Extra Ordinary

It was suppose to be just another ordinary afternoon at Mom and Dad's. Lazing around, doing nothing in particular and cramming my face with copious amount of sinful goodies that Mom usually lay out on the coffee table.

They (Mom and Dad) have left town for their usual romantic weekend getaway, leaving me to dog sit Stevie Baby.

So, there I was, sitting in front of the computer, staring at the same Facebook page for the last 12 hours, since it takes that long apparently to switch screens with Streamyx broadband. I never knew watching the cursor processing in its circular motion can be hypnotically fun.

I left the TV on but wasn't particularly interested to watch anything on it. It's just the thought of having the privilege of Astro over the weekend made me turn on the TV, just to make it worthwhile.

Out of the blue, Stevie Baby scrambled up from where he was laying near my feet; his ears all perked up. His tail swished back and forth, hitting my legs like a feather duster. Without further warning, he dashed out of the house like a mad dog - barking in full force, which was soon joined by the rest of the 10,000 neighbourhood dogs.

I peeked through the curtains of the living hall to see what the fuss was all about and saw two young Indian boys distributing flyers to each household. From where I was sitting, I could see the terror on their faces, while the neighborhood dogs rushed out of each household baring their canines and some foaming at the side of their mouth. Before long, I could hear gates crashing down and the medley of canine barks, ear piercing screams and the sound of rip and tear.

Geez! This is the third time I had to get the gate fixed since Stevie Baby has crashed it down! He sure is getting very strong. The screaming eventually stopped and peace was restored among our neighbourhood again.

Stevie Baby eventually ran back into the house all flustered but happy to be part of the commotion. He nonchalantly swagger himself towards the workstation and plonked right in front of me with a prize in his mouth. It looked like the jaw of one of the flyer boys. Fresh blood was still dripping from where the flesh was ripped off.

"Nice looking teeth this boy has, doesn't he?" I though to myself as I inspect Stevie Baby's prize closely.

Stevie Baby scurried to the corner of the sofa to savour his prize. Meanwhile, looking at him gnawing at the jaw, I was reminded that I haven't had breakfast. I glanced up to the wall clock and the time was almost noon.

I stretched lazily on the computer chair and shuffled my feet to the fridge to see what I could make for lunch.

Mom has about a million magnets on the fridge that we don't even remember what colour or brand the fridge was anymore. The one closest to my eye level is a framed picture of Stevie Baby, when he was just a puppy. He was gnawing on what looked like a human femur. It must have belonged to the postman many years ago. We were quite upset with Stevie Baby for what he did then, because we had to collect our mail from the main post office for the next six months, until the postal services could find another postman to service our neighborhood.

I opened the freezer and began inspecting its contents. The cold air gushed out and fogged my glasses for a few seconds. I then began scanning the contents of each package closely. It was kind of difficult to identify what mom has in the freezer with all the frost crusting around each content. I could see the outline of a crocodile's tongue. Next to it was a shapeless, frozen mass which I suspect could have been the leftover parts of a monkey's medulla oblongata. We had that for Chinese New Year recently. Wedged snugly next to it looked like the toes of an elephant's foot.

"Sweet and sour elephant sounds delicious," I thought.

But the thought of thawing the foot for the next 6 hours made me change my mind. I then saw a bright red package deeper behind the elephant's leg.

"Breaded tiger's penis! That's something easy to prepare for lunch," I though.

I immediately reached out for the package which was lodged frozen behind the elephant's foot and impala's intestines. I yanked hard at the package and suddenly, the elephant's foot came crashing down and landed on my toe!

Before I know it, blood was gushing out from my broken toe like a burst water pipe. I sat and stared at the pool of warm, sticky blood, which was filling every inch of the kitchen floor. I did felt a little light headed when my life flashed before my eyes and I saw a sudden bright light shining at the end of a tunnel. I could almost hear celestial trumpets beckoning me to come forward too.

However, my out of body experience did not last very long. Within a snap second, it felt like a vacumm cleaner that had sucked me back to my mortal body. I soon felt a ticklish tingle around my damaged toe and saw Stevie Baby now licking at the blood oozing out from it. I smiled and patted his warm fuzzy head and let him lick up the rest of the pool of blood.

