My Big Big Adventure

那些年，我們一起追的女孩

2011-12-04T17:13:00.001+08:00

不久前去看了九把刀執導的一部電影。電影的名字，「那些年，我們一起追的女孩」。很好看。好看在它是改編於九把刀（柯景騰）的真實經驗，連劇中人的名字也是如假包換的本人名字。劇情清純，不禁讓我們回味校園的青澀日記。

情節簡單樸素，加上九把刀的幽默，情節又能引起觀眾的話共鳴，所以很賣座。是一部感動人心的青澀校園愛情故事的電影。

不妨到電影院去觀賞，相信會有收獲。

Last week of August

2011-08-26T19:14:00.000+08:00

Last week of August 2011 has a lot of significance in my life.

It signifies the start of new year for my Muslim friends who are celebrating Aid. It is also a week celebrating 54th year Malaysia gained its independence.

Happy last week of August!

Professionalism 專業

2011-06-29T23:55:00.000+08:00

不知道你們是否也和我一樣有過感嘆他人所給於的專業服務。即使要效仿，總是覺得遙不可及。

我在想，為何他們可以如此專業，是因為他們在學術上高人一等，知道別人所不知；還是他們埋頭苦幹，不為名利，不為金錢而做，只求完美德呈現出他們辛苦換來的成果；不辭勞苦在學習新知識；還是另有內情。

有好幾次遇上這類型的人。不簡單。一般上是完美主義者。對每一件事每一個人都持有一定的認真態度。這一類人非常自律，富有原則，也執著。說他們是頑固老頭也不為過。他們因為太愛他們喜歡做的事，常會令人覺得他們很計較，不近人情。

可能是他們塑造的形象吧。

我和他們相比簡直是天淵之別。雖然如此，我還是很尊敬他們，有時也很嚮往和他們一樣，擁有用錢買不到的尊重與學習態度。說起來真的有點慚愧。

心動不如行動。從今天起我也要不辭勞苦認真學習。哪怕有朝一日我也可以是一位專業人士，為大眾提供專業服務。

我期待這一天的到來。

仁 Jin~ Final ドラマ看後感

2011-06-29T23:06:00.000+08:00

今天看了一部有趣和感動的日劇「仁 Jin~ Final ドラマ」的大結局。看後有所感動。加上憂傷原聲音樂，更是錦上添花，完美的搭配。

這是一部講述一名現代醫生，南方仁，陰差陽錯下被捲入時代變遷的漩渦中，回到了江戶時代。當中遇上許多歷史人物，並且成為好朋友。南方仁在六年之中經過了不少苦難還有快樂的時光，也遇上了他愛的人。在這期間發現原來自己回到從前是為了完成作為醫生的使命-為の國、為の道。不忘傳授現代醫學教育給古代的醫師學習。

我看了之後發現原來我現在的生活很美好。時代的進步帶給我許多古人所不及的方便。讓我更惜福。我在想要是我也被捲入時代的漩渦，很可能我會不知所措，也無從適應。所以很感慨我是生於這個豐衣足食，醫療設備先進的時代。

然後我從中學習到只要代人處事認真，不計較，常為他人著想，雖然苦了自己，為美好的將來鋪路是志在必行之路。到最後大家都獲益。故有犧牲小我，成全大我的理念。是值得學習的。

I have got my keys!!!

2011-06-16T22:36:00.002+08:00

On 26 May 2011, I have gone to collect my keys for my new home. I am so excited.

I have been living in suburbs together with my family for so many years. I like that, but I feel that something is missing. Something I would like to call ownership. I would very much love a place where I could really call it MY HOME, instead of my room in the family house. It just feel different, and I am partly excited and happy to have found a place I could look forward coming home to.

Meeting up with Mr Z to do a joint inspection at my home. A large bunch of keys with little labels is passed to my hands. At that moment, I feel like a proud owner!

The house was not as bad as I have imagined. Just the wall and window sills need to do replastering work and a new coat of paint. After that, it would be a perfect starter home for me.

After that moment, I have been busy with myself doing research for contractors, getting my hands on furnitures (which I have bought some, by the way), and Teka warehouse sales is at the corner, and I told myself, what a perfect timing!

Even though half a month passed, and the defects in my house has yet to be done.

I hope I could get a really good contractor to turn this little four-walls into something amazing for me to live in and to share with friends and family.

算命

2011-02-25T13:34:00.001+08:00

昨天和友人大夥兒一早就北上，三人同行去了怡保一趟心靈之旅。

前一天，C，那裡的長客也是介紹我們到師父那裡的，告訴我們要準備的物品帶上，其中包括毛巾和紅包，還提到要沖過運水。我還準備了房子的圖樣讓師父過目。因為是第一次去看算命先生，有點緊張，一早去載友人的時候已有忐忑不安的心情。

* * * * *
我們坐了兩小時的車程，終於到了目的地。雖然是遲到了，師父還是有耐性等了我們。非常感謝。

我們噓寒問暖之後，師父很和藹地歡迎和接待我們。師父然後分別為R還有我分析了性格（其實沒怎麼提到我，因為他說我隨和），還有房子是否適合我居住，等等。

我們這麼一談已是大半天過去。其中包括我所意想不到的答案（在這裡不方便分享）。雖然震驚但還是坦然接受。其實我還有很多疑問，很想知道其中的玄機，劫難，還有解決的方案。

最令我覺得神奇的是沖了師父的過運水，原本冰冷的手恢復了生氣。聽聞手腳冰冷的原因是出席喪禮的後遺症。而且沖了過運水，可以得到四十九天的保護。很神奇，真不得不由我不信。

話雖如此，回家的時候會認定師父早前的話，不禁有所避忌。還會在睡覺時反覆在腦海里祈禱和想著不好的事。難到這是後遺症？

今早很C談了電話。他叫我不必太擔心。我想也許我太多心了。可是不找出答案和解決方總是不能心安。我該怎麼辦？

FAQs on Legal Fees and Stamp Duty Issues of Tenancy Agreement

2010-08-07T23:37:00.006+08:00

http://www.laweddie.com/wordpress/faqs-of-legal-fees-and-stamp-duty-issues-of-tenancy-agreement/

Q1. Is it a MUST to engage a lawyer to draft my tenancy agreement? Ans: There is no law requires a tenancy agreement MUST be drafted by a lawyer. However, it is always advisable to engage a lawyer to draft a tenancy agreement for the one party and on another hand, the other party should engage a lawyer to advise him/her on the agreement drafted by the other party. The reason is obvious as lawyers are legally trained, they are able to advise clients on the legal implication of certain terms (e.g. issue of sub-letting of a premises) and sometimes if necessary the lawyers may advise thier clients to conduct some preliminary search on the counter party, e.g. company search, bankruptcy search and even land search.Q2. Can a lawyer act for both landlord and tenant?

Ans: NO as it will be deemed as conflict of interest. see Rule 1 below.

Q3. Who should pay for the legal fees in drafting a tenancy agreement?

Ans: The law is silent on this point, it is entirely depend on the negotiation and agreement of both parties. However, based the normal market practice, tenant is the one who will be asked to pay for the tenancy agreement. Tips – if you are a tenant and the landlord ask you to pay for the legal fees for the tenancy agreement, please insist that you should appoint your lawyer to draft the tenancy agreement, as many landlord or real estate agent will tell you that the terms in the tenancy agreement is standard. In the event the tenant appoints his lawyer to draft the tenancy agreement, it is always advisable for the landlord to appoint his lawyer to vet through the agreement and advise him if any clause need to be revised.

Q4. What is the legal fees involved?

Ans: Based on the SECOND SCHEDULE of the Solicitors’ Remuneration Order 2006:

“Where the monthly rent for the first RM10,000 – legal fees is 25% (subject to a minimum fee of RM300).

For the next RM90,000 – legal fee is 10%

Where the rent is in excess of RM100,000 – legal fees is negotiable on the excess (but shall not exceed 10% of such excess).

RULES UNDER THE SECOND SCHEDULE
1. A solicitor shall act only for the landlord or the tenant and the remuneration of the solicitor shall be in accordance with the applicable scale fee in this Schedule.

2. Any consideration in the tenancy agreement expressed to he payable other than by way of rent (e.g. service charge, hire of furniture and fixtures) shall be deemed lo be rent for the purposes of this Schedule.

3. Where a varying rent is payable, the remuneration of the solicitor shall be based on the highest amount of rent payable.

4. Where the consideration for a tenancy agreement is expressed to be partly for a money payment or premium and partly for a rent, the remuneration of the solicitor shall be the aggregate of-

(a) the scale fees for a sale or purchase agreement based on the amount equal to the money payment or premium as specified in the First Schedule; and

(b) the scale fees based on the rent as specified in this Schedule.

5. Where a solicitor represents the landlord in respect of tenancies of 10 or more units in a building or part of a building in which a standard form of lease or tenancy agreement is used, or where a lease or tenancy agreement is renewed upon substantially the same terms and conditions, the remuneration of such solicitor in respect of each of such tenancy shall be 50% of the applicable scale fee in this Schedule, subject to a minimum fee of RM300 for tenancies. ”

Q5. What are the procedures after signing a tenancy agreement?

Ans: The tenancy agreement should be sent for stamping.

Q6. Who shall bear for the stamping fees?

Ans: Again the law is silent on this point. However, based on market practice, usually the tenant is liable to pay for the stamping fees.

Q7. How much of stamp duty shall I pay for my tenancy agreement?

Ans: Below is the extraction from the website of the Inland Revenue Office:

“Tenant And Landlord

-The lease or tenancy instrument which secures annual rent not exceeding RM2,400 is EXEMPTED from duty and presentation of these instruments at a stamping office or centre is not necessary.

-The prescribed rate of duty on the instrument which secures annual rent exceeding RM2,400 is as follows:

(For every RM 250 or part thereof in excess of RM2, 400)
When the lease is for a period Duty Rate
Not exceeding one year RM1.00
Exceeding one but not exceeding three years RM2.00
Exceeding three years or for any indefinite period RM4.00

(For every RM250 or part thereof in excess of RM2,400

-If the consideration for tenancy constitutes or includes a PREMIUM, additional duty is chargeable and it is calculated on the amount of the premium at the rate chargeable on immovable property.

-If the lease provides for differential rent, please contact The Deputy Collector of Stamp Duty for further information.”

Q8. When shall I stamp my tenancy agreement?

Ans: Below is the extraction from the website of the Inland Revenue Office:

“Instruments executed in Malaysia
In general all instruments executed in Malaysia should be stamped on or before the time of execution.

Instruments executed out of Malaysia
Instruments other than cheques or promissory notes must be stamped within 30 days after it has first been received in Malaysia.

Stamping of documents after executions
In general, any unstamped or insufficiently stamped instrument excluding cheque or promissory note drawn or made within Malaysia may be stamped after execution on payment of the unpaid duty, if the instrument is presented for stamping;

-Within 30 days of its execution if executed within Malaysia or;

-Within 30 days after it has been first received in Malaysia if it has been executed out of Malaysia.”

Q9. What if I did not stamp the tenancy agreement within the time stipulated above?

Ans: Below is the extraction from the website of the Inland Revenue Office:

An instrument may be stamped within 30 days of its execution if executed within Malaysia or within 30 days after it has been first received in Malaysia if it has been executed outside Malaysia.

If it is not stamped within the period stipulated, a penalty of

(a) RM25.00 or 5% of the deficient duty, whichever is the greater, if stamped within 3 months after the time for stamping;

(b) RM50.00 or 10% of the deficient duty, whichever is the greater, if stamped after 3 months but not later than 6 months after the time for stamping;

(c) RM100.00 or 20% of the deficient duty, whichever is the greater, if stamped after 6 months from the time for stamping;

may be imposed

(the above rates are effective from 1/1/2003)

Q10. What are the mode of payment of the stamp duty?

Ans: Below is the extraction from the website of the Inland Revenue Office:

Payment may be made in the following manner:-

(i) Cash (if the duty does not exceed RM100) or

(ii) Revenue Stamp (if the duty does not exceed RM500) or

(iii) Money Order, Solicitor’s Cheque or Bank Draft,made payable to the Deputy Collector of Stamp Duty and sent together with the relevant instrument to the stamp duty office by hand or through registered post.

Q11. Where shall I stamp my tenancy agreement?

Ans: you may sent your tenancy agreement to any branch of the Inland Revenue Office (Lembaga Dalam Hasil Negeri).

人生的轉折點

2010-06-28T23:43:00.000+08:00

昨天和一位好久不見的同學吃飯。發現他和我以往的記憶有著對比。

以前曾是個好動的小男孩，如今變成頹喪的小夥子。以前豪邁爽快的性格，如今也收斂了不少。

也許一個人會有這麼大的改變一定是受了某種程度的刺激。也或許是不想改變也是一種抗拒性的刺激。

於是我的好奇發作。我問了他。

原來他豪爽的氣度沒變，只是欠缺以往的傲慢而已。

的確，如果不是他老爸帶病在身，他也不會想回家。如果不是生意不如意，他也不會這麼沮喪。如果他在二十多歲的時候多存點錢，現在生活會更美好。人生多重的如果造就了不同的結果。

人生原來在不同的階段，會隨著年齡和個人經歷而改變。可能這是人生的轉折點，也是辛酸和苦痛所帶來的領悟。

女人與高跟鞋

2009-07-10T11:39:00.003+08:00

說起女人，他們的戰利品一定是離不開她們的高跟鞋。根據網上的報道顯示平均美國女人有三十雙鞋子。其中有超過一半是高跟鞋。我相信馬來西亞的女孩都不會少過這個數字，因爲我曾經目睹過我的同事擁有比這個數字還要多的高跟鞋。看來有機會要到她的家把她的鞋箱裏的高跟鞋給一一拍下作爲證據。

女人要顯得有女人味就一定要和高跟鞋有著莫大的關係。一來，可以顯現自己修長的美腿，二來，可以讓自己顯得高貴大方，三來，因爲鞋跟細小，走起路爲了不把重力都壓在腳跟，所以會很斯文並小心翼翼步行，有時還走路的身綫很迷人。這也是爲什麽穿高跟鞋的女孩和異性比較有緣。

也有很多女人爲了心愛的高跟鞋，不惜步步高升，把自己墊得越來越高。鞋子也買得比之前的還要高。更令我咋舌的是習慣穿高跟鞋後，就會覺得平底鞋穿得不舒服，所以高跟鞋就越買越多。加上女人喜歡將鞋子搭配衣裙，所以琳琅滿目的高跟鞋好像從鞋店搬回家裏一樣，多不勝數。這個例子可以參考去年年末的港劇《珠光寶氣》裏的蔡少芬的鞋室，好比一間臥房大小的鞋室，是許多女人所嚮往和羡慕的。

高跟鞋是給予女人魅力的象徵。試想想，一位穿平底鞋的女孩還有穿高跟鞋的女孩，誰的魅力比較高？無可否認後者來的優秀高貴大方，惹人喜愛。女人高跟鞋的風姿不只是讓女人們沉迷在其中，甚至連男性朋友也會被穿高跟鞋的女孩所迷倒。因爲知道高跟鞋上的女孩可能會隨時跌倒，男士們也會盡他們的紳士風度以護花使者的身份保護有加。你說高跟鞋怎麽不和女人扯上莫大的關係？

女人可以為高跟鞋賣命。可以不惜一切，爲了美而不惜腳上長雞眼刮傷，或者背部酸痛，甚至跌倒扭傷的風險也在所不辭。真是愛美不要命。

正確一點説明，女人和高跟鞋是分不開的。

Reflection on Self: Gratefulness

2009-07-09T17:00:00.006+08:00

This morning, I felt so great having to find myself living another day. Feeling of a bright day ahead makes me feel so happy. I don't know why a sudden rush of gleefulness and gratefulness came into my head and I realised that I am a lucky person for all I know.

I am indeed grateful.

For these past 29 years plus, I am blessed with good friends, good companions, good companies, good bosses, good colleagues, good life (can be better), what more could I ask for?

Thank you to my family for the support when I needed them most; thank you to my friends who are still by my side though things may not work out perfectly between us at times; thank you for bosses for giving me opportunity to excel; thank you to my colleagues who rendered their help even though I know they are busy with their work; thank you for the good life that God created for me; and all the thank you(s) I have yet to say in person to you as individuals who had in your favour helping me along the way.

I am indeed grateful. Thank you very much!

Cornering

2009-06-26T14:08:00.003+08:00

Have you ever been pushed to a corner, and see what will happen. The most likely answer is you will retaliate by action. Whenever a person is pushed to a corner against his/her will, that is what is going to happen.

