I'll be on leave until next year! This is so cool!
Backpack filled to the brim (almost): Check
Roundtrip air tickets: Check
Passport: Check
Cash: Check
Panadol and charcoal pills: Check
Walking shoes: Check
I think I'm ready.
For some reason, I find that the more I travel, the lighter my backpack gets. There seemed to be less junk compared to what I had packed for Jogja, considering I'll be spending 11 days in Vietnam. I have enough change of clothes for 5 days so at some point there has to be a laundry day, or I shall be forced to wear my tees inside out.
We fly in to Hanoi. The plan is to travel down to Hoi An and maybe Ho Chi Minh City, if time permits, then back to Hanoi and poke around a bit. As usual, there's no fixed travelling plans so we'll see how it goes. Would definitely be more exciting if I could do a solo tour of Hanoi, as initially planned. Have always wanted to travel on my own to a foreign country where I can't speak the native tongue. Next time then.
I should not run out of cash this time. I hope I don't run out of cash.
Regretfully, I won't be spending xmas and new year's with family and friends this year. We have this tradition thingy. Every year, we gather all our friends and do dinner/something. It's always big, always good. Kinda sad I'll be missing out on it. Sniff. I don't care, you guys must do another gathering when I get back... OK ar. OK, set.
Haiya, will also miss out baby Ashton's full moon. Some kai-ma I'm turning out to be. Eh how come like gonna miss out on so many things wan. Eeee.... I better stop or I'll come up with a longer list.
This should be good la. Wish me luck! And pray I have enough money for souvenirs, hehe.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
album plug: The Reminder
Lovin it: Feist and La Bodega's banana and fig smoothie. They go so well together on a summery day.
Leslie Feist, a Canadian indie folk singer and songwriter with (what I could best describe as) a quietly beautiful voice. She sings stories of love and relationships, such that are poetic and honest and painful in its simplicity. Although her music seemed to cross into various genres (from the jazzy sounding So Sorry to the gospel-like Sea Lion Woman), it doesn't come across as random. It took me two spins to be completely infatuated with this album. So besotted am I that I'm currently using I Feel It All as my caller ringtone ^__^
A very gorgeous spec video of one of my fav song, Brandy Alexander, which showcases the quietly beautiful quality of her voice that I spoke about. And I think it's very clever how she likens being so in love with someone to an addiction/dependence. So brilliant, so good. Simply love it!
Leslie Feist, a Canadian indie folk singer and songwriter with (what I could best describe as) a quietly beautiful voice. She sings stories of love and relationships, such that are poetic and honest and painful in its simplicity. Although her music seemed to cross into various genres (from the jazzy sounding So Sorry to the gospel-like Sea Lion Woman), it doesn't come across as random. It took me two spins to be completely infatuated with this album. So besotted am I that I'm currently using I Feel It All as my caller ringtone ^__^
A very gorgeous spec video of one of my fav song, Brandy Alexander, which showcases the quietly beautiful quality of her voice that I spoke about. And I think it's very clever how she likens being so in love with someone to an addiction/dependence. So brilliant, so good. Simply love it!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
won't you pose for my camera?
I still love my new-ish toy. I carry it everywhere I go now. We're inseparable.
Anyone who know me well know this: I have a strange penchant for whipping out my camera and angle for a shot the moment a plate of food settles on the table, forbading anyone to even touch a fork until I've got the perfect shot. My kind friends indulge their weird friend by staring at their food longingly until I'm done.
Saturday lunch @ Jarrod & Rawlins
It's actually work related but good food and good music somehow compensates it. Serves my favourite meal of the day, all day - breakfast. I must say the lighting at JR is excellent! Bright and soft. It's soooo hard to concentrate on work when we're happily singing along to The Temptations, Roy Orbison and Bob Marley.
I might come here again, with a novel or something.
Monday dinner @ Fukuya
The restaurant is breath taking. A long noren curtain hangs at the entrance and the usher will peel them open, revealing a huge courtyard with private dining rooms along the sides. It reminds me of those olden days houses of rich merchants. Can't believe there's such an exquisite place in the middle of town. Felt like I've accidentally stumbled into a different world.
Fukuya specialises in Kaiseki dining, which is a multi-course traditional Japanese cuisine. I gather it's something similar to haute cuisine. You can also get wagyu here.
Food is fresh and different, but the company for the night was the best! Here we are, this bunch of people I met from the Redang trip, each reminiscing about the crazy things we do in college/university. Conversation flowed easy. Can't remember the last time I had such a blast with people I've just met.
Maybe I'm getting more difficult to please as I age, but I find myself expecting more from both restaurants. Food's good but nothing to shout about. I can think of other places that serve the same quality of food at prices that would sear the pockets a bit bit less. I like Fukuya for its ambience.
