“Damsel in distress” is just not a term people would associate with me. Thank God!
But last Friday, I probably acted like one. And I’m not proud of it. But heck, I should cut myself some slack, shouldn’t I?
Anyway, I was all ready to go to work (as usual) but my car just won’t start. I turned the key, the lights came on, and the engine came to life but then sputtered and died. Yeah! Grrr … I turned the key again and this time the lights came on, I heard the “click” sound but then … nothing. My heart dropped.
“This is so NOT happening to me,” I thought.
But no matter how many tries I made, the engine just won’t start. My first thought was to call Dad. After all, he used to take care of all my car service needs. Unfortunately, all my attempts only got me through to his voicemail. I then tried calling my sister’s place in the hopes that he would be there, but no one picked up the phone.
“OK girl, you are now on your own,” I thought.
At this point, one would ask why I did not call AAM. Well, for the simple reason that this is a company car and it’s not registered with AAM. One would also further ask why I did not call the nearest mechanic. Well, the car is relatively new (barely two years old) and is still under warranty. In addition, it’s one of those continental contraptions ~ good to look at; complicated to work on with all the high-tech, advance, electronic gadgets ~ with limited authorised workshops around.
I digress. Anyway, I got down the car and tried to open the bonnet, in the hopes of finding a loose wire connection or something. OK. This might not seem like the brightest idea but several years ago, I was in a similar situation (but it was a different car, a Japanese one) except that the engine just went flat ~ no lights, no warning, nothing! I thought it was the battery but it turned out to be a loose wire connection then. Hence, the above attempt.
But alas! I found the latch to the bonnet but couldn’t unlatch it. Before one starts on any dumb blonde jokes (since I am neither dumb ~ I probably need more conviction after this incident ~ nor blonde!) and in my own defence, let me say that a Peugeot car latch is a bit different from the local or Japanese ones.
In desperation, I called my friend who owns a Peugeot to figure out how to unlatch the bonnet. In the midst of our conversation, I heard someone called to me. Neighbours! Help! Yes! Helpful neighbours! My heart lifted when I saw them walking towards my car. Gosh! Am I in need of help!
The hubby helped me figure out how to work the latch and voila! the bonnet was finally opened. They made a call to another neighbour (who is more into cars) to seek confirmation as to the car’s “ailment”. Yup! It was confirmed ~ all indications that the problem was the battery.
They then woke up another neighbour, borrowed his jump-start cables and his labour, and got my engine revving. Aww … the sweet sound of a revving engine was music to my ears! Never thought I’d say that! I managed to get my car to the workshop ~ got the battery changed and the car serviced. (Incidentally, I was just a little over the service period!)
In any case, I am incredibly grateful to my neighbours especially the wife who was late for work that day because of my car problem! I owe you one folks!
All I can say is:
Thank God for helpful neighbours!
Thank God for a helpful friend (who tried to help me through the mobile).
Thank God for Dad (who I finally got hold of and who fetched me from the workshop).
Lesson learnt:
I need to find an authorised workshop that does “house calls”. This means I’d have to hunt for another authorised Peugeot workshop just in case. Also, despite how busy I am or how difficult it is to get an appointment with the authorised workshop, I’d better ensure I get my car serviced way before due date. One never knows with these continental models.
There you go … one reluctant damsel in distress!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Lady, you still single? Here's why! :P
Now, we get to the crux of the matter. Only 0.0009% of available men are Mr. Right. Statistics does not lie. :p
Friday, March 09, 2007
International Women's Day
Do you know that 8th March marks the celebration of International Women's Day? No? Well, neither do I ... until I received several sms and emails yesterday, wishing me "Happy International Women's Day"! Everything seems like a cause for celebration these days. It's the darnest thing isn't it?
In any case, on further "investigation" (i.e. googling), I found the following site.
"International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" marched on Versailles to demand women's suffrage."
I suppose we should celebrate 8th March then. After all, without these "sisters" of ours, we could still be living in the middle ages ... being seen only in the kitchen or the bedroom, being subservient to men, being repressed, etc, etc. While I am not into the "bra burning" feminist movement, I do believe in women's rights.
So, here's a big thank you to these "sisters" of ours who have made life a lot better for women today!
I'll leave you folks with an interesting email I received yesterday. While I do not fully subscribe to the language used, I am fully in agreement with the sentiments conveyed. Hehehe ... Do read on. These are classic one-liners! And my favourite ones are in BOLD! Phooeeyyy!
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!
---------------------------------
THINGS STRESSED WOMEN MAY SAY AT WORK :
1. Okay, okay! I take it back. Unfuck you.
2. You say I'm a bitch like it's a bad thing.
3. Well, this day was a total waste of make-up.
4. Well, aren't we a damn ray of sunshine?
5. Don't bother me, I'm living happily ever after.
6. Do I look like a people person?
7. This isn't an office. It's hell with fluorescent lighting.
8. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
9. Therapy is expensive. Popping bubble wrap is cheap. You choose.
10. Why don't you try practicing random acts of intelligence and senseless acts of self-control?
11. I'm not crazy. I've been in a very bad mood for 30 years.
12. Sarcasm is just one more service I offer.
13. Do they ever shut up on your planet?
14. I'm not your type. I'm not inflatable.
15. Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven't gone to sleep yet!
16. Back off!! You're standing in my aura.
17. Don't worry. I forgot your name too.
18. I work 45 hours a week to be this poor.
19. Not all men are annoying. Some are dead.
20. Wait...I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
21. Chaos, panic and disorder .. my work here is done.
22. Ambivalent? Well, yes and no.
23. You look like shit. Is that the style now?
24. Earth is full. Go home.
25. Aw, did I step on your poor little itty bitty ego?
26. I'm not tense, just terribly, terribly alert.
27. A hard-on doesn't count as personal growth.
28. You are depriving some village of an idiot.
29. If assholes could fly, this place would be an airport.
30. Look in my eyes . Do you see one ounce of give-a-shit?
In any case, on further "investigation" (i.e. googling), I found the following site.
"International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" marched on Versailles to demand women's suffrage."
I suppose we should celebrate 8th March then. After all, without these "sisters" of ours, we could still be living in the middle ages ... being seen only in the kitchen or the bedroom, being subservient to men, being repressed, etc, etc. While I am not into the "bra burning" feminist movement, I do believe in women's rights.
So, here's a big thank you to these "sisters" of ours who have made life a lot better for women today!
I'll leave you folks with an interesting email I received yesterday. While I do not fully subscribe to the language used, I am fully in agreement with the sentiments conveyed. Hehehe ... Do read on. These are classic one-liners! And my favourite ones are in BOLD! Phooeeyyy!
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!
---------------------------------
THINGS STRESSED WOMEN MAY SAY AT WORK :
1. Okay, okay! I take it back. Unfuck you.
2. You say I'm a bitch like it's a bad thing.
3. Well, this day was a total waste of make-up.
4. Well, aren't we a damn ray of sunshine?
5. Don't bother me, I'm living happily ever after.
6. Do I look like a people person?
7. This isn't an office. It's hell with fluorescent lighting.
8. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
9. Therapy is expensive. Popping bubble wrap is cheap. You choose.
10. Why don't you try practicing random acts of intelligence and senseless acts of self-control?
11. I'm not crazy. I've been in a very bad mood for 30 years.
12. Sarcasm is just one more service I offer.
13. Do they ever shut up on your planet?
14. I'm not your type. I'm not inflatable.
15. Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven't gone to sleep yet!
16. Back off!! You're standing in my aura.
17. Don't worry. I forgot your name too.
18. I work 45 hours a week to be this poor.
19. Not all men are annoying. Some are dead.
20. Wait...I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
21. Chaos, panic and disorder .. my work here is done.
22. Ambivalent? Well, yes and no.
23. You look like shit. Is that the style now?
24. Earth is full. Go home.
25. Aw, did I step on your poor little itty bitty ego?
26. I'm not tense, just terribly, terribly alert.
27. A hard-on doesn't count as personal growth.
28. You are depriving some village of an idiot.
29. If assholes could fly, this place would be an airport.
30. Look in my eyes . Do you see one ounce of give-a-shit?
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Not again!
Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day are probably the worst days of a singleton’s life; especially for those who are over ripe for the pickings. I mean, if you want to find a day when people lay on the guilt about being single, well, these are the days!
It’s incredible really. The pointed questions asked, the numerous advices given, the never-ending and sometimes malicious teasing. And subtlety be damned! A colleague of mine even went as far as “reading” my “pat chi” to find out if marriage is in the cards for me. And to his glee (“his” mind you, not “mine”), it seemed that I would not be an “old maid” after all.
And here we, poor single sots, are put in the spotlight to defend our single status. My goodness! Why do we have to pander to society’s whims of how the cycle of life should be? Why should it be a cycle of birth, education, work, marriage, babies, retirement and death?
While I am sure a lot of these people mean well, I wonder if they ever thought of the feelings they might have hurt with their endless bout of queries. The questions ask sometimes make one feels less than he/she really is … as if not being attached or married means some sort of failure in life.