Like Einstein said "Every action has its reaction".

江陰

2009-06-04T16:14:00.004+08:00

上個星期，去了中國江陰的小鎮。我可以保證十位馬來西亞華人全都沒聼過江陰這片土地的名字。因爲我也是其中一位。要不是公司在那裏有產業開發，我還真不知道這個小城鎮原來是這麽有來頭的。

千古奇人徐霞客

江陰是一個人口只有一百二十万人口的地方小鎮。距離上海兩個小時車程，大約一百四十公里左右。這個城鎮有著遠道而名的华夏第一村--華西村。江陰三寳，吳仁寳是其中一位，還有江陰三奇 -- 明代著名地理學家徐霞客，江陰顧山紅豆樹，唐代異高憎道松所寫的心經碑等等一些鮮爲人知的奇事無所不有。當然不忘那裏山明水秀的風景和文化交流。

我越來越喜歡這片中華土地。希望有機會再重返那裏。

General Motors is bankrupt!

2009-06-04T14:37:00.003+08:00

Demise of General Motors

I have seen this coming even few years back. Back then, reading some of the great biographies and books on General Motors (GM), I can tell the end of General Motors is coming, but only the question "when?".

This is not a surprising issue, it's nothing new either. But it does tell a story of arrogance and naiveness in its strategies along the years by great Fortune 500 companies, which was once giant company that earnings could buy up a few small third world countries.

Doubled with the worsening global economy, would there be more of bankruptcy, like GM, to come? The marketing books we learnt in school, the image of trustworthy American firms are shaken by the reality of the current situation.

A century-old company ending in such a hasty manner. It's sad indeed. It's a great sadness, anger and frustration, not only to the loyal customers of General Motors, the employees, the shareholders, the normal Americans who viewed General Motors the Hero and Pride of America. All is lost but the memories of the Americans and the rest of the world.

May GM rest in peace...

時下年輕人

2009-05-06T13:06:00.003+08:00

是否發掘到中年的朋友老是為他們的年輕朋友擔心。不，應該是操心才對。俯首甘爲孺子牛。

時下年輕人沒有他們以前的煩惱。因爲他們不用做什麽人生大抉擇。習慣飯來張口，衣來伸手，又怎麽會知道每一件事情是需要做出選擇，付出甚至犧牲。

這類型的年輕人稱爲Gen-Y一族。大多生於九十年代，科技發達，設備齊全，雙薪父母，家庭背景過得去的一族。以電玩爲樂，老是坐在電腦前面上網打機聊天Facebook等等，不務正業，寧願在家無所事事也不會為家計而愁。有八成的這類Gen-Y一族的工作者，態度欠佳，而且沒有責任感。

也不能完全怪他們。首先要看看這些年輕人的家長背景。相信，他們的父母也應該有四十至五嵗。想象他們的那個年代，生活還蠻困苦的（有錢人例外啦！）。也因爲他們難挨的日子都熬過了，不希望他們的兒女再次經歷他們辛酸的路程，所以下意識會提供孩子們最好的一切 -- 良好的教育，豐衣足食。

孩子呼風喚雨，父母也順從。加上父母老是在外工作打拼，沒有暇餘的時間家庭教育，有些甚至把責任推到老師們的身上。孩子不聽話，多半是父母疏忽的家庭教育有關。因爲在家嬌生慣養，所以出來社會碰釘子的時候，說難挨，說老闆和同事欺負等等而發脾氣辭職不幹。這種例子多不勝數。也可能是這樣，加上家境允許，所以可以不工作，到處打混去。

三十出頭的朋友們在公司也算是中層階級，對這類的年輕人有所抗拒並且搖頭。曾經遇過不少這類型的年輕人在公司裏老是給他們添麻煩，因爲他們是初級員工，上司拿他們沒辦法，老闆又不領情，把這些員工的疏忽和過錯全推到中層階級的堆裏，你說他們氣不氣？

也因爲這樣，我其實蠻贊同政府推動的國民服務計劃。這項活動可以培養更有素質的年輕一輩（我是指態度）。玉不琢不成器。基於他們磨練真的可以換來無限的感慨還有惜福，也算是成功的培訓。要是真的達到如此的目的，我國的年輕人有救了！

長話短説，做現代的年輕人真好！無憂無慮，自由自在。神啊，爲什麽我不是生於這個年代？哈哈哈。。。

Congratulations Chuen Hauw and Mee Kee

2009-05-02T12:10:00.002+08:00

1st May, despite being a labour day, I have attended our dear friend, Chuen Hauw and Mee Kee's wedding dinner. It's great to see our dear friend having the happiest look on his face when he married Mee Kee. Furthermore, this wedding buffet dinner is also a function to welcome guests to his newly furnished cluster semi-d home in Aman Perdana.

Congratulations to Chuen Hauw and Mee Kee! May happiness be with you both in your new nest!

Something is not right ...

2009-04-28T16:03:00.002+08:00

These few days, I felt something is not right.

A sudden feel of moodiness, anger, frustration... all the negative "qis" suddenly came to me like tidal waves which I tried to fight.

A sudden feel of suffocation, which it can't be a delight.

I wanted to run, but where can I hide.

I wanted to speak, but there's no listener nearby.

Am I lost? Am I afraid? It's all the answers I can't find.

So help me, if you may, come to me with utmost confined.

Medical Service in Comparison

2009-04-17T15:47:00.003+08:00

I was meeting with my friends who have been to Australia and the UK for study. From one of the our discussion of their encounters and experiences, I realised that Malaysia is having a much "friendlier" medical treatment (facilities and medical staff) than any of the two.

How could it be? Let's us look at a few real examples which took place (the blue is Malaysia's plus points):

1) Immediate attention to critical patients. White man's system requires prior appointment even though you are down will illness, and SOP is always given most priority (everything by the book) whereby Malaysian is more flexible;

2) Affordable medical services (RM1 for government clinics); my friend who was in Australia paid AUS54 just for consultation service;

3) One-stop center - consultation and pharmacy; Australia and the UK likewise, you will need to take your prescription in pharmacies, which may be far away from the doctors;

4) Satisfactory medical cleanliness; in operation theatre in Sdyney my friend worked at found cockroaches around (scary to have stereotype thinking of first class medical service);

5) Customer-oriented service; pregnant mothers were turned away by the same hospital they were registered in because the due date was early (real case with law suits in Australia);

6) Shorter queue. You thought you are waiting very long in the government hospital? Think again. My friend who was waiting in the hospital in London, though without many visitors also waited 2 hours.

I have never sought medical attention before in overseas, and it was facinating to me to note such shortcomings that these famous countries for medical services have. There's a sudden feel of "katak di bawah tempurung" in me and made me think it in a different light.

So, next time, if you think you are waiting for too long for medical attention at home, think again... the convenience (maybe unavoidable long queue at times), the affordable charges, the amiable medical staff, etc... so many good points which we overlooked. What more can we asked for.

What I Hate About AirAsia

2009-04-14T12:55:00.003+08:00

Last week, for some reason due from my brother, I had to cancel my one-way departure to Bali and booked him the next flight out.

I called +603-21719333 (sales inquiry of AirAsia customer "care"line) and spoke to the sales personnel a day before the departure. I was told that I could still change time with a small fee if I were to change my flight 48 hours before, which is obviously I could not, that's why I called.

So, I asked her "since I know that I am not going onboard this flight, can I get my refund back on the airport tax (RM25), fuel charge (RM75) and meal (RM6) (I have pre-booked to save RM1, and now instead I had to pay RM6 for not being able to enjoy it even on the trip back, what a waste of money! Moral of the story: NEVER BUY AIRASIA MEAL ONLINE!)?" I know for admin charge, I could not take back, which I am fine with it.

Then, the lady told me, if I were to cancel before the departure, I would have to pay RM80 for cancellation. I said "WHAT!!!!". Then, she told me that if I call again to ask for refund after the trip, there will only be RM10 charge. It's a weird arrangement even though I already know that I am not going to take the flight. But, I am still a losing customer in the end.

Talking about the meal, I cannot even enjoy the meal on my way back also because the stupid system a year ago put my preference as the departure from KL (there was NOT EVEN A CHOICE TO CHOOSE whether you want to meal-to-go from KL or from Bali, STUPID system!). And I have to pay the price for this system flaw! I think AirAsia could check whether I have redeemed the meal or not from the system during check-in and just give the damn pre-booked meal when we want to enjoy it from our way back. The worst part of the personnel on the other line, who is like any other "customer service", like to use "it's our company policy, miss" and all those crap!

In the end, I lost RM75 for fuel, RM6 for the meal which cannot be enjoyed even on the way back, and RM10 cancellation charge.

MORAL of the story:
(1) Never book your meal online, you will never know what will happen;
(2) Never buy your ticket too early (e.g. free ticket), in the end you lose even more because now without fuel charge (those who bought earlier, no refund on fuel charge) and better promotion packages;
(3) If you have to cancel or change flight, make sure you remember the 48-hours-before policy of AirAsia;
(4) Kill your brother next time if he does that to you again!

Beautiful Bali

2009-04-12T16:04:00.007+08:00

Bedugul Temple

Exotic and beautiful Bali. That's how I would describe a small island of 65,000 square kilometre with 4 million people.

Exotic because of its culture. 90% of its population practise Hinduism and very religious. There are more than 25,000 temples in Bali itself! Balinese have Temple Festival every six months, which are known as Galungan and Kuningan. During these time, people from the villages will all help out in the preparation of the temple festivals. These preparations include offerings item, decorative items, food, performances and many more. So happened that during this trip, they are having temple festival preparation so I can witness the process of preparing for the big day.

Balinese new year is very different from the rest of the world, where everyone celebrate in high note. Theirs is a silent new year, which this year fall on 26 March. In Balinese tradition, everyone has to be confined in their homes, and all shop will be closed during this day. New year's day is a day for self reflection.

Tanah Lot Temple with Holy Spring

Beautiful, not only the scenery but also its people. Bali boasts one of the few beautiful scenery, like Kintamani's Batur volcanoes, Uluwatu temple, Tanah Lot temple, Jimbaran beach for sunset and dinner and many others. During the early 80s, government has restricted construction of high-rise building, whereby no building will be taller than the height of a coconut tree, approximately 20 metres height (4-storey building height). Therefore, you can see beautiful starry night there. Also, when you are up in the sky from your plane during night time, you can see beautiful illumination of Bali, breathtaking indeed!

Besides picturesque scenery, you will also find amiable people around. You will always find Balinese people smiling and greet you with courtesy. Even tourist guides do not bring you to expensive places for shopping-slaughter. I was told by our guide, Mr Pari, that every Balinese is a born artist. You will find many craftsmen in-disguised, like our tour guide, who is a wood carver part-time. Furthermore, you will notice that Balinese keep everything neat and presentable, and you can witness this by looking at the cleanliness around. I truly feel very much at home, no, even better than home.

Lots of other activities are available besides sightseeing. (i) Water rafting on Ayung river, which I think it's worth the trip because you paddle 9km downstream from Ubud to Badung for 2 hours! Along the river, you will find beautiful sculptures under construction telling stories from different Indian epics like Ramayana, Maha Baratha. (ii) You can choose to do mountain trekking, hiking or biking in west Bali where the National Park is, covering almost half of Bali island. (iii) Dolphins watching is a must do as I was told from the visitors there. The journey from Kuta town takes around 3 hours to reach. The only things is that you may need to wake up at 2:30am to be in time to travel to sea coast to see sunrise and dolphins in action (I was told that dolphins are visible during sunrise). (iv) Romantic couple into honey moon could opt for sunset cruise with meal and show.

After all these strenuous activities, you could then proceed to your relaxing spa session. The pricing of spa is reasonable, but book through agent to enjoy greater discounts than walk-ins. Along the Legian street, you will be spoilt with choices and varieties of massage parlors available to you.

Last but not least, shopping! You can choose factory outlets or wholesalers which offered reasonable price merchandises for you to choose from. I was told that Tanah Lot has the most affordable priced retail shopping besides wholesalers. You could get master-art wood carvings, paintings, silver, furniture, rattan baskets, batik clothing and other unique and exotic (even erotic) souvenirs to bring home with you. Not forgetting RM3 pirated DVDs are up for grab (Buy 10 free 4)! Food items like Bali kuih lapis (layer cake) and Rahayu brand peanuts are must-buy items to take home sharing with colleagues at work and family. If you are into branded items, try look for your favorite items in Kuta Square, Matahari shopping mall, Discovery shopping mall, and the exclusive duty free malls in Bali Galleria. All these are definitely cheaper than you can get in Malaysia.

Bali, a place I will truly recommend to my other friends. For me, I will definitely be back to see more of Bali and discover more of her beauty.

遭殃的愚人節後

2009-04-05T14:16:00.002+08:00

今年至今最大的愚人節禮物是我的車子被人撞。而且還是愚人節的隔天夜晚十一點。這個玩笑開得真大。

雖然我知道沒有人想要遇上交通意外（誰想？），可是說起撞我的人也真夠氣！撞了我還惡人先告狀，說我把車開得太靠近（好像是他開得比較近而撞傷我的車），而且只是願意賠賞一半以下的損失，還叫我不用報案。談判不果，軟硬兼施，說起他的悲慘失業半年的故事來。

原本還有點惻隱之心，不過因爲他的舉動改變了我。還好之前我已經下決心去報案，而且在報案之前的隔天下午好心給他一個通知。怎麽知道當我到了警察局才發現，這位阿哥比我還快一步，一大清早就到警察局報案，好像有心向我報復。如果他可以賠賞我的損失我可以幫他一個忙，不讓他的保險有個不良記錄。怎麽知道他的這個舉動不讓我對他有任何的同情。他不給臉，我也不會留情。要是你們任何人遇上車牌BJN 5434 帶藍銀色豐田VIOS，千萬別上他的當。被他撞倒，不用談判，趕快報案。

車子已送到車廠修理中，人倒是沒事，算是幸運。我真的不希望再遇上車禍，老天爺可否幫個忙? 無論怎麽樣，願大家路上平安。

家家有本難念的經（友人編）

2009-03-29T14:39:00.003+08:00

幾個星期前，和友人HJ討論起家裏的問題，真的發現家家有本難念的經是事實。

雖然如此，大家還是有共同點。那就是和錢財有著密切的關係。身邊的父母爲了瑣碎小事吵鬧；兄弟間又爲了家裏兩老的事情爭吵，多多少少也是責任和金錢在作怪。

身為子女和兄弟，我們可以選擇沉默，讓大家吵個夠；或者和他們分享心中的解決方案 (如果被接納，當然是好事。不過，通常不會得逞）；或者不理不睬，當自己時運高，聼不到看不見。這種例子多不勝數。

既然如此，只好接受現實，讓時間慢慢見證這一切。。。

跪地求妻男

2009-03-08T12:38:00.003+08:00

之前看了一篇跪地求妻報道，今天有了更新進展。報道說，該男士昨天在Padang Timur跪地求妻原諒第二度出擊，這一次一跪就十個小時，而且還有鮮花和一萬六千顆紙折星星。

我看了之前和今天的報章，一樣是帶笑。

一，笑是感到高興該妻可以看清楚這種男人的真面目，還有勇敢作出應有的抉擇。該男的舉子其實帶給女人和孩子不必要的困擾和難堪。既不是火上加油？難道他不知道的嗎？

二，笑這樣的男人執著而且還很傻。一個女人多次被背叛和欺騙是不會再相信這種男人的甜言蜜語和他自認“浪漫”的舉動。只怪他當初所做的現在嘗到後果，死心吧。

三，笑是沒想到他的朋友還真夠義氣，幫他折星星還相勸二人和好。不知道是不是這位男士前世修來的“朋友”福。

雖然老人家說“願教人打仔，莫教人分妻”。哀莫大於心死。但是單從報道來看，女方已經死心。而且本人覺得這個男人也不是好人。求妻男的女人，你是非常勇敢的。勇敢地站起來吧！

《玉》．認得幾個字．張大春．二月十五．星洲

2009-03-08T12:13:00.001+08:00

“玉”字原本有一點，可是一旦成了部首之後，那一點為什麼不見了？

原本是個非常簡單的問題，張容在課堂上問他的老師。老師知道平時總喜歡把弄一些文字探勘揣摩，於是故意不直接答他，讓他回家“問爸爸”，並且得在第二天的課堂上向全班同學提出口頭報告。以下所寫的4段文字，就是我的作業。

