Double T Zone!!

3rd day at Boracay

2008-08-16T19:53:00.002+08:00

Our so called final day was the one that had the best weather. Too bad our vacation was short lived. Glad we still made the best out of it. Weather was great, we dine and wine, sun and unwine. Pictures later.

2nd day at Boracay

2008-08-06T01:50:00.013+08:00

After being Cinderellas the night before, we got up earlier and set out to have our breakfast at the dining area. Spread wasn't that enticing but oh well, beggars can't be choosers right!!!

Decided to chill at the swimming pool instead as the weather wasn't too good. Both BB and I clad ourselves i bikinis ready for a good tan whilst I read and BB wrote her diary. We also did silly FHM wannabe shots haha....only available for private viewing guys, sorry!

Having spent couple of hours suntanning, decided to hit the white beach downtown. Went for the famous Jonas Milkshake and tried the Longganisa Burger. Because it drizzled a bit, we had the burger in Jonas itself but the actual famous store was outside of Jonas. Who cares, we were in a trial mode.

Having explored the beach a bit, decided to go back, get changed for dinner. Rested for a short bit, showered and off we went back to town. Our newly found friend met us at our coach stop and went together for dinner at the famous Italian restaurant, Aria's. Honestly, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be.

Us looking all pretty & ready to paint the town red

Panna Ham - starter

Pizza

Eggplant Lasagne

Then our kind friend took us to visit the most luxurious hotel in Boracay, Discovery Shoes located in Station 1. Occupancy then was high hence no rooms available for viewing. If not wrong, it hovers around USD800+ onwards per night but it's really nice, high class resort feel.

Dinner and Hotel visiting was sane until we decided to party! The only club that's opened was called Cocomangas. Believe me, music was good and we made quite a few friends there. I had a blowjob shaker! It's a drink k guys, dont think crude! :P Partied till the end! Was all clean, good fun.

1st day at Boracay

2008-07-06T11:51:00.010+08:00

We stayed in the new 3 to 4 month old Alta Vista Hotel. Well I was told that location wise is slightly off Station 1. Boracay is divided into 3 stations with Station 3 being the backpacker standard right up to Station 1, the upper end hotel/resorts.

Hotel Lobby

Our section

Our 2 queen size bedroom

View from our hotel!

Swimming pool view from our hotel!

Since the typhoon kinda died down only a day earlier, we were still skeptical about the grey weather looming over the clouds. We decided to have lunch there as we were really hungry, was almost a 14 hour journey to get to the hotel!

My lunch - Pork dish with rice

BB's lunch - Fish with rice - sux, bad mud smell!!

After lunch, we went back to our room and took a nap. Tired after the long travel. Woke up close to 6pm and decided to head to town since we had nothing better to do. Unfortunately it was drizzling and in addition to that, quite a few of the touristy places to visit cease operations because of the typhoon. How lucky we were....NOT!
Had famous "Andoks chicken" for dinner and landed ourselves in Summer Place where we had a drinks whilst being serenade by a band. BB eventually took over the mic to sing "Whats Up" and off we went back to our hotel after garnering lots of claps and whispers haha.

Andoks chicken - super yummyyyy!

Sweet looking things b4 alcohol

BB took over the mic.. :)

Message Tergendala

2008-07-04T00:08:00.002+08:00

Sorry peeps, me haven't got time to blog. Excited just started my new job 3 days ago. Been really busy with other stuff too. Will blog soon :)

On Board Cebu Pacific

2008-06-29T13:35:00.014+08:00

That's our plane alright taking us from KL to Manila. First time taking the low cost carrier of Phil. . We spent some time talking to the flight stewards as we were bored out of our wits and couldn't sleep. Faced quite a bit of turbulence because of the bad weather.

Gary, Me & Ejay at the Galley

Gary & Ejay

In the cockpit with the captain

We had 2 flights to take, 1 is from KL to Manila and followed by a domestic flight from Manila to Boracay, Caticlan where we then boarded a boat to reach to our final destination.

Our Propeller Plane to Boracay

Boracay, here we come

Jun 08 Getaway - Day 1

2008-06-29T00:58:00.007+08:00

Day started extremely early. Flight was due for 1:20am so left for the airport on Sunday night and arrived at LCCT at 10:35pm to meet my darling PK whom I'll be enjoying my next few days of vacation with. Nothing can be worse than flight delays, but I supposed it's just worse off for odd hours flights rather than normal hours. We had drinks twice and finally we heard our flight no. being called up. Got up, queued and flight took off close to 4am. It was really tiring man!

I'm Back!

2008-06-27T10:55:00.002+08:00

I'm back from my getaway! Just touched down early this morning. A bit half dead but have loads to do. Will blog about my hols soon :)

Getaway!!!

2008-06-22T16:09:00.001+08:00

Happiness, me off for 4 days 3 nights from tonight! Will blog about it when I get back. It's a short break before I start my new job :)

Made of Honour

2008-06-22T16:05:00.003+08:00

Saw this on my last day of work. Yet to blog but left a bit late and ended up going for the show. Fell asleep in the beginning part because I only slept 2 hours the night before. Not that I was excited about leaving work, more so that I decided last minute on what to prepare for farewell for few people who meant something to me :)

Final Day

2008-06-20T08:03:00.002+08:00

I have to blog this before I start work. It's my last day today woohoo!!!! Barely slept coz was preparing some of the farewell stuff for good friends :) BLog later about what transpired over the last few days.

Updated 29th June
Well since I have decided to wipe unhappy memories away, I will not mention what transpired. Wasn't the best of memories ie some people just want to make my life hell but anyways, What Comes Around Goes Around. They will get a taste of their own medicine for sure :)

All I wanted to say was that some were touched by the farewell greeting that they immediately went out to buy farewell gifts for me, so sweet!!! Thanks to you, you know who you are :) Keep in touch guys!

Yummy desserts

2008-06-17T23:33:00.006+08:00

Kewl, thanks to bro, I get to eat yummy home made (by mum) desserts - tiramisu in a cup and cup cakes with pure butter topping! Try it to believe it!!! :D

Happy 24th Birthday Bro!

2008-06-17T20:43:00.002+08:00

I found the perfect picture for you haha :) Such coincidence that the number on the cake is 24.

Numbered Days

2008-06-17T00:52:00.005+08:00

Starting from today, it's all about counting down the days. It's a strange mix of sad and happiness feeling. Still loads to do until then ;) Hope I can settle as much as I can before the final day. Well, will embrace and survive the storm indeed :)

Some pointers maybe?

2008-06-15T18:57:00.002+08:00

Newly acquired baby

2008-06-14T19:23:00.005+08:00

Ah hah! Revealing my newly acquired baby :) Now you know where my money went. I've always wanted a pair of Supadance Latin Sandals and here it is! Just tried it for the first time for competition training today. Happiness though I felt like a bit wasted to dance on expensive sandals haha... ;) It's always the feeling for new things. Clearly, it made me more elegant when I danced.

Tried, tested, kinda worked

2008-06-13T23:25:00.003+08:00

Tried my best to apply what I said I will do when I went to work yesterday. Did well in front of my enemies. However, I did go to a few closer friends to thrash out my dissatisfaction and some were and some weren't shocked about what I told. Day went fine, missed my KB because Hartamas was so freaking jam getting into it via True Fitness. It wasn't one of those stupid fuel increase days. There was no apparent reason and I ended up heading back to the office to collect my iPod and some important documents. Left to Curve to pick up things from my friend and went to cousin's place to pick up the OMRON machine before heading home.

Intolerable Cruelty

2008-06-13T00:07:00.003+08:00

Today was one of the hardest fact I had to face in my life. Such bitchiness, malicious, spiteful, malevolent, insensitive and tactless bitches around. Words just can't describe how bloody pissed, disappointed, sad, and distressed I am over this matter. Handled so f****** unprofessionally. Well you just wait and see. Ain't going to let this affect me, well it does now but I shall put on a good showmanship. Revenge is sweet, I don't need to do it but what comes around, goes around. Thanks JT for such a meaningful song!

Alas, all settled!

2008-06-09T20:19:00.002+08:00

First and foremost, my uncle signed up for the same program that I'm on ;) Happy for him as he has tried many means and still didn't work or rather, worked temporarily only. Settled documents needed for my new baby. Went off for my favorite hobby of all times, though expensive but it's worth it!

Of course, thigh muscle all ache coz it's hardly used in such a way ;) I will do it! I know I haven't committed but I will do it. All 3 variations have been completed so now it's to familiarize oneself and perfect the techniques!

Rest Day

2008-06-09T10:59:00.001+08:00

Woo hooo!! It's a holiday for some companies in replacement of The King's birthday last Saturday. Going to settle some of the errands which I have always wanted to do.

Kungfu Panda - Hiyeak!!

2008-06-08T21:35:00.003+08:00

If you're looking for a good laugh and entertainment, this is it! To top it up, most of the VOs are those of reknown celebrities ie Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan (didn't speak much hah), etc. Jack Black of course is the main star playing the Panda, Po.

Awesome IronMan!!!

2008-06-08T02:13:00.004+08:00

I recommend everyone to watch. I was told that it a was a guy's movie but boy are you wrong! The girls are equally impressed ;)

Crappy Work

2008-06-07T02:39:00.002+08:00

I don't remember signing up for too many late nights at work! Thought workload will be lesser and can leave earlier but no, management have decided to start the planning soon. Sigh, looks like got to go back to work on the weekends.

