It Ends Tonight.

After the dinner later, a huge weight would finally be lifted off my shoulders. Of staying awake way past midnight for a week to rush for completion, of a really tight schedule, of the very last minute changes and of the many, many uncertainties. And its not work related stuff hence only that many hours in a day that I could spend time on it.

Perhaps there was never a need to place so much effort in it but I had this strong urge to produce the best results possible out of whatever resources that I could put my hand on. Perhaps this was a way for me to express my gratitute for all the previous assistance and help received. Perhaps it was sheer sense of responsibility.

Anyway, there's nothing much that I can do now except hoping for the best.


Updated: Well, everything did went exceptionally well, even the technical side of things, which for me is the most unpredictable, did not cause any hiccups. I even received, well how should I put it... a token of appreciation would best suit the occasion, hehe.

Somehow, when the dinner ended and everyone left, there was a huge sense of accomplishment and relief in myself, the weight has been lifted. I had a really good night sleep.

Read More

False Alarm.

The title says it all.

Some could hardly contain their excitement due to constant reminder of lateness, it was like a bait within vision but not within reach, based on observations.

Others were just playing the cool card, as usual.

One definitely overreacted, almost on par with drama queen at times, pretty intense stuff. A barrage of never-ending questions was asked and a lengthy list of restrictions was immediately implemented.

The other one felt totally unprepared and started drawing plans, drowning in a pool of worries. It did not show but he too was happy, and quite... thrilled. It was good news after all.

Read More

Return of the Bali: Bali-tree

Toured around Bali, well, just Seminyak, Legian, Kuta and Ubud to be exact. From what I observed, I have to say that their business or small industries are really, really concentrated, the only exception being rice fields - which can be seen here, there and everywhere - beside your accomodation, along the busy streets, outskirts of the town, mountain slopes, hillsides and so on.

At first, I noticed a whole stretch of road with houses and shoplots on both sides selling paintings. When that ended, it was quickly followed by another long stretch selling silverwares as well as gold based products, such as jewellery and carvings which was supposed to be quite cheap. All I notice in the shop I dropped by was droves after droves of tourists from the China. Next, it was a stretch specializing in wood carving then stone carving, just by a quick glance at the wares displayed in front of the shops, I was already much impressed.

Part of the tour was to visit a Batik making factory - very much similar to how we produce them. Seen here is one lady drawing the outline of the Batik design using hot wax.

Another lady in the Menenun (spinning? stitching?) process. Don't know why but I keep recalling some martial arts comic strip or anime where the lead character was practising quick hands technique by trying to catch the moving 'object' (that moves from one side to another) inside the Menenun machine. That's Jac in the background.

Part of the structure in one of the bigger temples we visited. The level of detail in the carvings are bound to leave anyone gaping in awe.

A closer view of some of the statues available all around the temple.

Other random structures. Notice the structure on the left having a particularly small entrance? According to our guide, the narrow design is on purpose to restrict only a single entrance per time during festivities or celebrations so that the situation would look more orderly, disciplined and manageable. Since its a place of worshipping.

Random wooden carvings, taken during the stop at one of the wood carving production centers.

Another one.

The End. To be continued when I can find the time to edit photographs again, currently busy with work in the morning and producing some slideshows for a relative at night, huhuhu.

Read More

I Think.

Soon enough, I shall evolve unknowingly into a spoilt and overly pampered husband. I felt that you should really stop pampering me so much, before it is too late. Its for my own good as well. Please consider this seriously before it becomes too late to reverse the effect.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this valentine gift, though I may not have expressed it as much as I did during my birthday, I am actually deeply touched and overjoyed.

Hehehe :)

First shot using the EF-S 55-250mm - the neighbour's dog

Read More

Hujan Lebat, Ribut Petir.

Caused three fallen plants, two broken pots and a mess to be cleaned up by Jed (can almost be sung to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas). That was a few days back but as people say, history tends to repeat itself. And it did, just now coupled with the worst congestion I've experienced in many, many months. Photographic evidence as follow:

As you can see, its original position were supposed to be on top of those circular structure on the stairs, as seen on the right side of the image.

I tell you, that must have been one hell of a storm to be able to blow the plants that far away because each of them weighs almost a tonne. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little but these buggers definitely felt heavier than, let's see... the wife! Man, lifting them gave me a sharp straining sensation on my left shoulder blade!


Come to think of it, kinda illogical for me to put things that way because:
1. if the plants heavier than the wife, and
2. the plants blown away by storm, therefore
3. the wife blown away by the storm as well?

