There's something about the Asian culture that I simply cannot accept/understand. When someone has a windfall, new job or bonus, the first thing anyone says is "So when are you going to belanja (buy a meal) me?". Nothing of a "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!".
In fact, a couple of years ago, I struck RM2000 from a radio contest. It was indeed a blessing to me as I badly needed to fix my car which cost me exactly RM2000. But of course, being on the radio, many people recognised my voice and as soon as they met up with me, demanded I shout them a dinner. I didn't cave in. Not only because I'm naturally kiam siap (tight fisted), but the horror of the lack of manners displayed.
In the end, I decided I would shout dinner for a couple of close friends, just a small group. I didn't tell them as we ate at a steamboat buffet until the bill came. As I explained to them I wanted to do this because of my win, to my utter disgust, their first reaction was to scoff, "WHAT? And you're only paying for this dinner? We should have gone somewhere MORE expensive!".
Perhaps they meant it jokingly but I don't see any funny angle to it. Is this an Asian thing because I see it happening very very often here. I've learnt my lesson and am very selective of whom I spend on. Or maybe this is a norm which I'm protesting against in vain.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Monday, March 27, 2006
Masks
Some ramblings from after watching V for Vendetta, about the masks and appearance.
I have a firm belief that no one is absolutely ugly. Sometimes, a pretty girl may have her looks marred by her malicious character. Or the most dashing man will look simply disgusting by always blowing his own trumpet.
I have a firm belief that no one is absolutely ugly. Sometimes, a pretty girl may have her looks marred by her malicious character. Or the most dashing man will look simply disgusting by always blowing his own trumpet.
On the other hand, an unattractive person at first glance can turn out to be simply gorgeous with a kind and sincere heart. Ask me to describe someone by their looks and I'd rather describe them by who they are.
Always, always look for the man behind the mask.
Stupid Fish
I've been playing the game Grace introduced, Fish Tycoon. Been breeding those dang things to make enough money to buy an air pump and a heater system supposedly to help your fish survive.
Three times all my fish had died although I had set the timing as Pause so that everything remains as it is by the time I get home from work. But sometimes it doesn't pause. And because it works according to the time on your computer, the fish will age, get hungry and die if you don't tend to them. So I come home to two tankfuls of dead fish. All my sitting in front of the computer over the weekend all gone.
Stupid game.
Three times all my fish had died although I had set the timing as Pause so that everything remains as it is by the time I get home from work. But sometimes it doesn't pause. And because it works according to the time on your computer, the fish will age, get hungry and die if you don't tend to them. So I come home to two tankfuls of dead fish. All my sitting in front of the computer over the weekend all gone.
Stupid game.
V
Verily I say, vanquish that vermin out of my vision!
Watched V for Vendetta and came home to a gigantic cockroach just outside the spare room door.
Man, I've never noticed how articulate Hugo Weaving is but he was really excellent in this role. His face was never shown (thank goodness, because I've never thought of him other than his role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with his famous quote of "A cock on a rock in a frock", even after he did Matrix). In this movie, he wore a Guy Fawkes mask throughout and makes you notice other things like his speech and non-verbal communication instead of his face. Great physique too. I also noticed the physique of the Phantom in the Phantom of the Opera, the tv series. I guess the masks leaves me to appreciate other areas of attractiveness.
But, I am rambling. It's a good movie and I enjoyed it because I didn't have any expectations since I didn't know what the movie was all about. The fighting styles and storyline reminded me a lot of Equilibrium, another good movie to watch. Most of all, I loved the script with it's eloquent vocabulary, especially of his first conversation with Natalie Portman, packed with words beginning with "V".
Watched V for Vendetta and came home to a gigantic cockroach just outside the spare room door.
Man, I've never noticed how articulate Hugo Weaving is but he was really excellent in this role. His face was never shown (thank goodness, because I've never thought of him other than his role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with his famous quote of "A cock on a rock in a frock", even after he did Matrix). In this movie, he wore a Guy Fawkes mask throughout and makes you notice other things like his speech and non-verbal communication instead of his face. Great physique too. I also noticed the physique of the Phantom in the Phantom of the Opera, the tv series. I guess the masks leaves me to appreciate other areas of attractiveness.
But, I am rambling. It's a good movie and I enjoyed it because I didn't have any expectations since I didn't know what the movie was all about. The fighting styles and storyline reminded me a lot of Equilibrium, another good movie to watch. Most of all, I loved the script with it's eloquent vocabulary, especially of his first conversation with Natalie Portman, packed with words beginning with "V".
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Playing House
When I was a kid, I remember playing masak-masak and pretending to keep house. It was one of my favourite past times and would often play with Ron, Jan or Karen whenever I could.
Now that I have my own home, I discover I'm absolutely rotten at it. How simple playing house was back then! There weren't cobwebs to clean, house rugs to scrub, a clogged drainpipe, real food to cook, floors to keep clean... For many girls, keeping the house clean comes naturally. They hate the dust, the mess and usually it is the husbands who mess up the place.
