Across The Universe

From the director who gave us The Lion King, this is a movie made from the many wonderful songs by the Beatles. Across The Universe is filled with cinematic scenes and with the familiar sounds of the very loved songs from the Beatles. If you love the Beatles like me and Andrew do, this is THE movie to watch! THe problem is, where to find the dvd? I might just go look it up in Singapore tomorrow.....

When will we learn?

People are so quick to assume that because I look Chinese, I am from China.

People are so quick to assume that because I look Chinese, I can speak Mandarin.

People are so quick to assume that because I am Asian, I can't speak English.

People are so quick to assume that because I am Asian, I can't write well in English.

So many assumptions. So little respect. aii..

I find it extremely presumptious and a little offended, even when people say, "Oh, you speak very good English". I got that comment after arguing with the accomodation officer.

Maaf, a lecturer here was quite nasty. I felt that his question was not clear enough. The question was as follows:- What happens with the marginal abatement cost (or permit price) if some polluters do not comply. Explain your answer. I felt that I should ask what he meant with comply, comply with what? And so I asked if he meant that those polluters who didn't comply were polluters who did not participate in the market. He told me that I can check in the dictionary for the meaning of comply.

People need to see the world more.

Montserrat

SPAIN..my experience

No.. this is not szelin.. it's one of the other 2 ducks who have not written in yonks. endroog asked of my experience in Barcelona, so here goes...

I'm sure all of you are sick to death of listening to touristy information, of how beautiful the structures are, how Gaudi is so great, how paella is so delicious, etc. So.. I'm gonna write about the people. I've read in books describing the Spanish as fiery and hot-blooded people. And they are! But, fiery in a passionate way and hot-blooded in a sense for justice. I'm taking Environmental Studies, so you can imagine the kind of discussions we have. And things get really interesting sometimes. They are so helpful, really. In my first week, I had to lug my damaged baggage back to my room. On the way, a man helped me lug it up the stairs, and when I got to the top of the stairs, a woman came with those supermarket trolley so that I could wheel it home. When I finally reached home, I couldn't lift up the bag from the trolley and 2 guys came to my rescue. If this had happened in Malaysia, I wonder how many people I would have had to ask before help was rendered. And here, I didn't even have to ask. And luckily I didn't have to coz I didn't speak a word of Spanish then. There are so many more examples but this striked me the most.

People are so warm and though I feel abit strange, I'm getting used to the kisses on the cheeks when they say hi! Anyhow, I could go on and on.. and I can't coz I have an exam coming up! So, if any of you are coming here, don't worry, the Spanish will take care of ya..

THE CNY SCHEDULE

I wonder if anyone's in the same dilemma as me. Me being away from home with a tight schedule, kinda having a hard time 'structuring' my schedule for Chinese New Year. First of all, my family's like split between KL and Singapore and after a lot of discussion, my family decided that we're gonna do CNY in Singapore this year.

Which is great, except that I have to arrange so that i can fly straight to Singapore from Jakarta on my company's expenses (they pay for flights back but only to Malaysia). Straightened that out and got the ticket back to Singapore on the 5th Feb. Mind you, this was settled in the beginning of Jan'08.

And then it's the reunions and meetups. Not forgetting that i'm spending first CNY with Andrew, so it means I've got to synchronize mine with his. Visits to his family and his visit to mine. Reunions with friends are a big big problem too since some of them are back from overseas and they are also on a tight schedule. It used to be that the Ipoh reunion is done in Ipoh but this year i'm splitting it to KL, Ipoh and Singapore....hah...!

It's not easy anymore to get people together now. Aside from friends and family who are overseas, friends and family with kids or married are also on a tight and somewhat unflexible schedule too. Simple things like kids having to sleep after 7pm, or visits to the other half's family all have to be considered.

So, now the best way i find is just to send a mass mail, to get an agreed date, time and venue. Fix it and try not to be late. Make provisions for unexpected things like traffic jam or choose and easy place to find. The objective is to GET TOGETHER, that's what that matters.

Webisodes

Heard there's a new fad going on the internet about Webisodes- series episodes on the web! I've only seen my sister doing that, watching on the web some chinese HK TVB series....

The one i caught on the E! Channel was called ROOM MATES? Anyone has any scoop on that?