甲骨文“玉”字像個上出頭、下出尾的“王”，與今天我們寫的“丰”字差似，唯第一橫劃比較平齊。到了金文和小篆，“玉”字上下不出頭了，還是寫成“王”，像是筆畫均勻齊整的幾何圖形。文字學家告訴我們：這是因為古人佩玉，大多不祇佩一塊，這樣寫，正是佩掛了一串玉石的側視圖，造字的原則是象形。

至於“王”字，原先在甲骨文中，明明是一個人站立在一橫劃上，強調他的地位。直到金文出現，我們才發現這高高在上的人也被簡化成三橫一豎了。

3條橫劃還有旁的意思；從老古人的宇宙觀來看，這3劃象徵的是“天地人”。用一根豎劃“〡”通達天地人三者，謂之“上下通”，以成就“王”的職掌和威權。這麼一來，原本字形中不加點的“玉”字和“以〡貫三”的“王”字就沒有區別了。有的文字學家提醒我們：在部分金文和石鼓文裡，王字的3劃並不是均勻排列的，中間的一橫比較貼近頂上的一橫，這象徵作為王的人要“法天”──向天提昇、向天學習。這樣不就把兩個字的字形區別開來了嗎？

可惜的是，用字的人不會像解字的人一樣想那麼多，用字的人所要解決的問題是以最簡單的手法區別兩個或多個形體過於接近的字。於是，“玉”字旁邊加上了點。舉例來說：在古陶器文字裡，我們會看見左右各加寫一撇的“玉”，有的加在下方的兩橫之間；也有的加在上方的兩橫之間。到了漢代的隸書以後，這個點時而只加在右上角或者右下角，便成為後來我們常見的“玉”字了。

我寫到這裡，把上面這4段文字向張容解釋了一遍。他不怎麼耐煩地反問道：“可是我的問題只是：為什麼‘玉’做了部首以後，那一點就不見了？”

“你看：當了部首以後，‘水’字成了3點水，少了一筆；‘心’字成了豎心旁，也少了一筆；‘’字成了走之，少了4筆，左‘阜’右‘邑’簡化成耳朵邊，各少了四五筆，這是字形簡化的結果。”

“你是說我們寫的字是簡體字嗎？”

就在這一剎那，我吞回了原先想說的話：“我們寫的是正體字，不是簡體字。”並且仔細想了半天。

張容的問題裡，有他自己意想不到的深度。我重複了一遍那問題之後，給了一個連我自己都有點兒意外的答案：“‘我們寫的字是簡體字嗎？’──是的，我們寫的正體字裡有很多已經是簡體了。”

打從方塊字創製以來的幾千年間，文字的簡化從來沒有停止過。我們寫的字總在書寫工具的革新與書寫方法的刺激之下，微妙地、緩慢地改變所謂的“正體”；無論是為了避諱、便利、區別、或者強調其意義或聲音的屬性，甚至往往祇是因為錯訛，文字時而繁化、時而簡化，每每有社會性的“群擇”──這是文字的演化學。

“那我應該怎麼報告呢？”張容皺眉頭，依舊十分苦惱。

“說簡單一點罷！”我說：“就說玉的那一點不見了，是文字簡化的軌跡好了。”

“甚麼軌跡？”他的眉頭皺得更深了。

什么样的人会婚姻失败-星洲互動

2009-03-08T12:09:00.001+08:00

过度浪漫的人：他们对婚姻生活的期望过高，对伴侣过度要求。

过分依赖父母的人：他们在心態上尚未成熟，婚姻生活中一出现问题，就向父母求援，不会和伴侣共同设法解决。

过度戏剧化的人：他们对喜怒哀乐都作出剧烈的反应，不但令对方感到“ 咄咄逼人”的压力，而且往往在问题发生之后，由于反应过烈而失去回转机会，最后宣告婚姻失败。

过度迁就的人：他们对伴侣过度迁就宠溺，事无大小都供奉代劳，长年累月之后，形成理所当然的习惯。要是偶然“侍奉不周”便成为衝突摩擦的导火线。

喋喋不休的人：他们无法让对方有相对安静的环境，久而久之使对方產生厌倦情绪。

过分懒惰的人：他们对伴侣的依赖性太大，凡事都由对方去做，自己则心安理得享受伴侣的侍候，久了对方觉得这是一种累赘，体味不到生活的温馨。

过分挑剔的人：他们对伴侣的任何思想行为，都不断作出尖锐的批评，令对方无法接受。

过分吝嗇的人：他们不但自奉甚俭，亦不容伴侣做稍超常规的消费，生活上应有的娱乐或享受都被剥夺，生活无乐趣。

多愁善“病”的人：这类人多见于女性。她们不断为一些想像出来的“疾病 ”向丈夫诉苦，希望引起丈夫的关怀注意，但往往弄巧成拙，使丈夫无法忍受。

苛求完善的人：这类人对一切事物，都要求达到心目中的最高標准。对自己或伴侣要求过高，致使双方心理、精神均受重大压力。

PJ Academy of Dancing Is Closing Down

2009-03-05T00:36:00.003+08:00

Today, I got to know that the renowned PJ Academy of Dancing in above SS2 McDonald's is closing down after our class by end of March 2009.

I was told by our dance instructor that during the glory days of this dance school, the place is packed with enthusiastic students and passionate instructors, with even extension of building to next door. Gone were the days, and left with just sadness and pathetic irony of its initial inception.

Good bye PJ Academy! of Dancing! You will be missed by your former students who were there dancing cheerfully.

It's current address and telephone no.:
1st Floor, 56, Jln SS2/61, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 03-78763867

On Diet

2009-03-05T00:11:00.002+08:00

I think you could imagine that people are always going on diet all the time. At least giving them excuses to keep in shape and look good.

The reasons I would go on diet (and it happened to me in these situations):

Health (signal from body of possible pain/ illness);
No money to spend (when I really broke with only RM20 shows in my bank account for a prolonged period);
Eaten too much for a period of time;
Recession;
Exhaustion and excessive physical tiredness (don't feel like eating);
Exercise regularly (exercise makes you shed extra fat);\
Always occupied with activities (forget about eating);
Lousy food at home (sometimes);
Low food supply (remote places);
Laziness of going out in a hot day/ rainy day;
Peer pressure to stay in shape (it worked initially, but doesn't last cos I don't care that much after that).

That's my reasons, what's yours? Do share them at the comment box, I would love to learn them.

Feeling Tired Without Any Reason

2009-02-22T10:22:00.002+08:00

I have been feeling really tired lately. I have been sleeping at my regular hours, but I still feel tired.

Something must be wrong~

一廂情願的幫忙

2009-02-17T15:13:00.003+08:00

在上兩個星期，我的朋友和他的女朋友有了糾紛。

原本以爲出自好意，可以勸一勸女方不要太過偏激以導致雙方反目成仇，一發不可收拾。怎麽知道原來問題的根本早已存在，而且已經蔓延至嚴重到不能由外人來相勸的地步。因爲我多此一舉的舉動，反而更令到我的朋友爲難。所以感覺有點虧欠於他，真得非常抱歉。

從這件事我了解到原來一廂情願的幫助只是會使關心的朋友更難做。反之，不多做反而是幫助了他。都怪我雞婆，帶給別人的麻煩不少。

我的好朋友，給你添了麻煩，真的很抱歉。也希望你可以儘快解決你們那場糾紛，畢竟拖泥帶水也不是辦法。

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T17:25:00.003+08:00

Last weekend was Chinese Valentines, and today, a great weekend for Western Valentines.

Do take this opportunity to wish your loved ones, be it your parents, your spouse, your children, your teachers, your grandparents, or even your friends:

Happy Valentines Day!

Feeling Old. Getting Old?

2009-02-10T13:17:00.004+08:00

These days when friends asked me out at night, I just feel tired and want to go home and be a couch potato. These feelings come to me when the new year crawled in. I just can't help but feeling exhausted and not do anything but lying flat on my back, or do some relaxing activities like reading and watching television.

I was talking with my friend and I realised that it's a sign of getting old. People change when we age. But I was not expecting such drastic moves, and I am not even in my thirties yet! Ironic it may seems, but I have been determined to examine further of such feeling and see whether any remedy to it.

But for now, lazing in the couch is such a great idea. Anyone wishes to join me for a cup of tea or a glass of wine in a relaxation mood with good companionship?

卡拉永遠OK

2009-02-09T16:19:00.004+08:00

昨天爲了預祝我的摯友的生日所搞得卡拉OK有種圓滿結束的感覺。我和我的兄弟們一起high翻天（其實我的胞弟更high!)。

從中午一點唱到下午六點，五個小時盡情不停地唱，喉嚨差點要沙啞之前的五個小時，不多也不少，恰到好處。爲什麽我會說五個小時是恰到好處是因爲我個人的“卡拉OK歌唱”經驗。我也嘗試過從早上十一點唱到下午七點，身體眼睛超累，喉嚨又沙啞，得不償失。No, no，這種方法不行。後來嘗試唱卡拉OK場所規定的三個小時，唱到不夠喉！所以，正點就是要唱卡拉OK要唱到極點，一定是四到五個小時！你也不妨為之作參考，很管用。

當然，唱卡拉OK作爲生日祝賀大前提有幾個好處。一，大家可以相聚；二，唱歌跳舞；三，雖然不知道要怎麽樣和壽星仔說長話短也可以唱唱歌緩和氣氛；四，談天；五，避免冷場；六，可以娛樂自己和在場的各位（需要符合某些條件）；七，有東西吃，有飲料喝；八，觀衆的緣故又可showoff自己的歌唱本領；九，可以拍照留念；十，“原來朋友還記得叫我出來玩讓我生活過得更充實”爲由。真是一舉多得。

以上純屬本人所捏造不能與實事淪爲一談。

說真的，好開心可以出來卡拉OK和你們一較高下。因爲好久沒有嘗試関在影像音響設備齊全的小房間裏和一班摯友無憂無慮唱翻天了！謝謝你們捧場哦（其實要獻唱的也不只是我一人啦，哈哈）！看看以後找個時間大家再來卡拉OK!

戀愛和分手

2009-02-07T15:03:00.006+08:00

原來愛情的魔力是這麽大的。這種魔力可以是一個人精神爽朗成爲一種推動力。也可以在同一個時間將之前的溺愛頓時變成了一種別人難以想象的報復。這些突如其來的力量可以不管任何人的眼光做出一些可能傷害對方的事情。我有感而發是因爲我的朋友最近遇上這樣的事情。雖説困擾，但是也有一份的同情，也有一絲的不解。

在戀愛期間，大家可以無視對方的缺點很甜蜜的相處在一起。相反的，當反目閙分手的時候，比仇人殺父更爲兇狠更爲絕情。爲什麽一定是要兩極端的呢？難道很難再見也是朋友？

雖然我對愛情觀方面一竅不通，一直以爲不能成爲終身伴侶，也可以維持一種再見亦是朋友的看法。就好比，一件好看的服飾。當穿在自己的身上其實不是很好看也要硬硬買回去。一件連自己穿得不舒服，穿得不自在的飾物，辜負了服飾本身的目的。雖然偶爾也拿出來欣賞穿戴，長時間也都是收在衣櫃裏的擺設。就像好朋友一樣，偶爾見一次反而比之前硬要霸著不放的另一半還要輕鬆，關係也會好起來。這也未嘗不是件好事。

不過，愛情是盲目的。因爲有情，所以會盲目追求很多其實回想起來很不切實際的小動作。如果大家可以都用清醒的頭腦去思考有關[情]字的問題，天下自然就太平。而為情字所害的例子也多不勝數。只是希望大家可以把這些例子當作是借鏡，考量到底你在愛情上想要得到什麽答案，或者對某些人怎麽樣的回報。這樣你就可以避免不少的麻煩和衝突。要是往好的方面想的話，為你身邊的人多花點心思，相信很快就可以開花結果。要不然，長痛不如短痛，大家可以平心氣和商量，可以達成快樂分手的協議。多一份朋友的關心總是好過多一份敵意的存在。你説是不是？

好人和壞人

2009-02-04T15:44:00.002+08:00

今天我在想，其實好人是不是真的好人，而壞人其實也不坏呢。其實很矛盾。

長輩長於勸後輩的一定要往做好為目標。學校的老師也是要莘莘學子們多成爲好學生為社會出一份力。在家的父母也是希望他們的孩子都可以成爲好孩子，懂事聽話。而且，故事書裏頭的角色都是以正勝邪多半為例。爲什麽一般都會有這樣的概念呢？

有時我在想，會不會我們把事實給顛倒了呢？在家裏學校所學的好事，其實也不是什麽好事，只是方便長輩們不用太費心思管教我們，又或者是還沒有人發現原來坏的教材才是更有效的反面例子。再説，所謂好的教育方法好像有點偏離實際，導致現在的新新社會者出來工作好像有點招架不住，有點不切實際。難怪畢業生難找工作已成爲鐵定的事實。

我爲什麽會這麽想是因爲最近不景氣的情景告訴我，原來墨守成規的好人不懂看風使陀，老是被人利用，最後自己成爲局勢的不幸犧牲者。反而壞人（可以是小人，好吃懶做的，口甜舌滑的一夥人，非正當生意等等）因爲會從中得利，所以免遭不幸，而且還大快朵頤。

雖然好人不一定有好報，可是不見得壞人就一定有惡報。就好像一些跟足健康指南養生有道的人也會得到癌症或其他病症，先離他們所愛的人而去。反而抽煙的比吸二手煙的還長命百歲。所以說，這是什麽天理？而且要是發生在你們的親人身上，相信你一定不會再相信好人就一定有好報的道理。

生活挺難過的時候就不知覺會有這樣的想法和感慨。與其坐以待斃，不如盡情的享受現有的人生。回想起來，在學校裏的被認爲是壞學生的一群其實是最享受在級學生的時刻，無怨無悔，生活也多一份精彩。反觀，老是埋頭苦讀的，雖然可以榜上有名倒有點收穫，可是生活還是少了點什麽的。

這只是我的片面想法。也多多少少為現在的動蕩的局勢還有自身的飯碗開始焦慮而有感而發。唉~做好人真的很難，是吃力不討好的。我也不想再做下去了。

新年團拜

2009-02-01T11:21:00.006+08:00

攝于一月三十一日白沙羅皇宮酒家

我的中學同學團拜會也算是成功。今年出席團拜的朋友有偉珉，道源，國輝，康友，康俊還有尉銘。因爲知道大家各有個忙，所以也穿插了午宴好讓大家聚餐。聚餐的朋友除了我們一行七人還包括立榮，慧雯，慧琳，詠絮，穎卿以及梁老師，林老師。一桌十四人多熱鬧。又是這麽巧，隔兩座是懷馨和她的家人在用膳，也難怪她不能來和我們聚餐/團拜。也因爲這樣，尉銘在取笑她，場面難免有少許的尷尬。不過，最重要的是大家最終歡喜收場。

尷尬的事不只是那樣，還有更精彩的呢。當慧雯被問到吃完飯後和道源去那裏的時候，她以複雜的形式介紹了她到男朋友的去處。難怪道源會露出奇怪的表情，想起來還真的好笑。還有最好笑的莫過於偉珉叫我不要減肥的原由是怕我消瘦了認不得我，真是好氣又好笑。

大家也往常一樣分享工作上的心得，還有對時事的關心。原來，我們班的同學大多數是醫生，工程師，從事電腦和行銷有關的行業。討論到國外的同學，算起來好像包括: 立輝，國勇，思盈，思梅，裕翔，志翔，麗燕，啓瑜。行行出狀元，真的不賴。最重要的是大家還是和以前沒有太多的生理上的變化，只是待人處事方面的心靈成熟而已。有些朋友也因爲太久沒見面，感覺有點陌生。不過相信在未來不久的聚會上多聯係，應該沒什麽大礙的。

這一次團拜的氣氛好像一年比一年來的淡。雖然如此，大家也是很盡興地玩得痛快。開玩笑的開玩笑，吃的吃，不亦樂乎。大家也不知道怎麽的，老是圍繞在催婚和生小孩事宜的課題上。可能是我們的年齡也是一大把，是時候想想這個問題吧。算起來，我們同學之中我所記得已婚的有：裕翔，思梅，慧琳，翌師，麗琳，海瑩，澤苑，Vivian。有小孩的：裕翔和思梅。將要結婚的：芳基。說起來，真得開心不已。

今年的團拜也圓滿地結束，希望大家在牛年扭轉乾坤。也希望明年會是虎虎生威的大好年，好讓我們再次團聚説笑。明年再會！

開工大吉

2009-01-30T09:59:00.001+08:00

今天是年初五，是開工大吉日。雖然如此，感覺好像周末，交通順暢，心曠神怡。

也乘這個機會向大家恭祝新年進步，身體健康，牛年行大運。

Birthday Presents

2009-01-18T13:04:00.002+08:00

This year I have received two lovely tangible presents from my friends, a friendship mug and a cute plush cow toy. Other lovely things were dinners treats with loved ones and good friends, drinks from strangers, dancing, and wonderful sms-es and facebook messages.