Is it any wonder why so many marriages fail these days? How many people hop on to the marriage bandwagon due to society’s pressure only to find out later that that is the worst mistake of their lives?
Heck! If finding a mate is so easy, any Tom, Dick and Harry (or Sissy, Sassy and Sally) would do! And while we are at that, does it mean if we can’t find a mate that fits, do we force fit ourselves to pander to society’s expectations? Marriage is already difficult enough. Would this not be a recipe for disaster?
Perhaps it is time for one to think before he/she speaks. Think of the impact of your words to a singleton. It’s not as if what you are saying is anything new. We have heard it all probably a zillion times before. If you can’t add anything new, and you can’t offer any real help, then isn’t discretion (or silence) the better part of valour?
Do give the singletons a break! Life and relationships are tough enough without the added pressure of getting married when one is not ready yet, not ready at all or might not ever be ready! Think of how hard you have to work at your marriage, at your relationship.
I stand at the gateway of life and wonder if that elusive mate even exists.
It’s incredible really. The pointed questions asked, the numerous advices given, the never-ending and sometimes malicious teasing. And subtlety be damned! A colleague of mine even went as far as “reading” my “pat chi” to find out if marriage is in the cards for me. And to his glee (“his” mind you, not “mine”), it seemed that I would not be an “old maid” after all.
And here we, poor single sots, are put in the spotlight to defend our single status. My goodness! Why do we have to pander to society’s whims of how the cycle of life should be? Why should it be a cycle of birth, education, work, marriage, babies, retirement and death?
While I am sure a lot of these people mean well, I wonder if they ever thought of the feelings they might have hurt with their endless bout of queries. The questions ask sometimes make one feels less than he/she really is … as if not being attached or married means some sort of failure in life.
Is it any wonder why so many marriages fail these days? How many people hop on to the marriage bandwagon due to society’s pressure only to find out later that that is the worst mistake of their lives?
Heck! If finding a mate is so easy, any Tom, Dick and Harry (or Sissy, Sassy and Sally) would do! And while we are at that, does it mean if we can’t find a mate that fits, do we force fit ourselves to pander to society’s expectations? Marriage is already difficult enough. Would this not be a recipe for disaster?
Perhaps it is time for one to think before he/she speaks. Think of the impact of your words to a singleton. It’s not as if what you are saying is anything new. We have heard it all probably a zillion times before. If you can’t add anything new, and you can’t offer any real help, then isn’t discretion (or silence) the better part of valour?
Do give the singletons a break! Life and relationships are tough enough without the added pressure of getting married when one is not ready yet, not ready at all or might not ever be ready! Think of how hard you have to work at your marriage, at your relationship.
I stand at the gateway of life and wonder if that elusive mate even exists.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Like any other day ... NOT
This has not been the best day of the year so far ... and it should coz it's my "ngau yat"or literally translated "cow's day" or the actual meaning Birthday! :p (Don't ask me why it's called "ngau yat" as my Chinese speaking friends have no idea either!)
Why has it been a bad day?
1. It took me blardy 30 minutes to get out of my condo this morning as the whole road turning into the LDP was stuck. Some idiots decided to ignore the red traffic light and the crossroad under the flyover was all messed up as cars were cutting in from every direction. Grrrrrr ...
2. Finally when I cleared that hurdle, I found that there was a massive jam going into town because some smart aleck decided to have a "raptai" for the city day parade which falls on 1st February. It took me blardy one and the half hours to reach office. Jam! Jam! Jam!
3. I am now having a blinding headache and all I want to do is go home and sleep.
4. I can't go home because I am supposed to be having my performance review today and my boss has yet to call me in.
5. I have a birthday dinner celebration at 8.30pm and I still have no idea if I can reach there on time due to point no. 4. If I don't get there on time, I might piss off my sister royally since she originally wanted to do it on 1st February but I insisted to have the dinner tonight. Sigh!
That's why it is not like any other day ... it's worse.
Now, on to happier thoughts. I am very touched and thankful to my friends and family.
Why?
1. I have been celebrating my "ngau yat" with friends and family since Saturday. There was the Saturday Shangri-la high-tea (thanks Mon), the Saturday Pangkor Fish house dinner (thanks L3), the Sunday Sunway condo joint dinner party (thanks siau gang and birthday boy Manny for doing the cooking) and the Monday The Ship dinner (thanks P1 & bro-in-law). And there's more to come in the next few days!!! :D
2. I have this funky new calendar on "365 Great Things About Getting Older", courtesy of the siau gang.
Today's great thing is: "There are only three ages for women in Hollywood - Babe, District Attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy. - Goldie Hawn"
Why is age always such a great bother for women? Why not men too? Bah!
3. A friend promised me a Balinese birthday massage at Puri Santhi. Yippee! (Thanks Val. Hehehe ...)
4. I received this really nice decorative candle from Tasmania. It's now in my display cabinet. (Thanks L3.) And a nice 5R photo frame for 3 pix in a row from IKEA. Just what I need to put up my Tanzania wild animal photos. (Thanks Mon.) And for all the other pressies that I have received and will be receiving soon (wink! wink! wink!), thanks folks, you're all so sweet. :D
5. I received many sms, email and messenger birthday wishes and also F2F (face to face) birthday wishes today. Thanks folks. I'm touched to be remembered. :)
Alrighty. Speech all done. Head feels better. But still no word from boss.
Back to work and the grindstone!
Cheerios!
Why has it been a bad day?
1. It took me blardy 30 minutes to get out of my condo this morning as the whole road turning into the LDP was stuck. Some idiots decided to ignore the red traffic light and the crossroad under the flyover was all messed up as cars were cutting in from every direction. Grrrrrr ...
2. Finally when I cleared that hurdle, I found that there was a massive jam going into town because some smart aleck decided to have a "raptai" for the city day parade which falls on 1st February. It took me blardy one and the half hours to reach office. Jam! Jam! Jam!
3. I am now having a blinding headache and all I want to do is go home and sleep.
4. I can't go home because I am supposed to be having my performance review today and my boss has yet to call me in.
5. I have a birthday dinner celebration at 8.30pm and I still have no idea if I can reach there on time due to point no. 4. If I don't get there on time, I might piss off my sister royally since she originally wanted to do it on 1st February but I insisted to have the dinner tonight. Sigh!
That's why it is not like any other day ... it's worse.
Now, on to happier thoughts. I am very touched and thankful to my friends and family.
Why?
1. I have been celebrating my "ngau yat" with friends and family since Saturday. There was the Saturday Shangri-la high-tea (thanks Mon), the Saturday Pangkor Fish house dinner (thanks L3), the Sunday Sunway condo joint dinner party (thanks siau gang and birthday boy Manny for doing the cooking) and the Monday The Ship dinner (thanks P1 & bro-in-law). And there's more to come in the next few days!!! :D
2. I have this funky new calendar on "365 Great Things About Getting Older", courtesy of the siau gang.
Today's great thing is: "There are only three ages for women in Hollywood - Babe, District Attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy. - Goldie Hawn"
Why is age always such a great bother for women? Why not men too? Bah!
3. A friend promised me a Balinese birthday massage at Puri Santhi. Yippee! (Thanks Val. Hehehe ...)
4. I received this really nice decorative candle from Tasmania. It's now in my display cabinet. (Thanks L3.) And a nice 5R photo frame for 3 pix in a row from IKEA. Just what I need to put up my Tanzania wild animal photos. (Thanks Mon.) And for all the other pressies that I have received and will be receiving soon (wink! wink! wink!), thanks folks, you're all so sweet. :D
5. I received many sms, email and messenger birthday wishes and also F2F (face to face) birthday wishes today. Thanks folks. I'm touched to be remembered. :)
Alrighty. Speech all done. Head feels better. But still no word from boss.
Back to work and the grindstone!
Cheerios!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
What messages are we conveying to the youths of today?
Bombarded by increasing commercialism and frivolity from the media and a progressively modern society that is more concern with the paper and $$$ chase, I have my fair share of concern over the younger/future generation. Witness blogs like Xiaxue, and reality shows like The Bachelor and The Swan. Note the popularity of Paris Hilton and her reality show, "The Simple Life". What messages are they leaving today's youths?
As if that's not enough, note the increasing number of slimming centres and plastic surgery clinics. Witness young girls who are stick thin and yet still go on diet. Listen to talks of plastic surgery for a nose or boob job as if that's an everyday occurance. It’s no wonder more and more kids grow up with a skewed view of the world.
I remember being approached by a college student in Sunway Pyramid more than a year back. She was doing a survey on what constitutes beauty and self confidence to a woman. As the survey progress, I realised that my answers to her questions were more personal than just a survey.
"Would you rather be pretty or smart?" "Is it easier to get ahead of life if you are pretty compared to being smart?" And so on and so forth.
I can't help but feel that she is trying to find her self worth. When the interview ended she commented, "Thank you. Just one last question and this has nothing to do with the survey. How do you get so confident and at ease with yourself?"