Jarrod & Rawlins
No. 6, Lorong Dungun, Damansara Heights, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2093 0708
Fukuya
9, Jalan Delima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2144 1022
Opening hours: Noon-2.30pm; 6.30pm-10.30pm; Closed on Sundays
Location map: http://www.fukuya.com.my/contact/img/map.pdf
Anyone who know me well know this: I have a strange penchant for whipping out my camera and angle for a shot the moment a plate of food settles on the table, forbading anyone to even touch a fork until I've got the perfect shot. My kind friends indulge their weird friend by staring at their food longingly until I'm done.
Saturday lunch @ Jarrod & Rawlins
It's actually work related but good food and good music somehow compensates it. Serves my favourite meal of the day, all day - breakfast. I must say the lighting at JR is excellent! Bright and soft. It's soooo hard to concentrate on work when we're happily singing along to The Temptations, Roy Orbison and Bob Marley.
I might come here again, with a novel or something.
Monday dinner @ Fukuya
The restaurant is breath taking. A long noren curtain hangs at the entrance and the usher will peel them open, revealing a huge courtyard with private dining rooms along the sides. It reminds me of those olden days houses of rich merchants. Can't believe there's such an exquisite place in the middle of town. Felt like I've accidentally stumbled into a different world.
Fukuya specialises in Kaiseki dining, which is a multi-course traditional Japanese cuisine. I gather it's something similar to haute cuisine. You can also get wagyu here.
Food is fresh and different, but the company for the night was the best! Here we are, this bunch of people I met from the Redang trip, each reminiscing about the crazy things we do in college/university. Conversation flowed easy. Can't remember the last time I had such a blast with people I've just met.
Maybe I'm getting more difficult to please as I age, but I find myself expecting more from both restaurants. Food's good but nothing to shout about. I can think of other places that serve the same quality of food at prices that would sear the pockets a bit bit less. I like Fukuya for its ambience.
Jarrod & Rawlins
No. 6, Lorong Dungun, Damansara Heights, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2093 0708
Fukuya
9, Jalan Delima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2144 1022
Opening hours: Noon-2.30pm; 6.30pm-10.30pm; Closed on Sundays
Location map: http://www.fukuya.com.my/contact/img/map.pdf
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
games people play
OMFG I AM SO TRAUMATISED!!
And I don’t dare tell my family coz they will ban me from working late ever! And that means no more staying out late too.
Today was another late day, as usual. I was feeling tired, bluesy and all I wanted was to get home. The roads were empty, save for a couple of cars, mostly going faster than the speed limit; quite the norm at this hour.
I wasn’t going slow but I wasn’t too fast either. I was driving at my own pace and had just joined the Sprint Highway. From KL, there are 4 lanes – 3 heading towards the Damansara Link toll and one heading towards Bangsar/Damansara Heights. I was driving in the middle lane of the said 3 lanes, and switched to the fast lane just right behind the govt complex. A 4WD in front of me switched lane too but he went to the fourth lane, which is the one heading to Bangsar/Damansara Heights.
Suddenly, the 4WD cut into my lane. I got shocked and gave a honk. As any other responsible driver who was suddenly made aware of another vehicle’s presence, he retreated back into his lane. Obviously he got on the wrong lane and wanted to get back on the Sprint Highway. Since I was going slightly faster, I figured I should pick up speed and go pass him so that he could switch into my lane before the road splits. Suddenly, he cut in again, with me driving faster now. So I honked him, long and loud.
It’s not that I don’t want to give way, but there was no space for him to cut in. Imagine this, we were driving side by side and his back wheels were sorta aligned to my front wheels. The road was curving and at the speed I was going, I didn’t think it was wise to jam brake. There were pillars on my left too so I couldn't go left either.
As I was passing the 4WD, I tried to catch a glimpse of the driver. It’s a driving thing. Whenever the car next to you, behind you or ahead of you tries to do something stupid, you just wanna see the face and go “ughh, woman driver” or “stupid [insert race/skin colour]”. The idiotic driver is a he with glasses and looks 40-ish.
So I just drove on, putting aside the earlier incident as another encounter with idiotic drivers. From my rearview mirror, I saw that he was trailing me real close but I can’t go any faster coz there was a car in front of me. Impatient idiotic drivers sometimes like to overtake on the left lane so I decided to stay put, and he predictably fulfilled his destiny as an impatient idiotic driver.
He zoomed off and when the car in front moved to the left, I saw the 4WD up ahead. Then, he did something I did not expect him to do. He started to slow down. I was thinking, stupid idiot is probably on his mobile or something. I mean, he was driving like a possessed idiot just a minute before. This happened on a 2 lane stretch and he was braking and matching the speed of another car on the left. We’re probably going around 60kmph, I didn’t notice. All I know he was slow and cars behind me were giving the high lights.