Thank you very much! May your love and our friendship be cherished forever and ever!

Over-rated Tenji Japanese Buffet Dinner with Friends

2009-01-18T12:52:00.004+08:00

On 15th January, I went with my other three friends to Tenji Japanese Buffet Restaurant for Buffet Dinner in SohoKL of Duta Solaris in Hartamas.

The concept designs of Tenji is similar to Jogoya in Star Hill, but in small scale. The pricing structure for dinner package is almost similar to Jogoya but less varieties as compared what is offered in Jogoya.

My friends and I were attracted to Tenji because of the promotional email sent out through forwarded email chain. However, to our disappointment, the dinner does not live up to our expectation, as some of the way that the food prepared was not that delicious and less varieties. One of my friend got rashes from unhygienic food. Friends felt cheated by the forwarded mail, and did not intend to patron the place again.

The up side of the restaurant is they have beautiful renovation with cosy environment. The coconut drink was absolutely wonderful, not to mention Chinese food section and desserts, which I so liked about!

Well, hope Tenji would work on the down side to make this restaurant a better place. For now, it's over-rated.

農曆新年

2009-01-12T17:22:00.003+08:00

一年四季在於春，很快的農曆新年又到了。

今年的年來得特別早，就在一月份的最後一個星期一。早年的感覺可能是因爲不久前才剛過完聖誕節和元旦，這麽快又得辦年貨，大掃除，挂新年佈置，包紅包，準備迎接新年的到來。

從逛百貨廣場的人潮來看，很明顯比去年同期的人潮少了許多。可能性的推測是大家已經在聖誕節和學校假期期間買完新年所需；也可能這種上氣接不上下氣的感覺，多多少少也因爲經濟負面的消息所致。

今年牛年裏大家也希望可以扭轉乾坤，讓現在彌漫低迷氣息恢復朝氣。

願大家新年進步，身體健康，萬事如意，恭喜發財。

日本國之旅的部分感想

2009-01-12T16:23:00.004+08:00

去年，一共去了日本兩趟。夏日和冬天一年之内一起體驗。

第一次，在七月份北海道熏衣草和花卉芬芳綻放的季節。天氣特別涼快，心境心曠神怡。北海道的風景宜人，感覺我就在畫裏一樣，感覺真得非常美好和自在。加上又是水果成熟的季節，可以品嘗到北海道的夕張哈密瓜，小櫻桃，真得開心不過了。不過，在這個夏日季節裏，最好滯留在北方，不然你會非常後悔哦。因爲日本的本島真的超級酷熱，連站在被屋瓦蓋頂的地方也有一陣熱氣向你撲過來，真的不是滋味。加上當時我又遇到大暑的來臨，真的恨不得把身上的衣服脫掉游泳去。

第二次，在十二月份正在進入冷風吹襲日光短暫的季節裏。我還真的是第一次在冬天逼不得已去旅行，所以沒什麽期待，總是覺得每一次要到寒冷的外頭，又得重復往身上套上笨重的外套寒衣，費時又費力。加上，我是連云頂的天氣也難挨的人，又怎麽會選擇在冬天去旅行呢？所以，這一次去首先是爲了公幹，之後就當起我首次去日本同事的導遊。我又可以順便去探望我的老朋友，又這麽巧，我想見的老朋友一樣回日本，把原本沒期待的我也因此感到特別期待。最高興的事，遇見老朋友，還要他們破費請我們吃大餐，有點不好意思。再説，重遇上他們，感覺真好。

值得慶幸的是這一次，我們還幸運地遇上貴人。一，他們請我們喝一瓶美味的白酒以慶祝我們的相遇；二，在我和友人去山梨縣旅行的時候，我們的新朋友招待得無微不至；三，到神奈縣還有新白河重遇七月份的homestay朋友和他們的家人，感到格外親切並且受到他們熱情地招待；四，在工作會展遇上一位不斤斤計較的翻譯員變朋友。這些可遇不可求的事，令我感覺幸運之神原來還在左右相伴著我。回想起來，我是非常幸運的。

因爲這些熱心朋友為我留下刻骨銘心的事跡，讓我的日本旅行生活更豐富起來。說起來有點感動，心中由衷感謝我每一位在日本的朋友。

日本是四季分明的國家。慶幸的是日本人的招待和處世態度是一樣四季不變的。

新年新希望

2009-01-01T13:13:00.002+08:00

今天已經是2009年。再過幾天，我就要再長大一嵗了。

今年的新年期望如下，希望不難達成：

工作順利
身體健康
繼續旅行
升官發財
體重下降
結交良緣

也祝大家心想事成，萬事如意。

Nepal Trip: 20-26 December 2008

2008-12-29T11:59:00.003+08:00

Departing early morning around 4am from office to airport, I nearly forgotten my winter jacket. Luckily enough, my mother brought it just in time before I began my cold journey to the west.

*****

Before departing to Nepal, we need to cling-wrap our bags at the airport (cost RM9 per wrap) before the Royal Nepal Airline allows you to check-in the bags. It is not unusual because lots of the Nepaleses who are heading home did the same. Heard it is for security reasons.

*****

Due to wear and tear, the plane looks awefully worn out. Even the engines emitted loud sound. Quite a scary experience. But I must say, the meal tray and its little cups and bowls looked pretty cute (which I have saved a couple back home). When we are near landing, I witnessed the magnificent view of the Himalayan range and Mt. Everest. The view was breathtakingly beautiful. I was captivated by the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and developed a good feeling for Nepal even before I stepped foot there.

*****

Arrived at Tribhuwan International Airport on 20th December. Once out of the airport, we were welcomed by a shuttle bus service to the main terminal, although the distance is just a minute walk away. How ironic! On the other end, it is a provision towards cold weather. In fact, I could feel the immediate chill after stepping out the aircraft.

The airport is small, and has a feeling of the 50s. Small counter, all manually operated staff, which is why the custom clearance took us some time. Some of our members have their cling-wrapped bags torn. Luckily nothing had reported lost.

Inside the airport, I made a new friend, Lil. He is a Nepalese who is going to serve at the British army in the coming year. He was flying from Brunei earlier. Good to make new friend with locals for a change.

After stepping out of the airport, I could immediate smelled fumes and dust. And, also seeing a sea of Indian-looking nationals outside greeting their friends and relatives make the whole experience felt exciting.

Our tour guides, Mr Sujan, Ms Ramilah and Ms Sushma came to greet us with flower rings over our shoulders and "Namaste" greetings. I felt so welcome and relieved. Hopping on the bus to our hotel, I noticed trees and any green plants were covered with mud-thicked dust, which resulted the trunk and leaves turned grey at that instance. It is not wrong to judge that Kathamandu people has higher risk of contracting tuberculosis than other residence in other parts of Nepal.

*****

After lunch, we were headed to Swyambhunath Stupa on the hill (monkey temple) for sightseeing. It is located near the hilly side, where the whole cityscape of Kathmandu valley is visible. The beauty of this place is that you could enjoy both Hindu and Buddhist temples within the same premise. Once on your way up, you could see lots of monkeys too. Here, you could get some cheap souvenirs like nice elephant carvings with your bargaining price.

We were heading to Kathmandu Durbar Square (a place of the Malla and Shah Kings of Nepal) to see Kumari temple which houses the virgin goddess Kumari. Also, near palace, we saw Dakshinkali (famous temple for animal sacrifices).

*****

Bhaktapur City refers to "The Town of Devotees" and also city of culture. It is a town for traditional art and architecture, historical monuments and craft works, magnificent windows, pottery and weaving industries, excellent temples, beautiful ponds, and many more. The temples are of Pagoda-style architecture, where famous pieces of work could be found in the Durbar square area surrounded with temples and palaces. Most buildings were constructed during 15th century. The famous 55-window palace constructed by King Bhupatindra Malla housed royalty until 1769. The golden spout and gate leads into Mulchok Court where it lies the Taleju Temple dedicated to Taleju Bhawani goddess. Entrance is restricted to Hindus and photography is forbidden. Durbar square showcased the skills of Newari artists and craftsmen.

*****

Not far away from the capital of Kathmandu, a place where breathtaking sunset view over Himalayan range at a resort in Nargakot. Here, I met a new Israeli friend, Shay.

*****

Pashupatinath (Hindu temple) along Bagmati River, where it is a widely used cremation area of the deceased. It is the most sacred temple of Shiva in Nepal. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, where non-Hindu are allowed to look across the bank of Bagmati river. The temple has pagoda architecture with two level roofs made of copper with gold covering. At the entrance to the temple lies a street market. Vendors and peddlers sell souvenirs such as cloth, dyes and religious supplies.

*****

We left for Pokhara the next day, which took us 8 hours to arrive. On the way, we witnessed scenic mountain terrain. Pokhara has a fame rests on the natural beauty of its lakeside location and it is near to the mountains. It is a starting point for many famous treks in Nepal. In the morning, we went to see sunrise in Sungakot. After a short visit, we had an opportunity to visit limestone cave of Mahendra Gufa for its stalactites. Also, we managed to feel the glazier water from the Himalayan range. In the evening, we visited Phewa Lake, which is just outside our hotel. Too bad the weather was too misty, we could not admire the stunning view of the Fish Tail's Peak (which can be seen in Sungakot). I was told that with fair weather, the wonderful Annapurna panorama would give a magnificent backdrop for Pokhara from the lake. Too bad we didn't go to Manakamana Temple by Cable car on the way to Pokhara, if not, if would have been a better trip while travelling 8 hours on the bus.

*****

On Christmas day, we went to Boudhanath Stupa (The largest stupa in Nepal and center for Tibetan school Buddhism, and also the UNESCO World Heritage site). It is around 11 km from center of Kathmandu. The stupa has massive mandala making it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. It also houses large populations of Tibetan refugees from China, where this place has a nickname "Little Tibet". Around Boudhanath Stupa lies over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Mnonasteries).

At dinner, we had a typical Nepalese Dinner Boghawan Ghat at local restaurant with feature cultural dance. On our Mountain flight with Buddha Air to see Himalayan Range and Mount Everest.

*****

Patan City , second largest town in Kathmandu, which means "City Of Beauty". Patan city boast its famous city features of arts and crafts. It also houses many Saris and Punjabi suits and cloth materials for you to choose from. The highlight in Patan is the Shikara (Krishna temple), Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage site) with Royal bath, Hiranya Varna Mahavir (Buddhist Monastery aka Golden temple). Patan City was planned in Vihars and Bahils. The water conduits, stone spouts, Jaladroni (water tanks), artistic gate ways, Hindu temples and Buddhist Vihars adorn the city. The cultural heritage like the royal palace, with intricately carved doors and windows and beautiful courtyards adorned with exquisite icons enhance the beauty of the city. Such art pieces are found in stone, metal, terracotta ivory and other objects. All these artefacts exhibit artistic excellence of the craftsmen and the whole city looks like an open museum.

*****

After dinner, we proceed to airport for our late night flight back home. Goodbye Nepal!

旅行心情

2008-12-29T11:00:00.003+08:00

去了漫長的三個星期的旅行，回到家裏有點不習慣。雖然不斷的搬遷居所，在旅行的時候，習慣了每一天異樣的新鮮事情，遇上不一樣經驗的人，做不同有趣的事情與文化交流，還有不斷的品嘗當地的美食佳肴。習慣了新鮮，對乏味的生活實在不再抱有一樣的心態看待。

以前，去旅行是為了打破正常規律而去實行，好讓自己疲累的身體有一個休息的空間。可是往往去了旅行之後，身心比還沒去旅行之前還疲累。現在，去了好多次的一個人自由行，學習了許多生活上的小技能，認識了許多新朋友，接觸很多大開眼界的事物，生活也自然變得更充實。

去旅行，不只是豐富了生活經驗，而且也是脫離和時間賽跑的重要環節。沒有電話的干擾，沒有老闆的叮嚀，同事們的勾心鬥角，父母的嘮叨，遠離種種的負面壓力；換來了逍遙自在無拘無束像雲朵一樣在天空中漂浮的寧靜。

真適合我不過了。

有喜了！

2008-11-22T16:01:00.002+08:00

有喜的，不是我。是我親愛的朋友們。

家裏頭有喜事是多麽值得高興的事。最近同事和朋友喜事連連，誰說經濟放緩就一定是悲觀的，大家也不是一樣馬照跑，舞照跳，那裏管得住。特別是升級做父母的，我替你們感到高興和驕傲，因爲你們很勇敢地面對經濟的不穩定而不斷地在努力。

想起來也真好笑。朋友們懷孕之前，老是被老人家催促，說“有喜啦？幾時給我抱孫子？”之類的話題。當事人感到無比的懊惱。有了孩子之後又有他們的煩惱。有時我覺得人其實是很矛盾的。

數一數今年裏頭，我已經有五位朋友先後生了小孩，升級做媽媽還有爸爸。帶孩子不是一件很容易的事情。爲人父母，活到一百嵗，常憂九十九，相信身為父母的責任重大。不怕奶粉教育費用昂貴，最怕是教不好，孩子學壞了闖禍，氣壞兩老才可悲。不過以我所認識的朋友們都是出生于嚴厲的家教環境成長，相信一定會是好爸媽。祝福和恭喜你們。你和孩子一樣也長大了。

日本の出張

2008-11-18T16:04:00.004+08:00

今天老闆在會議上提到去日本公幹的事項，大家不禁議論紛紛。看來説起日本，每一個人都有他們各自的想法和期待，我也何嘗不是。只是覺得好笑的是別人看來比自己還要興奮，證明日本的魅力無法擋。

我覺得去公幹，不像去遊玩，身上背負著一種責任和包袱。可是從我們同事身上看到的僅只有遊玩的目光，我覺得很悲哀。雖然明明知道去國外促銷我們的產業可能回報是萬分之一的機會，也要很賣力去做好每一樣細節，讓銷售目標更爲接近還有把公司的名聲傳播出去，這樣就不虧此行。

很期待又有機會重踏日出之國的大地上。

期待新活動

2008-11-10T14:28:00.002+08:00

上個星期六看了“舞動奇跡”的藝人跳舞比賽，覺得不是專業舞蹈者也能跳得這麽好，我也有一股衝動想要去學習。加上，已經不用再惦記上學做功課的日子。於是就在昨天下午致電去報名參加交際舞。不過老師說新班開課還要等一時，我也不焦急，而且還要等我的弟弟考完大馬教育文憑才可以和我的弟弟一同前往參加。

很期待新的嘗試。頓時感到乏味無助的生活已經開始有了新生命。想到可以與音樂交流，心裏頭不禁高興起來。

愛吃的女人

2008-11-07T15:33:00.002+08:00

今天在中國報的蔡瀾的作品。特此和朋友們分享。

和我一起吃過東西的人，都知道我的食量不大，所有食物，淺嚐而已。但也別以為我什么都吃少少，遇到真正的美食，我還是吃得很多。

近來，我已經將試味和飲食分開來。到了餐廳，見到佳餚，我會吃一口來領略廚師的本領，但絕不滿腹。真正的吃，是一碗白飯，或一碟炒麵，沒什么佐料，仔細欣賞白米的香味和麵條的柔軟，適可而止，最多是吃個半飽而已。

其實，與其說我愛吃東西，不如說我愛看別人吃東西。一桌人坐下，我只選自己喜歡的幾樣。
請我吃飯最合算了，我不會點鮑參翅肚，遇到一尾蒸石斑，也不過是舀點魚汁撈白飯。

看女人吃東西最有趣，有時不懂得命理，也能分析出對方的個性和家庭背景。比方說主人或長輩還沒舉筷，自己卻搶最肥美的部分來吃，或者用筷子阻止別人夾東西，都屬于自私和沒有家教的一種人。

美女大口吃也性感

進食時嘖嘖、嗒嗒、啅啅地發出巨響，都令人討厭。不斷地打噎而不掩嘴，也不會得到其他人的好感。餐桌上的禮儀，就算父母沒有教導，也應該自修，不可放肆。

但是美女例外，她們要怎么吃，發什么聲，都覺得可愛。小嘴細噬最漂亮了，即使是張開大口狼吞虎嚥，也性感得要命。醜人多作怪的八婆就不能原諒，真想一腳把她們踢出餐廳大門去。

開懷大嚼的，沒有壞人，時間都花在欣賞食物，哪有心機去害人？愛吃的人，享受食物的人，大多數個性是開朗的，他們不會增加你什么麻煩，不管在金錢上或感情上，的確是值得交往。