I got up and proceeded to take the bright red package out from the freezer and stuffed the elephant's foot back into it's original position. I soon forgot about the painful throb on my now purple and swollen toe, and started to read the cooking instructions on the box of breaded tiger's penis. Yummy!

Writers note: This is a genuine incident that happened this afternoon, although there were some bits and pieces that was slightly exaggerated for drama and a good read. :-) Can you tell?

Serigala jadian

Seandainya, dunia kini telah berubah sungguh. Manusia sekarang lebih berwatakkan binatang dari binatang itu sendiri. Apakah yang telah mengganggu emosi aku sehingga membuahkan kata kata yang mungkin menyinggung perasaan itu? Perasaan marah berbaur benci yang sedikit ada itu timbul kerana orang yang telah dianggap sebagai kawan baik tersebut sebenarnya hanya bertopeng muka baik. Rupa rupanya, manusia yang berhati syaitan telah menyelinap masuk dalam hidupku semata mata untuk mengharapkan habuan dari hasil titik peluh kerjaya aku.

Serigala jadian! Teramat sesuai nama itu aku beri pada kamu! Manusia yang tak guna! Susah susah aku kehulu ke hilir mencari sesuap nasi, senang senang engkau duduk dalam ofis berhawa dingin sambil bergoyang kaki yang bersepatu branded palsu kamu itu nak menyergah aku mintak duit? Sedangkan kamu yang leka beromong omong Pak Pandir itu langsung tidak tau selok belok dalam bisnes aku. Tapi bila terdengar sahaja gara gara yang ada project datang pada tangan aku, kamu meroyang macam perempuan kehilangan laki. Memang engkau tak tau malu! Apakah yang kamu tahu pasal project aku, melainkan nama dan tempat tersebut? Kamu fikir kamu layak dijadikan rakan biznes aku sedangkan kamu ukur pakai pembaris pun boleh salah? Keparat sangat perangai kamu itu!!!

Sememangnya, simpulan friends come and go itu amat releven, terutamanya antara golongan penghuni KL ini yang sanggup melakukan apa sahaja untuk mengejar impian dunia, selain daripada berkerja keras. Sekali imbas, terasa mereka macam burung gagak yang hinggap menjamah bangkai tepi jalan pun ada. Apakah kamu lemah dengan daya tarikan jenama terkenal satu Pavillion itu sampai kamu papa kedana? Sebab itu kamu ingin mengikis dari hasil titik peluh aku kan? Kamu menyatakan yang kamu perlu langsingkan hutang kamu yang bertimbun. Itu hal engkaulah!

Bodoh dan tersangat dungu aku merasa pemikiran engkau. Masakan engkau ingatkan aku bila engkau berduit melancong satu Asia Tenggara tahun tahun yang lalu? Ada kamu fikir pasal aku masa aku susah? Satu email pun engkau tak hantar tanya khabar, ini lagilah telefon. Tetiba kamu muncul balik dalam circle aku kononnya nak berbaik baik? Aku dah dapat cium bahang najis kamu itu sejak kamu muncul dengan kerap sekali dalam setiap majlis yang aku hadir. Memang benar tanggapan aku yang kamu itu memang dasar suka kikis! Nasib baik Meen mengacukan warning dekat aku pasal apa yang kamu cuba buat dek tanah arwah bapak dia. Aku nak jadi mulut tempayan! Aku nak beritahu satu dunia betapa tamak haloba kelakuan kamu sehingga rakan taulan kamu sanggup gadaikan semata wang ringgit! Tunggulah engkau!

Shit

I swear the Big Guy up there is having a ball of a time making fun of me again! This is possibly the craziest day yet in my life. I've 2 deal that went though under my nose because the seller misinformed me on a few crucial details. What bummer! Nothing stresses me out more than having the carpet pulled right under your feet and having to fall flat on your butt. More so after putting so much effort into this damn deal too!! I need to lie down. Where are those damn cigarettes when you need them???