The sad thing is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with her. No, she is not gorgeous, but she is not ugly. She is neither stick thin, nor voluptuous. She is an average Jill who has a girl next door look. And she was struggling to find her self confidence and self worth amongst a society that is so preoccupied with external or physical beauty. It is tragic. What messages are we conveying to today's youths?
Perhaps Simple Plan sang it best in their song, "Crazy".
"Crazy"
Tell me what's wrong with society
When everywhere I look, I see
Young girls dying to be on TV
They won't stop till they've reached their dreams
Diet pills, surgery
Photoshopped pictures in magazines
Telling them how they should be
It doesn't make sense to me
(Is everybody going crazy?
Is anybody gonna save me?
Can anybody tell me what's going on?
Tell me what's going on?
If you open your eyes
You'll see that something is wrong) *
I guess things are not how they used to be
There's no more normal families
Parents act like enemies
Making kids feel like it's World War III
No one cares, no one's there
I guess we're all just too damn busy
And money's our first priority
It doesn't make sense to me
(Repeat * once)
Is everybody going crazy?
Is everybody going crazy?
Tell me what's wrong with society
When everywhere I look I see
Rich guys driving big SUVs
While kids are starving in the streets
No one cares
No one likes to share
I guess life's unfair
(Repeat * twice)
I don't envy growing up in today's world. The question is what can we do to help change that?
As if that's not enough, note the increasing number of slimming centres and plastic surgery clinics. Witness young girls who are stick thin and yet still go on diet. Listen to talks of plastic surgery for a nose or boob job as if that's an everyday occurance. It’s no wonder more and more kids grow up with a skewed view of the world.
I remember being approached by a college student in Sunway Pyramid more than a year back. She was doing a survey on what constitutes beauty and self confidence to a woman. As the survey progress, I realised that my answers to her questions were more personal than just a survey.
"Would you rather be pretty or smart?" "Is it easier to get ahead of life if you are pretty compared to being smart?" And so on and so forth.
I can't help but feel that she is trying to find her self worth. When the interview ended she commented, "Thank you. Just one last question and this has nothing to do with the survey. How do you get so confident and at ease with yourself?"
The sad thing is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with her. No, she is not gorgeous, but she is not ugly. She is neither stick thin, nor voluptuous. She is an average Jill who has a girl next door look. And she was struggling to find her self confidence and self worth amongst a society that is so preoccupied with external or physical beauty. It is tragic. What messages are we conveying to today's youths?
Perhaps Simple Plan sang it best in their song, "Crazy".
"Crazy"
Tell me what's wrong with society
When everywhere I look, I see
Young girls dying to be on TV
They won't stop till they've reached their dreams
Diet pills, surgery
Photoshopped pictures in magazines
Telling them how they should be
It doesn't make sense to me
(Is everybody going crazy?
Is anybody gonna save me?
Can anybody tell me what's going on?
Tell me what's going on?
If you open your eyes
You'll see that something is wrong) *
I guess things are not how they used to be
There's no more normal families
Parents act like enemies
Making kids feel like it's World War III
No one cares, no one's there
I guess we're all just too damn busy
And money's our first priority
It doesn't make sense to me
(Repeat * once)
Is everybody going crazy?
Is everybody going crazy?
Tell me what's wrong with society
When everywhere I look I see
Rich guys driving big SUVs
While kids are starving in the streets
No one cares
No one likes to share
I guess life's unfair
(Repeat * twice)
I don't envy growing up in today's world. The question is what can we do to help change that?
Cardio! Cardio! Cardio!
I believe I mentioned that the siau gang never do things half measure. Well, once again, I am proven right!
We have been told by the new Siau Club President, Alex (herein known as SCP) to bring along cash payment for en masse registration for the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon on 18th March 2007. Luckily, he did not put our names for the half marathon as per his earlier threat. Thank God for small mercies!
SCP will of course do the half marathon (as expected of every President although Ming escaped that during his tenure), while his cohort, Manny the “hill rabbit” ( :p ) will go for the full marathon. Having witness Manny’s speed and stamina during our Bukit Gasing treks (which he ran instead of trek) left me in no doubt that he would wing this one easily.
Now, the rest of the very fit men and ladies of the siau gang (who averagely work out at least three times a week) will have no sweat in completing the 10 km run in no time. Which leaves ME, the most unfit one who has not gone to a gym in eons (probably more than 3 months), to fend for myself. My only claim to exercise hall of fame is my weekly badminton game and my once in a blue moon weekend trek.
Dang! As 18th March is not that far off, I had to get back to the gym today. Despite being 15 minutes late for combat class, after 15 minutes of high impact cardio, I was out of breath. By the half hour mark, I can feel stitches at my side. Towards the end, after jumping and kicking around for only 45 minutes, I had muscle cramp on my foot. Gee wheeze! Talk about totally out of the fitness and stamina radar.
Nevertheless, the spirit was willing even though the flesh was weak! Really weak! I continued on at the treadmill and managed to run 2.6 km in 20 minutes! At this rate, I’d likely take an hour and a half (if lucky) to complete the 10 km run and I’ll be eating everyone’s dust. Oh boy! I certainly have a lot of work cut out for me.
My mantra for the next few weeks will be, “Think cardio. Think high impact cardio!”
Siau!
We have been told by the new Siau Club President, Alex (herein known as SCP) to bring along cash payment for en masse registration for the Kuala Lumpur International Marathon on 18th March 2007. Luckily, he did not put our names for the half marathon as per his earlier threat. Thank God for small mercies!
SCP will of course do the half marathon (as expected of every President although Ming escaped that during his tenure), while his cohort, Manny the “hill rabbit” ( :p ) will go for the full marathon. Having witness Manny’s speed and stamina during our Bukit Gasing treks (which he ran instead of trek) left me in no doubt that he would wing this one easily.
Now, the rest of the very fit men and ladies of the siau gang (who averagely work out at least three times a week) will have no sweat in completing the 10 km run in no time. Which leaves ME, the most unfit one who has not gone to a gym in eons (probably more than 3 months), to fend for myself. My only claim to exercise hall of fame is my weekly badminton game and my once in a blue moon weekend trek.
Dang! As 18th March is not that far off, I had to get back to the gym today. Despite being 15 minutes late for combat class, after 15 minutes of high impact cardio, I was out of breath. By the half hour mark, I can feel stitches at my side. Towards the end, after jumping and kicking around for only 45 minutes, I had muscle cramp on my foot. Gee wheeze! Talk about totally out of the fitness and stamina radar.
Nevertheless, the spirit was willing even though the flesh was weak! Really weak! I continued on at the treadmill and managed to run 2.6 km in 20 minutes! At this rate, I’d likely take an hour and a half (if lucky) to complete the 10 km run and I’ll be eating everyone’s dust. Oh boy! I certainly have a lot of work cut out for me.
My mantra for the next few weeks will be, “Think cardio. Think high impact cardio!”
Siau!
Friday, January 26, 2007
What is a Jew?
One of the things I miss most from varsity days is hanging out at the mamak and discussing/debating about anything under the sun. Curiously enough, I have rediscovered that with the badminton gang at our weekly Thursday night mamak session.
Random conversation.
Moi: "So what is a Jew? Is it a religion or a group of people?"
BK: "It refers to a group of people."
Moi: "Really? It's not a religion? You mean as a Chinese, I cannot become a Jew?"
BK: "I don't think so."
Moi: "So what religion are Jews? I mean is there a name to the religion?"
BK shrugged.
Moi: "Judaism perhaps?"
BK: "Isn't Judaism a religion for Judas followers?"
Moi: "Err .. I have no idea."
OK. So this converging of minds didn't really work out. But curiousity got the better of me and here are some facts.
According to Wikipedia:
Jews (Hebrew: יְהוּדִים, Yehudim; Yiddish: ייִדן, Yidn) are followers of Judaism or, more generally, members of the Jewish people (also known as the Jewish Nation, or the Children of Israel), an ethno-religious group descended from the ancient Israelites and from converts who joined their religion. The term also includes those who have undergone an officially recognized formal process of religious conversion to Judaism.
Judaism shares some of the characteristics of a nation, an ethnicity, a religion, and a culture, making the definition of who is a Jew vary slightly depending on whether a religious or national approach to identity is used. For discussions of the religious views on who is a Jew and how these views differ from each other, please see Who is a Jew?.
Generally, in modern secular usage, Jews include three groups:
1. people who practice Judaism and have a Jewish ethnic background (sometimes including those who do not have strictly matrilineal descent),
2. people without Jewish parents who have converted to Judaism; and
3. those Jews who, while not practicing Judaism as a religion, still identify themselves as Jewish by virtue of their family's Jewish descent and their own cultural and historical identification with the Jewish people.
Thus from the above definition I infer that I can become a Jew if I embrace Judaism.
Right?
Random conversation.
Moi: "So what is a Jew? Is it a religion or a group of people?"
BK: "It refers to a group of people."
Moi: "Really? It's not a religion? You mean as a Chinese, I cannot become a Jew?"