How to survive with increased cost of living in Malaysia?

2008-06-06T00:45:00.002+08:00

Thursday June 5, 2008

Petrol price up by 78 sen - and will be reviewed monthly

PUTRAJAYA: The Government announced yesterday an increase in petrol and diesel prices, stating that it can no longer continue to subsidise fuel. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the new prices were still at a 30-sen per litre discount from market prices. In other words, if the market price is RM3 per litre, Malaysians will be charged RM2.70 at the pump. He said the price would be adjusted monthly based on the global oil price.

“Malaysians still pay lower than the market prices as far as petrol is concerned,” he told a packed press conference when announcing the restructuring of the subsidy package. Abdullah said that although the restructuring would result in consumers having to pay more, prices were still lower compared with Singapore and Thailand.

He said the Government would save RM13.7bil through the restructuring. From the savings, he said RM4bil would go to the National Food Supply Guarantee Policy, RM1.5bil for subsidising cooking oil and RM400mil to subsidise rice imports to make the price uniform in peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The Government would also spend RM200mil on flour subsidy, RM100mil on bread subsidy and RM7.5bil was meant for contributions to the subsidies for petrol, diesel and gas. On top of that, Abdullah said, the Government would have to fork out RM5bil to pay to owners of cars and motorcycles eligible for rebates introduced under the restructuring of subsidy package.

“Our effort is certainly not an attempt to be popular but we try our best to help the people. We cannot satisfy everyone,” he said. Abdullah said demand for public transport would go up with the rise in fuel prices and the Government was currently addressing the need to improve services.

He reiterated that the public should make changes to their lifestyle, saying they must ensure there was no wastage in resources such as water, energy and food. He said if certain adjustments were made, the public would not be “too badly affected by price increases”. He said the hike in fuel prices would cause a projected increase in inflation of around 4% to 5%. It would also have an impact on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth but was confident that it could be maintained at 5% this year.

Abdullah said the Cabinet committee on anti-inflation had to come up with a system to ease the public’s burden from higher fuel prices. “What is important is that we want to ensure the restructuring will encompass a mechanism that will protect and benefit those in the lower and middle income group. “We are truly committed in ensuring these groups will not be burdened by the increase in petrol and food prices,” he said.

Asked if the subsidy restructuring would result in Malaysians going to the streets to demonstrate their unhappiness, Abdullah was confident the people would not resort to that.

The Changes

Price increase

Petrol – RM0.78/litre
Diesel – RM1/litre
Electricity:
Commercial and industrial – 26%
Retailers and small restaurant operators – 18% (for first 200kWh per month)
Residential – new pricing structure for users above 200kWh per month

Prices effective today (per litre)

Petrol – RM2.70 (previously RM1.92)
Diesel – RM2.58 (previously RM1.58)

Rebates
> RM625 per year
For private vehicle with engine capacity of 2000cc and below, including private pickup trucks and jeeps with engine capacity of 2500cc and below.
> RM150 per year
For each private motorcycle with engine capacity of 250cc and below
> RM200 reduction on road tax
For private petrol and diesel vehicles with engine capacity above 2000cc
> RM50 reduction on road tax
For private motorcycles with engine capacity above 250cc

Streamlined diesel subsidy
(for approved transportation companies, vessel owners and fishermen)
> Diesel – RM1.43 per litre (previously RM1 per litre for fishermen and RM1.20 per litre for vessel owners)
> RM200 per month for every owner and employee of Malaysian-owned vessels registered with the Fisheries Department
> 10sen per kilo incentive for every kilogram of fish caught by registered vessels
> 10sen per litre for every litre of diesel used by river transportation operators according to approved quota

Gas subsidies restructure
(for Peninsular Malaysia)
> For power producers – from RM6.40 per mmBtu to RM14.31 per mmBtu
> For industrial users (consuming less than 2mmscfd) – from RM9.40 per mmBtu to RM24.54 per mmBtu
> For industrial users (consuming above 2mmscfd) – from RM11.32 per mmBtu to RM32.56 per mmBtu

Electricity tariff restructure
> Households using 200kWh and below every month will not be affected. This covers 59% of households in Peninsular Malaysia with a monthly bill under RM43.60.
> Commercial and industrial users face 26% increase. Small retail and business outlets consuming under 200kWh per month face 18% increase.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and
Natural Gas for Vehicle (NGV)
> No change. Prices remain at RM1.75 per kg (LPG) and RM0.635 per litre (NGV)

Oil palm windfall tax
> For Peninsular Malaysia 15% for every tonne of CPO exceeding RM2,000
> Sabah and Sarawak 7.5% for every tonne of CPO exceeding RM2,000 > Abolition of cess tax

Service tax threshold for restaurants and eateries
> Service tax now for restaurants with annual sales of RM3mil (previously RM500,000)

I did it!

2008-06-04T00:43:00.002+08:00

My heart was really beating fast on Monday morning and I was feeling all restless. It was such a relief after letting out and anticipating the outcome of my actions. Well, somehow the results turned out ok, pro and con of course. Pro is that my integrity is intact and con is that I still need to work!

How Now, Brown Cow

2008-06-01T23:46:00.003+08:00

Thank God really for ever having good buddies who mean you no harm. Well its good that I'm treated like a little girl. Bad way to view is that I have no brains of my own haha!! Thank you SK! Thanks for showing me the bigger picture had I not done what you told me to. I will definitely do it first thing tomorrow to save my butt! :D

Dance, KB and to GT!

2008-06-01T23:41:00.004+08:00

Had dance training and KB, I tell you , die!!! Maybe it's age I got to admit but it's impossible to mix the 2 coz 1 is already intensive enough and I dont know where to draw the extra strength to go on.

Had late nice yummy organic lunch cooked by mum and then got ready to head off to GT for the evening sermon. Very interesting speaker from Australia. I thin the title was "Just Once" coz those 2 words were emphasized over and over again until it got stuck in everyone's head. Well, I finally made it for the first time for Saturday evening's sermon, though I was 1 hour late hehe :) Just missed the worship part. Met a few familiar faces too. Ended with dinner at Strawberry Fields, PJ.

Focus Groups

2008-06-01T10:18:00.004+08:00

We had 2 days of Focus Group on Thursday and Friday. The Category guy from UK also attended as it's important to determine the next direction for our launch. On Thursday, we had buffet lunch at the "Living Room" (if I remembered correctly), in Westin. The spread looks wide but if you really narrow it down, the main course are only a handful. After it ended in the evening, I accompanied my boss to have dinner some famous roadside stall in Jalan Tong Shin in KL. They are famous for the beef noodle but I didn't have any as it was late, maybe next time.

On Friday, was another packed day for research but it ended a bit earlier so that's good. Had KFC for lunch, drinks at ZEN by Secret Recipe in Sooka Sentral. Sooka Sentral is a newly opened shopping complex I think in KL Sentral area. The research was held in Plaza Sentral. I headed for Kickboxing after finishing our 2nd group, happiness as it was my 1st exercise of the week!
Later, I went to Gardens for the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie. First time in the Signature GSC cinemas, nice but expensive!

Narnia - Prince Caspian

2008-05-31T11:18:00.003+08:00

After a good Sunday celebration, it was just a nice ammo to recharge you for the week. I was supposed to action on Monday on an important task and ended up doing on Tuesday evening. Tuesday was also our department outing and we went to watch Narnia together. Had some drinks first prior to the movie.

The C. Club

2008-05-30T00:33:00.008+08:00

Dinner on Sunday, 25th May. It was a post belated birthday celebration for Ddt. The C. Club is a fine dining restaurant featuring world's favorite dishes, an enchanting array of dishes and all day servings of divinely delectable nibbles to enchant the palette. Ok ok this sentence was from them, not me!

Fresh Oysters

Caesar Salad

Scallop Foie Gras

Pan Seared Foie Gras

Slipper Lobster Spaghetti

Cod Fillet

Duck Confit

Forest Mushroom Spaghetti (V)

Stylo washroom

New Car

2008-05-29T23:04:00.002+08:00

Ahh...finally I have done it! Cheers to a new car! Since I don't have money and can't afford much, it's only 1 car that I can afford to maintain. I dont want to be eating grass just coz I prefer a better looking car. Who doesn't anyway! Well, I was taught to cut the sack according to the cloth so that's what I'm doing anyway.

I am targeting to keep it for 2 years and move on to the car that I want, GTI hahaha!! That is if my preference is still on the Golf then. I may have better options! :)

Busybee saT!

2008-05-28T23:50:00.002+08:00

Went to work after doing my laundry on Sat. Didn't go for KB neither for dance training. Had to settle urgent, overdued and glad that it was finally over and done with. Tapau CB for my lunch, had Caesar Salad and Ice Mocha Latte. Stayed till close to 6pm. Left for studio to train a student (priv training) and headed off to sOuLeD oUt in support of my Master's performance that night.

Ended up staying back there with my Japanese friends (Totally ruined my Diet haha!) by having a cup of Coke, glass of Juice (mix of beetroot, etc) and a slice of Pizza and some nachos. It was nice. Didn't join the rest of them to go club and drink in KL. Left for home around midnight.