吃相悄悄露性格

真正熱愛食物的女人，和陪你吃東西的女人，是不同的，一眼就看得出來。前者見到佳餚，雙眼發光，恨不得一口吞下。后者把東西放進口后，又偷偷地吐出來，或者咬了一小口就擺在碟上，在你的面前裝享受，但是從舉止和表情中就能看出對食物的厭惡，這種女人最假，防之防之。

也有一邊大魚大肉，一邊喊死了，吃那么多怎么辦的女人。這一類最難分辨她們的好壞，可能是很坦白，也可能是做作，但兩者皆為性格分裂。

還有一種肯定是討厭的。在宴會中經常遇到一些中年夫婦，太太什么都吃，胖得要命。而先生呢？瘦得像電燈桿，他一舉筷，老婆即刻發出警告：“膽固醇已經那么高了，還敢吃？你吃死了不要緊，千萬別爆血管、半身不遂要我照顧！”

怪不得倪匡兄常說：“人一上年紀，如果要活得快樂，有兩種人的話千萬不可聽，一是醫生，一是太太。”

有些先生更不幸，娶的太太，是醫生。

在自助餐中，最容易看到女人的貪婪。多年前，有一個臃腫的胖女人，無男不歡，一天數回合，消息爆了出來，八卦週刊稱她為慾海奇葩。

一次吃自助餐，有一個肥婆，整碟食物裝得滿滿地，一共來回無數次，嘴巴旁邊都是油膩，還來不及去擦。這件事千真萬確，絕非虛構，我的友人看到了，向她說：“你真是一個食物的慾海奇葩。”

笑得我們從椅子上跌下來。

自助餐上，也能看到女人優雅的一面，有一個拿空碟子，左一點右一點拿食物，黃的雞蛋、綠的海藻、紅的番茄，像在作畫。人和食物，都美得不得了，愛死這種女人。

大吃姑婆最可愛

曾經有過幾位被公認為大美人的，紅燒元蹄一上桌，你一箸我一箸，誰管去減肥？一下子吃得干干淨淨，你看，那是多么痛快的一回事！

最不想看到的是節食中的八婆，要保持身材苗條我能理解，那么干脆茹素好了，為什么又貪吃又怕胖？夾了一塊肉，拼命把肥的部分用筷子仔細清除后才放進口。吃雞時，皮剝了又剝，放在碟邊，變成不清潔的一堆東西，看了就令人反胃。

就算不吃肥，不吃皮，為什么不學一學那些好女人？她們會向旁邊的男士說：“你選一塊沒那么多油的給我，好不好？”

這么一來，你怎么會厭惡她呢？

又見過一位什么都大吃一頓的女人，旁邊的八婆看了，酸溜溜地說：“這個人一定患憂鬱症，所以要用食物來填滿空虛的心靈。”

去你的，大吃姑婆才是最可愛的人物，她們又不會來侵犯你，為什么要那么尖酸刻薄批評人家呢？我聽了打抱不平，向那些八婆說：“你們心理，才有病。”

相反地，也遇過一位什么東西都不吃，只顧喝酒的女子，旁邊的人一直夾給她，也不拒絕，因為她不覺得有什么必要向人解釋她只愛酒。最后，面前一大堆食物，她向身邊的人說：“請侍者包起來，讓你拿回家去宵夜吧。”

這種人物，也實在可愛。

Bandung Trip Encounter: 31 Oct - 3 Nov 2008

2008-11-05T17:08:00.003+08:00

Gedung Sate, Bandung

Well, I must say, this trip to Bandung is quite a disappointment overall, though great bargains for shopping (must go shopping, really cheap) was our only gain beside making new friends. For all the trips I have gone with, this is the worst one. It is worst because we have a lousy, not professional tour leader. He gives me that feeling that he's on vacation like us. This is why I think he is not professional:

We were told to pay extra RM5 for baggage since we are taking AirAsia via email. But at the airport, we have to pay RM10 (if buy early on the internet is RM5). Personally, I think it should be included into the fees. If not, the tour agent should book early for us so we don't have to pay double. Worse still that he said it's new regulation by AirAsia (I have checked, the baggage handling was introduced in April 2008, how can a professional tour leader not know?).
Hotel matters. He even explicitly told us if anything at the hotel is not satisfying, just call the hotel, not him. Furthermore, he told us that we are getting hair dryer and safe deposit box in every room, but in the end, only few hairdryers are available at the counter upon request and subject to availability. The run-down hotel room is ok for us, but some of our members felt dissatisfied, because they have loose taps, loose windows handle, and other wear-off items in their rooms, and nothing can be done. And, the hotel corridors have steps. I personally think that the room arrangement is supposed to arrange the elderly near the lift and not going through the stairs, but ironically, the elderly has to walk all the way to the other end with two flights of stairs to walk. I pity the aunties.
I am not sure whether bringing tour leader and his whole family of five (father, mother, wife and a 3-year old kid) to this trip with us is acceptable professionally. Because how can you take care of your family and us, especially we have elderly. Also, I was told by our friend, that the tour leader's intention is to offset his family's heavy baggage with us (cos some of our members do not have many baggage).
On one of the original itenery to the volcano (which half opted for shopping and not follow the tour), the tour leader didn't even come along. Left the tour guide with us.
He didn't even get his facts right. Earlier said about RM5 baggage ended up we have to pay RM10; excess baggage is charged Rp. 50,000 per kilos, but I have checked, it's Rp. 30,000; facilities in the rooms not as promised; raining seasons was not informed (when in fact the tour guide told us ramalan cuaca stated showers expected for four days there during our first meeting with him on our first day). How can our tour leader not know?????
No pre-departure briefing. And, in the end, we were caught in the rain for four days there for not preparing umbrellas.
One of the trip we were supposed to get down from the mountain at a stated time, the tour leader saw our members still up there and never reminded them to come down (he was late that time). We asked him on the bus "ada orang lagi ke kat atas", he just said "ada orang lagi kat atas". What an answer!

Not to be mean, but I would BAN any trip further with this AR Travel company, and the tour leader En. Zainul Akmal and will let my friends know about this. A good tour leader should know of our needs and relay those needs to the local Indonesian agent/ guide, and make necessary arrangements. I personally think that this tour leader has not carried out his job duly. I have sent one feedback form to organising committee. I am not sure whether it is affecting everyone, but my guess would be that our Malay friends were on shopping focus and more tolerable than the Chinese friends, because three of our Chinese friends brought their elderly mothers with them, which two mothers have difficulty of walking long distance.

During tour, punctuality needs to be observed. Ironically, our organiser is late. Not on one occasions, but several. I am not sure what this message is sent across to other members who were punctual. It's wasting time having to wait.

The food is delicious but has its shortcomings. This is my first time experienced under supply of food situation (usually excess food) for our trip. Perhaps everyone thought it was buffet (like always) and gasak everything without leaving some behind for the people coming behind (buffet usually have refills). Then, after talking to the tour leader in person that we realised that it is actually "set meal" in a "buffet setting" (no refills but lots of rice left). This means, everyone is expected to take lots of rice (Bandung people's culture is more rice with less dish, because most of them work in padi field needs the extra carbohydrate for energy). And I tell you one thing very funny is that, the chicken is really small, like pigeon size. So, you know, we Malaysian are big eaters, one piece of skinny chicken is not enough. Therefore, some members only have rice and 1 kind of vegetable, that's it for dinner. Perhaps what they should do is either inform us earlier that the culture is supposed to be like that or add more dishes to satisfy big eaters. For me, my mom and I are ok cos we don't really eat that much. So, I guess our members treat it as a "kurus badan" trip as well.

If it's not for the great bargain for apparels and shopping, the trip would have been a disaster. It is of a very unpleasant experience with this tour agent.

My suggestion for those of you are planning a trip to Bandung, go on your own. It's a shopping paradise! Original made-in-Indonesia factory outlets warehouse sells product cheaply. Imagine a Burberry T-shirt with collar sells at RM23; Giogio Armani jacket at RM60; genuine leather shoes RM30 a pair. If you are like Malay buy silk cloth to sew back home cost less than RM60 (if here, you are paying RM200 for the same piece). Watch out for tourist-inclined peddlers, they are annoying, but the things they sell is dirt cheap (Bandung printed T-shirts cost less than RM7, some lower quality less than RM4; leather sandals RM4). Full body massage also costs around RM 30 for an hour in a Spa-liked environment. Like my friend who had been there on his own once told me "how can you not buy things in Bandung?" and now I can understand why.The local Indonesia tour guide told us that you should also go to Garut to see the nature trail too. We had our share of volcanoes. And it is beautiful. And you can also take express train to Jakarta in 2 hours from Bandung (that's why lots of weekenders from Jakarta).

お幸せに

2008-10-23T15:46:00.004+08:00

幸福是多麽簡單可是難以達到的。很多人以爲幸福往往和戀愛婚姻有關，所以很多時候幸福的祝福常常出現在婚姻美滿的祝福詞裏頭。這也難怪，因爲城市人的幸福遠比我們的父母親的那個時代還難尋覓，還難維持。

究竟爲什麽想要尋找幸福的人生會如此坎坷？究竟幸福是什麽。

坎坷的人生是自找的。因爲種種的經歷開闊了自己的視野；有了太多的選擇，所以迷惑。也有些選擇不想跟上幸福的步伐，有些甚至所謂的幸福拒絕門外。這種自我，不是自找是什麽？

我的日籍朋友很喜歡告訴我，お幸せに，意思是祝你幸福。生活是爲了使自己幸福。原來出發點可以是如此簡易，就從幸福快樂著手。可是實行起來真得很不容易，往往也是最複雜的。

尋找幸福的路還真的很遙遠。。。

宴客

2008-10-19T12:20:00.002+08:00

昨天，第二次招待我中學的摯友到家裏來做客。上一回，我做了西餐，這一次換口味，做了中餐招待我的朋友們。有朋自遠方來，不亦樂乎。

我做了果條湯，水餃，粉腸包蝦米、沙葛絲和紅蘿蔔絲，還有咖啡芝士蛋糕。我的朋友慧雯帶來了她拿手的薄荷巧克力cupcakes、慧琳和啓瑜帶來了水果。大家吃得好開心而且還很飽。

吃完了正餐，我們到客廳去玩遊戲。沒想到大家也好像大小孩似的玩得很高興。大笑一場，比手划腳，畫畫，拍手叫好等等的舉動，一目了然。感覺好像釋放内在的童真一樣，完全表露在遊戲之間。大快人心。

老天爺昨天下了一場雨，把悶熱的下午瞬間成涼爽的晚上。也好比將這個晚上給大家到我家裏做客的客人們洗禮，將不愉快的心情一一捨棄，留下美好的回憶。

衷心謝謝你們千里迢迢地到來。希望下次再見。

Lousy Manhattan Fish Market @ Ikano Power Station

2008-10-16T21:11:00.003+08:00

Went to Manhattan Fish Market for dinner. It was the worst experience one could get, especially when you are paying RM 29.90 for a lousy meal of cod fish that didn't taste like cod fish! So not worth my money!

I would never go back to Manhattan Fish Market after this.

可怕的同事

2008-10-12T17:35:00.002+08:00

我有一位工作上的同事老是請假旅遊去。不是說他這麽做不好，只是我覺得他沒有什麽交待，假也沒請，要走就走，讓同事們和上司們感到無奈也很無助。他這樣做對我而言有點不負責任。大家對他也沒有辦法，因爲他有靠山好辦事。我頓時也覺得很矛盾。我原以為人緣這麽好的人，竟然也有被人討厭的時候。

看來我還得小心這位扮演魔鬼角色的天使化身。可怕可怕。

討厭的老頭、師奶、還有很多很多

2008-10-12T17:23:00.003+08:00

今天帶了一班師奶和老頭去看我們的產業。怎麽知道每講十句話，裏頭都有刺，真的恨之入骨。就算不買也不用這麽傷人的話語數我們公司的不是。知道了，安靜就好，還要諸多批評，真得很氣憤。不過年在他們是老人家，還是算了。如果他們想買，固然是好。要是不買，希望不要再見到這種人。

其實深一層想想，我們身為公司的代表也覺得很不是滋味，猶如夾心餅一樣，老板也不會有丁點兒的同情。顧客的意願，我也很想告訴上司。可是上司的意願往往就不是顧客們所要的。兩者不可共存，有點矛盾，我們夾在中心的，工作很辛苦。有時寧願不加理會，讓這些問題慢慢地隨著時間流逝。

哎，怎麽會變成這樣的呢？原本多麽單純有勁的努力竟然換來了沉默不語的不理不睬。雖説有點可悲，那也沒法子的啊。人，也會隨著局勢已改變初衷。說著說著我也開始討厭自己起來了。

"Change" and Politics

2008-10-09T22:06:00.002+08:00

After watching "Change" yesterday, I realised that politics is not everyone game nor cup or tea. The similarity of Japanese politics are somewhat similar in Malaysia because of bribery and bureaucracy.

A country will have its problem, no matter who is running the office. To find a good leader to lead the country is never easy. The dark side of politics is always being portrayed in Hollywood movies like Conspiracy Theory. Therefore, it has given a tinted image of politics and its politicians.

If only, politics can be as simple as what we have learnt in school. If only, those who has been elected to represent his people, will continue to fulfill those promises. If only, the people elected those representatives are making sure their reps are doing what has been promised. If only, we have a dedicated and honest leader who will lead the country to prosperity. If only, the world has been a simpler and better place to be. There are so many IF ONLYs, but, what has been promised has never been fulfilled. That's what the frustration lies, there's where the lies are, and the distrust and other negative reasons emerges because of this IF ONLY.

I don't really know much about politics. But I sure hope our politics could be CHANGED for the better.

Kimura Takuya 木村拓哉

2008-10-09T21:38:00.003+08:00

After finished watching "Change" this morning, I realised that Kimura Takuya still has his charm in his acting career. I was really attracted to his character in "Change" as the accidental-turned-real prime minister of Japan, Asakura Keita. In his character, he won the 57th Television Drama Academy Awards for Best Actor.

I also love his character, which he played as a prosecutor by the character name of Kohei Kuryu in "Hero".

Both of these movie has a strong character for Kimura Takuya, mostly portraying him as government official. Both movie scripts were written by Fukuda Yasushi 福田靖 .

稱呼人少

2008-10-07T12:08:00.003+08:00

很久很久以前我已經知道自己是個小人，因爲老是得罪人多，稱呼人少。可能是自己的脾氣不好，也知道自己這副德性所以也懶得和別人爭吵。如果真的吵起來，我一定會是最生氣的那一個。也可能因爲這樣老是招惹不必要的麻煩纏身，很不得要領。也可能自己是天生的我行我素的脾性，加上我又很少干涉別人的事情，也很少過問。除非你是我所關心的人，不然別指望我會向你噓寒問暖。

昨天被說了一句話，說我不懂得關心他人。我覺得所說的也有一定的意義。我也不多辯護，畢竟我是這樣的人。所以請不要怪我有著這樣的性格，我也是在改變中。其實，我是一個蠻難相處的人。雖然偶爾會多廢話，但話也不多，十句話裏三句刺耳的，態度冷漠不說，性格有時孤僻。如果你能和我相處得來，衷心謝謝你、還有恭喜你。因爲我可以肯定地說，你是我關心的其中一份子。

也有友人認爲我這種生活溝通方式很奇妙，甚至感到好奇，而且有些羡慕的眼神望著我。我也對他們的好奇感到有興趣。也就因爲這樣可以聆聽他們對我的好奇和感想。也因爲他們的分享，我可以了解自己原來是不打不相識的那種關係，而且有些人是不罵不快的自虐者。也是因爲我稱呼人少，關心我的朋友就反而更加關心我起來了。有時想起，覺得很奇妙。會不會是因爲稱呼人少，使到不近人情的我，也會被想要“救我”的朋友而有所覺悟。

江山易改，本性難移。相信其中的道理的我，因該也不會在近期有太大的改變。

I am sorry

2008-10-05T21:57:00.003+08:00

I am sorry that I have unintended hurt your feelings. If you are angry, I truly understand.

You know, you are such a charming person that I'd love to be around with. I truly enjoy your company, your laughter, your caring gestures and of course your charming smile.

Please do not be angry, for I am truly sorry for something I have said that hurt your feelings deeply.

I am sorry~

Right abdominal lump

2008-10-05T16:20:00.003+08:00

This is the third time I have sensed a lump at my right abdominal. First time I noticed was during my trip to Hokkaido in July this year, when it was after a wine tasting session. Second time, was just two months back, end of August after drinking at YZ's place. After that, been to the doctor, had my ultrasound and blood test. Test results are normal. Thirdly, yesterday, after having some wine at wedding dinner and some lime alcohol with HL.