BK: "I don't think so."
Moi: "So what religion are Jews? I mean is there a name to the religion?"
BK shrugged.
Moi: "Judaism perhaps?"
BK: "Isn't Judaism a religion for Judas followers?"
Moi: "Err .. I have no idea."
OK. So this converging of minds didn't really work out. But curiousity got the better of me and here are some facts.
According to Wikipedia:
Jews (Hebrew: יְהוּדִים, Yehudim; Yiddish: ייִדן, Yidn) are followers of Judaism or, more generally, members of the Jewish people (also known as the Jewish Nation, or the Children of Israel), an ethno-religious group descended from the ancient Israelites and from converts who joined their religion. The term also includes those who have undergone an officially recognized formal process of religious conversion to Judaism.
Judaism shares some of the characteristics of a nation, an ethnicity, a religion, and a culture, making the definition of who is a Jew vary slightly depending on whether a religious or national approach to identity is used. For discussions of the religious views on who is a Jew and how these views differ from each other, please see Who is a Jew?.
Generally, in modern secular usage, Jews include three groups:
1. people who practice Judaism and have a Jewish ethnic background (sometimes including those who do not have strictly matrilineal descent),
2. people without Jewish parents who have converted to Judaism; and
3. those Jews who, while not practicing Judaism as a religion, still identify themselves as Jewish by virtue of their family's Jewish descent and their own cultural and historical identification with the Jewish people.
Thus from the above definition I infer that I can become a Jew if I embrace Judaism.
Right?
Monday, January 22, 2007
The Different faces of the Siau Gang
It was barely two years ago that this crazy group of gym goers got together and christianed ourselves "the siau gang". And like all friendships and relationships, we had our fair share of ups and downs. From 'impossible' cardio activities, juvenile antics, huge gastronomic get togethers, inappropriate conversational topics, ... to extreme disagreement and blow-ups, ... we have never really done things half measure. Frankly, I never expected the friendship to have such staying power. But thanks to a few folks in the group (you know who you are), the group prevailed in spite of our differences.
Recently a key member got hitched and everyone pitched in to "help". Whether we actually helped more than we confused the wedding couple was questionable ... and up to individual interpretation ... but we certainly had a jolly good time "helping out"! :) You can read the step by step naration of the events leading to the wedding from this site. But fair warning, whatever you read from the site is from the eyes and interpretation of the narator and may be exaggerated. :P
In any case, I finally got hold of the wedding photos tonight. While looking through some of the pictures taken during the wedding, I can't help but compare them to our previous pictures. Boy! We certainly look very different all decked up.
Thanks folks for all the fun and the craziness! Here's a walk down memory lane.
To Friendship!
Young, fresh and innocent-looking (taken at my place in early 2005)
The Gluttony (taken during potluck dinner at my place in 2005)
Coming of Age (taken during Alex's birthday in 2005)
Another round of gluttony (taken during New Year 2006 celebration)
All in the Siau Gang family (taken during Ming's "retrieve the bride" ceremony last week)
The Wedding Reception (taken during Ming's Wedding Dinner last week)
Siau Gang Chuen Kar Fook 14 Jan 2007
Recently a key member got hitched and everyone pitched in to "help". Whether we actually helped more than we confused the wedding couple was questionable ... and up to individual interpretation ... but we certainly had a jolly good time "helping out"! :) You can read the step by step naration of the events leading to the wedding from this site. But fair warning, whatever you read from the site is from the eyes and interpretation of the narator and may be exaggerated. :P
In any case, I finally got hold of the wedding photos tonight. While looking through some of the pictures taken during the wedding, I can't help but compare them to our previous pictures. Boy! We certainly look very different all decked up.
Thanks folks for all the fun and the craziness! Here's a walk down memory lane.
To Friendship!
Young, fresh and innocent-looking (taken at my place in early 2005)
The Gluttony (taken during potluck dinner at my place in 2005)
Coming of Age (taken during Alex's birthday in 2005)
Another round of gluttony (taken during New Year 2006 celebration)
All in the Siau Gang family (taken during Ming's "retrieve the bride" ceremony last week)
The Wedding Reception (taken during Ming's Wedding Dinner last week)
Siau Gang Chuen Kar Fook 14 Jan 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Looking for American Idol Bloggers
Talk about the power of the World Wide Web or perhaps the power of search engines!
I received the following email today, inviting me to join the American Idol Bloggers as they "supposedly" came across my site while searching for bloggers who blog about American Idol.
I couldn't recall ever posting such a blog. I had to "google" the following "Leanne's Say"+"American Idol" to get to the page on my blog that mentioned American Idol.
Guess what?! It was in the following post on ... OLD MAN'S CLUB
I only had the following two lines stating the words "American Idol" ...
"Getting sick of watching American Idol on national TV? Need a dose of a little more excitement? "
"I’d rather spend Friday night watching the hunks in the gym having a go at the weights or watching the gorgeous “Ace” belting away on American Idol."
Hahaha ... Guess it doesn't take much to qualify as an American Idol Blogger!!!
Anyone interested? :)
I received the following email today, inviting me to join the American Idol Bloggers as they "supposedly" came across my site while searching for bloggers who blog about American Idol.
I couldn't recall ever posting such a blog. I had to "google" the following "Leanne's Say"+"American Idol" to get to the page on my blog that mentioned American Idol.
Guess what?! It was in the following post on ... OLD MAN'S CLUB
I only had the following two lines stating the words "American Idol" ...
"Getting sick of watching American Idol on national TV? Need a dose of a little more excitement? "
"I’d rather spend Friday night watching the hunks in the gym having a go at the weights or watching the gorgeous “Ace” belting away on American Idol."
Hahaha ... Guess it doesn't take much to qualify as an American Idol Blogger!!!
Anyone interested? :)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007
A Happy Belated 2007 to all. Yes, it’s been a month since I last blogged. Busy at work, busy travelling, busy holidaying … yes to all that. At times, there was so much I wanted to express. At others, the mind was a veritable desert.
The change of calendar year came and went without much fanfare. I was in Surabaya with a friend but instead of celebrating the occasion (as we originally planned); we almost slept through the event (or non event) due to exhaustion. We were woken up by the sound of fireworks, rushed out of the backpackers in time to observe the final few seconds of 2006 slipping away.
I have not had much time to reflect on 2006 nor was I driven to make any new resolutions for 2007 since then. I realise that I should not view a change in calendar year to reflect upon what had occurred but to review events in my life by the blocks of time I have invested in them.
“Does the end justify the means? Is the ROI (Return on Investment) worthy of the time, effort and emotional sacrifice? Have I been so focussed on the results that I have forgotten to enjoy the journey? Have I been swayed to take the easier path instead of standing state fast in my beliefs? Have I played it safe for too many years?”
These are but a few thoughts that have been running through my head. More and more I wonder if the path of independence was the right one to take. If I do not lean on me, can I trust someone else (divine presence excluded) to lean on or to champion my cause? If I change that, am I changing the core of “who I am”?
Stephen Covey spoke of the three stages in life; when we first came into the world, we were dependent. Then when we grew to adulthood, we wanted independence. But along the path of life, we will recognise that we need to live interdependently. Perhaps it is time to let go of that independence, throw caution to the wind, and welcome interdependence into my life. It’s a big step for me, and I am not sure I am ready for that.
Well, goodbye 2006 and helloooo 2007.
The change of calendar year came and went without much fanfare. I was in Surabaya with a friend but instead of celebrating the occasion (as we originally planned); we almost slept through the event (or non event) due to exhaustion. We were woken up by the sound of fireworks, rushed out of the backpackers in time to observe the final few seconds of 2006 slipping away.
I have not had much time to reflect on 2006 nor was I driven to make any new resolutions for 2007 since then. I realise that I should not view a change in calendar year to reflect upon what had occurred but to review events in my life by the blocks of time I have invested in them.
“Does the end justify the means? Is the ROI (Return on Investment) worthy of the time, effort and emotional sacrifice? Have I been so focussed on the results that I have forgotten to enjoy the journey? Have I been swayed to take the easier path instead of standing state fast in my beliefs? Have I played it safe for too many years?”
These are but a few thoughts that have been running through my head. More and more I wonder if the path of independence was the right one to take. If I do not lean on me, can I trust someone else (divine presence excluded) to lean on or to champion my cause? If I change that, am I changing the core of “who I am”?
Stephen Covey spoke of the three stages in life; when we first came into the world, we were dependent. Then when we grew to adulthood, we wanted independence. But along the path of life, we will recognise that we need to live interdependently. Perhaps it is time to let go of that independence, throw caution to the wind, and welcome interdependence into my life. It’s a big step for me, and I am not sure I am ready for that.
Well, goodbye 2006 and helloooo 2007.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Shall We Dance?
I was convinced that the world was made up of two types of people ~ those who COULD dance and those who COULD NOT! I obviously fell into the latter group.