Perhaps I can try experimenting the above theory with the wife during a storm, hehehe. Anyway, more on the picture above. The red bucket you see in the middle is filled with pieces of the shattered pot, damaged by the previous storm. And on the bottom right corner would be the new pots and soil purchased last weekend which most fortunately, have yet to be filled with the plants and placed accordingly else it'll end up smashed by the storm as well.


That's like throwing salt into seawater, as the chinese say.

Read More

Too Late.

I once told the wife that there's a spurt or more like an explosive burst, of white strands on my hair all of a sudden. She smile quickly became laughter and she has never failed to remind me of it occasionally ever since then.

Just a little while ago, when I was about to shave off the facial hair on my chin (or more commonly known as beard), to my horror, I noticed a few white strands as well. As I informed the wife, I suddenly recalled the above incident and my voice was quickly reduced to a mumble.


But it was already too late, I saw that familiar smile...

Read More

Koh-Hee.

The addiction for coffee started back in 2005, when I first started work. Now I am thinking how to continue the previous line because it sounded pretty serious, hhmmm...


Have you watched or came across The Bucket List before? Its basically about 2 strangers with totally different personalities diagnosed with terminal illness crossing paths, became friends, came up with a to do list and try to fulfill them before they die. Somewhere in the movie, Luwak Coffee was mentioned and I thought they were joking about the coffee beans/berries origin.

Until the trip to Bali where a plantation owner told me the same thing. You can read about it here. And its supposed to be one of the most expensive coffee in the world today. Man, I will seriously think twice before an attempt at drinking a byproduct of animal passings (shit).


I vaguely recalling my first sip of coffee coming from the cup of Kopi O Dad ordered during breakfast and ever since that day, I also remember swearing off coffee for the rest of my life. But that didn't happen all thanks to that packet of Nescafe 3-in-1 Mild and peer pressure during one particular coffee break at work. And life was never the same again.

And trips to Starbucks, Coffee Bean, San Fran, Gloria Jeans were never the same again as well... Frappucinos yumsss...


My current Cups-Of-Coffee per day record stands at 7 and I'm looking forward to breaking it which the wife totally disapproves. I'm currently spoilt for choice as well, there's OldTown Hazelnut, OldTown Gula Tebu, Nescafe Regular, Nescafe Gold, Carrefour coffee, Self Bancuh unknown brand and...

A coffee machine but not those pre-bancuh vendoring type, the ciplak one where you put in coffee powder and wait for it to drip - with a packet of hideous looking coffee brand as well as some from Bali as well, me boughts.


Long live coffee! And the title is "coffee" in Japanese language, just in case you did not realize.

@DOME - Its the AFFOGATO on the left, expresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice-cream for the wife who insisted that it is not a coffee beverage. And I finally gave their Honeycomb Goldrush Espreski a try, decided against it previously due to its ridiculous price but the force was too strong this time. Was actually more attracted to its picture than the drink itself.

Behold and beware of the true power of a good picture (of the menu, not mine), in terms of angle, colour, size, composure and all that malas mau explain.

Read More

Ice, Ice, Baby.

Fuh, I week joh didn't do any updates, this must be a new record! Lately, I've lost the drive to write or prepare entries totally, even blog hopping which usually helps, was of no use. While editing photos, sien, go to sleep. While editing drafts, sien, go to sleep. While creating new entries, sien, go to sleep.

Perhaps its the fact that I no longer have the luxury to do any of the abovementioned in the office, which I used to quite often, plus I'm usually quite inactive at night, leading to such consequences. Or I'm just giving myself excuses, again. Anyway, for those who have returned quite often and find nothing new to read, please do not be angered nor disappointed by it. Come I belanja you drink Starbucks.

Nah, cups after cups of Ice Water from Starbucks, confirm can cool you down one.

Read More

Trust the Lady to Drive.

And she'll bring you on a tour around KL city starting from Taman Midah to Loke Yew then Hang Tuah before passing the old Pudu Jail. Later on turning into Jalan Bukit Bintang passing Sungei Wang and then turning into unknown roads passing Hotel Istana, Wisma Goldhill and The Weld before turning out at Menara Hup Seng.

Proceeded on to Jalan Ampang with KLCC in full view, not to miss Avenue K, Wisma MCA, Menara Citibank, Corus Hotel and Ampang Park.


Turned into a Shell station in Jalan Ampang for a much needed refuel before proceeding into Gleneagles to get to the other side of the road ignoring the double line and faulty traffic lights, I think I lost 2 years of my life back there due to extreme suspense. Dropped me off at OCBC Menara Great Eastern to drop a cheque before proceeding all the way back to Menara Citibank to do our payments.