I wonder what is it that caused the lump?

結婚晚宴終于告一個段落

2008-10-05T13:21:00.002+08:00

昨晚的結婚晚宴也是我在這兩個月頻密的晚宴的完美句點。不只是新婚夫妻生活感到幸福美滿，參加婚禮的朋友們，包括我在内也松了一口氣，因爲終于可以有自己的時間和金錢做自己所要做的事情了。想起來高興得手舞足蹈。

可能你會覺得我有點委屈自己參加結婚晚宴，其實不然。我也為這些新婚夫婦感到高興，因爲他們終于找到自己的另一半，讓自己的生活更爲美滿。可是想到自己有時候沒辦法之下也要將我的可憐午飯錢也得拿出來報銷，銀行沒剩下的幾分錢的我也覺得很不可思議。這證明了友誼的可貴？說出來也沒有人信。

無論怎麽樣，晚宴的開銷已經是結賬了。希望不要在短期内接到任何人的喜訊請帖。寧願遲些知道朋友們的喜訊以給予深情地祝賀也不想參與其盛，因爲錢真得不夠用了。希望大家可以體諒小妹的苦衷，多多包涵。

祝新婚的朋友們白頭偕老，幸福美滿。

Curiosity kills the cat

2008-10-05T13:06:00.004+08:00

Recently, my friend from cyberspace sent me horny videos of famous stars like Paris Hilton and Stephanie Sun. Ok, I know this is old story, which I presumed all of you, men especially, had already seen them a thousand times and never sent to me. Just joking~

I am just amazed that why pornography could sell so well, even though sexual intercourse is a normal activity for men and women to indulge such relationship in bed. Were we deprived of such information which arouse curiosity? Or it is just human nature that people like to peek into others privacy and want to join in the fun? Again, curiosity.

No wonder the sex trade is on a surge though many efforts to ban them from the public scene. The more they hide, the more curious people become. Curiosity can kill any cat. And I too, become curious like a cat, so does many of you who are reading this.

兒時玩意兒

2008-10-03T17:34:00.002+08:00

今天早上想到我小時候的有趣又不用花錢的小玩意，不禁高興起來。現在看見我的表弟表妹們所玩的電子遊戲機讓我想起小時候多麽渴望而遙不可及。也因爲這樣，我才有更好玩的遊戲。我記憶中的兒時玩意兒有如以下

家家酒（又稱爲　masak-masak）
捉迷藏和兵追賊（躲起來讓找的人去做賊）
跳飛機（將粉筆畫成飛機的格，用石子或是樹膠圈以作爲標簽，然後單腳環繞飛機格在囘原地。然後把手上的石子或樹膠圈抛到適合的格子裏）
單腳（選中的人將一只腳提起，然後用單腳跳去碰所被追的人，被踫到就算輸）
五粒子（將不要的布碎做成盒子形並裝進白米或是相思豆，然後曡在一起抛到要找的字數）
扮老師（把老師討厭的模樣有樣學樣）
玩大字（在羽球場擺陣，大家舉起雙手形成大字以攔住對方侵略陣地）
折四方格（將紙張折有四方的體形，然後寫字，讓朋友們猜和作弄）
折飛機　（研究折飛機，然後比賽看誰的飛機飛得最遠）
打羽毛球和踢球（普通運動。通常在很大風的草場玩）
盪秋千玩滑梯蹺蹺板還有爬格子　（遊樂場所）
推車子（將人坐在椰樹葉上，然後一方拉著跑）
跳繩（通常是樹膠圈做的。將繩子的兩端順著時鐘方向轉動，然後玩的人跳進圈内不停的跳動）
盲公（一個人蓋上眼罩然後開始找人）
丟拖鞋　（將拖鞋堆在一塊兒，然後選中的朋友就得丟拖鞋打中別人）
玩蠟燭（通常是中秋節材玩的）

今天就想到這麽多。如果你記得些什麽，不妨給我留幾個字讓我參考。

My relatives had gone back home

2008-10-02T23:09:00.003+08:00

After 19 days in Malaysia, my relatives from Australia were finally heading home. My family are going to miss them as they were good companies during their stay with us.

Have a safe trip home and see you guys again!

玩新郎的遊戲

2008-09-30T17:17:00.008+08:00

結婚的姐妹們可以參考以下的殘酷又好玩的遊戲以增添歡樂。

Wax 小腿：將wax紙貼在兄弟們的小腿上，然後大力撕開wax紙；
喝 “甜酸苦辣”飲品：裏頭包涵西瓜、蜜糖（甜）、檸檬、醋（酸）、瓜（苦）、辣椒、wasabi（辣）；
吃湯圓：有餡湯圓，裏頭可以包wasabi或是辣椒；
將冰山劈開：將大門的鑰匙結冰，然後把那個冰塊和其他的冰塊放進容盒要兄弟們找並開門；
内褲洗禮：兄弟們把有字體的紙内褲穿上，然後要他們跑遍整個大廈還有拼字；
找老婆：將原先新娘和他的朋友的個體拍成照片，讓新郎猜。要是猜不中，兄弟吃wasabi；
瑜伽鍛煉：請兄弟們看圖做瑜伽好鍛煉身體；
練習腰力：將井繩棬在兄弟的腰間，另一端綁上一根大根的香蕉或蘿蔔。然後要他們前後擺動。
吃辣椒wasabi麵包：營養豐富早餐，刺激味覺；
Lady and the Tramp：要兩位兄弟將香蕉的各一方吃近中心；
愛的證明：為兄弟們凃上口紅，然後請他們吻在心型卡片上以表達新郎對新娘的愛意；

開門暗號：唱情歌

懲罰：掌上壓、吃wasabi、waxing

Chinese Wedding Helper Must-know

2008-09-30T16:48:00.004+08:00

Recently, been helping my friend's at her wedding receptions and also the morning tea ceremony (Chinese wedding). Here are some of the observations I have gathered in a checklist which may (or may not) work for you:

Supportive and Sporting Parents
This one cannot really help much. But good supportive and sporting parents could make the event much fun and great laughter could be shared.

Pre-requisite: Encourage your parents to be supportive and have them involved. If you already know they are not keen on fun activities, make sure you do not enforce such fun activities, which could be taxing on them. A nice and quiet event would best suit your needs.

Sporting "heng dai" (brotherhood on the groom side), aka best men
You need these people to chaperon the groom to bring back the bride and her entourage. Most importantly sporting enough to play the awful evil games that were put on by the playful ji mui before the groom is allowed to pick up his bride.

The role of these people also involved to shelter the groom from any damaging done upon him, like during "yam seng" (go round tables on toasting), Heng Dai need to be by the side to drink on behalf of the groom and support him when he is drunk.

Pre-requisite: Make sure you can stand being played or made fun of. If not, please do not volunteer yourself and become a "victim".

Playful "ji mui" (sisterhood on the bride side), aka brides maids
You need these people because they are good in playing pranks on the groom and his entourage. However, they serve as good helpers in ensuring everything during the wedding reception till dinner time runs smoothly. Highly responsible duty.

Pre-requisite: Have to be a fun person with crazy ideas, and thick skinned to play pranks on others (beauty can be added advantage, but not necessary). Yet, highly responsible with the wedding reception to ensure good flow of wedding itinerary in place.

Delightful "dai kam jie" (Mak Andam, or the ceremonial spokesperson)
Dai Kam Jie, a famous bubbly character which the Chinese family likes to engage during tea ceremony. This cute lady is dressed in red, could sing and dance and speak multiple Chinese dialects to suit the occasions. Always have good words to share with the audience. Normally, the skills of the dai kam jie is put to test during the tea ceremony. Usually engage through word-of-mouth from friends and family members.

Pre-requisite: Find a dai kam jie which is humorous, then everyone will be in delightful manner. And, this will help make the environment more lively and fun.

Professional Photographers and Videographers
They will ignite a magic touch to your finest moments. Get the best and a few to cover every aspects of you on your big day!

Pre-requisite: Find photographers with good portfolios. To save money, some of your friends who have experience with professional photography would do the trick.

Enjoy your moment!

Controlling Wife

2008-09-27T12:52:00.004+08:00

I have recently got to know that a friend's wife has conceived their first child. Till now, it has already been five months now.

Tonight, we are throwing a bachelorette party for my girlfriend who is getting married next week, but my friend had to bring his wife just to get out of the house to meet us. I can't say I have known the wife of my friend for long, but I know that when my friend said that to the organizer, it only means one thing: stay home with me and not go out and see your friends for fun.

Furthermore, I think it would be inappropriate to go out in a pub with loud music for expecting mothers. Overall, it is not a very responsible thing a mother would do. I guess maybe it is because insecurity of staying home alone that resulted my friend would need to be at home with her, depriving him from having fun once in a while (we don't go out often).

Well, 家家有本難念的經, for outsider like me, I could not really judge what is happening in their household. But I am sure, a jolly guy needs to be free once in a while. Just hope that his controlling wife would come to her senses and let the leach goes loose tonight.

Wedding Bells

2008-09-27T12:35:00.004+08:00

This weekend, being the last weekend of the eighth lunar month, and also Ramadhan, is also another celebration for my friends who are getting married. First of all, congratulations to you, Meng Chong (high school classmate); and Sharon (MBA classmate), who are having their wedding dinner on 27th and 28th September respectively.

Wedding march is coming, so does the burning-the-pocket sensation for many who are attending. Anyhow, friends, do not despair, because you get to wish the groom and bride happily married, enjoy good food, go well-dressed, and also get to see pretty girls and handsome boys, enjoy the show, and most importantly get to see your long-lost old friends whom you have not been in touch with. What a deal!

After this hectic week, next week comes another wedding dinner of a dear friend, June (smartie).

Congratulations and wish you happiness in your marriage, dear friends!

等待

2008-09-27T11:58:00.004+08:00

曾經何時我也等待過、還有讓別人等待。曾經有段時間自己的時間觀念出了問題，老是使等待我的人不悅和生氣。當然，我也領教過不守時的情景，深感認同守時的重要。可能以往總是遲到老是遭到挨駡，還有傷了感情的不悅，所以我也不敢再遲到，深怕傷害到他人和自己。也因爲這樣，我會讓自己變得更加守時。

最近覺得老是等待他人。不知道是我的時間出錯還是我已經改了遲到的老毛病，或者是他人的時間變慢了也説不定。以前我可以說我會因爲別人的遲到立刻發脾氣。可是現在可能懂事了，也明白了可能別人也和我以前一樣，總是在最後的時刻有逼不得已不整理的重要事務要辦，還是大塞車，也可能是出了意外，所以遲到。我也開始體桖還有體諒他人的遲到。

要是不趕時間的話，我會籍著他人的遲到，可以多看些書，多喝一杯茶、多放慢腳步以迎合他們。因爲我已經發現其實等待是一種期待。就是爲了期待所以才當初約在一塊兒見面一起幹活動不是嗎？只要保持初衷，相信那份能耐也一定可以超越那份等待的焦急，令我們更加開懷的等待。

電車地鐵之旅

2008-09-21T13:05:00.004+08:00

大功告成

我的胞弟在上個星期終于完成他的釜山電車地鐵之旅。雖然身在國外，還是喜歡做他很有興趣的活動。我的弟弟和常人不一樣，喜歡做一些凡人不喜歡的活動。我看是我們家族的遺傳吧。

他的旅程碑又邁進一大步。看來我也不甘示弱，可能在下個月份我也來一趟電車之旅，好讓我也感受一下作爲電車女的感覺。敬請期待。

Mini Bas

2008-09-21T12:04:00.004+08:00

After searching for the mini bus photo, I realised there are other people who enjoyed a ride on these little creatures 10-15 years ago before Intrakota (now Rapid KL) replaced them in 1997.

I used to enjoy the ride on these mini buses. To me as a consumer, these mini buses' service were incredible. I must say they did provide speedy (I could get to KL town center within 15 minutes from my home; while Intrakota takes 30 minutes) and prompt service. It's a shame that the government has ceased their service, given excuses of reckless driving, and internal rivals. In fact, it was also a reason to bring in business for Intrakota as a sole government-linked bus operator besides other more competitive ParkMay and Metrobus. What is wrong for having a healthy competition among themselves as bus operators?

After mini buses operators were put out of business (which those mini buses operators owned those buses and worked as sole proprietors), many of them have their buses convert into Bas Kilang or school buses. Some of the drivers and ticket collectors have moved to Intrakota or Metrobus for job opportunities. In the end, the more competitive ones are sucked into the inefficient system of our transportation. What a waste of talent!

Bas Mini ~ those were the days

Oh, I still missed the good old days of our mini buses. I still remembered vividly the shouting from bus driver and ticket collector "masuk lagi, masuk lagi", even though the bus was jam-packed like sardines in the can. I sometime wanted to beat the time, and had to resort to standing at the stairs by the door. It's dangerous, but it was also an exciting experience. Because it is real packed, sometimes we have to beware of pickpockets.

Also, for school-going kids, I also enjoyed discounted off-the-book price, like 30 cents (normal price 50-60 cents), which you can never get on a full-fledged Intrakota. Furthermore, if you frequented the same bus over and over, the bus driver and ticket collector would recognise you. And, if you need to ride somewhere away from the bus stops when you see the bus coming, these good-will bus drivers would stop where you hailed them. Those were the personal touch you cannot experience now.

These unforgettable experiences I have had during my encounter with mini buses are very memorable. I can still reminisce with good smile on my face. Ah, those were the days~

Martin Luther King, Jr "I Have A Dream"

2008-09-21T11:49:00.007+08:00

"And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

~ Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have A Dream" - August 28, 1963, Lincoln Memorial

I am scared!

2008-09-16T22:30:00.002+08:00

I learnt just now that AIG may be in trouble. And I know I have bought insurance from AIA, which is part of AIG. What will happened to AIG? The Federal Reserve is going to announce their decision to save this big giant by 2:15 am news (Malaysian time).

I hope to hear some good news, as I in need in one now.