A couple of years back, a software vendor of American and Japanese mix invited me to learn the salsa at El Nino's. Having always wanted to learn latino dances but lacking male partners who were interested to do so, I foolishly said yes! But alas! Instead of getting into a beginner's class, we accidently went to an advanced class and were promptly shown how inept we were (or at least I was) at dancing. My partner at least had some rhythm since he was into swing dancing, whatever that is. (Must be an American thingy.) But me, having born with two left feet, had to brave out the entire situation even though I must have looked stiff and klutzy.
In the intervening years, I have kept away from latino dances. Once burnt, twice shy. There are some limitations in life even for me. :p
An old schoolmate of mine returned from US not too long after that, and lo and behold, she turned out to be one heck of a salsa dancer! (Must be an American thang!) Ever since her return, she has been bugging me to join her for salsa but I declined politely. I ain't never gonna embarrass myself again in a whole room of "professional" salsa dancers. EVER! (Yeah! Famous last words!)
As in everything in life, never say never. Last Monday, this same friend invited me to her birthday bash at Qba, the famous salsa dancing club in the city. I went but thought I could sit out the whole salsa thing and make a quick getaway if things got a bit sticky.
Unfortunately, I met this crazy, persistent Malay chap who wore down my resistance and dragged me down to the dance floor. Surprise! Surprise! It didn't turn out as difficult or as bad as I thought. He made it seemed much easier by repeating similar steps over and over again. He was also a pretty good and strong dancer as he led the steps and threw me into twists and twirls! He was up to all sorts of funny dancing steps and it was a hilarious affair. This time was so different from my previous experience where I felt so tense and stiff. Even the close body contact with a complete stranger did not faze me. He was clowning around so much that half the time, I felt like I could actually dance!
Weee ... the fact was I quite enjoyed myself on the dance floor in the end except for the burning sensation at my calf after a good few minutes on the dance floor where I thought the song would go on for all eternity! :P Eventually, I had to call it quits.
Blinking hell! Trekking or playing badminton or going for combat class is a lot easier and less strenuous than salsa dancing. But then, it doesn't seem like such a difficult thing to learn now.
Hmm, perhaps ... Salsa anyone? :)
A couple of years back, a software vendor of American and Japanese mix invited me to learn the salsa at El Nino's. Having always wanted to learn latino dances but lacking male partners who were interested to do so, I foolishly said yes! But alas! Instead of getting into a beginner's class, we accidently went to an advanced class and were promptly shown how inept we were (or at least I was) at dancing. My partner at least had some rhythm since he was into swing dancing, whatever that is. (Must be an American thingy.) But me, having born with two left feet, had to brave out the entire situation even though I must have looked stiff and klutzy.
In the intervening years, I have kept away from latino dances. Once burnt, twice shy. There are some limitations in life even for me. :p
An old schoolmate of mine returned from US not too long after that, and lo and behold, she turned out to be one heck of a salsa dancer! (Must be an American thang!) Ever since her return, she has been bugging me to join her for salsa but I declined politely. I ain't never gonna embarrass myself again in a whole room of "professional" salsa dancers. EVER! (Yeah! Famous last words!)
As in everything in life, never say never. Last Monday, this same friend invited me to her birthday bash at Qba, the famous salsa dancing club in the city. I went but thought I could sit out the whole salsa thing and make a quick getaway if things got a bit sticky.
Unfortunately, I met this crazy, persistent Malay chap who wore down my resistance and dragged me down to the dance floor. Surprise! Surprise! It didn't turn out as difficult or as bad as I thought. He made it seemed much easier by repeating similar steps over and over again. He was also a pretty good and strong dancer as he led the steps and threw me into twists and twirls! He was up to all sorts of funny dancing steps and it was a hilarious affair. This time was so different from my previous experience where I felt so tense and stiff. Even the close body contact with a complete stranger did not faze me. He was clowning around so much that half the time, I felt like I could actually dance!
Weee ... the fact was I quite enjoyed myself on the dance floor in the end except for the burning sensation at my calf after a good few minutes on the dance floor where I thought the song would go on for all eternity! :P Eventually, I had to call it quits.
Blinking hell! Trekking or playing badminton or going for combat class is a lot easier and less strenuous than salsa dancing. But then, it doesn't seem like such a difficult thing to learn now.
Hmm, perhaps ... Salsa anyone? :)
Friday, December 15, 2006
Airport safety ... Singapore versus Malaysia
Airport safety ... there are standards, and then there are STANDARDS!
Malaysia
I never meant to put this to the test but I unwittingly did so with scary results!
Don't ask me why but there was a screw driver in my computer bag! A huge screw driver mind you, not a small one. But that got pass the officers with the scanner at KLIA.
Then I found a razor in my toiletry bag. I forgot that I left it there but as I was too lazy to check in my luggage, it went through the scanner as hand luggage. Once, again, it got through the officers at KLIA!
On my return trip at JB airport, once again both these items got through the scanner!
I only found these items when I unpack my stuff at home.
One wonders what the officers are looking at when they scan the hand luggages.
Singapore
Now, compare the above with Singapore.
Luckily I found the items and took them out before I left for Singapore.
On my return trip at the Singapore Airport, I was surprised that we had to take out our laptops/notebooks from the computer bag or day pack and put these separately through the scanner.
Now, don't you just feel safe when travelling through the various airports in Malaysia? If you don't believe me, you can put it to the test yourself!
Malaysia
I never meant to put this to the test but I unwittingly did so with scary results!
Don't ask me why but there was a screw driver in my computer bag! A huge screw driver mind you, not a small one. But that got pass the officers with the scanner at KLIA.
Then I found a razor in my toiletry bag. I forgot that I left it there but as I was too lazy to check in my luggage, it went through the scanner as hand luggage. Once, again, it got through the officers at KLIA!
On my return trip at JB airport, once again both these items got through the scanner!
I only found these items when I unpack my stuff at home.
One wonders what the officers are looking at when they scan the hand luggages.
Singapore
Now, compare the above with Singapore.
Luckily I found the items and took them out before I left for Singapore.
On my return trip at the Singapore Airport, I was surprised that we had to take out our laptops/notebooks from the computer bag or day pack and put these separately through the scanner.
Now, don't you just feel safe when travelling through the various airports in Malaysia? If you don't believe me, you can put it to the test yourself!
Thank God for Thursday nights!
I am in an extremely buoyant mood. We had a good game of badminton tonight, and for the first time since last Thursday I saw glimpses of my old game (honed during high school days) returning. I never expected that my passion for the game would return either. After all, I have hung up my badminton racket due to lack of regular badminton partners a long time ago.
Since early this year, Zack has tried very hard to pull our group of ex-MBA course mates together for a regular game of badminton. I did not put much hope that he would succeed. After all, through my years of adulthood, such attempts tend to peter out after awhile as work and family commitments would intrude eventually.
On my part, I was also hard put to commit to a regular game schedule. It is only in recent months that I started making it a point to do so. Call me crazy but I have been known to reschedule customer dinners and even family dinners, just to ensure that I can go for the game.
Who would have thought that our group would hang out together because of the game? The enthusiasm, commitment, competitiveness and fun we have on and off court (i.e. supper at mamak after the game) make a big difference.
All I can say is thank god for Thursday. It’s fast becoming my favourite day of the week! :D
Since early this year, Zack has tried very hard to pull our group of ex-MBA course mates together for a regular game of badminton. I did not put much hope that he would succeed. After all, through my years of adulthood, such attempts tend to peter out after awhile as work and family commitments would intrude eventually.
On my part, I was also hard put to commit to a regular game schedule. It is only in recent months that I started making it a point to do so. Call me crazy but I have been known to reschedule customer dinners and even family dinners, just to ensure that I can go for the game.
Who would have thought that our group would hang out together because of the game? The enthusiasm, commitment, competitiveness and fun we have on and off court (i.e. supper at mamak after the game) make a big difference.
All I can say is thank god for Thursday. It’s fast becoming my favourite day of the week! :D
Thursday, December 14, 2006
My little misadventure in the Pearl of the Orient
I am beginning to believe that I have a dual personality. One is my "easy going, anything goes" personality and the other, my corporate persona! Before my recent adventure in Penang, I would have strenuously protested to any accusations of having a corporate persona whatsoever. But, the truth stared me in the eye whilst I was there ...
Last weekend, we had an event in Seberang Jaya. Due to the recent spate of travelling, I was tired of driving and took the flight to Penang instead. We left the airport at almost 7.00 pm. The taxi driver warned me that a trailer broke down at the bridge earlier at about 5.15 pm but he expected that the roads would have cleared by then. Unfortunately, he was so wrong! The wonderful road system in Malaysia is such that any breakdowns/ accidents would cause a massive jam in the vicinity which would take hours to disperse!
In any case, we decided to take the ferry across instead. So off to the ferry terminal we went ... and lo and behold! we got stuck in a long queue as everyone else had the same thought of avoiding the jam at the bridge.
One wonders why these people do not turn back and rest at home after witnessing such a massive jam. I would have done so if I am a Penangite! Unfortunately, I had no choice!