Satu Sen For My Thoughts

Last night I gaze up again towards the sky. There it was, the same bright star that I wished upon on New Years eve, albeit from a different apartment balcony and atmosphere. This time, there were no laughter, alcohol or party revellers making out in the guest room. It was just me. The silence was deafening, for I could hear my mind thinking aloud, almost shouting . My breathing and heart beat completed the ensemble like a set of percussion in a dysfunctional band. So much has happened lately and I needed time to segregate all these events in their separate folders. Oh my God! Even Microsoft has taken over my mind as well! Will there ever be a cure to this insanity?

Yes, I wished upon this same bright star on the last day of the year. I wished for many things, as usual. But I wished for one particular thing a little more than the other long list of things. Surprisingly, this was the thing that eventually came through. Now that I've got it, why am I afraid to embrace it? I lit another cigarette and watched the smoke rose and swirl in a lazy dance from the bright amber tip. An occasional crack and pop from the burning cloves in the cigarette could be heard as I took a drag from it. It's sweet taste lingered on my lips after each drag. My mind swirled for a while with the dancing smoke as I daydreamed of another perfect arrangement for my living room.

Before long, my mind arrived back to the same thought I had before. My wish. Could this be right? Could this be real? It made me happy, yet I am afraid. It made me laugh yet I had many questions that needed answers. What if I decided to embrace it and it breaks me like a glass shattering to a thousand tiny shards? Yet, only months ago, I told myself that I will not allow this feeling to overcome me. And here I am, going through the same cycle all over again. Am I falling in............. ????

A matter of choice

Thanks to the wonder of Facebook, we are all some what connected in one way or another. I've recently been reacquainted with a class mate. A class mate from primary school, to be exact. We we were really close. We sat next to each other year after year, shared the same love for the arts and non conformity to society's social order. Heck, we even share the same last name! Of course, after years of living abroad, him in the UK while I was shipped to a small town in the Midwest, USA, we naturally went our separate ways. Since there was no Facebook at that time, our letter writing skills dwindled from being weekly affairs to monthly affairs. Soon enough, it trickled down to the ocassional annual Christmas card greetings.

So, yes! Facebook connected us again and I was ecstatic to have found this dear old friend again, so I thought. The day we met, I was somewhat surprised and needless to say a little disappointed with the person that was sitting in front of me. Why you may ask? I had envisioned him to still be this foul mouthed, witty, charismatic and energetic person I knew. Instead, there was this person sitting in front of me droning away, talking about how he needs to get married and how he can't disappoint his parents by needing to get married before the year ends.

He then asked me whether I was married or not? I said no. I then continued to say that I live alone now that I've bought my own place. His face showed a look of horror and said that I was such a horrid son to have abandoned my parents.

"What was going through this poor guy's head?" I thought.

I told him that I did not abandon my parents. I just grew up and needed my own space. After all, I still see them every week. If there were any consolation, I think my parents kinda felt relieved that I moved out.

He then went on to tell me how important it is to get married and have children. Basically his message to me was that I need to conform to social orders. After all, I am in my 30's, he added. Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against marriage or having children but to do all that in order for society to accept you is just plain bullshit! By now, I so wanted to reach across the table and strangle his neck while yelling, "who are you and what have you done to my friend"?

I guess there is two things I've learned from this episode. One, never expect a person to be the same as he or she has been before, especially after a long break since you last met. Second, society's need to conform is more powerful than I've thought. After all it has devoured my friend's free spirit to think that having a white picket fenced home Ala Brady Bunch is the best thing since the invention of white bread. As for me, I am extremely comfortable at where I am. The occasional living on the edge and dangerous liaisons do keep my life interesting. I did sense some jealousy in the eyes of my friend when I spoke of my annual trips and adventures. I guess its a matter of choice. I don't think I'll be attending his wedding dinner if it happens this year end. I might stick out too much like a sore thumb from everyone else, since I don't always conform to social orders. Now, we all don't want that to happen, do we? Or I might just go to Egypt, now that's another story....

Windows of Opportunity

Nih kan sejak "bersara" dari dunia yang saya kenal sangat nih, rezeki bolehlah dikatakan melimpah masuk.


Memang saya rasa sangat diberkati oleh yg Maha Esa.