Short but busy week

2008-05-28T23:42:00.003+08:00

It was a short but busy week last week because of the usual monthly meetings, nothing new. Certainly looking forward to the weekend. Went for KB on Friday just to work it out, else feel like an absolute pig.

Best News Ever!!

2008-05-25T17:25:00.002+08:00

Best news I have heard ever on 20th May! Unbelievable! Lord, you're truly truly amazing!!! All praise to you! Timing can never be more perfect. It's definitely not pure coincidence. Be happy Tanya, not greedy, yay!!!

Yipeee - new office!!

2008-05-25T17:13:00.003+08:00

It's the first time that I'm testing the traffic today to the new office location. Good thing that I asked my good friend who lives around that area to let me know the best way to get there form my house. Only price to pay is the toll !!! :/ Guess there's always a price to pay for everything!

I like the new building and my new office. Spent the whole day (Tues) unpacking. It was a terrible place when you first enter because boxes were all over. Well I know I KNOW that I'm breaking my diet but well we passed by McD's on the way so I just bought a Sausage McMuffin! That's all, ala carte!

Wesak Day

2008-05-25T17:08:00.003+08:00

Interesting start to the week. First it was a public holiday because of Wesak day. Happy Wesak day to all! What did I do? Hm..I met up with a friend and had dinner at Oriental Cravings after which I left home to pick mum up as she had something to do in the Curve. I went for my kickboxing in between and met her for dinner. Ate at Sakae Sushi. First time for mum. Getting excited because it will be a new place that I start work at tomorrow.

Short week - happiest ever

2008-05-24T01:57:00.001+08:00

Happiness! It was packing up week where we had the movers that will come and uninstall our computers and workstations so we can't exactly work. Of course I know the consequence of having to catch up with work after that haha!! Anyways, it felt like a long weekend, excellent!

Busy Packing Week

2008-05-24T00:57:00.002+08:00

The week of 12th May was our last week at the current office. We were due to move by the following week hence all packing has to be done! Well nothing new I supposed that I always leave it till the last minute! Something I learnt! Should not leave this kind of packing till last minute. Doesn't help! Luckily had a kind colleague to help out.

Other than that, nothing new. It was all work and work. Was looking forward to the new office for sure. Had our lunches within current office's vicinity as we know that we were going to miss them for sure!

World's richest man backs Obama

2008-05-20T00:57:00.003+08:00

US billionaire Buffett backs Obama for president (19th May 08)

Warren Buffett, the world's richest man, is backing Barak Obama for US president and thinks current US economic policy will push the dollar lower against other global currencies

Buffett told a press conference here Monday he had offered support to both Obama and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton but that since it appeared Obama would win the party's nomination, "I will be very happy if he is elected president.

"He is my choice," Buffett said.

Commenting on the US economy, the 77-year-old investor who is known as the "Sage of Omaha," stressed that fiscal, monetary and trade policies were of great importance.

"I think that the US has followed and is following policies which will cause the US dollar to weaken over a long period of time," he said.

After voicing support for Obama, Buffett nonetheless noted the US economy had managed to do "awfully well" despite a depression, two world wars and many financial crises.

"They say in the stock market ... buy stock in a business that's so good that an idiot can run it because sooner or later one will," he added.

"Well, the United States is a little like that. We can take a little mis-management from time to time," Buffett said.

The chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, a holding company with 76 businesses, also said he was ready to add one or two more, on condition they were well-run and had annual pre-tax earnings on the order of 50 million euros (78 million dollars), he added.

"The bigger the better," Buffett said.

Almost all of his companies are in the United States but after investing in the Israeli industrial group Iscar, he was visiting Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Italy to spread the word that European groups were also welcome to give him a call.

"I kind of go the the office everyday and wait for the phone to ring and hope it isn't a wrong number," he quipped to describe his strategy of letting companies come to him rather than searching them out.

Nads DDT's burfday

2008-05-18T23:18:00.003+08:00

It's my good old friend's birthday on the 10th. A very much belated blog. If you read this women, here I go: Happy Burfday to you, Happy Burfday to you, Happy BurfDay to DDT, Happy Burfday to you!!!!!

Hope you got all that you ever wished for! Glad to come over though I kinda had another birthday dinner celebration. Enjoyed every moment of Twister though it was freaking hot!!! Don't worry, I know I still owe you dinner. Am definitely up for 'The. C. Club at Pavilion.'

Naughty Car!

2008-05-18T19:00:00.004+08:00

Nah, it's actually Perodua Nautica. It sounded very much like a car that's naughty! Both mum and myself found it quite impressive.
It's a smaller version (5 seater) compared to the Toyota Rush and it's a 4WD. Well, can't really complain for the price that you're paying. It's a CBU from Japan plus it's spacious and a higher vehicle. Price is around RM90K OTR and are only available in 2 colors, black or some kind of blue which looks quite good too!

Shiseido

2008-05-18T18:53:00.002+08:00

Very grand setup at KLCC concourse. I didn't exactly check out what they were promoting.

May Burfday Babies

2008-05-18T17:47:00.002+08:00

Hah, it's going to be a stressful month for me since there are so many good friends' birthdays. I think there's 5 in total! Anyways, lets see. It's going to be catch up blog for me as I haven't been doing since beginning May. First burfday was DL's birthday. Met up for lunch at Alexis, BSc (everything's a dollar more expensive than Telawi St!). Subsequently, went to collect my dry clean and check out the Suzuki Showroom to see how much it costs and time needed in order to replace the stolen emblems!!! Stupid people! I haven't a clue why they can't just steal a Merc's one. What use is an "S" to them??? Such idiots.

Went over to DL's house to chill for a bit before getting ready for dinner. It was at a place that they have been talking about bringing me to see for quite a bit. Glad that I went. It was pure fine dining. Extraordinarily quiet that night. Well as you all may or may not know, I am on a well diet program. Food was good and it was sad that I felt full halfway through my main course. Sigh such a waste! I am sure they thought the same of me too, sorry but couldn't help it. Overall, such enjoyable dinner. Dont know if CC kept the pictures for me to post or not hehe..

Central Market - Quite different.

2008-05-13T23:38:00.003+08:00

It's I think years since I stepped into Central Market. I used to at least walk in probably once a week when I used to attend college donkey years ago ( shan't remind myself how long ago that was! ). The one to me that showed the difference was the washroom and the food court. The rest of it from the moment you enter did seem quite familiar.

Washroom costs 50 cents per entry!! so expensive but what to do! It's a tourist area. I was there to support a good friend who displayed her creative outputs in the form of cards, tiles, alphabets, etc. Got myself 4 tiles and 2 cards.

3rd of May - good food day!!

2008-05-10T10:18:00.008+08:00

On Sat, it was my first dance competition training. Tiring but good exercise! After which, I went to chill with DL. I went to MK to pick her up and off we went to Curve to pick up some Jelly from a shop called Q Jelly.

After which, we went back to the house for a while and chill. I was invited for a dinner at Bukit Jelutong to taste her sis's cooking. Boy, did I have no regrets!!!! Screw the diet, sorry just for the day! I didn't take much pics and can't describe what each was but it was GOOD GOOD GREAT!!!! We considered her as an imported chef from London because she was down visiting for a month and was due to fly back the next day. Man, food took 2-3 days of preparation.

Sorry peeps, no nice shots but excellent food. There were just so many but was all taken on the SLR, not my phone camera.

It's MAY already!!

2008-05-07T00:13:00.001+08:00

Can't believe that time really flies, it's already May and almost coming to half of 2008. Hmm..wonder when did I start getting into 'realising life' at many points in time. Maybe it's age, maybe it's just unfulfilled something.

Oh well, glad to have Labour Day holiday as it makes the week feel much shorter. Did my 1st KB session on 2nd May, Friday.

EC Trip - Day 3

2008-05-04T23:28:00.012+08:00

Ahhh.....last day on the island. I know this sounds unbelievable but I actually WOKE UP around 6:30am , well kinda got awaken also by my sleeping partner to see sun rise. Yes people, be nice! You can buy 4 digits, will surely strike!

What can I say, it was nice! I guess I will only do that when I am away on an island or resort for a holiday. What kind of sun rise do you expect to get if you live in a landed property plus in a bustling city!

After satisfying my sunrise picture needs, we walked to the sea. Water wasn't too cold either. Saw beautiful corals, fishes and guess what, sea cucumber too!!! There are 2 different types as shown in the pictures below.

-Updated 18th May-
After that, we headed for breakfast. Both and the other friend decided to check out the other parts (rocky bit) of the Island since we haven't done so and will be leaving soon.

The open sea is right at the back, unbelievable!!!

Lurve this pic! Taken right when the wave hit from the back

More pictures of the island before I leave.

Pathway to main beach

Main beach

Swimming pool (using seawater) overlooking the resort, beautiful isn't it?

View as you reach the island

Check out the different fishes available, there's a unique red one

Check out the blue one on the top left

Goodbye Gem Isle with a bit of hesitation ;)

Obviously we didn't spend enough time. I will be back! (Terminator's infamous quote) and when I do, I will make sure I snorkel and do the swimming of the 800m from Gem Isle across to Kapas. Signing off from my vacation bit!

EC Trip - Day 2

2008-04-29T02:09:00.004+08:00

This was the best day! We left early in the morning (well not enough sleep for me again!) and headed to Cendering to have the famous Nasi Dagang at a restaurant called "Mak Ngah." After the slight heavy breakfast, we headed off to the Marang Jetty which wasn't too far off to catch the boat to head off to Gem Island woohoo!!!!