Muka Parah

Was having a plate of Gado-Gado nearby my Jakarta office and my Indon colleagues were discussing animatedly about facials and what nots. They've had like treatment, laser, UV rays, peeling etc. One of my fren went for a facial treatment and was labelled as Muka Parah Level 2. And her face didn't even look really that bad.

I'm probably one of those few people who actually go for regular facial. Shocking but me and my sisters and mom dont have that kinda routine. You know how u've never been exposed and u just don't think that it is a norm that you should do it? I can't remember the last time i had one, except for that free facial by new york solution that was only so-so and overrated. Except for my daily facial wash with just about any product, i dont really buy any other products.

DO you think we actually need it? No doubt that we need some facial cream to keep the face soft and smooth but how can we actually validate that all those facials are actually good ? And how often and how long and what products to use is a big question....Dermatologist or Beauty COnsultant?

Buang Sial

A friend of mine ran into some bad luck yesterday and so after work we were discussing about it and she decided to 'buang sial'. Asked me for some ideas and i distinctly remember about 2 years ago when I had a terrible fever spell for about 2 weeks and a good friend of mine gave me some flowers (chrysanthemum) and asked me to 'mandi bunga'. We then went on a frenzy search for flowers on the way home and finally found some near Tanjung Duren (Jakarta Barat).

I suggested to add some 'daun limau bali', pomelo leaves into the 'mandi bunga' thing. Also the stepping-over-a-bucket-on-fire. hahaha.

It is really absurd or don't we all need to do this once in a while- just to set our mind at peace. I just thought that to ease my friend's mind maybe these ideas can temporarily pacify her. Ridiculous at it may seem, but no harm trying right?

I was fortunate enough to arrive in Jakarta only to have my boss to send me to Bali the very next day to “work”. It was a most relaxing 4 days 3 nights trip almost all expenses paid except for food. What more can I ask, right? First night was spent in Sanur Beach and the other 2 nights in Kuta Beach.

I’m not really a beach person, nevertheless the ambience and environment is good enough to make you feel all at once breezy and happy. The best moment for me there is probably just lounging after breakfast at the wooden chairs just by the poolside. Had a 2-hour massage at the hotel that is well deserved! I know I’m not really the hardworking type but hauling the luggage in and out of the airport can be tiring..

But I don’t really think I’ll pay on my own to go to Bali. It is much hyped for its beaches etc, I went all the way to Dreamland to see what the rave is all about, but very disappointing as there was construction going on and the sunset was spoiled by the clouds. If you’re into SURFING, now this is a place to be.

The Other Half's Family...

Just recently i've had a friend whose seriously in deep shit after she realized that she's having problems with the MIL (mother-in-law) just few months after she and the husband registered for marriage. But then again, who doesnt have problems with the MIL? it's always the MIL, isn't it?

Which brings the question, does it matter what your other half's family is like? You can say well marriage is between 2 people etc etc but the truth is that once u marry that guy, you're marrying his family whether you like it or not. You can have your own place with your hubby but you're gonna still have to make an appearance for whatever 'important' occasion. There is no running away there.

Nagginess we can take, but what about kiamsiapness? or the MIL who won't let go of the son? The dad who is always drunk? And broke? The beat-up brother who's jobless and expects handouts even from you?

Are you sure you're not bothered by these things? I know of a friend who....

*broke off with the boyfriend because she found out he has a brother with Down's

*broke off an engagement because the MIL was controlling the son and turning the son against the wife

*broke off with the boyfriend who is constantly paying off the dad's debts...

Wrong you say? Or just being realistic? Cruel perhaps, but what would you do if you know you're bound to have a marriage laden with chaos and problems?

2007 flashback

Had a long time to ponder on my last 29 years this 2008, and yes i'm turning 30 this year...but not without a fight, am not ready to battle it out in this life. But really 2007 has been a blessed year. Found someone to share my life with and also a new start to my career as well. But i guess we can't have everything and it's all about balance i guess, with a good sense of priority.

Biggest impact in my life I would say is Andrew. Perhaps i dont mention him enough here but some things are just better left unshared. He's helped me grow up this year a lot more than he thinks. People who know me would know how much i've mellowed. Best thing is that he's good to my family. I've never realized how wonderful that is until I spoke to BeeF today. BeeF also taught me that I probably would never find another guy who can take my whims and sometimes eccentric ways. Do you know of any other guy who would spend their afternoons and evenings doing household chores & listening to my banter? Like many would say, he's one in a million, without the showy and egocentric ways of many men.

