Even though I grew up in a predominantly Muslim community in Alor Star, I was never exposed to something which I only found out last year, through a popular Malaysian blog. Bubur Lambuk. Heck, what was that? Jeffooi.com the blogger mentioned how delicious his bowl of porridge was which he got free from the Masjid at Kg Baru during last year's fasting month.
And now that I'm working in a local bank, my emails have been beseiged with offers from people selling bubur lambuk. I then asked my Malay colleagues and they explained it was a broth that is cooked with rice, coconut, beef, intestines, prawns, chicken, vege, spices... the list seemed endless! This is usually cooked by mosques all over the country during the fasting month and is distributed free during the breaking of their fast.
Since my office is just beside a famous mosque, I have been tempted to sneak in and grab myself a bowl just to try this out. However, there are a few reasons for holding me back.
Firstly, I am a Chinese. Chinese do not normally step into mosques, especially when it is not for sight seeing. Secondly, I am a girl. Girls are required to wear headscarves and cover themselves when they enter mosques. Thirdly, my intention is to go in a grab food that is meant for those who have fasted the entire day.
I guess I would stick out like a sore thumb.
But I have been told, the most famous bubur lambuk is served at the Kampung Baru Mosque. I read somewhere on the internet that they have started selling bowls of it outside the mosque as part of a tourist attraction during Ramadhan. I may be curious enough to venture there for a RM2 bowl of what would be my first bowl of bubur lambuk.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Crimes
I recently found out that one of my uni mates was attacked just 3 months ago. He was about to get into his Mercedes at home when some Chinese men tried to steal his car. Now, this friend of mine is a self made businessman, around my age. I would assume that one of his first splurges was this car so it is not surprising he tried to put up a fight. He is also this tough macho guy slightly bordering gangster looking.
Anyway, the robbers slashed him with a parang and left him bleeding from his neck and arms after he shouted for help.
Today, I found out that my boss was ALSO robbed of his Merc last Friday at parang point. This time, he was fortunate enough that they told him they only wanted his car and he immediately gave up his keys to them. If I'm not mistaken, he just got home from work.
Then we've had several decomposed bodies found all over the nation, one of which is a teenage boy who was stuffed into a luggage clad only in his briefs and dumped at a construction site at a major intersection near my uncle's home in Damansara. This was allegedly a kidnap attempt gone wrong.
Another highly decomposed body was found, a lady whose wrists were tied behind her.
There was a kidnap attempt on a 14 year old kid in Subang last week while he was on his way home from school. The abductor is a company director who was heavily in debt due to his gambling. The kid was a random victim but thank goodness he was smart enough to escape.
It's horrific to read so many crimes happening here in the Klang Valley. Will it ever end?
Anyway, the robbers slashed him with a parang and left him bleeding from his neck and arms after he shouted for help.
Today, I found out that my boss was ALSO robbed of his Merc last Friday at parang point. This time, he was fortunate enough that they told him they only wanted his car and he immediately gave up his keys to them. If I'm not mistaken, he just got home from work.
Then we've had several decomposed bodies found all over the nation, one of which is a teenage boy who was stuffed into a luggage clad only in his briefs and dumped at a construction site at a major intersection near my uncle's home in Damansara. This was allegedly a kidnap attempt gone wrong.
Another highly decomposed body was found, a lady whose wrists were tied behind her.
There was a kidnap attempt on a 14 year old kid in Subang last week while he was on his way home from school. The abductor is a company director who was heavily in debt due to his gambling. The kid was a random victim but thank goodness he was smart enough to escape.
It's horrific to read so many crimes happening here in the Klang Valley. Will it ever end?
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Lurve...
Recently, I was in the company of a mother who really really loves her daughter. Everything her daughter did was perfect, and even if she didn't, it would only be spoken about with a brush of laughter. In this mother's eyes, her daughter could take on the world.
Thank goodness, contrary to popular belief, the daughter is not spoilt. She takes it all in her stride and is completely down to earth, no fighting to prove to others that she's top dog. You can't help but to like her too. In return, she thinks her Mum holds the solution to everything under the sun, from mosquito bites cures to nuclear fusion.
It is heart warming to see such a beautiful relationship. Perhaps this is normal to many mother-daughter relationships out there but I don't get to see it often. Usually, mothers demand perfection from their children and in the end, it stunts the child from growing confident in their abilities. In their obsession to appear "humble" in front of their friends, it is quite common to hear mothers say, "Oh, my child is not as clever as yours". Sad but true.
Of course, the rest of the family also plays an important part. How siblings encourage each other, how much they believe in each other.
Gee, this sounds corny but I really can see how this love can serve such a springboard to the child's future. Yes, yes, I knew all this in theory but having it displayed before my eyes really hits the truth home.
This posting must be the result of watching Akeelah and the Bee last night. Or that I'm going through some major PMS.
