubin. Saw my first 3 travesites in Changi Village in singapore. Its not that I havent seen but its just I've heard so much about the CV but never been there to witness. Second was my order of Roti Tissue was more like Roti Cardboard, cos it was rather think, not crispy. Still decent but not the thinnest I've ever had.
Me and the BT had to lug our luggage with us on the entire journey cos we were leaving earlier not going for the afternoon program. We went off around 1pm after eating Ayam Pentai. My cab fare from CV to home was $23. Ouch 3 days of my usual cab fare.
Hopefully the high absentism rate would discourage anymore of such ideas. It was not popular in the first place. Why not seriously think about it before just rephrasing the question and just deciding like that. I am not sure about the turnout for the rest of the events but a gut feeling from the general consesus gathered from talking to some showed, almost nil want to stay overnite, most will show up for one day and some aint going at all. Well that's planning for ya, civil service style, well to be fair, educator-style...
Now I am feeling kinda sian cos my weekend feels so short. Tom is another week, a hectic one. Just wish for it to be over before it had even begun. Signz. This monday's Toto is 3m, already bought my hope. Now just hopeing.
As I didnt want to stay on Sat or Sun, my precious weekend, I signed for the friday one. It meant I had to stay over but heck I could leave in early noon of Sat. Fair enough, I showed my face there. So it meant I stayed back after school til 6.30pm plus doing admin, marking exams papers, tallying marks, supervise a bit of cca. It meant I had to pack my bag and lugged it to work as its not a good idea to spend 1hr 10mins to then fro to get my luggage after work. Basically by the time we reached the place, I had been awake almost 12hrs, working 10hrs plus. Didnt have lunch, hungry for dinner. I had a quick shower and felt much more refreshed. Man its really good to have a bath after a LONG day.
We set off from work, a measley 5 of us. Arriving at the place, it reminds me of a bungalow low rise dormatory. Yar the beds were double storied with a connecting common bathroom which didnt have any toilet paper. Didnt squeeze in a roll cos my bag too full. Note to self-always squeeze in a roll if i am going anywhere... ulu.
There we were joined by 2 other collegues, then by 2 other parents. They had bought lots of fruits. We ate that as a primary dinner with the 2 packs of snacks I brought along. Asked another who was on the way to dabao. We played some poker games using the deck of card I brought. Notice the pattern? Using 2 of the stuff I brought along in anticipation of lack of activities there. It didnt hit 3 cos I didnt have the toilet roll. Anyway the other collegue arrived with our dabao dinner, we ate a secondary dinner. He was asked to bring his set of mahjong.
Later after dinner, I went to the bed. I laid down, talking mainly with the other BT who was with me. We kept commenting abt the state we had landed up in. It was a friday, a time to go out chill and relax. We were still there wearing masks, facing pple whom have seen the whole day. Then the number of pple staying overnite was pathetic. 4 including myself. The BT went to a friends' place. After she left, I just dozed off. The next thing I knew, I was woken up around 6.30am by the noise of the other two noisily getting ready for the next activity on Sat morning.
We were to get ready and go for a guided tour of Pulau Ubin. Its a first for me, but then again, its not exactly that I have never been in nature before. Living in malaysia with gardens, fields, playing in the garden, going for hiking trips like Taman Negara, bat cave, climb hill, canapy walk, Redang, Tioman, mangrove swamps, monkey-watching at the tiny strip of sand of a beach at my hometown, I have seen my fair share of animals and plants. So to sum it up; there are some things that I have never seen before but most of it is "seen those before, done those before".
The interesting things happened before we went to Ubin. Saw my first 3 travesites in Changi Village in singapore. Its not that I havent seen but its just I've heard so much about the CV but never been there to witness. Second was my order of Roti Tissue was more like Roti Cardboard, cos it was rather think, not crispy. Still decent but not the thinnest I've ever had.
Me and the BT had to lug our luggage with us on the entire journey cos we were leaving earlier not going for the afternoon program. We went off around 1pm after eating Ayam Pentai. My cab fare from CV to home was $23. Ouch 3 days of my usual cab fare.
Hopefully the high absentism rate would discourage anymore of such ideas. It was not popular in the first place. Why not seriously think about it before just rephrasing the question and just deciding like that. I am not sure about the turnout for the rest of the events but a gut feeling from the general consesus gathered from talking to some showed, almost nil want to stay overnite, most will show up for one day and some aint going at all. Well that's planning for ya, civil service style, well to be fair, educator-style...