Work is work i guess. But i've finally moved on to another job. U dont know how much it took for me to leave my previous job, how much crying , pondering, double-guessing myself. Being away is just part of the sacrifice i have to make not only for myself but also my other half. But good things come with sacrifice, no? What I sacrifice now, i'll reap in years to come. That's good enough reason for me.

There's probably no bad moments in 2007, even if there were, i always try to see the good side of it all. I guess 2007 made me an optimist. Sure, Andrew had a terrible accident, but i did enjoy chauffering him around and finding taufoofah and 'designing' his liquid diet. We spent so much time smurfing it was funny at times, and heartwarming.

Just way nearing 2008, I also got a new nephew...lil' Aaron! hope there's more to come. :)

Material Girl

Just the other day I was chatting simultaneously with B and P, B  was discussing where to get cheaper Coach bags and P was telling me about her 4-pairs-of-shoes-purchase last Saturday. P lamented that even with her family debts and the fact that she's supporting the family fully at the age of 23 she tries to 'reward' herself once in a while with a good meal or a shopping spree. You can't help but think that we are a bunch of Material Girls who put much value on what we own, or wanting to own SOMETHING. But is that really a bad thing? Do we all not crave to possess something we like, a car, a handbag, a luxury trip, a WHATEVER? Does it not motivate us at the end of the day to achieve more so that we can BUY MORE? In that instance then are we not just being realistic that we do live in a Material World........ 

D’Cinnamons

Something light, refreshing and different, D'Cinnamons is an Indon band that hails from Bandung. Some good songs are "So Won't You Let Me Be..." and "Good Morning & "Loving You". Overall the Good Morning album is easy to listen to, and definitely for one of those days when you want something else to listen to besides Norah Jones. Try this.

Work????

I'm back in the KL office since the 24th and really I don't have anything much to do. Xmas eve was spent submitting my travel claims, and meebo-ing the rest of the day. Went out for lunch with Andrew and Herman all the way for Chan Sow Lin fish head before heading back to office. After a much restless hour, I went to San Fran for a cup of coffee then decided to leave office BEFORE the official 6pm. How many of u guys have skived just like me anyways? My sis don't believe in skiving, or ular-ing although i've always been doing that. Take it as pausing for a breather from work..or just to let some heat off at work. Nothing wrong with that. We all need a break sometimes.

AND i can expect this for the next few working days that i have in KL before going back to Jakarta. I should be at home smurfing as i see no logic in pretending to work while i'm not really doing any real work. Sigh,,,,...so in case anyone's bored or looking for snake kaki if u happen to be around klcc area, give me a call. 

All I Want For Xmas....

What I want for Xmas? I'm getting real close to being 30 right after xmas, and i guess what i really want for xmas is actually to celebrate the last few days of 2007 with Andrew, family and friends that matter. I was pretty insistent on not spending my Xmas in Indonesia..oh sure, I can do the usual shit partying with the new colleagues in Indonesia, but it's just not the same. Every other day dancing and partying is alright but on Xmas and New Year's Eve????? I'll rather be sitting at home doing nothing but mope around looking at my newborn nephew and just smurf around with Andrew and my family.

I wont be making wishes but just count my blessings...i've finally got a job that's paying me Ok for me to indulge a bit and not to worry so much (less anyways). And to be away from KL has it's bad and good. And I've got a new nephew this year. First boy in our family. Too bad Imn's not around to smurf with us. (ohyea Imn, i threw some of your old rotten shoes btw). I've semi-moved out of Taman Desa. Dont feel nostalgic at all except that Tmn Desa is the most strategic place to get to anywhere!

And Andrew's got me a new skirt. Yippee. Just a tip to all men, it's always safer to either hand the gf your money or take your gf out shopping for xmas, or else you can never go wrong with a diamond or two....Just kidding!

And this year, i've made some nice new friends, especially those I met in Jakarta.....you guys made my new experience there all the more better!

Where's everyone smurfing this Xmas??

Bandung......