At that point, the taxi driver was hinting at me to get down the cab and get on the ferry as a passenger. I was extremely resistant to that thought due to 3 reasons:
1. I have already paid RM60.00 to be taken there.
2. I had 2 pieces of luggage and it would be a hassle.
3. I was a little wary as I am unfamiliar with the place. It was night, I was alone, and I wasn't sure if it was safe.
However, in hindsight, it was a very sound plan as I would have reached my destination much earlier.
In any case, I just kept quiet and waited. As the minutes dragged on, the taxi driver became more and more restless. He once again tried to convince me to take the ferry on my own. I remained adamant!
Finally, just as it was our turn to go up the ramp onto the ferry, the taxi broke down! The taxi driver tried to start the engine but to no avail. (Call me suspicious, but I think he was acting that part out.) In any case, I could hardly call his bluff!
Reluctantly, I got off the cab but managed to get back RM20.00 from the driver since he did not take me to my destination. Each step forward I walked in dread. I quickly called my sales staff to inform them that I was taking alternate transport to the place (just in case I get kidnapped or robbed).
I got on to the ferry and realised that there were many folks using the ferry to cross as well. As the ferry chugged along the Straits of Penang, my earlier trepidation slowly left me. My entire demeanour relaxed.
With the wind blowing in my hair, the far-off city lights blinking along the horizon and the noisy din on the ferry, I felt almost like a holiday-maker on one of my backpacking trips. It was then that I realised that this little adventure was no different from any of my numerous backpacking adventures overseas. In fact, I faced more dangers of the unknown when we were in Tanzania and South Africa! This little misadveture should have been a piece of cake for the likes of me. In fact, it was a piece of cake for me. I ended up at my destination by 9+pm with none the worse for wear.
Strange isn't it how our minds play tricks on us when we don on different personas ...
Last weekend, we had an event in Seberang Jaya. Due to the recent spate of travelling, I was tired of driving and took the flight to Penang instead. We left the airport at almost 7.00 pm. The taxi driver warned me that a trailer broke down at the bridge earlier at about 5.15 pm but he expected that the roads would have cleared by then. Unfortunately, he was so wrong! The wonderful road system in Malaysia is such that any breakdowns/ accidents would cause a massive jam in the vicinity which would take hours to disperse!
In any case, we decided to take the ferry across instead. So off to the ferry terminal we went ... and lo and behold! we got stuck in a long queue as everyone else had the same thought of avoiding the jam at the bridge.
One wonders why these people do not turn back and rest at home after witnessing such a massive jam. I would have done so if I am a Penangite! Unfortunately, I had no choice!
At that point, the taxi driver was hinting at me to get down the cab and get on the ferry as a passenger. I was extremely resistant to that thought due to 3 reasons:
1. I have already paid RM60.00 to be taken there.
2. I had 2 pieces of luggage and it would be a hassle.
3. I was a little wary as I am unfamiliar with the place. It was night, I was alone, and I wasn't sure if it was safe.
However, in hindsight, it was a very sound plan as I would have reached my destination much earlier.
In any case, I just kept quiet and waited. As the minutes dragged on, the taxi driver became more and more restless. He once again tried to convince me to take the ferry on my own. I remained adamant!
Finally, just as it was our turn to go up the ramp onto the ferry, the taxi broke down! The taxi driver tried to start the engine but to no avail. (Call me suspicious, but I think he was acting that part out.) In any case, I could hardly call his bluff!
Reluctantly, I got off the cab but managed to get back RM20.00 from the driver since he did not take me to my destination. Each step forward I walked in dread. I quickly called my sales staff to inform them that I was taking alternate transport to the place (just in case I get kidnapped or robbed).
I got on to the ferry and realised that there were many folks using the ferry to cross as well. As the ferry chugged along the Straits of Penang, my earlier trepidation slowly left me. My entire demeanour relaxed.
With the wind blowing in my hair, the far-off city lights blinking along the horizon and the noisy din on the ferry, I felt almost like a holiday-maker on one of my backpacking trips. It was then that I realised that this little adventure was no different from any of my numerous backpacking adventures overseas. In fact, I faced more dangers of the unknown when we were in Tanzania and South Africa! This little misadveture should have been a piece of cake for the likes of me. In fact, it was a piece of cake for me. I ended up at my destination by 9+pm with none the worse for wear.
Strange isn't it how our minds play tricks on us when we don on different personas ...
Home Sweet Home
It felt like I have been away from home for a long while although I was just travelling in spurts the last two weeks. It probably felt worse because I was working over the weekend as well.
First it was down south to JB, then it was back to central in Genting. And then it was up north to Penang (oh what an "adventure"!) and straight down south to Singapore. I hope that's the last of my work travel for the year.
I miss my sofa!
First it was down south to JB, then it was back to central in Genting. And then it was up north to Penang (oh what an "adventure"!) and straight down south to Singapore. I hope that's the last of my work travel for the year.
I miss my sofa!
I miss my bed!
Ahh ... home sweet home!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Road blocks
Have you ever wondered how police make decisions on who to pull over during a road block?
I used to think that people who look suspicious or drunk ~ other than those who committed a traffic offence i.e. speeding ~ would get the short straw. (Besides, I have never been pulled over before when I am innocent of any wrongdoing.)
But after tonight’s hilarious incident … I am not so sure anymore how the police make their selection.
We had a late Friday night badminton game. It started late @ approximately 9.30pm and ended later still @ 11.30pm. By then, we were tired, dirty, smelly but darn thirsty. Therefore, we decided to adjourn to a nearby “mamak” stall for sustenance. Thus, the five of us ~ “old man Tuck”, “steel man Suresh”, “Zack the Jack Black fan”, “Steph the drop shot Queen” and me ~ piled into Tuck’s eleven year old white Proton.
On our way back, we encountered a road block and expected to continue on. Tuck even said, “We should be ok la. After all, this car is very muhibbah. We have an Indian, a Malay and three Chinese.”
However, we were all stupefied/ mystified … yet amused … when we were asked to pull over. There we were ~ five dirty, smelly persons in soiled t-shirts and shorts! Wonder what activity the police thought we were up to. Hmmm …. The police checked the road tax, Tuck’s driving licence and identity card (ID). Then, he shone the torchlight into the car and asked everyone to hand over their IDs.
Zack tried to explain. “Encik, kami baru habis main badminton.”
The police continued to check our IDs one by one, until he was finally satisfied that we are who we are.
Once we pulled away from the road block, we all collapsed into laughter. We theorised that the police thought Tuck was the pimp, Steph and me the China dolls, and Zack and Suresh were the very satisfied customers (since they were hard put to contain their amusement during the entire incident).
Zack laughed and said, “Luckily I didn’t just say ‘kami baru habis main’. He might wonder what we just ‘main’.”
What say you? Do you think we hit the nail in the coffin with our theory? : )
And the serious bit:
Do you know why road blocks are conducted?
According to this North American website,
“ … The stated purposes of roadblocks are usually legalized excuses to stop and scrutinize motorists for which there would otherwise be no reason to do so. These excuses include "sobriety checks," license and registration verification, possession of insurance, proof of citizenship, and seatbelt usage. The desired effect is to establish a sense of fear and intimidation among the population. …”
Yup. That sounds like in Malaysia too.
Additionally, these could be potential avenues for “excess funds” from road users. Otherwise, why are road blocks frequently set up during weekends? And usually at stretches of roads where party/pub goers would pass? If it is to ensure road safety from drunk drivers, then the drivers who have been summoned for drinking should pull over to sober up. How many times have these drivers been allowed to go their merry way once they have “negotiated” their summons? And of course the other telling point is, during and/or close to festive seasons, the number of road blocks set-up would increase substantially.
I used to think that people who look suspicious or drunk ~ other than those who committed a traffic offence i.e. speeding ~ would get the short straw. (Besides, I have never been pulled over before when I am innocent of any wrongdoing.)
But after tonight’s hilarious incident … I am not so sure anymore how the police make their selection.
We had a late Friday night badminton game. It started late @ approximately 9.30pm and ended later still @ 11.30pm. By then, we were tired, dirty, smelly but darn thirsty. Therefore, we decided to adjourn to a nearby “mamak” stall for sustenance. Thus, the five of us ~ “old man Tuck”, “steel man Suresh”, “Zack the Jack Black fan”, “Steph the drop shot Queen” and me ~ piled into Tuck’s eleven year old white Proton.
On our way back, we encountered a road block and expected to continue on. Tuck even said, “We should be ok la. After all, this car is very muhibbah. We have an Indian, a Malay and three Chinese.”
However, we were all stupefied/ mystified … yet amused … when we were asked to pull over. There we were ~ five dirty, smelly persons in soiled t-shirts and shorts! Wonder what activity the police thought we were up to. Hmmm …. The police checked the road tax, Tuck’s driving licence and identity card (ID). Then, he shone the torchlight into the car and asked everyone to hand over their IDs.
Zack tried to explain. “Encik, kami baru habis main badminton.”
The police continued to check our IDs one by one, until he was finally satisfied that we are who we are.