Now I am feeling kinda sian cos my weekend feels so short. Tom is another week, a hectic one. Just wish for it to be over before it had even begun. Signz. This monday's Toto is 3m, already bought my hope. Now just hopeing.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
KL trip Reloaded (this time, next time will be Remixed =P )
On Friday afternoon around 3pm, I had packed up for the 2nd trip with Uni friends to KL. Looking back, its been *gasps* almost 5-6 years since the first shopping trip to KL with Tab, Krynnder, Candle and Quetzal. Time really flies.
Yet this is exciting in many aspects and different too.
For one, Fake Husband (aka FH) was driving - we sped 300km down to KL at a breakneck speed of 150km/hr. The most my dad clocked was 90km/hr. It seems like a jiffy then we were in KL.
A second difference was the accomodation. We stayed at the Concord KL, which FH said was the worse lot of the 5-star hotels there. Well it was much bigger with better facilities (flat-screen tv, bathtub, walk-in wardrobe) than the cheapo hotel we stayed last time. Though we had to squeeze 3 rather big-sized ladies on the bed and a guy on the ergonomical couch, it was still enjoyable in that aspect. I have stayed in worse places, so it seems heavenly. Even my bro's place, grandparent's place all much much pale in comparision.
Financial purchasing power is much much bigger this time. Both FH and I brought an average of RM$1.1k per pop. Luckily we brought extra cos Tab n Quetzal brought near to nil... I had thought that by bringing so much, its definitely enough for me to spend, so I didnt bring my msia ATM card with about RM$3k inside along. Man I was wrong. Note to self - Next trip to Msia, to carry atm card irregardless. Food was the one that we kinda splurged on. Well money well-spent, cos its all halved in Sing dollars.
Yet there are things that are similar to the previous KL trip. For one, we didnt buy much, and interestingly all of us bought 2 pairs of footwear. Mine was a pair of POWER flip flops and a pair of BUM canvas shoes (forgot the term), costing a grand total of RM$70 only. Huh? Think Tab's and Quetzal's shoes cost only a bit more .
We went to similar shopping places as last time, KLCC and Bukit Bintang shopping. Man so much has changed. So much more different than last time. Either I was not aware of brands then or KLCC has much more stuff than last time.
Then there are NEW experiences.
(Fri)
Along the way, we ate at msia KFC, the first in at least 5 years. Nice with free flow of chilli sauce.
After the three of us, FH, Tab and I arrived and checked into the Premier room, Tab fell fast asleep shortly due to headache. FH and I headed out near 9pm, we talked and walked til we reached the Bukit Bintang area about 2km from the Hotel. It didnt seem that far cos we were chatting about the numerous 5 star hotels that lined that street. Near the Hotel was an entire street of clubs and pub. We passed that and headed to the Lot 10 area cos FH highly recommend this 'Liang Xin' massage place. He mentioned that it was purely massage, nothing extra. So we went there and I had my FIRST back and shoulder massage while he did a foot session. It cost RM$50 per 45mins. There is only one word to describe it - PAIN! Totemo PAIN. The young lady who did me was very strong though she looked about Quetzal's size. I was laid on my front while she did the back first then moving onto the head. I kinda have a high threshold for pain, yet I almost nearly scream out and hit the ground with my hand saying "I submit" like those wrestling matches submission holds.... Sidenote, those very painful spots still hurt on Sunday when we drove back to spore. Strangely when I looked over at FH, who eventually did a foot and body massage. Yet he was not the least in pain, until the guy accidentally kneeled onto his love handles. Either his pain threshold dam high or their pain neural network dam screwed up.
Well after that session, we headed on walking, til the backlane of roadside stalls. We went and found a good RAMI burger stall. Its at the back of the lane. We had a juicy and crispy Ayam Special for a mere RM$2.50. It had mayo and chilli sauce with onions, cucumber, lettuce, patty cut into half and fried and egg wrapped. Both of us made a mess eating. The ice milo and nescafe was very thick and nice. Its a match in heaven. Yum yum, should have eat more of it then, haha.
Then we headed back, walking back to the hotel near 1am. There was time enough for a nice shower and even time to clear email(FH) and mark compo(me). We set off after 2am to fetch Quetzal from the bus station. It was still a dingy area. Then we headed back to that food street for some char quay tiao. Drank another round of nice thick milo. Unfortuanately the cqt not as nice, yet we saw some cool and expensive mercedes. An SL55 model with the licence plate W1. Later we headed back and slept for the night. Most of us slept near 4am.