Akan tetapi, bukan segala yang diberi itu selalunya diberi dengan pintu yang terbuka.



Sememangnya mesti ada penghalang atau ada saja benda yang akan menjadi bahan ujian minda dalam setiap process untuk berjaya.


Biar pun ujian dari segi orang yang perlu kita bekerja sama atau pon sebaliknya.



Tapi rezeki mana mana ada di tangan Tuhan. Kami hanya merancang. Dia yang menentukannya.



So, mengharapkan lah penjual yang saya tengah kendalikan kes depa tuh tolong tolong lah bersabar. Takyah nak calling setiap 30 minit sebab aku rimas!!!!

Tung Tung Chiang!

I know... I've been really bad at updating this blog to the point that most people have probably thought that I was another lost cause. Anyways, before someone actually say a pray and decided bury this blog for good, let me say that I'm well and alive!!! :-D

Oh, By the way, Happy Chinese New Year to all and like any other Chinese or part Chinese, or self proclaimed Chinese around the world, the family reunion dinner is a big part of the celebration. My family never misses the Steamboat or some people call it the Hotpot meal. I don't know how it became my family's tradition but I guess it is because of the convenience of not having to whip out a whole lot of dishes that mom decided to stick to it. We all love it of course. Here are some of the dinner pictures.


Qumquats... yummy!


Mom preparing her own "Loh Sang" salad


And getting ready to toss!!!!


Assorted fishballs for the Steamboat


Fish!!! Yes... with the head and tails :-P


Trying out some new styles to recreate vintage photo effects.


The dangerous stuff that will end the mother of all diets!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Mr President

It's been work as usual, though at a different pace and level. I'm certainly a happier man lately. I know I've been guilty of not updating as much as I used to but I decided that I needed that break to explore things that I liked. I've been reading heavily and this time I'm reading a lot of work from our local writers instead of those from the West. I have to say that I've been very impressed with the work of quite a few of them. I'll post up the next one about the books that I've read and what my views are on them in the next entry.

Anyways, I got this video clip from a friend in FB and I think it is really good. Enjoy it!

Back on track

New year came and went without much of a fanfare, save for a very subdued party I attended to so called usher in 2009. No drama and champagne popping like the previous years. I kinda enjoyed it. At least I made it with a clear mind knowing what to expect this year. What was more important was, I have the support from the people that mattered in my life.

So, it is full swing since new years making new contact with property owners who wants to sell/ lease and also potential tenants and buyers. I've always have the passion for real estate and extending into this market with my current ID business is only natural. Besides, I get to work from home (Double yippee!!!).

It took me a while to get used to the idea of having quite a bit of time to myself at first, but now I'm beginning to enjoy that feeling. At least I don't have the shipping shit playing at the back of my head all the time. Yep... this is my new beginning. It's not going to be a bed of roses with the current market situation but like what people say... "rezeki ada di mana mana."

What am I planning to do with my extra time? I'm planning to indulge in things that I used to enjoy doing. I'm getting back to writing my short stories, and hopefully be able to finish off the book I've started (but stopped for donkey years) and start painting again. Photography will definitely be playing a bigger role in my list of hobbies as well. So, I guess that kinda sum up my 2009. :-)

Goodbye 2008... and Hello 2009

I know it's a tad bit early for this entry but I have a feeling that I won't be online when the time comes for me to make this entry tomorrow. I'd probably be somewhere stuck in traffic or something, while new year revelers are ushering the new year around KL.

I know I've been away from this blog for a long time particularly towards the end of this month. Well, I've been busy... yes, that is true. But the real truth is much more than just being busy. So much has happened lately that my world has probably turned upside down and I was floating like a lost coconut in this huge sea of opportunity. You see, I've been unhappy and been questioning my career path for the longest time. I've been running several businesses that were fairly successful but still I wasn't happy. In fact I've been so unhappy to the point of depression. Yes... I was in a state of depression for a while. It's sad...it's pathetic... and I know that if I didn't do something about it, I would be eaten up and be left a hollow shell, like a corpse without a soul.