Once we pulled away from the road block, we all collapsed into laughter. We theorised that the police thought Tuck was the pimp, Steph and me the China dolls, and Zack and Suresh were the very satisfied customers (since they were hard put to contain their amusement during the entire incident).
Zack laughed and said, “Luckily I didn’t just say ‘kami baru habis main’. He might wonder what we just ‘main’.”
What say you? Do you think we hit the nail in the coffin with our theory? : )
And the serious bit:
Do you know why road blocks are conducted?
According to this North American website,
“ … The stated purposes of roadblocks are usually legalized excuses to stop and scrutinize motorists for which there would otherwise be no reason to do so. These excuses include "sobriety checks," license and registration verification, possession of insurance, proof of citizenship, and seatbelt usage. The desired effect is to establish a sense of fear and intimidation among the population. …”
Yup. That sounds like in Malaysia too.
Additionally, these could be potential avenues for “excess funds” from road users. Otherwise, why are road blocks frequently set up during weekends? And usually at stretches of roads where party/pub goers would pass? If it is to ensure road safety from drunk drivers, then the drivers who have been summoned for drinking should pull over to sober up. How many times have these drivers been allowed to go their merry way once they have “negotiated” their summons? And of course the other telling point is, during and/or close to festive seasons, the number of road blocks set-up would increase substantially.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Peace descends on Nepal
FINALLY! Good news at least in one part of the world!
The mountain trekking and mountain climbing community would be rejoicing now. At least I am. :) The long awaited end to the civil war in Nepal has finally come to pass. And it would be wonderful news to the Nepalese as tourism (especially mountain trekking) is a key contributor to the country's economy.
In 2003, my friends and I made our way to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in Nepal despite the civil unrest. We were lucky that the situation was not so bad at that time. Prior to our trip, a few friends who went to Nepal got caught in Kathmandu when the city declared a state of emergency while they were there. They were trapped in the city for a few days before they were able to get flights back.
Our experience were a lot milder.
We were told beforehand that we need to pay "passage fees" ala "cukai pintu" to the Maoist during our trek. We were also told to insist on a receipt as there were many Maoist "soldiers" manning the Himalayan mountain treks. If we hold on to the receipt, we could show the said receipt to the next group of Maoist "soldiers" who asks us for such fees. The Maoist will honour that receipt and will not insist that we pay a second round. I can't remember now how much we paid for the "fees" but it was no small amount. It was definitely more than RM100 per person.
In any case, we did meet with the Maoist "soldiers" and they had rifles/guns with them. They looked quite ordinary except for the weapons. Val almost took a picture with them but we prevented her from doing so as we heard that the Maoist would also confiscate cameras from trekkers as extra fee payment. We got off lightly.
However, some other trekkers that we met were not so lucky. One group of volunteer workers from Belgium (I think) had to pay the fees twice because when the group split up to go on different trails, only one group was able to keep the receipt, Thus, the other group who did not hold on to the receipt was "taxed" again. Unfortunately one Belgian lady from the group had no more cash with her. She ended up having her very expensive camera confiscated as payment. The camera itself was worth more than 5x the fee!
We also met an American couple who had to pretend to be Europeans so as NOT to get "taxed" heavily. Americans were the least favoured folks with the Maoist as America contributed heavily and were strong supporters of the Nepalese monarchy then.
In any case, this new "peace" is certainly great news for all of us and we hope that it will last ... well, at least until after our next two trips there. We are eyeing the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. We are certainly looking forward to returning to Nepal again as this is a beautiful country with some fantastic treks and amazing scenery. Besides, the people are just simply wonderful!
Check out this site for photos from my previous trip to Nepal in 2003.
The mountain trekking and mountain climbing community would be rejoicing now. At least I am. :) The long awaited end to the civil war in Nepal has finally come to pass. And it would be wonderful news to the Nepalese as tourism (especially mountain trekking) is a key contributor to the country's economy.
In 2003, my friends and I made our way to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in Nepal despite the civil unrest. We were lucky that the situation was not so bad at that time. Prior to our trip, a few friends who went to Nepal got caught in Kathmandu when the city declared a state of emergency while they were there. They were trapped in the city for a few days before they were able to get flights back.
Our experience were a lot milder.
We were told beforehand that we need to pay "passage fees" ala "cukai pintu" to the Maoist during our trek. We were also told to insist on a receipt as there were many Maoist "soldiers" manning the Himalayan mountain treks. If we hold on to the receipt, we could show the said receipt to the next group of Maoist "soldiers" who asks us for such fees. The Maoist will honour that receipt and will not insist that we pay a second round. I can't remember now how much we paid for the "fees" but it was no small amount. It was definitely more than RM100 per person.
In any case, we did meet with the Maoist "soldiers" and they had rifles/guns with them. They looked quite ordinary except for the weapons. Val almost took a picture with them but we prevented her from doing so as we heard that the Maoist would also confiscate cameras from trekkers as extra fee payment. We got off lightly.
However, some other trekkers that we met were not so lucky. One group of volunteer workers from Belgium (I think) had to pay the fees twice because when the group split up to go on different trails, only one group was able to keep the receipt, Thus, the other group who did not hold on to the receipt was "taxed" again. Unfortunately one Belgian lady from the group had no more cash with her. She ended up having her very expensive camera confiscated as payment. The camera itself was worth more than 5x the fee!
We also met an American couple who had to pretend to be Europeans so as NOT to get "taxed" heavily. Americans were the least favoured folks with the Maoist as America contributed heavily and were strong supporters of the Nepalese monarchy then.
In any case, this new "peace" is certainly great news for all of us and we hope that it will last ... well, at least until after our next two trips there. We are eyeing the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. We are certainly looking forward to returning to Nepal again as this is a beautiful country with some fantastic treks and amazing scenery. Besides, the people are just simply wonderful!
Check out this site for photos from my previous trip to Nepal in 2003.
Is this a sign?
I received an email a few days back from Jobstreet. It seems an employer has read my resume through the Jobstreet database and requested for me to apply for a vacant position with the company. It was a nice surprise as I can't even remember the last time I updated my resume in Jobstreet.
I guess God works in mysterious ways. It was only last week that I was asking myself if I am getting too lackadaisical and unambitious. Now I am being prodded once again to do something about it.
Perhaps I will ride along this wave and see where it takes me.
I guess God works in mysterious ways. It was only last week that I was asking myself if I am getting too lackadaisical and unambitious. Now I am being prodded once again to do something about it.
Perhaps I will ride along this wave and see where it takes me.
Have I (we) trusted the wrong man?
It's strange how fast fortunes can turn. The once almighty, unstoppable Tun Dr M must be asking himself the above question repeatedly. After all, not only has he been at the losing end of the battle for one-upmanship and power recently, so has his son.
But the more urgent questions should be asked by us, the faithful minority citizens of this country. Have we trusted the wrong man? Have we been fooled? Are we led by a wolf in sheep's clothing?
In the following article that appeared in the al-Jazeera's website, it provides an interesting view of the state of "racial" political affairs in Malaysia and the role of our PM in "creating" the differing impressions. To the uninitiated, al-Jazeera is the Arab satellite news station owned by the Qatari government since its foundation in 1996. It is the most popular source of news in the Arab world with a regular audience of between 35 and 50 million, and is a rare gem considering that it provides uninhibited reporting and free expression in a region where strict state control of the media is the norm.
The fact that the following article is published in this site provides a certain amount of credence, at least to me. Consider the article and you be the judge.
------------------------------------------------
NEWS ASIA-PACIFIC
Racial tensions on rise in Malaysia
By
Romen Bose, in Kuala Lumpur
Critics say Abdullah has failed to address "the plight of the other races". The Malaysian prime minister's warning to citizens to stop the debate on race and religion has rankled some in the country.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi outlined the challenges faced by Malays, who form 60% of the population, in a two-hour speech to thundering applause at the opening of the United Malays National Organisation's (Umno) general assembly.
But while his speech promised much in terms of national development, the problem, according to Fazil Mohd Som, a political analyst, "is that it neglects the real issue at hand, which is the plight of the other races".
Abdullah is head of the Barisan Nasional coalition led by Umno and comprising the Indian-based MIC and the Chinese supported MCA, along with several other minor parties.
Liow Tiong Lai, the head of MCA's youth wing, said the statements made by young Malay leaders at the general assembly were vicious.
"It is regretful that the Umno youth assembly was shrouded in an atmosphere of fiery and emotional sentiments, remarks that were more poisonous and unreasonable than those of the opposition," said Liow, who is also a deputy minister in the Abdullah government.
Status quo
Abdullah's unwillingness to alter an unwritten social pact among the various races in the country has caused much consternation.
There have been many calls to revise this unofficial contract of political power distribution, which the founding fathers of Malaysia developed prior to independence in 1957.
Many today argue that the agreement is outdated and that non-Malays should have a greater say in the country.
Abdullah said in the English media that he wanted all races to work together, but his comments in the Malay-language Utusan Malaysia were stronger.