Boat ride was around 15 minutes. Busy enjoying the sea breeze hence didn't take any pictures. After checking in, we toured the resort and decided to check into the spa. Since the earlier slot was already taken up, I checked in for the 3:30pm one and had my lunch first. Massage was really good! The masseur was from Myanmar. Much much better than the one in Bali or Bangkok I must say.

Walked around to check out the main beach. There's a good looking caucasian who we were trying to figure out if he was there on his own or with well a partner! Beautiful, clear, tranquil sea with crystal clear view of the many different types of fishes. Took some pictures then. After that, went to kayak for a short while before dipping into the "sea water" swimming pool.

Day ended with a sumptuous dinner prepared. Chef was excellent! Overate, sigh so much for the program that I was on. Good thing that we did a bit of dancing before we slept! :)

EC Trip - Day 1

2008-04-29T01:56:00.005+08:00

Yipeee......I only slept er 2 hours coz was all excited about going to the trip plus also had to pack and check numerous times to ensure that nothing has been left out. Left the house a bit late because couldn't find the black pants for a moment. Reached MK to pick up Darcy and another friend at 6:40am.

Started journey to Kemaman. Stopped for breakfast and met up with the rest at one of the R&R along the way. Made a few wrong turns and reached meeting point about slightly past 11am. Honestly, I hadn't a clue on the itinerary. After meeting with the organizer, we headed to Awana Kijal to check in but we were early so ended up having lunch at the nearby restaurant. Food was blend!

Checked in after lunch, got changed and went to the designated place for the workshop. We were slightly late and man, the people there was different. They really queued in line and greeted you like you're some VIPs! I was quite tired so did doze off halfway during workshop. Workshop started past 2:30pm and ended slightly past 5pm. Everyone rushed back to the hotel ASAP to get ready for the night's performance.

Performance wasn't the best, some flop! Worst of all, it came from me, the one who scolded to ensure that everyone gets the right timing. Speak about embarrassment.... Oh well, the rest of the night went ok I supposed in their (the EC people) standard. This year the students have really improved. So different from our 1st visit to this part last year. The whole party and dinner ended about close to 11pm and we left to the hotel.

Business Review Presentation

2008-04-29T01:49:00.001+08:00

Title says it all - BUSY BUSY! This week was actually the FHA 2008 in Singapore and I have initially planned to go with mum on Wed and Thurs but well oh well, my leave WASN'T approve thanks to the above!!! Freddy Krueger was coming so it wasn't much of a choice!! Sorry mum if you ever read this. Lets try to make it to BKK since it's the bigger one at world level.

Every day was spent working on the business review preparation. I still managed to go for my KB on Mon and Wed nights, else sure heartsick to pay and not attend. Busy till the real last minute. Worst day was Thurs because I've applied for leave for Friday to head to East Coast.

Sunday - D Major Burfday Day at Bijou!!

2008-04-29T00:33:00.004+08:00

The team met up at Damai's badminton hall to practice again. It's my 2nd session and of course I did better this time round. We were supposed to practice for an hour but ended up till about 1+pm and went to Damas for sandwich lunch. Rushed back for home after that to get ready for the big dinner that night.

Best part is that dinner again was at Damai area and it was held in Bijou. Got home, wrapped present and got ready to go. Reached about 6+pm and help setup whatever that was left undone. It was a surprise birthday party meant for Nad's sister coz she's turning 30 this year and it was meant to be special!!

Setup was really classy, the staff took quite a bit of pictures. Guests started pouring from 7pm onwards. Everyone waited till Nad's sister showed up and surprise!!!! Well she wasn't exactly surprised (sigh, after all the effort hehe!) coz she saw a familiar car just round the corner. Nevertheless, she enjoyed the whole session. At least, we tried really hard to keep it all under wraps as long as me and Nad's could. Had to come up with so many excuses hehehe :D

Great session!!

Saturday Practise

2008-04-23T00:06:00.003+08:00

Man! It was the most tiring Saturday (19th Apr) so far. I guess it's also been a while since I kind of dance a lot. It started with practise of the team performance for the following week in the East Coast. After ending, shot off to Midvalley to do a bit of trade visit.

Went back home to practise as much as I could remember. Had my shower and rested only or a short bit and packed before leaving to Midvalley again. I insisted on spending the money to get my face nicely made up as grandma has never attended any of my competitions before as it takes up the whole day and since she was going to attend this dinner organized by grand aunt, I decided to make the best out of it and had my costume on as well for that night.

I then head off to KL to get ready for my performance. Was too tired coz having mensus too, just the 2nd day and kinda got out of breath after doing a Waltz followed by a Cha Cha number. Wanted to do Funky but energy was drained out. Dance for a while more before heading off to meet this Italian guy whom my friend was dying to introduce. It was ok, well not the best of all nights but I can't blame the situation coz he wasn't feeling too well and I had to meet him that night despite feeling tired as he was leaving back to Australia the following day. We met for late supper at Pyramid.

Oh oh, I finally bought a pair of BLOCH dance sneakers haahahahahahahah yea yea!!!

Busy Week

2008-04-19T01:18:00.002+08:00

This was another eventful week coz of the usual Logistics and NPD meeting on a monthly basis. That fell on both Wednesday and Thursday respectively so lots of preparation was expected for it. I kinda dread that when it happens coz the daily operational stuff tends to pile up. Can't complain, such is life! I wished I can have something new to say about work. Perhaps I need something or project that differs to keep the excitement going on!

Yummy Belated CNY Lunch

2008-04-16T00:05:00.007+08:00

Hm...I know it's a bit too late but it's just a free lunch that I supposed that everyone expects from our agency since we have given so much business to her. It was cancelled the last time due to non-availability of the majority. Where else can we get good Chinese food plus close proximity?? Ming Room!!!!! Had this on Monday, a less productive day haha....

Car has expensive taste!!

2008-04-15T23:54:00.003+08:00

I dont know if it's an irony or what but aiyo, my car break down again!!! And of all places, Bangsar!! So happened a colleague who seldom reaches late called to see where I was and I told her that I was late too. Traffic was bad everywhere. I stopped opposite Berry's to quickly grab bread on the way to work. Then, panic strike when I try starting my car and it just won't start!

I of course called my colleague for a favor and off we went to Tom's (closest workshop) to get mechanics and jump start cable to resurrect my car. After it started, drove it there to check and of course battery was one of the main issue and I decided to just service as well. The car already broke down once at the traffic light to turn to McD's in Bangsar last year.

My colleague had to pull my leg by saying that my car knows my taste! I honestly freaked out as I couldn't think of where to go but Tom's since it's the closest. Celaka haha as if by going to Tom's shows that I have expensive taste. The bill was rather expensive when there are things required to change. I chose prime importance and left out the rest. It almost came to 1K!!! Almost unacceptable just coz I didn't have time to bring my car which was due for service on Saturday, sigh!

Time to change, time to change.

Celine really wowed KL!

2008-04-15T00:00:00.002+08:00

Monday April 14, 2008

Dion wows KL
By MELODY GOH and JO TEH

KUALA LUMPUR: Canadian singing sensation Celine Dion lived up to her top billing right here last night with a power-packed performance in the open.

The petite 39-year-old Dion performed 22 songs, almost non-stop, as over 10,000 fans at Stadium Merdeka followed her every move, and tune.

The show kicked off at 8.50pm with vignettes of Dion’s many music videos shown on two large screen placed at the sides of the stage.

The singer got things going with the fast-paced I Drove All Night, followed by one of her smash hits, Power of Love.

Thrilling concert: Dion performing in front of more than 10,000 fans at Stadium Merdeka last night.

Dion then extended her apologies to Malaysians for postponing the show, which had initially been scheduled for April 8, saying that she had fallen ill while performing in Australia.

“Thank you for being understanding and for giving me another chance to perform here tonight,” said Dion, as the audience cheered her on.

She also said that the rain began to worry her when she arrived here earlier yesterday.

“But I was told that it usually rained in the afternoons here, so that was all right,” she quipped.

Backed by an ensemble that included four guitarists, a drummer and a pianist, Dion also belted out her other chart-topping hits like Because You Loved Me, All By Myself, Alone and a French number, Pour Que Tu M’Aimes Encore.

Also on stage with her were three backing vocalists and eight dancers, who entertained the audience during short intervals.

Dion reserved the best for last, when she sang her monster hit My Heart Will Go On, which was the theme song for the movie Titanic.

The concert, part of her “Taking Chances World Tour” with Kuala Lumpur being the only South-East Asian venue, ended at 10.30pm.

Celine Dion "Taking Chances" Concert

2008-04-14T23:19:00.008+08:00

Yup, I got ready for this concert yesterday. Tapau Burger King and headed towards town, my most feared place to visit.

I enjoyed the concert! Bumped into several old friends too. Only stupid thing is that we HAD to wait for the ROYALTIES only can the concert begin, celaka!!! Waited for a good 1 hour. What the heck! The part that was funny and enjoyable by the crowd is the start of the Mexican Wave, the crowd was really sporting!! ;D

The best part, Mexican Wave haha

I Drove All Night was Celine's opening song which blended perfectly to the next power ballad, Power of Love. It was followed by Taking Chances, It's All Coming Back To Me (one of my fav!!), Because U Loved Me , To Love U More, dance performance by 4 couples, Eyes On Me, All By Myself, I'm Alive, Shadow Of Love, I'm Your Angel, French Song, Think Twice, My Love, We'll Rock You (tribute to Queen), The Show Must Go On, It's a Men's World, Working on ...., and ended with all time hit, My Heart Will Go On. In between there were several dance performances which was very enjoyable!