SAT
Yet magically I woke up near 7.30am. Went back to sleep then around 9am, the MIA Tab and I went for the complimentary 2 breakfasts. Quetzal and FH slept in. The breakfast was good, I had 3 rounds, eating enough breakfast to last an entire week. When we went back bloated, FH was out with his cousins. Then we all headed out to KLCC. Well we visited SPADE and more. I was more interested in the Bata than the branded stuff. After that we ate at the Secret Recipe. Took a cab to Bukit Bintang for more shoes. Then after I brought Tab and Quetzal to the 'Liang Xin' then headed back to the hotel. I was getting hungry, dabao a pack of Malay food, took the Metrojaya LRT 2 stops back to the hotel. Ate and had a nice dip in the bath-tub. Then slept on the free bed. That was already near 5pm.
Next thing I knew, both were back. Quetzal slept and me too. We woke up near 8.30pm and headed out for dinner. Tab was feeling ill then she did her 'concuss' act on the bed. Both of us headed out, contemplating to either eat at the Hard Rock Cafe or the wood-baked pizza place we passed by on the walk to KLCC. we headed hungrily for the latter. The name is "Langkawi Bar - Beach Club Cafe". We had a Langkawi set; a pizza, a jug of pepsi, chicken wings and garlic bread. Ordered a pint of Carlsburg draft beer. One word "Oiishi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Totemo. The sound system was good that the songs they played sounded good. Near 9pm, they had a live band. Some songs were nice especially when the male lead singer didnt sing. haha the other members sounded nicer lah.
We went back later and I dozed off soon. Poor Quetzal, no mobility. FH was out to meet his cousins and friends, Tab n I were dead to the world. She was watching cable tv until she dozed off too.
SUN
The final morning saw me waking up at another ungodly hour of near 7.30am. I tried to sleep but couldnt. Might as well, I took a long shower, got changed and finish my packing. Tab - the supposedly 'Morning' person was still dead near 8.30am. I had to nudge her awake. We went for the second compimentary breakfast. Another round of eating a week's worth of breakfast. We headed back and got packed. Checked out near 12pm and headed to Jalan Imbi for the famous bah kut teh. It was nice. My first bah kut teh in god-knows-how-many-years (more than 7years). Headed back to Spore.
Reached near 5pm, luckily no jam at first causeway. We went to Clementi for Botak Jones meal. And I got home. Spent some time bathing and unpacking then went online to maple a bit.
On the whole, it was really an interesting trip. There were elements that were similar yet so totally different. Definitely enjoyed it alot more. In fact on Monday morning while heading down to work in the cab, up until 10am, I was still in the holiday-mood. My soul was still in KL... enjoying the night life, living it up with the good food, not having to worry about waking up.... *signz*
Yet this is exciting in many aspects and different too.
For one, Fake Husband (aka FH) was driving - we sped 300km down to KL at a breakneck speed of 150km/hr. The most my dad clocked was 90km/hr. It seems like a jiffy then we were in KL.
A second difference was the accomodation. We stayed at the Concord KL, which FH said was the worse lot of the 5-star hotels there. Well it was much bigger with better facilities (flat-screen tv, bathtub, walk-in wardrobe) than the cheapo hotel we stayed last time. Though we had to squeeze 3 rather big-sized ladies on the bed and a guy on the ergonomical couch, it was still enjoyable in that aspect. I have stayed in worse places, so it seems heavenly. Even my bro's place, grandparent's place all much much pale in comparision.
Financial purchasing power is much much bigger this time. Both FH and I brought an average of RM$1.1k per pop. Luckily we brought extra cos Tab n Quetzal brought near to nil... I had thought that by bringing so much, its definitely enough for me to spend, so I didnt bring my msia ATM card with about RM$3k inside along. Man I was wrong. Note to self - Next trip to Msia, to carry atm card irregardless. Food was the one that we kinda splurged on. Well money well-spent, cos its all halved in Sing dollars.
Yet there are things that are similar to the previous KL trip. For one, we didnt buy much, and interestingly all of us bought 2 pairs of footwear. Mine was a pair of POWER flip flops and a pair of BUM canvas shoes (forgot the term), costing a grand total of RM$70 only. Huh? Think Tab's and Quetzal's shoes cost only a bit more .