I am just so scared~

中秋佳節

2008-09-15T14:16:00.004+08:00

昨天是中秋佳節的大好日子。我和我媽一大清早就到巴刹去買菜準備晚餐以招待我的親戚和家人。
人家說中秋佳節月圓人團圓。這一次的中秋節顯得更爲融洽，因爲我的阿姨還有他們一家剛好從澳洲墨爾本回來，加上我的勞勿來的二舅、舅母還有表姐和男朋友難得來我家裏做客。這一次也是我和我媽一塊兒下廚宴客，所以我顯得格外高興。

我媽負責熬蓮藕粉葛湯，燒肉炒蔥花，還有她拿手的醬油炒木耳雞肉。我就負責我拿手的排骨花肉金華火腿一品鍋，炸蝦點沙拉醬還有蒸豆腐夾料。這餐飯真夠豐富，大家也吃得抱腹喊痛快。接著我們有甜品雪糕遮喱月餅還有葡萄招待。大家感到非常滿足。

吃完，大人們在客廳閒聊。小朋友們就到門口処點蠟燭提燈籠遊街去。不亦樂乎。

中秋佳節人團圓。希望大家也一樣有著快樂的中秋節。

文筆的流暢

2008-09-13T17:26:00.002+08:00

部落格最近很受歡迎。原因沒有其他，就是一個可以抒發自己感情和觀點一種方法之一，加上可以鍛煉自己文筆的一個好開始。

記得在上中小學的時候，語文科不是我所擅長的科目。常常會因爲自己很爛的作文而遭到老師無情地批改，分數自然也降低不少。我的成績單也自然而然被這慘遭敗筆的後患銘記在裏頭，慘不忍睹。

我知道要使文筆進步神速，就要多寫還要多閲讀才可以累積心得。從此我也了解文筆的流暢是件很重要的使命。也就因爲這樣，我為部落格的歡迎而開始了我人生至今的記錄，以我簡單的詞彙構成我現在的含蓄部落格。除了滿足自己的鍛煉下筆成章的欲望，也可以把自己的生活點滴與他人分享。一舉兩得。

鼓勵

2008-09-13T16:59:00.003+08:00

鼓勵，是一股力量。是一股很強的力量。每次聽到鼓勵這個詞彙我會顯得特別高興。因爲每一個人需要愛的鼓勵。

記得學校的活動中，學生們都會鼓吹“愛的鼓勵”，然後大家不約而同拍起那相同節奏的掌聲。啪啪、啪啪啪、啪啪啪啪、啪啪。然後在次高喊“愛的鼓勵”，再次引起共鳴。這股力量有幹勁有活力。參與的人自然了在其中。旁觀者也會被這種積極的能量感染而做出同樣的反應。

小時候我們學走路的時候，是爸媽最鼓勵我們的時候。知道我們笨拙的小腿開始緩緩從地面站起來的第一個反應，就是爸媽拍手叫好鼓勵的時候。那種開心和喜悅洋溢在他們的臉上。此時小小的心靈也勇敢地踏出人生的第一個腳步。那種感覺真好。

可是爲什麽長大了以後，這種鼓勵也隨著成長的年齡而逐漸消失。鼓勵，到底你去了哪裏？

我們會為生活和工作還有人生的種種而感到不順心和挫折感。我們此時需要鼓勵。也因爲積極鼓勵的效應，我們才能再次勇敢站起來去面對種種艱難的挑戰。可見鼓勵是一股推動力。一股你我也想不到的魔力。所以繼續散發這股超強能量，好讓大家感染一下--原來鼓勵是這麽簡單可以滿足我們的失意，讓我們可以重拾自己、重新出發。因爲鼓勵就是幸福的開始。

節省妙方

2008-09-13T16:22:00.006+08:00

最近錢不夠用，所以想盡辦法找一些即省錢又實惠的點子作爲參考。點子如下：

拾起朋友丟棄但是還可使用的東西；
收集可賣錢的東西，例如舊報紙、鋁罐、廢鐵；
廢物利用 -- 把不要的東西改裝一下變成全新的有用物；
可以把兒時玩具和遊戲和朋友一塊兒分享；
把不要用到的電源関掉還有關緊水龍頭；
走路去旅行。到附近走走看看有沒有新發現，順便和近鄰促進關係；
衣服可以多穿幾天直到很臭了才換；
刻意去百貨市場選吃食物試吃和拿食物樣本（sample）回家；
去宗親會館聯誼會、政府機構的招待會和節日慶典、或是股東大會上大吃一頓；
找一些 “sold as it is” 和 “low priced items”。有時還要跟黃臉婆aunty爭個你死我活；
跟朋友借最近熱門劇集看。最好是在他家裏看，可以把電流都省下；
接駁隔壁的無限上網服務；也可去購物中心免費上網；
厠紙可以重疊再折重復使用。還可以到公厠去取紙；
搭順風車來返家。有男朋友的，可以順理成章叫他接送；
免費贈品一一不放過；

以上是作爲參考之用。可能有兒童不宜的因素，千萬不要有樣學樣。適時取好捨惡。除非是逼不得已情況，否則後果自負。如果你有更好的省錢妙方，不妨在留言箱子裏填寫你的 good idea 以便參考。謝謝。

新奇動物怪胎兒

2008-09-13T16:18:00.002+08:00

今天很無聊，突然腦袋有了這個詞句，把它在這裡記載。

“新奇動物怪胎兒”是什麽？我也很想知道。。。嘻嘻~

主觀

2008-09-13T15:51:00.005+08:00

有沒有發現我們通常都會以自己的個人觀點去評審一樣事物。就算你多麽不想要這麽做，你還是會照辦。還有你有沒有發現到別人（特別是主管或是年紀老邁的）總是喜歡叫你用客觀的角度去思考某件差事。不是你不想，而是做了也是會被他們主觀批評不是，左右爲難，深覺有點吃力不討好。甚至朋友邀你一同出席聚會，就算那天工作很累想早點回家休息，也得應酬。因爲要是不出席就會覺得是你不給面子，刻意拿理由推辭。更糟糕的是還被他們數落和把你納入黑名單，以後的日子真的不是滋味兒。

告訴你，這是很正常的。因爲我們都是人。人，是主觀的。

久違的網球練習

2008-09-13T15:22:00.005+08:00

今天一大早犧牲了寶貴的睡眠和我的朋友宏釗約好去打網球。說到網球真的又愛又恨，愛它是因爲它是一個健康的消遣運動，而且是一個聯係友誼的好活動。恨是因爲我肥胖的身體運動起來很笨拙，曾經扭傷腳和手。不過這個陌生又好玩的遊戲再次出現在我的生命裏。重返球場的感覺真好。

星期六的一大清早，配上清新的早晨空氣，令我心曠神怡，好想運動一下我這肥胖的身軀，加上又有好玩伴，可說説是一舉多得。原來出了汗的感覺是這麽棒的！我是應該感激我這位友人。要不是他的安排與堅持，我可能就沒有這個興致去玩了。

宏釗,我們再約打球去！

Coffee Cheesecake

2008-09-11T21:49:00.004+08:00

Creamy full coffee flavour cheesecake

Finally, my experimental coffee cheesecake has been served. The aroma from the coffee is so tempting, that I am sure coffee lovers would just sunk their teeth in immediately.

The topping is full with cream with Kahlua cofee liquor, hardened with gelatine. The coffee cream smells just like the brewing golden roast, and the base is crunchy biscuits filled with ground Almonds.

It is definitely a great dessert for a person with a sweet-tooth and coffee lover. Once you have a bite on this softy, it will melt you instantly. Go try making it yourself and taste the creamy dessert during coffee break!

家變

2008-09-09T11:59:00.005+08:00

我們在日常生活中所看到的家變故事都是香港或是台灣劇集裏的故事情節。雖然沒有遇上這不幸的事情，不過對這樣的故事也不是沒有共鳴，大家還是會為那些受欺負的弱小女人抱怨或是喊打不平（通常故事是女人不好命啦）。就好比最近的港劇《家好月圓》還有之前的《溏心風暴》，大家看得非常投入，感覺自己也置身在劇情裏頭。什麽是家變？相信每一個人的定義也有所不同。可是，仔細看一看，通常劇情的故事背景都是和錢有著莫大的關係。是錢在作怪。

家變的引發是一種精神上的衝突，是檢討家庭和社會的問題。社會問題日益嚴重，也因爲是家庭的問題所帶來的後患。父母親都投身工作，沒有時間醖釀婚後的感情生活，孩子們的溫馨關愛也頻頻缺乏。還有男人可説是有錢了，身子癢。不是拿錢去花天酒地，就是藉口說要找回失去的青春和愛情之類的傻話。呸！這話還算什麽男子漢。最可悲的是家不顧了，吊兒郎當起來。家破人亡。最可怕是男人也和女人一樣，也會有更年期的跡象，有時還比女人更恐怖。原本煩躁的心情更爲嚴重，時常發脾氣，讓妻兒受氣，家裏的氣氛更爲不悅。

家變究竟會是演變成什麽局面，就要看當事人如何結束這場小風波。擺得平，小事化無，圓滿收場。要不然家變可能釀成悲劇也説不定。如果大家一開始可以平心靜息坐下來談談，相信一切問題都可以解決的話，家變這個詞可能就沒有必要出現。但是想象得到當時吵架的各方，面紅耳赤，怒氣上頭，哪裏會這麽理智好好坐下商量？不好聼的話口無遮攔，心裏湧出的傷心刺激的話語也一一表露無遺，完全沒有顧及對方的感受和立場。場面難堪、尷尬和丟臉。有時想想又何苦？

我們不是當事人又會怎麽知道他們的經歷和感受。只是我希望大家可以以和為貴，好讓大家有個後路可退。家變既是沒有人想要，也沒有人也想因爲這樣而弄到大家不歡而散。還是三思而後行。要是真的不行，離別收場，只是希望是“再見也是朋友”。至少在街上碰面也不會不自在。

Political Change in Malaysia

2008-09-09T11:26:00.002+08:00

In recent political turmoil happening in Malaysia, there is no peace at the moment. Everyone is on wait-and-see mode. Also, with Bukit Bendera Datuk Ahmad Ismail recent statement of provoking racial issues and party separation, it is really posing a serious problem around.

My rationale by looking at Datuk Ahmad's behavior, I suspected that he may be one of the person who would be likely to jump ship to the Pakatan. Because my rationale to his behavior is that maybe he wanted BN to suspend him and he is then a free man to join any party to his liking. But, to me, this man would not be a long-lived as politician, as does not deserved to be. What a shame to the name of politician!

Roots: where leaders in search of "wealth" by sucking poor of people; Branches: cronies who benefited from the sucking

My colleague who has been following the political movements from unofficial sources shared an interesting analogy with me. He told me that political party is like a big tree. The people is the water or nutrients in the soil, and the roots function is to suck the most out of it to benefit the branches and leaves on the trees. To me, whoever is leading the way, the same shit story still applies.

Don't get me wrong. I am not into politics, just find it the instability actually affected me deeply. Now, I am like the others, looking forward to see how Anwar Ibrahim is able to change from seats from red to blue on 16th September. Let's hope the stability will come sooner before it gets any worse.

Surau, be quiet

2008-09-03T11:53:00.005+08:00

Recently, my neighbourhood Surau has started operation, especially it is in time for the Ramadhan. Last Friday, when the Surau is in operation, I had a shock of my life when I was awaken by the loud sound of some Ustaz singing away in his prayers in the middle of the night. My gosh, the loud speakers were so loud that I leaped from my sleep that very instant! I wonder if a person with a weak heart could take it.

I have read articles from our Muslim friends, Ustaz or the religious teachers, and understood that the Islamic religion is about tolerance. It is unacceptable that this practise of intolerance could happen in beautiful country such as Malaysia. I am in doubt of the sincerity and the practises of such unbelievable means.

But after that night, the Surau seems to quiet down from its regular piping. And I am really appreciate what our neighbour Malay community has done to make it work for everyone. Thank you for your consideration.

Besides, there are already three to four Suraus with great loudspeakers that alarm everyone every morning in the vicinity, why add in another which create not music but noise to everyone around the vicinity? To me, practising a religion is between you and your God, not about "bragging" it out loud to everyone without much consideration to others.

Emerge 2008: Unity of the Christian Fellowship

2008-08-30T10:46:00.005+08:00

Yesterday I was invited by my friend, Emelia, to attend her church conference, where she was involved in the cheerleading competiton in Emerge 2008. My, I have no idea that the conference could be attended from people around the world. I am so amazed by the scale of the people attending, what's more 90% of the participants comprised of teenagers under age of 30.

It is enlightening to know that these group of people are devotees of the christian fellowship. Their belief and spiritual attachment is strong, the frame of mind and unity are totally incredible! I understand why the Chinese government banned Christianity in the olden era because of the fear of the unity of the people against toppling them. The fear of unity.

The secret of our Christian friends' success story is that they involved every part of other people's lives with activities, from house parties to sports carnival; and referral from friends, all in the name of their God. Even international artists are also part of the campaign to recruit more younger fans to join them. What an approach! Unity is strength I reckon.

By looking at yesterday's night performance, I am sure this year's Emerge 2008 is another success for the church and its fellowship. Applaud to our Christian friends, Good Work~

Note to self: I truly enjoyed the gospel songs, especially it is presented as pop songs. I felt like I was in a concert listening to Avil Lavign but in a different twist.

Drinking with good friends

2008-08-24T22:20:00.004+08:00

There's a Chinese sayings that goes "when you found a good friend to drink with you, even you have drunk 1000 glasses, it is still insufficient"酒逢知己千杯少. That's how I described my encounter with my buddies, YZ and HJ.

I do not know how my dear buddy, YZ, came up with an idea with drinking his dad's precious white wine, a 2002 French wine which I do not remember the name. I guess he just need some buddies to drink with this lonely boy for a change. But I must say, nothing beats the enjoyment of a delicious drink with a good friend like YZ and HJ.

Because good things are meant to be shared.

幸福小家的裝飾

2008-08-17T00:03:00.005+08:00

最近去了朋友的家裏做客，看見她家裏的擺設和自己的興趣，頓時覺得有個自己的家真好。我不是嫌棄我現在的家不好，只是我很嚮往我自己的小家，可以放置我要的裝飾，不必尋求他人的意見，那該多好。

說起來，我和我家人的裝飾品味有點出入。因爲我媽是實際派的人馬，倒是設想周到，可是沒想像中的雅致需求，說什麽堆積灰塵之類的話語。有些時候真的不知道如何答話，因爲她所說的也不是沒道理。只是有時候覺得很多東西可以弄得更好更漂亮，不是更好嗎。

我的挑剔的弟弟最厲害，令我佩服得五體投地。他的房間是我們一家的榜樣因爲是一間不折不扣的整齊房間，打理得有條有理。雖然如此我們家裏的小型書房的風扇擺設完全沒想到周全的擺放，真的有點失策。後來我和我媽談起此事才知道是我的胞弟的決定如此。有夠奇怪。

我在想，如果是我自己的擺設，不知道會是怎樣的呢。應該是小康之家的裝潢，簡便美觀大方又齊全。我所期待的幸福小家的模式一一呈現在腦海裏，現在想起來不知不覺地高興起來。好讓我這小小夢想幸福小家快點實現吧！

無聊

2008-08-16T23:57:00.003+08:00

今天家人去了喝喜酒，留下我獨自一個人。想找人吃飯的對象都沒有，有點無奈。沒想到沒有好朋友相伴做客也是我的煩惱之一。何時的事情我也不曉得，應該是最近的事吧。可能無聊之極不知道如何著手去干一些有意義的活動，感到非常懊惱。看來我還真的要找一些事情做以便充實我的生活。不然我就快要瘋了。

Rich Superheroes

2008-08-07T11:46:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I went watching "The Dark Knight". After watching, I have this question in mind, 'how come all the DC comics characters without supernatural powers are always portrayed as rich and famous?".

Comic characters such as Bruce Wayne in Batman and Tony Stark in Iron Man MUST be RICH and FAMOUS. Then, I realized that because they need fundings for their gadgets and also new technology to improve their mobility and movements.

That's explained why each Batman episodes you watched in the cinema has different variations as the years passed. New gadgets and new exciting things to look forward to. Every new invention requires funds for so-called R&D.

Well, I wonder when is the new gadgets, new suits or new automobile coming from DC comic characters put on big-screen?

Homestay Experience in Shirakawa, Fukushima

2008-08-03T20:24:00.003+08:00

A new place to visit, Fukushima. It is a place which I have heard about three years ago from a very close friend, of his beautiful hometown in Fukushima. And this time, I am destined to go to this wonderful place which he told me so much about.

On arrival, his brother, Seiji, and sister in-law, Yasuyo, came to pick my mom and I up at the train station. It took us around 2 hours to reach this beautiful suburbs surrounded by greens. From the station, it took us around 15 minutes to arrive their beautiful home.

Dinner was very fulfilling because we have a feast. Dishes include Ayu Fish, Sanzai, some pickles (Tsukemono) and peaches (momo) for dessert. The dinner was very delicious. Just before dinner, Takashi's & Seiji's mother, Kimiko baa-chan gave us her collection of her hand-made Oshi-E (an art piece with colourful papers pasted on hardboard). Very beautiful indeed.

On the first night itself, I have first and ever experience earthquake when I was about to go to bed on 23rd July. It lasted about 5 minutes. It was exciting as I could feel the glasses clanking against each other, moving earth shakily, and also movement of walls and the lights above your head. It's scary, but a true experience. My host family is even more shock than I did when Yasuyo came to check I was alright. I later understood from the news it was the 6-degree earthquake in Iwate that resulted the aftermath.

My host brought us to visit Komine-Jo, a castle which is very much as itself, with a beautiful garden around it. Too bad we were too early and the castle was closed. I would have love to go in and look at the inner structure. We then visited an exhibit of the Shirakawa war time history just besides the castle.

After a short visit there, we proceed to try out painting Dharma doll. The Dharma doll is believed to bring good fortune and luck to the owner. But the Japanese believed wealth should be accumulated, and they will start with the smallest Dharma doll available, and change the doll by the year to signify that your wealth and luck has accumulated. I find it pretty interesting, and the belief may hold its truth. My host bought us a pair of small Dharma doll, and we painted our medium-sized Dharma doll too. We also visited the small factory behind the premise to take a closer look on how Dharma doll is made.

The day's activity brought us to Nanko Park, it is a famous and big man-made park. The park houses many floras and faunas. Next to the park lies a tea house, which we experienced simple tea-drinking with Wagashi (Japanese sweets) while enjoying the view in the park. The garden is beautiful indeed. Next to the park is Nanko Jinjya, a shrine where Yasuyo and Seiji was married 32 years ago. How romantic! We then tried the Nanko Danko sweets just beside the parks.

The day's highlight was then to the mountain of Nasuo. There, we went to see the beautiful mountains and also to try out local village delicacies and also to the Hotspring! After my hotspring experience in Hokkaido, I began to fall in love with Onsen. It's truly refreshing and relaxing. I enjoyed the day very much!