No More Dilemma

2008-04-13T17:07:00.001+08:00

Got an intuition to check this store that I previously got my things from and luckily, just luckily that I found out that they had the color edition that I wanted and my dilemma ended haha!!! Somemore waste money go to Midvalley 3 days in a row.

Kick Boxing & Food Tasting

2008-04-13T12:25:00.006+08:00

Ahhhh....I restarted my kickboxing again on Sat and paid for 8 classes. Fingers crossed that I can complete everything by the end of the month. Oh and they increased the fees by RM10!!!! Headed to the studio for a bit after kickboxing class and then later went to Ddt's house to chill.

Got changed and left for Midvalley to check out the SE phones on promotion. Hmmm....dilemma, buy or not to buy. So ngam that I wanted to change my phone coz the camera just takes forever to load plus the N Series punya Symbian OS can die one, lagging and slow. Today's the day I decide sigh if I want to part ways with my money because of the promotion that they are having. It's RM200 cheaper for the model that I saw compared to the last weekend when I was in OU.

Since I have not decided and we need to go for food tasting, we left and headed off to Mont Kiara. We were well 5-10 mins late but our friends came an hour later T_T...so hungry until we ordered bread first to eat whilst waiting.

Seared Tuna on Pickles

Caviar on Toast

Caesar Salad

Seared Cod with Ratatouille of Veg, Sauteed Rosemary Potato

Roasted Chicken Leg with Herbs Potato, Classic Cream Spinach

Aged Ribeye with Garlic Chips, Roasted Onion, Wild Rocket

Choc Chip Cookies with Hot Fudge & Espresso

Started my Program

2008-04-12T12:13:00.003+08:00

Wow, I can't believe that I have officially started my program. Well having had a late night and having to wake up early for a function, my head's spinning a little. Woke up, got ready and headed off to Pyramid for an event. Well, no harm earning extra money :) Some pictures from event after my session's over. It was actually an awareness organized by Nestle on nutrition combining several brands from Milo to new brand like Yuco which is a new cultured milk drink.

A little unproductive week, I must admit

2008-04-11T00:24:00.004+08:00

Wow, after having not danced like a mad person, it really was like "padan muka" kind of slap in the face for not having warm up the body. Ache lasted till Wednesday. I was having bad sinus on Monday, feeling all sickly. Tuesday was better, attended a school program in the morning before clocking into work. Went to see the doctor to see if I can obtain an MC, bugger queue damn long!

Taught my class "Soiree" in the evening. Wednesday was so so, supposed meeting a friend for dinner, tak jadi and went out with another friend at MV and had drinks in Chilli's instead. It was first time parking in Garden's, not bad. Today was a slow day. Just don't seem to be able to concentrate.

Lastly, just dislike the fact of being pushed around here and there. Enough of unnecessary stress and to top up with other BS, it's just bad, arghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyways, TGIF tomorrow! yes yes yes!!!

Sunday - Party Time!!!

2008-04-07T23:22:00.001+08:00

I woke up early for the jamming and workshop for this year's competition songs. It was held at the Community Hall in Taman Tun, a now common spot for most of the instructors. It was workshop from 9am-2pm, followed by the party from 2:30pm-8:30pm.

Wasn't feeling too good, not sure why. Surprisingly to me, food was kind of rejected by my system. Oh well, ended up having dinner at Cake Sense opposite Pizza Hut in TTDI after that, hungry la!

Where did my Sat go??

2008-04-06T01:26:00.004+08:00

Started the day by doing my laundry and then headed off to the studio after not having been there for a while. It was a waste of time for me because I ended up sitting there for a bit doing nothing and just watching. Headed off to 1U to check on the dress's alteration. Somehow they still didn't get it right so got to leave it there once again.

Went to tapau lunch for grandma and took a shower before heading off for Kickboxing. Unfortunately thanks to the heavy traffic, I know I won't be able to make it on time so I detoured back and slept for a bit because was feeling very sleepy. Not sure why. Then DDT called and off I got ready to leave and met her at her place before left to do what we were going to do. Ended up at Bijou for drinks then.

Pool View from bijou

Met up with DL for dinner at Hartamas later and bought 3 DVDs! I got the Atonement, We Own The Night & Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

A week's training

2008-04-06T00:56:00.004+08:00

Ahh...it was finally over. The management has organized a 5 day offsite training for all the marketers at a hotel. It was a very expensive course.

Day 1 (Mon, 31st March)
Course started from 4pm and ended at 6pm. We started had some finger food before the start of it. It was basically an introduction by our facilitator of what to expect throughout the week. Had dinner at the Manhattan Fish Market restaurant in Subang Parade with a colleague.

Day 2 (Tues, 1st April)
Actual course started. Though I live the nearest, traffic can be bad. Facilitator has mentioned specifically to reach 5 minutes to 9am. Course starts at 9am and I reached on the dot thanks to traffic *phew* It was a lot to absorb on the first full day training. It's a lot of theory but at the end of it, there's a game that we have to play. All marketeers inclusive of the TM team were divided into 4 groups aka companies. I was in Company 4.

The game is to see how each company devise their strategies to manage the brands given to them. I was in the only group that didn't have a Mktg Mgr. We also had our TM colleague from Singapore and she's the only representative. Had Japanese lunch for the first time at Miyako. Never knew the hotel has this Jap restaurant.

Day 3 (Wed, 2nd April)
The training continued and got more intense by the day. As competition heats up between the companies, it got really competitive and we don't share our work at all. Good thing is also that we got to know our colleagues better because of the mix of how each company was grouped. Lunch was at the Coffee House.

Day 4 (Thurs, 3rd April)
As usual, more things given by the facilitator to confuse our mind! He has told us right from the start that this training will and is served to mess up the already existing jigsaw puzzle in our brains so it's normal to start wondering and thinking and not feeling comfortable thinking that things that you have known all along suddenly didn't seem quite right. In other words, you feel stupid.

Lunch was at the Coffe House. Dinner was at Miyako, Japanese restaurant. Put up a night in the hotel as we had to work late within the companies because of the presentation due the following day.

Day 5 (Fri, 4th April)
Presentation and wrap up day. Happy to know that we were the 2nd company with the biggest revenue and the biggest growth in share which is ultimately what Shareholders of any MNC sees. We just lost out by 1% to the first company. Oh well, fantastic learning for everyone!

Last lunch was at the Coffee House before everyone split ways. Because of our intense training, our HR director actually allowed us the rest of the day off. Most of us went back because work obviously would have piled up over the week. I did go back and prior to that, headed to the LHDN to collect my E-Pin for E-filing of the income tax submission form.

PM to quit?

2008-04-03T00:26:00.000+08:00

Wednesday April 2, 2008

PM denies rumours that he will quit

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has brushed aside speculation that he would step down as Prime Minister.

Bernama reported that the Prime Minister reiterated that he would not run away from his responsibilities.

"I am here. I am here. I am here. They make all the speculations that I want to run away, I've resigned. Why should I resign?"

"My Government has got a strong majority (although) not the twothirds (majority), but very strong...that is the stand of support."

"Why I must run away from my entrusted responsibility," he was quoted by Bernama as saying, after meeting Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said at his office here Wednesday.

Speculation on the matter had been rife in the wake of calls by his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, that Abdullah should step down for the Barisan Nasional's poor showing in the March 8 general election.

The BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament, winning only 140 of the 222 parliamentary while the Opposition captured 82 seats.

BN also lost control of Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah and the majority of seats in the Federal territory besides failing to wrest Kelantan from PAS.

And you wonder why I don't buy Proton....

2008-04-03T00:17:00.001+08:00

Monday March 31, 2008

Proton issues recall on its Savvy
Proton is recalling its Savvy over a possible problem with regards to the car’s rear-wheel bearings.

The company said a recent inspection has brought to its attention that water could get into the bearings, which could lead to a malfunction.

The recall has a bearing, for sure ....
“The safety and satisfaction of our customers is a primary concern. As a precautionary measure, we are recalling all Savvys for inspection and repair,” Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed said in a press statement.

The recall will affect a total of 34,000 cars. All Savvy owners are advised to take their cars to the nearest Proton Edar or EON service branch for an inspection.

Proton said it would conduct the necessary checks and replacements at no cost to the customer. They can also call Proton i-Care at 1-300-880-888 for further info.

11 years and still into the case

2008-04-02T07:55:00.000+08:00

Tuesday April 1, 2008

Judge says Diana's butler "did not tell the truth"
By Paul Majendie

LONDON (Reuters) - Princess Diana's butler Paul Burrell did not tell the truth at the inquest into her death, the presiding judge told a jury in London on Tuesday.

A photograph of the Princess of Wales left by a mourner is adorned with a rose August 31, 2002 on the gates of Kensington Palace on the fifth anniversary of her death. (REUTERS/Chris Helgren/Files)
"All in all, you may think Burrell's behaviour has been pretty shabby," Lord Justice Scott Baker told the jury as he concluded the official inquiry into the death of Diana and her lover Dodi al-Fayed in a Paris car crash in 1997.