We went to similar shopping places as last time, KLCC and Bukit Bintang shopping. Man so much has changed. So much more different than last time. Either I was not aware of brands then or KLCC has much more stuff than last time.
Then there are NEW experiences.
(Fri)
Along the way, we ate at msia KFC, the first in at least 5 years. Nice with free flow of chilli sauce.
After the three of us, FH, Tab and I arrived and checked into the Premier room, Tab fell fast asleep shortly due to headache. FH and I headed out near 9pm, we talked and walked til we reached the Bukit Bintang area about 2km from the Hotel. It didnt seem that far cos we were chatting about the numerous 5 star hotels that lined that street. Near the Hotel was an entire street of clubs and pub. We passed that and headed to the Lot 10 area cos FH highly recommend this 'Liang Xin' massage place. He mentioned that it was purely massage, nothing extra. So we went there and I had my FIRST back and shoulder massage while he did a foot session. It cost RM$50 per 45mins. There is only one word to describe it - PAIN! Totemo PAIN. The young lady who did me was very strong though she looked about Quetzal's size. I was laid on my front while she did the back first then moving onto the head. I kinda have a high threshold for pain, yet I almost nearly scream out and hit the ground with my hand saying "I submit" like those wrestling matches submission holds.... Sidenote, those very painful spots still hurt on Sunday when we drove back to spore. Strangely when I looked over at FH, who eventually did a foot and body massage. Yet he was not the least in pain, until the guy accidentally kneeled onto his love handles. Either his pain threshold dam high or their pain neural network dam screwed up.
Well after that session, we headed on walking, til the backlane of roadside stalls. We went and found a good RAMI burger stall. Its at the back of the lane. We had a juicy and crispy Ayam Special for a mere RM$2.50. It had mayo and chilli sauce with onions, cucumber, lettuce, patty cut into half and fried and egg wrapped. Both of us made a mess eating. The ice milo and nescafe was very thick and nice. Its a match in heaven. Yum yum, should have eat more of it then, haha.
Then we headed back, walking back to the hotel near 1am. There was time enough for a nice shower and even time to clear email(FH) and mark compo(me). We set off after 2am to fetch Quetzal from the bus station. It was still a dingy area. Then we headed back to that food street for some char quay tiao. Drank another round of nice thick milo. Unfortuanately the cqt not as nice, yet we saw some cool and expensive mercedes. An SL55 model with the licence plate W1. Later we headed back and slept for the night. Most of us slept near 4am.
SAT
Yet magically I woke up near 7.30am. Went back to sleep then around 9am, the MIA Tab and I went for the complimentary 2 breakfasts. Quetzal and FH slept in. The breakfast was good, I had 3 rounds, eating enough breakfast to last an entire week. When we went back bloated, FH was out with his cousins. Then we all headed out to KLCC. Well we visited SPADE and more. I was more interested in the Bata than the branded stuff. After that we ate at the Secret Recipe. Took a cab to Bukit Bintang for more shoes. Then after I brought Tab and Quetzal to the 'Liang Xin' then headed back to the hotel. I was getting hungry, dabao a pack of Malay food, took the Metrojaya LRT 2 stops back to the hotel. Ate and had a nice dip in the bath-tub. Then slept on the free bed. That was already near 5pm.
Next thing I knew, both were back. Quetzal slept and me too. We woke up near 8.30pm and headed out for dinner. Tab was feeling ill then she did her 'concuss' act on the bed. Both of us headed out, contemplating to either eat at the Hard Rock Cafe or the wood-baked pizza place we passed by on the walk to KLCC. we headed hungrily for the latter. The name is "Langkawi Bar - Beach Club Cafe". We had a Langkawi set; a pizza, a jug of pepsi, chicken wings and garlic bread. Ordered a pint of Carlsburg draft beer. One word "Oiishi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Totemo. The sound system was good that the songs they played sounded good. Near 9pm, they had a live band. Some songs were nice especially when the male lead singer didnt sing. haha the other members sounded nicer lah.
We went back later and I dozed off soon. Poor Quetzal, no mobility. FH was out to meet his cousins and friends, Tab n I were dead to the world. She was watching cable tv until she dozed off too.