"If we change this balance and if we are forced to meet all over again on the rights of every group, it will not be the same as now. It would be far from satisfactory. Whatever the new formula, it will not succeed because the old formula is enough, is already maximum. As everyone had agreed to this before, why do we want to disturb this and meet again?" he said in the Utusan.
Playing to audience
Fazil said the prime minister was playing to his audience.
"People who read the English papers are middle class, rational thinkers and value logic. They expect a more moderate position and tone. He is saying the right thing to them. For the people who read the Malay papers, they are more the working class, more emotional and the points he is making to them is definitely much stronger. He is saying and doing the right things for them politically."
Malay Muslims make up 60 per cent of Malaysia's 27 million population.
Some non-Malays are also unhappy with the continued application of the country's New Economic Policy (NEP).
The NEP was implemented in the 1970s to reduce the income disparity among the different races, especially between the poor Malays and rich Chinese.
It was supposed to have been achieved in 20 years but the policy carried on after 1990 under a new name, the New Development Policy and was to have expired in 2000.
A National Vision Policy was to have been implemented after 2000 which would be more equitable to the various groups but the government under its 9th Malaysian Plan, launched earlier this year, reinstated the original NEP.
A huge debate then ensued over whether the NEP target had been reached with the government saying the NEP would now continue to 2020.
In his speech to the Umno general assembly, Abdullah said: "The debate is now about the process rather than about philosophy and objectives". He said his government will continue to "focus on reducing the income gap between races" as "true balance is a prerequisite for sustainable development".
Liow said the NEP "should have ended in 1990".
"Whatever policy is drawn up should take into account the interests of all races. I hope the government can honour its promise to implement the National Vision Policy."
Inter-faith commission
"... the nation understands that religious issues should not rightly be brought up. This is not on the agenda for discussion. Accept the formula that has been determined by previous leaders"
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysian prime ministerAnother area under the spotlight is the setting up of an inter-faith commission. Various groups have been pushing for an independent body to examine issues that have given rise to conflict between the different religious groups.
Many Muslim groups have viewed this as an attack on their religion and there have been confrontations at several forums discussing the creation of such a commission.
Khoo Kay Peng, a political analyst, said the commission was initially rejected by other Umno leaders but Abdullah's attitude was to go slow, postpone discussion and see what happened. "He did not reject it offhand," said Khoo.
At least not in the English media.
In the interview with Utusan, he said: "Actually, I did not at any time say that we in Malaysia need an inter-faith commission. This is because I am of the view that in this country all of this is secure and the nation understands that religious issues should not rightly be brought up. This is not on the agenda for discussion. Accept the formula that has been determined by previous leaders."
Abdullah said that he has provided a "more open environment which has allowed debate but this has digressed to a level where the line on religion and race issues have been crossed".
"The openness we are seeing today is a new phenomenon for Malaysia", he said.
He added, however, that "no one should even attempt to test the government's resolve on this issue. If the need arises, the government will act swiftly and firmly in enforcing the existing laws to ensure that our peace, stability and prosperity is not jeopardised."
Fazil said Abdullah was playing "an old game".
"I think for the non-Malays they are in a cul de sac. Where else can they turn to? The only credible party that can win in elections is Umno and Umno is playing that card."
Said Khoo: "He has actually strengthened the people's perception of him. Many view him as an Islamist, as a real champion of the Malay agenda. He is not a Renaissance man as many thought previously."
Source: Al Jazeera
But the more urgent questions should be asked by us, the faithful minority citizens of this country. Have we trusted the wrong man? Have we been fooled? Are we led by a wolf in sheep's clothing?
In the following article that appeared in the al-Jazeera's website, it provides an interesting view of the state of "racial" political affairs in Malaysia and the role of our PM in "creating" the differing impressions. To the uninitiated, al-Jazeera is the Arab satellite news station owned by the Qatari government since its foundation in 1996. It is the most popular source of news in the Arab world with a regular audience of between 35 and 50 million, and is a rare gem considering that it provides uninhibited reporting and free expression in a region where strict state control of the media is the norm.
The fact that the following article is published in this site provides a certain amount of credence, at least to me. Consider the article and you be the judge.
------------------------------------------------
NEWS ASIA-PACIFIC
Racial tensions on rise in Malaysia
By
Romen Bose, in Kuala Lumpur
Critics say Abdullah has failed to address "the plight of the other races". The Malaysian prime minister's warning to citizens to stop the debate on race and religion has rankled some in the country.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi outlined the challenges faced by Malays, who form 60% of the population, in a two-hour speech to thundering applause at the opening of the United Malays National Organisation's (Umno) general assembly.
But while his speech promised much in terms of national development, the problem, according to Fazil Mohd Som, a political analyst, "is that it neglects the real issue at hand, which is the plight of the other races".
Abdullah is head of the Barisan Nasional coalition led by Umno and comprising the Indian-based MIC and the Chinese supported MCA, along with several other minor parties.
Liow Tiong Lai, the head of MCA's youth wing, said the statements made by young Malay leaders at the general assembly were vicious.
"It is regretful that the Umno youth assembly was shrouded in an atmosphere of fiery and emotional sentiments, remarks that were more poisonous and unreasonable than those of the opposition," said Liow, who is also a deputy minister in the Abdullah government.
Status quo
Abdullah's unwillingness to alter an unwritten social pact among the various races in the country has caused much consternation.
There have been many calls to revise this unofficial contract of political power distribution, which the founding fathers of Malaysia developed prior to independence in 1957.
Many today argue that the agreement is outdated and that non-Malays should have a greater say in the country.
Abdullah said in the English media that he wanted all races to work together, but his comments in the Malay-language Utusan Malaysia were stronger.
"If we change this balance and if we are forced to meet all over again on the rights of every group, it will not be the same as now. It would be far from satisfactory. Whatever the new formula, it will not succeed because the old formula is enough, is already maximum. As everyone had agreed to this before, why do we want to disturb this and meet again?" he said in the Utusan.
Playing to audience
Fazil said the prime minister was playing to his audience.
"People who read the English papers are middle class, rational thinkers and value logic. They expect a more moderate position and tone. He is saying the right thing to them. For the people who read the Malay papers, they are more the working class, more emotional and the points he is making to them is definitely much stronger. He is saying and doing the right things for them politically."
Malay Muslims make up 60 per cent of Malaysia's 27 million population.
Some non-Malays are also unhappy with the continued application of the country's New Economic Policy (NEP).
The NEP was implemented in the 1970s to reduce the income disparity among the different races, especially between the poor Malays and rich Chinese.
It was supposed to have been achieved in 20 years but the policy carried on after 1990 under a new name, the New Development Policy and was to have expired in 2000.
A National Vision Policy was to have been implemented after 2000 which would be more equitable to the various groups but the government under its 9th Malaysian Plan, launched earlier this year, reinstated the original NEP.
A huge debate then ensued over whether the NEP target had been reached with the government saying the NEP would now continue to 2020.
In his speech to the Umno general assembly, Abdullah said: "The debate is now about the process rather than about philosophy and objectives". He said his government will continue to "focus on reducing the income gap between races" as "true balance is a prerequisite for sustainable development".
Liow said the NEP "should have ended in 1990".
"Whatever policy is drawn up should take into account the interests of all races. I hope the government can honour its promise to implement the National Vision Policy."
Inter-faith commission
"... the nation understands that religious issues should not rightly be brought up. This is not on the agenda for discussion. Accept the formula that has been determined by previous leaders"
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysian prime ministerAnother area under the spotlight is the setting up of an inter-faith commission. Various groups have been pushing for an independent body to examine issues that have given rise to conflict between the different religious groups.
Many Muslim groups have viewed this as an attack on their religion and there have been confrontations at several forums discussing the creation of such a commission.
Khoo Kay Peng, a political analyst, said the commission was initially rejected by other Umno leaders but Abdullah's attitude was to go slow, postpone discussion and see what happened. "He did not reject it offhand," said Khoo.
At least not in the English media.
In the interview with Utusan, he said: "Actually, I did not at any time say that we in Malaysia need an inter-faith commission. This is because I am of the view that in this country all of this is secure and the nation understands that religious issues should not rightly be brought up. This is not on the agenda for discussion. Accept the formula that has been determined by previous leaders."
Abdullah said that he has provided a "more open environment which has allowed debate but this has digressed to a level where the line on religion and race issues have been crossed".
"The openness we are seeing today is a new phenomenon for Malaysia", he said.
He added, however, that "no one should even attempt to test the government's resolve on this issue. If the need arises, the government will act swiftly and firmly in enforcing the existing laws to ensure that our peace, stability and prosperity is not jeopardised."
Fazil said Abdullah was playing "an old game".
"I think for the non-Malays they are in a cul de sac. Where else can they turn to? The only credible party that can win in elections is Umno and Umno is playing that card."
Said Khoo: "He has actually strengthened the people's perception of him. Many view him as an Islamist, as a real champion of the Malay agenda. He is not a Renaissance man as many thought previously."
Source: Al Jazeera
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