I did what I needed to do... I had to choose. So, I've chosen. I've decided to leave the shipping industry for good. It's been a long 10 years but I guess all that experience meant nothing if I have been so miserable and continue to be miserable doing things I have absolutely no passion for. I've let go everything that I've built, along with the emotional baggage that was being lugged around for so many years. It was a scary thing to do. Letting go of something that was familiar, even though you know you hate it. After all, that was what's been paying the bills all these while, along with the little luxuries that I've been enjoying.

But I'm glad I did it. I stepped out of that comfort zone and it's not so scary after all. I am able to think straight and focus on bigger things. Things that meant something in my life. And all good things have been pouring in endlessly since. I thank God for opening my eyes and giving me the courage to finally do the right thing for myself.

In 24 hours, we will be seeing a new year. I'll be embracing it with gusto and I believe that this new change will be good for me. I don't know what new adventures I'll stumble upon along the way but what I know is I've to start loving myself a little more each day, if I want the world to love me back. So, here's to embracing a new year and a new life. I dedicate my favorite song from Dina Caroll, "The Perfect Year" from the musical Sunset Boulevard to all my dear friends.

Early Christmas Presents

I've meant to put this up much much earlier but since work and a whole lot of unexpected sh*t happened lately, I've been delaying this entry for weeks. I've been really bad lately with my retail therapy and ended up buying a whole lot of stuff. This is just two of it... I've actually bought myself a new lappy, printer, shoes and a whole bunch of other stuff too. But I don't think I need to show those lah... I've also received my Christmas present from my sister as well today. It's very nice and I luv it very much. Will post it up on the next entry. Anyway, back to what I bought myself from the past few weeks ago...


A cheap Tag for my everyday use since the other one looks a little to flashy.


Love it coz I got an extremely good deal for it.


A new 320GB portable HDD which I got during the PC fair last week, together with my new lappy and printer.

It's Starting to feel like Christmas

It's been a long time since I've updated anything here. Till someone said that I have pontianak here too!!! LOL! Anyway, I've been extremely busy with work and many things happened. Some good some not so good. Anyway, that's what life is all about right? I managed to get my best friends over help me decorate the tree since I wasn't exactly in the mood to put it up this year. In return, they were fed with pizzas and bufallo wings. Hehehe...


My favorite Christmas deco



Not bad for first timers..hehehe

On 5th gear again

Sorry ya'll.... no pics to tantalize anyone today. Just a quick update since I've to be at my sites again soon to monitor the execution works. No 457 in K.L. took up the entire day yesterday and it was such a hassle trying to coordinate window dressing installation while the guys are trying to polish the marble flooring. Took us more than 4 hours just to get the reception hall done since these people have a fetish for 18 feet high ceilings. Can't wait to do my wrap up this coming Friday at this site.

Today, we're starting work at no. 16 K.U. Not as major as no. 457 but nevertheless demanding. My dateline is before Christmas!!!! Same with SS @ KLCC!!!! Hayoo!!!! Ciao... have to go now...

Working under pressure

You have no idea what potential miracles can happen when you work under pressure. This is the first time I've ever achieved my execution work for an office suite in less than 4 days! Imagine doing up the carpeting, wiring, lighting, airconds, wall and window treatment in less than 4 days!! It's quite an achievement. Tomorrow the furniture and workstations should be in and I can collect the balance outstanding. Hehehehe...



Have to start concentrating on the home in KU, CH immediately after this.... mau pengsan dibuatnye! The owner for the condo at SS has just wired the deposit from London. So, I guess that has to start work as well. Thank God the unit at CC only needs attention when the owners are back from Lagos end of Dec. I need some breathing space.

Birthday Celebration

Last week was extremely hectic with work. I guess it really shows by how often I update my blog as well. Anyway, Saturday was Fiq's birthday and we had to plan something despite all the brouhaha that was happening around our own busy schedule. The moment we got the greenlight from Meen's doctor that he could travel, we all began a frenzy search for a location (Nampak sgt last minute planning kan??) Since school holidays have started, it was extremely difficult to get a place anywhere. Finally, we managed to get a condo at Genting (Genting pon jadilah kan...) at super peak period rate (ok gak lah lepas split the bill among us, sans B'day boy).