SUN
The final morning saw me waking up at another ungodly hour of near 7.30am. I tried to sleep but couldnt. Might as well, I took a long shower, got changed and finish my packing. Tab - the supposedly 'Morning' person was still dead near 8.30am. I had to nudge her awake. We went for the second compimentary breakfast. Another round of eating a week's worth of breakfast. We headed back and got packed. Checked out near 12pm and headed to Jalan Imbi for the famous bah kut teh. It was nice. My first bah kut teh in god-knows-how-many-years (more than 7years). Headed back to Spore.
Reached near 5pm, luckily no jam at first causeway. We went to Clementi for Botak Jones meal. And I got home. Spent some time bathing and unpacking then went online to maple a bit.
On the whole, it was really an interesting trip. There were elements that were similar yet so totally different. Definitely enjoyed it alot more. In fact on Monday morning while heading down to work in the cab, up until 10am, I was still in the holiday-mood. My soul was still in KL... enjoying the night life, living it up with the good food, not having to worry about waking up.... *signz*
Monday, August 06, 2007
Ramblings....
It was not so long ago, during an event on a saturday 3 weeks back that a student showed me an article, the title "What would you have done, if you have several millions?" My response to that two students was,
"Well IF I have a few million, the only thing I can confirm is - I'll be an Educator no more."
But they continue asking, about the things I will be doing during my free time. I just told them, I'll do things that I feel like doing, like doing, go places where I feel like going, want to go.
"Eeeks, after a while it will be very sian one.",one replied.
Well I will bet to differ.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fast forward to last Sunday. My sister is complaining a bit, cos we had gone out to another buffet lunch and when we reached home, went online to play a bit of NeoPet and Maplestory. Then she said,
"Yucks, this is kinda sian, got free time then just play games, life is just so empty..." Not that she doesnt have other activities to do eg play her er hu but she just login. Later she was watching videos on YouTube.
I heard what she said and replied to her,
"Well I am rather happy having time to do the things I like, instead of having to defer them, or no energy etc. I'll rather do this all day. Tom will be Monday, later you want to do what you want, also no time or energy. Would that be better?"
To which she remarked "Yar at least work will give me a purpose. At least doing something meaningful."
Our conversation ended there, not that we were arguing but it struck a chord. A couple of years back when I had just graduated, I had similar thoughts too. Fast forward, my thoughts have taken a 180o turn. Who would have expected that, definitely not me.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I looked at my Dad, who be retiring after Sept. He seems to be trying very hard to adjust himself to the extra time, the fact that he can come home on time and even the weekends. Last time up til recently, he worked hard. I would not see him from 8am til sometimes as late as 8pm. Even weekends he went back to the office to finish up some work. Now that his health is not so good, reached the age of 61, retiring real soon, he seems to be lost.
He'd be up late, as late as 2am. Or up early, as early as 4am in the morning (woe to me who is woken up by the bright light or tv sounds) He doesnt seem to know what to do on weekdays when he comes home. Eat dinner, drink wine, watch tv until he dozes off... Later wake up again, switch on tv and continue.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxXX
Is this the life I want? Previously 4 years earlier, I would have viewed this as a norm. The price to pay for doing a job, earning income. An inevitable outcome of being an employee. Being eager to repay my bond, it seems even if I didnt like it, there is no way around it.
Fast forward to now. My priorities have really changed. My time and health and energy level is important. I can manage very easily to find things to fill my time, be it playing games, reading more books, comics, going out, looking at the sky etc.
I do not really need a job to provide me with the purpose to live through one day.
I can find plentiful of things to do that serve the purpose I want. I guess I want more control of my time n effort. To channel it to somewhere I value more, than say spending 1hr 10mins daily to travel home.
The regret again stems from my tight timetable. Irritating that I cant take JLPT 4 cos it falls on thurs, which is one of the 2 class slots for Lvl 5. Tried going for weekday jap lesson before, either reach late cos very far, or take cab then jam and expensive, or reach there then stone n regret going. Dun want a repeat for the other things I wanna do eg Guitar. Still havent commited to anything else besides the weekend Jap course. Dont really know if I have the energy, cos educators so many things, teach, admin, cca plus training after work up to 100hrs plus meeting. Its just not so worth it.
Before I get carried away with my complaints, lets just end it. The gist is I dont need work to give me a sense of purpose. Maybe an income, yes. At least until eventually the remote hope of getting a few million to spare comes along...