Burrell, the butler who called himself "Diana's Rock", faced a three-day grilling from lawyers when he appeared at the inquest in January. He was repeatedly asked how much he really knew about secrets he was supposed to have held for Diana.

In February, Scott Baker asked Burrell to return to court to explain discrepancies between his evidence and comments attributed to him in a tabloid newspaper, but he refused.

"It was blindingly obvious wasn't it, that the evidence that he gave in this courtroom was not the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," Scott Baker said on Tuesday.

In a scathing reference to Burrell's emotionally charged testimony, he told the jury: "I advise you to proceed with caution especially when and if you are left with the impression that he only told you what he wanted you to hear."

The coroner was summing up to the jury after they had heard from more than 250 witnesses over the past six months in an inquest into Diana's death.

Harrods' owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, Dodi's father, fought a long legal battle to have the inquest heard by a judge and jury. Under British law, an inquest is needed to determine the cause of death when someone dies unnaturally.

The inquest was delayed for 10 years because Britain had to wait for the French legal process and then a British police investigation to run their course before it could begin.

Both police inquiries decided it was a tragic accident because chauffeur Henri Paul was drunk and driving too fast.

"PROBLEM SOLVED"

Tuesday's proceedings were held up for two hours after the court received a last-minute e-mail from France referring to a possible sample from Paul, who died at the wheel of the speeding Mercedes which was being pursued by paparazzi.

But the judge resumed after an extensive break, telling the jury without going into any detail "The problem has been solved. There is nothing to be concerned about."

On Monday, the opening day of his presentation to the jury, the judge dismissed conspiracy theories held by Mohamed al-Fayed, father of Dodi.

Al-Fayed had claimed Diana and his son were killed by British security services on the orders of Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, because the royal family did not want the mother of the future king to have a child with Dodi al-Fayed.

The 11-member jury is due to be sent out on Wednesday to consider their decision after the judge finishes his summing up. They have five verdicts to choose from.

They can opt for unlawful killing through gross negligence by the chauffeur, by "following vehicles" or by both.

The other two alternatives are accidental death or an open verdict if the jury felt there was not enough evidence to support any substantive verdict.

Copyright © 2008 Reuters

April Fool's Day

2008-04-01T22:34:00.001+08:00

Honestly, I almost forgot what the above means. Quite busy with training and minds were all focused there. Lunch was at Miyako, Jap food in Sheraton Subang. I never knew they had it to be honest. Placement was interesting as it was far away from the rooms that we were working in.

My all time favorite soft shell crab sux! The Gindara and Beef was good! yum yum! I feel like a pig to be honest as it's just eating and sitting down. I must control my diet. Yea yea people told me that I lost a bit but that doesn't mean that I can just let go and overeat.

Ahh back to this day losing its touch. My colleague actually told me that she wanted to pull a prank on me and another colleague today. Can ah like that? You tell me haha...no longer syiok d!

Baskin Robbin's Discount

2008-04-01T22:27:00.002+08:00

Well, I obviously wanted to try to catch one of the bi-monthly discount that is offered on the 31st of any month. Well places like Subang Parade also can be pack. Imagine Mont Kiara, etc...where yuppies populate! I was there for dinner at the Manhattan Fish Market. Since the Sea Platter for two or three was obviously too much to bear, I skipped the ice cream bit else I think I will probably throw up. Oh well, next time!

Miracle

2008-03-31T19:26:00.002+08:00

Man, this is a miracle! Unbelievable. It's 7:30pm and I am home haha!!! Buy 4 digits yea, sure strike one!!! I'm home, am home. Today's the opening session of what is to be expected in the next 3 1/2 days of our Brand War training.

What have I been up to?

2008-03-29T00:10:00.005+08:00

Ahh..haven't been blogging, been really lazy. Now lets look at what I have been up to. It has been better the past 2-3 weeks for me, having weekends and a bit of life without having to go back to the silly office to work. Done some shopping too, happiness! Bought 2 dresses at a good discount thanks Citibank's additional privilege. Time was also spent more at home and meeting up with friends as well.

Thursday, 27th Mar was a fruitful day for me. Left early as I had an appointment. Managed to do the other things like terminating my gym membership (finally), buying the 2 pillowcases from Jusco which I've been reminding myself to do. This Sat, I managed to fix my shoes with the cobbler in Taipan at a much cheaper rate! Shall never do it in BSc again, haven't reach that standard yet..

Sat was good. I took grandma up for lunch in my previous frequented shop called Jaya Noodle House. They have now moved to Jaya One since Jaya has been closed for refurbishment. Met up with a Swiss friend from WAYN later in the night. Name's Olivier. He was here on business. Had dinner at Sri Ayuthaya in D'sara Heights. Wanted to try Kinaree but it closed early, at 9:30pm. How la to do business???

Well, I feel happier these days as I am trying to fix some of my priorities! Bought some undergarments thanks to La Senza's biggest sale ever today (Sun). Also met a friend from MSN. Had a quick drink at Cravings and cousin just visited and signed me up for a program. We shall wait and see! :)

Cute Salsa

2008-03-27T00:33:00.002+08:00

My salsa has a PJ! Unbelievable :D

d italiane kitchen

2008-03-26T23:58:00.006+08:00

It's been work work work, i know, boring! After one of a meeting that I had, me and my PR agency tried out this new place, d Italiane Kitchen at Jaya 33. Nice food I must say and nice ambience too!

Bangkok Business Trip - Day 2

2008-03-23T14:36:00.003+08:00

Got up early the next day as we had to meet up really early. I woke up only to find out that I lost 50% of my voice. I figured that it was the mandarin orange that I had at midnight. Sigh, oh well what a way to start the day! At least I don't have to present much then haha....

Grand Millenium uses WMF as their cutleries! :)

We headed on for a full day meeting before we left for the airport. I finally had my mango sticky rice in this trip only during dinner at the new airport. Lots of luxurious, designer shops and it's huge and long!

Bangkok Business Trip

2008-03-20T17:30:00.008+08:00

I was in Bangkok on a 2 day business trip. So of course they had to put us up at a hotel. It's a nice one right in the city, and very near the office. Its Grand Millenium at Sukhumvit. It was quite a busy 2 days work day, very little left for shopping or in fact barely. Initial plan was to come in half the day and only have a full day meeting on the last day but suddenly all had to change, celaka!

We left for the office to meet up with our Thai colleagues. Nice office I must say and modern too, unlike ours, sigh! We must catch up. The ones we need to meet up were at a production house so we headed that way. Had our lunch and discussion there. Food was sedap gila!!! :D

Hmm..interesting signage I found in the BTS, Skytrain. We took the Skytrain and head towards MBK, one of the more popular shopping arcade for tourists where you can find nice things to buy whether for own use or as gifts. Too bad, the time we had left was very short!

Sign says: Please offer the seat to monks

Bangkok Trip - Airport

2008-03-20T15:23:00.007+08:00

It was another pack week after the Singapore meeting. Had to work on the weekend in preparation for the silly early morning flight to Bangkok. I barely slept. Cab was supposed to come by 5:15am and he ended up late because he was a new guy and wasn't too familiar.

First time to the new Bangkok International Airport. Nice! The last I came was in Q3 2005 and it was still the old one.

Signage says that anyone who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding USD20K must declare to a Customs Officer

Wardrobe search

2008-03-20T12:22:00.002+08:00

Yes yes I know I'm supposed to save money but I can't be living out of a suitcase forever! Unfortunately, my room is small and can't have everything in it so I'm maximising and doing the best that I can within the limited space that I have. I checked out Maxima in SS18, Subang a week ago. There's one that suits my room best.

I'm surveying around for more options and comparison. Just saw another one in Midvalley on Sunday, called Sagol and it's from France, quite pricey. All are with the same sliding door, anti jump system, etc... I need to survey more.

Rounding Up / Down Policy

2008-03-20T11:28:00.003+08:00

A new policy of rounding up or down to the closest 0 or 5 has been introduced which takes effect from 1st April 08 onwards. I spotted this in front of Parkson in Sunway Pyramid.

There are 4 examples:
1) If amount is at RM82.01/RM82.02, it will be rounded down to RM82.00.
2) If the amount is RM82.03/RM82.04, it will be rounded up to RM82.05.
3) If amount is RM82.06/RM82.07, it will be rounded down to RM82.05.
4) If amount is RM82.08/RM82.09, it will be rounded up to RM82.10.

Thai Dinner in SG

2008-03-16T21:14:00.006+08:00

After a fruitful meeting with the SG team, we went for trade visit. Our last stop was in Vivocity and that's where we had our Yummy Thai Dinner. I just realised that after seeing the menu and serviettes, they are the same with the Amarin Thai, Garage, Thai Nudle Bar in MY! Cool!

Spoke to the friendly waiters and the manager was nice to me and only did I find out later that I was right that it's a branch from MY and he's Malaysian too.

Tomyam Soup

Killer mango salad - super spicy!!!

Fishcake

Bridge to Sentosa Island

The red dots is the entry the to Sentosa Island

Terminal 3, Singapore

2008-03-16T20:51:00.006+08:00

I was in Singapore on 3rd March for a business trip and we landed in the new Terminal 3 that officially opened for flight operations on Jan 9. It looks highly modern and sophisticated and will also have more retail shops than the other 2 terminals. Definitely looking forward to the shops once it's fully opened!