I think I've mentioned enough times how KS and I have female and male brains (tested using this month's Reader's Digest quiz), respectively. So you can imagine who is the one keeping the house clean. Guess who's feeling guilty.
There is a reason for me not doing housework, a pathetic reason. My fingers get these tiny bumps that hurt like hell after using a broom, mopping the floor, scrubbing clothes and ironing too many clothes. And the next day, I am unable to hold anything without the pain. Yup, doesn't this sound like I'm trying to give excuses to escape housework? Even as I type it out, it sound pathetic. So bo iong.
I'm off to sweep the floor. In my room. Maybe the tv room too.
Now that I have my own home, I discover I'm absolutely rotten at it. How simple playing house was back then! There weren't cobwebs to clean, house rugs to scrub, a clogged drainpipe, real food to cook, floors to keep clean... For many girls, keeping the house clean comes naturally. They hate the dust, the mess and usually it is the husbands who mess up the place.
I think I've mentioned enough times how KS and I have female and male brains (tested using this month's Reader's Digest quiz), respectively. So you can imagine who is the one keeping the house clean. Guess who's feeling guilty.
There is a reason for me not doing housework, a pathetic reason. My fingers get these tiny bumps that hurt like hell after using a broom, mopping the floor, scrubbing clothes and ironing too many clothes. And the next day, I am unable to hold anything without the pain. Yup, doesn't this sound like I'm trying to give excuses to escape housework? Even as I type it out, it sound pathetic. So bo iong.
I'm off to sweep the floor. In my room. Maybe the tv room too.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Geeky Specs
I'm now a proud owner of a pair of geeky spectacles. It was supposed to be red/maroon plastic frame but it turned out to be black. So totally old fashioned! Gaah... I daren't wear it to work yet.
So now I've gotten my first item I'm targeting for the year. The other two are perfume and a new handphone, which I have yet to decide the brands and type.
Speaking of handphone, KS got a cool new Samsung D600, courtesy of Australia's free mobiles promo when you sign up with a service provider. So far, we still haven't figured out the entire function of the phone but the initial frustration makes me appreciate my good ol' 3210 Nokia.
So now I've gotten my first item I'm targeting for the year. The other two are perfume and a new handphone, which I have yet to decide the brands and type.
Speaking of handphone, KS got a cool new Samsung D600, courtesy of Australia's free mobiles promo when you sign up with a service provider. So far, we still haven't figured out the entire function of the phone but the initial frustration makes me appreciate my good ol' 3210 Nokia.
Hot Green Tea
It's been a while since I've had such a happy Friday. As in, how happy I am that it's the end of the week. The weekend is looming ahead, the worries of last week is far behind and Monday is still 2 days away! La la lala....
On Wednesday, as mentioned, I bought my pot and mug to make green tea, right? Right after consuming the whole pot (which came up to 2 mugfuls) of the steaming brew, it started to get uncomfortably hot in my office. Of all times, the air cond had broken down! How ironic.
Nevertheless, as soon as the air cond was fixed this morning, I immediately made a bee line towards the the pantry to make a fresh new pot. One thing I realise though, is that I get a headache if I drink it in the morning. I wonder why.
On Wednesday, as mentioned, I bought my pot and mug to make green tea, right? Right after consuming the whole pot (which came up to 2 mugfuls) of the steaming brew, it started to get uncomfortably hot in my office. Of all times, the air cond had broken down! How ironic.
Nevertheless, as soon as the air cond was fixed this morning, I immediately made a bee line towards the the pantry to make a fresh new pot. One thing I realise though, is that I get a headache if I drink it in the morning. I wonder why.
Expansion Pack
So last weekend I was back in Melaka as my sis-in-law is back from Perth. One of the highlights of the trip was a serious discussion that took place between KS and his dad:
"Son, we've got to talk about your finances for your family expansion..."
Ho-boy. My Mum had also given me the "You should have kids before you're 30" as soon as we celebrated our 1st Anniversary. Everyone lah, has been asking the "When?!" question. What's more, my good friend who got married 5 months after I did is already preggers.
The truth is, I'm petrified. Initially, it was the thought of the whole pregnancy, the vomiting, the constipation, the strange cravings (like I heard of someone wanted to eat those cheap rubber Japanese slippers - she boiled it in water but I'm not sure if she really chewed on it), the weight gained (although at the rate I'm putting on, I might as well be!).
Then there was the horror of birth, the mother of all pains which will be so painful that even when the doctor slices you up to ease the birth instead of letting your tissues tear on its own, you won't know it. And this will last, oh, just about 12 hours give or take another 12.
To put that all aside since every mother needs to go through this (dang you, Eve! Why did you have to listen to that serpent?!), now the thought of bringing up a child is the most frightening. I see so many examples of parents today and it's easy for me to point out what upbringing should be ideal. Yeah, wait til I have my own kids.