*Dream........... dream dream dream*
"Well IF I have a few million, the only thing I can confirm is - I'll be an Educator no more."
But they continue asking, about the things I will be doing during my free time. I just told them, I'll do things that I feel like doing, like doing, go places where I feel like going, want to go.
"Eeeks, after a while it will be very sian one.",one replied.
Well I will bet to differ.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fast forward to last Sunday. My sister is complaining a bit, cos we had gone out to another buffet lunch and when we reached home, went online to play a bit of NeoPet and Maplestory. Then she said,
"Yucks, this is kinda sian, got free time then just play games, life is just so empty..." Not that she doesnt have other activities to do eg play her er hu but she just login. Later she was watching videos on YouTube.
I heard what she said and replied to her,
"Well I am rather happy having time to do the things I like, instead of having to defer them, or no energy etc. I'll rather do this all day. Tom will be Monday, later you want to do what you want, also no time or energy. Would that be better?"
To which she remarked "Yar at least work will give me a purpose. At least doing something meaningful."
Our conversation ended there, not that we were arguing but it struck a chord. A couple of years back when I had just graduated, I had similar thoughts too. Fast forward, my thoughts have taken a 180o turn. Who would have expected that, definitely not me.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I looked at my Dad, who be retiring after Sept. He seems to be trying very hard to adjust himself to the extra time, the fact that he can come home on time and even the weekends. Last time up til recently, he worked hard. I would not see him from 8am til sometimes as late as 8pm. Even weekends he went back to the office to finish up some work. Now that his health is not so good, reached the age of 61, retiring real soon, he seems to be lost.
He'd be up late, as late as 2am. Or up early, as early as 4am in the morning (woe to me who is woken up by the bright light or tv sounds) He doesnt seem to know what to do on weekdays when he comes home. Eat dinner, drink wine, watch tv until he dozes off... Later wake up again, switch on tv and continue.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxXX
Is this the life I want? Previously 4 years earlier, I would have viewed this as a norm. The price to pay for doing a job, earning income. An inevitable outcome of being an employee. Being eager to repay my bond, it seems even if I didnt like it, there is no way around it.
Fast forward to now. My priorities have really changed. My time and health and energy level is important. I can manage very easily to find things to fill my time, be it playing games, reading more books, comics, going out, looking at the sky etc.
I do not really need a job to provide me with the purpose to live through one day.
I can find plentiful of things to do that serve the purpose I want. I guess I want more control of my time n effort. To channel it to somewhere I value more, than say spending 1hr 10mins daily to travel home.
The regret again stems from my tight timetable. Irritating that I cant take JLPT 4 cos it falls on thurs, which is one of the 2 class slots for Lvl 5. Tried going for weekday jap lesson before, either reach late cos very far, or take cab then jam and expensive, or reach there then stone n regret going. Dun want a repeat for the other things I wanna do eg Guitar. Still havent commited to anything else besides the weekend Jap course. Dont really know if I have the energy, cos educators so many things, teach, admin, cca plus training after work up to 100hrs plus meeting. Its just not so worth it.
Before I get carried away with my complaints, lets just end it. The gist is I dont need work to give me a sense of purpose. Maybe an income, yes. At least until eventually the remote hope of getting a few million to spare comes along...
*Dream........... dream dream dream*
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Not much of a life still.... my life sucks
Well its been a long absence since the last post. Reason being the same - Work. I ever wonder if it is remotely possible to achieve work-life balance at the rate I am going. Its not that I did not try to leave earlier, eg 3pm plus but by the time I reached home its about 4.30pm. Magically the time that is left seems so much shorter.
Kinda feeling very shagged at the moment. Partly cos 2 consequtive whole Sats have been burnt by CCA and NE Parade. Then these couple of weeks have been really long. Just this week, I will be down for stuff everyday. Its no wonder some collegues are all falling down with mc. I got mc 2 weeks back, dun think I should take another.
Also the daily morning epic battle with my stomache and the sensitive bowels is draining my energy. Its not so bad in the normal office hours but in the mornings, its kinda sensitive to any trace of food and drinks like plain water.
Another couple more mins to the start of work again.... Having lived past my very heavy monday and tuesday. Today also kinda heavy.
My life kinda sucks now.
Just yesterday, I was mildly contented with myself though I had left later cos I did extra stuff for 1 student and settled a discipline issue and I was even contemplating signing up for that guitar course during the Sept holidays.