Strangely, he doesn’t seem to be in such a hurry anymore. I realised by now that he’s playing a game with me. I have heard so many stories of drivers like this. They’re called psychos.
When the opportunity came, I went all the way to the left and got far far away from him. I slowed down a bit and went to the cash lane. I thought he would not be bothered with me and just go off if I was delayed at the toll. But that psycho uncle waited for me!! He was going really slow. When the lanes started merging, I don’t know whether to drive ahead of him or behind. He was cruising next to me, as if waiting for me to make my next move. I wasn’t really sure if he was going to stalk me. I mean, what crazy people do that? So I decided to go fast. Really fast.
The moment I jammed my pedal, he sped up as well. When I slowed, he slowed. When I go left, he go left. He played this cat and mouse game patiently. So many thoughts went through my head. Will he suddenly lose it and ram me from behind? Or will he cut in front of me and stop his car and get out wielding a steering lock?
What do I do? Do I call someone? Who do I call? My dad? The police? How are they going to rescue me? Will it be too late?
Initially, I thought that if I drive around long enough he would eventually give up. I took the longest route home but it’s apparent he wasn’t going to let up. Further to tailgating me, he resorted to turning on his high beam as well. I know I must not drive home. There’s a police station near my place and I must take a route where there are no traffic lights. Think, think!!
I sped up and made a sharp left into a slightly quiet stretch of road. If I’m lucky, the sudden turn would throw him offguard and he’d miss it. If I’m not, he would continue pursuing me and there’s a possibility he may get bolder with less cars around. I was hoping the sudden turn will catch him unaware and slow him down a bit. He chased after my car, like a crazy dog, but thank goodness I was right.
I managed to put a wee bit of distance between us and drove like a madwoman towards the police station. I must not let him catch up!!
I turned into the police station and that psycho just drove past. I turned off my lights and parked. I wanted to make a report but for the life of me, I can’t remember what car he drove or the plate number. How to report?
After a couple of minutes, I slowly drove out, without lights on, stopping when I got to the gates and looked around for that psycho. Comforted that I had not spotted a single 4WD, I quickly drove out towards the other direction, and only turned on the lights when I turned a corner. Then I took the housing area roads to get home, lest he’s circling the area on the main roads.
I've read/heard about so many stories about road bullies but this is the first time I experienced something like this. I did not think that I would die but the thought that I might be injured or losing control of my car was terrifying! People like that shouldn't be allowed to drive!! I'm just kicking myself now for not being able to make a police report and take him off the road forever.
And I don’t dare tell my family coz they will ban me from working late ever! And that means no more staying out late too.
Today was another late day, as usual. I was feeling tired, bluesy and all I wanted was to get home. The roads were empty, save for a couple of cars, mostly going faster than the speed limit; quite the norm at this hour.
I wasn’t going slow but I wasn’t too fast either. I was driving at my own pace and had just joined the Sprint Highway. From KL, there are 4 lanes – 3 heading towards the Damansara Link toll and one heading towards Bangsar/Damansara Heights. I was driving in the middle lane of the said 3 lanes, and switched to the fast lane just right behind the govt complex. A 4WD in front of me switched lane too but he went to the fourth lane, which is the one heading to Bangsar/Damansara Heights.
Suddenly, the 4WD cut into my lane. I got shocked and gave a honk. As any other responsible driver who was suddenly made aware of another vehicle’s presence, he retreated back into his lane. Obviously he got on the wrong lane and wanted to get back on the Sprint Highway. Since I was going slightly faster, I figured I should pick up speed and go pass him so that he could switch into my lane before the road splits. Suddenly, he cut in again, with me driving faster now. So I honked him, long and loud.
It’s not that I don’t want to give way, but there was no space for him to cut in. Imagine this, we were driving side by side and his back wheels were sorta aligned to my front wheels. The road was curving and at the speed I was going, I didn’t think it was wise to jam brake. There were pillars on my left too so I couldn't go left either.
As I was passing the 4WD, I tried to catch a glimpse of the driver. It’s a driving thing. Whenever the car next to you, behind you or ahead of you tries to do something stupid, you just wanna see the face and go “ughh, woman driver” or “stupid [insert race/skin colour]”. The idiotic driver is a he with glasses and looks 40-ish.
So I just drove on, putting aside the earlier incident as another encounter with idiotic drivers. From my rearview mirror, I saw that he was trailing me real close but I can’t go any faster coz there was a car in front of me. Impatient idiotic drivers sometimes like to overtake on the left lane so I decided to stay put, and he predictably fulfilled his destiny as an impatient idiotic driver.