Thank goodness, contrary to popular belief, the daughter is not spoilt. She takes it all in her stride and is completely down to earth, no fighting to prove to others that she's top dog. You can't help but to like her too. In return, she thinks her Mum holds the solution to everything under the sun, from mosquito bites cures to nuclear fusion.
It is heart warming to see such a beautiful relationship. Perhaps this is normal to many mother-daughter relationships out there but I don't get to see it often. Usually, mothers demand perfection from their children and in the end, it stunts the child from growing confident in their abilities. In their obsession to appear "humble" in front of their friends, it is quite common to hear mothers say, "Oh, my child is not as clever as yours". Sad but true.
Of course, the rest of the family also plays an important part. How siblings encourage each other, how much they believe in each other.
Gee, this sounds corny but I really can see how this love can serve such a springboard to the child's future. Yes, yes, I knew all this in theory but having it displayed before my eyes really hits the truth home.
This posting must be the result of watching Akeelah and the Bee last night. Or that I'm going through some major PMS.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Time Crisis II
Ever since I started working, I have been playing this arcade game whenever I could. A game would cost around RM2 and you'd need to keep topping it up whenever your "life" has run out.
So today, after the brainstorming session, we headed to Berjaya Times Square and played Daytona. There were 7 of us including boss. It was such fun! But because I was already feeling slightly nauseous, I couldn't go beyond 3 games.
Instead, I invited my colleague to play Time Crisis II with me. I ended up using only RM7 (prices have dropped to just RM1 per game since they now have Time Crisis IV) and you know what? I FINISHED the game and emerged number 6 on the list of high scores! This is THE finalè to my near decade efforts.
I now do not have any reason to go into an arcade centre anymore except for Daytona. Perhaps I should start another quest, this time on Time Crisis III.
So today, after the brainstorming session, we headed to Berjaya Times Square and played Daytona. There were 7 of us including boss. It was such fun! But because I was already feeling slightly nauseous, I couldn't go beyond 3 games.
Instead, I invited my colleague to play Time Crisis II with me. I ended up using only RM7 (prices have dropped to just RM1 per game since they now have Time Crisis IV) and you know what? I FINISHED the game and emerged number 6 on the list of high scores! This is THE finalè to my near decade efforts.
I now do not have any reason to go into an arcade centre anymore except for Daytona. Perhaps I should start another quest, this time on Time Crisis III.
No More Steaks
At lunch today, I had a choice of having fried breaded fish with rice or a sirloin steak. Over the last few years, eating beef has left me feeling a bit ill as I start to have small burps every 20 seconds or so. Once this goes on for some time, I will feel nauseous. So far, I know of no cure for this burps.
Anyways, since I haven't had beef in such a long time, I decided to go for it. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good steak although I was eating at a posh and expensive restaurant. Not worth my feeling ill right now. If it had been a medium slab of tender steak, it would have been SO worth it.
My disappointment aside, I sadly come to the conclusion and will attempt to remember that I can not take beef anymore.
Anyways, since I haven't had beef in such a long time, I decided to go for it. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good steak although I was eating at a posh and expensive restaurant. Not worth my feeling ill right now. If it had been a medium slab of tender steak, it would have been SO worth it.
My disappointment aside, I sadly come to the conclusion and will attempt to remember that I can not take beef anymore.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Dressing Myself
Tomorrow my department is supposed to have a brainstorming session at a hotel for the entire day. Each one of us is supposed to do a short presentation on our portfolios to the boss and this is rather a new thing for us.
But you know what is bothering me the most? The fact that the dress code is smart casual. Why? Because I'm wondering what on earth I should wear. Not just dressing but shoes. My only casual footwear is a pair of slippers which I trudged the muddy and poo-caked roads of Cambodia. I am one of those who hates shoe shopping as all the nice looking ones are heeled and uncomfortable.
I wear two pairs of boots to work, one a brown and the other a black to match the pants I wear every single day. To say that I would love to have a uniform to wear to work would define me to the T. But as Karen keeps wondering why I wear boots in such a weather, it's because I can brisk walk easily in one as compared to heels (I believe brisk walking deters snatch thieves) and I can wear socks so my feet won't stink my shoes to high heaven. And even when my feet sweats, it would be contained.
So back to what I am going to wear tomorrow, I still don't know. I have plenty of heels meant for dinners, I have a pair of sport shoes which won't fit the smart casual description and my poo encrusted sandals. And of course my two boots. After the brainstorming session, we're supposed to either go paint balling or go to the Berjaya Times Square Theme Park.
I can't believe I'm related to Karen, the fashion buyer expert. There isn't a drop of fashion sense in my blood. I'm happier sorting out the complications of the new office photocopier/printer/scanner/fax.
But you know what is bothering me the most? The fact that the dress code is smart casual. Why? Because I'm wondering what on earth I should wear. Not just dressing but shoes. My only casual footwear is a pair of slippers which I trudged the muddy and poo-caked roads of Cambodia. I am one of those who hates shoe shopping as all the nice looking ones are heeled and uncomfortable.