I was there last Saturday for one day with some Indon friends & 1 Malaysian and 1 China Chinese. It’s an old town about 2 hours away from Jakarta. It was converted into some city with small bungalows converted into factory outlets, cafes, cake shops, yoghurt shops etc. It was a popular getaway for the Indons from Jakarta….sorta like how Genting is to some Malaysians. Except that Bandung doesn’t have the tackiness that Genting has. We went to some nice restaurants- Sapu Lidi- it’s like restaurant in the jungle with small lakes and great landscaping with food in little huts, Kampung Daun- also with the same concept but on a smaller scale, and the Village- a little romantic getaway with decently priced food and a scenic night view.

I went again on Monday till Tuesday for work, seeing another light of Bandung. It lacked the hustle bustle of Jakarta and people were more laidback when it came to work. We had a nice lunch with a supplier and he shared many great stories of Bandung and Indonesia in general. I put up a night at the Hotel Kedaton but was ‘bothered’ by ‘something’ that night. My Indon colleagues remarked that it was not uncommon as most of the buildings in Bandung is very old with most of the structures still maintained.

Ohwell, it didn’t changed what I thought of Bandung. I thought it was some place that I’d probably go again- Air Asia flies there anyways.

LIFE IS A TEST

Life is like a test. Everyday is a test. Every new experience is a test. So how you want to face this is really up to you. It’s just that there are just some people like me who are just hungry for a new experience. Not many people can say that they actually admit and succumb to it, some people just speak of it but in actual fact they were perfectly comfortable just the way things are. But staying put is not that easy some times. One at my age can’t really deny that of course there are certain responsibilities and commitment that I’ve left. Perhaps for reasons unknown or just to get away. Get away from all that and just to have a slice of something that everybody else is having. The way I see it is that if everyone else can have it, I don’t see why I can’t have a bite. Would you brand that as being selfish, or just plain wanting more? Is it wrong to want more? And yes, it’s a mind-battling if you’re gonna want to justify this. The thing is that there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t succumb to new heights and there are plenty of reasons why you should. At the end of the day, I think instinct surpasses sense. Isn’t there a time when you just want to be impulsive? Above all else, the voice that speaks the loudest is that I do not want to NOT do anything that I would regret much later. Take this as a test.

The Great Indonesians

It is Day 12 in Jakarta for me and here’s some observations I’ve made…

1) The Indonesians are fun people. Always ready to have fun and always scheming for fun.

2) They have no qualms when it comes to telling you off when you’re being stupid or irritating.

3) The ladies here really know how to enjoy their money. It’s only been like a week and they are already inviting me to karaokes, massages, dinners, shopping , you name it.

4) There are Malaysian guys and Indonesians guys and China guys here but here’s the deal, the Indonesian guys take the cake when it comes to being a gentleman and charmers.

5) Indonesian ladies are not SHY!

Let's Not Whine Now......

Day 11- Currently I am residing in Grand Tropics Suite Hotel where I have cable tv, free breakfast, a double bed, kitchen facilities, free mineral water and coffee daily. Most of the time at work I am doing simple tasks but more on contributing as a team player in procurement. There is transport provided from hotel to work and we have to take a taxi back to hotel after work, but claimable. SIM card is also claimable. Sounds great ya?

And yet, even so, the Malaysians here still complain. They complain about how boring it is here. Or how much work they have to do. Or the fact that they have to travel all over Asia Pacific to play supporting roles. Or that they have to deal with the disorganized and somewhat fickle-minded Chinese management. The truth is that bad management exist anywhere. Whether it’s Chinaman Malaysian management, or China Management, or Japanese management, or American management , bad management. You get paid and so you either deal with it the smart way, or work it to your advantage.

The fact is that despite everything, the complainers are still around. Why stick around if it stinks so much then? Or is it just that Malaysians just feel that there is a compelling need to complain constantly??? I feel so free now that I’m no longer in the previous company, these people have no idea what luck they’ve had to be with a company who is WILLING TO PAY. What more can you ask?

Jakarta- The Friendly Land

The name speaks for itself i guess. It's been about 1 week plus now that i'm in Jakarta. The food is fantastic, am seriously hooked to the Nasi Padang available at the houses converted into little joints for lunch and the IDR3000 juices!

The people is friendly and hilariously happy. And best is that they dont whine and fret all the time. And unlike many misconceptions, Indonesians are not lazy at all. In any case, perhaps i'm more lazy hahaha..

More updates in days to come.