After going home from the mountain, we then went to supermarket to prepare the ingredients for that night's dinner. We were cooking Bak Kut Teh for my host to try. The dinner was awesome, but it's a bit heaty. I suggested to Yasuyo to cook this during winter. The high note for the night was to celebrate Seiji birthday falling on the next day 25th July. He'll turn 59. I was told that Japanese celebrate 60th and 88th birthday. How unusual, and new to know. I wonder why.

Just a night before we departed to Takayama, we went to pay a visit to Yoshizo Jii-chan, whom I have heard so much about from Takashi. After seeing him in real person, I felt so elated to meet such a great man. I really enjoyed his company and he is a very tough man with lots of knowledge to share with. Also, Yasuyo gave me a fan made from Kiri-E (paper cutting art). It was very nice of her. Maybe it was then that triggered my love for them for being so kind and generous host to me. I was very moved, and shed some tears in front of them. Very embarrassing indeed.

Thank you very much, Seiji, Yasuyo, Kimiko Baa-chan and Yoshizo Jii-chan for your warm hospitality. I will never forget your your kindness and generosity extended to me and my mom.

My lavender brief encounter: 15-22 July

2008-07-30T11:24:00.005+08:00

Just got back from my lengthy but fun and exciting trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. First week was mostly with the tour agent, Apple Vacation to the north side. After much calculation, it is still worth it to take on a tour as the long journey require travelling and much time to cover so many beautiful places. I strongly recommend this company for the Lavender tour.

My general schedule for my two-week excursion is as follows:

15 July - arrived at Narita International Airport and put a night in Narita Garden Hotel awaiting for the next connecting flight to Nagashibetsu, Hokkaido.

16 July - arrived at Nagashietsu around noon. After lunch, visited Lake Mashu, a lake is obscured by swirling mists and thick clouds and the most transparent water in the world. There is an Ainu myth, whereby a grandmother lost her grandson around Lake Mashu and her tears turned into the mist, which surrounded the lake. Another pit stop was Ryuosan Boiling Volcano, where the sulfourous fumes raise from the rocksand. At night, we put up at Utoro's Shiretoko National Park main onsen resort, Shiretoko Hotel to enjoy hotspring while overlooking at the Sea of Okhotsk.

17 July - In the morning, we left the shore of Utoro to see the rocky cape and waterfalls over steep cliffs into the sea on a cruise ship, which in the winter time used for the ice-breaking tour. On the cruise, I met a couple from Osaka and took photo with them. Along the highway, we visited the Oshinkoshin Falls droped from a 50m height signifies two beautiful women. The magnitute of the fall is magnificent. We then visited Abashiri town, which is famous for its Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum, with a taste of Okhotsk's harsh winter. That night, we stayed in Mombetsu Price Hotel, which we also managed to experience Mochi-making in the lobby hallway. Great experience and excitement. Not forgetting the good hotspring experience.

18 July - Visiting the Sea of Okhotsk, one of the busiest fishing port in Hokkaido. We went for Cherry and strawberries plucking and also enjoyed the wonderful meal of Shabu-shabu with delicious local poultry, such as pork and beef. We went to visit the Asahigawa zoo to see the rare polar bears, seals and penguins. After a brief journey there, we went along to Otokoyama Sake Museum to learn about Japan sake making, and sake-tasting too. The night, we stayed in Tomamu Hotel, another hotspring hotel which has tall modern architectures, which features a famous Church, which faces out to a pond and natural greens, and luxurious Spa and hotspring.

19 July - Leaving for Biei is the main event of this tour, as we are expected to see magnificent view of the hill and also the highlight of our tour - Lavendar Temptation at Tomita Lavendar Farm, Flower Land, Cheese Kobo and Wine House. All the natural temptations are the most interesting part of the event, as everyone was captivated by the beauty of the Biei hills and mountains. We stayed in Rusutsu Ski Resort, which hosted the G8 summit recently. That night, we had a chance to enjoy the hotspring,the outdoor fireworks and ride on the century-old carousal from Germany. What a splendid treat!

20 July - early morning leaving for Otaru via Sapporo. We visited the famous Otaru Canal and glass handicraft and music box house. The famous landmark is the steam-engined clock, which whistled every 15 minutes. We tried delicious bitter sweet chocolates and lovely cakes. After Otaru, Sapporo is the next stop. At Sapporo, we passed the clock house and Sapporo TV tower and the Odori Park, which is part of the city's cityscape., and also the see Sapporo's landmark of the former Government Building which had an English touch to it. Tanukikoji underground shopping street allows us to enjoy shopping in Sapporo. Stay for the night was at Sapporo Novotel Hotel.

21 July - the last day before departing from this tour. Early morning, the park faces Novotel allowed us to enjoy the beautiful park and its flea market. There's a natural treasure house in the park, where the emperor used to live in as a holiday home. Inside the building, there is an old grandfather clock, which is worthwhile to see. We visited the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, which is hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1972. After a brief stop at the observation deck, we headed to buy cameras and also branded Burberry's goodies. Lunch time was to head to Sapporo's biggest morning market, where we had big Trabagani Live Crab and abalone for lunch. A special arrangement was made to visit Rera Factory Outlet Mall for bargain branded items. Hotel for the night was at Hotel Com's Chitose.

Though the journey was short, it was an exciting adventure to Hokkaido. Lush greens and beautiful landscape. Great place to feel relax and recharged.

唉！

2008-07-10T00:31:00.003+08:00

最近查詢我朋友的部落格，發現了一個很大的唉。有點唉哉。我已經詢問過了，他説是要來提醒自己的一件納悶事情。

時下年輕人，何時變得如此消極還有納悶？我也百思不解。雖然現實生活是多麽不順利，也應該積極面對吧。人生不如意之事十之八九，看開點吧。好好充實自己，不讓生活中的不順利的事情纏身，好好地生活下去。

我在想要是把唉變成愛，世界會不會變得更美麗了呢。

雙喜臨門的好友

2008-07-09T23:35:00.003+08:00

很久沒有看見我的好朋友依正了。今天終于約到這位大忙人吃飯，而且他還帶了雙喜臨門的好消息：找到理想的工作，還有交了漂亮的女朋友呢。女孩子的名子好像是叫惠娟（譯音）, 很好聽的名字。我的弟弟認識這位女子。聽説是個品格優秀的一個不平凡的女子。

工作上從他口中知道是他夢寐以求的工作，打從心裏面暗暗替他感到高興。沒想到除了我弟弟之外，原來還有其他人找到他們所想要做的事情。是一件讓我振奮人心的事。

人家說魚與熊掌不能兼得，我看我的好朋友依正是兩者兼得，贏得美人歸還不要緊而且還事業順利，是多麽的幸運。心裏想著想著，不禁也羡慕起來了呢。

祝福我這位摯友：永遠幸福，快樂。

Native and Aborigin

2008-07-09T22:58:00.002+08:00

After I have been to Taman Negara, and seen the Australian outback Aborigines, I could make an assumption that natives come from the root of African origin. Because these aborigines shared similar traits: curly black hair, high melanin skins, live in the open wild nomadic life, hardy, highly adaptable to changing environment, and simple and shy in nature.

This is an interesting observation because they are among the first explorers across the globe, way before Columbus discovered new land in America, nor Marco Polo traveling to the East.

Maybe any of you could provide some observations to add to my simplistic theory of natives from African?

Taman Negara: 4-6 July

2008-07-09T22:18:00.004+08:00

Taman Negara, two words in Malay language that means National Park. I have been to Mulu National Park in Sarawak, and this is the one nearer to home that it is only by this coincidence which I joined my fellow colleagues to explore a new world.

Located in Kuala Tahan, Pahang, just off Jerantut. It is one of the oldest rainforest in the world, which is estimated to be at 130 million years old. It is rich in nature and a treasure of ecosystems existing in fews of the planet earth.

On top Bukit Terasek (L-R): Teoh, Valerie, Sharon, Shi Han, Shin Yeen and Kotomi

The trip with our sports club serves as an eye-opener. We traveled to Gua Telinga (Ear Cave), where we did some caving exercise, night safari to see animals out in the dark, and one of the world longest and high canopy walk, a hike to Bukit Terasek, visit to Orang Asli settlement to learn about their culture and lifestyle, rapid shooting at Sungai Tahan, and boating upstream of Lata Berkoh cascades to view the small stream leading to the natural forestry trail and waterfalls, where the Ikan Kelah lives and breed.

The trip ended in a high note as everyone has been enjoying themselves with the nature itself, away from city's hustle and bustle, with starlight shining above us all night long, where only birds and cicadas' sound permeate the air. Taman Negara, the nature treasure which everyone must experience, as we have the privilege to enjoy the natural beauty of the nature and its flora and fauna inhabitants.

豐富的和食晚餐

2008-06-24T01:04:00.002+08:00

今晚，琴美煮了一道豐富的晚餐給我們全家。最高興的還是我的胞弟因爲他超愛吃日本美食，特別是壽司。她今天中午到超級市場挑選了好吃且新鮮的魚生還有配料，好讓我們一家品嘗日本料理。我們對她的熱情款待感到非常高興。

除了壽司，我們還有羊肉羹加馬鈴薯和豆腐料理。我們吃得不亦樂乎。加上我媽剛剛買來了漂亮的長形和四方形的碟子，很適合今晚的料理搭配，所以顯得晚餐特別美味。好吃的料理配上漂亮的碟子，真是太好了。

朋友的廚藝令我們有福分享日本料理。我們也很高興可以籍此同時互相交流不同的飲食文化，也促進彼此的認識。真是一個非常有意義且有深度的晚餐。

有朋自遠方來

2008-06-20T14:14:00.002+08:00

星期一，我的日本籍朋友琴美從澳洲飛來找我小住。雖然是小住，可是要上四個星期。好漫長的四個星期。我們給了她萬萬沒想到的貴賓似的招待--有自己的專用臥室和洗手間。還有，從星期一到現在足足五天，我幾乎把吉隆坡的景點都給她帶去了，還品嘗了許多好吃的美食和看精彩的電影。

和她相處了幾天，我才知道原來我和她還真的有許多巧遇的事情。如：她媽媽生日日期和我一樣，大家都是同月生，也喜歡旅遊等等。這幾天，注意到她容易滿足開心的模樣。她很樂意嘗試新的事務和會見我不同層次的朋友和大家打成一片，玩得很開心。而且，她還不時和我道謝呢。雖然我不知道那種舉動是出於真心還是日本人一貫的生活一部分，不過，聼起來還真高興。

看到她開心和我度過的這幾天，我也顯得格外高興。原來有朋自遠方來是不亦樂乎的。

表面功夫

2008-06-19T16:49:00.002+08:00

時下年輕人都是喜歡很表面的東西。所以，這也是爲什麽時尚的新事物會得到年輕人的青睞。擧個例子LV的包包。因爲媒體的鼓吹還有別人眼光的炫耀心態，所以大家都想擁有一個價錢非凡的LV手提包。試想想，要是不是家境允許，一個普通的中大學生，甚至剛剛出來工作的朋友，怎麽會有這麽多錢買名牌包包？就算真的省吃省用買包包也是要騰出一個到兩個月的薪水吧？

其實，現代人做事情非常表面。不只是物質上的表面，即使是人與人之間的關係也是屬於表面。大家都是持有hi and bye的關係。古時代的人講求信用，一言九鼎，一言既出駟馬難追。這可見誠信是一種責任，不是口頭上的膚淺答應了事，而是真的用心去完成所承諾的事務。現在的人覺得這種做法是在愚昧不過，有時作了傻子賠錢的事，吃虧不當話，所以大家的對彼此的承諾已經不再是遵守。君子之交，不再出現了。因爲信口開河的作風是現代人風氣，因爲不想要有太多的責任所導致現在的局面。

可能因爲習慣了生活上所作的表面功夫，所以說起話來也會比較誇大其詞。身上有幾個臭銅錢就拿來把自己打扮成貴婦一樣。先敬羅衣后敬人嘛，習慣就好。因爲虛僞心重説話漂浮不定，大家也沒有必要那麽認真看待彼此的關係和承諾，畢竟這些都是虛僞的動作。一切無謂的虛假，表面層次的戯兒。

這是殘酷的事實。彼此的信用以及信任，不知道往哪裏去了。人與人之間的關係就只有表面工夫而已嗎？我很想相信這只是短暫性的變動，不會長久。不過事實勝於雄辯，看來我們也要從新評估我們和朋友之間的關係距離，因爲大家不知道嬉皮笑臉的背後會不會藏著不爲人知的陰謀與妙算。這種互相猜測的心理，也因爲大家做的表面功夫太豐富，所以不得以掉以輕心。原來防人之心不可無。

打小報告

2008-06-19T14:07:00.004+08:00

昨天和友人W談起工作上的種種。其中最令我們感到百般不解的是爲什麽同事之間要針對彼此的缺席率大感關心。不是一般的關心，而是很密切留意。我和W覺得奇怪，不但他們對同事們的缺席率還有他們的去向也大感興趣，甚至到達一種地步向上司打小報告。

我們都在想，報告的人也是鬼，自己不在辦公室的時間和經驗也不少，怎麽會想到出此招數對付其他同事呢？除非本身是僅守崗位，沒有做過半點的不良行爲，才有權利舉報他人。不然，這樣的擧子真令人堪不過眼，甚至招徠有關的同事的憎憤。既然是這樣，“原告”又何必做到這種地步呢？

更可恨的是他們這些害群之馬不但沒有被處分，反而連累我們勤力工作的一分子。同人不同命，真的不公平。討論了半天，我和W的結論是做好我們的本分，我們相信其他的事和人將會有他們的回報。

錢不夠用

2008-06-16T13:16:00.002+08:00

我婆婆的年代，五分錢可以溫飽一餐和養家。我媽的年代，小時候五分錢可以買到好吃的麵條。我的年代，五分錢可以買什麽？小時候還可以買一兩粒糖果。現在拿來找超級市場的小數目。可見年代的差別可以讓金錢的差距拉遠。真的不可思議。

生活費提高的年代，不是省就是花掉。花掉不要緊，最重要是花在有利率的投資上。讓我們辛苦賺來的錢可以生值。要是給了房貸，車貸和車資，父母和孩子的零用錢，貸學金，保險金等費用，試想想我們的工錢還剩多少呢？

錢真得越來越小而且少，不知道老闆可以加我的工錢嗎？因爲錢真的不夠用了。

My Big Big Adventure

那些年，我們一起追的女孩

Last week of August

Professionalism 專業

仁 Jin~ Final ドラマ看後感

I have got my keys!!!

算命

FAQs on Legal Fees and Stamp Duty Issues of Tenancy Agreement

http://www.laweddie.com/wordpress/faqs-of-legal-fees-and-stamp-duty-issues-of-tenancy-agreement/

人生的轉折點

最近比較懶

女人與高跟鞋

Reflection on Self: Gratefulness

Cornering

江陰

General Motors is bankrupt!

時下年輕人

Congratulations Chuen Hauw and Mee Kee

Something is not right ...

Medical Service in Comparison

What I Hate About AirAsia

Beautiful Bali

遭殃的愚人節後

家家有本難念的經（友人編）

跪地求妻男

《玉》．認得幾個字．張大春．二月十五．星洲

什么样的人会婚姻失败-星洲互動

PJ Academy of Dancing Is Closing Down

On Diet

Feeling Tired Without Any Reason

一廂情願的幫忙

Happy Valentines Day!

Feeling Old. Getting Old?

卡拉永遠OK

戀愛和分手

好人和壞人

新年團拜

開工大吉

Birthday Presents

Over-rated Tenji Japanese Buffet Dinner with Friends

農曆新年

日本國之旅的部分感想

新年新希望

Nepal Trip: 20-26 December 2008

旅行心情

有喜了！

日本の出張

期待新活動

愛吃的女人

Bandung Trip Encounter: 31 Oct - 3 Nov 2008

お幸せに

宴客

Lousy Manhattan Fish Market @ Ikano Power Station

可怕的同事

討厭的老頭、師奶、還有很多很多

"Change" and Politics

Kimura Takuya 木村拓哉

稱呼人少

I am sorry

Right abdominal lump

最近的心情故事

結婚晚宴終于告一個段落

Curiosity kills the cat

兒時玩意兒

My relatives had gone back home

玩新郎的遊戲

Chinese Wedding Helper Must-know

Controlling Wife

Wedding Bells

等待

電車地鐵之旅

Mini Bas

Martin Luther King, Jr "I Have A Dream"

I am scared!

中秋佳節

文筆的流暢

鼓勵

節省妙方

新奇動物怪胎兒

主觀