I wear two pairs of boots to work, one a brown and the other a black to match the pants I wear every single day. To say that I would love to have a uniform to wear to work would define me to the T. But as Karen keeps wondering why I wear boots in such a weather, it's because I can brisk walk easily in one as compared to heels (I believe brisk walking deters snatch thieves) and I can wear socks so my feet won't stink my shoes to high heaven. And even when my feet sweats, it would be contained.
So back to what I am going to wear tomorrow, I still don't know. I have plenty of heels meant for dinners, I have a pair of sport shoes which won't fit the smart casual description and my poo encrusted sandals. And of course my two boots. After the brainstorming session, we're supposed to either go paint balling or go to the Berjaya Times Square Theme Park.
I can't believe I'm related to Karen, the fashion buyer expert. There isn't a drop of fashion sense in my blood. I'm happier sorting out the complications of the new office photocopier/printer/scanner/fax.
Office Politics: Apple Polishing - 101
This is something I have not (and sincerely doubt I ever will!) graduated in or wish to succeed in. To have experienced it for the first time in a major way, I must say it is quite shocking and I am repulsed towards the person who does it. My favourable opinions of this person has drastically dropped and I will never see this person the same again.
Sure, I have heard of it back in my old company but to have it applauded and evidenced in black and white is something else.
If this is the way to climb the corporate ladder, it sure is a sad way to go about it and I will only say the ladder will be a steep one for me. Then, so be it.
Sure, I have heard of it back in my old company but to have it applauded and evidenced in black and white is something else.
If this is the way to climb the corporate ladder, it sure is a sad way to go about it and I will only say the ladder will be a steep one for me. Then, so be it.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Round, Not Square
Oh ya, one thing I learnt over the weekend from my Mum-in-law. Chinese prefer having ROUND cakes instead of square ones. Apparently, roundness signifies completeness, no "corners" (or bumps as I interpret it) in life.
And all this while I have been making square cakes for their birthdays.
Now, I have to use my mathematical knowledge to find out what diameter tin I need to get to fit a cake that used to take up a 9" x 9" tin. Unfortunately, I have never thought the formulas I learnt in maths would be applicable one day. So is it pi x j squared or 2 x pi x j?
And all this while I have been making square cakes for their birthdays.
Now, I have to use my mathematical knowledge to find out what diameter tin I need to get to fit a cake that used to take up a 9" x 9" tin. Unfortunately, I have never thought the formulas I learnt in maths would be applicable one day. So is it pi x j squared or 2 x pi x j?
Size Does Matter
You know how I've mentioned that I've lost weight due to my purging recently? My hairdresser commented how slim I look and this morning, in a streak of vanity, I tried on my wedding cheong sam which I attempted to wear 6 months after for another function and screamed in horror because I looked like a lap cheong! I'll not go into details but you can imagine lah.
And the cheong sam fitted. Gasp! How do I maintain this? KS suggested I go Cambodia and get food poisoning again. Very funny.
And the cheong sam fitted. Gasp! How do I maintain this? KS suggested I go Cambodia and get food poisoning again. Very funny.
Buying Behaviour
The deejays on a local radio were discussing about shopping behaviours and many ladies called in to say that if they spotted something they liked, they would not rest until they bought it, no matter if it is practical.
Most people I shop with almost always come away with a purchase and they, in turn, would be frustrated that I did not get anything even though we might be shopping for the entire day. Which is why I haven't really shopped for some time now, only when I urgently need to replace my pair of boots for work and that was some time in June. And I haven't shopped with any of my girlfriends for AGES because of my embarrassment of my indecision of buying the item which I really want in the first place.
For example, I know I've been talking about wanting to get a new handphone since my current one acts up every week or so, with it's blank screen. So I've identified a Sony Ericsson that I am keen on. Market price is RM830 and it is being phased out since it's an old model. What am I waiting for? I'm still weighing the pros and cons.
From an outsider point of view, I'd be telling myself, "Get it already and stop debating on whether it's THE phone for you. It's just a dang phone!". Ok, ok! Soon....
Thank goodness KS is used to my bad habit and ignores me.
Most people I shop with almost always come away with a purchase and they, in turn, would be frustrated that I did not get anything even though we might be shopping for the entire day. Which is why I haven't really shopped for some time now, only when I urgently need to replace my pair of boots for work and that was some time in June. And I haven't shopped with any of my girlfriends for AGES because of my embarrassment of my indecision of buying the item which I really want in the first place.
For example, I know I've been talking about wanting to get a new handphone since my current one acts up every week or so, with it's blank screen. So I've identified a Sony Ericsson that I am keen on. Market price is RM830 and it is being phased out since it's an old model. What am I waiting for? I'm still weighing the pros and cons.
From an outsider point of view, I'd be telling myself, "Get it already and stop debating on whether it's THE phone for you. It's just a dang phone!". Ok, ok! Soon....
Thank goodness KS is used to my bad habit and ignores me.
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