So, the 5 of us went for the first time in donkey years as a group for a short break cum private birthday bash on my baby elephant. I'm so glad we did this because I've almost forgotten how it feels to actually have fun. That night, all diet rulings went out the door for all of us (including the patient, LOL!) and we feasted on the worst of a kind, fat laden meal, junk food and of course one of the most delicious moist chocolate cake that was wolfed down before any pics could be taken. The rest of the night went by in the comforf of the apartment telling each other silly jokes and making up our own games.





One of my best friend told me something that really caught my attention while we were having tea at one of the cafes that day. He said, "It doesn't matter how many more birthdays I will have, what's important is each one I have is memorable enough for me to last a lifetime." How true... BFF and Happy birthday!!

Christmas came early!

I came back pretty late yesterday and saw this notice from the postal services stating that I've to collect a packet from the post office. Well, I went there this afternoon during lunch and received a pleasant surprise package (not packet!) all the way from Illinois, USA! I was so excited and happy to see the contents of the package when I opened it! Cathy and Mena, you both are the best! I've the perfect Christmas present on the way to your front door too. So do keep a look out. Meanwhile, check out what I received...


Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ and Buffalo Wing sauces from Chicago, Tabasco Chipotle pepper sauce and Heinz Curry Ketchup (It's actually from Europe!)


This would be a hit on grilled meat!

I can't wait to try this!!!! The caption says it all, right? ;-)

Thanks again for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts! Love you girls! *Hugs!!!

Back on track

After bobbing around like a lost buoy at sea for a month, I've finally found my momentum to work again. This month is going to be one hectic month since I've concluded 5 homes for ID and furnishing works. I had to decline the 6th home since I can't cope with the current load. It's the quality that matters, not the quantity. That's why I've not been extremely active online lately. ;-)

The last 2 days was spend focusing on the soft furnishing of a certain condo at an exclusive enclave within the KL city center. I've decided to play around with the camera during one of my breaks.


I had to work on the floor since the sample blocks could not fit the table anymore


One of the selected materials


Might be using this for the wardrobe doors.


Hmm... don't think this will work on the concept.


Pure Thai silk curtains anyone?


Organza sheers and more sheers!!!

Another healthy dinner

Boy am I on the roll!!! Came back from the office and I decided to grill some chicken breast meat which I like having with wholemeal pita, coral salad and of course honey and garlic barbecue sauce. Walla!!! This was my extremely easy, healthy and delicious dinner!






Wolfed these babies down in less than 10 minutes. LOL!

Lamb Chops

I've decided to go back on a high protein diet since going semi-vegetarian (is there such a thing? Ahaks!) somehow does not give me that extra boost and I've been loosing way too much weight doing that. Anyway, I wasn't really in the mood to work albeit all that pile of mountain on my desk that needs tending to. So, I scooted over to the gym early today and got back in time to make some lamb chops. I've not had lamb for sooooooo long!!! I almost forgot how divine they tastes like. Very simple preparation this time... just a dash of cracked pepper, paprika and barbeque seasoning before pan grilling them with a bit of olive oil. I served them with a bed of side mesclun salad drizzled with light French dressing. Gotta make sure that I pop a pill to counter act on the vinegar though. :-P




It's actually two pieces of artery choking, fat laden lamb chops!

A walk in the park

Lately my schedule has been chock a block full and the impact is dawning upon me. With whatever little time I have, I made myself a date to take some time off and basically do nothing at Sentul Park.

Didn't manage to take many pictures... I'll explain why at the end of this entry.











Thought Sentul Park is beautiful and well kept, there is one big flaw in this set up. While I was trying to capture the beauty of this park, a man approached me and told me to stop taking pictures and get off the park grounds. I asked why? He said that this is PRIVATE PROPERTY. Ok yes, agreed Sentul Park was developed by YTL Corp. and it is privately owned. But correct me if I am wrong... I believe that I've read that YTL Corp. decided to create the park as a gift back to the COMMUNITY. I did not see ANY SIGNBOARDS stating that photography is not allowed and more importantly, why make a park that no one can enjoy, except for mebbe some hot shot big names for their private functions??? So stupid!!!