Then she turned into Jalan Pinang before exiting at Jalan Kia Peng where the Hakka restaurant is located and onwards to Jalan Tun Razak passing Pavillion and Chulan Square and all that. Then from Jalan Tun Razak instead of heading to Loke Yew, she took the Kampung Pandan roundabout way turning to Jalan Kampung Pandan passing the new Dragon Boat restaurant and Rendezvous.


Then it was Jalan Perkasa, there the stadium and St. Gabriel secondary school is located before turning into Jalan Jejaka towards Casa Ria and Maluri Cheras Jaya Jusco. As if she had yet to get enough of KL sightseeing, instead of using Jalan Cheras all the way back, she had to turn into Jalan Pudu Hulu of Kobena at the traffic light in front of PGRM. Which is connected to Taman Pertama and all the way to Jalan Kuari via Jalan Semerah Padi.


And finally reach home after a journey of around an hour and half (90 minutes) with my backbone on the verge of breaking into pieces from all those potholes and syawings from lane change.


And all we needed was to head to three destinations before heading home which is RHB Taman Midah, OCBC Menara GE and Menara Citibank. Which would usually just take us less then 30 minutes with me behind the wheels. So darling, next time I drive okay?

Read More

Thief.

I would assume the thief to be of male species, henceforth, referred to as so. He entered our home by climbing over the wall, leaving traces of soil on it. Stood on the water supply pipes and broke them when landing, resulting precious water gushing out wastefully till dawn.

Hefty sum on the bill expected end of this month. Bloody hell.


Locks were still intact hence upon investigating, total loss consisted only of 2 slippers, branded ones, belonging to Dad and Sis's partner, fortunately. The rack of shoes and sandals and high heels, some branded as well, belonging to Sis and Jac were spared.

Mine was spared as well, must be due to its slippery soles plus not so attractive condition, smelly as well. Jac reasoned hers' were spared due to difficulty in selling ladies footwear in the 'black' market. Seems like this guy knows his stuff, eh?


Though the loss is minimal, we are considering the option to either install alarms or fence up the walls and the gate or both seriously. Somehow, our little home does not feel as safe as it has always been anymore. And for this thief to be able to come and go undetected, I dare not think of all the other possible break-in scenarios.


p/s: I suggested to glue broken pieces of glass on the top of the wall as a temporary measure but was rejected, too cruel Mum said. Might accidentally injure animals as well she added.

Read More

Bali-pause.

Posts on the Bali trip shall only resume when the authoer can finally find some free time in his super-duper hectic schedule. Tidur also not enough, want to blog summore ah, where can? In the mean time, here's a picture to keep you guys, if there's any, anticipating on what's to come soon - post done by utilizing my reserve energy.

Carvings and decorations outside one of those larger/royal temples.

Read More

The Moment.

1. Put your iTunes/Napster/Zune Player/WinAmp/etc on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 or more friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got it from.


IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Signs - Snoop Dogg ft Justin Timberlake

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
King Without a Crown - Matisyahu (tragic-nya)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Green Light - John Legend ft. Andre 3000 (this is a kau-lui song, hehehe)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Smack That - Akon ft. Eminem (hahahhahahah)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I Hate Everything About You - Three Days Grace (waliao!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Stacie's Mom - Fountains of Wayne (O.M.G.)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Don't Know Why - Norah Jones

WHAT IS 2+2?
Don't Call Me Baby - Madison Avenue

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Ode to my Family - The Cranberries (uhrm)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Ohio (Come Back to Texas) - Bowling for Soup

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
You Are My Woman - Andy Lau & Kenny G

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Independent Woman - Destiny's Child (wtf)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Song 2 - Blur (woo-hoo)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Who Knew - Pink (yeah, who knows)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Check Yes Juliet - We The Kings

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Bukan Cinta Biasa - Siti Nurhaliza (this is so wrong)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Used to Being Crushed - Joey Yung (dunno if I should laugh or what)

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
The Earth, The Sun & The Rain - Color Me Badd (end of world?)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Hemorrhage (In My Hands) - Fuel (why so tragic one!)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Still Alone - Ayumi Hamasaki (seeeeee!!!)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
What's Up - 4 Non Blondes

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Mencintaimu - Kris Dayanti (hahahahahhaha)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Building A Mystery - Sarah McLachlan

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Forever Love - Gary Barlow (hahahahahhahha, again, I am so dead)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Dream A Little Dream Of Me - Micheal Buble

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Temperature - Sean Paul

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Tubthumping - Chumbawamba

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
The Moment - Stephanie Sun

Read More