Final Day of my CNY getaway

2008-03-16T20:33:00.012+08:00

This is our free and easy day and we are spending the whole day in Kuta. Flight is at midnight, strange arrangement to me but oh well, it still gives us 1 full day here in Bali.

Kuta Beach

Modern looking McD's in Kuta

Kuta Town

Ground Zero memorial in the day

Ground Zero

It was hot so after doing some sightseeing/shopping in Kuta town, we went back to the hotel to rest and pack. However, I wasn't too satisfied and decided to go to the town centre again because I didn't get anything.

Coffee Bean!!!

A&W, KFC....

Dynasty Hotel Room

Hotel surroundings

Dinner in the Hotel before we check out

Our reliable tour guide - Hari

Increased airport tax to pay eff Nov 07 - 150,000 Rupiahs

Goodbye Bali! Till next time!

All those highlighted in orange are areas that we've covered

5th day of my CNY getaway (cont)

2008-03-16T11:41:00.014+08:00

Last stop after Git Git.....I think it's called Lake Tembelingan. Shouldn't be blogging 5 weeks after haha and forgetting some details!

Ended the day with a good 1 1/2 hour massage at Gajuh Bali Spa near Kuta.

On our way back from the massage parlour, we asked the driver to bring us to check out Ground Zero where the major bomb that disrupted Bali happened in 2002.

After dropping us at our hotel to deposit our things, we bade the guide and driver goodbye and walked to a nearby seafood restaurant called Mini.

That ends our 5 non stop touring days as we look forward to a free and easy in Kuta town tomorrow and some shopping too.

5th day of my CNY getaway

2008-03-15T19:18:00.024+08:00

I must say that the breakfast spread here is much better than Bali Khama with more variety. It was our final tour before we leave the next day so we cover the northern part of it right from the famous rice terrace to the hot water spring and waterfall.

Belimbing was the first stop famous for the rice terraces. Indulge below!

Cocoa plant

Some fruit meant for making tea, can't be eaten

Vanilla Pods

Had tea break here before moving on

Next stop was to Banjar where it's famous for the hot water spring. Honestly, none of us felt like going in after seeing what it looks like. The water was warm though.

From Banjar, we moved on to Aditya where there's beach. We had our lunch there too. It was a buffet spread.

Yay, finally we were going to see tallest waterfall in Bali called Git Git with a height of 100m.

Entrance Fee

Making our way to the waterfall

Chilli

First stop with waterfall in the background

Stream

Alas, Git Git Waterfall!!

4th day of my CNY getaway (cont)

2008-03-15T12:44:00.014+08:00

Next to the Mediocre Restaurant, there was like a factory outlet for the Australia surf brands ie Roxy, Quiksilver, Billabong and Element so we went to have a look. I bought a T-Shirt for my brother. There were good discount for the shorts but they don't have my size unfortunately!

Having done all our hotel visiting and lunch, we headed to check into the Dynasty Hotel in the city, Kuta. First impression wasn't that great because the hotel was bought over and major renovation was being done so the check in was relocated to a little corner on the right side.

After checking in, took a quick change and walked to town and check out shopping mall. Guess what I stumbled upon???

Krispy Kremessssssss!!!!!! Obviously I had my share!!! How could I not? Well I was a bit greedy and I overbought as I wanted to try other variants and some fusspot wouldn't eat :P What did you think happened? I had to eat for breakfast the next day too! Coach came to pick us from the shopping mall and headed to Uluwatu or aka Monkey Forest where they have the beautiful cliff and nice view overlooking the Indian Ocean. Why Monkey Forest? You would see. Uluwatu is also famous for another traditional dance called Kecak Dance.

Beautiful Cliff View

Indian Ocean

Monkey helping find tick for his friend!

Mini stadium where the Kecak Dance is

Poser Monkeys, salute!

After Uluwatu/Monkey Forest, we were heading for a 2nd round of Sudanese food. It was much better than the first one we had in Kuta.

God of something, I forgot

Everyone went back with full stomach! Chilled at the hotel. CC and me went for back, neck and shoulder massage. I know I know, really know how to enjoy! :D

4th day of my CNY getaway

2008-03-13T23:25:00.015+08:00

Today is where we leave our beautiful resort in Tanjong Benoa and moving on to the Dynasty Hotel in Kuta. We started the day by hotel visiting our the breakfast. First stop is Novotel, Tanjong Benoa, just next door to Bali Khama Resort.

Next it was Ayodya Bali, Resort in Nusa Dua (Ex Hilton). It has 500 rooms and it was full when we tried to book it!

The Palace (the more premium side) private pool

Koi Pond

Ahhh, the next hotel is the ever famous Four Seasons Hotel. There are 2 in Bali, one of which showcases a traditional setup and one which showcases a modern setup. This is located in Jimbaran Bay. We didn't have time to cover Ritz Carlton which is also in the same area.

Now it was for the famous Nasi Padang lunch in Bali. We had in Restaurant Sederhana. Sederhana in English means mediocre but boy oh boy, the food was good (not really my cuppa tea but for the rest) and service was fast beyond words. The minute you seat, the rice and the dishes are served in under 5minutes, amazing!

1st half of the spread

The other half spread

Full Spread

3rd day of my CNY getaway (cont)

2008-03-09T00:51:00.009+08:00

After lunch, we saw really beautiful young rice terraces. Bedugul is famous for their rice terrace. Having taken loads of pics, we went for tea break before continuing the day's journey.

Rice Terrace

More Rice Terrace

Even More Rice Terrace

Our transport

Adult Rice Terrace

We proceeded to our final stop, Tanah Lot which is famous for its temple in the sea. There's loads of shopping too!!! I started my 1st round of things to buy for family/friends here.

Getting to Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot entrance - already can do shopping!

Bats as pets?!

Making our way to the temple

Famous temple by the sea

It was shopping for us on the way out from visiting the temple. Bought quite a bit of 2 piece attire for mum and negotiated for cheap dresses (only found out after I got back that I couldn't fit into it and given to my cousin leaving to US! :D
Left for the hotel after the shopping and let the driver/guide off earlier. We took our time, showered and had dinner at McQueens restaurant after narrowing down our options just opposite our resort. Perfect food to end the day. It was the traditional Balinese food that we had :)

3rd day of my CNY getaway

2008-03-08T01:21:00.008+08:00

Next day we were up early for breakfast in order to go watch the Barong Dance, one of the famous cultural dance. It was in Batubulan. The show lasted for about an hour.

Barong - good animal

Rangda - evil

From there, we moved on to visit the Royal Temple at Taman Ayun. It is where the royal families are buried or memorial built.

Cock fighting zone

View from the wooden bell tower

Royal Families' memorial

Ahh...this is the interesting bit! We had babi guling (the famous must have) for the first time at Bedugul. The place was located by the road side but food was good and place was considered clean! Sorry that I didn't manage to snap a picture as the food wasn't presented that nicely.

2nd day of my CNY getaway (cont)

2008-03-02T19:46:00.011+08:00

It was a wet trip all the way. We continued the journey passing areas that have smaller rice terrace around. Well this is the adult ones almost ready for harvest.

Adult rice terrace

Off we left for Klungkung where it's famous for its Floating Pavilion and High Court Justice.

Floating Pavillion

Making our way to Court Justice opposite

After having taken loads of pictures, we left for town near the massage/spa area and had a drink at Kopi Bali House. We were looking for chains like CoffeBean/Starbucks and I supposed this came closest.

Alas, a massage and spa to look forward to. Just the perfect solution to a fruitful day. It was a 1 hour massage session and the other hour is the spa where they practically scrub you 'naked' front and back. It feels good in a way because God knows when was the last time we really scrub our backs (if we could reach even!). Only shy bit is when you share the room with another person. The rose petal bath came after us having to take a quick shower to remove the scrub.

Our first Sudanese dinner in Bali. I know it's not Balinese food but oh well, it's good to try other variety to see what they have to offer. It was very near the massage parlour.

Parvon Pasundan - 1st sudanese dinner

Restaurant's shot using my camera with a tripod

Monochrome option

Retro option

Villa at night

Air conditioned lobby

2nd day of my CNY getaway

2008-03-02T16:02:00.013+08:00

It's the 1st day of CHINESE NEW YEAR PEOPLE!

Daily breakfast was provided so we are trying for the first time today. The spread was normal, nothing fantastic really. I like the congee though. Other than that, it was so so. Such contrast with the picturesque resort villa. By the way, the villa that we stayed in was the Honeymoon Villa. Really nice!!

All ready for the 1st day of breakfast

Breakfast spread

After breakfast, off we started the journey up North to visit the famous wood cravers in a place called "Mas." The journey I think took around 45 minutes. We visited Wismaya Art Gallery.

Views from the coach

Wood cravers

After about 20 mins, we headed up north to Kintamani. It's approximately 1,100m above sea level so weather was cooler there. Coolness! CNY period is expected to have rainy / wet weather and true enough, it was!