He zoomed off and when the car in front moved to the left, I saw the 4WD up ahead. Then, he did something I did not expect him to do. He started to slow down. I was thinking, stupid idiot is probably on his mobile or something. I mean, he was driving like a possessed idiot just a minute before. This happened on a 2 lane stretch and he was braking and matching the speed of another car on the left. We’re probably going around 60kmph, I didn’t notice. All I know he was slow and cars behind me were giving the high lights.
Strangely, he doesn’t seem to be in such a hurry anymore. I realised by now that he’s playing a game with me. I have heard so many stories of drivers like this. They’re called psychos.
When the opportunity came, I went all the way to the left and got far far away from him. I slowed down a bit and went to the cash lane. I thought he would not be bothered with me and just go off if I was delayed at the toll. But that psycho uncle waited for me!! He was going really slow. When the lanes started merging, I don’t know whether to drive ahead of him or behind. He was cruising next to me, as if waiting for me to make my next move. I wasn’t really sure if he was going to stalk me. I mean, what crazy people do that? So I decided to go fast. Really fast.
The moment I jammed my pedal, he sped up as well. When I slowed, he slowed. When I go left, he go left. He played this cat and mouse game patiently. So many thoughts went through my head. Will he suddenly lose it and ram me from behind? Or will he cut in front of me and stop his car and get out wielding a steering lock?
What do I do? Do I call someone? Who do I call? My dad? The police? How are they going to rescue me? Will it be too late?
Initially, I thought that if I drive around long enough he would eventually give up. I took the longest route home but it’s apparent he wasn’t going to let up. Further to tailgating me, he resorted to turning on his high beam as well. I know I must not drive home. There’s a police station near my place and I must take a route where there are no traffic lights. Think, think!!
I sped up and made a sharp left into a slightly quiet stretch of road. If I’m lucky, the sudden turn would throw him offguard and he’d miss it. If I’m not, he would continue pursuing me and there’s a possibility he may get bolder with less cars around. I was hoping the sudden turn will catch him unaware and slow him down a bit. He chased after my car, like a crazy dog, but thank goodness I was right.
I managed to put a wee bit of distance between us and drove like a madwoman towards the police station. I must not let him catch up!!
I turned into the police station and that psycho just drove past. I turned off my lights and parked. I wanted to make a report but for the life of me, I can’t remember what car he drove or the plate number. How to report?
After a couple of minutes, I slowly drove out, without lights on, stopping when I got to the gates and looked around for that psycho. Comforted that I had not spotted a single 4WD, I quickly drove out towards the other direction, and only turned on the lights when I turned a corner. Then I took the housing area roads to get home, lest he’s circling the area on the main roads.
I've read/heard about so many stories about road bullies but this is the first time I experienced something like this. I did not think that I would die but the thought that I might be injured or losing control of my car was terrifying! People like that shouldn't be allowed to drive!! I'm just kicking myself now for not being able to make a police report and take him off the road forever.
Friday, September 07, 2007
in all it's misery it will always be what i love and hated
This is the fourth time this week and all I am these days is too tired. Too tired to return missed calls. Too tired to eat. Too tired to do something about my unruly hair. Too tired to think of how tired I really am.
As I stare at this flickering screen in front of me, a forgotten memory somehow found its way back. I went through this same thing almost 2 years ago, with the Kamus Dewan and Kamus Inggeris-Melayu Dewan being my only companions as the night gradually sheds its inky darkness. It's like deja vu all over again, except back then, that someone would call me and I'll feel better almost at once. Spineless I'll admit, but comforting.
The bright yellow smiley that cheered me up yesterday now appeared to be mocking me. I can't decide whether its perma-U mouth is less than genuine or telling me it's all gonna be ok.
And I got scolded today for blewing off (in a row) the third lunch invite from a buddy I've known for too long. I think I deserved it. If this goes on, people will stop asking me out and I'll end up bitter, lonely and friendless.
*sniff*
Why do I torture myself like this? Good question.
As I stare at this flickering screen in front of me, a forgotten memory somehow found its way back. I went through this same thing almost 2 years ago, with the Kamus Dewan and Kamus Inggeris-Melayu Dewan being my only companions as the night gradually sheds its inky darkness. It's like deja vu all over again, except back then, that someone would call me and I'll feel better almost at once. Spineless I'll admit, but comforting.
The bright yellow smiley that cheered me up yesterday now appeared to be mocking me. I can't decide whether its perma-U mouth is less than genuine or telling me it's all gonna be ok.
And I got scolded today for blewing off (in a row) the third lunch invite from a buddy I've known for too long. I think I deserved it. If this goes on, people will stop asking me out and I'll end up bitter, lonely and friendless.
*sniff*
Why do I torture myself like this? Good question.