Then this morning, I woke up so shagged that I just want to go home immediately after work today to sleep. BUT today have NAFFA test, I am down until dunno what time. Then got Meeting. How to even get my sleep? Was wondering if I really have the energy to go for guitar classes? But if I let it get to me, when will I ever learn to play better?
A collegue remarked that one has to learn how to create time. Well if one lives closer and dun have to spend so much time commuting, I guess I would have an extra 2 hrs daily to do the stuff i really want to.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
To end off from where I left, I continued my day and had a kinda of a bad one. Then that bloody parent come n bother me again. I had to stay back late til 5.30pm, its after work then meeting, then with little rest to that Naffa test duty. Then got that stupid fool come disturb me. Kinda spoils my day. Its been a long day. Its at times like this that I ever asked myself,
"Why'd hell did I sign for this?" ,
"Is it really worth it? All the work and effort?"
Sadly the conclusion is still bleak, its not worth it man. The stupid pay adjustment still havent arrived yet. Then got another adminstrative thing shoved down our throats that was launched during the meeting... that the plate is already too full, already falling over, then add on. Such that immediately after the meeting, the other BT and I ended up speaking in low tones in a deserted area abt our dissatisfaction- one has to be an educator, cca, launch project, initiate project, facillitate, plan, do, monitor, follow-up etc the list is endless. Then what of our lives? What of our time? our health?
Its bad enough that this job is making pple into workaholics. Then in the same conspiratial tone, I was sharing with them that if cannot tahan, after bond, go. Yar they agree. Thinking of pte or tuition.
After being tired everyday, working long hours everyday, it really does wonders to one's lvl of satisfaction and expectations of staying on for long in the job. Then we were analysising the Connect plan payout, to count-down the duration left of the bond and the payout....Guess all those publicity abt it being rewarding is kinda crap given this is how alot feel. Trapped by the bond for 3yrs then lured on to stay 1 yr extra by the carrot.
Given most are married, hence their focus is family and their job. Job provides the income for the family. Hence the long hours, they are somewhat forced to endure it. But for single person like me, it kinda eats into whatever little social life I have had in the first place. Whatever recreational time I had left. Just so draining. I remarked that I had thought I was the only one with these thoughts but it seems at least at my place, the other BTs think similarly. All are seriously just lasting until the connect plan then go for greener pastures elsewhere. Its kinda sad but yet a real life depiction of what being an Educator has become.
Its not so abt the teaching anymore, it has become a portfolio mgt where teaching is but only one basic aspect. Much more is involved. The adaptation of private sector ideas and practices has morphed it into a monstrosity that has taken a life of its own... so much so that it encompasses everything.
Its like you wake up to work, work the whole day, reach home, just to stone a few hours before its time to sleep for the work the next day. What kinda life is this? Well to compare, with my current pay, for just pure official school hours, dividing out, I am paid abt $21 per hour. Excluding the extra hours of remedial, cca. Also excluding the Sats spent, the afterwork meetings, in-house courses or signed-up courses, activities like naffa, sports day, time for marking, doing the other admin work, extra time to monitor students be it work, counsel etc. Its much lower if you take into accout the 'real' time spent. And these exclude the 3rd shift for work done at home and during weekends. What kinda of an hourly pay is that after ALL these real work are added in?
Life is more lucrative and simpler as a tutor, at least the rate is a decent $25 and above per hour. I dont have to work this hard as an adminstrative paper pusher at some private company.
Its really I have no life. No time after travelling home, no energy. Life sucks. I am trying to make it better. It still sucks. I cant do what I want, it sucks. The least is now I am shirking some kinda of admin work so that I dont do anything once I reach home and during weekdays.
My mom was trying to tell me to change my perspective. She told me her friends' daughters who are teachers, all ended up running home crying in the initial 2 yrs. Later things pick up as one knows tai-chi. But that is still not the way things should be going on in a supposedly fulfilling job. At least one thing is for certain, after 1 yr 1 mth, I am still decided on leaving.
Kinda feeling very shagged at the moment. Partly cos 2 consequtive whole Sats have been burnt by CCA and NE Parade. Then these couple of weeks have been really long. Just this week, I will be down for stuff everyday. Its no wonder some collegues are all falling down with mc. I got mc 2 weeks back, dun think I should take another.
Also the daily morning epic battle with my stomache and the sensitive bowels is draining my energy. Its not so bad in the normal office hours but in the mornings, its kinda sensitive to any trace of food and drinks like plain water.