At the top of Puri Sanjaya with a statue

Lake Batur / Volcano View

Lunch Place in Kintamani

Moving on to Besakih, the Mother of all Hindu Temple. So if you have seen this, you have seen it all! Must know how to really fully utilize the timespan that we have :)

Holy place where locals perform their rituals

Resort Pictures

2008-03-01T12:27:00.007+08:00

After having the seafood dinner, we left for the resort to rest and I took the opportunity to take as much pictures as I can whilst everything was still untouched ;)

Villa Entrance

Villa lounge

Pathway to private pool

Private pool

Bath Tub

Shower

Honeymooners Bed

1st day of my CNY getaway

2008-03-01T10:54:00.011+08:00

Finally, yes finally I am trying to make some thing to blog about this. If any later, I may forget the juicy details. It's almost a month overdue blog. Here I go. The night before I left, I packed till the early morning as I was as usual swamped with the workload. I drove my car and left it parked at MK so that I've transport back after getting back from my holiday.

The flight was at 12:55pm on 6th Feb but it was slightly delayed. It was my first time flying via QATAR Airways. It wasn't a big plane but it was ok. The only "NOT SO OK" bit was the people sitting on the right side. I'm really not being a racist but it was an Indian couple (all swooned up, probably on their honeymoon trip) on my right side. Everything was fine until the man decides to just lift his arm up to stretch and put behind his head. That's when trouble started. If only I had my "Odor Stop" with me...

Flight was slightly under 3 hours and by the time I reach, it was about almost 5pm. On the way to the immigration, we picked up some brochures to plan the rest of the 5-6 days that we were there. The guide was there waiting for us and after loading our luggages into the coach/van, we left for the resort.

Resort Entrance

Lobby area

View ahead from Lobby

SARI Boutique in the resort

Walking towards the swimming pool

Lobby view from swimming pool

After checking in and settling down the luggages, we headed off to dinner without wasting much time. It was a blessing in disguise that I didn't swap to a short pants because I so fabulously tripped over the steps on the way to the lobby. I hurt my wrist because I used it to cushion the fall.

It was a Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Bay. Well, it's also a famous place for diners to eat whilst indulging in the view of the sunset.

Dinner Place

Each gets a flower upon entry

Choosing your seafood

Entrance to the dining area

Before sunset view

Seafood spread

Yummy prawn

After sunset view, live band performing

Happy Leap Day!

2008-02-29T00:31:00.003+08:00

February 28, 2008

For some, Leap Day is a celebration

By Jim Shilander
Herald-Republica

"ANGOLA, Ind. -- And so Friday ends the oddest of months. Every four years, the shortest month of the Gregorian calendar gets a little shot of adrenaline with a big ending.
Due to the Earth's rotation actually lasting 365 days and six hours, the extra day coming (nearly) every four years is used to correct the actual number of days.
This leap year brings an occurrence that happens once every 28 years. Leap day will be on a Friday this year, an occurrence that last happened in 1980 and will occur again in 2036, said Dolores Tichenor, a professor of mathematics at Tri-State University.
"It's fairly regular, every four years, it changes by five-day cycles continually," Tichenor said. This pattern changes when the calendar hits those century years without leap days."

2008 Resolutions & Goals

2008-02-29T00:17:00.003+08:00

I know I know it's already end February but I was thinking if I don't this sorted out, it will just be another year that pass by and I know that I'm maturing by the year :P

I may just change along the way and these are just some of my things that have been on my mind:

1) Lose Weight (trying to not NATO but Just Do It!). Start in Mar 08 & incorporate regular exercises
2) Time Management (less procrastination and apply Murphy's Law)
3) Get Organized
4) Diligently read the Lord's word (buy bible for fun only if I don't read)
5) No shopping! (impossible but must CUT down on luxurious items)
6) Find a Man! (I should put as Top Priority haha... just kidding!) If desperate, sure don't have one.
7) Clear Debts (try not to splurge unnecessarily, eat like a popper!)
8) Temper/Mood Swings (to lower and lessen it, else I may live to regret..)
9) Spend time with parents
10) Prioritisation (interlinks with No. 9)

I can't think of anything else coz overworked today and brain's kind of dead. Signing off....Nite!

Sunday Gathering

2008-02-26T23:48:00.003+08:00

It's an interesting Sunday today because it was the first meet up / tiny gathering for me with few of my primary school friends. Man, time really flies. For those who turned 28 already, it's 16 years since we left Primary 6! Haha a few of us are in denial especially those born in the last quarter of the year, including me of course.

This gathering came about because of my good old friend, Siew Kim back in primary school and she's migrating to the US for good. Yay, me got a place to stay in LA, California next time hehehe....so mean I know :P Anyways, I picked Siew Kim up as she lives nearby and headed off to Puchong for Tim Sum at Meixin Restaurant. Directions from another friend wasn't clear but we got to the place in the end.

Later, we paid a surprise visit to our Primary 6 class teacher, Mrs. Yang. Worst of al, I couldn't even remember who was the teacher and how she looked like until we turned up at her doorstep. I shan't elaborate but for whatever reason, no matter where I go, I'm somehow remembered hehe ... ain't sharing if it's in a Notorious or a Famous Way! Well my name's unique so bleh :P

Saturday supposed excitement!

2008-02-24T23:54:00.002+08:00

This was the longest that I have ever slept in God knows how long! I actually slept through 11 hours! Haven't really planned out the day yet. Did my laundry, my usual practice on Saturdays and suddenly I got a text to go for a charity drive, getting a spin in your choice between a Ferrari, Lamborghini or a Porsche in Sepang.

So I thought why not?? Something different at least to spice up my weekend a bit. I wasn't too keen initially but then decided to go anyway. I had to make my way to 1U in order for my friend to pick me up. He had to pick other people too who happened to be in 1U / One World Hotel. Everyone was rather geared up for it and guess what....my friend got the date completely wrong, unbelievable!!!!!!!! Then we detoured at KLIA exit as we found out it was indeed my friend's mistake. The event was meant for Sunday.

Feeling bad already, he offered to either have food or drinks in a less noisy place. I suggested Delicious, Bangsar Village. Had the afternoon high tea with Watermelon & Lychee Blast. So filling! Later, headed off to MK to pick up a CD and had dinner together with Darcy, CC & Dato at Tropicana. Since I wasn't that hungry, I ordered Ala Carte over opting for a buffet spread. That's about all that has happened yesterday.

Toyota Rush

2008-02-24T03:06:00.003+08:00

Ahh....finally satisfy mum's and my curiosity by going to check out the Toyota Rush. Honestly pricing is rather reasonable for a 7 seater car. Well it kind of have the RAV4's look though it's not 100% close. It's a 2WD and frankly speaking, it's just too big for me but it's a good car for families. Price was RM89K and there's 4 colors to choose from.

If it was a 5 seater, I would have taken it. Well Perodua is launching one under "Terrias" sometime May (i went to check out too) and it seems the pricing will be RM95K onwards. That's crazy and beyond my budget. It's the 2nd generation Kembara and it's exactly the same as the Toyota Rush and it's going to be a 5 seater and it's a 4WD.

Give me an exciting topic please!

2008-02-24T02:53:00.003+08:00

I wonder if I can say anything other than work! It's really up to my neck or even forehead now to be exact! Given the fact that I have long neck, it seems far to reach forehead so I will stick to the forehead instead. It's like back to back meeting man! I am really tired physically and mentally. It's really terrible and given the fact that you don't have lovely colleagues doesn't make things any easier.

Back to back meetings and lots of presentation to get ready. I still managed to go teach the Tuesday class. Wednesday and Thursday was mad because I had less than 5 hours sleep so Friday, I was knocked out completely. I did some shooting well for personal reasons. I will blog about it if it was successful ;)

My company's Sports Club organized the CNY dinner and it was in Sheraton Subang. I was well NOT really fashionably late but good thing I came later. Reason is that the dinner can't be started until at least few directors arrived coz they need to 'lou sang' haha!! We had 6 tables in total. Food was so so only. Here are some pics from the dinner with my colleagues.

Beloved Cousin

2008-02-24T01:36:00.004+08:00

This is a belated blog about last weekend whereby I spent some time with my cousin who came back only once after 5 years and going back to the States soon. It was a really a surprise visit when she came back. Well she tried surprising me but I guessed I surprised her in return by not being around during CNY. Sorry dear!

Only met her once i am back from my CNY holiday and on Sat at the airport just before sending her off. She came on Friday night to meet me once more before she left. Here's some pics.

Laziness - update since I got back from hols

2008-02-19T23:42:00.002+08:00

I know that I am supposed to be blogging about my getaway but it's been really tiring and I will end up staying really late nights and be non-productive at work in the daytime. Can't take it. I will try to keep up ASAP before I forget what took place. Basically I have been really busy with work, work late and lack of sleep as I try to keep up with my blogging or replying to emails, msgs or doing something with Facebook.

Not doing justice to my eyes really. I am yet to check with the specialist! I just feel something's not too right. Oh well, am going to bed now for once a bit earlier as I would like to go to work earlier.

Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

2008-02-17T14:08:00.002+08:00

Oh man, I am so addicted to this song! Been listening to it and repeating god knows how many times! The music videos that I tried to download seemed to get stuck halfway and I managed to find a full song video and it's live, who cares!

1 day earlier Pre CNY Dinner

2008-02-16T23:49:00.001+08:00

Because I well was guiltily leaving for my holiday the next day, I had the pre-CNY dinner one day earlier. If I literally translate from Cantonese, it's the 29th night. Dont ask me what it means, I have not idea. We had our dinner at Teluk Gong, Sunway. It's not the one far far away in Klang. There's one that is opened in Sunway.