Anyways, if you want to know, we're not even thinking about our "expansion". We've got Cambodia to look forward to in August.
"Son, we've got to talk about your finances for your family expansion..."
Ho-boy. My Mum had also given me the "You should have kids before you're 30" as soon as we celebrated our 1st Anniversary. Everyone lah, has been asking the "When?!" question. What's more, my good friend who got married 5 months after I did is already preggers.
The truth is, I'm petrified. Initially, it was the thought of the whole pregnancy, the vomiting, the constipation, the strange cravings (like I heard of someone wanted to eat those cheap rubber Japanese slippers - she boiled it in water but I'm not sure if she really chewed on it), the weight gained (although at the rate I'm putting on, I might as well be!).
Then there was the horror of birth, the mother of all pains which will be so painful that even when the doctor slices you up to ease the birth instead of letting your tissues tear on its own, you won't know it. And this will last, oh, just about 12 hours give or take another 12.
To put that all aside since every mother needs to go through this (dang you, Eve! Why did you have to listen to that serpent?!), now the thought of bringing up a child is the most frightening. I see so many examples of parents today and it's easy for me to point out what upbringing should be ideal. Yeah, wait til I have my own kids.
Anyways, if you want to know, we're not even thinking about our "expansion". We've got Cambodia to look forward to in August.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Review – Eric’s Hot Restaurant
Yesterday we were a little bit more adventurous, we had dinner at this new place called Eric’s Hot. Named and owned after a famous Hong Kong actor, Eric Tsang, it is located at Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas.
I had been tempted to try their Sze Chuan noodles when I first saw it about 3 weeks back so when we were there, I ordered that together with some jasmine green tea.
To digress, I’ve been having green tea cravings since the weekend, I don’t know why. Just 10 mins ago, I bought a pot, mug and a box of green tea for me to nurse the rest of the day at work.
Anyways, back to my story at Eric’s Hot, the aroma of my tea certainly smelled like jasmine and green tea but upon my first sip, I gagged and nearly spat it out! they served us SUGARED jasmine green tea! It was horrible! Tasted like some medicine! Yuks!
Hence, based mainly on that, I will NOT recommend people to go there to eat. Also, my Sze Chuan noodles came with a grossly thick layer of red chilli oil. KS had to finish it for me and today suffers from a stomachache. We also ordered a claypot chicken dish which cost us RM20 when it could easily cost a quarter of it outside.
Perhaps I’m not being fair for they may specialise in other things (steamboat was a popular choice amongst the diners) but given the chance, I will not go back there unless I’m not paying for it.
I had been tempted to try their Sze Chuan noodles when I first saw it about 3 weeks back so when we were there, I ordered that together with some jasmine green tea.
To digress, I’ve been having green tea cravings since the weekend, I don’t know why. Just 10 mins ago, I bought a pot, mug and a box of green tea for me to nurse the rest of the day at work.
Anyways, back to my story at Eric’s Hot, the aroma of my tea certainly smelled like jasmine and green tea but upon my first sip, I gagged and nearly spat it out! they served us SUGARED jasmine green tea! It was horrible! Tasted like some medicine! Yuks!
Hence, based mainly on that, I will NOT recommend people to go there to eat. Also, my Sze Chuan noodles came with a grossly thick layer of red chilli oil. KS had to finish it for me and today suffers from a stomachache. We also ordered a claypot chicken dish which cost us RM20 when it could easily cost a quarter of it outside.
Perhaps I’m not being fair for they may specialise in other things (steamboat was a popular choice amongst the diners) but given the chance, I will not go back there unless I’m not paying for it.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Rebounding
We just dragged home a mini trampoline from Melaka, courtesy of my in-laws who have kept it in the storeroom as a means for more dust to settle on.
Anyways, it’s cool and it’s barely used. I jumped on it on the first day and experienced a headache after less than 10 jumps. Perhaps I should be less enthusiastic and start with smaller jumps.
It’s great because we never really have the time for a proper means of exercise (I’ve decided that a gym costs way too much) and by the time we reach home, it’s too dark and dangerous to go for a walk.
The trampoline provides a quick perk-me-up before I go to work or just when I get home. I'm sure to exercise more now! (yeah right). KS has yet to have a go at it because we not sure what weight it can handle. There’s only one way to find out, right??
Anyways, it’s cool and it’s barely used. I jumped on it on the first day and experienced a headache after less than 10 jumps. Perhaps I should be less enthusiastic and start with smaller jumps.
It’s great because we never really have the time for a proper means of exercise (I’ve decided that a gym costs way too much) and by the time we reach home, it’s too dark and dangerous to go for a walk.
The trampoline provides a quick perk-me-up before I go to work or just when I get home. I'm sure to exercise more now! (yeah right). KS has yet to have a go at it because we not sure what weight it can handle. There’s only one way to find out, right??
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