Another couple more mins to the start of work again.... Having lived past my very heavy monday and tuesday. Today also kinda heavy.
My life kinda sucks now.
Just yesterday, I was mildly contented with myself though I had left later cos I did extra stuff for 1 student and settled a discipline issue and I was even contemplating signing up for that guitar course during the Sept holidays.
Then this morning, I woke up so shagged that I just want to go home immediately after work today to sleep. BUT today have NAFFA test, I am down until dunno what time. Then got Meeting. How to even get my sleep? Was wondering if I really have the energy to go for guitar classes? But if I let it get to me, when will I ever learn to play better?
A collegue remarked that one has to learn how to create time. Well if one lives closer and dun have to spend so much time commuting, I guess I would have an extra 2 hrs daily to do the stuff i really want to.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
To end off from where I left, I continued my day and had a kinda of a bad one. Then that bloody parent come n bother me again. I had to stay back late til 5.30pm, its after work then meeting, then with little rest to that Naffa test duty. Then got that stupid fool come disturb me. Kinda spoils my day. Its been a long day. Its at times like this that I ever asked myself,
"Why'd hell did I sign for this?" ,
"Is it really worth it? All the work and effort?"
Sadly the conclusion is still bleak, its not worth it man. The stupid pay adjustment still havent arrived yet. Then got another adminstrative thing shoved down our throats that was launched during the meeting... that the plate is already too full, already falling over, then add on. Such that immediately after the meeting, the other BT and I ended up speaking in low tones in a deserted area abt our dissatisfaction- one has to be an educator, cca, launch project, initiate project, facillitate, plan, do, monitor, follow-up etc the list is endless. Then what of our lives? What of our time? our health?
Its bad enough that this job is making pple into workaholics. Then in the same conspiratial tone, I was sharing with them that if cannot tahan, after bond, go. Yar they agree. Thinking of pte or tuition.
After being tired everyday, working long hours everyday, it really does wonders to one's lvl of satisfaction and expectations of staying on for long in the job. Then we were analysising the Connect plan payout, to count-down the duration left of the bond and the payout....Guess all those publicity abt it being rewarding is kinda crap given this is how alot feel. Trapped by the bond for 3yrs then lured on to stay 1 yr extra by the carrot.
Given most are married, hence their focus is family and their job. Job provides the income for the family. Hence the long hours, they are somewhat forced to endure it. But for single person like me, it kinda eats into whatever little social life I have had in the first place. Whatever recreational time I had left. Just so draining. I remarked that I had thought I was the only one with these thoughts but it seems at least at my place, the other BTs think similarly. All are seriously just lasting until the connect plan then go for greener pastures elsewhere. Its kinda sad but yet a real life depiction of what being an Educator has become.
Its not so abt the teaching anymore, it has become a portfolio mgt where teaching is but only one basic aspect. Much more is involved. The adaptation of private sector ideas and practices has morphed it into a monstrosity that has taken a life of its own... so much so that it encompasses everything.
Its like you wake up to work, work the whole day, reach home, just to stone a few hours before its time to sleep for the work the next day. What kinda life is this? Well to compare, with my current pay, for just pure official school hours, dividing out, I am paid abt $21 per hour. Excluding the extra hours of remedial, cca. Also excluding the Sats spent, the afterwork meetings, in-house courses or signed-up courses, activities like naffa, sports day, time for marking, doing the other admin work, extra time to monitor students be it work, counsel etc. Its much lower if you take into accout the 'real' time spent. And these exclude the 3rd shift for work done at home and during weekends. What kinda of an hourly pay is that after ALL these real work are added in?
Life is more lucrative and simpler as a tutor, at least the rate is a decent $25 and above per hour. I dont have to work this hard as an adminstrative paper pusher at some private company.
Its really I have no life. No time after travelling home, no energy. Life sucks. I am trying to make it better. It still sucks. I cant do what I want, it sucks. The least is now I am shirking some kinda of admin work so that I dont do anything once I reach home and during weekdays.
My mom was trying to tell me to change my perspective. She told me her friends' daughters who are teachers, all ended up running home crying in the initial 2 yrs. Later things pick up as one knows tai-chi. But that is still not the way things should be going on in a supposedly fulfilling job. At least one thing is for certain, after 1 yr 1 mth, I am still decided on leaving.
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